ã€ŠThe Girlboss Begs for Remarriageã€‹


 Chapter 1

    ¡°Sign this to finalize your divorce if you have no further questions,¡± the woman in a flowery dress said

    as she pushed a sheet of paper toward Frank Lawrence.

    They were seated at Lane Manor, and Frank¡¯s sharp brows furrowed as he stared at the divorce

    agreement before turning to the woman who was his mother inw, Gina Zonda. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    Gina folded her arms across her chest and said tly, ¡°Lane Holdings has just gone public¡ªthat means

    the gap between you and Helen are growing ever further apart. Since you¡¯re no help to her in her

    career, all you would do is tie her down, and it¡¯s therefore ideal for you to divorce her sooner.¡±

    Frank smiled bitterly. ¡°Is this what Helen thinks, or is that what you think?¡±

    Gina glowered. ¡°This is what every member of my family thinks. Henry may have arranged this

    marriage between you and Helen, but we¡¯ve been kind to you as you freeloaded from us over thest

    three years. Sign this if you know what¡¯s good for you.¡±

    Frank inhaled deeply.

    For three years, he utilized every connection and resources he had, helping Lane Holdings develop

    from a small business to a publicpany.

    And yet, the Lanes only considered him a freeloading husband¡­ how ironic!

    Nheless, he said, ¡°I can agree to the divorce, but let me see Helen first.¡±

    ¡°My daughter doesn¡¯t have time for you,¡± Gina snapped coolly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Frank chuckled. ¡°She asked for a divorce but has no time for me?¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Gina snorted. ¡°So you¡¯re still in denial about the gap between you and my daughter. You¡¯d

    never understand her burden when you don¡¯t even have a proper job.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± Frank nodded in agreement. ¡°But I won¡¯t sign this if I don¡¯t see her today.¡±

    Bang!

    Gina mmed her hand on the table and red at him savagely. ¡°Know your ce, Mr. Lawrence! I¡¯m

    here talking to you to spare your dignity, so sign it already!¡±

    ¡°Haha! Spare my dignity?¡± Frank reared his head inughter before suddenly narrowing his eyes at

    Gina. ¡°Lane Holdings hadn¡¯t grown all that much in three years, but you¡¯ve already learned how to

    strut.¡±

    ¡°What¡ª¡± Gina was left stumped.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± a voice spoke from upstairs, stopping Gina before she went on another rant.

    Frank turned to find Helen dressed in a ck business suit as she strode down stairs toward them.

    With her devilish figure, fair skin, and ravishing beauty, she was a rare marvel of a woman.

    ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± she said as she walked up to Frank. ¡°Now, say what you want to say.¡±

    The coldness in Frank¡¯s eyes faded as he looked at his wife. ¡°Tell me why you want a divorce.¡±

    When they walked down the aisle three years ago, the Lanes had nothing, but he and Helen had each

    other¡¯s backs and were sweet on each other. Frank in turn swore he would make her family the

    greatest dynasty in Riverton.

    However, as Lane Holdings grew their business with each passing day, Helen spent more time at the

    office, leading to their marriage cooling off. Even so, Frank felt both pleased and sympathetic that the

    young, naive maiden grew to be a strong, independent woman.

    Back at the present, Helen simply avoided the question and slid a debit card toward Frank. ¡°I

    understand that you have your grievance, Frank, and I¡¯ve done you wrong in this matter. There¡¯s ten

    million in here, and you can have the downtown vi¡ªconsider it your alimony.¡±

    Frank sighed. ¡°Even now, you¡¯re still convinced money solves everything?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Helen nodded. ¡°If it¡¯s not solved, that just means you haven¡¯t thrown enough money at it.¡±

    Frank shook his head in disappointment. ¡°Lane Holdings is worth 200 million, and that¡¯s not enough for

    you?¡±

    Helen spread her arms and looked pointedly around them. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten toofortable for too long,

    Frank¡ªyou¡¯re shallow and content with pocket change, which is why this manor will be where it ends.

    But for me, this is just the start.¡±

    ¡°Indeed¡­ I am shallow, but who is insightful, then?¡±

    Frank asked, shrugging. ¡°Is it you, or perhaps it¡¯s Sean Wesley?¡±

    Helen was taken aback, surprised that Frank knew about Sean despite being a shut-in.

    While she had grown close with Sean as ofte, she only wanted to build a connection with him to

    further develop Lane Holdings.

    She was just about to exin that to Frank, but she stopped herself and sighed instead. ¡°Yes, he is the

    heir to an elite family here in Riverton, and he has great foresight. With their wealth and influence, there

    is no harm in an alliance with them¡ªonly profit.¡±

    Frank nodded in agreement, knowing that nothing he could say would change her mind.

    His wife has changed, and there was no going back for them.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°In that case, I wish you the best of luck,¡± Frank said.

    Helen had already signed the divorce agreement, and Frank put his signature to it as well.

    Then, his gaze cooled as he pushed the debit card back toward the mother and daughter duo. ¡°You

    can keep this. From now on, all ties between us are cut.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just putting on airs.¡± Gina snorted and rolled her eyes, but she quickly retrieved the debit card.

    On the other hand, Helen felt her eyes welling up with tears as she watched Frank leave. There was no

    sense of relief¡ªonly one of hollowness, as if she had lost something important.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Helen murmured. ¡°I think I¡¯m regretting this a little.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to regret? Just remember to hang out with Mr. King more,¡± Gina rebuked her sternly.

    ¡°Just you wait¡ªour family will squeeze our way into the ranks of Riverton¡¯s elite soon enough!¡±

 Chapter 2

    As Frank strode out of Lane Manor, he turned to look at the ce he lived at for three years.

    He hade here all alone and now left empty-handed.

    Just then, a Rolls-Royce sped toward him from a distance, stopping just beside him.

    The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed sharply in a suit alighted, grinning broadly as he

    jogged up to Frank. ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Frank asked as he stared at the man¡ªhe was Trevor Zurich, the CEO of

    Trevor International.

    ¡°I¡¯ve recently partnered with your wife for a development project in West City, and I¡¯vee to discuss

    the details with her,¡± Trevor admitted.

    Frank nodded but said, ¡°There¡¯s no need for a discussion¡ªHelen now has the Wesley family¡¯s backing

    and doesn¡¯t need ours, and she¡¯s no longer my wife.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Trevor eximed, bbergasted. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Helen and I got divorced,¡± Frank admitted. ¡°From now on, there¡¯s no connection between myself and

    the Lanes.¡±

    Then, turning toward Trevor and gently pping him on the shoulder, Frank said, ¡°Thanks for your help

    over thest three years, brother.¡±

    While Trevor¡¯s business was mostly based abroad, he was asked to return to support the Lanes and

    basically earned zero profit over that period of time.

    Even so, Trevor promptly bowed his head and said, ¡°No, Mr. Lawrence¡ªit¡¯s my honor to work in your

    service¡­ that said, why would Ms. Lane suddenly divorce you? Is the Wesley boy responsible for

    this?¡±

    Frowning, Trevor pped himself on the chest and dered, ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll personally visit Ms. Lane

    and talk things out with her.¡±

    Over thest three years, the only reason he partnered with Lane Holdings was because Frank asked.

    The Lanes were so far beneath him that they did not even deserve to lick his boots, let alone his

    partnership!

    How shortsighted Helen was, divorcing Lawrence just because herpany went public!

    Nheless, Frank shook his head. ¡°Forget it. Helen and I are divorced¡ªwe have nothing to do with

    each other now. You can go if there¡¯s nothing else.¡±

    Trevor smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered. ¡°Actually, there¡¯s something I need to tell

    you. Remember the wonderroot you asked me to find? Well, I¡¯ve found it, but¡­¡±

    Frank wheeled on him right then, asking, ¡°But what?¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s a family heirloom of the Turnbulls. There¡¯s no way they¡¯re selling it,¡± Trevor replied, though his

    tone soon changed sharply. ¡°However, I¡¯ve also caught wind that Walter Turnbull¡¯s only daughter was

    afflicted with a terrible illness five years ago, and she doesn¡¯t have long to live. The good news is that

    she¡¯s here in Riverton, and if you help her, Mr. Lawrence, the wonderroot would definitely be yours.¡±

    Frank narrowed his eyes¡ªhe really needed the wonderroot, especially after that fight at South Sea

    three years ago.

    With his strength greatly diminished, the only way to restore himself to peak condition was through

    Mother Nature¡¯s greatest treasures.

    As such, there was no way he could miss out on the wonderroot!

    His gaze shing sharply, Frank asked, ¡°I take it that you¡¯ve discussed the matter with the Turnbulls?

    Trevor gulped, sweat appearing over his forehead as he said, ¡°Of course¡ªI¡¯d never try to deceive you.

    Walter Turnbull himself promised the wonderroot should his daughter be treated, along with any other

    condition you care to state.¡±

    Frank sped his hands behind his back and did not press the issue. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s pay the

    Turnbulls a visit.¡±

    Delighted, Trevor opened the door for Frank and was just about to get in himself when a BMW sped

    toward them and parked in front of Lane Manor.

    Peter Lane¡ªHelen¡¯s younger brother¡ªpromptly alighted and hurried toward Trevor.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°Have you finished your discussion with my sister, Mr. Zurich?¡± Peter asked. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay a

    while longer?¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Trevor shot him a look and snorted in disdain.

    He quickly got in his Rolls-Royce and left¡ªthere was no need to y nice with the Lanes now that

    Frank and Helen were divorced.

    Naturally, his reaction left Peter, who was left wondering how he had upset Trevor, dumbfounded. He

    had not done a thing!

    Then, he was left gaping as Trevor¡¯s Rolls-Royce sped past him, unable to believe what he had just

    seen.

    What was Frank doing in Trevor¡¯s car?! What the hell was going on?!

    ¨C

    Meanwhile, Helen was sitting in her study, ncing at her watch from time to time.

    Trevor said he would be visiting just this morning, but it was already past noon!

    Gina was worried too and urged her, ¡°Maybe you should call Mr. Zurich and ask.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Helen replied. ¡°He never specified a time, so we should wait.¡±

    ¡°But the West City project is so important,¡± Ginained. ¡°You need to be more proactive here¡ª

    just call him!¡±

    While Helen frowned in thought, Gina was losing her mind. ¡°I¡¯ll call him if you won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do it.¡± Helen sighed, worried that her mother would make a mess of things.

    Though she was hesitant, she made the call, and Trevor soon answered.

    Even though she was talking on the phone, her expression was mild and her tone polite. ¡°Hello, Mr.

    Zurich. I was just wondering what time you areing by? I would like to be on hand to receive you.¡±

    ¡°Actually, Ms. Lane, I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯m withdrawing from our partnership,¡± Trevor replied coolly.

    ¡°Huh? What¡­ Why?¡± The sudden bombshell left Helen in a daze.

    ¡°You see, I believed you to be loyal, but it seems that I¡¯ve misjudged you.¡± Trevor scoffed. ¡°I really

    wouldn¡¯t dare keep characters like you around myself, so consider our partnership annulled.¡±

    And with that, he hung up, leaving Helen dumbfounded and utterly confused.

    What was going on?! She had always shown Trevor due respect and never offended him. What on

    earth was wrong with her character?

    ¡°So? What did Mr. Zurich say?¡± Gina quickly asked just then.

    ¡°He¡¯s calling off our partnership,¡± Helen murmured.

    ¡°What?!¡± Gina eximed. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Helen retorted, rubbing between her brows.

    Peter rushed into the room just then, and seeing both his mother and sister, he asked, ¡°Helen, did you

    finish your discussion with Mr. Zurich?¡±

    ¡°Discussion?! He never came at all!¡± Gina snapped angrily. ¡°And he just annulled our partnership!¡±

    Peter was left gaping. ¡°What?! But I just saw him outside!¡±

    ¡°What did you say?!¡± Helen eximed in disbelief¡ªif Trevor actually came, did that not mean that he

    left withouting inside the manor?! Why?!

    Peter suddenly gasped as he smacked himself on the thigh. ¡°It was Frank. That b*st*rd must have

    been talking to Mr. Zurich¡­ I mean, I just saw him get into Mr. Zurich¡¯s car myself!¡±

    ¡°Urgh, that must be it,¡± Gina groaned as she realized with a start. ¡°That good-for-nothing usually looks

    down-to-earth, but he turns out to be so vile, messing with us before he left!¡±

    Helen frowned but waved them off. ¡°No. He¡¯s not the type who runs his mouth.¡±

    She more or less knew Frank after being married to him for three years, and she never once found him

    badmouthing anyone.

    ¡°Come on, Helen. You can never tell what lurks beneath a friendly face!¡± Peter eximed indignantly.

    ¡°He¡¯s been staying under our roof for three years and knows everything about us. He would have no

    trouble ndering us!¡±

    ¡°Peter¡¯s right,¡± Gina agreed adamantly. ¡°Why would Mr. Zurich suddenly leave when he¡¯s already at our

    doorstep?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He must have talked.¡±

    Helen, who had been pacing around, found that her mother¡¯s words made sense¡ªthere was no

    exining Trevor¡¯s strange behavior otherwise!

    Her knuckles clenched right then.

    How could Frank do this?! She never mistreated him!

 Chapter 3

    Frank was napping in Trevor¡¯s car when his phone rang, waking him up.

    Seeing that it was Helen, he answered and promptly heard her asking coldly, ¡°Frank, are you with Mr.

    Zurich right now?¡±

    Frank nced at Trevor, who was sitting beside him. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Helen took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressure¡ªit seemed that Peter was not lying!

    ¡°You disappoint me, Frank,¡± she growled. ¡°If you¡¯re upset, you can tell it to my face¡ªwhy backstab my

    family?¡±

    Frank rubbed his temple as he replied, ¡°Would you believe it if I told you that I didn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Then why would Mr. Zurich leave right after arriving at my doorstep?!¡± Helen demanded. ¡°He also

    annulled our partnership!¡±

    ¡°Trevor¡¯s decision is his own and has nothing to do with me.¡±

    Convinced that Frank was a coward and would not admit to it, Helen was left seething and growling at

    every word. ¡°You really disappoint me.¡±

    Frank¡¯s voice suddenly turned cool as well. ¡°It seems all you care about is what you want to believe

    and not the actual truth. I have no idea what Peter told you nor am I willing to exin myself¡ªjust don¡¯t

    bother me with stuff like this ever again.¡±

    And with those words, he hung up, the veins on the back of his hand throbbing as his eyes shed

    coolly.

    To think that Helen never trusted him even after three years of marriage, pinning the me on him just

    over mere spection.

    Perhaps she really believed that he was a freeloading shut-in too!

    Beside him, Trevor could certainly tell the call was from the Lanes. He asked tentatively, ¡°Shall I

    straighten them out, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank sighed and waved him off. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s just distance ourselves from them from now on.¡±

    He could not bring himself to destroy them just yet, so they could rot for all he cared.

    ¨C

    Soon, Trevor¡¯s Rolls-Royce slowly entered the Turnbulls¡¯ hilltop vi.

    Seemingly having been informed of their arrival, a servant was on hand to receive them, leading them

    to the drawing room.

    After bringing them tea, he said, ¡°Please rest your legs for a moment, gentlemen. I shall inform Mr.

    Turnbull of your arrival.¡±

    After the servant turned and headed upstairs, Frank looked around and muttered quietly, ¡°There really

    aren¡¯t many servants around here, are there?¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t underestimate them, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Trevor told him. ¡°Walter is merely the Turnbulls¡¯

    figurehead in Riverton, while the majority of their influence remains in Morhen.¡±

    ¡°Their heiress Vicky is herself extraordinary, establishing a transnational trading conglomerate single-

    handedly five years ago and umting billions in wealth. She¡¯s also an apprentice to Riverton¡¯s

    governor and a prodigy of martial arts¡ªshe would be an elite among Riverton¡¯s youth if not for her

    illness.¡±

    Frank took a sip of his tea and chuckled. ¡°You really think highly of her! How does shepare to

    Helen?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Trevorughed, not holding back since Frank and Helen were divorced anyway. ¡°That¡¯s like

    comparing a wolf to a mere sheep.¡±

    Inspiration struck just then, and Trevor grinned. ¡°By the way, Mr. Lawrence, you¡¯re a gentleman with

    dignity, wisdom, andpassion, while Ms. Turnbull is a ravishing beauty with wit to boot. Should you

    two tie the knot, it shall certainly be a profound marriage¡ªand I, Trevor Zurich, am all too willing to be

    your guarantor.¡±

    ¡°Bleurgh!¡± Frank almost choked on his tea and shot Trevor a re. ¡°Worry about yourself, not me.¡±

    Trevor scratched his head awkwardly, surprised that Frank waspletely uninterested.

    Just then, he heard rushed footsteps and promptly got up to greet the man approaching them. ¡°Mr.

    Turnbull.¡±

    Walter held his hand in turn and asked excitedly, ¡°Trevor, old friend¡­ Where¡¯s this miracle healer

    you¡¯ve spoken of?¡±

    Trevor promptly made the introduction. ¡°This is him¡ªFrank Lawrence. He has been training in

    seclusion at the south pole, and his abilities as a healer are extraordinary.¡±

    Walter¡¯s smile stiffened when he saw how young Frank looked. ¡°Are you joking, Trevor? He¡¯s so

    young!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d never lie to you, Mr. Turnbull,¡± Trevor told him solemnly. ¡°If Frank fails to heal your daughter too,

    then no one can.¡±

    While Walter was absolutely skeptical about Frank, he had no choice but to try, especially when Trevor

    was vouching for him.

    ¡°In that case, pleasee with me, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way, sir,¡± Frank said tly, and he and Trevor followed Walter to a room on the second floor.

    Inside, Frank found a young woman lying in bed.

    She was exactly the ravishing beauty Trevor had described, with wless fair skin, a clear dewy gaze,

    and a captivating face.

    Even if she appeared sickly skinny, there was no hiding her haughty presence¡ªit actually added to her

    beauty.

    A woman in a ck suit stood beside her bed, appearing to be her bodyguard.

    Walter hurried to his daughter just then, assuring her, ¡°Vicky, Trevor just got you a healer. He¡¯ll

    definitely help you this time.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Zurich.¡± Vicky forced a smile, but she knew her condition best.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    After all, she had countless consultations with other healers over thest five years¡­ and none of them

    helped.

    Naturally, she did not pin her hopes on Frank either. If anything, her gratitude was merely a formality.

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull.¡± Trevor smiled and turned toward Frank. ¡°She¡¯s in your hands now,

    Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank nodded, perfectlyfortable as he walked up to hold Vicky¡¯s wrist.

    Vicky did a double take, surprised that he was so young, and watched as Frank¡¯s brow wrinkled and

    eased intermittently.

    After a while, he asked, ¡°Do you frequently engage in martial arts, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve trained a little with my mentor, mostly for my health,¡± Vicky replied softly.

    ¡°To what extent?¡±

    Vicky frowned slightly. ¡°Initiate¡ªwhy are you asking about that instead of my condition?¡±

    Frank smiled conditionally in turn. ¡°Because your martial arts training caused your condition.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Everyone eximed in shock¡ªmartial arts could lead to such an illness?!

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Yara Quill¡ªthe ck-d bodyguard standing beside Vicky¡¯s bed¡ªsnapped right then.

    ¡°Vicky was learning the Boltsmacker, a technique passed down in my n for generations! If that

    caused her illness, why would my father be fine?¡±

    ¡°Not everyone is attuned to martial arts,¡± Frank said tly. ¡°The technique you speak of is conditioned

    for men and ipatible for women. Vicky¡¯s Ki would stagnate, causing vein and nerve blockage¡ª

    moreover, she has already reached Initiate. While it is an aplishment, she is lucky to only be

    bedridden. In serious cases, her physique would crumble as she loses all her Ki, while her veins would

    rupture and potentially kill her.¡±

    Turning around to look at Yara just then, he added, ¡°You should stop too. You¡¯d be paralyzed in three

    years, give or take, if you continue.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Yara swung a palm at Frank¡¯s face right then!

    Vicky was like a sister to her¡ªthey trained under her father together, and she was constantly by Vicky¡¯s

    side ever since Vicky got sick.

    Yara was certainly convinced that Frank was driving a wedge between them and obviously telling her

    that her n¡¯s technique was a sham.

    She must straighten him out to quell the spite she felt!

    ¡°Stop!¡± Trevor eximed as he paled in shock¡ªhe had never expected Vicky¡¯s bodyguard to actually

    attack Frank!

    However, it was not as if he was worried about Frank. Instead, he was just concerned for the ignorant

    brat!

 Chapter 4

    Pow! Pow! Pow!

    The air in the room cracked.

    Yara struck with power and determination, exchanging over a dozen blows with Frank in no time at all.

    Thetter had no intention to hurt, however, merely doing enough to defend himself.

    Even if he was not in peak condition, Yara was never going to best him.

    ¡°Stop it, Yara,¡± Vicky snapped from the bed just then.

    Yara did as she was told, though she was also giving Vicky a wounded look. ¡°That brat¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Vicky said tly. ¡°Show some manners¡ªMr. Lawrence is here to help me.¡±

    In reality, Vicky was upset with Frank as well, since Yara¡¯s father was her mentor.

    However, as the heiress to her family legacy and herself a martial arts prodigy, she should stay calm at

    all times.

    Moreover, she could immediately tell that Frank¡¯s abilities were outstanding when he exchanged blows

    with Yara, and that he was clearly holding back.

    That was why she told Yara to stop¡ªYara would definitely lose if he went all out.

    Naturally, Yara would not disobey Vicky, and she quietly backed away.

    Vicky then turned toward Frank and asked, ¡°Since you¡¯ve stated the cause of my condition, Mr.

    Lawrence, what treatment are you suggesting?¡±

    Walter and Trevor turned as well, only to find Frank lowering his head, stroking his chin in thought and

    frowning.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence, could there be some difficulty?¡± Trevor asked gingerly.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s a minor condition that can be treated quickly,¡± Franks replied as he slowly looked up and

    turned to Vicky. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the technique you learned to be so rubbish. You can walk again, but all

    your progress would be lost¡­ That said, I¡¯ve already perfected that technique, so just train in the way I

    instruct you to and you¡¯ll be in peak form within the year.¡±

    Yara¡¯s knuckles clenched as she red at Frank. ¡°Even if it¡¯s rubbish, you were powerless against my

    n¡¯s technique.¡±

    Even Trevor was left feeling awkward¡ªFrank was being too frank! He could at least spare the heiress

    of Boltsmacker some dignity because she was standing right there!

    Nheless, Frank turned toward Yara and said bluntly, ¡°I¡¯m only showing this once. Watch closely.¡±

    As he directed his Ki with both hands, his clothes began to p loudly.

    Boom.

    Frank took a step forward and suddenly shot toward Yara like a bullet!

    Yara smiled¡ªhe was the one attacking. She never forced him!

    She charged her palm with Bolstmacker, meeting Frank¡¯s attack instantly!

    ¡°Don¡¯t hurt him, Yara!¡± Walter cried.

    ¡°Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!¡± Trevor eximed at the same time.

    At the same time, Vicky was staring fixedly at Frank, her mouth hanging wide open. ¡°I-Is that

    Boltsmacker?!¡±

    There was no mistaking it when she practiced it for over a decade. Frank actually used a secret

    technique of the Quills¡ªbut when did he learn it?!

    And as she observed him, she could see that he was clearly wielding it over a thousand times more

    effectively than Yara!

    Pow.

    On the other hand, Yara¡¯s face fell as she felt the agony in her arm when she caught Frank¡¯s palm.

    It was like a tidal wave with the crushing force of a mountain, and it seemed endless¡ªYara was sent

    flying and crashing into the wall behind!

    Bang!

    Her cheeks left flushed as her Ki red, while she almost vomited her guts out.

    Walter was left turning slowly toward Trevor with a look that seemed to ask what on earth Frank was.

    Trevor certainly noted Walter¡¯s confusion, but he had no idea what to say in reply either.

    Still, he wiped the sweat from his brow and heaved a long sigh of relief, thankful that Frank held back. If

    he actually hurt Yara, there was definitely going to be a serious grudge after!

    As Yara leaned against the wall with a look of shock and confusion, she snapped, ¡°W-When did you

    steal my n¡¯s technique?¡±

    ¡°When you used it just now,¡± Frank replied nonchntly.

    Vicky was left gasping¡ªall it took was one look?

    And he improved it in no time at all!

    That acumen for martial arts was exponentially above hers!

    On the other hand, Yara could almost ck out.

    It took Vicky a year, and herself five years to learn the Boltsmacker, only for this brat to learn it in an

    instant?!

    Talk about frustrating!

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Walter suddenlyughed.

    He was no martial artist, but even he could see how easily Frank bested Yara.

    And seeing that Frank was no average Joe, he was no longer holding contempt like he did when Frank

    first arrived.

    ¡°You¡¯re as amazing a healer as you are a martial artist, Mr. Lawrence! See, Yara? You never know a

    man until you¡¯ve exchanged blows, but that can wait for now¡­ Is Vicky¡¯s condition treatable right now,

    Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°I would need acupuncture needles to clear Ms. Turnbull¡¯s veins,¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°Not a problem¡ªwe have every medical equipment possibly needed.¡± Walter smiled and promptly told

    a servant to fetch it.

    After Frank got the box, he said, ¡°Now please undress, Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Vicky¡¯s expression stiffened in shock.

    ¡°H-Hold on,¡± Walter quickly butted in as well. ¡°Why? Is this necessary?¡±

    ¡°I need to reanimate Ms. Turnbull¡¯s Ki with at least forty-nine needles,¡± Frank exined. ¡°That can¡¯t be

    done with her clothes on.¡±

    Walter frowned. ¡°Is there no other way?¡±

    ¡°I can extract her stagnated Ki, but it won¡¯t disperse with her clothes on,¡± Frank replied, shaking his

    head. ¡°It might ultimately flow back into her body, making the entire treatment pointless.¡±

    ¡°Walter, Mr. Lawrence is helping Ms. Turnbull here,¡± Trevor reasoned. ¡°As a healer, he won¡¯t do

    anything out of line.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Walter agreed but remained hesitant nheless. ¡°But Vicky¡¯s engaged¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Vicky snapped, frowning. ¡°Treatment has nothing to do with engagements.¡±

    She especially hated it when her father mentioned the engagement, and she had been working hard to

    free herself from that. If anything, her family and her father¡¯s attempts to indoctrinate her about the

    boons of a strategic marriage only made her even more resistant.

    And right now, she wanted to recover as soon as possible instead of staying bedridden or allowing

    someone else to dictate her life.

    ¡°I¡¯m counting on you, Mr. Lawrence,¡± she said and turned to Yara. ¡°Help me get changed.¡±

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Walter did not press the issue, knowing that she was upset. Sighing, he quietly led Trevor out of the

    room.

    Yara walked up to Vicky in turn, slowly lifting her nket¡ªVicky¡¯s thin white silk pajamas barely hid her

    perfect figure.

    After Yara undressed her and Vickyy naked before Frank, his pupils dted.

    He could not help being impressed by her perfect body, and even if he had seen plenty himself, he

    could not help ogling¡­

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Are you done staring?¡± Yara could not help snapping at Frank, certainly able to see that he was staring

    fixedly at Vicky.

    Even if Frank proved his martial arts prowess, she suspected that he was taking advantage of Vicky,

    iming that undressing her was for treatment.

    Frank smiled, showing no sign of embarrassment as he said earnestly, ¡°I couldn¡¯t help staring just then.

    Ms. Turnbull is just that mesmerizing.¡±

    ¡°Haha.¡± Vickyughed. ¡°Honest, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    She was actually surprised that Frank would admit to it so boldly, unlike self-proimed gentlemen who

    would never admit to their actions.

    Suddenly shing a vague smile at Frank, she added, ¡°You can look as much as you want if you heal

    me.¡±

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. Beautiful things are unforgettable from the very first gaze,¡± Frank said, shaking his

    head.

    Taking out a needle, his fingers brushed over the smooth skin on her chest, feeling a cool sensation

    just then.

    Vicky gasped and shuddered as he inserted the needle just above her nape.

    Then, he took out another needle, brushing past her belly and inserting it beneath her navel.

    This continued over the next thirty or so needles, each leaving Vicky reeling with agony.

    Her fingers clenched on the sheets as she sweated bullets over her forehead, her chest heaving as her

    breathing turned ragged.

    Frank certainly noticed that through the corner of his eye.

    Even though he was married to Helen for three years and lived together, they never consummated.

    Moreover, he was in his prime, so he could not help being restless seeing such a ravishing beauty lying

    naked before him.

    Biting his tongue, he dispelled those thoughts with the pain and kept working.

    Beside them, Yara kept wiping Vicky¡¯s sweat with a towel.

    After a long while, Vicky finally asked through gritted teeth, ¡°How much longer?¡±

    ¡°This is thest one.¡±

    Vicky breathed a sigh of relief¡ªthe pain was finally going to be over. ¡°In that case, please hurry.¡±

    Frank nodded and used his fingers to measure the distance to a spot beneath her navel¡­

    Noticing that something was out of ce, Vicky quickly asked, ¡°Where will thest needle be inserted?¡±

    ¡°Five inches beneath the navel.¡±

    Vicky froze, her fair cheeks flushing just then. Five inches beneath the navel, was that not¡­?!

    Though she had been educated with the teachings of multiple cultures, she was conservative in nature

    ¡ªif anything, she was at her limit when Frank asked her to undress to be treated.

    She was certainly embarrassed that a needle would be inserted on her crotch!

    On the other hand, Frank did not care¡ªhe had seen everything, so there was nothing out of line now.

    In fact, he inserted the needle before Vicky realized it, and she felt a burst of agony extending across

    her body. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, stiffening like a bowstring as all her internal

    energies faded right then.

    She withstood the pain using her embarrassment and stopped herself from making a sound.

    Frank was actually surprised to find her showing such incredible endurance¡ªit would hurt when one¡¯s

    Ki was broken up. She was definitely a martial arts prodigy, able to stop herself from making a sound.

    Nearby, Yara was beside herself with worry, seeing her face contorting. ¡°Are you alright, Vicky?¡±

    ¡°Urgh¡­ I¡¯m fine,¡± Vicky breathed vapors as the pain faded.

    Even if the physique she honed over a decade had been lost, she felt like all her veins were cleared

    and finally felt her limbs again.

    And with Frank¡¯s improved version of the Boltsmacker, she would have no trouble regaining her peak

    form in a year!

    Yara looked on as Vicky raised her hands, eximing excitedly, ¡°Do you feel better, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Vicky replied, her eyes warm with excitement.

    It felt amazing to take back control over her own body!

    She slowly turned toward Frank. ¡°Your abilities as a healer are extraordinary, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°I too marvel at your endurance,¡± Frank replied.

    Vicky smiled but asked hesitantly, ¡°Actually¡­ Do you mind leaving the room?¡±

    Frank finally remembered that Vicky was still naked, and he had no reason to stay now that she was

    better.

    He turned and left, heading to the drawing room.

    Walter and Trevor, who were waiting for a while, were delighted to see him.

    ¡°How¡¯s Ms. Turnbull?¡± Trevor quickly asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s fine now,¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°Really?¡± Walter asked in disbelief.

    That was when Vicky arrived downstairs after changing into fresh clothes.

    Seeing that she was no longer bedridden, Walter¡¯s eyes went red, and he promptly gathered her in his

    arms.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really recovered, Vicky¡­ Thank goodness!¡± he cried. ¡°This is wonderful!¡±

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m fine¡ªdon¡¯t worry.¡± Vicky smiled. ¡°All thanks to Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Walterughed heartily as he turned toward Frank. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence¡ªTrevor told me

    about the wonderroot. I¡¯ve already asked for it to be delivered from the capital, and you¡¯ll have it in

    three days.¡±

    Frank frowned, but before he could say anything, Trevor walked up to him and whispered under his

    breath, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence. I promise with my life that the Turnbulls would not renege on their

    promise.¡±

    Noting his confidence, Frank¡¯s frown ease. ¡°Since Trevor here vouches for you, I shall take your word

    for it. Since your daughter has made a full recovery, we shan¡¯t impose.¡±

    With that, he turned to leave, leaving Vicky surprised.

    An aplished martial artist and an outstanding healer?! They should definitely be keeping him!

    ¡°Please wait, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to walk with you and thank you properly,¡± she said and promptly

    gave chase with Yara in tow.

    Beside them, Trevor was grinning¡ªshe certainly had a keen eye as one would expect of the heiress

    apparent of the Turnbulls.

    ¡°So, Walter. What do you think of Mr. Lawrence?¡± he asked.

    Walter nodded and eximed in awe, ¡°He¡¯s gifted in both martial arts and medicine¡­ Those two

    talents alone would set him apart even from the many bigwigs in the capital.¡±

    Trevor chuckled. ¡°I won¡¯t lie to you¡ªthat¡¯s not all of his talents. There won¡¯t be a handful who would

    compare to him even across the country, just as there are hardly anydies who deserve him. Still, I¡¯m

    sure your daughter would be one of them.¡±

    Walter smiled as he realized what Trevor was saying. ¡°You tter me, but my daughter is engaged.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Trevor simplyughed. ¡°But she still isn¡¯t wed yet. You still have time to reconsider, and do

    keep Mr. Lawrence in mind when you do.¡±

    Walter suddenly frowned and turned toward Trevor. ¡°I¡¯m actually curious¡­ you used to work abroad.

    Why have you been lingering in Riverton for years now? And you seemed to defer to Mr. Lawrence a

    whole lot¡­¡±

    In the end, any strategic marriage ought to be set between two important families.

    Even if Frank was an extraordinary individual, he has no ns backing him and therefore would not

    mean much to the Turnbulls.

    Trevor should know as he was the heir of the Zurichs, and it was actually weird that he would vouch for

    Frank so enthusiastically.

    ¡°Haha. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯tment on that, Walter.¡± Trevor shrugged. ¡°But you should really think about

    what I said. Also, I shall get going now that our business here is done. Please hurry and bring Mr.

    Lawrence the wonderroot.¡±

    Walter was left mulling Trevor¡¯s words after he left, and he promptly called in his secretary to do a

    background check on Frank.

 Chapter 6

    A Rolls-Royce stopped beside Frank just as he stepped outside the Turnbulls¡¯ vi.

    Vicky alighted, asking, ¡°Where are you staying, Mr. Lawrence? May I offer you a ride?¡±

    Frank thought about it and sighed. ¡°I was just nning to stay at a hotel.¡±

    He did not own any house in Riverton, and he could not return to Lane Manor after his divorce with

    Helen.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Vicky did a double take but did not press the issue. ¡°Then you¡¯re in luck¡ªwe have over fifty

    hotels in Riverton. Allow me to arrange for a suite, so I can deliver you the wonderroot when it arrives.¡±

    Frank thought about it and nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±

    He got into the backseat with Vicky while Yara drove, though she stopped at the gates.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Vicky asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a car stopped ahead, and I don¡¯t know what for,¡± Yarained.

    Frank peered out of the car window and noticed a man weaning a suit standing by the security booth.

    ¡°Please inform Mr. Turnbull of my arrival. Tell him that it¡¯s Sean Wesley¡ªmy family owns a major

    business in Riverton.¡±

    With those words, he whipped out a stack of hundred dor bills and handed it to the security guard.

    The security guard promptly nodded gratefully. ¡°Yes, please wait a moment. I¡¯ll inform Mr. Turnbull right

    away.¡±

    Frank narrowed his eyes when he heard Sean¡¯s name and studied the man just as Yara said, ¡°It seems

    he¡¯s here to see Mr. Turnbull.¡±

    ¡°Ignore them,¡± Vicky said tly.

    Outside, Sean was soon back in his car¡ªthe security guard allowed him to drive inside, as Walter

    clearly gave his permission.

    There was a pretty face riding shotgun in his car¡ªit was Helen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Sean assured her confidently. ¡°I heard that Walter Turnbull¡¯s daughter is bedridden, and I

    brought along a 100 year-old panacea cap for her. With something so divine, he¡¯ll definitely help you

    secure that development project at the west side of the city.¡±

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Sean. ¡°Thank you so much for this,

    Mr. Wesley.¡±

    She had been depressed after Trevor called off their partnership and was naturally surprised that Sean

    was willing to help her build another with the Turnbulls.

    He even bought a panacea cap along, so she could present it as her gift¡ªhe was certainly a great

    help!

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, Helen,¡± Sean said smugly. ¡°We¡¯re friends, aren¡¯t we? We have each other¡¯s backs.¡±

    Helen was tearing up from emotion¡ªSean was certainly proving himself to be a real friend with all his

    prowess, especially with the way he always came to her aid whenever she needed help.

    In contrast, her ex-husband certainly dulled inparison. Perhaps letting her mother force Frank to

    divorce her was a smart choice.

    Meanwhile, Sean did not waste time hurrying inside the vi, though Helen nced outside just as their

    car passed another.

    She did a double take, since the man sitting at the backseat looked so much like Frank!

    ¡°What?¡± Sean promptly asked.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I think that was Frank in that car just now,¡± Helen said quietly.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Sean guffawed. ¡°This is Balmung Hill¡¯s mansion zone, and everyone living here is either rich

    or powerful. What would your useless ex-husband be doing here?¡±

    Helen peered outside the car again, but she totally agreed with Sean.

    Moreover, she only looked outside and did not see the man¡¯s face clearly. Maybe it was just a slight

    resemnce¡­

    ¨C

    Meanwhile, Yara drove straight toward Verdant Hotel, which was the grandest hotel in Riverton.

    There were eighteen floors spanning over 2,000 square meters, and two lion statues grandly adorned

    the front entrance.

    Vicky personally opened the door for Frank and led him to the front desk, booking the penthouse suite

    for him for a year.

    ¡°That¡¯s too much,¡± Frank eximed in surprise. ¡°I¡¯ll just be staying a few days.¡±

    Vicky waved him off nonchntly. ¡°No worries, Mr. Lawrence. It¡¯s exclusively for friends, and you can

    drop by whenever you like even if you find other ces to stay. The hotel can cater to your needs as

    well¡ªfood, entertainment, even sports.¡±

    Frank nodded. He could see that he could have anything he wanted here the instant he stepped inside,

    what with the spacious lobby decorated with such stateliness.

    After Vicky got him a room, she handed him the room card along with a gold card.

    ¡°This is a gold card, applicable to all Turnbull businesses. You can make any purchases you desire with

    this.¡±

    ¡°Is that exclusively for friends too?¡± Frank smiled as he stared at it.

    Vicky smiled as well. ¡°No, it¡¯s for important associates of my family.¡±

    ¡°You really give me too much credit.¡± Frank chuckled self-deprecatingly.

    Oh, the irony¡­

    Helen never gave him a thing in their three-year marriage.

    On the other hand, it had barely been a day since he met Vicky, but she had already given him a gold

    card.

    ¡°Not really. I simply consider you a friend.¡± Vicky grinned. ¡°And I hope you¡¯d consider me a friend in

    turn.¡±

    Her eyes narrowed as she smiled, and certainly no one could read the thoughts behind it.

    Frank slipped the card into his pocket in turn, wordlessly approving her request.

    Before he could speak, however, someone yelled at him, ¡°Frank Lawrence! You b*st*rd!¡±

    Frank turned to find Peter Lane standing there with a woman wearing thick makeup.

    Peter was nning to ¡®take a break¡¯ with his new girlfriend at the hotel, but he was furious to see Frank

    the instant he stepped inside.

    Ignoring the stares from the others around them, he strode up to Frank, pointing his finger at Frank¡¯s

    nose as he snapped, ¡°You were badmouthing my sister, weren¡¯t you?! You told Mr. Zurich to call off her

    partnership with my sister!¡±

    Frank shot him a cool look. ¡°Trevor simply saw your family¡¯s true nature.¡±

    ¡°Shut up! I¡¯m beating you to a pulp right now!¡± Peter screamed.

    Before he could move, however, Vicky moved to stand between them, her brow furrowed as she said

    sternly, ¡°You are in the Verdant Hotel, sir. Please be mindful of your behavior.¡±

    She had no idea what the grudge between the two men were, but she was staunchly on Frank¡¯s side.

    As for Peter, he appeared taken aback as he studied Vicky,pletely bewitched by her beauty.

    He had been phndering a lot ever since his family struck it rich.

    Even so, this was the first time he saw a woman as beautiful as her!

    Still, just because Vicky came in a hurry and was dressed in a business suit, he presumed her to be the

    lobby manager and possibly a woman who slept her way to the top.

    He promptly whipped out a few hundred dor bills and stuffed them into Vicky¡¯s hand, whispering,

    ¡°This has nothing to do with you. Also, I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡±

    Vicky pursed his lips¡ªthat was totally disrespectful of him!

    She flung the money back at his face and snapped, ¡°Mr. Lawrence is my friend, so take your money

    and leave right now. We don¡¯t ept boneheads like you.¡±

    However, her outburst only left Peter further convinced that she was the lobby manager.

    His gaze darting between Vicky and Peter, he then realized something with a start!

    ¡°Well done, Frank! So you got yourself a b*tch on the side already,¡± he snapped, his eyes shing

    viciously as he pointed between the both of them. ¡°That¡¯s why you agreed to divorcing my sister so

    easily!¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed as he growled coolly, ¡°Watch your words, Peter. I won¡¯t hold this against you,

    seeing that you¡¯re Helen¡¯s brother. Now, leave.¡±

 Chapter 7

    Peter was not afraid at all and poised a fist as he snapped, ¡°A good-for-nothing like you talking back to

    me?! I¡¯ll straighten you out for my sister¡¯s sake right now!¡±

    That was when Frank suddenly kicked him in the gut, sending him flying like a bullet.

    ¡°Argh!¡± Peter¡¯s girlfriend turned pale in panic and scrambled to his side. ¡°Are you alright, darling?!¡±

    Nearby, Vicky was smiling coolly.

    Trying toy a finger on Frank? The brat certainly was brave.

    That being said, she was more curious about the ¡®Helen¡¯ Frank mentioned.

    ¡°Damn you¡­¡± Peter¡¯s face contorted from the agony in his stomach¡ªit felt like his guts would spill out!

    ring darkly at Frank, he growled, ¡°H-How dare you hit me!¡±

    Frank remained calm andposed. ¡°I won¡¯t press the issue for your sister¡¯s sake. But now that I¡¯ve

    cut ties with your family, I¡¯ll kill you the next time you mess with me.¡±

    Peter actually flinched from the murderous intent in Frank¡¯s eyes and swallowed all the obscenities at

    the tip of his tongue.

    Instead, he wheeled on Vicky and snapped, ¡°What are you doing?! I¡¯m a guest here, and that man hit

    me! Aren¡¯t you the lobby manager?! Do something!¡±

    Vicky did a double take and soon shook her head exasperatedly.

    So she looked like a lobby manager to him?

    In that case, she could y that game one time.

    Beckoning at the security guards, she said, ¡°Get him out of here.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?! Let me go! I¡¯m from the Lane family!¡± Peter screamed hysterically. ¡°This isn¡¯t

    over yet! Just you wait!¡±

    ¡°The Lane family? Hadn¡¯t heard. Even your grandpa would have to be watching his manners around

    my presence,¡± Vicky scoffed in disdain. ¡°And you¡¯re certainly nothing to me. Throw him out.¡±

    With that, the two security guards promptly threw Peter out of the entrance like he was a bag of

    rubbish, leaving him falling t on his face.

    ¡°If hees to cause trouble again, you have my permission to get physical,¡± Vicky told the staff

    before turning to Frank. ¡°Apologies, Mr. Lawrence. You have my word that this will never happen

    again.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°No, this wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    Vicky smiled and nodded. ¡°Shall we go to your room?¡±

    She led him to the elevator and escorted him to his penthouse suite, and she left with Yara after getting

    his contact details.

    Frank went to stand before the ss wall overlooking Riverton.

    While he did not expect to divorce Helen after three years, he had aplished his mentor¡¯s bidding.

    And now, it was time to fulfill his own ns.

    Just then, Frank¡¯s phone started ringing, and he whipped it out to see that it was a call from Henry

    Lane, the head of the Lane family.

    He hesitated to answer, unsure if Henry was aware of his divorce with Helen.

    He eventually answered, however¡ªregardless of how the other Lanes would belittle him, Henry still

    considered him his grandson-inw.

    ¡°Hello, Gramps. How¡¯s it going?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°Hey, Frankie!¡± Henry eximed cheerfully from the other end. ¡°Where are you right now?¡±

    ¡°Me¡­? I¡¯m out running an errand at the moment. Is something the matter?¡± Frank asked in return.

    He could tell from Henry¡¯s tone that he did not know about the divorce, so he did not mention it.

    ¡°I see¡­ You and Helen shoulde by my ce this evening. I have good news!¡± Henry said

    excitedly.

    Frank¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Actually, Helen¡¯s really busytely,¡± he said gingerly. ¡°How about another

    day?¡±

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s never busy,¡± Henryughed. ¡°I¡¯ll call her myselfter. I doubt she¡¯d say no¡ªjuste by

    when you¡¯re done with your errand.¡±

    Frank took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll be there when I¡¯m done.¡±

    He would tell Henry tonight when Helen arrived!

    ¨C

    Meanwhile, Helen and Sean finally got to meet Walter, with Sean promptly fawning all over the man in

    the drawing room.

    As soon as he thought he set the right mood, he exined the purpose of his visit, ¡°Mr. Turnbull¡­ You

    see, a friend of mine has told me that your daughter had been stricken with a terrible condition, and I

    therefore spent a fortune to buy a 100-year old panacea cap to treat her.¡±

    Catching her cue, Helen promptly took out the velvet box and ced it solemnly before Walter.

    She slowly opened it, and the fragrant aroma from the panacea cap promptly spilled out.

    Even the luster and texture made it clear that it was not your average herb.

    Be that as it may, Walter merely nodded calmly.

    He would have been beside himself with joy before, but now that his daughter had recovered, the

    panacea cap was inconsequential.

    Moreover, it was clear that Sean had a reason to visit him and bring that woman with him.

    Naturally, Sean stiffened from his reaction as he noticed that Walter was not particrly interested in

    the panacea cap!

    On the other hand, Helen was too nervous to talk at all¡ªshe was just too scared to mess up in the

    presence of one of Riverton¡¯s bigwigs.

    Still, Walter refused to keep wasting his time with them and asked bluntly, ¡°Thank you for your concern,

    Ms. Lane. How shall I repay you, I wonder?¡±

    Helen promptly threw up her hands. ¡°I only wish to help. I¡¯d never ask for anything in return.¡±

    Walter smiled. ¡°Please, don¡¯t be shy. You may speak freely.¡±

    Sean chuckled heartily right then. ¡°Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Turnbull. You see, Helen

    learned that your family will be leading a development project west of the city, and Lane Holdings is just

    hoping to secure a partnership.¡±

    Walter was inwardly disdainful¡ªhe had not even heard of Lane Holdings!Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Did they even have what it took to take up that project?

    Still, he remained neutral as he said, ¡°Does Lane Holdings have the experience for the project?¡¯

    Helen appeared delighted at the question. ¡°Of course. Ourpany has been working with Zurich

    International for three years now.¡±

    Walter was actually astounded¡ªthe woman¡¯spany had a partnership with Trevor¡¯s?

    Who on earth was she? One of Trevor¡¯s people, perhaps?!

    It was only natural for Walter to show some respect at this point¡ªhis daughter would still be bedridden

    if not for Trevor.

    After some thought, he said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we discuss this further tomorrow? There will be a banquet at

    Verdant Hotel and I¡¯d be happy if you could attend as well, Ms. Lane.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Turnbull.¡± Helen was beside herself with joy¡ªWalter was clearly approving of her!

    With that, the three made some small talk, and it was evening by the time Helen and Sean left Turnbull

    Vi.

    Helen could hardly hide her excitement, however, and was thanking Sean profusely. ¡°Thank you so

    much, Mr. Wesley. I don¡¯t think Mr. Turnbull would have been interested in Lane Holdings at all if you

    hadn¡¯t bought that panacea cap.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, Helen. Mr. Turnbull appreciates you because you showed grit,¡± Sean replied

    humbly without really meaning it. ¡°It¡¯ste now, and I¡¯ve booked a ce for us at Riverton Tower. How

    does dinner and a movie sound?¡±

    Helen was immediately hesitant.

    Dinner and a movie? And just the two of them?

    That was pretty much a date!

    She had just divorced Frank and was not nning to start a rtionship just yet¡­

    That was when her phone started ringing, and Helen promptly answered.

    ¡°Hello, Grandpa¡­ Oh? Sure, okay.¡±

    Helen was a little happy even as she hung up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Wesley, but my grandfather is asking for

    me tonight¡ªhe said it¡¯s important, so I should go. I¡¯ll take a rain check on that dinner.¡±

 Chapter 8

    Frank took a taxi to Laneville in the evening and was surprised to find Gina waiting for a while at the

    door.

    Seeing him arrive, she promptly strode up to him and warned, ¡°I take it you know what to say and what

    not to when you see the old manter.¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°You really should chase me away instead if you¡¯re that worried.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Gina red at him, shocked that he would speak in that tone with her.

    Nheless, Frank ignored her and strode inside.

    After all, he had no reason to y nice with the rest of the Lane family now that he and Helen were

    divorced!

    As soon as he entered, he found Henry standing there with an apron, having cooked up a storm.

    ¡°What¡¯s the asion, sir? That¡¯s a lot of food,¡± he said.

    Henry was smiling when he saw Frank and walked up to grasp his hand. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here, Frankie¡ª

    you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±

    As the pair sat down and made pleasant small talk, Gina stared fixedly at Frank, fearful that he would

    say what he should not.

    Helen arrived soon enough and saw Frank as she had expected.

    Henry was the one who arranged her marriage with Frank, so he naturally valued it greatly.

    It was precisely why Helen did not tell him about her divorce.

    Walking right up to Frank, she asked, ¡°Where have you been this afternoon?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°I have no reason to tell you, do I?¡±

    Helen snorted, greatly upset by his attitude. ¡°Fine, keep your secrets. I¡¯m not bothered.¡±

    Turning toward Henry, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s so important, Grandpa?¡±

    Seeing that everyone was there, Henry chuckled heartily. ¡°I just met an oldrade, and he told me

    that his granddaughter is working at Flora Hall. I thought it¡¯s the perfect timing to arrange for a job for

    Frank, and she agreed to it!¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Gina snapped as soon as Henry was finished.

    Frank was no longer family¡ªwhy should they get him a job?

    That good-for-nothing could die for all she cared!

    ¡°What?¡± Henry was left perplexed. ¡°But Frank¡¯s jobless. He can¡¯t just stick to cooking and doing the

    laundry for Helen, can he?¡±

    ¡°Actually, Grandpa,¡± Helen said just then, ¡°I can just arrange a job for Frank at thepany. You don¡¯t

    have to worry.¡±

    Still, Gina frowned as she pointed out, ¡°Peter doesn¡¯t have a job either. You should worry about him

    more.¡±

    ¡°Hah! I would if he doesn¡¯t goof off every other day.¡± Henry snorted. ¡°All he does is embarrass me¡­

    And where is he now? Why isn¡¯t he back yet?¡±

    ¡°Oh, he¡¯ll be here soon,¡± Gina shrugged nomittally. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡±

    Bang!

    The front door mmed open loudly, and they all saw Peter storming in furiously.

    Seeing that Frank was there as well, he bellowed, ¡°You b*st*rd! How dare you show your face here?! I¡¯ll

    kill you!¡±

    Peter picked up a chair, ready to swing it at Frank¡¯s head!

    Helen was left utterly bewildered¡ªwhat had gotten into him?!

    ¡°Stop!¡± Henry bellowed at Peter as he promptly sprang to his feet, ¡°You wretch! How dare you try to hit

    your brother-inw?! Show some respect!¡±

    ¡°Brother-inw?! Him?!¡± Peter snapped in disdain. ¡°I saw him at Verdant Hotel, about to check in with

    some whore. I tried to stop him and he kicked me! My stomach still hurts even now!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Everyone was stunned, with Gina promptly leaping up to snap at Frank, ¡°Amazing! And here I thought

    you had it together, but you actually had a woman on the side!¡±

    ¡°I-Is that even possible?¡± Henry was left staring at Frank in disbelief¡ªhe knew Frank well enough to

    know that he was not the type who messed around!

    ¡°Why not? I saw that myself,¡± Peter bellowed, his veins bulging over his neck.

    Helen frowned and turned to level a cool re at Frank. ¡°Is that true?¡±

    Frank simply smiled. ¡°So you¡¯d rather believe him than find out for yourself?¡±

    He was certainly disappointed¡ªshe could deny his loyalty to her over thest three years just because

    of what Peter said.

    He would not have felt that hurt if she had gone to the hotel to ask who that woman was or at least

    doubted Peter!

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question,¡± Helen coolly replied.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Frank replied calmly. ¡°I kicked your brother, and I was with a woman at the time.¡±

    Helen inhaled sharply¡ªshe never thought that Frank would be with another woman!

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Even if they were divorced, she did not expect him to get on the rebound so soon.

    He must have had an affair for a while now.

    ¡°Frank, you really disappoint me.¡±

    ¡°Really? I do?¡± Frank smiled bitterly. ¡°Then what about you and Sean Wesley? At least I¡¯m innocent

    compared to you two.¡±

    When he was her husband, she kept going out with Sean frequently¡ªhad she ever considered his

    feelings?

    ¡°I never did anything with Sean!¡± Helen screamed on top of her lungs. ¡°You¡¯re the one who went to a

    hotel with another woman!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Henry suddenly bellowed, and everyone quieted down.

    He certainly understood that there was now a rift between Helen and Frank, and he had to do

    something or their marriage would be ruined.

    Looking between them, he said, ¡°If you still consider me your grandfather, both of you must stop getting

    involved with such affairs and move in here with me.¡±

    Helen simply shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary, Grandfather. We¡¯re already divorced.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Henry froze as if thunderstruck before turning toward Frank. ¡°Is that true?¡±

    Frank nodded quietly¡ªhe did not want Henry to find out, but it was clearly pointless hiding it now.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Henry groaned and shook his head in clear disappointment.

    ¡°Please take care of yourself, Gramps. I¡¯ll visit when I can,¡± Frank said and turned to leave¡ªthere was

    no point in pretending now that the truth was out.

    ¡°Did I say you can leave?!¡± Peter yelled¡ªhe had yet to settle the grudge of being kicked!

    Smack!

    Henry suddenly pped Peter across the face and snapped, ¡°Just leave already.¡±

    ¡°Why did you hit me, Grandpa?!¡± Peter cried unhappily.

    However, Henrypletely ignored him and ran up to Frank, holding his arm and pleading, ¡°Please,

    Frank. Give Helen another chance¡ªgive my family another chance!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing, Grandpa?¡± Helen was certainly puzzled.

    Beside her, Gina folded his arms and snorted. ¡°Gotten senile already?¡±

    Without Frank, their family would only rise to new heights!

 Chapter 9

    Henry¡¯s miserable reaction was not lost on Frank.

    However, even if Henry was willing to ept him, his family was not.

    It was as if his marriage with Helen was a family affair and not between just the two of them!

    ¡°No, Gramps. I think this is it,¡± he said, and left without looking back.

    Henry wobbled and almost fell.

    Helen reacted quickly and hurried forward to catch him, and she found that his eyes were unfocused as

    he muttered repeatedly, ¡°It¡¯s over¡­ It¡¯s all over¡­ It¡¯s the end for my family¡­¡±

    Helen was left miffed by his words. ¡°What are you talking about, Grandpa? To tell the truth, Sean went

    out of his way to help me build a partnership with the Turnbulls earlier today. Our family would rise to

    stand among the elites in Riverton.¡±

    ¡°Hah!¡± Henry scoffed coldly. ¡°That Sean Wesley whom Frank was talking about?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Helen replied.

    ¡°He¡¯s not even worth a fartpared to Frank,¡± Henry growled as he stormed back to his room, having

    no mood for dinner anymore.

    Helen sighed as she looked on. ¡°What delusions did Frank feed him, honestly?¡±

    ¡°Who cares?¡± Peter chuckled. ¡°This suits us just fine¡ªwe don¡¯t have to hide your divorce from him

    now.¡±

    He was certainly feeling gleeful¡ªwithout the old man¡¯s protection, there was nothing stopping him from

    getting back at Frank!

    Helen shot him a look, and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s that woman with Frank? The one you mentioned.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Peter replied, scratching his head. ¡°But she¡¯s seriously beautiful, like one in a billion¡­¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°More beautiful than me?¡±

    Peter¡¯s words left her insecurity gnawing.

    She definitely did not hope for Frank to have another woman at his side, especially one who was more

    beautiful than she was!

    ¡°H-How do I put it¡­,¡± Peter was suddenly stuttering. ¡°You¡¯re a natural beauty, while hers is attained

    through technology, I guess¡±

    Despite what he said, Vicky¡¯s face was stuck in his mind constantly¡ªher beauty was far beyond

    comparison, especially with thosedies at the nightclub he frequented!

    The thought left him fuming, however, as a good-for-nothing like Frank did not deserve thepany of

    such beauty!

    On the other hand, Helen was clearly satisfied by what Peter told her.

    ¨C

    It was veryte when Frank returned to Verdant Hotel.

    When he did, he found a Rolls-Royce parked outside the entrance with a woman wearing a

    windbreaker leaning against it.

    Upon a closer look, it turned out to be Yara, Vicky¡¯s bestie cum bodyguard.

    Noticing Frank just then, she hurried toward him. ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­¡±

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Quill. Is something the matter?¡± Frank asked as he studied her.

    She had a small round face, and her eyes were a bright ckness. Her dark hair was left disheveled in

    the wind, as she had clearly been waiting for him for some time.

    She was a few inches over five feet, though she still appeared dainty in front of Frank.

    Her fingers were interlocked and she kept fiddling with her thumbs, and she kept her head lowered,

    stammering for a long while but unable to say anything.

    Frank chuckled. ¡°You may speak frankly.¡±

    Yara looked up awkwardly then. ¡°O-Okay¡­ Can you teach me the technique you taught Vicky?¡±

    After all, Yara herself had personally experienced the power of Frank¡¯s improved version of the

    Boltsmacker. He also treated Vicky, thus proving that there were shortfalls in the traditional version of

    the Boltsmacker.

    Naturally, Yara wanted to learn the improved version as well, but unlike Vicky, she was no prodigy who

    could learn a new technique with a single look.

    ¡°Oh, that.¡± Frank smiled.

    Yara promptly whipped out a debit card. ¡°I will make it worth your while, Mr. Lawrence. There¡¯s 500,000

    in here¡ªthe PIN is six zeros. It¡¯s all yours.¡±

    Frank simply sped his hands behind his back, remaining calm as he replied, ¡°Money¡¯s nothing to

    me.¡±

    Yara was left a little flustered. ¡°Then¡­ What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Do you have natural relics or other precious herbs?¡±

    Yara shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Enchanted weapons?¡±

    Yara was left further dejected. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll have to say no¡­¡±

    Yara hung her head and turned, ready to leave¡­

    Suddenly, Frank called out to her, ¡°Hold on. Is it true that your father is Riverton¡¯s governor?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he is! Is there something I can help you with?¡± Yara eximed, blinking hopefully.

    ¡°I can teach you the improved Boltsmacker, but you need to find someone for me,¡± Frank replied.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Really?¡± Yara eximed excitedly. ¡°That¡¯s easy. Just tell me who it is, and I¡¯ll definitely find her!¡±

    ¡°Her name is Winter Lawrence.¡±

    Yara stayed still as she waited for the next part¡­

    But that was all Frank said.

    ¡°Wait, is that all you have for me?¡± she asked.

    Frank nodded. ¡°Yeah. All I have is her name. No other information.¡±

    She was the only daughter of his mentor.

    When his mentory dying after the battle over the south sea three years ago, he told her to find his

    daughter who lived at Riverton. Though all he gave Frank was a name and nothing else, Frank traveled

    to Riverton and stayed for three years after his marriage. He kept searching for clues on Winter, but

    found nothing.

    Back at the present, Yara was left biting her lip.

    There were so many citizens in Riverton who sharedst names and first names¡ªfinding one person

    with just her name was impossible.

    However, she agreed to it immediately for the sake of learning the improved Boltsmacker. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll

    do my best to find her¡­ But may I ask when you¡¯ll teach me?¡±

    Frank suddenly started to give directions, and she promptly did as she instructed.

    As she directed her Ki¡¯s flow, Frank moved as quick as a lightning bolt, directing her Ki¡¯s flow from her

    navel up to intersecting nodes, converging Ki from other veins.

    Yara promptly felt her body gushing and swirling rapidly with Ki, sending overflowing energy across her

    veins and canals.

    Shemitted to memory every path her Ki traveled, and she could feel a tremendous force as she

    moved her palm, countless times more powerful than the Boltsmacker she practiced before!

    ¡°That¡¯s how you direct your Ki to release my improved version of Boltstmacker,¡± Frank said. ¡°Can you

    remember it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Yara said, grinning ear-to-ear as she saluted him. ¡°Thank you for your teaching¡­

    by the way, may I teach this to the other apprentices of my n?¡±

    In fact, if everyone in her n would learn this, their influence as a faction would rise above and

    beyond!

    However, Frank shook his head. ¡°This improved version is only conditioned for women. If men train in it

    for long periods, they¡¯d fall sick like Ms. Turnbull did.¡±

    ¡°I see. Thank you for your advice, Mr. Lawrence.¡± Yara nodded humbly.

    Frank nodded in turn. ¡°I shall be going now. Please don¡¯t forget what I¡¯ve asked.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. I won¡¯t,¡± Yara assured him, though she suddenly paused as something came to mind.

    ¡°By the way, there¡¯s something else that I¡¯m hesitant to mention¡­¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°It would be better if you kept your distance from Vicky, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank was puzzled. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s from an important family and boasts both beauty and talent,¡± Yara said, cautioning him out of

    kindness. ¡°That has earned her countless suitors, and someone might get jealous if you get too close.¡±

 Chapter 10

    Frank chuckled. ¡°Why would they be jealous? I¡¯m not a fellow suitor.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Yara conceded and sighed. ¡°But Vicky has a fiance too. Are you sure he won¡¯t get the

    wrong idea? Moreover, he¡¯s the heir to the Lionhearts, an important family in Morhen¡ªthat man is

    known to be ruthless, made evident with certain suitors for Vicky disappearing under mysterious

    circumstances.¡±

    Being Vicky¡¯s bodyguard, Yara was naturally privy to certain secrets.

    She would rather not see an amazing martial artist like Frank get himself killed. That was why she was

    being nice and warned him¡ªthere were others in Riverton who could destroy Frank aside from the

    Lionhearts.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Frank snorted with a look of disdain. ¡°I¡¯m fine as long as they don¡¯t provoke me. If they do,

    they¡¯ll find themselves less lions thanmbs.¡±

    Yara gulped.

    That was certainly a bold im, though she wondered if Frank could remain so when the Lionhearts

    really came for him.

    Either way, she had nothing to add after saying that much.

    ¨C

    Early next morning, Helen had just woken up when she got a call from Sean.

    ¡°Good news! Mr. Turnbull¡¯s daughter fully recovered yesterday!¡± he eximed.

    ¡°She did?!¡± Helen was immediately excited.

    ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t expect the panacea cap to be so effective.¡± Seanughed. ¡°You are now the savior of the

    Turnbulls¡¯ heiress, Helen!¡±

    Helen was certainly thrilled¡ªLane Holdings had nothing to worry about now that the Turnbulls owed

    them a favor!

    Breathing out lengthily to quickly calm herself, she said, ¡°Thank you so much for this, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re exaggerating,¡± Sean replied with feigned modesty. ¡°It¡¯s what I ought to do¡ªby the way,

    remember to properly prepare for the banquet tonight at Verdant Hotel, and the project will definitely be

    yours.¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m counting on you, Mr. Wesley,¡± Helen said, and hung up.

    She could hardly hide her excitement and almost started skipping around on her bed.

    She knew it. The time for Lane Holdings to prosper had arrived!

    ¨C

    Meanwhile, at the penthouse suite of Verdant Hotel, Frank had woken up early to meditate when

    someone knocked on his door.

    He answered it to find that it was Vicky, dressed in a leather jacket and a pair of jeans, giving her a

    sharp appearance thanks to her slender figure.

    Taking off her shades, she smiled. ¡°You¡¯re quite the early bird, Mr. Lawrence!¡±

    ¡°I could say the same about you. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°My family is having a banquet here tonight. I¡¯ll get you a tux¡ªI mean, you¡¯re not attending it in your

    tracksuit, are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass.¡±

    Frank was about to close the door when Vicky caught it, ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence. It¡¯s my father¡¯s

    invitation, and you can at least show your face since you saved my life!¡±

    Frank frowned. Even if he was reluctant to attend a pointless social event, he could not say no since it

    was Mr. Turnbull¡¯s invitation.

    Nodding, he said, ¡°In that case, let¡¯s go.¡±

    They headed down to the parking lot, and Vicky opened the car door for him.

    Before he got in, however, he stopped as he noticed a trio of men hurrying toward him.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Vicky asked in curiosity, noticing his pause.

    ¡°Trouble.¡±

    Vicky noticed the trio too and frowned.

    Though she thought it was a rival of her family, the burly bald man at the center strode up while ring

    at Frank furiously. ¡°Are you Frank Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Frank replied coolly.

    Vicky snapped, ¡°Who are you people? Do you know where you are?¡±

    The bald man did a double take and started to regard Vicky lecherously. ¡°Huh. I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re that

    lucky with women! Anyway, your boy¡¯s going to be crippled soon enough. You shoulde hang with

    me instead¡ªBarney Streisand will make it worth your while.¡±

    Vickyughed despite herself, turning to nce at Frank for a moment and then at the trio. ¡°Wait, is this

    everyone you brought? You really think you stand a chance against Frank?¡±

    One of Barney¡¯s thugs snorted. ¡°Hey, the chick¡¯s mocking us, Barney.¡±

    Barney narrowed his eyes in turn. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt her now. We¡¯ll show her how good we areter.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± The two thugs guffawed¡ªthey were certainly in luck! They would get a taste of the good stuff

    all thanks to Barney!

    Nheless, Frank asked quietly, ¡°Who sent you? Tell me right now and I¡¯ll hold back.¡±

    ¡°Pfft. Keep talking¡ªbeat him up already, boys!¡± Barney barked, perfectly confident since it was three

    against one.

    As hisckeys leapt forward, Vicky tactfully took a step back and felt a sudden gust behind her right

    then!

    Frank had charged forward at the speed of light!

    Thud!

    Thud!

    With two dull thuds, bothckeys were sent flying.

    ¡°What the¡ª¡±

    Barney himself had barely walked two steps forward with his baseball club and was already left gaping.

    What the hell was he?!

    He did not even see Frank move¡ªthe man just suddenly turned into a blur, and Barney¡¯sckeys were

    promptly sent flying!

    ¡®Run!¡¯

    That was the only thought Barney had just then, and he cursed his rotten luck for taking up this job!

    However, Frank was already behind him when he turned and caught his throat with a vice-like grip!

    ¡°Oof¡­¡± Barney¡¯s face quickly turned purple fromck of oxygen.

    Frank¡¯s expression was ice-cold. ¡°I¡¯m asking onest time. Who sent you?¡±

    The murder in his eyes left Barney sweating buckets and a chill jolting down his spine.

    This was no joke¡ªhe could feel that Frank would really kill him if he did not tell the truth!

    ¡°P-Peter Lane! He was the one who sent me and told me to break your hand! It¡¯s the truth, man¡­ I¡¯m

    just a street thug trying to make a living! Please don¡¯t kill me!¡±

    Frank took a deep breath.

    He had no grudge against Peter, but Peter wanted to break his arm just because he kicked Peter?

    ¡°You want to live? Fine¡ªyou have to break Peter¡¯s arm,¡± Frank said.

    Seeing that he was given a way out, Barney promptly nodded. ¡°Yes, yes, of course! I¡¯ll get it done, I

    promise!¡±

    Then, Frank leaned in and whispered into his ear, ¡°If Peter¡¯s unscathed the next time I see him, I¡¯ll have

    your head.¡±

    Barney shuddered. ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    ¡°Good. Now get out of here,¡± Frank snapped, and kicked him away.

    Barney promptly scrambled out of the parking lot, fearful to linger for another second!

    Beside Frank, Vicky was narrowing her eyes at him.

    Frank might have exchanged blows with Yara yesterday, but it only amounted to sparring.

    Today, she truly saw the depth of Frank¡¯s power and understood that she would be dwarfed even in her

    prime!

    Who was he?

 Chapter 11

    Frank slid his hands in his pockets as he calmly got into the car.

    Vicky, however, would keep sliding peeks at him from the driver seat.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence, may I ask who Peter Lane is?¡± she eventually asked.

    ¡°My ex brother-inw.¡± Frank admitted.

    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Vicky eximed in understanding. ¡°Helen Lane.¡±

    Frank nodded while she smiled. ¡°I guess things have gotten unpleasant between you two! Would you

    like me to help a little?¡±

    Frank nced at her.

    If Vicky really did help, she could certainly make the Lanes disappear from Riverton without a trace.

    However, he had no intention of going that far despite despising that family, and he more or less had to

    show some respect to Henry as long as he was alive.

    ¡°Thanks for your offer, but I can handle it myself,¡± he replied.

    Vicky smiled. ¡°Understood. Just remember that you cane to me anytime you¡¯re having trouble.¡±

    ¨C

    Helen arrived at the front doors of Verdant Hotel, her blue gown drawing many stares immediately.

    Beside her, Gina was looking smug in her floral dress¡ªher daughter would always have everyone¡¯s

    attention wherever she went!

    Still, she suddenly remembered. ¡°Helen, hasn¡¯t Peter made it here yet?¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°God knows what he¡¯s up to¡ªI¡¯ll call him.¡±

    However, Peter never picked up, leaving her perplexed. ¡°He¡¯s not answering.¡±

    Gina huffed in disappointment. ¡°That brat always drops the ball when it matters.¡±

    ¡°Whatever, it¡¯s fine,¡± Helen said solemnly. ¡°The only thing that matters is to reach a partnership with the

    Turnbulls.¡±

    ¡°Oh you¡¯re early, Helen!¡± Sean eximed as he hurried toward her.

    ¡°We just got here too,¡± Helen replied politely.

    On the other hand, Gina promptly fawned over him. ¡°Gosh! Your suit must be worth millions, Mr.

    Wesley.¡±

    ¡°Oh, not really¡­ Just a few dozen grand straight from the tailor.¡±

    Gina then quickly pulled Helen over so that she stood beside Sean. ¡°Tut, tut¡­ You two are really a

    match when you stand together!¡±

    Helen rolled her eyes at her mother. ¡°Stop it, Mom.¡±

    ¡°Just saying it as it is.¡± Gina shrugged.

    Sean smiled in understanding. ¡°Let¡¯s go in, Helen.¡±

    Helen nodded when she suddenly saw a familiar figure from the corner of her eye.

    ¡°Frank?¡± she murmured.

    Gina turned and followed Helen¡¯s gaze in response, and she saw that it was indeed Frank. ¡°What?!

    What is that good-for-nothing doing here?¡±

    Frank happened to be waiting for Vicky at the entrance and frowned when he saw the trio.

    Helen frowned too. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull invited me.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Gina guffawed. ¡°Do you ever look in the mirror, Frank? Why would the heiress of the Turnbulls

    invite a good-for-nothing like you?¡±

    Sean snorted as well. ¡°Helen, your ex-husband is a real joker.¡±

    Helen was left scowling and wondering when Frank got the habit of boasting.

    Still, he was her ex-husband, and she did not want to cause a mess especially when her mother would

    not stop belittling him.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here, Frank. You should go,¡± she told him.

    Frank simply shrugged. ¡°What, I can¡¯te just because you¡¯re here?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Can¡¯t you see the asion?¡± Gina scoffed, smacking Frank¡¯s suit just then. ¡°Don¡¯t think

    you deserve to be here just because you dressed up nicely. Trash like you will always be trash.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Lawrence.¡± A cool voice suddenly rang out. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were bringing friends. Why don¡¯t

    you introduce us?¡±

    Everyone else turned and froze when they saw the tall, slender woman in a white gown striding toward

    him gracefully.

    Her beauty was iparable, be it her rosy cheeks, her almond eyes, or the poise in her step!

    She walked straight up to Frank, wrapping her arms around his and making it clear that they were

    close.

    Helen¡¯s eyes widened¡ªeven if Peter had told her that Frank had another woman, she did not expect

    her to be so beautiful!

    Now, she understood what he meant when he said she was one in a billion.

    And if her beauty was the result of technology, it would be technology from the divine!

    Even Gina did not dare deny the woman¡¯s beauty, which promptly eclipsed her own daughter¡¯s¡­

    ¡®What a whore!¡¯ she thought to herself, miffed.

    On the other hand, Sean was gaping and almost drooling, wondering why there was a woman more

    beautiful than Helen in a small ce like Riverton, and why he had never heard of her!

    He promptly strode up to her with a polite smile. ¡°May I have the pleasure of your name, beautiful?¡±

    Vicky shot a cool look at him. ¡°And you are?¡±

    Sean promptly straightened himself and tugged his sleeves. ¡°Sean Wesley, at your service.¡±

    ¡°Never heard of you.¡± Vicky pursed her lips. ¡°Also, you really don¡¯t deserve to know my name.¡±

    Sean was left gaping, his outstretched hand left hanging awkwardly in the air.

    This was the first time a woman had ever humiliated him!

    Gina promptly snapped at Frank, ¡°You ingrate! Has our family ever wronged you? To think that you¡¯d

    cheat on Helen with this whore!¡±

    Helen stopped her, but she strode up to Frank and shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t believe Peter when he told

    us. How do you exin this now?¡±

    Frank smiled coolly. ¡°Exin? Why should I?¡¯

    ¡°What¡­¡± Helen did not expect her to admit to it so boldly¡ªshe actually wanted Frank to deny it!

    ¡°You¡¯re Frank¡¯s ex-wife?¡± Vicky studied Helen with a piercing re right then.

    Helen could not help straightening herself and rearing her chin, attempting to puff herself to look

    confident. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Vicky, however, was beaming¡ªHelen¡¯s effort only made her appear exceedingly distressed. ¡°Hehe. In

    that case, thank you.¡±

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Helen did a double take. ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°For divorcing Frank. How else would I find such an extraordinary man?¡±

    ¡°Hah!¡± Helen snorted in wry amusement, as if Vicky had a few screws loose. ¡°Extraordinary? That

    totally doesn¡¯t apply to Frank, does it?¡±

    ¡°Actually, I believe myself to be a great judge of character. Mr. Lawrence may not be perfect¡­¡± Vicky

    merely shed a smile of confidence before turning pointedly toward Sean. ¡°But at least he¡¯s much

    better than the one with you now.¡±

 Chapter 12

    Sean was immediately annoyed by Vicky¡¯s words. ¡°Come on now, beautiful. Give me a little credit.¡±

    He was the heir to the Wesley family, and she told him that he did notpare to a piece of trash like

    Frank?

    However, Vicky merely snorted in disdain. ¡°Why should I?¡±

    Sean pursed his lips, his veins bulging as he clenched his knuckle. ¡°Let me give it to you straight¡ªthat

    brat doesn¡¯t even have a job! Why else would Helen divorce him? What can he offer you?! He¡¯s not

    even that good looking.¡±

    Vicky simply nced at Frank and shrugged. ¡°Mr. Lawrence only needs time. He just needs a month,

    and surpassing your family would not be out of the question.¡±

    ¡°Haha! You¡¯re really funny!¡± Seanughed.

    Starting from nothing and beating his family in a month?! Dream on!

    Vicky smiled in return. ¡°I¡¯m not being funny. Why don¡¯t we make a bet? If Mr. Lawrence surpasses your

    family in a month, you¡¯ll go down on your knees and apologize.¡±

    Sean narrowed his eyes, his interest piqued. ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll get down on my knees and apologize,¡± Vicky replied nonchntly.

    ¡°Deal,¡± Sean promptly said, as if worried that Vicky would renege.

    Frank narrowed his eyes at Vicky just then and turned to head inside the banquet hall.

    She was making a mountain out of a molehill, and he was not about to get involved in their squabble.

    ¡°Wait, Mr. Lawrence¡­¡± Vicky quickly chased after him and caught his arm. ¡°I just put my bet on you.

    Shouldn¡¯t you fight a little for my sake?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your gambit,¡± Frank replied tly.

    ¡°So you¡¯d rather let me kneel in front of that pig?¡± Vicky moaned with a wounded look.

    To anyone else, they looked like they were flirting.

    ¡°Frank, can I talk to you?¡± Helen suddenly asked.

    ¡°You can say it here.¡±

    ¡°In private. Just the two of us.¡±

    Frank chuckled coolly. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯d rather not get gossiped about.¡±

    With that, he turned to leave without looking back.

    Helen was actually surprised that he was so cold¡ªhe would do his utmost to fulfill any request before

    no matter how small it was!

    Vicky smiled pointedly in turn. ¡°It seems that Mr. Lawrence isn¡¯t interested in talking to you! Perhaps

    you should give up and focus on securing that project with the Turnbull family.¡±

    Helen gritted her teeth. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±

    Vicky shrugged and shed a confident smile. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m really worried that you won¡¯t get it and

    humiliate yourself instead.¡±

    With those words, she turned and went after Frank as Helen looked on.

    She was actually despairing inside and clenching her knuckles but unable to vent her indignation.

    Frank never even looked at her, let alone exin anything about the woman with him.

    Had he already forgotten about their three years worth of marriage?

    Nheless, Sean walked up to her confidently just then. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Helen. I¡¯ll have that woman

    apologizing on her knees in a month.¡±

    Surpassing his family in a month?! How delusional!

    Helen stayed silent, however, as she had the nagging feeling that something was out of ce.

    Her confident smile and cool poise was stuck in Helen¡¯s mind.

    She was unable to carry herself with such aplomb given this asion¡ªwas she really just some

    whore?!

    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this¡­¡± Helen murmured.

    ¨C

    Many business elites were already gathered in the first banquet hall of Verdant Hotel.

    And being the protagonist of the night, Vicky certainly could not stay with Frank.

    ¡°Please have a seat, Mr. Lawrence. I will be back after I¡¯ve greeted some guests.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Just do what you have to. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±

    He started eating without a care¡ªhe had never met the other business elites, so he had no reason to

    talk to them.

    That was when Helen, Gina, and Sean entered.

    Many business elites promptly approached them, offering toasts.

    ¡°Congrattions, Ms. Lane. This is your moment¡ªLane Holdings will be rising to the peak now that

    Ms. Turnbull has made a full recovery.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re definitely getting that West City project.¡±

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah, just don¡¯t forget us, alright?¡±

    Helen held a hand over her lips, hiding the grin beneath. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re exaggerating. I didn¡¯t really help

    much.¡±

    She was certainly buoyed inside¡ªthe instant she received word that Ms. Turnbull made a full recovery,

    she sent her secretary to spread the news.

    Now, everyone was fawning over her. And with the halo of saving Ms. Turnbull, who would ever steal

    the spotlight from her?

    However, as the crowd followed her to the front roll, Helen was left staring at a figure sitting there that

    stood out like a sore thumb.

    Sean promptly snapped, ¡°Who let you sit there?! Get out!¡±

    It was the main table where the Turnbulls would sit at, and only Helen got to sit there!

    Frank put down the buttered rib he was holding and wiped the grease of his lips. ¡°Ms. Turnbull told me

    to sit here. Do you have an issue with that?¡±

    ¡°Hah! Is that so?!¡± Sean snorted in disdain. ¡°You really know how to make stuff up, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The business elites behind them were studying Frank curiously in turn.

    ¡°Who is he?¡¯

    ¡°Does he even have the right to meet Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Sean promptly answered, ¡°That¡¯s Ms. Lane¡¯s ex-husband, freeloading off her for three years and now

    here to cause trouble after she divorced him!¡±

    The crowd was immediately in an uproar, eagerly siding with the Lanes now that they were in the

    spotlight.

    ¡°What?! Someone that despicable actually exists?¡±

    ¡°Huh, and here I wondered who he could be.¡±

    ¡°Obviously a bumpkin. Can¡¯t even use a knife and fork? He certainly doesn¡¯t deserve Ms. Lane!¡±

    Seeing that the mob was outraged with Frank, Helen quickly went up and whispered, ¡°Just leave,

    Frank.¡±

    Frank slowly looked up. ¡°What, are you chasing me off too?¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°Hadn¡¯t you embarrassed yourself enough?¡±

    ¡°Embarrass myself?¡± Frank snorted in contempt. ¡°I think you¡¯re just afraid of me embarrassing your

    family. I¡¯ve embarrassed myself plenty in yourpany for thest three years!¡±

    Gina promptly grabbed Helen and pulled her away. ¡°Stop wasting your breath! Ms. Turnbull will deal

    with him when she arrives.¡±

    At the same time, Sean walked up to Frank smugly. ¡°You¡¯re really thick-skinned, kid. Everyone wants

    you gone, but you¡¯re still sitting there calmly. I¡¯d be digging a hole to hide in if I were you.¡±

    Frank shot him a look. ¡°I won¡¯t touch you out of respect for the Turnbulls. Now, leave.¡±

    ¡°Haha! You, touching me?! I don¡¯t think you have the balls!¡± Seanughed coldly, and leaned in to

    speak just loud enough so only Frank and him could hear, ¡°I won¡¯t lie to you¡ªI¡¯ve booked a room at the

    Spring Spring Hotel to properly celebrate with Helen tonight. I mean, you never consummated your

    marriage even after three years? You¡¯re not impotent, are you? It¡¯s alright. I could shoot a video when

    we do it tonight¡ª¡±

    Smack!

    Frank¡¯s eyes had suddenly narrowed, his murderous intent ring as he abruptly pped Sean across

    the face!

    ¡°Wargh!!!¡±

    Sean was screaming even as the world spun around him¡ªthe p had sent him flying!

    The crowd was left silent and gaping right then. They never expected Frank to actually get physical at

    the Turnbulls¡¯ banquet!

    ¡°F*ck!¡± Sean¡¯s face contorted with rage as he scrambled to his feet, feeling his mouth a little askew.

    ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Wesley?!¡± Gina eximed as she paled in shock, before wheeling on Frank and

    snapping, ¡°Are you crazy?! How dare youy a finger on Mr. Wesley!¡±

    Frank merely flexed his wrist. ¡°You should be d I didn¡¯t kill him.¡±

    Helen was stunned by his outburst too, and snapped angrily, ¡°How could you do this, Frank?!

    Apologize to Mr. Wesley right now!¡±

    Frank paused and wheeled on her in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to apologize? Did you tell him to do it

    when he incited your sycophants to mock me?¡±

    Helen averted her eyes, but snapped nheless, ¡°He made a mistake, but you shouldn¡¯t do that

    either!¡±

    ¡°I¡±m sorry, but I¡¯ve always solved problems with violence,¡± Frank replied coolly. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, do

    something about it.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re hopeless,¡± Helen red at her in disappointment.

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull has arrived!¡± Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted.

    As everyone promptly cleared a path, Sean was smiling and scoffing at Frank. ¡°It¡¯s over for you. No

    one¡¯s going to protect you after what you did¡­¡±

    However, he was left dumbstruck when he turned and saw who stood at the center of the crowd.

 Chapter 13

    Helen gasped as Vicky strode toward them under the crowd¡¯s escort, realizing that she was Ms.

    Turnbull given how the crowd behaved around her.

    She certainly harbored contempt for Vicky earlier and was left feeling ufortable about that.

    Not only was Vicky far more beautiful than she was, but even the former¡¯s family and connections

    crushed anything she had!

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    At that moment, she understood what Vicky meant about humiliating herself.

    There was no way she would get that project as long as Vicky was around!

    At the same time, Sean was stammering, ¡°Y-You¡¯re Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°What, does that disappoint you?¡± Vicky looked at him gleefully in turn. ¡°Also, you were insulting Mr.

    Lawrence, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Hmph! So what?¡± Sean snorted.

    From where he stood, Frank had nothing going for him at all. Even if he managed to seduce Vicky, he

    was nothing more than her ything!

    In fact, if Vicky fought him over her gigolo, she would be bringing shame to the Turnbulls!

    As such, he was dead sure th

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 Chapter 14

    With Trevor¡¯s case being a precedent and what Vicky told Helen before they came inside the banquet

    hall, Helen was convinced that she had no chance of getting the West City project.

    That was when Sean said with a scowl, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That good¨Cfor¨Cnothing is just Vicky¡¯s gigolo,

    but

    my father actually is her grandfather¡¯s associate. I¡¯m sure the man would understand with just a phone

    call.¡±

    Gina finally remembered that he was there too. ¡°Oh, Mr. Wesley! You reallye through for us when

    it matters!¡±

    Helen leveled a miserable look at Frank in turn. ¡°Sorry, but we really have to trouble you this time.¡±

    She certainly did not dare pin her hopes of Frank¨Cthe West City project was the key to Lane Holdings ¡®

    future!

    Sean whipped out his phone, and went to a quiet corner to call his father, James Wesley, who was the

    head of his household.

    ¡°What is it? Why are you calling thiste?¡± James growled.

    Sean promptly pleaded, ¡°Dad, could you ask George Turnbull to give my friend a project?¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± James promptly snapped. ¡°Have you lost your mind?! What even gave you the idea that I can

    speak up in that man¡¯s presence?! Even if I was allowed an audience, do you think I¡¯m even capable of

    changing his mind?! Just suck up to Ms. Turnbull already. Everything else is pointless!¡±

    And with that, he hung up, leaving Sean scratching his head exasperatedly.

    He started to head back, wondering how he would exin this to Helen.

    He had been ying the long game but had yet to sleep with her¨Cthere was no way he could give up

    now!

    Gina saw him hang up and promptly asked, ¡°How did it go, Mr. Wesley? What did your father say?¡±

    Sean avoided her gaze but forced a smile and braced herself as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My father has

    already agreed to it¨Che¡¯s probably calling Mr. Turnbull as we speak.¡±

    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Gina breathed a huge sigh of relief. ¡°Phew¡­ That¡¯s great!¡±

    Helen was relieved too and told Sean solemnly, ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    Sean chuckled cheerfully. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t say that.¡±

    Meanwhile, Vicky and Frank had headed upstairs to a private room, where she poured him a ss of

    wine.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence, you don¡¯t mind me acting on my own volition, do you?¡± she asked.

    Frank was seated cross¨Clegged as he replied tly, ¡°I actually thought you were holding back.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll remember not to hold back next time,¡± Vicky said with a giggle. ¡°I presume you¡¯ve heard about

    the West City project?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I have.¡±

    After all, Trevor would report Helen¡¯s every move to him, and they had secured that project while they

    were still business partners. 1

    Vicky brough up a long, narrow wooden box just then.

    ¡°Your ex¨Cwife actually met my father and gave us this¨Ca 100¨Cyear panacea cap. She really wanted that

    project, but my father didn¡¯t know she was your ex¨Cwife. Just say the word, and I¡¯ll have them all kicked

    out of this banquet hall.¡±

    Frank frowned in thought, and asked, ¡°Who would¡¯ve been given the project before this?¡±

    ¡°Trevor, of course,¡± Vicky admitted. ¡°But he¡¯s turning down Riverton projects now. As for Lane Holdings,

    they are actually a suitable candidate despite being a new enterprise, since they worked with Trevor

    before and gained experience as well as ability.¡±

    Now, the fate of Lane Holdings all depended on what Frank would say!

 Chapter 15

    After some thought, Frank took a deep breath and said, ¡°Denying a person ie is no different

    from murder¨Cif you¡¯ve already considered giving them the project, Ms. Turnbull, I have no cause to tell

    you to do otherwise.¡±

    Vicky smiled at Frank as she studied him. ¡°It seems to me that you¡¯re just not keen on pushing them

    too far. Linger attachment to Ms. Lane, perhaps?¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you think of me¡­¡± Frank shot her a look. ¡°Can¡¯t say anything to that.

    ¡°Have you not considered taking in a new lover now that you¡¯re single, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Not interested.¡±

    Vicky pursed her lips¨Chis response was somewhat a killjoy.

    Still, she did not press the issue.

    She certainly could not hurry things since Frank had just divorced Helen a couple of days ago.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re more interested in herbal treasures,¡± she said, nonchntly opening the box. You

    can have this panacea cap¡­¡±

    A faint sweet aroma swirled into the air immediately, and Frank was promptly focused as he studied the

    panacea cap meticulously.

    Vicky rolled her eyes. ¡°Honestly¡­ you didn¡¯t have such concentration when you were looking at me!¡±

    11

    Frankpletely ignored her, however, and suddenly shook his head in disappointment. ¡°It¡¯s a fake.

    JI

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky did a double take. ¡°That b*sta*d brought a fake to my house as a gift?!¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s 50 years old at best. No chance it¡¯s a centennial.¡±

    For panacea caps, its medical efficacy would differ greatly even if there was just a years¡® age gap,

    leading to the difference in value for each individual cap.

    And Vicky was all too aware of that!

    ¡°Still, it is more or less useful. Why don¡¯t you sell it to me?¡± Frank suggested.

    Vicky smiled generously. ¡°No, you can just take it if you need it, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I owe you one now,¡± Frank nodded he did not have any moment right now. ¡°Also, I¡¯m going if

    there¡¯s nothing else¡­¡±

    ¡°Actually, if you could outside for a moment, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Vicky quickly said. ¡°I¡¯d like to introduce you

    to an illustrious gentleman. I¡¯ll have someone deliver the panacea cap to your penthouseter.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Frank said and returned to the banquet hall.

    Gina promptly approached him, once again behaving like a fishwife now that Vicky was gone. did you

    tell Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Frank replied tly.

    ¡°What

    ¡°You¡¯re not fooling anyone,¡± Gina snapped stubbornly right then. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d believe you?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Believe what you want. What does that have to do with me?¡±

    Helen stopped Gina just then. ¡°I believe you, Frank. And I know that you¡¯re upset with me, but I¡¯d rather

    you didn¡¯t cheapen yourself. Vicky Turnbull isn¡¯t all that she seems, and you wouldn¡¯t even know if she

    betrayed you someday.¡±

    In fact, the first time she saw Vicky, she knew she was no pushover.

    And how was a quiet, down¨Cto¨Cearth man like Frank ever getting the better of her?

    Frank smiled in turn¨Cnot only was Helen dead set that he had been badmouthing her, but she also

    thought that he was Vicky¡¯s gigolo.

    ¡°You should be worrying about yourself,¡± he told her before looking pointedly at Frank. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re

    already waist¨Cdeep in muck yourself.¡±

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Helen certainly had something to say against that, but her phone suddenly started ringing.

    Though she saw that it was an unfamiliar number, she answered it after some hesitation.

    ¡°It¡¯s not very nice of you to badmouth me, Ms. Lane.¡±

    Helen paled in shock and promptly looked around, as if she was just stabbed in the back!

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

 Chapter 16

    It was only then that Helen noticed the camera above her, with a red bulb flickering repeatedly.

    Meanwhile, Vicky continued, ¡°To be honest, I really don¡¯t want to give you the Western Project. It¡¯s

    therefore a shame that someone doesn¡¯t want Lane Holdings to fall apart, and I can¡¯t do anything about

    that¨Csoe by Turnbull Tower in a couple of days to sign it.¡±

    Helen, however, could not bring herself to celebrate despite being told she had the contract.

    Instead, she was snappy as she demanded, ¡°Spying is a bad habit, Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    In the security room, Vicky merely giggled. ¡°I can find out how many times you used thedies¡® room in

    a day if I want. I¡¯ll let it go this one time, so watch out if you badmouth me again.¡±

    Beep, beep, beep-

    As Helen quietly hung up, Gina asked in confusion, ¡°Who was that?¡±

    ¡°Vicky Turnbull.¡±

    Gina¡¯s eyes promptly lit up. ¡°Really? What did she say?¡±

    ¡°She told me to sign the contract at Turnbull Tower in two days,¡± Helen replied exasperatedly. ¡°She

    said that someone doesn¡¯t want Lane Holdings to fall apart.¡±

    Though the contract was now escured, she felt like she was dancing to Vicky¡¯s tune!

    ¡°Wonderful!¡± Gina almost leapt out in excitement and turned toward Sean. ¡°Thanks for calling your dad,

    Mr. Wesley! We wouldn¡¯t have gotten the contract so easily otherwise!¡±

    Helen forced a smile too. ¡°Thank you for this, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    After all, the person Vicky mentioned had to be Sean¨Che had supported her all this way, and who else

    had what it took to change Vicky¡¯s mind?

    ¡°Huh¡­¡±

    Sean, however, looked utterly perplexed¨Che knew full well that it was not his father James, since he did

    not have that much power to do so.

    Still, who cares who actually did it? This was now his aplishment!

    ¡°Haha!¡± Heughed smugly right then. ¡°It¡¯s really nothing.¡±

    Seeing that he was brazen enough to ept the Lanes¡® gratitude, Frank scoffed ruthlessly, ¡°Does

    Vicky giving the project to Helen really have anything to do with you?¡±

    Sean flushed right then, and promptly snapped angrily, ¡°Shut up! What, are you saying that it¡¯s you?¡±

    Gina certainly agreed with Sean. ¡°Mr. Wesley just called his father to speak with the Turnbulls on his

    behalf. He¡¯s not like you, all talk and no bite! From where I¡¯m standing, you¡¯re just jealous!¡±

    ¡°Actually, it was me,¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°What?¡± Sean chuckled. ¡°Are you saying that you made Vicky Turnbull change her mind?¡±

    Frank nodded.

    Helen stared at him in disbelief, while Sean guffawed. ¡°Haha! You¡¯re a real riot! It¡¯s ironic considering

    that we haven¡¯t heard a peep from you for a while!¡±

    Frank said tly, ¡°Exactly. Vicky changed her mind because I kept quiet.¡±

    ¡°Oh, just give up already,¡± Sean snorted in disdain. ¡°You can¡¯t evene up with a good story, so stop

    tooting your own horn.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Frank¨Cyou should stop.¡± Helen was frowning too, clearly upset that Frank would lie

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    like that.

    If anything, she was further skeptical that Frank could lord over Vicky after seeing Vicky in person- it

    was simply unrealistic.

 Chapter 17

    Sean said just then, ¡°Don¡¯t bother with that bonehead, Helen¨Cit¡¯s been a long day, and you must be

    tired. I¡¯ve booked us a VIP room at the hotel, so why don¡¯t you and your mom get some rest?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, of course¨CI¡¯m so tired.¡± Gina promptly agreed to it and started to pull Helen along. ¡°Let¡¯s go,

    dear.¡±

    Helen stood still, however. ¡°Mom, no.¡±

    She knew very well what Sean wanted, but she was not ready to start a new rtionship now.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Gina shot Frank a look. ¡°What do you mean, no? There¡¯s no husband waiting for you at home. Why

    bother?¡±

    Seeing his chance, Sean promptly pressed his advantage. ¡°That¡¯s right, Helen. We could also chat

    about the agreement tonight.¡±

    Though Frank appeared neutral as he stood nearby, his words were filled with anger. ¡°Word of advice,

    Helen¨Cgo home.¡±

    She had just divorced him a couple days ago, and he had to watch her get a room with another man

    already?!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you mess with me, you brat!¡± Sean growled through his teeth as he red at Frank.

    Gina was shooting him a look of contempt too. ¡°Helen can go wherever she wants! You don¡¯t get to tell

    her what to do!¡±

    That was when Helen¡¯s phone started ringing, and she snapped at them, ¡°Stop it.¡±

    She answered it to the wails of her brother Peter.

    ¡°Argh!!! Helen, my hand¡­¡±

    ¡°Peter? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Helen asked in panic.

    ¡°Someone beat me up¡­ broke my hand¡­ I¡¯m at the hospital now!¡±

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    Gina had heard her son¡¯s voice and promptly asked, ¡°What happened to Peter?¡±

    ¡°Someone attacked Peter and broke his hand,¡± Helen said anxiously. ¡°He¡¯s at the hospital. We have to

    go.¡±

    ¡°W¨CWhat are you waiting for?! Let¡¯s go!¡± Gina cried.

    Since nothing was more important than her son, she now only cared about getting to the hospital and

    did not even bother to tell Helen to stay with Sean.

    ¡°F*ck!¡± Sean swore under his breath, fuming since he was so close!

    Still, he forced himself to appear concerned. ¡°I¡¯ming too, Helen.¡±

    Helen nodded, and they all left the banquet hall, leaving Frank behind.

    He was actually surprised that scum like Peter proved useful when needed. And since he was no

    longer being harassed, he sat down and started eating again.

    After a while, Vicky returned to him. ¡°Where¡¯s Helen and the others?¡±

    ¡°The hospital.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Peter Lane¡¯s hand was broken. He¡¯s waiting for her to pay his bills.¡±

    ¡°Haha¡­¡± Vicky almostughed out loud at the Lanes¡® misfortune. ¡°That¡¯s hrious¡­ Wait, did you n

    this?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Nope. I have no idea when Barney would do his job.¡±

    ¡°Alright¨Cit¡¯s better now that they¡¯re gone. Come on¨Clet me introduce you to some bigwigs,¡± she

    said and beckoned to him.

    Frank wiped his mouth and followed her up to a hall on the second floor, which was decorated even

    more grandly with ssical designs.

 Chapter 18

    There was a single table in the hall, with many men already seated around it.

    Vicky smiled. ¡°Let me introduce you, Frank. This is Gerald Simmons, Riverton¡¯s Chief of General

    Affairs.¡±

    The middle¨Caged man with a square jaw nodded at Frank, and he nodded in turn. ¡°Mr. Simmons.¡±

    At the same time, Vicky worked her way around the table, introducing the guests one after another,

    each of whom were rich and important Riverton individuals.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Chief of Riverton¡¯smerce guild.¡±

    ¡°Head of Riverton¡¯s Skyde Dojo.¡±

    ¡°Owner of Flora Hall.¡±

    After Frank greeted each of them, Vicky finally introduced him. ¡°This is Frank Lawrence, whom I

    mentioned earlier.¡±

    The Head of Riverton¡¯s Skyde Dojo said, ¡°I see that you¡¯re a seasoned martial artist.¡±

    ¡°You tter me,¡± Frank replied humbly. ¡°I just know a thing or two.¡±

    Vicky had naturally left Frank¡¯s improved version of the Boltsmacker unmentioned while telling Yara to

    keep it a secret.

    +

    ¡±

    Y +

    ¡±

    T

    ¡±

    ¨C

    =

    After all, it would be a p in the face to Yara¡¯s father if he found out!

    ¡± 4

    ¡±

    Gerald scoffed just then. ¡°That¡¯s the healer you spoke of, Vicky?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Vicky nodded. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t underestimate him because of his youth, Mr. Simmons. He¡¯s a rare

    breed when ites to medicine.¡±

    .

    ¡°Evenpared to Mr. Zimmer?¡± The Chief of Riverton¡¯smerce guild nced pointedly at Dan

    Zimmer, the head of Flora Hall, just then.

    Vicky took a deep breath and said, ¡°No offense, but I dare say that Frank is Mr. Zimmer¡¯s equal, if not

    superior.¡±

    There were gasps heard around the room¨Cthe men present more or less know Vicky¡¯s temperament

    and that she would never trade barbs with anyone.

    And yet, she would suck up to that brat even if it insulted Dan!

    Was Frank really that gifted, or was Vicky pushing her luck?!

    Dan simply chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure that he¡¯s a dozen times better than I am. After all, I personally

    attempted to help you but failed, Ms. Turnbull, whereas that boy seeded.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Vicky smiled. ¡°And since everyone¡¯s here, why not test Mr. Lawrence¡¯s abilities to see for

    yourself? He¡¯s here personally, there¡¯s no reason to doubt him before you test him.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not doubting him,¡± Gerald replied tly. ¡°But he¡¯s no older than Mr. Zurich¡¯s granddaughter, is

    he? Also, I heard the Wesleys presented you with a 100¨Cyear¨Cold panacea cap as a gift. Isn¡¯t that the

    reason you¡¯ve recovered instead?¡±

    Vicky sneered. ¡°It¡¯s a 50¨Cyear¨Cold panacea cap, to be precise. And I gave it to Mr. Lawrence.¡®

    ¡°And when did you be an authority in herbology?¡± Gerald asked. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that the boy told

    you.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Gerald sighed in disappointment. ¡°I guess people do make mistakes, Vicky. You used to believe in

    evidence, not words alone!¡±

    Vicky did a double take, but Gerald was right¨Cshe had grown to haveplete faith in Frank¡¯s words

    before she knew it.

    Even so, it goes without question that Frank had cured her.

    On the other hand, Frank understood what Gerald was saying.

    Despite everything said, the men around the table were skeptical about him, convinced that he was a

    swindler who bewitched Vicky and tricked her for the panacea cap.

    ¡°Now reflect upon my words, Vicky,¡± Gerald added and rose to his feet, ready to leave.

    The rest were shaking their heads and nning to leave as well.

    That was when Frank suddenly pped a hand on Gerald¡¯s shoulder. ¡°One moment please, Mr.

    Simmons.¡±

    Gerald scowled right then. ¡°What is it, boy? Do you want a fight?¡±

    Frank scowled, but said solemnly nheless, ¡°No, Mr. Simmons. I would just like to ask¨Chave you

    been experiencing symptoms such as losing sleep and concentration, as well as night sweats?¡±

    Gerald narrowed his eyes. ¡°I have.¡±

    Beside them, Vicky was smiling.

    She had noticed the serious look on Frank¡¯s face and knew that he was getting serious!

 Chapter 19

    There was unwavering confidence all over Frank¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s not all, Mr. Simmons. You would wake

    up every morning with sore muscles and enfeebled limbs.¡±

    Gerald inhaled deeply and looked solemnly at Frank. ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡±

    The brat had yet to examine him in any way¨Cdid Vicky tell him about his symptoms earlier?

    ¡°It¡¯s all written on your face, Mr. Simmons,¡± Frank said tly.

    Geral snorted. ¡°My face? Then tell me, what is my affliction?¡±

    ¡°A coronary artery disease,¡± Frank said bluntly. ¡°If it¡¯s a serious case, I estimate that your condition will

    worsen in three days, so you should seek treatment as soon as possible.¡±

    The hall was left quiet for a moment by those words before everyone startedughing out loud.

    Vicky narrowed her eyes in turn¨Cdid Frank make a mistake? That should not be!

    Just then, the head of Riverton¡¯s Skyde Dojo beckoned at Frank and chuckled. ¡°Vicky told you about

    Mr. Simmons¡® condition earlier, didn¡¯t she? You have the symptoms right, but you never mentioned the

    cause.¡±

    Beside him, Gerald shook his head in disdain. ¡°My kidney¡¯s the problem, brat, and you¡¯re saying that

    it¡¯s my heart? You¡¯re wrong by a country mile, so you really should go back to school!¡±

    Frank worked his mind furiously then¨Cit was clearly a coronary artery disease caused by built¨Cup

    fatigue. The kidney condition was merely aplication, and if his hunch was right, Gerald had been

    injured in the lungs before.

    The one who had examined him merely checked the surface conditions, not the root cause.

    ¡°May I ask who diagnosed you?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°I did.¡± Dan slowly stood up.

    ¡°In that case, you should re¨Cexamine Mr. Simmons here,¡± Frank said, showing him some degree of

    respect since they were fellow men of medicine.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Gerald barked, clearly upset now. ¡°It¡¯s not just Mr. Zimmer¨CRiverton General came up

    with the same conclusion. Or are you saying that you¡¯re better?!¡±

    ¡°Of course not¨Cif you¡¯re refusing to listen, I will just stop,¡± Frank replied, shaking his head

    exasperatedly.

    Having said his part was already the most nicety he could afford.

    Gerald wheeled on Vicky in turn. ¡°Never call me again for something like this, Vicky.¡±

    He was exceedingly disappointed in Frank and was even more surprised that someone as smart as

    Vicky would be swindled by the likes of him.

    As he turned to leave, the rest all got to their feet.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Vicky was left biting her lip. She suddenly said, ¡°Mr. Simmons, I¡¯d still suggest you stay in Riverton over

    the next three days, so that Frank can reach you in time if your condition deteriorates.¡±

    Frank was taken aback that Vicky would still defend him, whereas Gerald chuckled in disdain. ¡°Oh,

    sure. I¡¯ll be groveling for his help if I do get sick.¡±

    ¡°You said it, not me.¡± Vicky shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t say I never warned you.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Gerald snorted and stormed off.

    The rest filed out as well, leaving just Vicky and Frank in the hall.

    It was only then that Vicky asked worriedly, ¡°Frank, was what you said true?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± he replied.

    Vicky breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    She offered to introduce Frank to other local bigwigs from Riverton, but Frank was uninterested and

    excused himself to return to his room.

    Meanwhile, the banquetsted until early morning.

 Chapter 20

    At the same time, Peter was groaning and moaning on a bed at Riverton General.

    He was unable to move with his entire arm stered, while Gina was sobbing, her heart broken. ¡± What

    happened, Peter? Who hurt you?¡±

    Sean added indignantly, ¡°Tell me who it is. I will settle the score for you.¡±

    ¡°Who else?!¡± Peter cried. ¡°It¡¯s that b*st*rd Frank Lawrence!¡±

    Helen was taken aback. ¡°But Frank¡¯s been at Verdant Hotel the whole time¡­¡±

    ¡°He sent his goons after me!¡± Peter growled through his teeth.

    In reality, Barney gave him a thorough beating just as he was ready to join them at Verdant Hotel.

    While Barney himself did tell Peter that Frank sent him, Peter did not mention the fact that he sent

    Barney to hurt Frank in the first ce.

    Even so, only Helen found his story suspicious. ¡°Why would Frank send people after you?¡±

    She knows that Frank was not that petty and would not have Peter beaten up just because he did not

    like him.

    Peter started to stammer right then, ¡°H¨CHe¡¯s jealous of me¡­ What other reason is there?¡±

    However, Helen could see that he was averting his eyes as well. ¡°Is there something you¡¯re not telling

    us?¡±

    Peter¡¯s face fell, and he shrieked, ¡°What are you saying Helen?! You¡¯d rather trust a stranger than

    me?!¡±

    Gina too snapped impatiently, ¡°Helen, are you implying Peter is going to lie to you? Why do you keep

    siding with outsiders, really?¡±

    Exasperated, Helen gave a nomittal response. ¡°Fine, I believe you, alright?¡±

    However, she made a mental note to ask Frankter.

    On the other hand, Sean was thumping his chest and assuring Peter, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Peter. I¡¯ll avenge

    you when there¡¯s a chance.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wesley!¡± Peter was beside himself with emotion. ¡°You¡¯re more a brother¨Cinw than

    Frank Lawrence ever was!¡±

    Afterwards, Sean tried to get Helen to the hotel again, but she insisted on staying with Peter.

    Sean was left fuming, but it was clear that he would not get Helen alone to himself.

    Early the next morning, Frank woke up and finished his usual training regime, dressed, and took a

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    cab to Riverton Hotel.

    ording to his calctions, Gerald¡¯s condition would deteriorate in three days, and he needed a pill

    to fully recover.

    Arriving at the pharmacy, he paid and waited for them to get him his ingredients when a familiar voice

    called out from behind, ¡°Frank? What are you doing here?¡±

    Frank turned to see that it was Helen and replied tly, ¡°Getting some medicine.¡±

    Helen checked to ensure there was no one else around, before asking, ¡°Did you send someone to

    break Peter¡¯s arm?¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Frank replied, nodding.

    ¡°W¨CWhy would you do that?¡± Helen demanded, feeling pained.

    Frank shrugged. ¡°He sent that thug after me first, but I gave the thug a beatdown instead. It¡¯s only

    natural that I made sure I return your brother¡¯s favor, though.¡±

    Helen was left gritting her teeth in frustration and stamping her feet. ¡°I knew Peter wasn¡¯t telling the

    truth¨CI¡¯m sorry if I got a little emotional.¡±

    Still, she suddenly looked into Frank¡¯s eyes and asked. ¡°So¡­ Where were you staying yesterday?¡±

    ¡°The penthouse suite of Verdant Hotel,¡± Frank replied.

    Helen clenched her knuckles without knowing it. ¡°With Vicky Turnbull?¡±

 Chapter 21

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Nope.¡±

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief, and her knuckles eased.

    Looking apologetic just then, she said, ¡°Frank, I¡¯m apologizing on behalf of my brother. Peter was being

    unreasonable¨Cdon¡¯t stoop to his level.¡±

    For them, everything was bygones after their divorce. That was why she did not want her family to start

    harassing Frank.

    ¡°I won¡¯t. He should stay away if he knows what¡¯s good for him,¡± Frank said with a snort.

    ¡°I will warn him,¡± Helen agreed.

    As she picked up Peter¡¯s medicine and left, Frank did not stop her as she slowly ventured into the

    distance.

    Suddenly, a blond youth intercepted her, grinning. ¡°A moment please, Ms. Lane.¡±

    Helen stared at the impudent youth warily. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°Who I am doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Blondie said with a smile. ¡°My boss has admired you for a while and would

    like to have a chat with you.¡®

    Helen studied Blondie just then.

    11Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    The hair dyed tinum blond, ear piercing, borate tattoos, and leather jacket all indicated that he

    was a thug, so how much better could his ¡®boss¡® be?

    ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m busy.¡± She rejected the offer right away.

    Blondie¡¯s smile faded right away and growled, ¡°My boss has taken a liking to your face. You can get all

    the money you want if you just spend the night with him. Just say the word¨Che really doesn¡¯tck

    money.¡±

    ¡°Get away from me,¡± Helen snapped, incensed¨Cwhat did Blondie¡¯s ¡®boss¡® take her for?!

    She started to turn and leave, but Blondie caught her wrist and started dragging her toward the

    entrance. ¡°Know what¡¯s good for you ande already!¡±

    All the bystanders could see what was happening but were too afraid to interfere¨CBlondie was

    obviously a thug, and no one wanted to poke their nose into gang affairs.

    Frank saw it, however, but before he could stop Blondie, someone suddenly leapt out and sent Blondie

    flying with a kick!

    Frank soon saw that it was Sean, with Gina soon hurrying to the scene after him. ¡°Helen, what

    happened?¡±

    Helen was still traumatized. ¡°I don¡¯t even know him, but he insists on taking me to see his ¡®boss¡®¡­¡±

    Beside her, Sean dusted hisp while promising smugly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Helen. No one will hurt you

    when I¡¯m around.¡®

    At the same time, Blondie scrambled to his feet and red viciously at Sean. ¡°You! You kicked me!¡±

    Intent on putting on a good show for Helen, Sean snapped at Blondie in turn, ¡°Shut up! I¡¯ll end you for

    messing with my girl!¡±

    And with those words, he sent another kick squarely on Blondie¡¯s chest!

    ¡°Oof¡­¡± Blondie gasped as he was sent flying.

    ¡°Nice!¡± The bystanders were suddenly apuding, naturally sympathetic since a pretty damsel like

    Helen was saved.

    They were just too weak alone and worried about bringing trouble on themselves. Now that someone

    tall, dark, and handsome like Sean was punishing the thug, they were all cheering for the man. Sean

    ran his hand through his hair elegantly in turn, losing himself amid the cheers.

 Chapter 22

    Sean certainly could not help smiling as he reveled inside. ¡®What a perfect damsel¨Cin¨Cdistress plot! I

    guess someone up there really likes me¡­ This will definitely seal the deal!¡®

    On the other hand, Blondie was clutching his chest.

    Knowing that he could not beat Sean, he pointed at him and snapped, ¡°You prick! Don¡¯t you dare leave

    town! My boss wille soon and beat you to a pulp!¡±

    Sean simply put his hands on his hips charismatically. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll wait right here. Try to grow a pair if you

    don¡¯te back.¡±

    Blondie was surprised that Sean was still talking tough and hurried to get help.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Sean snorted in disdain before turning toward Helen with a look of concern. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Helen nodded stiffly, her eyes fixed on Frank nearby.

    She was convinced that Frank would step up to save her when it mattered, but in the end, he merely

    stood there, unmoved.

    She was certainly disappointed, but perhaps he really did not care about her anymore.

    Sean followed her gaze and found Frank, his tender gaze turning dark right then. ¡°What are you doing

    here?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡± Frank replied in annoyance.

    3

    T

    a

    Gina saw him too, and her face fell even as she scoffed, ¡°Hmph! How useless can you be, hiding like a

    coward when Helen¡¯s in danger?!¡±

    Sean chuckled smugly in turn. ¡°Can¡¯t put your hopes on a good¨Cfor¨Cnothing, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Gina promptly fawned over Sean. ¡°I have nothing to worry about with you by Helen¡¯s

    side now.¡±

    ¡°Stop it, Mom,¡± Helen snapped, tugging at her mom.

    ¡°What, am I wrong? What is he good for?¡± Gina appeared annoyed right then, even rolling her eyes at

    Frank. ¡°You did the right thing by divorcing him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m bringing Peter¡¯s medicine to him.¡± Helen promptly turned to leave since Gina was

    not going to stop.

    Gina quickly followed but never stopped fawning over Sean while she did.

    Sean in turn strode up to Frank with a gleeful smile. ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re getting anywhere just because

    you became Vicky¡¯s gigolo. You¡¯re still useless even to the Lanes.¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes shed murderously. ¡°Get out of my face.¡±

    ¡°Screw you. Keep putting on airs while you can¨CI¡¯m going to mess you up soon enough.¡®

    Sean merely shook his head and turned to leave, even though his gaze was murderous.

    After all, he knew that rushing things would ruin things¨CHelen clearly still had feelings for Frank, and

    making a move against Frank now would only upset her.

    Meanwhile, the pharmacists finally finished packing Frank¡¯s order. ¡°Sir, your order.¡±

    Frank made payment and left the hospital, and saw several Mercedes G¨Css SUVS bounding down

    the street, stopping at the curb.

    The door alighted, and a young man with a buzz cut leapt out.

    Blondie, who was left in tears after Sean¡¯s beating, promptly went up to him. ¡°Boss¡­¡±

    Robin Grayson¡ªthe young man¨Cfrowned. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Where¡¯s Helen?¡±

    Blondie clutched his chest in pain and moaned, ¡°There¡¯s this dude who could really put up a fight with

    him. I can¡¯t beat him¡­¡±

    ¡°Really? Guess I¡¯ll take his leg,¡± Robin scoffed and beckoned at the vehicles.

    Over twenty thugs promptly leapt out, and Blondie led them into the hospital, striding menacingly.

    Frank frowned.

    He wanted to leave, but seeing that those thugs were carrying knives, he hesitated for a moment

    before returning to the hospital as well.

 Chapter 23

    Inside Riverton General, Helen was leaning against the hallway, her head lowered in thought.

    Sean approached her, asking affectionately, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, Helen?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s Frank,¡± Sean said tentatively.

    Helen smiled begrudgingly and shook her head. ¡°Why would I be thinking about him?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Sean promptly scoffed. ¡°He¡¯s trash¨Cyou should forget about him. I mean, you may be

    his ex¨Cwife, but he actually refused to help even when he saw that you were in danger. You can¡¯t

    depend on men like him.¡±

    Helen nodded in agreement, and seeing that, Sean promptly whipped out the diamond ring he had

    prepared in his pocket.

    Looking upon Helen lovingly then, he said, ¡°I bought this for you¨Cit¡¯s thetest design from Pegasus

    Diamonds. I wanted to give it to you as a gift after you got that contract from the Turnbulls, but I didn¡¯t

    have the chance.¡±

    Helen was stunned. ¡°What is this, Mr. Wesley?¡±

    ¡°Do you really not get it?¡± Sean¡¯s zing eyes were fixed on her.

    Helen averted her eyes. ¡°I get it, but I don¡¯t think we¡¯re good for-¡±

    ¡°Helen, I know this is sudden,¡± Sean said, promptly cutting her short. ¡°But I¡¯m hoping you won¡¯t reject

    me. Just give us time I¡¯m sure things will change.¡±

    He reached for her arm right then, but the instant he touched her skin, she avoided him as if jolted. ¡±

    I¡¯m sorry,

    but I can¡¯t ept this¨Cit¡¯s too expensive.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, it¡¯s alright,¡± Sean said, forcing a smile even though his eyes shed severely.

    Bang!

    There was a sudden crash behind them, and they both turned to find someone kicking down the fire

    escape door.

    Soon, a gang of burly thugs streamed into the hallway!

    The head nurse was immediately spooked by their arrival and asked with a quivering voice, ¡°W- What¡¯s

    your business here¡­?¡±

    Blondie promptly barked at the nurse, ¡°Shut up!¡±

    At the same time, Sean was terrified¨Cnot only did Blondie really have a boss, but he had underlings

    too!

    And here he thought Blondie was just bluffing!

    Gina heard themotion and stepped outside just then, and Blondie recognized her immediately. ¡±

    That¡¯s Helen¡¯s mom, boss!¡±

    you want?!¡±

    Gina turned pale in shock immediately, surprised that Blondie brought so many thugs!

    Nheless, Helen promptly rushed to Gina, shielding her as she demanded, ¡°What do

    Robin strode out from among the thugs just then. Studying her from head to toe like she was

    merchandise, he nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Good. You¡¯re really beautiful¨Cmore so than you look on TV.

    Helen¡¯s face stiffened.

    TV?

    She had certainly picked some of her better photos to promote herself yesterday¡­ And ended up

    drawing the interest of these thugs!

    Robin chuckled then. ¡°I¡¯m going drinking tonight, Ms. Lane. Keep mepany, and you can have a

    nightclub in return. How about that?¡±

    Gina spat at Robin¡¯s face right then!

    From her perspective, her daughter would eventually be thedy of the Wesley household, an

    endlessly noble position!

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    ¡°My daughter is a proper maiden! Going drinking with you?! Who do you take her for?!¡±

    ¡°F*ck you!¡± Robin bellowed and grabbed Gina by the hair, dragging her away.

    ¡°Stop it! Let go of her!¡± Helen cried out in panic.

    On the other hand, Gina felt like her scalp would be torn off but refused to back down.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± she cried. ¡°Help me, Mr. Wesley! Kill these thugs right now!¡±

    Standing behind everyone, Sean¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

 Chapter 24

    Sean cursed Gina for being an idiot under his breath¨Chow would he win when there were so many on

    the other side?!

    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    But even as he realized neither running nor standing his ground were options, Blondie remembered

    him and pointed straight at him. ¡°Boss, that¡¯s the b*st*rd who kicked me.

    All at once, every thug turned toward Sean.

    Despite the pierce res, Sean gritted his teeth and moved to stand in front of Helen, bracing himself

    as he snapped, ¡°I¡¯m sure everyone here¡¯s respectable in thisw¨Cabiding society. Violence is bad, so

    why don¡¯t we let bygones be bygones? Work with me here¡­ I¡¯ll even pay for the kid¡¯s medical bills.¡±

    Smack!

    Robin strode right up and pped Sean across the face, leaving his head spinning as he saw stars.

    ¡°Work with you?¡± Robin snapped. ¡°Who the f*ck are you?¡±

    Sean was fuming¡ªit had been less than a day, but he had already been pped three times!

    However, he had to restrain his anger and exined, ¡°I¡¯m Sean Wesley.¡±

    ¡°Who? Never heard of you. Beat him up, boys.¡±

    At Robin¡¯s order, the thugs behind him charged toward Sean, who was left bewildered.

    Even as he realized that his family was not that famous in Riverton, fists were already raining down on

    him!

    ¡°Argh!!! Stop!!! Stop!!! Please¡­ I¡¯m begging you!!!¡±

    Gina was left shuddering¨Cthe heir of the Wesleys whom she was so proud of was actually being

    clobbered!

    ¡°Stop,¡± Robin said when he saw that Sean had enough and walked up to him as he asked, ¡°Helen¡¯s

    your girl?¡±

    Sean was bleeding from the mouth, gulping as he turned gingerly toward Helen¡­ and shook his head.

    ¡°So you have no issue with me taking Ms. Lane out for a drink?¡± Robin pressed.

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    Robinughed. ¡°Guess there¡¯s no one stopping us now, Ms. Lane.¡±

    He seized her by the wrist, dragging her over twenty feet.

    ¡°What are you doing?! Let me go!¡± Helen shrieked and struggled as hard as she could, but there was

    nothing she could do with her measly strength.

    Behind them, Gina kept shoving Sean. ¡°Mr. Wesley, please! You have to save my daughter!¡±

    However, Sean was too afraid to even look up.

    Save Helen?! He could not even protect himself!

    And what was more important, the girl or his own life?!

    Nheless, an icy voice spoke just then. ¡°Get your paws off her.¡±

    Helen did a double take¨Cshe was all too familiar with that voice.

    Turning toward it, she found Frank¡¯s familiar figure standing in the middle of the hallway, blocking their

    path.

    She felt both delight and fear.

    If Sean could not defend himself against these thugs, the scrawny Frank certainly could not- running

    was the smartest option here!

    ¡°Run, Frank!¡± she cried.

    Robin was narrowing his eyes at Frank in turn. ¡°What, are you trying to save the damsel too, kid?¡±

    Frank merely barked angrily, ¡°Do you not understand what I¡¯ve just said?¡±

    ¡°Pfft. Putting on airs, huh?! Rough him up!¡±

    The thugs promptly charged at Frank, while Sean scoffed at Frank¡¯s stupidity.

    So Frank was still putting on airs? He would certainly like to see the man keep it up when the thugs

    floored him!

    That was when Frank suddenly stomped his foot on the ground.

    As the tiles beneath his feet shattered instantly, he vaulted into the crowd of thugs, propelled as if his

    legs were coil springs!

 Chapter 25

    Thud!

    Thud!

    Thud!

    As dull punches made contact, the thugs were all floored, none of them able to stand after a single hit

    from Frank.

    And like a human¨Cshaped tank, he continued toward Robin, who was left dumbstruck from fear. ¡°S-

    Stop him!¡±

    It was a scene straight from a horror movie¨Cthe man was just like a rabid dog!

    Even so, any thug who tried to stop Frank would be gently shoved aside, their arm broken.

    Frank reached Robin soon enough and seized his neck with a vice¨Clike grip.

    ¡°Oof-¡±

    Choking immediately, Robin released Helen in reflex while his other hand reached to his hip and

    whipped out a pocket knife.

    As it gleamed coldly, he screamed, ¡°Die!¡±

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Helen cried out and jumped toward them, but it was toote¡­

    Frank had caught Robin by the wrist in a split second, with the knife just an inch away and not budging

    at all!

    He then squeezed!

    Crack!

    Robin¡¯s arm was twisted by a 180 degree angle right then and utterly deformed!

    ¡°Argh!!! My hand!!! My hand!!!¡± he screamed.

    Helen gulped as she turned in shock toward Frank and wondered when he got there.

    Could he have been keeping an eye all this time?

    Nheless, Robin bellowed, ¡°Who the f*ck are you?! Let me go!¡±

    Frank ruthlessly pped him across the face right then, sending his head sideways and coughing

    blood.

    That merely left his face contorted with rage. ¡°Y¨CYou hit me! Don¡¯t you know who I am?!¡±

    Blondie scrambled to his feet just then. ¡°He¡¯s Robin Grayson, you piece of sh*t! You¡¯re going to die

    now¨Cyouid a finger on him!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Sean gasped when he heard the man¡¯s name. ¡°R¨CRobin Grayson?!¡±

    ¡°Who is he?¡± Gina asked tentatively.

    Sean was already frowning as if in pain. ¡°You probably wouldn¡¯t have heard of him, but his father Leo is

    infamous¨Cwhen he started out, he made his mark when he fought in a nightclub, cutting down over

    twenty men on his own! Within a decade, he took down every rival and now every nightclub is under his

    influence, not to mention he has over a hundred goons!¡±

    That meant countless thugs like Blondie!

    Gina almost dropped limply to the floor¨Cthey had just provoked a bigwig¡¯s son!

    Helen¡¯s legs weakened at the name too. Even she knew that when she was not supposed to upset Leo

    Grayson for the sake of her sess in West City! To think that such misfortune befell her¡­

    On the other hand, Frank merely narrowed his eyes.

    So the kid was the son of just some thug who made it big?

    He was still nothing to Frank, though.

    However, Robin was plenty smug when he saw the looks of panic on Helen and the others.

    Everyone in the city knew his father in Riverton, and even the Four Families had to be polite around

    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    him!

    As for this brat who dared to touch him?! He was dead meat!

    ¡°Know who I am now, brat?!¡±

 Chapter 26

    Robin pointed at Frank¡¯s face and snarled slowly and clearly, ¡°Get down on your knees and beg¨CI

    might just spare your life!¡±

    That only earned him a p from Frank, knocking out two of his mrs.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are,¡± he growled. ¡°Touch Helen, and even your daddy will die.¡±

    Robin was certainly dumbstruck¨Cthe brat hit him?! Even after he announced himself?!

    His eyes reddening, he bellowed, ¡°F*ck you! I¡¯ll kill you and torture Helen to death!¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Frank snapped, balling his fists in response to his impudence.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Sean shouted right then.

    Frank paused, and wheeled on him. ¡°What, are you pleading for his sake?¡±

    Sean red at him in turn. ¡°He¡¯s Leo Grayson¡¯s son! We¡¯ll all be dragged into this if you kill him!¡±

    Beside him, Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right! We can¡¯t afford to provoke Leo!¡±

    Frank red at her in disbelief. ¡°Do you hear a word he said?!¡±

    Helen would not have peace as long as Robin lived¨Chonestly, what was going on in Gina¡¯s head?!

    Even so, Gina stammered, ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s your fault for hitting him! Things wouldn¡¯t have gotten out of hand -he

    just wanted to have a drink with Helen!¡±

    M

    Frank gritted his teeth, feeling the impulse to crack Gina¡¯s skull right then.

    Suddenly, it was all his fault!

    At the same time, Sean barked, ¡°Apologize already! I¡¯m sure he would be magnanimous and not hold

    this against you, right?¡±

    Robin wiped the blood off his mouth and leered at Frank smugly. ¡°Exactly. Now get down on your knees

    and apologize, and I¡¯ll spare the rest.¡±

    Gina breathed a long sigh of relief as soon as she heard that and promptly urged Frank, ¡°Don¡¯t you

    hear him?! Mr. Grayson is being generous! Apologize now!¡±

    Frank turned toward Helen, but she averted her eyes from his murderous re.

    She wanted Robin dead too, but her rationality told her Robin was untouchable.

    If Frank did kill Robin, her entire family would be dragged into it!

    ¡°Calm down, Frank¡­ Just apologize to Mr. Grayson,¡± she eventually murmured.

    ¡°Haha!¡± Robinughed maniacally right then. ¡°Strength is good, but it¡¯s connections that get you

    anywhere! A piece of sh*t like you has nothing on me!¡±

    Frank stiffened, unable to believe his ears¨CHelen was telling him to apologize when he was standing

    up for her against this scumbag?!

    ¡°You disappoint me, Helen,¡± Frank said, feeling far more disappointed than when he was told to

    divorce her!

    ¡°Violence solves nothing, Frank,¡± Helen exined. ¡°We have to be rational.¡±

    ¡°F*ck that!¡± Frank bellowed.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    He then turned toward Robin with an icy, murderous re that left thetter terrified. ¡°W¨CWhat do

    want?! My father wille after you if you kill me!¡±

    you

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Frank bellowed as heunched a kick.

    Bang!

    The air around them cracked deafeningly as Frank sent Robin flying into the wall and staying stuck on

    it!

    Robin¡¯s entire spine was contorted, and he passed out right then!

 Chapter 27

    Robin survived, but his spine was shattered and he was crippled from the waist down.

    Everyone was left gaping as he stayed stuck in the wall, afraid to make a sound.

    Frank simply picked up his medical ingredients and turned to leave, while none of Robin¡¯s thugs dared

    to stop him.

    Helen watched as he went and suddenly called out, ¡°Frank¡­¡±

    Frank did not look back at all.

    Blondie was left staring at Robin in turn, at a loss for what to do.

    It seemed that they had to call Leo Grayson about this¡­

    ¡°Just you wait! Our boss will destroy all of you!¡± Blondie snarled and hurried away with his fellow thugs

    who were still standing.

    Gina almost passed out right then, having heard of Leo¡¯s savagery¨Cthere was once a thug who messed

    with his girl, and Leo cut him into pieces on the spot and fed him to the fishes!

    What are they supposed to do if a cold¨Cblooded murderer like them came after her family?!

    Grabbing Sean as he was their only saving grace now, Gina cried, ¡°Please, Mr. Wesley, you have to

    help us! You¡¯re our only hope!¡±

    Sean gulped¨Cwhere would he get the influence to pacify Leo?!

    Stammering for a long while, he eventually mumbled, ¡°A¨CActually, I¡¯ll talk to my dad. He could get a

    word in, and I¡¯m sure Leo wouldn¡¯t go too far¡­¡±

    He certainly was not confident despite what he said.

    Leo was nothing less than a rabid dog who would not let go once he bites down!

    There was a chance that Leo might be after Sean now, so instead of begging for the Lanes, he should

    be running!

    On the other hand, Gina was thanking Sean repeatedly, stopping short of kowtowing to him. ¡°Thank

    you so much, Mr. Wesley. Our family owes you our lives now! If there¡¯s anything you need, just ask

    away!¡±

    Helen turned toward Sean just then. ¡°Mr. Wesley, could you help Frank too?¡±

    She certainly could not bear to abandon Frank since she was the reason he was in deep trouble.

    Be that as it may, Sean¡¯s face fell at the mention of Frank.

    ¡°You¡¯re still siding with him now?¡± he snarled coldly. ¡°Hasn¡¯t he caused us enough trouble?! I can only

    do my best to protect your family¨CI couldn¡¯t care less about Frank!¡±

    And with that, he stormed out of the hospital.

    Gina was in turn snapping at Helen in disappointment, ¡°What¡¯s your problem?! Why do you still care

    about Frank now that things havee to this?! You should be properly fawning over Sean so that he

    saves us!¡±

    Helen bit her lip. ¡°But Frank was trying to save me!¡±

    ¡°Who cares?!¡± Gina retorted. ¡°You might be friends with Robin Grayson now if not for him! And our

    family would be even more powerful!

    Helen was utterly speechless and stood up to leave.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Gina snapped.

    ¡°I want to be alone,¡± Helen replied coldly.

    Leo and his men hurried to Skymex Club in the evening, and Blondie was shuddering even as he

    greeted the man. ¡°Mr. Grayson¡­¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s my son?¡± Leo growled.

    Blondie did not hesitate even a second and led Leo straight to a private room.

    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Inside, Robin wasying on a bed, having regained consciousness.

    Seeing his father, he groaned in anguish, ¡°Dad, you have to help me¡­

 Chapter 28

    ?

    Robin could skin Frank at the thought of being confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life!

    Beside him, Leo bellowed, "Who did this to my son?!"

    Blondie shivered even as he answered, "I-It''s a man named Frank Lawrence."

    "Who the hell is he?!"

    "He''s a nobody. Just the ex-husband of Lane Holdings'' owner."

    "Ex-husband...?" Leo was actually taken aback.

    Not daring to hide anything, Blondie promptly told Leo everything that happened earlier that day, including Robin taking an interest in Helen and wanting her for the night.

    Leo punched the wall in response, leaving a hole.

    "She''s lucky that my son likes her," he growled before turning to re sharply at Blondie. "What do I pay you for? Shouldn''t you protect Robin with your life?''

    "I... uh..." Blondie was left stammering.

    Leo barked, "Feed him to the fishes."

    Two burly men promptly seized Blondie and dragged him outside, even as he screamed hysterically, "Please, Mr. Grayson! Frank Lawrence is just too powerful. We couldn''t beat him..."

    Even as Blondie''s voice faded into the distance, there was no mercy to be found from Leo''s impassive face!

    Just then, one of his men arrived with a phone. "Sir, Helen from Lane Holdings called. She wants to talk to you." "You''re Helen Lane?" Leo barked as he took the phone.

    "I''m really sorry for what happened today, Mr. Grayson," Helen said politely from the other end. "I didn''t expect things to get out of hand. My family is willing to pay you as much as you want inpensation, but please spare Frank''s life..."

    "Spare him?" Leoughed icily. "Who do you take me for?! He''s dying either way-and you! You''d bettere to Skymex Club personally before daybreak, or I''m massacring your family. This is non-negotiable!"

    Helen tried to reason further, but Leo had already hung up.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Knowing that she could not refuse this, she certainly felt the chill down her spine as she dropped limply to the floor.

    Frank was going to die...

    Beside her, Gina snorted. "What do you care about Frank Lawrence? He''s dead anyway."

    "He saved me, Mom, Helen snapped coldly. "Would you rather me be an ingrate?"

    She had already given up on everything since her father died just to rebuild the family business-was she supposed to give up on her humanity now too?!

    Even so, Gina rolled her eyes. "We''ve been endlessly gracious after he''s been freeloading off us for three years- saving you is just paying that debt. And now, there''s nothing connecting either of you. If you want to save him, why not have Ms. Turnbull do it?"

    Helen did a double take, but Gina was right.

    Frank might only be Vicky''s gigolo, but he belonged to her, so she would not just watch as Frank got hurt!

    She promptly picked up her phone to call Vicky, leaving Gina perplexed. "Who are you calling now?"

    "Vicky."

    Gina was speechless. "She''s crazy if she''s going to save Frank. That''s an insult to Leo Grayson!"

    Nheless, Vicky answered Helen''s call just then.

    "It''s quitete, Ms. Lane," she said. "What''s the matter?''

    "Ms. Turnbull, please, you have to save Frank!"

 Chapter 29

    Vicky was reading some documents in Turnbull Vi when she paused because of Helen¡¯s words.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked.

    Helen promptly told Vicky everything that happened earlier and pleaded, ¡°Please, Ms. Turnbull.

    You¡¯re the only one who can save Frank now.¡±

    Vicky simply narrowed her eyes, her fair fingers rubbing her chin pensively for a while.

    Eventually, she asked, ¡°Frank¡¯s in trouble because he saved you. And you¡¯reing to me instead of

    helping him? Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re out of line?¡±

    Helen was left speechless but tried again. ¡°I know the trouble started because of me, but I really don¡¯t

    have what it takes to help him¡­¡°.

    ¡°And how¡¯s that my fault?¡±

    That left Helen stumped. ¡°A¨CAre you just going to let Frank die?¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s that my business?¡± Vicky asked nonchntly.

    ¡°What¡­ Alright, if you don¡¯t want to help. Fine!¡± Helen snapped and hung up exasperatedly.

    On the other end, Yara asked Helen gingerly, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, are we really not going to help Frank?¡± 1

    Despite Frank¡¯s arrogance, Yara had a good impression of Frank after he taught her his improved

    version of the Boltsmacker. She certainly did not hope that he would end up dead at the hands of some

    thug¡­ 1

    Vicky scowled. ¡°Of course I do. But Helen Lane had the audacity to tell me what to do¨Cwhy should I

    y to her tune?¡±

    Yara understood right then¨Cwhile Vicky was keen to help Frank, she really despised Helen. ¡°Well, what

    should we do?¡±

    Vicky mused to herself for a while. ¡°Make a run for me, Yara¨Cbut don¡¯t say that it¡¯s me.¡®

    ¡°Got it.¡± Yara nodded in understanding and left the room.

    Meanwhile, Gina was scoffing since Helen¡¯s request for help proved fruitless. ¡°What did I tell you?

    Frank¡¯s just a dog to Vicky Turnbull¨Cshe¡¯s the heiress of an important family. There¡¯s no way she would

    mess with Leo Grayson for his sake.¡±

    Helen simply stayed silent and balled her fists.

    She then got up and put on her coat, while Gina quickly asked, ¡°Where are you going?!¡±

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    ¡°Skymex Club,¡± Helen replied, determined. ¡°I¡¯ll try to save Frank.¡±

    Vicky was reading some documents in Turnbull Vi when she paused because of Helen¡¯s words.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked.

    Helen promptly told Vicky everything that happened earlier and pleaded, ¡°Please, Ms. Turnbull. You¡¯re

    the only one who can save Frank now.¡±

    Vicky simply narrowed her eyes, her fair fingers rubbing her chin pensively for a while.

    Eventually, she asked, ¡°Frank¡¯s in trouble because he saved you. And you¡¯reing to me instead of

    helping him? Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re out of line?¡±

    Helen was left speechless but tried again. ¡°I know the trouble started because of me, but I really don¡¯t

    have what it takes to help him¡­¡°¡¤

    ¡°And how¡¯s that my fault?¡±

    That left Helen stumped. ¡°A¨CAre you just going to let Frank die?¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s that my business?¡± Vicky asked nonchntly.

    ¡°What¡­ Alright, if you don¡¯t want to help. Fine!¡± Helen snapped and hung up exasperatedly.

    On the other end, Yara asked Helen gingerly, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, are we really not going to help Frank?¡± 1

    Despite Frank¡¯s arrogance, Yara had a good impression of Frank after he taught her his improved

    version of the Boltsmacker. She certainly did not hope that he would end up dead at the hands of some

    thug¡­ 1

    Vicky scowled. ¡°Of course I do. But Helen Lane had the audacity to tell me what to do¨Cwhy should I

    y to her tune?¡±

    Yara understood right then¨Cwhile Vicky was keen to help Frank, she really despised Helen. ¡°Well, what

    should we do?¡±

    Vicky mused to herself for a while. ¡°Make a run for me, Yara¨Cbut don¡¯t say that it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± Yara nodded in understanding and left the room.

    Meanwhile, Gina was scoffing since Helen¡¯s request for help proved fruitless. ¡°What did I tell you?

    Frank¡¯s just a dog to Vicky Turnbull¨Cshe¡¯s the heiress of an important family. There¡¯s no way she would

    mess with Leo Grayson for his sake.¡±

    Helen simply stayed silent and balled her fists.

    She then got up and put on her coat, while Gina quickly asked, ¡°Where are you going?!¡±

    ¡°Skymex Club,¡± Helen replied, determined. ¡°I¡¯ll try to save Frank.¡±

    Gina promptly stopped her. ¡°What?! Do you have a death wish?!¡±

    ¡°Leo Grayson told me to go,¡± Helen snapped angrily. ¡°Do you think he¡¯d spare us if I don¡¯t go?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Gina stepped aside right then, her gaze evasive the instant she heard it was Leo¡¯s demand.

    Helen shot her a look and said, ¡°If I don¡¯t make it back today, you have to straighten out Peter¨Cstop him

    from messing around at bars and nightclubs. And consult Grandpa if there¡¯s problems with Lane

    Holdings.¡±

    Her words sounded like a will, and that left Gina spooked. ¡°Helen¡­¡±

    Nheless, Helen did not look back as she strode out of the manor, got into her car, and told the

    chauffeur, ¡°Skymex Club, please.¡±

    At the penthouse suit of Verdant Hotel, Frank was unpacking his medicinal ingredients.

    However, before he could start brewing the pill he wanted, he got a call from Trevor.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°We have a problem, Mr. Lawrence. Helen just left for Skymex Club.¡±

    In the three years Frank was Helen¡¯s partner, he had arranged for plenty of people to be by Helen¡¯s

    side, both to ensure her safety and to keep an eye on her.

    Even if Helen had divorced Frank, those people were still with Helen, and Trevor reported to Frank the

    instant he got word that Helen was heading to Skymex Club.

    ¡°What?!¡± Frank was stunned. ¡°Is she an idiot? Giving herself up to Leo Grayson and at his turf no less!

 Chapter 30

    Trevor asked, ¡°Should we call up our brothers, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank frowned, his gaze murderous.

    Still, he said, ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll head to Skymex Club right now¨CI¡¯m massacring them if they hurt Helen.¡±

    And with that, he hung up and strode off, knocking the suite¡¯s huge doors open with a p of his palm.

    A formless spiral was revolving around him, the monumental force within barely restrained!

    As Helen alighted at Skymex Club, the goons waiting outside who were told beforehand promptly led

    her to the office upstairs when they saw her.

    She entered to see Leo standing before the ss wall.

    With his six¨Cfoot frame, rotund stature, and the deep knife scar on his face that ran from his scalp to his

    lips, his very presence would send chills down anyone¡¯s spine.

    Robin was nearby, sitting on a wheelchair and staring at her fixedly.

    Leo then turned, leveling his icy re at her. ¡°So, you¡¯re Helen.¡±

    Helen promptly bowed her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened today, Mr. Grayson. I apologize.¡±

    ¡°Do you think that would fly?¡± He snorted.

    Helen sweated buckets from her forehead, and reached into her pouch with trembling fingers, taking

    out a stack of documents and several debit cards. ¡°I understand we¡¯re at fault¨Chere¡¯s fifty million

    dors. Please just spare Frank¡¯s life.¡±

    Leo simply pped everything off her hands and grabbed her by the cor, ¡°My son is confined to a

    wheelchair for the rest of his life! Do you think fifty million dors will cut it?!¡±

    Robin yelled shrilly in turn, ¡°I want her to be my little b*tch, Dad! I want her to serve me on her knees

    forever!¡±

    Helen gritted her teeth and tried her best to stay calm. ¡°What do you want, Mr. Grayson?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear my son?¡± Leo growled coolly. ¡°You¡¯ll be atoning for life by serving my son.

    TI

    Robin¡¯s face contorted into a sickly smile right then. ¡°Hahaha! You¡¯ll wish you were dead, Helen!¡±

    Helen scowled at him, but said, ¡°Mr. Grayson, just name your price. You can take everything I have, but

    I will not serve your son for life.¡±

    Smack!

    Leo pped her across the face right then and barked, ¡°You have no grounds to argue! If you don¡¯t

    want to be my son¡¯s b*tch, I¡¯ll dump you at the club right now and let every man have their way with

    you! All of Riverton would watch you slut yourself!¡±

    There was blood on Helen¡¯s lips, but she stubbornly shook her head, still intent on fighting to the

    bitter end.

    Leo simply ignored that and pped her again. ¡°On your knees!¡±

    This time, Helen was left dazed.

    However, she did not kneel, so Leo kicked her in the stomach, sending her flying over ten feet,

    mming into a wall.

    Seeing that she passed out, Robin, who already had a knife brandished, cursed unhappily, ¡°What a

    bore! That slut can¡¯t even take a punch¡­ Go strip her naked! I¡¯m going to make her suffer!¡±

    Robin¡¯s shattered spine meant he felt nothing at all from the waist¨Cdown. However, even if he no longer

    could enjoy the pleasure of women, he had plenty of sick ways to torment Helen.

    Two of his goons shuddered at the thought of what was toe even as they watched him brandish

    his knife. 1

    Still, just as they reached out to strip Helen, a loud bang thundered as someone kicked down the door.

    Wooden splinters shot through the air while dust swirled as a figure slowly made his

    way inside!

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    *

 Chapter 31

    As the dust settled, everyone could see Frank standing there.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Leo narrowed his eyes at him. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Frank did not respond.

    Instead, he turned to look at Helen on the floor, asking coolly, ¡°You¡¯re the one who hurt her?¡±

    On the other hand, Robin¡¯s eyes bulged when he saw that it was Frank and promptly pointed at Frank

    as he barked, ¡°Dad! That¡¯s him! He¡¯s the bastard who did this to me! Don¡¯t let him escape!¡±

    Leo took a deep breath, his eyes ring murder. ¡°Amazing. Youe knocking on my door, sparing

    me the effort of looking for you.¡±

    On the other hand, Frank¡¯s eyes were red, his knuckles clenching as he growled slowly and clearly, ¡±

    I¡¯m asking a question.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Leo snorted. ¡°So what if I did?¡±

    ¡°Then die!¡± Frank bellowed and shot toward Leo like a missile, kicking a gust behind him.

    ¡°What?!¡± Leo¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief¨Cthat was so fast!

    However, he was no slouch himself after being a gangster for so many years¨Che whipped out the

    machete from behind his desk, shing it through the air even before locking onto Frank!

    Frank shifted to the side, allowing the sharp de to move inches from his shirt before punching Leo

    in the wrist.

    ¡°Argh!¡± Leo screamed, heartrending pain striking him as his bones shattered.

    He dropped the machete, which fell right into Frank¡¯s hands.

    There was a cool sh.

    Suddenly, Leo no longer felt his hand hurting¡­ until he saw his own arm in the air, flying past his

    own eyes.

    Looking down, he saw his arm gone and blood shooting out like a geyser!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± He clutched the stump that was his hand. Glowering savagely at Frank as a vein bulged over

    his neck, he bellowed, ¡°Kill him! Kill him!!!¡±

    Countless goons swarmed into his office, but Frank fearlessly swung the machete with the grace of a

    butterfly.

    In no time at all, the office was bathed in blood as countless goonsy in puddles of blood.

    Leo, who had been leaning against his desk, felt his rage vaporizing as he watched his goons fall one

    after the other.

    Fear crept down his spine as he mumbled, ¡°W¨CWho is he?!¡±

    When Frank cut down another goon, he flicked the blood off the machete and pointed at the rest. ¡°I

    have no fight against you. Leo Grayson shall be the only one to die here¨Cso if you don¡¯t want to die,

    leave.¡±

    The goons traded nces and promptly dropped all their weapons!

    Leo¡¯s face fell, and he bellowed, ¡°Kill him! Kill him, and you get five million!¡±

    Money did get one everything, but the man before them had already cut down over forty of their

    buddies¨Cand the man did not even blink!

    Would the dozen of them left evenst?! Even if there was money offered, they had to be alive to

    spend it!

    As they fled Leo¡¯s office without looking back, Leo screamed hysterically, ¡°Get back here, you pieces of

    shit!¡±

    That was when Frank suddenly put his foot on his chest, knocking the breath out of him while his face

    paled immediately.

    He red at him furiously but growled despite the difficulty, ¡°You can¡¯t kill me. I¡¯m the top dog of West

    City, and the Chandlers of Middleton have my back! They¡¯ll have your head if you kill me!¡± ¡°Chandler¡­

    who?¡± Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°There¡¯s only death if youy a finger on my woman.¡®

 Chapter 32

    With a single swing of the machete, Frank cut Leo down.

    And with that, the top dog of West City had fallen.

    Nearby, Robin was trembling as he stared at his father¡¯s corpse, caught in utter disbelief.

    His father was invincible¨Chow could he die just like that?!

    Still, he wheeled himself as fast as he could to escape the hellish office, only for Frank to kick him

    down to the floor.

    ¡°Please have mercy, Frank¨Cit was a mistake! I shouldn¡¯t have messed with Helen. Please spare me!

    I¡¯m a nobody-¡±

    Robin¡¯s smugness was all gone as he kowtowed repeatedly, hammering his head against the floor.

    He was certainly regretting his actions now¨Cif he had known Helen was protected by an elite like Frank,

    he would have stayed well away from her!

    Frank stared downward at him, his voice cool as ice. ¡°Toote.¡±

    And with those words, Robin¡¯s head was separated from the rest of his body.

    Yara arrived at Skymex Club as Vicky had requested. She even brought several elites from the

    governor¡¯s office to protect Frank.

    However, she had just cleared out the premises when Frank stepped out of the elevator with an

    unconscious Helen in his arms.

    Yara promptly approached him, asking, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, is she¡­?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s just unconscious,¡± Frank replied.

    Yara breathed a sigh of relief.

    about Leo Grayson and his people?¡±

    ¡°I had them all killed.¡±

    Yara gasped but soon added, ¡°You should leave, Mr. Lawrence. Leave the rest to me.¡±

    Frank nodded, and Yara led her people to the office on the top floor, her heart skipping a beat when

    she saw everything before her.

    Did Frank do this to these people?!

    One man against forty. How powerful was he?!

    Vicky called her just then, eager to find out what had happened. ¡°What¡¯s the situation, Yara? You can

    mention my name if Leo Grayson gets persistent.¡±

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Leo¡¯s dead, Vicky,¡± Yara replied honestly. ¡°Along with over forty of his goons.¡±

    ¡°What?! Over forty?! Wait, was Frank the one who killed them all?!¡±

    ¡°Most likely.¡±

    Vicky sighed lengthily. ¡°It seems that we really underestimated him.¡±

    Another night, and they once again had to reevaluate the depth of Frank¡¯s power.

    Still, Yara was concerned. ¡°Vicky, don¡¯t forget that Leo Grayson is backed by the Chandlers of

    Middleton. Wouldn¡¯t this anger them?¡±

    ¡°The Chandlers? So what?¡± Vicky snorted coolly. ¡°Leo brought this on himself, and if the Chandlers

    want to pick up the tab, they only have themselves to me.¡±

    Yara nodded.

    Meanwhile, as Frank stepped out of Skymex Club, a Mercedes came to a screeching stop by the curb.

    Sean was the first one who got off, followed by Gina, who eximed when she saw Helen in Frank¡¯s

    arms. ¡°Helen! What happened to you?! Please don¡¯t scare me!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s just unconscious,¡± Frank exined. ¡°She¡¯s mostly fine.¡±

    ¡°Just unconscious?! What are you saying¨Cdo you want her to die?!¡± Gina snapped.

    Frank was speechless. ¡°When did I ever say that?¡±

    Helen stirred just then and saw Gina with tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°Mom¡­?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Helen! You¡¯re back¡­ You gave me such a scare!¡± Gina cried, gathering her in her arms.

 Chapter 33

    Sean moved up beside Helen just then, staring at her in concern, ¡°Are you okay, Helen?¡±

    Helen rubbed her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine, but shouldn¡¯t I be in Leo¡¯s office? What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I was worried, so I had Mr. Wesleye with me,¡± Gina replied. ¡°Did Leo Grayson do anything to

    you?¡±

    Helen touched her cheek, then her clothes.

    It seemed that Leo did nothing to her aside from pping her a few times, leaving her puzzled¨Cthe man

    was ready to cut her into pieces!

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but why did Leo let me go?¡± she asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Mr. Wesley,¡± Gina said, realizing with a start and turning toward Skymex Club. ¡± See?

    The whole ce was locked down by the governor¡¯s men.¡±

    Helen turned to see many men in uniforms from the governor¡¯s office standing in front of Skymex

    Club.

    Gina in turn started to fawn over Sean. ¡°Your father¡¯s amazing, Mr. Wesley. He could even pull strings

    with the governor¡¯s office!¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Sean stiffened, though he soonughed. ¡°Haha, of course! My dad does have friends in the

    governor¡¯s office!¡±

    In reality, he was very puzzled since he never called his father¨Cso who called the governor¡¯s office?

    Frank snorted in turn. ¡°I didn¡¯t know your family was acquainted with the governor at all.¡±

    ¡°Hah! Of course an ignorant tramp like you wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Gina shot him a look of contempt.

    Beside her, Sean frowned. ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°What am I saying¡­¡± Frank mused, sping his hands behind his back. ¡°Since you¡¯re the one who

    called them in, why don¡¯t you call their leader? Introduce us.¡±

    Sean promptly averted his eyes, but he stubbornly retorted, ¡°They are busy. They have no time for

    trash like you.¡±

    Gina nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s right! Do you think their leader woulde to see some lowlife like

    you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not the one who called them here,¡± Frank snapped nheless.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t him, then who was it? You?¡± Helen demanded.

    Frank paused before shaking his head since he did not call Yara here.

    Helen sighed. ¡°If it¡¯s neither you nor me, who else could it be other than Sean? I know you have a

    problem with him, but why don¡¯t you admit he has ability?¡±

    ¡°Ability?¡± Frank snapped. ¡°He has nothing!¡±

    ¡°Enough! You disappoint me, Frank!¡± Helen snapped back. ¡°Do you know what I did for you? What else

    did you do other than question me?¡±

    She was thoroughly disappointed.

    Leo had knocked her out because of Frank, but instead of caring for her, Frank had questioned Sean-

    they would be dead if not for Sean!

    ¡°Did I tell you to do it?!¡± Frank snapped furiously. ¡°You¡¯re crazy to have gone to find Leo alone. You

    would be dead if not for me.¡±

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Though he did not mind contributing without being acknowledged, he refused to be doubted!

    However, just as he was about to rant, Helen started tearing up. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m crazy¨CI even went begging

    Vicky Turnbull to try to save you before going to Leo alone to beg for mercy. I¡¯m the dumbest person

    alive. Is that good enough for you?!¡±

 Chapter 34

    Frank frowned¨CHelen had asked Vicky for help?

    So that was why Yara showed up!

    However, before he could tell her about Yara and Vicky, Helen pushed him away.

    He quickly caught her wrist. ¡°There¡¯s a misunderstanding-¡±

    ¡°Save it. You can stay with Vicky Turnbull as a dog.¡± Helen shook him off and stormed off in disgust.

    Gina shot him a look of disdain in turn. ¡°I don¡¯t mind telling you that Helen called Ms. Turnbull, but

    she didn¡¯t care if you lived. But my daughter still found sympathy in her heart to beg Leo Grayson ¨C

    you wouldn¡¯t know what killed you if not for her!¡±

    Rolling her eyes at him, she left with Sean, who was all smiles since he was the happiest person

    present.

    On the other hand, Frank was left standing there, conflicted.

    He was actually surprised that Helen had gone to Leo to beg for his sake¨Che had really been severe.

    However, she was already gone, leaving him alone standing on the curb in the cold night.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    After a long while, Yara stepped out of Skymex Club and noticed Frank.

    Seeing that he appeared a little weird, she promptly went up and asked, ¡°Are you alright, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Frank said, nodding andposing himself. ¡°By the way, have you found the person I asked

    you to find?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but there are dozens of people named Winter Lawrence in Riverton,¡± Yara admitted. ¡°Do you

    have further details?¡±

    Frank shook his head, but remembered his mentor¡¯s age. ¡°She should be around 22 and from a single

    family without a father. Please keep checking with those details.¡±

    Yara nodded. ¡°Of course. Shall I give you a ride home, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank shook his head again, since he could walk back to the hotel. ¡°No, I¡¯m fine on my own.¡±

    Early next morning, Gerald had a cigarette between his lips as he read the newspaper at his residence.

    A servant arrived, saying, ¡°It¡¯s time to take your medicine, sir.¡±

    Gerald nodded, taking the pill the servant handed him and washed it down with a ss of water.

    Seeing the pill bottle reminded him of Frank, and he even took a deep puff of his cigarette. ¡°Hmph. I

    have a coronary artery disease?! Howughable.¡±

    The servant was smiling beside him¨CGerald had been really upset about that yesterday, ranting as

    soon as he came home.

    Having heard what had happened, he nodded in agreement. ¡°An ignorant youth like him wouldn¡¯t know

    medicine. Even if he did, would he ever beat Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    Gerald sighed, actually feeling grateful to have Dan Zimmer¡¯s help. ¡°Thank goodness we have such a

    great doctor in Riverton¨Che must have extended my lifespan for another decade.¡±

    Suddenly, he felt a pang of agony on his chest, and his breaths turned rushed as he fell off his chair.

    His lungs felt like they had been stabbed!

    The servant paled right then and promptly went to help him up. ¡°Mr. Simmons! A¨CAre you alright?!¡±

    However, Gerald¡¯s face was purple and he had trouble talking!

    The servant promptly shouted, ¡°Get Mr. Zimmer now!¡±

 Chapter 35

    Dan, however, waspletely confused when he arrived at Gerald¡¯s residence to find him coughing

    repeatedly, asionally spitting blood.

    ¡°Dan, why did my condition get so bad?¡± Gerald asked.

    Dan could only rub his beard and ask, ¡°Your pulse is a mess. Did you eat anything bad recently?¡±

    Gerald shook his head repeatedly. ¡°No¡­ and I took the medicine like you ordered me to¡­¡±

    That left Dan even more confused, and he growled through his teeth, ¡°Your symptoms are all so

    bizarre. This is beyond me now.¡±

    ¡°What?! How?!¡± Tidus Simmons cried, grabbing his arms. ¡°You¡¯re the best healer in Riverton! You have

    to save my father!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather nothing happen to him too,¡± Dan said bitterly. ¡°But I have limits, and¡­¡±

    He trailed off, but he basically meant there was no hope.

    Tidus felt his breath leave his lungs as he dropped to a heap beside his father.

    Still, Gerald appeared calm. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Death is merely nature running its course¨Cno one can ever

    beat it.¡±

    Nheless, the bedroom was exceedingly gloomy, and the Simmons residence was devoid of its

    usual cheer.

    After all, Dan had just sentenced Gerald to death.

    Just then, a servant rushed inside Gerald¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Mr. Simmons? Ms. Turnbull called, saying she

    wants to speak with you.¡±

    Gerald did a double take, but he took the call and immediately heard Vicky¡¯s confidentughter. ¡°Mr.

    Simmons, I heard your condition got worse this morning? Congrattions!¡±

    Gerald glowered right then¨Canyone on their deathbed would be if they were congratted for that.¡±

    What is this, Ms. Turnbull? There¡¯s no grudge between us¨Cwhy would you look forward to my death?

    ¡°No, Mr. Simmon. I¡¯m congratting you for the fact that there¡¯s a miracle healer in Riverton who

    can save you,¡± Vicky exined.

    Gerald sighed. ¡°Dan Zimmer¡¯s here, and he¡¯s already given up. You cane see me off if you¡¯re

    wishing me well, though.¡±

    ¡°No, you misunderstand,¡± Vicky said bluntly. ¡°Do you remember Mr. Lawrence, whom I introduced you

    to the other day?¡±

    ¡°Him?¡± Gerald was taken aback.

    He certainly remembered, and he certainly bore the grudge from two days ago!

    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± Vicky said. ¡°He¡¯s the only one who can save you now¨Cthat¡¯s all I have to say. It¡¯s up to

    you to believe me.¡±

    With that, Vicky hung up.

    Seeing that his father was lowering his phone, Tidus promptly asked, ¡°What did Ms. Turnbull say,

    Dad?¡±

    Geral took a deep breath. ¡°Ahem¡­ Vicky asked me to look for Frank Lawrence and told me that he can

    help me.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Frank?¡± Tidus asked, bemused.

    Dan exined, ¡°Ms. Turnbull imed that he treated her paralysis.¡±

    Tidus promptly turned toward Dan. ¡°Do you think we can trust him?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s very young,¡± Dan said quietly. ¡°However, Ms. Turnbull trusts him profoundly. Since there¡¯s nothing

    to be done with Gerald¡¯s condition, there¡¯s no harm in letting him try.¡±

    In other words, it was an option in the absence of others.

    Seeing that Dan agreed, Tidus promptly rose to his feet. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go look for him.¡±

    He promptly called Vicky, asking for Frank¡¯s address and leaving immediately.

    Over at his penthouse suite in Verdant Hotel, Frank was standing before a pill cauldron.

    He turned off the fire and opened it, taking three blood¨Chued pills.

    They were called Ichor Pills¨Che had brewed them using his blood as the prime substance and the

    panacea cap as aplement. It cleared veins, curing any underlying conditions¡­ and could even

    bring the dead back to life.

    However, every time one was made, it would burn out the brewer in spirit. If anything, Frank¡¯s ability to

    make three at once made him an unparalleled genius!N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

 Chapter 36

    There was an urgent knock on his door just then, and Frank opened it to find a man he did not

    recognize.

    Still, his finely tailored suit made it clear he was not your average Joe, and there was a burly ck-

    d bodyguard behind him.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Frank asked.

    Tidus did not waste his breath and asked bluntly, ¡°Frank Lawrence? I¡¯m Gerald Simmons¡® son.¡±

    Frank promptly understood. ¡°It seems your father¡¯s condition is worse than I thought.¡±

    Tidus seized his cor right then. ¡°You did something to him, didn¡¯t you?!¡±

    His father was perfectly fine despite being sick on asion but was suddenly dying after meeting this

    brat!

    He really doubted this brat was innocent!

    Frank simply smiled. ¡°Your father is gued with multiple conditions, with his thorax being maimed

    during his younger days. It was always on the verge of aggravation. Also, I just need to lift my finger

    and he¡¯d be dead¨Cwhy go through so much trouble?¡±

    Tidus considered that for a long while before eventually growling, ¡°You¡¯reing with me to help my

    dad. You can ask for anything you want once he¡¯s cured¨Cif you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll cripple you, your connection

    with Vicky Turnbull be damned.¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±

    ¡°You can think of it that way,¡± Tidus replied staunchly.

    Frank moved right then, seizing Tidus¡® wrist and clenching, dislocating it from his shoulder in an

    instant!

    ring at him contemptibly, Frank growled, ¡°I hate being threatened.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°What¡­ Get him!¡± Tidus barked at the bodyguard, who promptly swung a punch at Frank¡¯s face!

    Frank answered it with his own fist.

    Pow!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± the bodyguard yelled¨Chis knuckle was left deformed as he stumbled backward!

    Tidus was left dumbstruck right then.

    Governor Quill was the one who had handpicked that bodyguard. But even at his level, the brat broke

    Governor Quill¡¯s hand with just a single punch?!

    Frank turned back toward Tidus just then, looking downward at him coolly. ¡°If you want to save your

    dad, tell him toe see me. You are in no position to speak with me.¡±

    ¡°What-¡±

    Before Tidus could finish, Frank had already kicked him out of his room.

    Beside Tidus, even the bodyguard was fuming. ¡°Sir, what do we do now?¡±

    Tidus was helpless either way.

    They were supposed to ask Frank to help treat his father, only to fail and end up being given a beating.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back for now. The brat¡¯s too cocky,¡± he growled.

    Meanwhile, at Gerald¡¯s residence, every VIP there had shown up after hearing that he was in critical

    condition.

    Among them were Kenny Sparks, master of Skyde Dojo, and Norman Schmidt, chief of Riverton¡¯s

    commerce guild.

    ¡°Dan, is there really no saving Gerald?¡± Norman was just asking.

    Dan shook his head and said, ¡°Ms. Turnbull did mention that Frank Lawrence could, however. Tidus

    has left to get him.¡±

    Norman gasped. ¡°That brat again? Is it true what he said, that Gerald has a coronary artery disease?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Dan shook his head again, chagrined.

    ¡°Master Tidus has returned!¡± a servant announced loudly right then, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.

 Chapter 37

    Everyone promptly ran to the doorway, but Frank was nowhere to be seen.

    Only Tidus was there, clutching his arm and wobbling as he hurried back.

    ¡°Tidus? Where¡¯s Frank?¡± Kenny promptly asked.

    ¡°No. That pompous bastard said my father¡¯s thorax was maimed during his youth and was already

    nearing death,¡± Tidus growled through his teeth. ¡°He demanded that my father go to him personally -I

    was going to argue, but he dislocated my shoulder!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Kenny eximed furiously. ¡°He¡¯s so full of himself! I¡¯ll bring him here myself!¡±

    ¡°Hold it!¡± Dan suddenly barked and ran right up to Tidus. ¡°What did you say? How does he know about

    your father¡¯s injury during his youth?!¡±

    Tidus did a double take. ¡°No, he¡¯s just spewing crap. My father never mentioned anything like that¡­¡®

    Dan sighed lengthily. ¡°Actually, it did happen, but he had supposedly made a full recovery. Also, only he

    and I are aware¡­ Not even Vicky Turnbull would have known!¡±

    Everyone traded nces at that.

    Frowning, Norman suggested, ¡°Does that mean that the kid is really as good as he ims?¡±

    ¡°It seems like we need to go with him this time,¡± Dan decided right then and barked orders for everyone

    to bring Gerald along to Verdant Hotel to see Frank.

    Seeing that they were leaving, all of Gerald¡¯s visitors followed¡­

    Meanwhile, Sean and Helen left Turnbull Tower, having just signed the contract for the project in West

    City.

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief as she stared at the agreement in her hands.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made a reservation at Verdant Hotel,¡± Sean said just then. ¡°Now that we¡¯ve secured the project,

    you can call Peter and your mother over to celebrate and take a breather.¡±

    Helen nodded. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s finally over.¡®

    She had indeed been working too hard for a while and needed a break, which was why she did not turn

    down his invitation.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    When they drove over to Verdant Hotel, Gina and Peter were already there, having waited for a long

    while.

    And the instant Gina saw Sean, she promptly greeted him. ¡°Oh, Mr. Wesley! Thank you for helping us

    secure the West City project!¡±

    ¡°Oh, you give me too much credit,¡± Sean said with feigned humility, his eyes fixed on Helen. ¡°Helen¡¯s

    my friend. It¡¯s what I should do.¡±

    ¡°Such is loyalty,¡± Peter said, holding up a ss with one hand since the other was bandaged. ¡°Here¡¯s to

    your good health, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    Sean clink sses with him and both of them chugged their drinks whole.

    Just then, the front entrance of Verdant Hotel opened wide as Tidus and everyone else filed in.

    It was certainly a scene of pomp that left Sean and the others stunned -that was the son of Gerald

    Simmons, the Chief of General Affairs!

    Sean rose to his feet, ready to greet the man, only to be left stupefied when he saw the others behind

    him.

    It was the chief of Riverton¡¯smerce guild, the leader of Skyde Dojo, and Gerald Simmons

    himself on a wheelchair.

    W¨CWhat was going on? Why were the bigwigs of Riverton suddenly here at Verdant Hotel?

    Sean then whispered, ¡°I think I just saw a familiar face. I¡¯ll go greet him.¡±

    Helen and the others naturally did not stop him.

 Chapter 38

    Peter, Gina, and Helen were actually curious about who Sean had just spotted.

    They looked as he headed over to therge group of people at the entrance, groveling like a humble

    ve.

    Gina paled. ¡°W¨CWho on earth are those people?¡±

    Even Sean himself had to fawn over them!

    Helen soon narrowed her eyes.

    She did not recognize the rest save one¨CNorman Schmidt.

    ¡°One of them is the chief of Riverton¡¯smerce guild,¡± she said. ¡°I don¡¯t know the rest.¡±

    Peter looked utterly envious¨Cwhen could he mingle with the bigwigs like Sean did?

    ¡°Gosh,¡± he sighed. ¡°He¡¯s even on talking terms with the chief of Riverton¡¯smerce guild¡­

    Amazing!¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡± Gina eximed and turned toward Helen with a serious look. ¡°He¡¯s a special man, mingling

    with the likes of such bigwigs. See how far his influence extends? You have to win him over soon!¡±

    Helen was speechless. ¡°Stop prying, Mom.¡±

    ¡°Why? You¡¯re already divorced.¡±

    ¡°Enough. Let¡¯s finish up here¨CI have to go back to the office soon.¡± Helen ignored Gina and started

    eating.

    Sean returned just then, and Gina promptly asked, ¡°Mr. Wesley, who were those people?¡±

    Sean appeared somber. ¡°That¡¯s Tidus Simmons, Gerald Simmons¡® son. With him are the chief of

    Riverton¡¯smerce guild and the master of Skyde Dojo, while the old man is the owner of Flora

    Hall. It seems that Gerald Simmons is suffering from a terrible affliction and hase to consult a

    miracle healer.¡±

    ¡°Gosh,¡± Gina gasped in shock. ¡°You actually know all of them, Mr. Wesley?¡±

    Sean scratched his head awkwardly¨Che knew none of them aside from Tidus.

    He would certainly like to get acquainted with the VVIPS of Riverton himself, but Tidus was too busy

    with his father¡¯s situation and did not stop to introduce them.

    Even so, he was still smiling. ¡°We¡¯re just ordinary friends.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s still impressive,¡± Peter said. ¡°We don¡¯t even know any of them¨Ctalk about broadening your

    horizons.¡±

    Helen, however, was frowning in thought. ¡°Gerald Simmons is suffering from a terrible affliction?

    Even the head of Flora Hall couldn¡¯t help? Then who are they consulting?¡±

    Sean shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But it seems that Dan Zimmer was helpless too.¡±

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°There¡¯s someone so impressive in Riverton¡­?¡±

    Still, none of them dwelled on the issue.

    Meanwhile, Tidus and the others arrived outside the penthouse suite and knocked on the door again.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Frank said from inside.

    Everyone filed inside to find Frank sitting on a rocking chair, basking in the sun leisurely.

    ¡°Man¡¯s really rxed,¡± Tidus growled through his teeth.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence?¡± Dan strode past him, greeting Frank. ¡°Allow me to apologize on behalf of young Tidus

    if he had been rude. In fact, all of us are here to apologize¨Clet us reconcile any differences, as we ask

    humbly that you save Mr. Simmons.¡±

    Frank slowly rose, chuckling as he stared at the procession. ¡°Really? I thought you were all here to

    beat me up.¡±

    Danughed. ¡°Surely you just. We¡¯re all just worried about Gerald¨Cplease do help him.¡±

    Frank simply stood, keeping his hands sped behind his back. ¡°That¡¯s no issue, but why should I?

    Didn¡¯t he say he didn¡¯t need my help before?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­Well¡­ ¡± Dan and the others traded nces.

    They had gone there thinking there was hope, only for Frank to drag them to the negotiation table.

 Chapter 39

    Annoyed, Tidus snapped angrily, ¡°How much do you want?! We can pay you¨Cjust name your price!¡±

    Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°Money is pointless to me.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it that you want?¡± Norman demanded¨Cthere was someone in this world who did not want

    money? Laughable!

    ¡°A Myriad Hue Snow Lotus from Sky Peak,¡± Frank replied, ¡°or a Radiant Panacea Cap of the South

    Sea. Do any of you have it?¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Both items Frank mentioned were rarer than gold¨Cpeople would go lifetimes without seeing them, let

    alone possess them.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have either,¡± Tidus replied. ¡°But treat my father, and I¡¯ll do all I can to procure them.¡±

    ¡°Are you giving me an IOU?¡± Frank asked in return.

    ¡°We can¡¯t gather them right away,¡± Tidus exined. ¡°Can¡¯t you give us time?¡±

    Just then, Dan nced at Gerald, who was exhaling more than he inhaled.

    If this dragged on, he would be dead before Frank would help.

    Stepping up, he said, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, I don¡¯t possess the medicinal ingredients you asked for, but my

    establishment, Flora Hall, has a long history in Riverton. We boast a trove of rare materials, and if you

    treat Mr. Simmons, you may take anything from us without charge.¡±

    Everyone turned at once toward Dan, surprised that the geezer was that

    generous.

    Tidus in turn tapped himself on the chest. ¡°And we¡¯ll foot the bill for any medicinal ingredients Mr.

    Lawrence will need, Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    Dan nodded and turned toward Frank. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, this is certainly as sincere as we can be. Please

    forget our previous differences and help Mr. Simmons.¡±

    Frank nodded in satisfaction¨Cthat was exactly what he wanted to hear.

    Whipping out the pill he had already made before, he threw it to Dan, who caught it.

    ¡°W¨CWhat¡¯s this?¡± he asked in shock.

    ¡°An Ichor Pill. Feed it to Mr. Simmons, and he¡¯ll fully recover.¡±

    ¡°What?! With just that tiny pill?¡± Kenny eximed in disbelief.

    ¡°You can give it back if you don¡¯t believe me,¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°W¨CWe believe you,¡± Dan nodded repeatedly, profoundly terrified Frank would take the pill back.

    Hurrying to Gerald, he fed him the pill and waited in silence.

    Frank leisurely returned to his rocking chair, while Tidus paced around as he waited with everyone

    else.

    After an hour, color returned to Gerald¡¯s face¡­ until he suddenly coughed out a mouthful of ck

    blood!

    ¡°Dad!¡± Tidus cried, absolutely terrified even as he wheeled on Frank. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s happening to my

    dad?!¡±

    ¡°I knew he¡¯s a chatan!¡± Kenny barked, ready to pounce on Frank.

    That was when Gerald barked behind them, ¡°Stop!¡±

    Kenny turned around, doing a double take. ¡°Mr. Simmons? What¡­¡±

    Gerald was slowly rising to his feet, and Tidus¡® eyes were bulging even as he stared, ¡°Dad¡­?¡±

    Nheless, Gerald took a deep breath. Comfort showed on his face, as he had never felt this rxed!

    At that very moment, he was convinced about his coronary artery disease!

 Chapter 40

    ¡°This feels amazing!¡± Gerald eximed as he strode up to Frank and bowed. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, I

    apologize for being as short¨Csighted as I had been in the past. I have truly done you an insult.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no issue, Mr. Simmons,¡± Frank replied evenly. ¡°I¡¯m simply doing my duty as a healer.¡±

    ¡°Wisdom and magnanimity¨Cyou are a shining example of your generation,¡± Geraldughed heartily and

    whipped out a debit card. ¡°There¡¯s five million in here¨Cconsider it a little gift from yours truly.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Mr. Zimmer has covered your payment.¡±

    Hearing his name mentioned, Dan shed an awkward smile. ¡°I¡¯m afraid my shorings almost hurt

    Gerald. We¡¯re lucky you¡¯re with us, Mr. Lawrence!¡±

    He was suddenly thrilled¨Che was thinking he could emte whatever technique Frank would use to

    treat Gerald, only for the man to achieve what he could not with just a pill.

    What sort of miracle pill was that?!

    It was not just him either ¨C Kenny and Norman were getting curious as well, and their gaze almost

    seemed aze.

    Should that pill enter mass production, they would make a fortune!

    Just then, Gerald waved Dan off. ¡°No, Dan. I wouldn¡¯t be here if not for you.¡±

    Then, turning back to Frank, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, I am now in your debt. Juste to me should you need

    anything¨CI¡¯ll do my best to aplish it within my means.¡±

    Frank nodded.

    They made some small talk after, and Frank turned down Gerald¡¯s invitation to a banquet.

    Still, before everyone left, Kenny asked the question that nagged him the most. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, is there

    a name for the pill you used?¡±

    ¡°The Ichor Pill,¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°And the recipe?¡± Norman asked in turn.

    Frank suddenly frowned, his gaze wary.

    Norman promptly exined, ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t misunderstand. I just think that it was a wondrous elixir

    that would help the people if it could be mass produced.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a secret recipe¨Ca family legacy,¡± Frank said. ¡°I must ask you not to pry.¡±

    The pill was made from his blood. There was no way it could be mass produced!

    Norman smiled. ¡°In that case, we shan¡¯t ask.¡±

    With that, everyone bade their leave and left the penthouse suite, though Kenny hurried to Gerald¡¯s

    side, ¡°Mr. Simmons¨Cthe many bigwigs of the capital bear undetected illnesses and are barely hanging

    on like you. There¡¯s much to look forward to if we can get the pill recipe!¡±

    Norman nodded beside him. ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. Simmons. You really should try to persuade Mr.

    Lawrence.

    22

    Gerald hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Just forget it. It¡¯s his family recipe. If he wants to keep it

    a secret, I won¡¯t ask.

    With that, he strode into the elevator.

    Norman and Kenny were left trading nces, but they stayed quiet and followed.

    After seeing off his crowd of guests, Frank was just going to take a break when Vicky called.

    ¡°It seems that Gerald Simmons will be indebted to you after today, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t be if it wasn¡¯t for you,¡± Frank replied.

    Vickyughed. ¡°Yes¨Cand without you, he¡¯d be dead. By the way, the wonderroot has arrived. Will you

    be going personally to take it from my residence, or shall I deliver it to you?¡±

    Frank was on his feet at those words. ¡°I¡¯ll get it myself.¡±

    Much was at stake, and the earlier he could get the wonderroot, the better it would be.

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

    X

    y

    Chapte 40

    side, ¡°Mr. Simmons the many bigwigs of the capital bear undetected illnesses and are barely hanging

    on like you. There¡¯s much to look forward to if we can get the pill recipe!¡±

    Norman nodded beside him. ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. Simmons. You really should try to persuade Mr.

    Lawrence.

    Gerald hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Just forget it. It¡¯s his family recipe. If he wants to keep it

    a secret, I won¡¯t ask.¡±

    With that, he strode into the elevator.

    Norman and Kenny were left trading nces, but they stayed quiet and followed.

    After seeing off his crowd of guests, Frank was just going to take a break when Vicky called.

    ¡°It seems that Gerald Simmons will be indebted to you after today, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t be if it wasn¡¯t for you,¡± Frank replied.

    Vickyughed. ¡°Yes¨Cand without you, he¡¯d be dead. By the way, the wonderroot has arrived. Will you

    be going personally to take it from my residence, or shall I deliver it to you?¡±

    Frank was on his feet at those words. ¡°I¡¯ll get it myself.¡±

    Much was at stake, and the earlier he could get the wonderroot, the better it would be.

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

    X

    y

    side, ¡°Mr. Simmons¨Cthe many bigwigs of the capital bear undetected illnesses and are barely hanging

    on like you. There¡¯s much to look forward to if we can get the pill recipe!¡±

    Norman nodded beside him. ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. Simmons. You really should try to persuade Mr.

    Lawrence.¡±

    Gerald hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Just forget it. It¡¯s his family recipe. If he wants to keep it

    a secret, I won¡¯t ask.¡±

    With that, he strode into the elevator.

    Norman and Kenny were left trading nces, but they stayed quiet and followed.

    After seeing off his crowd of guests, Frank was just going to take a break when Vicky called.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°It seems that Gerald Simmons will be indebted to you after today, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t be if it wasn¡¯t for you,¡± Frank replied.

    Vickyughed. ¡°Yes¨Cand without you, he¡¯d be dead. By the way, the wonderroot has arrived. Will you

    be going personally to take it from my residence, or shall I deliver it to you?¡±

    Frank was on his feet at those words. ¡°I¡¯ll get it myself.¡±

    Much was at stake, and the earlier he could get the wonderroot, the better it would be.

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

    1

    .

    #

 Chapter 41

    Frank took a cab to Turnbull Vi right away, where Vicky and Walter were present, along with a

    beautiful woman and a burly man who looked like a bodyguard.

    Walter was the first to greet Frank. ¡°Wee, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Turnbull.¡± Frank nodded.

    On the other hand, Vicky stayed seated beside the woman, appearing tame and disciplined.

    Just then, the woman asked, ¡°You¡¯re Frank Lawrence?¡±

    There was a hint of disdain in her eyes.

    Frank frowned slightly but replied. ¡°And you are¡­?¡±

    Before Vicky could speak, the woman introduced herself. ¡°Susan Redford. I¡¯m Vicky¡¯s mother.¡±

    ¡°So you are Mrs. Turnbull. Pleasure to meet you,¡± Frank nodded, surprised that Vicky¡¯s mother carried

    such a presence.

    So one could tell that she was an heiress herself, though strategic marriages were probably normal for

    dynasties like the Turnbulls.

    Susan was studying Frank in turn. ¡°My daughter told me you¡¯re extraordinary in medicine and martial

    arts?¡±

    ¡°My knowledge is superficial. I hardly hold my own,¡± Frank replied humbly.

    ¡°You¡¯re not giving yourself due credit. I just happen to have a martial elite with me, so why don¡¯t you

    spar with him?¡±

    At Susan¡¯s words, the burly man behind strode up to Frank immediately, not even hiding the contempt

    in his eyes.

    Vicky sprang to her feet right then. ¡°That¡¯s out of line. Frank saved me¨Cis this how you treat him?¡±

    Walter also reasoned, ¡°That¡¯s right. Cliff Dixon is pawnarch¨Ctier. This is basically bullying!¡±

    Frank smiled too. ¡°I¡¯m just here to get the wonderroot. I¡¯d rather not fight.¡±

    Nheless, Susan picked up the velvet box on the table and brandished it at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr.

    Lawrence¨Cour word is golden, and you¡¯ll have the wonderroot no matter the oue.

    Frank shrugged. ¡°You mean I¡¯m not taking it away unless I fight?¡±

    Susan nodded with a smile.

    Beside her, Cliff said, ¡°I can fight you with one hand if you¡¯re scared, kid.¡±

    Frank simply kept quiet, so Cliff added, ¡°Fine. If you survive three hits from me, it¡¯s your win.¡±

    Even so, Vicky kept reasoning, ¡°Mom, Frank and I are just friends. Please don¡¯t harass him.¡±

    ¡°Silence. This is none of your business,¡± Susan snapped, her tone clearly permitting no refusal.

    Right then, Cliff barked, ¡°I¡¯ll consider you ept it since you still won¡¯t talk!¡±

    With those words, he lunged at Frank, his hands outstretched, ready to catch Frank¡¯s shoulder, when

    Frank moved his feet, leaping backward.

    Cliff continued unleashing his technique with deadly force, but Frank simply dodged, refusing to fight.

    ¡°Is running all you can do, kid?!¡± Cliff bellowed, but Frank remained silent.

    It only spurred Cliff to get more violent with him, and Frank was soon cornered against the wall. Seizing

    his chance, Cliffunched a fist right at Frank¡¯s face!

    With nowhere to dodge, Frank swung his palm, brushing against his cor and knocking off the button!

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    ¡±

    .

    14

 Chapter 42

    It happened in a split second, and Frank presumed that Cliff would concede.

    After all, they were just sparring, and Frank had no reason to murder a bodyguard of the Turnbulls.

    To his surprise, however, Cliff never sensed a thing and kept attacking him!

    ¡°Stop!¡± Vicky shouted at that very moment. ¡°That¡¯s more than three! Frank won!¡±

    Cliff stopped in turn.

    His boss only told him to threaten the kid¨Che had enough self¨Ccontrol to not kill Frank.

    He quietly backed away. Then, straightening his clothes, he suddenly realized that his cor button was

    gone and swore under his breath, ¡°Shit, where did it go?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    At the same time, Vicky turned to her mother. ¡°Frank can take the wonderroot now, right?¡±

    Susan nodded. ¡°Yes. Also, I¡¯ll be leaving soon¨CCliff will stay as your bodyguard.¡±

    ¡°My bodyguard? That¡¯s unnecessary¨CFrank is my personal bodyguard.¡± Vicky refused right away,

    wrapping her hands around his arm. ¡°And there¡¯s still Yara, who is the daughter of the governor. You

    really don¡¯t have to worry about my safety.¡±

    Frank was left speechless. When did he agree to be her bodyguard?

    On the other hand, Susan frowned as well and growled, ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Vicky¨Cyou¡¯re engaged.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s expression turned cool in turn. ¡°You don¡¯t have to remind me. Frank and I are going to Verdant

    Hotel now.¡±

    Walter watched as she left with Frank and breathed a long sigh of relief before turning toward his wife.

    ¡°Did you really have to go that far? Vicky¡¯s a big girl now she knows what she¡¯s doing.¡±

    Susan wheeled on him right then, ring, ¡°Go that far? Did you know how hard I fought to arrange

    Vicky¡¯s marriage with the Lionhearts¡® heir? If not for me, you¡¯d have no ce in the family at all!¡±

    Walter sighed. ¡°Can we not talk about such unpleasant matters just for today?¡±

    Susan folded her arms before her chest. ¡°Fine. But you¡¯d better keep an eye on Vicky and Frank

    Lawrence. If the Lionheart boy knows that Frank Lawrence has seen Vicky naked, who knows what

    he¡¯s going to do.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Walter replied, wiping the sweat off his brow.

    He was scared of his overbearing wife to an extent, but she still respected her.

    It was true that he had not much influence in his own family and relied on her over the years.

    Meanwhile, Vicky was apologetic as she drove Frank home. ¡°Sorry about what happened back there. I

    didn¡¯t think my mother would go that far.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s no skin off my back.¡±

    The wonderroot was what he cared about most at the moment, and nothing else mattered.

    Vicky was relieved inwardly as she found no hint of anger on his face. ¡°Actually, I need talent such as

    yourself, Mr. Lawrence. Would you be interested to work with me? I¡¯ll pay you a hundred grand per

    month and some of my shares. We will be equals.¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°Your mother¡¯s always threatening me to keep my distance, but you¡¯d still drag me with

    you? It¡¯s almost like you¡¯d rather I die quicker!¡±

    Vicky gave him a look. ¡°You¡¯re such aedian, Mr. Lawrence. You¡¯re actually afraid of my mother

    instead of Leo Grayson?¡±

    Frank snorted. ¡°Just forget it. I¡¯m bad with making money, and I have no interest in it.

    ¡°Are you really not curious about what my newpany will be doing?¡± Vicky asked.

    ¤È

 Chapter 43

    ¡°What is that?¡± Frank asked in curiosity.

    Vicky leveled a mysterious gaze on him. ¡°It¡¯s a pharmaceuticalpany. You can better harvest the

    rare medicinal ingredients from across the world if you join us¨Cin fact, I¡¯m doing this for you!¡±

    ¡°Haha¡­¡± Frank chuckled -he had just met her days ago, and he really doubted Vicky would go that far

    for him. ¡°Let¡¯s just be honest, alright? What is it that you want?¡±

    While he was interested in such apany, Frank knew that nothing was free in this world. This was a

    give and take, and there must be a catch.

    Vicky smiled. ¡°I want you to be my boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Frank appeared stupefied¨Che did not want to make enemies for no reason, especially since

    she was already engaged.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Vicky giggled when she saw that it was a no. ¡°I¡¯m just kidding. Anyway, my side of the family has been

    eager to expand our medicinal business into Middleton. I¡¯ve always been in charge of that, but I also

    know my uncle¡¯s side of the family would definitely send someone over to meddle. I don¡¯t want that I¡¯d

    rather have full control over thepany¡¯s development, so I want you as my chief consultant.¡±

    ¨C

    Sitting beside her, Frank rubbed his chin and thought about the viability.

    He was silent for a while, so Vicky added, ¡°You don¡¯t have to give me an answer right away. Take your

    time to think about it¡­ Although I¡¯d still like you to join us. There¡¯s money and medicinal ingredients

    you can take without charge. It¡¯s good for you too.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I do need to think about this.¡±

    Vicky went home after sending Frank back to Verdant Hotel.

    Over the next few days, Frank stayed in his penthouse suite to refine the wonderroot¡¯s medicinal

    properties into a pill for consumption.

    He was extensively injured following the battle at the North Sea three years ago. Though he had

    recovered from most of his ailments, his strength had dropped drastically.

    But now, he had obtained one of the Five Elemental Wonders in the wonderroot, which was the fire-

    element medicinal ingredient.

    As his internal energies flowed freely within his body, it absorbed the medicinal energy almost violently

    and revitalized his nerves and veins.

    His aura released in an instant, shattering a vase in the distance.

    Such was the strength of those who reached the pinnacle of martial arts.

    Meanwhile, Helen was very busy at Lane Holdings, with stacks of documents on her desk, waiting to

    be reviewed and tamped.

    Suddenly, she received a phone call¨CHenry was suddenly sick.

    Her face fell, and she ignored everything and hurried home after giving her secretary instructions on

    what to do.

    Most of the family were back as well, and the instant Helen arrived, she saw her mother and asked, ¡±

    How¡¯s grandfather?¡±

    Gina shook her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look good.¡±

    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Helen demanded. ¡°He was just fine before!¡±

    ¡°How should I know?¡± Gina shrugged. ¡°Just go in and see him onest time.¡±

 Chapter 44

    Helen did not dawdle and hurried to Henry¡¯s room.

    The room with antique furnishings was now swirling with the scent of medicine, with various emergency

    medical equipment brought into the room.

    Two nurses were working busily, and Helen ran up to Henry to find him on hisst legs.

    ¡°Grandpa¡­¡± she murmured miserably.

    ¡°Frank? I¨CIs that you?¡± Henry slowly opened his eyes, thinking she was Frank.

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Helen,¡± Helen quickly said.

    ¡°Helen?¡± Henry appeared surprised and mustered his spirit to continue, ¡°You¡¯re here? Where¡¯s Frank?

    Why isn¡¯t he here with you¡­¡±

    ¡°Grandpa, we¡¯re already divorced,¡± Helen said awkwardly. ¡°He¡¯s noting.¡®

    Henry¡¯s breathing turned ragged and his tone became urgent. ¡°Helen¡­ You shouldn¡¯t have divorced

    Frank¡­ You shouldn¡¯t¡­¡±

    His reaction shocked Helen. ¡°Please, Grandfather. You¡¯re scaring me¡­ calm down!¡±

    The nurse nearby sighed just then. ¡°He¡¯s been calling the name Frank Lawrence a thousand times

    over, unable to eat or sleep.¡±

    Helen pursed her lips¨Cshe knew her grandfather could never ept her divorcing Frank.

    And now, he was sick because of that!

    Henry grasped Helen¡¯s arm just then. ¡°Helen¡­ I want to see Frank onest time. There¡¯s things I have

    to tell him¡­ He just might take care of the family out of respect for me.

    Helen got frustrated right then¨Cshe was already thoroughly disappointed with Frank after what had

    happened at Skymex Club.

    ¡°No, Grandfather,¡± she said. ¡°We don¡¯t need Frank¨Cwhy do you keep obsessing over him?¡±

    Henry said feebly nheless, ¡°I¡¯m begging you, please¡­¡±

    ¡°What are you saying?!¡± Helen was speechless¨Cit was as if she was abusing him!

    However, seeing his yearning gaze, she knew that he might die with regrets if she did not say yes, and

    so nodded since she had no choice. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll call him.¡±

    Frank was surprised to get a call from Helen, though he did not hesitate to rush over the instant he

    heard that Henry was sick.

    After assuring Henry of that, Helen quietly left his room.

    Seeing her, Gina promptly asked, ¡°Helen, has your grandfather said anything?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, who¡¯s getting this house?¡±

    ¡°And what about the rest of his belongings?¡±

    Helen shot a cool re at the rtives who kept trying to get a word in and snapped, ¡°He wants to see

    Frank. He said nothing else.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Gina eximed. ¡°Why would he want to see that lowlife?!¡±

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah! He knows you¡¯ve divorced him, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Peter echoed, utterly upset at the mention of

    Frank.

    ¡°It¡¯s Grandfather¡¯s request. Why don¡¯t you take it up with him?¡± Helen replied bluntly.

    Gina frowned just then. ¡°But I called Mr. Wesley. If Frankes, he might get the wrong idea!¡± Helen

    did a double take and demanded, ¡°Why did you tell Sean toe?!¡±

    Gina did not think she did anything wrong, however. ¡°What? The old man is sick¨Cwe should at least call

    him.¡±

    ¡°This is a family issue. Can¡¯t you keep others out of this?¡± Helen retorted, feeling a pain right then.

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

 Chapter 45

    Gina absolutely disagreed. ¡°What do you mean by others? Mr. Wesley has helped us so much!¡±

    Peter agreed. ¡°From where I¡¯m standing, he would be better as my brother¨Cinw than Frank.¡± ¡°Just

    shut it,¡± Helen shot him a re and refused to say anything further.

    Frank arrived in an hour, but no one greeted him since he amounted much less than a son¨Cinw.

    Only Helen did, although she too had opinions against him because of what happened before. ¡°Hey.¡±

    Frank asked right away,¡± How¡¯s Gramps?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look good.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll see him.¡±

    With that, he walked past the crowd and made a beeline for Henry¡¯s room.

    ¡°How are you, Gramps?¡± he asked when he saw Henry.

    The man had been waiting and promptly looked up at Frank¡¯s familiar voice. ¡°You¡¯re really here, Frank.¡±

    Frank held his hand while taking his pulse. ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

    Henry was in turn calmer when he saw Frank. ¡°My family has wronged you, Frank¡­¡±

    Frank shook his head and assured him, ¡°You¡¯ll be fine as long as I¡¯m around. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    The old man only had a heart issue, and with Frank himself reaching the pinnacle of his internal

    energies, treating him was no issue.

    However, Henry held his hand with a vice¨Clike grip as he shook his head, pleading, ¡°Please, Frank¡­

    It¡¯s our misfortune that we can¡¯t have you stay, but I¡¯m begging you¨CHelen is too young, and there are

    things beyond her control. If you really care about me, promise me to help my family if they¡¯re facing

    trouble.¡±

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Even if he had long since retired from thepany¡¯s development, he had and eyes were clear as day.

    He knows Helen depth after watching her grow up¨CLane Holdings had already reached the extent of

    their potential. If there was danger, they still had to rely on Frank!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Gramps. If your family were in trouble, I won¡¯t ignore it,¡± Frank said, unable to turn down

    Henry with those pleading eyes.

    He hade to the Lanes with nothing except a sheet of paper¨Ca proof of betrothal. Everyone in the

    family protested, but Henry shut them all down and had Helen marry him while doting on him like a

    grandson.

    Even if he was not doing it for the Lanes, Frank could not say no to Henry.

    Seeing that Frank was saying yes, Henry smiled happily and gently pped him on the shoulder. ¡°I can

    rest easy since you said that.¡±

    This was insurance¨Cwith a trump card like Frank Lawrence, he was relieved.

    He was a true parent to the end. Even on his deathbed, he was nning for the Lanes¡® future.

    ¡°What are you saying, Gramps?¡± Frank quickly corrected him. ¡°You will be fine as long as I¡¯m around -I

    just took your pulse. You merely suffer from vein blockage, a trifle that I can fix in an instant.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Okay¡­ I trust you,¡± Henry nodded repeatedly, feeling a good mood just then.

    He was not actually concerned about staying alive. It would be fine if he lived, but there was nothing

    wrong if he did not.

    Frank pressed a hand on his chest, intending to clear the blockage -he did not need needles as his

    internal strength had been restored.

 Chapter 46

    Suddenly, the door opened, and Gina and the rest of the family rushed inside.

    The instant she saw Frank holding a hand on Henry, she promptly rushed up to stop him. ¡°What are

    you doing?!¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°I¡¯m treating him.¡±

    ¡°Treating him?!¡± Gina glowered in contempt, shoving Frank off. ¡°A lowlife like you? Buzz off!¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Frank was speechless.

    Henry frowned in turn. ¡°Frank is helping me.

    ¡°What would he know?¡± Gina snorted. ¡°You have nothing to worry about now. Sean Wesley spent a

    fortune to buy a super pill when he heard what happened.¡±

    Henry growled through his teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t need that. Tell him to leave.¡®

    ¡°What are you saying? Mr. Wesley has helped us so much and he¡¯s interested in Helen,¡± Gina said

    smugly. ¡°He¡¯ll soon marry her too.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Henry fainted at Gina¡¯s words, leaving everyone shocked!

    ¡°Grandfather¡­¡±

    ¡°Move.¡± Frank shoved his way forward, intent on helping Henry.

    ¡°No, you move!¡± Gina snapped right then, ¡°Who do you think you are, telling me to move?! Do you still

    think you¡¯re my son¨Cinw?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to help Gramps.¡± Frank red at her.

    ¡°We don¡¯t need your help,¡± Gina rolled her eyes at him.

    Sean entered just then, and Gina was promptly delighted. ¡°Oh, Mr. Wesley. You said you have a

    wonder pill that could treat Henry, right?¡±

    Sean calmly took out a box. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I heard what happened, so I bought two Ichor Pills before I

    came.¡±

    Frank froze when he heard that.

    Ichor Pills? There was someone other than him in Riverton who could actually make it?!

    Just then, Peter asked in curiosity, ¡°Ichor Pills? What are they?¡±

    Sean smiled confidently. ¡°You probably aren¡¯t aware, but just days ago, Gerald Simmons had consulted

    a great man and asked for these pills. He recovered in just a day after taking those pills.

    ¡°Woah¡­ You mean, the man we met at Verdant Hotel the other day?¡± Gina quickly asked.

    Sean nodded.

    ¡°Gosh, doesn¡¯t that mean those pills are worth a fortune?¡± Peter added.

    Sean waved her off nonchntly. ¡°Tidus Simmons and I are good friends. Asking for two pills for your

    grandfather is nothing.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re amazing, actually getting a word in with Tidus Simmons!¡± Gina was utterly impressed and

    turned toward the other rtives smugly, as if to brag about her son¨Cinw.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    However, Helen was doubtful. ¡°A tiny pill like this cured Gerald Simmons?¡±

    ¡°Of course. We just didn¡¯t see it, but it¡¯s an undeniable fact that Mr. Simmons recovered,¡± Sean said

    seriously and turned toward Gina. ¡°Please help Mr. Lane take this, ma¡¯am.

    Gina nodded repeatedly¨Conce they made Henry get better, the family would be in their debt!

    As Gina hurried to Henry with the pill, Frank barked, ¡°Hold it!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Gina snapped, wheeling on him. ¡°What else do you want?!¡± ¡°That¡¯s not an Ichor Pill.¡±

 Chapter 47

    Sean¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    In reality, he had only heard about the Ichor Pill while having a drink with Tidus yesterday¨Cthere were

    none left aside from the one Gerald consumed.

    When he heard Henry was sick, he simply bought some vitamin pills that would not help at all. He

    disguised them as the Ichor Pills, since the vitamin pills were harmless.

    It was his contribution if Henry recovered, while if Henry did not, his time was simply up.

    Sean certainly did not expect Frank to say that it was fake directly!

    However, before he could speak, Gina was already snapping, ¡°Shut up! Are you doubting Mr. Wesley?

    Do you even know a thing about medicine?!¡±

    Beside her, Peter was ring at him in contempt. ¡°That¡¯s right. What gives you the right to doubt Mr.

    Wesley?¡±

    Haha!

    Sean was absolutely thrilled¨Cwith the Lanes around, he did not even have toe up with an excuse!

    Frank red at them in turn. ¡°I won¡¯t waste my breath with you. Right now, I want to save Gramps.¡®

    However, Peter and Gina were standing in his way, refusing to let him near.

    Gina even snorted, ¡°I think you¡¯re trying to kill the old man here.¡±

    Exasperated, Frank turned toward Helen. ¡°Helen, let me help Gramps.¡±

    Helen hesitated for a while and shook her head. ¡°Feed Grandpa the pill, Mom.¡±

    Frank was stunned.

    He thought Helen was able to show judgment when push came to shove, or he would not have done

    his best to support Lane Holdings in the three years he was married to her.

    To think that she would rather trust someone else¡­

    ¡°No matter howcking I¡¯ve been, do you have to doubt me?¡± he growled.

    ¡°I¡¯m just choosing rationally,¡± Helen replied tly.

    Frank had no choice¨CHelen was already upset with him after what had happened before.

    However, even if he could not say anything, he could not just let Henry die either.

    While Gina fed Henry the pill, he angled himself away from Peter and Gina, flicking his fingers to direct

    his aura into Henry¡¯s chest.

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    It was a tiny movement that no one noticed.

    Henry had a heart condition. Even if Gina gave him a heart attack just now, he just needed to clear his

    vein blockage.

    He had agreed to the old man¡¯s request, after all.

    On the other hand, after Gina fed Henry the pill, she turned to Sean. ¡°When will he recover, Mr.

    Wesley?¡±

    ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not sure,¡± Sean replied, scratching his head awkwardly. ¡°In probably less than a day.¡±

    Gina and the rest did not doubt him at all.

    However, after Frank shot his aura into Henry, it cleared any vein blockage within fifteen minutes.

    He suddenly jolted awake and coughed out a mouthful of blood, leaving everyone pale in shock.

    ¡°Grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Father¡­¡±

    ¡®Are you alright?¡±

    Henry waved them off, while color returned to his cheeks and his heart pumped steadily. ¡°It¡¯s fine. My

    chest felt stuffy before, but it¡¯s fine after I coughed everything out.¡±

    The nurse promptly checked Henry and found in disbelief that all his symptoms were gone.

    ¡°Wow! Mr. Wesley, the Ichor Pill was simply amazing!¡± Gina eximed as she turned toward Sean in

    delight.

    The old man recovered in no time at all after she fed him the pill¨Cit was no exaggeration to call it divine!

 Chapter 48

    Even Helen was looking at Sean in astonishment.

    The man himself actually felt a little embarrassed as he was caught in disbelief¨Cdid he somehow end

    up buying the real Ichor Pill?

    Maybe he should buy moreter and stockpile it¡­

    ¡°Haha! As long as Henry¡¯s fine.¡± Ginaughed before shooting Frank a look. ¡°See? Weren¡¯t you calling

    the Ichor Pill a fake just now? What do you have to say now that Henry¡¯s fine?¡±

    Peter joined in without qualms. ¡°Come on, Mom. You really think he¡¯s some miracle healer or

    something?¡±

    Frank rolled his eyes.

    He was not bothered to exin¨Cthey would not believe anything he said now anyway, even if the

    reason Henry recovered was not because of the fake pills.

    When he turned to leave, however, Henry promptly stopped him. ¡°Where are you going, Frank? You

    can at least stay for dinner¡­¡±

    Frank shed a pained smile. ¡°I¡¯ll pass. I have to go now¨CI¡¯m busy.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± The old man did not want him to leave at all and tried his best to keep him. ¡°You saved my life.

    Helen, you should thank Frank.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Ginaughed so hard she was clutching her stomach. ¡°Henry, Mr. Wesley saved you, not that

    lowlife.¡±

    Then, giving her daughter a nudge, she said, ¡°Heard what your grandfather said? You have to thank

    Mr. Wesley properly now.¡±

    Peter nodded repeatedly beside Gina. ¡°Yeah, Grandpa¡ªit¡¯s because of Mr. Wesley¡¯s Ichor Pill that you

    recovered.¡±

    Henry turned in disbelief toward Frank, who said nothing and left Laneville quietly.

    Eager to have Sean get to know the family, Gina said, ¡°Mr. Wesley, you should stay for dinner.¡±

    She believed that once Henry saw how great Sean was, he would forget about Frank soon enough!

    However, Henry was suddenly cool andy back in bed, growling, ¡°I¡¯m not feeling an appetite, so there

    won¡¯t be dinner. All of you go home.¡±

    ¡°What¡­ Henry, Mr. Wesley is a guest. You can¡¯t treat him like this,¡± Gina whispered through clenched

    teeth in embarrassment. ¡°He saved your life!¡±

    Henry snorted in disdain. ¡°It¡¯s just a pill. How much is it? I¡¯ll pay.¡±

    Sean¡¯s eyes shed coldly for a split second, but he was soon smiling. ¡°It¡¯s no issue, sir. It¡¯s my gift to

    you I won¡¯t ask for money. Since you¡¯re not in the mood, I won¡¯t impose either.¡±

    As he turned to leave, his expression turned cold again.

    How dare that geezer belittle him! He would make Henry wish he were dead one day!

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Gina could certainly sense his anger, but Sean was gone before she could give chase¡­

    After leaving Laneville, Frank was sitting by the road and waiting for a ride when Sean stopped his

    Mercedes beside him.

    He slowly wound down his window with a smile of contempt. ¡°Where to, Mr. Lawrence? Want a lift?¡±

    ¡°Save it,¡± Frank growled, shaking his head.

    Seanughed coolly. ¡°Calm down, kiddo. You¡¯re invited to my wedding with Helen when it happens.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen,¡± Frank said bluntly.

    Sean got down from his car right then and red at him. ¡°The reason you¡¯re not getting a beating is

    because I respect Helen. Did you think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°What, do you want a fight?¡±

 Chapter 49

    As things tensed up between Sean and Frank, Frank¡¯s cab arrived.

    Sean did not make a move and smiled instead. ¡°Be careful when you walk the streets at night, kiddo.¡±

    Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°I could say the same about you.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you,¡± Sean cursed as he drove off.

    Meanwhile, Henrypletely ignored Gina and the rest after Frank left.

    Gina approached Helen just then, ¡°Dear, wasn¡¯t Big Bright¡¯s Lyndon McCoy sick too?¡±

    Helen nodded. ¡°Yeah. What about it?¡±

    Big Bright was a distributor of construction materials, and Lane Holdings was always buying from them

    with reasonable prices. Moreover, Lyndon was known to be a loyal, honest man.

    Gina quickly said, ¡°Since Mr. Wesley brought two Ichor Pills, there¡¯s one left¡­ Don¡¯t you think the

    McCoys would be indebted to you if you helped Lyndon? Bargaining would be so much easier after

    that!¡±

    Helen became pensive¨Cher mother actually made sense.

    With the West City projectmencing soon, Lane Holdings would need a huge supply of construction

    materials, but they weren¡¯t exactly rich.

    As such, there was no harm in giving Lyndon the Ichor Pill if it would persuade him to offer some

    rebate!

    She nodded slowly. ¡°You¡¯re right. I should visit the McCoys when I have the time¡­¡±

    ¡°No¨Cyou should do it right now,¡± Gina urged. ¡°I¡¯lle with you too.¡±

    Helen did not turn her away this time, since her suggestion actually worked to Lane Holdings¡® benefit.

    They drove to McCoy¡¯s residence. Seeing that it was the board chairperson of Lane Holdings, Ro-

    Lyndon¡¯s eldest son¨Cled them to Lyndon¡¯s study once they arrived.

    After a while, the white¨Chaired Lyndon arrived at the study with Ro¡¯s assistance.

    ¡°Mr. McCoy,¡± Helen greeted him politely.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. McCoy.¡± Gina was smiling cheerfully in contrast. ¡°It¡¯s only been a few days, but you look more

    spirited than before.¡±

    Lyndon waved her off dismissively. ¡°No, I think this is it. I¡¯ll be gone in days with the way my health¡¯s

    failing.¡±

    Turning toward Helen, he asked curiously, ¡°What brings you here today, Ms. Lane?¡±

    Helen straightened as she said, ¡°It¡¯s about your condition, sir.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. My condition?¡± Lyndon became more curious.

    Helen took out the remaining so¨Ccalled Ichor Pill and put it on the table just then.

    ¡°Have you heard of the Ichor Pill, Mr. McCoy?¡± she then asked.

    Lyndon gasped. ¡°Could you be referring to the miracle pill which cured Gerald Simmons days ago?¡±

    He had actually heard of it and would certainly pay for it. However, he was not important enough to

    meet Gerald, just as she had no idea where he could get one¨Cit was certainly not avable in

    Riverton¡¯s Flora Hall.

    And yet, this kid brought one¡­

    Helen nodded. ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Lyndon studied the little pill before him and asked, ¡°Where did you get it, Ms. Lane?¡±

    ¡°Sean Wesley,¡± Gina quickly replied. ¡°Helen¡¯s grandfather was in critical condition, and Mr. Wesley

    brought two for him. After Helen¡¯s grandfather took one pill, he immediately recovered although he was

    on the verge of dying.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Lyndon nodded thoughtfully.

    Two Ichor Pills?

    It seemed that Sean was really willing to pay through the nose for his infatuation toward Helen.

    And with Sean¡¯s reputation serving as a guarantee, Lyndon did not doubt the authenticity of the Ichor

    Pill.

 Chapter 50

    Moreover, Henry had taken the pill and was fine. There was no faking that.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    Lyndon then asked, ¡°And what do you intend to do with it, Miss Lane?¡±

    Helen smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯d like to give it to you, Mr. McCoy.¡±

    Lyndon was immediately wary¨Cnothing came for free, and would Helen give him such a miraculous

    pill?

    ¡°And do you have a condition, Ms. Lane?¡± he asked. ¡°Or perhaps you need a favor?¡±

    ¡°In reality, Lane Holdings doesn¡¯t have that much capital avable,¡± Helen said bluntly right then. ¡± Now

    that we¡¯ve secured the West City project, we are in need of copious amounts of building materials. I¡¯m

    hoping that you would grant us some rebate, Mr. McCoy. In turn, we will be using your building

    materials exclusively with the West City Project.¡±

    ¡°I can grant you another ten percent rebate on top of all current rebates,¡± Lyndon said.

    ¡°Thirty,¡± Helen said sternly.

    ¡°Twenty.¡±

    ¡°Twenty¨Cfive,¡± Helen said. ¡°Mr. McCoy, this is a long¨Cterm project. In fact, you¡¯d earn even more once

    the development of West City finishes.¡±

    Lyndon frowned in thought.

    At the moment, Lane Holdings had the Turnbulls¡® backing, which made them a rising star.

    A long¨Cterm partnership was ideal, and there was the enticing Ichor Pill on top of that¡­

    Gritting his teeth, Lyndon nodded. ¡°Twenty¨Cfive it is.¡±

    Helen smiled in acknowledgement. ¡°In that case, the Ichor Pill is yours.¡±

    Lyndon promptly picked it up and asked in curiosity, ¡°How do I take this? Is there anything to be careful

    about?¡±

    Gina shook her head repeatedly. ¡°Absolutely not¨Cyou can just consume it. My father¨Cinw recovered

    in less than thirty minutes after taking it.¡±

    Lyndon¡¯s gaze was aze at her words.

    His kidney failure had gued him for years¨Ctruly, one would never cherish their good health until they

    lose it.

    And he had certainly learned his lesson.

    Beside him, Roco tried to stop him.

    The pill was never checked, and it was handed to Lyndon without an ounce of solemnity. What if

    something happened after he took it?

    However, Lyndon could not wait at all.

    He popped it into his mouth and swallowed it right then!

    Ro was left raising a brow. ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t you being impatient?¡±

    Lyndon raised a hand to silence him while trying to extend his senses over his body to find any

    changes.

    ¡°So? How are you feeling, Mr. McCoy?¡± Helen asked confidently.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lyndon replied, frowning as he did not feel himself healing.

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Gina quickly came up with an exnation. ¡°There¡¯s no way it would work immediately.

    Tomorrow, maybe?¡±

    Lyndon thought it was reasonable, but just as he was about to get up, the world suddenly started

    spinning around him¡­

    He copsed to the floor right then and convulsed repeatedly!

    ¡°Dad! What happened?!¡± Ro was stunned, but soon leapt up to grab Lyndon¡¯s jaw in case he bit his

    tongue.

    At the same time, he cried, ¡°Help! Someone get a doctor!¡±

    Helen and Gina were left gaping. They had never expected that!

    ¡°Uh¡­ I¨CI¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯re going now,¡± Gina stammered, intent on fleeing.

    Ro bellowed at them right then, ¡°Stop! Did I say you can leave?!¡±

 Chapter 51

    Ro rushed up to Helen and grabbed her by the cor. ¡°What did you feed my father?!¡±

    ¡°T¨CThe Ichor Pill!¡± Helen cried in confusion.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ro bellowed in rage. ¡°Then how do you exin what happened to my dad?¡±

    Helen was left biting her lip¨Cshe had no idea what had happened either!

    Just then, Gina went up and said, ¡°Please, Mr. McCoy. There may be a misunderstanding here. It

    probably isn¡¯t the pill!¡±

    Luckily for them, Ro was still somewhat rational.

    ¡°If anything happens to my dad,¡± he growled coolly, ¡°neither of you are leaving this ce alive.¡±

    With that, he had the family bodyguards keep them locked in a guest room, while the servants.

    promptly called for Dan Zimmer from Flora Hall

    Helen was left pacing around in the room, while Gina sat on the bed, clutching her head as she

    grumbled, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s game over¡­ this is really bad. Shouldn¡¯t the Ichor Pill have helped Lyndon McCoy?

    Could it really have been the issue here?¡±

    Pausing for a moment, Gina then urged Helen, saying, ¡°Helen, You have to call Mr. Wesley. Ask him to

    talk to the McCoys. Otherwise, how long do you think they would keep us here?¡±

    Helen pursed her lips, but given the situation, they had to call Sean.

    She promptly did so, and the instant Sean answered, he was gloating. ¡°Hey, Helen. Why are you

    calling me? Suddenly missing me?¡±

    Helen asked bluntly, ¡°Is the Ichor Pill you gave me real?¡±

    Sean was left dumbstruck right then. ¡°What are you talking about? Did that bastard Frank say

    something again?¡±

    Helen shook her head. ¡°No. I just gave the other Ichor Pill to Lyndon, but after he took it, he copsed

    like he had a stroke!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Sean eximed in shock.

    He realized then that he was dumb to put another pill into the box!

    It was just some vitamin supplement, and he had actually consulted a doctor before use.

    Henry could supposedly take it without issue given his condition, but that was not the case for others¡­

    Still, Sean argued, ¡°I¨CI was giving it to your grandfather! How could you just give it away to someone

    else?¡±

    Helen was aggrieved too. ¡°I¨CI just wanted to help Lyndon McCoy too¡­ I didn¡¯t know it wouldn¡¯t work,

    let alone worsen his condition!¡±

    ¡°The pill definitely isn¡¯t the issue,¡± Sean sald right then. ¡°It¡¯s the McCoys¡® problem, not ours.¡±

    At this point, he would rather die than admit that the pills were fake.

    ¡°Could youe to the McCoy¡¯s residence and talk to them for me?¡± Helen asked just then.

    ¡°Oh¡­ But I¨CI¡¯m having a meeting right now,¡± Sean said, feeling really awkward just then.

    He was definitely not helping Lyndon even if he went.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    How would he exin himself at that point?

    He was no fool¨Cif he went himself and the McCoys interrogated him, he would be exposed!

    Still, he stammered, ¡°D¨CDon¡¯t worry. You just try to calm them down, and I¡¯ll send my people over to

    resolve the situation.¡±

    Once he hung up, Gina promptly asked from the other end, ¡°What did Mr. Wesley say?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll send someone over,¡± Helen replied tly.

    ¡°Good, good¡­ We¡¯ll definitely be fine if it¡¯s him.¡± Gina breathed a sigh of relief.

    Helen, however, was leaning against the wall, her head lowered thoughtfully.

    She was confused as to why Gerald and her grandfather were fine after taking the pill, whereas Lyndon

    would copse instead!

    She promptly called Henry just then. ¡°Hello, Grandfather. How are you feeling?¡±

 Chapter 52

    Henry said, ¡°Me? I¡¯m feeling just fine. What is it?¡±

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief¨Cthe Ichor Pill was clearly not the issue. ¡°No, I was just asking.¡±

    ¡°And why would you suddenly ask?¡± Henry was curious¨Cthey had just seen each other hours ago.

    Such concern was out of ce, even from Helen.

    The way she put it made it seem as if they had been apart for months!

    ¡°I gave Lyndon McCoy the other Ichor Pill,¡± Helen admitted. ¡°His condition worsened after that¡­ I don¡¯t

    know if it¡¯s the pills, or if Lyndon¡¯s condition is just too critical.¡±

    Henry smacked hisp at her words. ¡°It¡¯s definitely the pills.¡±

    Helen was confused. ¡°B¨CBut you took it yourself.¡±

    ¡°Pfft.¡± Henry snorted in disdain. ¡°That¡¯s bullshit. Frank¡¯s the one who saved me, not that what¡¯s¨Chis

    -name. Where are you now?¡±

    ¡°The McCoys locked us up,¡± Helen admitted. ¡°They probably won¡¯t free us if Lyndon doesn¡¯t recover.¡®

    ¡°Oh, you¡­¡± Henry sighed in disappointment. ¡°Just try not to upset them further. I¡¯ll try to get you out.

    With that, he hung up, leaving Helen spacing out.

    Frank had indeed been in the room when her grandfather was saved.

    But what about Gerald? Was Frank the one he and his associates were consulting too?

    She really doubted that Frank had that caliber!

    Meanwhile, Frank received a call from Henry and cursed Helen¡¯s stupidity under his breath after Henry

    told him the whole story.

    Still, there was no way he could ignore it when Henry was asking, and he hurried to the McCoys¡®

    residence.

    He told the security guards at the gates, ¡°Tell your masters that I¡¯m here to treat Lyndon McCoy.¡± The

    security guards presumed that he was the healer called upon and allowed him in without dy.

    However, as they escorted him inside, Ro was left dumbfounded when he saw Frank. ¡°Who the hell

    are you?¡±

    ¡°Helen¡¯s husband,¡± Frank replied.

    All he wanted was to treat Lyndon and be done with the whole mess, so he did not especially care

    about the difference between husband and ex¨Chusband.

    ¡°I heard she gave your father an Ichor Pill, but it caused his condition to worsen and they¡¯re still trying

    to save him.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ro nodded. ¡°So you¡¯re Helen Lane¡¯s boy¨Cperfect, you saved me the trouble of looking for

    you. See, if anything happens to my dad, you and every Lane will be buried with him.¡±

    Frank sighed. ¡°I understand how you¡¯re feeling, young man. However, there¡¯s no need to get too

    agitated¨CI¡¯m here to save your father.¡±

    Ro was taken about. ¡°You? How?¡±

    Frank pulled out a wooden case from his pocket and threw it to Ro. ¡°There¡¯s an Ichor Pill inside.

    Give it to your father as soon as possible¨Che¡¯ll recover in under six hours.¡±

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    Ro caught the box and opened it to find it was the exact same pill Helen had given his father.

    Convinced that Frank was no different from Helen, Ro growled, ¡°Did you fucking think I¡¯d fall for the

    same trick twice?!!!

 Chapter 53

    Ro bellowed right then, ¡°Guards! Get him!¡±

    At his voice, the McCoys¡® bodyguards promptly surrounded Frank.

    He looked at them in turn, frowning, ¡°What is this?¡±

    Ro brandished the wooden case at him and snapped, ¡°Your wife hurt my dad once, and now you¡¯re

    going to finish her job? I¡¯ll have you beaten to a pulp right now!

    Frank sighed exasperatedly. ¡°The pill inside can save your father.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ro barked. ¡°Get him!¡±

    At Ro¡¯s orders, the bodyguards whipped out their weapons, ready to hurt Frank, when a car

    bounded into thepound toward them, sending the bodyguards scampering for cover before the

    door opened.

    Dan alighted, and promptly shouted, ¡°Hold it, Ro!¡±

    He had rushed here right after receiving the McCoys¡® call, stunned to find that fake Ichor Pills were

    already in the market in just a few days.

    He certainly had to stop Ro when he arrived and saw that thetter was ready to hurt Frank¨Cif

    Ro really went through with it, Lyndon would be a dead man walking!

    ¡°Finally, Mr. Zimmer. Please go in¨Clet me deal with this,¡± Ro said politely.

    Even if he would refrain from being rude to Dan, he needed his satisfaction by beating up Frank!

    ¡°Deal with what?!¡± Dan snapped, grabbing his arm. ¡°Frank¡¯s a bona fide miracle worker. He¡¯s the one

    who refined the Ichor Pills¨Cyou won¡¯t find another across all of Riverton!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Ro was left stunned. ¡°Are you joking, Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    ¡°Why would I joke around?¡± Dan snorted, really not bothered to waste his breath.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Turning toward Frank, he asked, ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    He certainly did not want a savant to get hurt!

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Thank you for your concern, but I¡¯m fine.

    ¡°Well, are you going to treat Mr. McCoy now?¡± Dan asked tentatively.

    ¡°I¡¯ve given his son an Ichor Pill,¡± Frank said with a shrug. ¡°He just has to feed his father, and he¡¯ll be

    fine.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Dan froze.

    It was an Ichor Pill they were talking about! He was himself too embarrassed to ask despite his desire

    for one, but the McCoys were given one easily?!

    Dan was as jealous as he was envious!

    Still, Ro snorted. ¡°Ichor Pill? Mr. Zimmer, Helen Lane already gave one to my dad, and he copsed

    right after!¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know if it¡¯s real when it¡¯s anyone else, but it¡¯s definitely real if it¡¯s given by Mr. Lawrence

    here,¡± Dan snapped, shooting a re at him. ¡°Sell it to me if you don¡¯t want it. I¡¯m willing to pay you

    a million.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ huh?¡±

    Ro was left staring at the box in his hand, but still doubted if it was really a miracle despite Dan¡¯s

    affirmation.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a look at my father first, Mr. Zimmer?¡± he asked quietly.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Lawrence already give you the pill? Just feed it to your father,¡± Dan said. ¡°Or are you

    doubting me?¡±

    ¡°N¨CNo, of course not,¡± Ro replied.

    He certainly would not refuse after Dan said that.

    Turning and running into the room, he fed his father the pill.

    Dan in turn turned toward Frank, dissing Ro without qualms, ¡°Apologies, Mr. Lawrence. Young

    Ro is still a little green¨Cdon¡¯t hold it against him.¡±

    The bodyguards around them pretended not to hear a thing. Forget dissing Ro¨CDan could p

    Ro in the face, and Ro would never retaliate!

 Chapter 54

    Forget dissing Ro¨CDan could p Ro in the face, and Ro would never retaliate!

    Frank shook his head. ¡°No, I understand how the boy felt. There¡¯s no reason for me to me him.¡±

    If anything, Helen was to me for bringing Lyndon the fake Ichor Pill, which led to Ro believing

    Frank was bringing him another dud when he brought a real one.

    Naturally, that was no reason to hold a grudge against Ro,

    Dan then walked up to Frank, appearing utterly respectful. ¡°Your understanding certainly sets your

    apart from the rest¡­ also, should you find the time, why don¡¯t you visit my Flora Hall? We can

    exchange our knowledge when ites to medicine.¡±

    Frank smiled in turn. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Zimmer. I¡¯ll actually require your assistance, since I¡¯ll need plenty

    of medicinal ingredients soon enough. I¡¯ll be imposing plenty.¡±

    Dan was beaming at Frank¡¯s words¨Cimposing suited him just fine. If anything, he was more worried

    that Frank would not visit.

    Decent rtionships went both ways, after all.

    ¡°Feel free to ask if you need anything, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Dan assured Frank. ¡°I¡¯ll never turn you

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Zimmer.¡± Frank smiled faintly. ¡°I shall get going if there¡¯s nothing else¡­ Also, please

    ask the McCoys to release Helen Ler.¡±

    Dan was taken aback. ¡°Sorry for asking, but what¡¯s your connection to Ms. Lane?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s my ex¨Cwife,¡± Frank said quietly.

    With those words, he left in silence.

    down.¡±

    The Lanes hated him, and now that Helen was unhappy with him as well, he had even less reason to

    see them.

    Dan was in turn gaping in disbelief¨Che was actually curious if Frank and Vicky were a thing since they

    were so close.

    Forget Vicky being engaged¡­ Surely the Turnbulls would not let Vicky marry a divorcee?!

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    ¡°M¨CMr. Zimmer! I¨CIt¡¯s a miracle!¡± Ro ran outside just then, almost stumbling as he did. ¡°My father¡­

    he¡¯s recovered! Wait, where¡¯s Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Gone,¡± Dan replied quietly. ¡°Be nicer if you ever meet him again¨Che did not hold against you.

    your offense

    ¡°Of course, of course!¡± Ro nodded repeatedly before asking softly, ¡°Actually, who is he? Why

    haven¡¯t I heard of him, let alone that he was with the Lanes?!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say that you shouldn¡¯t ask too many questions,¡± Dan said, shooting him a look. ¡°And

    where¡¯s Ms. Lane? Let her go already.¡±

    ¡°Oh, of course¡­ I¡¯ll do it right away!¡±

    Helen and Gina were still sulking in the guest room, with thetterining unhappily, ¡°What¡¯s

    keeping Mr. Wesley? When are they letting us go?¡±

    Just then, the door opened, with Ro smiling in greeting, suddenly utterly humble. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about

    my impulsive behavior before, Ms. Lane. I almost hurt you there¨Cplease don¡¯t hold it against

    me.¡±

    Helen was left taken aback by his drastic change of attitude and could tell right away that either her

    grandfather or Sean had resolved the issue.

    ¡°It¡¯s no issue, Ro. How¡¯s your father?¡± she asked.

    Ro smiled. ¡°Your husband treated him, and he¡¯s made a full recovery. He¡¯s resting in his room as

    we speak, but don¡¯t worry¨Cthe terms you negotiated before are still in effect.¡±

    ¡°My husband?¡± Helen was stunned.

    Judging from the way Ro said it, it was definitely not her grandfather. Could it really have been

    Sean?

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Ro replied, left a little bemused by her reaction. ¡°That¡¯s how he introduced himself.¡±

    In reality, he did not get it either¨Cif Helen¡¯s husband was that impressive, why would she give his father

    a fake pill in the first ce? Could there have been a mistake?

 Chapter 55

    As Ro escorted Helen and Gina out of the front door, Helen was about to get into her car when she

    spotted a familiar figure.

    It was Dan Zimmer, the owner of Riverton¡¯s Flora Hall.

    Thest time they were at Verdant Hotel, Sean pointed out Dan to Helen when Dan was following

    Gerald.

    Running up to Dan, she called out, ¡°Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    Gina hurried after her, while Dan turned when he heard her name called.

    Looking at Helen in surprise, he asked in curiosity, ¡°And you are¡­?¡±

    Helen shed a businesslike smile. ¡°My name is Helen Lane. Pleased to make your acquaintance.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Dan eximed in realization. ¡°So you are Ms. Lane. Apologies.¡±

    Helen was actually surprised that he would be that respectful. ¡°Do you know me, Mr. Zimmer?

    ¡°Nope.¡± Dan shook his head. ¡°But everyone has heard your name. Securing a partnership with the

    Turnbulls despite your youth? Your future is immeasurably bright!¡±

    Helen blushed a little. ¡°You tter me, Mr. Zimmer. By the way, was Mr. Wesley the one who sent you?

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Beside her, Gina was grinning ear¨Cto¨Cear, feeling smug to learn that Dan knew her daughter!

    ¡°Of course he did,¡± she said. ¡°Who else would have?¡±

    However, Dan was stumped. ¡°Mr. Wesley? Who are you talking about?¡±

    Gina quickly said, ¡°Sean Wesley, of course.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Dan nodded he had heard of the man, but there was no connection between them. ¡°Of

    course not. He did not call me.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Gina was dumbfounded.

    Even Helen was left in disbelief¡­ until she remembered Ro mentioning that her husband came.

    She realized right then that Frank must have sent Dan to help Lyndon!

    However, she was already divorced with Frank, and she did not want to be indebted to him.

    She quickly opened her purse, scrunching as she spoke, ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Zimmer. May I ask

    you what your fee is? I¡¯ll foot the bill¡­¡±

    Dan shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to. The fee has been paid. Also, I have other matters to attend to,

    so I shall be going now.¡±

    Helen bowed. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    Dan nodded and got into his car.

    Before leaving, he said, ¡°Ms. Lane. I don¡¯t know why you divorced your ex¨Chusband, but I find him a

    good man. You should cherish him more.¡±

    Helen smiled awkwardly in turn. ¡°Thank you for your advice, Mr. Zimmer.¡®

    With that, Dan wound up his window and left.

    His mentioning of Frank made Helen even more convinced that Frank was the one who sent Dan.

    On the other hand, Gina was staring as Dan¡¯s car sped off into the distance, muttering, ¡°Mr. Zimmer¡¯s a

    lot more rxed than I had thought he was¡­ But it¡¯s weird. If it wasn¡¯t Mr. Wesley, who else could it

    be?¡±

    ¡°It was Frank,¡± Helen said quietly¨Cshe was sure of that as soon as Dan mentioned him.

    Gina pursed her lips. ¡°What, Frank Lawrence? Quite joking around¨Cit¡¯s already wonderful that he¡¯s not

    causing more problems, let alone save you!¡±

    One way or another, Gina would never believe that Frank would be that nice.

    Helen was speechless but did not bother to exin.

 Chapter 56

    Sean called Helen just then. ¡°Are you alright, Helen? Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯ve sent my people to deal with the

    issue. I¡¯ll destroy Ro McCoy if he so much asys a finger on you.¡±

    In reality, he sent nobody. After all, he had no idea how to clean up the mess¨Cthere was just no way for

    him to keep deceiving Helen that the Ichor Pills were fake while having Ro release her as well.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Wesley¨Cmy mom and I were released,¡± Helen said quietly, her eyes then narrowing as

    she asked, ¡°By the way, who did you send?¡±

    Sean was caught dumbfounded, stammering endlessly but unable to say even a name.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    That made Helen more confident that Frank had sent Dan¨Cwhy else would Sean hesitate?

    However, Gina shouted just then, ¡°Mr. Wesley, was it Dan Zimmer?¡±

    Sean heard her and promptly said, ¡°Yes, yes, of course. I sent Mr. Zimmer.

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing?!¡± Helen was furious.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Gina shot back. ¡°I told you¨CMr. Wesley definitely sent Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no big deal and not worth mentioning,¡± Sean continued gloating over the phone at the same

    time, though he was relieved since Helen was fine anyway. ¡°Where are you now? I¡¯lle get you.¡±

    Helen scowled. ¡°Save it. I¡¯m driving home myself. ¡±

    She hung up right then, and Gina snapped at her grumpily, ¡°What¡¯s with the attitude?!¡±

    Helen rolled her eyes and got into her car. ¡°You don¡¯t get it at all.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you horrid child¡­¡± Gina continued to grumble from the back.

    Early next morning, Frank had just finished his daily routine when Vicky called. ¡°Have you considered

    my offer, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank did consider her suggestion to be a shareholder of her pharmaceuticalpany and

    decided it was worth a shot. ¡°Yes, but you know me I¡¯m penniless.¡±

    Vicky, however, was already grinning from ear to ear since he said yes. ¡°Oh, you. I¡¯m asking you to be

    a shareholder, and that means I¡¯m having you ride along as we make money. Why would I ask for your

    money? I¡¯ve also prepared a position for you as well.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Frank asked, just a little bemused.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be mypany¡¯s head of security and chief healer, as well as my senior assistant.¡±

    Frank rolled his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of positions. How much do I get paid for that?¡±

    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s mine is yours. Me too, if you¡¯d just ask,¡± Vicky purred.

    That was too much Frank, so he cut her short right then. ¡°Alright. Anything else?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Vicky quickly said. ¡°So there¡¯s thispany in West City that has taken out a loan but Isn¡¯t

    paying up. I was going to bring you along to collect the debt, but don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get ten percent.¡±

    Frank scratched his head and dissed, ¡°And that requires me, your head of security?¡±

    Vicky giggled. ¡°Of course. They¡¯re no pushovers¨CI¡¯m bringing some martial elites with me.¡±

    ¡°Fine. Where are you? I¡¯ll go to you.¡±

    ¡°Downstairs. You¡¯ll see my car when youe down.¡±

    Hanging up, Frank got changed and hurried downstairs to find Vicky poking her head out of her car,

    clearly having been waiting for a while.

    When he reached it, he then noticed that Yara was riding shotgun, while Cliff was in the backseat.

    Vicky was grinning in turn. ¡°Come, Mr. Lawrence¨Clet¡¯s all get acquainted. This is Yara Quill, my

    personal bodyguard, and that¡¯s Cliff Dixon, a temp bodyguard.¡±

 Chapter 57

    Yara was already familiar with Frank and promptly greeted him. ¡°Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    On the other hand, Cliff did not like Frank, let alone consider him capable of protecting Vicky.

    Cliff snorted coolly and ignored Frank.

    Frank rolled his eyes. ¡°You really know how to put a guy in an awkward spot.¡±

    Vicky giggled. ¡°Not really¨Cyou three are all here to keep me safe, so I naturally have to bring you all

    along.¡±

    Frank got in the backseat with Cliff, though there was a clear distance between them.

    At the same time, Vicky floored the gas pedal, and they headed straight to a dpidated factory in the

    outskirts of West City.

    It was a deste ce, with decrepit motor vehicles sitting strewn around thepound.

    As for the four of them alighted and strode right into the factory, they found a gang of people inside.

    Their leader, a rather young man, approached them. ¡°Hold it. What are you doing here? Who let you in

    here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Vicky Turnbull,¡± Vicky told him. ¡°Tell your boss toe see me.

    ¡°Wait, the famous Turnbull heiress?¡±

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Vicky nodded.

    ¡°Alright, wait here. I¡¯ll get him right now,¡± the youth said and ran to the office upstairs.

    Frank looked around just then.

    There was no machinery operating around, and if the people around them were workers, they were

    not dressed for work.

    This was no proper factory!

    Just then, a middle¨Caged man arrived downstairs, followed by three weirdly¨Cdressed men.

    Jackie Westfield was the balding middle¨Caged man who was also the shipping magnate of Riverton.

    With augh, he said, ¡°Oh, Ms. Turnbull ¨C when did you recover? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I was just

    going to visit when I¡¯m less busy.¡±

    Vickyughed coolly. ¡°Let¡¯s not stand on ceremony here, Mr. Westfield. You owe me twenty million

    since five years ago¨Cwhen are you going to pay me?¡±

    In fact, Jackie had merely been the administrator of a port when he borrowed twenty million from her.

    She just happened to need shipping logistics, and did not hesitate to lend it to him.

    She did not expect to fall sick, and the bastard then seized the opportunity and siphone

    off much of

    her cargo left in his care.

    Then, when she recently demanded payment, he told her he had none!

    ¡°What are you talking about, Ms. Turnbull?¡± Jackie chuckled. ¡°When you left your cargo in my port five

    years ago, I never collected a cent from you for security¨Cthe twenty million would count as coteral.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been guarding my cargo all this while?¡± Vickyughed. ¡°In that case, I want my cargo

    back.¡±

    Jackie shrugged. ¡°I eventually can¡¯t afford to guard it anymore, so I sold it off.¡±

    ¡°So, you have no intention of paying back?¡± Vicky growled through her teeth.

    Jackie¡¯s smile started to fade. ¡°You¡¯re always wee to keep doing business with me, Ms. Turnbull,

    but you¡¯re not getting your money back.¡±

    Vicky nodded. ¡°In that case, I have no reason to be nice.¡±

    With those words, she quietly stepped behind Cliff, Yara, and Frank.

    ¡°Oh, Ms. Turnbull,¡± Jackie chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve only brought those three? Aren¡¯t you underestimating

    me?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re plenty enough.¡±

    Jackieughed. ¡°Haha! What a coincidence¨CI just happen to have three men here too. Why don¡¯t we

    have them fight in a best¨Cof¨Cthree match? If you win, I¡¯ll pay you every single cent you¡¯re due. Uno,

    Dos, Tres!¡±

    At Jackie¡¯s order, three burly men appeared behind him.

    Vicky frowned at them in turn.

 Chapter 58

    Vicky narrowed her eyes curiously. ¡°The Szar Triplets?¡±

    Jackie nodded. ¡°Good eye, Ms. Turnbull¨Cthey are indeed the Szar Triplets of Sunny City.¡±

    Vicky snorted in disdain. ¡°And you¡¯re in cahoots with them. That exins how you¡¯ve grown a pair.¡±

    Sunny City was right next to Riverton, and the Szars were top dogs there. That meant they were

    influential, but it was still surprising to learn that they had expanded here to

    Riverton.

    And after Jackie became a part of their family, Sergio Szar sent the triplets over to assist him. They

    were all killers, and while they were actually there to keep an eye on Jackie, Jackie was actually eager

    to test the depth of their abilities.

    Lighting himself a cigarette, Jackie said, ¡°Care to make a bet, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Vicky put his hands on her hips and snorted in contempt. ¡°Do I look spooked? Who¡¯s up first?¡±

    Uno Szar promptly moved forward, just as Jackie demanded, ¡°What if you lose, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Vicky smiled. ¡°What would you like?¡±

    Jackie¡¯s eyes narrowed as he shed a sleazy smile, studying her. ¡°Stay the night with me.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s expression cooled at those words. ¡°I¡¯d advise you to take that back, or you¡¯d wish you were

    dead.¡±

    Jackie did not seem to care. ¡°Really? That depends on your trio¡¯s abilities.¡±

    Vicky shot him a vicious re before turning back at Frank and the others. ¡°So, any volunteers?¡±

    Yara was brimming with confidence after learning the strengthened version of the Boltsmacker.

    The same applied for Frank¨Che was even observing the breath rhythm of the trio and determined that

    they were around refinist¨Ctier.

    Handling them was easy, not to mention that Uno Szar was the strongest of the triplets.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± he said, stepping forward.

    However, Cliff was already snorting. ¡°You can¡¯t even beat me, brat. Just stay behind.¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°He¡¯s strong. You¡¯re no match for him.¡±

    Even if Cliff was pawnarch¨Ctier, Uno¡¯s breathing was quicker and steadier¨Chis internal strength was

    clearly a ss above Cliff.

    Frank should deal with him first, and then let Cliff take the rest.

    However, Cliff barked at him, ¡°Shut up! Who¡¯s a match for him then, you?! If anything, it¡¯s good enough

    if you¡¯d stop being a burden to Ms. Turnbull!¡±

    Turning towards Vicky, he then said, ¡°Leave him to me, Ms. Turnbull. We will win with Miss Quill

    handling the weakest of them.¡±

    So he was at least trusting toward the governor¡¯s daughter.

    Still, Vicky was hesitating and turned toward Frank. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Noment. If he wants to die, let him.¡±

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    ¡°Shut your mouth, brat!¡± Cliff barked, pointing him in the nose. ¡°I¡¯m not holding this against your only

    because I respect Ms. Turnbull!!

    Vicky snorted. ¡°Well, in that case, Cliff will take the first round.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you down,¡± Cliff said and walked straight to the center.

    Everyone tactfully backed away, clearing a ring for him and Uno.

    With a spirited bellow, Uno threw the first blow with the strength of ten lions.

    Cliff did not give ground, and they started trading punches!

    Pow!

    Pow!

    Pow!

    Neither were giving an inch, as every punch rapidly met its mark!

 Chapter 59

    Uno stood at over six feet tall, towering over Cliff.

    Despite Uno¡¯s physical advantage, Cliff was agile and could dodge Uno¡¯s jabs while he maneuvered,

    finding an opening to strike!

    However, once Uno took a punch, his expression twisted savagely.

    Suddenly, his footwork and punches were quicker, and he traded dozens of blows with Cliff in a

    second.

    As they kicked up dust in the factory and things seemed like it could go either way, Cliff was getting

    further surprised by each passing moment.

    Where on earth did Unoe from?! What was with this brute strength of his?!

    Just then, Uno swung yet another punch and Cliff dodged, finding an opening on Uno¡¯s hip!

    Perfect!

    He clenched his knuckles andunched a heavy punch¡­

    Thud.

    Cliff paled as he realized that Uno had caught his fist in a vice¨Clike grip¨CUno was waiting for that!

    ¡°And here I thought you¡¯d be someone impressive¡­ But you¡¯re just a piece of shit who exploits

    openings.¡± Uno snorted.

    Heunched a jab aimed at Cliff¡¯s head, and Cliff promptly raised his free hand to block it!

    Crack!

    His bones broke as what felt like a hammer bludgeoned his arm, leaving him screaming a blood-

    curdling cry!

    Uno did not stop at that, however¨Che punched Cliff in the head, cracking it and leaving it bleeding!

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Cliff dropped to his knees and would have copsed into a heap if Uno was not still holding his other

    hand.

    ¡°Cliff?¡± Vicky¡¯s eyes widened in surprise¨Cthe man was pawnarch¨Ctier and was defeated so easily?

    In the distance, Jackie was buoyed with joy.

    Old Sergio was not lying¨Cthe triplets were martial elites.

    He looked at Vicky from afar just then¡­

    The girl had only brought three bodyguards. If he could seize her today, he would have a proper taste

    before handing her over to Sergio as spoils.

    At the same time, Uno raised his fist again.

    Frank promptly kicked a pebble at that, firing it like a bullet and hitting Uno¡¯s arm.

    It knocked Uno¡¯s arm numb for a moment, and he lowered it feebly.

    Still, Uno was furious as he wheeled on Frank and bellowed, ¡°What are you doing, brat?!¡±

    ¡°He lost. There¡¯s no need to go for the kill, is there?¡± Frank asked calmly.

    If that punchnded, Cliff would be paralyzed even if he did not die.

    Uno snorted. ¡°So what? I¡¯m not done here.¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°There¡¯s no need to get violent, kid. I don¡¯t mind ying with you if you¡¯re that

    enthusiastic.¡±

    Uno actuallyughed and threw Cliff aside.

    Yara and Vicky hurried to him, holding him up as he bled. ¡°Are you alright, Cliff?¡±

    Cliff¡¯s face was already bruised and battered.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Ms. Turnbull,¡± he rasped. ¡°Tell that kid¡­ go back¡­ call in the others¡­ he¡¯s strong¡­ we

    can¡¯t win¡­¡±

    Vicky rolled her eyes but turned to Yara. ¡°Take him to the hospital.¡±

    Yara nodded.

    However, when she tried to help Cliff get out of the factory, Jackie¡¯s goons suddenly encircled her, and

    Jackie himself called out coolly from the distance, ¡°It¡¯s not over yet, Ms. Turnbull. Don¡¯t leave in

    a hurry now.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I bring my boy to the hospital?¡± Vicky snapped angrily.

    Unoughed. ¡°Come on, ma¡¯am. He¡¯s not dying anytime soon¨CI was denied myst punch, y¡¯know.¡±

    Then, turning toward Frank, he added, ¡°That might not be the case for this one.¡±

    Frank shrugged and rolled up his sleeves. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s not waste time. Tell your brothers toe at me

    too.¡±

    Cliff almost choked right then. ¡°That brat¡­¡±

 Chapter 60

    Cliff was certainly fuming¨Chow pretentious could a man get, taking three other men at once?!

    Beside her, Vicky narrowed her eyes.

    She knew Frank well enough to tell that he would not do anything unless he had absolute confidence.

    Perhaps his abilities grew after acquiring the wonderroot?

    On the other hand, Jackie was clutching his stomach from uncontrobleughter. ¡°Hahaha! Ms.

    Turnbull¡­ yourckeys aren¡¯t at all impressive, but they sure can boast!¡±

    ¡°You never know,¡± Vicky retorted, having absolute faith in Frank.

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Jackie snorted. ¡°Break his legs, Uno.¡±

    Uno flexed his wrist in turn. ¡°Time to die, kid.¡±

    Heunched a missile¨Clike punch at Frank¡¯s head right then!

    Frank did not move. He simply kept watching until Uno¡¯s fist was about to hit his face, and he suddenly

    raised his hand, grabbing hold of the fist while stopping Uno from moving an inch.

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Uno¡¯s eyes bulged in disbelief. How was a scrawny brat like him that strong?!

    ¡°Surprised?¡± Frank scoffed in turn. ¡°I told you and your brothers toe together, but you¡¯d rather die

    alone. Now, take that!¡±

    With a raging bellow, Frank suddenly struck Uno in the arm, breaking it instantly!

    Crack!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Uno screamed as he clutched his arm and stumbled backward.

    ¡°Uno!!!¡±

    Amid the cries of concern were looks of utter bewilderment from everyone in the factory.

    Uno had almost killed Cliff just now, only for Frank to cripple Uno with just a single strike?!

    Vicky was smiling smugly in turn¨Cshe was right about Frank!

    Nheless, that was when Uno turned toward his brothers. ¡°He¡¯s strong! Go together!¡±

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Dos and Tres did not hesitate to rush at Frank right then.

    But what could they do when their eldest brother did not hold a candle to Frank?

    Smack!

    Smack!

    Quick as lightning, Frank swiped his palm at them, leaving their skulls cracked and bleeding freely!

    Jackie was in turn left staring in shock as Frank sent the two triplets flying with a kick each.

    ¡°What the fuck¡­¡± he swore under his breath¨Che was just starting to like those three, and they were

    already beaten to a pulp?!

    At the same time, Frank slowly walked toward Uno, who scrambled away from him in fear!

    He did not even dare to look Frank in the eyes. The man did not project an ounce of murderous intent,

    but Uno was absolutely terrified of the suffocating pressure his presence emanated!

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just tell me to die?¡± Frank suddenly asked.

    Uno shook his head repeatedly. ¡°N¨CNo! It was just a joke, brother. Just a joke¡­¡±

    ¡°Good. This is a joke too.¡±

    Uno¡¯s eyes widened in terror. ¡°Wha-¡±

    Even before he could finish, Frank mmed a palm on his sr plexus!

    Agony spread throughout his body in an instant as veins and tendons snapped. His career as a martial

    artist was over!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Uno screamed even as he sweated buckets, and he writhed in pain on the floor, ring

    savagely at Frank. ¡°I¡¯ll ena

    you¡­¡±

    His importance in his family was based on his martial prowess¡­ now that he was crippled, he would

    definitely be a pariah!

    Frank certainly went for the jugr!

    Even as those around Uno listened to his screams, they could not help feeling chill running up their

    spines.

    Only Vicky was smiling in extraordinary appreciation of Frank¡¯s performance.

    Meanwhile, Jackie was gulping from fear and turned to flee!

    Vicky saw that and promptly picked up a rebar off the floor, then flung it at him.

    It struck Jackie in the legs instantly, sending m tumbling to the floor and rolling a few times. ¡°Don¡¯t leave

    now, Mr. Westfield,¡± she gloated. ¡°Weren¡¯t vou demanding mypany tonight?¡±

 Chapter 61

    Jackie gulped and promptly throw his hands up when he saw the horrific re in Vicky¡¯s eyes. ¡°I was

    just joking, Ms. Turnbull. Don¡¯t take me seriously.

    ¡°Joking, was it?¡±

    Vicky, however, picked up a steel pipe, adjusted her grip, and swung it at Jackie¡¯s head, drawing blood:

    instantly!

    Jackie¡¯s goons started forward but stopped in fear when Frank shot them a look.

    Argh!!!¡± Jackie cried even as he clutched his head. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Turnbull! I¡¯ll pay you right

    now.¡±

    Vicky shot him a re of contempt. ¡°As you should. Now wire it right now.¡±

    This time, Jackie did not hesitate to bark at his secretary to transfer the money.

    Once Vicky received it soon enough, he wiped his sweat and asked, ¡°We¡¯re even now, Ms. Turnbull.

    So, can you just go¡­.?¡±

    §ß§Ö

    ¡°Sure, but I did say I¡¯d make you wish you were dead.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s eyes shed murderously, and before Jackie could understand what was happening, Vicky

    swung the steel pipe up Jackie¡¯s crotch!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    A blood¨Ccurdling scream resound over the factory, and Jackie passed out in agony.

    Frank pursed his lips¨Ceven he felt a chill between his legs from that swing.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Vicky waved and led Frank and the others out of the factory.

    Naturally, none of the goons nearby dared to stop them.

    A breeze blew outside the factory. Vicky¡¯s clothes pped against the wind, giving her the bearing of a

    mafia boss.

    After they got in their car, Frank turned toward the bruised and battered Cliff and said tly, ¡°Raise

    your arm.¡±

    Cliff was surprised but did as he was told.

    Frank held his arm and suddenly clenched!

    ¡°Argh!¡± Cliff yelped.

    ¡°I¡¯ve realigned your arm for now,¡± Frank said, ¡°though you should see a doctor at the hospital

    anyway.¡±

    ¡°T¨CThanks¡­¡± Cliff said, studying Frank for a while and eventually asking, ¡°You knocked off my

    cor button before, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Frank asked, perplexed.

    Cliff inhaled deeply. ¡°When we sparred at Turnbull Vi, I noticed afterward that my cor button was

    gone. Did you knock it off?¡±

    He had found out afterward that the button had been dislodged, strings and all. However, it was not

    until today that he truly saw the depth of Frank¡¯s power that he realized Frank was the one who had

    knocked it off.

    Frank nodded in turn. ¡°It was me.¡±

    Cliff was at once humiliated and could hide right then. ¡°Why did you hold back?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Out of respect for Ms. Turnbull, whose family you serve.¡±

    Vicky nced at the rearview mirror in turn. ¡°Alright¨Cnow that we¡¯ve all acknowledged each other as

    allies, never belittle Mr. Lawrence again, Cliff.¡±

    In fact, she brought Frank here to collect Jackie¡¯s debt just to show Cliff the extent of Frank¡¯s strength,

    or Cliff would really think himself peerless.

    Naturally, they more or less took him down a peg as well.

    ¡°Certainly not.¡± Cliff nodded.

    After some thought, he added, ¡°That being said, Ms. Turnbull, the Szars will definitelye after

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    us now, especially after we¡¯ve crippled one of their own.¡±

 Chapter 62

    Cliff asked, ¡°Should I call in more people from the capital?¡±

    Vicky thought about it. ¡°Nope. The Szars are nothing as long as we have Frank around.¡±

    Most importantly, she did not want to ask her uncle¡¯s side of the family to send their people. It was a

    sign of weakness, and she would end up being passive when she returned to the capital.

    ¡°Very well.¡± Cliff nodded and turned silent.

    They headed to the hospital and got Cliff the best doctor to mend his bones, while Frank got a deposit

    of two million dors.

    After they left, Vicky asked, ¡°Are you busy at the moment, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Not particrly.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have a drink tonight with the money we collected?¡± Vicky smiled. ¡°There¡¯s a new joint

    called The Dynasty that just opened in West City. I have a good feeling about the ce.¡±

    Beside them, Yara scratched her head. ¡°My dad¡¯s asking me to go home tonight, so I won¡¯t be joining.

    She could tell Vicky only wanted Frank around, so she should not be third¨Cwheeling.

    ¡°Tonight¡­ I¡­¡± Frank murmured.

    He was actually not interested in such premises, but Vicky cut him short before he could refuse. Come

    on, Mr. Lawrence¨Cdon¡¯t be such a killjoy, especially with a beauty like myself inviting you.¡±

    Frank nodded, seeing that she was especially enthusiastic, while he had no reason to refuse.

    The Dynasty was exceedingly lively in the evening, with men and women hitting the dance floor and

    venting their pent¨Cup vigor. It just so happened that Helen and Lane Holdings¡® young executives were

    having fun at the booth seats on the second floor too.

    ¡°Ms. Lane! Lane Holdings is going to make it big now that we¡¯ve secured the West City project!¡±

    ¡°For sure. That¡¯s all because Ms. Lane is a great leader¡­¡±

    As they showered her with endless ttery, Helen smiled and raised her ss. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to

    everyone¡¯s hard work. Let¡¯s drink to Lane Holdings¡® strong growth as a localpetitor!¡±

    After everyone chugged their drinks, Gina poured Helen another ss. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s all thanks to Mr.

    Wesley that we got the project. Here¨Coffer him a toast.¡±

    Helen was repulsed by her mother¡¯s constant groveling, but she smiled and raised her ss

    nheless. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Helen.¡± Sean smiled and chugged his drink. ¡°What¡¯s mine is yours now. Just tell me if you

    need anything.¡±

    ¡°Ahem!¡±

    Helen choked a little, drinking a little too fast just then.

    ¡°Are you alright, Helen?¡± Sean asked in concern.

    Helen promptly waved him off. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡±

    Gina continued groveling just then, ¡°Oh, Mr. Wesley. I still have to thank you for saving Helen before.

    Honestly, Ro McCoy was so rude! Helen gave his dad an Ichor Pill, but he locked us up in a room!¡±

    Helen frowned just then and asked Sean, ¡°Mr. Wesley, how do you know Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    She felt suspicious after what happened before¨CSean imed he was the one who sent Dan Zimmer,

    but Dan clearly denied it.

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    Even if her mother kept insisting it was Sean, she had to get to the bottom of this.

    Sean¡¯s expression stiffened, clearly picking up on Helen¡¯s wariness from her words.

    Still, he quickly came up with an excuse and said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t know Mr. Zimmer¨Cmy father does,

    and it was also my father who called him.¡±

    ¡°See?¡± Gin

    ¡°Gina promptly said. ¡°I told you Mr. Wesley was helping us!¡±

    Helen smiled awkwardly in turn. ¡°Oh, I see!¡±

 Chapter 63

    Sean was staring at Helen¡¯s fresh face, unable to repress the smugness.

    Did she really just try to outwit him? Laughable!

    He certainly thought himself a genius¨Call he had to do was attribute everything to his father, and none

    would be the wiser. After all, Helen and her family would never verify anything with his father!

    However, Helen was fiddling with her ss, not quite believing Sean.

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Gina nudged her with her elbow, snapping, ¡°Could you give it a rest already? Mr. Wesley has helped

    hurt his feelings if you kept doubting him!¡±

    you so many times¨Cvou

    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± Helen nodded.

    Her mother had a point¨Cshe was out of line.

    Just then, her employees began gossiping.

    ¡°Hey, did you hear that someone took out Leo Grayson?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. West City¡¯s underbelly is now a mess,¡± a man in sses said.

    ¡°Really?¡± Helen quickly asked just then. ¡°Did that really happen?¡±

    The man nodded repeatedly. ¡°Of course. One of my friends works at Skymex.¡±

    Helen and Gina both gasped and turned toward Sean, presuming that he had done it since he was the

    only one who had ties to the governor¡¯s office.

    Leo Grayson was the kingpin of West City, but he was killed?

    However, it made sense since it would be no issue for the governor¡¯s office.

    Sean smiled awkwardly, noticing their stares. ¡°I just told them to do as they see fit. I didn¡¯t expect them

    to go that far.¡±

    He felt awkward even as he talked as well¨Che had to make up countless lies just to make up for one

    silly remark he made ages ago!

    ¡°See?! Mr. Wesley has done so much for you!¡± Gina shot Helen a scornful look just then¨Chow could

    she be so stubborn?

    Helen was actually emotional, since Sean hadpletely eliminated the Graysons¡® gang for her sake!

    As a wornan, she should be rejoicing that there was a man who would go so far for her.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wesley,¡± she said, her eyes wet with tears.

    Sean was actually stunned that she got that emotional, but seeing that the timing was right, she

    whipped out a palm¨Csized box from his pocket.

    He slowly opened it, revealing the same diamond ring from before.

    Going down on one knee and looking at Helen lovingly, he said, ¡°Failing to give you this has been my

    constant regret. I¡¯ve thought for days, but I just can¡¯t get you out of my head. I really hope you will give

    me a chance¡­ Will you marry me, Helen?¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    ¡°Yes! Yes! Yes!¡±

    Everyone around Helen began to cheer her on. In fact, most of the women were bribed by Sean earlier

    with the simple task of hyping things up.

    And beside Helen, Gina nudged her again. ¡°What are you waiting for? Say yes!¡±

    This was their best shot at forging an alliance with the Wesleys!

    However, Helen was hesitant even as she stared at the sparkling diamond ring.

    At the moment, Sean was certainly her best choice for a partner.

    But she had not forgotten that man¡­

    ¡°Marry him, Ms. Lane! Mr. Wesley is such a sessful man¡­¡±

 Chapter 64

    One of the women with Helen had her fingers crossed and her eyes welling up with tears. ¡°That¡¯s right!

    I¡¯m so jealous, Ms. Lane¡­¡±

    Sean was smiling in turn.

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    With the vibes and the setting, there was no reason for Helen to say no!

    Pressured by her employees and mother, Helen certainly found herself being washed along by the

    mood around her.

    Before she could say yes, however¡­.

    ¡°Oh, proposing at a bar? How lively!¡±

    Helen stiffened at the all¨Ctoo¨Cfamiliar voice and looked up to find Vicky, with Frank standing beside

    her.

    His expression was ice¨Ccold, and Helen withdrew her hand by instinct!

    ¡°Frank, no¡­¡± she started to exin, only to nce at Vicky and remember that she and Frank were

    divorced.

    What was the point of exining?

    And yet, she did not want to see Frank with another woman, just as she refused to let Frank see her

    ept Sean¡¯s proposal.

    Moments they shared together reyed in her mind, and she realized she could not forget the man

    whom she had lived with for three years.

    On the other hand, Sean was glowering when Helen withdrew her hand.

    He had almost seeded! Frank Lawrence just had to mess things up during the critical moment!

    Rising slowly, he turned toward Frank and Vicky, ring as he growled, ¡°Oh, what a coincidence, Ms.

    Turnbull.¡±

    Vicky shrugged, putting a hand on Frank¡¯s shoulder just then. ¡°What, do you have a problem with me

    coming here to drink with my boy?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Sean growled through his teeth. ¡°But don¡¯t you think it¡¯s impolite to interrupt a proposal?¡±

    Vickyughed. ¡°You¡¯re really bossy, telling everyone what to do and now telling me not to speak up?

    you¡¯d have to take it lying down even if I tell you how fat your mom is.¡±

    Listen

    ¨C

    I

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Sean snorted, feeling the pressing need to have Vicky and Frank leave right then. ¡°Sure, 1

    can¡¯t tell you what to do, so why don¡¯t you go and enjoy yourself?¡±

    Vicky turned toward Frank. ¡°Where should we sit, darling?¡±

    Frank nced at Helen, and then at the booth seat next to hers. ¡°Right here.¡±

    As Vicky and Frank sat down, Sean asked in frustration, ¡°Do you have to sit there?¡±

    Frank looked up in turn. ¡°You don¡¯t own this ce, so I can sit wherever I want.¡±

    ¡°Fine, have it your way,¡± Sean growled and gingerly returned to his seat, pouring Helen another drink.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just ignore them and enjoy ourselves.¡±

    Helen promptly waved him off. ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯m not feeling well.¡±

    From the corner of her eyes, she was watching Frank¨Cand Vicky, who was holding his arm as she

    poured him another drink. ¡°Come on, dear. Cheers!¡±

    Frank could clearly feel Vicky¡¯s warmth even as he held his ss and picked up her faint sweet scent.

    As for Helen, seeing Vicky totally enjoying herself and getting reallyfortable with Frank left her

    clenching her knuckles.

    Beside her, Gina snorted in contempt. ¡°Just look at that homewrecker. How shameless of her to

    snuggle up to that lowlife!¡±

    On the other hand, Sean was gritting his teeth in frustration before quietly whipping out his phone and

    heading to the washroom.

 Chapter 65

    Once in the washroom, Sean made a phone call. He must chase Frank away or he would not be

    getting Helen tonight!

    ¡°Hello? Who¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°Zuco, it¡¯s me, Sean.¡±

    The man¡¯s tone became friendly immediately, ¡°Oh, Mr. Wesley! To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±

    Sean promptly gave him the details, and Zuco was soon patting his chest and assuring him, ¡°Don¡¯t

    worry, brother. You just leave this to me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s a hundred grand in your ountter.¡± Sean smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t make mee all this way

    for nothing.¡±

    With that, he hung up and cheerfully returned to his seat.

    Gina asked eagerly, ¡°Where have you been, Mr. Wesley?¡±

    off.

    ¡°Nowhere. Just went for a bathroom break,¡± Sean said, happily studying Frank for a moment before

    turning back to Helen, ignoring him. ¡°Helen, I think that bastard is obviously here to piss you Let¡¯s not

    lose to them now¨Clet¡¯s enjoy ourselves and ignore them.¡±

    Gina nodded repeatedly in agreement. ¡°Mr. Wesley¡¯s right. Don¡¯t get petty with them.¡±

    Helen agreed too¨Cthere was no reason for her to quarrel with Frank.

    As she picked up her ss and chugged it, Sean sneaked out the pill he prepared beforehand and

    threw it into the whiskey bottle. ¡°Here. Let¡¯s get you a refill.¡±

    Gina chimed in, ¡°Me too, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    Sean frowned. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t drink something this strong, ma¡¯am. You¡¯re not that young¡±

    Gina waved him off and snatched the bottle. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯re all here to celebrate.¡±

    Sean promptly snatched it back and gingerly refilled Helen¡¯s ss. ¡°I¡¯ll pour some for youter, ma¡¯am.

    Just save some for me and Helen before that.¡±

    Beside Frank, Vicky drank more than a few sses. Her breath stank of alcohol, and her fair cheeks

    were now red.

    Seeing that, Frank said, ¡°That¡¯s enough. We should go.¡±

    Vicky shook her head, her eyes leveled sharply at the opposite seat. ¡°I haven¡¯t gone should drink too.¡±

    all out yet¨Cyou

    Frank followed her gaze to find that Helen was just finishing her ss as Vicky did, and it was

    obvious they were not sharing a toast.

    Still, given that Vicky was not mumbling, she was not drunk yet.

    Just then, a bald man with a cigar arrived with two goons in tow.

    They made a beeline for Frank, standing in front of him and barking, ¡°Frank Lawrence, is it?¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°I am. What¡¯s the problem?¡±

    The bald man was none other than Zuco and barked, ¡°You¡¯re not wee here. Get out.

    Vicky sprang to her feet right then, snapping, ¡°I paid to be here, and you¡¯re telling us to leave? Who do

    you think you are?!¡±

    Zuco put his hands on his hips and retorted, ¡°I¡¯m the head of security here, and someone informed us

    that you were causing a scene. Now leave!¡±

    ¡°Informed you? Who?¡± Vicky snapped, wheeling on Sean. ¡°You?!¡±

    Sean shrugged innocently, even though he called Zuco there. ¡°What are you saying, Ms. Turnbull?!

    don¡¯t know him at all¨Cyou must¡¯ve done something wrong to be asked to leave.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

 Chapter 66

    Sean was naturally not going to admit that he knew Zuco. After all, he was wary about Vicky and no

    told Zuco that he just had to chase Vicky and Frank away, since Zuco would be destroyed If Vicky got

    serious.

    And yet, Vicky was already folding her armus before her chest fearlessly. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.¡±

    Zuco rolled his eyes and waved at his goons. ¡°Take them away.¡±

    They started toward Vicky, who suddenly picked up a bottle from her table and smashed it on Zuco¡¯s

    head!

    It shattered resoundingly, leaving ss shards all over the floor as Vicky snorted in disdain. ¡°I leave

    when I want to. It¡¯s not up to a clown like you to tell me what to do!¡±

    ¡°B¨CBoss? Are you alright?!¡±

    The goons were petrified¨Cthe chick had actually smashed a bottle on Zuco¡¯s head?! She must have a

    death wish.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Zuco clutched his bleeding head and red viciously at Vicky before lunging at

    her with his arms outstretched.

    Frank moved right then, grabbing Zuco¡¯s wrist as he growled, ¡°I don¡¯t care who sent you. You have no

    business being here, so take your boys with you and leave.¡±

    Zuco was left humiliated and incensed by Frank but unable to pull his hand out from Frank¡¯s grip

    despite using his full strength.

    Turning to his goons, he barked, ¡°Get him!¡±

    Frank, however, did not even look his way and raised his foot, kicking one goon and sending him. flying

    on the other.

    Then, he twisted Zuco¡¯s arm, bending it before shoving him several meters away!

    ¡°Get out,¡± he growled.

    Zuco was left crouching on the floor and gritting his teeth in pain.

    ¡°Argh! My hand!¡± He clutched his arm as he backed away, ring at Frank furiously. ¡°How dare you

    touch me! I¡¯ll kill you! You won¡¯t be leaving this ce alive!¡±

    Vicky snorted, reclining against her seat and folded her legs haughtily. ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s see what you can

    do¨CI¡¯ll be waiting right here.¡±

    Frank then asked calmly, ¡°How many men can you call up?¡±

    Two hundred!¡± Zuco barked.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    ¡°You mean twenty?¡± Frank remained nonchnt.

    ¡°For sure!¡±

    ¡°Alright, go on, call them. I¡¯ll be waiting too,¡± Frank replied and returned to his seat.

    Seeing that, Sean promptly went up to Zuco and reasoned, ¡°Please work with me here. Just let it slide.

    He did not expect things to get out of hand, and if Zuco really brought his boss¡­.

    It was fine if Frank ended up dead, but they could not afford to hurt Vicky!

    If the Turnbulls came for revenge and both sides found out Sean was the one who had caused the

    mess, he would die horribly!

    ¡°Shut up! This is none of your business!¡± Zuco barked, shoving Sean away and hurrying away with his

    goons.

    Sean stamped his feet frantically before wheeling on Frank. ¡°Get out of here already!¡±

    ¡°Why? Why are you so scared?¡± Frank asked coolly. ¡°Or perhaps you had a part in this? To be fair,

    hiring thugs to hurt the heiress of the Turnbulls isn¡¯t exactly something you can sweep under the rug.

 Chapter 67

    Sean could not even look at Frank. He retorted, ¡°Shut up! I wouldn¡¯t even care if you¡¯re dead if not for

    Helen!¡±

    Gina became even more impressed with Sean right then. ¡°See? Mr. Wesley is so magnanimous, while

    you¡¯re so petty?¡±

    Sean said just then, ¡°Do you know who that baldie¡¯s boss is? It¡¯s the man who consolidated power in

    West City after Leo Grayson was killed!¡±

    ¡°Oh, are you talking about Scarface? I heard about him¨Che¡¯s ruthless,¡± one of Helen¡¯s employees said

    just then.

    Gina put her hands on her hips in turn. ¡°Don¡¯t bother with them, Mr. Wesley. It¡¯s none of our business

    who gets killed.¡±

    However, while Frank was wondering who Scarface was, there was amotion upstairs and a huge

    crowd soon arrived downstairs.

    Helen¡¯s employees were at once stunned that Zuco could call up so many people in an instant, while

    Helen turned worriedly toward Frank.

    Even Gina, who had been yapping endlessly, was totally silent.

    Zuco strode up to Frank pompously right then. ¡°Weren¡¯t you really bragging just now, bastard? Why are

    you so quiet now?¡±

    Sean¡¯s heart could leap out of throat just then¨Che really did not know how to exin himself, let alone

    tell Zuco who Vicky really was!

    Bracing himself, he moved close to Zuco and said, ¡°Come on, Zuco. Just let this slide!¡±

    However, Zuco

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    co was smiling. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Wesley. My boss is here¨Cnot even the gods can stop

    this now!¡±

    The crowd suddenly parted just then, and a rotund man almost six feet tall strode out.

    He had a gruesome scar on his face, and his menacing presence silenced Sean, leaving him terrified.

    ¡®T¨CThat¡¯s the new kingpin of West City?¡±

    ¡°This is my turf,¡± the scarred man¨Creal name Chad Hansen¨Cannounced just then. ¡°Anyone whoys a

    finger on my people here will have to pay. So? Who was it?¡±

    He had just risen to the top, and one of his boys was already beaten up¨Chow was he going to assert

    himself in West City if he did not step up?

    That was when Frank said nonchntly, ¡°It was me.¡±

    Chad¡¯s eyes widened when he saw that it was Frank, even shaking his head repeatedly in disbelief!

    Beside him, Zuco was rubbing his palms eagerly. ¡°Let me break his legs, boss. I¡¯ll make him wish he

    were dead!¡±

    However, Chad was trembling all over and promptly stopped Zuco.

    Turning to Chad, Zuco finally realized that something was wrong the man¡¯s face turned as white as a

    sheet, and he was sweating buckets!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, boss?¡± he asked.

    Chad, however, ignored him and turned to Sean. ¡°Mr. Wesley, was it? I¡¯ll let this one slide for now!¡±

    In truth, Chad was there when Leo Grayson was killed, witnessing with his own eyes how Frank had

    cut down over forty men like they were nothing. And Leo could not even touch him!

    Chad himself was fortunate to escape death by ying dead, or who knew what would have be of

    him!

    And now, with what few men he had, he was courting death by picking a fight with Frank!

    On the other hand, Sean was stunned¨Cwhen did he be so famous?

    And beside Chad, Zuco was utterly confused since Chad looked prepared to defend him just then.¡±

    What¡­ Why, boss?¡±

 Chapter 68

    Chad smacked Zuco on the head right then and snapped through gritted teeth, ¡°Quit yapping and go!¡±

    With that, he turned to leave, without so much as a nce behind him he was terrified that Frank

    would stop him!

    His goons were all confused, but there was no way!

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    stay when their boss had left!

    As they quickly followed, Zuco was left pouting, but he turned to re at Frank.

    ¡°Just you wait!¡± he snarled before hurrying after Chad.

    Sean breathed a long sigh of relief right then.

    Thank goodness they did not start fighting.

    Still, he turned to find everyone staring at him in shock, with Gina eximing in wonder, ¡°I didn¡¯t

    know you were that important, Mr. Wesley¡­¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s amazing! He could even talk directly to Scarface!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t expect anything less from Riverton¡¯s number one man! It would be worth living a decade less

    if I could marry him!¡±

    Sean was left scratching his head. ¡°Oh, they were all just being nice!¡±

    Even Helen was left in disbelief¨Cnot only was Sean important in business, but even a man like

    Scarface would defer to him!

    Vicky was nursing his line ¡°Really

    However, I¡¯m sure no one in your family is that important.¡±

    Sean pursed his lips and snorted. ¡°Hmph. You wouldn¡¯t have been allowed to leave if not for me, Ms.

    Turnbull. Shouldn¡¯t you be thanking me?¡±

    ¡°Thank you? You really are shameless, aren¡¯t you?¡± Vicky retorted in disdain.

    Frank suddenly cut their argument short. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Vicky did a double take. ¡°Already? Aren¡¯t you going to straighten out that faker?¡±

    Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°Are you really stooping down to the level of trash like him?¡±

    ¡°True.¡± Vicky nodded in agreement right then and hurried after him.

    Sean was left fuming¨Che would have given Frank a spanking if Vicky was not there!

    Still, Gina was strutting again once Vicky left. ¡°Don¡¯t bother with him, Mr. Wesley. Men living off

    women like him would be knocked off his perch before long.¡±

    Sean pretended to be cool about it. ¡°I¡¯m not going to get upset with someone like that, of course. Come

    on, Helen. Let¡¯s keep the drinksing!¡±

    Chapter L

    Helen, however, staring at the direct from which Franke

    He never took thing for disappened and frustrated.

    e pickiest up the ce tech, and the fly at the head turning muksed while her body grow bett

    *? ?? ?????? ? ??? sitantriguing are send Pak

    she shook her head, spelling the thoughts as she goed, ¡°What¡¯s going on Why am I suddenly thinking

    when than?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Hukket them

    saden rubbed her temples ¡°Nothing 1 jost feel a little dry. I don¡¯t think I can drink anymore.

    M: Wessly I think that¡¯s it for me¡±

    Mom he murmured, grabbing Cina¡¯s arm when she suddenly copsed into them.

    clina wan in a blist an well since the drank a little from Sean¡¯s bottle, but she was at least conscious

    Sean was smiling in turn, knowing that the drugs had already kicked in

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I think you and Helen have had too much to drink,¡± he quickly told Gina. ¡°Why don¡¯t I take you

    to a nearby hotel to get some rest?

    Helen, however, was staring at the direction from which Frank left.

    He never turned to look at her once, leaving her disappointed and frustrated.

    She picked up the ss Sean gave her and chuggest it, and she suddenly felt her head turning

    muddled while her body grew hot.

    It was weird¨Cshe was fantasizing having sex with Frank!

    She shook her head, dispelling the thoughts as she groaned, ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­ Why am I suddenly.

    thinking about that?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Helen?¡± Sean asked just then.

    Helen rubbed her temples. ¡°N¨CNothing. I just feel a little dizzy¡­ I don¡¯t think I can drink anymore, Mr.

    Wesley. I think that¡¯s it for me.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mom¡­¡± she murmured, grabbing Gina¡¯s arm when she suddenly copsed into them.

    Gina was in a blur as well since she drank a little from Sean¡¯s bottle, but she was at least conscious.

    Sean was smiling in turn, knowing that the drugs had already kicked in.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I think you and Helen have had too much to drink,¡± he quickly told Gina. ¡°Why don¡¯t Iake: you

    to a nearby hotel to get some rest?¡±

 Chapter 69

    Gina nodded in agreement without hesitation. ¡°Oh, sure. Thank you, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    She knew very well what Sean was nning but did not say no because she really wanted Helen to get

    into bed with Sean already.

    Ideally, they could even have a child together the Wesleys were not getting away when that happened!

    As Sean got up, he told Helen¡¯s employees, ¡°We¡¯ll be going now, everyone. Tonight¡¯s bill is on me-

    enjoy yourselves as much as you want.¡±

    Everyone apuded even as Gina basically carried Helen away from the booth seats, and they all

    watched them leave emotionally. ¡°Well, Ms. Lane will be Mrs. Wesley when tomorrowes!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the harm? They are a family with a long history in Riverton¨CLane Holdings will rise to new

    heights once they marry!¡±

    ¡°Definitely!¡±

    Everyone was nodding in agreement the further Lane Holdings progressed, the higher their ce in

    society!

    Outside The Dynasty, Frank had just entered the car with Vicky when she smiled. ¡°What¡¯s with the long

    face? Didn¡¯t have fun? We could go elsewhere.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what the time is? Go home and get some rest already.¡±

    Vicky suddenly leaned in, smiling barely a feet between them. ¡°You¡¯re jealous because you saw Sean

    proposing to Helen, weren¡¯t you?¡±¡±

    Frank turned away and snorted in disdain. ¡°I¡¯m not

    That was when Vicky wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Tell me if you¡¯re jealous. I¡¯m hot, aren¡¯t I?

    And I can do anything Helen Lane can do¡­¡±

    She then breathed a puff into his ear, tickling Frank.

    He turned right then, their noses almost brushing while the interior of the car seemed to heat up.

    Vicky was biting her lip, her fair dainty fingers fiddling with his cor and brushing against his Adam¡¯s

    apple.

    Frank could not help getting hot and bothered, but he had to admit that the woman could really put the

    moves on.

    Moreover, he had been drinking and felt a fire burning in him while his heart raced.

    Still, he growled, ¡°Don¡¯t y with fire.¡±

    Gina nodded in agreement without hesitation. ¡°Oh, sure. Thank you, Mr. Wesley.¡±

    She knew very well what Sean was nning but did not say no because she really wanted Helen to get

    into bed with Sean already.

    Ideally, they could even have a child together¨Cthe Wesleys were not getting away when that happened!

    As Sean got up, he told Helen¡¯s employees, ¡°We¡¯ll be going now, everyone. Tonight¡¯s me-

    bill is onN?velDrama.Org content rights.

    enjoy yourselves as much as you want.¡±

    Everyone apuded even as Gina basically carried Helen away from the booth seats, and they all

    watched them leave emotionally. ¡°Well, Ms. Lane will be Mrs. Wesley when tomorrowes!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the harm? They are a family with a long history in Riverton¨CLane Holdings will rise to new

    heights once they marry!¡±

    ¡°Definitely!¡±

    Everyone was nodding in agreement¨Cthe further Lane Holdings progressed, the higher their ce in

    society!

    Outside The Dynasty, Frank had just entered the car with Vicky when she smiled. ¡°What¡¯s with the long

    face? Didn¡¯t have fun? We could go elsewhere.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what the time is? Go home and get some rest already.¡±

    Vicky suddenly leaned in, smiling barely a feet between them. ¡°You¡¯re jealous because you saw Sean

    proposing to Helen, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    Frank turned away and snorted in disdain. ¡°I¡¯m not.

    That was when Vicky wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Tell me if you¡¯re jealous. I¡¯m hot, aren¡¯t I?

    And I can do anything Helen Lane can do¡­¡±

    She then breathed a puff into his ear, tickling Frank.

    He turned right then, their noses almost brushing while the interior of the car seemed to heat up.

    Vicky was biting her lip, her fair dainty fingers fiddling with his cor and brushing against his Adam¡¯s

    apple.

    Frank could not help getting hot and bothered, but he had to admit that the woman could really put

    the moves on.

    Moreover, he had been drinking and felt a fire burning in him while his heart raced.

    Still, he growled, ¡°Don¡¯t y with fire.¡±

    Vicky smiled and breathed. ¡°I¡¯m exactly that bold¨Cdon¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared now.¡±

    Frank stayed silent as he kept controlling his breathing to calm down.

    Seeing that, Vicky arched her back and leaned in, putting her cool lips against his.

    However, Frank¡¯s eyes suddenly widened and he abruptly pushed her away.

    ¡°Ow!¡± That actually hurt Vicky a little and she demanded, ¡°What are you ying at?!¡±

    She watched as Frank suddenly opened the door and got out of the car, hurrying to the distance.

    ¡°Hey! Where are you going?¡± Vicky called out after him, but soon hurried after him without hesitation

    when she saw where Frank was going.

    Sean was there, carrying Helen to an SUV.

    Vicky stamped her feet in frustration.

    Helen had to keep ruining things for her!

    Helen waspletely incoherent as shey sprawled in the backseat, her hands fumbling and

    reaching everywhere without knowing it.

    Even Gina¡¯s cheeks were red, and her eyes turned unfocused as she got dizzy. ¡°A¨CAre we there¡­

    yet¡­. Mr. Wesley¡­?¡±

    Sean narrowed his eyes. ¡°Soon, hag.¡±

 Chapter 70

    Come to think of it, Sean should really thank Gina¨Che would not have gotten Helen so easily if not for

    her!

    However, just as he got into the driver¡¯s seat and was about to start the car, Frank suddenly appeared.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    He opened the door and pulled out his car keys!

    Sean did a double take, and was incensed when he saw that it was Frank. ¡°Could you stop bothering

    me for once?!¡±

    ¡°Where are you taking Helen?¡± Frank was glowering coolly.

    ¡°That has nothing to do with you!¡± Sean snapped.

    Frank nced at Helen in the backseat just then.

    She was iling her hands in the air, while her legs were squeezed together and kicking.

    She was also mumbling endlessly and unintelligibly¨Cclearly, she had been drugged.

    Furious, Frank punched Sean in the face!

    ¡°Did you fucking drug her?!¡± he bellowed.

    He would not say a word if Helen was conscious and willing to go with him. However, all he felt was

    contempt for Sean for sinking this low!

    ¡°Argh! Fuck you! This is none of your business! Don¡¯t you ruin this for me!¡± Sean cursed, clutching

    his nose.

    ¡°Get down,¡± Frank snapped and pulled Sean out of the SUV before pping him across the face!

    ¡°Argh!¡± Sean yelped and red viciously at Frank. ¡°Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t do anything to you!¡±

    He suddenly whipped out a switchde from his back and stabbed it toward Frank¡¯s chest!

    He never got violent before because he did not want to ruin his image around Helen, but he was not

    taking this lying down!

    However, he was too slow for Frank, who caught his wrist and swung his fist down on Sean¡¯s forearm!

    Crack!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    Sean¡¯s arm broke right then, and he let out a blood¨Ccurdling scream. However, he could not even see

    Frank move as he struggled to get free, but Frank held him in ce with a vice¨Clike grip!

    ¡°H¨CHow dare you hit me! I am the Sean Wesley-¡±

    ¡°Fuck you.¡±

    Frankunched Sean into the air with a kick, and Sean rolled a few times and only stopped when he hit

    the curb.

    He certainly did not look like a rich heir as he bled from the mouth, looking utterly pathetic.

    His eve

    eyes bloodshot, he could kill Frank right then!

    That was when Chad and his men stepped out of The Dynasty.

    Sean shed a vicious smile at Frank right then, ¡°It¡¯s over for you now!¡±

    Then, wobbling as he tried to run toward Scarface, he cried, ¡°Please, Scarface! Help me!¡±

    Chad did a double take when he saw Sean being beaten to a pulp. ¡°Mr. Wesley, was it? up?¡±

    -heat you

    Sean promptly pointed at Frank. ¡°That¡¯s him! Beat him up, and I¡¯ll pay you as much as you want!¡±

    Chad turned to look where Sean was pointing, and his heart that barely calmed down was pounding

    again.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± he barked. ¡°Who do you think you are, insulting Mr. Lawrence like that?!¡±

    And with those words, he kicked Sean squarely on the chest and snapped at his goons, ¡°Fuck him up!¡±

    The goons, promptly surrounded Sean, punching and kicking him relentlessly!

 Chapter 71

    Even as Sean was left utterly confused, he was clutching his head and pleading, ¡°Argh!!! Please, stop

    Stop hitting me, Scarface!¡±

    However, Chad himself kicked Sean a few times before running toward Frank, quickly denouncing

    Sean in fear that Frank would think he was on Sean¡¯s side. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I don¡¯t know

    that person at all.¡±

    Sean was bleeding from his nose and mouth even as he stared at Chad in confusion. ¡°W¨CWhat are you

    doing?! He¡¯s just Vicky Turnbull¡¯s manwhore! You don¡¯t have to be afraid of him!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Chad bellowed and charged toward Sean,unching a flying kick and sending him to the

    floor.

    Then, lifting him by the cor, he yelled, ¡°If you want to die, you can fuck off all you want¨Cdon¡¯t drag me

    down with you!¡±

    Sean was left confused again. ¡°B¨CBut¡­ You¡¯re the kingpin of West City¡­¡±

    Chadughed despite himself. ¡°Sure, I am¨Cbut do you know who killed Leo Grayson?

    ??

    Sean was left thunderstruck as he understood in an instant. He turned frantically toward Frank and

    murmured, ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­. him?¡±

    Chad rolled his eyes but nodded in silence, while something snapped in Sean and he passed out right

    then.

    Chad was left doing a double take and quickly checking his vitals.

    Seeing that Sean was still breathing, he snorted. ¡°And I thought you had a pair. Turns out you¡¯re just

    a coward.¡±

    Rising to his feet, he then smiled as he ran toward Frank again. ¡°Sorry I haven¡¯t introduced myself, Mr.

    Lawrence. Chad Hansen at your service¨Cmy homies call me Scarface, but you can call me Scar. I¡¯m

    sorry about everything that happened tonight.¡±

    Then, he whipped out a card from his pocket and added, ¡°Please, take this as a sign of my heartfelt

    apology. With this, you can visit any nightclub in West City without paying ¡±

    Frank took the card. ¡°So, you¡¯ve taken over all of Leo Grayson¡¯s business?¡±

    ¡°Umm¡­ For now.¡± Chad nodded repeatedly.

    ¡°Good. Give me your number¨CI will be in touch,¡± Frank said bluntly.

    ¡°No problem,¡± Chad replied enthusiastically¨Cit was exactly what he wanted. ¡°Where are you! heading,

    Mr. Lawrence? Can I offer you a ride?¡±

    ¡°No. But I have to go now.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Take care, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Chad said and bowed.

    The goons behind him were all left dumbstruck.

    To think that they would live to see their boss being such a bootlicker¡­

    Still, it made sense since the other man had killed Leo Grayson!

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    As Frank returned to Sean¡¯s SUV, Helen suddenly reached him, wrapping her arms around him and

    clinging fast to him.

    She kept moaning repeatedly, and Frank could hear his name from up close.

    It actually left him feeling a little smug.

    Vicky appeared just then, scowling coolly. ¡°Had enough fun yet?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Frank scratched his head awkwardly. ¡°She was drugged. I need to get her to the hotel while the

    drug wears off.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s another over there,¡± Vicky said just then, pointing at Gina, who was clinging tightly to Vicky¡¯s

    arm and looking aroused.

    Pushing her away by the forehead impatient, Vicky snapped, ¡°Enough already!¡±

    Frank said just then, ¡°Let¡¯s get them to a hotel.¡±

    He got into Sean¡¯s car, having no inclination to change cars.

    However, just as he climbed into the back seat, Vicky stopped him. ¡°No, you drive. I¡¯m taking the back

    seat.¡±

 Chapter 72

    Vicky had no intention of letting Helen get frisky with Frank, leaving him speechless.

    Still, he quietly moved to the driver¡¯s seat and drove to Verdant Hotel, where he quickly carried Helen

    to his room.

    Behind him, Vicky was still holding up Gina and asked, ¡°Hey, what about this one?¡±

    ¡°Take her to another room,¡± Frank replied tly. ¡°I¡¯ll tend to herter.¡±

    Vicky pursed her lips. ¡°Trying to send me away? Dream on!¡±

    She looked around, locking on to a bellboy and snapping, ¡°Over here, kid!¡±

    The bellboy promptly ran up to her and asked respectfully, ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. How can I help?¡±

    Vicky whipped out a stack of hundred dor bills and shoved it at the bellboy. ¡°Get a room for her and

    let her settle in¨Cdo that, and the money is yours. If anything bad happens, you¡¯ll be held responsible.

    The bellboy¡¯s eyes widened¨Cit was the first time he had been given such a generous tip!

    Nodding repeatedly, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am. I¡¯ll take good care of thedy.¡±

    With that, he took Gina off Vicky¡¯s hands, while Vicky promptly turned to run into Frank¡¯s room.

    Frank was just putting Helen in bed, her gaze seductive now that her usual haughty was gone.

    As she repeatedly brushed her cheek against Frank¡¯s arm, Vicky asked, ¡°What on earth did Sean drug

    her with? It¡¯s so effective.¡±

    Frank rolled his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re a woman too. You can leave¨Cthere¡¯s nothing to see here.¡±

    Vicky shrugged. ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m a woman, not an idiot.¡±

    Frank ignored Vicky and leaned forward just then, holding Helen¡¯s hand and reaching for her clothes

    just as Vicky strode up to him. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Acupuncture. That means clothes off,¡± Frank replied.

    Vicky pouted. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.

    ¡°Then hurry,¡± Frank urged.

    Vicky quickly undressed Helen, though she also groped Helen¡¯s breasts. ¡°Passable. But still not my

    level, I¡¯m afraid.¡±

    That was when Helen suddenly got up, catching Vicky off guard¨Cwrapping herself around Vicky, she

    jammed her lips squarely on hers!

    Vicky shoved her away right then, snapping in disdain, ¡°Eww! I don¡¯t swing that way¨Cget off.¡±

    Frank rolled her eyes and drew out a needle.

    Vicky held out a hand. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    ¡°Can you really?¡± Frank asked skeptically.

    ¡°I know my martial arts and basic acupuncture,¡± Vicky replied. ¡°Just tell me where to insert the

    needles.¡±

    Frank thought about it, and handed over the needles to Vicky. ¡°Put the first one on the abdomen. The

    next will be on the nape¡­.

    Soon, after just five needles, Helen appeared a lot less aroused, leaving Vicky clicking her tongue in

    wonder. ¡°You¡¯re quite something.¡±

    ¡°Ya think?¡± Frank was speechless.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Vicky giggled and suddenly asked, ¡°So, who is the fairer between us?¡±

    Frank turned in reflex toward the naked Helen.

    They had been married for three years, but this was the first time he was observing her like this.

    Moreover, Vicky and Helen werepletely different.

    Vicky was naturally charming with a hint of loftiness, whereas Helen was naturally haughty with a hint

    of charm.

    They were twopletely different people with each their virtues.

    ¡°Both of you are beautiful,¡± he said just then.

    Vicky snorted contemptibly. ¡°Hmph. More like you want both of us¡­ by the way, are you having your

    mother¨Cinw undress for acupuncture as well?¡±

    It was only then that Frank remembered about Gina. ¡°Wait, where is she?¡±

    ¡°I handed her over to a bellboy,¡± Vicky admitted awkwardly.

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Frank¡¯s jaw dropped, a little scared to imagine what would happen just then!

 Chapter 73

    In the next room, the bellboy had put Gina in bed and was about to leave when a pair of arms wrapped

    around him firmly.

    Then, he heard a gruff moan behind him. ¡°Oh¡­ handsome¡­ Come on¡­!

    The bellboy turned to see Gina¡¯s middle¨Caged face looking clearly aroused.

    He was a man, but he was not that desperate¨Cthough he would not have hesitated if it was that babe

    from before.

    This hag, however¡­

    Still, he lowered his gaze on the stack of bills he had been given.

    So that was why he was given such a generous tip! There was a catch after all!

    The man was left weighing between his principles and money¡­ and eventually gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Fuck it. Guess I¡¯ll take this for the money!¡±

    Throwing aside any vestiges of dignity, he turned and jumped on top of Gina!

    Frank and Vicky hurried to the next room but could already hear the cries of pleasure from the

    doorway.

    Vicky raised her brow. ¡°Guess we¡¯re toote¡­ Are you going in?¡±

    Frank smacked himself on the forehead and sighed exasperatedly. ¡°Oh, forget it.¡±This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    He quietly left, with Vicky swiftly following-

    Frank asked in surprise, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going home?¡±

    Vicky simplyy down on the bed. ¡°Of course not. I have to take good care of dear Helen tonight.¡±

    Frank sighed exasperatedly as he sat on the couch. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nothing will happen between me and

    Helen even if you leave.¡±

    Vicky snorted. ¡°You never know. Even if you have no such intentions, she might.

    Frank shook her head. ¡°Whatever. Stay here all you want.¡±

    With that, he got up and started to leave.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Vicky asked.

    ¡°Getting another room,¡± Frank replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say all fees are waived for me on all Turnbull

    business?¡±

    ¡°Fine. ¡± Vicky would have a peace of mind as long as Frank was not alone in a room with Helen.

    As Helen slowly stirred early next morning, she immediately found herself staring at Vicky¡¯s ravishing

    face.

    She thought she was dreaming and almost fell off the bed.

    She was immediately alert and promptly climbed back on the bed as she realized that it was not a

    dream.

    She then looked down to find herself naked, while Vicky had a sleeping gown on!

    Searching her memory, she realized she only remembered being at The Dynasty, while the rest was a

    nk.

    Did Vicky do this for revenge?

    She thoroughly felt around her lower body but noticed nothing out of ce, just as Vicky stirred.

    While she yawned and ran her hand through her fluffed hair, Helen demanded, ¡°What did you do to

    me?¡±

    Vicky did a double take before turning to Helen. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t give me that pervy look now¨CI don¡¯t swing

    that way.¡±

    Helen snorted. ¡°Then what am I doing here?¡±

    Vicky shrugged. ¡°Frank brought you here.¡±

    ¡°And where is he?¡±

    ¡°In another room.¡±

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief¨Cshe guessed she was fine.

    She frantically picked up the clothes on the chair and promptly got dressed, though Vicky was smiling

    as she studied Helen. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? I¡¯ve already seen everythingst night.¡±

 Chapter 74

    Helen made a face. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m not used to sharing a bed.

    ¡°Tut, tut¡­ How innocent.¡± Vicky clicked her tongue, but soon realized something. ¡°So you never shared

    a bed with Frank while being married to him? Does that mean he¡¯s a virgin? Well, your loss.¡±

    Helen was immediately upset and snapped through gritted teeth, ¡°You¡¯re delusional¨Cwe already did it.¡±

    Then, rubbing chin as if in recollection, she added, ¡°He¡¯s good. You can try him yourself when you have

    the time.¡±

    Vicky pursed her lips, her visage shing coolly for a moment before sheughed. ¡°That¡¯s alright- being

    experienced is fine. I¡¯d rather not have virgins myself.¡±

    However, Helen sharply noticed the cool look on her face and was satisfied to one¨Cup her. ¡°Really?

    Then take your time. I¡¯ve gotten bored of him already.¡±

    With that, Helen strode out of the room and breathed a long sigh, feeling disappointed even though.

    she had won this round.

    After all, she and Frank never did it¨Cshe did not actually have anything over Vicky.

    ¡°You¡¯re up?¡± Frank appeared just then, startling Helen.

    ¡°Y¨CYeah¡­ What are you doing here?¡± she asked, patting her chest to calm herself down.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading downstairs for breakfast. Do you want some?¡± Frank asked, doing his best to keep his

    tone even.

    ¡°I¨CI¡¯ll pass,¡± Helen replied, keeping her lowered in thought.

    After a while, she asked, ¡°Frank, did you send for Dan Zimmer when Ro McCoy locked me up?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Nope. Ro himself sent for Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Helen was totally confused¨Cthen why would Dan admire Frank so much?

    Still, she was now positive that Frank was the one who had saved her grandfather and said, ¡°Anyway,

    thanks for helping Grandpa.¡±

    ¡°I owe him¨CI¡¯d save him no matter what it takes,¡± Frank replied.

    Helen nodded. ¡°Also, about yesterday¡­ I didn¡¯t know Sean would propose.

    that your

    Frank sighed lengthily. ¡°I have no right to meddle with your decisions on who to marry. That said, I¡¯d still

    rather you show some judgment when ites to character¨CI won¡¯t mind telling you whiskey was

    drugged yesterday.¡±

    ¡°What? Who did it?¡± Helen paled in shock, though it was not surprising when she thought about it.

    Even if she was not a particrly good drinker, she should not have passed out so quickly!

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see him do it, but it¡¯s most definitely Sean,¡± Frank said.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Helen said earnestly.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    She remembered that Sean had been respectful in every way in the past. While she was not certain

    that Sean had drugged her, she was now wary against him.

    Just then, Gina stepped out of her room.

    After a night of stormy passion, she appeared spirited and revitalized.

    Spotting Helen with Frank right then, she promptly strode up and pulled Helen behind her. ¡°What are

    you doing here?!¡± she snapped. ¡°What were you doing to my daughter?¡±

    Frank rolled his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re getting the wrong idea. Both of you were drugged¨CI brought you here to

    help you.¡±

    ¡°Help me?¡± Gina paled when she remembered what had happenedst night.

    She thought she was drunk and slept with a gigolo by ident, but it turned out to be Frank¡¯s fault!

    And since she was not immune to drugs, it went without saying for Helen!

    She shrieked maniacally right then, ¡°What did you do to Helen?!¡±

 Chapter 75

    Frank rolled his eyes again. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to Helen.¡±

    Even so, Gina pointed at him and snapped, ¡°I¡¯m warning you. I¡¯m suing you if anything happens to

    her!¡±

    Helen was exasperated. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mom. Frank and I weren¡¯t sharing a room.¡±

    She actually had a lot of questions for Frank, but it seemed she had to give up now that her mother

    was here.

    ¡°You passed out drunk!¡± Gina snapped relentlessly and dragged her away right then. ¡°Come on. We¡¯re

    going to the hospital¨Cwho knows what he did to you.

    Helen was speechless¨Cwould she not know if anything had been done to her?

    Still, just as they stepped out of the hotel, Gina said, ¡°You really should stop seeing Frank¨Cit¡¯d be bad if

    Mr. Wesley sees this.¡±

    ¡°So what if he does? We¡¯re just friends,¡± Helen retorted.

    She actually believed that Frank could be trusted. And if it really was true, she would not forgive Sean

    for drugging her, no matter how much he had done for her.

    ¡°Are you really stupid?!¡± Gina snapped in disappointment. ¡°Mr. Wesley proposed to you! He clearly

    likes you!¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Helen returned calmly. ¡°I didn¡¯t say yes, and I don¡¯t like him.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?!¡± Gina poked her in the head. ¡°Love doesn¡¯t put food on the table! Money is

    money, and the Wesleys have plenty of it. That¡¯s reality.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    ¡°Whatever. I don¡¯t need you to tell me who to choose.¡± Helen waved Gina off impatiently when she

    noticed something unusual about her mother.

    Gina was never a morning person and was usually lethargic after waking up.

    Now, however, she was positively exuberant.

    ¡°What¡¯s with you? You look so spirited,¡± Helen said.

    ¡°Uhm¡­¡± Gina was taken aback.

    However, it was only natural she was spirited after a long night of stormy passion, not to mention that it

    had been a while.

    Hiding her face in her palm, muttering in embarrassment, ¡°N¨CNothing¡­¡±

    Helen was puzzled but did not press the issue, and they drove away from the hotel.

    Still at the hotel, Vicky was just stepping out after putting on her clothes and found Frank. ¡°So, your

    darling left?¡±

    Frank looked at her in turn.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything to Helen, did you?¡±

    ¡°Har, har. I¡¯m not interested in her, though I don¡¯t think that was the case for you.¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Gina snapped at me, saying she¡¯s taking her daughter to the hospital for a checkup.

    She vowed to sue me if there¡¯s an issue.¡±

    Vicky rolled her eyes. ¡°Does she think that her daughter is some sort of divine treasure?¡±

    Frank sent Vicky home after breakfast, but they had just entered the drawing room when they found

    Susan sitting there angrily and waiting for them.

    ¡°Where have you two been?¡± she demanded right away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom,¡± Vicky replied nomittally. ¡°No one cany a finger on me with Frank around¡­¡±

    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m worried about your safety?!¡± Susan snapped angrily.

 Chapter 76

    Susan was worried that Frank and Vicky were getting frisky!

    As her direct subordinate, Cliff had already told Susan all about Frank¡¯s abilities and was surprised that

    the normal¨Clooking boy had such talent.

    ¡°Then what are you worried about?¡± Vicky tilted her head.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    actually

    ¡°It seems that you weren¡¯t listening to anything I¡¯d told you.¡± Susan sighed in disappointment.

    ¡°I¡¯m an adult, Mom,¡± Vicky¡¯s tone slowly turned sharp just then. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    Frank certainly noticed the awkward vibes in the room and said gingerly, ¡°I¡¯ll be going if there¡¯s nothing

    else¡­¡±

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Susan snapped coolly.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am?¡± Frank asked, slowly turning towards her.

    ¡°We need to talk,¡± Susan said, putting down her cup of coffee.

    She had been doing a thorough investigation on Frank over thest few days after all. After realizing

    that she was not the lowlife she believed him to be, she decided she could at least give him a shot.

    ¡°Feel free,¡± Frank said, spreading his arms.

    Susan slowly got to her feet. ¡°You¡¯ve proven your abilities. If you are willing to provide us with the

    recipe for the Ichor Pill, I can consider letting you date my daughter.¡±

    Frank did a double take.

    What was she saying? Vicky was engaged, and yet Susan had promised to let her daughter date him?

    Beside them, Vicky rubbed her chin and nced between her mother and Frank.

    She knew all too well that her mother was nning to split her bet between Titus Lionheart and

    Frank.

    Even so, Frank shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am, but I can¡¯t give you the recipe.¡±

    Vicky eximed in surprise right then, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t lowball me after having a taste,¡± Susan snapped in turn. ¡°It¡¯s a mercy that I¡¯d even let you two

    mingle.¡±

    Frank said bluntly, ¡°The Ichor Pill¡¯s most important ingredient is the essence of a martial elite who¡¯s

    mastered their vigor. Can you find one such person even if I give you the recipe? And even if you

    seed in that, you should know that their essence is cultivated over years. Would they give it to you

    to make pills with?¡±

    Vicky nodded thoughtfully¨Cso Frank was not declining a rtionship with her. In reality, the Ichor

    Pill was too difficult to make, let alone be mass produced.

    Susan frowned in turn. ¡°In that case, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re pointless to my family?¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Vicky snapped, spiringing to her feet. ¡°Frank would eventually surpass the Lionhearts. Right

    now, all he needs is time!¡±

    Susan snorted. ¡°Time? Time is exactly what we don¡¯t have, and we can¡¯t afford to bet on anything

    uncertain.¡±

    Vicky frowned. ¡°Give Frank and I a year. Just one year¨Ceven if Frank doesn¡¯t surpass the Lionhearts by

    then, it¡¯s not toote for me to marry Titus Lionheart.¡±

    Susan stared at her in disbelief. ¡°Do you have that much faith in him?¡±

    Vicky looked at Frank as she nodded solemnly.

    ¡°Fine, you have one year.¡± Susan nodded, actually in a daze just then. ¡°I¡¯m going back to Morhen

    tomorrow¨CCliff will stay as a part of your protection detail. I just hope you made the right choice.¡±

    With those words, she turned and headed upstairs, while Vicky breathed a long sigh.

    ¡°That¡¯s the second time you¡¯re betting on me,¡± Frank said tly just then.

    Vicky shrugged and leveled him a helpless look. ¡°It¡¯s not just you. I¡¯m putting myself on the bet too.¡±

 Chapter 77

    ¡°I owe you an apology for this,¡± Vicky told Frank solemnly. ¡°I hope you won¡¯t mind it. And whatever

    happens in a year, I¡¯ll transfer all my shares of Riverton Pharma to you.¡±

    Frank was perplexed, though he noticed the bemusement and helplessness in Vicky¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem convinced I could surpass the Lionhearts,¡± he said.

    Vicky sighed, a look of wariness showing in her gaze. ¡°You won¡¯t seed even for a decade, let alone

    a year. They¡¯re far scarier than you¡¯d ever imagine.¡±

    Frank smiled in silence in return.

    After all, he was far scarier than she would ever imagine, too.

    He got up, bidding her goodbye and started to head back to the hotel, though he sneezed violently

    twice just as he stepped outside the doorway.

    ¡°Who the hell was badmouthing me?¡± he growled.

    Meanwhile, Sean was lying quietly in a room within Riverton Hospital, his body covered in bandages.

    He had only regained consciousness after being thoroughly beaten up. He only regained

    consciousness during the wee hours of the morning, feeling agony all over!

    ¡°I swear I¡¯ll kill you, Frank Lawrence, even if it¡¯s thest thing I do¡­¡± he cursed, as he had done for the

    whole morning.

    He would have ordered a hit on Frank, but that was going to be exceedingly difficult. After all, Frank

    was the one who had killed West City¡¯s former kingpin Leo Grayson.

    And Leo¡¯s sessor, Scarface, absolutely revered Frank after taking over!

    Still, while he was racking his brains on what he should do, someone kicked open the door to his

    room.

    As Sean looked on, a group of ck¨Cd men filed inside, and he snapped, ¡°Who the fuck are you

    people?¡±

    None of them answered¨Cone even strode up and pped him across the face!

    While Sean was left stunned by the sudden p, the others had already hoisted him and carried him

    out of the room!

    ¡°W¨CWho are you people?!¡± he cried when he regained his senses. ¡°I am the Sean Wesley-¡±

    ¡°shut up,¡± one of them bellowed with a murderous re. ¡°Speak again, and we¡¯ll cut off that tongue.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Sean cringed in fear and promptly turned docile¨Cthe re already made it clear that this gang was

    not messing around!

    He quickly searched his memory as he tried to guess who he may have offended. However, these men

    were clearly professionals and not your normal thug

    Soon, Sean was taken downstairs and shoved into an MPV, which took them straight to The Dynasty.

    Sean was stunned again did Scarface want to beat him up again?!

    They soon arrived at the top¨Cfloor office, and the ck¨Cd men threw him unceremoniously inside.

    Sean was already hurt, and being thrown only left him gritting his teeth in agony.

    As he pushed himself off the floor, he found Scarface right there and flinched. ¡°W¨CWhat¡¯s happening

    here? Why were you looking for me?¡±

    Chad shot him a re. ¡°I wasn¡¯t. My boss is.¡±

    ¡°Your boss?¡±

    Sean was puzzled¨CLeo was dead, was he not?

    He then followed Chad¡¯s gaze to find a man sitting behind the desk in the distance.

    He was young and around Frank¡¯s age, but he was muscr and bulky, clearly a martial elite.

    ¡°Sean Wesley, was it?¡±

    Sean nodded. ¡°Y¨CYes¡­ May I ask who you

    are?¡±

    The man slowly got up. ¡°The narne¡¯s Finn Chandler, the fourth Chandler son from Middleton.¡±

    ¡°M¨CMiddleton?¡±

 Chapter 78

    Sean was astonished.

    Gulping, he promptly greeted Finn, ¡°Mr. Chandler, Apologies for my rudeness.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had you brought here because I have some simple questions,¡± Finn said, fiddling with the butterfly

    knife he was holding.

    ¡°You need just ask,¡± Sean promptly replied. ¡°I will give you everything I know.¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence killed my boy Leo, so I¡¯m here for revenge,¡± Finn said evenly. ¡°Tell me everything you

    know about him¨Cwho he is, where he stays. Everything. But if I find out that you lied¡­¡±

    Finn suddenly mmed his palm on the table, breaking it in half with a loud bang!

    Sean flinched in shock, but he was already celebrating inside since he had been troubled on how he

    was going to kill Frank.

    Truly, there would always be someone out there with the same n in mind!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Chandler¨CI will definitely tell you everything you know. Frank Lawrence was Helen

    Lane¡¯s ex¨Chusband, and he knows nothing aside from some paltry martial arts. Still, he managed to

    hook up with Vicky Turnbull after the divorce¡­ That said, I don¡¯t know where he lives but I get the

    feeling that he has been staying at a hotel ever since.¡±

    Sean went on to borate at length, telling Finn everything.

    Finn was still fiddling with his butterfly knife when he narrowed his eyes, catching the most important

    part of the lengthy expository. ¡°So, Helen Lane is the key to all this?¡±

    Sean hesitated for a moment. ¡°Well, not exactly¡­¡±

    Finn snorted, flexing his wrist. ¡°Well, I¡¯m curious as to what she looks like, and if she¡¯s worth so many

    deaths. They do say that Rivertondies are the finest in the country, and it¡¯s a theory begging to be

    tested.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Haha,¡± Sean chuckled awkwardly.

    It seemed that Helen had really drawn the short straw here but was also quietly rejoicing that his

    proposal to her failed.

    Naturally, he was not going to tell Finn about his connection with Helen, or he would have jinxed

    himself too!

    Finn turned towards his men and barked, ¡°Go. Bring Helen Lane to me¨Cshe¡¯ll know where Frank

    Lawrence is.¡±

    It was evening, and Helen was just leaving work.

    She got into her car and had just put on a seatbelt when a huge hand suddenly covered her face!

    She struggled as hard as she could but soon passed out.

    When she woke up again, she found herself lying in an borately decorated office, with her hands

    and feet tied up.

    Gina and Peter had been brought there too!

    Suddenly, a ck¨Cd man with a bucket of cold water sshed it over their heads, and Gina and

    Peter were promptly jolted awake.

    ¡°W¨CWhere are we?¡±

    Helen looked around, finally noticing Sean was in the room. ¡°Sean? What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Gina was puzzled too. ¡°Yeah! What are you doing, Mr. Wesley?¡±

    ¡°Brother¨Cinw! Why did you kidnap us?¡± Peter asked in confusion.

    Sean strode up right then and pped Peter across the face!

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± he snapped. ¡°Who the hell is your brother¨Cinw?! Don¡¯t ever call me that!¡±

    Peter was left dumbstruck. Sean was usually so caring toward him but was now so hostile?

    Sean then turned toward Finn. ¡°This is Finn Chandler, the fourth son of Middleton¡¯s Chandlers and Leo

    Grayson¡¯s boss.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± The Lanes were all left gaping, their heart skipping a beat.

    Leo¡¯s boss had actuallye to Riverton, and judging from the situation, he wanted revenge!

 Chapter 79

    Gina promptly pleaded to Sean, ¡°Please, Mr. Wesley! Tell Mr. Chandler that we had nothing to do with

    Leo¡¯s death!¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Weren¡¯t you the one who had him killed?¡± Peter chimed in. ¡°And you know people from the

    governor¡¯s office, don¡¯t you? What¡¯s there to fear about them?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Seanughed out loud, not bothered to keep up appearances just then. ¡°How stupid can you

    be?! Fools! If I could pull strings with the governor¡¯s office, I would own Riverton already!¡±

    Gina was stupefied¨Cshe always thought Sean was influential enough to neutralize Leo. ¡°What? You

    didn¡¯t call the governor¡¯s office? Then who did?¡±

    ¡°How the fuck should I know?¡± Sean snorted.

    Helen was frowning just then. ¡°Were the Ichor Pills you gave my grandfather real?¡±

    ¡°Oh, those were just vitamin pills,¡± Sean scoffed in disdain. ¡°Cost me just twenty bucks, so it¡¯s hrious

    how your entire family treated it like treasure.¡±

    ¡°Please, Mr. Wesley, y¨Cyou have to help us!¡± Gina cried even as she shuddered. ¡°You helped Helen get

    that project from the Turnbulls, didn¡¯t you? Even if you don¡¯t care about us, you should care about

    Helen!¡±

    Seanughed again as he shook his head. ¡°Hehe¡­ The West City project? I would¡¯ve taken it if I

    could!

    ¡°That has nothing to do with you?¡± Helen gasped in surprise.

    ¡°No!¡± Gina cried in disbelief. ¡°We were there when you called your father to talk to George Turnbull!¡±

    Sean was clutching stomach even as he guffawed. ¡°Honestly, calling you people fools is putting it

    lightly! Did you think my father held sway over a bigwig like George Turnbull? I don¡¯t mind telling you,

    though¨CFrank Lawrence was the one who killed Leo, so tell us where he is, and Mr. Chandler here just

    might spare you!¡±

    He was not about to get caught in the crossfire now that Finn wanted revenge against Frank and the

    Lanes.

    It was a shame that he would miss out on Helen, but she now belonged to Finn¨CSean would certainly

    never dare toy a finger on her now.

    If anything, cutting ties with the Lanes is the best policy!

    On the other hand, Helen was totally disappointed.

    To think she was convinced that Sean stood up for her every time she was in danger¡­ to think that she

    was even moved to tears!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know where Frank lives!¡± Gina cried right then. ¡°Helen divorced him so long ago. We don¡¯t

    even know the man!¡±

    Finn, however, walked up to Helen and grabbed her by the chin. ¡°You¡¯re Helen Lane?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she is,¡± Sean quickly said.

    Finn nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Well, you do have me where Frank is. You¡¯ll walk

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    the looks¨CHow tall away with your life, or even everything you want.¡±

    ¡°Kill me if you want,¡± Helen said, her tone calm and her expression neutral. ¡°I caused all this. It has

    nothing to do with Frank.¡±

    ¡°Haha! It seems you¡¯re really attached to him!¡± Finnughed. ¡°I love people like you who show spine.

    but how long would thatst?¡±

    He whipped out his butterfly knife right then and pressed it against her cheek. ¡°Last chance. Talk, or

    you¡¯re losing your pretty cheek.¡±

    Helen looked downward in fear at the de and struggled, but the two burly goons behind her held her

    firmly in ce!

    ¡°Helen, just tell him,¡± Sean said softly from behind Finn¨Cthe way he saw it, Frank was not worth losing

    her beauty for!

    Helen simply red at him in disdain before spitting on Finn¡¯s face!

    ¡°You¡¯re brave.¡± Finn pursed his lips and pressed his knife firmly, cutting a gash over Helen¡¯s face!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

 Chapter 80

    A blood¨Ccurdling scream resounded in the office.

    Even Gina turned away, unable to look.

    Helen was herself crying and wheezing, her vision zed over by tears as her prided beauty was now

    gone!

    ¡°So? Are you going to talk?¡± Finn asked, clearly showing no intention to stop as he ced his butterfly

    knife on Helen¡¯s other check.

    However, he frowned when he realized that Helen was utterly silent and her gaze waspletely

    nk. He knew right then that the woman was broken¨Che would not be getting anything out of her

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    now.

    Instead, he turned toward the cowardly Gina instead, and she promptly begged, ¡°P¨CPlease, Mr.

    Chandler¡­ let us go-¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask the same question twice,¡± Finn simply growled, handily pressing his butterfly knife on

    her cheek!

    Gina shuddered violently and actually wetted herself. However, just before Finn sliced into her screen,

    she screamed on top of her lungs, ¡°He was staying at the penthouse suite of Verdant Hotelst night! I

    don¡¯t know where he is today! That¡¯s all I know¡­¡±

    Sean was immediately furious¨Cso Frank took Helen awayst night to have her himself!

    He was furious remembering Helen¡¯s usually holier¨Cart¨Cthou attitude. She would not have ended up

    getting involved with so much messy stuff if she had given in to him from the start!

    If anything, she deserved to be disfigured!

    At the same time, Finn pped Gina on the cheek in satisfaction. ¡°Your family will live if you¡¯re telling

    the truth. But if you lie, you¡¯d wish you were dead.¡±

    Gina shook her head repeatedly. ¡°I¡¯m not lying. It¡¯s the truth¡­ It¡¯s all true¡­¡±

    Finn turned toward two of his henchmen, who nodded and headed to Verdant Hotel immediately.

    Frank was doing his usual morning routine in Verdant Hotel when Trevor suddenly called.

    He answered immediately, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°We have a problem, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Trevor promptly said from the other end. ¡°Ms. Lane never made it

    home after work this evening, while Gina and Peter were abducted as well.¡±

    Frank frowned right then. ¡°Abducted? Who was it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure my people can¡¯t locate Ms. Lane just yet.¡± Trevor sighed. ¡°But I received word that

    ¨C

    one of the Chandlers has arrived here at Riverton.¡±

    ¡°The Chandlers?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°Leo Grayson served as an underboss for them,¡± Trevor exined. ¡°In fact, he made it

    big in Riverton mostly thanks to the Chandlers. Now that you¡¯ve killed him, they¡¯re most likelying

    after you.¡±

    Frank nodded solemnly, his eyes narrowing as he growled murderously, ¡°Animals.¡±

    Trevor then said, ¡°The problem right now is to find out where Ms. Lane is.¡±

    Frank suddenly looked up at the door and said calmly, ¡°We¡¯ll find out soon enough. Just get your

    people to wait on standby.¡±

    With that, Frank hung up, and flicked his fingers,unching a sliver of his vigor and popping the

    chandelier in the room.

 Chapter 81

    The door was quietly opened as two ck¨Cd men quietly stepped inside, their eyes narrowed amid

    the dim environment.

    Pow!

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    There was a thunderous crash as Frank suddenly appeared and kicked one of the ck¨Cd men!

    The man felt as if he was hit by a truck and instantly felt his spine snap as he passed out!

    ¡°Fuck!¡± the other ck¨Cd man cursed and whipped out his steel knife, swinging it at the source of

    the sound.

    He moved so quickly he left a gust as he moved, but Frank could judge from the air movement to

    determine where he wasing from.

    He stepped to the side, allowing the keen edge of the de to brush just past his hair.

    Then, he clenched his knuckle and punched with the force of a missile.

    Pow!

    The second ck¨Cd man was hence sent flying and mmed violently against the wall, coughing

    blood as his chest was left sunken.

    ¡°W¨CWhat are you¡­¡± He leaned against the wall as he panted heavily, caught in disbelief by Frank¡¯s

    power.

    He could not even see Frank, but he could only feel the terrible killing intent closing in on him.

    ¡°The one you¡¯re looking for,¡± Frank said, slowly walking up to him.

    As the ck¨Cd man finally saw Frank¡¯s face, he felt another pang of disbelief.

    He was so young that he might even be younger than Finn!

    ¡°Where is Helen?¡± Frank asked icily just then.

    ¡°I won¡¯t talk even if you kill me.¡± The ck¨Cd manughed.

    After all, he knew he was going to die either way, and that gave him even less reason to talk!

    Frank, however, remained silent as he nonchntly went to the bedroom and brought up a stool to

    detect the fluorescentmp on the ceiling.

    He then returned to the ck¨Cd man, who was left confused as to what he was up to, ¡°What are you

    doing?¡±

    Frank said nonchntly, ¡°I¡¯ll shove thismp down your gullet and kick you so that it breaks inside your

    chest. At that point, you¡¯ll truly understand what it means to die by a thousand cuts.¡±

    His words left the ck¨Cd man¡¯s pupils dted¨Cwhat person coulde up with such a freakish

    torture method?!

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re a monster¡­¡± he growled defiantly.

    ¡°I have a thousand ways to torture you, all while ensuring that you stay alive. I just don¡¯t know how

    many of those you¡¯d survive. Now, open wide¡­¡±

    Frank simply grabbed his jaw, forcing it open¨Cthe man was still in his diapers when he started his

    interrogation!

    The ck¨Cd man struggled violently as he tried to free himself from Frank¡¯s grasp, but his strength

    was futile against absolute strength!

    And after forcing his mouth open, Frank started to slide the fluorescentmp down the man¡¯s mouth

    The ck¨Cd man was trembling even as he shrieked, ¡°Stahp¨CAh¡¯ll take! Ah¡¯ll take! Jut keel mee

    afta!¡±

    Frank paused right then, staying silent as he waited.

    The ck¨Cd was still trembling as he growled, ¡°She¡¯s at The Dynasty. I¡¯ll admit that you¡¯re strong,

    but you¡¯re still going to die if you go there-¡±

    Frank wordlessly ended his life with just a little squeeze.

 Chapter 82

    Frank whipped out his phone and dialed Chad¡¯s number.

    Chad, who was still at The Dynasty, just happened to be in the bathroom when he got the call.

    He hesitated to answer but did so after some thinking, keeping his voice down. ¡°Hello? Mr. Lawrence?

    ¡°Helen is in The Dynasty, isn¡¯t she?¡± Frank asked bluntly.

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Chad was at once bewildered¨Cdid Finn not just send his men after Frank?

    son.

    Guess that was a dud, and now, Frank¡¯s question would determine which side he was on.

    Finn or Frank?

    w just wat

    Chad certainly had no idea¨Che to sit on the fence and join the side of the winner¡­

    On the other end, seeing that Chad was not talking, Frank said coolly, ¡°Just tell me¨Cyes or no. If you¡¯re

    telling the truth, I¡¯ll spare you when I get there, and you¡¯ll remain the kingpin of West City.¡±

    Those words struck a chord within Chad.

    If he served Finn, he would only amount to ackey given that Finn himself answered to the Chandlers.

    But if he served Frank, he would be the king of West City¡­

    And after having a taste of power, it was virtually impossible to let go of it.

    In that case, why not make a bet?

    If he won, he might even be Frank¡¯s confidant, if not right¨Chand man!

    Hence, though he was sweating buckets, Chad ultimately gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Yes,¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Good. You get to live.¡±

    Chad then quickly added, ¡°Finn Chandler brought a lot of people, Mr. Lawrence. He¡¯s well prepared

    and he was after you in the first ce. I really think you shouldn¡¯t fight here at The Dynasty-¡±

    Beep¡­.

    Chad had no idea if Frank heard him.

    Frank had hung up before he could finish and quickly called Trevor.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Trevor asked reverently.

    ¡°It¡¯s confirmed. Helen is at The Dynasty¨Cbring your men along,¡± Frank said tly.

    ¡°Right away, sir,¡± Trevor replied right then.

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    It was already veryte, and Vicky was going to be asleep when she received a call from one of her

    people.

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull? Trevor Zurich has just brought all his bodyguards with him to The Dynasty.¡±

    ¡°What? What is he up to?¡±

    Vicky was taken aback¨CTrevor himself owned several bars, so why would he go elsewhere?

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but they are all armed to the teeth¡­¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky paled, and promptly called the staff at Verdant Hotel.

    If she had to guess, Trevor¡¯s sudden move must have something to do with Frank. Those two were

    obviously close friends, although Vicky had yet to find out their connection.

    A receptionist answered Vicky¡¯s call right away, ¡°Yes, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°Go to the penthouse suite right now. Check if Frank Lawrence is in his room.¡±

    The receptionist sent a bellboy without hesitation, who was left dumbstruck as soon as he stepped in

    the front door.

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull¡­¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°There are two dead bodies here, but Mr. Lawrence is nowhere to be seen¡­¡±

    ¡°Shit,¡± Vicky cursed and sprang out of her bed, gathering all the people she could and hurried to The

    Dynasty.

    Meanwhile, Frank had arrived outside The Dynasty and met up with Trevor.

    ¡°Do you know what he looks like?¡± Frank asked coolly.

    Trevor showed Frank a photo and gave Frank a brief rundown on what he knew. ¡°Finn Chandler fourth

    son of the Chandlers from Middleton, somewhatpetent. However, he¡¯s also Marvin Chandler¡¯s

    bastard.¡°.

    ¡°In that case, let¡¯s kill him.¡°

 Chapter 83

    Finn was fiddling with his butterfly knife in The Dynasty.

    In his mind, the two henchmen he sent were more than enough to take out Frank.

    But even as he was feeling smug, a loud crash resounded!

    The front doors of the bar were suddenly kicked down, and a huge group of armed men rushed into

    the building!

    And once within reach, they were all immediately attacking Finn¡¯s henchmen!

    On the other hand, Chad was well¨Cprepared. He knew that Frank would not take Finn¡¯s insult lying

    down, so he told his boys to bolt the instant a fight broke out.

    Even so, he was surprised that Frank could call up so many men!

    Meanwhile, Finn was still left dumbfounded.

    He had only brought over twenty martial elites from Middleton, and there must be over fifty ment

    attacking his henchmen now, with still more charging into the building.

    ¡°Where did Frank Lawrence find so many men?!¡± he snarled.

    ¡°We¡¯re getting swamped, sir!¡± one of his henchmen shouted as he ran up to him. ¡°What should we

    do?!¡±

    Finn gritted his teeth. ¡°Bring Helen Lane to me.¡±

    It was obvious how important she was to Frank since Frank hade for her.

    As long as he had her, he would still have a chance to turn things around!

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The henchman hurried to the top floor without hesitation.

    Chad, who was hiding in a corner, heard the exchange.

    His mind worked furiously right then¨Cif he saved Helen, he would have earned a great merit.

    Moreover, that henchman was alone.

    Chad hence followed him without hesitation¡­

    Meanwhile, on the top floor office, Heleny silently on the floor, her heart broken.

    Nearby, Gina and Peter were huddled together and crying silent tears.

    Sean was still inside as well, wondering how he should get out of this¡­ That was when the office doors

    opened and a ck¨Cd man entered.

    Sean promptly ran to him with a fawning smile, ¡°Sir, if there¡¯s nothing else for me to do, can I go¡ª¡±

    The ck¨Cd man kicked him down to the floor. ¡°Stay here and don¡¯t move an inch. No one is

    leaving without Mr. Chandler¡¯s permission.¡±

    Sean was left clutching his stomach in agony as he rolled around, but he was too terrified to talk about

    leaving again.

    At the same time, the ck¨Cd man grabbed Helen by the hair and started to drag her outside.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Helen screamed in pain and struggled violently.

    The ck¨Cd man did not care and pped her across the face!

    Gina scrambled up to them right then and clung on to the ck¨Cd man¡¯s leg as she cried, ¡°Where

    are you taking her?! Please stop already!!

    ¡°Get off!¡± the man snapped and kicked her, sending her mming into the wall.

    Gina was left bawling, ¡°W¨CWhat have we done to deserve this?¡±

    The ck¨Cd man grabbed Helen by the hair again.

    Feelling the agony from her scalp, she grabbed the ck¨Cd man¡¯s wrist. Then, she suddenly pushed

    herself up with all her strength, biting down squarely and leaving a bloody mark!

    ¡°Stay down!¡± the ck¨Cd man bellowed, his eyes bulging in anger as he punched her squarely in the

    face!

    It left Helen dazed and bleeding from the mouth and nose, and something snapped in Peter right then.

    Bellowing furiously, he lunged toward the ck¨Cd man¡­ only for the ck¨Cd man to punch him

    in the scalp and knock him out.

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Nearby, Sean gulped as he stayed still.

    The ck¨Cd man might be alone, but he was so strong that Sean was afraid to even get close! That

    was when a figure appeared in the doorway¡­

 Chapter 84

    Chad suddenly leaped on the ck¨Cd man and stabbed him viciously in the back!

    As the ck¨Cd man bled, he bellowed furiously, ¡°You! You¡¯re betraying Mr. Chandler?!¡±

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Chad snapped in contempt as he stabbed the ck¨Cd man repeatedly until he killed. the

    man. ¡°I¡¯m the king of West City. Your master is nothing!¡±

    Gina was left huddled against her son as they shuddered, totally inexperienced in the face of such

    violence.

    Chad

    spat at the lifeless body of the ck¨Cd man in turn before turning toward them and pointing at the

    door. ¡°What are you waiting for? Run!¡±

    Sean was the first to respond, immediately dashing out of the room!

    Gina and Peter promptly helped Helen to her feet as well, even thanking Chad profusely. ¡°Thank you,

    Mr. Scarface. Thank you¡­¡±

    However, they had just gone a floor down and found a huge group of people engaged in a melee,

    leaving them too terrified to move.

    Chad rolled his eyes and pointed at the other end of the hallway. ¡°Take the fire escape.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Peter and Gina gasped and hurried there.

    Meanwhile, Vicky and her men had also arrived at The Dynasty.

    As Vicky¡¯s men quickly joined the fray, things went from bad to worse for Finn¡¯s side, and his henchmen

    retreated with him to the second floor. ¡°There are too many of them, Mr. Chandler. We won¡¯t hold the

    line for long¨Cwe need to retreat.¡±

    Finn was still left bewildered.

    Where did Frank get so many men? And he never even saw Frank himself!

    It was the first time he had received his father¡¯s permission for an operation away from home, and his

    task was mainly to expand their influence.

    Not only did he fail that, but the twenty martial elites his father arranged for him were either dead or

    maimed!

    what on earth not wrong!

    Seeing that Finn was still spacing out, another ck¨Cd man persuaded, ¡°Let¡¯s go, sir.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Finn growled through his teeth.

    At his order, he and his two remaining henchmen leaped off the second floor and fled The Dynasty.

    Meanwhile, Vicky, who had been waiting outside, noticed Gina, Peter, and Helen who had just fled.

    She promptly went up to them, since Frank attacked the bad for Helen¡¯s sake in the first ce.

    Gina, who usually felt contempt for Vicky, was delighted to see her now¨Cthey could only ask their

    business partner for help now!

    ¡°Help, Ms. Turnbull¡­¡± she cried.

    ¡°Is Helen alright?¡± Vicky quickly asked, seeing that Helen was keeping her head lowered in silence.

    ¡°Of course she isn¡¯t!¡± Gina sobbed, her tears covering her cheeks. ¡°They ruined her face!¡±

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°What?¡± Vicky gasped in disbelief and walked up to Helen to see a gash on her previously wlessly

    fair cheek.

    Vicky gasped, scarcely able to imagine how furious Frank would be.

    She then also noticed that Helen had lost all the glow in her eyes, and her usual haughty bearing was

    gone.

    Vicky actually felt sympathy¨Cshe disliked Helen, but Helen was no different from her.

    They were both women who were fighting against fate!

    ¡°I¡¯ll call an ambnce,¡± Vicky said. ¡°No one will hurt you as long as I¡¯m around.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Turnbull,¡± Gina said, before adding, ¡°Please, you have to arrest Finn Chandler and

    avenge Helen!¡±

 Chapter 85

    Vicky shot Gina a re of disgust. ¡°Shut up. I don¡¯t need you to tell me what to do.¡±

    ¡°Urgh¡­¡± Gina was promptly cowed by her outburst. ¡°Y¨CYes, you¡¯re right, Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    Meanwhile, Trevor and his men surrounded and wiped out Finn¡¯s henchmen with minimum effort, and

    he was justing out of the fire escape when he ran into Vicky.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here too, Ms. Turnbull?¡± Trevor eximed in surprise, before adding politely, ¡°Actually, Mr.

    Lawrence didn¡¯t want to involve you with this one.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Zurich, you can dispense with the niceties,¡± Vicky replied bluntly. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I help when Frank

    is involved?¡±

    As she spoke, she slid a peek at the bodyguard standing behind Trevor¨Cbeing a martial artist herself,

    she knew a thing or two about identifying martial elites.

    Given his bulky frame and withheld presence, it was obvious that he was strong¨Cperhaps even

    stronger than Cliff.

    And a martial elite of such caliber was loyal to Trevor, whereas Trevor was loyal to Frank¡­

    Unable to hide her curiosity, Vicky asked, ¡°What¡¯s your connection to Frank, Mr. Zurich?¡±

    Trevor was taken aback, but he soon chuckled. ¡°Why ask that out of the blue, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Vicky shrugged. ¡°You were once the owner of a transnational conglomerate, and yet here you are going

    all out for Frank, who supposedly has nothing to his name. Even a father would not go that far to his

    son, and from where I¡¯m standing, you didn¡¯t really start partnering with Lane Holdings. because of

    Helen¡¯s talent, did you? It was all Frank¡¯s idea.¡±

    ¡°Clever girl.¡± Trevor smiled,

    He was uncertain as to how much she had found out, but he told her regardless, ¡°Still, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t

    tell you about my rtionship with Mr. Lawrence. However, you may know this much¨Cif he demands my

    life, I¡¯d happily sacrifice myself without blinking.¡±

    Vicky was left astounded¨Cshe had guessed that Frank had saved Trevor¡¯s life somehow, just as Frank

    had saved her.

    But this¡­ this was more than that! One would have to wonder if Frank was Trevor¡¯s dad in another

    life.

    That exined Frank¡¯s confidence even in the face of the Lionhearts¨Che had powerful backing himself!

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Trevor simply turned just then. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on Ms. Lane now.

    He couldugh to himself right there¨CVicky might not be aware, but there were plenty of others who

    owed Frank their lives.

    Still, he calmed down just as he arrived at Vicky¡¯s car to find the Lanes alive and well.

    ¡°M¨CMr. Zurich?!¡± Gina almost burst into tears in excitement when she saw him.

    ¡°M¨CMr. Zurich¡­¡±

    Helen slowly looked up as well, having grown to respect Trevor greatly since they were partnered for

    three years.

    ¡°What¡­ Ms. Lane, what happened to your face?¡± Trevor was stunned when he saw how Helen looked.

    Helen promptly lowered her head in silence, while Gina wiped her tears as she sobbed, ¡°Oh, Mr.

    Zurich! You have to avenge Helen! Finn Chandler disfigured her.¡±

    ¡°He will get his just deserts.¡± Trevor was actually incensed¨Chaving experienced himself, he was

    certainly aware how Frank felt toward Helen.

    Having his beloved woman disfigured¨Cwould the man really take this insult lying down?

    ¡°Thank you so much for today, Mr. Zurich,¡± Gina said just then.

    Trevor ignored her and instead told Helen solemnly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Lane. Finn Chandler will pay for

    what he did¨Che¡¯s a dead man walking.¡±

    ¡°Of course. We believe you, Mr. Zurich,¡± Gina nodded enthusiastically. ¡°So, about your partnership with

    Lane Holdings¡­¡±

    Trevor rolled his eyes at her. ¡°That can wait. You should be taking care of your daughter.¡± ¡°Y¨CYes, of

    course.¡± Gina nodded repeatedly and watched as Trevor hurried away.

 Chapter 86

    Gina then told Helen, ¡°I guess Mr. Zurich still cares about us.¡±

    Peter nodded as well. ¡°Yeah. Even the Turnbulls came¨CMr. Zurich must have sent them.¡±

    Just then, Sean arrived and said, ¡°It¡¯s alright now, Helen. It¡¯s all over.¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Helen snapped as she red at him viciously. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you!¡±

    She became thoroughly disgusted with him after learning that he was just a liar.

    All her sesses turned out to be thanks to Trevor, not Sean! Even if Trevor stopped partnering with

    her for a while, who else could the person Vicky mentioned be?

    Trevor must have spoken to George Turnbull and allowed her to win the invitation to Tender.

    She should have known¨CSean was in no ce to influence the Turnbulls!

    ¡°Oh, calm down, Helen,¡± Gina reasoned. ¡°Mr. Wesley didn¡¯t help much, but his heart was in the right

    ce.¡±

    Even if Gina was also upset with what Sean did, his family was rich, and having their backing was still

    good enough.

    Sean was ring at Helen in turn.

    He almost had her while giving nothing in return, but Finn¡¯s meddling left everything going south!

    ¡°Fuck, I was so close¡­¡± he swore under his breath as he strode off.

    The ambnce soon arrived.

    Helen and her family got in just as Frank stepped out of The Dynasty, his jacket dyed in blood.

    Trevor and Vicky were standing by the ambnce, and they hurried to him when they saw hime

    out.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Trevor quickly asked.

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Finn Chandler got away, though.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir,¡± Trevor assured him. ¡°I¡¯ve sent my people after him.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on Helen now-¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Trevor moved to stand in front of Frank, intercepting him even before he managed a word.

    ¡°What?¡± Frank frowned, having a bad feeling seeing Trevor¡¯s reaction.

    Trevor promptly threw his hands up. ¡°N¨CNo! It¡¯s just a little scratch. She¡¯s safe, though.¡±

    Vicky joined in. ¡°S¨CShe needs the hospital. Maybe you should let her rest.¡±

    Frank could certainly see that they were being weird and growled, ¡°Move.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­¡±

    Trevor tried to give Frank a head¡¯s up, only for Frank to snap, ¡°I said, move.¡±

    With that, Trevor tamely moved aside, while Frank strode to the ambnce.

    He saw Helen in the ambnce and took off his jacket, ready to give it to her. ¡°Helen¡­¡±

    Helen looked up in reflex, and as their eyes met, Frank saw the long gash on her face!

    He dashed up to her. ¡°Helen¡­¡±

    Helen became agitated right then and promptly threw her hands up. ¡°W¨CWhat are you doing?! S¨CStay

    away!¡±

 Chapter 87

    Frank tried tofort Helen, only for Helen to push him away.

    ¡°What are you doing here, lowlife?!¡± Gina snapped at him right then. ¡°My daughter doesn¡¯t want to see

    you! Get out of here!!!

    Frank ignored her and looked at Helen seriously instead. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Helen. It¡¯s no big deal¨CI have

    something that would remove even the scar.¡±

    Helen, however, was covering her ears and shaking her head repeatedly, refusing to listen or see

    anyone, let alone Frank.

    At the same time, Gina continued to snap at Frank, ¡°Get out! My daughter doesn¡¯t need your help!¡±

    Peter promptly joined in. ¡°Don¡¯t you understand what others are saying?!¡±

    Even the doctor reasoned, ¡°Sir, the patient is feeling agitated. You should go.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    This time, Frank said nothing since he knew Helen would refuse to listen.

    He quietly left, watching as the ambnce drove off, his fists clenched as his killing intent unfurled.

    Trevor stood quietly beside him, clearly feeling the air around him cooling.

    Pow!

    Crack!

    Frank suddenly punched down a tree thicker than a man, leaving it snapping.

    As Trevor looked on, gulping, Frank said icily, ¡°Get me Finn Chandler. I want him dead.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Trevor replied without hesitation.

    Frank¡¯s orders were absolute, and that meant Trevor¡¯s job right now was to capture Finn¨Canything else

    was pointless.

    And with those words, Frank quietly left.

    Vicky hurried after him, asking, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I need to get some rest,¡± Frank replied without looking back.

    ¡°A¨CAre you alright?

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied nonchntly.

    But no matter how Vicky saw it, he did not seem fine.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Turnbull,¡± Trevor said just then. ¡°Mr. Lawrence is fine¨Che¡¯s just angry.

    Vicky nodded. ¡°Just call me if you need anything. I¡¯ll help in any way I can.¡±

    Trevor nodded in turn. ¡°Thank you. I have to go now¨Cwe need to catch Finn before he leaves town.¡±

    After all, any effort to do so would be pointless if Finn returned to Middleton.

    Hence, all his men were mobilized that evening, monitoring all roads and waterways out of the city and

    ready to report if they spotted Finn.

    Meanwhile, Finn had no idea that Frank wanted him dead.

    He did not get any sleep that night as he hid in a motel, rubbing his temples repeatedly.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ How did it turn out like this?!¡± he growled.

    He wanted to put on a good show for his father and had to fight for the chance toe to Riverton.

    And now? Most of his henchmen were dead, let alone able to reim their turf!

    He could already imagine how his brothers would be mocking him when he returned.

    Beside him, one of his henchmen said, ¡°It¡¯s alright, sir. One loss is nothing¨Cwe will return again and be

    triumphant.¡±

    Finn mmed his fist on the table right then.

 Chapter 88

    Finn growled, ¡°I¡¯ll kill Frank Lawrence, one way or another!¡±

    Still, as he calmed down, he suddenly asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t think he would bring that many martial elites. Do

    you know who was helping him?¡±

    ¡°No, sir¡­¡± His henchman replied.

    ¡°So it seems that he has backing.¡± Finn snorted in self¨Cme. ¡°It seems that I¡¯ve underestimated him.¡±

    The henchman then said, ¡°Actually, sir, I think the priority is to get out of Riverton. Frank Lawrence¡¯s

    people must be looking for us, and it seems that they don¡¯t want us to leave. We should return to

    Middleton for now. It won¡¯t be toote to n that man¡¯s demise after.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Finn nodded in agreement and sighed exasperatedly. ¡°I¡¯ve already contacted Uncle Jermain-

    he has a boat waiting for us.¡±

    His two remaining henchmen breathed a sigh of relief at that.

    It was clear they were no match for Frank given their numbers, and it was fortunate that Finn was not

    stubborn enough to stay in Riverton, or they would both be dead.

    Unbeknownst to the trio, once they left the motel, Trevor¡¯s people immediately spotted them.

    Message was ryed from the bottom all the way to Frank, who immediately rushed to the port, ready

    to kill Finn!

    Jermain Chandler¡¯s boat was berthed and waiting at a secluded port when Finn arrived. Seeing his

    uncle, Finn hung his head in embarrassment. ¡°Uncle Jermain.¡±

    Jermain seemed to have expected him to fail and said calmly, ¡°Guess things didn¡¯t POS

    smoothly?¡±

    ¡°I was blindsided,¡± Finn replied awkwardly. ¡°I haven¡¯t even heard of Frank Lawrence, but it turns out he

    leads a whole gang in Riverton.¡±

    ¡°You should expect him to have that much backing when he took out Leo Grayson,¡± Jermain said tly.

    ¡°But your mistake is understandable when you return to Middleton, stick with and learn from him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Uncle Jermain.¡± Finn replied, nodding tamely and not daring to argue.

    your father

    Once he boarded the boat and it started to unberth, over ten SUVS came bounding down the road

    towards the port. Once they stopped, Frank and Trevor promptly alighted and ran straight toward the

    pier.

    Finn paled the instant he saw them, and promptly urged his uncle, ¡°We have to go now, Uncle

    Jermain! That younger man is Frank Lawrence!¡±

    Jermain was actually surprised that such a young man could thoroughly defeat his nephew, though he

    was not inclined to avenge Finn either.

    He simply waved, and the boat started to steer away from the pier.

    Trevor was left bellowing furiously from the pier, ¡°Stop right there, Finn Chandler!¡±

    Jermain stood on deck, sping his hand behind his back as he calmly asked, ¡°Sir, who do you think

    you are, ordering us Chandlers around?¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°And who the fuck are you?¡±

    ¡°The name¡¯s Jermain Chandler,¡± he replied nonchntly. ¡°I¡¯m Finn¡¯s second uncle.¡±

    ¡°Do you know what your nephew did?¡± Frank shouted from across the river.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Jermain nodded. ¡°But he¡¯s a Chandler, and it¡¯s not up to either of you to decide his fate.

    Now, go home.¡±

    Beside him, Finn was relieved to see that Frank and the others did not have a boat.

    Leveling a gleeful look at Frank, he gloated, ¡°I¡¯ll admit I underestimated you this time, Frank Lawrence,

    but I¡¯ve memorized your face now. You¡¯ll be dead the next time I return!¡±

 Chapter 89

    Frank red murderously at Finn and growled, ¡°Come back right now, and I¡¯ll make it quick.¡±

    Jermain frowned and growled coolly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how important you are in Riverton, brat! Past

    this river, we¡¯ll be in Middleton. You don¡¯t get to strut!¡®

    How dare that boy threaten to kill his nephew right in front of him? He was really belittling the Chandler

    family!

    Finn wasughing out loud in turn. ¡°Haha! Why don¡¯t youe over if you have a pair, Frank? I¡¯m

    waiting right here! Learn to walk the talk before you threaten someone¡¯s life!¡±

    Frank, however, remained calm despite his taunting.

    That left Finn frustrated since he wanted Frank to seethe, though he soon remembered something else

    and gloated, ¡°You¡¯d better watch your girl¨Cshe¡¯s lucky this time, but I¡¯ll make sure she personally warms

    my bed when I return!¡±

    ¡°That son of a bitch¡­¡± Trevor growled furiously and turned to Frank. ¡°Should we prepare a boat, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    Frank shook his head and continued shouting at Finn afar, ¡°You¡¯re dead meat.¡±

    Finn taunted him with a dramatic cringe as if in fear. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so scared¡­ what the fuck?!¡±

    He was convinced that with this distance between them, Frank would not reach him even if he got on a

    boat now.

    And with his family¡¯s forces waiting on the other end, there was nothing Frank could do at that point!

    Boom!

    That was when Frank arched his back, his foot cracking the gravel beneath it just before he shot

    forward like a bullet.

    As everyone gaped, Frank leaped through the air with an elegant arc.

    But the boat was dozens of meters away! Frank could not make it, and he started falling toward the

    river!

    Finn breathed a sigh of relief¨Cfor a moment, he thought that Frank would actually leap up to his boat.

    Beside him, Jermain couldugh.

    Despite Frank¡¯s calm reaction, Finn must have upset him and led to this.

    And yet, just as they watched Frank, expecting him to fall into the river, Frank angled the tip of his foot

    toward the surface of the river.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Then, with a gentle poke, he leaped into the air again!

    The churning river was suddenly his springboard, and he was rapidly closing on the boat!

    ¡°What the¡­ That¡¯s impossible!¡± Finn paled in shock.

    ¡°Is he¡­ walking on water?¡±

    Even Jermain¡¯s eyes were bulging¨Che had never expected such horrific abilities from a man as young

    as Frank!

    He had seen people do that, but they were martial elites almost a century old with unparalleled vigor!

    Someone this young with such power was certainly something new to him!

    ¡°Uncle Jermain! We¡¯ve got to go!¡± Finn screamed.

    Jermain would like that too, but they were not on a speedboat!

    Moreover, they had kept the boat on a slow pace just so they could taunt Frank!

    Now they had really done it¡­ Frank was reaching them!

    At the same time, Franknded resoundingly on deck with onest leap, causing the entire boat to

    rock!

    As the river sshed violently around the boat, the bodyguards onboard promptly ran toward Frank,

    but he had already caught Finn by the neck!

    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Suffocating right then, Finn turned in panic toward his uncle and gasped, ¡°H¨CHelp me¡­ U-

    Uncle Jermain¡­¡±

    ¡®Let him go!¡± Jermain barked right then.

    Frank simplyughed icily. ¡°His life is in my hands. Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡±

 Chapter 90

    Jermain was stumped for a moment, but he quickly said, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, our family has no quarrel with

    you. There¡¯s no need to draw blood for a lowlife like Leo Grayson-¡±

    ¡°Leo Grayson? Really?¡± Frank snorted furiously. ¡°Your nephew cut Helen¡¯s face! He¡¯ll pay for it with his

    life!¡±

    ¡°O¨COver a woman?¡± Jermain was left bewildered. ¡°She¡¯s alive, isn¡¯t she? And you¡¯re demanding blood

    over something so frivolous?!¡±

    ¡°You should be rejoicing she¡¯s alive,¡± Frank growled. ¡°If she had been killed, every Chandler would die

    with her.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Jermain was stumped again and had topose himself for a moment. ¡°Look, kid¨Cwe¡¯ll give

    you anything you want inpensation. But you can¡¯t kill Finn, or we¡¯lle for your head even if it¡¯s

    thest thing we do!¡±

    Even if Finn was a bastard with neither status nor influence, he was a Chandler, and there were so

    many people around them watching!

    Whatever happened, it was not up to some nobody to end his life!

    However, Frank simply snorted in disdain. ¡°You can try.¡±

    With those words, he swung his hand, flinging Finn out into the river!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Finn cried out in terror as he crashed into the river.

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    He swam as hard he could to reach the surface, gasping mouthfuls of air when he saw Frank leaping

    off the boat.

    He was once again leaping across the water, kicking a huge wave every time he did!

    Finn paled in fear¨CFrank was clearlying for him!

    As Frank closed in, Finn promptly took a deep breath, intent on diving under to hide¡­ But it was too

    Frank stamped his foot on Finn¡¯s spine and used his body to boost his jump to the riverbank!

    All Finn felt was agony as his organs ruptured.

    His lower body was already gone and he was bleeding from every orifice, dyeing the river red!

    ¡°Go! Get him out of there!¡± Jermain yelled at the crew when he saw that, and they quickly steered the

    boat toward Finn.

    However, Finn was barely breathing when they fished him out of the water.

    ¡°Uncle Jermain ¡­¡± he gasped with difficulty, puking blood as he looked at Jermain. ¡°Avenge¡­ me¡­

    And with that, his hands dropped limply at his side.

    Jermain was left staring nkly¨Chis nephew was killed just like that, with just one kick from Frank!

    Beside Jermain, a bodyguard promptly asked, ¡°Sir, should we get that bastard?¡±

    Finn¡¯s henchmen flinched at those words¨Cthey needed more people for that!

    Jermain certainly knew they were no match for Frank too. Crossing the river again would be suicidal!

    Gritting his teeth, he shook his head as he slowly got up and red at Frank on the other side of the

    river.

    ¡°We Chandlers will remember this, brat!¡± Jermain bellowed.

    Frank nced at him with interest in turn. ¡°Hmm. Seems like you¡¯re upset about this?¡±

    At those words, Frank poised himself, ready to attack!

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Jermain snorted, but he promptly retreated behind his bodyguards and barked at the crew to

    set sail.

    After all, Frank¡¯s move had terrified him.

    All he could do was snort coolly and flee¨Cthe first thing he must do now was to inform the family!

 Chapter 91

    Trevor watched as Jermain left, and he asked, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, the Chandlers actually have influence in

    Middleton. Should we prepare for them?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Unnecessary. What can they do anyway? They¡¯re not our enemy¨Cjust watch

    out for any moves they might make.¡±

    Trevor nodded¨CFrank was far above the Chandlers, and he really did not need to worry about them.

    ¡°Do you need a ride back to the hotel, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Trevor asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be going to Flora Hall.¡±

    ¡°Flora Hall? Why?¡± Trevor asked in curiosity.

    ¡°I need to make a new one to treat Helen¡¯s face.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Trevor nodded and sent Frank to Flora Hall before leaving.

    There was a pungent scent of medicinal herbs as Frank stepped in, and many customers were there to

    make purchases or consult the healers.

    Frank whipped out his phone to call Dan Zimmer.

    However, the man did not answer for a long while, so he had no choice but to approach an assistant at

    the front desk. ¡°Hi. I¡¯d like to speak with the owner, Dan Zimmer.¡±

    The assistant nced at him briefly and pointed at the registration counter, ¡°Take a number. You only

    get to see Mr. Zimmer if our specialists can¡¯t resolve your issue.

    Frank nced at the long queue waiting at the counter and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll be making purchases.¡±

    ¡°What are you buying?¡±

    Frank picked up a pen and wrote down a list on the paper, along with the weight and other

    specifications.

    The assistant picked up the list and soon frowned.

    After waiting a while, Frank asked, ¡°Is there an issue?¡±

    ¡°We have everything you need, but there¡¯s one ingredient we don¡¯t sell.¡±

    Frankughed. ¡°What do you mean? Don¡¯t you sell it here?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s

    very rare and thereforebeled as a not¨Cfor¨Csale item.¡±

    Frank was at once frustrated. ¡°Are you messing with me?¡±

    The assistant frowned. ¡°What do you mean, young man? You can¡¯t afford it even if we have it.

    The Skyfresh Vine that Frank wanted might be a Flora Hall exclusive, but it was worth millions.

    To the assistant, it was obvious from Frank¡¯s appearance that he could not afford that.

    Moreover, it was troublesome¨Cthe assistant had to report this to his higher¨Cups and write an

    application. In contrast, chasing Frank away was much more ideal.

    Frank frowned in turn, surprised that a mere assistant would belittle him.

    Reaching out and grabbing the assistant by the cor right then, Frank growled, ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if I can

    afford it. Just give it to me.¡±

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    ¡°Hey! What are you doing?! Let go of me!¡± the assistant cried out in shock before yelling loudly,¡± Help!

    Help! He¡¯s making a scene!¡±

    The security guards rushed toward them in response, and so did the other patrons.

    Flora Hall was the leading apothecary in Riverton, but the man was actually making a scene instead of

    staying in line?!

    ¡°Let him go!¡± a burly security officer barked just then.

    ¡°Call the owner,¡± Frank replied tly.

    ¡°Who do you think you are to demand to see him?!¡± The security guard whipped out his baton since

    Frank was not giving up and charged at him!

 Chapter 92

    Frank did not even look the security guard¡¯s way as he stretched out his palm, pping him across.

    the face!

    The man felt like his face had been hit by a truck, and his entire six foot two frame tumbled to the

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    floor with a loud thud!

    ¡°Oof¡­¡± Everyone gasped¨Cthe kid was quite strong!

    ¡°Shit¡­¡± The burly security guard was in a daze but soon scrambled to his feet and red at Frank.¡±

    Get him!¡±

    The other bodyguards started to charge at Frank, when someone behind them shouted, ¡°What is going

    on here?!¡±

    Frank turned to see a woman over five feet tall, wearing a white coat and a pair of gold rimmed sses

    striding toward them.

    Her skin was fair, her figure even¨Cshe was no world¨Css beauty, but a rare one nheless.

    It was none other than J Zimmer, Dan¡¯s granddaughter.

    The assistant from before hurried to her when he saw her. ¡°Ms. Zimmer, someone was causing a

    scene.¡±

    J turned toward Frank suspiciously and demanded, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Frank Lawrence,¡± he replied, seeing that management had arrived. ¡°I would like to meet Dan

    Zimmer¨Cplease help me call for him.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Frank Lawrence?¡± J eximed in surprise.

    ¡°You know me?¡± Frank was puzzled¨Cwas he really that famous in Riverton?

    ¡°Of course,¡± J replied. ¡°A Mr. Henry Lane arranged for a job for you. You never came, so I thought

    you found work.¡±

    Frank realized with a start¨Cthat was the work Henry mentioned before.

    So Dan was an oldrade of Henry¡¯s, although Henry had never told him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk at the back,¡± J told him..

    Frank nodded while shooting the assistant a look.

    The assistant was nowpletely humbled, taken by shock that Frank actually knew J.

    The man could have mentioned that before!

    Frank finally released him and headed to the tearoom at the back with J, who asked in curiosity,¡±

    So, have you made up your mind to start work here in Flora Hall?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°No, you misunderstand¨CI came to get some medicinal ingredients, including the

    Skyfresh Vine. It¡¯s very important, so I¡¯d like you to sell it to me

    J was taken aback but soon suniled. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t decide on that matter, Mr. Lawrence.

    Skyfresh Vines are worth dozens of millions, and they have long since been taken off the shelf. If it¡¯s

    urgent, you could ask my grandfather directly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Where is he at the moment?¡± Frank asked.

    He hade looking for Dan in the first ce anyway and would not have gotten caught in the mess at

    the lobby if not for that.

    ¡°He¡¯s on a house call,¡± J replied. ¡°He¡¯ll probably be back soon. Why don¡¯t you wait here for a

    while?¡±

    Frank nodded exasperatedly. ¡°Sure, I will.¡±

    Just then, a nurse rushed into the tea room, informing J urgently, ¡°Ms. Zimmer, Patient Twelve¡¯s

    condition is getting worse. You should take a look.¡±

    ¡°What?! Wasn¡¯t he just cleared?¡± J was shocked and quickly turned toward Frank, ¡°Please wait

    here, Mr. Lawrence. I have something urgent to attend to.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Go ahead.¡±

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    Frank was sitting in the tearoom, nonchntly drinking his tea and wondering when Dan would

    return.

    Soon, he strolled out to find the nurses were all very busy in various rooms.

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    Just then, shouting echoed down the hallway.

    Frank headed over in curiosity to find a burly man pointing at J as he snapped, ¡°Do you know what

    you¡¯re doing?! If anything happens to my boss, I will burn this ce to the ground!¡±

    J was wiping the sweat off her brow as she growled through her teeth, ¡°Just calm down. I¡¯m trying

    to help him here.¡±

    Frank nced at the patient on the bed, whose face had already turned blue and was clearly on the

    brink.

    Just then, J told the nurse beside her, ¡°Lindsay, get a vigor pill from the pharmacy.¡±

    The nurse nodded repeatedly at her words, but Frank was frowning in turn and interrupted them. ¡± That

    won¡¯t work. The patient¡¯s issue is not his vigor.¡±

    Everyone turned toward Frank at his words, but he ignored them and walked straight to the patient.

    As he took the patient¡¯s wrist to feel his pulse, the burly man red at him and demanded, ¡°Who the

    hell are you?!¡±

    ¡°The one who will save your boss,¡± Frank replied tly.

    ¡°You can? Then do it!¡± The burly man did not care who did it, even if it were a tramp, as long as his

    boss was cured!

    Beside Frank, J told him under her breath, ¡°No, Mr. Lawrence. The patient¡¯s condition is

    oundish. You should leave!¡±

    She expected him to know a thing or two about medicine since her own grandfather¡¯s friend

    rmended him. However, she was not convinced that Frank was better than her, since her

    grandfather was the best healer in Riverton while she was second best.

    Nheless, Frank said bluntly, ¡°He might really die if you feed him a vigor pill. Bring a set of silver

    needles instead¨Che¡¯s been poisoned.¡±

    ¡°What? Are you serious?¡± J eximed, looking at him in disbelief and thinking it was a joke.

    The man had shown no signs of poisoning when she checked him just now!

    Moreover, the patient was East City¡¯s kingpin¨Cif Frank messed up and got him killed, Flora Hill would

    be a casualty!

    Even so, Frank said tly, ¡°His pulse is weakening and he appears to be losing vigor. However, he¡¯s

    been poisoned with Ster Wormwood¨Cthat exins his body¡¯s weakened state. If you give him a vigor

    pill, his veins would burst, and he¡¯d die.¡±

    J was herself learned in medicine and understood Frank¡¯s diagnosis immediately.

    Still, she soon paled. ¡°But isn¡¯t Ster Wormwood extinct? How could he be poisoned with it?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. But it definitely isn¡¯t extinct¡­¡±

    He had seen that poisonous herb himself three years before and was almost a victim himself.

    He was certainly surprised to encounter it again three yearster¡­.

    ¡°Well, do you have a solution, Mr. Lawrence?¡± J asked, looking at him hopefully.

    She had no idea how to get rid of this form of poison, and her grandfather was away¡­ but if Frank

    knew what to do, there was probably hope!

    To her delight, Frank nodded. ¡°Just bring me a set of needles.¡±

    J did not hesitate to do so.

    Beside them, the burly man had been watching them discuss endlessly, and he urged angrily, ¡°Can you

    really do it?¡±

    ¡°Shut it,¡± Frank snapped angrily, shooting him a re. ¡°Another word from you, and you¡¯ll follow your

    boss to hell.¡±

 Chapter 94

    Frank really despised oblivious people who kept running their mouths while he was trying to save one.

    It:

    was certainly not helpful for the ice¨Ccold mind a healer needed.

    The burly man would retort, but Frank¡¯s icy re left him flinching, with a chill running down his

    spine.

    He promptly withdrew the words on the tip of his tongue as well, even though he was a veteran

    member of the reigning gang of East City.

    He just

    had the feeling that Frank was not bluffing¨Cif he really breathed another word, Frank would really kill

    him.

    Meanwhile, since the burly man stopped talking, Frank turned and drew out the silver needles brought

    to him.

    He ran the first into the center spot on top of the patient¡¯s head before inserting over twenty across the

    rest of the patient¡¯s body, making him look like a porcupine.

    Then, Frank pressed his entire palm over the man¡¯s navel, reversing the flow of vigor, jolting the man

    awake, and making him cough up a mouthful of clotted blood!

    ¡°Woah¡­¡± J was left gaping, impressed that Frank saved a dying man within minutes.

    His medicinal prowess would not pale inparison to her grandfather¡¯s!

    ¡°Boss¡­ Are you okay? How are you feeling?¡± The burly man hurried to the patient¡¯s side, his jaw

    hanging open and his earlier angsty expression gone.

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    The patient a middle¨Caged man named Kurt Stinson¨Cwaved him off, gesturing that he was fine.

    ¨C

    He slowly looked up and nodded at J when he saw her. ¡°You really are Dan Zimmer¡¯s

    granddaughter¡­ I would¡¯ve died if not for you.¡±

    J smiled and shook her head¨Cshe was not the one who saved Kurt, and she was not about to

    im credit for that aplishment.

    Pointing at Frank, she said, ¡°You misunderstand, Mr. Stinson. That gentleman was the one who saved

    you, not me. To be honest, I failed to diagnose you correctly in the first ce, but Mr. Lawrence was

    wise and found the precise cause. It was also his treatment that saved you.¡±

    Kurt did a double take and turned toward Frank, studying him for a while.

    He was certainly surprised to find that Frank was so young¨Che had never heard of a young man with

    such profound medicinal skills after reigning in Riverton for so long.

    ¡°May I have the honor of your name, sir?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Frank Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with that attitude, kiddo?!¡± The burly man from before was immediately annoyed.

    Kurt promptly shot him a look. ¡°Be quiet, Bravo,¡±

    Bravo promptly behaved, while Kurt smiled as he took out a check from his pocket and wrote down a

    number.

    ¡°This is a little token of my gratitude for saving me, Mr. Lawrence. Please take it,¡± Kurt said, stuffing the

    check into Frank¡¯s hand and clearly not permitting refusal.

    Frank looked closely and saw that it was a million dors!

    ¡°In that case, I will ept it,¡± he said.

    ¡°It¡¯s only right, Mr. Lawrence.¡± Kurt smiled. ¡°Also, may I ask what caused my condition?¡±

    ¡°Ster Wormwood,¡± Frank replied bluntly. ¡°It¡¯s a poisonous herb.¡±

    Kurt was taken aback. ¡°Does that mean I was poisoned?¡±

    Frank nodded confidently. ¡°That would be the case, unless you ate it for fun.¡±

 Chapter 95

    Kurt smiled awkwardly in turn and slowly got up. ¡°Thanks again for saving me, Mr. Lawrence. I still

    have business to see to, so I shall be going¨Calso, should you and Ms. Zimmer evere to my

    establishments, everything will be on the house.¡±

    Then, turning to the burly man beside him, he added, ¡°Bravo. Pay Flora Hall double for any costs.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Stinson,¡± Bravo promptly replied.

    J wanted to refuse, but she had no chance as they paid cash.

    With that, Kurt left with Bravo in tow.

    After they got in their car, Bravo was staring at Kurt, appearing hesitant to speak.

    Seeing that, Kurt asked bluntly, ¡°Out with it already. Why are you hesitating?¡±

    Since Kurt put it that way, Bravo quickly said, ¡°I think there¡¯s something strange about Mr. Lawrence,

    boss.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I think he has killed people before.¡±

    ¡°He killed people¡­?¡±

    Bravo nodded¨Ceven now, he did not forget the re Frank shot him.

    The killing intent he had was more fearsome than Kurt¡¯s!

    Kurt narrowed his eyes in turn. It was certainly strange that he had never heard of Frank even now,

    especially since he was that amazing¡­

    ¡°Should we look into him, sir?¡± Bravo asked just then.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Kurt promptly waved him off. ¡°Absolutely not. We don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s friend or foe¨Cdon¡¯t provoke

    him in any case. Let¡¯s make friends since he¡¯s not hostile at the moment, and remember to tell the boys

    to show respect when he visits our joint.¡±

    ¡°Yes, boss.¡± Bravo nodded repeatedly.

    Back at Flora Hall, J breathed a long sigh of relief after seeing off Kurt and Bravo.

    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence,¡± she told Frank.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Dan and I are more or less friends,¡± Frank said nonchntly.

    He would not let some thugs start a mess in Flora Hall since Dan was friends with Henry Lane, thought

    Henry had never mentioned it himself. In fact, he still would not have known if he did not meet J

    today.

    As they returned to the tearoom for a break, Dan had returned to Flora Hall as well.

    He was at once surprised and delighted after his granddaughter recounted what happened and could

    kowtow to Frank right then!

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know how to thank you, Mr. Lawrence,¡± he eximed emotionally. ¡°You¡¯ve really saved

    Flora Hall! If you must know, Kurt Stinson is the kingpin of East City. He¡¯s even more powerful than Leo

    Grayson!¡±

    Frank threw his hands up. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Mr. Zimmer. If you really want to thank me, you just have to

    give me some medicinal ingredients.¡±

    ¡°Of course! Just tell me what you need, Mr. Lawrence. It would be no issue as long as we have it here

    in Flora Hall.¡±

    sjusta

    Dan was actually beside himself with joy¨Che his brains on how to get in Frank¡¯s good graces!

    ¡°I need a tuft of Skyfresh Vine to make a pill,¡± Frank said. ¡°I was told you have some, but it¡¯s not for

    sale. Is that true?¡±

    Dan wasughing as he stroked his beard. ¡°We certainly do¨Cit¡¯s thirty¨Csix inches in length, and you can

    have it if you want, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Then, turning toward J, he said, ¡°Run along now. Fetch that vine for Mr. Lawrence.¡±

 Chapter 96

    J was left gaping as she listened to their conversation.

    Her grandfather had always treated the Skyfresh Vine as a treasure, but he was now giving it to Frank

    for free? Was he not giving the kid too much credit here?

    Still, afraid to say a thing, she turned to leave, hurrying off to bring Frank the vine.

    Frank smiled as he nodded at Dan, surprised that he would get the Skyfresh Vine so easily. ¡°Thank you

    very much, Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    Puzzled, Dan asked, ¡°I¡¯m curious, Mr. Lawrence¡­ What medicine would you make with the Skyfresh

    Vine?¡±

    As a healer, he was certainly aware of the Skyfresh Vine¡¯s properties.

    ¡°My ex¨Cwife has a facial scar that I will treat with the Skyfresh Vine,¡± Frank exined.

    ¡°Wait, it can help with that?¡±

    ¡°Not the herb in itself, but it would work once it has been refined into medicine.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Dan eximed in awe. ¡°Your wisdom with medicine is truly inspiring.¡±

    Frank then remembered something else and asked abruptly, ¡°Mr. Zimmer, are you a friend of Henry

    Lane¡¯s?¡±

    Dan paused for a moment at the mention of Henry¡¯s name and sighed. ¡°We wererades.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Frank said. ¡°Actually, Helen is Henry¡¯s granddaughter.¡±

    ¡°What? I see¡­¡± Dan was certainly shocked.

    That left Frank a little curious. ¡°Were you at odds with Henry?¡±

    ¡°Well, there was a little argument, but that¡¯s in the past,¡± Dan said, shaking his head and not

    borating on the issue.

    Frank could tell as much, so he did not ask¨Cit was also not surprising that Henry did not ask for Dan

    even though he was sick.

    Still, Frank remembered that Henry had asked Dan to get him a job despite their differences, and he

    felt more grateful to Henry for that.

    Soon, J returned with the Skyfresh Vine.

    Once J opened the box, Frank saw that it was a genuine treasure¨Cthe entire herb was wlessly

    clean.

    Nodding in satisfaction, he said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Zimmer. Should you need assistance, just ask¨CI will

    do my best to help.¡±

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    That sent Dan on cloud nine. ¡°You¡¯re too generous, Mr. Lawrence. It¡¯s an honor to make the

    acquaintance of a medicine man such as you.¡±

    After some small talk, Frank quickly excused himself, since he still had a medicine to make.

    Meanwhile, the air in Helen¡¯s ward was gloomy as she kept herself hidden under her nkets, refusing

    to see anyone.

    It hurt Gina to see that not only was she worried that her daughter would develop mental issues, but

    she was also concerned that Lane Holdings would go leaderless.

    Sean hade to visit a few times but never returned after seeing Helen¡¯s face.

    It was certainly stressful that Gina¡¯s dream for her daughter to be Mrs. Wesley was not crushed,

    and she went to the stairway for a cigarette.

    ¡°Got a light, babe?¡± A rich voice spoke from behind her just then.

    Gina passed the person her lighter without looking, when the man eximed in surprise, ¡°Gina?!¡±

    Gina turned, her eyes widening in surprise.

    The middle¨Caged man before her had a split mustache, square jaw and wore a suit¨Call of which

    entuated his maturity.

    ¡°Greg?¡± Gina eximed¨Cshe was all too familiar with the man.

    It was Greg Marsh, her high school ssmate!

 Chapter 97

    They were both delighted to see a familiar face after so many years, and Gina quickly asked, ¡°What are

    you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Yates just caught a cold and was admitted.¡± Greg smiled. ¡°I came to visit him.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Yates?¡± Gina asked in curiosity.

    ¡°Rivertonmerce guild¡¯s chief, Timmy Yates,¡± Greg replied.

    Gina was surprised. ¡°You know him? What¡¯s the connection there?¡±

    ¡°Partners, I guess,¡± Greg chuckled. ¡°I started a pharmaceuticalpany two years ago and made

    bank, and I¡¯ve just recently started talks with Mr. Yates in hopes of a partnership. It¡¯s only natural that I

    visit since he¡¯s sick.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Gina eximed. ¡°You¡¯ve done well for yourself, partnering with a bigwig in just a few years since I

    last saw you.¡±

    ¡°I was just lucky,¡± Greg replied humbly. ¡°So what brings you here, Gina?¡®

    Gina sighed and started rambling about her troubles seeing that Greg was her old ssmate. ¡°My

    daughter was admitted. She had the bad luck to cross paths with Leo Grayson, and his boss Finn

    Chandler cut her face, leaving a scar. She¡¯s been depressed every day, and I¡¯m getting depressed over

    that too.¡±

    Greg frowned. ¡°What? Poor Helen¡­¡±

    Gina started sobbing, her voice choking with tears as she continued, ¡°What will she do from now on?

    There¡¯s no one managing thepany, and she¡¯s not willing to go outside. It¡¯s over for the family if this

    goes on¡­

    Something urred to Greg just then, and he pped Gina on the shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Your

    daughter¡¯s name is Helen, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Gina sobbed.

    Greg nodded emotionally. ¡°You¡¯ve really raised her well, Gina.¡±

    Helen was certainly a rising star in Riverton after securing that project with the Turnbulls.

    ¡°So what? I¡¯d rather she was the way before, even if we lose a little money,¡± Gina cried and leaned on

    Greg¡¯s shoulder as she started to bawl.

    Greg stroked his chin with one hand while holding Gina with the other. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Gina. I just

    happened to be acquainted with Dan Zimmer. Who knows, he might be able to help.¡±

    Gina looked up right then. ¡°R¨CReally? You can contact Mr. Zimmer? Can he really help?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Greg said confidently. ¡°He¡¯s the best healer in Riverton¨Ca small scar isn¡¯t much. I¡¯ll

    call him and ask.¡±

    Gina¡¯s eyes were filled with hope right then. ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s wonderful!¡±

    Greg whipped out his phone to call Dan, who soon answered. ¡°Hello, who¡¯s this?¡±

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Greg said politely, ¡°Mr. Zimmer? It¡¯s me, Greg Marsh, from Handrock Corp.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Marsh. What can I do for you?¡± Dan asked, somewhat remembering the name.

    ¡°So my friend¡¯s daughter has a facial scar¨CI wonder if you can help treat her?¡± Greg quickly asked.

    Money is not a problem as long as you can treat her.¡±

    Dan did a double take¨Canother woman with a facial scar?

    Frank had just left, too!

    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± Dan asked in curiosity.

 Chapter 98

    Greg said, ¡°Helen Lane. She¡¯s the owner of Lane Holdings and recently secured a partnership with the

    Turnbulls.¡±

    Dan realized with a start and chuckled, ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to worry about that¨Csomeone will be taking

    care of that. She¡¯ll soon make a full recovery.

    After all, Dan knew he did not have to do a thing since Frank was going to help Helen. In fact, if Frank

    could not help, Dan himself might not be able to do it.

    ¡°Uhh¡­¡± Greg had more to say, but Dan had already hung up.

    ¡°Grey? What did Mr. Zimmer say?¡± Gina quickly asked in turn.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Greg hesitated for a moment before telling her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mr. Zimmer has agreed to help

    your daughter, but it will be a while before he does. It will be fine, I promise.¡±

    Gina was beside herself with joy. ¡°Oh, thank you so much, Greg! Really, I didn¡¯t expect to rely on you

    again when it matters¨Cyou¡¯re as sessful as you were before, acing grades and gym. You¡¯re the only

    one in our ss who made it to college.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Greg was absolutely reveling in Gina¡¯s worshipful gaze, his vanity absolutely satisfied. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s in the

    past and not worth mentioning. You were the prettiest girl in the ss too, and so many boys were

    wooing you.

    Gina shed a chagrined smile. ¡°Funny you should say that. You never seemed interested in ma

    ¡°Oh, I was just obsessed with studying at the time,¡± Greg chuckled, his eyes studying Gina¨Che had to

    admit that even if she was forty, she would still make a good mistress.

    As such, he asked, ¡°It¡¯s rare that we run into each other. Why don¡¯t we have dinner tonight?¡±

    Gina was hesitant, since she had stayed single since her husband¡¯s passing to help out with the family

    business.

    However, Helen was now an adult and able to hold her own, not to mention that there was that night of

    indulgence she had with that bellboy at Verdant Hotel¡­

    If anything, she was looking forward to having a man in her life, since staying celibate for too long

    did hurt a little.

    Moreover, Greg had been the stud of their ss himself, and she would not mind if some spark ignited

    between them despite their age.

    Nodding shyly, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll check if I¡¯m free tonight.¡±

    Seeing that he had a chance, Greg promptlyughed. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up tonight.¡±

    With that, he strode out of the stairway, not allowing Gina time to refuse.

    Still, Gina was delighted as she fantasized about the date tonight.

    Meanwhile, Frank had returned to Verdant Hotel and focused all his efforts on refining a medicine.

    He poured every ingredient into a cauldron, and as the fire burned, every punch of medicinal value was

    extracted.

    Frank was fully concentrated as he adjusted and refined the extract, and it was five hourster when he

    finally refined it into a 100ml ointment.

    Helen¡¯s scar would definitely be removed with this. He then promptly whipped out his phone to call

    Helen to tell her the good news.

 Chapter 99

    Helen was sitting quietly on her bed, her phone put aside in silent mode.

    The screen suddenly lit up, and she promptly recognized the caller¡¯s number as Frank¡¯s since she had

    memorized it.

    She hung up without hesitation, thinking herself now a cripple and afraid to suffer Frank¡¯s ridicule.

    Frank called twice more after that, but she kept hanging up on him before blocking him.

    Just then, Gina entered with Greg, and she promptly asked, ¡°Look who¡¯s here, Helen!¡±

    Helen, who was still depressed, promptly scowled. ¡°Get out.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright Helen. He¡¯s here to help¡­¡±

    Greg had already walked up to Helen before Gina finished, and he was certainly impressed inwardly

    with Helen¡¯s pretty face. To think that Gina¡¯s daughter boasted such natural beauty¡­

    What a shame that the facial scar ruined it, leaving her looking gruesome instead.

    ¡°Who are you? Get out!¡± Helen snapped angrily and picked up a pillow to throw at Greg.

    ¡°You probably won¡¯t remember me, but I used to carry you around when you were a baby,¡± Greg replied

    nonchntly. ¡°Also, I came with good news¨CMr. Zimmer has agreed to treat you. You won¡¯t have that

    scar soon enough.¡±

    Dan did tell Greg that someone was going to help Helen, and he just had to y it off as his own

    contribution.

    Helen did a double take right then, since the hospital chief himself said that he could not help with that.

    ¡°Mr. Zimmer is going to help?¡±

    Greg smiled. ¡°Who in Riverton can do it, if not Dan Zimmer?¡±

    Helen was stunned. ¡°But why would Mr. Zimmer help?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Greg here,¡± Gina said. ¡°He¡¯s now a partner of Timmy Yates, and Mr. Zimmer has

    agreed to his request with just a call.¡±

    Helen turned hesitantly toward Greg, surprised that her mother¡¯s former ssmate was such a

    sessful man.

    Gina said proudly just then, ¡°Helen, shouldn¡¯t you thank Mr. Marsh?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°T¨CThank you, Mr. Marsh¡­¡± Helen stammered.

    Right now, what she wanted most was for her face to recover. She would certainly be grateful if Greg

    could do that much.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Greg assured her confidently. ¡°Just rest and get better. Your face will soon be cured,

    and you¡¯ll still be Riverton¡¯s most beautiful woman.¡±

    Gina wrapped her hands around Greg¡¯s arm without knowing it. ¡°Peter will take care of you tonight. I¡¯ll

    be busy¡­¡±

    Helen certainly noticed the strangeness and frowned. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay here with me tonight,

    Mom?¡±

    Gina shot her a re. ¡°You¡¯re an adult. Do you still need me around?¡±

    Helen was speechless, but she already could guess what Gina was up to tonight.

    She would never stop her mother from pursuing her own happiness, but was this not a little too fast?

    Meanwhile, Frank gave up after calling Helen a few times¨Cit was clear that she was not going to

 Chapter 100

    Frank stepped out of Verdant Hotel, heading eastward to a restaurant.

    It was a nice ce with not many people, and he preferred such a quiet spot.

    He ordered some of the restaurant¡¯s speciality and was just enjoying it when amotion could soon

    be heard.

    Frank looked up to find Gina with a man he had never seen before.

    Gina looked around, and was nodding in admiration. ¡°You have a really good eye, Greg. This is a good

    ce.¡±

    ¡°Haha,¡± Greg chuckled. ¡°The owner used to be a vendor outside our school, and he¡¯s made it big now.

    You will enjoy this.¡±

    Gina was sighing emotionally. ¡°Yeah¡­ You¡¯ve really brought me back to our high school days, now that

    you¡¯ve mentioned it.¡±

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s take a seat by the window. The view here

    s good,¡± Greg said as he walked to the table

    next to Frank¡¯s, pulling out a chair in a gentlemanly manner for Gina.

    Gina nodded repeatedly, but her smile faded when she saw Frank. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°To eat. What else?¡±

    Gina snorted in disdain. ¡°Of all the ces to run into a jinx like you.

    Frank rolled his eyes, but told her, ¡°I called Helen earlier, but she never answered. Here¡¯s an ointment I

    made that could cure her scar. Pass it to her.¡±

    As Frank took it out, however, Gina waspletely unconcerned and pped it out of his hand!

    ¡°What¡­¡± Frank was furious as he quickly picked it up.

    Thankfully, it did not spill out.

    ring at Gina, he snapped, ¡°Do you know how valuable this ointment is?¡±

    He had spent hours making this, and the ingredients were worth a king¡¯s ransom

    Gina, however, snorted in contempt¨Ceven if Greg did not ask Dan to help, she would never let her

    daughter use Frank¡¯s medicine!

    Pointing at his nose, she snapped, ¡°A lowlife like you making medicine? Why don¡¯t you show me your

    license? From where I¡¯m standing, you obviously want to hurt Helen further!¡±

    Seeing that Gina was really upset, Greg rushed up to ask, ¡°Who is he, Gina??¡±

    Gina ced her hands on her hips as she snapped through gritted teeth, ¡°He¡¯s Helen¡¯s ex¨Chusband.

    It¡¯s his fault for upsetting Leo, which is why Helen was disfigured, in the first ce!¡±

    Greg quickly understood why Gina loathed the man.

    Meanwhile, Frank quietly picked up the ointment and sighed exasperatedly. ¡°Ignorant.¡±

    Not bothered to respond to Gina at that point, he returned to his seat to keep eating¡­ when Greg

    walked up to him.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Frank asked coolly.

    Greg glowered at him and growled, ¡°You¡¯re not weed here. Get out.¡±

    He thought that since Frank was a lowlife anyway, he could use this moment to properly flex himself in

    front of Gina.

 Chapter 101

    Frank leered at Greg in disdain. ¡°Who do you think you are, telling me to leave?¡±

    Gina snorted pompously. ¡°Don¡¯t think you get to strut just because you are Vicky Turnbull¡¯s manwhore!

    Greg is Timmy Yates¡® business partner¨Ceven Vicky Turnbull would have to show him respect!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really nothing.¡± Greg waved her off humbly before turning back to Frank. ¡°Gina doesn¡¯t want to see

    you, so know your ce and leave, or I¡¯ll make you.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ur new

    Frank smiled as he nced between the pair. ¡°So after all that, the geezer is just your boyfriend? Don¡¯t

    push yourself when you¡¯re that old now, geezer. You should stay home and rest your age weary back.¡±

    ¡°You asked for this, brat!¡± Greg did not expect Frank to be that pompous and swung his fist at

    Frank¡¯s face.

    He had been a school athlete back in high school, and he was tough as nails despite his age. He was

    convinced he would be fine against some brat!

    Thud.

    Suddenly, Frank moved, catching Greg¡¯s fist and holding him still right in front of his table.

    Greg was stunned¨Che tried to move his fist, but it was not budging!

    At the same time, Frank¡¯s fingers clenched, leaving him with agony!

    To add insult to injury, Frank remained perfectly nonchnt, as if he was not even pushing himself.

    Greg¡¯s face was already pale, but had to stop himself from screaming just to salvage his dignity

    Beside him, Gina was still cheering him on. ¡°Go on, Greg! Don¡¯t hold back on my ount¨Ckill him! I¡¯ll

    take responsibility for anything that happens!¡±

    Gina had absolute faith in Greg, but he was already sweating bullets from the forehead. In fact, his jaw

    was clenched so hard it could break!

    Drawn by themotion, the owner hurried to the scene just then. Worried that they would reallye

    to blows, he quickly reasoned, ¡°Gentlemen, can¡¯t we talk about this? We¡¯re but a humble business¡­¡±

    Frank said coolly just then, ¡°Apologize properly, and I¡¯ll let you go.¡±

    Before Greg could speak, Gina snapped, ¡°Apologize to you?! Who do you think you are?!¡±

    Greg felt like he could die right then¨CGina had just cut off his way out!

    had no choice but to brace himself and snap, ¡°Don¡¯t push me, brat. Upset me, and be ready suffer the

    consequences!¡±

    ¡°Hah!¡± Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°You really won¡¯t give up, huh?¡±

    was ready to clench and break Greg¡¯s knuckle when a call, arrived,

    Surprised for a moment, he whipped it out to find that it was Yara calling ¡°Hello. Ms Quill? What is it?

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Pleasee to Skystream Lodge at once. Ms. Tumbull was poisoned¡°¡±

    ¡°What?! I¡¯ll be right there!¡± Frank eximed in surprise

    Vicky was poisoned?!

    With those words, he flung Greg¡¯s hand away and strode out of the restaurant.

    Greg was still gritting his teeth in pain, but he quickly hid his right hand behind himself.

    On the other hand, Gina was not about to give up on a chance to insult Frank

    From where she was standing, Frank was running away in fear.

    Using a phone call as an excuse? Laughable!

    ¡°Where are you running off to?!¡± she shouted relentlessly after Frank. ¡°Grow a pair and get back here!¡±

    Greg promptly stopped her. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Gina. We can afford to let him go¨Che¡¯s obviously scared, and we

    have no reason to push him too far.¡±

    Gina actually agreed with that and nodded.

 Chapter 102

    Gina said, ¡°You¡¯re so forgiving, Greg.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to get petty with a lowlife,¡± Greg said, putting an arm around Gina¡¯s shoulder.

    In reality, he was feeling a chill down his spine¨Che was lucky Frank left over something urgent, or there

    was no telling how things would end!

    Oblivious, Gina blissfully leaned into Greg¡¯s arms¡­

    Meanwhile, Frank took a cab straight to Skystream Lodge and found Yara at the top¨Cfloor lounge.

    She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him. ¡°You¡¯re finally here, Mr. Lawrence!¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Frank quickly asked.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    ¡°We were on our way to negotiate a business deal when a car rammed into ours,¡± Yara said as she led

    the way. ¡°Over a dozen hitmen leaped out of the other car, but they were no match for us, until one of

    them threw some sort of powder at Ms. Turnbull. She was fine at first, and then she suddenly

    copsed¡­¡±

    Frank asked, ¡°Have you asked for other healers?¡±

    ¡®Dan Zimmer¡¯s granddaughter has already checked,¡± Yara replied. ¡°She said it was a cold poison.¡±

    They soon arrived at the bedroom to find J cing a heat pack on Vicky¡¯s head to keep her warm.

    J breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Frank. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, she¡¯s very cold but she insisted

    that she¡¯s feeling very hot¡­ It almost looks like amon cold, and I can¡¯t tell what the cause is.¡±

    She had been trying to treat Vicky for a while, when she remembered Frank and his extraordinary

    abilities with medicine. That was why she urged Yara to contact Frank immediately.

    ¡°Let me see,¡± Frank said, hurrying to Vicky¡¯s bed and picking up her wrist to feel her pulse

    Vicky, however, kept twitching endlessly, all light lost from her eyes.

    ly, the reached out and grabbed Frank¡¯s hand with a vice¨Clike grip, ¡°1-0¡±

    so hot¡­ Save me, Frank¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll be fine as long as I¡¯m around,¡± Frank said confidently, quickly holding her ce to

    stop her from moving.

    When he was done, he told J and Yara, ¡°Hold her down.¡±

    Both women hadplete faith in Frank¡¯s abilities and did not hesitate at his call -jumping on bed right

    then, Yara held Vicky¡¯s hands while J held her legs. At the same time, Frank took out thest Ichor

    Pill, squeezed open her mouth, and fed her.

    Vicky started struggling violently right then, almost knocking J away!

    Still, as time passed, Vicky slowly began to recover, and she calmed down as well. J breathed a

    sigh of relief at that and turned towards Frank. ¡°How was that possible? What was Ms. Turnbull

    poisoned with, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°It was indeed a cold poison,¡± Frank replied. ¡°It¡¯s Snowshade, which is a

    specialty of a certain secluded South Sea n. The victim¡¯s body would turn ice cold as they lose their

    vigor and warmth until they die.¡±

    ¡°And what did you give her?¡± J asked in curiosity.

    ¡°An Ichor Pill.¡±

    ¡°You still have more?!¡±

    J¡¯s eyes widened¨Cshe heard Dan mention the miraculous properties of the pill.

    How many of those did Frank have in store¡­?

    ¡°Not anymore.¡± Frank shrugged.

    Enjoy Ad Free Reading

    plied. ¡°It¡¯s Snowshade, which is a

    specialty of a certain secluded South Sea n. The victim¡¯s body would turn ice cold as they lose their

    vigor and warmth until they die.¡±

    ¡°And what did you give her?¡± J asked in curiosity.

    ¡°An Ichor Pill.¡±

    ¡°You still have more?!¡±

    J¡¯s eyes widened¨Cshe heard Dan mention the miraculous properties of the pill.

    How many of those did Frank have in store¡­?

    ¡°Not anymore.¡± Frank shrugged.

    Enjoy Ad Free Reading

 Chapter 103

    J was speechless and turned to check the time. ¡°Well, since you¡¯re here, Mr. Lawrence, I think it¡¯s

    alright for me to leave. I still have something to attend to.¡±

    Frank nodded but soon stopped her as he remembered something else. ¡°Hold on, Ms. Zimmer.¡®

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Frank took out the box of ointment. ¡°If you can make time, I¡¯d like you to deliver this.¡±

    ¡°Deliver? Where to?¡± J asked as she took the box. ¡°I¡¯ll do it first thing tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Lane Manor,¡± Frank replied. ¡°It¡¯s an ointment to remove scars¨Cit¡¯s for Helen¡¯s face.¡±

    ¡°Why won¡¯t you deliver it yourself?¡± J asked, looking at him hesitantly.

    Helen was his ex¨Cwife, so would it not be more appropriate if he did it?

    Frank scratched his head. ¡°Things are hostile between me and the Lanes, and Helen¡¯s mother thinks

    that I¡¯m ipetent. But I was thinking they would believe you if you were the one who brought it to

    her.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± J said in realization. ¡°So I don¡¯t have to tell them that it¡¯s yours?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Just tell them it¡¯s made in Flora Hall.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± J nodded, thinking to herself right then that the Lanes were so blind they could not even

    see how amazing Frank was.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll deliver it tomorrow morning,¡± she assured Frank.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Frank told her.

    After J left, Yara walked up to Frank, asking hesitantly, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, are you going to be busy

    tonight?¡±

    ¡°No, why?¡±

    ¡°I have something urgent at home,¡± Yara quickly said. ¡°Would you mind staying with Ms. Turnbull for

    the night?¡±

    Frank nced hesitantly at Vicky, who was still unconscious, and eventually sald,

    N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    ¡°Thank you so much¡­¡± Yara even bowed at him before hurrying out of Skystream Lodge.

    When Frank returned to the bedroom to find that Vicky was mostly fine, hey down on the couch to

    rest.

    The skies were turning down as time passed, and Frank soon heard a groan.

    Vicky woke up just as expected, shrugging off her nket and scratching her head.

    She was clearly groggy from sleep, and she headed straight to the washroom before Frank could ask

    how she was.

    She sat on the toilet even before she closed the door, leaving Frank feeling awkward right then¨Cshould

    he speak up or not?!

    As he turned away, Vicky called out groggily, ¡°Yara, bring me some toilet paper¡­¡±

    Silence was her answer, and after a while, Vicky called out again, impatient this time, ¡°Yara? Where are

    you?¡±

    Frank picked up a roll of toilet paper and slid it inside.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vicky replied politely when she took it.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±

    Vicky suddenly snapped awake at her voice, all grogginess gone from her head as she looked up.

    As her eyes met Frank¡¯s for a while, she shrieked in surprise!

    Frank frowned and promptly cupped his ears¨Cher voice had almost shattered his eardrums!

    Vicky sprang to her feet at the same time and pulled up her pants. ¡°What are you doing here?!¡±

 Chapter 104

    Frank said tly, ¡°You were poisoned. Yara called me over to help.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s heart raced in fear as she remembered what happened, and quickly asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Yara?

    ¡°She left, saying there¡¯s something urgent back home. She asked me to stay and take care of you.

    Vicky clenched her jaw. ¡°That girl, I swear¡­¡±

    They were fortunate it was Frank who stayed. What would happen if Yara left her with another man,

    while she was still unconscious?!

    Turning back toward Frank with a charming smile, she said, ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything to me, did you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Frank replied, shaking his head. ¡°You worry too much.¡±

    ¡°Hey now¨CI¡¯m d you stayed to take care of me,¡± Vicky grinned, yfully sliding her pajamas off her

    shoulder. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind if you really want it¡­ Frank rubbed his nose. ¡°The more you do that, the less

    interested I¡¯d be.¡±

    ¡°Honestly¡­ Get out of here,¡± Vicky snorted, pursing her lips¨Cshe had just made the vibe in the room a

    little yful, and he ruined it right then there.

    Romance was really dead!

    Frank shrugged and closed the washroom door behind himself.

    After a while, Vicky stopped out in just a bath towel and sat down on her bed.

    ¡°Do you know who poisoned you?¡± Frank asked just then.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know I have a long list of enemies, and I can¡¯t pin them down.¡±

    ¡°The Snowshade you were poisoned with is a specific poison, used by the Hidden Sky Sect of the

    Southern Sea,¡± Frank said bluntly.

    Vicky rubbed her chin in thought for a while but eventually shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to the

    Southern Sea, let alone provoked some sect¨Cmaybe it¡¯s just some hitman.¡±

    Frank nodded¨Cthat was probable.

    Vicky then said, ¡°You shoulde to work tomorrow. My safety would at least be guaranteed with you

    around,¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Frank assured her. ¡°I¡¯m a man of my word¨CIt¡¯s just that there

    were some unexpectedplications.¡±

    ¡°As in your ex¨Cwife being in danger?¡± Vicky teased.

    Frank avoided the question. ¡°I owe Henry Lane, and I have to help when the Lanes are in trouble.¡±

    Vicky pursed her lips,pletely skeptical.

    She was fiddling with her hair when she suddenly gasped, ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°I¨CI think my chest hurts,¡± Vicky gasped, her expression contorting in pain. ¡°Is there still some poison in

    my veins?¡±

    Frank was at once caught in bemusement and disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s impossible¨Cyou just took an Ichor Pill.

    It wouldpletely break the poison.¡±

    ¡°Oh, juste and see! It hurts!¡± Vicky snapped in annoyance since he was still standing there,

    deducing.

    Still puzzled, Frank walked up, ready to take her pulse when she suddenly caught his wrist, and

    pressed his hand directly on her chest.

    ¡°What¡­¡± Frank gulped, left flustered just then.

    ¡°Why would you take my pulse when my chest hurts?¡± Vicky smiled. ¡°Feel my heartbeat instead¨Csee

    where the problem is.¡®

    Frank realized then she was fine and just teasing him.

    He started to turn, but she firmly pulled, knocking him off bnce andnding on top of her.

    There were just inches between them, and this time, Frank really felt her heartbeat¡­

    At the same time, Vicky wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Frank¡¯s eyes widened, her sweet scent rushing into his nostrils and overwhelming his rationality.

    Suddenly, he did not even have the strength to stand!

 Chapter 105

    Vicky was going to take off Frank¡¯s shirt when he caught her, leaving her staring at him in

    Frank said tly, ¡°You were poisoned. Yara called me over to help.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s heart raced in fear as she remembered what happened, and quickly asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Yara?

    ¡°She left, saying there¡¯s something urgent back home. She asked me to stay and take care of you.

    Vicky clenched her jaw. ¡°That girl, I swear¡­¡±

    They were fortunate it was Frank who stayed. What would happen if Yara left her with another man,

    while she was still unconscious?!

    Turning back toward Frank with a charming smile, she said, ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything to me, did you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Frank replied, shaking his head. ¡°You worry too much.¡±

    ¡°Hey now¨CI¡¯m d you stayed to take care of me,¡± Vicky grinned, yfully sliding her pajamas off her

    shoulder. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind if you really want it¡­ Frank rubbed his nose. ¡°The more you do that, the less

    interested I¡¯d be.¡±

    ¡°Honestly¡­ Get out of here,¡± Vicky snorted, pursing her lips¨Cshe had just made the vibe in the room a

    little yful, and he ruined it right then there.

    Romance was really dead!

    Frank shrugged and closed the washroom door behind himself.

    After a while, Vicky stopped out in just a bath towel and sat down on her bed.

    ¡°Do you know who poisoned you?¡± Frank asked just then.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know I have a long list of enemies, and I can¡¯t pin them down.¡±

    ¡°The Snowshade you were poisoned with is a specific poison, used by the Hidden Sky Sect of the

    Southern Sea,¡± Frank said bluntly.

    Vicky rubbed her chin in thought for a while but eventually shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to the

    Southern Sea, let alone provoked some sect¨Cmaybe it¡¯s just some hitman.¡±

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded¨Cthat was probable.

    Vicky then said, ¡°You shoulde to work tomorrow. My safety would at least be guaranteed with you

    around,¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Frank assured her. ¡°I¡¯m a man of my word¨CIt¡¯s just that there

    were some unexpectedplications.¡±

    ¡°As in your ex¨Cwife being in danger?¡± Vicky teased.

    Frank avoided the question. ¡°I owe Henry Lane, and I have to help when the Lanes are in trouble.¡±

    Vicky pursed her lips,pletely skeptical.

    She was fiddling with her hair when she suddenly gasped, ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°I¨CI think my chest hurts,¡± Vicky gasped, her expression contorting in pain. ¡°Is there still some poison in

    my veins?¡±

    Frank was at once caught in bemusement and disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s impossible¨Cyou just took an Ichor Pill.

    It wouldpletely break the poison.¡±

    ¡°Oh, juste and see! It hurts!¡± Vicky snapped in annoyance since he was still standing there,

    deducing.

    Still puzzled, Frank walked up, ready to take her pulse when she suddenly caught his wrist, and

    pressed his hand directly on her chest.

    ¡°What¡­¡± Frank gulped, left flustered just then.

    ¡°Why would you take my pulse when my chest hurts?¡± Vicky smiled. ¡°Feel my heartbeat instead¨Csee

    where the problem is.¡®

    Frank realized then she was fine and just teasing him.

    He started to turn, but she firmly pulled, knocking him off bnce andnding on top of her.

    There were just inches between them, and this time, Frank really felt her heartbeat¡­

    At the same time, Vicky wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

    Frank¡¯s eyes widened, her sweet scent rushing into his nostrils and overwhelming his rationality.

    Suddenly, he did not even have the strength to stand!

    wide¨Ceye confusion.

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Frank asked, frowning.

    Vicky gingerly got up. ¡°Really. There¡¯s no getting one over you, is there?¡±

    Frank was speechless. ¡°Do you really have to?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your fault for being such an extraordinary man.¡± Vicky smiled, shrugging.

    Frank stared at her. ¡°Your fiance¡¯s far better than me.¡±

    Vicky scowled at those words. ¡°Don¡¯t mention him¨CI¡¯d rather die than marry into the Lionheart family.¡±

    Frank was actually confused. ¡°Why? Don¡¯t women like you prefer rich heirs like him?¡±

    That was why Helen divorced him too¨Cbecause he was not a rich kid like Sean Wesley.

    Vicky wheeled on him right then, her eyes shing in determination. ¡°Am I that type of woman to you?

    Then let me give it to you straight¨CI have no intention of bing some trophy wife in the Lionheart

    family. I, Vicky Turnbull, can do what you men do as well!¡±

    Understanding that she was no doormat down to her very bones, Frank nodded. ¡± The pursuit of

    freedom is fair, but the price of it is cruel.¡±

    Vicky walked up to him and lifted his chin with her index finger. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m drawing talented people

    to my cause! Frank Lawrence, you¡¯re the cream of the crop when ites to the younger generation,

    just as I like your attitude. Between Titus Lionheart and you, I¡¯d rather choose you. As long as you¡¯re

    willing to support me, I can give you anything you want.¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Is that a profession of love or an empty check?¡±

    ¡°Both,¡± Vicky replied. ¡°Also, my checks are solid.¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d rather we stay friends¨Cto be honest, I have zero interest in everything you

    mentioned.¡±

    With dur, he took his jacket and put it on. ¡°I¡¯m going now. Get some rest.¡±

    left standing there, stunned.

    MIS

    dea why an excellent woman such as herself one who could

    Frank everything he wanted¨Ccould not even interest him.

    How was he able to leave, so carefree and nonchnt?

    ¡°Frank, I have a question.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Vicky bit her lip for a moment and asked, ¡°Are you rejecting me because you are in love with Helen

    Lane, or because I simply don¡¯t interest you?¡±

    Frank stopped and took a deep breath before replying, ¡°Neither. My enemies are not some measly rich

    family¨Cthey are beings you can¡¯t even imagine. I won¡¯t marry Helen again even if she asks, let alone

    get involved with another woman. And that¡¯s my way to protect all of you.¡±

    And with that, he left the room, leaving Vicky pursing her lips..

    She was an heiress of the Turnbulls, one of the top families in Morhen.

    Entities she had no idea about? Even if they did exist, was Frank really able to take them all on alone?

    Vicky was certainly convinced that it was just some excuse Frank made up!

    Even so, there was something she could be pleased about¨Cshe stood a chance as long as Frank would

    not remarry Helen!

    Early next morning, J drove to Lane Manor as soon as she was done with her tasks on hand.

 Chapter 106

    J would never dare to forget the task Frank asked of her yesterday.

    Arriving at the gates, she told a servant that she was from Flora Hall and was led to the drawing room

    without dy.

    ¡°Please wait here for a moment, Ms. Zimmer,¡± the servant said politely. ¡°I¡¯ll inform Mr. Lane right away.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± J nodded repeatedly.

    Soon, Henry came downstairs with his walking stick and Gina and Peter in tow.

    ¡°Slow down,¡± Gina said, her attitude and tone more tolerant toward Henry.

    She was spirited and in a good mood after the date with Greg, though she would have rather stayed in

    bed. However, she did not dare to drag her feet when she heard that Dan Zimmer¡¯s granddaughter had

    come, even waking Peter before going downstairs with Henry.

    J promptly rose to her feet when she saw them. ¡°Hello, Mr. Lane. I¡¯m J Zimmer from Flora

    Hall.¡±

    ¡°Oh, J. Please sit¨Cmake yourself at home,¡± Henry smiled.

    J nodded, and turned toward the other two while Henry introduced, ¡°This is Gina, my daughter¨Cin¨C

    law, and Peter, my grandson.¡±

    J smiled in greeting, thinking that Gina was probably Frank¡¯s former mother -inw. ¡°Hello, Mrs.

    Lane, Peter.¡±

    On the other hand, Peter¡¯s eyes were fixed on J, his eyes skipping a beat when he saw her.

    Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she wore a white shirt, a pair of blue jeans, and a white pair of

    sneakers.

    Her face had no makeup on, but her cheek was fair and wless.

    Even if she was no astonishing beauty, there was a purity to her that thedies in red¨Clight districts

    could never hope topare.

    He promptly waved at her. ¡°Hello¡­ J.¡±

    Gina smiled and took J¡¯s hands just then. ¡°Ms. Zimmer, what brings you here?¡±

    J smiled. ¡°My grandfather heard that Helen was hurt in the face, so he made

    an ointment in the past couple days that could help.

    With that, she took out the ointment Frank refined, having packaged it with a Flora Hallbel to

    convince them that it was made in Flora Hall.

    ¡°Y¨CYour grandfather personally made this?¡± Henry eximed in surprise.

    He used to be arade of Dan¡¯s, but they had an argument a few years ago and had lost contact

    since.

    As such, he was surprised that Dan would care about his granddaughter¡­ or perhaps it was actually

    Frank?

    ¡°Uh¡­ yes.¡± J nodded repeatedly.

    ¡°Oh, we owe Mr. Zimmer so much!¡± Gina eximed as she took the box¨Cher daughter¡¯s beauty would

    be restored with this!

    In fact, she was also surprised Greg had such authority, and Dan would make the ointment for Helen

    so quickly.

    Naturally, it was all Greg¡¯s good work in her mind.

    ¡°Ms. Zimmer, please thank your grandfather in my stead when you return,¡± Henry said just then.

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Lane. I¡¯ll definitely do that,¡± J nodded. ¡°By the way, there¡¯s this person named

    Frank Lawrence. He was asking which hospital Ms. Lane was staying at ¡±

    J just wanted to find out what the Lanes thought of Frank, but Gina was snapping even before she

    finished, ¡°That lowlife has no right to see Helen! Don¡¯t tell him under any circumstances!¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

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    J flinched, surprised by Gina¡¯s sudden outburst and wondering what Frank had ever done to the

    woman.

    Gina¡¯s face was contorted with rage, but she quickly smiled after her outburst when she realized J

    was still there.

    ¡°Sorry, Ms. Zimmer,¡± she apologized. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to shout. You probably wouldn¡¯t know, but Frank

    Lawrence was my daughter¡¯s ex¨Chusband, and he¡¯s been freeloading off our family for three years.

    He¡¯s a lowlife, bringing nothing to the family while Helen paid for everything.¡±

    J raised a brow but nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mrs. Lane. I promise not to tell him.¡±

    At the same time, she thought to herself that Frank definitely showed foresight, telling her not to tell the

    Lanes that he was the one who made the ointment. Otherwise, Gina would have thrown it away.

    Henry cleared his throat just then and shot Gina a re. ¡°Frank is not as bad as you make him out to

    be.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough¨Cyou really should stop defending him now.¡± Gina rolled her eyes. ¡°Was what I said not

    the truth?¡±

    Suddenly, Peter stepped forward, staring at J lecherously as he asked, ¡°Ms. Zimmer, do you have

    a boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ no,¡± J replied in reflex, regretting it right then.

    Delighted, Peter promptly whipped out his phone. ¡°Let¡¯s add each other on Facebook. We can go

    shopping when you¡¯re free!¡±

    ves ups

    Gina quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, You young ¡®uns definitely flock together.¡±

    ¡°S¨CSure¡­¡± J replied with an awkward look.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    She really did not want to add Peter on Facebook but could not say no in front of the Lanes.

    As she took out her phone to add Peter, Henry was frowning.

    It was good if his grandson could marry Dan¡¯s granddaughter, but Henry knew all too well what his

    grandson was like, not to mention that it was apletely different matter whether J was

    interested!

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay for lunch, J?¡± Gina offered enthusiastically just then,

    cook some of my best dishes for you.¡±

    J promptly waved her off. ¡°Thank you, but I still have things to do¡ªI¡¯m just here to deliver the

    ointment. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±

    Gina kicked her son, who caught his cue

    As J quickly left the drawing room, and gave chase, ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you, Ms. Zimmer.¡±

    J certainly did not want that and quickly said, ¡°No, I¡¯m actually driving.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s keep in touch on Facebook,¡± Peter said relentlessly.

    ¡°Oh, sure¡­¡± J nodded half¨Cheartedly and did not hesitate to floor the gas pedal as soon as she got

    into her car.

    It was not until Lane Manor was out of sight that she finally breathed a long sigh of relief.

    eady in his twenties! Aren¡¯t you worried?¡± Gina snapped, rolling her eyes.

 Chapter 108

    Henry shrugged. ¡°Of course I¡¯m worried, but he needs to show some worth. I¡¯d feel dignified if Peter is

    even half the man Frank is.¡±

    Peter snapped in annoyance, ¡°Is that what you think, Grandpa? That I¡¯mcking so muchpared to

    Frank Lawrence?!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve really gone senile.¡± Gina snorted grumpily. ¡°It¡¯s that man¡¯s fault Helen¡¯s face got disfigured.¡±

    Henry frowned. ¡°How could you me Frank? Moreover, it was him who asked Flora Hall to make an

    ointment for Helen.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Ginaughed out loud. ¡°Whatever goes on in that head of yours, really? Does Frank Lawrence

    have any say in Flora Hall?¡±

    ¡°Then how did Dan Zimmer know that Helen was hurt?¡± Henry shot back, already.convinced that it was

    Frank. ¡°Did you tell him?¡±

    Gina folded her arms before her chest and sneered. ¡°Greg Marsh called Dan himself. That¡¯s why Dan

    agreed to help.¡±

    Henry replied, ¡°Who the hell is Greg Marsh?¡±

    ¡°My former ssmate,¡± Gina said smugly. ¡°He owns apany, and he¡¯s at partner of Riverton¡¯s

    commerce guild.¡±

    Henry was perplexed¨Cwas Frank really not involved in this?

    On the other hand, Peter came up with an idea. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you ask Mr. Marsh to propose for

    me?¡±

    Gina actually thought that would work. ¡°I¡¯ll tell him some other day.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Peter eximed excitedly.

    Henry pursed his lips. ¡°You should be properly working on yourself, or it¡¯d just be fruitless.¡±

    Either way, Henry did not hold out hope for the proposal, since Dan was never going to be interested in

    his grandson.

    Later, Gina brought her son along and hurried to Helen¡¯s ward, not forgetting to call Greg along the

    way.

    ¡°Hello? Gina? What is it?¡± Greg asked from his office.

    ¡°Great news!¡± Gina could not hold back her excitement. ¡°Mr. Zimmer delivered the medicine. He said

    that Helen would make a full recovery once she applies it! Thank you so much, Greg!¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Greg was certainly astounded that Dan would work so quickly, but he promptlyughed. ¡°Haha!

    That¡¯s really great news! Are you going to the hospital too? I¡¯ll be there too.¡±

    He was nervous since he did nothing and had nned to see what Dan¡¯s ointment would do.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to the hospital right now. See you around,¡± Gina said, and happily hung up.

    They arrived at Helen¡¯s ward at noon, and as everyone watched, Helen applied the ointment that was

    supposedly from Dan.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Gina quickly asked once she was done.

    Helen frowned. ¡°It feels a little hot¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine soon,¡± Gina assured her.

    By evening, the ointment caked into ayer akin to a face mask on Helen¡¯s cheek, and she peeled it off

    with Gina¡¯s help.

    ¡°Oooh¡­¡± Gina could not help gasping when she saw Helen¡¯s face.

    Beside her, Greg was staring fixedly at Helen, gulping as he marveled at Helen¡¯s natural beauty¡­ And

    that she certainly eclipsed her own mother!

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    At the same time, Helen promptly picked up a mirror to check her face.

    Her cheeks were fair and wless again. If anything, her perfect visage was even more beautiful now!

 Chapter 109

    A smile appeared on Helen¡¯s face as she immediately recovered her previous confidence.

    ¡°You¡¯re even more beautiful than before.¡± Peter could not help praising her.

    ¡°That¡¯s my daughter for you,¡± Gina bragged proudly. ¡°She¡¯s a natural beauty, unlike that whore Vicky.¡±

    Gregy nodded repeatedly beside her. ¡°Of course. You were the most beautiful girl back in our school,

    so Helen would definitely not fall short.¡±

    He was certainly impressed by Dan¡¯s miraculous medicine, just as he was stunned by Helen¡¯s beauty.

    Such a shame that he was not younger¡­ but there was no rule dictating that old men could not date

    young!

    While Helen was still busy admiring herself, Gina nudged her. ¡°Thank Mr. Marsh already, Helen.

    There¡¯s no telling how long it would take for you to recover if he didn¡¯t speak to Dan Zimmer on your

    behalf.¡±

    Helen bowed in gratitude right then. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Marsh¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no big deal,¡± Greg quickly helped her up. ¡°Why don¡¯t we have dinner together tonight? I¡¯ll book

    a private room for us at a hotel¡­¡±

    ¡°Actually, it would have to wait,¡± Helen said awkwardly. ¡°The groundbreaking ceremony for the West

    City Project shall be held tomorrow, and I have to prepare. Allow me to buy you dinner instead.¡±

    Greg did not push the issue since he was aware of Lane Holding¡¯s joint project with the Turnbulls. ¡°Yes,

    you should go do that we can have dinner another day.

    ¡°I¡¯m free tonight, Greg,¡± Gina said just then. ¡°Why don¡¯t we¡­.

    Greg was suddenly scratching his head. ¡°Maybe another day. I¡¯m busy tonight as well.¡±

    Gina looked utterly disappointed. ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    Peter nudged her just then. ¡°Tell him, Mom.¡±

    Gina remembered right then and turned back to Greg. ¡°You¡¯re close with Mr. Zimmer, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    cleared his throat and nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±

    Chapterton

    In reality, he had never even met the man.

    However, having already lied once, he had no choice but to keep going at this point.

    ¡°In that case, could you propose for his granddaughter¡¯s hand?¡± Gina smiled.¡± Peter here has recently

    taken a liking to Mr. Zimmer¡¯s granddaughter, and since you¡¯re close with him, you can help us out.¡±

    Greg was left dumbstruck and turned to look at Peter, standing there with a stupid mile on his face.

    He actually felt his eyes twitching. Who did that boy think he was? How delusional could these people

    get? Dan would show him the door before he event breathed a word!

    Still, he replied half¨Cheartedly, ¡°Uh¡­ I guess I¡¯ll talk to him when I can.¡±

    Peter thought he was agreeing to it and nodded repeatedly in gratitude right then. ¡°Thank you, Mr.

    Marsh! I¡¯m counting on you!¡±

    As Greg nodded awkwardly, Helen was frowning nearby.

    She knew what her younger brother was.

    Even if it would be wonderful Peter could marry the heiress to Flora Hall, would Dan really be

    interested in such an arrangement?!

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    The next day, Frank was training when he got a call from Vicky.

    ¡°Stop pretending to sleep. I¡¯m downstairs,¡± she told him.

    ¡°I¡¯m training, not sleeping.¡±

    ¡°Then stop training. Don¡¯t you know what day it is?¡±

    ¡°What day is it?¡± Frank asked in curiosity.

    ¡°The day of the West City Project groundbreaking ceremony.¡± Vicky smiled.¡± Don¡¯t you want to see

    Helen?¡±

    ¡°Ahem¡­¡±

 Chapter 110

    Frank cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯ming downstairs. I have no ties with Helen now, but I have an obligation

    to protect you as your bodyguard.¡±

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    ¡°Stubborn, aren¡¯t you?¡± Vicky growled through her teeth.

    Frank soon arrived downstairs, where Vicky and Yara had been waiting for a

    while.

    After they got into the car, Vicky smiled and asked, ¡°Do you think Helen woulde?¡±

    Frank did the math.

    Helen would have received his ointment yesterday, so her face would have recovered by now.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said.

    Soon, they arrived at a construction site in West City, which was decorated grandly with a red carpet

    spread over the ground.

    Many bigwigs were there to partake in the festivities, breathing life to the otherwise barren grounds.

    Once Vicky parked her car, she nced at Frank through the rearview mirror.¡± I¡¯ll be socializing with

    some bigwigs. Are youing with me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass¨CI hate small talk. Bring Yara with you, but call me if anythinges

    up.¡±

    Vicky nodded. ¡°Alright. Feel free to take a stroll.¡±

    As Frank nodded, Vicky alighted and was soon mobbed by many bigwigs.

    Frank left to find a quiet ce, when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure.

    It was Sean Wesley with an arm around a curvaceous young model dressed in a gown with a plunging

    neckline.

    As soon as Sean saw Frank, he strode over smugly. ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t Vicky¡¯s manwhore.

    shot him an icy look. ¡°Need another beating, don¡¯t you?¡±

    dddo, I¡¯m done with Helen now,¡± Sean chuckled, putting

    wt Just then. ¡°This is my new girlfriend, Lisa You ca

    In fact, he had visited Helen a couple of times, and he simply could not get over the grotesque scar on

    her face! After that, he promptly cut all ties with the Lanes!

    Frank nced at the woman beside Sean just then, who had thick makeup on, a risque getup, and a

    skankiness he could smell from miles away.

    Comparing that to Helen?

    Shrugging, Frank said, ¡°Helen¡¯s still better than her,e what may.¡±

    Lisa was clearly upset by that, even puffing her chest. ¡°What are you talking about? How am I less than

    that ugly witch?¡±

    Sean chuckled as he stopped Lisa. ¡°Don¡¯t get petty with the likes of him, dear- he¡¯s never even had a

    taste himself! See you around, kiddo. And I¡¯m pretty sure Helen won¡¯te, given her vanity.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Wesley!¡±

    Just then, Gina approached Sean with a smile. She was still keen to have Helen marry Sean and

    naturally still fawned over him. ¡°Helen was just discharged yesterday, and I was going to call you, but I

    couldn¡¯t reach you at all.¡±

    Sean shot her a look of disdain, ¡°And? What is it to me? I have a girlfriend now- stop bothering me.¡±

    Gina was left dumbstruck. She studied Lisa for a moment before saying, ¡°Helen is serious about you,

    Mr. Wesley¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point? I¡¯m not marrying ugly¨Cdream on.¡± Sean snorted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Wesley,¡± Gina quickly said. ¡°Helen isn¡¯t ugly at all now!¡±

 Chapter 111

    Sean naturally did not believe Gina and waved her off impatiently. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Stop bothering me

    already.¡±

    With those words, he left with Lisa in his arms.

    Gina was going to speak further when Frank chuckled. ¡°He¡¯s not even bothered to talk to you, but

    you¡¯re still sticking your head up his ass.¡±

    ¡°Shut up! This is none of your business!¡± Gina shot him a vicious re.

    Just then, Vicky strode up onstage, taking the microphone with a professional smile. ¡°We¡¯re officially

    starting the groundbreaking ceremony of the West City Project. Let¡¯s give a warm round of apuse to

    wee Ms. Helen Lane, my partner and the board chair of Lane Holdings¡­¡±

    Apuse thundered at her words, and Helen walked up on stage in her blue gown.

    Sean was pping half¨Cheartedly until he saw Helen¡¯s wless face.

    His jaw dropped as he looked on in disbelief. ¡°How the fuck¡­?!¡±

    He had seen with his own eyes how gruesome the scar on Helen¡¯s face was, but it was now gone

    without a trace!

    And now, looking at Helen and then at Lisa, Sean certainly could see the great difference between

    them and swore under his breath, ¡°Shit¡­ Gina was telling the

    truth.¡±

    ¡°Wow¡­ That¡¯s Helen Lane? Why haven¡¯t I heard of her before?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s quite something! It¡¯s no wonder the Turnbulls would partner with her¡­¡±

    ¡°That beauty¡­ some bigwig must have her back!¡±

    As everyone below stage became restless, Vicky studied Helen as the other woman made her way

    onstage.

    She was actually surprised that Helen was even more beautiful after recovering from her facial scar,

    and she could well be more beautiful now.

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    Vicky could not help feeling a little jealous, though she kept smiling even as the staff helped with the

    groundbreaking ceremony.

    It seems that Frank helped treat your face,¡± she said.

    Helen reared her chin proudly. ¡°It has nothing to do with Frank.

    han who did? Vicky asked, surprised inwardly who other than Frank

    was that incredible with medicine?

    ¡°Who else could it be?¡± Helen smiled. ¡°Mr. Zimmer, of course.¡±

    Vicky was only left further perplexed.

    That was certainly news to her¨CDan Zimmer? When did he learn to cure scars?

    And judging from Helen¡¯s serious look, she was not lying.

    ¡°How fortunate that people are rushing to help you as soon as you get hurt,¡±

    said nheless.

    Helen could tell the diss in Vicky¡¯s words and said coolly, ¡°I guess. When ites to pushovers such

    as myself, we¡¯d be dead without luck.¡±

    After that, they both put on safety helmets, posing for photos for the groundbreaking ceremony by

    shoveling dirt and then with other partners.

    With the formalities over, everyone picked up a champagne flute and started mingling among each

    other.

    Sean walked up to Helen just then, grinning. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you were discharged already, Helen. I¡¯ve

    been busy with work for a couple days so I didn¡¯t have time to visit. You¡¯re not upset with me, are you?¡±

    Helen leveled him with a cool look. ¡°Why should I be? There¡¯s nothing going on

    between us.

 Chapter 112

    Helen was thoroughly disgusted with Sean after learning his true nature at Dynasty.

    She had certainly misjudged him¨Ceven if Frank was a freeloader, he was not a liar like Sean.

    Sean chuckled, knowing that she was still upset. ¡°I know I was at fault, and I shouldn¡¯t have imed

    credit for everything¨CI promise I won¡¯t do it again. Just give me a chance¡­¡±

    ¡°What chance?¡± Helenughed coolly. ¡°We¡¯ve always been tonic friends, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    Sean was stumped, but it was clear Helen did not n to make peace.

    He was left watching as she disappeared into the time, fuming as he gritted his teeth and cursed under

    his breath, ¡°Fuck you, Helen! I helped you get this partnership with the Turnbulls, and you¡¯d kick me to

    the curb? I will make you pay!¡±

    Frank had been sitting on a bench below stage and sunbathing.

    Helen appeared behind him just then and sat down beside him.

    Frank slowly opened his eyes, and seeing Helen there, he said, ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t Ms. Lane. What are you

    doing here, instead of mingling with bigwigs?¡±

    Helen sighed. ¡°You know I don¡¯t like socializing like this.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that necessary for the quest to riches?¡± Frank teased.

    ¡°Yes¡­ And I¡¯m trying to change that,¡± Helen said, gritting her teeth. ¡°Thank you, Frank.¡±

    Frank was taken aback. ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°For saving me at the hospital,¡± Helen replied.

    He did beat up Robin Grayson, which in turn angered his father Leo.

    But it was all over now, and she now thanked him earnestly.

    Prank straightened in his seat then, intending to properly talk to her just then. Im sorry I misunderstood.

    I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d gone to see Leo for my sake.¡±

    stared at him for a while hesitantly and eventually asked, ¡°How did you

    find out about that?¡±

    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    It was a question that had always bugged her.

    However, there were so many things that had happened afterward, and she and Frank never got the

    chance to sit down and talk about it.

    It was the same now, as Gina arrived with Peter and Greg.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Helen?¡± Gina asked right away. ¡°There are still some bigwigs over there who

    would like to see you.¡®

    Helen was speechless. ¡°I¡¯d like to talk to Frank alone, Mom. You can talk to them instead.¡±

    Gina rolled her eyes. ¡°What is there to talk with a lowlife like him?¡±

    Frank ignored Gina, however, as he was staring at Greg.

    Gina was dining alone with that man before and was now linking arms in public already.

    Were things not going a little too fast there?

    As such, Frank offered a friendly reminder. ¡°Mrs. Lane, now that Helen¡¯s career is rising to new heights,

    I¡¯d advise you to be more subtle and not do anything that would hurt Lane Holdings¡® reputation.¡±

    Gina nced at Greg and immediately understood. ¡°I¡¯m single now,¡± she replied with a snort. ¡°I can do

    whatever I want.¡±

    ¡°Does Gramps know?¡± Frank asked, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°Shut up, you piece of shit!¡± Gina pointed at Frank¡¯s nose as she snapped right then. ¡°Who do you think

    you are, lecturing me on what to do?¡±

    Greg stopped her just then. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Gina. Stop arguing with him¨CI¡¯ll speak with Mr. Lane in a

    few days about remarrying.¡±

    In reality, he knew all too well that Frank was not what he seemed, though he did. not want to waste his

    breath either.

    On the other hand, Peter did not care at all about his mother remarrying.

    Looking around, he said, ¡°Mr. Marsh, I saw Mr. Zimmer just now. When are you going to talk to him

    about my proposal?¡±

 Chapter 113

    Frank frowned at Peter¡¯s words.

    Peter wanted to propose to someone, and that involved Dan Zimmer?

    The man only had one granddaughter of marriageable age¡­ but surely it could not be J?

    Greg smiled right then. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Peter. I¡¯ve been keeping that in mind¨Cnot only would I help you

    propose, but I¡¯ve even rmended you for a new job.¡±

    He actually did not want to agree to Peter¡¯s request, but he somehow came up with the perfect n

    last night.

    If he seeded, he would have both helped Peter propose while getting him a good job.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Peter was taken aback and asked in curiosity, ¡°A job? What is it?¡±

    He actually did not work at all, since it was much better to freeload off his sister!

    Greg smiled. ¡°You¡¯d be working directly under Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    ¡°Woah¡­ Under Vicky Turnbull?!¡± Gina was stunned¨Cit was not an opportunity that woulde to just

    anyone!

    Nudging Peter right then, she snapped, ¡°Where are your manners? Thank Greg already!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Marsh,¡± Peter said without hesitation.

    He was not actually interested in working, but working with Vicky was a different matter entirely.

    With this, he would be gaining in influence!

    Turning toward Frank, Peter grinned smugly. ¡°Just you wait. Once I get my job¡­¡±

    He would bewitch Vicky with his handsome face, while Frank could go to hell! He would certainly like to

    see Frank strut after that!

    Frank chuckled coolly. ¡°Vicky would be blind to hire you.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you. Mr. Marsh has already promised me¨Cjust you wait!¡± Peter certainly did not doubt Greg at all.

    ¡°Sure, I will,¡± Frank replied in disdain, actually curious as to what Greg would do to convince Vicky to

    hire a lowlife like Peter.

    Yata appeared just then and approached Frank, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, Ms. Turnbull

    asking for you.¡±

    Frank nodded and left with Yara.

    Peter watched as Frank left with his hands on his hips.

    smug face¡­¡±

    ¡°Just look at that rat¡¯s

    Gina snorted. ¡°You¡¯ll definitely prove yourself much better when you start work, Peter. When you do,

    remember to help Helen, and get the Turnbulls to pour more resources into helping her.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Peter nodded repeatedly.

    On the other hand, Helen was really curious as to what Greg had said to persuade Vicky.

    She had only met Vicky a few times, but she was already sure that Vicky never suffered anyone, just as

    her brother was of no value to Vicky.

    ¡°Mr. Marsh, what did you tell Vicky? Did she really agree to give Peter a job?¡± she asked.

    Greg simply smiled. ¡°Not yet, but I¡¯m very sure she would say yes right away. Just sit tight and wait for

    my good news.¡±

    There was no rhyme or reason to his words, which left Helen even more confused.

    Vicky had been waiting for a while when Frank and Yara arrived at the clubhouse.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Frank asked.

    Vicky said bluntly, ¡°I¡¯ll be having a meetingter.¡±

    ¡°A meeting?¡±

    Vicky nodded. ¡°Yes. The Szars are here.¡±

    The Szars?

    A

    Frank searched his mind, but the only Szars he remembered were Jackie Westfield¡¯s three

    bodyguards.

 Chapter 114

    Frank asked, ¡°Did theye for revenge?¡±

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    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But we¡¯ll know once we meet them,¡± Vicky replied, shaking her head.

    Even if they did not know what the other side was nning, Vicky was not about to be cowed.

    She strode forward toward the appointed meeting ce, with Frank and Yara quietly following her.

    They soon arrived at the edge of a hallway and entered the morous private room to see a middle¨C

    aged man dressed in a suit sitting in the middle and twirling with a wine ss leisurely. His name was

    Donald Szar, and he was the second heir of the Szars who was in charge of all family affairs.

    All three men had sharp gazes and their very presence was menacing, making it obvious that they

    were the middle¨Caged man¡¯s bodyguards. And of the three, one was an elderly white¨Chaired man

    dressed in traditional robes, while the other two were young and robust.

    Seeing that Vicky had arrived, the middle¨Caged man put down his ss and shed an affable smile.

    ¡°You¡¯ve kept me waiting, Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    Vicky sat down opposite him and smiled in turn. ¡°Sorry for beingte, Mr. Szar. I was just hosting a

    groundbreaking ceremony for a new project.¡±

    Donald waved her off nonchntly. ¡°It¡¯s no issue I¡¯ve just arrived myself.¡±

    Having no intention to run in circles, Vicky asked bluntly right then, ¡°Mr. Szar, have youe to

    demand an apology?¡±

    ¡°Are

    you talking about those three fringe rtives sh idiots?¡± Donald chuckled. ¡°They only have

    themselves to me for losing. I have no interest in avenging them¨CI¡¯ve onlye to discuss business

    with you, Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    Vicky nodded thoughtfully, ¡°I wee you with open arms in that case. What business, if I may ask?¡±

    Donald nced at Frank and Yara behind Vicky, and he said, ¡°The numbers of this partnership are

    astronomical. And you know what they say the walls have ears. Why don¡¯t we speak in private?¡±

    With those words, he waved, and his three bodyguards left.

    Vicky frowned, but she had no reason to be wary If Donald sent his bodyguards

    away.

    Turning toward Frank and Yard, she said, ¡°Wait for me outside.¡±

    Frank and Yara exchanged looks but quietly left and closed the door behind. themselves, standing

    quietly outside with Donald¡¯s bodyguards.

    The elderly white¨Chaired man studied Frank and Yara and suddenly smiled, before nodding politely.

    ¡°Jaud White, at your service. That said, I¡¯m surprised Ms. Turnbull¡¯s bodyguards are so young, but I¡¯m

    sure you¡¯re students or heirs of famous ns yourself¡­ May I have the honor of your names?¡±

    Yara nodded in turn. ¡°Yara Quill of Riverton.¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Quill¡­ Could you be the governor¡¯s daughter?¡± Jaud asked in curiosity.

    Yara¡¯s expression cooled, but she nodded.

    ¡°I see.¡± Jaud nodded before turning to Frank. ¡°Apologies, I¡¯m not familiar with any Lawrences in

    Riverton¡­ Are you perhaps not local?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just a nobody,¡± Frank replied. ¡°An unaffiliated drifter.¡±

    At the same time, he was wondering why the geezer would ask about their backgrounds out of the

    blue.

    Still, not one to be outdone, he asked, ¡°Where did you train, sir?¡±

    Jaudughed. ¡°I¡¯m unaffiliated like yourself¨CI¡¯ve simply learned some medicine. up in the mountains

    with my mentor, after which Mr. Szar took me under his wing.¡±

    Frank nodded, but obviously neither of them would expose themselves before they decided if the other

    was friend or foe barring Yara¨Cbeing the governor¡¯s daughter, she had nothing to worry about.

    Just then, Jaud suggested, ¡°I¡¯m sure Mr. Szar and Ms. Turnbull will be here for a while. Why don¡¯t

    we kill time with a little sparring session?¡±

    Frank was inwardly amused¨Cso the geezer was actually waiting for him and

    Yara.

 Chapter 115

    Yara promptly turned toward Frank, appearing hesitant.

    If she said no, she would appear to be cowering and would embarrass Vicky in turn.

    But if she said yes, there was no telling what Jaud and the other two would do.

    On the other hand, Frank remainedpletely nonchnt¨Cso what if he yed along?

    ¡°And how would you suggest a spar, Mr. White?¡± he asked.

    Jaud smiled. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m too old to keep up with you young ¡®uns¡­ why not spar with my two apprentices instead?¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed right then.

    The geezer had kept his presence withdrawn, but theposure of his vigor made it obvious he was untold times stronger than his appearance.

    He was also maintaining a humble demeanor, making it obvious he has no intention of getting involved himself. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    So, this was probably just a test.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Frank nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡±

    Jaud turned toward his two apprentices. ¡°Who¡¯s up first, Marco? Polo?¡±

    At the same time, Yara strode forward. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, I¡¯m fine on my own. I¡¯ll take them both at once.¡±

    Frank did a double take, and he stared at Yara, puzzled¨Cwhen did she get so cocky?

    Marco and Polo were frowning, clearly thinking that Yara was underestimating them.

    Jaud chuckled in turn. ¡°The reputation of the governor¡¯s residence is certainly deserved¨Ceven ady like Ms. Quill proves to be so indomitable. Still, aren¡¯t you underestimating my apprentices here?¡±

    I am the governor¡¯s daughter, but Mr. Lawrence instructed me in martial arts, Yara sald bluntly. ¡°If they can¡¯t beat me, there¡¯s no need to spar with Mr. Lawrence had encountered all sorts of characters as she grew up in the governor¡¯s and New very well whatud intended he was testing her and Erank to prepare a move against Vicky.

    Naturally, she was not about to let Frank show his hand.

    As long as she fought, she could help Frank hide his depth. Winning here would be glorious, just as losing would not mean much¨Cshe was fighting two men, and it was nothing to be ashamed about even if word got out.

    On the other hand, Jaud became even more wary of Frank after what Yara said.

    A kid his age was already instructing others?

    Still, he said, ¡°Since you¡¯re that confident, Ms. Quill¡­ Go on, Marco, Polo.¡±

    With those words, Frank and Jaud backed away, giving the three of them the floor. Marco growled, ¡°Don¡¯t go crying when you lose, girl.¡±

    ¡°Save your breath.¡± Yara snorted in contempt.

    Marco and Polo shared a nce and charged toward Yara right then.

    Directing her muscles, Yara moved, unleashing her Boltsmacker as she traded blows with Marco and Polo!

    Pow!

    Pow!

    Pow!

    Vigor collided thunderously as they traded over ten strikes in no time at all.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    And the more they did, the more surprised Marco and Polo became.

    What the heck was with the girl¡¯s technique? Not only was her vigor abundant, but her punches were the embodiment of silk and steel¨Ctender yet unyieldingly strong, keeping both men at bay!

    Even Jaud was narrowing his eyes, already able to tell that something was unusual.

    Yara was clearly using the signature Quill technique, but it was somehow also different, leaving him unsure what technique she was actually using!

    Suddenly, Marco seized an opening as he got close, catching Yara by the wrist. Noticing that, Polo bounded forward, aiming a punch squarely at Yara¡¯s facel Yara tried to pull away but was held in ce by Marco,

    Staveling she suddenly bellowed, ¡°Hah!¡± hing a burst of vigor that charged her palm, she wwung it directly at Marco¡¯s head, leaving him stunned.

    If he did not release her, Polo would have killed Yara, but he was definitely dead meat too.

    Was she really going to take him down with her here?!

    Nheless, in the split second that Marco felt the burst of air blowing at his face from Yara¡¯s palm, he soon felt himself backing away as if he was being pulled!

 Chapter 116

    Marco disappeared in a sh, leaving Yara frozen in ce while Polo kept charging at her!

    Yara was trying to threaten Marco so that she could be free, but now that Marco withdrew, she

    somehow could not move.

    She felt as if there was an unseen power keeping her in ce, her limbs seemingly held in ce by

    four threads.

    Soon, she was watching as Polo¡¯s fist approached her face!

    ¡°Shit,¡± Yara swore under her breath and closed her eyes in reflex.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    But at that very moment, Frank whipped out a silver needle and flicked it at Yara¡¯s elbow.

    Yara¡¯s body lurched as she suddenlyunched a punch!

    Pow!

    Right after that, Yara stumbled backward andnded in Frank¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± he whispered into her ears, putting a hand on her shoulder.

    There were indeed four threads attached to Yara, connecting her to Jaud¡¯s palm.

    No one could see the threads under the sun, and it was Jaud who kept her frozen in ce just now,

    directing his vigor to immobilize her limbs!

    Yara frowned¨Ceven now, she could not move her limbs at all, let alone free herself from the threads!

    Frank narrowed his eyes just then. ¡°We¡¯re just sparring, Mr. White. There¡¯s no need for the next round

    or to go so far as to get Yara killed, right?¡±

    Jaud chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence. I would¡¯ve pulled Ms. Quill out of harm¡¯s way even if you

    didn¡¯t make your move just now. As you¡¯ve put it, we¡¯re just sparring¨Cthere¡¯s no need for anyone to get

    hurt.¡±

    ¡°In that case, release the threads.¡±

    Jaud simply smiled at Frank. ¡°Come now, Mr. Lawrence. As a fellow mentor of martial arts, don¡¯t tell me

    you can¡¯t undo these threads?¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes turned cool. ¡°I warned you.¡±

    unleashed his vigor right then, leaving Yara horrified when she felt the

    og burst of pure energy behind her!

    .

    Jaud pushed as well, his vigor colliding endlessly against Frank¡¯s on the threads!

    It was only then that Yara saw the crimson sh on the pure¨Cwhite threads as vigor struck vigor on the

    threads as thin as hair.

    It was apetition of strength and control¨Cthe men¡¯s maniption of their vigor was certainly a

    competition between the very best!

    Snap!

    Suddenly, all four threads were severed audibly.

    Frank stumbled backward seven times but stamped his foot, shattering the tiles beneath as he caught

    his bnce.

    At the same time, his eyes shed with icy contempt!

    On the other hand, Jaud only stumbled one step backward, but astonishment showed all over his face.

    Between them, Yara was unscathed thanks to Frank¡¯s protection, and it appeared to her that Frank lost

    this round.

    Hurrying to his side, she asked, ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank shook his head as he dusted his shirt.

    Then, leveling his gaze at Jaud, he said coolly, ¡°It¡¯s kind of you to hold back.¡±

    Jaud, meanwhile, was gritting his teeth as he slowly said, ¡°Your prowess is astounding, Mr. Lawrence.

    The young invariably surpass their elders, as they like to say.¡±

    Both Marco and Polo were perplexed¨CFrank was the one sent stumbling backward, while their mentor

    virtually never moved.

    So why were they talking as if Frank had won?

    ¡°Are you alright, Mr. White?¡± Both of them asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Jaud said, shaking his head.

    Just then, the door to the private room slowly opened, while Vicky and Donald stepped out.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡°Vicky promptly asked.

    ¡°Nothing, Mr. White there just requested a little sparring session,¡± Frank said nonchntly.

 Chapter 117

    Donaldughed, ¡°Haha! How typical, young ¡®uns getting acquainted with the way of the fist.¡±

    Vicky certainly did not believe that it was just a friendly spar, though she had no reason to get hostile

    when Frank and Yara were just fine.

    ¡°Anyway, we shall be leaving,¡± she said. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Szar.¡±

    Donald nodded. ¡°Do think about my proposal, Ms. Turnbull. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±

    ¡°I certainly will,¡± Vicky said and left with Yara and Frank, her expression already cool.

    Donald watched as they left before his eyes narrowed.

    ¡°Mr. White, how did those two fare?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Bleurgh!¡±

    Jaud suddenly coughed out a mouthful of blood just as he was about to speak, leaving Donald, Marco,

    and Polo utterly shocked!

    ¡°Mr. White!¡±

    ¡°What happened there?¡± Donald quickly asked.

    ¡°The kid¡¯s not your typical martial artist,¡± Jaud growled through his teeth. ¡°We were wrestling with our

    vigors, but that kid left me coughing blood.¡±

    Donald was left gaping. ¡°What?! Are you saying he¡¯s stronger than you?¡±

    ¡°No¨Cwe were just testing each other¡¯s vigors,¡± Jaud said. ¡°I might not have lost. if I¡¯d gone all out¡­ not

    to mention that I¡¯m a specialist when ites to poisons.¡±

    The man was certainly confident despite his wariness toward Frank.

    Donald nodded in turn¨CJaud was old as well, so it was fine if he lost in vigor since his specialty was

    poison anyway.

    Jaud then asked, ¡°By the way, did Ms. Turnbull agree to the deal?¡±

    Donald shook his head. ¡°Nope, but I¡¯m sure she will soon enough.¡±

    Jand nodded in agreement. ¡°She¡¯s now a victim of my Snowshade. Her fate is in

    our hands now

    ????

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    suddenly asked suspiciously, ¡°¡®Actually, I thought she looked just fine,

    haden¡¯t affecting her. Perhaps she¡¯s already cured?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Jaudughed confidently as he stroked his beard. ¡°That¡¯s impossible- the Snowshade is an

    esoteric concoction of mine, and no one can nullify it barring myself. Also, its victims won¡¯t always be

    sickly. It will drain their energy from time to time, affording them moments to recover before draining

    them again. I¡¯m sure someone infused Vicky Turnbull with their vigor and suppressed it momentarily.¡±

    Donald was certainly assured by Jaud¡¯s words.

    Meanwhile, Frank, Yara, and Vicky left the clubhouse.

    When they got into their car, Yara asked in curiosity, ¡°What did Donald Szar want, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Vicky frowned. ¡°He proposed a joint venture involving Riverton¡¯s

    pharmaceutical field. We¡¯ll be producing the materials, while they provide the recipes.¡±

    ¡°A partnership?¡± Yara eximed in surprise.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Vicky said coolly. ¡°And he demands eight percent of the shares.¡±

    ¡°The man certainly has an appetite. Did you say yes?¡± Yara quickly asked..

    Vicky snorted in disdain. ¡°Of course not. We¡¯ve always nned to do that ourselves, and a medicinist

    will being in a couple days. Dan Zimmer shall always provide us the ingredients¨Cwhy partner with

    the Szars when weck nothing?¡±

    Yara nodded repeatedly though Frank was stroking his chin in thought. ¡°You¡¯d best be careful. I can

    see that Donald is very confident about this¨Che probably has an ace up his sleeve.¡±

    Vicky nodded in agreement. ¡°By the way, what do you think of Jaud?¡±

    Yara turned toward Frank in curiosity as well, but he shrugged. ¡°Well, we weren¡¯t getting serious, but

    his vigor is far beneath mine. Killing him when I go all out won¡¯t be an issue.¡±

 Chapter 118

    Frank¡¯s words were utterly impressive, and Vicky breathed a sigh of relief in turn. ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing

    to worry about since you¡¯ve said that. Anyway, you two areing with me back to the office¨CI¡¯d at

    least have protection.¡±

    It seemed that they should stay safe for the time being.

    Frank did not argue, since he had nothing to do at the hotel anyway,

    They headed to Grande Corpe¡¯s offices, where Yara followed Vicky to her office.

    Not only was she Vicky¡¯s bodyguard, but she was also Vicky¡¯s personal assistant who could assist with

    office tasks.

    On the other hand, Frank knew nothing about that, so he went to the VIP lounge alone since it would

    be pointless going to Vicky¡¯s office with them.

    It was a quiet ce, and Frank found afortable spot to close his eyes and rest, focusing his

    internal energies¡­

    After a while, the door opened.

    Frank opened his eyes to find that it was Greg Marsh, though he was alone this time.

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Since Frank was alone in the spacious lounge, Greg immediately saw him too and sneered with

    contempt. ¡°You¡¯re here to see Vicky Turnbull too? I¡¯m surprised they¡¯d let a manwhore like you into their

    VIP lounge.¡±

    Frank shot him a look and asked in curiosity, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Greg snorted. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, so stay away from me.¡±

    ¡°Holy crap, do you really think yourself that important?¡± Greg chuckled scornfully, though he was also

    jealous he could not get a rich woman like Vicky to be his sugar mommy.

    He was a little old, but he was still fine¨Cdid thedies not prefer older men these days?

    Frank narrowed his eyes, the air around him turning cold right then.

    Greg¡¯s pompous expression was immediately gone, and he growled even as he Hreatened Frank, ¡°I¡¯m

    here to talk business with Vicky Turnbull, kid. She won¡¯t

    you if youy a finger on me.!!

    bothered and snapped coolly, ¡°Get out. Stop being an eyesor

    ¡°Y¨CYou won¡¯t get to strut in just a couple days! Just you wait!¡±

    Frank sprang to his feet right then, and Greg promptly fled the VIP lounge!

    A secretary arrived just then. ¡°Mr. Marsh? What are you doing out here?

    ¡°Oh¡­ Cabin fever. Just came out for a breather,¡± Greg said awkwardly.

    The secretary nodded. ¡°Ms. Turnbull has just finished her meeting. You can see her now.¡±

    ¡°Great. Lead the way,¡± Greg said, straightening his tie and following the

    secretary into Vicky¡¯s office.

    Vicky was sitting behind her desk and got up when she saw Greg. ¡°I¡¯m surprised. you asked to meet

    me, Mr. Marsh. It¡¯s an honor.¡±

    Her greeting certainly inted Greg¡¯s ego.

    After all, he would personally have trouble making an appointment himself¡ªif anything, Vicky only

    agreed to meet him out of respect for Timmy Yates.

    It sounded urgent as well, so it must be important.

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Ms. Turnbull,¡± Greg said humbly then. ¡°Someone like me certainly doesn¡¯t deserve

    your attention.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so polite, Mr. Marsh,¡± Vicky said as she sat down and asked in curiosity, ¡°Still,

    what¡¯s this urgent matter you¡¯d like to talk about?¡±

 Chapter 119

    Greg said smugly, ¡°I have a special person I¡¯d like to rmend to you.¡±

    ¡°A special person?¡± Vicky asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Greg assured her, patting her chest. ¡°He graduated from a famous university and could more

    than hold his own.¡±

    Vicky simply smiled. ¡°The executives of Grande Corp are all graduates from famous universities too.

    Surely that doesn¡¯t hold sway¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, but he¡¯s also Dan Zimmer¡¯s granddaughter¡¯s fiance,¡± Greg said. ¡°Surely you have heard of the

    man?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Vicky inhaled sharply.

    She was certainly acquainted with Dan and J¡­ but she never heard that J had a boyfriend.

    However, if Dan was epting, the man must be good with medicine.

    Since Vicky was just founding a pharmaceuticalpany, she urgently needed. such talents.

    ¡°If what you say is true, he can report to work at any time,¡± she said.

    ¡°May I ask what his position would be?¡± Greg asked in return.

    Vicky thought about it. ¡°My personal consultant, with a monthly fifty grand sry.¡±

    She would pay through her nose to keep such elite talents. And with his connection to Dan Zimmer,

    she would have built further rtions with Flora Hall!

    Greg was certainly excited to hear that.

    As expected of the leader of Grande Corp¨Cher offers were so generous!

    ¡°Good,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll tell him toe in tomorrow.¡±

    Vicky sighed in relief, though she soon asked, ¡°By the way, what is the gentleman¡¯s name?¡±

    Greg shed an enigmatic smile. ¡°Patience, Ms. Turnbull. You¡¯ll know the first thing tomorrow¡ªit will be

    a surprise, I promise.¡±

    Seeing that he wanted to keep her in suspense, Vicky did not press the issue ¨C she

    the man tomorrow anyway.

    much nicer nheless, even personally escorting Greg out of the

    building.

    Through it all, Frank watched them behind the ss walls of the VIP lounge and was left at once

    perplexed.

    When Vicky returned, he approached her and asked, ¡°What did Greg Marsh say?¡±

    Vicky shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s rmending a special man for a job and told me that he¡¯s Dan Zimmer¡¯s

    grandson¨Cinw. Since we¡¯ve just started a pharmaceuticalpany, he¡¯s just the man we need.¡±

    Frank was taken aback.

    A special man¡­ and Dan¡¯s grandson¨Cinw?

    That actually reminded him of what happened earlier in the morning¡­ Could Greg be talking about

    Peter Lane?

    He quickly shook his head¨Csurely Greg was not that bold!

    ¡°What?¡± Vicky asked in confusion, seeing his reaction.

    ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Meanwhile, Greg called Dan as soon as he left Grande Corp.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Hello? Who is it?¡± Dan asked.

    Greg was smiling as he introduced himself. ¡°It¡¯s me, Greg Marsh. I was with Timmy Yates when he

    consulted you.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Dan appeared pensive as he remembered. ¡°How can I help you, Mr.

    Marsh?¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯ve heard that your granddaughter has yet to marry even though she has reached marriageable

    age, so I was thinking I could arrange an engagement for her.¡±

 Chapter 120

    Dan was taken aback. ¡°Arrange an engagement?¡±

    His granddaughter was certainly not young, but she showed no inclination to marry, so he could not do

    much even if he was anxious for her.

    Still, he could not resist asking, ¡°May I ask who¡¯s the gentleman you¡¯d be rmending?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he¡¯s not from an important family.¡± Greg started lowballing. ¡°But I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll soon be

    someone special.¡±

    To be honest, Lane Holdings was insignificant to the upper echelons of Riverton. However, their future

    was definitely inestimable since they were partnered with Vicky!

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Dan was actually not interested¨Cwhat Greg was saying was that the man he rmended was

    some average Joe with neither riches nor influence.

    Surely his treasured granddaughter should not suffer such¡­ shame!

    Still, Greg quickly added, ¡°Hold on, Mr. Zimmer. He¡¯s only in his twenties, and though he may not have

    influence or riches, he¡¯s already Vicky¡¯s personal consultant. Do you think he would still fall short with

    such an aplishment already under his belt?¡±

    Dan was stunned¨CVicky¡¯s personal consultant?!

    Consultant aside, ¡®personal¡® was the key here¨Canyone who could reach Vicky¡¯s inner circle would

    definitely be a big deal!

    But who could it be? Yara Quill? But it was definitely a man from the way Greg put

    It¡­

    Wait¡­ could it be Frank Lawrence?

    Frank has certainly been showing up often around Vicky, and she was perfectly respectful to him¨Cjust

    like she would to a personal consultant.

    Moreover, Dan himself admired Frank¡¯s knowledge in medicine and his character. If he really did marry

    J, Flora Hall¡¯s influence would definitely rise to the next level!

    me

    th that, Dan was all smiles as he said, ¡°Oh, Mr. Marsh. Consider the surprised

    would introduce such a perfect fiance for my granddaughter.¡±

    at fereg promptly asked, ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­?¡±

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Dan nodded. ¡°Well, I think we should let the kids meet at least. Marriage is a serious business after all,

    and we really should consider their opinions.¡±

    Greg nodded repeatedly. ¡°That¡¯s so considerate of you, Mr. Zimmer! Why don¡¯t- you bring your

    granddaughter over to Verdant Hotel tonight? Let our families meet while the kids get to know each

    other.¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Dan agreed without hesitation.

    Dan hung up right then, and promptly left work aside to rush into the cauldron room, telling a sweaty

    J, ¡°Dearie, you can put that aside for now. There¡¯s a dinner you and I have to attend tonight.¡±

    ¡°Do I have to? Can¡¯t you go on your own?¡± J asked in confusion.

    were

    Her grandfather usually attended such social dinners alone, since the bigwigs

    always eager for him to diagnose their various symptoms. In contrast, her presence was

    inconsequential and she got bored after the first two, so she never attended another ever since.

    Dan quickly waved her off. ¡°No, this is different. You¡¯re the star for this asion.¡± ¡°Me?¡± J was

    puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡±

    ¡°A blind date.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± J eximed, springing to her feet and almost kicking the cauldron beside her.

    Shooting her grandfather a look of disapproval, she snapped, ¡°I told you I don¡¯t need that! I won¡¯t go!¡±

    ¡°But you wanted a boyfriend who¡¯s better at medicine than I am, didn¡¯t you?¡± Dan quickly reasoned.

    ¡°The man certainly is better than myself, and you¡¯ve met him before.¡±

    ¡°Have I? Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence,¡± Dan replied.

    Can Boras For Free Entry Day

    their various symptoms. In contrast, her presence was inconsequential and she got bored after the first

    two, so she never attended another ever since.

    Dan quickly waved her off. ¡°No, this is different. You¡¯re the star for this asion.¡± ¡°Me?¡± J was

    puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡±

    ¡°A blind date.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± J eximed, springing to her feet and almost kicking the cauldron beside her.

    Shooting her grandfather a look of disapproval, she snapped, ¡°I told you I don¡¯t need that! I won¡¯t go!¡±

    ¡°But you wanted a boyfriend who¡¯s better at medicine than I am, didn¡¯t you?¡± Dan quickly reasoned.

    ¡°The man certainly is better than myself, and you¡¯ve met him before.¡±

    ¡°Have I? Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence,¡± Dan replied.

    Can Boras For Free Entry Day

 Chapter 121

    ¡°Frank?¡± J was a little surprised, having met Frank and witnessed his immacte depth with

    medicine.

    Still, why would he suddenly be interested in a blind date? He had her number, and he could speak to

    her directly if he was interested.

    ¡°Did he say it himself?¡± J asked.

    Dan shook his head. ¡°Greg Marsh told me. I¡¯m guessing Frank asked him to be a middleman- it¡¯s quite

    formal of him to get a go¨Cbetween.¡±

    J could not help remembering Frank¡¯s face at that.

    He was outstanding in medicine and had both the looks and the figure.

    He waspletely J¡¯s type, and it would be good if she could date him.

    She had never considered the issue before, but since Frank had asked someone to help, he

    must have been interested in her for a while.

    When could it be?

    Still, J could not help smiling at the idea.

    It seemed that she just had to work hard, and a sessful man would eventually see her good points.

    ¡°J, we should at least show Greg some respect for getting involved,¡± Dan said just then.¡± Just

    check things out even if you don¡¯t like it. Who knows, you might like him when you two actually meet.¡±

    J lowered her gaze shyly. ¡°Since you¡¯ve put it that way¡­ I guess I can go.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Dan eximed. ¡°Put on something nice too. That¡¯s respect too.¡±

    J lowered her gaze, frowning at her checkered shirt which smelled of medicine.

    As she dashed out of the room, Dan asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Taking a bath! Just wait a moment, Grandpa!¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Dan muttered, scratching his head.

    He suddenly felt as if his granddaughter was more anxious than himself!

    Meanwhile, Greg drove to Lane Manor and nted himself on the drawing room couch like he owned

    the ce.

    Gina sat to his left, Peter to his right, and Helen opposite him.

    Once he arrived, Peter promptly poured him a cup of tea and asked, ¡°Mr. Marsh, how did the proposal

    go?¡±

    Greg took a sip and said nonchntly, ¡°How else could it have gone? I called Dan Zimmer, and he said

    yes¨Cwe¡¯ll be meeting tonight at Verdant Hotel.¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Peter was beside himself with joy. ¡°Hahaha! That¡¯s wonderful!¡±

    Greg smiled and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s not all¨Cyou¡¯d be working at Grande Corp tomorrow as Vicky

    Turnbull¡¯s personal consultant, and you¡¯ll be paid 500 grand per year!¡±

    ¡°R¨CReally? I¡¯m not dreaming, am I?¡± Peter was astounded, even wondering if he heard Greg

    wrong.

    ¡°Of course. Would I lie to you?¡± Greg chuckled.

    ¡°You must have been my parent in another life!¡± Peter eximed, kowtowing to Greg and just stopping

    short of calling him daddy.

    Gina was certainly pleased to. ¡°You¡¯ve really saved me, Greg! I¡¯ve been worried about whether Peter

    can get married, and now it¡¯s all settled!¡±

    Thank goodness she met him again¨Ckeeping the family together alone as a woman was just too

    difficult.

    At the same time, Greg was patting himself on the back for being so smart, resolving such a difficult

    issue with rtive ease.

    ¡°Oh, what are you saying, Gina?¡± he said. ¡°We were former ssmates¨Cwe ought to help each other.¡±

    im Bonus For Free Every Day>>

 Chapter 122

    Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°For sure.¡±

    Greg¡¯s expression turned serious just then. ¡°By the way, I recently started a cosmeticspany. The

    technical consultant is a friend who studied abroad in Minerva, and all the equipment was imported

    from there. Once the products hit the market, it would definitely take Riverton by storm, but my friend

    holds too much stake, and I¡¯m worried I can¡¯t control thepany in the future. I¡¯m hoping you can

    help me.¡±

    Gina did not expect Greg to actually ask her for help, and she said without hesitation, ¡°Oh, what are

    you saying? You just have to tell me if you need help, and I¡¯ll do all I can.¡±

    Greg sighed in turn. ¡°I¡¯d like to borrow some money to help me leverage against my friend¡¯s shares¨C

    you can be a shareholder too. We will both be able to call the shots in thepany with that.¡±

    Gina was shocked, surprised that Greg would give her shares¨Cit was as if they were already married.

    Moreover, he first helped cure Helen¡¯s face and now helped arrange an engagement between Peter

    and J. Was there any reason she should not help?

    ¡°How much do you need, Greg?¡± Gina asked seriously.

    ¡°At least twenty million,¡± Greg replied gravely. ¡°You don¡¯t have to give that much¨CI cane up with an

    idea for the rest.¡±

    ¡°Wait here,¡± Gina promptly ran upstairs, returning downstairs soon enough with a debit card, and

    directly handed it to Greg. ¡°There¡¯s ten million here. You can use it for now¨Cmy birthday is the PIN.¡±

    ¡°N¨CNo! I can¡¯t take this money,¡± Greg promptly threw up his hands in refusal.

    That only convinced Gina further that he was trustworthy.

    ¡°You have to take it¡ªwe are family,¡± she insisted before turning toward Helen. ¡°You have ten million

    too, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Helen was taken aback. ¡°Yeah, but those are funds for subsequent parts of the West City

    Project¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, but Mr. Marsh needs it now,¡± Gina snapped. ¡°How could you be so ungrateful after he treated your

    face?¡±

    Greg quickly said, ¡°No, Helen shouldn¡¯t use that money since she needs it¡­¡±

    Nheless, Gina relentlessly pestered Helen. ¡°Greg isn¡¯t saying he won¡¯t pay you back either. Once

    thepany goes public and the share price take off, you can use it when the timees¡­¡±

    Helen was left in an awkward situation.

    However, Greg did treat her face and help Peter propose¨Ctheir family owed him, and he had at least

    proven his character.

    After some thinking, she decided to lend Greg the money.

    Once he had the money, Greg immediately assured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Helen. I¡¯ll definitely return the

    money once thepany goes public.¡±

    Helen simply smiled and nodded.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    212

    After Frank sent Vicky home in the evening, he returned to Verdant Hotel in her car.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence?¡± Someone called out as soon as he aligned.

    He turned to see that it was Dan Zimmer in a ck suit, looking spirited.

    J was following him, dressed in a light blue gown and wearing light makeup along with lipstick,

    looking less a healer than the attractive girl next door.

    Frank could not help staring at them and eximed in awe, ¡°Looking sharp, Mr. Zimmer! And you look

    beautiful in that dress, J!¡±

 Chapter 123

    J lowered her head shyly as soon as she saw Frank, while Danughed heartily. ¡°You¡¯re early, Mr.

    Lawrence. But since you¡¯re here, let¡¯s go in together!¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Actually, I just finished work.¡±

    Dan nodded. ¡°Well, you¡¯d be busy after getting promoted to being Ms. Turnbull¡¯s personal consultant

    recently. Your future is bright!¡±

    Frank waved him off. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re exaggerating, Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    Moreover, he was just her personal bodyguard and not a consultant¡­ to think that word traveled fast,

    and even Dan found out.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re here anyway. Let¡¯s go in!¡± Dan said.

    ¡°Go¡­ where?¡®

    ¡°The restaurant!¡± Dan chuckled.

    Frank was bemused and presumed that Dan was buying him dinner.

    In that case, why did he not call ahead of time?

    Still, since he had not eaten, Frank said, ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll go upstairs to get changed¨CI¡¯ll be right down.¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Dan said. ¡°We¡¯ll be waiting for you in the private room.¡±

    It was only then that he noticed Frank was dressed casually¨Che was certainly respectful, getting

    changed before they met.

    After parting ways with Frank, Dan led J to the private room Greg booked.

    Greg and Helen¡¯s family, who were already there, promptly rose to greet them when they arrived.

    ¡°Ah, Mr. Zimmer.¡± Greg was smiling as he fawned over the man. ¡°You should¡¯ve told me that you

    arrived I would¡¯ve gone downstairs to receive you.¡±

    ¨C

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble,¡± Dan said.

    ¡°Please take a seat, Mr. Zimmer,¡± Helen then said.

    ¡°Oh, okay¡­¡± Dan replied, his expression uneasy as he turned toward the Lanes.

    He was certainly puzzled¨Cwhy would Frank bring his ex¨Cwife if he was going to propose? Was this not

    deliberate harassment toward J?

    Still, it was a good day, so he did not let it show.

    ¡°Oh, you look even more beautiful than before!¡± Gina beamed, showering J with endlessly praise.

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± J said awkwardly, feeling the creeps as Peter¡¯s eyes were fixed on her

    constantly.

    Greg spread his arms just then and beckoned at a waiter. ¡°You can start serving now.¡±

    212

    ¡°But isn¡¯t that too soon, Mr. Marsh?¡± Dan promptly said. ¡°Not everyone is here¡­¡± ¡°No, everyone¡¯s

    here.¡± Greg chuckled. ¡°Or have you invited someone else?¡®

    Dan was totally dumbstruck. ¡°But the groom¨Cto¨Cbe isn¡¯t here yet. How could we start without him?¡±

    Greg was totally bemused and nced between J and Peter. ¡°They¡¯re here, aren¡¯t they? Ms.

    Zimmer and Mr. Lane are sitting right here.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Dan was left gaping¨Cwas Frank not the groom¨Cto¨Cbe? How did it turn into Peter Lane?!

    ¡°What?!¡± J eximed at the same time and sprang to her feet as a chill ran down her spine.

    Peter was such a freak, and she had no intention of marrying him!

    She promptly turned to Dan, asking in grief, ¡°What is going on here, Grandpa?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Dan was speechless¨Che did not think this would happen!

    Wheeling on Greg, he demanded, ¡°Mr. Marsh, didn¡¯t you tell me that the groom¨Cto¨Cbe is Vicky¡¯s

    personal consultant?!¡±

 Chapter 124

    Greg exined, ¡°That¡¯s right. Peter here is Ms. Turnbull¡¯s personal consultant¨Che¡¯ll start work

    tomorrow.¡±

    Dan smacked himself on the forehead in turn, almost passing out right then!

    What a blunder. He should have asked for a name!

    Just then, Peter was grinning as he raised a ss at Dan. ¡°Mr. Zimmer, we will be family soon. Don¡¯t

    worry, I promise to be good to J. I will love her forever-¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    Before he could finish, J had already picked up her ss and sshed her wine at his face.

    Peter was left dumbstruck, his white shirt dyed red right then!

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    He was about to flip out but restrained himself as Dan was sitting right beside J.

    On the other hand, Gina sprang to her feet, seeing that her son was being mistreated!

    ¡°H¨CHow could you do this, J?¡± she snapped before wheeling on Dan. ¡°We may not be some

    important family, but you can¡¯t let your granddaughter do this!¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Helen promptly tried to stop her mother.

    She had already noticed that something was amiss-¡ªit was after the Zimmers heard that Peter was

    the groom¨Cto¨Cbe that they clearly got upset!T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Dan said quietly then, ¡°It¡¯s not up to you to tell me how I educate my granddaughter.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? Even a family like mine has rules.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Dan snorted, smacking the table as he rose to his feet, scoffing mercilessly. ¡°My

    granddaughter will never marry a piece of shit like him!¡±

    ¡°What¡­ I¡­¡± Gina was furious but held her tongue as she was too afraid of Dan¡¯s influence to

    snap.

    Dan turned toward J right then. ¡°Let¡¯s go, J.¡±

    They started to leave, and Greg promptly stopped them. ¡°Please, Mr. Zimmer. Didn¡¯t we have an

    understanding?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Dan red at Greg furiously. ¡°I was a fool to believe you!¡±

    ¡°But I wasn¡¯t lying,¡± Greg quickly said. ¡°Peter really is Vicky¡¯s personal consultant¡ªit¡¯s his first day

    tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Hah!¡± Dan snorted in disdain. ¡°Him? What can he do to deserve that?¡±

    With that, he stormed off with J, leaving Greg speechless.

    What the hell was that?!

    Peter¡¯s face was left ashen in rage, and he mmed his fist on the table as he bellowed, Those two

    are too much!¡±

    11

    ¡°Calm down, Peter,¡± Gina assured him. ¡°You¡¯ll start work at Grande Corp tomorrow¨Cyou can destroy

    them once you¡¯re rich and sessful.¡±

    Meanwhile, Frank had gotten changed and returned downstairs, running into Dan and J again.

    However, Dan was clearly angry.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Zimmer?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Lawrence¡­ It¡¯s nothing,¡± Dan said, realizing just then that Frank knew nothing about the

    proposal.

    Beside her, J was feeling exceedingly awkward as well and afraid to look Frank in the eye.

    Still, Dan quickly said, ¡°Perfect timing, Mr. Lawrence. Let¡¯s have dinner together.¡±

    He just had an idea¨Cthey were here anyway, so why not give it a try?

    Who knew if Frank just might be interested¡­

    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Frank replied.

    Dan quickly booked another private room, and they ordered some dishes.

 Chapter 125

    nk was taken aback that he would ask about that.

    After musing to himself for a moment, Frank said, ¡°Her family aims to be an elite dynasty in Riverton.

    Since I¡¯m not of help, it¡¯s only natural she divorced me.¡±

    There was nothing worth hiding about that, just as anyone interested would find out how Gina belittled

    him to no end.

    ¡°What? That family is really blind¡­¡± Dan sighed emotionally.

    And here he thought it was someplicated issue between him and Helen¡­ to think that the Lanes

    thought so little of Frank!

    Beside them, J nodded repeatedly.

    Then, Dan stroked his beard and said, ¡°Well, now that you¡¯re divorced, Mr. Lawrence, don¡¯t you think

    it¡¯s time to think about your future? I know several sessfuldies myself, and I wouldn¡¯t mind giving

    an introduction if you¡¯re willing.¡±

    J nodded repeatedly again, smiling as she asked, ¡°Do you have a type, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank did a double take.

    His type?

    To be honest, he had no idea he was merely following his mentor¡¯s instructions to marry Helen before

    his passing.

    By 19

    J then asked mysteriously, ¡°A strong, independent woman like Ms. Turnbull, perhaps?¡±

    Frank smiled and shook his head. ¡°We are just partners, nothing more.¡±

    He had saved her life, and she helped him gather medicinal ingredients in return.

    As for her repeated attempts to flirt with him¡­ she was just using him to break off her engagements.

    ¡°If I had to choose, all I¡¯d like is to return home,¡± Frank said. ¡°I¡¯ll be a store owner, living life without

    worries.¡±

    ¡°Make it an apothecary,¡± J suggested¨Cthat way, she could be his assistant.

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    As Frank turned toward her, she exined, ¡°I¨CI mean, you have talent in that field.¡±

    ¡°Maybe. I¡¯ve yet to make up my mind, actually.¡± Frank smiled

    Dan chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re still young, Mr. Lawrence. You have plenty of time, so there¡¯s no need to get

    ahead of yourself. Come, let¡¯s have a toast.¡±

    The trio continued chatting for a while, but Dan had to give up since Frank had no intention of marrying.

    Frank was still groggy early the next morning as he got out of bed and went to work.

    It seemed that he had a proper job now¡­

    Still, as he arrived outside Grande Corp, he was staring as Peter alighted from an Audi.

    With that suit and neatlybed hair, one would believe he was a CEO if they did not know better.

    ¡°Peter?¡± Frank frowned. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Peter promptly shot Frank a look of contempt in turn. ¡°I¡¯m starting work here.¡±

    ¡°Starting work.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m now Ms. Turnbull¡¯s personal consultant,¡± Peter said, straightening his tie. ¡°Your days are

    numbered, manwhore. And I still remember our grudge from before!¡±

    Frank realized with a start. ¡°So you¡¯re the one Greg Marsh was talking about?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re actually well informed.¡± Peter snorted smugly.

    Frank chuckled. ¡°I think you should run.¡±

    He understood now¨Cso that was why Dan and J were dressed so formally yesterday. They must be

    discussing an engagement!

 Chapter 126

    Greg probably did not mention to Dan who the groom¨Cto¨Cbe would be, which exined why Dan was

    livid yesterday.

    Even Frank must admit that he was impressed with the way Greg pulled the wool over everyone¡¯s

    eyes. Still, while most would be tricked, it was a pity for Greg that Dan was acquainted with Henry Lane

    and actually knew what Peter was like.

    ¡°If Vicky knew that Greg was introducing you, she¡¯d probably kill you,¡± Frank said.

    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± Peter snapped, pointing him in the nose. ¡°Vicky agreed to give me a job! You¡¯re just

    jealous!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re supposed to be Dan Zimmer¡¯s grandson¨Cinw,¡± Frank replied,

    shaking his head exasperatedly. ¡°Are you?¡±

    ¡°Piece of¡­ So what if I wasn¡¯t? I have what it takes!¡± Peter bellowed angrily.

    Frank was certainly not bothered to keep dissuading Peter since thetter was being so stubborn.

    He then turned, heading inside the building.

    Not one to be outdone, Peter hurried after him, even slipping into the private elevator before him and

    keeping him outside.

    Frank frowned. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the CEO¡¯s office. What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going too.¡±

    Peterughed. ¡°A manwhore like you going to her office?! Quit embarrassing Ms. Turnbull!¡±

    Frank said coolly in turn, ¡°I¡¯d really suggest letting me in, or you¡¯ll suffer for it.¡±

    Peter snorted in his face. ¡°Who do you think you are, taking the same elevator as me? Fuck off!

    With that, he shut the door in Frank¡¯s face, leaving him no choice but to take the employee elevator.

    Peter happily headed up to the top floor, where Vicky¡¯s secretary received him. ¡°Mr¡­?¡±

    ¡°Peter Lane,¡± Peter said politely, ¡°I¡¯m here to see Ms. Turnbull before I start work as her personal

    consultant.¡±

    The secretary had already been informed and certainly did not drag her feet. ¡°Please wait here, Mr.

    Lane. I¡¯ll inform Ms. Turnbull right away.¡±

    As she turned and headed into Vicky¡¯s office, Frank arrived on the top floor as well and strode right into

    Vicky¡¯s office.

    Peter promptly barked, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Vicky.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re going straight in? Get in line!¡± Peter snapped.

    This was Grande Corp, not a love hotel¨Ceven if he was Vicky¡¯s boytoy, he had to take a number too!

    Even Sean Wesley did back in the day whenever he visited Helen!

    While Peter was convinced that Vicky would be much more reserved with so many employees around,

    Frank simply rolled his eyes at him before striding inside Vicky¡¯s office.

    ¡°What¡­¡± Peter was speechless!

    That manwhore was really too much! How could Vicky tolerate him so much?!

    In her office, Vicky saw Frank and quickly said, ¡°Perfect timing, Frank. Let¡¯s go meet the man Greg

    Marsh introduced.¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Frank shrugged. ¡°I¡¯d advise you not to hold out too much hope.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s heart skipped a beat at his words. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    Frank actually did not know where to begin. ¡°You should take a look yourself.¡±

    Vicky was utterly confused but hurried outside.

    Once Peter saw her, he promptly hurried to her, suddenly humble. ¡°Ah, Ms. Turnbull¡­¡±

 Chapter 127

    Vicky and Peter had naturally met¨Cit was back at Verdant Hotel, when Peter thought Vicky was a whore

    Frank paid for,

    He was certainly surprised to find out that it was actually theplete opposite¡­ but that was all

    history anyway.

    Right now, Peter was going to start working for Vicky, though he would not mind being her manwhore

    either!

    Vicky, however, was feeling her blood boiling when she saw Peter.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re the person Greg Marsh rmended?¡± she asked, holding out a fraction of hope.

    Peter nodded repeatedly, crushing her hopes right then.

    ¡°Is J Zimmer your girlfriend?¡± she pressed.

    Peter shook his head. ¡°Not at the moment¡­¡®

    Vicky frowned. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®not at the moment¡°?¡±

    ¡°Our families met to discuss an engagement, but things weren¡¯t finalized,¡± Peter said. ¡°But trust me, I

    am the right man for the job. I will assist you with body and soul and bring the Grande Corp to new

    heights-¡±

    He did not notice that Vicky had clenched her knuckles. Even before he was finished, she already had

    enough and punched him squarely on the nose!

    ¡°Are you fucking serious?! Trying to pass off shit as gold?!¡± she snapped, finally realizing that Dan

    would never be interested in that loser!

    J Zimmer¡¯s groom¨Cto¨Cbe?! That was all bullshit¨CGreg must have told Dan that Peter was her

    personal consultant, which was how he tricked Dan!

    ¡°Oof!!!¡± Peter grunted, dropping to the floor as blood gushed out of nostrils. ¡°P¨CPlease, Ms.

    Turnbull¡­ Give me a chance

    ¡°Get out!¡± Vicky snapped.

    Peter wheeled on Frank right then. ¡°Did he say something to you, Miss Turnbull?! Don¡¯t listen to him!

    He¡¯s a loser with nothing going for him!¡±

    ¡°I told you to get out, didn¡¯t you hear?!¡± Vicky snapped,unching a kick with her heels on his face!

    ¡°Frank, get him out of here.¡±

    At those words, Frank grabbed Peter by the cor and dragged him to the elevator, but Peter kept

    calling out, ¡°Please, Ms. Turnbull! Give me a chance!¡±

    However, once the elevators closed and Vicky was out of earshot, Peter wheeled on Frank. ¡± You!

    What the fuck did you tell Vicky Turnbull?!¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Frank said calmly.

    ¡°Fuck off! Then why would Vicky agree to give me the job yesterday and throw me out today?!

    ¡°Because she didn¡¯t know it was you.¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re lying! You must have told her something!¡± Peter yelled, clearly not giving up and never once

    thought that he was ipetent.

    Furious, he lunged at Frank, ready to give him a beating¡­ only for Frank to grab him by the neck even

    before he reached Frank¡¯s shirt!

    As the elevator doors opened, Frank called out to two security guards. ¡°Get him out of here.¡±

    Both security guards promptly grabbed Peter and started to drag him outside, even as he screamed,

    ¡°Let me go! Let me go! Don¡¯t you know who I am?! I¡¯m Helen Lane¡¯s brother! She owns Lane

    Holdings!¡±

 Chapter 128

    Even as Peter screamed and struggled, the two security guards rolled their eyes. ¡°Lane Holdings?

    Never heard of this. Now get out of here¨Cwe won¡¯t y nice if you keep causing us trouble.¡±

    As the security guards took out their batons and pointed threateningly at Peter, he could only huff. ¡°J¨C

    Just you wait!¡±

    With that, he stormed off even as he wiped the blood off his nose.

    Just yesterday, he was imagining himself rising to the pinnacle of his life, marrying rich and getting a

    serious job, and both went south in under a day.

    He certainly could not take this lying down!

    Frank returned to Vicky¡¯s office, where she sat behind her desk, rubbing her temples repeatedly.

    Seeing that, Frank asked, ¡°You really don¡¯t have to be that upset, do you?¡±

    Vicky¡¯s knuckles clenched. ¡°How could I not?! That bastard Greg Marsh yed me!¡±

    ¡°Then consider it a lesson,¡± Frank said, consoling her.

    Just then, Vicky¡¯s phone rang.

    Seeing that it was Yara, she promptly answered, ¡°How did it go, Yara? Have you received Mr.

    Longman?¡±

    ¡°We have a problem, Ms. Turnbull,¡± Yara reported urgently. ¡°We ran into hitmen, and Mr. Longman was

    seriously hurt.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky sprang to her feet, her eyes widened. ¡°Where are you? I¡¯ll be right there!¡±

    Obadiah Longman was a healer from abroad, and Vicky had spent a fortune hiring him for her

    apothecary, just as she wanted to buy a certain pill recipe off his hands.

    She did not think that the man would be hurt upon arrival at Riverton, and she certainly valued him

    since he was the key to herpany¡¯s future!

    After getting Yara¡¯s location, Vicky turned to Frank. ¡°Go help Yara. She¡¯s cornered in Northstream

    Leatherworks.¡±

    Frank nodded, taking her keys without question and leaving the office.

    Meanwhile, Yara and two of her bodyguards were hiding in an abandoned factory at the Northstream

    Leatherworks.

    Beside her, Obadiah was barely breathing, while there were a ton of people outside.

    ¡°What should we do now, Ms. Quill?¡± one of the bodyguards asked worriedly¨Cthey would be fedead if

    this went on!

    However, there was nothing Yara could do either.

    Just this morning, she did as Vicky had instructed, receiving Obadiah and heading to Grande Corp,

    when they were ambushed. There were just too many of them!

    ¡°Let¡¯s just hide and buy time. I¡¯ve already called Ms. Turnbull for help¡­¡± she said, but she had no idea

    if they wouldst until help arrived.

    Suddenly, they heard a scuffle and screams outside.

    Yara gingerly looked outside to find several men with machetes charging into the factory.

    The man in the lead wore a white suit, dyed red in blood and wobbling.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Yara promptly rushed up to help him. ¡°Mr. Turnbull, what are you doing here?¡±

    She recognized the man, Les Turnbull, who usually worked in security for the family.

    However, he was not a member of the escort team for Obadiah¡­

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull sent us,¡± Les exined. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of people outside the factory¨Cme and my men had

    to charge in here.¡±

    Yara helped him to the second floor, putting him beside Obadiah and asked, ¡°How many people did you

    bring?¡±

    ¡°I came in a hurry, so I only brought around ten, and it¡¯s just the two of them left.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ What are they doing outside? Why aren¡¯t they rushing in?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Les replied. ¡°They¡¯re just surrounding the ce¡­ I suspect they¡¯re using us as bait to

    lure in our backup.¡±

 Chapter 129

    Yara, however, was frowning in thought. ¡°But their target is Obadiah. Why would they do something so

    pointless?¡±

    Les turned toward the man, who was barely breathing. ¡°Urgh¡­ I think we should try to break out as

    soon as we can.¡±

    Yara certainly wanted to do that, but they just stopped Obadiah¡¯s bleeding after he was stabbed

    multiple times. Moreover, they were hopelessly outnumbered ¨C it was impossible to escape with one

    person so seriously injured.

    ¡°That¡¯s no good,¡± Yara said. ¡°We don¡¯t stand a chance with Mr. Longman being that hurt. We should

    keep waiting for backup.¡±

    Les did not agree. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give me his pill recipe? Me and my man will then make a break for

    it¨Cthe recipe is vital. We can¡¯t let it fall into anyone¡¯s hands.¡±

    Yara thought about it and decided that Les was right.

    She gingerly took out a thick book from her bag and handed it to Les, telling him somberly, This is the

    key to Grande Corp¡¯s future. You have to bring it to Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Since Les was Vicky¡¯s cousin, it should be fine handing it to him.

    As he took it, he nodded repeatedly as he checked the book, while Yara continued, ¡°I¡¯ll draw their

    attention. You can leave through the back door.¡±

    Les smiled, the excitement in his eyes barely concealed as he put the book away. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.

    None of you are leaving anyway.¡±

    Yara frowned. ¡°What-¡±

    Before she could finish, Les whipped out a stun baton and struck her, flooring her with an enormous

    jolt!

    Yara was left twitching in shock as she gaped at Les in shock. ¡°W¨CWhat are you doing?!¡±

    Yara¡¯s two bodyguards promptly lunged at Les, but his own bodyguards were prepared.

    Whipping out their own des, it was over in an instant.

    Les was chuckling as he stared at Yara on the floor. ¡°What am I doing? Wiping you all out, of course.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ betraying us?¡± Yara was left in disbelief¨Cshe had never expected one of the Turnbulls to

    betray them!

    ¡°What are you saying? I simply have the wisdom to recognize circumstances.¡± Les snorted and

    whipped out his phone. ¡°I have the recipe. You cane in now.¡±

    The hitmen outside the factory stormed inside instantly, with a ck¨Cd masked man in the

    lead.

    Yara recognized him, just as she realized why they were not storming the factory¡ªthey just wanted

    Obadiah¡¯s pill recipe.

    She certainly regretted trusting a vermin like Les!

    ¡°We have the recipe, sir,¡± Les said, respectfully approaching the masked man and passing him the

    book.

    The masked man read it for a while and nodded in satisfaction before waving his hand.

    Catching his cue, Les strode up to Obadiah and killed him with a single stab.

    Yara was left watching as Obadiah died, ming herself further right then.

    Les then strode toward him, dagger in hand, but Yara shouted just before he reached her, Wait! Since

    I¡¯m dead anyway, I should at least know who¡¯s the one who killed me.¡±

    Turning toward the masked man, she asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    The masked man simplyughed. ¡°Such cheap tricks are unnecessary, ¡°You know me?¡± Yara did a

    double take¨Che knew her!

    Ms. Quill.¡±

 Chapter 130

    However, Yara could not think of anyone in Riverton who had the influence to summon hundreds of

    hitmen.

    ¡°Of course I know you.¡± The masked man snorted in contempt. ¡°Is there anyone who doesn¡¯t know the

    governor¡¯s daughter? It¡¯s a shame you¡¯re willing to serve Vicky as herpdog.¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Then, his tone changed as he continued enticingly, ¡°Why bend over backward? Join us¨Conce we

    eliminate Vicky, you¡¯ll be in charge of Grande Corp. Your influence will skyrocket, and you¡¯ll gain

    importance in your family.¡±

    Les reasoned too, ¡°Ms. Quill, Mr. Goldman values your abilities. Join us to prosper or die.¡±

    ¡°Bleh!¡± Yara spat, ring at Les in disdain. ¡°You think everyone else is a traitor like you? You¡¯re just

    Glen Turnbull¡¯s bastard. Ms. Turnbull was willing to take you in and even let you work at Grande Corp,

    but you repaid her kindness with spite! The way I see it, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s going to die!¡±

    Les was furious and snapped, ¡°A nobody like you has no right to talk to me like that! Once we kill Vicky,

    Mr. Goldman and I will rule over Riverton. No one will care that I¡¯m a bastard when the timees!¡±

    The masked manughed in turn. ¡°You seem to value honor, Ms. Quill! But I wonder, what honor would

    you have left after my men have their way with you and dump what¡¯s left out at the gates of the

    governor¡¯s residence?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Lesughed. ¡°They would all be too ashamed to show their face!¡±

    ¡°Grr¡­¡± Yara was gritting her teeth in furious, wanting nothing less than to tear those vermin apart!

    Seeing her rage, the masked manughed smugly. ¡°You can have her, boys.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, chief!¡±

    The hitmen were allughing¨Cthough Yara was no beauty, her status was still beyond their reach. They

    probably would go an entire lifetime without encountering a governor¡¯s daughter! As they surrounded

    Yara, fear seized her.

    She did not fear death, but she feared an dishonorable death and suffering everyone else¡¯s mockery

    even after she died!

    ¡°Let me go!¡± She struggled, but there was no escape as her limbs were held in ce.

    Her tears welled up in her eyes as she cried for help at the top of her lungs¡­

    Bang!

    A Ferrari crashed through the huge doors of the factory, its front end left in a mess right then!

    Frank kicked open the door as he got out of the car, and everyone turned toward him right then.

    The masked man¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Fast, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Les said, ¡°He¡¯s just Vicky¡¯s gigolo, Mr. Goldman. There¡¯s no reason to fear him.¡±

    Frank looked around and promptly found Yara who was pinned on the ground.

    Killing intent burst out of him right then!

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence! Save me!¡± Yara cried at the top of her lungs when she saw Frank¨Che was herst hope!

    Frank said coolly, ¡°Let her go, and I¡¯ll let you all live.¡±

    Les promptly snapped at him, ¡°Who do you think you are, manwhore?! You¡¯re dying right here now that

    you¡¯vee!¡±

 Chapter 131

    The masked man stood out, staring at Frank just then. ¡°You¡¯re ¡®strong, Mr. Lawrence, but there¡¯s over a

    hundred of us. Do you really think you can survive? Why don¡¯t you join us instead, and enjoy the spoils

    with us?¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Who do you think you are to draw me to your cause?¡± Frank snorted in disdain.

    The masked man pursed his lips, surprised that he would be so full of himself. ¡°In that case, die.¡±

    He waved, and all the hitmen charged toward Frank right then!

    Frank remained fearless.

    With a raging bellow, he charged into their midst, directing their vigor as he moved at extreme speed.

    Each punch kicked up a violent gust, instantly knocking a person into the air!

    The masked man¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he looked on in shock.

    As Frank danced through his hitmen, none of them were left standing in his wake!

    ¡°Don¡¯t let him reach her!¡± the masked man yelled in shock, finally realizing that Frank was aiming to

    save Yara!

    However, the man holding Yara could barely react when Frank kicked him in the face.

    Pow!

    The man¡¯s face crumbled into itself, and he was sent flying, hitting the floor in a stter of blood and

    guts.

    The hitmen were all left gasping at the sight of theirrade¡¯s tragic death¨Chow much power was in

    that kick?!

    Frank in turn picked up the machete he dropped and freed Yara.

    The masked man suddenly realized that things were going bad and told his hitmen, ¡°Deal with the

    woman! Leave that bastard to me!¡±

    With that, he singled out Frank, no longer taking him lightly. ¡°I¡¯ll admit that you¡¯re strong, but it¡¯s a

    shame that you¡¯re going to die today.¡±

    Frank simply brandished his machete as he red at the man. ¡°To tell the truth, I¡¯m best with des,

    not my fists.¡±

    And with that, he lunged forward, swinging his de andunching a sh through the air, cutting

    down everything in his way!

    The masked man dodged out the way, too terrified to get close¨Chis cheeks were actually hurting from a

    slight graze!

    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Finally realizing that Frank was not kidding, he leaped forward the split second Frank swung

    the machete,unching his palm at Frank¡¯s face!

    ¡°Die!¡±

    ¡°Finally. I¡¯ve been waiting for you to make a move, but you were too much of a coward.¡±

    As Frank¡¯s voice rang beside his ears, the masked man realized he had been tricked.

    But it was toote!

    Frank¡¯s de suddenly turned, slicing through his arm and sending it flying in an instant!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± the masked man screamed as he clutched his shoulder, backing away as blood gushed out!

 Chapter 132

    However, Frank did not allow the masked man a single moment¡¯s rest and lunged forward again!

    ¡°Die!¡± the masked man yelled as he pulled his cor, freeing his jacket andunching a rain of silver

    needles!

    Frank parried some with his machete, while using his other hand to shield his face.

    He knocked down most, but several struck his body.

    The masked manughed pompously in turn. ¡°That¡¯s three needles! You¡¯re dead now! No one can cure

    my poison¨Ccut off your own arm and beg if you want to live!¡±

    Frank could feel a chill even as he directed his vigor, and it was a familiar sensation¡­

    It was Snowshade, which Vicky was poisoned with before.

    That also means the masked man had poisoned Vicky before! He must not let him free!

    Earnestly furious, Frankunched another sh through the air!

    The masked man paled in terror, never expecting Frank to keep directing his vigor even after all that!

    He dodged and did not pause as he shouted at Les, ¡°Run! We¡¯re no match for him!¡±

    With those words, both of them leaped out of the window.

    Frank naturally gave chase, machete in hand.

    Behind him, the masked man¡¯s hitmen were all left dumbfounded.

    Did their boss just bolt? Should they run as well, or keep fighting?

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    In the case of thetter, the woman before them who was just freed was clearly a fighter, even

    knocking down over twenty of their ranks!

    With that, some started to flee, and more soon followed!

    Still, Yara did not have time to go after them. Instead, she turned and ran after Frank.

    Frank was still in hot pursuit of the masked man as he ran through the wastnds when he suddenly

    threw his machete.

    It gleamed coldly in the air as it cut an elegant arc, reaching the masked man in an instant! He stopped,

    reaching out to pluck it out of the air, but Frank seized the moment to reach him and sent him flying

    with a palm to the back of his head!

    Even though Frank was poisoned and a lot less strong, his blow still left the masked man rolling on the

    ground.

    Frank pulled out the machete thatnded on the ground, asking icily, ¡°Who are you? Why did you try to

    kill Vicky?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not getting anything from me,¡± the masked man wheezed.

    ¡°Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know if you stayed quiet?¡± Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°You were using

    Snowshade, a poison that the Spirit Hill Sect used.¡±

    ¡°H¨CHow did you know?!¡± the man eximed in shock.

    They were a small sect in the South Sea and not that famous¡­ if Frank knew, he must be from a sect

    in the South Sea as well!

    Frank, however, did not answer and started to reach for his mask, when the masked man yelled, ¡°Stop

    staring and do something, Les!¡±

    Les stepped out from between the trees right then, and Frank turned to find that Les had trained a gun

    on him.

    ring murderously, Frank growled, ¡°Aren¡¯t you Vicky¡¯s cousin?¡±

    He remembered Les, havinge across him in the security room, but they never had any argument.

    ¡°So what?¡± Les growled through his teeth.

    ¡°Why would you want to kill me? My fight is not with you.¡± Frank said in curiosity.

    ¡°We simply walk different paths,¡± Les replied. ¡°Since you chose to side with Vicky, prepare to die!¡±

    The masked man yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath! Kill him, and rendezvous with meter!¡±

    With that, he sprang to his feet and fled, while Frank watched as he left.

    He reasoned again, ¡°You¡¯re Vicky¡¯s cousin, but you betrayed her. You won¡¯t live when she finds out.¡±

 Chapter 133

    Les waspletely unfettered. ¡°So what? You¡¯re going to die now.¡±

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly. ¡°I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t shoot. Not even Glen Turnbull can save you

    if you do, and you won¡¯t hurt me anyway.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Lesughed out loud. ¡°What, are you bulletproof?!¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes were filled with confidence. ¡°Why don¡¯t you test it?¡±

    Les red at Frank, sensing that Frank was not afraid at all.

    Silence ensued, with only the wind rustling amid the trees.

    As both men became on edge¡­

    Bang!

    Les fired, sparks bursting out of his gun¡¯s barrel.

    In that instant, Frank reached out and grabbed before spinning and pausing.

    He slowly extended his right knuckle.

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Les paled, his eyes bulging as he studied Frank.

    He was unscathed! Did he really just catch a bullet with his bare hands?! Impossible!

    ¡°I told you. You can¡¯t kill me.¡± Frank¡¯s gaze remained confident as he slowly opened his palm, which

    was red with his blood.

    ¡°You tricked me?!¡± Les eximed in shock, realizing he had been fooled.

    However, Frank seized the moment of his distraction and kicked the hilt of his machete,unching it at

    Les!

    Shunk!

    ¡°Argh!¡± Les screamed as he dropped the gun¨Cthe machete caught him on the shoulder, nailing him to a

    tree!

    With that, Frank slowly made his way toward Les.

    Les finally sensed Frank¡¯s killing intent right then, and panic showed in his eyes.

    ¡°Y¨CYou can¡¯t kill me,¡± he stammered. ¡°I¡¯m a Turnbull¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you

    think Vicky would let traitors like you live?¡± Frank asked tly.

    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m Glen Turnbull¡¯s son, and Walter Turnbull is my uncle!¡± Les quickly said, knowing that he

    could not run and tried to entice Frank in any way he could. ¡°He¡¯s nothingpared to my father, and

    not even Vicky would dare threaten me! Let me go, and you can have anything you want ¨CI¡¯ll even let

    you stay with me when I be the next head of the family!¡±

    Frankpletely ignored that, and instead asked, ¡°Who was that masked man?¡±

    Les shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    Seeing that he was being stubborn, Frank kicked his leg, breaking it!

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    Les¡® blood curdling scream echoed across the forest, and he sweated bullets while looking at Frank in

    fear. ¡°Y¨CYou hit me!¡±

    ¡°Onest time. Who was that masked man?¡± Frank asked icily, his tone unyielding.

    Les shook his head again as he cried, ¡°I don¡¯t know! All I know is that he¡¯s called Goldman,

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    and he¡¯s working for the Szars! Donald Szar wants Vicky dead so that he could help me take

    over Riverton¡­¡±

    Frank¡¯s gaze red with contempt. ¡°A piece of shit like you?¡±

    With that, he seized Les by the neck!

    ¡°Oof! W¨CWhat are you doing?! I told you everything I know! Don¡¯t kill me!¡± Les¡® face turned white even

    as he kept pleading for his life.

    ¡°I gave you a chance.¡± Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°You didn¡¯t take it.¡±

 Chapter 134

    ?

    Frank would have let Les live if he did not shoot him-but he did, and that meant death.

    Frank squeezed right then.

    Crack.

    Les'' neck snapped, his eyes wide opened as he died. He never would have thought that Frank cared so little about him!

    With that done, Frank looked around, but the masked man was nowhere to be seen.

    He sat on top of a clean boulder to rest, just as Yara caught up and immediately saw his palm bleeding.

    Hurrying to him, she asked, "Are you okay, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "I''m fine," Frank said, nodding as he looked at his palm and pulled the bullet out.

    Yara was left gulping, her heart racing as she watched his blood flow freely out of the wound.

    Still, after spacing out for a while, she came to her senses and took off her jacket. She then tore her shirt into strips and helped Frank bandage it.

    Her torn shirt revealed her slender but muscr waist. Even if she was no beauty, there was no arguing her stunning figure as a martial artist-she might even beat Vicky in that field.

    "Was that a gunshot wound, Mr. Lawrence?" she asked hesitantly.

    Frank nodded.

    "Who shot you?" Yara asked angrily.

    From where she was standing, Frank had saved her and taught her martial arts, and so, she swore to avenge him.

    However, Frank pointed at a tree in the distance, and Yara tumed to see Les nailed to a tree, his head lopsided and clearly dead.

    "Wait... You killed him, Mr. Lawrence?" Yara quickly asked.

    Frank nodded again.

    "Well, this is going to be troublesome..." Yara muttered under her breath.

    "How so?"

    "You might not know this, but Les is Glen Turnbull''s bastard," Yara exined. "Even if he didn''tmand respect, he''s still a member of their family. If they asked, you should tell them that the masked man killed him. Don''t take the me."

    Frank simplyughed. "He betrayed the Turnbulls. What''s the point of letting him live? He''s dead anyway, and if the Turnbulls really pressed the issue, that just proves their insignificance."

    "What.."

    Yara was stumped.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank was as brave as he was staunch, and he clearly had no intention to lie.

    Even so, would the Turnbulls really spare him?

    After a long while, Vicky and her people arrived at East City, with over ten SUVS stopping outside the woods.

    Her parents were with her, and she rushed to Frank right away when she saw that he was hurt, asking worriedly, What happened to your hand, Frank?"

    "It''s nothing. Your cousin shot me," Frank replied calmly.

    "What?! Let''s get you to the hospital!" Vicky cried frantically.

    Frank chuckled. "I''m better than what they can offer. I''m fine now, don''t worry."

    "Mr. Lawrence, where''s Mr. Longman?" Walter asked just then.

    "He was killed," Yara exined. "They took the pill recipe too. Les Turnbull betrayed the family, and I would''ve been killed if Mr. Lawrence didn''t arrive in time."

 Chapter 135

    ?

    Susan quickly asked, "Where is Les now?"

    Yara could note up with an answer and simply turned toward the distance.

    Susan followed her gaze and found Les'' corpse right then.

    Her face fell. "Who killed him?!"

    Frank spoke before Yara could. "I did."

    "What?!" Susan snapped. "The audacity you have to murder a Tumbull!"

    Frank snorted in disdain. "He tried to kill me. He should be prepared to be killed in turn."

    Beside him, Yara was worried that he would upset Susan and quickly exined, "It''s not his fault, Mrs. Turnbull- Frank was trying to save me, and Les brought a gun. We would both be dead if Frank didn''t do it."

    Vicky nodded nearby. "Yara''s right. It was life or death, and Les deserved death for betraying the family."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Easy for you to say," Susan snapped coolly. "What if Glen''s side of the family presses the issue? Frank Lawrence, you are not to leave Riverton until they deal with you."

    "Deal with me?" Frank scoffed. "Not even Glen himself gets to judge me even if he''s here. It''s his own fault for not educating his own son."

    "Y-You''re really underestimating us Turnbulls, aren''t you?" Susan was gritting her teeth in sheer frustration.

    "Enough!" Walter barked after being silent throughout. "Mr. Lawrence had to kill Less to save Yara. It was not his fault, and Les deserves death for betraying us."

    Susan did a double take and turned toward Walter in disbelief, "Whose side are you on?! And don''t you know your brother''s temper?!"

    Walter was certainly well aware since Glen was both his eldest brother and the head of the Turnbull family.

    Even so, he would still do his utmost to protect Frank-not just because he had saved Vicky, but also because of Frank''s power. The man just went up against over a hundred hitmen alone and still killed Les who had a gun.

    There were not that many men capable of that!

    Straightening and puffing his chest, Walter reared himself to assert his position as the head of the family. "I''ll talk to my brother myself, so don''t worry about that."

    Susan was left stamping her feet in sheer frustration.

    However, there was nothing she could actually do to him when everyone was now siding with Frank.

    Walter approached Frank just then and asked, "Your hand is hurt, Mr. Lawrence. Should we get it checked at the hospital?"

    "I''m fine," Frank said nonchntly. "This is really nothing. I''m going back to rest if there''s nothing else."

    "I''ll take you back to the hotel," Vicky offered and brought Yara along.

    Susan was left exasperated as she watched the trio leave, but there was nothing she could do.

    Telling her people to gather Les'' corpse, she shot her husband a sideways re. "Let''s see what you''d tell Glen now."

    "Don''t worry, I''lle up with something," Water replied with a frown, although he had no idea how he would do that.

 Chapter 136

    Chapter136

    Susanshook herhead.¡°You¡¯rethateagertosaveFrank?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯vejuse,sotherearethingsyouprobablywouldn¡¯tknow.¡±Waltersighed.¡°Frankisn¡¯tallheseems.Imightevensaythathemighthelpusturnthetide.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡±Susansnorted.¡°Let¡¯sjusthopeyou¡¯rerightabouthim.¡±

    Meanwhile,VickywatchedFrank fromtherearviewmirrorwhileridingshotgun,andsheasked,¡°Doyouknowwhotheirleaderwas?¡±? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Frankshookhishead.¡°Heworeamask.Ididn¡¯tseehisface,butIknowhe¡¯samemberoftheSouthernSea¡¯s SpiritHillSect.¡±

    ¡°TheSpiritHillSect?Butwehavenofight withthem.¡±Vickyfrowned¨Cshehadneverheard ofthem,sowhywould theyattackher?

    ¡°ThemaskedmanworksforDonaldSzar.Lessaidsohimself,¡±Frankexined.¡°DonaldalsopromisedLesthathecouldtakeoverGrandeCorpaftereliminatingyou.¡±

    Vickywasleftgrittingherteethandballing herfists.¡°Thatpig¡­¡±

    ¡°Bytheway,whoisObadiah Longman?WhywouldtheSzarswanthimdead?¡±Frankaskedincuriosity.

    Vickyinhaleddeeply.¡°He¡¯sanapothecary.I¡¯veinvestedtwobillion dorsonhimtodeveloptheBeautyPill.It¡¯sanewpillthatnourishes andimprovesone¡¯sbeauty,andittookMr.Longmanfiveyearstpleteit.¡±

    Then,rubbinghertemplesinfrustration,Vickycontinued,¡°Ididn¡¯tknowtheSzarswereafterittoo¡­It¡¯smostlikelyLeswho leakedMr.Longman¡¯slocation.NowthattheSzarshavetherecipe,theywouldsoonstarttomanufacturetheBeautyPindsellitbeforeanyoneelsecan,securingamonopolyonthemarket.¡±

    Yarawasdriving,andshecouldnothelpfeelingguiltyasshehadletVickydown.¡°I¡¯msorry,MsTurnbull.Ishouldn¡¯thavehandedtherecipeovertoLes.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snotyourfault,¡±Vickywavedheroffnonchntly.¡°Noonecouldhaveknownthatwehadatraitorinthefamily.Ifanything,it¡¯sthatbastard¡¯sfault.¡±

    Inthebackseat,Frankwasrubbinghischinin thoughtforalongwhilebeforesaying,¡°It¡¯sobviouswe¡¯renotgoingtobe sellingBeautyPills,butwhatifwehadsomethingbetterandcheaper?¡±

    Vickyshookherhead.¡°That¡¯simpossible¨CittookMr.Longmanfiveyearstodevelopthepill,andthere¡¯snotellinghowlongitwouldtakenowthatwehavetostartover.Evenwhenwefinallydo,theSzars¡®businesswouldbedeeplyentrenchedinRiverton.¡±

    Franksaid,¡°Iactuallyhavearecipemyself,whichhelpswithbothbeautificationandstrengtheningaperson¡¯scultivation.It¡¯squitecheap,andit can bemassproducedas longastheingredientsaregatheredbeforehand.¡±

    Vickywheeledonhimrightthen.¡°Forreal?!¡±

    Chapter136

    2/2

    ¡°Ofcourse.WouldIlietoyou?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­Areyouselling?¡±Vickyaskedurgently,sinceshe reallyneededsomethingthatcouldseswestheBeautyPill.

    And tothinkFrankhadone!

    Frankshruggednonchntly.¡°It¡¯sjustarecipe.I¡¯llgiveittoyouforfree.¡±

    Vicky¡¯seyeslituprightthen,justasheasked,¡°Doyouhavepenandpaper?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±Vickynoddedrepeatedlyasshetookitoutofherbag.OnceshepassedittoFrank,herapidlywrote down therecipe¡­

    apter137

 Chapter 137

    ? Vicky gingerly received the pill recipe from Frank, she asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s the name

    this pill, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    t¡¯s called the Rejuvenation Pill,¡± Frank replied nonchntly. ¡°I developed it out of boredom

    a pill to restore vigor. Add that to other ingredients and it¡¯d have a cosmetic effect.¡±

    >th Vicky and Yara were left gaping in disbelief¨Che made a miraculous pill by chance?

    owever, neither of them doubted if the pill would work, since they were witness to the depth

    Frank¡¯s knowledge of medicine.

    oreover, he had no trouble improving a martial arts technique, so creating a pill recipe ould be no issue.

    cky could throw herself in Frank¡¯s arms right then and kiss him¡ªshe had certainly hit the ckpot!

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    le promptly whipped out a check, writing a number with multiple zeros and stuffing it into

    ank¡¯s hand.

    ust take it,¡± she said.

    ank read the check to see that it was a whopping twenty million dors!

    was certainly no small sum!

    You should keep the money¡­¡± he said¨Cmoney was pointless for him, and he could go to

    evor if he ever needed any.

    cky, however, insisted. ¡°Don¡¯t turn this down now. I have nothing else to repay you with ide from money

    or myself. So if you don¡¯t want the money, you can have me instead.¡±

    Le even tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear coquettishly.

    Iuh¡­¡± Frank was taken aback and thought about it. ¡°I¡¯ll take the money, then!¡±

    Grr¡­¡± Vicky hit him with a knuckle and returned to her seat, huffing.

    ill, as she read the recipe, she saw that most ingredients weremon, but not the meat cap!

    s there anything we can rece the panacea polypore with?¡±

    ank shook his head right away. ¡°Every ingredient must be included. Why? Is there an issue th the

    materials?¡±

    Most of the materials aremon enough, but not the panacea polypore.¡±

    Ask Mr. Zimmer to look if you have to,¡± Frank suggested.

    They probably don¡¯t have it in the Flora Hall, or everyone would know,¡± Vicky said before using to

    herself for a moment. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ll ask him anyway, along with our family¡¯s allies.¡±

    le certainly did not want to get stuck when they had such an amazing recipe! Time was of the sence, or

    it would take considerable effort to reim the Riverton market once Donaldzar¡¯s Beauty Pill hit the

    shelves and seized a monopoly.

    ter getting home, Frank had a meal, after which he was left staring at the check in his hand.

    Eventually, he decided to save it into his ount, or it would not do if he lost such a tiny sheet of paper.

    Meanwhile, at Lane Manor, Gina and Greg were a tangled mess of bodies, though Greg was soon

    spent as he sat up and quietly lit himself a cigarette.

    Gina snuggled against him, her face flushed as she said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you move in, Greg? I¡¯ll tell Helen

    and Peter when you do.¡±

    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 138

    Greg frowned,

    He only got close to Gina for her money he would puke if he had to get intimate with a fortyish woman

    every day!

    Seeing her beloved frown, Gina asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Greg? You don¡¯t want to?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ No way!¡± Greg, promptly changed his reaction and chuckled, ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it already,

    but now¡¯s not the time.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still not married, even if we are single now. I think we should do it properly, so that all of Riverton

    knows.¡±

    Gina was beaming at that, purring shyly, ¡°Oh, we¡¯re both adults. Why bother with child¡¯s y?

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Greg said righteously. ¡°Marriage is a big deal, or people would talk if I keeping

    here.¡±

    Gina actually thought that made sense and was emotional that Greg would care so much about her.

    She was certainly right about him!

    Greg sighed lengthily just then. ¡°Also, I¡¯ve been busy with work. Let¡¯s get married once I¡¯ve gotten that

    out of the way.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, work is important,¡± Gina agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll tell Helen to transfer you the money as soon as possible.¡±

    Greg was none too pleased.

    That was when the butler knocked on the door.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What is it?!¡± Gina shouted as both she and Greg panicked, scrambling to get dressed.

    ¡°Mrs. Lane, your son has just returned.¡±

    ¡°Peter? Why?¡± Gina did a double take¨Cwas Peter not supposed to be at work? Why did hee back

    so soon?

    ¡°I think someone beat him up,¡± the butler said. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a look?¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Gina was furious as soon as she heard that and rushed downstairs once she got dressed.

    Greg hurried after her to find Peter lying on the drawing room couch, whimpering.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± He sobbed.

    Gina ran toward him, her heart aching when she saw his face battered and bruised. ¡°Oh, Peter ¡­ What

    happened? Weren¡¯t you starting work at Grande Corp?¡±

    ¡°Vicky fired me, Mom!¡± Peter cried indignantly.

    ¡°What?¡± Dumbfounded, Gina turned towards Greg. ¡°Didn¡¯t Ms. Turnbull agree to give Peter a job?¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYeah,¡± Greg replied. ¡°We had an agreement. Why would she fire you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Frank!¡± Peter sobbed. ¡°I ran into him in the lobby, and he told me to leave! He must

    have badmouthed me in front of Vicky¡­ I mean, we did have a disagreement before, but I already

    apologized! But she told Frank to beat me up!¡±

    Incensed, Gina smacked the table as she growled, ¡°That woman¡¯s really too much!¡±

    On the other hand, Greg narrowed his eyes. ¡°What did Frank say? How did he make Ms. Turnbull get

    so upset with you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know! Frank entered her office, so I don¡¯t know what he said¨Cbut once she came out, she

    started snapping at me.¡± Peter sobbed and pointed at his nose. ¡°Frank even broke my nose.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Peter. Don¡¯t cry¨CI¡¯ll get the doctor for you.¡± Gina promptly hugged him,forting him.

    Peter, however, was huffing indignantly. ¡°You have to help me, Mom.¡±

 Chapter 139

    Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Peter. I¡¯ll call your sister right now.¡®

    She whipped out her phone right then and called Helen, surprising her since she was busy with work.

    ¡°What is it, Mom?¡±

    Gina had her hand on her hip as she growled, ¡°Your brother was beaten up, Helen.¡±

    ¡°What? Who did?¡±

    ¡°That ex¨Chusband of yours!¡± Gina eximed furiously. ¡°Who else could it be?!¡±

    ¡°Frank? But, why?¡± Helen asked, puzzled.

    ¡°Why?¡± Gina snorted. ¡°Peter went to Grande Corp to start work, but that lowlife Frank badmouthed him

    in front of Vicky. Peter got fired, and Frank seized the moment to beat him up. Call him right this instant

    and tell him to apologize!¡±

    Helen sighed exasperatedly. ¡°How could Frank possibly sway Vicky, Mom?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s her gigolo. He just has to whisper a few words after a fumble.¡±

    Helen rolled her eyes¨Cher mother really thought Vicky to be some simpleton.

    If Vicky could be swayed so easily, there was no way she could surpass her father and take over

    Grande Corp!

    However, there was no way she could beat her mother in an argument, so she said half- heartedly,

    ¡°Okay, okay¨CI¡¯ll call Frankter, alright?¡±

    Gina nodded in satisfaction at that but soon said, ¡°By the way, let¡¯s meet up at Riverton Bankter.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Helen was utterly bemused.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you agree to lend Greg ten million dors?¡± Gina reminded her. ¡°You have to make the transfer

    soon!¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Helen bit her lip, hesitating for a long while before saying, ¡°Mom, I agreed to lend the money and I will.

    But is it that urgent?¡±

    ¡°Of course it is!¡± Gina urged. ¡°Greg¡¯s still waiting. You need to go soon! We¡¯ll be waiting there.

    If anything, Gina was more anxious than Greg as she kept envisioning them getting married.

    Naturally, the sooner that happened, the better!

    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± Helen sighed exasperatedly.

    Gina hung up and turned toward Peter. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear. I¡¯ve told your sister to scold Frank now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not good enough, Mom,¡± Peter said. ¡°I want him beaten up.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Peter,¡± Greg quickly said. ¡°Once I have the chance, I¡¯ll have my boys do just that.

    ¡±

    He certainly had no time to waste with Peter¨Che wanted Helen¡¯s money soon!

    ¡°Yeah, see? Greg will help you get even,¡± Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°Hell, Frank bolted when he ran into

    Gregst time.¡±

    That lowlife even pretended to take a call as he ran. What a coward!

    ¡°Really?¡± Peter was surprised that Greg was that powerful.

    ¡°Yeah. I learned martial arts¡ªmost people are no match for me.¡± Greg smiled and nodded, though he

    was cursing inwardly.

    He lucked out when Frank left because he was busy, or he would be thoroughly humiliated! Turning

    back to Gina, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the bank now. We shouldn¡¯t keep Helen waiting.¡±

    Gina nodded repeatedly and told the butler to take care of Peter before leaving with Greg. Meanwhile,

    Frank arrived at Riverton Bank as well.

 Chapter 140

    As soon as Frank stepped inside, a receptionist in a business suit promptly approached him.¡± How can

    I help you, sir?¡®

    Frank whipped out his check immediately. ¡°Please open an ount for me and deposit this check.¡±

    When the receptionist took the check and saw that it was worth twenty million, she promptly said,

    ¡°Pleasee with me, sir! You¡¯re eligible for our VVIP service with this deposit, and I¡¯ll contact my

    manager right away to assist you.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    In the end, anyone moving funds worth twenty million dors made them a big shot in any bank, and

    the employees would never drag their feet in return.

    Soon, the receptionist had led Frank into a grandly decorated lounge. She even made him coffee, not

    forgetting to squeeze her breasts as she leaned over, baring her luscious cleavage.

    Riverton Bank had no shortage of VIPS, but young and rich men like Frank were still a rarity.

    The receptionist certainly was not about to let the chance slip but was left disappointed as Frank did

    not even look at her.

    Soon, a man in a suit entered, bowing to Frank as soon as he did. ¡°Greetings, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯m Kurt

    Costner, the manager of this bank. We¡¯re honored to have your trust.¡±

    Frank nodded, told him why he came, and handed him the check.

    Kurt took it politely with both hands and quickly said, ¡°Please wait here, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll set up your

    ount right away.

    [I

    As he pulled out aptop, he went to work while chatting up Frank. ¡°You¡¯re not local, are you, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    From his point of view, Frank must be some rich kid. After all, he was young and could whip out twenty

    million dors out of nowhere, and there was no dynasty or bigwig who went by the name of Lawrence.

    Moreover, the check drawer was Vicky Turnbull. That meant Frank was connected to the Turnbulls, and

    he might be from a rich family in the capital.

    As Frank nodded calmly, Kurt asked, ¡°Would you like to save this money or invest it?¡±

    Seeing that Frank was frowning, he quickly said, ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, Mr. Lawrence. Our bank

    has a professional investment service, and I may offer a rmendation if you¡¯re interested. And the

    yearly interest rate is above 6%!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary,¡± Frank said, shaking his head. ¡°Just open an ount for me. I might be making

    more deposits in the future.¡±

    He was starting apany with Vicky after all, and that meant more money eventually.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Kurt was certainly impressed -just look at that charisma! One would expect nothing less of the son of a

    rich family from the capital.

    ¡°Apologies, but may I ask how much you would be saving?¡± he asked.

    Frank stroked his chin. ¡°A few hundred million, I¡¯d say¡­¡±

    If the Rejuvenation Pill took off, he would make that much without breaking a sweat¨Ceven in

    conservative estimation.

    Kurt gulped at Frank¡¯s words. If he could get those savings, he would be settled for the long run!

    Vicky¡¯s check, such a confident gait, and twenty million¡­ He already had absolute faith that Frank was

    telling the truth right then, and that he must absolutely suck up to him!

    He promptly took out a card and passed it respectfully to Frank. ¡°Here¡¯s my business card, Mr.

    Lawrence. Just contact me should you have any questions about finance.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll call any time I have questions.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re most wee, Mr. Lawrence. It will be my honor.¡±

    Meanwhile, Helen, Gina, and Greg had arrived at the bank, with Helen walking right up to the

    receptionist. ¡°I¡¯d like to see the manager, please.

 Chapter 141

    The receptionist recognized Helen right away and approached her respectfully. ¡°Good day, Ms. Lane.

    Please wait a moment¨Cthe manager is with a client.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Then we will wait,¡± Helen said. It was only reasonable since anyone to whom Kurt would offer

    personal service was not your average Joe.

    Still, she was also curious since it might be some bigwig,

    After the receptionist led them to the lounge, Frank soon stepped outside after his ount was set up.

    Helen did a double take when she saw him. ¡°What are you doing here, Frank?¡±

    Frank stared at the trio and said calmly, ¡°I was just making a deposit. What about you?¡±

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    ¡°Mr. Marsh needs ten million for his business,¡± Helen exined. ¡°I¡¯m here to make the transfer for a

    loan.¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed as he turned toward Greg. ¡°You¡¯re lending him money?¡±

    The man was a total liar andpletely unreliable¨CHelen really might not get her money back.

    On the other hand, Gina sprang to her feet, scowling as soon as she saw Frank. ¡°Who do you think you

    are, beating up my son? You¡¯re such an ingrate, freeloading off my house for three years, and you¡¯re

    badmouthing him when he finally got a good job?!¡±

    ¡°Calm down, Mom.¡± Helen promptly caught her.

    ¡°How can I stay calm?!¡± Gina snapped viciously.

    Frank rolled his eyes in turn. ¡°Stop trying to me me for everything. A piece of shit like Peter,

    bing Ms. Turnbull¡¯s personal consultant? Dream on.¡±

    Greg growled coolly right then, ¡°I had an agreement with Ms. Turnbull. Why else would she fire Peter

    for no reason? You must have ndered him!¡±

    Helen pursed her lips and turned toward Frank. ¡°Did you?¡±

    Frank could see from her eyes that she was clearly skeptical and asked in return, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m that

    sort of person?¡±

    Helen lowered her head hesitantly¨Cin her mind, he certainly was not.

    ¡°Then what happened?¡± she muttered.

    Frank wheeled on Greg. ¡°Ask him!¡±

    Greg made an innocent face./¡¯What does that have to do with me?¡±

    Frank snorted. ¡°You¡¯ve really nned it all out, haven¡¯t you? Telling Ms. Turnbull that Peter is Dan

    Zimmer¡¯s grandson¨Cinw, and then telling Mr. Zimmer that Peter is Ms. Turnbull¡¯s personal

    consultant? Such a shame that Ms. Turnbull found out he¡¯s neither, and she¡¯s really upset with your

    lies.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Greg¡¯s face paled right then.

    However, despite being worried that Vicky woulde for him, he still lied defiantly. ¡® Everything I said

    was the truth! It would¡¯ve been a sess if you didn¡¯t mess it up!¡± Gina furiously grabbed Frank¡¯s arm

    right then. ¡°Apologize to my son right now.¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°Let go.¡±

    Apologize to Peter? Dream on!

    ¡°What, do you think you will get off scot¨Cfree?! Is my family dead to you?!¡± Gina snapped fearlessly,

    since she always thought Frank worthless.

    Not bothered to argue, Frank flung her away, sending her mming into Greg¡¯s arms. ¡°Oof-¡±

    ¡°Are you alright, Gina?¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    Nheless, Gina wheeled on Frank again as she screamed furiously, ¡°Greg, beat him up! Do

    it for Peter! And don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take responsibility for anything that happens!¡±

    Greg turned toward Frank and promptly saw the icy re in his eyes.

 Chapter 142

    Kurt snorted. ¡°If Mr. Lawrence hit

    you,

    then you

    deserved it.¡±

    ¡°Oof¡­¡± Greg was clutching his hip as he groaned, before turning toward Kurt in bewilderment. ¡°Don¡¯t

    we go way back, Mr. Costner? Why are you siding with that brat?¡±

    The security guards were all left dumbstruck as they looked on¨Cwas the brat somehow rted to Kurt?

    Kurt was ring at Greg in turn. ¡°Mr. Lawrence is our client with a twenty million dor ount bnce

    in our bank. As for you¡­ What do you even amount to?¡±

    A client who had just made a twenty million dor deposit, and a debtor who kept begging him for loans

    every other day¨CKurt certainly knew who to side with!

    ¡°What? Are you joking, Mr. Costner?¡± Gina eximed as she turned toward Frank in disbelief. ¡°W¨C

    Where would he get twenty million?¡±

    Helen was certainly astounded by that fact too, while Kurt growled coolly, ¡°What, are you saying Mr.

    Lawrence didn¡¯t already make the deposit a moment ago? Vicky Turnbull herself wrote the check.¡±

    As Gina realized with a start, she wheeled on Frank, her eyes ring with jealousy!

    To think that woman would give him so much¡­ he certainly knew how to suck up to people!

    On the other hand, Helen¡¯s eyes shed in disappointment.

    What did Frank do to get twenty million?

    Still, she soon decided that it was not surprising that Frank appeared to be in such bad shape- Vicky

    must have squeezed him dry.

    However, Frank was only in bad shape because he was just involved in a big fight and was poisoned

    with Snowshade.

    Not only did he have to repress the poison with his essence, he was also shot in the hand- how could

    he look good after that?

    Kurt whipped out a golden card reverently just then. ¡°This is a VIP ount card for our bank, Mr.

    Lawrence. Please hold on to it¨Cyou are eligible for many privileges we offer, and I will send the details

    to your pher.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just our job.¡± Kurt beamed. ¡°You¡¯re most weed here.¡±

    Frank turned toward Br¨¦ndan/just then. ¡°Your service is fine, but your head of security really should

    change his snobbish attitude.¡±

    Kurt shot Brendan a vicious/re right then. ¡°Apologize right now!¡±

    The man¡¯s knees seemed to cave as he promptly dropped to his knees. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence!

    Please don¡¯t hold it against me¡­ I have a family to feed!¡±

    Frank waved him away nonchntly. ¡°I won¡¯t press the issue this time. But this must never happen

    again.¡±

    He had certainly seen too many sycophants like Brendan¨Cthey were no viins, but they were certainly

    no angels either.

    They were just peasants going with the flow, having no perspective of their own whatsoever.

    Frank certainly was not bothered to get petty with people like them.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!¡± Brendan eximed.

    Frank turned right then. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. I have other things to do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you out, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Kurt said eagerly and escorted Frank out of the building.

    Gina was left watching, her knuckles balling and eventually gave chase.

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing?!¡± Helen was totally bewildered but had no choice other than to follow.

    Frank was going to get a cab after leaving the bank when someone snapped behind him, ¡°Stop right

    there, Frank Lawrence!¡±

    Frank turned to find Gina running toward him. He asked coolly, ¡°What is it?¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Give it to me,¡± Gina demanded, holding out a hand.

    ¡°Give what?¡± Frank frowned.

 Chapter 143

    Frank asked coolly, ¡°What, do you want a fight?¡±

    Greg gulped.

    He was perfectly self¨Caware. After that encounter at the restaurant, he knew that he was no match for

    Frank.

    Still, he snorted.

    ¡°I won¡¯t stoop to your level,¡± he said before turning and yelling, ¡°Security! Security!!!¡±

    The security guards rushed into the room at his call, and they immediately recognized Frank. ¡± What is

    it, Mr. Marsh?¡±

    Greg pointed at Frank right then. ¡°He was starting a fight. Aren¡¯t you going to do something?¡±

    ¡°What? Starting a fight?¡± Brendan Fenton, the head of security, studied Frank right then.

    He was very young and obviously not rich, and the head of security promptly barked, ¡® Apologize to Mr.

    Marsh right now!¡±

    Frank shot him a cool re in turn. ¡°Who do you think you are, ordering me around?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Brendan bellowed, surprised that the kid was that pompous!

    He raised his baton and swung it at Frank¡¯s head-

    Smack!

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    Frank had raised his palm, pping Brendan and sending him flying!

    ¡°I

    Greg was smiling in turn¨Cit was what he wanted. Frank had now caused a scene at the bank, and he

    would be behind bars soon enough!

    ¡°Piece of shit! Just you wait¨CI¡¯ll kill you!¡± Brendan growled as he scrambled to his feet and barked into

    his walkie¨Ctalkie, ¡°Send everyone! This piece of shit just started a fight!¡±

    Soon, a group of security guards poured into the room, with Gina holding her hands at her hips and

    grinning smugly. ¡°Kill him!¡±

    Brendan shot Frank a haughty re in turn. ¡°Weren¡¯t you being all pompous just a moment ago, brat?!¡±

    Helen promptly stepped in front of Frank and exined, ¡°It¡¯s just a misunderstanding. Please be

    reasonable!¡±

    Gina was fuming that Helen would still defend Frank and pulled her away, snapping, ¡°Are you stupid?

    Why would you keep siding with him?¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Brendanpletely ignored Helen as well and told the other security guards, ¡°Fuck him up!¡±

    That was when Kurt rushed to the scene, snapping, ¡°Stop!¡±

    He was busy setting up Frank¡¯s ount, only for the receptionist to run into his office saying that Frank

    had started a fight!

    He almost choked right then¨Che just got a fat deposit from the man! He would destroy the person who

    messed with Frank, whoever it was!

    ¡°Mr. Costner¡­?¡±

    The security guards promptly stopped in fear, while everyone else was left stunned.

    Greg promptly went up to Kurt. ¡°Hey, Mr. Costner¡­¡±

    ¡°Greg Marsh? What are you doing here? What happened here?¡± Kurt snorted grumpily as soon as he

    saw the man¨Cthe geezer owned a near¨Cbankruptpany and was constantly pestering him for loans!

    ¡°He started a fight for no reason.¡± Greg promptly pointed at Frank.

    He certainly felt smug¨Cdealing with Frank would be easy now, thanks to his connection to Kurt!

    However, Kurt frowned. ¡°So, Mr. Lawrence hit you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ What?¡± Greg did a double take. ¡°How¡¯d you know him?¡±

    Without another word, Kurt kicked Greg, almost dislocating his waist!

 Chapter 144

    Gina snapped boldly, ¡°The bank card, of course!¡±

    ¡°The bank card? Why should I give it to you?¡± Frank chuckled despite himself, amused by her haughty

    bearing.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Gina wagged her finger as she said, ¡°You freeloaded off my family and hurt my son. Shouldn¡¯t you pay

    me for that? That¡¯s ten million for freeloading and another ten million for my son¡¯s medical fees. Now

    give me the card!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mom. Let¡¯s just go,¡± Helen felt speechless and embarrassed that her mother was so

    unreasonable. Did Frank even spend that much when he was in their family?!

    ¡°Get off!¡± Gina snapped as she pushed her own daughter away¡ªshe would get that money today no

    matter what!

    Frank in turn stood with his hands sped behind his back, growling coolly, ¡°I did freeload off your

    family for three years, but I¡¯ve repaid you already. As for Peter, Ms. Turnbull beat him up because he

    tricked her, and you¡¯ll learn how terrible her vengeance can be once her schedule frees up. Also, word

    of advice: stay away from Greg Marsh, or you¡¯ll eventually get embroiled with his mess.¡±

    Gina snorted in disdain. ¡°Don¡¯t think you can threaten us with Vicky Turnbull. You freeloaded off us for

    three years, and you never paid us a cent!¡±

    Frank growled coolly, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t¡ªbut all the sesses you enjoy were because of me. How else did

    your waning business manage to gather so many contracts?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Gina bellowed. ¡°That¡¯s my daughter¡¯s sess! It has nothing to do with you. Now give me

    the money!¡±

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly.

    Fools like her would only believe what they wanted, even if they were told the truth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it onest time. Let go,¡± Frank growled icily.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t!¡± Gina snapped stubbornly. ¡°What are you gonna do about that?¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed, his killing intent spilling out and leaving Gina with chills despite the bright

    weather.

    She shuddered¨CFrank¡¯s re was like des that stabbed her in the heart!

    She could not help releasing him, and Frank snorted as he got in the cab.

    Before he left, he turned toward Helen and warned, ¡°You¡¯d best not lend Greg a single cent. He¡¯s

    nothing good.¡±

    Helen was taken aback but stayed silent.

    There were times when she found Greg unreliable.

    However, she had to consider that he helped her regain her beauty despite her doubts. She also had

    even less reason given her mother¡¯s endless confidence in the man.

    Still, Gina came to her senses after Frank was already gone, gritting her teeth as she growled,

    ¡±

    That bastard red at me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mom. Give it a rest already.¡±

    ¡°Give it a rest?! You should be getting that twenty million back!¡± Gina snapped.

    ¡°Do you want me to transfer the money to Mr. Marsh or not?¡± Helen asked, scowling.

    She diverted Gina¡¯s attention since she was not brazen enough to demand Frank¡¯s twenty million, not

    to mention she had work to do and did not want to waste time here. ¡°Of course!¡± Gina eximed. ¡°Let¡¯s

    go right now. Don¡¯t keep Greg waiting!¡±

 Chapter 145

    Inside Riverton Bank, Kurt gave Greg a kick in the rump. ¡°Still alive? When are you going to pay up!¡±

    ¡°Two days! In two days, Mr. Marsh!¡± Greg shed an apologetic smile as he rubbed his hip. ¡°I need you

    to do me a favor today, though¡­¡±

    ¡°You want me to help you?!¡± Kurt snapped. ¡°Just pay up already, or yourpany will be shut down!¡±

    ¡°No, you see¨Cjust help me this one time, and I can pay my five million dor loan right away!

    Kurt did a double take. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°That pretty face just now?¡± Greg chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s the head of Lane Holdings and just agreed to

    transfer ten million into my ount. That¡¯s my loan paid without breaking a sweat.¡±

    Kurt studied him skeptically. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re able to con the girl.¡±

    Greg patted his hip as he smiled. ¡°All thanks to my nice pair of hips¨CI have her mom all sewn up.

    What¡¯s some paltry cash after all that?¡±

    Kurt became thoughtful. ¡°If I recall, her name is Helen Lane, right? She¡¯s partners with the Turnbulls.

    You really should be careful about swindling here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Costner. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± Greg patted his chest confidently. ¡°I told them I¡¯m

    using the money to buy shares. Just don¡¯t let it slip when the timees.¡±

    If anything, Kurt already knew Greg¡¯s tricks by heart¨Che must have told Gina that he was partnered

    with Timmy Yates, when in reality he would not even get a word in.

    Gina was certainly not his first victim.

    Soon, Helen and Gina returned, and Kurt handily transferred ten million dors from Helen¡¯s

    ount.

    However, he took five million for himself before sending the remainder to Greg, who was left

    speechless staring at his ount bnce.

    Honestly, was Kurt that sure he would not pay up?

    Once everything was done, Helen said, ¡°I still have work to do, so I¡¯ll be going now.¡®

    ¡°Of course, Helen. You go do that,¡± Greg told her cheerfully. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back in a month.¡±

    As he stepped outside with Gina, she asked, ¡°Have you gotten the money, Greg?¡±

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry,¡± Greg replied.

    ¡°Then get things sorted out at work soon. Let¡¯s get married as early as we can.¡±

    Greg nodded repeatedly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯ve already been checking things out. Anyway, I need to go to

    my officeter, so I¡¯m going now.¡±

    Gina was certainly reluctant to see him go.

    On the other hand, Greg breathed a huge sigh of relief and drove straight to Sweet Creek Club, intent

    on enjoying himself!

    Once Frank returned to Verdant Hotel, he told the security officers on the top floor, ¡°No one is to enter

    my room for the next 48 hours.¡±

    ¡°What if Ms. Turnbull visits?¡± one of them asked.

    They might have every reason to follow Frank¡¯s orders, but Vicky was still their boss.

    Frank thought about it. ¡°If shees, tell her that I¡¯m cultivating in confinement and mustn¡¯t be

    disturbed. She¡¯d get it.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence. We will make sure no one disturbs you.¡±

    Frank nodded and headed inside the room, assuming a meditative posture as he burned away the

    Snowshade from the inside.

    His vigor was far stronger than the potency of the poison, and he could slowly refine and consume it

    without an Ichor Pill.

    The molecules of the poison were soon vaporized and condensed into droplets outside him, leaving his

    body damp.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He sat without moving an inch until the next evening, when Yara hurried to the penthouse urgently, a

    hotel card in hand as she started to open the door¡­

 Chapter 146

    ra was immediately stopped by the security officers, who recognized her and knew that she as also the

    daughter of the governor.

    owever, Frank had made it clear he was not to be disturbed.

    As. Quill, you can¡¯t go in.¡±

    ra shed the key card at them right then. ¡°I¡¯m under Ms. Turnbull¡¯s orders to see Frank.¡®

    Iuh¡­¡±

    le security officers were left bemused as they did not expect this scenario.

    ?wever,

    :her.

    since Frank was refusing to see even Vicky, he definitely would not want to see Yara

    le of them quickly said, ¡°Mr. Lawrence had given us clear instructions that no one is to

    ter, even if it¡¯s Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    xactly. He said he would confinement¡­ for cultivating, I think.¡±

    at was more or less what the man said anyway.

    ra frowned. ¡°Cultivating, at this time?! I have business with him, so don¡¯t worry about sponsibility. Now,

    move!¡±

    le security officers tamely made way for her at that, and Yara opened the door.

    cky had told her to flee Riverton with Frank, since Glen Turnbull¡¯s side of the family had arned about

    Les¡® death and sent Neil Turnbull to investigate.

    eil was the second son of Glen¡¯s first wife and therefore outranked Vicky.

    ary with the ranks under Neil¡¯smand, Vicky was concerned that Neil would get into nflict against

    Frank and told Yara to flee Riverton with Frank.

    ?wever, Yara opened the door to find the air inside unusually chilly, while Frank was sitting oss¨Clegged

    on the balcony.

    ra quickly said, ¡°We¡¯re in trouble, Mr. Lawrence. Neil Turnbull has arrived in Riverton¨Cwe ve to leave

    town for a while.¡±

    ank did not move and remained still as if he shut off his senses.

    ra moved up close to find his eyes closed and his breathing weak!

    nicking, she called out louder, ¡°Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ank still did not respond, so she reached out¡­

    ?wever, as soon as her fingers touched Frank, a burst of air shot out of his body.

    inned, Yara quickly tried to, withdraw her hand, but suddenly realized she was immobile¡­ as Frank¡¯s

    body was like a ma!

    ank had been bncing his vigor against the poison inside his body, but Yara¡¯s meddling ected it!

    11

    Frank would have been able to control himself at his peak form, but his cultivation was now unstable.

    Yara¡¯s touch caused a rebuff in his vigor, upsetting the bnce and jolted him awake!

    Yara watched as he opened his eyes, his usually clear eyes bloodshot!

    She felt danger right then¨Cthe man was like a demon of hell, filled with the primitive instincts of murder

    and libido!

    Pow!

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    In no time at all, Frank had seized Yara by the neck and mmed her on the floor!

    ¡°Oof-¡±

    Yara was left in a daze, her breath knocked out of her lungs as her vision dimmed!

    Frank red at her beneath himself, lustfully and murderously as he ripped off her clothes!

 Chapter 147

    ira¡¯s shirt was thoroughly shredded, leaving nothing on!

    ¡®en as shey bare before Frank, he was clearly not intending to be chivalrous even as Yara¡¯s ars

    welled up in her eyes from terror.

    e did not know how to fight back at all!

    ¡®lease, Mr. Lawrence! Come to your senses!¡±

    ank ignored her please, and leaned in as he pressed his lips against hers.

    ra pushed against him, but Frank weighed like a mountain, suffocating her!

    en, realizing Frank was tearing at her pants, she bit his tongue viciously in panic!

    ank yelped in pain and leaped away from her, the pain restoring his senses.

    he realized what he was doing, he struck himself in the sternum, the base of his neck and s midriff,

    before coughing out a mouthful of blood!

    e redness in his eyes faded as he looked up, seeing Yara just then.

    had no idea what to say, as she covered her breasts as she cowered in a corner, her eyes lled up with

    tears.

    ll, she came to her senses when she saw him coughing blood and quickly asked, ¡°A¨CAre you ight, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    ¡®m fine.¡± Frank waved her off¨Che had almost lost himself when Yara touched him and had

    choice but to discharge the bad blood in him.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    aring at her, he muttered awkwardly, ¡°Sorry¡­ I don¡¯t mean to do that.¡±

    ra quickly said, ¡°I don¡¯t mean to me you, but you were a little scary just now¡­as if you !re

    possessed.¡±

    ank nodded. ¡°I was burning away poison inside me, and my vigor became imbnced when u touched

    me. Fortunately, you also bit me and allowed me toe to my senses briefly.¡±

    -Sorry. I really didn¡¯t know,¡± Yara apologized, realizing she had messed up terribly.

    t¡¯s fine,¡± Frank said and asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ra promptly got up and told him, ¡°Ms. Turnbull sent me. She¡¯s worried about your safety cause Neil

    Turnbull came to Riverton and told me to leave town with you for a couple days. u should pack your

    things ande.¡®

    ank stared at Yara a while before bringing her a jacket. ¡°Get dressed first.¡±

    before

    ra finally remembered that her clothes were shredded, and she was standing topless be

    ank.

    er cheeks burned as Frank reminded her of the fact, and she really wanted to hide right then!

    she promptly took the jacket, she murmured, ¡°C¨CCould you look away, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    hem.¡± Frank cleared his throat as he turned away. ¡°Anyway¡­ some mere child isn¡¯t going to

    kill me.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s looking for you right now,¡± Yara exined anxiously. ¡°He¡¯s even vowing to avenge Les -things

    would definitely get serious if he reaches you!¡±

    Frank simply smiled as he slowly rose to his feet. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s not keep him waiting. We shall see

    what he can do to me.¡±

 Chapter 148

    ara was dumbstruck. ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence¨Cthis isn¡¯t a joke. Don¡¯t be impulsive. We should de for

    now.¡±

    What, and keep hiding for the rest of my life? It¡¯s far better to face this directly,¡± Frank said atly.

    Yara was left speechless, Frank did not afford her time to think and strode right out of the tel.

    eing that, Yara gave chase, though she stood quietly at a corner as he got into the car.

    You¡¯re noting?¡± Frank asked.

    ra shook his head. ¡°I¨CI have something to do at home.¡±

    ank nodded and drove alone to Turnbull Vi, while Yara promptly whipped out her phone call Vicky.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Turnbull. Frank ising to you right now¨Che refused to leave th me. I can¡¯t reason with

    him at all!¡±

    really shouldn¡¯t have told him.¡± Vicky sighed in disappointment. ¡°Anyway, thanks. Just ave the rest to

    me.¡±

    ter hanging up, she called Frank who was still on his way. ¡°Hello? Where are you now?¡±

    In your way to your ce,¡± Frank said calmly.

    )0 you really have toe?¡± Vicky asked.

    was the one who killed Les,¡± Frank said. ¡°Am I supposed to let you deal with Neil alone? So, I won¡¯t

    have to be there if you could have handled it yourself.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    e had no idea what Neil was capable of, but Vicky was clearly out of her depth when she was ready

    telling him to run.

    cky actually felt warmth from his words. ¡°Alright, you cane. I¡¯ll support you however I n, though you

    must stay calm¨CUncle Glen would probably go to war if you killed Neil too.¡±

    ank nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll hold back as long as your cousin doesn¡¯t push my buttons. But if push mes to shove, I

    won¡¯t let anyone find out it¡¯s me. How about that?¡±

    ¡®ou really fear nothing.¡± Vickyughed. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting. Be safe.¡±

    inging up, she returned inside the drawing room.

    er parents were sitting at the couch, while the young but handsome Neil sat at the main seat, th an old

    man standing behind him.

    eing Vicky return, Neil growled, ¡°Word of advice, Vicky¨Chand over that man. My patience is its limit.¡±

    isan frowned at Vicky in turn. ¡°At least call Frank Lawrence here. Neil isn¡¯t a bully- he will

    just once he understands what happened. Right, Neil?¡±

    eil nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    owever, he wasughing inwardly.

    Even if he hated Les, who was his half¨Cbrother, the man was still a Turnbull. No matter how they

    scorned him or had his life in his hands, it was not to some nobody to kill him.

    Neil¡¯s brother Rob Turnbull had made it very clear¨CLes¡® murderer must die to enforce the family¡¯s

    authority.

    Vicky took a deep breath and said, ¡°Frank will be here. You¡¯ll see him soon enough.¡±

    Walter looked up at her in surprise.

    Did she not arrange for Frank to flee the city? What was heing?!

    There was no way for Vicky to exin just then, while Neil growled through his teeth, ¡°And he¡¯s making

    me wait? How conceited of him.¡±

 Chapter 149

    cky warned Neil just then, ¡°Word of advice: You¡¯d better shove that pompousness of yours id be nice to

    him.¡±

    You want me to be nice? Who does he think he is?¡± Neil snorted haughtily. ¡°It¡¯s his honor at he even

    gets to talk to me.¡±

    cky simply shook her exasperatedly.

    ank soon arrived at Turnbull Vi.

    Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    rank.¡±

    alter and Vicky immediately greeted him, with Walter telling him, ¡°Neil is going to ask you estions about

    Les¡® death. Just be honest and don¡¯t hide anything.¡±

    know, don¡¯t worry.¡± Frank smiled and strode into the drawing room.

    ; his eyes met Neil¡¯s, Neil growled, ¡°You¡¯re Frank Lawrence?¡±

    les.¡±

    Did you kill Les Turnbull?¡±

    Yes,¡± Frank replied nonchntly. ¡°He was in league against his own family, sending hitmen ;ainst Yara

    and murdering Obadiah Longman. He was going to murder Yara Quill as well, but saved her and

    chased him down. He tried to kill me, but I killed him in turn.¡±

    ang!

    eil suddenly mmed his hand loudly on the table, stunning everyone as he sprang to his et, ring at

    Frank and demanding, ¡°Who do you think you are, murdering a Turnbull?¡±

    ank shrugged. ¡°Isn¡¯t the punishment for betrayal death?¡±

    Even if he was a traitor as you said, couldn¡¯t you subdue him?¡± Neil shot back. ¡°Weren¡¯t ?le to

    incapacitate dozens of men on your own? Is subduing Les that difficult?¡±

    you

    cky stood up right then. ¡°How is Frank supposed to do that? Les had a gun, and Frank could. ave been

    killed.¡±

    Hah!¡± Neil scoffed. ¡°And yet, he¡¯s dead! Isn¡¯t subduing him easier? Moreover, Les isn¡¯t here testify¨C

    everything we know is what this man said. Who knows if he didn¡¯t kill Les out of

    ettiness?¡±

    What¡­¡± Vicky was left seething right then¨CNeil was talking out of his ass!

    heless, Frank raised a hand to stop Vicky.

    here was no point wasting his breath since Neil was not interested in the

    ¡®atching Neil as he stood there haughty, he asked, ¡°Then what do you uth

    It¡¯s a crime to kill a Turnbull,¡± Neil barked. ¡°But since you did it for us, we will only demand

    that you cut off an arm.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Frank could not helpughing at that.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?!¡± Neil snapped, frowning.

    ¡°An arm?¡± Frank looked at him in turn. ¡°Who do

    you

    think you

    are?¡±

    ¡°Insolence!¡± Neil exploded with rage, not expecting Frank to show him no respect at all. ¡°Get him!¡±

    His bodyguards charged at Frank right then.

    ¡°Hold it!¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡±

    Vicky and Walter shouted at the same time, with Walter snapping at Neil, ¡°Frank is at fault, but that¡¯s

    asking too much! Why don¡¯t we ask him to atone instead?¡±

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Neil narrowed his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t get to question me, Uncle Walter.¡±

    Vicky stood before Frank in turn, and snapped at Neil, ¡°Enough! I could see that you just want to punish

    Frank. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re out of line?¡±

    ¡°So what if I am?¡± Neil shrugged. ¡°I am the second heir to the family. Barring father and Rob, everything

    I say goes.¡±

    Susan hurried to Vicky just then, muttering under her breath, ¡°Stop it, Vicky. He¡¯s only asking Frank to

    cut off his arm, not kill himself.¡±

 Chapter 150

    usan told Vicky under her breath, ¡°Don¡¯t upset Neil over some trifle like this.¡±

    No, Mom,¡± Vicky growled through her teeth defiantly. ¡°I¡¯m saving Neil¡¯s life here. He¡¯ll die if is meny a

    finger on Frank.¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    he knew Frank all too well¨Cno one got to strut in front of Frank, not even the gods!

    nd Neil was just a rich kid inparison!

    What¡­¡± Susan was speechless.

    eil was glowering in turn.

    ho did Frank think he was, threatening his life?!

    ?inting at him right then, he bellowed, ¡°What are you waiting for?! Get him!¡±

    cky shook her head exasperatedly¨CNeil really had a death wish.

    hat was when a bellow thundered from outside the vi ¡°Hold it!¡±

    veryone turned to find Trevor Zurich walking toward them.

    Mr. Zurich!¡± Vicky eximed in delight. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    evor smiled. ¡°Can¡¯t do nothing when someone¡¯s harassing Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    eil actually recognized Trevor, who was the CEO of Trevor International.

    e unexpectedly moved his multinational business to Riverton three years ago¡­ and it turned it that the

    geezer was Frank¡¯s friend?

    :evor nodded at Neil in turn. ¡°Neil Turnbull, I presume? I¡¯ve heard about what happened, but es

    Turnbull is just an inconsequential traitor. He¡¯s dead anyway, so why go to war over trash ke him? It¡¯s

    been a long journey from Morhen too, so allow me to offer some hospitality at erdant Hotel and put the

    past behind us.¡±

    fact, Trevor even thought about having Frank and Vicky hook up, since he would rather ank not go on a

    warpath against Neil¡¯s side of the family.

    owever, Neil was left clenching his fist.

    e thought to himself that Trevor International was gone from the international scene for ree years, and

    Trevor¡¯s authority had long since waned¡­, in that case, his family had no ason to fear him even if they

    burnt bridges here!

    oreover, he was not about to take back his sentence on Frank¨Cwhat was that if not a p in s face?!

    ¡®ith that, he snorted in disdain. ¡°Who do you think you are? Why should I listen to you? tank will lose an

    arm today, and that¡¯s that!¡±

    o, he would have Frank crippled no matter what!

    Valter and everyone else gasped, with even Susan giving Neil a scornful look.

    revoz frowned in turn and growled, ¡°You should know better than to corner a vicious

    kid!¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Neil snorted. ¡°You have no business here, Mr. Zurich, so don¡¯t pry,¡±

    ¡°Lay a finger on Mr. Lawrence, and I¡¯ll take you

    down.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself now, old man. We won¡¯t be cowed just because you own Zurich International.¡°.

    ¡°Well said,¡± Trevor growled sarcastically through his teeth¨Cpeople were really forgetting him just

    because he did not stay in the spotlight for a few years!

    Neil ignored him, smugly staring at Frank, Vicky, and everyone else while enjoying his lofty authority of

    lording over everyone.

    However, before he could give the order, the doors to Turnbull Vi were abruptly kicked open!

    ¡°Who was it?! Who demands the blood of the man who saved my daughter¡®?!¡±

    A swarm of elite martial artists charged inside, congesting Turnbull Vi in an instant!

    ¡°Master?¡± Vicky was at once surprised and delighted when she saw who was leading them.

    It was none other than the governor of Riverton, Robert Quill, with Yara in tow.

    After learning that Frank was insistent on heading to Turnbull Vi, Yara had no choice but to ask her

    father to help!

 Chapter 151

    Neil was staring at Robert in disbelief, his mrs gritting so hard he almost crushed them.

    Frank had actually saved the daughter of Riverton¡¯s governor?!

    At the same time, Walter hurried to greet Robert. ¡°You honor us with your presence, Mr. Quill!

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating.¡± Robert spread his hands cheerfully. ¡°I just came to see the man to whom I owe

    my daughter¡¯s life to.¡±

    Yara promptly pointed at Frank. ¡°That¡¯s Mr. Lawrence, Dad¨Cthe one I spoke of.¡±

    Robert turned toward Frank, and Frank nodded as their eyes met. ¡°Mr. Quill.¡±

    Robert¡¯s eyes narrowed, though he soon nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Your reputation precedes you, young

    man. My daughter is definitely right about you.¡±

    Vicky hurried to Yara¡¯s side just then, asking under her breath, ¡°How¡¯d you persuade him to step up?¡±

    Vicky certainly knew her mentor¡¯s attitude¨Cthe man rarely got involved in any conflict within Riverton.

    Toe here and defend Frank like this today was certainly a rarity.

    Yara whispered back, ¡°I told him Frank saved my life and improved the family¡¯s Boltsmacker technique.

    He got interested and decided he had to meet Frank.¡±

    Vicky nodded. ¡°I see.¡±

    Robert turned toward Vicky just then, demanding, ¡°My apprentice, I heard your family demands Mr.

    Lawrence¡¯s death? Is that true?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°No, sir,¡± Vicky quickly said. ¡°My cousin is merely investigating the death of a family member. He has no

    intention to kill Frank.¡±

    ¡°Your cousin?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Neil spoke loudly just then.

    Robert turned, doing a double take before studying him. ¡°I thought you were a girl¨Cyou certainly dress

    like one.¡±

    Neil clenched his knuckles from frustration¨Cto think he was insulted just for putting up a little makeup!

    ¡°So, how is the investigation going?¡± Robert asked nonchntly just then.

    ¡°Frank is found to be guilty as charged,¡± Neil said.

    Robert waved him off dismissively. ¡°Oh, well, as traitors go, he¡¯s dead and that¡¯s the end of it.¡±

    ¡°The end?¡± Neil growled indignantly. ¡°This is a family matter, Mr. Quill. You don¡¯t have to meddle, do

    you?¡±

    Robert smiled, cing his hands on his hips as he said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you consider it doing me a favor?

    Don¡¯t press the issue. And that¡¯s decided.¡±

    Neil was certainly upset that Robert was making his decision for him.

    However, the old man with him put a hand on his shoulder before he couldsh out.

    Following where the old man was looking, Neil then noticed that every man Robert brought was staring

    fixedly at him.

    And they were all armed to the teeth!

    He finally realized that unlike in the capital, his word was not final in Riverton.

    As such, he restrained himself as he said, ¡°Since you¡¯ve asked, Mr. Quill, of course I¡¯d have to.

    While Robert appeared satisfied, Neil suddenly turned toward Vicky. ¡°However, Mr. Longman is dead.

    Have you at least recovered the recipe for the Beauty Pill?¡±

    Vicky shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t have it. The Szars took it.¡±

    Neil snorted. ¡°And how are you going topete against them in the market like this?¡±

 Chapter 152

    Neil did not hide his contempt at all. ¡°Fortunately, my father anticipated problems and sent Mr. Keaton

    here. He¡¯s a famous apothecary from the capital¨Che and I will take over Grande Corp¡¯s operations.¡±

    Vicky frowned¨Cshe invested money and personnel to build thepany, and he was taking over just

    like that? What was she left with?

    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary,¡± she said. ¡°We can secure the Riverton market even without the Beauty Pill

    recipe. Why don¡¯t you start your ownpany with Mr. Keaton if you want a cut?¡±

    Neilughed. ¡°How are you going topete with the Szars when you¡¯ve allowed them to steal your

    recipe?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence has developed something better,¡± Vicky said confidently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°What is it? Show me,¡± Neil demanded.

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± Vicky replied with a chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s top secret¨Cit won¡¯t do if it¡¯s leaked. If you¡¯d like, I

    could give you a few for free once it gots into production.¡±

    ¡°No recipe? Then why should I trust you?¡± Neil snorted before shooting Frank a look of disdain. ¡°And

    who does that brat think he is, making something better than the Beauty Pill?¡±

    Beside him, Paul Keaton smiled as he stroked his beard. ¡°Could you be lying, Ms. Turnbull? The

    development of every pill is a reflection of the apothecary¡¯s wisdom and experience. Even if Mr.

    Lawrence there is clever, he wouldn¡¯t know the first thing about developing a pill without experience,

    and making a recipe is naught but a joke. I myself have only developed two despite my long career,

    both of which are hugely popr myself¡­ who does Mr. Lawrence think he is, making something

    better than the Beauty Pill?¡±

    Vicky rolled her eyes. ¡°Believe what you want.

    Either way, she refused to show them the recipe ¨C Neil was trying to usurp her, just like Les did!

    Neil folded his arms before his chest. ¡°So, how am I going to believe you can secure the Riverton

    market? The family¡¯s future is in the bnce¨Cno half¨Cbaked effort will do.¡±

    ¡°What does it take for you to trust Frank?¡± Vicky shot back impatiently.

    Neil quickly said, ¡°Let Frank test his abilities against Mr. Keaton. If he wins, it proves that he can help

    you secure the Riverton market, and you¡¯ll stay in charge of Grande Corp. But if Mr. Keaton wins, it

    proves that Frank doesn¡¯t have what it takes.¡±

    Vicky waved him off. ¡°No way¨CMr. Keaton has years of experience, and Frank is at a disadvantage

    from the start.¡±

    ¡°Then show us the recipe.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Vicky refused immediately.

    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t mind ying along if that¡¯s what you want,¡± Frank suddenly said.

    Stunned, Vicky hurried to his side and whispered under his breath, ¡°Don¡¯t fall for it, Frank. Mr. Keaton is

    a famous apothecary in the capital ¨Cyou¡¯re in a handicap against him!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with it,¡± Frank shrugged nonchntly. ¡°And I might not lose here¨CI have a few years of

    experience myself.¡±

    Robert chuckled beside them. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea¨Clet skill speak for itself. No hard feelings, and

    certainly no physical conflict.¡±

    His own daughter thought the world of Frank, iming he improved their martial arts technique and

    was also a genius in medicine.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    He was certainly eager to see if his daughter spoke the truth.

    Susan smiled just then. ¡°Vicky, Frank himself agreed to it, so he¡¯s probably confident about it. There¡¯s

    no reason to dissuade him.¡±

 Chapter 153

    Paulughed just then. ¡°How should we do this, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank stood, his hands sped behind his back with confidence. ¡°Anything¡¯s fine. You can pick what

    you¡¯re best at.¡±

    Paul pursed his lips¨Cthe brat could really put on airs!

    After a long while, he said, ¡°I¡¯m most adept at poison. Why don¡¯t we test our skill with that? You and I

    shall both pick a poison and then attempt to nullify it.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± Frank nodded.

    Neil sneered beside them. ¡°Since you¡¯re that confident, why don¡¯t we raise the stakes? Ingest the

    poison directly, and we will get to see the full extent of either of your abilities.¡±

    He had absolute faith in Paul, and they could use this as an excuse to kill Frank too.

    ¡°Ingest the poison directly? What?¡± Vicky frowned.

    ¡°Exactly what it means. Both Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Keaton will ingest the poison directly and nullify it,¡±

    Neil exined.

    Everyone gasped¨Cthat was going too far!

    ¡°I refuse!¡± Vicky protested right away. ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Neil!¡±

    Frank was one in a million¨Cshe did not want anything bad happening to him!

    ¡°You¡¯re being too prudent, cousin.¡± Neil chuckled, turning toward Frank with a look of

    disdain. ¡°Mr. Lawrence there is perfectly calm and even fearless, right?¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Frank smiled, perfectly aware what Neil was up to. ¡°I absolutely agree, Mr. Turnbull¨Cbut only if you

    ingest the poison yourself.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Caught off guard, Neil was stumped.

    Was he waiting for this?!

    Frank sneered right then. ¡°What, are you afraid, Mr. Turnbull? Or are you not confident in Mr. Keaton¡¯s

    abilities?¡±

    Neil scowled and turned toward Paul.

    As Paul nodded confidently, Neilposed himself and said, ¡°Why not? Then it¡¯s decided.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Whenever you¡¯re ready, Mr. Keaton,¡± Frank said.

    Vicky and Yara hurried to him right then.

    ¡°Frank, Neil¡¯s trying to provoke you. Don¡¯t fall for it!¡± Vicky snapped under her breath.

    ¡°Yeah. His skill with poison is exceptional, even among the apothecaries in the capital.¡±

    Seeing both women were trying to talk Frank out of it, Neil promptly said, ¡°Why do youdies have so

    little faith in Mr. Lawrence? He¡¯s agreed to it, so stop trying to talk him out of it.¡±

    Frank simply smiled at thedies. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¨CI know a thing or two about poison myself. There¡¯s no

    telling who would win this.¡±

    Vicky rubbed her forehead exasperatedly his choice!

    -no one could change Frank¡¯s mind once he made

    Just then, Paul took a small bottle from his pouch, stroking his beard and saying nonchntly, ¡°This is

    called the Heartzer. Just five grams can kill a person¨CI¡¯ve perfected it over twenty years by gathering

    every toxic herb in the world. It¡¯s tasteless and odorless, so it¡¯s hard to detect. Only I have it, having

    concocted just the fifty grams you can see here.¡±

    Everyone scowled at his introduction¨Cjust five grams could kill? That was terrible!

    Paul simply looked at everyone in turn with a smug smile and asked Frank, ¡°Do you dare have a taste,

    Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°Why not?¡±

    He took the bottle, holding it in front of his nose, sniffing it a little.

    Then, before anyone knew what was happening, he reared his head and chugged it. ¡°Frank!¡± Vicky

    cried.

 Chapter 154

    Vicky gaped, her face paling since she did not expect Frank to chug all five grams of the Heartzer!

    Beside her, Yara was left speechless!

    Susan was folding her arms before her chest, shaking her head as she snorted¨Cthe man was really

    mentally challenged!

    Even Paul was shocked that Frank was so reckless. ¡°Y¨CYou just killed yourself! I could treat you if it

    was just five grams, but you drank the entire bottle! You¡¯re beyond saving.¡±

    Neilughed. ¡°Haha! You¡¯ve really done it¨Cno one can save you now!¡±

    Vicky promptly turned toward her servants. ¡°Call Mr. Zimmer. Hurry!¡®

    Frank raised a palm, stopping her. ¡°Save it¨Cit¡¯s merely a neurotoxin. I can heal myself soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Stop joking around, Frank!¡± Vicky cried, frowning.

    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m joking?¡± Frank replied sternly. ¡°Just keep your distance.¡±

    With that, he assumed a meditative pose, directing his vigor to push out the Snowshade already in his

    body.

    He would fight poison with poison!

    ¡°What is he doing?¡± Neil quickly asked.

    Paul waspletely confused, having not the faintest idea.

    Just then, a sheet of vapor swirled around Frank, while his face seemed to turn purple as the

    Snowshade and Heartzer collided in his body.

    He simply waited until both poisons were done canceling each other out and directed his vigor to

    excrete everything that was left!

    It was over before long, and Frank stopped pushing his vigor since he had made a full recovery.

    As he slowly rose to his feet, Vicky studied him from head to toe, asking tentatively, ¡°Frank¡­ Are you

    alright?¡±

    ¡°I told you the poison wouldn¡¯t work with me,¡± Frank said calmly.

    ¡°W¨CWhat the hell happened?!¡± Neil¡¯s face contorted so terribly, as if he could die seeing Frank

    unscathed!

    He wheeled on Paul, who was gaping too. ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    He certainly did not¡ªhe had spent twenty years perfecting the Heartzer, improving it gradually over

    time.

    How on earth did it turn out to bepletely ineffective?!

    Frank leveled a sharp look at Neil right then. ¡°I believe it¡¯s my turn, Mr. Turnbull.¡±

    Neil was actually afraid to look him in the eye and stammered, ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve

    got!¡±

    Frank shook his head¨Che would be begging soon enough.

    Taking out a bottle, ¡°This is my poison. Please drink it.¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Neil took the bottle with trembling fingers¨Cthe liquid inside was yellow and had a rather strange scent¡­

    Frank grabbed his wrist right then. ¡°Stop looking and drink.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Neil gritted his teeth, but drank the bottle. ¡°It¡¯s up to you now, Mr. Keaton.¡±

    Paul nodded and ced his hand on Neil¡¯s wrist to feel his pulse, wary for whatever was going

    toe.

    Neil soon felt an aching from his belly, with a chill unfurling from inside out.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± He cried endlessly as he copsed to the floor. ¡°Mr. Keaton¡­ Help me! Quick!¡±

 Chapter 155

    As Neil rolled around and screamed, his sweat was turning into ice while faint vapor swirled around

    him.

    It was a scary sight¨Ceven Vicky was stunned as she looked on, since she had experienced the same

    symptoms when she was poisoned with Snowshade.

    Still, Paul was smiling after reading the signs. ¡°Calm down, Mr. Turnbull. The poison you took is cold¨CI

    can help you.¡±

    Neil breathed a sigh of relief¨Cthe poison was no issue for Paul!

    Whipping out a box of silver needles right then, he inserted one in the center of Neil¡¯s sr plexus.

    Neil was delighted right then¨Call his pain was gone!

    Then Paul inserted twelve more needles at various other pressure points, while Neil soon recovered as

    if he was never poisoned.

    Vicky was surprised that Paul was actually as good as he boasted, while Neilughed smugly. ¡± Haha!

    Your poison is nothing, Frank Lawrence!¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you were using cold poison,¡± Paul stroked his beard as he gloated as well,

    ¡°Shame. I have studied that discipline myself years ago.¡±

    Frank chuckled coolly, however. ¡°It is cold poison, geezer, but not your run¨Cof¨Cthe¨Cmill cold poison.

    Your needles have merely stopped its effects for now¨Cyou didn¡¯t break the poison at

    all.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Paul snapped. ¡°I¡¯ve checked Mr. Turnbull. The poison is gone.¡±

    ¡°Really? Why don¡¯t you check his central nerve nodes?¡± Frank told him. ¡°He¡¯s afflicted with

    Snowshade, a technique of the Spirit Hill Sect. It lurks within those nodes to destroy nerves and veins

    from within, and the needles won¡¯t stop it for that long.¡±

    Paul did a double take.

    However, he had read about the poison in old books, and he snapped, ¡°You¡¯re lying!

    Snowshade does attack the central nerve nodes, but it needs a medium. And the poison in the bottle

    wasn¡¯t cold¨Cit¡¯s definitely not Snowshade!¡±

    ¡°Have I ever said there¡¯s poison in the bottle?¡±

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    ¡°Then what is it?!¡± Paul demanded.

    Frank pinched his nose. ¡°It¡¯s just a little catalyst called pee.¡±

    ¡°Pfft-¡± Vicky snickered without a care.

    Neil¡¯s face fell right then. ¡°You made me drink pee?!¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s good for your health.¡±

    ¡°Then when did you poison Mr. Turnbull¡­¡±

    Paul trailed off as he remembered Frank grabbing Neil¡¯s wrist.

    That must be it!

    At the same time, Neil felt himself growing weaker, and he was soon convulsing in agony. You have to

    save me, Mr. Keaton¡­¡±

    Paul was left at a loss. ¡°I¨CI would, but I can¡¯t!¡±

    He had already felt how horrific Snowshade could be when he inserted his needles in Neil.

    At the same time, he did not get it¨Cwhy did Frank have it in his body?

    Vickyughed haughtily just then, ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re conceding, Mr. Keaton?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Paul replied.

    He was indignant, but there was nothing he could do, just as he would never y around with Neil¡¯s

    life!

 Chapter 156

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Neil was gritting his teeth in disappointment, but he soon red viciously at Frank. ¡°You win this time.

    Now give me the antidote.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Frank shrugged. ¡°Neither of us agreed to provide antidotes.¡±

    ¡°W¨CWhat are you talking about?¡± Neil stared at Frank in nk disbelief¨Cwas Frank going to let him

    die?!

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Turnbull. But I¡¯m under no obligation to help you.¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence!¡± Paul strode up to him, barking, ¡°Know when not to push it¨Cthink of your future, won¡¯t

    you?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Frankughed without a care. ¡°Are you really talking about the future? It¡¯s already a question

    as to whether he survives tonight.¡±

    ¡°Guh¡­¡± Paul was immediately left stumped.

    At the same time, Neil was tearing up in agony and crawled toward Walter to hug his leg as he cried,

    ¡°Please, Uncle Walter¡­ save me! Make him give me the antidote! I¡¯m going to die!¡±

    Walter was left at a loss, but he had no choice but to turn toward Frank with a pleading look. ¡± Please

    be magnanimous this once, Mr. Lawrence¨Cdon¡¯t get petty with Neil. Why not just give him the

    antidote?¡±

    Neil was his brother¡¯s son¨Che could not bear to see the boy die in front of him.

    ¡°Neil understands that he¡¯s made a mistake, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Walter added.

    Neil nodded repeatedly, but Frank remained unmoved.

    Susan snapped right then, ¡°Why are you just standing there, Frank?! Give Neil the antidote, or you¡¯re

    not leaving this house if this bad!¡±

    goes

    ¡°That¡¯s enough from you, Mom,¡± Vicky said, stepping forward. ¡°Neil was the one who proposed that

    theypete with poison. He has no right to me Frank now that he provescking.¡±

    ¡°Really?! You¡¯d rather watch as your cousin dies?!¡± Susan was growling through her teeth.

    Les was already killed here in Riverton!

    If Neil died too¨Cand in their house at that¨Cthere was no telling what Glen would do!

    Vicky turned toward Neil, grinning just then. ¡°You¡¯ve lost this one, Neil. You have no right to meddle

    with Grande Corp¡¯s operations.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s smug expression certainly left Neil gritting his teeth in rage. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t interfere. Now can

    you give me the antidote?!¡±

    Vicky walked up to Frank and asked humbly just then, ¡°I know Neil was full of himself, Frank, but spare

    him this one time for my sake.¡±

    Frank shot her a look. ¡°He wanted me dead from the start, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    He had no sympathy for people like him who wanted him dead. In contrast, he would not go that far if it

    were just a thug who wanted to show off a little.

    Still, Vicky knew Frank and took his hand, tugging as she purred, ¡°Oh, do it for me¡­ pretty please? I¡¯ll

    properly make it worth your while tonight¡­¡±

    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Walter quickly cleared his throat, trying to have his daughter stay in line.

    There were so many people around them!

    Frank was left sweating as well¨CVicky really knew no limit, did she?

    And seeing that everyone was giving him weird looks, Frank quickly said, ¡°Tell him to get on his knees

    and apologize if he wants to live.¡±

    Vicky turned toward Neil. ¡°Heard that? Get on your knees and apologize to Frank.¡±

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Neil¡¯s face was purple as he clenched his knuckles and growled, ¡°What did you say?¡±

 Chapter 157

    Neil was Glen¡¯s second son, and he certainly never apologized to anyone!

    ¡°Me, apologize to him?!¡± he growled. ¡°I¡¯m the second heir of the family!¡± Vicky shrugged nonchntly.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do it, guess you¡¯ll just have to die.¡± Susan snapped at Frank right then, ¡°What are

    you waiting for? Give him the antidote!¡±

    Frank folded his arms before his chest nonchntly. ¡°Sorry, but I have no choice since he doesn¡¯t want

    to apologize.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Susan¡¯s face flushed¨Cthis was the first time she had met anyone this full of himself!

    On the other hand, Vicky stood beside Frank. ¡°Neil was the one who suggested this match. He lost but

    couldn¡¯t bring himself to apologize after all that. He has no choice but to die¡ªI¡¯ve done all I can either

    way.¡±

    Walter looked at Frank¡¯s cool gaze, and then at his nephew who was writhing in agony.

    Seeing that there was no reasoning with Frank, he leaned in to tell Neil, ¡°Why don¡¯t you just apologize

    properly, Neil?¡±

    Neil¡¯s face contorted in rage, his veins bulging over his neck¨Che could rip Frank in half right then!

    However, his life was in Frank¡¯s hands, and he had to suck it up despite the shame.

    Biting his lip so hard he was bleeding, Neil dropped to his knees in front of Frank with a thud. ¡°I am

    sorry, Frank Lawrence,¡± he said. ¡°Please help me.¡±

    Everyone stared at Neil in silence.

    Frank must have been the only one who could make the man go down on his knees!

    ¡°I would¡¯ve done that much sooner if you¡¯d just done that earlier.¡± Frank chuckled in

    amusement.

    ¡°Cure him right now, Frank Lawrence!¡± Susan snapped coolly even as she red at him. Frank strode

    up, tapping several of Neil¡¯s pressure points with his fingers.

    ¡°rgh!!!¡± Neil threw up a mouthful of blood while feeling a swelling sensation in his stomach, though

    the chill he had been feeling subsided considerably.

    Paul hurried to him and felt his wrist before sighing after a long while. ¡°The poison is gone now, Mr.

    Turnbull.¡±

    Neil rose to his feet in turn, ring at Frank as he growled, ¡°I¡¯ll remember this, you brat.¡± ¡°Still not

    satisfied?¡± Vicky snapped. ¡°I won¡¯t hold back if you move against Frank!

    Robert strode up as well. ¡°That¡¯s right. This match was fair, and anyone who dares seek reprisals shall

    first answer to me.¡±

    Neil narrowed his eyes, but he dared not challenge Frank again as he faced pressure from both Robert

    and Vicky.

    Robert then started mping while leveling a look of satisfaction at Frank. ¡°As expected of the one who

    saved my daughter. You are as well¨Cversed in martial arts and medicine¡­ Do you happen to be free?

    How about visiting my humble abode?¡±

    Frank looked around and decided he should not stay since everyone else aside from Vicky and Walter

    looked like they could kill him.

    He nodded. ¡°I shall take you up on that offer.¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Haha! Very well. Shall we depart?¡±

    Vicky told Frank under his breath just then, ¡°You can stay there for a while too.¡±

    Frank turned to stare at her. ¡°Are you fine on your own?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.

    This is my home¨CNeil wouldn¡¯t dare mess around.¡±

 Chapter 158

    ¡°Okay.¡± Frank nodded and turned toward Walter. ¡°I¡¯ll see you again, Mr. Turnbull.¡±

    With that, he followed Robert into his car and headed to his residence with him.

    It was a manor to the east of the city¨Ca location filled with nature¡¯s blessings. That was especially the

    case for a certain mansion, surrounded by the hills and bodies of water.

    Frank found himself staring at the mansion¨Ccultivating there would definitely be twice as effective than

    usual!

    The Quills were a n of martial artists as reputed, with acolytes sparring or training along the

    compound.

    Once the car drove inside the manor grounds, Yara hurried over to open the door for him. ¡± Wee,

    Mr. Lawrence.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Frank said and followed Robert into the drawing room.

    A burly man was sitting there, having waited for a while.

    He bore some resemnce to Robert and got up when he saw Robert. ¡°Father.¡±

    Robert nodded. ¡°Allow me to introduce you to my son Stan, Mr. Lawrence. Stan, this is Mr. Frank

    Lawrence, the man who saved your daughter.¡±

    ¡°Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Lawrence.¡± Stan nodded in greeting while studying Frank from head

    to toe.

    ¡°Mr. Quill,¡± Frank replied.

    Robert then waved. ¡°Yara, go fetch my Silver Tips Imperial. Let Mr. Lawrence have a taste.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Yara replied and left to get the tea.

    Robert smiled and asked just then, ¡°I heard you helped Yara improve our Boltsmacker, and her martial

    arts and cultivation has improved exponentially in turn?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just advice,¡± Frank said humbly. ¡°Not an improvement.¡±

    Stan asked just then, ¡°Since you can do that much, are you the apprentice of a famous sect?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°You tter me, but I merely learned a thing or two from my mentor while I was

    young. I wouldn¡¯t say that I¡¯ve mastered martial arts.¡±

    He might have learned medicine, astrology, martial arts, geography, pill refinement, and crafting, but he

    really was master of none.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t master martial arts, why would you modify our n¡¯s technique?¡± Stan asked coolly just

    then. ¡°We¡¯ve kept that technique within the n for generations. It¡¯s not to be changed by anybody.¡±

    Frank was taken aback, surprised that Stan could be so harsh.

    He nced at Robert with the corner of his eye, but thetter was simply smiling.

    The geezer obviously was not going to interfere as he was keen to test his abilities as well.

    way

    However, that begged the question¨Cif Robert did not trust him, why rush all the to Turnbull Vi to

    defend him?

    Was it just to satisfy an urge to assert his authority?

    Still, Yara returned with the tea just then.

    Seeing that her brother was obviously getting up in Frank¡¯s face, she strode up and demanded, ¡°What

    are you doing, Stan?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Stan shrugged. ¡°Just trying to share some martial arts experience with Mr.

    Lawrence here.¡±

    ¡°You can do that with me instead,¡± Yara said, frowning.

    Stan pursed his lips. ¡°That¡¯d be dull since you keep losing to me.¡±

    ¡°Grr¡­¡± Yara bit her lip, a little angry just then.

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Cut it out,¡± Robert said just then. ¡°Mr. Lawrence is right here.¡±

    He then poured Frank a cup of tea. ¡°Do enjoy, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank nodded and took a small sip when Robert asked, ¡°So, when did you start going out with my

    daughter?¡±

    ¡°Pfft!!!¡± Frank spat out his tea right then before turning toward Yara with a questioning look.

 Chapter 159

    Yara blushed as she lowered her gaze, avoiding Frank¡¯s eyes.

    She had no choice¨Cshe needed to give her father a suitable excuse, since Neil might harass Frank.

    However, she did not have one and had to tell her father that Frank was her boyfriend to finally get her

    father to help.

    ¡°Oh¡­ Well¡­¡± Frank blurted, not sure what to say.

    ¡°We¡¯ve just been together for a month, Dad,¡± Yarained right then. ¡°Don¡¯t pry now.¡±

    Robert smiled. ¡°Alright, if you say so.¡±

    Beside him, Stan flexed his muscles. ¡°It¡¯s not that easy Mr. Lawrence. You¡¯ll have to get past me first.¡±

    if

    you want to be my

    brother¨Cinw,

    Frank was left with a headache right then¨Che never had that intention at all!

    Robert chuckled just then. ¡°Well, my son said it. You¡¯d need to at least best him to protect Yara, don¡¯t

    you?¡±

    Frank smiled awkwardly. ¡°Ms. Quill is plenty amazing herself. Not many would be able to beat her.¡±

    Did she even need protection, given her strength?¡±

    Still, Robert waved him off dismissively. ¡°You may not know this, Mr. Lawrence, but Yara has never won

    against Stan. Why don¡¯t you teach him the lesson¡­ that there¡¯s always a bigger fish?

    Stan¡¯s eyes were fixed on Frank too. ¡°What, are you afraid, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank sighed exasperatedly¨Cthey would even put up a good cop, bad cop routine just to push him.

    It seemed he would have to show his chops today¡­

    Slowly rising to his feet, he said, ¡°In that case, I shall give a few pointers.¡±

    Stan pursed his lips.

    They really should not have been polite with him¨Cthe man was already getting full of himself!

    Robert then eximed in delight, ¡°Great! Let¡¯s move to the dojo, shall we?¡±

    Frank nodded and followed them.

    Yara moved beside him, apologizing quietly, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Mr. Lawrence¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Frank shrugged nonchntly. ¡°I can see that your brother is a nut when ites to martial

    arts. With that being the case, I could spar with him a little.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Yara said in embarrassment. ¡°I meant lying to my father that you¡¯re my

    boyfriend. You can¡¯t me me¡ªI was really worried about you, and that was the only idea I cane

    up with to get my father to bail you out.¡±

    Frank did a double take, but he certainly would not me her since she did it out of kindness. Surely

    you jest, Ms. Quill. I¡¯d never me you¡­ but wouldn¡¯t that hurt your reputation?¡±

    11

    Yara waved him off nonchntly. ¡°It¡¯s no issue. As long as you¡¯re safe, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank averted his eyes, finding it hard to look into her earnest gaze just then.

    Soon, they arrived at the dojo, where many others were training.

    Still, some were curious to see Stan getting into the ring with an unfamiliar face.

    ¡°Who is it? Is he really going to spar with Stan?¡±

    ¡°Looks like it. I mean, Mr. Turnbull himself is here¡­¡±

    Everyone was soon staring fixedly at the ring, losing interest in training just then.

    Stan rolled up his sleeves, nodding in salutation as he said, ¡°Shall we get started, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Frank said evenly. ¡°You can go first.¡±

    The crow immediately got rowdy¡ªin their eyes, Robert was invincible, and Stan was certainly powerful

    as he mostly inherited his father¡¯s techniques!

    ¡°Whoa, that¡¯s one pompous brat!

    ¡°Teach him a lesson, Mr. Quill!¡±

    Stan was chuckling in contempt as well. ¡°You¡¯re letting me go first? You won¡¯t even have the chance to

    strike back!¡±

    Yara shouted a friendly reminder just then, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate him, Stan! Watch yourself up there!¡±

    Robert actually frowned beside her. ¡°Do you think so lowly of your own brother?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡± Yara sighed. ¡°But he won¡¯t win unless Frank deliberately concedes.¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Robert raised his brow, bing even more curious about Frank¡¯s abilities just then¡­

 Chapter 160

    However, Stan was only further infuriated by his sister¡¯s reminder.

    No longer holding back, he poised himself to go all out and attacked¨Chis Boltsmacker was ferocious,

    and one could feel a gust in the air with each strike he unleashed!

    Frank, however, remained nonchnt as he lightly parried Stan¡¯s blow.

    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Stan¡¯s face fell.

    He quickly unleashed all seven styles and sixty¨Cthree strikes of his technique. And yet, did not even

    react as he kept meeting every blow until the veryst.

    Frank

    Having read all of Stan¡¯s moves at that point, he slowly said, ¡°You¡¯re focusing too much on your attack,

    which reveals your openings unknowingly.¡±

    His tone was quiet and calm, but it struck Stan like a bolt from the blue!

    Soon, he was left watching as Frank charged a Boltsmacker.

    He had also improved the technique once more, and in a style that suited men!

    Stan¡¯s eyes widened as he froze in ce, his pupils dting¨CFrank seemed to be shining just then!

    That was when Frank unleashed his palm strike, striking Stan in the chest with the force of a hurricane!

    Stan was sent flying out of the ring right then before mming heavily on the ground.

    He was left clutching his chest, somehow feeling the force of Frank¡¯s blow still on his chest, and even

    his heart hurt!

    He could tell right then his heart would have been crushed if Frank had gone all out, let alone able to

    withstand the brute force!

    ¡°Woah¡­ Did he just beat Stan?¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t he using the Boltsmacker technique too?¡±

    ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    As everyone stared at Frank in disbelief, Robert was pping, unable to hold back his praise. Your

    martial arts knowledge is truly exceptional, Mr. Lawrence¡­ But I must ask, when did you learn our

    Boltsmacker technique?¡±

    ¡°From the time I sparred with your daughter,¡± Frank admitted.

    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Robert gasped. ¡°However, I must say that the technique you used was different from ours.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°There¡¯s a slight w in the technique your n passed down. It relies too much on

    brute force¨Cyour nerves and veins would be overwhelmed in time, so I changed it a little. If I may ask,

    have you ever felt a blockage to your central nerve nodes after so long?¡±

    Robert stiffened.

    Even if it was a technique passed down in his n through generations, he did feel a w just

    as Frank put it¨Che just did not know where the problemy.

    Not only did Frank notice it, but he improved it too!

    Gulping, he quickly said, ¡°Let¡¯s speak further in my manor¡­¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    As everyone returned to the drawing room, Robert was obviously no longer dismissive toward Frank.

    His expression solemn, he asked, ¡°I have to ask, Mr. Lawrence¡­ Could you help us by showing how

    you improved the Boltsmacker?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Frank nodded. ¡°May I have a pen and piece of paper?¡±

    Robert promptly had a servant fetch some, after which Frank unreservedly wrote down a manual on the

    improved Boltsmacker. It was different from the one he taught Yara before, since this one was tailored

    for men while Yara¡¯s was more suited for women.

    He soon finished, and Robert held the manual in hand carefully as if it were a treasure, reading it

    repeatedly while feelingpletely overjoyed.

    ¡°This is amazing! Simply amazing!¡± he eximed repeatedly and looked towards Frank with such

    enthusiasm that he would have Frank marry Yara on

 Chapter 161

    Even Stan was left eximing in awe after reading the manual. ¡°You¡¯re a genius, Mr. Lawrence!

    Robert then asked, ¡°Are you willing to sell this, Mr. Lawrence? I¡¯m willing to buy it off your hands.¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, sir. It¡¯s just a manual¨Cyou can have it if you want it.¡±

    It was actually worthless to him, and he certainly did not mind letting them have it for Yara¡¯s sake.

    ¡°Oh¡­ This is a little too much!¡± Robert eximed, surprised by Frank¡¯s generosity. ¡°If you

    need anything, you need just ask¨CI promise to do my utmost to help as long as it¡¯s within my power¡­¡±

    Frank thought about it and suddenly asked, ¡°Would you happen to know who owns the mansion on top

    of the hill?¡±

    Robert appeared surprised but soon smiled, ¡°Actually, the luxurious residences of Skywater Bay is a

    development project my son led. What a coincidence!¡±

    Stan quickly asked, ¡°Are you interested in the mansion, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    He was utterly respectful now that he had seen the depth of Frank¡¯s abilities, no longer showing any

    hint of contempt.

    Frank nodded. ¡°It does look good. May I ask how much it would cost?¡±

    ¡°What are you saying, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Stan smiled, spreading his arms. ¡°You can have it if you like it.¡±

    As a real estate developer, he owned more than a few such luxury homes. And getting into Frank¡¯s

    good graces with just one was more than worth it!

    Still, Frank quickly shook his head..¡°I can see that the mansion is worth a fortune. I¡¯d rather buy it off

    your hands¡­¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Robertughed heartily. ¡°You have a keen eye, Mr. Lawrence. However, those

    mansions are not for sale¨Cwe only offer them as presents to friends of our family. The people who live

    there are either rich or important.¡±

    Then, turning to Yara, he added, ¡°Moreover, how can I make you pay for it when you¡¯re going to be my

    son¨Cinw? Just consider it her dowry. Once you two pick a good day to tie the knot, I¡¯d be relieved.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Frank was left stumped and turned toward Yara in hopes she would bail him out.

    Yara braced herself in turn. ¡°It¡¯s still too early for that, Dad. Frank and I can decide for ourselves¨Cyou

    don¡¯t have to pry.¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Oh, are you getting embarrassed?¡± Robert chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not exactly young, though. You shouldn¡¯t

    drag things out.¡±

    ¡°I know. I will try,¡± Yara grumbled under her breath.

    ¡°Good, good. As long as you both understand,¡± Robert said, refraining from pressing the issue at that.

    Yara then said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take Frank to check out the mansion¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course. Go on¨Cand you don¡¯t have toe back tonight.¡± Robert grinned, waving her goodbye.

    Yara promptly pulled Frank along as they left¨Cher dad would ask for more if they waited!

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry, Yara?¡± Stan suddenly asked.

    ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m not in a hurry,¡± Yara muttered defensively.

    Stan whipped out a key card from his pocket. ¡°How are you going to get inside the mansion. without

    this?¡±

    Yara smacked herself on the forehead. ¡°Oh, I forgot.¡±

    She took the card and left the manor with Frank.

    As they headed uphill along the little road, Yara breathed a sigh of relief when there was no one else

    around. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about today, Mr. Lawrence¡­ I even troubled you to help my father improve the

    Boltsmacker.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Ms. Quill.¡± Frank smiled.

    And with that, neither spoke again.

 Chapter 162

    Things were awkward between Frank and Yara, and thetter quickly opened the door when they

    arrived at the hilltop mansion. ¡°This is it, Mr. Lawrence. Why don¡¯t you look inside?¡±

    Frank scanned the ce.

    All the furniture he could ask for was there, and the interior was renovated thoroughly. There was some

    dust, but the ce was great overall.

    ¡°It¡¯s really good,¡± he remarked.

    Yara nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll call the cleaners over soon. You can move in as soon as tonight, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Frank nodded.

    Yara then remembered something else and told him, ¡°By the way, we have a lead on Winter Lawrence,

    the person you asked me to find. I¡¯ve found out from the orphanage that she was adopted and taken to

    Middleton, and I¡¯ve sent my people to look.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Quill,¡± Frank said seriously. ¡°I¡¯d be really grateful if you could really find her.

    ¡°May I ask who she is to you?¡± Yara asked in curiosity just then.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Winter was obviously very important to Frank, and Yara wondered if she was his sister.

    ¡°She¡¯s my mentor¡¯s only daughter,¡± Frank admitted, not worried about hiding things. ¡°I¡¯ve been staying

    in Riverton to find her, as a way to fulfill my mentor¡¯sst wish.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Yara nodded, regarding Frank with even more respect.

    The man was not only amazing in medicine and martial arts, but his character was worthy of respect as

    well.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence,¡± she assured him earnestly. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to help you fulfill your mentor¡¯s

    wish.¡±

    She leftter, and Frank started to train alone in the mansion.

    Not only was the scenery around the mansion picturesque, but there were also not many people

    around. It was less mundane that way, affording tranquility necessary for training.

    Meanwhile, Donald Szar was staring at Jaud White in disbelief at his office, on the top floor of

    Donald Tower in Riverton.

    ¡°The kid took one of your hands?¡± he asked in shock, staring at the stump.

    Jaud nodded. ¡°I¡¯m surprised Vicky Turnbull kept someone that powerful around her, but he didn¡¯t fare

    any better. He¡¯ll die soon enough after I struck him with my Snowshade.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Donald asked, frowning. ¡°Vicky is still alive.¡±

    ¡°I hit him with three needles. He¡¯s a dead man walking,¡± Jaud said confidently. ¡°As for Vicky, I actually

    hit her with a low dosage since it wasn¡¯t the n to kill her anyway.¡±

    Donald nodded in satisfaction at that. ¡°Good. So? Do we have Obadiah Longman¡¯s pill recipe?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Jaud said, taking out the sheet with his remaining arm.

    Donald¡¯s

    eyes were aze as he quickly took it. ¡°Haha! We will take over the Riverton market with this!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve checked the recipe myself,¡± Jaud said. ¡°There won¡¯t be any issue for mass production, though I

    should mention that Les is dead, and I heard Neil Turnbull hase to Riverton¡­¡±

    ¡°So what if he did?¡± Donald scoffed in disdain. ¡°We have the recipe, and Vicky¡¯s survival is in our

    hands. The Turnbulls no longer have a foothold here ¨C have our men put the Beauty Pill into production

    as soon as possible. I want to take over the Riverton market at top speed.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Szar!¡± Jaud replied.

    Donald then nced at the stump that was Jaud¡¯s hand again. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. White. I¡¯ll make this

    worth your while.¡±

    As he spoke, he wrote Jaud a check worth ten million.

    Jaud was certainly delighted. ¡°It¡¯s my honor to be of service, Mr. Szar.¡±

 Chapter 163

    Helen was very busy over thest few days, but as the construction for the West City project started,

    her funds were quickly drained.

    Closing the file on her desk, she strode to her mother¡¯s room.

    Knock, knock¡­

    ¡°What?¡± Gina asked from inside.

    Helen entered to find Gina¡¯s clothes disheveled, still clearly groggy as she pushed herself up.

    ¡°Have you been seeing Gregtely?¡± Helen asked.

    She knew what was going on between her mother and Greg but chose to be quiet since it was Gina¡¯s

    right.

    However, even if she was not at ease to interfere, Greg was visiting her mother a lot less after she

    borrowed him money.

    Gina looked tired as she said, ¡°Oh, he¡¯s busytely so he doesn¡¯t have time. His business is booming

    at the moment, you know.¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t hispany go public? Ask him to pay us back¨Courpany needs the money

    urgently.¡±

    ¡°We just lent it to him,¡± Gina said awkwardly. ¡°It isn¡¯t nice to ask for it back so soon¡­¡±

    ¡°But he said he could pay us back once hispany goes public, didn¡¯t he?¡± Helen pointed out bluntly.

    ¡°And it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve been in touch. You could use the chance to meet up and tell him

    properly.¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry¨CI know Greg,¡± Gina said nonchntly.

    Helen, however, was insistent. ¡°You should just call and ask, Mom.¡±

    Gina could not argue and growled impatiently, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll call him, alright?¡±

    He whipped out his phone to call Greg¨Cthe dialing tone was set as her favorite song back in high

    school, and Gina was engrossed even as she listened.

    Greg really knew what she liked¡­

    However, the song eventually finished ying, but Greg never answered.

    Gina was puzzled¨Che would always answer immediately before this.

    Beside her, Helen took a deep breath, feeling a foreboding sensation just then.

    Still, Gina preserved. ¡°He might be busy. I¡¯ll leave a voicemail ¨Che¡¯ll reply when he sees it.¡±

    Once she did so, the status of her message immediately went red.

    ¡°H¨CHow is this happening?¡± Gina murmured in disbelief.

    Greg had blocked her?!

    Helen was left wobbling as her head suddenly felt light.

    It was over¨Cthey were not getting their twenty million back.

    ¡°H¨CHow did this happen?¡± Gina¡¯s eyes were welling up with tears like a teenage girl who was just

    dumped.

    ¡°Forget it.¡± Helen sighed exasperatedly.

    She knew this would happen, but considering that Greg treated her face, she could just pretend the two

    million was her medical fees.

    Gina was left stuttering, unable to speak when the housekeeper rushed into the room, eximing in

    shock, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Lane, but a bunch of people have barged in and demanded that we pay our

    debt!¡±

    ¡°Pay our debt?!¡± Helen eximed in shock and hurried outside.

    When she arrived at the drawing room, she found a bunch of thugs sitting there, and they were all

    armed!Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 164

    Helen frowned. ¡°Who are you people?¡±

    A bald man who was their leader replied, ¡°Your creditors, of course. Are you Gina?¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Gina¡¯s my mother.¡±

    Baldie nodded. ¡°Then we¡¯re at the right ce. Your mom borrowed twenty million from Sindark

    Finance, iming she could pay up in ten days.¡±

    He even whipped out an agreement that had Gina¡¯s signature on it, clear as day!

    Helen was left utterly dumbfounded as she turned toward Gina. ¡°Mom, what the heck?¡±

    ¡°I¨CI thought¡­ Didn¡¯t we agree on ten days?¡± Gina stammered. ¡°Why are you here already?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re counting from the day you made the loan,¡± Baldie growled coolly. ¡°Not the next day.¡±

    ¡°C¨CCould you give me a day¡¯s extension? I¡¯ll have the money tomorrow¡­¡± Gina quickly said.

    ¡°Are you kidding me? An extension?! Paying up is what you¡¯re supposed to do!¡± Baldie¡¯s eyes

    narrowed¨CGina was clearly not going to pay!

    ¡°Mom, when did you borrow twenty million dors?¡± Helen quickly asked. ¡°What did you use it for?¡±

    It was not a small sum¨Cshe had never even heard Gina mention about taking a loan!

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Gina kept her eyes lowered as she exined, ¡°Greg was asking me for more money, and he

    said he¡¯d pay me once hispany goes public. I thought it was urgent, so I helped him by taking out

    a loan¡­¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Helen could almost cough blood right then¨Cthat made it a total of forty million dors!

    ¡®Are you paying up or not?!¡± Baldie barked right then.

    ¡°Y¨CYes, of course,¡± Gina quickly said. ¡°I still have some shares¨CI can sell them for money. Just wait a

    moment.¡±

    She quickly called her ountant and said, ¡°Hello, Mr. Sheridan? Dump all the shares in my ount¨C

    all of them.¡±

    On the other end, Mr. Sheridan waspletely baffled. ¡°But you have no shares in your ount, Ms.

    Zonda¡­¡±

    ¡°What? But I bought twenty million dors worth of Tarmac Corp shares! My broker¡¯s name is Greg

    Marsh. Please check again.¡±

    Tarmac Corp was thepany Greg founded, and she gave him the twenty million to buy those

    shares.

    Nheless, Mr. Sheridan insisted, ¡°I¡¯m not lying, Ms. Zonda. There are no shares in your ounts,

    not even records of any transactions. You cane check the records yourself if you find it necessary.¡±

    Gina cked out and almost copsed, but Helen quickly caught her. ¡°Mom! Are you okay?!

    What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s over. It¡¯s all over¡­¡± Gina rasped feebly. ¡°I¡¯m broke.¡±

    They could not reach Greg, and there were no shares in her ount¨Cit did not take a genius at this

    point to know that she had been swindled!

    ¡°What? Are you defaulting?¡± Baldie barked, rising to his feet.

    His goons followed suit.

    Helen sensed danger right then and quickly exined, ¡°No, we¡¯re not. We don¡¯t have the money right

    now, but we can mortgage this manor¡­¡±

    It was at least worth twenty million, and they had no choice but to mortgage it now.

    ¡°We only want cash.¡± Baldie snorted. ¡°Pay up, or you¡¯reing with us¡­

    ¡°Coming with you?¡±

    Baldie chuckled coolly. ¡°You have a debt, so you could earn it at our strip club. You¡¯ll be released once

    you make up for it.¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYou bastards!¡± Helen snapped. ¡°I have the money! This manor is worth twenty million!¡±

    ¡°That can wait until after you sell it for cash. You¡¯reing with us right now!¡± Baldie barked and

    grabbed Helen by the wrist to drag her outside.

    ¡°Let me go!¡±

 Chapter 165

    There was no way Helen could free herself with her measly strength!

    Gina ran up, wing at die as she yelled, ¡°What are you doing?! Let my daughter go-¡± ¡°Fuck off!¡±

    Baldie kicked her to the floor unceremoniously, pointing at her in the face as he bellowed, ¡°Get the

    money, hag, and then you cane to get your daughter back.¡±

    Gina clutched her stomach as she groaned, ¡°Stop¡­ Let my daughter go¡­.¡®

    Nheless, she was left watching as Baldie and the thugs took Helen away, and shey sprawled on

    the floor as she bawled, ¡°Greg Marsh, you bastard¡­ You killed us!¡±

    Meanwhile, Frank had just finished cultivating in seclusion.

    He hadpletely removed any remaining trace of Snowshade from his body and improved his

    cultivation.

    Still, he was hungry after confining himself for days and left the mansion to head down the hill, nning

    to get some food.

    As he arrived at the bottom of the hill, an oing Ferrari almost knocked him down, but he reacted

    quickly and dodged out of the way.

    Nheless, the Ferrari stopped by the road.

    A man in a suit slowly wound down the window and barked angrily, ¡°Watch the road, you little shit!¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°You¡¯re the one who almost knocked me down, bro.¡±

    ¡°Shit! Aren¡¯t you a courier? Don¡¯t you know there aren¡¯t any pedestrian walkways here in Skywater

    Bay?!¡± the man snapped, already deciding that Frank was a courier.

    After all, every other person living there had a car¨Cwhat respectable person would walk down the hill

    when each mansion was basically built into it?

    ¡°Bumpkin.¡± The man snorted as he wound up the window and floored the gas pedal, speeding off.

    Frank did not actually know that there were no pedestrian walkways on the hill.

    Still, he did not take offense and headed downhill, entering the first ce he found and taking a window

    seat.

    He ordered a ton of food to replenish his energy.

    When he felt more or less full, he was going to pay the bill when he spotted two familiar figures.

    It was Sean and Greg, both entering the hotel closely one after another.

    Frank frowned right then¨Cthose two were not supposed to know each other.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He watched as they headed to the private rooms upstairs, and quickly called for a waiter.

    ¡°How can I help, sir?¡±

    Frank whipped out his debit card. ¡°I¡¯ll take the room next to those two men. You can charge me an

    extra grand as a tip.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Okay,¡± the waiter agreed to it without hesitation, and Frank was in the next room soon enough.

    He stilled his heart as he leaned against the wall, carefully listening to the sounds from the next room.

    Being a specialist with exceptional vigor, his senses far surpassed the average Joe¡¯s. Naturally, Sean

    and Greg were unaware that Frank was eavesdropping, as Greg was chuckling, ¡°Mr. Wesley, that idiot

    Gina called me again today. I didn¡¯t answer, of course¨Cthough she has probably caught on by now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not an issue¨CSindark had already gone to Lane Manor,¡± Sean said, studying Greg as he continued,

    ¡°I¡¯m actually surprised you managed to swindle over forty mil from her.¡±

    ¡°You tter me,¡± Greg said humbly. ¡°Gina¡¯s just so thirsty that she¡¯s the most gullible woman I¡¯ve ever

    met.¡±

 Chapter 166

    Sean nodded in satisfaction and whipped out a debit card. ¡°Take this money. I¡¯ll call you if I need your

    help again¡­ Either way, tonight¡¯s going to be a busy night for me.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Wesley.¡± Greg smiled as he took the card.

    Next door, Frank was shaking his head.

    He knew Greg was a conman from the start, but to think that he was even working for Sean¡­

    ¡°Oh, Gina¡­ I don¡¯t even know where to begin with you.¡±

    Forty million was nothing for Frank, but it was definitely a big deal for Lane Holdings!

    Sean and Greg parted ways after finishing lunch together.

    Frank thought about it and decided to follow Greg, who was humming happily to himself as he got into

    his car.

    ¡°You seem to be in a good mood, Mr. Marsh?¡± a voice asked from the backseat.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Greg replied nonchntly, though he soon realized something was wrong!

    He looked at the rearview mirror right then and found Frank there in the backseat!

    When did that bastard get in?!

    Stunned, he quickly tried to get out of the car, but Frank grabbed him by the neck from behind,

    rendering him immobile!

    ¡°Ugh¡­ What do you want?! I have no fight with you!¡±

    ¡°Amazing, aren¡¯t you? Tricking Gina for forty million?¡± Frank asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied

    Greg.

    ¡°How¡¯d you know?!¡± Greg eximed in disbelief, but soon did the math and said, ¡°Look, man -you¡¯re an

    enemy of the Lanes anyway. Why don¡¯t I give you twenty million, and let¡¯s

    pretend nothing ever happened-¡±

    Frank pped him across the face, leaving Greg dazed as he bled from the lips.

    Still, he kept bargaining. ¡°Oof¡­ thirty million?¡±

    Frank said nothing and pped him again.

    Greg could feel his cheek swelling, and some of his teeth were getting loose!

    ¡°What do you want?!¡± he cried anxiously.

    ¡°Return the money and confess to Helen what you did right now.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Greg was hesitant.

    Frank raised his hand right then, and Greg promptly shielded his cheek as he cried, ¡°Alright, alright! I¡¯ll

    confess, okay?! But I can¡¯t wire the money back right away since it¡¯s been split and kept in different

    ounts, and some are in the form of shares. Could you at least give me a couple of days to do it?¡±

    Frank red at him and growled, ¡°Open your mouth.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Greg asked but did so despite his hesitation.

    Frank then took out a small pill from his pocket and shoved it into Greg¡¯s mouth. Then, he forced

    Greg¡¯s jaw shut, making him swallow it.

    Greg was left hacking as he cried, ¡°W¨CWhat did you just give me?¡±

    ¡°Just a type ofxative, but your intestines will burst and you¡¯ll die, so return the money and confess

    beforeing to me for the antidote.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy! Do you have to go that far for the Lanes?!¡±

    Gr¨¨g was at loss for words¨Cevery person in that family belittled Frank, but he would still suck up to

    them?!

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Shut it,¡± Frank snapped angrily. ¡°Also, what were you talking about with Sean Wesley? What is he up

    to tonight?¡±

    Greg gulped at that. ¡°I¨CI¡¯ll tell you, but don¡¯t hit me¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you if you don¡¯t talk,¡± Frank growled, shooting Greg a re.

    Greg sighed exasperatedly as he gave in. ¡°The twenty million loan Gina took up for me is from a loan

    company that Sean owns. His thugs would supposedly visit Lane Manor to demand payment today¡­

    and since Gina definitely can¡¯t pay up, they¡¯ll take Helen as coteral. And Sean will be waiting¡­¡±

 Chapter 167

    ¡°What?!¡± Frank was incensed, and his hands tightened around Greg.

    Greg¡¯s face turned flushed as he could not breathe. ¡°Oof¡­ Please¡­ Let me go¡­¡®

    Nheless, Frank bellowed, ¡°Where is Helen now?!¡±

    ¡°Skywater Bay! Mansion 13!¡± Greg shouted at the top of his lungs. ¡°That¡¯s all I know! Now let me go!¡±

    Frank frowned.

    Skywater Bay?

    He opened the door and pulled Greg out of the car before taking the driver¡¯s seat.

    Even as Gregy sprawled on the ground, he shouted, ¡°Please give me the antidote!¡±

    Frank shouted back coolly without turning, ¡°Come to me when you¡¯ve returned the money!

    Meanwhile, Baldie and his thugs had locked up Helen in a guest room inside Mansion 13.

    She pulled off the gurney sack they put over her head, finally seeing her surroundings.

    The room was too clean to be some loan shark¡¯s office!

    Helen kept hammering on the door, shouting, ¡°Where did you take me?! Let me out!¡± Baldieughed

    outside. ¡°You¡¯re not leaving until we¡¯re paid. So just stay right there.¡±

    Somehow, Helen calmed down despite Baldie¡¯s words.

    They had taken away her phone, so she could not contact her mother and find out if she could gather

    the money.

    Unable to get help, she took a seat to rest, but the door opened again.

    It was none other than Sean, though he locked the door as soon as he got in.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Sean?¡± Helen eximed in surprise, never expecting him to show up. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Sean chuckled and exined, ¡°Your mom called me, saying your family incurred a huge debt and they

    took you away. I just happen to be a close friend of Sindark¡¯s owner, so I quickly called him and told

    them not toy a finger on you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Helen said, keeping her head lowered despite being surprised that Sean came to her

    rescue when it mattered.

    Sean waved her off dismissively, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Helen. You¡¯re more than wee¨Cand don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve

    already paid the loan for your mom.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll repay you as soon as possible,¡± Helen quickly said, not wanting anything to do with Sean after

    seeing his true colors at The Dynasty.

    Sean, however, started to walk up to her slowly. ¡°Don¡¯t you get it, Helen? Money doesn¡¯t mean anything

    as long as you¡¯re happy. You can pretend it¡¯s my dowry.¡±

    ¥ß

    Helen promptly distanced herself, frowning as she demanded, ¡°What are you talking about? What

    dowry?¡±

    Sean got agitated right then. ¡°I¡¯ve helped you so many times and spent so much on you¡­ Don¡¯t you

    feel anything for me?¡±

    Helen rolled her eyes. ¡°How did you ever help me?¡±

    ¡°I mean, not before¡­ But I helped you this time by paying twenty million, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    Helen snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t need it¡ªI¡¯ll pay you back, and then we¡¯ll go our separate ways.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need it?¡± Sean¡¯s eyes shed viciously. ¡°Then you¡¯re not getting away!¡±

    Helen cried out as he pushed her on the bed. ¡°What are you doing?!¡±

    ¡°I spent so much time and effort on you!¡± Sean bellowed, giving up on pretenses right then. And you¡¯re

    telling me to go our separate ways?! Did you really think you got to have a say?! I¡¯ll make you mine

    right now!¡±

    He might have intended to appeal to her sentiment, but seeing that she was so unreasonable, he had

    to use force!

 Chapter 168

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Utterly terrified, Helen turned pale¨Cshe quickly got up and tried to run, but Sean caught her and

    mmed her heavily on the floor!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Helen cried out in pain.

    It only left Sean sneering as he slowly took off his jacket. ¡°Just stay put and be my bitch. You¡¯re not

    getting away.¡±

    He started to reach for her dress, but Helen grabbed him by the wrist and bit down firmly, leaving him

    bleeding right then!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Sean yelped in pain. ¡°You bitch!¡±

    He looked at his wrist, and then at Helen with spite!

    Having had enough, he leaped up to her, pping her across the face!

    ¡°Oof!¡±

    Helen was sent tumbling to the floor, but Sean did not stop, and he kicked her brutally in the belly!

    ¡°I¡¯ve been ying nice, you know! I went all out to woo you, and you fucking treated me like dirt!¡±

    Helen curled up in pain, her face ashen and clutching her stomach. She could not even stand in her

    agony, while Sean continued to kick her, as if to vent all his frustrations.

    But even as she was beaten to an inch of her life, she murmured, ¡°Frank¡­¡±

    Sean¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot with rage when he heard the name.

    He simply could not understand how did he fail to measure up to that piece of shit?!

    ¡°Fuck! You¡¯re still thinking about him?! You shameless bitch!¡±

    He kicked her squarely in the head, drawing blood!

    Helen started to drift out of consciousness, but just before she passed out, she heard a loud bang as a

    silhouette stormed into the room.

    It looked like Frank, and Helen reached out toward him to ask for help, but she waspletely drained

    and soon passed out.

    Frank¡¯s killing intent red when he saw Helen bleeding all over her head.

    On the other hand, Sean was left utterly bewildered. ¡°H¨CHow did you get in here?!¡±

    Skywater Bay was a private mansion district that no one was allowed in!

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    /

    Frank, however, did not waste his breath and kicked him squarely on the chest, sending him flying

    across the room and mming heavily on the wall!

    He then leaped up, punching Sean until his face was bruised and battered.

    apter 166

    Soon, Sean¡¯s blood¨Ccurdling screams resounded across the mansion!

    ¡°Argh! Let go of me!!!! I¡¯m Sean Wesley!¡±

    The only thing he could do was pleading for mercy repeatedly, for nothing could save him from Frank¡¯s

    brutal punches.

    And yet, Frank had no intention of sparing him this time.

    ¡°You¡¯re a dead man even if your daddy came,¡± Frank growled icily and punched Sean again.

    Even as Sean coughed blood endlessly, he was left wondering how Frank had caught on to his cunning

    n before Frank punched him again, shattering all his ribs with a crunch and killing him.

 Chapter 169

    dead,¡± Frank said tly.

    ¡°Who the fuck are you?!¡± James Wesley promptly snapped from the other end.

    ¡°Frank Lawrence. I killed your son because he messed with the wrong people,¡± Frank continued evenly,

    as if it was nothing of significance.

    ¡°What?!¡± James could hardly believe his ears.

    And yet, the other man¡¯s tone was so calm andposed that he did not appear to be lying!

    ¡°Where is he?¡± James demanded coolly.

    ¡°Your son¡¯s mansion in Skywater Bay,¡± Frank said, ncing at Sean¡¯s corpse.

    ¡°Whoever you are, you¡¯re a dead man! How dare you threaten me!¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Frank replied and hung up.

    On the other hand, James was left on edge, unsure if Frank was telling the truth.

    Nheless, he decided to see things for himself after some thought and brought all his men along to

    Skywater Bay.

    Meanwhile, Frank tended to Helen¡¯s injuries before calling up Skywater¡¯s security team.

    The security personnel rushed to the scene in no time at all and were all stunned as they saw the

    bodies of Baldie and the other thugs strewn all over the drawing room.

    Jimmy, the captain, quickly turned to Frank since he was the only man standing.

    ¡°E¨CExcuse me, sir¡­ What happened here?¡± he asked.

    Frank scooped Helen up in his arms. ¡°Rush her to the hospital as soon as possible.¡±

    He even forked out all the cash he had and gave it to Jimmy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir¨Cit¡¯s our job. We promise nothing will happen to her,¡± Jimmy assured him.

    There were considerable regtions in ce even for the security team, and Jimmy had no time to

    care who anyone was, since the residents¡® safety was top priority.

    After taking Helen to the car, Jimmy reported to his superiors, and word soon reached Robert Quill.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He called Frank right away, ¡°Mr. Lawrence? I heard there¡¯s been a situation?¡±

    Since Skywater Bay belonged to the Quills, Frank admitted directly. ¡°Yes. Sean Wesley attacked my

    ex¨Cwife.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone too far! Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯ll make the Wesleys pay,¡± Robert said, immediately siding with him.

    Nheless, Frank tly said, ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. I¡¯ve already killed Sean Wesley.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Robert was stunned¨Che did not expect Frank to be that quick!

    Taking a deep breath, he then asked, ¡°Where are you right now?¡±

    ¡°The Wesleys¡® mansion here in Skywater. I¡¯m waiting for Sean¡¯s father,¡± Frank replied.

    That was why he sent the security team and Helen away first¨Che would settle everything right now with

    the Wesleys, or Helen would be in trouble again if the Wesleys went after her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fight them for the time being,¡± Robert quickly said. ¡°I¡¯lle to resolve the issue myself.¡±

    He was certainly rmed to hear that Frank was waiting for the Wesleys and rushed over as soon as

    he hung up!

    Meanwhile, a man in a suit was just returning to Skywater Bay and did a double take when he saw

    Helen being stretchered into an ambnce.

    Was that not his former ssmate?

    He quickly alighted and went up to the nurse.

 Chapter 170

    Chris Steiner, the man in the suit, asked, ¡°What happened here, nurse?¡±

    ¡°She was assaulted and passed out,¡± the nurse replied. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I was her ssmate¡­¡±

    ¡°Then, could you contact her family?¡± the nurse asked immediately.

    ¡°O¨COf course,¡± Chris quickly said.

    ¡°Come with us.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Chris nodded and got into the ambnce.

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Right after they left, James Wesley and his men arrived at Mansion 13, where they found the ce

    littered with corpses.

    Frank was the only one alive, sitting nonchntly on the couch.

    ¡°You¡¯re Frank Lawrence?!¡± James demanded angrily.

    Frank nodded casually.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my son?!¡± James then asked the question which he was most concerned about.

    Frank pointed at a bedroom, and James rushed inside without a word.

    He was left bawling hysterically to see his son¡¯s gruesome death before his face contorted savagely.

    ¡°You bastard!¡± he screamed at Frank. ¡°Who do you think you are, killing my son?!¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Frank replied, slowly rising to his feet. ¡°Your son tricked my ex¨Cwife and tried to force

    himself on her.¡±

    ¡°Your ex¨Cwife?¡± James searched his memory. ¡°Helen Lane?!¡±

    Frank nodded.

    James actually knew that his son had put considerable effort into wooing Helen but tried to dissuade

    him. He told Sean that he should look to heiresses who had more money and influence¨Cinparison

    to such utility, beauty was pointless.

    Regrettably, his son did not listen.

    Even so, he snapped furiously at Frank, ¡°Your ex¨Cwife has nothing to do with you anyway! My son can

    do whatever he wants!!

    ¡°Your son can do whatever he wants?¡± Frank snorted. ¡°What a coincidence¨CI wanted to kill him, and

    that¡¯s what I did. Anyway, I told you toe to issue a warning: harass Helen again, and I won¡¯t mind

    wiping out your family.¡±

    ¡°You?! Wipe us out?!¡± James rose to his feet, ring viciously at Frank as if he could skin him right

    then. ¡°Who do you think you are?! You¡¯ll die for what you did to my son!¡±

    Turning toward his men, he bellowed, ¡°Beat him to an inch of his life! I want him to suffer!¡±

    His bodyguards all drew their weapons, ready to attack Frank¡­

    Bang!

    Suddenly, the mansion doors were kicked wide as Robert and his people arrived on the scene,

    encircling the entire ce.

    ¡°Nobody move!¡± he barked.

    James was dumbfounded to see the governor¡¯s forces arrive. ¡°Mr. Quill?¡±

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, James Wesley?¡± Robert demanded.

    His family was certainly no match for the governor¡¯s influence, so James had to calm himself down to

    speak. ¡°Mr. Quill, that man killed my son, and I shall have my revenge today. Do not interfere-¡±

    Robert pped James across the face right then. ¡°Do you even know what your son did? Who do you

    think you are, trying toy a finger on Frank?!¡±

    James was left stunned by the p, just as he realized that Robert was on Frank¡¯s side. ¡°Are you

    serious, governor?! Are you really helping that bastard?!¡±

    ¡°Frank¡¯s my son¨Cinw. No one gets to touch him as long as I¡¯m around,¡± Robert said bluntly right

    then.

 Chapter 171

    ¡°What?!¡± James eximed, his expression stiffening as he turned toward Frank.

    That brat¡­ How on earth did he be Robert¡¯s son-inw?!

    ¡°So you¡¯re going to protect him at all costs?¡± he growled.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Robert said sternly. ¡°He¡¯s not to be touched. Whatever you want in return, just name it

    but understand that your family will be no friend of ours from now on, nor are any weed here in

    Skywater Bay.¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    of you

    James glowered. ¡°You¡¯re really cutting ties with my family over Frank Lawrence? Do you really think

    that¡¯s worth it?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Robert nodded. ¡°From where I¡¯m standing, he¡¯s worth ten of you.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± James snorted. ¡°Then you¡¯ve truly underestimated me. I don¡¯t mind telling you that I just

    expanded my business to Middleton¨Cthe powers that be of Riverton might not be able to stop us!¡±

    Frank and Robert both frowned, surprised that the Wesleys worked quick enough to extend their

    business to Middleton.

    After all, Middleton was a farrger state and could even be considered the heart of the country. In

    many ways, the ce was more important than Riverton.

    In fact, any Rivertonian who wanted to expand their business to Middleton needed the help of

    Middletonians.

    James smiled smugly when he saw Frank and Robert¡¯s reactions.

    However, that was when someone bellowed, ¡°Middleton? So what? This is Riverton! If you¡¯re such a

    big deal, why don¡¯t you bring your Middletonian friends over? Even they would have to abide by the

    rules here!¡±

    Everyone turned in surprise to find another group entering the mansion, with a man in his forties

    leading them.

    It was Kenny Sparks, master of Skyde Dojo¨Cthe strongest faction of Riverton!

    James froze in turn¨Cwhy did Kennye too?!

    ¡°What are you saying, Mr. Sparks?¡± he asked.

    Kenny, who lived here in Skywater Bay as well, came to take a look after spotting themotion.

    He was actually surprised to find that Frank was involved.

    Given that he was still eager to get the recipe for the Ichor Pill from Frank, he certainly would not allow

    James to kill Frank!

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that Mr. Lawrence is my friend,¡± he said, shrugging. ¡°If you want him, you and your men

    would have to get past me first.¡±

    He then leveled a pointed stare of contempt at the bodyguards James brought, who were trading

    nces at his words.

    Everyone in Riverton had heard of Kenny¡¯s abilities, especially how masterfully he wielded his de

    like it was an extra ar?n.

    These bodyguards were certainly no match for him!

    James was left clenching his knuckles and gritting his teeth¨Che did not think that even the master of

    Skyde Dojo would b

    on Frank¡¯s sidel

    The Quills, the Turnbulls, and now Skyde Dojo¡­ each of those three factions were already

    untouchable for James.

    Now that they were all backing Frank, James was even less significant inparison. To kill that man

    was virtually impossible now!

    ¡°Fine¨CI will remember this,¡± he growled and barked at his men, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    The bodyguards promptly picked up Sean¡¯s corpse before making themselves scarce.

    They certainly felt lucky¨Cthank goodness their boss knew when to back down, or they would all be

    killed if they fought the Quills and Skyde Dojo right now!

    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 172

    Kenny stopped James before he could leave, growling, ¡°What, are you going to seek revengeter?¡±

    James¡® face turned ashen¨Che certainly intended to do so!

    However, he said, ¡°I would never dare when you¡¯ve told me not to, Mr. Sparks.¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Kenny chuckled. ¡°Good.¡±

    Everyone watched as James and his men left, with Robert breathing a sigh of relief before turning to

    Kenny. ¡°I¡¯m surprised. You¡¯re acquainted with Mr. Lawrence as well, Mr. Sparks?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Kennyughed heartily. ¡°Ms. Turnbull herself introduced us, and I had the honor of

    witnessing him saving Gerald Simmons from the brink with just a pill.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Robert eximed, turning toward Frank in shock¨Cthe man was certainly full of surprises!

    Still, Kenny warned Frank just then, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, it¡¯s clear that James Wesley isn¡¯t going to let this

    slide. You really should be more careful.¡±

    Frank shrugged, but his words were charged with killing intent. ¡°I¡¯ll destroy him and his family

    altogether if he tests me.¡±

    Both Robert and Kenny felt a chill down their spine right then and traded nces.

    It seemed that the one they saved today was James, not Frank!

    Kenny approached Frank with a smile just then. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, I¡¯ve actuallye with a favor to ask!¡±

    Frank studied him¨Ceven if they were not closely acquainted, he knew that Kenny was close to Vicky.

    He did not say no for Vicky¡¯s sake, not to mention that Kenny just stood up for him as well. ¡± You may

    ask freely. I will help if I can.¡±

    Kenny was delighted that Frank was so agreeable. ¡°Actually, my father used to be a martial artist who

    often saw action, and he sustained plenty of undetectable injuries. As he aged, he became

    bedridden¡­ so I was wondering if you still have Ichor Pills? I¡¯ll pay you a fortune for it.

    Kenny was actually obsessed with the Ichor Pill ever since he witnessed its power, and buying one was

    certainly worth any cost!

    Frank smiled in turn. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Sparks, but everyone¡¯s condition is different and the Ichor Pill might

    not work. I would prefer to diagnose your father¡¯s condition before deciding.¡±

    ¡°Well, when would you be free to visit my dojo?¡± Kenny quickly asked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll pay you for the

    consultation as well.¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°Tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Kenny eximed in delight. ¡°I¡¯ll personallye to pick you up tomorrow.¡±

    Even without the Ichor Pill, his father still stood a chance given Frank¡¯s incredible knowledge

    on medicine.

    And with that agreed, Kenny and Robert quickly bade their leave.

    Meanwhile, Gina and Peter had just rushed to Riverton Hospital.

    Chris was already there, and walked up to Gina when she saw them. ¡°Hello, Mrs. Lane.¡±

    Gina stared at the unfamiliar face and asked curiously, ¡°And you are¡­?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten, Mrs. Lane? I¡¯m Chris Steiner, Helen¡¯s ssmate back in college.¡±

    Gina remembered the name right then. ¡°Oh, Mr. Steiner!¡±

    The Steiners were an important family as well. Even if they paled inparison to the Wesleys, Chris

    was both loyal and exceptional. Rumor had it that he furthered his studies abroad¡ªthat was years ago,

    so he must have sessfully returned now!

 Chapter 173

    Gina finally remembered her daughter just then and asked Chris, ¡°Where¡¯s my daughter?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine¨Cthe doctor said she only had a mild concussion,¡± Chris quickly replied. ¡°She just needs

    some rest. They¡¯ve already arranged a ward for her.¡±

    They all headed over, and Gina¡¯s eyes welled up with tears when she saw Helen unconscious. ¡± Oh,

    my poor girl¡­¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Chris asked curiously, ¡°What actually happened, Mrs. Lane? Why was Helen attacked?¡±

    Gina sighed. ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. Someone conned me off my money, and I couldn¡¯t repay a loan, so they

    took her away.¡±

    ¡°How much do you owe?¡± Chris asked.

    ¡°Around twenty million¡­¡± Gina said, her eyes evasive as she avoided a specific number.

    She had her pride too, after all.

    ¡°Just twenty million?¡±

    Chris, however, chuckled. ¡°You actually had me worried for a moment. I¡¯ll wire some money to youter

    and pull some strings¨Cwho knows, I might even get your money back.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Gina eximed in shock.

    She was surprised that such good luck fell right on herp¨Cshe should really have mentioned a bigger

    number!

    Still, she did not really hold out too much hope and was wary after what happened with Greg.¡± By the

    way, what¡¯s your upation?¡±

    Chris smiled, knowing that she was skeptical. ¡°I¡¯ve founded an apothecary named Omens after I

    returned to the country, with many bigwigs investing as shareholders. Thepany¡¯s worth is now

    in the billions, so you can look it up. And don¡¯t worry¨Ctwenty million is really nothing to me.¡±

    Gina brazenly whipped out her phone to check¨COmens really did exist. It was worth 1.2 billion dors,

    and the founder was indeed Chris!

    ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯ve really done well for yourself!¡± Gina eximed after seeing the numbers.

    The boy really owned apany¡­ while Greg only ever gave empty promises and lies!

    ¡°Oh, you tter me,¡± Chris replied humbly.

    In her bed, Helen stirred just then, and seeing Gina, she murmured, ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Gina eximed. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake¡­ you gave me such a scare!¡±

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Peter asked beside her.

    Helen nodded and rubbed her temples. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just a little dizzy.¡±

    ¡°Those thugs from Sindark are too much! It¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have money¨Chow could they beat you

    up?!¡± Gina cried in frustration.

    Helen breathed a long sigh in experto

    a the defus beat urug

    ¡°What?! Sean Wesley?! He was the one who dad con coulit Betlee here are

    Helen nodded. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s all his n even the things were with him

    Gina¡¯s face turned ashen.

    She was still holding out hope for her daughter to marry Sean¡­ But to think the man would de such a

    thing!

    ¡°I¡¯ve really thought too highly of him¡­ How could he do this?!¡± she huffed.

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky Chris came through for you when he did.¡± Peter sighed as if traumatised. Things would

    really have gone bad if not for him.¡±

    Helen was simply perplexed.

    Chris? Who?

    She finally noticed the man standing with her mother and brother and recognized him from university.

    She was the prettiest face on campus, while he was the chairman of the student council. Rumors were

    even circting that they were a match made in heaven¡­.

 Chapter 174

    However, Helen had beenpletely focused on her studies back then and was not interested in

    rtionships¡­

    Chris shed a tender smile just then, ¡°Long time no see, Helen.

    His eyes were aze even as he looked at Helen¨Che was really in love with her back then.

    However, despite his intentions to confess after graduation, his family was very poor and he was

    shocked to find out that Helen got married.

    He had to give up on her for his career and was surprised to meet her again when he returned to the

    country yearster.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°L¨CLong time no see¡­¡± Helen muttered awkwardly¨Cto think that they would meet again under such

    circumstances.

    On the other hand, Gina was looking at Chris gratefully. ¡°We owe you so much for today¡­ God knows

    what would¡¯ve happened to Helen if not for you. I don¡¯t know how to thank you!¡±

    Chris chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We go way back¨Chelping out is just right.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes¡­ Honestly, academics like you are simply different.¡± Gina giggled, delighted. However,

    Helen was frowning as she asked Gina, ¡°Where¡¯s Frank?¡±

    ¡°Frank? What about Frank?¡±

    ¡°I remember Frank saving me¡­¡± Helen exined, since she clearly saw Frank¡¯s silhouette before he

    passed out, but was nowhere to be seen.

    Gina snorted in disdain. ¡°Did you hit your head too hard? Chris was the one who brought you here that

    lowlife never showed his face!¡±

    Peter nodded repeatedly beside her. ¡°Yeah. We never saw that bastard.¡®

    Helen turned toward Chris and asked, ¡°Did you see him? He¡¯s tall and a little on the slender side.¡±

    Chris quickly shook his head. ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Helen was baffled. ¡°Then did you save me from Sean¡¯s mansion?¡±

    Chris was stumped for a moment but soon replied without flinching, ¡°Yeah. There wasn¡¯t anyone else

    there.¡±

    He remembered how disappointed he was after finding out that Helen was married¨Cand to a penniless

    bum at that!

    He could go crazy with jealousy back then. They both had nothing, so why did that other man get

    Helen?!

    In fact, he was convinced it was fate that he could see Helen again.

    It was why he lied¨Che refused to lose her again!

    On the other hand, Helen was frowning in thought, which hurt her head.

    Seeing that, Gina promptly snapped, ¡°You¡¯ve really hit your head hard. If Frank had saved you, he

    would be here bragging about it. But he¡¯s not here!¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Peter nodded. ¡°You must be misremembering.¡±

    Helen hung her head, flustered. ¡°Maybe.¡±

    She was definitely thinking about Frank just before she passed out, and it might have been her

    imagination.

    Chris then suggested, ¡°By the way, the doctors said your concussion isn¡¯t that serious, and you can be

    discharged once you wake up. I live just nearby¨Cwhy not stay the night?¡±

    ¡°There aren¡¯t any residential areas nearby, are there?¡± Gina asked, not keen on the idea. ¡°We should

    just head home¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course there is,¡± Chris said tly. ¡°Skywater Bay is basically next door.¡±

    ¡°What? You live in Skywater Bay?!¡± Gina eximed.

 Chapter 175

    Gina was certainly astounded.

    Skywater Bay! The mansion district with mansions that money could not buy, and the

    developer was none other than Stan Quill!

    Bigwigs who were either rich or important from across thend lived there¡­

    Still, Gina soon realized something¨CChris¡®pany was just worth 1.2 billion dors. What allowed him

    to get a mansion there?

    ¡°Did you buy one of the mansions?¡± she asked.

    Chris shook his head. ¡°Nope. My partner gave it to me.¡±

    ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Gina gaped. ¡°Gave it to you?¡±

    How important was Chris or his partner that he would be given such a morous residence?!

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Chris nodded and extended another invitation. ¡°I can see that you¡¯re tired, Mrs. Lane. Why

    don¡¯t you stay the night at my ce?¡±

    ¡°Oh, for sure!¡± Gina nodded repeatedly¨Cliving in that ce was a status symbol, and she had always

    dreamed of it!

    She was not about to say no when Chris invited her!

    Taking Helen by the hand, she said eagerly, ¡°Come on, Helen. We¡¯ll stay the night at Skywater Bay.¡±

    Helen shot her a look, speechless. ¡°There¡¯s still work waiting at the office. I¡¯ll head home instead.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it can wait for a night,¡± Gina reasoned. ¡°We¡¯ll be back tomorrow morning anyway!¡±

    Peter¡¯s eyes were burning with enthusiasm beside them. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re only staying one night anyway.¡±

    ¡°You have nothing to worry about, Helen,¡± Chris added just then. ¡°I¡¯m just being neighborly, since it¡¯s

    inconvenient for you and your family. I live near here, so we cane back quickly if anything

    happens.¡±

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    ¡°Yeah! See? Chris is obviously offering help for our sake. How could you be so ungrateful?¡± Gina

    snapped.

    Helen was speechless. ¡°I¡¯m not being ungrateful¡ªwe have a house! Why would we spend the night at

    someone else¡¯s ce instead?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with spending the night at a friend¡¯s house?¡± Gina retorted righteously. ¡°Chris is your

    ssmate, too¡ªthat makes him more than your average friend.¡±

    Before Helen could refuse again, she turned toward Peter and said, ¡°Bring the car over. We¡¯re all going

    to Skywayter Bay.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    Helen was totally speechless, while Chris chuckled beside them. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Helen. I¡¯m living

    in the mansion alone anyway, so you and your family would liven up the ce.¡±

    Helen naturally could not argue against that point and muttered guiltily, ¡°Thank you, Chris.¡® She did not

    know that Chris had his own n in mind.

    He was really worried that Helen¡¯s ex¨Chusband woulde to the hospital. If a confrontation ensued,

    his lies would be exposed right then.

    As such, his priority was to get Helen away from here.

    Soon, Peter drove them to the gates of Skywater Bay, with Chris shing his card from the seat next to

    him.

    The security guards respectfully made their way, and Peter was in a great mood as he drove up the hill.

    The ce was a hidden natural paradise!

    They soon arrived at Chris¡® mansion, which was halfway up the hill.

    It was renovated and furnished grandly like a pce!

 Chapter 176

    Gina was utterly envious¨CChris¡® mansion overlooked a portion of the entire mansion district too!

    She promptly whipped out her phone and posted it on social media, with Peter following suit, although

    he took photos of other mansions as well.

    Chris watched as they did so, his vanity highly satisfied.

    He even brought a pot of tea. ¡°Have a drink, Mrs. Lane. You can take the photos whenever you want¨C

    you¡¯re always wee here.¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Gina and Peter were overjoyed, almost unable to believe it!

    Chris nodded. ¡°Of course. You cane over whenever I¡¯m home.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s wonderful!¡± Gina eximed, not forgetting to extend an invite in return. ¡°You cane visit

    our manor whenever as well, and teach Helen how to make more money.¡±

    Helen folded her arms before her chest. ¡°Teach? We¡¯re working in different businesses.¡±

    Gina frowned right then. ¡°What do you mean, different?! Chris started out with nothing too, and he

    owns a billion dorpany now!¡±

    Helen turned in surprise toward Chris¨Che was that sessful in just three years?

    ¡°What¡¯s your business? It sounds lucrative,¡± she said.

    ¡°Oh, just a little apothecary stuff. Interested?¡± he asked, staring fixedly at her.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Nope¡­¡± Helen shook her head. ¡°But you weren¡¯t studying medicine. Why would you suddenly work in

    that field?¡±

    Caught by surprise, Chris scratched his head and stammered, ¡°Oh, uh¡­ My partner is in the business,

    so¡­¡±

    Helen was going to press him further but Gina cut her short, pointing at the hilltop mansion as she

    asked, ¡°Who owns that mansion on top of the hill, Chris? Could it be Governor Quill?¡±

    Chris promptly walked over to the window. ¡°Actually, no, even though his family developed the entire

    mansion district. You see, they offer these mansions as gifts, and I¡¯m sure you can also tell by now that

    the higher the mansion is built, the more important the owner would be. That¡¯s why the hilltop mansion

    hasn¡¯t been given off. Whoever gets it must be hugely important to the Quills¡­ and since they are very

    important people themselves, they wouldn¡¯t be interested in some paltry gains.¡±

    Gina nodded repeatedly¡ªit was obvious even from the size of the hilltop mansion, which was at least

    twice the size of Chris¡® mansion.

    Still, after a moment, she murmured in confusion, ¡°Hold on¡­ I just saw a light from over there.¡±

    ¡°A light? No way,¡± Chris snorted skeptically.

    ¡°No, I saw it too!¡± Peter quickly said.

    Chris was left perplexed. ¡°Huh¡­ Maybe Governor Quill gave it away recently? I wonder who

    it¡¯d be, though¡­¡±

    Both Gina and Peter quickly nodded, with Gina adding, ¡°Yeah, well, you¡¯d eventually make their

    acquaintance since you¡¯re neighbors.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Chris nodded, not forgetting to flex for Gina¡¯s benefit. ¡°There are a lot of free

    recreational facilities around here. We can check them out if you like.¡±

    ¡°Really? i have to see!¡± Gina eximed, her eyes lighting up as she turned to Helen. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s

    go together.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass¨CI¡¯m tired,¡± Helen said wearily.

    Seeing that, Gina quickly turned back to Chris. ¡°Lead the way, Chris.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Chris nodded without hesitation¨Che was not about to miss a chance to show off!

    Meanwhile, in the hilltop mansion, Frank had just changed his clothes.

    He called Jimmy and asked which hospital Helen had been taken to before heading out, nning to

    check on her.

 Chapter 177

    Chris was just introducing thendscaping to Gina and Peter. ¡°So the woods and gardens here are all

    tended by top gardeners in the region, and the work done is worth millions. Not only is it scenic, but the

    artistic sense is invaluable too.¡±

    Gina¡¯s eyes were welling up with admiration as she gazed upon the scenery, sighing in awe. This really

    is the prime estate of Riverton. Even thendscaping is more expensive than our manor.¡±

    Lane Manor was situated in the suburbs, but its value paled inparison to the mansions of Skywater

    Bay.

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Peter nodded, not forgetting to fawn over Chris. ¡°I mean, just consider the people

    living here¨Cright, Mr. Steiner?¡±

    Chris smiled. ¡°Oh, we¡¯re all just ordinary people, grinding for some coins like the rest.¡±

    They were still chatting as Frank hurried downhill.

    Gina spotted him with the corner of her eye, and was taken aback. ¡°Frank Lawrence?¡±

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank was surprised to hear his name being called and turned to see that it was Gina, who snapped at

    him angrily right then, ¡°What are you doing here, lowlife?!¡±

    ¡°I live here. What¡¯s the problem?¡± Frank frowned.

    ¡°Haha!¡± Peterughed unreservedly right then. ¡°You¡¯re really too much! Don¡¯t you feel embarrassed?!

    No, do you even know where you are?! This is motherfucking Skywater Bay ¨C even money can¡¯t buy

    you a mansion here!¡±

    Frank nced between them, bemused. ¡°I¡¯m actually more curious what either of you are doing here.¡±

    Robert Quill had told him that Skywater Bay mansions were only given, never sold.

    And these two certainly would not be given any!

    Frank then turned to the stranger with them.

    He stared at Chris who stood in his suit, finding him familiar but unable to ce him¡­

    ¡°Hah! What are we doing here, you ask?! What¡¯s it to you?!¡± Gina retorted, but she was looking away,

    refusing to admit that they had to lick Chris¡® boots to make it in here.

    On the other hand, Chris¡® eyes narrowed, immediately recognizing Frank.

    He was walking along the road, blocking his way and dragging his feet¨Cand Chris certainly

    remembered snapping at him!

    Frank, however, did not take it to heart and naturally would not remember Chris.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± he growled.

    Peter quickly whispered to him, ¡°That¡¯s Frank Lawrence, Helen¡¯s ex¨Chusband.¡±

    Chris¡® eyes shed coldly at that.

    His goddess married a piece of shit like him?!

    The very thought left him infuriated!

    ¡°Mrs. Lane and Peter are here because this is their second home,¡± he growled. ¡°On the other hand,

    how did you sneak in here? Who let you in?¡±

    Gina was beside herself with emotion to see Chris backing her up. How respectful of him!

    Holding her hands on her hips, she red at Frank and snapped, ¡°Did you hear that? I live here!¡±

    Frank looked Chris straight in the eye right then. ¡°I¡¯ve said¨CI live here. I cane and go whenever I

    like.¡±

    ¡°You live here?¡± Chrisughed. ¡°Do tell¨Cwhich mansion do you live in?¡±

 Chapter 178

    Chris snorted. ¡°I know every mansion owner here in Skywater Bay. Why have I never seen you?

    It was no beast¨Cthere were no more than a hundred mansion owners in Skywater Bay, all of whom

    were important locals or individuals from nearby states.

    Chris even knew which mansion belonged to whom.

    Peter snapped at Frank right then, ¡°Are you deaf?! He asked you a question!¡°.

    Gina scoffed in disdain as well. ¡°What, cat got your tongue?¡±

    Frank simply pointed at the hilltop mansion. ¡°That¡¯s my house.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Chrisughed right then. ¡°You¡¯re really too much.¡±

    ¡°You own the hilltop mansion?¡± Gina scoffed. ¡°Know your limit when you¡¯re lying, Frank. Or do you

    really take us for fools?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t belong here¡­ No, I think you¡¯re just here to break into the mansion,¡± Peter snapped and

    turned to Chris. ¡°Call the cops. Have him arrested.¡±

    Chris sneered and shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. Skywater Bay¡¯s security personnel are all

    veteran mercenaries¨Cthey would have no issue with him.¡±

    With that, he whipped out his phone to make the call, his eyes still fixed on Frank. ¡°You¡¯d better admit

    that you sneaked in before securityes, or you¡¯re not getting away when they arrived.¡±

    Frank simply stared at them in wry amusement.

    ¡°Once ignorant, always ignorant. You¡¯re not worth my time.¡±

    Shaking his head exasperatedly, Frank started to turn and leave, but Peter promptly leaped up,

    grabbing his arm. ¡°Stop! Who told you that you could leave?!¡±

    He had been meaning to get payback, and he was not about to let this chance slip!

    Frank looked at his hand in disdain. ¡°Let go.¡±

    ¡°Or what, are you going to hit me? Here, of all ces?¡± Peter sneered smugly¨Che wanted exactly that.

    Frank¡¯s eyes shed in anger, and he raised his hand, ready to p Peter!

    ¡°Stop!¡± Chris suddenly shouted on top of his lungs as Skywater Bay¡¯s security arrived. ¡°That¡¯s him! He

    sneaked into our neighborhood, and look¨Che¡¯s going to start a fight!¡±

    Peter was overjoyed as well. ¡°Hurry! I got him right here! Beat him up!¡±

    However, as Jimmy¨Cthe captain of the security team¨Churried forward, he was left dumbstruck when he

    saw Frank.

    Sneak in?! The man fucking owned the hilltop mansion, and Yara Quill herself had personally escorted

    him there!

    Even if Jimmy had no idea who Frank really was, the fact that he remained unscathed after

    killing Sean Wesley made it obvious he was no average Joe!

    ¡°Let go of him right now!¡± Jimmy barked at Peter even as he sweated bullets.

    Peter was too stunned to understand what happened, even as Jimmy pulled his hand off. ¡°What are

    you doing?!¡± Gina snapped furiously. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to punish that interloper?!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± jimmy bellowed. ¡°He owns a mansion here, so don¡¯t you dare spout such nder!¡± ¡°What?!¡±

    The trio were certainly stunned by Jimmy¡¯s words.

    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    Gina and Peter¡¯s jaws could drop on the floor right then, and they could scarcely believe their

    ears.

    Chris waspletely bewildered too.

    There was a new resident here? He never heard anything about that!

    Ignoring them, Jimmy turned toward Frank. ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be leaving now¨CI have something else to do, and I¡¯m not obliged to waste

    my time with this lot.¡±

 Chapter 179

    Jimmy quickly nodded. ¡°Of course. See you, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    He watched as Frank headed off into the distance before wheeling on Gina and Peter. ¡°Who are you?

    I¡¯ve never seen you around before.¡±

    ¡°Oh, we¡­¡± Gina stammered frantically.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Chris promptly went up and said, ¡°They¡¯re my rtives. I invited them.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes,¡± Peter quickly nodded. ¡°We¡¯re Mr. Steiner¡¯s rtives.¡±

    Jimmy said nothing to that but instead leveled Chris a cool re. ¡°You¡¯d better keep an eye on them.¡±

    ¡°O¨COf course,¡± Chris said awkwardly.

    He would never dare throw a fit against Skywater Bay¡¯s security, because he did not own any

    mansions.

    In fact, he did not even live there.

    Jimmy, who was privy to what¡¯s going on in every house, was naturally in the position to warn him.

    However, Gina was still too shocked after finding out that Frank owned a mansion to notice that detail.

    ¡°H¨CHow did he get a Skywater Bay mansion?¡± she stammered.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Peter was equally confused. ¡°Aren¡¯t these mansions reserved as gifts and never sold? Frank

    Lawrence shouldn¡¯t be able to afford it¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Gina suddenly eximed in realization. ¡°It must be Vicky Turnbull¨Che must be staying at her

    house.¡±

    Peter had to agree¡ªit made sense that the Turnbulls would have a mansion here, and Vicky must

    have let Frank stay here!

    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± he grumbled under his breath. ¡°That gigolo has no right living here¡­

    Gina turned toward Chris just then, asking, ¡°Chris, which mansion is more valuable, the Turnbulls¡® or

    yours?¡±

    ¡°The Turnbulls¡®, of course,¡± Chris replied, rubbing his nose awkwardly. ¡°Their main family is from the

    capital, so they have connections there. The Quills would naturally regard their importance.¡±

    So that was why Frank wasing downhill every time he saw him¨Che was staying at the Turnbulls¡®

    Skywater Bay mansion.

    Chris¡® jealousy red right then.

    He heard that Vicky was as beautiful as she was a sessful businesswoman.

    But was she blind? Frank was not even half as good¨Clooking as he was!

    If he had the Turnbulls¡® influence, he would have reached for the skies by now¡­

    Still, Gina noticed the dark look on Chris¡® face and quickly assured him, ¡°Actually, Chris, the way I see

    it, that Turnbull gal would never measure up to you. She¡¯s sessful only thanks to her family¡¯s

    influence, while you started out with nothing. That alone makes you infinitely better than her.¡±

    Gina¡¯s words actually eased Chris¡® mood considerably. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Lane.¡±

    After leaving Skywater Bay and arriving at the hospital, Frank was told Helen had already been

    discharged¨Cshe only had a mild concussion anyway.

    Frank remembered running into Gina and Peter back in Skywater Bay just then and wondered if they

    brought Helen along with them.

    Still, as long as Helen was fine¡­

    ¡°What are you doing here, Mr. Lawrence?¡± a familiar voice suddenly asked from behind.

    Frank turned to find Kenny standing there. ¡°Oh, Mr. Sparks. I was justing to visit my ex- wife¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh? How is she?¡± Kenny asked in concern. ¡°I have friends working here. Shall I ask them to give her a

    checkup?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Thank you for your concern. Actually, she¡¯s fine¨Cshe¡¯s already been

    discharged.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good news.¡± Kenny nodded before asking, ¡°By the way¡­ Will you be freeter, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

 Chapter 180

    Frank said, ¡°Well, I¡¯m actually free.¡±

    Kenny grinned right then. ¡°In that case, would you like to visit my dojo? I¡¯d really like you to check on

    my father¡¯s condition¡­¡±

    Frank then remembered he promised to do that much, and he was never one to renege on promises.

    ¡°Of course! I was just thinking about visiting myself.¡±

    After buying what he needed, Kenny took Frank to his dojo by car toward the eastern edge of the city.

    The dojo was the size of four ser fields and had a legion of apprentices, making them one of the

    four biggest dojos of Riverton.

    Once they arrived, Kenny led the way, cutting past the training area where many apprentices were

    practicing de techniques and into the inner hall.

    They arrived at Jenson Sparks¡® room, and Frank saw the manying in bed as soon as he entered.

    The man actually appeared spirited, but his essence appeared to be waning¨Chis age only made his

    mortality that much obvious as well.

    Nheless, Kenny strode up to him, announcing delightedly, ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve brought you a miracle worker.

    You¡¯ll definitely make a full recovery with his help!¡±

    Jenson chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t you think I know my own condition? Quit wasting time on me¡ªI¡¯m seventy. I

    have no regrets even if I die now.¡±

    The other man in the ward asked skeptically, ¡°Healer? What healer?¡±

    The man was Rolf Sparks, Kenny¡¯s cousin.

    Since his father died early, Rolf had been raised at the Skyde Dojo as Jenson¡¯s adopted son and

    was a brother to Kenny.

    He was now the vice¨Cmaster of the dojo, and he had consulted every healer in Riverton, including Dan

    Zimmer.

    And if Dan could not do anything for Jenson, who could?

    Nheless, Kenny pulled Frank along as he introduced, ¡°This is Frank Lawrence. I dare say his

    medicinal knowledge is far above Dan¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Rolf pursed his lips, thinking that Kenny was being funny. ¡°Are you kidding me? A healer? How old do

    you think he is?!¡±

    Beside them, Jenson studied Frank skeptically, unsure if he was really as good as he was said to be or

    was just a conman,

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Kenny frowned but threw up his hands. ¡°Appearances can be deceiving, Rolf. Also, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve

    heard that Mr. Simmons was saved from the brink a while ago? Mr. Lawrence was the

    one who saved him at the time.¡±

    ¡°For real?!¡± Rolf turned toward Frank in disbelief.

    ¡°For real,¡± Kenny said and turned towards his father. ¡°Dad, I know no one has been able to treat your

    condition, but why don¡¯t we let Mr. Lawrence try?¡±

    Jenson had been staring at Frank for a while.

    The boy had remained perfectlyposed ever since he stepped through the front door, his gaze

    never darting around nervously. That confidence alone was not something average Joes would ever

    measure up to.

    Chuckling, he said, ¡°I can see that you carry yourself with splendor, Mr. Lawrence. Well, since I¡¯m dying

    anyway, what¡¯s the harm in trying?

    ¡°Don¡¯t y around with your life, Dad!¡± Kenny cried right then.

    Beside him, Frank was a little surprised. Though it had been a while since he had practiced medicine,

    aside from his confidants, the elderly man before him was the first person who trusted a stranger like

    him.

    ¡°Fate is predetermined, my son. Words are just¡­ words.¡± Jenson chuckled.

    Kenny turned toward Frank right then, his gaze awash with emotion. ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence¡ª do your

    best to help my father. If you do, Skyde Dojo shall owe you an eternal debt!¡±

 Chapter 181

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go that far,¡± Frank said slowly. ¡°I¡¯ll take your father¡¯s pulse for now.¡± ¡°Of course¡­¡±

    Kenny replied, and Frank walked up to Jenson, putting his fingers on thetter¡¯s wrist and feeling his

    pulse.

    Soon, his brow furrowed, though he soon rxed before furrowing his brows again.

    The process kept repeating for a long while, until Rolf eventually had enough. ¡°Are you really taking

    Uncle Jenson¡¯s pulse, you brat?!¡±

    Jenson then assured him, ¡°You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Lawrence. You may speak freely.¡±

    Frank slowly opened his eyes just then, and Kenny quickly asked, ¡°How¡¯s my father, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°His condition is very serious,¡± Frank replied. ¡°He has sustained internal injuries from his youth, and he

    has been indulging in vices such as alcohol and smoking instead of cultivating his health. At seventy,

    he has basically reached the end of a normal lifespan.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Kenny was left thunderstruck and stumbling backward, just as regret seized him. His father

    had indeed been indulgent, and he thought he should allow his father to be since he was already old.

    However, that indulgence was precisely why he could not be saved, not even by Frank.

    Beside them, Rolf snorted, not quite understanding why his cousin held Frank in such high regard¨Che

    was an embarrassment to Skyde Dojo!

    ¡°I told you he can¡¯t help,¡± he snorted. ¡°And you didn¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Frank shot him a look. ¡°Did I ever say I can¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°What?! Mr. Lawrence, are you saying that you can help?¡± Kenny pressed, his eyes lighting up.

    ¡°Yes, but acupuncture won¡¯t work. Only an Ichor Pill would.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Kenny eximed before asking earnestly, ¡°Can you sell one to me, Mr. Lawrence?

    We will pay you however much you want.¡®

    Frank shook his head. ¡°There is an ingredient I would need to make it¡ªa wild panacea cap that is at

    least twenty years old. I can make it for you if you have it, but I can¡¯t help you if you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°O¨COf course we have it here!¡± Kenny eximed in delight. ¡°It¡¯s in our vault, and it¡¯s even fifty years

    old.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s perfect,¡± Frank nodded. ¡°The older it is, the higher the medicinal value¨Cthe Ichor Pill would

    be even more stable with it.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Kenny replied. ¡°Doe with me, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll get it for you right now.¡±

    ¡°Hold it!¡± Rolf suddenly bellowed, intercepting them while ring at Kenny in frustration. ¡± It¡¯s a gift for

    the Kimmels, Kenny!¡±

    one who saved him at the time.¡±

    ¡°For real?!¡± Rolf turned toward Frank in disbelief.

    ¡°For real,¡± Kenny said and turned towards his father. ¡°Dad, I know no one has been able to treat your

    condition, but why don¡¯t we let Mr. Lawrence try?¡±

    Jenson had been staring at Frank for a while.

    The boy had remained perfectlyposed ever since he stepped through the front door, his gaze

    never darting around nervously. That confidence alone was not something average Joes would ever

    measure up to.

    Chuckling, he said, ¡°I can see that you carry yourself with splendor, Mr. Lawrence. Well, since I¡¯m dying

    anyway, what¡¯s the harm in trying?

    ¡°Don¡¯t y around with your life, Dad!¡± Kenny cried right then.

    Beside him, Frank was a little surprised. Though it had been a while since he had practiced medicine,

    aside from his confidants, the elderly man before him was the first person who trusted a stranger like

    him.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Fate is predetermined, my son. Words are just¡­ words.¡± Jenson chuckled.

    Kenny turned toward Frank right then, his gaze awash with emotion. ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence¡ª do your

    best to help my father. If you do, Skyde Dojo shall owe you an eternal debt!¡±

 Chapter 182

    Frank¡¯s eyes darted everywhere.

    The Sparks family had certainly hoarded a trove of treasures from themselves, from antique weapons

    and esoteric texts to endless medicinal ingredients.

    However, most of them were not that useful for Frank, and he soon asked, ¡°Do you happen to have a

    100¨Cyear¨Cold panacea polypore?¡±

    ¡°A panacea polypore?¡± Kenny did a double take. ¡°Would a 30¨Cyear¨Cold do?¡±

    ¡°No, it has to be a hundred years old.¡± Frank shook his head¨Cthe panacea polypore was one of the

    main ingredients for the Rejuvenation Pill, although around 600 grams would be enough to make a

    hundred pills.

    As such, even a small one would do.

    Kenny quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence. Our dojo¡¯s apprentices are everywhere¨Cjust say the

    word if you really need it, and they will definitely get one for you.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°In that case, I¡¯m counting on you, Mr. Sparks. I owe you one.

    TI

    Kenny was actually shocked. ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating. It¡¯s only right that I help you.¡±

    If anything, having Frank owing him a favor would be huge for his family¡¯s influence!

    Soon, he found the panacea cap, which was grown in a huge vase.

    ¡°Would this panacea cap work, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Kenny asked.

    Frank checked the nt and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s good. Get me a quiet room¨CI¡¯ll need to refine it.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Kenny eximed in delight and promptly had the servants arrange a room.

    Frank entered and went to work without dy. Although it still took two days, he refined four Ichor Pills

    this time.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Huh¡­ To think it would take so long with more ingredients.¡± Frank sighed, though making an extra pill

    was still profitable for him.

    Frank then stepped out, where some servants were waiting.

    ¡°Tell Mr. Sparks that the Ichor Pill is finished,¡± he said.

    ¡°Mr. Sparks is out on an errand, sir,¡± the servant replied. ¡°He said we can take you directly to his father

    when you¡¯re done.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Lead the way.¡®

    Jenson¡¯splexion was much worse when he reached Jenson¡¯s room, but the man¡¯s kindly smile

    was still intact. ¡°I heard that the Ichor Pill is ready, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank nodded, and spread his palm, revealing the scarlet pill. ¡°This is an Ichor Pill. It will root out all

    your conditions once you take it, Mr. Sparks.¡±

    Rolf was standing nearby, having stayed home to see if the Ichor Pill was as impressive as it was said

    to be.

    ¡°That tiny pill can help Mr. Sparks?¡± He snorted.

    Jenson took the pill and sniffed it before eximing, ¡°The scent of the ingredients swirls and lingers.

    The technique in making this pill alone is exceptional.¡±

    He was further convinced of Frank¡¯s medicinal skills after seeing the Ichor Pill and took it right then.

    ¡°How do you feel, Mr. Sparks?¡± Rolf asked.

    ¡°I just took it.¡± Jenson shot him a look.

    Time passed, and he suddenly started coughing violently.

    ¡°rgh!¡± He then vomited a mouthful of blood before passing out!

 Chapter 183

    ¡°Mr. Sparks!¡± Rolf cried, his heart almost leaping out of his throat.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    The servants paled in shock too, while Frank remained perfectly calm.

    Rolf wheeled on him right then, his expression savage as he demanded, ¡°You! What did you feed my

    uncle?! Why did he suddenly vomit blood?!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s normal,¡± Frank replied calmly. ¡°Mr. Jenson is quite old, and the Ichor Pill works by breaking

    down his cultivation and then rebuilding it. He will be better soon enough.¡±

    With that, he started toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now if there¡¯s nothing else.¡±

    ¡°Trying to run?! Get him!¡± Rolf bellowed, not believing him at all.

    Many of the dojo apprentices promptly came at his call, blocking Frank¡¯s path.

    Frank frowned as he turned toward Rolf. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±

    ¡°I believe my own eyes. You will pay for what you did to my uncle!¡± Rolf barked. ¡°Take him!¡±

    The apprentices charged at Frank right then, who shook his head exasperatedly.

    With a single step, he vaulted into the crowd, his body light as a feather.

    However, his punches strike heavy and true, and the twenty apprentices were copsing like dominoes,

    unable to stop him at all!

    As he sent one flying, the man knocked over plenty of others behind him.

    Rolf was in turn rubbing his eyes in disbelief even as he watched Frank mow them down!

    Just then, Kenny, who had rushed back to the dojo, was left stunned by the scene that greeted him.

    ¡°Stop!¡± he bellowed. ¡°What the hell is going on here?!¡±

    Rolf promptly ran up to him, pointing at Frank and snapping, ¡°Uncle Jenson vomited blood and passed

    out after taking the pill he gave! He must have fed him poison!¡±

    Kenny turned in shock toward Frank. ¡°What is going on here, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Your father will recover soon enough,¡± Frank replied impatiently. ¡°He didn¡¯t believe me and tried to

    rough me up.¡±

    ¡°You liar- ¡±

    Rolf was going to snap at Frank again when Kenny pped him across the face and snapped at him in

    disappointment, ¡°You little shit! How dare you behave so rudely toward Mr. Lawrence?! He said father

    will recover soon, and that¡¯s that!¡±

    Moreover, Frank was the man who treated Gerald Simmons and Vicky Turnbull, and he was now a

    close friend of Robert Quill!

    They certainly could not afford to provoke him!

    Just then, a servant came running toward them. ¡°Mr. Sparks, your father has woken up!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Rolf gaped in disbelief at Frank¨Ccould he have been wrong about Frank?!

    212

    He and Kenny hurried back to Jenson¡¯s room to find that the man was standing on his own, his

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re better now?¡± Rolf asked in disbelief

 Chapter 184

    ¡°Not just better. I feel spirited!¡± Jenson eximed, flexing his arms while nodding in approval. ¡°Mr.

    Lawrence¡¯s Ichor Pill is certainly miraculous.¡±

    ¡°Haha! Like I said, Mr. Lawrence is the greatest miracle worker of Riverton.¡± Kennyughed and turned

    toward Rolf. ¡°And you¡¯d actually send our apprentices after him. You ignorant fool.

    ¡°What?!¡± Jenson was growing at Rolf right then. ¡°You attacked Mr. Lawrence?!¡±

    ¡°No, I mean¡­¡± Rolf mumbled, scratching his head awkwardly. ¡°You were puking blood after you took

    the pill, and I thought you were poisoned¡­¡±

    ¡°Preposterous!¡± Jenson barked and hurried outside.

    Fortunately, Frank had not left, and Jenson promptly waved at him. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for what happened

    with Rolf, Mr. Lawrence. Please don¡¯t take it to heart¡­¡±

    Even if they could not befriend Frank, they must never make an enemy out of him.

    Frank actually did not take offense anyway. ¡°I won¡¯t take issue with such frivolity. You¡¯re better now, Mr.

    Sparks, and that¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    ¡°Haha! You are truly magnanimous.¡± Jensonughed heartily as he stroked his beard. ¡°If you ever need

    anything, just say the word¨Cthe doors of Skyde Dojo will always be open to you.¡±

    Frank rubbed his chin in hesitation just then. ¡°Aside from the panacea polypore, I have something else

    to ask as well¡­¡±

    ¡°Do tell, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Kenny said.

    ¡°Please keep an eye out for any of the Five Elemental Wonders,¡± Frank said. ¡°Money is not an issue.¡±

    He had yet toe across any of the other four aside from the wonderroot. Despite the Turnbulls, the

    Zimmers, and the Quills all helping, there was just no such luck.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    As such, now that he befriended the Sparks, he would ask them the same favor¨Cthe more, the better!

    Kenny put his hands together just then, eximing, ¡°That reminds me, Mr. Lawrence! I¡¯ve actually

    found a hundred¨Cyear panacea polypore.¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Frank¡¯s eyes lit up, surprised by Kenny¡¯s efficiency. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡±

    Kenny patted his chest confidently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll have our dojo¡¯s apprentices ask

    around about the Five Elemental Wonders too. There will be news soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Sparks.¡± Frank nodded.

    ¡°You¡¯re always wee,¡± Kenny replied. ¡°Regarding the panacea polypore, it¡¯s actually in the

    possession of the owner of an antique dealership called Vintagers. However, it¡¯s quitete- why don¡¯t

    you stay the night, and I can go there with you tomorrow?¡±

    Frank looked up at the skies and nodded exasperatedly. ¡°Fine.¡±

    Nearby, Rolf pursed his lips and muttered, ¡°Bastard¡­ treating us like tools already just because you

    saved the old man?¡±

    Kenny wheeled on him right with a re. ¡°You shut your mouth right now.¡±

    On the other hand, Frank waspletely unconcerned and stayed in the guest room Kenny had

    arranged.

    Kenny visited him again in the evening, smiling, ¡°Is the room to your liking, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Your dojo¡¯s hospitality is perfect.¡± Frank smiled in return, although he would have gone to bed earlier.

    ¡°Do you happen to have something to discuss,ing to see me thiste at night?

    Kenny chuckled. ¡°Nothing important. I¡¯d just like to have some small talk¡­¡±

    ¡°You may speak frankly, Mr. Sparks,¡± Frank said directly, able to see through him right then. I¡¯ll tell you

    everything I know in return.¡±

    Kenny was left feeling a little embarrassed.

    Shaking his head, he mused to himself for a moment before saying, ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­ Can I just ask

    how much the Ichor Pill is worth? Or the recipe, for that matter¨Cwill you be willing to sell it?¡±

 Chapter 185

    A pill as miraculous as the Ichor Pill would definitely be wildly popr once it hit the market, and

    Kenny¡¯s family was willing to invest in it.

    Even just ten percent of the shares would do!

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯vee.¡± Frank smiled. ¡°Then I shall be frank¨Cit¡¯s impossible to produce Ichor Pills

    in bulk, because each cauldron worth of pills requires a drop of a martial elite¡¯s essence.¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Kenny eximed, realizing with a start. ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s why you never sold it for money¡­ I

    never knew making the pill alonees at such a huge cost.¡±

    In reality, Frank did not consider his essence that big of a deal.

    For martial artists who had yet to perfect their vigor, however, it was a treasure¨Cand where would they

    get the essence of martial elites even if they had the recipe?

    After some further discussion about martial arts, Kenny quickly excused himself.

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    As he left Frank¡¯s room and passed through the antehall, he ran into Rolf.

    Rolf had actually been waiting for a while. He hurried toward Kenny, asking, ¡°How did it go? How much

    is Frank Lawerence demanding for the Ichor Pill recipe?¡±

    Kenny waved him off, sighing. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. The pill itself requires the essence of a martial elite, and

    we can¡¯t make it even if we had the recipe.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Rold eximed in shock, surprised that it required such an ingredient.

    Still, he soon had an idea. ¡°But if Frank Lawrence can make one, doesn¡¯t that mean he has the

    essence needed? We can use his essence to make pills, can¡¯t we?¡±

    Kenny paled in shock right then, and snapped under his breath, ¡°Are you crazy?! Are you even serious

    about this?! Frank is definitely a martial elite, but no one knows the true extent of his abilities¨Ceven

    now, no one has seen him go all out. So forget about those rubbish thoughts, and don¡¯t ever let Frank

    find out!¡±

    Kenny himself had tried to get his hands on the Ichor Pill recipe after seeing its miraculous effect for the

    first time. Not only did he fail toe up with any good ideas to procure it even after a long time, but he

    was also wary of Frank¡¯s true power and the friends he was quickly making.

    Not even Skyde Dojo would be able to hold their own against thembined!

    However, Rolf shot Kenny a look of contempt, believing that he was too cowardly.

    When ites to power, one either rises above the rest or falls.

    And with such a profound opportunity there for the taking, it would be a waste not to take it!

    Early next morning, Helen was sound asleep in her whitece pajamas and a plushie in her

    arms.

    It was Sunday, and she was nning to sleep in, since she had gone through quite a lot

    recently.

    However, it was only eight o¡¯clock when she heard a racket downstairs, and she got up, still groggy as

    she stormed downstairs grumpily.

    She arrived at the drawing room to find her own mother chattering excitedly with a young

    woman.

    Upon a closer look, Helen realized it was her cousin Cindy Zonda.

    ¡°I missed you so much, Helen!¡± Cindy eximed when she saw her just then, glomping on to her!

 Chapter 186

    It took a long while for Helen toe to her senses. ¡°Cindy? When did youe back to the country?¡±

    Cindy was supposedly studying abroad and would only return next year.

    Still, Cindy shed a sweet smile right then, ¡°Actually, I recently started apany with a partner, and

    we¡¯re aiming to get into the Riverton market. You have to help me out, Helen business is booming in

    Lane Holdings, so you can¡¯t forget about the rest of us.¡±

    ¡°Oh, what are you saying?¡± Gina eximed. ¡°If you want to start a business, Helen can let you manage

    one of our subsidiaries. Why partner with others?¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡± Helen quickly cut her short. ¡°Cindy must have her own ns since she¡¯s partnering with

    friends.¡±

    Lane Holdings was short on money themselves, and giving away a subsidiary right now was no

    different from cutting off a piece of themselves. Moreover, Helen knew how vain her mother got with

    her family, but she had to think for herself too!

    Thankfully, Cindy shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s alright, Aunt Gina. I¡¯m doing this on my own this time.¡±

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief, while Gina gave Cindy a huge thumbs up. ¡°You really are born a Zonda.

    Outstanding!¡±

    Still, Cindy sat down beside Gina, linking arms with her as she purred, ¡°Actually, I have a favor to

    ask¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± What could it be?¡± Gina asked in curiosity, feeling plenty helpful just then.

    After all, Greg was awash with tears as he came to her yesterday, returning the forty million dors he

    conned off her.

    She even pped him a few times for good measure.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning to draw an investment from the Szars,¡± Cindy said mysteriously. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that their

    heiress had been taking the herb called panacea polypore for nourishment. That¡¯s why I¡¯d like to buy

    one and present it to her as a gift.¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°Aren¡¯t the Szars based in Sunny City? What does yourpany have to do with

    them if you¡¯re aiming for the Riverton market?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, are you really the CEO of Lane Holdings? Don¡¯t you know that much?¡± Cindy scoffed, rolling

    her eyes at Helen before puffing her chest proudly as she announced, ¡°The Szars are nning a

    venture into the Riverton market, and Ms. Szar herself holds the shares. They have also developed

    the Beauty Pill¨Cnody would miss out on that action. Actually, do you want me to get you a couple?¡±

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Helen quickly said.

    Cindy rolled her eyes again before tugging on Gina¡¯s arm, ¡°Aunt Gina, I¡¯ve actually found where we

    could buy a panacea polypore. Come with meter, alright?¡±

    Gina thought about it, but how much would a panacea polypore cost anyway?

    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    And since she held seniority, she should behave ordingly.

    Nodding right then, she said, ¡°How could I ever say no to you, dear? Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯ll definitely buy it for

    you.¡±

    Cindy gave her a huge smooch right then. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Aunt Gina.¡±

    Though Helen was actually not interested in going, she had to drive them since she could not win

    against her mother¡¯s insistence.

    As Helen, Gina and Cindy all headed to Vintagers at noon, Frank and Kenny arrived soon after. Kenny

    led Frank to a rather modest store, approaching the front desk worker. ¡°Let¡¯s see that panacea

    polypore you have. We¡¯re buying it.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± The worker did a double take and said hesitantly, ¡°A¨CActually, you¡¯re a littlete for that, sir¡­

    There were three women who arrived earlier, asking to buy it. They¡¯ve already gone with Mr. Wicker to

    get it from the back¡­¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Kenny eximed in shock, regretting not cing a deposit earlier.

 Chapter 187

    Kenny was surprised that the panacea polypore was that popr.

    And since he had promised Frank that he would get it for him, it would be awkward if someone else

    bought it instead.

    Still, Frank went up to the worker and said, ¡°Can we meet the owner? I¡¯m willing to buy it at a high

    price.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ Yes!¡± Kenny nodded in response, whipping out a stack of dor bills and handing it to the

    worker. ¡°You can have this¨Ctake us to the owner right now.¡±

    The worker was left staring at the fat stack of cash, his awkward expression instantly turning into a

    smile. ¡°This way please, gentlemen.¡±

    At the back of Vintagers, Cindy was just eximing excitedly, ¡°Mr. Wicker, do show us the panacea

    polypore!¡±

    Johnny Wicker, the pudgy owner of Vintagers, was all smiles as he drew out a wooden chest. ¡± Calm

    down, miss¨Cthis is it, the panacea polypore. Five million dors, and I won¡¯t take any bargaining.¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Cindy quickly turned toward Gina. ¡°You can pay him now, Aunt Gina.¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­ actually, is it really supposed to be so expensive?¡± Gina pursed her lips.

    She knew Cindy was just buying a single herb¡­ but she did not expect it to be that expensive!

    ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am,¡± Johnny said mysteriously just then. ¡°The polypore is a natural wonder, a herb that

    absorbs Mother Nature¡¯s essence. It¡¯s a treasure that isn¡¯t readily avable, and five million is a special

    price I¡¯ve set for you, Ms. Zonda. I wouldn¡¯t actually sell this to anyone else.

    Cindy nodded repeatedly. ¡°Come on, Aunt Gina. Once I seed in securing a partnership with Ms.

    Szar, I¡¯ll pay you back.¡±

    Gina gritted her teeth¨Cfive million it was.

    Her niece¡¯s business would boom eventually, and if she was stingy, their rtives might start

    badmouthing her.

    Still, just as she took out her credit card, Frank and Kenny entered.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Kenny said, hurrying toward them with an apologetic smile. ¡°Could we have that panacea

    polypore instead? We will pay double.¡±

    Gina did a double take.

    Double?! That was definitely a good deal.

    However, Cindy immediately disagreed. ¡°Why should Mr. Wicker sell it to you? Firste, first served!

    And we won¡¯t sell it no matter how much you¡¯re offering!¡±

    Frank stepped forward just then. ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­¡±

    Upon a closer look, he realized that it was Helen¡¯s cousin Cindy.

    They had met at his wedding before, and he also noticed Helen and Gina behind Cindy.

    ¡°Frank Lawrence?¡±

    They were both surprised to see him too, and Gina was already snapping furiously, ¡°What are you

    doing here, lowlife?!¡±

    Kenny gasped¨Cwho was that woman, talking to Frank like that?

    He told Gina, ¡°Please watch yournguage, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Gina snapped coolly, holding her hands on her hips. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business how I

    lecture my lowlife former son¨Cinw!¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­ Wait, you¡¯re Mr. Lawrence¡¯s mother¨Cinw?¡± Kenny was on the verge of an outburst but

    quickly stopped himself,

    Frank frowned just then. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Gina. Let¡¯s cut to the chase.¡±

    Enjoy Ad¨CFree Reading>>

 Chapter 188

    Frank said, ¡°It¡¯s pointless even if you buy the polypore, Cindy. I can help you with any condition you

    have and pay you on top of that.¡±

    Cindy snorted in disdain. ¡°You, help me? Who do you think you are?! Also, I¡¯m plenty healthy!

    She had always belittled because he had nothing to his name and thought Helen was blind when she

    married him.

    It was certainly smart of her to divorce him!

    On the other hand, Frank was speechless. ¡°Why would you buy it if you¡¯re not sick?¡±

    Cindy reared her chin at him. ¡°I¡¯m presenting it as a gift to Ms. Szar. She needs it, and she just might

    appoint me a direct broker when her family starts marketing the Beauty Pill.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not going to sell.¡± Frank chuckled. ¡°Sell the polypore to me, and I¡¯ll appoint you the broker of a pill

    that would sell even better.¡±

    It was no empty promise¨Chis Reinvigoration Pill would definitely outsell the Beauty Pill, if not render it

    worthless.

    Cindy, however, snorted. ¡°You¡¯re so full of it. I won¡¯t take whatever you make, even if you¡¯re giving it

    away for free!¡±

    Beside her, Gina was even less willing to concede the panacea polypore to Frank.

    She had always hated the man, and even if the price tag of five million dors hurt, she was only

    further motivated to see Frank disappointed.

    As such, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll pay you right now, Mr. Wicker.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Johnny nodded repeatedly.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Kenny said just then. ¡°Mr. Wicker, since you haven¡¯t sold it yet, I shall make a ten million dor

    bid.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Johnny paused.

    Ten million dors was no small sum¨Ceven if Cindy and the others came first, no one would say no to

    money!

    Turning toward Cindy, he smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait a little longer, Ms. Zonda? I promise to see you

    the next panacea polypore thates into our store¡­¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t do this, Mr. Wicker!¡± Cindy snapped, utterly disgruntled.

    ¡°That¡¯s so dishonest of you!¡± Gina joined in.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s my fault,¡± Johnny admitted without qualms. ¡°I¡¯ll sell it to you next time.¡±

    Gina was left gritting her teeth, and she soon snapped, ¡°Twenty million!¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Helen gulped and tried to pull her backward¨Cthere was no need to go that far for an herb!

    However, Gina was not one to take it lying down, and Cindy was smiling smugly. ¡°Well done,

    Aunt Gina!¡±

    Frank was frowning and turned toward Kenny. ¡°How much do you have, Mr. Sparks?¡±

    ¡°Just ten million¡­¡± Kenny admitted, since he did not bring everything he had.

    Frank took a deep breath. ¡°Thirty million.¡±

    ¡°Forty million!¡± Cindy shouted even before Johnny could react.

    Even Gina¡¯s face fell. ¡°Do you have that much money, Cindy?¡±

    ¡°No. Just borrow it to me for now, Aunt Gina,¡± Cindy said as it was perfectly natural.

    Gina pursed her lips¨Cshe did have that much, but that was also all she had!

    Helen quickly reasoned, ¡°A single herb is not worth forty million, Cindy¡­¡±

    They certainly could buy something better to earn Ms. Szar¡¯s favor!

    ¡°What are you saying ¡°?¡± Gina eximed, frowning. ¡°Are you saying my family can¡¯t afford this much?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Helen was left speechless.

    She was just trying to be reasonable, and Cindy made it sound as if she was belittling her¡­

    On the other hand, Gina gritted her teeth and stamped her feet. ¡°Helen meant nothing by it. It¡¯s just

    forty million¨Cwe¡¯ll buy it!¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 189

    Gina absolutely refused to lose face in front of her niece, even if paying forty million dors for it hurt a

    lot.

    Even Johnny was left dumbstruck.

    Selling a panacea polypore for forty million dors? This would probably never happen again!

    He quickly turned to Frank and Kenny. ¡°Gentlemen, are you going to raise the bid?¡±

    Both men were frowning.

    Raise? They only had thirty million dors together.

    That being said, they did not expect Gina and her niece to be that stupid to buy a polypore for forty

    million dors!

    And since neither man spoke, Johnny turned to Gina and Cindy with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s all yours, Ms. Zonda.¡±

    Gina whipped out her card while shooting Frank a gleeful, triumphant look despite her heart bleeding.

    And once the payment was made, Cindy got her wish as she took the wooden chest containing the

    polypore.

    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely be a partner of the Szars with this!¡± Her eyes were ame with excitement as she

    opened the door.

    The panacea polyporey still within the velvet cushioning, but where it should be wlessly white, it

    was instead glistening in red. To make things worse, while normal polypores tended to be plump and

    meaty, this one was rock hard and rotting on the edges!

    ¡°What the¡­¡± Cindy gaped. ¡°What the hell is this? Why is it rotting? And it¡¯s so hard!¡±

    Frank moved forward for a look and chuckled coolly. ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s dead.¡±

    It must have been kept in the chest for too long¨Cthe herb itself had wilted, losing moisture and hence

    drying up.

    Moreover, the withered edges were signs that the herb itself had been hurt during harvest!

    ¡°Dead or alive¨Cwhat¡¯s the difference?¡± Johnny shrugged nonchntly.

    ¡°How is it not different?!¡± Cindy bellowed furiously. ¡°I¡¯m giving this as a present! Who would give a dead

    herb as a present?! And it¡¯s even starting to rot!¡±

    ¡°I never said it was alive,¡± Johnny snapped impatiently. ¡°Quit making a fuss.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Kennyughed mockingly without holding back at all. ¡°Forty million dors for a dead herb! You

    ladies are geniuses!¡±

    Gina and Cindy were both left ashen¨Cfaced. After all that posturing, it turned out that they were the

    clowns all along!

    ¡°We¡¯re not buying this,¡± Cindy snapped angrily. ¡°Refund us right now!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Refund us, you snake oil salesman!¡± Gina bellowed, pointed at Johnny in the

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    nose.

    Johnny frowned and growled, ¡°Watch your words,dies. I never stopped you from checking the goods

    before you buy it or browbeat you into buying it. You¡¯re the ones who insisted on outbidding the two

    gentlemen, and you¡¯re demanding a refund now that you don¡¯t like the merchandise? That¡¯s not going

    to happen.¡±

    Gina and Cindy were left stumped.

    However, even if Gina was unable to muster a retort, Gina promptly threw herself on the floor, howling

    at the top of her lungs, ¡°We¡¯re not leaving until you give us a refund! Help! The owner here has just

    tricked us! Come here, see it for yourself!¡±

    Kenny pursed his lips and leveled Frank a look of sympathy right then¨Che was now starting to

    understand why the man was divorced.

 Chapter 190

    The customers of Vintagers were immediately drawn by the racket Gina was causing, but Johnny was

    no slouch, having run the business for years!

    Knowing that Gina was trying to curry sympathy, he bellowed, ¡°How dare you mess around on my turf!

    Guards!¡±

    The security officers hurried to the scene at his order!

    Seeing things were getting out of hand, Helen quickly said, ¡°Calm down, Mr. Wicker. We won¡¯t ask for a

    refund, alright?¡±

    There was no way three women would win against a dozen burly security guards, not to mention that

    Gina was already silenced once they arrived.

    ¡°Then put a leash on your mother,¡± Johnny growled icily. ¡°nder me again and watch what happens.¡±

    Nearby, Frank was almostughing out loud.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Even if Johnny was definitely a shady businessman, he was still amused seeing Gina suffer.

    Forty million dors for a dead herb? She was simply one of a kind!

    Nheless, as Gina wobbled up to her feet, her eyes suddenlynded on Frank, and she ran up to

    him. ¡°You wanted the polypore, didn¡¯t you? I can even sell it to you cheap. Thirty million!

    Cindy moved to stand haughtily beside her. ¡°Yeah. You wanted it, didn¡¯t you? We¡¯re now offering you

    an opportunity. Don¡¯t look a gift horse in the mouth!¡±

    Helen rolled her eyes behind them¨CFrank was no idiot and was not about to buy that crap.

    ¡°Buzz off!¡± Kenny barked furiously. ¡°Do you take us for deaf? Buying a dead herb for thirty million?!¡±

    Gina felt stung and gritted her teeth. ¡°Twenty million! Just twenty million, alright?¡±

    Frankughed. ¡°Do I look that stupid to you, Gina?¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Gina scowled but said, ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your sake! I¡¯m only selling it because you used to be

    my son¨Cinw!¡±

    ¡°For my sake? Why does it look like you want me to take a bullet for you?¡± Frank growled coolly.

    ¡°Anyway, I won¡¯t buy it for twenty million dors. Two million, however, would be worth considering.¡±

    The herb might be dead in appearance, but there was a secret no one else knew¡­

    ¡°Two million? Dream on!¡± Gina refused right then¨Cshe would lose thirty¨Ceight million if she sold it so

    cheap!

    ¡°Can¡¯t help you if you¡¯re not selling.¡± Frank shrugged nonchntly just then.

    Around them, the crowd was getting rowdy as they discussed among themselves.

    ¡°Tut, tut. A dead panacea polypore with no medicinal value whatsoever¡­ It isn¡¯t even worth

    two million!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure. Hell, it isn¡¯t even worth two hundred grand!¡±

    212

    Gina gritted her teeth as she listened and promptly stopped Frank again. ¡°Two million! You said it! Pay

    up right now!¡±

    Frank briskly whipped out his debit card in turn.

    Beside him, Kenny asked under his breath, ¡°Mr. Lawrence? A dead herb isn¡¯t worth two million, is it?¡±

    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing,¡± Frank said calmly as he paid up.

    Gina handed the panacea polypore over, breathing a huge sigh of relief. ¡°Thank goodness¡­ At least I

    got something back.¡±

    Helen walked up to Frank just then, saying, ¡°Thank you, Frank. I¡¯ll wire you the two millionter.¡±

    From where she was standing, Frank had only bought the herb to offer her mother some sce.

    Nheless, Frank smiled. ¡°No, I bought it for myself¨Cit¡¯s worth billions after all.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Cindyughed loudly. ¡°Are you delusional?! That thing is dead¨Cit¡¯s worthless!¡±

    Frank smiled in turn. ¡°Never think that everyone is ignorant just because you are.¡± And with those

    words, he tore the panacea polypore apart!

 Chapter 191

    There was a blood¨Cred section within the panacea polypore¨Cit was a young bloody polypore that was

    growing from the inside!

    Everyone watching around Frank was left in dumbfounded disbelief.

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bloody polypore?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alive, too¡­¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why the polypore is dying. Its nutrients are being drained from the inside!¡±

    Gina was leftpletely bewildered.

    She knew nothing about herbology, so she asked Cindy, ¡°What¡¯s a bloody polypore?¡±

    Cindy¡¯s eyes were ame with jealousy. ¡°It¡¯s a parasitic polypore growing within normal polypores. It

    sucks the polypore outside dry, which is why it¡¯s a treasure among polypores.¡±

    Beside Frank, Kenny¡¯s eyes lit up as he stared at the bloody polypore. ¡°My goodness¡­ your eyes are

    as sharp as they are wise, Mr. Lawrence! You actually spotted a bloody polypore hidden within!¡±

    He was dead sure that Frank must have noticed right away, or he would not have spent two million

    dors buying a dead herb!

    Frank smiled. ¡°I was just lucky.¡±

    Helen was left gaping but soon rolled her eyes.

    She was certainly naive¨CFrank had his own reason to buy the herb, and certainly not to help her

    mother save face.

    Even Johnny was left staring greedily at the bloody polypore while kicking himself for not noticing

    earlier.

    Still, he got an idea and told Frank, ¡°Sir, you truly are amazing, noticing the bloody polypore inside. May

    I ask if you¡¯re interested in selling it? I¡¯m willing to buy it for five hundred million

    Everyone who was in the knowughed before he could finish.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you too greedy, old¨Ctimer? A bloody panacea is a real treasure.¡±

    ¡°Hell, it¡¯s one in a million and at least worth a billion bucks.¡±

    ¡°And you just axed it by half!

    Johnny gritted his teeth, but he stayed calm and smiled at Frank. ¡°Haha! Silly me¡­ how does a billion

    dors sound, sir?¡±

    ¡°A billion?!¡± Gina¡¯s eyes were bulging at the offer.

    Lane Holdings and all their assets were only worth two billion!

    And yet, that single herb was worth half of that?!

    She had certainly taken a terrible loss!

    Nheless, Frank smiled and shook his head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not nning to sell it.¡±

    He had bought the panacea polypore so that Vicky could put the Rejuvenation Pill into production, not

    for money.

    Hell, he would not sell it even if he were offered ten billion.

    ¡°Oh, what a pity.¡± Johnny was left shaking his head.

    Even if he was dissatisfied, he could not afford to y dirty tricks when so many others were watching.

    Moreover, there were rules in this business¨Cthey never did refunds, just as they would never take back

    what they sold..

    Gina, however, could not care less.

    A billion dors was at stake, and she could afford to lose face!

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± she snapped at Frank before he could leave with the bloody polypore.

    Frank frowned as Gina and Cindy suddenly nked him. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Give us the bloody polypore,¡± Gina demanded, holding out her hand brazenly.

    Cindy nodded repeatedly beside her. ¡°Yes! It belongs to us!¡±

    ¡°Mom! What are you doing?¡± Helen cried as she hurried up to her, pulling her by the arm.

    Gina snapped stubbornly, ¡°I¡¯m taking back what¡¯s ours!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s yours?¡± Frank chuckled in amusement. ¡°I spent two million on this, and you sold it to me. Why

    is it suddenly yours again?¡±

    Gina put her hands on her hips as she snorted. ¡°You knew there was a bloody polypore inside and you

    didn¡¯t tell me! You only spent the two million to trick me!¡±

 Chapter 192

    Gina snapped, ¡°If I¡¯d known there was a bloody polypore inside, I wouldn¡¯t have sold it to you!

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Cindy echoed. ¡°Give us the bloody polypore. You can have your two million back.¡±

    Everyone around them was actually shocked.

    Even Johnny, unscrupulous as he was, did not demand for his sold merchandise to be returned. How

    despicable could these women be to actually say it out loud?

    ¡°Haha!¡± Frankughed out loud. ¡°Why should I tell you that there¡¯s a bloody polypore inside? Who are

    you to me? The polypore isn¡¯t yours the instant you took my money.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mom!¡± Helen reasoned. ¡°It¡¯s his once the money changed hands, and both parties were

    willing. There¡¯s no takesies backsies!¡±

    She was also feeling humiliated and would rather her mother stopped causing a scene, especially with

    so many people watching!

    ¡°You ingrate! How could you take sides against your family?!¡± Gina snapped at Helen instead, furious

    that she would rather take Frank¡¯s side than hers!

    ¡°I¡¯m not taking sides¨CI¡¯m just telling the truth,¡± Helen retorted with a frown and turned toward Frank.

    ¡°You should leave.¡±

    Even if her mother had lost over thirty million dors in the deal, it was all just proof that her mother did

    not have business acumen¨Cthe fault was not Frank¡¯s.

    ¡°No!¡± Cindy shouted right then. ¡°Even if we did sell it to him, he has to share half of it with us! We

    bought it, and he only made money because of us!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Gina nodded in full agreement. ¡°Just pay us five hundred million, Frank. We won¡¯t ask for the

    bloody polypore.¡±

    Frank stared at them in wry amusement and snorted. ¡°Dream on.¡±

    With that, he turned to leave.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Cindy howled, refusing to let her five hundred million run away.

    However, even as she lunged after Frank, Kenny stepped between them with a fearsome re. ¡°Step

    back. Bother Mr. Lawrence again, and it¡¯s a p to the face.¡±

    If not for these women¡¯s connection to Frank, Kenny would have pped them much earlier given his

    temper!

    Cindy snorted, standing akimbo as she snapped, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare-¡±

    Smack!

    Kenny certainly did not hold back, pping Cindy across the face and sending her spinning before

    copsing on the floor.

    Naturally, he did not go all out, or he would have sent her flying!

    ¡°H¨CHow dare you?!¡± Cindy cried as she clutched her face. ¡°You¡¯re a grown man! That¡¯s disrespectful to

    a woman!¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Kenny snorted. ¡°I respect women, not idiots.¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    With that, he turned and left with Frank, showing no inclination to apologize.

    ¡°Are you alright, Cindy?¡± Gina asked, watching her with empathy.

    Even the crowd around them were a little shaken.

    Cindy clutched her cheek as she huffed. ¡°Hmph! That¡¯s Zidonians for you. He¡¯s a grown man,

    but he actuallyid his hands on a woman! I would¡¯ve sued him if we were abroad!¡±

    Helen was speechless.

    What did being abroad have to do with this?

    And if they really were abroad, it would not stop at just a p¡­

 Chapter 193

    Still clutching her face, Cindy suddenly turned toward Helen. ¡°Just look at him! Just what kind of friends

    have your ex¨Chusband been making?!¡±

    Cindy was clearly trying to me her, but Helen shrugged nonchntly. ¡°We¡¯re divorced

    the friends he makes have nothing to do with me. Also, I¡¯m leaving now since I have

    something else to do.¡±

    With that, she strode off, leaving Gina and Cindy behind.

    She certainly did not want to embarrass herself further!

    Frank took the bloody polypore back to Skywater Bay after parting ways with Kenny.

    He was just about to call Vicky about it when she called him first. ¡°Hey, Frank? Where are you?

    ¡°Skywater Bay.¡±

    Vicky was stunned for a moment before demanding, ¡°Skywater Bay? When did you move there?!¡±

    ¡°When I visited the Quills,¡± Frank replied. ¡°Robert Quill gave me a mansion.¡±

    Vicky gasped. ¡°Only the richest and most powerful people live there, and Robert gave you one? What,

    did you get him a wife or something?¡±

    Frank was blue with shock. ¡°No, I just help him improve his Boltsmacker.¡±

    ¡°Oh, no wonder¡­¡± Vicky murmured pensively.

    ¡°Where are you now?¡± Frank asked. ¡°I¡¯lle to you¨CI¡¯ve just acquired the main ingredient for the

    Rejuvenation Pill.¡±

    ¡°Verdant Hotel, of course,¡± Vicky replied. ¡°I came looking for you. Didn¡¯t expect you to be gone.¡±

    Musing to herself for a moment, she then said, ¡°Let¡¯s meet halfway at Hoff Hotel. We can have dinner

    there too.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Frank replied and headed out with the bloody polypore, taking a cab to Hoff Hotel.

    Vicky was wearing a tight beige skirt that bared her long legs, turning many heads as she strode

    toward Frank in her Doc Martens.

    As she wrapped her hands around his arm, Frank¡¯s nostrils twitched, reacting to her faint flowery scent.

    He could also feel the soft smoothness of her sin as she pressed against him¨Canyone who did not

    know would definitely think they were a couple.

    Vicky grinned ear¨Cto¨Cear as she told him, ¡°You¡¯re so amazing, Frank¡­ Getting me the recipe and the

    herb? I don¡¯t know how to thank you¡­¡±

    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Frank cleared his throat as she was repeatedly pressing her chest against his arm.

    Do you have to?¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ You don¡¯t like it? The couples I see on TV often do this.¡± Vicky pouted.

    ¡°We¡¯re not a couple,¡± Frank said.

    Vicky whispered, ¡°We can keep it a secret.¡®

    ¡°1

    Frank pursed his lips, really having had enough just then.

    ¡°The bloody polypore is a little light,¡± he said, returning to the business at hand. ¡°It¡¯s just around 800

    grams, but it would be way more effective than a normal panacea polypore¨Cyou can make at least

    100,000 Rejuvenation Pills with this.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful.¡± Vicky¡¯s eyes lit up with delight as she quickly moved the palm¨Csized bloody polypore into

    a specialized chest. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s have dinner.¡±

    They entered the hotel, which was rather quiet since it was off¨Cpeak hours.

    As they took a window seat and ordered some simple dishes, Vicky asked, ¡°Which Skywater Bay

    mansion are you staying at, Frank? We might even be neighbors.¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°I don¡¯t know the actual address, but it¡¯s the one on top of the hill.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky eximed in surprise. ¡°My dear mentor is really going all out, isn¡¯t he? The man actually

    turned me down when I asked for the hilltop mansion¡­¡±

    Still, her eye twinkled mischievously. ¡°I know it gets lonely to stay alone in such a big house. Would you

    like somepany tonight?¡±

 Chapter 194

    Frank sliced his steak as he said, ¡°We can switch houses if you like.¡±

    ¡°No, there are plenty of rooms in your mansion. Just let me stay in one of the guest rooms.¡± Vicky

    smiled, resting her chin on her hands while winking coquettishly at Frank.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not too busy, you could give me a full¨Cbody check up. I¡¯ve been feeling so tiredtely

    Frank stayed silent, and Vicky looked up to realize he was staring fixedly in the distance instead of her.

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    ¡°What¡¯s got your attention now?¡± Vicky asked, following his gaze to find another person sitting in the

    spacious restaurant.

    It was a woman, dressed in a form¨Cfitting T¨Cshirt, a pair of skinny jeans, and a pair of ck heels.

    Her figure was voluptuous and ample and slender where she ought to be.

    Even Vicky¡¯s eyes straightened, actually impressed by the woman¡¯s perfect form. ¡°My goodness¡­ Are

    they really that big? That¡¯s a real hourss figure if I ever see one!¡±

    Never one to shy from staring at the good stuff, Frank nodded in agreement. ¡°Not bad.¡±

    Vicky lowered her gaze at herself. ¡°I¡¯m no slouch myself.¡±

    Frank nced at her for a moment. ¡°Nope. She beats you by a country mile¡±

    Vicky pouted and huffed with jealousy. ¡°Hers are fake.¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Frank shook his head. ¡°I can tell they¡¯re natural.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡±

    Frank said confidently, ¡°Thanks to my years working as a healer.¡±

    He had seen so many women that he basically encountered every figure type-he could tell right away if

    they were fake.

    ¡°You¡¯re that experienced? You¡¯re such a scoundrel,¡± Vicky frowned as if she lost out big time.¡± No, I

    won¡¯t stand for this¨Cpants down, I haven¡¯t seen yours.¡±

    With those words, she started to reach for his belt.

    ¡°Hey, what the hell?¡± Frank was speechless¨Cwas she usually this aggressive?!

    As they jostled around like a yful couple, the woman stood up and called out to a waiter, I¡¯d like to

    change seats. I¡¯d rather not sit that close to idiots.¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡±

    Both Frank and Vicky did a double take, embarrassed and surprised that the women¡¯s ears were that

    sharp.

    Did she overhear their earlier conversation too?

    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault.¡± Vicky pouted.

    ¡±

    ¡°How was that my fault?¡± Frank rolled his eyes. ¡°You started it.¡±

    ¡°Because you were staring at her.¡±

    Later, as the woman finished her meal, she quickly paid the bill and started to leave, just as a group of

    men entered.

    ¡°All alone, Ms. York?¡± their leader¨CDustin, who wore shades, asked. ¡°You were so hard to find!¡±

    The woman scowled as soon as she saw the men. ¡°Where I go is none of your business.¡±

    ¡°Calm down, Ms. York.¡± Dustin chuckled. ¡°Come with us now¨Cthe boss has been waiting for a while

    now.¡±

    ¡°And I told him it¡¯s not happening. Don¡¯t bother me ever again,¡± the woman snapped.

    She turned, ready to leave when Dustin caught her wrist. ¡°That¡¯s not up to you to decide, Ms. York.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing? Let me go!¡± the woman shouted as she struggled.

    Vicky scowled right then. ¡°Bullying a woman in broad daylight?! This is an outrage!¡±

 Chapter 195

    ¡°Stop!¡±

    Vicky mmed her hand on the table as she sprang to her feet and snapped at Dustin, ¡°Let go of that

    woman!¡±

    Her outburst left everyone stunned, while Dustin slowly turned toward her and growled threateningly,

    ¡°Buzz off, girlie. This ain¡¯t any of your business.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Vicky snapped, standing akimbo. ¡°She¡¯s my sister¨Cinw!¡±

    Turning toward Frank right then, she said, ¡°Go on, Frankie. They¡¯re stealing your girl!¡±

    ¡°Bleurgh.¡± Frank choked on his drink.

    What was Vicky¡¯s deal, catching heat and then dumping it on him?!

    Dustin frowned. ¡°I never knew you had a boyfriend, Ms. York¡­¡±

    The woman shot Frank a look. ¡°I don¡¯t even know them.¡®

    Dustin rolled his eyes. Not bothered to waste time on this, he gestured for two of his thug friends to

    deal with Vicky.

    As they strode toward her, ready to hit her, Frank warned, ¡°I don¡¯t want to get involved with your

    business, so take your men and leave right now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not up to you, kid!¡± one of the thugs barked and aimed a punch at Frank¡¯s face.

    Crash!

    Frank had suddenly kicked the table, sending it crashing toward the two thugs, hitting them squarely in

    the head!

    As the thugsy bleeding all over, Vicky snapped at Dustin again, ¡°Let that woman go right now!¡±

    ¡°You messed with the wrong people!¡± Dustin bellowed, whipping out a knife and swinging it at Vicky!

    He was moving at breakneck speed, but Vicky met his blow without flinching.

    She was the Riverton champion in martial arts and had confidence in her own abilities even if she had

    lost her cultivation.

    With a single step, she shifted to the side, avoiding the de while aiming her palm at Dustin¡¯s face.

    However, Dustin was no pushover as he pivoted his knife and kept thrusting it at Vicky.

    Vicky¡¯s mind registered the attack and told her to dodge as the knife got ever closer¡­ but her body

    was simply not reacting!

    Nevertheless, Frank caught her shoulder at the right time and pulled her backward firmly.

    As she fell into his arms, Dustin¡¯s knife sliced through a few strands of her hair.

    At the same time, Frank raised his foot, kicking Dustin squarely in the stomach.

    ¡°Oof-¡± Dustin gasped as he was sent flying.

    He was left clutching his stomach as he sweated buckets¨Cit felt like his intestines were almost kicked

    out of his body!

    ¡°Who the hell is causing a ruckus here?!¡± someone shouted from the second floor just then.

    Frank turned to find Bravo Lambert and a group of his goons hurrying downstairs.

    Bravo heard someone start a fight there and thought immediately that someone was trying to

    cause a scene.

    On the other hand, Dustin was delighted to see him. ¡°Mr. Lambert! It¡¯s me!¡±

    At the same time, Noel York shot Frank a look. ¡°Go. Leave right now, or you won¡¯t be able to make it.¡±

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    After all, Bravo was Kurt Stinson¡¯s top henchman, and Kurt was the kingpin of East City.

    With all those men with him, Frank would never win no matter how good he was in a fight.

    Even so, Vicky was fearless. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Wedies are going to be fine with him around.¡± She knew

    all too well how strong Frank was, after all.

    Enjoy Ad¨CFree Reading>>

 Chapter 196

    For Frank, nothing could be easier than dealing with those thugs!

    Dustin took off his shades just then and told Bravo, ¡°Mr. Lambert, it¡¯s me, Dustin!¡±

    ¡°Oh, Dustin?¡± Bravo eximed in surprise. ¡°Who did this to you?¡±

    ¡°That little shit! He¡¯s the one!¡± Dustin pointed at Frank right then, his eyes shing viciously

    as he red at the man. ¡°Come on, boy! Weren¡¯t you plenty amazing just now? Why don¡¯t you do it

    again?¡±

    However, Bravo did a double take when he turned to look where Dustin was pointing.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he the kid who saved the bossman?¡± He g¨²lped.

    Bravo¡¯s boss, Kurt Stinson, had almost died at Flora Hall, but Frank had saved him almost effortlessly.

    Kurt had also told Bravo not to provoke the man¡­

    As such, on one hand was Dustin, an asional drinking buddy, while on the other was Frank, the

    man who saved his boss¡¯s life.

    Bravo certainly knew who between those two he must never upset!

    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± he bellowed and punched Dustin squarely in the back of his head! ¡°Oof-¡±

    Dustin was left clutching the back of his head even as he turned in shock toward Bravo. ¡°Why did you

    punch me?¡±

    ¡°Punch you, did I? Well, I¡¯ll kick you for good measure!¡± Bravo barked and leaped up to kick Dustin

    three meters away.

    Then, pointing at Frank, he said, ¡°What do you think you are doing? That man saved Mr. Stinson¡¯s life!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Dustin was left gaping¨Cthat brat had actually saved Kurt Stinson¡¯s life? Both Noel and Vicky

    were taken aback, staring at Frank in disbelief.

    At the same time, Bravo hurried to Frank¡¯s side, groveling. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry you and had to be disturbed,

    Mr. Lawrence. I apologize for our poor hospitality¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just here for dinner,¡± Frank said calmly. ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern.¡±

    your friends

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Lawrence.¡± Bravo nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that piece of shit too, we¡¯ll deal with

    him¡­ What do you want to be done?¡±

    ¡°The man was harassing a woman in broad daylight,¡± Vicky said. ¡°Break his hand. See if he¡¯d ever do it

    again.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, mdy,¡± Bravo said in approval.

    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    She was leaning in Frank¡¯s arms, and in Bravo¡¯s mind, that meant she was Frank¡¯s girl.

    How stupid could Dustin be that she would mess with Frank Lawrence¡¯s girl?

    ,

    He turned toward his men right then and barked, ¡°Drag him out of here, and break his hand.¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy?! Mr. Hudson is my boss!¡± Dustin eximed in shock¨Cwas Bravo being serious?!

    Bravo simply snorted. ¡°Shut it. We¡¯d have you beaten to a pulp even if he were here.¡±

    With those words, Bravo¡¯s goons dragged Dustin out of the hotel, and blood¨Ccurdling screams could

    soon be heard!

    Bravo turned back toward Frank, groveling. ¡°Is there anything else you need, Mr. Lawrence? Just say

    the word.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just here for dinner¨Cjust didn¡¯t expect to run into simpletons.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Bravo nodded, though he nced between Noel and Vicky before whipping out a golden card

    with a smile. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, this is a gold member card for our establishment. The penthouse suite is

    all yours¨Cthe bed in there can fit up to five people with no problem.¡± It was obvious that Frank was quite

    something, having twodies of such beauty at his side. It was most certainly going to be a long night

    for him¡­

    ¡°Ahem¡­ Alright, you can go now if there¡¯s nothing else,¡± Frank told Bravo as he took the gold card.

    Who knew what freebies Bravo would give next if he was allowed to keep going!

 Chapter 197

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Lawrence. Please enjoy yourself¡ªI shan¡¯t impose now.¡± Bravo grinned as he led his

    goons away.

    Just then, Vicky nced at the gold card Frank was holding. ¡°So, you¡¯re really taking the gold card?

    Thinking about sharing a bed tonight, perhaps?¡±

    Frank waved her off. ¡°What are you talking about? You know he wouldn¡¯t have left if I didn¡¯t take it.¡±

    ¡°Tch.¡±

    Vicky clicked her tongue and pouted. ¡°That reminds me¨Cwhen did you save Kurt Stinson¡¯s life?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while,¡± Frank replied quietly. ¡°Ran into him and Bravo at Flora Hall and just helped out a

    little.¡±

    As Vicky nodded thoughtfully, Noel spoke up just then. ¡°Thank you so much for the save, sir. I¡¯m Noel

    York¨Cmay I have the pleasure of your name?¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence.¡±

    Frank rubbed his chin as he studied her just then. ¡°Are you perhaps an actress, Ms. York?¡±

    ¡°Oh! Didn¡¯t you just win the best actress award in Draconia?¡± Vicky eximed with a start, recalling a

    film Noel starred in.

    Noel smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes, I did.¡±

    Vicky promptly whipped out a pen. ¡°I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d be encountering a star when I left the house

    today¡­ Here, you can autograph my dress.¡±

    Frank stared at Vicky as she chattered excitedly just like a fangirl, her usual sense of

    superiority gone with the wind.

    Noel naturally did not refuse and signed Vicky¡¯s dress.

    After that, Frank asked, ¡°Why were those men after you, Ms. York?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Noel sighed. ¡°There are times when one has no say in their own situation.¡±

    Taking out two business cards and handing them to Frank and Vicky respectively, she said, I¡¯ll be going

    now since I have something else to do. If either of you are interested in movies, call my personal

    number anytime¨CI can bring you on a stroll around the studios.¡±

    ¡°Woah¡­ Thank you!¡± Vicky eximed, getting an idea as she stared at Noel¡¯s business card.

    They could have her endorse the Rejuvenation Pill once it hit the market!

    On the other hand, Frank was less than interested but took the business card out of politeness.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    After Noel left, Frank headed back to Skywater Bay to rest, but Vicky insisted oning along.

    As they headed to his hilltop mansion together, she entered his bedroom and threw herself on hisrge

    bed, rolling around as she purred, ¡°Honestly, this ce is so much bigger than my family¡¯s vi¨CI¡¯m

    staying here tonight.¡±

    ¡°You could do that without sleeping in my bed,¡± Frank pointed out.

    ¡°What, do you have something to say?¡± Vicky demanded, frowning.

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Nope, you can stay here, I¡¯ll use the guest room.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± Vicky purred, catching him by the wrist. ¡°I saw you ogling Ms. York just now.¡±

    ¡°Is there a person who doesn¡¯t admire beauty?¡± Frank admitted.

    ¡°What about me?¡±

    Vicky started to undo her cor button, baring her smooth, fair shoulders.

    Frank nced at it for a moment but turned away. ¡°Forget it.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Am I that unattractive?¡± Vicky growled.

    Even if she was no beauty in his eyes, she was at least not ugly, just as there were countless men

    interested in her.

    Frank was perhaps the only man who never took her charms seriously.

    ¡°You are attractive,¡± Frank replied. ¡°But I¡¯d rather not be treated as your human shield.¡±

    He really hated being harassed.

    Moreover, if he really started dating Vicky, it would not just be Turnbulls, for even Vicky¡¯s fiance would

    come with a bone to pick.

    Vicky raised her foot in the air just then, allowing her slipper to dangle from the tip of her toes.

    ¡°In that ease, would you marry me if I were not engaged?¡±

    Frank thought about it for a while. ¡°Maybe.¡±

 Chapter 198

    ¡°Fine.¡± Vicky could not say anything against that¨Cshe wanted to annul her engagement as well, but it

    was simply impossible.

    If she wanted to do it, she needed someone with stronger influence than the Lionhearts¡­ or to groom

    one with such potential.

    In the case of thetter, Frank was her best candidate¨Che had strength and character, and she would

    not let him run away no matter what it would take.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    A call came from Yara just then. ¡°Hello, Mr. Lawrence? Where are you right now?!!

    ¡°Skywater Bay. What is it?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve found the person you asked me to find,¡± Yara quickly said. ¡°She¡¯s right here in Riverton.¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great news!¡± Frank was thrilled¨Cit had taken him years, but he had finally found the only

    daughter of his mentor, rest his soul!

    ¡°Where is she now?¡± he pressed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send the file to you right now,¡± Yara replied.

    The file soon arrived on Frank¡¯s phone, and he scrolled through it.

    Winter Lawrence was now twenty and studying at Riverton University.

    Years ago, she was taken in by Bright Sun Orphanage before being adopted by a couple named the

    Lawrences at the age of three.

    The family moved to different ces after that. When her adopted father passed away three years ago,

    her adopted mother took her and her adopted brother, Fred Lawrence, to live in Riverton.

    They owned a small diner, while Fred worked for a real estate agency.

    ¡°Do you need me toe with you, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Yara asked.

    ¡°Yes, please do.¡± Frank nodded.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be right over,¡± Yara said and hung up.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Vicky asked, walking up to Frank.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Frank replied nonchntly. ¡°Yara found the person I asked her to.¡±

    ¡°Really? Let me have a look at the girlie¡¯s face¡­¡±

    Vicky was Yara¡¯s best friend and naturally knew about the search.

    She leaned against Frank¡¯s shoulder, looking over at his phone screen.

    Winter¡¯s face was a little round¨Cshe was no world¨Css beauty, but she carried a fresh, innocent

    presence that would at least elevate her above her peers.

    ¡°Pretty.¡± Vicky nodded.

    Frank got up. ¡°I¡¯m going out with Yara.¡±

    ¡°To see Winter?¡±

    Frank did not say no, so Vicky scrambled to her feet. ¡°I¡¯m going too. As your missus, I ought to show

    my face.¡±

    Frank rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not nning to tell her who I am.¡±

    Since Winter was not aware she had been adopted, he had no reason to tell her that.

    All he wanted to do was check on Winter to make sure she led a good life.

    Vicky pouted. ¡°I¡¯m going anyway.¡±

    Frank did not say no, and Yara soon arrived at the hilltop mansion with her car.

    ¡°You¡¯re here too, Vicky?¡± she eximed, surprised by her best friend¡¯s presence.

    Vicky nodded. ¡°Yeah. I heard you found the daughter of Frank¡¯s mentor¨CI¡¯d like to see her myself.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go together.¡±

    As the trio drove to East City, Vicky asked in curiosity, ¡°You¡¯re not engaged to the girl, are you, Frank?¡±

    Yara was driving, but she was curious about any gossip on Frank, just like Vicky.

 Chapter 199

    Frank rolled his eyes at Vicky. ¡°What on earth do you keep in your brain?¡±

    ¡°You.¡± Vicky smiled.

    Frank was left speechless.

    They arrived at the small diner that Winter¡¯s adoptive mother owned, and a sweet young girl greeted

    them as soon as they entered.

    ¡°Please sit anywhere you like,¡± she said.

    Frank studied the girl and saw some resemnce between her and his mentor.

    Vicky cleared her throat just then, bringing him to his senses.

    They found a quiet corner, and Frank flipped through the menu before saying, ¡°Bring us some of your

    specialities.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Please wait a moment,¡± Winter said, picking up the menus before hurrying off to the kitchen.

    Frank looked around¨Cthough it was a modest diner, there were many customers.

    It was most definitely lively during rush hour.

    ¡°What do you think, Mr. Lawrence? She fits your description the most,¡± Yara said.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded. ¡°Probably. She resembles my mentor.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Vicky asked. ¡°Tell her who you are? Give her money?¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°I¡¯m not nning anything until I see how her current life is. If she¡¯s self¨C

    sufficient, I won¡¯t impose¡­¡±

    Turning to Vicky just then, he asked, ¡°It won¡¯t be an issue for you to arrange a job for her when she

    graduates, right?¡±

    ¡°No problem since you¡¯ve asked.¡± Vicky shrugged, a lot less wary toward Winter than Helen. Frank

    turned to Yara just then and said earnestly, ¡°Thank you, Ms. Quill.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. Just holding up my end of our deal,¡± Yara replied.

    Frank nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s eat for now.¡±

    Soon, a man in a suit hurried into the diner, quickly changing clothes before heading to the kitchen to

    help.

    He appeared to be Winter¡¯s adopted brother, Fred.

    ¡°That¡¯s one dutiful son¨Chelping out as soon as he returns from work,¡± Vicky pointed out. Frank was

    further relieved as well, since Winter¡¯s life appeared to be good.

    Bang!

    Suddenly, the front door of the diner was kicked wide open as a tattooed bald man strode inside,

    followed by two young goons.

    ¡°Business booming today, Madam Zims!¡± the bald man bellowed.

    A woman who had been working at the kitchen all this while hurried out to him¨Cshe was Carol Zims,

    Winter¡¯s adopted mother.

    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know you wereing, Mr. Compton!¡± she eximed, hurrying to the counter to grab a

    stack of cash and quietly stuffing it into the bald man¡¯s hands.

    Through it all, Winter and Fred were standing tamely in a corner, while Jackie Compton promptly

    counted the cash¡­

    ¡°Just one thousand?!¡± he growled. ¡°Are you trying to mess with us?!¡±

    Carol was left bewildered. ¡°W¨CWasn¡¯t it always a thousand?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s before.¡± Jackie snorted. ¡°Business is booming, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯ll have to pay more¨Ctwo grand

    starting this month!¡±

    ¡°B¨CBut I don¡¯t earn that much, Mr. Compton,¡± Carol replied. ¡°Aside from rent and utility bills, there¡¯s also

    Winter¡¯s tuition fees¡­ We really can¡¯t spare more!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that!¡± Jackie bellowed before wheeling on Winter. ¡°Studying when you¡¯re penniless?

    Juste work for me!¡±

    He seized Winter by the chin, chuckling. ¡°Hehehe¡­ Who knows, you¡¯d make bank if with me.¡±

 Chapter 200

    Winter frowned and suddenly swung her arm, pping away Jackie¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s the fire!¡± Jackie smiled despite himself.

    Still, before he reached out to grab Winter again, Fred rose to his feet andughed out loud.

    Gentleman¨Cdon¡¯t get upset with my sister. She¡¯s young, so she can be feisty.¡±

    ¡°Who the hell said you could talk? Buzz off!¡± Jackie bellowed, and shoved him aside.

    ¡°Stop! Please, Mr. Compton! We¡¯ll pay, alright?¡± Carol really did not want trouble and took another

    thousand from the desk.

    However, Jackie had no intention to stop and reached for Winter again, but Fred stood between them

    once more. ¡°We¡¯re giving you the money, man¨Cplease stop.¡±

    Smack!

    Jackie smacked him across the face, leaving him stunned.

    ¡°Fred!¡± Winter cried and hurried to his side to help him up.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Fred shot her a re right then. ¡°Stay back.¡±

    Around them, the diner customers all hurried away, knowing that something bad was about to happen.

    Fred was about to talk, but one of Jackie¡¯s goons kicked him in the face.

    ¡°Shut it, and get down on your knees.¡±

    Fred gritted his teeth and sat up. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this¡­¡±

    ¡°Who told you to get up? Get on your knees, you hear?¡± Jackie growled.

    Fred did a double take¨Che thought it was a joke, but it turned out that they were serious.

    ¡°M¨CMr. Compton¡­ Just tell us how much you want,¡± Carol cried miserably her heart could not take

    watching her own son being humiliated like that.

    ¡°Your son¡¯s too unruly, ma¡¯am. The fact I¡¯m not hitting him is letting him off easy.¡± Jackie snorted

    unreasonably.

    Winter had had enough right then and snapped, ¡°You don¡¯t get to tell Fred to kneel! This is our diner¨C

    get out!¡±

    ¡°You bitch! Don¡¯t push me!¡± Jackie bellowed, not expecting Winter to snap at him.

    He seized her by the hair right then, and Winter cried out in pain!

    ¡°Stop! Just stop! I¡¯ll kneel, okay?! Isn¡¯t that enough?!¡± Fred did not hesitate to kneel as soon. as he saw

    his sister get hurt.

    ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t kneel! You don¡¯t have to kneel to them!¡± Winter cried despite the pain. However, there was

    nothing Fred could do aside from kneel despite his grievances. Carol was left hanging her head

    helplessly, her tears quietly rolling down her cheeks.

    Frank, Yara, and Vicky were all left speechless as they watched from their corner.

    They did not expect Fred to just go down his knees without a fight!

    ¡°Hah! Girlie, what I say goes in this street,¡± Jackie snorted smugly just then. ¡°You want your brother to

    get up? Beg properly!¡±

    Frank¡¯s eves narrowed murderously. Those thugs were out of line!

    ¡°Is this street yours?¡± he demanded. ¡°Who do you think you are?!¡±

    to stay.

    Jackie turned toward Frank in surprise, not expecting anyone

    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± he asked.

    Vicky rose to her feet. ¡°The people who are going to beat you up.¡±

    Jackie studied Yara and Vicky just then, surprised that Frank was nked by such beautiful

    Women.

    ¡°You¡¯re amazing, kiddo¨Chaving thosedies all to yourself.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Give them to me, and I¡¯ll let

    you live!¡±

 Chapter 201

    Frankughed¨Cdid Jackie really think he had what it took to im Yara or Vicky?

    ¡°They¡¯re not mine, though you could try taking them if you feel qualified,¡± he replied.

    Jackie chuckled.

    He actually thought for a moment that Frank had something up his sleeve, but he turned out. to be just

    a coward.

    ¡°Haha! Then I¡¯m going to help myself.¡± He chuckled as he strode forward and reached out toward Yara,

    who was closest to him.

    However, just as his fingers were about to reach Yara¡¯s cheeks, she moved.

    She was as quick as lightning, grabbing Jackie¡¯s wrist with one hand and punching it with her

    other!

    Crack!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    Jackie¡¯s arm broke audibly, and he let out a blood¨Ccurdling scream!

    He struggled as hard as he could to free himself, but Yara held on to him with a vice¨Clike grip!

    Having no choice, he turned to his goons right then and barked, ¡°What are you two staring at?! Get

    her!¡±

    The two goons rushed forward without hesitation, bellowing as they did.

    Frank suddenly appeared before them like a phantom, sending them flying with a punch each.

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Jackie was left gaping, hardly able to believe his eyes.

    He had never expected his opponents to be that powerful -he had certainly hit a wall today!

    Vickyughed coolly just then. ¡°What? Weren¡¯t you going to take us with you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get so cocky,¡± Jackie growled stubbornly through his teeth. ¡°I have more men¨Cget down on your

    knees and apologize, or you won¡¯t leave this ce alive!¡±

    He had dozens of men at hismand, but he did not bring that many with him since they were just

    collecting protection money.

    No matter how terrific those three were, they were just three¨CJackie would have them destroyed once

    his boys arrived!

    Fred, who knew all too well how terrible they could be, promptly ran up to Jackie, kowtowing.

    ¡°Please calm down, Mr. Compton,¡± he cried before turning toward Yara and urging, ¡°You can stop now,

    ma¡¯am! Mr. Compton has a lot of men. You¡¯ll end up getting killed!¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Jackie was at onceughing smugly. ¡°It¡¯s toote already, missy.¡±

    Yara was already furious, and Fred only frustrated her more¨Chow could a grown man like him be so

    lacking in spine?!

    ¡°Just shut it,¡± she growled, directing her vigor and ready to kill the disgusting man.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Vicky put a hand on her shoulder just then. ¡°Let him go.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Yara was puzzled as to why Vicky would stop her from ending Jackie. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Let him bring all his thugs. We¡¯re rooting them out¨Call of them. I¡¯d also like to see how many men he

    could bring.¡± Vicky¡¯s eyes narrowed murderously.

    Even if they killed Jackie now, his goons would soon rally under someone else and rebuild their gang.

    In contrast, it was much more ideal to wipe them all out, once and for all.

    Yara thought about it and decided that Vicky was right.

    She shoved her palm, knocking Jackie away.

    Jackie, however, was plenty smug.

    Just the three of them intending to wipe them out?

    ¡°Just you wait! Let¡¯s see what happens to you soon!¡± he threatened before hurrying away.

    kyou:

    Fred hurried up to Vicky and the others, utterly tense as he said, ¡°I think you should leave. We won¡¯t

    charge you for your dinner.¡±

    im Bonus For Free Every

 Chapter 202

    Carol then said, "Jackie must have left to bring his men, and he has a lot of them. You''re not getting away if he surrounds you."

    "Calm down, ma''am," Vicky assured her. "He can bring his men, but we can bring ours too¡ªdo it, Yara. Let''s see who can bring more people to a fight¡ªhim or us."

    Yara nodded and whipped out his phone to call her brother Stan.

    "What¡­"

    Fred was left speechless since they clearly were not leaving, even intent on fighting fire with fire against Jackie!

    On the other hand, Frank''s eyes never left Winter.

    She noticed his stare as well. Even if it was not lecherous like how Jackie stared at her, it still gave her the creeps, and she could not help hiding behind Fred.

    Nheless, Jackie soon returned with a horde of his goons.

    Crash!

    They smashed the ss door with baseball bats before charging inside.

    Over twenty had to stay outside the small diner, leaving it congested.

    The owners of the other shops around all closed their doors in fear, while Carol stood before her adopted children, shielding them from harm.

    It was the first time Winter and Fred had ever seen such violence, and they both turned pale and shuddered.

    "Ladies, weren''t you all bragging a lot just now?" Jackie growled through his teeth.

    "That''s all you can bring?" Yara snorted in disdain.

    Her fearlessness only left Jackie infuriated. "Still being stubborn, I see! I''ll break your legs!"

    Before he could move, screams echoed outside.

    Jackie frowned and turned, barking, "What the hell is going on?"

    One of his goons squeezed his way through the entrance, shouting in panic, "Boss! A bunch of people just came and they''re arresting our boys!"

    "What?! How dare they?!" Jackie bellowed and hurried outside to see who it was.

    However, the people outside charged into the diner, all fully armed and wielding anti-riot batons.

    They started clubbing any man who was armed without a word, and the diner was echoing with screams and yelps in an instant.

    Jackie was left staring nkly at the full-armed men who were wearing uniforms¡ªthey were certainly not from a rival gang here for a turf war!

    Before he realized what was happening, one of the officers had charged forward, clobbering him on the head.

    "Argh!!!" Jackie screamed as he bled from his head!

    However, he was not even given a chance to speak¡ªhe was knocked down to the floor with a click, pressed against it as he was restrained.

    Still not quite understanding what happened, he mumbled, "W-Who are you people?!"

    Another man strode in through the doorway, and one of the officers strode up to him. "We have all the thugs in custody, sir."

    Jackie looked up to see that the man had a square jaw and stubble around his cheeks¡ªclearly a martial artist.

    "S-Sir? Who are you people? Why did you attack us?"

    The men were obviously prepared for this. In fact, they were trained professionally, subduing Jackie and his thugs within minutes!

    Nheless, the man with the square jaw ignored Jackie and looked around the diner.

    Yara ran up to him just then. "Brother."

    Jackie''s heart cracked audibly at that single word.

    T-The woman was that man''s sister?!

    It was all over for him...Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 203

    The man was none other than Stan Quill. ¡°Why did youe here in the middle of the night?¡±

    As soon as he heard his sister was surrounded by a group of thugs, he rushed to the scene to help.

    Thankfully, she was fine.

    Yara shrugged innocently. ¡°I just came to have supper with Frank and Vicky, but we had to run into

    those fools.¡±

    Stan looked further inside and found Frank and Vicky.

    Hurrying up to them, he asked, ¡°Are you two alright?¡±

    Frank nodded confidently. ¡°Those thugs would never have reached me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d naturally be fine with these two around.¡± Vicky shrugged.

    ¡°Sir? Sir?¡± Jackie hurried up to them. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it¡¯d be you¡­ So could you look the other way this

    time? We will pay you for your troubles¡­¡±

    At this stage, he could tell that those three were no pushovers, and thugs like him were no match for

    them!

    He apologized profusely, his only n being to leave.

    ¡°He was going to break my legs,¡± Yara said, suddenly pointing at Jackie.

    Jackie was left blue with shock and speechless¨Cwhy did he have to run his mouth like that?

    ¡°Look, I didn¡¯t mean it¡­¡± he said.

    Stan refused to listen at all.

    ¡°Give that one some extra care,¡± he barked, letting his men decide what they would do.

    ¡°Please! No¡­¡± Jackie cried, but he was soon dragged out of the diner.

    Carol and Fred traded nces just then.

    So that was why Frank and the others were so fearless¨Cthey were really powerful people!

    Frank walked up to Carol just then, but before he could speak, Fred got in his way. ¡°Sir, you can talk to

    me if you need anything. Please don¡¯t harass my mother.¡±

    Jackie had been extorting his family thanks to the help of his goons. Now that Frank had overthrown

    him, he presumed that Frank was going to collect protection money too.

    Frank was taken aback. He exined, ¡°I¡¯m not harassing your mother. I¡¯d just like to talk to her.¡±

    Fred scratched his head awkwardly in turn and stepped away tactfully.

    Frank then turned to Carol. ¡°Ma¡¯am, allow me to formally introduce myself¨CI¡¯m Frank Lawrence.¡®

    ??

    ¡°H¨CHello¡­¡± Carol replied gingerly.

    Frank whipped out a stack of bills and put it on the table. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry we caused you so much

    trouble. Please take this to make up for any losses we may have caused. It should be enough.¡±

    Carol stared at the stack of money¨Cthere must at least be thirty grand.

    However, she knew that nothing came for free, and so threw up her hands. ¡°Please, no. You don¡¯t have

    to.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to refuse me,¡± Frank insisted. ¡°Please take it.¡±

    ¡°Your children are both sessful on their own,¡± he said before turning toward Fred and then Winter.

    ¡°Just call me if you need help. I can arrange a job for you two.¡±

    Fred may have behaved like a coward and never fought back, but Frank understood him¨Che could

    kneel for his sister¡¯s sake because his sister was more important than his dignity.

    And for a man like Fred who had no money or influence to call upon, his sister and mother would be

    doomed if Jackie really got violent.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He was merely choosing the best option out of all the worst choices.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡±

    Still, Fred was left utterly bewildered, having the sense that Frank was being too nice to his family.

    Frank pped him on the shoulder just then. ¡°Just remember if you need anything or if your family¡¯s in

    trouble,e to me.¡±

    Enjoy Ad Free Reading**

    Go

    However, he found Vicky waiting when he stepped outside the bathroom.

    Scratching his head, he sighed. ¡°If you¡¯re sleeping here, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t. Sleep all you want¨CI¡¯d just like a chat.¡±

    Frank was at once wary.

    ¡°In the middle of the night? What was there to chat about?¡±

    ¡°Thepany, of course,¡± Vicky said mischievously, resting her chin on her fingers. ¡°Why are you

    being so cautious?¡±

    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°If there¡¯s no issue with your recipe, the Rejuvenation Pill would soon be finished. I¡¯d like someone to

    endorse it when the timees.¡±

    Seeing that she was talking about business, Frank frowned in thought as well. ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡±

    ¡°A two¨Cpronged strategy,¡± Vicky said. ¡°A star celebrity and a specialist in medicine. The star celebrity¡¯s

    endorsement ensures product cement, while the specialist ensures reliability.¡± Frank nodded, ¡°Who

    would you pick for the star celebrity?¡±

    Vicky took out the autographed dress from her bag. ¡°We have her already. You saved her too, so she

    owes you¨Cit¡¯s probably no issue to ask her for a little favor.¡±

 Chapter 204

    And with those words, Frank left with Vicky and the others without waiting another moment.

    Stan left with his men too, leaving Carol and her family stupefied at the diner.

    Winter was especially curious. ¡°Who is Frank Lawrence? Why would he give us so much money?¡±

    It certainly mystified her.

    Fred was staring at the number Frank left and suddenly said, ¡°Could he be interested in Winter?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± win

    Winter was shocked. ¡°I don¡¯t even know him.¡±

    ¡°Just a whim.¡± Fred shrugged. ¡°I noticed he¡¯s been staring at you all this time. He probably helped us

    because he¡¯s after you, while setting bait to y hard to get.¡±

    Winter actually thought it possible, since she noticed Frank staring at her too.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Carol snapped just then.

    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Fred insisted on his opinion. ¡°Just look at the two women with him¨Cthey¡¯re both beautiful and

    seem to be important people. Even the men who brought all those officers with him were very

    respectful. He might be some kingpin.¡±

    Carol nodded in turn. ¡°Then stay away from him. You mustn¡¯t get involved with such people.¡±

    In reality, Carol had another theory.

    She and her husband had adopted Winter all those years ago because herst name was

    Lawrence too.

    And now, another Lawrence came, his eyes constantly fixed on Winter.

    He just might be Winter¡¯s biological brother.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    However, since Frank was not mentioning that and not revealing his intent, Carol had no intention of

    losing her daughter just yet.

    If Frank was not going to say anything, she certainly would not.

    Both Fred and Winter nodded, though they each had their own ideas too.

    Meanwhile, Frank and the others parted ways with Stan, while Yara drove them back to the hilltop

    mansion.

    As Frank aligned, Vicky hopped off as well.

    Yara did a double take as she looked on. ¡°Don¡¯t you want a ride home, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m staying the night.¡± Vicky waved her off.

    ¡°Oh, okay¡­¡± Yara quietly drove away, somehow disappointed even though she could not describe why.

    After washing up, Frank was going to bed.

    However, he found Vicky waiting when he stepped outside the bathroom. Scratching his head, he

    sighed. ¡°If you¡¯re sleeping here, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t. Sleep all you want¨CI¡¯d just like a chat.¡±

    Frank was at once wary.

    ¡°In the middle of the night? What was there to chat about?¡±

    ¡°Thepany, of course,¡± Vicky said mischievously, resting her chin on her fingers. ¡°Why are you

    being so cautious?¡±

    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°If there¡¯s no issue with your recipe, the Rejuvenation Pill would soon be finished. I¡¯d like someone to

    endorse it when the timees.¡±

    Seeing that she was talking about business, Frank frowned in thought as well. ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡±

    ¡°A two¨Cpronged strategy,¡± Vicky said. ¡°A star celebrity and a specialist in medicine. The star celebrity¡¯s

    endorsement ensures product cement, while the specialist ensures reliability.¡± Frank nodded. ¡°Who

    would you pick for the star celebrity?¡±

    Vicky took out the autographed dress from her bag. ¡°We have her already. You saved her too, so she

    owes you¨Cit¡¯s probably no issue to ask her for a little favor.¡±

 Chapter 205

    Frank nodded thoughtfully. ¡°You¡¯d like me to talk to Noel?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Vicky said, absolutely confident in Frank¡¯s charm. ¡°You have this in the bag, what with

    your animal maism.¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°Alright. Once you put the Rejuvenation Pill into production, I¡¯ll bring a finished

    product to see her.¡±

    They certainly should not rush things¨Cwithout a finalized product, all they could offer were words, and

    that did not inspire confidence.

    ¡°Alright. Then that¡¯s decided,¡± Vicky said, stretching her back beforeying sprawled on Frank¡¯s bed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep here tonight.¡±

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly andy down beside her.

    Vicky then gently slid her leg on him, but Frank did not move, almost as if he was lifeless.

    Vicky certainly doubted that and started to caress him all over, even breathing into his ear, ¡± Frank¡­¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Zzz¡­¡±

    Frank started snoring audibly, and Vicky rolled her eyes.

    Still, grogginess soon overcame her and she fell asleep, holding his arm.

    When Frank woke up early the next morning, Vicky was already gone.

    He rubbed his temples and headed to the drawing room, where she had made breakfast andid

    everything out on her table.

    Frank smiled but did not hesitate to start eating.

    After breakfast, he was about to start training when he received a call from an unfamiliar number.

    Frank answered it, and Rolf Sparks was soon greeting him chipperly. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Lawrence!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Sparks?¡±

    ¡°My brother found one of the Five Elemental Wonders you tasked him to find,¡± Rolf quickly said.

    ¡°However, he had to leave for the moment, so he asked me to bring it to you.¡±

    ¡°So soon?¡± Frank eximed in surprise¨CSkyde Dojo certainly worked fast!

    ¡°Of course. We have apprentices everywhere, and a single herb is no big deal,¡± Rolf said. proudly.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Sparks. May I ask which of the Five Elemental Wonders you¡¯ve found?¡±

    ¡°The Myriad Hue Snow Lotus.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Frank could hardly hide his excitement -the Myriad Hue Snow Lotus was the water

    elemental wonder, and it was another piece of his puzzle.

    ¡°I¡¯m indebted to your family, Mr. Sparks.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, Mr. Lawrence.¡± Rolf chuckled. ¡°Where are you right now? I¡¯ll deliver it to you right

    away!!!

    ¡°Actually, you can just set up a meeting ce and I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±

    Rolf thought about it. ¡°Yeah, we can meet up at Delightpub. We could have a couple of drinks too.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Frank agreed to it without hesitation-a couple of drinks was fine especially when he was in a

    good mood.

    Meanwhile, Helen was at Lane Holdings¡® headquarters, dressed in her usual business suit.

    She just stepped outside of the conference room and had yet to reach her office when she heard a

    noise from the elevator.

    ¡°Helen! Helen!¡±

    It was none other than Gina.

    im Bonus For Free Every Day**

 Chapter 206

    Helen frowned and promptly grabbed Gina. ¡°Why are you shouting, Mom?¡±

    ¡°Oh, where have you been?!¡± Gina cried urgently. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer my calls?!¡±

    Helen sighed exasperatedly. ¡°I was in a meeting.¡±

    ¡°This is serious!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s serious?¡± Helen remained calm, having gotten used to her mother¡¯s eternally jittery behavior.

    ¡°It¡¯s your brother!¡± Gina cried frantically. ¡°Why else would I be so worried?!¡±

    ¡°What happened to Peter now?¡± Helen actually felt panic as she feared whatever mess her brother

    made now.

    ¡°He was at a barst night but somehow ended up in a fight this morning,¡± Gina exined. Helen

    inhaled deeply as she clenched her knuckles¨Ccould Peter not ever tone down his misdemeanors?

    ¡°Who was he fighting with?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I think it started because of some girl,¡± Gina said before pressing her. ¡°Oh, stop

    asking questions¨Cthey have your brother! You have to help him!¡±

    ¡°I have to ask,¡± Helen retorted, gritting her teeth. ¡°I should at least find out who he got in a fight with and

    on whose turf. Do you think he¡¯d keep behaving like this if you hadn¡¯t spoiled him like you did?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, I get it. He¡¯s at Delightpub now¨Cwhose turf is it?¡± Gina quickly asked.

    Helen shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Let¡¯s just go there for now.¡±

    They hurried out of the building and ran into Chris Steiner right then.

    He rushed toward them, asking, ¡°What happened, Helen?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Steiner¡­¡± Gina quickly said when she saw him. ¡°It¡¯s my son¨Che got into a fight with someone

    at Delightpub. They¡¯re holding him there now.¡±

    ¡°What? They¡¯re holding them against his will illegally?¡± Chris eximed in righteous indignation. ¡°What

    gives them the right?¡±

    Helen sighed in pain. ¡°We don¡¯t know the details¡­¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll being with you,¡± Chris volunteered nheless. ¡°Let¡¯s see what Delightpub has up

    their sleeves.¡±

    ¡°Oh! But aren¡¯t you busy?¡± Gina eximed excitedly.

    If anything, they were just two women and would inevitably get bullied¨Chaving a man going with them

    certainly inspired confidence!

    ¡°I just happened to be free and thought I should visit Helen,¡± Chris quickly said.

    ¡°Good,¡± Helen said without thinking¨Cthere was no time to waste with Peter¡¯s safety at stake.

    They got into Chris¡® car and hurried to Delight pub, which was mostly vacant since it was daytime.

    A bouncer led them through the dim interior to the bar, where a blonde woman with wavy hair sat,

    dressed in a red gown with a side slit. The plunging neckline of her gown was barely hiding her

    cleavage!

    At the same time, Helen found Peter sprawled on a sofa, his face bruised and battered.

    Gina sobbed right then. ¡°Are you alright, Peter?¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­ It hurts¡­¡± Peter groaned barely audibly.

    Gina promptly wheeled on Scarlet, the woman in red, and snapped, ¡°Are you the owner? Who do you

    think you are, beating up my son?¡±

    Scarlet twirled her ss of red wine as she answered nonchntly, ¡°Your son came here and harassed

    one of our waitresses, even groping her. Am I supposed to ignore that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Peter eximed, clutching his face. ¡°She¡¯s the one who came on to me! When did I ever

    grope her?¡±

    Scarlet¡¯s expression turned icy right then. ¡°So, you¡¯re denying it?¡±

 Chapter 207

    With those words, Scarlet brought up the security footage.

    Everyone hence watched as Peter got drunk and started to mess around, groping a waitress.

    shed him a

    He even got upset when she bragging about how important his family was¡­

    Helen was left speechless after watching the video and shot a re of disappointment at Peter. On the

    other hand, Ginapletely did not care, even standing akimbo as she snapped, ¡°So what?! What my

    son did to that girl is between them. What¡¯s it to you?¡±

    Scarlet slowly rose to her feet. ¡°I own this ce, and I¡¯m responsible for anything that happens to my

    employees.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Helen stepped up just then. ¡°My brother is at fault, so I¡¯ll apologize. What do you ask

    forpensation? You can ask anything as long as it¡¯s reasonable.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing, Helen?!¡± Gina snapped, clearly upset.

    In her mind, that mere waitress was lucky her son was interested in her, though she would not allow

    him to marry her.

    ¡°Your brother made a mess on my turf and harassed my employee,¡± Scarlet said evenly, holding

    Helen¡¯s gaze. ¡°My security personnel even had to stop him. Counting all the losses, medical fees,

    business damages, and misceneous costs¡­ that would be ten million dors.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Helen

    actually thought Scarlet was reasonable, but she was clearly scamming them! ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡± Gina

    bellowed. ¡°I could buy this entire ce with ten million!¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re not nning to pay up?¡± Scarlet asked nonchntly.

    Helen frowned. ¡°We won¡¯t hesitate if it¡¯s a normal rate of damages, but ten million is too much.¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Ten million? Here, have a thousand instead!¡± Gina snapped and whipped out a stack of bills,

    dumping it on the floor!

    Scarlet stared at it, suddenly amused. ¡°A thousand? What do you take us for, a brothel?¡± Just then,

    Peter got to his feet despite his battered face, suddenly growing a spine. ¡°A thousand is already being

    generous with the likes of you! I don¡¯t mind telling you that my sister here is the CEO of Lane Holdings.

    Who do you think you are to mess with her?!¡± ¡°Hah!¡± Scarlet snorted coldly and fearlessly. ¡°A measly

    CEO trying to flex on me?¡±

    Even the bouncers behind her wereughing.

    ¡°You¡¯re really full of it, kid!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know who Scarlet¡¯s boyfriend is? It¡¯s Phineas Tomkins!¡±

    Helen and everyone else froze at the mention of Phineas¨Cthe man was the kingpin of South. City,

    equal in influence to Leo Grayson!

    And Scarlet, the woman before them, was his girlfriend¡­

    ¡°What¡­? This is Mr. Tomkins¡® turf¡­?¡± Gina¡¯s face turned pale, and she started sweating buckets.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen was frowning in turn¨Cthe incident with Leo still left her traumatized, and she really did not want

    any further trouble with the mob!

    Beside her, Peter gulped and hung his head in fear..

    Their terrified reaction certainly left Scarlet smug, and sheughed heartily. ¡°Understand

    your situation now? Not only do you have to pay up, but your brother must get down on his knees and

    apologize too, or none of you will be leaving!

    The bouncers nearby promptly surrounded Helen and the others at Scarlet¡¯s word, their burly forms

    looming menacingly!

    Enjoy Ad¨CFree Readings

 Chapter 208

    elen was helpless, but Peter was tugging at her arm, crying repeatedly, ¡°Come on, Helen! Do

    >mething!¡±

    elen

    could die from a stroke right then¨Cwould they be here in the first ce if not for him?!

    Hah! Phineas Tomkins? So what?¡± someone suddenly said.

    veryone was stunned¨Cwho could be that bold, belittling Phineas Tomkins himself?!

    was none other than Chris.

    s he strode up to stand in front of Helen, Gina¡¯s eyes lit up¨Cthey were saved!

    carlet studied Chris and his suit in turn before asking in curiosity, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    he could see that he had a strut and a confident way of speaking¨Cwas it really possible that e was a

    match for Phineas?

    I¡¯m Chris Steiner from Omens Industries.¡±

    hris¡­ Steiner?

    carlet was actually not familiar with that name, but she had heard of Omens Industries.

    fter all, thepany had established a foothold in Riverton in no time at all, and they were. aid to have

    the backing of the Szars¡® heiress.

    e did outrank Scarlet in influence, even if she was a mob boss¡® girlfriend.

    Greetings, Mr. Steiner.¡± She suddenly smiled, her attitude changing just then. ¡°Since you¡¯re peaking on

    their behalf, It¡¯s only right that I show you due respect.¡±

    elen, Gina, and Peter were all staring at Chris in surprise¨Ca business owner like him actually ot so

    much respect from Scarlet?

    elen was especially stunned¨Cshe was a CEO in her own right as well and should actually ommand

    more respect than Chris!

    carlet said just then, ¡°I won¡¯t ask for the ten million, but the boy must apologize.¡±

    elen breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Peter. ¡°Go on. Apologize right now.¡±

    e was at fault in the first ce, and apologizing would be the smartest choice.

    owever, Chris suddenly said, ¡°Apologize? That¡¯s not happening, especially when you beat up y friend. If

    anything, you should be apologizing to Peter.¡±

    What?¡± Helen eximed in shock and quickly told Chris under her breath, ¡°Stop it, Chris.

    et¡¯s just have Peter apologize and put this behind us.¡±

    iris raised a hand to stop her right then. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Helen. I can handle this.¡±

    2 was not about to stop flexing now that he realized he could!

    side him, Gina pointed at Scarlet as she snapped, ¡°That¡¯s right! Now apologize to Peter!¡±

    ie was certainly braver now that she had backing.

    Peter was even worse than his mom. ¡°The man told you to apologize, you hear? Do it, or I¡¯ll p you

    right now!¡±

    The bouncers behind Scarlet were furious.

    She just had to say the word, and some mere business owner would be squashed!

    Did they really think they could win against their numbers?!

    Still, Scarlet did not give the order and was gritting her teeth instead. ¡°Mr. Steiner, you really shouldn¡¯t

    push your luck.¡±

    ¡°Oh, but I think I will.¡± Chris snorted in disdain. ¡°I¡¯ll count down from three. Apologize to Peter or else!¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Three!¡±

    ¡°Two-¡±

    Even before Chris could count down to one, there was a resounding bang behind them as someone

    kicked it open!

    A burly man strode in, followed by arge group of thugs, demanding, ¡°Who the fuck is messing around

    on my turf?!¡±

    Scarlet and the others were immediately delighted to see him.

    ¡°Mr. Tomkins!¡±

    The man was none other than Phineas Tomkins himself!

 Chapter 209

    Scarlet hurried to Phineas¡® side, and he wrapped an arm around her slender waist.

    Gina, seeing that Phineas had brought a lot of men, was promptly silent.

    She slid tentative peeks at Chris, wondering if he could resolve the issue for them¡­

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Who demanded my girl¡¯s apology?¡± Phineas suddenly barked.

    ¡°I did,¡± Chris replied, puffing his chest fearlessly.

    As Phineas wheeled on him right then, Scarlet whispered to him under her breath, ¡°Chris Steiner.

    Owner of Omens Industries.¡±

    Phineas narrowed his eyes. ¡°So you¡¯re Chris Steiner?¡±

    His sharp re left Chris¡® heart skipping a beat, and he started sweating down his back in

    apprehension.

    Still, he braced himself and strode forward, forcing a smile as he said, ¡°Mr. Tomkins, I presume? I ask

    nothing much other than that your girlfriend apologize to Peter here. After that, we can let bygones be

    bygones.¡±

    Smack!

    As soon as Chris finished, Phineas pped him across the face resoundingly!

    ¡°Oof¡­¡± Chris was left stunned and dazed by the p!

    Helen gasped, bewildered that Phineas would get physical at the drop of a hat!

    Beside her, Gina flinched in utter shock.

    ¡°Y¨CYou hit me¡­?¡± Chris was left clutching his cheek as he red at Phineas in disbelief.

    ¡°So what if I did? Who do you think you are, demanding that my girl apologize to you?!¡± Phineas

    snapped and spat on Chris¡® face!

    Chris was left utterly sickened. Clenching his fists, he growled, ¡°Your girlfriend had her bouncers beat

    up my friend. Why shouldn¡¯t she apologize?¡±

    ¡°Your friend was the one who messed around on our turf in the first ce,¡± Scarlet retorted

    immediately.

    Phineas growled, ¡°You hear that? Your people were messing around on my turf, so get down on your

    knees and apologize to my girl.¡±

    At his words, his goons kicked Chris behind his knees, and he dropped the floor with a thud.

    Gritting his teeth to withstand the agony, Chris slowly looked up and snapped, ¡°I¡¯m the owner of Omens

    Industries, and the Szars have my back-¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Phineas savagely pped him across the face. ¡°The Szars? Tell your boss that no one

    gets to misbehave as long as they¡¯re on my turf! They may own Sunny City, but they¡¯re nothing to me!¡±

    Chris pursed his lips, his cheeks burning in pain right then.

    However, he was even more shocked that Phineas did not fear the Szars! ¡°Apologize right now!¡±

    Phineas barked.

    Unable to muster any courage at that point, Chris gritted his teeth and apologized. ¡°S¨CSorry¡­¡± ¡°Hmph!¡±

    Phineas snorted in disdain and sent him flying with a kick!

    Scarlet smiled smugly as she stood nearby, just as Phineas turned toward Helen and the others. Gina

    was so scared she promptly hid behind Helen, while Peter did not even dare to look up. They were so

    sure Chris would be able to straighten this out, only for him to be utterly destroyed!

    ¡°Who was messing around on my turf?!¡± Phineas bellowed.

    ¡°Him!¡± Scarlet pointed at Peter, who was lowering his head so much his face could touch the ground.

    As two bouncers seized Peter right then, his legs turned to jelly even as he cried repeatedly,¡± Helen!

    Help me, please!¡±

 Chapter 210

    Phineas ordered right then, ¡°Break that bastard¡¯s arm!¡±

    Helen gritted her teeth right then and ran up to stand between them and Peter. ¡°Please, Mr. Tomkins.

    We will pay, alright?¡±

    Reasoning was now not an option¨Cshe had to pay through the nose to avert this disaster.

    Nheless, Scarlet snorted. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ve been asking earlier, but you refused. Are you scared

    now? You really should¡¯ve known when to stop.¡±

    Helen braced herself as she said, ¡°The problem is I don¡¯t have that much money. Could I pay in

    installments?¡±

    She had already invested all her funds into the West City project and had nothing to spare right now.

    ¡°You mean you¡¯re not going to pay?¡± Phineas asked, turning toward her right then.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay, but in installments,¡± Helen quickly said. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to run, and I¡¯ll have my brother apologize

    too. Let¡¯s just put this behind us, alright?¡±

    ¡°Put this behind us?¡± Phineas snorted. ¡°Easy for you to say. None of you are leaving until you pay up!¡±

    And with those words, Phineas grabbed Helen by the cor, leaving her turning pale. ¡°What are you

    doing?!¡±

    ¡°Helen¡­¡±

    Both Gina and Peter were terrified, but they certainly were not brave enough to intervene.

    Beside them, Chris was even more terrified than they were!

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Phineas snorted right then. ¡°Since you¡¯re pleading your brother¡¯s case, you can have one arm

    broken in his stead.¡±

    With those words, two bouncers grabbed Helen and pressed her against the table, ready to break an

    arm.

    As Helen was caught utterly dumbstruck and helpless as she watched them-

    ng!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    Suddenly, a beer bottle shot downstairs, hitting the head of one of the bouncers who was ready to hit

    Helen!

    As the man was left screaming and bleeding from the head, Phineas looked up, bellowing,¡± Who the

    fuck was that?! How dare you?!¡±

    Everyone turned to look upstairs as well, with Helen gasping in surprise. ¡°Frank?¡±

    It was indeed Frank¨Che had agreed to meet Rolf there, though he was early to their appointment.

    He was actually surprised to see Helen and the others there, and he could not stop himself

    from intervening as the bouncers were ready to break Helen¡¯s hand!

    ¡°It¡¯s that lowlife?!¡± Gina swore under breath as she stared at Frank, gritting her teeth.

    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± Phineas snapped at Frank just then.

    ¡°Let them go, and I¡¯llpensate you for your troubles ordingly,¡± Frank said from above.

    Peter most certainly had to make up for his grievances, but paying ten million for it was ridiculous, and

    taking Helen¡¯s arm aspensation even more so.

    If anything, Frank could agree to him taking Peter¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Shut up! Do you really think you can resolve this with money?!¡± Phineas pointed a finger at Frank¡¯s

    nose as he snapped, ¡°This is my turf! Since you¡¯re with them, you¡¯re not leaving either!¡±

    Frank frowned as he asked coolly, ¡°So, you¡¯re saying a fight is inevitable?¡±

    ¡°Get him!¡± Phineas bellowed right then, and all his bouncers started running up to the second floor.

    Frank simply leaped down and kicked Phineas in the face!

    He moved so quickly everyone was left stunned, and Scarlet even turned pale in shock nearby!

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    As Frank seized Phineas by the nape, the bouncers who had just rushed upstairs hurried downstairs

    again, keeping their distance in hesitation.

 Chapter 211

    ineas was left bleeding from Frank¡¯s kick, but he remained unfettered.

    ¡®ou¡¯re dead meat, son,¡± he growled. ¡°My men number up to the hundreds¨Cyou¡¯re not tting away even if

    you kill me.¡±

    ank scoffed. ¡°I can¡¯t say about the others, but you¡¯re definitely dying here.¡±

    is haughty reaction certainly did not sit well with Phineas. ¡°Fuck! Try me! I¡¯m warning you- yde Dojo

    has my back. Have you ever heard of them?!¡±

    the end, mobsters like Phineas either involved themselves in business to turn legitimate or lied

    themselves with important families or factions.

    to

    10 Grayson did thetter by swearing fealty to the Chandlers of Middleton, and Phineas did e same

    with Skyde Dojo of Riverton.

    nd he was certainly getting conceited about it!

    Skyde Dojo¡­?¡±

    oth Gina and Helen were bemused¨Cthey did not usually go out of their way to learn about iverton¡¯s

    major factions. In fact, they had heard about Skyde Dojo, but not why they hould be feared.

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    n the other hand, Chris was bewildered.

    > that was why Phineas did not fear the Szars¨CSkyde Dojo had his back!

    Let go of Mr. Tomkins right now!¡± he shouted frantically.

    psetting some mob boss was fine, but they could not afford to provoke Skyde Dojo!

    Mr. Steiner? What¡¯s the deal with Skyde Dojo?¡± Gina asked nkly.

    They are one of Riverton¡¯s major martial arts factions,¡± Chris quickly exined. ¡°Equal in fluence with

    the owner of the Flora Hall and the chief secretary. They also have apprentices cross the country,

    meaning their hands reach inside every cookie jar. We can¡¯t afford to rovoke them they could destroy

    us like it¡¯s nothing!¡±

    ina gulped and asked gingerly, ¡°Are they more powerful than the Turnbulls?¡±

    Of course,¡± Chris replied. ¡°Even with their connections at the capital, the Turnbulls are

    erely their equal.¡±

    What?!¡± Gina knew how powerful the Turnbulls were.

    Skyde Dojo were their equals, they were not to be challenged!

    elen started to panic too¨Cthe most influential people she was acquainted with at the toment were the

    Turnbulls and Trevor Zurich. She was certainly afraid of a faction that was 1 equal with the Turnbulls!

    ina promptly wrung her hands at Frank. ¡°Stop! Let Mr. Tomkins go right now! We can¡¯t ford to upset

    Skyde Dojo!¡±

    elen was leveling a mournful look at Frank too. ¡°Let him go, Frank. We could sit down and

    talk this out¡­¡±

    ¡°He just demanded your hand,¡± Frank growled, shooting her a look of frustration¨Cshe still thought they

    could talk about this?!

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Helen was stumped¨Cthis was certainly a dilemma.

    If Frank let go of Phineas, the thugs would cut him down immediately¡­

    She did not know what to do!

    On the other hand, Peter bellowed at Frank right then, ¡°Let go of him, or we¡¯re all going to die!

    He could not care less that Phineas was going to break his sister¡¯s hand, as long as he was fine! But

    as long as Frank held on to Phineas, they would all end up in a sorry state!

    Phineas narrowed his eyes in turn and sneered. ¡°I see you¡¯re really attached to the woman, son. So

    how about this¨Cbreak your own arm, and I won¡¯t press the issue.¡±

 Chapter 212

    Phineas believed that once Frank released him, his legion of thugs would dispatch Frank with rtive

    ease.

    On the other hand, Gina breathed a huge sigh of relief at Phineas¡® offer and told Frank, ¡°You heard the

    man! Let go of him and break your arm.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    ¡°Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?¡± Frank shot her a look of disdain.

    ¡°Frank Lawrence!¡± Gina bellowed right then. ¡°You¡¯ve been freeloading from my house for three years!

    You can save Helen now, but you¡¯re refusing to do it?! Is your arm more important than Helen¡¯s life?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d tell you how stupid you are, but you¡¯d never believe me.¡± Frank snorted coldly. ¡°You¡¯re all going to

    die if I let him go.¡±

    Phineas quickly said, ¡°I swear¨Cbreak your arm, and I won¡¯t press the issue, and we can all go our

    separate ways.¡±

    Chris promptly yelled, ¡°You heard Mr. Tomkins! We have his word¨Cmen like him always value honor

    above all else. Break your arm!¡±

    ¡°Are you deaf?!¡± Peter snapped in frustration since Frank was not moving. ¡°What did you promise my

    grandfather when you marry my sister? To protect her for the rest of her life? Hah! I guess there was

    nothing to hope for with a piece of shit like you!¡±

    Phineas red fixedly at Frank just then. ¡°Come on, son. Break your arm and don¡¯t waste more time.

    Or are you letting down everyone when they¡¯re pinning their hopes on you?¡±

    That was when Helen suddenly shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Frank!¡±

    She was shaking her head too¨Ceven if she and Frank were divorced, they had been together for three

    years.

    She would be lying if she imed she did not have feelings for him, just as she did not want him to

    break his arm for her sake.

    Given the situation, Frank might not make it out anyway even if he broke his arm.

    Even for businessmen who valued honor, was there any more than a handful who were honorable here

    in Riverton?

    Helen was certainly even less trusting toward some mobster!

    Frank¡¯s icy gaze eased, even showing a tender flickered as he looked at Helen.

    His killing intent suddenly turned into pure haughtiness. He turned toward Phineas and then looked

    around as he snorted in disdain. ¡°Only my mentor gets to demand my arm. You boys want to stop me?¡±

    He kicked Phineas away and pointed at his thugs as he bellowed, ¡°You boys want to Come at me all at

    once. I¡¯ll show you the depths of my strength.

    stop me? stop

    His conceited tone and look of confidence stunned even Phineas.

    He actually let him go just to fight his goons alone?!

    27

    Helen was stupefied in turn¨Cthey only had a chance to make it out if they used Phineas as a hostage¡­

    but Frank released him anyway!

    ¡°That imbecile!¡± Chris swore under his breath as he quickly slid under the table, waiting for a chance to

    flee.

    On the other hand, Phineas was actually impressed by Frank¡¯s stride¨Ceven he himself dulled in

    comparison in his younger days.

    However, there was no chance for reconciliation. He would have Frank killed either way!

    ¡°You have balls, son, but you¡¯re dead meat now,¡± he growled. ¡°Get him!¡±

    At his order, Phineas¡® goons charged toward Frank like a raging tide.

    Frank was just going to meet them when someone bellowed from the door, ¡°Stop!¡±

    Everyone paused and turned to see Rolf Sparks, the deputy of Skyde Dojo.

    ¡°Mr. Sparks¡­?¡± Phineas was shocked that Rolf woulde at such a time, and without telling him!

 Chapter 213

    Even Phineas¡® goons promptly cleared a path when they saw Rolf.

    Gina and the others were left studying Rolf quizzically in turn¨Cwas that man from Skyde Dojo?

    On the other hand, Rolf could immediately tell that things were bad when he saw Frank being

    encircled, and he promptly wheeled on Phineas. ¡°What is going on here?¡±

    Phineas quickly exined, ¡°That stupid boy was messing about. Just wait a moment, Mr. Sparks. I¡¯ll

    get him sorted right away¨CArgh!¡±

    He did not notice that Rolf was quickly frowning. Rolf then pped him across the face before he

    realized what was happening!

    As Phineas copsed to the floor, yelping, he looked up at Rolf in shock. ¡°W¨CWhy did you hit me, Mr.

    Sparks?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Rolf snapped. ¡°Who do you think you are,ying a finger on Mr. Lawrence?!¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What are you talking about, Mr. Sparks?¡±

    Phineas¡® heart skipped a beat as he realized something was wrong.

    Rolf actually addressed the kid as Mr. Lawrence?!

    ¡°The Turnbulls have his back, and he saved Vicky Turnbull¡¯s life,¡± Rolf barked.

    However, he only knew Frank through his cousin Kenny and was under the impression that Frank only

    had the Turnbulls¡® support.

    Even so, Phineas¡® face was drained of all color.

    So that was why the brat was so full of himself¡­ The Turnbulls supported him!

    And with the Turnbulls being a dynasty equal in power to Skyde Dojo, Phineas could not afford to

    insult them!

    Rolf kicked Phineas away before hurrying up to Frank. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about this, Mr. Lawrence. It¡¯s

    my fault for not sending word beforehand that such a serious. misunderstanding has happened.¡±

    Then, turning back and ring at Phineas, Rolf barked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to apologize?¡®

    Phineas was certainly upset with the turn of events, but his boss had spoken and he had to suck it up.

    Without hesitation, he ran up to Frank and dropped to his knees with a thud. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for not

    recognizing your greatness, Mr. Lawrence. Please don¡¯t hold it against me¨CI really didn¡¯t know you

    were a friend of Mr. Sparks, or I would never have offended you!¡±

    Rolf smiled at Frank in turn. ¡°We¡¯re all friends here, and it¡¯s all just a misunderstanding. You can spare

    him this one time.¡±

    Frank nced at Rolf./

    ¦°

    He could actually give face since the Sparks did acquire the Myriad Hue Snow Lotus for him.

    Standing with his hands sped behind his back, he said, ¡°I won¡¯t press the issue since Mr. Sparks

    spoke on your behalf. Don¡¯t ever harass Helen again.¡±

    Phineas nodded repeatedly. ¡°Of course! Thank you, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Seeing that things had calmed down, Rolfughed heartily and told Frank, ¡°Come, Mr.

    Lawrence. Let¡¯s talk upstairs.¡±

    Frank nodded and headed upstairs with him, while Helen was left staring at Frank in disbelief. ¡°He

    actually knows Rolf?¡±

    Beside her, Peter was jealous that Frank was always mingling with bigwigs, though Gina merely made

    a scornful look.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Sparks make it clear?¡± She snorted. ¡°He only gets t

    Turnbulls. He wouldn¡¯t have known Mr. Sparks if not for Vicky.¡±

    strut because of the

    Beside her, Chris nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯m actually surprised that Vicky values the gigolo so much,

    letting him move in with her at Skywater Bay and introducing him to so many bigwigs.¡±

    im Bonus For Free Every Day

    it? Make a hundred Ichor Pills for my family, and you¡¯ll have more money than you can spend for the

    rest of your life. Also, you¡¯ll have our family¡¯s protection¨Cit¡¯s a win¨Cwin situation.¡± ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Frank

    could not helpughing. ¡°Do your uncle and cousin know about this?¡±

    Rolf hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Certainly not.¡±

    If anything, he was discussing this in private with Frank exactly because Kenny refused to entertain the

    idea.

    Frank nodded in turn. ¡°You have balls, kid, though I wonder why I would need your family¡¯s protection?¡±

 Chapter 214

    Phineas put two and two together as he listened to Gina and the others mocking Frank.

    After all that, it turned out that the brat was just Vicky¡¯s gigolo!

    Fuck! To think that some gigolo got to walk all all over him¡­ How infuriating!

    However, despite his grievances, he knew that he could not do anything to them since Rolf had

    personally vouched for Frank.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to leave? Or am I supposed to escort you out?¡± he snapped at Gina and the

    rest.

    Gina promptly nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yes, yes, we¡¯re leaving right now¡­¡±

    As they fled Delightpub, Rolf and Frank arrived at a private room on the second floor.

    ¡°May I see the Myriad Hued Snow Lotus?¡± Frank asked bluntly.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Rolfughed heartily, putting the wooden case he carried on the table and slowly opening

    it.

    A stark white snow lotusy within, its stem curiously straight with seven leaves of different hues

    growing on it.

    Frank¡¯s eyes widened and reached out to touch the stem.

    He was certain from a single nce that it was a hundred years old.

    Rolf grinned when he saw that Frank¡¯s gaze was aze. ¡°Kenny bought this at thirty million from

    Easton.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I will always remember this favor.¡±

    He put away the lotus and was ready to leave when Rolf suddenly said, ¡°One moment please, Mr.

    Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Frank paused, turning to ask, ¡°Is there something else?¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Rolf smiled. ¡°I have been in awe of the miraculous power of the Ichor Pill since that day. Why don¡¯t you

    mass produce it?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Frank frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t Kenny tell you what the most important ingredient is? I¡¯ve provided your

    family with the recipe too, so you can try making it yourself.¡±

    Naturally, the most important ingredient was a martial elite¡¯s essence, and mass production

    meant countless of them.

    It was an idea as sick as it was twisted!

    Nheless, Rolf rested his chin on his hands as he chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t mean in the millions Mr.

    Lawrence. All good things are never valuable in bulk¨Cjust a few hundred pills would do, and I know you

    can help us with that, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    .

    Frank¡¯s eyes shed coldly as he realized what Rolf was up to. ¡°You want my essence to make Ichor

    Pills?!

    Rolf nodded without qualms. ¡°Just a hundred won¡¯t cost you that much, so why be stingy with

    it? Make a hundred Ichor Pills for my family, and you¡¯ll have more money than you can spend for the

    rest of your life. Also, you¡¯ll have our family¡¯s protection¨Cit¡¯s a win¨Cwin situation.¡± ¡°Hahaha¡­¡± Frank

    could not helpughing. ¡°Do your uncle and cousin know about this?¡±

    Rolf hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Certainly not.¡±

    If anything, he was discussing this in private with Frank exactly because Kenny refused to entertain the

    idea.

    Frank nodded in turn. ¡°You have balls, kid, though I wonder why I would need your family¡¯s protection?¡±

 Chapter 215

    Rolf frowned since Frank was clearly rejecting his offer. ¡°You can¡¯t p with one hand. No. person

    is a match against an entire sect no matter how strong they ar

    ¡°Hahaha!!!¡± Frankughed even louder at that. ¡°That just shows your ignorance.¡±

    Back then, he fought against the Eight Sects of the North Sea alone, and he was still standing

    now.

    Conspiracies, sects, and other powers that be were just pointless, as long as one was strong enough!

    Rolf¡¯s smile faded, and he pulled out a bottle, putting it on the table and growled, ¡°Drop your blood in

    this vial, Mr. Lawrence. Not only would we stay friends, but I promise you that you answer to no one in

    Riverton except me.¡±

    Frank¡¯s interest was actually piqued. ¡°What if I refuse?¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll make you.¡±

    The private room was suddenly eerily silent, the men¡¯s presence suddenly magnified.

    Crash!

    The table between Rolf and Frank suddenly shattered, crumbling under the burst of air as they moved.

    Rolfunched the first strike with an outstretched palm, and Frank answered it with his fist.

    Pow! Pow! Pow!

    As they exchanged blows, their energies erupted within the room.

    Rolf was gritting his teeth as he tried to hit Frank as hard as he could, but Frank was blocking

    everything with a look of contempt.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    He was shocked as he realized that Frank was not going all out!

    ¡°Is that all you got?¡± Frank chuckled scornfully. ¡°Guess you¡¯re too busy finding ways to make money

    and forget to train at the dojo.¡±

    With a spinning kick, he struck Rolf in the chest!

    Even as Rolf felt pain like never before, he was sent flying and crashed through the wall!

    Phineas and a group of his goons had been watching the door, wondering what Rolf and Frank were

    talking about.

    Naturally, they were all left dumbstruck when Rolf suddenly crashed out of the wall!

    ¡°rgh!!!¡± Rolf¡¯s face was pale as he coughed up blood.

    ¡°W¨CWhat happened, Mr. Sparks?¡± Phineas cried as he hurried to his side.

    Rolf wiped the blood off his mouth and pointed at Frank as he snapped, ¡°Get him!¡±

    For now, he needed to take Frank alive!

    Phineas was delighted at Rolf¡¯s orders, since he bore a grudge against Frank.

    He would nevery a finger on Rolf, and yet Frank was so suicidal that he would beat him!

    There was no reason to hold back, and he bellowed at his goons to charge at Frank.

    Frank remained dauntless, however, leaping into the crowd and punching down every man with a

    single strike each.

    As he left pure carnage in his wake, Scarlet, who was watching nearby, was left petrified.

    She started retching even as she fled!

    the p

    And behind the

    goons, Phineas¡® jaw could drop right then. He stumbled backward, his knees caving in as he copsed

    to the floor.

    It turned out that the brat was not putting on airs¨Che was being straight up honest because he could

    handle a crowd!

    Rolf was even more speechless at that point and finally realized why Kenny told him not to upset

    Frank.

    Pawns like them never stood a chance¨Conly the full might of Skyde Dojo might have a chance!

    At the same time, Frank was striding straight toward Rolf¡­

 Chapter 216

    Rolf quickly pleaded, ¡°P¨CPlease, Mr. Lawrence. It¡¯s all just a misunderstanding. Let¡¯s just pretend I

    never said anything¡­¡±

    Frank remained impassive even as he stood before Rolf. ¡°Misunderstanding? You were demanding my

    blood just a moment ago.

    Rolf quickly waved his hands. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want it. Let¡¯s pretend it never happened.¡±

    Frank chuckled coolly. ¡°Easy for you to say.¡±

    The look of disdain in Frank¡¯s eyes left Rolf panicking. ¡°W¨CWhat are you doing? I may be Kenny

    Sparks¡® cousin, but he¡¯s like a brother to me¡­ You can¡¯t kill me. He gave you a Myriad Hued Snow

    Lotus too. Isn¡¯t that enough in exchange for my life?¡±

    Frank snorted. ¡°You¡¯d be dead if not for Kenny.¡±

    And with those words, he grabbed Rolf¡¯s arm.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Rolf cried.

    ¡°Breaking your arm,¡± Frank growled. ¡°Disrespect me again, and not even Kenny can save you.

    And with those words, he gave a squeeze, and Rolf¡¯s arm broke with a resounding crack!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    A blood¨Ccurdling scream resounded across the second floor as Rolf clutched his arm, twitching and

    iling in agony.

    Phineas was left gaping at Frank.

    No matter how ballsy he was, he would never break Rolf¡¯s arm¨Cit would be a terrible insult to Skyde

    Dojo!

    Once Frank turned and left, Phineas hurried to Rolf. ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Sparks?¡±

    ¡°My arm is broken! How the fuck could I be alright?!¡± Rolf swore. ¡°Get me to the hospital!

    ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡± Phineas promptly carried him to the hospital, gulping.

    Naturally, Riverton City Hospital took their new patient seriously¨Cit was the vice¨Cmaster of Skyde

    Dojo, after all.

    Even Dan Zimmer was called in. However, he and Hali King¨Cthe chief of Riverton City Hospital¨Cwere

    both stunned when they saw the mess that was Rolf¡¯s arm.

    Very bone in your arm is broken, Mr. Sparks¡­ What machine could have done this?¡± Hali quickly

    asked.

    Rolf growled through his teeth, ¡°I got hurt in a fight.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Hali gasped. ¡°Who could have done this to you?¡±

    Rolf ignored it as he asked, ¡°Mr. King, Mr. Zimmer¨Ccan you help me?¡±

    Hali shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no mending all the bones in your arm, Mr. Sparks.¡±

    Rolf turned toward Dan at that, pinning all his hopes on him.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Dan was pensive for a while. ¡°Ordinary methods won¡¯t work, but I have a suggestion¡­¡±

    Rolf¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. ¡°What is it, Mr. Zimmer? I can pay you however much you want if you can

    help me!¡±

    Dan smiled! but shook his head. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s beyond me. But there¡¯s this medicine called the Ichor Pill that

    recently debuted here in Riverton, and only one man can make it. If you can earn his favor, he would

    definitely help.¡±

    Rolf almost choked right then, and after a while, he quietly said, ¡°Frank Lawrence was the one who

    broke my arm.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Dan paled in shock, not expecting Frank to be the one who hurt Rolf. ¡°In that case¡­. there¡¯s

    nothing I can do.¡±

    Just then, Kenny arrived at the hospital, having rushed there immediately after hearing that Rolf had

    been attacked.

    ¡°What happened to your hand?¡± he asked.

    Rolf¡¯s eyes lit up with hope when he saw Kenny, and he sobbed. ¡°It¡¯s ruined now, Kenny¡­ I can¡¯t wield

    a de anymore¡­¡±

 Chapter 217

    Kenny quickly asked, ¡°Who did this to you?¡±

    ¡°Who else?¡± Rolf groaned through tears. ¡°Frank Lawrence! I was just giving him the Myriad Hued Snow

    Lotus, but he had to insult our family and demand we keep finding the Elemental Wonders for him. I

    argued, and he broke my arm!¡±

    Beside them, Phineas simply listened to Rolf lie through his teeth, not daring to

    On the other hand, Kenny was as stunned as he was skeptical.

    argue¡­

    Even if Frank could get obstinate in the time he knew the man, he was never one who went out of his

    way to insult others.

    ¡°No way, Mr. Lawrence isn¡¯t like that¡­¡®

    ¡°You don¡¯t really know him, Kenny!¡± Rolf cried, grabbing Kenny¡¯s arm. ¡°Help me! You¡¯re my only hope!¡±

    While Dan was himself surprised that Rolf was the one who broke Frank¡¯s arm, he stepped forward and

    said, ¡°Mr. Sparks, I believe this issue requires investigation. Both you and I have met Frank in person¨C

    he may be prideful, but he doesn¡¯t stoop to insulting others. Something¡¯s not right.¡±

    Rolf promptly red at Dan, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What do you mean by that?! Are you calling me a

    liar?!¡±

    However, Kenny was already frowning as he mused to himself. He actually believed Dan more than

    Rolf, and Rolf had been scheming to acquire Ichor Pills on top of that.

    The kid could well have misspoken and provoked Frank¡­.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Mr. Lawrence about this,¡± Kenny soon told Rolf. ¡°You stay out of this¨CI¡¯m sure he¡¯s

    magnanimous enough to forgive you.¡±

    Rolf was dumbfounded.

    His n was to trick Kenny into sending everyone from Skyde Dojo after Frank, killing him and

    draining his essence dry.

    And yet, Kenny refused, insisting on talking things out with Frank.

    Moreover, would the truth not be revealed once they made contact?

    ¡°Talk about what?!¡± Rolf promptly cried. ¡°You can¡¯t trust Frank. He¡¯s going to set you up if you meet him

    alone!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Kenny was not tricked, however and calmly exined, ¡°If Frank really were a bad person, he

    would have demanded a lot more when he treated Father. You just stay put and focus on getting

    better¨Cand stay away from Frank!¡±

    His tone made it clear that it was non¨Cnegotiable, and he left the room with those words.

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Dan and Hali followed suit, leaving Rolf alone with Phineas.

    He mmed his fist on the table, spite and fury ring in his eyes.

    Kenny had paid through his nose and pulled so many strings just to get Frank that Myriad Hued Snow

    Lotus.

    On the other hand, he did not care that Rolf needed the Ichor Pill.

    And he was like a brother to him!

    Still, Phineas¡® suddenly had an idea and approached Rolf. ¡°Mr. Sparks¡­ The way I see it, Frank

    probably wouldn¡¯t give Kenny the pill, given his attitude.¡±

    Rolf red at him. ¡°You think?!¡±

    ¡°Exactly¨Cit¡¯s better to do it yourself than ask for it,¡± Phineas said. ¡°It¡¯s pointless to pin your hopes on

    others.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Rolf snorted. ¡°I can¡¯t tell the dojo¡¯s apprentices what to do, and your

    goons would never win against Frank. We¡¯re never getting the Ichor Pill!¡±

    ¡°Yes, and since brute force is not an option, we can be smart about this.¡± Phineas chuckled. ¡°I know for

    a fact that Helen Lane of Lane Holdings is Frank¡¯s ex¨Cwife. Even if they¡¯re divorced, they definitely still

    care about each other¡­¡±

 Chapter 218

    ¡°If we can capture Helen and threaten Frank, we will definitely be able to get the Ichor Pill,¡± Phineas

    finished..

    Rolf narrowed his eyes¨CPhineas¡® idea could work!

    Still, he asked, ¡°Why are you so sure that Frank would try to save her?¡±

    Phineas promptly told him everything that had happened before Rolf arrived at Delightpub and

    concluded, ¡°Let¡¯s trick her out with a phone call. If shees, it proves that they still have feelings for

    each other. Frank will definitelye.

    Rolf nodded in agreement. ¡°Makes sense. Do it¨Conce we seed, I¡¯ll pay you a hundred million.¡±

    Phineas was overjoyed. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely seed, Mr. Sparks. You have nothing to worry about.¡±

    Meanwhile, Dan Zimmer had caught up to Kenny Sparks. ¡°When are you going to meet Frank, Mr.

    Sparks?¡±

    Kenny thought about it and said, ¡°Early tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Shall I go with you?¡± Dan offered. ¡°I¡¯ll be the go¨Cbetween to keep things amicable, even if I know that

    Frank is not the loudmouth Rolf is framing him to be. You really should be careful about this.¡±

    Kenny was actually delighted. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you, Mr. Zimmer¨Cand don¡¯t worry, I know Frank. The

    man saved my father as well, and for that debt alone, I¡¯d nevery a hand on him.¡±

    Seeing how open¨Cminded Kenny was, Dan breathed a long sigh of relief.

    Early next morning, Helen got out of bed and changed.

    She was a little tired, but at least what had happened yesterday was over¡­

    However, before she could drive to work, she received a call from an unfamiliar number. Hello? Who is

    it?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Lane, was it?¡± Phineas asked from the other end.

    Helen stiffened right then. ¡°Phineas¡­ I mean, Mr. Tomkins. What can I do for you?¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°We have Frank Lawrence. Come to Delightpub immediately if you want to save his life,¡± Phineas

    growled threateningly.

    ¡°What?! What¡¯s going on?!¡± Helen waspletely confused¨CPhineas himself had apologized to Frank

    just yesterday, and he now caught Frank?

    Could it be for revenge?

    ¡°What do you want?!¡± Helen snapped right then. ¡°Mr. Sparks will make you pay for this!¡±

    ¡°Haha! But Mr. Sparks was the one who told me to get Frank.¡± Phineasughed.

    Rolf spoke up just then from the other end as well, ¡°Ms. Lane, your ex¨Chusband is so full of himself,

    demanding that I apologize to you. He even threatened me, so I beat him within an inch of his life¨Che¡¯s

    now begging to see you before he dies. So aren¡¯t youing?¡±

    Helen had to jam her foot on the brakes as she almost struck a utility pole.

    Frank was dying?

    She could not imagine what torment Frank would have been put through and screamed on top of her

    lungs, ¡°The Turnbulls have Frank¡¯s back! Aren¡¯t you afraid they woulde for you?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Rolfughed in disdain. ¡°He¡¯s just Vicky Turnbull¡¯s boytoy. Do you think she¡¯d go to war over

    some gigolo?¡±

    Out of options right then, Helen promptly begged, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Sparks. My family caused this

    argument in the first ce¨CFrank is innocent. Please let him go!¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Rolf chuckled. ¡°Come to Delightpub, and I might consider sparing him.¡±

 Chapter 219

    Helen did not hesitate to drive to Delightpub immediately, where she was immediately restrained by two

    bouncers.

    Helen struggled as she shouted, ¡°What are you doing?! Let go of me!¡±

    Phineas showed up just then, and Helen demanded, ¡°Where¡¯s Frank?! I want to see him!¡±

    Phineas shrugged and chuckled. ¡°Just sit tight, Ms. Lane. You¡¯ll see him soon enough.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°You lovebirds¡­¡± Phineas grinned. ¡°I¡¯m sure Frank will rush here to save you the instant he knows we

    have you.¡±

    ¡°What¡­?¡± Helen was dumbstruck, and her heart soon sank as she realized she had been tricked.

    They wanted her here so they could lure Frank here too!

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± she bellowed and struggled, but the two bouncers held her in ce with a vice -like grip.

    Phineas spread his arms as heughed. ¡°Take her upstairs.¡±

    With that, the two bodyguards dragged her upstairs without a hint of chivalry.

    Rolf, who was watching everything from his private room, smiled.

    Meanwhile, Kenny and Dan arrived at Frank¡¯s hilltop mansion.

    Frank had been waiting for a while, seemingly expecting Kenny¡¯s visit.

    He invited them in even pouring them tea as he kept a straight face. ¡°Calling upon this

    early in the morning¡­ I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a favor that needs asking?¡±

    Dan nodded and spoke before Kenny. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, I¡¯ve just found out myself that you and Rolf

    Sparks had a little disagreement. May I ask what caused the issue?¡±

    Frank reclined against the couch and said tly, ¡°He wanted Ichor Pills¡­¡±

    Kenny frowned right then¨Cso Rolf really was still dead set on that idea.

    That was when Frank finished. ¡°And he wanted to use my blood to make them.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Both Kenny and Dan were shocked that Rolf went that far!

    Kenny quickly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I haven¡¯t been disciplining the boy¡­ I shall

    make up for it.¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, ¡°Skyde Dojo is not involved?¡±

    Kenny promptly threw his hands up. ¡°Of course not.¡±

    ¡°You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Dan quickly added. ¡°As a major martial arts

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    sect, they have no reason to hurt you.¡±

    Frank nodded in satisfaction, just as Kenny gingerly took out a check and pushed it up to Frank.

    ¡°There¡¯s fifty million dors here, Mr. Lawrence. Rolf understands that he¡¯s at fault, and it¡¯s a token of

    his apology. He hopes you can forgive him, but he¡¯s still in the hospital, so he¡¯s asked me to bring this

    to you.¡±

    Frank chuckied coolly. ¡°Apologies shouldn¡¯t be made by proxy. Tell him toe here personally if he

    wants to apologize.¡±

    Kenny nodded repeatedly, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll have Rolf do it once he¡¯s discharged.¡±

    Pausing for a moment, he then asked gingerly, ¡°Also, I¡¯d like to ask you a favor¡­ Can you give him a

    chance and treat his hand?¡±

    As Frank stayed silent in hesitation, Dan chuckled heartily, hoping for a peaceful oue. Mr.

    Lawrence, Rolf understands his mistake. Why don¡¯t you give him a chance? See how the boy behaves,

    and if he messes up again, you can break his arm again.¡±

    Kenny nodded repeatedly. ¡°Mr. Zimmer is right. We will keep an eye on how Rolf behaves from now

    on!¡±

 Chapter 220

    Kenny even promised, ¡°If he disrespects you again, Mr. Lawrence, I¡¯ll personally break his legs.

    As Kenny and Dan worked together to reason with Frank, he was made well aware that both men had

    come to speak on Rolf¡¯s behalf.

    Naturally, he decided he could offer some leeway, considering Dan and Kenny¡¯s influence in Riverton

    He smiled at Kenny. ¡°How could I not honor your request since you and Mr. Zimmer came personally

    for this?¡±

    Both men breathed a long sigh of relief at that¨Cit seemed that Frank was going to forgive Rolf.

    Frank then took out a pill and threw it at Kenny. ¡°It¡¯s an Ichor Pill. Have Rolf apply it to his arm, and he¡¯ll

    recover in half a month.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    Kenny gasped, shocked that Frank would really give him an Ichor Pill!

    This was certainly more than worth the trouble!

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!¡± He eximed.

    Dan was stroking his beard and nodding in satisfaction in turn¨Che was certainly right about Frank

    However, just as they were making small talk afterward, Frank suddenly received a call from an

    unfamiliar number.

    He answered it to Phineas¡® smugughter. ¡°Did you sleep wellst night, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    His mocking tone left Frank¡¯s expression turning cold. ¡°Do you have a death wish?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Phineasughed out loud. ¡°Calm down, Mr. Lawrence. There¡¯s someone here that you¡¯d

    definitely want to hear from.¡±

    He held out his phone toward Helen, who immediately shouted, ¡°Stay away, Frank! They are trying to

    lure you here¨CPhineas¡® goons are everywhere!¡±

    Frank¡¯s face fell when he heard Helen¡¯s voice, and his killing intent spilled out right then. What do you

    want, Phineas?¡±

    Phineas chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s your ex¨Cwife, isn¡¯t she? Come over to Delightpub if you want her alive. And

    remember toe alone¨Cshe¡¯s dead if you bring anyone else.¡±

    Frank¡¯s fingers clenched around his phone. ¡°You¡¯re dead meat. I hate it when people threaten Me.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Phineas growled through his teeth.

    Helen¡¯s voice was still audible from the other end as he hung up.

    Beside Frank, both Dan and Kenny saw his face fall, though they did not know who the caller

    was

    Dan quickly asked, ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m borrowing your car,¡± Frank said as he left immediately, leaping into Dan¡¯s car and speeding straight

    toward Delightpub.

    Kenny frowned. ¡°Huh¡­ Guess he¡¯s in that much of a hurry.¡±

    Dan thought about it and said, ¡°My car is GPS tracked. Let¡¯s follow him¡­¡±

    Frank did not even stop to exin¨Cit had to be very serious.

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Kenny quickly nodded. Who knew if he might prove useful and give Frank an even better impression of

    himself.

    Meanwhile, Frank did not ease his foot from the gas pedal even as he arrived at Delightpub. Bang!

    Dan¡¯s car crashed through the front entrance, crushing and killing several bouncers guarding it!

 Chapter 221

    Frank aligned and looked at the thugs around him.

    They had him encircled, but they were also too scared to advance the carnage he left yesterday was

    still fresh in their memory.

    Even Phineas felt a chill running down his spine when he saw Frank¡¯s murderous re.

    ¡°Where is Helen?¡± Frank demanded angril

    ¡°Right here!¡± Rolf shouted from the second floor, grabbing Helen by the neck with his good

    arm.

    Frank looked up and was actually surprised to see Rolf just then.

    ¡°Run, Frank!¡± Helen shouted at the top of her lungs. ¡°This is a trap!¡±

    She knew that Frank was strong and mere thugs would never beat him, but there was a legion. of them

    here and they were all armed to the teeth.

    And Frank was alone she was convinced he was going to die.

    In reality, Frank did not even care about the thugs, as his sharp re was fixed on Rolf. ¡°She has

    nothing to do with this. Let her go, and we can talk.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Rolfughed. ¡°What am I, stupid?

    Turning toward Helen just then, he sneered, ¡°So, you two still care about each other. She came

    immediately when we told her we had you, and you¡¯re no different. Don¡¯t bother lying to me.¡± Frank was

    actually puzzled how they had managed to get Helen to Delightpub¨Cit turned out that she had just been

    tricked,

    Still, he did not me her and was actually happy to hear that she came immediately.

    Nevertheless, he had to think of something and try to save Helen.

    ¡°I was going to spare you,¡± he told Rolf. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you were so bent on going down.¡±

    our arm,

    Rolf snorted in disdain. ¡°Stop trying to scare me. You¡¯re here because of her¨Cbreak your and we can

    talk.¡±

    With that, he handed Helen to the two bouncers behind him.

    ¡°Break my arm?¡± Frank frowned, ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Rolf was incensed by Frank¡¯s haughtiness and punched Helen in the stomach right then.

    She copsed to her knees in agony, her stomach churning!

    Frank¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°You little-¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Rolf bellowed as he pointed at Frank¡¯s face. ¡°Break your arm, or I¡¯ll break hers!¡± He

    beckoned, and one of the bouncers pulled out Helen¡¯s right arm and held it in front of Rolf.

    At the same time, Rolf pulled out a shiny baseball bat and aimed it at Helen¡¯s arm.

    She trembled in fear even as she stared at its metallic glint¡­

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Frank bellowed..

    Rolf

    grinned he knew Frank would not just watch as Helen got hurt.

    ¡°So? Made up your mind? Then stop wasting my time.¡±

    Frank gripped his right shoulder just then and pried it away.

    His bones were dislocated instantly, and his right arm dangled limply at his side.

    ¡°No!!!¡± Helen screamed, her tears falling in heartache as she watched.

    Frank somehow did not make a sound despite the agony, and he was gritting his teeth as he red at

    Rolf.

    ¡°I did what you said. Now let her go.¡±

    Rolf, however, lit himself a cigarette and slowly pulled out the vial from yesterday. ¡°Give me your blood,

    and I¡¯ll let both of you go.¡±

    Phineas took the bottle and hurried downstairs to pass it to Frank. ¡°Do it, Mr. Lawrence- you¡¯re free

    once you do what Mr. Sparks has asked you to.¡±

    He then held out a knife to Frank with a gleeful smile. ¡°Oh, wait¨Cyour arm¡¯s broken. Are you having

    trouble? Need my help?¡±

 Chapter 222

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he suddenlyunched a kick at Phineas, sending him flying!

    Bang!

    Phineas hit the wall and stayed stuck on it.

    Blood started gushing from the mouth, his fate unknown.

    His goons all paled in shock but were too scared to attack Frank

    Seeing that, Rolf promptly whipped out a knife and pressed it against Helen¡¯s neck. ¡°How dare you!

    Give me your blood right now, or I¡¯ll kill her!¡±

    Frank would never take such an insult, but he had no choice for Helen¡¯s sake.

    As he slowly picked up the knife, Helen cried, ¡°Please, stop! Don¡¯t do this, Frank! They won¡¯t stop even

    if you do what he says¡­¡±

    Frank shot her a re. ¡°That¡¯s your fault for being so gullible.¡±

    It struck Helen where it hurt, and she apologized profusely. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­

    Frank would not have been pushed this far for her!

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of apologizing now? Please use your brain the next time you run into. something like

    this,¡± Frank snapped impatiently.

    Helen hung her head in embarrassment, her ego struck right then.

    Suddenly, she asked, ¡°I have a question, Frank. Why did youe to save me?¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to die.¡±

    If anything, he had no idea why either.

    Saving Helen did nothing but give him more trouble.

    And yet, call it instinct, but he seemed to have been spurred by the voice in his heart!

    Naturally, Rolf was furious to see them chat so leisurely. ¡°Are you done?! Give me your blood!¡±

    With that blood, he would be able to make Ichor Pills and heal his hand!

    Nheless, Helen¡¯s eyes suddenly shed with determination.

    She was actually d to hear what Frank said¨Cat least he still cared about her!

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for being a burden. If we live through this, I promise to make it up to you. Please take care

    of my grandpa in my stead¡­¡±

    And with those words, she suddenly pushed herself toward Rolf¡¯s knife!

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    Rolf almost wet himself right then¨Cno one could stop Frank if he actually killed Helen!

    He had the balls to hurt her, but not kill her!

    As he quickly leaped backward and pulled his knife away from Helen, it offered Frank the

    loge 222

    perfect chancel

    Boom!

    The floor shattered as he pushed against it and leapt upward to the second floor!

    He kicked both bouncers who were restraining Helen and sent them Hyling before Balding Helen by the

    waist and pulling her to himself.

    Franicach

    ¡°Shit!!!¡± Rolf paled he did not think just pulling back would allow Frank such andecisive chance!

    And without Helen, he no longer had leverage against Frank!

    ¡°Get behind me,¡± Frank told Helen just then, his re filled with murder

 Chapter 223

    Helen hid behind Frank, feeling safe like never before at that moment.

    Not even her mother or Sean could make her feel this way!

    ¡°At the same time, Rolf pointed at Frank and cried frantically, ¡°Kill him! He only has one hand now use

    your numbers against him! I¡¯ll pay the person who kills him five million dors!¡±

    Frankughed icily. ¡°Am I that cheap in your eyes?¡±

    In reality, the bounty on Frank¡¯s head abroad was over two billion.

    Still, where there was money, there was a way.

    While Phineas¡® thugs knew they could not handle Frank when he had both hands, they were convinced

    there was a chance now that he only had one working hand.

    ¡°Rawgh!!!¡±

    Someone suddenly yelled, and spurred by that battlecry, the thugs all charged.

    Frank merely flicked his shoulder, and his broken arm was visibly fixed!

    Hisbat ability restored, he leapt forward like an unstoppable lotive, and so fast that average

    Joes like them could hardly keep up.

    With single punches, he floored all the thugs standing in his way as he tore his way toward

    Rolf.

    Then, as thest thug between him and Frank dropped to the floor, Rolf did not hesitate to turn and run.

    Having fought Frank before, he knew all too well that he was no match for the man!

    Still, he

    to make it out of Delightpub and started to scream hysterically for help, but there was no one around at

    that hour.

    As such, he kept running without knowing where he was going and ended up stuck in a dead end.

    Frank soon appeared, leaping up and kicking him on the back.

    Rolf was left coughing blood.

    He had yet to recover from his broken arm yesterday, and the kick only piled injury on top of

    aggravation.

    As Frank stamped him under his feet, he had his fingers crossed, finally witnessing how horrific the

    man could be.

    The Ichor Pill was certainly thest thing on his mind!

    ¡°Please, Frank, show mercy! Just spare me this one time, and I¡¯ll serve you¡­ I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t

    appreciate the chance you gave me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you leave a pretty corpse for Kenny¡¯s sake,¡± Frank said tly. ¡°Kill yourself.¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re going to kill me?! Kenny is the master of Skyde Dojo!¡± Rolf stammered.

    Kenny himself arrived just then, and Rolf was immediately delighted to see him. ¡°Kenny! I¡¯m right here!

    Help me!¡±

    Kenny shot him a re of disappointment before punching him right in the face!

    ¡°You bastard!¡± he cried. ¡°You¡¯ve really lost your mind by kidnapping Ms. Lane!¡±

    Kenny and Dan had just arrived at Delightpub, and Helen told them what happened.

    He immediately knew it was the end for Rolf¨Cno person whoid a finger on Helen ever survived.

    She was Frank¡¯s trigger.

    One could insult Frank however they wanted and stand a chance of being forgiven if they knelt down

    and apologized, as long as they neverid a finger on Helen!

    ¡°Please, Kenny¨CI know I made a mistake! Talk to him, or he¡¯s going to kill me!¡± Rolf begged, clutching

    Kenny¡¯s foot.

    Kenny inhaled deeply and sighed. ¡°I already did. Mr. Lawrence gave you an Ichor Pill and it¡¯d heal your

    arm. I just didn¡¯t think you were that stupid.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Rolf paled, and turned in regret toward Frank. ¡°Frank Lawrence¡­ Mr. Lawrence¡­. Boss¡­¡±

    Frank, however, leveled a cool look at Kenny. ¡°Is he going to do it, or are you?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

 Chapter 224

    Frank¡¯s words made it clear to Kenny that Rolf was dead meat.

    Turning to Rolf, he said, ¡°Do it yourself. Don¡¯t make me do it.¡±

    Rolf was left gaping as his heart sank¨CKenny hadpletely given up on him.

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    He started bawling, never once expecting to end up this way.

    He certainly realized that death was inevitable because he had messed with the wrong person, no

    matter how powerful his allies were!

    And if he did not kill himself, Skyde Dojo would be punished for it!

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Rolf said as heposed himself and used his good arm to stab himself in the

    chest.

    He coughed blood as he died instantly, his heart cruslied.

    Frank quietly left the alley after seeing that Rolf was dead, while Kenny sighed and called his man to

    carry Rolf¡¯s corpse away.

    Even if they were not brothers by blood, there was no avoiding grief since Rolf was still family.

    Though despondent as he left the alley, he apologized to Frank again. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about what

    happened, Mr. Lawrence. I didn¡¯t think Rolf would do such a thing.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s dead now, and Skyde Dojo isn¡¯t responsible for his actions,¡± Frank said calmly. ¡°That is, unless

    there¡¯s intent to avenge Rolf.¡±

    Kenny promptly shook his head. ¡°Of course not. He deserves what¡¯sing for him.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°In that case, you don¡¯t have to apologize to me.¡±

    Dan arrived as well and could guess that Rolf was dead since Kenny was with Frank.

    He tactfully avoided mentioning that matter, instead asking, ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence? Ms. Lane

    told me that your arm was hurt.¡±

    Frank flexed his arm. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious.¡±

    ¡°Still, you and Ms. Lane shoulde to Flora Hall,¡± Dan said in invitation. ¡°I¡¯ll properly examine your

    arm.¡±

    Naturally, he was finding an excuse to clear the awkwardness or it would get weirder with three grown

    men just standing there.

    Frank could read his mind and nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be going,¡± Kenny said just then. ¡°I still have to deal with the mess at Delightpub.¡±

    Dan quickly nodded and returned inside, rounding up Scarlet and all of Phineas¡® goon

    goons who were still alive.

    Soon, he found out that Phineas was the one who gave Rolf the idea of kidnaping Helen.

    His teeth were gnashing even as he red at the man, who was still unconscious¡­

    When Phineas woke up, he had the feeling that he had been put inside a box.

    He fumbled around, his hands soon reaching a corpse¡­ and there was more than one!

    It was only then that he realized he had been ced inside a coffin.

    ¡®Someone! Help! Who the fuck buried me?! I¡¯m still alive!!!¡± he cried hysterically even as he kept hitting

    the coffin.

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    However, he had been buried within the virgin forests of Mount Anil; where there was not a soul in

    sight.

    Meanwhile, Frank and Helen had been arranged to a luxury room at the Flora Hall, with Dan examining

    the both of them personally.

    Fortunately, both of them were fine, though Dan brought them a bulk of supplements.

    ¡°You are certainly robust, Mr. Lawrence,¡± he sighed in awe. ¡°Reattaching a dislocated limb like it¡¯s

    nothing¨CI am genuinely impressed.¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°It was just a bluff to trick Rolf Sparks. It¡¯s nothing to brag about.¡±

    Helen was puzzled¨Cwas Dan not being too polite with Frank?

 Chapter 225

    Helen asked curiously, ¡°Mr. Zimmer, you know Frank?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Dan smiled. ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡¯s knowledge of medicine is so profound that I can¡¯t begin to

    describe my admiration.¡±

    Helen was left dumbstruck and leveled a puzzled look at Frank.

    His knowledge of medicine was¡­ profound, and even Dan himself admired him?!

    How had she been oblivious about that in the three years they were married?

    ¡°Are you joking, Mr. Zimmer?¡± she asked gingerly.

    ¡°Haha! I have no reason to do so.¡± Dan grinned as he stroked his beard. ¡°Remember Lyndon McCoy?

    Mr. Lawrence himself treated him when he sufferedplications.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Helen was shocked, though she soon remembered the fake Ichor Pill she presented to

    Lyndon as a gift.

    It almost killed Lyndon, and Ro had Helen captured¡­ though he soon released her.

    So it was Frank who saved her?

    And seeing Dan¡¯s seriousness, it was clear he was not joking-

    It was now not surprising why Dan would ask the reason she divorced Frank before¨Cthey were already

    acquainted.

    Just then, Dan said, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, you may rest here as long as you want. I¡¯ll be going now since I

    have other matters to attend to.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Frank nodded.

    As Dan left and left Helen alone with Frank in the room, she stared fixedly as she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was

    wrong about you before.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s all in the past, and I didn¡¯t take it to heart anyway,¡± Frank said nonchntly.

    The way he did not seem to care only left Helen feeling stung.

    After so long, she realized that she could not get over Frank

    He might not have influence or ability, but he was genuinely good to her. (2)

    After hesitating for a long while, she began, ¡°Frank, can we

    The door suddenly opened before she could finish, and Vicky rushed in, asking worriedly,¡± How are you

    doing, Frank? Are you hurt?¡±

    She was certainly shocked when she heard that Frank and Rolf were in a huge fight, rushing to Flora

    Hall right away when she found out that Frank went there.

    Frank did a double take but shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯mpletely fine.¡±

    Vicky stared pointedly at the bandages on her arm. ¡°Then exin your arm.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Zimmer¡¯s just being paranoid,¡± Frank replied. ¡°I¡¯m really fine.¡±

    Vicky brushed her fingers over the bandages, pain showing in her eyes. ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Vicky breathed a sigh of relief at that. ¡°You really gave me a scare.¡±

    She did not even look Helen¡¯s way through it all, and Helen definitely felt awkward as she sat beside

    them.

    However, it hurt her more to see Vicky being so worried.

    She should be standing where Vicky stood.

    But now, she stuck out like a sore thumb, unable to even say a word.

    She swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue, instead saying, ¡°Frank, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be

    going now.¡±

 Chapter 226

    Frank was surprised. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get some rest first?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not hurt anyway.¡± Helen shook her head and started toward the door.

    Vicky nced at her and said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you.

    Frank grabbed Vicky¡¯s wrist right then¨Csomething might happen if those two ended up alone!

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Nheless, Vicky shed Frank a calm smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m really just walking with her.¡±

    With that, she walked side¨Cby¨Cside with Helen along the hallways of Flora Hall.

    Vicky was the one who spoke first. ¡°So, Ms. Lane¡­ I heard Frank was caught in that huge mess to

    save you,

    Helen nodded without flinching. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what happened.¡±

    ¡°And since we¡¯re adults, I¡¯d like you to remember what it means to take responsibility for yourself

    instead of needing others to keep cleaning up after you,¡± Vicky said.

    Helen scowled¨Cin reality, she was the victim because Rolf was after Frank.

    If anything, she was innocent.

    Still, she did not back down despite Vicky¡¯s hostile words. ¡°You¡¯re misunderstanding something, Ms.

    Turnbull¨CI never asked for Frank¡¯s help.¡±

    Vicky giggled. ¡°I know Frank still harbors feelings for you, but it¡¯s over between you and him. now¨C

    Frank is mine.¡±

    Thest part wasced with provocation, and Helen was immediately balling her knuckles in frustration.

    ¡°How much money did you give him?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Vicky was caught by surprise.

    ¡°I¡¯ll repay every cent Frank took from you,¡± Helen said solemnly.

    ¡°Hahaha!!!¡±

    Vicky was roaring withughter, shaking her head endlessly as she leveled a gleeful look of contempt

    at Helen. ¡°Oh, Ms. Lane¡­ You have the looks, but your head¡¯s really empty. Do you even know why

    you divorced Frank? It¡¯s none other than your overconfidence and vanity, and because you always

    believe what you want.¡±

    Helen frowned, utterly confused. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Vicky waved her off dismissively, instead saying, ¡°You¡¯re going to pay me back, yes? Frank owes me

    two hundred million. Pay up, then I will cut my ties with him.¡±

    Vicky was convinced Helen would not talk to Frank about it. If anything, she had every intention to

    demand two billion too.

    Helen was left doing a double take, surprised that Vicky had spent that much on Frank.

    Even so, she said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll get you the money. I just hope you¡¯ll hold up your end of the

    bargain.¡±

    Vicky nodded. ¡°Uh¨Chuh. My word is golden, so make it quick, or Frank and I would be married by the

    time you had the money.¡±

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Helen snorted.

    She knew that it was a deliberate provocation, but said nothing as she turned to leave Flora Hall.

    As Vicky returned to Frank¡¯s ward, he asked in curiosity, ¡°Did Helen leave?¡±

    ¡°Uh¨Chuh.¡±

    ¡°You seem pleased.¡±

    ¡°Do I?¡± Vicky shrugged. ¡°Maybe. I was looking for you because I have good news anyway.¡±

    ¡°Good news?¡± Frank asked.

    Vicky took out a velvet box from her handbag just then and slowly opened it to reveal at Rejuvenation

    Pill that was fresh from the factory.

    ¡°The first batch is a sess, and the medicinal effect is sublime,¡± she announced. ¡°We can put it on

    mass production soon.¡±

    Frank picked one up and studied it carefully before nodding. ¡°The effect is weaker since it¡¯s

    manufactured, but it reaches expected standards. When do you n to market it?¡±

 Chapter 227

    Vicky thought about it. ¡°Naturally, we¡¯ll wait and do it when the Szars start selling the Beauty Pill.¡±

    ¡°Wait, are you serious?¡± Frank was stunned.

    ¡°Yes. I want to wipe the floor with them,¡± Vicky said confidently.

    To be precise, she was brimming with confidence when it came to the Rejuvenation Pill.

    Still, she paused for a moment in thought and said, ¡°However, there are still preparations to be made.¡±

    ¡°Preparations?¡± Frank asked in curiosity.

    ¡°The matter of the endorser, to be precise.¡±

    ¡°Who do you have in mind?¡±

    Vicky grinned as she sat down beside Frank. ¡°You bailed out a famous star named Noel York earlier,

    didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m nning to have her help, since she is in hot demand at the moment.¡±

    Frank nodded in agreement having a star celebrity promote a product was certainly effective. ¡°Then

    why don¡¯t you reach out to her?¡±

    have

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning to you do it,¡± Vicky replied. ¡°You more or less saved her, didn¡¯t you? She¡¯d certainly help

    with a little favor. Also, I¡¯m a busy girl¡­ or are you having me do this myself too?¡±

    She then passed Noel¡¯s business card to Frank. ¡°Reach out whenever you can. We need this done and

    dusted soon enough.¡±

    Frank took the card and nodded. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll get it done soon.¡±

    He did have shares in Vicky¡¯s pharmaceuticalpany, and he had to make the trip since she had

    asked that much.

    She left soon after that, since there was plenty of work waiting at her office.

    Frank started to leave as well, though he soon ran into J.

    Curiously, she was dressed casually with a blue dress and a pair of sneakers instead of her usualb

    coat.

    When she saw him, she approached and greeted him. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, what brings you here to Flora

    Hall?¡±

    ¡°Oh, nothing much¡­¡± Frank said. ¡°Are you going out?¡±

    J nodded. ¡°Well, yeah. My grandpa gave me a lot of money and told me to buy a new car, since his

    car was totaled.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Ahem.¡± Frank cleared his throat awkwardly, since it was he who wrecked Dan¡¯s car and not Dan

    himself.

    That being said, it was high time he got himself a car too.

    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± he said. ¡°I was just going to get one myself. Why don¡¯t we go together?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± J smiled and nodded.

    Frank got a cab and went with J to a Mercedes dealership.

    As they entered, a uniformed salesperson studied them and was immediately disinterested seeing that

    they were young-

    ¡°Sir, ma¡¯am. Are you here to buy a car?¡± she asked.

    Frank nodded.

    The salesperson gave a nomittal wave. ¡°Feel free to look around.¡±

    Frank frowned and checked her name tag. ¡°Ms. Henley, yes? Aren¡¯t you a salesperson? Can¡¯t you give

    us a rundown?¡±

    Marian Henley simply shrugged. ¡°Are you going to buy just because I gave an introduction? Just look

    around yourself.¡±

    J did a double take and suddenly lowered her eyes to check her and Frank¡¯s dressing.

    Did they look impoverished to the salesperson?

    She frowned. ¡°What¡¯s your deal? Why are you so certain that we won¡¯t be buying?¡±

    ¡°Oh, fine, just calm down.¡± Marian rolled her eyes and turned around to another salesperson.¡± Over

    here, Lydia. These two are yours.¡±

    The rather young salesperson with a ponytail hurried up to Frank and J right then.

 Chapter 228

    The salesperson bowed to Frank and J before asking, ¡°Sir, ma¡¯am¨CI¡¯m Lydia King, at your service.

    May I ask what models you may be interested in?¡±

    Lydia had started work for a month but had not made any sales yet¨Cshe would be fired by the end of

    the month if that continued..

    If anything, she was surprised that Marian, who topped salesst month, would hand the customers

    over to herself.

    They may appear young, but it was better than having no customers at all.

    Just then, the front doors opened as a balding middle¨Caged man strode in.

    Marian promptly approached him, ¡°Oh, Mr. Larkin! So? Have you thought about the models I showed

    youst time?

    Mr. Larkin put an arm around her wrist, even giving her rump a good smack as he chuckled, Oh, I¡¯m

    here to buy alright! Though you¡¯d have to give me a proper¡­ Demo.¡±

    ¡°Of course. In fact, you can test drive it before you decide,¡± Marian giggled, hiding a smile behind her

    palm.

    As they chattered away jovially, Frank frowned in the distance.

    So Marian was not a lukewarm person¨Cshe simply was not bothered to offer Frank and J any

    hospitality..

    J was gritting her teeth in frustration too. ¡°She¡¯s really making light of us!¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Lydia was left standing awkwardly beside them. ¡°Excuse me¡­¡±

    Frank suddenly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the best model avable here?¡±

    ¡°That would be our Maybach S¨Css¡­¡±

    ¡°Show it to us,¡± Frank said.

    Lydia nodded repeatedly. ¡°Pleasee with me.¡±

    As she led them to the Maybach section, she gave him a detailed description of the prestige

    ss.

    Frank was soon studying the S¨Css and deciding that it was good.

    ¡°How much is the model with the highest specifications?¡±

    ¡°One moment, sir,¡± Lydia took out a calctor, tapping on it for a long while before saying, That would

    be 5.3 million dors, sir.¡±

    Frank nodded, stroking his chin.

    Lydia presumed that Frank could not afford that and added, ¡°Sir, we also offer loans¡­¡±

    ¡°Loans?¡± Frank chuckled: ¡°I guess you¡¯re underestimating me a little too, kid.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Lydia was left feeling a little awkward.

    Still, Frank soon said, ¡°I¡¯ll take two and make full payment¨Chere¡¯s my card.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Lydia gasped, her eyes widening.

    Frank stared at her in turn. ¡°What, is there a problem?¡±

    Lydia quickly shook her head. ¡°N¨CNo, of course not. I¡¯ll prepare a contract right away.¡±

    She pried her own finger so hard she almost cried in pain.

    This felt like a dream¨Cshe had yet to make any sales, and she now made a huge one out of the blue!

    Moreover, everyone else had to borate at length just to make a single sale and had to be so

    enthusiastic they could well be talking to their own parents.

    On the other hand, Lydia herself had barely said much and sealed the deal, which only made it a little

    unreal.

    J asked in curiosity just then, ¡°Why are you buying two cars, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ The other one¡¯s for you,¡± Frank said awkwardly, since he had totaled her car and should pay that

    much.

    ¡°B¨CBut this one is so expensive. I can¡¯t take it.¡± J promptly threw up her hands.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a car it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s not that expensive anyway,¡± Frank insisted. ¡°And I¡¯ll give it to your grandfather

    if you refuse.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s not that expensive for me, and I might have to ask for your favor in the future too.¡±

    J bit her lip. ¡°Alright. You need just ask if you ever need my help, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    Act Fast Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 229

    After a while, Lydia returned with two contracts.

    Frank quickly signed them and had his card swiped for payment.

    Once the paperwork was done, Lydia handed them the car keys while asking, ¡°Are you going to drive

    the car, or shall we deliver them to your residence?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Shall we get the cars now, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank nodded and had Je along as Lydia led them to the warehouse.

    As they arrived, an E¨Css Mercedes stopped beside them, with Mr. Lambert and Marian alighting.

    Frank nced at them, and saw that Marian¡¯s clothes were a mess even as she wrapped her hands

    around Mr. Lambert¡¯s arm.

    ¡°It¡¯s good, right?¡± she purred. ¡°Shall we sign the sales contract right away?¡±

    Mr. Lambert, however, remained hesitant for a long while. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s good, but it just falls short of my

    expectations. I think I¡¯ll check out the others¡­¡±

    Marian was left staring at him. ¡°The others? Well, if you don¡¯t like Mercedes, we have. Maybachs too¡­¡±

    Mr. Lambert merely peered at one for a moment and decided against it. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m busy. I¡¯lle

    talk to you some other day.¡±

    And with that, he left in a hurry.

    ¡°Mr. Lambert! How could you do this to me¡­¡± Marian was left seething¨Cthe man had his fun, and then

    refused to pay up?!

    He had swindled her, in and simple!

    Still, Marian noticed Frank staring at her just then and promptly took it out on him. ¡°What are you

    looking at? Haven¡¯t you seen a pretty face before?¡±

    Frank snorted and shook her head, while Lydia quickly said, ¡°Here¡¯s your Maybach, Mr. Lawrence.¡®

    ¦°

    ¡°What?!¡± Marian was bbergasted right then¨Cthe buster could afford a Maybach?! Was Lydia joking?!

    She promptly turned to Lydia, ¡°Don¡¯t get tricked, girlie. You¡¯d be taken for a ride.¡±

    ¡°Get tricked?¡± Lydia simply smiled. ¡°But Mr. Lawrence has already paid for the cars.¡±

    She certainly had nothing to worry about when she was penniless herself.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Hence, Marian was left staring as Frank got into the Maybach, never expecting that the young couple

    whom she belittled bought the most expensive model.

    ¡°Lydia, have they signed the contract?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lydia nodded. ¡°Thank you for passing them to me, or I¡¯d never have made any sales.¡±

    Marian almost choked, though she had no choice but to grit her teeth and bear with it.

    After Frank passed J the key to the other Maybach, they drove out of the warehouse and went

    their separate ways.

    Frank returned to his hilltop mansion in Skywater Bay in the evening and took out the Myriad Hued

    Snow Lotus to cultivate it.

    He did so for the next forty¨Ceight hours, undisturbed as his form improved to the next level.

    When he opened his eyes again, his vigor manifested into a spiral that absorbed all the natural

    energies around him.

    At that point forth, his body was constantly refining itself, while his senses reached its maximum

    potential¨Che could hear a conversation clearly even from upstairs.

    He took out Noel York¡¯s card just then and called the number.

    Noel soon answered. ¡°Hello. Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯m Frank Lawrence,¡± Frank replied. ¡°We met before at Hoff Hotel.¡±

 Chapter 230

    On the other end of the line, Noel nodded in understanding. ¡°Oh, Mr. Lawrence¡­ Why have you called

    me? Is there anything you¡¯d like to ask?¡±

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯d like to ask you to endorse a pill,¡± Frank said, scratching his head. ¡°Your fee will be

    negotiable.¡±

    ¡°A pill?¡± Noel did a double take.

    She would have said yes if it were any other item, but pills were definitely a no¨Cgo.

    If there was an issue, her own reputation would be tarnished as well.

    After some thought, she decided to see what Frank¡¯s pill was all about¨Cif it was good, she could

    certainly endorse it. ¡°Why don¡¯t youe to my concert tonight? We can discuss the matter afterward.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Frank replied before asking for the address and hanging up.

    The fact that Noel was willing to meet him was good enough, since the value of the Rejuvenation Pill

    went without saying.

    He could also check out the concert while he was there. After all, he had nothing else to do and would

    have to wait until the concert was over to see Noel anyway, and he had not been to one befor

    Arriving at the venue, he bought a ticket and took his seat.

    The concert had yet to start, but many were already entering the hall and taking their seats.

    As Frank reclined against his seat, closing his eyes to rest, a familiar voice suddenly asked, ¡® What are

    you doing here?¡±

    Frank opened his eyes to see Winter standing in front of him, apanied by several others.

    They were all her college mates, by the looks of it.

    Surprised that he would run into Winter here of all ces, Frank smiled. ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just attending the

    concert.¡±

    Winter nodded. ¡°I see. Are you sitting here?¡±

    ¡°Uh¨Chuh.¡±

    ¡°What a coincidence. I¡¯ll be sitting next to you,¡± Winter said, showing him her ticket.

    Frank had certainly made an impression when theyst met at her adopted mother¡¯s snackbar.

    There was not telling how much money her family would be robbed off if not for Frank.

    ¡°Who is he, Winter?¡± a girl wearing a baseball cap asked just then.

    ¡°My¡­ friend,¡± Winter replied.

    She had no idea what to tell the others about Frank¨Che was neither a fellow college student nor a

    friend, and they had only met once before.

    ¡°You mean boyfriend?¡± the girl¨CJean Watkins¨Cteased.

    Winter nudged her with her elbow, muttering, ¡°Zip it.¡±

    Frank studied them just then¨Cincluding Winter, there were three girls and a boy, thetter who was

    dressed in famous brands.

    As they started to sit down, the boy approached Frank and whispered, ¡°Excuse me, do you mind

    trading seats?¡±

    Frank was actually sitting between him and Winter.

    Though Frank did not hesitate, Winter caught him before he got up, asking, ¡°You like Noel¡¯s songs

    es too?¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Frank scratched his head. ¡°I guess? I don¡¯t know that many, though.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    He actually was not that familiar with Noel anyway.

    Winter smiled. ¡°You guess? And you came anyway?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just here to discuss a business proposition with Ms. York.¡±

    ¡°A business proposition?¡± Winter asked in curiosity. ¨C

    Winter was already his sister from Frank¡¯s perspective, and he was happy to tell her everything. ¡°My

    company has just developed a pill, and we¡¯d like Noel to endorse it.¡±

    ¡°Woah! Your friend¡¯s amazing, Winter¨Che actually owns apany!¡± Jean eximed just then.

 Chapter 231

    Winter smiled awkwardly. ¡°I guess¡­¡±

    She had no idea what Frank¡¯s specific upation was, but she was sure that he was someone very

    important.

    That was when the girl sitting beside Jean snorted in disdain, and Frank noticed her hair was permed

    thoroughly.

    ¡°What¡¯s so impressive about owning apany? Zeb¡¯s family owns one two,¡± Aria said, before turning

    to the boy with them. ¡°Right, Zeb?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s my parents¡® aplishment,¡± Zeb Larkin said humbly. ¡°I can¡¯t take credit for it.¡± Aria was

    fawning all over him nheless. ¡°You¡¯re a single child¨Cyour parents¡® may well be yours.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Zeb smiled before nudging Frank again. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s trade seats.¡±

    Frank had actually forgotten about that for a moment.

    He was perfectly fine with sitting anywhere since the youngsters were all ssmates.

    But once again, Winter caught his wrist before he could get up.

    ¡°Frank, you can sit right here,¡± she said before turning toward Zeb. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since Frank and I

    met, and we¡¯d like to catch up. You can sit over there.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Zeb pursed his lips, but had no choice but to agree to Winter¡¯s request despite his

    discontent.

    Frank watched as various expressions alternated over Zeb¡¯s face, and more or less had an idea just

    then.

    The boy must be an admirer of Winter¡¯s, though it made sense since she was the prettiest amongst the

    three girls here and had an admirer or two.

    ¡°Thank you so much for all you¡¯ve done.¡± Winter was smiling. ¡°There¡¯s no one threatening us for

    protection money anymore, and my mom¡¯s business is booming.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Frank nodded. ¡°But if anyone bothers you again, just call the number I gave you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Winter nodded, hesitating for a long while and rubbing her sleeves. ¡°By the way, will you be

    free next week?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Frank asked in curiosity.

    ¡°It¡¯s my

    birthday,¡± Winter said. ¡°Do you think you can make it?¡±

    Frank certainly would not say no to that he would make time if he had to!

    ¡°Of course,¡± he replied right away. ¡°Just send me the location and I¡¯ll be there.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Winter nodded chipperly.

    The concert began soon after, and Noel took to the stage.

    The cheers from the crowd was endless, and it was a dynamic performance.

    Winter and her friends were soon all engrossed, while Frank also closed his eyes to enjoy the

    music.

    There was certainly a reason Noel made it big¨Cher voice was ethereal and serene, and even Frank

    could forget his troubles as he listened to her song.

    After a long while, Noel¡¯s concert was finally over.

    As Frank stretched his back, Winter sighed in mncholy. ¡°It¡¯s over already..

    Frank checked his watch¨Cthe concert had gone on for four hours, and it was already 11 PM!

    Jean was sighing too. ¡°Shame we can¡¯t get Noel¡¯s autograph.¡±

    Winter shrugged. ¡°Only the front¨Crow audience gets some personal time with her. Let¡¯s not get ahead

    of ourselves¡­¡±

    Frank noted their mournful looks and asked, ¡°You want Noel¡¯s autograph?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Who wouldn¡¯t?¡± Jean replied.

    Frank rose to his feet. ¡°Thene with me. I¡¯ll ask her.¡±

    Winter was shocking. ¡°R¨CReally?¡±

 Chapter 232

    Frank nodded. ¡°Of course. Didn¡¯t I mention that I came to see Noel about a business proposition?

    Asking for a few autographs along with it isn¡¯t an issue.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Jean eximed.

    With that, Frank led them to the concert backstage. Once he mentioned his name to the security

    guards, he went unimpeded and soon found Noel there removing her makeup.

    It was the first time the girls behind him got up close and personal with a star celebrity, and they were

    all chattering excitedly.

    ¡°My goodness¡­ I didn¡¯t know she¡¯d be that beautiful without makeup too!¡±

    That¡¯s a star celebrity for

    you. Even their bare face is amazing!¡±

    On the other hand, Noel lifted her gown when she saw Frank. ¡°Wee, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    She hooked an arm through his before turning toward the others with him. ¡°And they are¡­?

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Frank turned toward Winter. ¡°This is my sister and her college friends. They are your fans, and

    they¡¯d like an autograph, so I brought them here.¡±

    Noel shed a bewitching smile right then. ¡°Oh, of course¨Cnot a problem.¡±

    She quickly brought out four photos of herself and signed one for each of them, even Zeb.

    After that, they even took a photo with Noel!

    Frank turned to Winter just then and asked, ¡°Would you like anything else?¡±

    Winter promptly threw her hands up. ¡°N¨CNo. This is a dreame true¡­¡±

    She would never have imagined getting an autographed photo, as well as a photo with Noel!

    She certainly would not ask for more.

    Frank nodded. ¡°I still have something to do, so I won¡¯t be leaving with you. I can give you a rideter if

    you can¡¯t get one, though.¡±

    ¡°No, no¡­ You just do what you have to do,¡± Winter said politely, actually afraid to impose any further.

    As Winter and the others left the backstage area, Noel said, ¡°Come, Mr. Lawrence. Let¡¯s sit down and

    talk.¡±

    Frank nodded and took a seat on the couch.

    ¡°May I ask what pill it is you¡¯d like me to endorse, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Noel asked.

    Frank quickly took out a Rejuvenation Pill and said shortly, ¡°This is Grande Corp¡¯s exclusive product¨C

    the Rejuvenation Pill. It has both a beautifying effect and revitalizes the physique so it¡¯s quite unique as

    a cosmetic product.¡±

    Noel smiled. ¡°A cosmetic pill that revitalizes the body? Is it actually cosmetic or a supplement?

    Frank smiled in turn. ¡°It¡¯s both.¡±

    212

    Noel picked up the little pill just then and asked, ¡°Is the quality verified? Are there testimonials?¡±

    ¡°I certainly do, since I¡¯m selling it,¡± Frank replied. ¡°You can be rest assured about the safety, though you

    can try one if you doubt me.

    Noel thought about it and decided to test it herself.

    It was a big deal, after all.

    ¡°How many pills does it take to see an effect?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Just one,¡± Frank replied. ¡°And the effect would show right after consumption.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that amazing?¡± Noel eximed, a little skeptical.

    Still, she took a pill¨Cshe was convinced Frank was not out to hurt her.

    There was no reason to make such an borate effort, at least.

    As soon as she took one, her eyes promptly widened!

 Chapter 233

    Noel could feel a stream of warmth unfurling within her stomach.

    She had been exhausted after the concert, but her fatigue vaporized as soon as she took the

    Rejuvenation Pill

    However, a grayish substance also began to seep out of her skin, and she eximed in shock.

    ¡°It¡¯s the waste substance within your body. You just need to wash it off.¡±

    In reality, the Rejuvenation Pill was a pill that improved a normal person to the level of a martial artist,

    refining their physique.

    Naturally, excess substances in the body would be removed.

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll take a bath first,¡± Noel said and hurried to the bathroom.

    After cleaning up, she looked at herself in the mirror and found her skin fair and smooth, just like a

    newborn!

    If anyone did not know better, they would think that she had applied powder to her cheeks.

    ¡°My goodness¡­¡± Noel gasped as she caressed her face¨Cthis was a miracle pill!

    She quickly got dressed and hurried outside before telling Frank right away, ¡°I have no issue endorsing

    your pill, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank nodded, as if he had expected her to say yes. ¡°May I ask how much your fee would be?¡±

    Noel waved him off. ¡°I can waive it, on one condition.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°I want your promise that I have priority in supplies whenever I need the Rejuvenation Pill, she said.

    Being a star celebrity, she basically made money using her appearance, and beauty was therefore

    more important than all else. That in turn meant having a guaranteed supply of the Rejuvenation Pill

    was her priority!

    ¡°Of course. That¡¯d be easy.¡± Frank smiled and nodded.

    ¡°Then that¡¯s a deal.¡± Noel held out her hand, sealing the agreement with a light handshake.

    Noel¡¯s assistant ran into the room just then, crying, ¡°Ms. York, there¡¯s a group of people outside

    demanding to see you. They say they¡¯re going to give you money¡­¡±

    ¡°Who are they?¡± Noel asked in confusion.

    ¡°They said they are from Szar Labs,¡± the assistant replied.

    ¡°Tell them toe again tomorrow. I¡¯m getting some rest,¡± Noel said right away.

    Those people came without an appointment and it was time she got her sleep¨Cshe certainly did not

    have time for them.

    Frank frowned right then.

    Szar Labs? It almost sounded like Donald Szar owned it!

    22

    He quickly said, ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t take endorsement deals with otherpanies. even

    though we haven¡¯t made our deal official. Naturally, we¡¯ll be paying you for that.¡±

    Noel understood the implicit rules involved and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lawrence. I will only endorse

    yourpany in the foreseeable future.¡±

    Just as Frank breathed a sigh of relief, there was a loud bang!

    Noel¡¯s assistant was sent flying inside with a kick, and soon, several men in ck coa

    1. in.

    Noel frowned right then. ¡°Who are you people? How dare you hit my assistant!¡±

    strode

    Vera, the burly man leading them, ignored her and chuckled. ¡°You really are beautiful, Ms. York¨Cone

    expects nothing less from an

    an endorsement deal for our Beauty A¨Clist star. We¡¯re from Szar Labs, here to offer you

    meet your worth¡­.¡±

    Pill, ourtest product. Naturally, our fee will definitely

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He raised five fingers. ¡°Fifty million dors.¡±

    ¡°No. Get out,¡± Noel snapped. ¡°I won¡¯t endorse anything for you.¡±

 Chapter 234

    Noel was utterly unhappy with Vera¡¯s attitude.

    However, despite her outburst and demand for his gang to leave, Vera sat on the couch. instead, with

    two of his boys standing behind him.

    He then took out a bottle with the Beauty Pill. ¡°Don¡¯t turn us down so quickly, Ms. York. If anything,

    you¡¯re lucky that we took an interest in you. After all, this Beauty Pill that we¡¯ve developed on our own

    is a skincare product tailored for women. Try it¨Cwe won¡¯t bother you if it¡¯s ineffective.¡±

    Noel was taken aback as she stared at the bottle on the table.

    It was like everything passed for cosmetic products these days.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken another endorsement deal and I have too much on my te at

    the moment.¡±

    Bang!

    Noel was left flinching as Vera suddenly mmed his fist on the table and growled coolly, ¡°1 guess you

    don¡¯t know how powerful Szar Group is, Ms. York. We can kill you anytime we

    want.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Noel was gritting her teeth in frustration.

    These people were not businessmen. They were simply here to make her take the deal!

    That was when Frank, who was still sitting nearby, chuckled. ¡°What, so the Szar Group relies

    entirely on violence to get endorsements? Are you going to cancel her now that she refused to y

    along?¡±

    Vera did a double take before leveling a re at Frank. ¡°Who the fuck are you? Is this any of your

    business?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just someone who can¡¯t stand the Szar Group.¡± Frank snorted in disdain.

    ¡°Hah! Shut up.¡± Vera scoffed,unching a jab right at Frank¡¯s face!

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    However, Frank had improved considerably after he cultivated the Myriad Hued Snow Lotus.

    In his eyes, Vera¡¯s jab was as slow as a snail!

    Frank simply punched him in the face in return.

    ¡°Oof!¡± Vera yelped as he bled freely from his nostrils. ¡°W¨CWho the fuck hit me?¡±

    Frank was sitting opposite him, but Vera never saw the man move!

    Behind him, Vera¡¯s goons were astonished. One pointed at Frank and stammered, ¡°I¨CI think he did it¡­¡±

    Aside from the three thugs, it was just Frank, Noel, and Noel¡¯s assistant¨Cthetter two certainly did not

    know martial arts!

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    Since Frank was the only suspect, Vera sprang to his feet and lunged at him¡­ only for Frank to

    send him flying with a kick!

    ¡°Oh! I saw it this time,¡± the goon from before eximed. ¡°It¡¯s definitely him!¡±

    Vera scrambled to his feet and snapped, ¡°Then kill him!¡±

    Having received their orders, both goons rushed at Frank without another word.

    Frank punched one to the floor and sent the other flying with a kick, and he crashed violently into Vera.

    ¡°Oof-¡°Vera yelped again, before turning toward Frank in shock. ¡°W¨CWho the fuck are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Ms. York¡¯s bodyguard,¡± Frank replied icily as he stood over him. ¡°Now run along and tell your boss

    that Ms. York won¡¯t be taking his deal.¡±

    ¡°What¡­ Fine, I¡¯ll deliver your message,¡± Vera growled through his teeth. ¡°But we¡¯ll see if you can still

    strut when my boss gets here!¡±

    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 235

    Frank suddenly swung his hand, and Vera and the goons promptly fled in fear.

    Noel sighed and walked up to him. ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    He then gave her a number. ¡°Call me right away if this lotes to harass you again.¡±

    Noel nodded repeatedly and carefully stored his number.

    With everything out of the way, Frank bade her goodbye.

    Most of the audience had left the concert hall, and the ce appeared bleak even though it was so

    lively just a moment ago.

    Winter and the others were by the road, waiting for any cab passing by.

    Jean was still staring at the autographed photo from Noel and eximed excitedly, ¡°Heavens, Winter¡­

    I didn¡¯t know you knew someone so amazing. Why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡±

    Winter scratched her head awkwardly. After all, she did not know Frank before!

    Jean kept rambling on. ¡°Oh, you have to bring him along if there¡¯s another concert¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just an autograph, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zeb suddenly said, even though he had not done anything.¡± Anyone

    with a little influence could¡¯ve gotten it.¡±

    Jean clicked her tongue and pursed her lips. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ask for it, then?¡±

    ¡°I¨CI didn¡¯t think you would want it,¡± Zeb stammered. ¡°And Winter never told me I¡¯d have asked Helen

    York otherwise.¡±

    Jean rolled his eyes, dead certain that Zeb was just being a sore loser.

    Zeb changed the subject just then. ¡°Winter, it¡¯s toote to get a cab. Why don¡¯t we go to a hotel and

    stay the night?¡±

    Winter promptly shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be midnight soon,¡± Zeb said, ncing at his watch. ¡°The dorms would be closed by the

    time you arrive.¡±

    ¡°We will probably make it¡­¡± Winter was insistent.

    ¡°Forget the hotel.¡± Jean chuckled coolly. ¡°We¡¯re alldies here except you¨Cit¡¯s inappropriate.¡±

    Aria snorted. ¡°You¡¯re being narrow¨Cminded, Jean. There¡¯s three of us here¡ªwhat can he do to us?¡±

    I heard you recently

    Turning to Zeb with a coquettish gaze, she said, ¡°We will go with you. I heard

    bought a BMW? We have yet to get a ride¡­¡±

    Zeb was a famous rich kid in Riverton University.

    In Aria¡¯s mind, Winter was fortunate that Zeb was interested¨Cshe certainly would like a rich boyfriend

    herself but did not have such luck!

    And yet, Winter and Jean were both scorning Zeb for it!

    22

    ¡°Alright!¡± Zeb certainly would not say no. ¡°It¡¯s just a BMW¨Cmy parents got it for me, and it¡¯s not that

    expensive anyway.¡±

    Jean sneered. ¡°Right? Just a tin can¨Cnothing to brag about.¡±

    Zeb shot a look at Jean for her infuriating meddling but turned back to Winter. ¡°I¡¯ll get you three a room,

    Winter. There¡¯s nothing to worry about, is there?¡±

    Winter remained hesitant.

    She checked her phone¨Cit certainly was difficult to get a cab at this hour..

    Aria continued to reason. ¡°Come on, Winter. Mr. Larkin is serious about this. Why are you still worried?¡±

    Winter thought about it, but before she could say yes, a Maybach came bounding down the road and

    screeched to a halt beside them.

    ¡°The hell? A Maybach S¨Css?!¡± Aria was astounded that a luxury car of such ss would show up

    there in the middle of nowhere!

    Frank opened the door and alighted. ¡°What are y¡¯all doing here?¡±

    ¡°Frank?¡± Winter gasped.

    Winter was surprised to see Frank, though her grim expression soon turned to a smile. ¡°We wanted to

    get a cab and return to our dorm, but that¡¯s a little difficult.¡±

    Frank realized with a start and nodded. ¡°Then can I offer you a ride?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Winter agreed without hesitation.

    In her mind, Frank would never hurt her¨Cjust like her brother.

    She quickly turned to Jean. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go back to the dorms in Frank¡¯s car.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Jean nodded without hesitation. ¡°Also, isn¡¯t a Maybach way better than a BMW?¡±

    Moreover, the man would send them back to the dorms instead of a hotel.

    Aria had been staring fixedly at the Maybach ever since Frank showed up, promptly clinging to Winter¡¯s

    arm with a broad grin. ¡°You can¡¯t leave me now, Winter. Let¡¯s go back together.¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Winter turned to look at Frank and see if he approved, and Frank smiled. ¡°A friend of Winter¡¯s is no

    issue.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!¡± Aria eximed excitedly and brazenly rode shotgun.

    Jean rolled her eyes but had no choice but to take the backseat with Winter.

    ¡°Fuck..¡± Zeb swore under his breath, his face contorting in rage.

    He brought those girls here, and that bastard took them all away!

    He was certainly fuming, but had nowhere to vent.

    Still, he hurried up to them and said, ¡°I¡¯ming along too¡­¡±

    Frank nced at the seating and said awkwardly, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m really sorry but there¡¯s no space. here¡­¡±

    Jean was grinning right then. ¡°You have a car, don¡¯t you, Mr. Larkin? You can drive on your own! We¡¯re

    going now.¡±

    Turning to Frank, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry, Mr. Lawrence. The dorm will be closed if we¡¯rete.¡± ¡°You have

    nothing to worry about. I promise we¡¯ll all make it before the gates shut,¡± Frank said even as he put on

    his seatbelt.

    Behind, Winter thought he could take this time¡­

    Soon, Frank floored the gas pedal and the Maybach zoomed away, leaving Zeb behind to breathe

    fumes.

    ¡°Fuck!!!¡± he bellowed in sheer rage.

    Frank soon brought Winter back to Riverton University.

    Even as the three girls hurried inside, Winter kept waving at Frank. ¡°Thank you so much, Frank. You

    have to attend my birthday celebration next week!¡±

    Frank stood outside the gates, nodding. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡±

    He waited, watching as Winter and the others were out of sight before turning back to his Maybach.

    However, Zeb also arrived in his BMW, and he stopped his car right in front of Frank, blocking his path,

    Frank frowned. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    Zeb alighted, lighting himself a cigarette as he slowly said, ¡°Who are you to Winter?¡±

    ¡°Just friends,¡± Frank said calmly.

    ¡°In that case, stop bothering her,¡± Zeb growled coolly. ¡°You don¡¯t belong in her world anyway.

    ¡°I don¡¯t?¡± Frank almostughed out loud. ¡°Then who does? You?¡±

 Chapter 236

    Winter was surprised to see Frank, though her grim expression soon turned to a smile. ¡°We wanted to

    get a cab and return to our dorm, but that¡¯s a little difficult.¡±

    Frank realized with a start and nodded. ¡°Then can I offer you a ride?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Winter agreed without hesitation.

    In her mind, Frank would never hurt her¨Cjust like her brother.

    She quickly turned to Jean. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go back to the dorms in Frank¡¯s car.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Jean nodded without hesitation. ¡°Also, isn¡¯t a Maybach way better than a BMW?¡±

    Moreover, the man would send them back to the dorms instead of a hotel.

    Aria had been staring fixedly at the Maybach ever since Frank showed up, promptly clinging to Winter¡¯s

    arm with a broad grin. ¡°You can¡¯t leave me now, Winter. Let¡¯s go back together.¡±

    Winter turned to look at Frank and see if he approved, and Frank smiled. ¡°A friend of Winter¡¯s is no

    issue.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!¡± Aria eximed excitedly and brazenly rode shotgun.

    Jean rolled her eyes but had no choice but to take the backseat with Winter.

    ¡°Fuck..¡± Zeb swore under his breath, his face contorting in rage.

    He brought those girls here, and that bastard took them all away!

    He was certainly fuming, but had nowhere to vent.

    Still, he hurried up to them and said, ¡°I¡¯ming along too¡­¡±

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Frank nced at the seating and said awkwardly, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m really sorry but there¡¯s no space. here¡­¡±

    Jean was grinning right then. ¡°You have a car, don¡¯t you, Mr. Larkin? You can drive on your own! We¡¯re

    going now.¡±

    Turning to Frank, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry, Mr. Lawrence. The dorm will be closed if we¡¯rete.¡± ¡°You have

    nothing to worry about. I promise we¡¯ll all make it before the gates shut,¡± Frank said even as he put on

    his seatbelt.

    Behind, Winter thought he could take this time¡­

    Soon, Frank floored the gas pedal and the Maybach zoomed away, leaving Zeb behind to breathe

    fumes.

    ¡°Fuck!!!¡± he bellowed in sheer rage.

    Frank soon brought Winter back to Riverton University.

    Even as the three girls hurried inside, Winter kept waving at Frank. ¡°Thank you so much, Frank. You

    have to attend my birthday celebration next week!¡±

    Frank stood outside the gates, nodding. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡±

    He waited, watching as Winter and the others were out of sight before turning back to his Maybach.

    However, Zeb also arrived in his BMW, and he stopped his car right in front of Frank, blocking his path,

    Frank frowned. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    Zeb alighted, lighting himself a cigarette as he slowly said, ¡°Who are you to Winter?¡±

    ¡°Just friends,¡± Frank said calmly.

    ¡°In that case, stop bothering her,¡± Zeb growled coolly. ¡°You don¡¯t belong in her world anyway.

    ¡°I don¡¯t?¡± Frank almostughed out loud. ¡°Then who does? You?¡±

 Chapter 237

    eb snorted. ¡°Of course I do. Winter and I are the same age, and we¡¯re university students. hose futures

    are bright.¡±

    caring at Frank pointedly, he chuckled. ¡°How old do you think you are? Quit chasing after junger

    women, geezer, and stay away from Winter¡¯s birthday party if you know what¡¯s good ir you.¡±

    rank smiled¨Cso after all that, the boy mistook him for a rival.

    Whether I show up is none of your business, just like who Winter dates is her business either of us get

    to have a say,¡±

    rank then got in his car and waved him off. ¡°Now, move.¡±

    eb was gritting his teeth in frustration, his knuckles clenched and clearly having no intention ) do so.

    rank did not bother wasting his breath and floored the gas pedal.

    s the Maybach shot toward him, Zeb promptly leapt away in shock. ¡°Are you trying to kill le?¡±

    I thought you¡¯d never dodge.¡± Frank chuckled coolly and sped off.

    Fuck¡­¡± Zeb cursed, but there was nothing he could do!

    Meanwhile, Vera and his two goons returned to Szar House.

    onald was sitting in his study, frowning as he stared at his boys¡® bruised and battered state.¡± he hell

    happened to you?¡±

    Noel York¡¯s bodyguard gave us a beating,¡± Vera promptly said.

    onald¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell them the Szars sent you to offer her an ndorsement deal?¡±

    did

    We did,¡± Vera quickly said. ¡°But Noel refused.¡±

    How many bodyguards did she have?¡± Donald asked, bemused.

    J¨CJust one¡­¡± Vera replied awkwardly..

    onald pursed his lips. ¡°The three of you¡­ lost to one man?¡±

    era scratched his head. ¡°That bodyguard is too powerful, Mr. Szar. We¡¯re no match for him

    Piece of shit! Get out!¡± Donald snapped.

    s the trio fled Donald¡¯s study, Jaud emerged from a hidden corner.

    e certainly sounded confused. ¡°Actually, Mr. Szar¡­ Vera and his boys may not be martial ites, but

    they are definitely one in a million. If anything, some celebrity¡¯s bodyguard being ble to beat them to a

    pulp proves that there¡¯s more to Riverton than meets the eye!¡±

    Donald frowned. ¡°Useless scum¡­¡±

    ¡°Calm down, Mr. Szar. Why don¡¯t I meet them personally instead?¡±

    d suggested.

    ¡°No.¡± Donald shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t have time to mess with Noel York¨Cnot when our Beauty Pill is

    going to hit the shelves soon. We¡¯ll just have to settle for the second best.¡± Donald was actually

    concerned that Jaud would be hurt again.

    After all, Vicky was not going to sit back and watch when they started selling the Beauty Pill.

    He had to be careful here.

    Since his boss had said that much, Jaud nodded.

    Frank stayed home over the next few days to stabilize his form at the hilltop mansion.

    One day, he turned on the TV in the morning to listen to the news, which was broadcasting Szar

    Group¡¯s press conference. They were most definitely going to announce their Beauty Pill to the public

    now¡­.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Vicky¡¯s phone call reached him right then!

 Chapter 238

    Vicky asked, ¡°Hey, Frank. Where are you?¡±

    ¡°Skywater Bay.¡±

    Med for a peace

    ¡°Thene over to Verdant Hotel. Grande Corp has just conference to announce the Rejuvenation

    Pill.¡±

    ¡°Wait, have you seen the news?¡± Frank asked. ¡°The Szars¡® press conference is held at the Verdant

    Hotel too.¡±

    Vicky nodded. ¡°Yep. They are doing it on the neenth floor, while we¡¯re doing it on the twentieth.¡±

    Frankughed. ¡°So you are hell bent on messing with the Szars!¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Vicky growled through her teeth. ¡°And I¡¯ll wipe the floor with them.¡±

    She did not think highly of the Szars in the first ce, and they were beyond reconciliation after they

    killed Obadiah Longman.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right there,¡± Frank replied, hanging up and heading straight to Verdant Hotel¡¯s twentieth

    floor.

    There were not many people present, save for Walter Turnbull¡¯s side of the family.

    Only Neil Turnbull from the main branch of the family showed up, with Paul Keaton once again joining

    him. ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Vicky¨Cthe Szars¡® press conference is today, and you just had to rain on their

    parade? They¡¯reunching the Beauty Pill, y¡¯know!¡±

    Vicky simply smiled. ¡°He¡¯sunching his Beauty Pill, while I amunching my Rejuvenation. Pill. What¡¯s

    the problem?¡±

    Neil shook his head exasperatedly. ¡°My people have already looked into it. The Beauty Pill¡¯s effect is

    obvious, and there¡¯s no stopping the demand once it¡¯sunched. Is your pill going to hold its own?¡±

    ¡°Then have you looked into the effect of the Rejuvenation Pill?¡± Vicky asked in return.

    Neil scoffed. ¡°That bastard¡¯s pill? Would it evenpare to Obadiah Longman¡¯s Beauty Pill?¡±

    Frank appeared just then, chuckling. ¡°You don¡¯t seem confident about my pill, Mr. Turnbull.¡±

    ¡°Thank you foring, Frank.¡± Vicky¡¯s cool gaze turned mild when she saw him.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded, while Neil nced between them. ¡°Shut up. Who are youpared to Obadiah?

    ¡°Word of advice, Neil¡­¡± Vicky said just then. ¡°You should invest in the Rejuvenation Pill. The price will

    skyrocket as soon as itunches, and you¡¯ll make bank. Think of it as supporting your cousin¡¯s

    business, too.¡±

    ¡°Invest in the Rejuvenation Pill?¡± Neil blew a raspberry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but all my money¡¯s on the Beauty

    Pill. I have nothing to spare for you.¡±

    Vicky frowned right then but gave him a gentle warning nheless. ¡°You should really dump your

    stock of Beauty Pills as soon as you can, Neil. Its value will stagnate soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Dump it?¡± Neil snorted. ¡°what, and buy stocks of Rejuvenation Pill instead? Thanks but not thanks. I¡¯d

    lose my entire fortune just because of that.¡±

    Did Vicky take him for a fool?! He was not about to invest in Frank¡¯s pill!

    Vicky shook her head exasperatedly.

    She did what she could, but he refused to believe her and there was nothing she could do.

    That was when Noel arrived, mobbed by the crowd.

    The journalists were taking as many photos as they could, even as Vicky and Frank approached her.

    ¡°Thank you foring, Ms. York,¡± Vicky greeted her.

    Noel smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve made a deal with Mr. Lawrence, and I¡¯m here to keep my word. Moreover, the

    Rejuvenation Pill is special and worth endorsing.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, and please take a seat. Theunch will start soon,¡± Vicky said.

    Dan Zimmer arrived just then as well, leaving the crowd and journalists stunned.

    ¡°I¨CIs that Dan Zimmer of Flora Hall?¡±

    ¡°He came too?¡±

    ¡°Wow¡­ Grande Corp actually managed to invite him!¡±

 Chapter 239

    Neil frowned when he saw Dan too.

    At the same time, all the Riverton journalists quickly mobbed Dan.

    ¡°Mr. Zimmer! Under what capacity are you taking part in Grande Corp¡¯sunch conference?¡±

    ¡°Are you here as a guest, or as an endorser?¡±

    Dan chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m here as an endorser, of course.¡±

    His reply naturally left the crowd restless.

    The man was the top authority of medicine in Riverton, and his endorsement naturally held greater

    weight than Noel¡¯s.

    Noel was an on¨Cdemand star, and her endorsement would rapidly increase the demand for the

    Rejuvenation Pill.

    And now with Dan¡¯s endorsement as an authority in medicine that proved its effectiveness, the

    Rejuvenation Pill would see sales by the truckload!

    Still, he did not exin himself and hurried backstage.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank turned to Vicky with a smile. ¡°Inviting Dan is a fine y. No one¡¯s going to call the Rejuvenation

    Pill fake with him around!¡±

    Beside them, Neil pursed his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t start celebrating just yet. Donald Szar hasn¡¯t made his

    move.¡±

    Vicky giggled. ¡°He won¡¯t have the chance.¡±

    Meanwhile, on the neenth floor, Donald had received word about Vicky holding her press

    conference upstairs.

    He shook his head in contempt. ¡°She¡¯s going to bomb it by picking the same time and same. ce to

    hold herunch conference!¡±

    Beside him, Jaud was frowning. ¡°She¡¯s obviously here to mess with us. You should watch out, Mr.

    Szar.¡±

    Donald nodded, though Vicky¡¯s intention was all too obvious¨Chow could he not get it?

    ¡°Hah! All the more better for us. It¡¯d leave Grande Corp¡¯s reputation in pieces.¡±

    Nheless, one of his goons soon ran inside the room, eximing frantically, ¡°This is bad, Mr.

    Szar! Vicky Turnbull¡¯s press conference has already begun, but it turns out that she invited both

    Noel York and Dan Zimmer of Flora Hall!¡±

    Donald was stunned. ¡°What?! Dan Zimmer?!¡±

    Dan was the best medicine man in Riverton. With his endorsement, all of Riverton would naturally

    believe that the Rejuvenation Pill was superior!

    ¡°Yes, I saw him with my own eyes,¡± the goon confirmed.

    Donald snorted coldly. ¡°So the girl actually has some brains. But that doesn¡¯t matter¨Clet¡¯s start our

    press conference too. Oh, and remember to give every journalist a Beauty Pill.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Szar,¡± the goon replied and promptly left.

    Donald was still convinced that he would crush Vicky, since he had poured his money and resource

    into this. However, when he stepped outside, he realized that half of the journalists were gone.

    ¡°W¨CWhat¡¯s going on here?¡± he eximed and turned to his goon. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to invite every

    journalist in Riverton?¡±

    The goon was on the verge of tears. ¡°We did, Mr. Szar. Many of them came too, bu to attend

    Grande Corp¡¯sunch instead¡­¡±

    a lot left

    ¡°What?! Did you give them the Beauty Pills?¡± Donald quickly asked, sensing danger right then.

    ¡°We did!¡± The goon nodded repeatedly. ¡°But for some reason, they¡¯re all convinced that our Beauty Pill

    would lose to Grande Corp¡¯s Rejuvenation Pill. That¡¯s why they all ran off to get it.¡±

    Donald pursed his lips¨Che did not expect such a move from Vicky!

    ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible¡­¡± he growled. ¡°What is the Rejuvenation Pill anyway? How could it be better

    than ours?!¡±

    The goon promptly took out two pills. ¡°Sir, one of ours actually pretended to be a journalist and

    managed to get a couple from Grande Corp.¡±

 Chapter 240

    Jaud hurried forward and carefully picked up one of the Rejuvenation Pills.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    His eyes widened, his pupils dting right then in disbelief. ¡°Whoa¡­ The pillbines natural

    elements, and the herbal scent fills the nostrils. It¡¯s a wonder.¡±

    The herbal scent of the pill alone told Jaud that the Rejuvenation Pill was superior to their Beauty Pill.

    ¡°Hah! What nonsense¨Csome shitty pill Grande Corpes up with won¡¯t measure up to our pill!¡±

    Donald snorted¨Che was not about to believe Jaud and took one of the pills right then. Jaud realized he

    had misspoken and quickly corrected himself. ¡°True, true. This would never measure up to our Beauty

    Pill no matter how good it is.¡±

    ¡°Try it yourself,¡± Donald told him. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that goodpared to our Beauty Pill.¡±

    Jaud was actually curious about the l

    Pill¡¯s effect and promptly took one.

    At the same time, Donald was just about to insult the Rejuvenation Pill again when a stream of warmth

    unfurled in his belly.

    Then, all his exhaustion was washed away, and he could feel excess substances in his body being

    pushed outside.

    Jaud turned to see Donald¡¯s look of shock and knew that Donald must have felt the amazing effect of

    the Rejuvenation Pill.

    As a martial artist, he had to admit that the Rejuvenation Pill was a miracle pill and infinitely better than

    the Beauty Pill.

    However, he was Donald¡¯s subordinate, and there were things he must not say.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ It¡¯s actually possible to make something like this?¡± Donald¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    Jaud turned away.

    Since their own boss would admit to the wonder of the Rejuvenation Pill,ckeys like them went without

    saying!

    ¡°Vicky Turnbull¡­¡± Donald growled through his teeth in frustration.

    He had spent manpower and resources to steal the recipe of the Beauty Pill from Vicky, as well as built

    factors and invested heavily to finally bring it to production, only for her to simply produce a superior pill

    in response.

    What was that if not aplete waste of effort?!

    ¡°I¡¯m going to Vicky¡¯s press conference,¡± Donald growled and strode upstairs immediately.

    Meanwhile, Noel and Dan, were personally presenting the Rejuvenation Pill at the Grande Corpunch

    conference. With Grande Corp sparing no expense, every journalist in the city was basically present.

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull, what¡¯s the shelf life of the Rejuvenation Pill?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull, what¡¯s the standard retail price of the Rejuvenation Pill?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Turnbull¡­¡±

    The journalists were all scrambling to get their questions in, as if afraid they would miss anything

    important.

    Vicky naturally answered all of them.

    Nearby, Neil was left dumbfounded as he watched and quickly turned toward Paul. ¡°How is the Szar

    Labs¡® press conference?¡±

    Paul cleared his throat before answering. ¡°All the journalists who were there¡­ are now here.¡±

    Neil remained defiant. ¡°Is the Rejuvenation Pill really that better?¡±

    ¡°Both pills are sold at the same price, but the effect of the Rejuvenation Pill is more than ten times

    better,¡± Paul admitted.

    Neil smacked himself in the forehead¨Che had invested twenty million dors in the Beauty Pill, and they

    were now probably going to rot in storage!

 Chapter 241

    Donald was left inhaling deeply as he looked on.

    He decided right then he had to do something, or his Beauty Pill would not sell at all!

    ¡°He promptly beckoned at two of his goons, whispering instructions under his breath¡­

    The Grande Corp¡¯s productunch conference was bustling with excitement, with the journalists all

    showering endless praise for the Rejuvenation Pill.

    Suddenly, a scream resounded in the conference hall.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡±

    Everyone was left bewildered as a man dropped to the floor in the middle of the crowd, convulsing

    endlessly.

    Another man rushed to him, eximing frantically, ¡°Brother! What happened?!¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Dan hurried toward them to find out what was happening, and the crowd tactfully

    cleared a path.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± The other man kept crying. ¡°He took one of the Rejuvenation Pills, and he¡¯s suddenly

    dying! He keeps spasming like that¡­ you have to save him, Mr. Zimmer!¡±

    The man¡¯s words promptly caused panic.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Could the Rejuvenation Pill cause a stroke?¡±

    ¡°N¨CNo way¡­¡±

    Everyone present had been given one Rejuvenation Pill for free, and many of them had already taken

    it.

    How could they not panic when they were now told that there was a problem?

    On the other hand, Vicky was clearly frowning.

    The Rejuvenation Pill had been tested countless times for allergies and other potential issues. before

    production.

    This was not supposed to happen at all¨Csomeone was clearly trying to sabotage herunch

    conference!

    ¡°Move. Let me check,¡± Dan snapped as he dropped to a crouch beside the man on the floor.

    At the same time, the journalists kept throwing questions.

    ¡°How is he, Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    ¡°Did the Rejuvenation Pill cause it, Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    Nheless, as Dan felt the man¡¯s pulse, he was soon left frowning since he detected nothing

    22

    for a long while. If anything, his pulse was steady and he did not appear to be sick.

    He then realized what was happening¨Cthe man waspletely fine, and he was faking the spams!

    ¡°Stop it!¡± he snapped right then. ¡°You¡¯re perfectly fine. Get on your feet right now!¡±

    However, the man on the groundpletely ignored him. He kept his head lopsided, his eyes rolling up

    into its sockets as he continued to spasm!

    Beside him, the other man bellowed, ¡°What are you talking about, Dr. Zimmer?! You can see what¡¯s

    happening to my brother¨Chow could you say that he¡¯s fine?! I know the Turnbulls paid you to endorse

    them, but you shouldn¡¯t lie through your teeth!¡±

    And with that outburst, everyone was ring at Dan, suddenly hostile toward him.

    ¡°Do something, Mr. Zimmer!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! You can¡¯t lie just because you¡¯re paid!¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Is the Rejuvenation Pill actually the issue?¡±

    Some of the more cowardly journalists even ran off to the washroom to start puking

    Dan was left speechless in turn¨Che could have done something if the man was actually sick. What was

    he supposed to do when he was fine?!

    Donaldughed coldly as he strode up to the stage, pointing at Vicky and the others as he shouted at

    the top of his lungs!

    ¡°Vicky Turnbull! I didn¡¯t think that you could really do anything for money! Selling some half- baked

    product?! What if you end up killing somebody?!¡±

    Then, he wheeled on Dan, snapping, ¡°And you, Mr. Zimmer. You can¡¯t absolve the Turnbulls of this just

    because they¡¯re paying you! From where I¡¯m standing, you may well be conspiring together with them!¡±

    Dan could choke from sheer frustration. When did he ever conspire with the Turnbulls?!

 Chapter 242

    Vicky sprang to her feet and snapped back at Donald, ¡°You¡¯re lying through your teeth! That man¡¯s

    spasms aren¡¯t caused by the Rejuvenation Pill. Also, what are you doing here at my press conference

    instead of your own?¡±

    Donald spread his arms innocently. ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject, Ms. Turnbull. You should be telling us

    right now what you¡¯re going to do about this.¡±

    Vicky snorted in disdain. ¡°It will be dealt with as it should. We will pay for damages if it really was our

    issue.¡±

    ¡°Then why aren¡¯t we doing it already?¡±

    ¡°That man¡¯s condition is not determined to be caused by the Rejuvenation Pill yet. Even the likes of you

    won¡¯t have to worry about getting your money back.¡±

    That was when Frank walked straight toward Dan after being silent throughout. ¡°Mr. Zimmer, let me

    examine the patient.¡±

    Dan nodded repeatedly as he cleared the way for Frank.

    ¡°Oh, shit! Who the hell is the kid?!¡±

    ¡°D¨CDid Mr. Zimmer just make way for him?¡±

    As Frank put his palm lightly on the spasming man¡¯s wrist, he knew immediately that the man was fine.

    Still, he was actually amused to see the man spewing drool all over the floor¨Cwhat a great actor!

    Frank¡¯s eyes shed as he had an idea how to deal with the man.

    He struck a pressure point, firing his vigor into it and-

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± The man started screaming.

    Frank, however, appeared dramatically troubled. ¡°Oh, my! His condition is really serious. Looks like I

    have to properly examine him.¡±

    Then, he moved to another pressure point and repeated what he did earlier.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± The man was sweating buckets but was too scared to get up since he had yet to finish what

    Donald tasked him to do.

    Beside Frank, Dan asked hesitantly, ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­ What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Treatment, of course. There¡¯s still 1885 pressure points to clear, and he will be fine once I¡¯m done.¡±

    Dan pursed his lips¨Cthere were certainly not that many pressure points in the human body¡­ Still, he

    realized with a start at the next instant that Frank was hurting the bastard!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    As Frank moved up to the next pressure point and hit it with his vigor again, the man was genuinely

    spasming in pain this time.

    His face had turned purple too!

    1185? He was not going to survive 118!

    As Frank raised his fingers and moved to another pressure point, the man sprang to his feet and yelled,

    ¡°Stop!!! Stop!!! I¡¯m fine now!!!!

    The crowd gasped.

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ fine?¡±

    ¡°Holy shit! The kid¡¯s actually that amazing?!¡±

    ¡°Hell yeah¡­ Mr. Zimmer can¡¯t even do anything about it, but he fixed him in no time at all!¡±

    At the same time, Frank put a hand on the man¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Now that you¡¯re fine, why don¡¯t you tell us

    who sent you?¡±

    The man looked up, shuddering even as he gingerly slid a nce at Donald.

    Donald shook his head, clearly telling him to keep his mouth shut.

    However, Frank snapped, ¡°Talk, or I¡¯ll make you wish you were dead!¡±

    The man quickly decided he did not want to be put through the pain earlier.

    He would lose his job, but he was only paid a couple grand a month anyway¨Che did not want to die for

    it!

    With that, he promptly pointed at Donald. ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s Mr. Szar.¡±

    ¡°Louder. And tell us everything,¡± Frank snapped.

    The man closed his eyes as he gave inpletely. ¡°Mr. Szar sent me. I was perfectly fine, but Mr.

    Szar told me to pretend I was sick because he can¡¯t stand the Rejuvenation Pill being so well

    received!¡±

    The journalists immediately erupted in an uproar.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°He actually did that?¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    As all eyes turned to Donald, he looked like someone had shoved a pile of dung in his throat right then!

 Chapter 243

    Vicky was folding her arms before her chest as sheughed coolly. ¡°Mr. Szar, I understand your

    ambition to conquer the Riverton Market with the Beauty Pill. If anything, I wee thepetition,

    but I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d stoop this low!¡±

    ¡°Is that true, Mr. Szar?¡±

    ¡°Do you have anything to say about this, Mr. Szar?¡±

    At the same time, the journalists promptly mobbed Donald, stopping short of shoving their microphones

    down Donald¡¯s throat.

    Donald was glowering, but there was no point in saying anything now¨Cthe more he spoke, the further

    he would be exposed!

    He snorted and hurried out of the conference hall under the escort of the journalists.

    ¡°Wait, Mr. Szar!¡±

    ¡°Just give us something¡­¡±

    The journalists gave chase, having caught their next headline!

    The Turnbulls had certainly turned the tables with theunch conference, with many bigwigs soon

    scrambling to pre¨Corder the Rejuvenation Pill.

    After the conference was over, Vicky changed into casuals as she mingled with her guests.¡± Mr.

    Zimmer, Ms. York¨Cthank you for today.¡±

    ¡°No, Ms. Turnbull,¡± Noel quickly said. ¡°It¡¯s my honor to endorse the Rejuvenation Pill.¡±

    Even she could imagine how popr the Rejuvenation Pill would be!

    Dan nodded as well. ¡°Ms. York is right.¡±

    Suddenly, Neil was striding toward Vicky, so Dan and Noel tactfully excused themselves.

    ¡°How many Rejuvenation Pills do you have right now, Vicky?¡± Neil then asked bluntly.

    Vicky frowned. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°To take stock, of course. As many as you have,¡± Neil quickly said.

    He had finally realized that the Rejuvenation Pill was going to sell like hotcakes, and he needed to

    purchase stocks of it as soon as possible.

    However, Vicky sped her hands behind her back as she told him, ¡°I¡¯ll be holding a bid event for

    distributors next week. You can attend it if you¡¯re interested.¡±

    Neil was taken aback.

    She was not selling him any and even forcing him to follow procedures?!

    ¡°I¡¯m your cousin,¡± he growled. ¡°Can¡¯t you give me priority?¡±

    ¡°The first batch of the Rejuvenation Pill is limited in stock,¡± Frank said beside them just then. ¡°Everyone

    has to follow procedures.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you see I¡¯m talking to my cousin?!¡± Neil promptly snapped at him with a sideways re.

    ¡°You should be watching your tongue, Neil,¡± Vicky told him right then. ¡°Not only is Frank my bodyguard,

    but he¡¯s also the medical consultant for Grande Corp. In this ce, he outranks you.¡±

    Neil clenched his knuckles, feeling that his own cousin just thoroughly insulted him.

    ring at both of them, he growled, ¡°Fine¡­ I don¡¯t care about some Rejuvenation Pill anyway!

    He stormed off, snorting.

    Vicky then turned toward Frank. ¡°Thank you so much for today¡­ But we¡¯re going have to prepare a

    second batch soon.¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded.

    As evening arrived, Donald wasying on his reclining chair at Szar House, with a maid massaging

    his temples.

    He kept sighing from time to time, until Jaud said, ¡°There¡¯s no reason to fret, Mr. Szar. The Turnbulls

    merely won this round.¡±

    Donald slowly straightened, his eyes narrowed. ¡°I had nned long and hard for this, to establish a

    foothold in Riverton. And now, with a single stroke, Vicky haspletely vaporized all the hype we built

    for the Beauty Pill. How could I not fret?¡±

    Jaud thought about it. ¡°Actually, we don¡¯t have to go through so much trouble if we want a foothold in

    Riverton.¡±

 Chapter 244

    Donald nced at Jaud. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Jaud smiled. ¡°Your daughter¡¯s now twenty¨Csix, and it¡¯s time for her to marry. If we can

    arrange a strategic marriage with one of Riverton¡¯s top families, drawing upon their influence, it¡¯d be far

    easier to establish ourselves there.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Donald thought it made perfect sense, but he tended to spoil his daughter.

    Even if he wanted a strategic marriage with one of Riverton¡¯s top families, he would still like her partner

    to be someone she liked.

    ¡°Call Vi. I¡¯ll talk to her about it,¡± he said.

    Soon, a charmingdy dressed in a gown arrived at Donald¡¯s study¨Cshe was none other than Vi, his

    eldest daughter.

    ¡°It¡¯s quitete, Dad. Why did you ask for me?¡± she asked.

    Donald was forthright about the ns for the strategic marriage, and Vi soon leapt to her feet.

    Instead of getting into an outburst, she tugged at his sleeve and pouted. ¡°I don¡¯t want that, Dad¡­ I

    don¡¯t even know anyone from Riverton, and they¡¯d never deserve me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not that young, Vi,¡± Donald reasoned earnestly. ¡°You can¡¯t stay single forever, right? Also, I

    might call it a strategic marriage, but I¡¯ve thought about it¨Cwe can invite the children of everyone rich

    and important in Riverton to your birthday this weekend. You can pick from among them yourself,

    okay?¡±

    Vi thought about it and nodded.

    Being an heiress, she knew full well that she could not stay single forever¨Cwhen it was time to

    compromise, it was time.

    Seeing that Vi was agreeing to it, Donald smiled happily. ¡°I know you¡¯re the best. Don¡¯t worry¨Conce I

    establish myself in Riverton, you¡¯ll be the top heiress in Riverton¡­¡±

    Early next morning, Frank was jogging around Skywater Bay, running at breakneck speed although he

    was just training.

    He suddenly stopped in front of a mansion as he spotted Chris Steiner going inside with a

    woman.

    Frank¡¯s eyes were sharp, and he was dead sure the woman was not Helen.

    Though he was surprised Chris had another woman, he simply shook his head, having no intention to

    pry.

    In the mansion, Chris had his arm around the woman¡¯s slender waist while sighing wistfully. Oh, I¡¯ve

    missed you so much, Vi.¡±

    Vi shoved him. ¡°Give up already. My dad¡¯s intending to marry me off.¡±

    Chris was actually shocked. ¡°Marry you off? To whom?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet, but my father is inviting the sons of every Riverton bigwig to my birthday party

    this weekend. He told me to choose from them.¡±

    Chris scowled right then.

    After all, Vi was his sugar mommy-she was the one who invested in hispany as well.

    He tried to ask for her hand in marriage years ago, but he had nothing to his name.

    Donald himself only felt contempt for him and had him thrown out of Szar House while dering that

    his daughter would never marry him.

    However, Chris never gave up with his good looks and sweet words, he managed to coax Vi into

    bed.

    Even so, their rtionship remained hidden and must never see the light of day. And now that Vi

    was going to marry, it could well mean the end of his spendthrift days¡­

    ¡°I knew I never deserved you.¡± Chris sighed with a mournful look. ¡°You don¡¯t have toe looking for

    me ever again¨CI¡¯ll stay away.¡±

 Chapter 245

    Vi promptly threw herself into Chris¡® arms. ¡°What are you saying? I don¡¯t ever want you to go. Also,

    I¡¯m just going through the motions with that party. My father can¡¯t do anything if I¡¯m not interested in any

    Riverton boys.¡±

    Chris lifted her chin. ¡°I know you¡¯re the best.¡±

    He had brainwashed Vi thoroughly with all his tongue leaving Vi lost in infatuation.

    pick up lines over the years, his silver

    ¡°By the way, how¡¯s businesstely?¡± she suddenly asked.

    ¡°Not that good, actually,¡± Chris said with an awkward look. ¡°The market¡¯s been unstabletely

    hav

    By the way, do you some money on hand? I¡¯m nning to import some equipment and upscale the

    company altogether, or we can¡¯t even bepetitive!¡±

    Vi appeared troubled at that. ¡°I don¡¯t have a lot of money right now¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ I guess I¡¯m on my own.¡± Chris sighed unhappily.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I¡¯ll definitely help.¡±

    Vi was intent on pushing Chris to sess so that he could ask for her hand in marriage from her

    father.

    However, Chris just did not have the brains for sess, and hispany was in the red even after all

    those years.

    Seeing the sadness on her beloved¡¯s face, Vi promptly took off her ne and said, ¡°The gem on

    this ne is a red diamond¨Cit¡¯s worth at least two million. Sell it off while I try toe up with

    something.¡±

    Chris wrapped his arms around Vi and kissed her firmly on the lips right then!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be able to propose our marriage to your family soon! And then I¡¯ll definitely marry

    you¡­¡±

    His sweet nothings certainly left Vi swooning, though she suddenly said, ¡°Oh, by the way¡­ My

    dad¡¯s been troubled because of the Turnbulls¡® Rejuvenation Pill. Can you try to get your hands on the

    recipe? My father would definitely agree to you marrying me if you get it¡­¡±

    Chris was at once interested.

    The Rejuvenation Pill was a Turnbull product, and Vicky was the one in charge.

    And she appeared to be Frank¡¯s sugar mommy, too!

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Chris was certain that with his good looks and charm, he would beat Frank out of the water!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just leave it to me.¡± He agreed to it without hesitation.

    After seeing off Vi, Chris left to visit Helen immediately.

    Gina and the others were overjoyed to see him. ¡°Oh, Mr. Steiner! What brings you here today?¡±

    ¡°Haha¡­ I just came to visit Helen. Is she here?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Gina said fawningly, quickly making him tea. ¡°Just walt here for a moment. I¡¯ll go get her.¡±

    Helen was sooning downstairs, surprised that Chris would suddenly visit. ¡°What brings you here,

    Chris?¡±

    Chris grinned. ¡°Nothing. I just wanted to see you¡­ By the way, I¡¯m sure you heard that Vi. Szar is

    throwing a birthday party this weekend, right?¡±

    ¡°I did hear about it.¡± Helen nodded¨Cshe got the message early in the morning.

    ¡°Are you going to attend it?¡± Chris asked in curiosity.

    ¡°No.¡± Helen shook her head. ¡°I heard that she¡¯s nning to look for a husband at the party.¡±

 Chapter 246

    Helen finished, ¡°I¡¯m a woman, so it¡¯d be pointless for me to go.¡±

    She had no interest in frivolous banquets, though she would send someone to bring Vi some

    presents since the Szars deserved that much respect.

    ¡°That makes sense. In that case, I won¡¯t go either,¡± Chris said.

    He was inwardly relieved he was absolutely worried that Helen and Vi would meet.

    Even if neither knew of each other¡¯s existence, if they actually met and started to talk, something might

    just get exposed¡­.

    When that happened, it would be troublesome.

    Helen smiled in

    just then as she teased Chris. ¡°Why won¡¯t you attend it? Vi is as beautiful as she is wealthy and

    influential. I really think you¡¯d be a good match for her.¡±

    ¡°I think Mr. Steiner¡¯s heart already belongs to someone else.¡± Gina smiled just then.

    After all, Chris woulde to visit Helen whenever he had time, and he also saved her at Skywater

    Bay,

    He was obviously interested in Helen, but she was too dense to notice.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Chris nodded, his eyes fixed on Helen as he said, ¡°Guilty as charged. That¡¯s why I¡¯d never attend that

    banquet.¡±

    Helen nodded gingerly.

    While she was sharp enough to understand what he meant, she had be less inclined to get

    involved in a rtionship after Sean.

    Moreover, she hade to realize that her heart still belonged to Frank and could not amodate

    anyone else.

    ¡°By the way, I got you a present since I was out on a business trip for the past couple of days- I hope

    you like it.¡±

    As Chris spoke, he took out a red diamond ne and put it in front of Helen.

    ¨C

    Gina gasped the gem was especially blinding under the glow of the sun.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this very expensive?¡± she asked, though she already knew her gems, being a girl and all.

    Even Helen was shocked that Chris would give her something that valuable.

    However, Chris waved her off with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s just around twenty million dors. It¡¯s not that

    expensive.¡±

    Peter was bbergasted. ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s worth twenty million¡­?!¡±

    One could not expect anything less from Chris, gifting presents of such astronomical value!

    ¡°What? Isn¡¯t that expensive?¡± Gina promptly picked up the ne, ready to make Helen wear it. ¡°Put

    it on, Helen. It¡¯s the perfect match for you!¡±

    ¡°Put it down, Mom.¡± Helen shot Gina a re before turning to Chris. ¡°Take it back, Mr.

    Steiner. That¡¯s too expensive¨CI can¡¯t take it.¡±

    They were not even in a rtionship, and she had no right to take something so valuable from

    him.

    Chris simplyughed. ¡°It¡¯s just a little token of my sincerity, Helen. Just take it.¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± Helen insisted.

    Chris, however, had no intention to take it back as he rose to his feet. ¡°Anyway, I have something else

    to do so I¡¯ll be going now. I¡¯ll visit again some other time.¡±

    He happily left Lane Manor with the knowledge that Helen would not attend Vi¡¯s birthday party, and

    that meant he had nothing to worry about.

    Helen sighed exasperatedly, but she still refused to wear the ne.

    Gina promptly lectured her. ¡°How could you be such a stranger to Mr. Steiner? He gave it to you, so

    just wear it!¡±

    ¡°Cut it out, Mom,¡± Helen retorted, shooting Gina a re ¡°I¡¯m busy¨CI¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Stubborn child¡­¡± Gina snapped, though she remained thick¨Cskinned as she giggled. ¡°I¡¯ll be holding on

    to it. You can wear it during your wedding ¡±

 Chapter 247

    Cindy strode through the front door just then, carrying shopping bags of various sizes.

    ¡°Where have you been, Cindy?¡± Gina asked.

    Cindy grinned. ¡°Shopping¨Ctalk to youter, Aunt Gina. I¡¯m busy.¡±

    However, just before she headed upstairs, she spotted the red diamond ne on the tea table.

    ¡°Woah!¡± she eximed as she put down her shopping bags and ran straight for the ne, picking it

    up. ¡°This is a red diamond, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± Gina smiled smugly. ¡°It¡¯s worth over twenty million dors.¡±

    At those words, Cindy brazenly sling it around her neck and asked Gina, ¡°Does it look good on me,

    Aunt Gina?¡±

    Gina had an awkward look on her face right then. ¡°Oh, uh¡­ Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Lend it to me for a couple days then.¡± Cindy giggled.

    Gina frowned right then. ¡°Chris gave it to Helen. It¡¯s not really good if you wear it I can buy you

    something else if you really like it.¡±

    Peter snorted in disdain beside her. ¡°Take it off right now. It¡¯s not yours

    Cindy leveled a wounded look at Helen right then, though she soon had an idea.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s yours, Helen?¡± she eximed, suddenly clinging on Helen¡¯s arm. ¡°Y¡¯know, I¡¯ve never won

    something so amazing¡­ And you¡¯re not going to wear it anyway, so why not lend it to me for a couple

    of days?¡±

    ¡°Take it off,¡± Helen said, frowning. ¡°I¡¯m going to return it to Chris.¡±

    ¡°Why return something this good?¡± Cindy leveled her a look of bemusement and thought about it. ¡°Just

    let me use it for a couple days anyway¨Cyou can give it back when Chris visits again.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Helen was left speechless.

    Her cousin was so thick¨Cskinned!

    Since her coaxing did not work on Helen, Cindy promptly made a wounded look again and hugged

    Gina¡¯s arm. ¡°Come on, Aunt Gina. Your family¡¯s rich now¨Csurely you¡¯re willing to lend me a little

    ne, right? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m taking it for myself.¡±

    Gina scratched her head. ¡°Fine, fine¡­ You can borrow it for a couple days.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much, Aunt Gina! You¡¯re the best!¡±

    Cindynded a big smooch on Gina¡¯s cheek before running upstairs with the red diamond ne.

    Vi¡¯s birthday party would be held in a couple days.

    If she wore this ne and attended it, who knew if she could find a rich husband?

    At the same time, Helen sighed exasperatedly and left for her office.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Mom, that ne is worth twenty million!¡± Peter cried indignantly just then. ¡°How could you let Cindy

    take it just like that?¡±

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s just borrowing it for a couple of days,¡± Gina quickly waved him off. ¡°She¡¯ll return it anyway.¡±

    Ì–

    Frank arrived at a snack bar alone in the evening and had just made an order when a man entered.

    Upon a closer look, it was actually a familiar face.

    Frank waved at him. ¡°Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    It was none other than Fred Lawrence, who was surprised to see Frank as well. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡±

    ¡°Having dinner?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Come join me,¡± Frank invited.

    Fred thought about it and ordered a fruit crepe before sitting opposite Frank.

    ¡°You work nearby?¡± Frank asked.

    Frank nodded. ¡°Yeah. My office is closed¡­ Though I¡¯m surprised you would frequent a snack. bar like

    this one, Mr. Lawrence.

    In Fred¡¯s mind, only grunts such as himself would eat at snack bars like this.

    If anything, it was curious that someone with power and money like Frank woulde here.

    Frank chuckled. ¡°Oh, we¡¯re all just ordinary citizens, aren¡¯t we? What¡¯s the difference in where We

    eat?¡±

 Chapter 248

    Frank smiled as he tried to be as friendly as possible. ¡°Just call me Frank. You don¡¯t have to be so

    formal with me.¡±

    However, the more friendly he was, the more wary Fred became. He was also further

    convinced that Frank was up to something.

    Fred¡¯s phone rang just then, and he quickly answered it when he saw the number.

    Frank had no idea who it was but could not help frowning as he could hear the man on the other end

    snapping, ¡°What the fuck have you been doing, Mr. Lawrence?! Are you going to fulfill your quota for

    this month or not?!¡±

    Opposite Frank, Fred apologized profusely and humbly. ¡°Of course, boss! I¡¯ll definitely get it done¡­¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t meet the quota, you can pick up your things and leave!¡±

    Fred kept apologizing until he hung up, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.

    Still, he was soon left feeling awkward as he noticed Frank staring fixedly at him. ¡°Haha¡­ Sorry for that

    mess.¡±

    Frank did not tease him for it at all. ¡°I guess estates aren¡¯t selling well in this economy?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Fred nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Actually, I know a couple friends who can arrange for easier work for you.¡± Frank smiled. ¡± You won¡¯t

    have to run everywhere every day, at least.¡±

    Fred was left staring at him in bemusement. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, why are you being so nice to me¡­ Or

    should I say, my family? What is it you want?¡±

    He certainly wanted to know what motivated Frank.

    Frank simply smiled. ¡°I want nothing. I¡¯m being nice because¡­ you look like a man with a destiny.¡±

    Fred pursed his lips¨Cthat was too ridiculous an excuse!

    Still, they traded a smile, with Fred deciding not to take the offer since Frank was not being upfront.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass,¡± Fred said.

    For his part, Frank did not insist. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You can call me anytime you need help.¡±

    After they finished dinner and left the snackbar, Frank offered Fred a ride since he was driving.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Fred shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine¨CI brought my moped.

    He suspected that Frank wanted to drive him home to peek at Winter, and he was not about to let

    Frank have the chance.

    Once again, Frank did not insist.

    Suddenly, someone was cursing out loud. ¡°Who the fuck parked their scooter here?!¡±

    Fred turned to see that a BMW just knocked down his moped, and a boor wearing several gold chains

    around his neck alighted and was ranting.

    Fred hurried to him. ¡°What¡¯s the problem, sir?¡±

    ¡°Is that yours?¡± The boor pointed at the moped.

    Fred quickly nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s mine.¡±

    Smack!

    The boor pped Fred across the face without another word, leaving him stunned as he copsed on

    the floor with a thud.

    ¡°W¨CWe can talk about this,¡± he said miserably. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to hit me¡­¡±

    ¡°Are you fucking blind?!¡± the boor snapped at him. ¡°Who told you you could park there?! My bumper got

    a scratch on it!¡±

    Fred looked at the man¡¯s car, but the boor was the one who hit his moped¡­ and he somehow med

    Fred for his parking?

    However, seeing that the boor was the thuggish type, he decided that he did not want trouble.

    Getting to his feet, he apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have parked here. Please look the other way.¡±

 Chapter 249

    Chapter249

    Theboornarrowedhiseyes,actuallysurprisedthatFredcavedthateasily.

    Hiseyesnarrowing,hebarked,¡°Doyouthinkit¡¯soverwithjustanapology?¡±

    Freddrewank.¡°Well,whatdoyouwant?¡±

    ¡°Fivehundredbucks.Ineedthisrepaired,¡±theboorsnarled.

    ¡°What?¡±Fredwasleftgaping.

    Theboorwastheonewhohithismoped,andhewasdemandingthathepayupinstead?

    Whattwisted reasoningwasthat?

    ¡°Whatdoyoumean,¡®what?¡±TheboorpromptlyseizedFredbythecor.¡°Payup!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯snotit,chief.¡±Fredtriedtoreason.¡°I¡¯vealready apologized¨Cwhywouldyouwant<strong>me</strong>topayabovethat?¡±

    Heearnedlessthanthatinaday,andhereallydidnotwanttopayup!

    ¡°Thenwhataboutthescratchonmycar?!¡±Theboorredfuriously.¡°Stopdraggingyourfeetandpayup!¡±

    Heraisedhishandagain,readytndanotherpwhenFranksuddenlystrodeup,catching

    hiswrist.

    Theboordidadoubletake,ringatFrankashesnapped,¡°Whothehereyou?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tyouthinkyou¡¯repushingit?¡±Frank askedcoolly.¡°Apologize.¡±

    ¡°Fuckoff!Whodoyouthinkyouare,tellingmetoapologize?!¡±theboorbellowed.

    HethoughthehadtheadvantagesinceFrankwasquiteslenderandthrewapunchathisface.

    Hejustwantedtostraightenoutthemeddlesomebystander¡­butasitturnedout,<strong>he</strong>hadmessedwiththewrongman.

    Frankgrabbedhiswristandsqueezed.

    Crack.

    ¡°Argh<strong>!</strong>¡±Theboor screamed<strong>as</strong>hiswristwasdislocatedinstantly.¡°L¨CLetgoofme!¡±

    ¡°Apologize,¡±Frankrepeatedquietly.

    ¡°Fuckyou!LetgoofmeorI¡¯llkillyou!¡±theboorgrowledthroughhisteeth.

    FredhurriedtoFrank¡¯sjustthen,whisperingunderhisbreath,<strong>¡°</strong>It¡¯sfine,Frank.Justlethimgo!¡±

    Frankfrownedinstead.¡°It¡¯sfine?Hehityouandthentriedtoextortyou.Andyou¡¯redecidingthatit¡¯sfineinsteadoffightingback?¡±

    Fredwasleftembarrassedbythelecture.¡°Oh,justletbygonesbebygones.¡±

    Hecertainlywantedtohitbacktogethissatisfaction,butrealitydidnotallowthat.

    OnceFrankleft,hewasgoingtobeharassedagain.

    Eversincehesteppedoutintosociety,helearnedtosuckitupanddestress.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Atthesametime,theboorsnappedatFrank,¡°Youheardhim¨Chedoesn¡¯tcare!Whyareyoubeingsuchabusybody?!¡±

    Fred¡¯scowardlydemeanorcertainlyfrustratedFrank,buttherewasnothinghecoulddo.

    Still,hekickedtheboorinthechest,sendinghimflyingovertenmeters.

    ¡°Getoutofmysight.IfIeverseeyouagain, I¡¯llbreakyourlegs,¡±hegrowled.

    Astheboorgottohisfeet,clutchinghischest,hebellowed,¡°J¨CJustyouwait!¡±

    Seeingthathewasstillbeingfeisty,Frankstartedstridingtowardtheboor,whopromptly.boltedinterror.

    FredquicklystoppedFrank.¡°Whyareyougoingafterhim?Aren¡¯tyouafraidthathe¡¯dhitback?¡±

    ¡°Hitback?¡±Frankgrowledcoolly.¡°Thatbastardisyourrun¨Cof¨Cthe¨Cmillbully.Hewon¡¯teverhitbackevenifhegrewapair¨Cyoucanfightbackagainsthistypethenexttimeyourunintothemagain.Makethemfearyou,andtheywon¡¯tbullyyou.Butletthemwalkalloveryou,andthey¡¯donlydemandmore.¡±

    Fredsighed.¡°Iknow.Anyway,I¡¯mgoinghomenow¨Cyoushouldleavesoon.¡±

    Withthat,heliftedhismopedandspedoff.

    HecertainlyknewFrank¡¯sreasoningalltoowell,nottomentionthathe<strong>was</strong>adischargedmilitaryofficerhimself.HecouldputupafightagainstaverageJoesifhereallywantedtodoit

 Chapter 250

    However, life has dulled Fred¡¯s edge.

    No one had his back even if he fought for himself, and all he had was an elderly mother and a sister

    who was still attending university.

    His family would be in tatters if anything happened to him!

    Frank watched as Fred headed off into the distance and sighed exasperatedly.

    The lights of the Szar Vi in Riverton were bright and dazzling, for it was Vi¡¯s birthday party.

    The children of every important figure in Riverton were invited, and even Lane Holdings was

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    on the list..

    However, Helen was too busy to attend and sent Cindy in her stead.

    Naturally, Cindy certainly could not ask for more for such a social event.

    ¡°Woah¡­¡± Her eyes were immediately darting everywhere after she entered Turnbull Vi. It might be

    just a vi, but the furnishing and renovations were a billion times better than what Lane Manor had.

    Even the paintings hung on the wall were all worth a fortune!

    Suddenly the crowd became rowdy.

    ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Szar¡­¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a goddess¡­¡±

    Seeing that, Cindy quickly squeezed her way through the crowd to see Viing downstairs in a

    crystalline gown hugging her voluptuous figure.

    She certainly stood out among the crowd!

    The sons of every rich and important family in Riverton were immediately flocking around her,

    exchanging greetings or having small talk.

    It took a long while for the crowd around Vi to dwindle, and Cindy promptly saw a chance.

    Wine ss in hand, she went up and greeted Vi warmly. ¡°Ms. Szar, I¡¯ve been looking forward to

    seeing you.¡±

    Vi turned toward Cindy. ¡°And you are¡­?

    ???

    ¡°Cindy Zonda,¡± Cindy introduced herself. ¡°I¡¯m the cousin of Lane Holdings¡® CEO. I¡¯ve heard that your

    beauty is a national marvel, and the rumors are certainly true.¡®

    ¡°Oh, you tter me, Ms. Zonda¡­¡±

    Viughed out of politeness¡­ and suddenly noticed the ne on Cindy¡¯s neck, with the red

    diamond sparkling over it.

    Vi herself had spent a fortune on the ne, having it designed ording to her specifications.

    As such, it was one of a kind!

    However, Cindy never noticed the look in Vi¡¯s eyes and droned on without a care.

    ¡°I¡¯ve admired you for a while now and have always wanted to work with your family but never had the

    chance-¡±

    Before she could finish, Vi suddenly grabbed her ne and pulled her toward herself!

    ¡°Oof!¡± Cindy was choked right then, and she eximed frantically, ¡°What are you doing, Ms. Szar?¡±

    Vi had still been all friendly and nice earlier¨Cwhat had gotten into her?

    Nheless, Vi¡¯s eyes were narrowed as she asked icily, ¡°Where did you get this ne/¡± ¡°Y¨CYou

    can have it if you like¡­¡± Cindy quickly said.

    Smack!

    Vi pped Cindy across the face, leaving her lips cracked and bleeding.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask again. Where did you get this ne?¡± Vi growled through her teeth.

    Naturally, the crowd around them was left in shock, unsure as to what brought about Vi¡¯s sudden

    madness!

    Still

    Cindy was too scared to lie. ¡°It¡¯s my cousin¡¯s. Her boyfriend gave it to her¡­ I don¡¯t know anything else!¡±

    ¡°Who is your cousin?!¡± Vi bellowed, her grip tightening further on the ne!

 Chapter 251

    Cindy¡¯s face was ashen as she had difficult breathing. ¡°My cousin¡­ is Lane Holdings CEO!¡±

    With that, Vi kicked Cindy in the gut with her stiletto heel, sending Cindy tumbling to the floor with an

    audible thud.

    She was left in agony as she felt a fiery pain in her stomach, while still confused about what made Vi

    so mad.

    ¡°Stello! Tera!¡± Vi called out just then, and the two bodyguards standing by the door hurried to her

    side.

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Szar?¡±

    ¡°Bring me Lane Holdings¡® CEO,¡± Vi shrieked manically. ¡°Now. Immediately

    Botlt men traded nces.

    They had no idea what could have driven Vi to such fury, but they had their orders and they just had

    to carry it out.

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Szar,¡± both men replied, and left.

    Some of the onlookers then approached Vi, asking in concern, ¡°What happened, Ms. Szar? Why

    are you suddenly so upset?¡±

    Vi took a deep breath and waved them off. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal please enjoy yourselves. I¡¯m feeling

    under the weather, so excuse me.¡±

    Everyone was left staring nkly.

    She was supposed to be the star of the event, and she was just leaving like that?

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    Meanwhile, Helen had left work and was driving along a quiet road when an MPV suddenly. overtook

    her and forced her to the curb!

    ¡°Hey!¡± Helen was caught by surprise, but she was not driving too quickly and had her seatbelt on, so

    she was unhurt.

    She was just going to have a word with the driver when two men leapt out of the MPV and charged

    straight toward her!

    Stello then punched her car window, shattering it instantly, and opened the door.

    ¡°W¨CWho are you people?!¡± Helen turned pale, finally realizing that this was no mere traffic. incident!

    However, Stello ignored her and asked Tera, ¡°Is that her?¡±

    Tera whipped out the photo from his pocket and nodded. ¡°Yep. She¡¯s the CEO of Lane Holdings,

    alright.¡±

    Without another word, Stello undid Helen¡¯s seatbelt and dragged her out of the car.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Helen shrieked. ¡°What are you doing?! Help! Someone help!¡±

    However, there was no one else on the road.

    Stello then punched her in the back of her head, knocking her out, before taking her to Twilight Keg¨Ca

    joint Vi recently bought, where she was waiting.

    Seeing Helen, she snapped her fingers.

    Tera picked up a bucket of ice water right then, and sshed it in Helen¡¯s face.

    ¡°Bleurgh¡­¡± As Helen was jolted awake, she was left panting and looking around frantically.

    Soon, she saw Vi ring at her savagely, and asked in confusion, ¡°Vi Szar? Why did you bring

    me here?¡±

    ¡°You have the cheek to ask?!¡± Vi bellowed. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what you¡¯ve done?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about, Ms. Szar?¡± Helen remained bemused.

    ¡°Where did you get this ne?!¡± Vi demanded, taking out her red diamond ne just then.

    Helen recognized it immediately and quickly said, ¡°A friend gave it to me¡­ Is there a problem?

    Smack!

    Vi pped her across the face!

 Chapter 252

    While Helen was left stunned by the p, Vi growled through her teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t give me that

    crap. My father bought that ne for me¨Cfrom where I¡¯m standing, you

    And after that, she gave it to Chris.

    Why would he give the ne to Helen after that?!

    stole it.¡±

    Even so, Helen¡¯s innocent expression remained. ¡°That¡¯s impossible¡­ We¡¯ve never met before, Ms.

    Szar. How could I have stolen it?¡±

    Tera and Stello traded nces nearby, actually convinced that Helen spoke sense.

    If they had never met, how did Helen steal it? She certainly could not reach across dimensions

    Vi blinked.

    If Helen did not steal the ne, the only possibility was Chris giving it to Helen.

    However, she refused to believe that Chris was cheating on her, which was why she was dead set on

    believing that Helen stole it!

    ¡°Who knew how you stole it?!¡± Vi pped her again. ¡°Don¡¯t bother lying to me!¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen¡¯s eyes were welling up with tears it certainly hurt to be med for something she did not do.

    Still, she endured the pain and shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t steal it, Ms. Szar. Chris Steiner gave it to

    me¡­ you can bring him here if you don¡¯t believe me. You can ask him directly.¡±

    However, Vi¡¯s eyes widened in rage as she growled, ¡°Why would he give you a twenty million dor

    ne?! Who are you to him?¡±

    ¡°W¨CWe¡¯re just friends?¡±

    ¡°Just friends?! Do you take me for a fool?!¡± Vi bellowed and turned toward Stello and Tera.¡± Beat her

    up until she confesses!¡±

    In reality, she more or less had a hunch about what had happened.

    However, she could not ept it, and so, she forced herself to believe that Helen had stolen it -she

    wanted nothing more than to vent her frustration on Helen.

    Naturally, neither Stello nor Tera dared to hesitate, and they started clobbering Helen.

    Chivalry? Not when Vi was watching!

    ¡°Please¡­ Stop¡­ Stop¡­¡± Helen curled up, clutching her head as she begged for

    mercy.

    She was just a in Jane and was soon bleeding all over andpletely unconscious.

    At that point, even Tera and Stello had to stop.

    ¡°Who told you to stop?!¡± Vi snapped at them right then¨Cshe was hardly satisfied!

    ¡°She won¡¯t survive more of this, Ms. Szar,¡± Stello quickly exined. ¡°She¡¯s really going to die.¡±

    27

    Vi shot Helen a re and strode up to give her vicious kick in the gut.

    She snorted¨CHelen did not make a sound.

    ¡°Bring me Cindy,¡± she growled.

    Stello hurried off, and soon dragged Cindy by the cor into the room.

    Cindy gasped when she saw Helen¡¯s state as shey on the floor.

    How could she have known this would happen?! All that blood¡­.

    Still, she stammered as she greeted Vi. ¡°M¨CMs. Szar¡­¡±

    Vi stood over her as she snapped, ¡°Go home, and tell your whole family toe to me and

    apologize on their knees. Otherwise, I¡¯ll destroy everyst one of you first thing tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYes, of course¡­ I¡¯ll pass your word,¡± Cindy whimpered, kowtowing repeatedly and too afraid to defy

    Vi.

    ¡°Get out,¡± Vi snapped and had both Cindy and Helen dumped unceremoniously out of Twilight Keg.

    She then whipped out her phone to call Chris.

    ¡°Hey, darling.¡± Chris was chuckling as soon as he answered. ¡°How did the party go?¡± ¡°Terrible,¡± Vi

    replied icily. ¡°Come to Twilight Keg. We need to talk.¡±

 Chapter 253

    Dan Zimmer had been performing a surgery at Riverton Hospital, referred to him by Hali King that day.

    When he was about to leave, he stumbled upon Helen and promptly asked for her file.

    ¡°Oh, hell¡­ Bruises everywhere and bones broken in three ces?!¡± Dan was left gaping. ¡°Who on

    earth had the balls toy a finger to Ms. Lane?!¡±

    He promptly called Frank, who rushed to Riverton Hospital at top speed.

    Spotting Cindy on the bench outside the operating room, Frank strode up to her, demanding icily, ¡°Who

    did this to Helen?¡±

    Cindy frowned, surprised to see him. ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡±

    She was still holding a grudge for him tricking her of that bloody polypore.

    If Frank had given it to her, she would now be best friends with Vi¨Cand this mess certainly would not

    have happened!

    ¡°I asked you a question.¡±

    This time, however, Frank was not interested in banter.

    He seized Vi by the cor and pulled her to her feet!

    She had to be here when Helen was hurt¨Che really doubted that she did not have anything to do with it!

    His re actually left Cindy flustered, and she stammered, ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s Vi Szar! What, are you going to

    get payback for Helen?¡±

    Frank certainly would¨Cbut he was more concerned about Helen¡¯s injury at the moment.

    He released Cindy right then, allowing her to drop back on the bench with a thud.

    He then turned and strode into the operating room, while Cindy took his silence for fear.

    ¡°Coward,¡± she scoffed. ¡°Not a peep as soon as you heard Ms. Szar¡¯s name!¡±

    When a nurse spotted Frank in the operating room, she promptly snapped, ¡°Sir! This is a restricted

    area. You can¡¯te in!¡±

    However, Dan also looked up to see that it was Frank and quickly said, ¡°Let him in.¡±

    Frank walked around the nurse and strode up to the surgery table. ¡°How is she?¡±

    Dan sighed. ¡°Internal bleeding and bones broken in three ces. They really didn¡¯t hold back! Who on

    earth could bear such spite for Ms. Lane?¡±

    Frank inhaled deeply. ¡°I know who it is.¡±

    ¡°What? Who?¡±

    ¡°Vi Szar.¡®

    T

    Dan gasped in confusion. ¡°Is she brain dead or something?¡±

    ¡°I will deal with herter,¡± Frank glowered. ¡°Step outside for a moment. I¡¯ll treat Helen myself.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Dan nodded.

    With Frank on the job, Helen would definitely be safe.

    Everyone quickly filed out of the operating room, leaving just Frank and Helen.

    Frank carefully undressed her and sa

    that her fair skin was covered in bruises left by punches.

    They had clearly intended to hurt Helen.

    However, Frank did not understand¨Cthe Szars had just begun their venture into Riverton, and Helen

    was not one to step on anyone¡¯s toes¡­

    How on earth did she incur Vi¡¯s wrath?

    Frank took out two Ichor Pills just then, feeding Helen one while crushing the other into

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    powder and applying it evenly over Helen¡¯s bruises.

    When that was done, he draped her clothes over her and called Trevor Zurich

 Chapter 254

    Trevor quickly answered his call. ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Locate Vi Szar. The sooner, the better,¡± Frank said.

    Trevor could immediately tell from Frank¡¯s cool tone that Vi was dead meat.

    He went to work without dy and found Vi in the shortest time possible.

    ¡°She¡¯s at Twilight Keg, Mr. Lawrence,¡± he told Frank.

    With that, Frank headed over without dy.

    Meanwhile, Chris had an arm around Vi¡¯s shoulder as he assured her, ¡°Of course Helen. Lano stole

    it from me. I was working with herpany, but I wasn¡¯t too wary of her. I didn¡¯t think she¡¯s that type of

    person.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Vi asked skeptically.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll even swear by it. If I¡¯m lying, I-¡±

    Vi stopped him even as he started to throw his fingers up. ¡°Stop it. I¡¯ll believe you, okay!¡°!

    Chris smiled. ¡°I know you love me. Don¡¯t worry I promise not to have any more dealings with her. By

    the way, where is she now?

    Vi sneered. ¡°Where else would she be other than the hospital?¡±

    ¡°I had her beaten up, but she insisted that the ne was given to her,¡± Vi scoffed. nonchntly.

    ¡°Shameless bitch.¡±

    Chris gulped at her words he had never expected Vi to go that far!

    Stello and Tera entered just then. ¡°Ms. Szar, Mr. Howard is asking to see you.¡±

    Vi was surprised. ¡°Looks like I have guests¡­¡±

    Chris promptly caught his cue. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. You hang out with your friends.¡±

    Vi nodded, and two men entered soon after Chris left.

    The man up front wore a ck tunic¨Che was Troy Howard, son of Bron Howard, the chief of South Alp

    Sect.

    The other man was Aiden Faust, a senior apprentice of South Alp Sect.

    Vi had been initiated into their sect as a child. Though her martial arts was nothing to boast about,

    she was close with everyone in the sect.

    ¡°What happened today, Vi? Why did you suddenly leave your own birthday party?¡± Troy

    asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Vi smiled. ¡°It¡¯s just some bitch who rained on my parade.¡±

    ¡°Who is she?¡± Aiden asked. ¡°How dare she mess with your party?¡±

    ¡°Aiden¡¯s right. Tell me, and I will get even for your sake,¡± Troy said, patting his chest.

    Vi smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve already dealt with her¨Cdon¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll call you right away if I ever need you.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Troy nodded.

    Bang!

    There was a loud racket ust then, and the trio turned toward it to find Stello and Tera flying across the

    room before mming heavily on the floor.

    Naturally, the door was in pieces.

    Frank then slowly entered, looking at the trio as he asked, ¡°Where is Vi Szar?¡±

    Vi, Troy, and Aiden were frowning.

    Getting violent at their bar in the middle of the night and looking for Vi? The man clearly had a bone

    to pick

    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    ¡°Right here,¡± Vi replied fearlessly.

    Who was she kidding? There was nothing she had to be afraid of when two of South Alp Sect¡¯s clites

    were here with her.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who hurt Helen?!¡± Frank demanded furiously.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Vi snorted in disdain. ¡°And here I was wondering who you were. So you¡¯re here to seek

    revenge for the bitch!¡±

 Chapter 255

    Frank stared at the two men and the woman before something clicked in his head.

    That was the woman he saw at Skywater Bay the other day¡­ and she was clearly close with Chris!

    ¡°So, it was you?¡± Frank leveled a sharp re at her. ¡°Go to Helen now and apologize on your knees,

    and I could consider sparing your life¡±

    ¡°Apologize? On my knees?¡± Vi snorted in disdain. ¡°To Helen Lane? She deserved far worse!

    ¡°Where the fuck did this mongrele from, barking around like that?¡± Troy was ring at Frank in

    turn.

    Vi nced at Troy and Aiden right then. ¡°Well, since you want revenge for Helen, I guess you just

    ended up ying yourself. He¡¯s all yours, boys¨Cthink of it as doing me a favor.¡± ¡°What are you saying,

    girl?¡± Troyughed. ¡°It¡¯s your birthday, and we didn¡¯t bring presents. You can keep the mongrel as a pet

    after we break his limbs, though!¡±

    Vi giggled. ¡°You boys are the best. Though I¡¯d just dump him in the mirror¨Ccan¡¯t stand the sight of

    him.¡±

    As the trio began to discuss among themselves on how they should torment Frank, he could tell that

    Vi waspletely unrepentant.

    He directed his vigor andunched himself toward Troy like a missile!

    Troy paled, caught off guard by Frank¡¯s speed.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Troy cursed¨Che had not even made a move yet, and the mongrel came to die?!

    Heunched his fist, meeting Frank¡¯s punch in a split second.

    Thud!

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Crack!

    The dull collision resounded across the room as a shockwave unfurled away from both men, followed

    by the sound of Troy¡¯s forearm bones shattering!

    The fragments were sent shooting upward into his arm while blood sshed away!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Troy screamed as he stumbled backward!

    He did not think that he would fail to stop a single punch from Frank!

    ¡°Loser.¡± Frank red at him in disdain.

    He then kicked Troy in the chest, cracking his ribs loudly.

    Even as Troy was sent flying, his chest appeared sunken as he puked blood!

    ¡°How dare you! We are from South Alp Sect!¡± Aiden bellowed, his eyes going red!

    Troy was the chief¡¯s son, and he ended up hurt in Aiden¡¯spany.

    What was that, if not proof of his failure to protect Troy?

    He lunged toward Frank without hesitation, only for Frank to p him. ¡°Fuck off.¡±

    The simple p caused another shockwave, tearing Aiden¡¯s clothes into pieces even before. Frank

    made contact.

    Smack!

    All Aiden felt was the world spinning as his left eye was instantly bloodshot, while his suddenly limp

    knuckles were caught firmly in Frank¡¯s palm.

    Even his speech was suddenly less than sinct, his eyes askew and his mouth lopsided as he

    bumbled, ¡°Y¨CYou beat me¡­ We¡¯re from South Alp Sect¡­ You¡¯re going to die¡­¡±

    ¡°Who do you think you are, telling me to die?¡± Frank snorted, still holding on to Aiden¡¯s knuckle.

    Nheless, Aiden kept bragging without realizing he was the one in danger. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of

    us? Our chief was a major warlord in an older dynasty¡­ We still hold power even now! Anyone who

    messes with us will die, including you!¡±

 Chapter 256

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter who you are. You¡¯re going to die,¡± Aiden gloated.

    He was used to South Alp Sect¡¯s tyranny and remained utterly conceited even after he was beaten!

    However, Frank was not cowed.

    He snorted coldly, ¡°A hundred¨Cyear old sect getting so full of themselves? Since you¡¯re so proud of

    your history, let me send you to yourte mentors.¡±

    With those words, Frank mmed his palm on top of Aiden¡¯s scalp.

    Aiden did not even have the time to scream¨Che was bleeding out of every orifice in a split second, his

    eyes wide open as he died.

    Everi in death, he would never have expected Frank to have the gall to kill him!

    Vi, who had stayed seated throughout the scuffle, was suddenly restless.

    Of her two fellow apprentices, one was dead as a doornail, while the other waspletely passed out.

    And she certainly could not hold her own against someone of Frank¡¯s caliber!

    ¡°S¨CStay away!¡± she cried as she stumbled backward, but Frank caught her by the neck in an

    instant!

    Unlike Aiden or Troy, however, Vi was capable ofpromise.

    Knowing the danger she was in, she decided against using threats, instead bursting out in tears to

    make herself look as miserable as possible.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t kill me,¡± she sobbed. ¡°You can ask for anything you want¡­ I can give you money,

    however much you want. We Szars neverck money¡­¡±

    ¡°Why did you hurt Helen?¡± Frank asked icily.

    His words left Vi pursuing her lips in fury again, but her silence prompted Frank to carry her toward

    the window.

    He dangled half of her body outside¨Cshe would be mincemeat falling from there if his fingers loosened.

    Vi came to her senses as she felt the buffeting winds and wed at Frank¡¯s arm to hold on to him!

    ¡°No!!! H¨CHelen stole my red diamond ne. It¡¯s worth twenty million dors, and it¡¯s a gift from my

    father¡­ But she refused to admit she stole it! Of course I¡¯m going to hurt her!¡±

    She pinned all the me on Helen, naturally omitting the fact that she was jealous that Helen somehow

    had Chris¡® favor.

    Otherwise, Frank would really drop her off the building!

    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Frank growled coolly.

    After living with Helen for three years under one roof, he would know that Helen would never

    steal anything.

    Vi was clearly feeding him crap, so he loosened his fingers¡­.

    22

    Vi promptly grabbed Frank¡¯s sleeves as she cried, ¡°Everything I said is true! You can look for the

    ne if you don¡¯t believe me¨CHelen must still have it!¡±

    Frank became hesitant. ¡°You didn¡¯t take it back?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the heiress of the Szars.¡± Vi scoffed in disdain. ¡°I¡¯d never wear anything she wore.¡±

    In her mind, Helen was an insignificant CEO who managed to luck out.

    Compared to the Szar dynasty, they were no more than grunt millionaires.

    Frank red at Vi suspiciously, actually skeptical just then.

    Did Helen really steal from her?

    But he remained skeptical¡­.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Sir, what¡¯s your rtionship with Helen Lane?¡± Vi asked gingerly, since Frank was not talking for a

    while.

    She never heard that Helen had actually made the acquaintance of a marital elite¡­..

    As Frank stayed silent, Vi had another idea.

    Putting an arm on Frank¡¯s shoulder to keep her bnce and stop herself from falling, she unbuttoned

    her cor..

    She was going to seduce Frank!

 Chapter 257

    Vi then slowly took off her thin coat, with the cold winds quickly blowing it away.

    However, Frank still did not move.

    Gritting her teeth, Vi took off the rest of her clothes!

    Naked, she started shuddering in the cold but was still too afraid to say a word.

    Frank was actually thinking about what she said and watching as she undressed with zero

    interest.

    He had seen her fair share of beauties, and Vi¡¯s standard was really nothing impressive to him.

    Still, he started to pull Vi back inside.

    While Vi was delighted, her heart finally calming down, Frank brusquely shoved her against the wall.

    ¡°Oh! You¡¯re so rough¡­¡± Vi purred, her eyes unfocused as she smiled.

    And here she thought he was quite something but he was a pervert just like another.

    She merely shed her goods a little, and he had fallen for her already¡­.

    In reality, she was deluded.

    Frank raised her hand just then and struck each of her major acupoints three times.

    He then released her, while Vi instantly felt an agony spreading over her chest!

    ¡®Argh!!!¡± she screamed in pain as she looked up at Frank ¡°W¨CWhat did you do to me?!¡±

    ¡°Sealed your

    breath acupoints,¡± Frank calmly replied. ¡°If Helen really stole the ne from I¡¯ll retrieve it but you

    hurt Helen, and that¡¯s not going to change.¡±

    you,

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Vi was seething.

    What on earth did Helen do to bewitch this man that she was all he cared about?

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Vi growled through her teeth.

    ¡°Calm down. I¡¯m just crippling the arm you hurt her with,¡± Frank replied bluntly. ¡°Apologize to Helen,

    and I¡¯ll consider sparing your life.¡±

    ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± Vi red at him viciously.

    ¡°Then in three days, your breath acupoints will be fully sealed and you¡¯ll die,¡± Frank replied icily. ¡°Also,

    while you have that long to consider your options, the agony in your chest would gradually get worse.¡±

    With that, he turned and started to leave.

    ¡°S¨CStop!¡± Vi shouted. ¡°I never found out who you

    are!¡±

    ¡°The name is Frank Lawrence. You can send your father after me if you like,¡± Frank said.

    Then, he stared pointedly at Troy and Aiden, both of whomy lifelessly on the floor. ¡°Or South Alp

    Sect, for that matter. My hospitality is avable to all anytime, anywhere.¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence?¡± Vi was dumbstruck.

    Helen¡¯s useless ex¨Chusband?!

    None of the information they had on him suggested that he was such a martial elite!

    And after finding out that fact, she was further confused why Helen would divorce him!

    In fact, her own father had mentioned Frank ruining his ns, and the man hated him to the bone.

    As such, she quickly said, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, Helen hates you. Why would you care about her when the

    feeling isn¡¯t mutual? Marry me instead, and I promise my father will treat you like his own son. My

    family will make sure you prosper, and I won¡¯t even meddle with your private life. You can mess around

    with other women however you want!¡±

    Even as Viy prone on the floor naked, her posture was utterly devilish.

    She was batting her eyshes charmingly at Frank as well¨Cit was no exaggeration to call her a

    subus.

    She was dead sure that if Frank defected, her father would be the happiest.

    It went without saying that her offer was marvelous¨Cfreedom in her private life? Riches and power?

    The Frank Lawrence of three years ago would most definitely be interested.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    But in the end, the family his mentor had asked him to protect was not the Szars, and there was no

    way he would join them!

 Chapter 258

    Frank shook his head in disdain. ¡°Instead of batting your eyshes at me, you really should be thinking

    about how you¡¯d apologize to Helen, and how to get her to forgive you.¡±

    And with a look of contempt, he left.

    ¡°You¡­ bastard¡­ Argh!¡±

    The agony on Vi¡¯s chest grew as soon as Frank left..

    It hurt so much she was sweating buckets, but she could not even muster her strength to

    stand!

    Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself as much as possible to reach on top of the tea table for her

    phone and called her father right away.

    It still took a while for Donald to rush to Twilight Keg with Jaud in tow.

    Naturally, Donald paled as he strode in the room to find his daughter lying naked on the floor, and two

    members of South Alp Sect whose conditions were unknown.

    What the hell happened here?! How did Vi¡¯s birthday party end up like this?!

    He hurried to Vi¡¯s side, draping his coat over her. ¡°What happened? Who did this to you?¡±

    ¡°F¨CFrank Lawrence¡­¡± Vi replied, her voice shuddering.

    ¡°What?! Him again?!¡± Donald was incensed when he heard Frank¡¯s name.

    Frank had already taken one of Jaud¡¯s arms and provided the Turnbulls with the recipe of the

    Rejuvenation Pill. And now, Frank had started another fight at his daughter¡¯s birthday party, and also¡­.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    He quickly turned to Vi. ¡°A¨CAre you alright?¡±

    an

    Vi threw herself into his arms, sobbing miserably. ¡°He¡¯s a monster! He struck my acupoints ¡­ a¨Cand

    defiled me!¡±

    She already hated Frank to the bone as well and was begging for her father to avenge her.

    Her virginity was long since lost anyway, and fortunately, she could pin yet another me on

    Frank!

    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, Frank Lawrence!¡± Donald¡¯s eyes went red, while the veins on his temples bulged. He had

    sons, but only one daughter! He would never live it down if anyone found out that his daughter had

    been defiled by his mortal foe!

    Donald promptly charged toward the door, but the calmer Jaud intercepted him.

    If he was no match for Frank, his boss was certainly not!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing, Mr. Szar?¡±

    ¡°What else?! I¡¯ll kill Frank!

    ¡°That¡¯s too rash a decision,¡± Jaud quickly reasoned. ¡°He¡¯s too powerful¨Ceven for the both of

    LIS.¡±

    ¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯m supposed to let my daughter¡¯s defiler roam free?!¡± Donald demanded.

    ¡°You forget, sir¨Cthere are two other victims.¡± Jaud quickly pointed at Aiden and Troy. ¡°Do you really

    think the chief of South Alp Sect would hold back when his own son was in?¡±

    They just had to point South Alp Sect toward Frank and collect the spoils once the carnage ended.

    ¡°H¨CHelp me¡­¡± Troy suddenly gasped as hard as he could, begging Donald for help.

    He was barely alive and was certainly d as he could vaguely see an ally¡­

    Donald was taken aback. ¡°Troy is alive!¡±

    Jaud simply strode up and stomped his foot on Troy¡¯s throat.

    The man died with his eyes wide open¨Cit had never crossed his mind that Donald¡¯sckey would kill

    him!

    ¡°Well, he¡¯s dead now,¡± Jaud said calmly.

    Donald¡¯s eyes narrowed in silent approval. ¡°Let¡¯s call the chief of South Alp Sect!¡±

 Chapter 259

    Donald¡¯s eyes narrowed in silent approval. ¡°Let¡¯s call the chief of South Alp Sect!¡±

    Cindy was still sitting on the bench at Riverton Hospital, having just finished his phone call with Gina.

    After Helen¡¯s surgery was over and moved to a normal ward, she paced around the hallway when she

    spotted Frank returning.

    She turned to run, but Frank quickly caught her wrist and dragged her into the ward.

    ¡°Argh! What are you doing?! You¡¯re hurting me!¡± she snapped.

    However, Frank was glowering as he demanded, ¡°Talk. What happened at Vi Szar¡¯s birthday

    party?¡±

    ¡°H¨CHow should I know?¡± Cindy retorted, her gaze evasive. ¡°You can ask Helen when she wakes up.¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed and strode up to grab her by the neck.

    ¡°Last chance,¡± he growled.

    ¡°Oof¨Cyou¡¯re crazy¡­ How dare you touch me¡­¡± Cindy paled in shock, never expecting Frank to cross

    the line!

    However, even as she started to suffocate, her hands were clenching on her handbag with a vice¨Clike

    grip, never rxing for a single moment!

    Frank saw that and grabbed it.

    Cindy naturally resisted. ¡°What are you doing?! It¡¯s mine! Give it back!¡±

    ¡°Fuck off.¡± Frank shoved her away, knocking her to the floor.

    He quickly rummaged through the handbag and found the twenty million dor red diamond. ne

    as expected.

    He never noticed it when he treated Helen, so it was here!

    He was further convinced that Helen was med, but Cindy was the one who stole it!

    ¡°Is this yours?¡± he growled.

    However, Cindy was only furious that Helen¡¯s lowlife ex¨Chusband would shove her. Not caring. that her

    hair was a mess, she lunged at Frank, screaming as she wed at him, ¡°What is it to you anyway?!

    Give it back¡­ Give it back, or I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    Frank was being polite enough to deal with her in the ward, but Cindy turned out to bepletely mad.

    He pushed her outside, so as to not wake Helen up.

    ¡°Last chance. Spit out the truth, or you¡¯ll suffer.¡±

    Cindy simply red at him as he snapped, ¡°Who do you think you are, threatening me?!¡±

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank¡¯s ear suddenly twitched.

    He heard footsteps down the hallway, and soon, two burly men in suits strode toward them.

    14 ???

    They nced at the room number, and then at Frank and Cindy.

    One of them asked coolly, ¡°Helen Lane?¡±

    Frank shoved Cindy toward them. ¡°Right here.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Cindy was left gaping, but one of the men had already grabbed her by the shoulder.

    A woman in her twenties, and right outside Room 302¡­ There was no mistaking it.

    ¡°You¡¯reing with us,¡± he growled.

    ¡°No¡­ Wait, I¡¯m not¡­ I¡¯m Helen¡¯s cousin! You have it wrong!¡± Cindy quickly cried, able to tell from the

    men¡¯s chiseled jawline that they were no angels!

    However, her outburst only encouraged the men. ¡°All the more reason to bring you along. Every

    member of your family will being too.¡±

    And with those words, they started to drag Cindy down the hallway.

 Chapter 260

    Cindy was scared witless by the men¡¯s threat, and she promptly turned to Frank, bawling, ¡°H- Help me!

    I¡¯ll talk! I¡¯ll talk, alright?¡±

    Frank slowly strode up and stood in front of the men. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you can¡¯t take her yet.¡±

    One of them frowned and snapped, ¡°Who the fuck are you? Don¡¯t get in the way of South Alp Sect!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are,¡± Frank retorted tly. ¡°Let her go right now.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you.¡± The other man swung a punch at Frank right then.

    He was actually much quicker than Troy and Aiden, but still nothing to Frank.

    He turned his head to the side, and thenunched a fist in retaliation, hitting the man in the face like a

    bolt!

    The man¡¯s eyes were suddenly staring nkly into the air, and he copsed to the floor, asleep like a

    baby.

    The other man paled, but even as he tried to use Cindy as hostage, Frank grabbed his wrist and

    squeezed.

    Crack.

    The man¡¯s hand was suddenly left misshapen!

    ¡°Argh!!! My hand¡­ Who the hell are you?!¡± he bellowed.

    Frank snorted. ¡°South Alp Sect, was it?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± the man growled through his teeth. ¡°You attacked us even knowing who we are¡­. you¡¯re

    dead meat!¡±

    Frankughed icily. ¡°Really? What can your sect do, really? Those two brats from before were even

    more arrogant than you were, but they¡¯re barely breathing now.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± the man eximed in shock. ¡°You killed the chief¡¯s son?!¡±

    ¡°Which one was he? I actually killed the bald one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the chief¡¯s final apprentice¡­ the other one is his son!¡± the man bellowed.

    ¡°I only broke his ribs. He¡¯s still alive.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit! You killed him¨Cthat means war!¡± The man kept yelling at Frank despite the in his hand.

    agony

    Frank pped the man across the face right then, knocking out several of his front teeth.¡± Who do you

    think you are, yapping at me? Even your chief has to go down on his knees and show me due respect.¡±

    ¡°Bastard¡­¡± the man growled, not expecting such conceit from Frank. ¡°Just you wait! Our vengeance

    knows no bounds!¡±

    ¡°Whatever¨Ctake your boy and go, but do remember to tell your chief that his sect will fall if he so much

    asys a finger on Helen again.¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    With that, Frank spun as he threw the other man away,unching him squarely into the wall and

    bleeding all over!

    Still, knowing that he was no match for Frank, the other man promptly fled with his fellow apprentice.

    Frank then turned toward Cindy again.

    She was trembling, never expecting him to be that powerful!

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡­ Stay away-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to waste!¡± Frank snapped, his re sharp as des. ¡°Now, talk! Did you steal the

    ne?!¡±

    Cindy was too afraid to meet his eyes but quickly said, ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ Helen lent it to me.

    ¡°Bullshit! The ne isn¡¯t hers!¡± Frank raised his hand, ready to hit her since she still refused to tell

    the truth.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not¨Cbut Chris was the one who gave it to her,¡± Cindy promptly exined. ¡°She didn¡¯t want to

    wear it, so I borrowed it¡­ Look, I don¡¯t know what happened, but Vi Szar insisted that I stole it,

    and then said it was Helen! I¡¯m innocent!¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes widened as he quickly remembered how intimate Chris and Vi were.

    He realized right then that Vi must have given the ne to Chris, who then gave it to Helen.

    Afterwards, Helen lent it to Cindy, which led to Vi catching Cindy with it.

    When Vi realized that Chris had given the ne to Helen, it was no shocker that Helen. was

    beaten within an inch of her life!

 Chapter 261

    ring at Cindy, Frank growled, ¡°You better exin yourself when Helen wakes up.¡±

    Cindy gulped in panic,pletely avoiding his eyes.

    Gina and Peter soon arrived at the hospital, with Gina left perplexed when she saw Helen unconscious.

    ¡°What happened? Who could do this to Helen?¡±

    ¡°V¨CVi Szar,¡± Cindy said just then.

    ¡°Vi Szar?¡± Gina was dumbfounded. ¡°Why?! We never did anything to her! Why would she hurt

    Helen?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ Could there be a misunderstanding?¡± Peter quickly asked.

    Suddenly Gina wheeled on Frank. ¡°You upset her, didn¡¯t you?!¡±

    Frank was actually surprised that Gina would suspect him right away and snorted. ¡°It has nothing to do

    with me. It¡¯s Chris Steiner¡¯s fault for two¨Ctiming, giving Helen that twenty million dor ne when

    Vi was the one who gave it to him.¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Mr. Steiner isn¡¯t like that!¡± Gina certainly did not believe him. She considered Chris to be the

    paragon of men and would naturally believe him more than her useless former son- inw!

    Frank was a little annoyed but turned toward Cindy. ¡°Ask her if you don¡¯t believe me. She was right

    there when it happened.¡±

    Gina turned toward Cindy too. ¡°What happened, Cindy? It¡¯s alright, you can tell me.¡±

    Cindy¡¯s eyes were evasive, and she kept stammering without finishing her sentence.

    Even Peter was getting impatient. ¡°What happened? Tell us!¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Was Chris really two¨Ctiming?¡± Gina asked.

    Cindy gritted her teeth and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know! Ms. Szar said Helen stole her ne! I don¡¯t know

    anything else!¡±

    In a way, she was telling the truth since Vi never mentioned hurting Helen out of jealousy. Cindy

    actually had a hunch of Chris¡® rtionship with both women, but she did not mention it.

    From her standpoint, it was normal for men to cheat¨Conly if they were rich.

    In that sense, Chris was already much better than Frank, and Cindy had even more reason to hate

    Frank given how he threatened her just now.

    He wanted Helen to forgive him? No way!

    ¡°Still not telling the truth, are you?¡±

    Frank frowned and started toward her, ready to straighten her out..

    ¡°What are you doing?! I¡¯m telling the truth!¡± Cindy promptly cried.

    Gina promptly stood in front of Cindy and snapped at Frank, ¡°That¡¯s enough from you! How dare you

    try to hurt my niece!¡±

    Frank growled through his teeth, ¡°Well, I can¡¯t do anything since none of you would believe me.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.

    With those words, he turned and stormed off.

    Naturally, Cindy was immediately sighing in relief as she looked on.

    Frank had just stepped outside the hospital when his phone began to ring-

    It was a call from Trevor. ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Where are you right now?¡±

    ¡°Riverton City Hospital. What is it?¡±

    ¡°The chief of South Alp Sect announced a hit on you¡­ When did you make enemies of them?¡± Trevor

    asked in confusion.

    ¡°Today,¡± Frank replied quietly, rubbing his temples. ¡°This kid named Troy Howard was yapping at me,

    so I had him beat up.¡±

 Chapter 262

    Trevor gasped. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, that boy is the son of South Alp Sect¡¯s chief. You didn¡¯t have to kill

    him¡­¡±

    ¡°Kill him? No, I didn¡¯t kill him,¡± Frank replied. ¡°I only kicked him he¡¯s definitely still breathing.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s not right,¡± Trevor murmured in confusion. ¡°Bron Howard insisted that you killed the boy. He

    wouldn¡¯t joke around when his boy is the heir to his sect, would he?¡±

    Frank frowned.

    However, he was very certain that he did not kill Troy he was absolutely aware of how much strength

    he put into that kick.

    Still, he soon realized something. ¡°It¡¯s probably the Szars.¡±

    Trevor scratched his head. ¡°Well, we now have a problem. What are you going to do now, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Tell Vi Szar to apologize personally to Helen, or we¡¯ll wipe out her family,¡± Frank growled

    ruthlessly.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Trevor nodded repeatedly, ever unconditionally epting of any decision made by Frank

    The man had spoken, so he should make preparations.

    Meanwhile, at Szar Vi, Vi was dying from pure anguish. Her face was utterly pale and her

    whole body was drained as she moaned, ¡°Dad¡­ It hurts so much¡­ Save me¡­..

    Jaud White had examined her thoroughly, but there was nothing he could do.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening to her?¡±

    Helpless, Donald Szar could do nothing but urge Jaud to save his daughter.

    Jaud, however, was thoroughly at a loss. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but her breathing acupoints are slowly closing, with

    many already showing signs of blockages. Each acupoint has clearly been sealed.¡±

    Vi promptly cried out, ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s Frank Lawrence! He sealed my acupoints!¡±

    ¡°Then help her!¡± Donald cried out in turn.

    ¡°I would like to do it, Mr. Szar,¡± Jaud replied awkwardly. ¡°But Frank¡¯s scaling technique is too

    advanced. One mistake, and your daughter¡¯s blood would rush backward, killing her.¡±

    Donald was dumbfounded. ¡°T¨CThen what should we do?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d have to ask Frank to undo the seals,¡± Jaud said, finally realizing that he had underestimated

    Frank.

    Not only was he powerful, but his pill refinement knowledge and his acupoint sealing techniques were

    incredible too.

    What a horrific individual!

    ¡°Motherfucker¡­¡± Donald punched the wall¨Cthat man had been ruining everything for him repeatedly!

    ¡°Dad¡­ It hurts¡­ I¡¯m gonna die¡­¡± Vi kept groaning even as she clutched her chest.

    The worst part was that she was beginning to lose sensation in her limbs.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    If this continued, she would soon be quadriplegic!

    Donald hesitated for a while, his heart breaking for his daughter¡¯s pain.

    ¡°It seems we have no choice.¡± He sighed and took out his phone to call Frank.

    Frank was just outside the hospital when he got Donald¡¯s call.

    He stared at the unfamiliar number, thinking about it before answering.

    ¡°Hello, who¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Donald Szar, Frank.¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°Is there a reason you called me?¡±

 Chapter 263

    Chapter263

    EvenashespoketoFrank,Donaldhadtowithholdhisrage.¡°You maybeontheTurnbullsside,butdon¡¯tyouthinkyou¡¯redespicable?!You¡¯vehurtourpeopleanddefiledmydaughter,evensealingheracupointsandleavingherina stateworsethandeath?!¡±

    ¡°Despicable?Lookwho¡¯stalking,¡±Frankgrowledcoolly,frowning.¡°YouhadObadiahLongmanmurderedinbroaddaylight,andyou¡¯reeventryingtondermefordefilingyourdaughter?Andfortherecord,I¡¯dneverstooptoolowforanuglylikeher.¡±

    ¡°Grr¡­¡±Donald¡¯steethgrittedaudiblyhecouldskinFrankrightthen!

    However,hisdaughter¡¯slifewasinFrank¡¯shandsandhehadtodealwithit!

    ¡°Thisargumentispointless!¡±hesnapped.¡°Let¡¯scuttothechase¨Cmyquarrelisnotwithyou.Freemydaughter¡¯sacupoints,andwewon¡¯tcrosspathsever again!¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    ¡°Haha!¡±Franughedcoolly.¡°Easyforyoutosay.Also,therewasnoquarrelbetweenusbefore,butnowthereisyourdaughterhurtHelen,andshe¡¯sstillintheICUrightnow.¡±

    Donaldwapletelybemused.¡°<strong>Who¡¯s</strong>Helen<strong>?</strong>¡±

    ¡°Myex¨Cwife,¡±Frankrepliedtly.

    Donald<strong>was</strong>speechless.¡°Areyoucrazy?!She¡¯syourex¨Cwife,notyourwife!Whywouldyou<strong>care</strong>?!¡±

    ¡°Saveit,¡±Frankrepliedicily.¡°Ifyourdaughterwantstolive,heronlychanceisto apologizetoHelen.That,oryoucanwaituntilshesides.It¡¯snotathreat justgivingyouahead¡¯sup.

    ¡°Youmotherf-¡±

    Beep.

    FrankhungupbeforeDonaldcouldfinishtheexpletive,whileJaudquicklyasked,¡°Whatdidhesay,Mr.Szar?¡±

    Donaldwasheavingashesmashedhisphoneintopieces.¡°Thatbastarddemandsthatmydaughterapologizetohisex¨Cwife!Whataninsult!¡±

    Jaudwasfrowningtoo¨ChowcouldFrankbethatfullofhimself?!

    SuddenlyDonaldturnedtoJaudwithanangry look.¡°Didn¡¯tyoutellmehewaspoisonedbyyourSnowshade?!ThatgoesforVickyTurnbuswell¨Cwhydotheylookjustfome?!!

    Jaudwasleftembarrassedandunsurewhattosay.¡°M¨CMaybetheTurnbullshadsomeonehelp

    someonebetter¡­¡±

    HecertainlyhadnoideawhoinRivertoncouldhavebeatenhispoison¡­.

    Aservanthurriedintotheroomjustthen.¡°Mr.Szar,BronHowardofSouthAlpSectisaskingtoseeyou.¡±

    ¡°Showhimin.¡±DonaldquicklywenttogreetBronwithJaud.

    HisfamilymightbenomatchforFrank,butiftheyworkedwithSouthAlpSect,theyjustmightkillthatbastard!

    Theyarrivedatthedrawing<strong>room</strong>,wherethemuscr,boorishBronwaswaiting.

    Donaldwastheonewhoinformedhimthathissonwaskilled.WhenhetriedtobringinHelen.forquestioning,Frankbeatthemup.

    HurryinguptoBron,Donaldasked,¡°You¡¯refinallyhere,Mr.Howard,FrankLawrencehasreallygoofar¡­Didyourmenapprehendhim?¡±

    Bronshookhishead.¡°No.Hebeatthemback.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±Donaldeximedinshock.¡°Butdidn¡¯tyousendyourbestmen?TheylostagainstFrank?¡±

    Bron¡¯seyesnarrowedmurderously.¡°Iunderestimatedhimbefore,butI¡¯lldealwithhimmyself.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful!¡±Donaldcried.

 Chapter 264

    Donald quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯d definitely have that little rat if you went yourself.¡±

    Bron nodded and slowly rose to his feet. ¡°I want everything you have on him, down to thest detail.

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Donald promptly had Jaud bring the file they had on Frank

    It imed that Frank was parentless and grew up in an orphanage before marrying into the Lane family

    three years ago¡­.

    Bron flipped through the short stack, finding nothing of note over the years. ¡°This isn¡¯t right. With those

    abilities, he¡¯s not your average Joe¡±

    Donald nodded in agreement. ¡°I think so too. Someone must have erased something¡±

    ¡°Hiph.¡± Bron snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t care who he is he killed my son, and I will have them rest in pieces.¡±

    As he spoke, his eyes swept toward Donald and Jaud, sending a chill down Donald¡¯s spine.

    Bron asked just then, ¡°What about the Lanes?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Howard,¡± Donald quickly said. ¡°That bitch Helen Lane caused this whole mess. We

    have every reason to press the issue.¡±

    Bron nodded and left Szar Vi without a word.

    Meanwhile, Frank had no idea he was being targeted by Bron

    He left the hospital and drove to Skywater Bay after asking Trevor to post some men at the hospital.

    That would at least ensure Helen¡¯s safety for the time being

    However, he sensed the presence of another person once he stopped through the front door.

    He slowly turned on the lights to find a muscr man with a square jaw on the couch.

    Just a nce into each other¡¯s eyes told them that the other was no pushover.

    ¡°You¡¯re sharp. It seems that my apprentices¡® defeat wasn¡¯t unwarranted,¡± Bron growled, there to

    avenge his son.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re from South Alp Sect?¡± Frank asked in return.

    ¡°Yes. I am the chief, Bron Howard.¡±

    ¡°And Troy Howard¡¯s your son?¡±

    Bron rose to his feet, his hands sped behind his back. ¡°Then you know why I¡¯vee. Should I do it

    for you, or are you going to do it yourself?¡±

    He could see that Frank could hold his own but still thought nothing of him because he was young.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Frank chuckled in contempt. ¡°If there¡¯s a person who could kill me, they certainly aren¡¯t born yet.

    And here you are, a lowly sect chief, having the balls to demand I end myself?¡±

    ¡°Young and ignorant, huh? It seems you¡¯re going to be a problem if you¡¯re left atrge!¡± Bron bellowed.

    He stomped his foot violently, clearing the distance to Frank instantly and murderously. In a split

    second, he unleashed South Alp Sect¡¯s esoteric technique, the Cloudseeker! His palm moved with the

    grace of clouds, kicking gales around him.

    Frank kept his hands in his pocket, his footwork changing endless as he dodged every blow. He was

    unfamiliar with South Alp Scet¡¯s style and refrained from attacking.

    Even as the fight moved outside, Bron continued to pulverize everything his palm reached as they

    exchanged dozens of blows.

    By then, Frank had already gained a full grasp of Bron¡¯s technique, while Bron was snapping in

    frustration, ¡°You bastard! Is dodging all you can do?!¡±

    To make things worse, Frank had to move with such dexterity that he could not get the faintest grasp of

    Frank¡¯s footwork!

    ¡°If Lattacked, you¡¯d already be dead,¡± Frank said icily, his eyes suddenly shing viciously as he

    directed the flow of his pure vigor!

    Donald quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯d definitely have that little rat if you went yourself.¡±

    Bron nodded and slowly rose to his feet. ¡°I want everything you have on him, down to thest detail.

    Donald promptly had Jaud bring the file they had on Frank

    It imed that Frank was parentless and grew up in an orphanage before marrying into the Lane family

    three years ago¡­.

    Bron flipped through the short stack, finding nothing of note over the years. ¡°This isn¡¯t right. With those

    abilities, he¡¯s not your average Joe¡±

    Donald nodded in agreement. ¡°I think so too. Someone must have erased something¡±

    ¡°Hiph.¡± Bron snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t care who he is he killed my son, and I will have them rest in pieces.¡±

    As he spoke, his eyes swept toward Donald and Jaud, sending a chill down Donald¡¯s spine.

    Bron asked just then, ¡°What about the Lanes?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Howard,¡± Donald quickly said. ¡°That bitch Helen Lane caused this whole mess. We

    have every reason to press the issue.¡±

    Bron nodded and left Szar Vi without a word.

    Meanwhile, Frank had no idea he was being targeted by Bron

    He left the hospital and drove to Skywater Bay after asking Trevor to post some men at the hospital.

    That would at least ensure Helen¡¯s safety for the time being

    However, he sensed the presence of another person once he stopped through the front door.

    He slowly turned on the lights to find a muscr man with a square jaw on the couch.

    Just a nce into each other¡¯s eyes told them that the other was no pushover.

    ¡°You¡¯re sharp. It seems that my apprentices¡® defeat wasn¡¯t unwarranted,¡± Bron growled, there to

    avenge his son.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re from South Alp Sect?¡± Frank asked in return.

    ¡°Yes. I am the chief, Bron Howard.¡±

    ¡°And Troy Howard¡¯s your son?¡±

    Bron rose to his feet, his hands sped behind his back. ¡°Then you know why I¡¯vee. Should I do it

    for you, or are you going to do it yourself?¡±

    He could see that Frank could hold his own but still thought nothing of him because he was young.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Frank chuckled in contempt. ¡°If there¡¯s a person who could kill me, they certainly aren¡¯t born yet.

    And here you are, a lowly sect chief, having the balls to demand I end myself?¡±

    ¡°Young and ignorant, huh? It seems you¡¯re going to be a problem if you¡¯re left atrge!¡± Bron bellowed.

    He stomped his foot violently, clearing the distance to Frank instantly and murderously. In a split

    second, he unleashed South Alp Sect¡¯s esoteric technique, the Cloudseeker! His palm moved with the

    grace of clouds, kicking gales around him.

    Frank kept his hands in his pocket, his footwork changing endless as he dodged every blow. He was

    unfamiliar with South Alp Scet¡¯s style and refrained from attacking.

    Even as the fight moved outside, Bron continued to pulverize everything his palm reached as they

    exchanged dozens of blows.

    By then, Frank had already gained a full grasp of Bron¡¯s technique, while Bron was snapping in

    frustration, ¡°You bastard! Is dodging all you can do?!¡±

    To make things worse, Frank had to move with such dexterity that he could not get the faintest grasp of

    Frank¡¯s footwork!

    ¡°If Lattacked, you¡¯d already be dead,¡± Frank said icily, his eyes suddenly shing viciously as he

    directed the flow of his pure vigor!

 Chapter 265

    As Frank sent a punch with devastating force, Bron paled, caught off guard.

    He did not think that Frank¡¯s pure vigor would be that abundant!

    Mustering every ounce of his own vigor, he raised his arms to parry Frank¡¯s blow!

    Pow!

    A violent shockwave unfurled with a resounding crack in the air.

    Frank stood motionless.

    On the other hand, Bron stumbled several paces backward, the floor cracking where his feet. made

    contact.

    ¡°Son of a¡­¡± He swore under his breath, while sweat poured over his back.

    His arm felt numb as if struck by a thunderbolt!

    He did not think that a young man like Frank could unleash such might with a single punch- not even

    his full strength would make the brat budge!

    So that was why he remained unfettered from the very start!

    However, just before Frank moved in for the kill, Robert Quill arrived on the scene and shouted,

    ¡°Please hold back, Mr. Lawrence!

    Frank was taken aback and stilled his vigor at Robert¡¯s call. ¡°What are you doing here,. Governor

    Quill?¡±

    Robert hurried to him and admitted, ¡°I heard about your fight with the Szars, Mr. Lawrence. I was

    going to discuss the issue, but I found you fighting Mr. Howard here as soon as Larrived.¡±

    ¡°I see.

    Thank you for your concern

    governor,¡± Frank replied.

    Bron was stunned as he turned toward Robert. ¡°You know the boy, Mr. Quill?¡±

    He was confused¨Chow did Frank manage to earn Robert¡¯s friendship?

    If anything, they should not know each other at all!

    ¡°Of course,¡± Robert quickly said. ¡°Allow me to introduce: this is Mr. Frank Lawrence.¡±

    As governor, he was naturally acquainted¨Cif not close friends¨Cwith the four major sects of Riverton and

    their elites.

    Still, he considered Frank to be an equal of all four sects despite his youth, and he would rather they

    did not burn bridges.

    Bron growled coolly, ¡°Save it. I know him already.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Well, why go as far as to start a fight?¡± Robert quickly smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t we put this little

    misunderstanding behind us? Think of it as doing me a favor¡­¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡± Bron bellowed in rage. ¡°That bastard killed my son! I¡¯ll kill him, whatever it takes!¡±

    22

    ¡°What?!¡± Robert eximed in shock.

    Turning toward Frank nkly, he hurried to him and asked, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, did you really kill Mr.

    Howard¡¯s son?¡±

    ¡°Who is his son?¡±

    ¡°Troy Howard. Fair skin, a little on the slender side¡­¡±

    ¡°I only kicked him,¡± Frank replied tly. ¡°He¡¯s still alive.¡±

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Bron bellowed, his face contorted in fury as he remembered the tragic sight of his son¡¯s

    death. ¡°My son¡¯s head was in pieces! Your quarrel is with the Szars! You didn¡¯t have to kill him for it!¡±

    Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°I only kicked your son in the chest. If his head is in pieces, then you should

    really investigate why instead.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± His reaction only further incensed Bron.

    Heunched toward Frank, ready to take him out with him.

    Fortunately, Robert remained calm and quickly intercepted Bron. ¡°Please calm down, Mr. Howard.¡±

    ¡°How could I?!¡± Bron growled through his teeth. ¡°My son died in the worst way possible!¡±

 Chapter 266

    Robert reasoned, ¡°I understand how you feel, Mr. Howard, but it¡¯s a greater crime to be exploited.

    Moreover, I can vouch for Mr. Lawrence¡¯s character even if we were only recently acquainted. He

    would never desecrate another man¡¯s body.¡±

    Each of Frank¡¯s blows had the potential to be lethal.

    And as Bron put it, Troy¡¯s head was stomped into pieces.

    There was no way Frank would kill Troy, and then step on his head!

    Robert¡¯s words actually calmed Bron somewhat as well, but he doubted that Frank waspletely

    innocent.

    Before he could say anything, however, Robert told him, ¡°Just leave this to me¨CI¡¯ll ask Mr. Lawrence

    myself. You deserve a satisfying conclusion, at least.¡±

    With that, he walked up to Frank with a solemn expression and asked, ¡°Be honest with me, Mr.

    Lawrence. Did you or did you not murder Troy Howard?¡±

    Frank actually did not care for an idiot like Bron, but he was not about to take the me for someone

    else¡¯s mess.

    Knowing he had most definitely been framed, he shook his head. ¡°I only kicked him once, and the kick

    was not strong enough to kill.¡±

    Robert appeared pensive. ¡°Maybe you misjudged your strength?¡±

    Frank nced at him. ¡°I know my strength best. He would be left in two pieces if I wanted him dead.¡±

    Robert nodded repeatedly, actually picking up on the hint of impatience in Frank¡¯s voice.

    Returning to Bron, he said, ¡°I¡¯m sure of it, Mr. Howard. Frank Lawrence did not kill your son.¡±

    Bron looked at him in disbelief. ¡°I understand you want to protect him, governor, but don¡¯t you think

    you¡¯re belittling me?¡±

    He might merely be the leader of a sect, but if he called his sect to war in full force, they could definitely

    hold their own!

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°My ims aren¡¯t baseless, Mr. Howard,¡± Robert quickly exined. ¡°I¡¯m sure you had an idea when you

    traded blows with Mr. Lawrence just now. His power goes without saying¨Che can kill your son with a

    single blow, and it¡¯spletely unnecessary for him to desecrate him. In fact, he has even less reason

    to do it because he¡¯s after the Szars¡­ not to mention that the Szars started this fight in the first

    ce.¡±

    Bron red fixedly at Frank, but there was no question about it.

    He had felt it himself¨Cif Frank really wanted him dead, he needed no more than a few blows.

    As for his son Troy? Less than two.

    Sighing, he asked, ¡°What are you getting at, governor?¡±

    ¡°If you trust me, Mr. Howard, allow me to investigate this matter,¡± Robert quickly said. ¡°I promise that

    you¡¯ll have your answer.¡±

    22

    Bron stared at Robert¨Cthe man was one of Riverton¡¯s giants, and Bron was at ease with leaving the

    investigation to him.

    Moreover, he did not stand a chance against Frank since he was alone.

    ¡°In that case, I shall grant this leeway,¡± Bron said. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you to find out the truth for my son¡¯s

    sake.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Howard. I¡¯ll definitely get to the bottom of this,¡± Robert replied.

    And with that, Bron turned and strode off.

    However, he coughed out a mouth of blood as soon as he left Skywater Bay.

    He had to tap his chest¡¯s acupoints to stop the bleeding.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ Who the hell is that bastard? Why is he that powerful?¡± he muttered under his breath.

    If anything, he had no time to investigate anything¨Che must return to his sect as soon as possible to

    heal!

    On the other hand, Robert breathed a long sigh of relief after watching Bron leave. ¡°Are you alright, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Frank replied. ¡°He¡¯s not strong enough to hurt me.¡±

    Robert was stunned¨Cthe chief of an entire sect was no match for Frank?

    Could the boy¡¯s abilities be truly boundless?

    Changing the subject, he asked, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, it¡¯s clear the Szars want you dead now. What are

    you going to do?¡±

 Chapter 267

    Frank said coolly, ¡°What else would I do? I¡¯ll destroy the Szars if Vi doesn¡¯t apologize to Helen.¡±

    Robert quickly nodded. ¡°Just say the word if you need assistance. I¡¯m eternally supportive of any of

    your decisions.¡±

    He might be friends with individuals, ns, and organizations of wealth and power, but between Frank

    and the Szars? He would choose Frank in a heartbeat!

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Frank nodded.

    Early next morning, Donald visited Bron, asking eagerly as soon as he stepped through the front door,

    ¡°Greetings, Mr. Howard. May I ask where you¡¯ve ced Frank Lawrence¡¯s head?¡±

    Bron inhaled deeply. ¡°He¡¯s too powerful for me.¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What? You didn¡¯t kill him?¡± Donald eximed in shock.

    Even Jaud did double take behind Donald¨CBron was actually no match for Frank Lawrence?!

    ¡°Is he stronger than you?¡± Donald quickly pressed.

    Bron shot him a look but said, ¡°No way.¡±

    He would never admit it, even if it was the truth that he was no match for Frank!

    That left Donald further confused. ¡°Then, why would you spare him? He killed your son¡­¡±

    ¡°Robert Quill himself intervened when I fought the brat yesterday.¡± Bron snorted. ¡°He promised on his

    life that Frank was innocent, and that he¡¯ll find the truth for me.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Donald frowned as he tried to coax the man, ¡°Mr. Howard, Robert is in league with Frank.

    How could you trust him?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bron chuckled coldly. ¡°But I actually think the governor is being reasonable.¡±

    Donald inhaled sharply. ¡°So you¡¯re not going to help us, Mr. Howard?¡±

    ¡°I just want to avenge my son,¡± Bron replied. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely have whoever did it rest in pieces.

    ¡°Very well!¡± Donald sighed. ¡°I would never ask for more. My family will assist you in your investigation¨C

    we¡¯ll offer our assistance as long as you ask for it.¡±

    And with that, Donald and Jaud left, with Donald feeling a major headache as soon as he stepped

    outside.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± he groaned. ¡°I didn¡¯t think Robert Quill would actually intervene¡­ And now, even Bron is

    refusing to help. I knew we shouldn¡¯t have killed Troy¡­¡±

    His words were clearly meant to me, so Jaud quickly said, ¡°Patience, Mr. Szar. There are still

    ways to eliminate Frank even if Bron¡¯s not helping.¡±

    ¡°What ways?¡± Donald snorted. ¡°The way I see it, even Bron is no match for that bastard. Honestly,

    where the hell did Vicky Turnbull find someone as powerful as him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re forgetting about my sect, Mr. Szar,¡± Jaud said confidently.

    ¡°What,

    u¡¯re asking for their help?¡± Donald raised his brow. ¡°Didn¡¯t you run away after they branded you a

    traitor?¡±

    Jaudughed. ¡°That I did, but I have gathered connections after my venture out to the big world¡­

    specifically, friends who are adept at assignation.¡±

    Donald narrowed his eyes. ¡°Kill Frank, and I will pay you 100 million dors.¡±

    Frank was now the greatest obstacle for him, and that money was plenty worth it.

    Meanwhile, Helen was discharged after a full recovery.

    Even Henry Lane himself was visiting Lane Manor.

 Chapter 268

    While Helen was hospitalized, Lane Holdings were attacked ruthlessly, from the main branch to its

    subsidiaries.

    Share prices were reaching new lows, and they were on the verge of bankruptcy.

    As soon as Helen woke up in the morning, Gina was crying her eyes out. ¡°What have we done? How

    could the world be so unfair to us?¡±

    Peter was clenching his knuckles and growling through his teeth, ¡°Shit. If pushes to shove, we¡¯d

    just have to bring the fight to them!¡±

    ¡°Hah!¡± Henry snorted. ¡°Who¡¯s going, you? Are you that suicidal?¡±

    Nearby, Cindy sat in silence, not expecting things to turn out like this.

    Henry turned toward Helen just then. ¡°What happened between you and Vi Szar? Why does she

    hate you so much?¡±

    They must get to the bottom of this to resolve this issue, but Helen was as confused as they were. ¡°I

    don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never met her before¨Chow could I have upset her somehow?¡±

    The Lanes were all speechless, just as Chris arrived.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    ¡°Helen, I heard you had trouble yesterday?¡± he asked in concern.

    Gina promptly tools his hands, sobbing, ¡°Oh, Mr. Steiner¡­ You have no idea how much we¡¯ve been

    through! Vi Szar has really gone too far, ndering Helen for being a thief¡­¡± Chris, however,

    was delighted¨Cit seemed that the Lanes still had no idea about him and Vi. Still, Helen asked just

    then, ¡°Chris, where did you get that red diamond ne?¡±

    Chris¡® heart skipped a beat, knowing that Helen had doubts about him.

    However, he had already prepared an excuse before he came. ¡°I bought it, of course. Vi Szar

    tried to buy it as well, but I outbid her. Being as haughty as she is, she must have held a grudge¡­ I¡¯m

    so sorry that you had to suffer an ordeal because of that, Helen.¡±

    Helen nodded in understanding¨Cif that had happened, it was not surprising that Vi absolutely

    loathed her..

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Mr. Steiner. It¡¯s all Vi¡¯s fault,¡± Gina sobbed, wiping the tears of her eyes. ¡°You

    have to help us¡­ The Szars are sanctioning us, and most of Lane Holdings businesses are falling

    apart. Can¡¯t you ask your contacts to bail us out?¡±

    Chris was taken aback¨CVi was really out to destroy Helen!

    She must have had a hunch about his rtionship with Helen as well¡­

    However, even if he could not change Vi¡¯s mind, he must at least pretend he could while he was in

    front of the Lanes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he promised. ¡°You will all be fine as long as I¡¯m around. I¡¯ve even called the Szars

    before I came¨Cthey promised to reconsider.¡±

    Everyone breathed a huge sigh of relief.

    ¡°Mr. Steiner really pulls his weight when it matters.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure¡­

    Even Cindy saw Chris in a new light.

    He must be a big deal, seeing he could actually tell the Szars what to do.

    She could not help being jealous that Helen was always surrounded by such men of power¡­.

    That was when someone scoffed in contempt from the door. ¡°Him, changing the Szars¡± decision?

    Laughable.¡±

    Everyone turned to find Frank standing there.

    22

 Chapter 269

    ¡°Who let you in here?!¡± Gina snapped, scowling as soon as she saw Frank

    She was convinced that he must havee tough at them, given their current state.

    ¡°Shut it. I told him toe,¡± Henry said, rising to his feet.

    Gina promptly rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Do you even understand what¡¯s happening? Why would you call

    that jinx her

    ¡°I asked him to help discuss how we¡¯re going to resolve this crisis,¡± Henry replied.

    Gina snorted at Frank. ¡°What, him? What can he resolve?¡±

    ¡°Stay quiet, will you?¡± Henry snapped, ring at Gina before hurrying to Frank. ¡°We¡¯re in trouble now.

    You were my grandson¨Cinw, but I must ask your help to pull some strings and see if you can get us

    through this crisis.¡±

    Frank said calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your family will be fine as long as I¡¯m around. Vi will be here to

    apologize personally soon.¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Henry was delighted right then he knew Frank had that much influence,

    even if he tended to hide it.

    Nheless, Gina snorted nearby. ¡°Hah! You¡¯ll get Vi to apologize? Who are you, her father? You¡¯re

    so full of it¨Cknow your limit even if you want to boast!¡±

    Chrisughed as well. ¡°Be more self¨Caware, kid. There are things you really shouldn¡¯t say.¡±

    What could that piece of shit do when even Chris himself could not get Vi to apologize?

    On the other hand, Helen stared at Frank, her lips parted as if ready to speak, but ended up only

    sighing.

    Frank wheeled on Chris just then, growling coldly, ¡°You actually showed your face here, bastard?¡±

    ¡°Watch your mouth,¡± Chris retorted,pletely unafraid.

    ¡°Who do you think you¡¯re talking to?!¡± Gina snapped at Frank in turn.

    Peter quickly joined in as well. ¡°Mr. Steiner is here to help us, and you have the balls to snap at him?¡±

    Frank snorted coldly. ¡°You¡¯re all in this mess because of him, and you¡¯re still treating him like treasure?

    Idiots.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    ¡°What are you talking about?!¡± Peter snapped furiously, though he was afraid to attack Frank.

    ¡°He dresses the part of some bigwig, but he¡¯s no more than Vi¡¯s boy toy,¡± Frank said as he pointed

    at Chris. ¡°That red diamond ne? It¡¯s Vi¡¯s¨Che gave it to Helen because he¡¯s obviously into her.

    Why else do you think Vi would brutalize Helen? Do you still think this bastard is here to help?¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Everyone was left stunned and turned toward Chris in disbelief.

    ??

    After all, Gina and the rest were convinced Chris was some rich bigwig who had money and talent, not

    to mention that he was loyal to Helen.

    Was he really just Vi¡¯s boy toy¡­?

    Helen turned toward Chris, ready to demand the truth, but Chris was already glowering and snapping

    at Frank, ¡°That¡¯s bullshit! You¡¯re just ndering me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ndering you?¡± Frank red at him in disdain. ¡°I saw you with Vi at Skywater Bay with my own

    eyes, sucking up to her like abrador. You call that nder too?¡±

    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re just making that up!¡± Chris cried.

 Chapter 270

    Chris¡® eyes were evasive even as he quickly came up with another excuse. ¡°I have no connection with

    Vi¨CI bought that red diamond ne! She wanted it too, but I didn¡¯t give in, so she bore a grudge

    over that!¡±

    The Lanes were all trading nces, not sure who to believe with Frank and Chris arguing.

    Frank turned toward Cindy just then and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell us. Is the ne Vi¡¯s or Chris¡®?¡±

    Cindy did not think that Frank would turn his crosshairs on her.

    At that moment, what she said would decide what the Lanes would believe, and she certainly knew the

    truth. After all, during the party, Vi wore a blue diamond ne with a design identical to Chris¡® red

    diamond ne.

    However, if she told the truth, she would upset Chris¡­ And Frank was not going to thank her

    anyway.

    And considering all the grievances she harbored toward Frank, helping Chris and getting in his good

    graces was much more ideal.

    ¡°O¨COf course it¡¯s Mr. Steiner¡¯s,¡± she said. ¡°Ms. Szar is just jealous.¡±

    Frank frowned at her words, his eyes shing murderously. ¡°Still lying, are you?¡±

    ¡°Ahhh!!!¡±

    Knowing how strong Frank was, Cindy screamed as soon as Frank rushed toward her, hiding behind

    Gina as she cried, ¡°Help me, Aunt Gina!¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± Gina bellowed as she red at Frank. ¡°How dare youy a finger on my family!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just jealous, kid.¡± Chrisughed coolly and rolled up his sleeves, ready to hit Frank. ¡± Hating me

    just because Mrs. Lane likes me better, and now, you¡¯re trying to hurt Cindy too. I won¡¯t allow such

    behavior!¡±

    Peter, however, quickly stopped Chris. ¡°Calm down, Mr. Steiner. Don¡¯t stoop to that lowlife¡¯s level.¡±

    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    In reality, he was afraid that Chris would be beaten to a pulp, especially when Chris was the only

    person who could bail out his family now.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Helen suddenly bellowed, stopping all of them.

    ¡°Helen! Get him out of here already!¡± Cindy promptly cried.

    Helen, however, simply stared at them, not knowing who to believe.

    Despite having doubts about Chris¡® ims, she did not really believe Frank either.

    As such, she did not chase anyone out, although she was not particrly friendly either.¡± Argue all you

    want, but do it outside.¡±

    And with those words, she turned and headed to her study.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Chris snorted, folding his arms before his chest. ¡°I¡¯ll let this slide for Helen¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Mr. Steiner. Don¡¯t stoop to his level,¡± Gina said as she pulled Chris along to the drawing

    room.

    Henry sighed.

    As the only one around who trusted Frank unconditionally, he said, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. that you had to put up

    with this, Frank.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Frank smiled, but his words were solemn. ¡°Your troubles are mine- I¡¯d be dead

    if not for you back then.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it¡­ But I must ask, can we get through this?¡± Henry asked tentatively.

    Frank¡¯s phone suddenly started ringing.

    Frank nced at it to see that it was Donald Szar calling, and he chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Vi will

    apologize to Helen soon.¡±

    im Bonus For Free Every Days*

 Chapter 271

    Henry¡¯s eves lit up as he eximed in disbelief, ¡°Really?

    ¡°Of course. Let me take this call.¡± Frank nodded and strode outside to answer Donald¡¯s phone call.

    Donald was bellowing as soon as the call connected, ¡°Frank Lawrence! My daughter is dying! Get over

    here and treat her right now!¡±

    He was utterly frantic as Vi¡¯s condition grew progressively worse.

    She was wheelchair bound, unable to lift any of her limbs!

    On the other hand, Frank remained nonchnt. ¡°Calm down. She still has three days and plenty of

    hurting in between.¡±

    ¡°You little-||

    Frank cut Donald¡¯s outburst short. ¡°I guess I should remind you that you¡¯re the one asking for a favor.

    You have no right to demand anything.¡±

    ¡°Fine! What do you want?¡± Donald growled through his teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll lift the sanctions against Lane

    Holdings too, okay?¡±

    ¡°I told you. Have your daughter apologize to Helen if you want her to live,¡± Frank replied. ¡°If anything,

    lifting the sanctions is only right.¡±

    Donald clenched his fist. ¡°My daughter, apologize?! She¡¯s the heiress to my grand dynasty! Ask for

    money or anything else, and we¡¯ll give it to you!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my only condition,¡± Frank said nonchntly. ¡°There¡¯s no need to continue this conversation if

    you can¡¯t do that much.¡±

    And with that, Frank hung up, leaving Donald staring at his phone, dumbstruck.

    ¡°Motherfucker!¡± he bellowed. ¡°He hung up on me?

    Beside him, Jaud hung his head. ¡°Mr. Szar, your daughter is drifting out of consciousness, and the

    pain would only get worse. Let¡¯s just ask her to apologize to Helen¡­¡±

    Donald mmed his fist on the table. ¡°Fuck! Who does that bitch think she is?! I¡¯ve never even heard of

    her, and she wants my daughter to apologize?!!

    He hade to Riverton, ready to make a bang¡­ only to end up bending himself backward?!

    What was that if not a p to the face?

    ¡°Dad¡­ Help¡­ Save me¡­¡± Vi pleaded from her bedroom just then.

    Donald rushed over at her call, finding her cheeks pale from the agony that continued since yesterday.

    She really had enough!

    ¡°Dad, I just have to apologize to Helen Lane, right? I¡¯m going to die if this continues¡­¡±

    Donald¡¯s heart broke seeing her in that state.

    After much consideration, he decided that he had no choice.

    ¡°Alright. We¡¯d just have to do it since you agreed to it,¡± he said, gritting his teeth.

    With that, he sent his butler Alfredo to take Vi to Lane Manor while telling all his contacts to stop

    their sanctions against Lane Holdings.

    The Lanes quickly received word that the sanctions against theirpany were lifted, and everyone

    was delighted when Helen broke the news.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Even Chris was shocked¨Cthe Szars really stopped attacking the Lanes?

    ¡°Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Steiner!¡± cina cried excitedly. She could give Chris a bear hug right then!

    Peter and Cindy were thoroughly in awe as well, with the former promising, ¡°From now on, just tell me if

    there¡¯s anything you need, Mr. Steiner. I¡¯ll definitely get it done.¡± Chris was scratching his head as he

    chuckled. ¡°Ha¡­ Haha¡­¡±

    im Bonus For Free Every Day?s

 Chapter 272

    Chris chuckled. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s no big deal at all.¡±

    Henry and Frank entered just then, and Helen quickly told Henry, ¡°You have nothing to worry about

    now, Grandpa. The sanctions against us have been lifted.¡±

    ¡®Really?¡± Henry did a double take and quickly realized that Frank did it since he was just on his phone.

    ¡°Well, we really owe Frank for that.¡±

    Frank nodded¨Cit seemed that Donald had caved, and Vi would soon be here to apologize to Helen.

    Gina, however, snorted in disdain. ¡°Him? What does it have to do with him? It¡¯s all thanks to Mr. Steiner

    that the sanctions were lifted!¡±

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Henry retorted. ¡°Frank was on his phone just now, and the sanctions were lifted soon

    after.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Peterughed as he pointed at Frank. ¡°He made a phone call, and it¡¯s done? Who did he call,

    Donald Szar? Who does he think he is?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Chrisughed. ¡°What are you going to say next, that the Szars woulde to apologize

    now?¡±

    ¡°What if I do?¡± Frank replied tly.

    ¡°Hah! All you can do is boast, lowlife.¡± Gina snorted.

    That was when a servant rushed inside. ¡°Mr. Lane, Ms. Lane¡­ Alfredo, the butler of the Szars, is

    asking to see you.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Everyone was shocked, with Gina getting frantic since she feared the Szars,

    ¡°Why did theye?¡± she cried. ¡°Are they here to finish the job?¡±

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    Peter turned to Chris right then. ¡°M¨CMr. Steiner, what should we do?¡±

    Chris gulped¨Che could not show his face at this time!

    ¡°Oh, actually, I think you should go see them. I¡¯m staying here, but I¡¯ll be ready to help if anything

    happens,¡± he said very softly.

    ¡°Why is everyone panicking? The Szars havee, and so be it. They¡¯re surely not that

    unreasonable,¡± Helen said and slowly rose to her feet, her gaze fearless.

    Henry

    family.

    nodded contentedly beside her¨Cshe was at least showing her mettle as the head of the

    ¡°They¡¯re here to apologize,¡± Frank said just then.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Gina promptly snapped at him. ¡°Apologize?! How delusional can you get?¡±

    Helen, however, started toward the door, and the rest of the family had no choice but to follow

    except Chris, who hid in a corner, afraid to show his face.

    Walking up to Alfredo, Helen greeted him. ¡°Good day, Mr. Alfredo. I apologize for theck of

    hospitality despite having you travel all this way.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s perfectly fine, Ms. Lane,¡± Alfredo replied, perfectly polite if only because Helen was the key to

    saving Vi.

    Helen turned and saw Vi just then, and she did a double take.

    It was the same Vi. But while she beat Helen to an inch of her life yesterday, she appeared to be

    almost dying now¡­

    ¡°To what do we owe the pleasure?¡± Helen asked tentatively just then.

    ¡°I represent the Szar family in apologizing to you, Ms. Lane,¡± Alfredo said. ¡°I¡¯m afraid Ms. Szar

    had been a little rash yesterday, on top of having a misunderstanding. As such, we¡¯vee expressly

    to apologize and ask for your forgiveness.¡±

    Helen¡¯s eyes bulged, hardly able to believe her ears¨Cthey had reallye to apologize?!

 Chapter 273

    elen gulped¨Cshe certainly did not have the right to deny Vi anything!

    D¨COf course. I forgive Ms. Szar,¡± she said.

    Wonderful. From now on, our family and yours would still be friends,¡± Alfredo shed at entlemanly

    smile.

    Yeah, that¡¯s for sure.¡± Helen nodded repeatedly.

    ina was grinning as well. ¡°It¡¯s all just a misunderstanding. Just give us a shout if nything too.¡±

    you need

    he rest of them were certainly awash with delight that the Szars came personally to pologize, even

    make peace with them.

    ven in hiding, Chris could hear them from his corner and was left in shock as well!

    lowever, that was when Frank strode up to Alfredo and snapped, ¡°What¡¯s this? Why are you. pologizing

    to the Lanes, geezer? Vi Szar was the one who hurt Helen. She should be pologizing instead.¡±

    Uh¡­¡± Alfredo was left stunned.

    ina freaked out right then and red at Frank. ¡°Shut up! You don¡¯t get to speak here!¡±

    ven Helen was frowning and snapping at him. ¡°Stop it, Frank.¡±

    he Szars were finally here to make peace¨Cshe did not want to upset them again just ecause Frank

    misspoke!

    eter hurried to Alfredo as well. ¡°Just ignore him. He¡¯s not one of us.

    evertheless, Vi started trembling as soon as she spotted Frank from afar.

    Without wasting a moment to argue, she turned to Helen and said, ¡°I apologize for my ctions, Ms. Lane.

    I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±

    Uh¡­ I¨CIt¡¯s alright, Ms. Szar,¡± Helen said, suddenly feeling buoyed.

    he still remembered how helpless she was when Violet beat her, and she could not argue ecause she

    lacked power and influence.

    nd yet, the same haughty Violet was now apologizing to her.

    really felt unreal.

    Then you forgive me?¡± Vi quickly asked.

    Of course. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± Gina grinned. ¡°Young people tend to get a little hot- ooded, and a

    little quarrel is fine.¡±

    Phew¡­¡±

    i breathed a huge sigh of relief right then.

    She forgives you. You can go now,¡± Frank spoke up again.

    i breathed another huge sigh of relief.

    Thank goodness Frank did not ask for anything else, or she would be thoroughly humiliated!

    ¡°Could you shut up for a moment?!¡± Gina shot Frank a vicious re, wishing he was dead right then.

    Still, her expression changed instantly as she turned back to Vi with a grin. ¡°Please stay, Ms.

    Szar. It¡¯s rare that you¡¯d visit¨Cdoe in.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine¨CI have other things to do, so I need to go.¡± Vi quickly refused, not wanting to linger another

    moment when Frank was in the vicinity.

    Alfredo quickly wheeled Vi away in response, while the Lanes breathed a sigh of relief after seeing

    Vi off.

    Chris finally stepped outside at that.

    Cindy spotted him and hurried to him. ¡°Oh, Mr. Steiner! You¡¯re so amazing, getting Vi herself to

    apologize!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Chris,¡± Helen told him as well.

    She doubted if he had this much influence at first, but Vi dide.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Who else other than Chris couldpel the Szars?

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, Helen.¡± Chris smiled brazenly. ¡°As your former ssmate, it¡¯s only right that I

    help.

 Chapter 274

    Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°Absolutely. Former ssmates should help each other¨Cit¡¯s only right.¡±

    ¡°Pfft. Him, telling the Szars to apologize? Who does he think he is?¡± Frank snorted in disdain.

    ¡°You¡¯re just jealous.¡± Chris chuckled coolly.

    Even if he actually did nothing, it did not matter as long as the Lanes believed him.

    Frank red at him with contempt. ¡°Jealous of a lowlife like you? Really?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Gina bellowed right then, her finger inches from his nose. ¡°You, calling another person a

    lowlife?! You¡¯re the worst there is! Freeloading from my house for years!¡±

    Peter nodded beside her. ¡°Exactly¨Che even has the balls to nder Mr. Steiner. Get out of here

    already!¡±

    ¡°Stop it already, Frank.¡± Even Helen was snapping at Frank in disappointment.

    ¡°Stop what?¡± Frank asked, frowning. ¡°I¡¯ve been telling the truth all this while.¡±

    Helen red at him in turn. ¡°The truth? Are you saying Vi came to apologize because you told her

    to? That her family lifted their sanctions because of you?!¡±

    ¡°Who else could it be? Him?!¡± Frank pointed at Chris. ¡°You should have seen what he was doing. Did

    he dare to show his face when Vi was here?!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Helen snapped, cutting him short. ¡°You always spout such groundless nonsense. Don¡¯t you

    feel ashamed?!!

    He even imed that Chris was hooking up with Vi, but it turned out to be all baseless! Frank

    inhaled deeply and asked quietly, ¡°Did your family have evidence when they ndered. me? And

    you¡¯re now saying that my words are groundless nonsense.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Helen froze, but Frank was right.

    She became convinced that Frank was Vicky¡¯s gigolo when everyone said so.

    In fact, she believed that even now, because Frank had been good for nothing through and through, in

    the three years they had been married.

    Frank stormed out of Lane Manor right then, thoroughly disappointed in Helen.

    ¡°Frank, stop!¡±

    Helen was going to give chase when Gina stopped her. ¡°Why would you go after that lowlife?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Helen¨Cthe sooner he¡¯s gone, the better,¡± Peter reasoned. ¡°Ideally, he¡¯d stay away from us for the

    rest of our lives.¡±

    ¡°You and your mother are really two peas in a pod, one as short¨Csighted as the other,¡± Henry growled,

    shaking his head.

    Even if he did not know what Frank did, if Frank said Chris did not help, then it must be so.

    ¡°Oh, what would you know, old man?¡± Gina snorted impatiently.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    That was when Alfredo returned, and everyone promptly stopped arguing.

    Gina hurried up to him, asking, ¡°Yes? Is there something else we can help you with?¡±

    ¡°Where is Frank Lawrence?¡± Alfredo asked.

    ¡°Huh? Is something the matter with him?¡± Gina asked in confusion.

    ¡°I¡¯d just like to ask when Frank would cure Ms. Szar.¡±

    ¡°Cure? What do you mean?¡± Gina was left utterly perplexed.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence demanded that Ms. Szar apologize to Ms. Lane, and she has done that,¡± Alfredo

    exined. ¡°He should hold up his end of the bargain and cure Ms. Szar.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Alfredo¡¯s words were a bombshell that left every person in the room bbergasted!

 Chapter 275

    Gina gulped and asked tentatively, ¡°A¨CAre you joking, sir?¡±

    Alfredo frowned. ¡°Do I look like the type of person who jokes around?¡±

    ¡°O¨COf course not,¡± Gina replied.

    However, she was too afraid to tell the man that she chased Frank away and instead. stammered, ¡°H¨C

    He just left¡­ you might catch up if you go after him now?¡®

    Alfredo turned and hurried away without dy at those words.

    On the other hand, Helen suddenly felt dizzy and would have almost dropped to the floor if Gina did not

    catch her.

    ¡°Helen? Are you alright?¡± Gina asked worriedly.

    Helen was leaning in her arms even as she murmured softly, ¡°Mom¡­ I hate this so much¡­¡±

    It turned out that everything Frank said was real,

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    He was the one who was always there for her heaven knows how much he had been through just to

    get even for her sake.

    And yet, she only offered Frank those hurtful words¡­

    She felt a pang of guilt when she realized the truth, but she had no idea what to tell Frank now.

    She would actually rather he scold her¡­ But would he even be willing to see her now?

    Nearby, Chris was left thoroughly humiliated,

    He was just boasting about how he helped the Lanes pacify the Szars, only for the Szars to

    expose his lies in record time.

    He was at a loss, unable to offer Helenfort, just as it was further awkward staying away¡­

    Gina was actually confused too.

    Why would Vi give in to Frank¡¯s demands?

    Naturally, none of them knew what Frank had been through, when Peter stood up and said, What are

    you worried about, Helen? Frank is just Vicky¡¯s boy toy¨Cdo you really think Vi apologized to you

    because Frank asked? It must be the Turnbulls who did the heavy lifting¡°!

    Gina immediately thought it made sense. ¡°Exactly! I knew that brat wouldn¡¯t amount to anything. The

    Turnbulls are the Szars¡® rivals anyway, and they might just be using helping Frank as an excuse.¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°That still means Frank asked for Vicky¡¯s help for my sake.¡±

    Frank ending up further indebted to Vicky was thest thing she wanted to see!

    ¡°Tch.¡± Cindy clicked her tongue, walking up to Chris just then. ¡°Even if Frank didn¡¯t ask, Mr. Steiner

    would have resolved this for us, right?¡±

    ¡°Haha, of course! My people are already in ce, and we were going to make Vi apologize.¡±

    That was when Henry asked, ¡°Why are you so sure that Frank is Vicky¡¯s gigolo? Do you have

    evidence?¡±

    Helen flinched at those words.

    They had all presumed right away that Frank became Vicky¡¯s boy toy because he used to be so

    worthless and somehow ended up with a powerful woman¡­ when they had no evidence at all!

    ¡°Tch.¡± Peter clicked his tongue, folding his arms in disdain. ¡°Who needs evidence? The Turnbulls

    wouldn¡¯t announce that they are harboring a gigolo, would they?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly right.¡± Gina snorted, rolling her eyes. ¡°What is Frank Lawrence? Would Vicky be

    interested in him if he wasn¡¯t her gigolo? He doesn¡¯t have looks nor anything going for him. for that

    matter.¡±

    Henry stood with his hands sped behind his back and sighed. ¡°Then did it ever cross your mind¨Cif

    Frank is as worthless as you¡¯d say, why would Vicky want anything to do with him?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    The Lanes froze again, as that question had somehow never urred to them.

    Henry was shaking his head in disappointment ever as he turned to leave.

    Frank had not left Lane Manor for that long when Alfredo caught up with him in his car. ¡°Mr. Lawrence,

    we had an agreement,¡± he said. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you treat Ms. Szar now?¡±

 Chapter 276

    Frank nced inside the car at Vi and started towards her.

    Vi flinched and trembled, as if she had developed a phobia for the man.

    ¡°What are you doing, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Alfredo asked warily.

    ¡°Freeing her acupoints, unless you¡¯re going to do it?¡± Frank shot him a look.

    Alfredo stepped back awkwardly, while Frank tapped Vi¡¯s acupoints twice, clearing it.

    Vi could instantly feel the pain, her body fading, and inhaled deeply in relief.

    Nheless, Frank quietly said with murderous coldness, ¡°This is just a lesson. Disrespect. Helen

    again, and you¡¯d be dead.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯d never do it again.¡± Vi quickly shook her head, utterly terrified by Frank¡¯s torment.

    With that, Frank turned to leave, while Alfredo frowned in his wake.

    ¡°The kid¡¯s really full of himself¡­¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Shut it. Die all you want¨Cdon¡¯t get me involved,¡± Vi snapped at him right then.

    Alfredo quietly hung his head, while Vi was staring warily at Frank and breathed a long sigh of relief

    when she saw that he did not hear them.

    After Frank returned to Skywater Bay, the Szars seemed to grow content with staying in line,

    refraining from harassing Helen or Vicky.

    There was no telling if Frank had broken them, or if they were just putting together yet another cunning

    n¡­.

    Dayster, Frank woke early as usual to train when he got a call from Winter.

    Ever since Winter bumped into Frank at Noel York¡¯s concert, her impression of him improved and she

    did not think of him as badly as her brother.

    Either way, he was an amiable person, and she was very willing to befriend a person with such

    influence.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence? May I ask what you¡¯re doing at the moment?¡±

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m just rxing at home. Is there a problem?¡± Frank asked, curious since it was the first time she

    called him.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    ¡°Uh¡­ It¡¯s my birthday,¡± Winter said awkwardly. ¡°I invited you too. Don¡¯t you remember?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Ahaha¡­¡± Frank chuckled to hide his embarrassment. ¡°Are you kidding? Of course I remember. I

    bought something for you online, but it hasn¡¯t arrived. I¡¯m waiting until it¡¯s delivered before Ie over.¡±

    ¡°Wow. you¡¯re bringing me a present? What is it?¡± Winter asked in curiosity.

    ¡°You¡¯ll know when the timees.¡± Frank chuckled.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Winter said just then. ¡°I¡¯ll send you the address. You have toeter, okay?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡±

    After hanging up, Frank quickly called Trevor Zurich. ¡°Hey, I need your help preparing a

    present. The sooner, the better.¡±

    He certainly needed Trevor¡¯s help when it mattered!

 Chapter 277

    Trevor was stumped. ¡°Uh¡­ Birthday present? What kind?¡±

    ¡°For Winter Lawrence, a youngdy around eighteen,¡± Frank said, rubbing his chin.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Trevor realized with a start.

    Winter Lawrence was the only daughter of Frank¡¯s mentor and should be regarded with importance, but

    it was still a question as to what present suited her¡­.

    ¡°Should we give her something valuable or economical?¡±

    ¡°Valuable, of course,¡± Frank said solemnly¨Chis mentor¡¯s daughter deserved that much.

    ¡°Alright, understood.¡± Trevor nodded repeatedly.

    ¡°Send it over to Skywater Bay as soon as you can,¡± Frank told him.

    Trevor nodded again and hung up to get to work.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Trevor was soon at Frank¡¯s door with the present

    Frank opened it to find a ne with a crystalline green diamond pendant, sculpted with the lifelike

    impression of a phoenix.

    ap

    ¡°A master craftsman sculpted this three years ago from the finest grade of green diamond, Mr.

    Lawrence,¡± Trevor said. ¡°The material alone is worth twenty million.¡±

    Frank brushed his fingers over the sparkling green pendant and nodded in satisfaction.

    It was subtle yet luxurious.

    ¡°Good,¡± Frank said and brought it along as he hurried to Winter¡¯s birthday party.

    She was celebrating at a karaoke lounge in West City¨Cher family was modest, and naturally could not

    throw banquets like Vi would. If anything, it was just no different from inviting a couple of friends for

    a karaoke session.

    Winter was already there when Frank arrived, along with Jean Sims, Aria Lond, and Zeb Larkin.

    There were others¨Cmost likely Winter¡¯s ssmates¨Cin the private room.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Lawrence!¡±

    Winter hurried to him when she saw him, pulling him along, ¡°Let me introduce you. This is Jean and

    Aria, whom you met before.¡±

    Jean lifted her signature baseball cap in greeting. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Lawrence! You¡¯re finally here¡­¡±

    On the other hand, Aria was already up close and personal with Frank, brushing her hair through her

    permed locks while her crude perfume bombarded Frank¡¯s nostrils instantly.

    She had gone out of her way to put on a dress with a plunging neckline when she found out Frank was

    coming, just to show off her tempting figure.

    Beside her, Jean rolled her eyes¨CAria hadpletely lost the plot after seeing Frank¡¯s Maybach the

    last time they met.

    She also kept pestering Winter for Frank¡¯s number, but thankfully Winter said no..

    ¡°Oh, haha¡­¡± Frank smiled awkwardly, surprised by the girl¡¯s enthusiasm.

    Taking out the present he prepared, he said, ¡°Happy birthday, Winter. It¡¯s a small gift from

    1. me.

    ¡°Tch.¡±

    Zeb clicked his tongue as he approached them. ¡°What¡¯s that present? It¡¯s so small.¡±

    The others flocked around them as well, with Aria leaning her cheek coquettishly on her bare shoulder

    as she winked at Frank. ¡°It must be really expensive, right?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just something modest.¡± Frank smiled in turn.

    Zeb, however, was eager to see it and kept urging Winter, ¡°Go on, open it, Winter. Show us what it is

    broaden our horizons.¡±

    However, Winter was sharp enough to tell from Zeb¡¯s reaction that he was up to no good.

 Chapter 278

    If Frank¡¯s present was not valuable, Zeb was definitely going to mock him for it.

    As such, Winter said, ¡°Uh¡­ It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll open it when I get home.¡±

    Behind Zeb, a boy who had dyed his hair pale blond, quickly said, ¡°Come on, Winter. I heard the man

    drives a Maybach¨Cthat present would at least be worth a hundred grand, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Naturally, Blondie was Zeb¡¯sckey and was obviously trying to mess with Frank despite his ttery,

    Zeb in turn chuckled. ¡°A hundred grand? Are you belittling Mr. Lawrence now? The Cartier watch I

    bought for Winter is worth the same. Surely Mr. Lawrence¡¯s present is worth twice as much.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    In reality, they were all just university students, and a present as expensive as that was more than

    enough. Zeb¡¯s watch was already an oddity.

    Aria was eager to see if Frank was generous too. ¡°Exactly, Winter. Open it already. I¡¯m curious!

    A was

    Winter was actually fairly patient, but everyone was getting on her nerves.

    On the other hand, Frank was simply amused by Zeb and Blondie¡¯s obvious sarcasm. Still, it was

    natural that kids who had never worked an honest day in their lives would be sopetitive.

    ¡°Since they¡¯re all eager to see it, you should open it,¡± Frank replied with a smile.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Winter bit her lip and gently opened the box to find that neying in the

    center.

    ¡°My goodness¡­ Is that a phoenix?¡± she eximed, seeing the lifelike sculpting.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost like it¡¯s alive!¡± Jean gaped.

    ¡°Yeah, the sculpting is really wonderful¡­ Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I really like it,¡± Winter said as she

    gingerly took it out.

    ¡°As long as you like it.¡± Frank smiled.

    ¡°How much is it, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Aria couldn¡¯t resist asking the most important question right then.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    ¡°Twenty million,¡± Frank said nonchntly.

    ¡°T¨Ctwenty Million?!¡± Winter¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her fingers flinching and almost dropping the

    ne.

    Frank caught it with his incredible reflexes and passed it back to Winter. ¡°Be careful.¡± ¡°Twenty million?

    For real?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding. Twenty million for that little piece of rock?¡±

    ???

    Behind Winter, her friends were stunned and whispering among themselves, having no ideal how it felt

    to have that much money.

    Naturally, everyone including Aria could not believe that a rock was worth that much either.

    Winter was afraid to receive it, however. ¡°Y¨CYou should take it back, Mr. Lawrence. That¡¯s too

    expensive for me.¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a gift for you, and twenty million is really nothing to me.¡±

    Aria gasped beside her.

    ¡°Oh, Winter just take it. It¡¯s Mr. Lawrence¡¯s sincerity,¡± she said, before turning towards Frank, batting

    her eyshes at him endlessly. ¡°It¡¯s my birthday next month, Mr. Lawrence. You¡¯re invited too.¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°Sure.¡±

    Jean did a double take. ¡°Your birthday isn¡¯t next month.¡±

    ¡°Shut it,¡± Aria snapped, cutting her short.

    Nheless, Zeb strode up just then, clicking his tongue, ¡°Tut, tut. Do you take us for fools, Frank? Is

    that little pebble really worth twenty million?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s just some ne from a dor store, no?¡± Blondie joined in.

 Chapter 279

    ¡°No way!¡± Jean eximed, turning her cap as she walked up and studied the pendant.

    Her family was not rich, but she knew her precious stones¨Cthe pendant was obviously no dor store

    goods, but Jean was no appraiser who could identify precious stones.

    Nheless, Blondie appeared dead serious as he snorted. ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth. My family are

    jewelers¨CI should know.¡±

    Zeb immediatelyughed out loud beside him, clutching his belly. ¡°You¡¯re such a joker, Frank! Come

    on, don¡¯t put on airs just because you can¡¯t afford something nice! We won¡¯t mock you for it¡­ but you

    just had to say your dor store pendant is worth twenty million!¡±

    Even Aria frowned at that.

    She really thought Frank would bring something impressive, but it was just a dor store item. Frank

    simply smiled as he stood nearby.

    Talk about ignorant children¨Cthose kids were staring directly at a twenty million dor gem, and they

    just could not recognize it.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Cut it out,¡± Winter snapped just then.

    Then, seeing that Frank did not argue, she presumed that the pendant was a dor store item as well.

    In the end, she had only met him a couple of times¨Cthere was no reason he would give her something

    that valuable.

    However, to bail out Frank, she still smiled and put on the ne. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I really

    like your present.¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°As long as you like it.¡±

    Winter soon started to hype up the party, grouping up her friends and getting them to sing. Frank was

    just there to give her the present. Moreover, as he shared nomon ground with the kids, he sat in a

    corner alone, fiddling with his phone.

    While everyone hovered around Winter, Zeb walked up to her with a jug of beer. ¡°Cheers, Winer. Happy

    birthday.¡±

    Winter picked up a ss of apple juice instead and clinked sses with Zeb. ¡°Thanks¡­¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Zeb was staring at her ss and quickly said, ¡°Come on, Winter. It¡¯s your birthday! A little liquor won¡¯t

    hurt!¡±

    He was eager to get to know Winter better with her birthday, and nothing was more ideal than getting

    her drunk.

    However, Winter refused to touch a drop of liquor ever since they came and shook her head with a

    smile. ¡°I¡¯ll pass I¡¯ve never drunk before. You boys enjoy yourself.¡±

    She then spotted Frank sitting in a corner and went over to him with her ss, asking

    curiously, ¡°Hey, Mr. Lawrence. Aren¡¯t you going to sing?¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m tone deaf, so I¡¯d rather not embarrass myself.¡±

    ¡°How about some beer?¡± w

    asked, worried that her hospitality wascking.

    Frank threw up a hand. ¡°I¡¯d rather have juice. I¡¯m driving.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Winter replied and poured him one.

    Nearby, Zeb was fuming even as he watched Winter hover around Frank.

    The man just drove a Maybach, but he was so full of it!

    ¡°Zeb, who¡¯s the geezer? Never seen him around before,¡± Blondie asked just then.

    ¡°Winter¡¯s friend.¡± Zeb narrowed his eyes. ¡°Never seen him before the concert.¡±

    Naturally, Blondie immediately considered Frank an enemy.

    As Zeb¡¯sckey, it was his duty to solve his boss¡® troubles, and Zeb was obviously not happy with

    Frank.

    Getting an idea just then, he chuckled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything. Just watch me¨CI promise he¡¯ll

    humiliate himself in front of Winter.¡°.

 Chapter 280

    Zeb finally smiled at Blondie¡¯s words he was happy with anything, as long as Frank embarrassed

    himself in front of Winter!

    Blondie hurried up to Frank right then, eximing, ¡°Yo, Mr. Lawrence! Why are you drinking juice alone

    there? Us dudes should be drinking liquor!¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll pass. I¡¯m supposed to be driving.¡±

    Zeb guessed Blondie¡¯s n just then and quickly joined them. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m driving too, and I¡¯m drinking.

    We could just call for a designated driver if we have to¨Cit¡¯s disrespectful to Winter if you don¡¯t drink on

    her birthday, right?¡±

    Frank studied the two boys who were suddenly so enthusiastic.

    It would be strange if they were not up to something bad.

    As for Winter, she did not drink, but her brother Fred often did she was convinced that men liked to

    drink.

    Moreover, she did not want to see Frank sitting there alone and reasoned, ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a drink

    too, Mr. Lawrence? I¡¯d think you¡¯re being abused sitting here by yourself. Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll get you a

    driverter.¡±

    Blondie was grinning right then. ¡°See? Even Winter is asking you to drink. You¡¯re not going to say no,

    are you?¡±

    Then, turning to his friends, ¡°Order me ten cartons ofger!¡±

    ¡°Ten cartons? For who?¡± Winter stared at Blondie in disbelief.

    ¡°Oh, just let them have some fun,¡± Zeb chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll be paying anyway.

    In reality, Blondie was an amazing drinker, and Zeb would bring him along during any social drinking

    asions. Thus far, he had never met anyone who could outdrink Blondie.

    Soon, a waiter brought the ten cartons ofger, and Blondie quickly poured Frank a mug. Come on.

    Let¡¯s go!¡±

    When he was done, he drank straight from the bottle.

    Frank stared at him as he grinned smugly and smiled in turn. ¡°Since you¡¯re drinking straight from the

    bottle, wouldn¡¯t I be disrespecting you drinking from a mug?¡±

    With that, Frank chugged a bottle too¨Ccultivation aside, he used to drink liquor like it was water back

    when he was working at South Sea.

    Zeb was folding his arms before his chest and chuckling, ¡°Come on, Mr. Lawrence. You can give up if

    you can¡¯t do it¨CBlondie¡¯s the best drinker in college.¡±

    ¡°Eh, it¡¯s no big deal. Come, Mr. Lawrence¨Cbottom¡¯s up!¡±

    Blondie chuckled, knowing that Frank had already fallen for their trap.

    With that, Frank would quickly finish a bottle after Blondie did as things gotpetitive, and they soon

    finished five cartons¡­

    5

    Jean could see something was wrong just then and quickly told Winter, ¡°They aren¡¯t drinking. They¡¯re

    competing! You know Blondie is a good drinker¨Cyou really should stop Frank from ying his game.¡±

    Winter nced at the bottles strewn all over the floor and nodded.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Hurrying to Frank¡¯s side, ¡°You¡¯re drinking too much, Mr. Lawrence. Maybe you should stop.¡±

    Frank remained calm andposed as he waved her off. ¡°This is nothing. I have to drink with your

    buddy here, whatever happens.¡±

    Since the kid was trying to get him drunk, he just had to y his game¡­ and destroy him.

    Blondie gulped.

    He had already drunk over twenty bottles, and his belly was painfully bloated, while his cheeks flushed

    blood¨Cred.

    He could not drink another drop!

    However, he promised Zeb that he would humiliate Frank.

    If he lost now, not only would Zeb scorn him, but he would be humiliated in front of their ssmates

    too!

 Chapter 281

    Aria hurried to join them, never one to miss out on the fun.

    ¡°Come on, Blondie. Chug!¡± She cheered and joined the others as they roared, ¡°Chug! Chug! Chug!¡±

    She was now prejudiced against Frank for bringing a dor store gift, not to mention that she was not

    going to get humiliated anyway. What was the harm in fanning the mes when she was not getting

    burned?

    ¡°Go on, Blondie!¡± Zeb joined in while leveling a re at Blondie, while thetter was staring at Frank in

    turn.

    The man was simply lounging in his seat, no blush on his face and his breathing perfectly normal, as if

    the twentyish bottles ofger had no effect on him..

    In fact, he was even smiling. ¡°You can stop if you can¡¯t keep up.¡±

    If anything, the boy was impressive enough to chug twentyish bottles in under half an hour. It was just a

    pity his opponent had to be Frank, who simply directed his vigor to secrete the alcohol in his

    bloodstream along with his sweat.

    Blondie was left gritting his teeth. ¡°This is nothing. Let¡¯s keep going.¡±

    With that, he popped open another bottle and started drinking despite his belly churning.

    However, he only got halfway through the bottle when his stomach had had enough, and gastric acid

    began to flow backward.

    Blondie¡¯s face fell when he realized he was about to throw up, but he was able to hold it in for

    one moment..

    Seeing that Zeb was near, he knew he should not throw up on his boss no matter what.

    Instead, he turned and vomited everything he drank.

    ¡°rgh!!!¡±

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Aria screamed.

    While Blondie felt relieved, everyone else was left staring, dumbstruck.

    Blondie had puked all over Aria, dyeing her white 2,000 dor dress yellow and covering her with filth!

    Frank was the one nearest to Blondie, but Aria had to get in the way just to hype uppetition and

    ended up as coteral!

    Blondie felt exceedingly embarrassed too¨Che really liked Aria!

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± He quickly pulled out some tissues to wipe down Aria.

    Smack!

    the

    Aria¡¯s face was contorted savagely as he pped him across the face. ¡°Fuck off, you disgusting pig! If

    you can¡¯t drink, stop putting on airs! You make me sick!¡±

    She had dressed in her most expensive dress and put on such exquisite makeup, only for

    Blondie to ruin everything before she could do a thing.

    How could she not be upset?!

    With that, Aria stormed out of the room toward the washroom.

    ¡°Aria, Aria¡­ It was an ident!¡± Blondie cried even as he gave chase.

    Winter was going to follow, but Jean said, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    On the other hand, Frank almostugh

    out loud but managed to hold it in.

    He did not think that Blondie would go so far as to drink when he already had enough.

    Turning toward Zeb, he said, ¡°I guess the other kid¡¯s out. Why don¡¯t you drink too?¡±

    Zeb pursed his lips, averting his eyes.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    He would never win when Blondie could not!

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in drinking.¡± He snorted. ¡°You drink all you want¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Aria took off her dress once she got in the washroom and started wiping herself.

 Chapter 282

    Even as Aria wiped herself, she kept ranting. ¡°Honestly, what¡¯s Frank Lawrence¡¯s deal? He had to do

    that stupid drinking game with Blondie¡­ The way I see it, he did it on purpose!

    Jean, who was helping her clean herself, was left speechless. ¡°Mr. Lawrence didn¡¯t start it. If there¡¯s

    anyone to me, it won¡¯t be him.¡±

    ¡®Bullshit. He¡¯s totally one of them,¡± Aria huffed.

    Jean shook her head but decided not to argue.

    ¡°Just wear my jacket for now,¡± Jean said, taking it off.

    Aria wore it after wiping herself, since her white dress was totally ruined.

    Thankfully, she wore leggings as well, so she would not be exposing herself too much.

    On the other hand, Jean had been wearing a ck camisole under her jacket, which bared her perfect

    figure utterly.

    Blondie was waiting outside thedies¡® room, standing by the shared sinks.

    He had certainly humiliated himselfpletely today.

    Naturally, he was also curious as to how huge a stomach Frank had, holding in all that beer.

    If anything, Blondie was good at drinking because he often took toilet breaks in between. In this case,

    he just did not have time to process the twentyish bottles that he drank in under thirty minutes.

    Still, after waiting for a long while, he headed into the men¡¯s room since neither Aria nor Jean were

    coming out.

    Aria and Jean appeared soon after that, and Aria took out her perfume to spray herself as much as

    possible to cover the stench.

    A man with a crew cut stepped outside just then and raised his brow. ¡°Hey, babes. You both work

    here?¡±

    One of them was wearing a jacket that barely covered her thighs, while the other only wore a camisole.

    If anything, it was a dead giveaway they were hostesses¨Chow terrible of the owner, keeping the nice

    ones from him!

    However, Aria was already plenty annoyed, and Crew Cut¡¯s obvious insult left her snapping, Your mom

    works here! Hell, your family probably does too! Now, fuck off!¡±

    Crew Cut was surprised that she had such a temper and grabbed her wrist right then. ¡°I was just being

    polite, bitch! You should be honored that I¡¯m interested!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Jean snapped right then. ¡°Let her go!¡°.

    Crew Cut shed a dirty stnile. ¡°Oh, you can join us too, girlie. We¡¯ll give you a good tip.¡±

    That was when Blondie stepped out of the men¡¯s room.

    Seeing some stranger messing with his beloved left him furious right then.

    Chapter:

    Leaping up at Crew Cut from the back, he punched Crew Cut in the back of the head, crying, ¡± Messing

    with my ssmates?! Fuck off!¡±

    ¡°Oof!¡± Crew Cut grunted as he dropped to the floor,

    Once he did, Blondie dropped on top of Crew Cut, kicking and punching even as he clutched his head

    and yelped, ¡°Fuck! How dare you hit me! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll kill you! You bullied my ssmate!¡± Blondie kept hitting him for a long while before getting up.

    Crew Cut red at him viciously in turn, ¡°Ignorant kids. You¡¯ll be on your knees begging soon enough!¡±

    ¡°Still able to talk, huh?¡± Blondie growled and raised his fist.

    Jean promptly caught him. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s go already.¡±

    She could see that Crew Cut was absolutely fearless and clearly not one to scoff at. As such, she

    certainly did not want Blondie to dig a deeper hole for them¨Cthe sooner they left, the better.

    Blondie nodded and left with the girls.

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    Once outside, Blondie quickly asked Aria, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

 Chapter 283

    Aria rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine. You managed to make it in time, but you¡¯re still paying for my dress.¡°¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely pay,¡± Blondie chirped fawningly.

    When they returned to their private room, Winter went up and asked, ¡°What took you guys so long,

    Jean?¡±

    Blondie appeared exceedingly smug as he proimed, ¡°There was this bastard messing with Aria. I

    had to straighten him out.¡±

    Jean sighed but nodded.

    ¡°What? You were in a fight?¡± Winter asked in concern.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Winter¨Cit¡¯s no big deal.¡± Blondie patted his chest confidently. ¡°It¡¯s just some thug. I¡¯ll deal

    with him if hees again.

    Winter did not pry since Blondie sounded confident enough, though Jean remained a little on edge.

    Still, after the mess before, the friends yed around for a while before preparing to leave.

    That was when someone kicked open the door, and Crew Cut strode in.

    Everyone was immediately left dumbstruck, the music in the private karaoke room suddenly stopping,

    leaving it eerily silent.

    Still, Blondie promptly leapt to his feet. ¡°Shit, you¡¯re back for more? Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Crew Cut did not look particrly buff, so Blondie was not particrly worried.

    ¡°That¡¯s the one, boss!¡± Crew Cut suddenly yelled, pointing at Blondie.

    A bald, burly man strode in at his words, followed by a gang of goons numbering just over a dozen.

    Each of them were armed with baseball bats and other weapons!

    Blondie was immediately left dumbstruck.

    He did not expect Crew Cut to be so unfair, bringing so many of his friends!

    Still, he was immediately cowed and averted his eyes, seeing that the gang were all clearly thewless

    type.

    The bald man¨CKait Wooper- grabbed Blondie by the cor right then. ¡°You¡¯re the one who hit my friend,

    huh?¡±

    Blondie¡¯s earliest confidence waspletely gone as he stammered, ¡°No, it¡¯s just a

    misunderstanding¡­ He was messing with my ssmate, so I had to do something¡­¡±

    Smack!

    Kait pped Blondie across the face, sending him wobbling and almost dropping to the floor.

    ¡°And? Who was he messing with? Show her to me!¡± Kait snapped.

    The students were all silent, while Blondie trembled as he pointed at Aria.

    Aria red viciously at him in turn¨Cand here she thought what a man he had been, standing up against

    Crew Cut.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    And now, he caved as soon as Crew Cut brought his boss!

    Kait turned toward Aria as well and beckoned her over.

    Aria was too scared to disobey and gingerly walked over the shards on the floor as she said tentatively,

    ¡°Sir¡­ It¡¯s none of my business. I did not hit your friend.¡±

    Kait simply pulled her into his arms, his eyes shing with lust as he studied her, ¡°So, my friend was

    messing with you, was he?¡±

    Aria gulped, unsure what to say for a moment.

    After some thought, she shook her head. ¡°N¨CNo¡­¡±

    Kait nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Well, since he didn¡¯t, don¡¯t you think your ssmate went too far by hitting

    my friend?¡±

    Aria nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yes, yes, yes¡­ He was way out of line. I¡¯m sorry for what he did.¡±

 Chapter 284

    Kait chuckled coolly. ¡°You¡¯re apologizing? Who needs cops if apologies mean a thing?¡±

    ¡°S¨CSo, what you¡¯re saying is¡­¡± Aria murmured tentatively.

    Kait rubbed his chin, studying Aria as he said, ¡°Well, how about this? Hang out with me and my friends

    over some drinks, and we can put the past behind us.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Aria was shocked¨Cit went without saying what drinking with those men meant!

    Blondie cried, ¡°No-¡±

    Crew Cut smashed his head with his baseball bat right then. ¡°Shut up! The adults are talking!¡±

    Blondie was bleeding from the head and dropped to the floor, clutching his head.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Winter snapped, getting to her feet.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    It was her birthday party, and her ssmates came to celebrate it with her.

    She must stand up for them when they were getting hurt!

    ¡°Winter.¡± Jean promptly tugged at her¨Cthose gangsters were clearly no pushovers, and Winter¡¯s tough

    attitude would only make things worse.

    Crew Cut¡¯s eyes lit up as soon as he saw her¨Cas the room was dark, he did not notice the two other

    beauties in there.

    ¡°Look, boss! There are two more babes over there!¡±

    Kait was not blind for his part.

    Aria might be pretty, but she was trying too hard with her getup and makeup.

    On the other hand, Winter was a natural beauty and endlessly better.

    Pushing Aria away, he strode up to Winter. ¡°What¡¯s your name,

    girl?¡±

    ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± Winter frowned. ¡°You¡¯re the one bullying my came here to start another fight.

    What¡¯s your problem?

    friends,

    and then

    you

    Kait chuckled. ¡°Yes, yes, it¡¯s all our fault¨Cwhy don¡¯t youe with us to our room, properly apologize.

    How about that?¡±

    and I¡¯ll

    Winter was taken aback by Kait¡¯s sudden reasonable attitude, but she was not stupid. There was no

    way she would go to their room alone.

    Jean put a hand on her shoulder too. ¡°Don¡¯t go,

    Winter.¡±

    Winter nodded and turned to Kait. ¡°I won¡¯t go. Now, please leave.¡±

    She was not about to hope for Kait to apologize for hurting Blondie¨Chaving them leave was

    all she wanted.

    Nheless, Kaiughed coldly. ¡°If you¡¯re not leaving, then you¡¯ll have to foot my friend¡¯s medical bill¨C

    500 grand, along with everyone here kneeling and apologizing. Then, we can call it even.¡±

    ¡°500 grand?!¡± Winter eximed in shock. ¡°That¡¯s too much! And you hurt my friend too!¡±

    Crew Cut rose to his feet and growled, ¡°That was just interest. Pay up now, ore to our room¨Cnow,

    choose.¡±

    Winter clenched her knuckles¨Cthe gang was clearly bullying them.

    They could not win in a fight, and certainly could not pay 500 grand!

    Nheless, Zeb strode out elegantly from amongst the ssmates, and stood before Kait.

    ¡°May I have the pleasure of your name, sir?¡± he asked.

    Kait¡¯s eyes narrowed as he studied Zeb. ¡°Kait Wooper of East City.¡±

    Zeb smiled in turn.

    Kait Wooper? He had never even heard of the man.

    That means he was just some two¨Cbit thug in East City at best!

    He just had to reveal himself, and these thugs would be quaking in their boots!

    Moreover, he never really got to show off around Winter, and he was not about to let this chance slip!

 Chapter 285

    Zeb nodded. ¡°Mr. Wooper, I see. Pleasure.¡±

    The other students were breathing a sigh of relief as they watched Zeb stand up for them. He was a

    real rich kid who has experience with such asions, after all¨Cwith him around, this matter might just

    be resolved.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Nheless, Kait was ring coldly at Zeb. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Zeb Larkin,¡± Zeb introduced himself confidently. ¡°My friend here drew first blood, but

    e all just a misunderstanding. How about this? I¡¯ll foot your friend¡¯s medical bill and add

    another 10 grand on top of that as a bonus. That¡¯s a good deal, right?¡±

    The other students nodded repeatedly.

    Just look at the man¡¯s generosity¨Cif it were them, they would be taking the deal in a heartbeat!

    However, Kait was never interested in money¡­.

    Smack!

    He abruptly raised his hand, pping Zeb across the face viciously and resoundingly!

    Zeb was stunned that he was suddenly hit ¨C Kait would hit him even after he revealed himself?!

    Naturally, the other students were left in disbelief as well, and the cowardly among them had to sp

    their hands over their mouths to stop themselves from screaming.

    At the same time, Kait was flexing his wrist and growling in disdain, ¡°Who the fuck are you to tell me

    what to do?¡±

    Zeb was left clutching his red, swollen face as he pursed his lips.

    He was absolutely frustrated to see Kait being that pompous. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m the heir of the Larkins, and my

    dad¡¯s the CEO of Zeb Trust-¡±

    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Kai did not give a damn and sent him flying with a kick!

    ¡°Oof-¡± Zeb mmed into the wall and was left clutching his stomach impotently, unable to retaliate at

    all!

    ¡°I¡¯ve never even heard of you. I¡¯d actually have shown some respect if you were one of Riverton¡¯s four

    families,¡± Kait snorted and barked at his men, ¡°Go! Beat him up¨Chow dare he try to fuck with me!¡±

    His goons promptly leapt up and started to clobber Zeb.

    Zeb¡¯s diminutive form could not take it at all, and he was soon on the floor, begging, ¡°Stop!!! Stop!!!

    Please!!!!!

    Winter had enough¨Cshe disliked Zeb, but she could not stand her friends being bullied for no reason

    either. ¡°Stop it! Why are you doing this?!¡±

    Kait seized her by the wrist right then, his eyes studying her from head to toe. ¡°What I say goes around

    here, girl. Come drink with me if you want to save him.¡±

    ¡°Dream on!¡± Winter snapped and tried to free herself from his grip but could not..

    ¡°Uh¨Chuh. Then I¡¯ll have him killed,¡± Kait said nonchntly¨Che had a million different ways to deal with

    some mere students who never saw action!

    By the way, Zeb finally had enough¡­ He might really get killed here!

    He looked up with difficulty, leveling a miserable look at Winter. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go with Mr.

    Wooper? It¡¯s just a drink¡­ It¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    Zeb spoke as if his reasoning was fair, and he certainly did not care about dignity¨Cnot when he tried to

    stand up for Winter, only to end up almost dead.

    ¡°What?!¡± Winter eximed, staring at Zeb in shock.

    She could hardly believe her ears¨Cshe was trying to bail him out, but he was telling her to be Kait¡¯s

    hostess?!

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡­¡± Zeb stammered, afraid to look her in the eye.

    ¡°Just shut up!¡± Winter snapped at him.

    Kait chuckled in turn. ¡°Come on, girl. Your boy has the right idea¨Cand you should know I¡¯m not a patient

    man.¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡± Winter¡¯s eyes went red.

 Chapter 286

    Winter¡¯s eyes welled up with tears of grief. However, there was nothing she or her friends could do with

    Kait threatening them and beating them up.

    As they looked on, he even started to reach for Winter¡¯s clothes, and Winter had to hold on to her

    jacket with her only free hand. ¡°Stop!¡±

    Her ssmates were all silent, staying well away¡­

    Suddenly, Jean picked up a bottle from the table and threw it at Kait!

    ng!

    The bottle shattered on Kait¡¯s head, leaving him bleeding all over.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    ¡°Fuck! I¡¯ve been too nice!¡± Kait was incensed when he felt the blood streaming down his scalp and

    pointed at Jean. ¡°You boys can have her!¡±

    His goons were at once thrilled and started to charge at Jean.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Frank bellowed, his voice resounding across the room as he rose to his feet.

    As everyone turned toward him at once, Frank red sharply at Kait and growled, ¡°Let her go, and get

    out if you want to live.¡±

    ¡°Shit, another fucker trying to mess with me?¡± Kait gritted his teeth in rage.

    He was under the impression that he had already scared these students shitless, but you another

    brave soul was standing up against him!

    Not intending to waste time, he pointed at Frank and bellow, ¡°Go! Fuck him up!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence!¡± Winter cried anxiously as Crew Cut and the other goons leapt toward Frank.

    They were all eager to break his limbs since the boss told them so¡­.

    ¡°Fools,¡± Frank bellowed, and a cool shockwave burst away from him.

    His foot then moved, and he shot forward instantly, punching Crew Cut in the face.

    The man¡¯s nose was shattered and bleeding freely, while the force of Frank¡¯s punch struck him with the

    force of a missile and sent him flying!

    Frank kept dashing and hitting the goons too, knocking down the dozen over men in an instant.

    Screams ensued where he passed, and they were all soon lying on the ground, clutching their limbs

    and howling in pain.

    ¡°Mother¡­¡±

    ¡°What the fuck¡­¡±

    ¡°No way¡­¡±

    Even before anyone realized it, none of Kait¡¯s goons could get on their feet again.

    They never even saw what Frank did!

    By the wall, Zeb was gaping.

    He was dead sure the gang would wipe the floor with Frank, only for the man to turn out to be a

    juggernaut.

    Thank fuck he did not start a fight with him thest time they met¨Che would be dead!

    ¡°W¨CWho the fuck are you?!¡± Kait eximed, his legs suddenly shaking as a chill crept down his spine.

    ¡°Frank Lawrence of Riverton,¡± Frank said as he slowly strode toward Kait.

    Kai searched his mind but could not remember anyone in Riverton being that impressive a fighter!

    He might even be a match for the head of Skyde Dojo!

    As Frank got ever closer, Kait promptly shouted, ¡°Stop right there! Move another inch, and I¡¯ll kill her!¡±

    He was self¨Caware enough to know that he would never beat Frank in a fight after the man mowed

    down his dozen over goons¡­ But luckily, he had Winter!

 Chapter 287

    Kait whipped out his knife and pressed it against Winter¡¯s neck, all while ring warily at Frank.

    Witness stiffened, afraid to move an inch¨Cto think that a poor student like her would be caught in a

    hostage situation!

    Frank narrowed his eyes in turn and stopped, while Kait was smiling again. ¡°Hmph. So you care a lot

    about this doll, kid?¡±

    ¡°I hate threats the most,¡± Frank growled, glowering murderously. ¡°Let her go, and I¡¯ll let you live.¡±

    ¡°Shit, who do you think you¡¯re fooling?¡± Kait snorted, deciding that Frank was no mobster given his

    getup..

    Hell, the man would not really kill even if he was at his mercy!

    Naturally, he kept threatening Frank. ¡°You¡¯re good, aren¡¯t you? But if you want this chick to live, you¡¯ll

    have to sacrifice your hand.¡±

    Frank clenched his knuckles, and Kait promptly pressed his knife closer to Winter¡¯s neck.

    Winter had to stretch her neck to avoid it, afraid to move as she could already feel the coldness of the

    de.

    ¡°No tricks, boy. And be quick, or I¡¯ll kill her,¡± Kait red, his eyes bulging viciously. ¡°Push me, and you¡¯ll

    see what I¡¯m really capable of!¡±

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Zeb scrambled to his feet right then and shouted at Frank as well, ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there! Do it, or

    Winter will get killed!¡±

    He was certainly eager for Frank to lose a hand¨Cno matter how strong he was now, he would be a

    cripple soon.

    Just like how Winter was infatuated with him now, but she would never stay with him forever!

    Nheless, Winter breathed softly through her teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up! You don¡¯t get to talk here.¡± Kait pressed his arm harder around her, choking her!

    Seeing that, Frank picked up a shattered bottle and leveled its sharp jags against his arm.

    Kait was at once smug.

    He had a knife¨Cand once Frank lost one arm, he would definitely win!

    However, just before Frank thrusted the shattered bottle on his own arm, his wrist flicked, crushing the

    bottle andunching the shards at Kait¡¯s shoulder!

    Shunk!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Kait screamed the shards had shot toward him like bullets, hitting his shoulder nerves with

    pinpoint precision!

    The arm he was holding his knife with was left dangling limply.

    Frank bounded forward again, but Kait quickly pushed Winter toward him.

    ¡°Oof ¡°Winter groaned as she felt the world spinning around her

    Frank caught her and pivoted, while Winter pressed herself firmly on his chest, feeling safety like never

    before!

    On the other hand, Kait did not waste any moment to run out of the room

    ¡°Wait here,¡± Frank said as he put Winter wide and gave chase

    Threatening him with Winter¡¯s life was one brider tow far Kait sould die tonight!

    Kait had to chatch his sheer as he made a wild dash upstairs, bot Frank bennded in arrides, catching

    up instantly and kicking him on the back!

    Kalt coughed a mouthful of Not, his innan left in agony at The felt an if he wase titi over by a car, and

    fell to the f

 Chapter 288

    Kait was staring at Frank in terror¨Cthe man was too fast!

    Seeing that he could not run, he began begging, ¡°Please, man¨Cjust let me go! It¡¯s all my fault ¡­ I¡¯ll

    apologize! I¡¯ll pay!¡±

    ¡°I gave you a chance,¡± Frank said icily as he slowly strode up to him, ¡°but you didn¡¯t take it.¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYou can¡¯t kill me! There are cameras here¡­ You¡¯ll end up in prison!¡± Kait eximed despite his

    agony.

    Frank looked up at that and spotted the hallway cameras, which were leveled squarely at them.

    Seeing that he wasw¨Cabiding, Kait breathed a long sigh of relief. ¡°Haha! I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Winter and her friends including Zeb arrived just then.

    They had followed Kait and Frank upstairs and were not about to stay and wait in their room

    for no reason.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­¡± Winter murmured, not wanting Frank to end up in jail as well. ¡°Don¡¯t stoop to his

    level. Calling the cops is the best choice here.¡±

    Frank nced at her.

    He was not actually wary about the cameras he would just rather not have to kill in front of Winter.

    On the other hand, Kait was already grinning.

    If they really did call the cops, he would live!

    ¡°What the hell is happening? What¡¯s all this ruckus?¡±

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    The door at the end of the hallway opened loudly just then, and none other than Kurt Stinson

    strode out.

    A white¨Chaired elderly man was behind him. They were there to talk shop but were interrupted by the

    scuffle outside.

    Naturally, Kurt was actually surprised when he stepped out and found someone messing around on his

    turf!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Stinson! Mr. Stison! It¡¯s me, Kait Wooper!¡± Kait was beaming as soon as he saw Kurt- now, he

    could get Frank sorted out easily thanks to his connection with Kurt!

    ¡°Kait Wooper? What the hell is this?¡± Kurt was frowning even as he strode toward Kait.

    Kait was just amon street thug operating in the area, and Kurt had turned down his offer to join his

    gang-

    Even so, the brat would often visit Kurt¡¯s joints and send presents, although he epted none.

    ¡°W¨CWho is he¡­?¡± Winter murmured, surprised that Kait was bending himself backward so quickly.

    Could the man be more important than Kait?

    Kait already had a dozen goons, as for the other man¡­ Winter was afraid to think about it! Worst of all,

    Kait and that man were friends!

    Beside her, Zeb almost choked when he saw Kurt. ¡°We¡¯re fucked. That¡¯s Kurt Stinson, the kingpin of

    East City.¡±

    The man would disrespect even the Four Families!

    Why did he bothering here? He should have run away earlier!

    ¡°W¨CWhat should we do?¡± The other students were dumbfounded as well.

    At the same time, Kait pointed at Frank. ¡°That¡¯s him! That¡¯s the bastard who¡¯s making a mess on your

    turf, Mr. Stinson! He even beat me¡­ You have to help me out here!¡±

    Zeb leapt forward right then, denying he had nothing to do with Frank just to steer away from trouble.

    ¡°This has nothing to do with us, Mr. Stinson,¡± he pleaded. ¡°We tried to stop Frank Lawrence, but he

    refused to listen. We were just in the room, minding our business¨Cwe didn¡¯t join the fight!¡±

    However, as Kurt looked where Kait was pointing and saw Frank, his eyes were aze as he rushed

    up to Frank, grasping his hand enthusiastically, ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Long time no see! What brings you to

    my premises today?¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Everyone else was left bbergasted¨CKurt knew Frank?!

 Chapter 289

    Kait turned stiffly toward Frank, as if his joint had rusted.

    He never imagined that the brat would know Kurt. To make things worse, Kurt was respectful ¨Ceven

    deferring to him!

    Who the hell was h

    he?

    ¡°It¡¯s my sister¡¯s birthday,¡± Frank said quietly just then. ¡°I came to celebrate with her, but that bastard

    over there demanded her to be his hostess.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Kurt was furious¨Cbiological connections notwithstanding, if Frank said Winter was her sister,

    then she was his sister.

    Kait must have lost his marbles to have asked her to be his hostess!

    If anything, he really should not have bothered to talk to Kait at all earlier!

    ring murderously at Kait, Kurt promptly shoved his shoe on his face. ¡°Are you fucking with me?

    Telling Mr. Lawrence¡¯s sister to be your hostess?!¡±

    Kait was trembling all over in terror, truly horrified just then. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Stinson. I¡¯m so sorry¡­

    Please have mercy¡­¡±

    Kurt turned toward Frank. ¡°What should we do with him?¡±

    Frank remained impassive as he said icily, ¡°What¡¯s the point of leaving him alive?¡±

    Kurt nodded, understanding what the man was saying right away.

    He snapped his fingers, and the goons behind him promptly dragged Kait down the hallway. Kait turned

    pale and cried, ¡°No, please! Mr. Lawrence! Mr. Lawrence! Mercy¡­ Just give me a chance¡­¡±

    As he disappeared from the other end of the hallway, the students were all gulping, afraid to look Frank

    in the eye.

    Even Zeb was quaking in his boots¨Che and the others certainly knew what would happen to Kait now

    that he was taken away!

    At the same time, Kurt quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that this happened to you on my turf, Mr. Lawrence.

    Why don¡¯t I get you another room, where you can have some fun and forget about. that mess?¡±

    Frank waved him off. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, and he¡¯s not one of yours. We¡¯re more or less done anyway, so

    that¡¯s it for the day,¡±

    He turned to leave, while Kurt hurried after him. ¡°Yes, yes. Allow me to escort you, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    The other students naturally followed Frank, not daring to hesitate.

    At the same time, Aria moved up beside Winter, asking under her breath, ¡°Who¡¯s Mr. Lawrence,

    honestly? Even some kingpin is bending himself backward around him.¡±

    The man may be stingy with that dor store gift, but with his connections, making bank would be easy.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know¡­¡± Winter murmured awkwardly.

    They had first met at her family¡¯s snackbar. One of Frank¡¯s femalepanions at the time turned out to

    be the governor¡¯s daughter, who called in a whole squad ofw enforcers to deal with the thugs

    bullying her family.

    She really had no idea who Frank would be to keep suchpany!

    Aria rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. ¡°What, are you that scared I¡¯d have my way with him? I

    mean, what¡¯s the harm¨Cwe¡¯d be family when that happens!¡±

    Winter smiled awkwardly.

    It was not as if she would protest against Aria making a move on Frank, but she simply believed that

    Aria did not suit Frank.

    Thedies at her family snackbar with Frank were so beautiful, they eclipsed Aria by over a hundred

    times.

    The old man who was with Kurt earlier nced at them, curious about their conversation. Suddenly, he

    froze before calling out, ¡°Excuse me, miss? Can I have a moment?¡±

    Winter was immediately petrified!

 Chapter 290

    Winter slowly turned toward the old man and found him staring fixedly on her chest.

    She became nervous and tightened her cor in response¨Ccould he be some pervert?

    Frank turned when he heard the old man¡¯s voice, and frowned when he saw what the old man was

    doing.

    Kurt hurried back to the old man right then. ¡°Is there a problem, Mr. Looman?¡±

    Iker Looman was actually a famous jeweler based in Riverton. It would be bad if word got out, what

    with the way Iker was staring at Winter.

    Iker, however, ignored Kurt and hurried to Winter¡¯s side. ¡°Miss, may I ask where you got that pendant

    from?¡±

    Winter lowered her eyes in turn to nce at the pendant before her chest.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence gave it to me for my birthday,¡± she said, turning toward Frank.

    Kurt then introduced Iker. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, this is Iker Looman, the second eldest son of Riverton¡¯s

    Loomer family. He¡¯s a famous jeweler in this region.¡±

    In fact, he was just taking shop with Iker, only to be surprised by the geezer¡¯s¡­ tastes.

    ¡°Mr. Looman, this is Frank Lawrence, a healer working here in Riverton,¡± Kurt then said, hesitating for a

    while since he had no idea what Frank¡¯s titles were.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Mr. Looman?¡± Zeb hurried toward Winter in response as well. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Zeb Larkin -my

    father owns Zeb Trust, and it¡¯s a great honor to meet you¡­¡±

    Iker, however, had turned around and ran up to Frank, leaving Zeb standing there awkwardly. ¡°Sir, may

    I ask where you procured that emerald pendant? Would you be willing to sell it to me?¡± Iker then asked

    eagerly.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    While Frank had a bad impression of the old man, he hesitated for a while and said, ¡°I bought it, of

    course. However, I also gave it off as a gift¨Cif you want to buy it, you shouldn¡¯t be asking me.¡±

    In the end, the pendant was now Winter¡¯s, and she got to decide if she would sell it.

    Iker promptly turned back to Winter.

    ¡°Miss, are you going to sell it? I¡¯ll pay you¡­¡± He trailed off for a moment as he thought of a number.

    ¡°Thirty million dors.¡±

    The pendant was itself worth twenty million, but he would pay that much just to seal the deal.

    Winter r was still brushing her fingers over the pendant, and froze right then.

    Did the old man really just offer her thirty million for the pendant?

    And how could it be worth that much? Was Blondie not insisting that it was just some dor store item?

    ¡°What?! Thirty million dors?!¡±

    Around her, the other students¡® jaws could drop.

    They were already envious of Winter¡¯s good looks and perfect grades, and now her sudden wealth!

    Were they not all just students of modest roots? How the hell was Winter suddenly a millionaire?

    Naturally, Zeb was pursing his lips in disbelief. ¡°A¨CAre you sure, Mr. Loomer? That pendant is worth

    thirty million?¡±

    His family¡¯s worth only amounted to twenty million at best, although that still qualified him as a rich

    kid among his peers.

    And yet, or had him beat with just a pendant!

    Still, Iker was stroking his beard as he sighed. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, the pendant is the work of

    a master sculptor based here in Riverton. On top of that, the emerald is of the finest quality- that makes

    it totally worth thirty million.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Winter murmured in astonishment.

    So Frank was never joking around¨Chis present was really worth tens of millions!

    Even Kurt was studying Winter just then.

    Giving a present worth thirty million just like that? She was definitely not just a ¡®sister¡® to Frank

    Lawrence!

 Chapter 291

    Iker was still staring yearningly at Winter. ¡°So? What do you think, miss?¡±

    Winter was pensive for a while but eventually said hesitantly, ¡°T¨CThis is a present from Mr. Lawrence.

    I¨CI won¡¯t sell it.¡±

    Sure, she could sell it and get rich in an instant, but that was exactly it¨Cit was too precious to be sold.

    Moreover, what would Frank think of her if she did sell it?

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank was profoundly pleased with her decision¨Cat the very least, she was not the type who could be

    bought.

    Iker shook his head in disappointment in turn. ¡°Oh, terrible shame. No worries¨CI won¡¯t push for

    you to sell it, though I shall mourn that I missed out on such a masterpiece.¡±

    Still, he was not one who gave up easily as he turned to Frank. ¡°May I ask where you bought that

    pendant from, Mr. Lawrence? That¡¯s a piece by none other than Carl Weaver¨CI¡¯d certainly like an

    introduction.¡±

    Kurt smiled as well. ¡°Mr. Looman here loves his gems. Do introduce him if you can, Mr. Lawrence. Of

    course, it goes without saying that master artworks don¡¯t just drop out of the sky -it¡¯s fine even if they

    didn¡¯t have them on supply.¡±

    He was mainly worried about the two gentlemen getting confrontational, since he¡¯d rather stay friends

    with the both of them.

    Frank understood Kurt¡¯s intentions, though he did not speak up outright. ¡°A friend of mine has his ways.

    I¡¯ll introduce him to you should the opportunity arise, Mr. Looman. But I must bid my leave right now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s terrific!¡± Iker quickly said. ¡°You must contact me right away should youe across another

    gem of such quality, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ll pay you handsomely for it!¡±

    ¡°Should the opportunity arise.¡± Frank nodded.

    As he and Winter¡¯s friends all left the karaoke lounge, Zeb and the others quickly bade their leave.

    Zeb certainly would not dare unt the measly riches of his family now!

    The other students left in a hurry too, since it had been a terrible day for them.

    Aria, however, was all flirty as she moved up beside Frank. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give us a ride home, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡±

    Jean frowned. ¡°Frank still has to drive Winter. You and I are taking a cab.¡±

    Aria pouted reluctantly. ¡°Mr. Lawrence, you have to attend my birthday celebration, okay?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Of course.

    After sending Jean and Aria away, Frank and Winter got into his car.

    Before Frank could take Winter home, she got a call from Fred. ¡°Hello? What is it?¡±

    ¡°Where are you, Winter?¡± Fred asked urgently from the other end. ¡°Mom¡¯s condition just got serious.

    Come to the hospital right away.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Winter eximed, panicking right then.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Frank quickly asked.

    ¡°My mother¡¯s sick. She was taken to the hospital¡­ Can you take me there, Frank?¡± Winter asked

    nervously, her fingers clenching on her phone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take you there right away,¡± Frank assured her and promptly spun the car around to

    drive toward Riverton City Hospital.

    They soon arrived and headed to the ward to find Winter¡¯s mother, Carol Zims, sickly pale as shey in

    bed.

    A young couple stood by the bed¨Cit was Fred and a woman.

    Winter hurried to his side. ¡°Fred, how¡¯s Mom?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s unconscious right now, but the doctor has already scheduled her for surgery,¡± Fred replied.

    Winter¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°How did this happen?¡±

 Chapter 292

    Fred gently patted Winter¡¯s head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s going to be fine¨CI¡¯ve already arranged for a

    specialist for her.¡±

    Beside him, the woman wearing extensive makeup spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s just her old age showing. Why go

    through all that trouble? What a waste of money.¡±

    Frank frowned at those words and turned toward the woman.

    He immediately recognized her¨Cit was the top sales girl from that dealership he visited before.

    However, she had been thoroughly dismissive of him and J Zimmer¡­

    ¡°And you are?¡± he asked.

    Fred introduced, ¡°This is my girlfriend, Marian Henley, and this is Frank Lawrence¡­ A friend.¡±

    Marian did a double take when she nced at Frank. ¡°It¡¯s you¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes. We meet again,¡± Frank said impassively, his tone t.

    ¡°Oh¡­ You¡¯ve met before?¡± Fred asked in curiosity.

    ¡°Yeah, of course,¡± Marian said, quickly getting up and batting her eyshes endlessly at Frank. ¡°He

    came to my dealership -you should have said you were Fred¡¯s friend. I could¡¯ve given you a discount.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Frank said nonchntly. ¡°That bit of money is really nothing to me.¡±

    He certainly had a hunch on what Marian was doing at the dealership with that other old

    customer.

    Frank also felt a foreboding sensation in his gut¨Che thought he would never see Marian again, but it

    turned out that she was Fred¡¯s girlfriend¡­

    Completely oblivious to his girlfriend¡¯s unruly behavior, Fred chuckled just then. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m surprised

    you¡¯ve met. What a coincidence.¡±

    Frank excused himself from the ward and headed to the staircase to call Dan Zimmer.

    ¡°Hello? Mr. Zimmer?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence!¡± J greeted him from the other end. ¡°My grandfather¡¯s actually refining some pills at

    the moment¨Cjust ask me if there¡¯s anything you need.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s nothing important,¡± Frank replied. ¡°My sister¡¯s mother was just admitted to Riverton City

    Hospital, but to a normal ward. Could you help me apply for some privileges? If I recall, the hospital

    chief Hali King is close friends with Dan, right?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no big deal at all,¡± J told him assuringly. ¡°You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Lawrence.

    I¡¯ll call Mr. King right now¨Che¡¯ll make the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Frank said and hung up.

    On the other hand, J was pensive.

    Frank¡¯s sister¡¯s mother¡­ Was he referring to his cousin¡¯s mother?

    After some thought, she decided to check things out at the hospital.

    Ignorance might be bliss, but she ought to do something considering her family¡¯s friendship with Frank,

    now that she was aware.

    There was not much to do here at Flora Hall anyway.

    Meanwhile, Frank stayed at the staircase, quietly lighting himself a cigarette, when the door suddenly

    opened.

    Marian strode in, approaching him with a grin. ¡°So this is where you were. You¡¯re really not that hard to

    find.¡±

    Frank studied her. ¡°What?¡±

    Marian remained unabashed as she giggled and wrapped her hands around Frank¡¯s arm. Nothing¡­ I¡¯d

    just like to apologize for what happened before. Please don¡¯t hold a grudge against me.¡®

    ¡±

    ¡°I

    Frank took a deep breath but nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t hold a grudge. You can go if there¡¯s nothing else.¡±

    ¡°Oh,e on¡­¡± Marian purred as she held his wrist and threw herself over his chest, twirling her hair

    around a finger while smiling, ¡°Are you really not interested in me at all?¡±

 Chapter 293

    Frank stared at Marian as she flirted at him like a skank, and he sighed. ¡°Get along with Fred, and I¡¯ll

    make your life better¨Cor better than it is now, at least. But if all you can think about is riding men on

    your way to the top, I¡¯d rather you stay away from him.¡±

    Marian never expected Frank to be impervious,pletely ignoring her advances!

    ¡°So pretentious¡­¡± She snorted. ¡°No one would be the wiser if neither of us talk about it, y¡¯know?¡±

    Seeing that she waspletely unrepentant, Frank growled, ¡°Get out of my sight.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Marian did not expect that from him either.

    Nheless, Fred arrived at the doorway, and Marian promptly jumped away from Frank.

    ¡°Oh, what are you doing here, Marian? Mr. Summer is here,¡± Fred said.

    Marian¡¯s anger faded from his face right then, reced¨Cby delight as she eximed, ¡°Oh, Mr.

    Summer¡¯s here? Well, where is he?¡±

    With those words, they both left the staircase.

    Frank followed them back to Carol¡¯s ward and found a middle¨Caged man in a suit.

    ¡°Thanks foring, Mr. Summer.¡± Marian quickly went up to him, her charm turned on in full.

    Brock Summer quickly asked, ¡°Marian, Fred. How¡¯s Madam Zims doing?¡±

    ¡°Her heart conditioning rpsed,¡± Fred said. ¡°Apologies for worrying you.¡±

    ¡°Come on, what are you saying?¡± Brock said somberly. ¡°You¡¯re my employee of course I¡¯d care when

    you¡¯re in trouble.¡±

    Fred was absolutely bbergasted to hear that and thanked him repeatedly. ¡°Thank you so much, Mr.

    Summer¡­¡±

    Brock then nced at Winter. ¡°Ah, Winter. You must be a sophomore now, yes? You cane work for

    me alongside your brother here when you graduate -I¡¯ll arrange for a high¨Cpaying job for you when the

    timees.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Winter murmured and nodded awkwardly. ¡°T¨CThank you.¡±

    She was perplexed¨CFred worked at a real estate agency. Whatever would she do there?

    Moreover, it would be a while until she graduated, so she simply gave a nomittal response.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Summer, what about me?¡± Marian purred with a smile just then. ¡°Can¡¯t you arrange for a

    position for me on your¡­ staff?¡±

    Brock patted his chest. ¡°No problem. You cane over anytime you want, so you and Fred can take

    care of each other here.¡±

    In reality, Brock only cared about Fred because of his beautiful sister.

    However, Winter was always cold toward his advances.

    On the other hand, Fred¡¯s girlfriend Marian was a lot more interested.

    Thest time Brock gave him a ride home, she deliberately left her pantyhose in his car, and Brock

    could read that much into her intentions!

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    While he still desired Winter more, it would be even better if he could have both.

    Brock spread his arms pompously just then. ¡°I have contacts here in Riverton City Hospital. I¡¯ll have

    your mother transferred to a better ward soon.¡±

    Fred could hardly believe it. ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s unnecessary. That¡¯s very expensive.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just spare change. What¡¯s important is for Madam Zims to get better soon.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ Well, thank you, Mr. Summer.¡± Fred bowed, humble to the bone.

    ¡°Oh, stop it. I¡¯ll go make a call now,¡± Brock said and strode out of the ward.

    Marian blinked before hurrying after him.

    Even as Brock headed straight to the men¡¯s room and let himself have a cigarette, he was suddenly a

    lot less pompous than before.

 Chapter 294

    Brock waspletely ingratiating himself as he asked, ¡°Hello, Dr. King? Are there any special care

    wards avable in Riverton City Hospital¡­ What, thest one was just booked? Well, can¡¯t you pull

    some strings for me-¡±

    The doctor on the other end hung up on Brock before he could finish, and he was left staring at the

    nk screen and grumbling, ¡°Fuck! All those goodies I¡¯ve been giving you¡­ It¡¯s all for nothing!¡±

    Marian entered the men¡¯s room just then. ¡°Mr. Summer¡­¡±

    Brock jumped as he turned. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Marian¡­ What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Did you get the special care ward, Mr. Summer?¡± Marian asked in curiosity.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Brock patted his chest confidently. ¡°It¡¯s just a room. It¡¯s as good as done.¡±

    Marian smiled and promptly pressed herself against Brock as she grinned. ¡°You¡¯re so amazing, Mr.

    Summer¡­¡±

    ¡°What, you have something else to say?¡± Brock grinned, his eyes watching her with as much glee as

    lust.

    Marian winked and giggled. ¡°It¡¯s a little noisy here¡­ Why don¡¯t we talk somece quieter?¡± she asked

    and headed straight inside one of the cubicles.

    Brock quickly followed -he certainly would not hold back when Marian was so enthusiastic!

    Once they were both inside, Brock made the first move.

    Leaning by Marian¡¯s ear, he breathed, ¡°Fred¡¯s quite the lucky bastard, getting a pretty

    girlfriend like you¡­¡®

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re so impatient, Mr. Summer!¡± Marian protested, ying hard to get.

    Brock cut to the chase right then. ¡°If we keep doing this, I¡¯ll pay you fifty grand every month.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Marian¡¯s eyes lit up¨Cthat was way better than her car sales job!

    Moreover, she really had had enough of giving ¡®favors¡® to make sales, and she never quite managed to

    land a big fish.

    Frank would have been ideal, since he was as rich as he was young¡­ It was a pity that he was

    immune to her charms.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Brock chuckled just then.

    Marian thought about it. ¡°But we can¡¯t let Fred find out, okay?¡±

    They were together since they were still students, and she was hoping for Fred to fall back on even if

    shended a big fish.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Brock chuckled again¨Che had no intention to marry Marian, and the less people talked, the

    better.

    After some thought, he added, ¡°If you can get Winter too, it¡¯d be a hundred grand.¡±

    Marian did a double take but soon giggled. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re one greedy customer. Am I not enough

    for you?¡±

    ¡°Hehe. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s more exciting, doing it with your sister¨Cinw?¡±

    Marian pouted but said, ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    Neither of them were in a hurry anyway.

    Meanwhile, Frank went up to Fred and asked, ¡°So what¡¯s the story between you and Marian Henley?¡±

    From where Frank¡¯s standing, Fred and Marian were pr opposites.

    However, Fred appeared proud that Frank would mention that. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a long story, and I¡¯ve been

    chasing after her for so long¡­ back in the day, she was the hottest gal in the school¡­¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°So you¡¯re nning to marry her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Fred nodded repeatedly.

    Frank stared at his look at bliss, suddenly hesitant.

    Still, he considered his words for a while but decided he had to warn Fred. ¡°I think you shouldn¡¯t rush

    it.¡±

 Chapter 295

    Fred was stupefied and confused right then. ¡°Uh¡­ Why?¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°You and your girlfriend arepletely different people.¡±

    Fred frowned right then. ¡°What are you talking about? My family¡¯s business is none of yours- don¡¯t even

    think about meddling.¡±

    Completely oblivious to Marian¡¯s endless duplicity, Fred believed that Marian was kind, caring, and

    tactful.

    Moreover, she was always epting of him despite his modest ie¨Chow dare some outsider like

    Frank criticize her?!

    Frank was stumped.

    He hesitated again but insisted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to meddle either. It¡¯s just a piece of advice.¡± ¡°Enough! Get

    out of here, you¡¯re not needed here!¡± Fred snapped at him, rolling his eyes. Winter returned just then,

    and seeing Fred snapping at Frank, she promptly asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Fred?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Fred told her before turning and bellowing at Frank again, ¡°Don¡¯t you evere looking for

    your sister again! You have no chance with her!¡±

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly. ¡°I¡¯m not here to bother your sister. I¡¯m trying to help Madam

    Zims.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying, Fred?¡± Winter also quickly reasoned. ¡°There¡¯s nothing going on between me and

    Frank. He heard Mom was sick, so he came.¡±

    Fred only got angrier to see his own sister siding with Frank. ¡°My mom doesn¡¯t need your help.

    Badmouth Marian again, and we¡¯ll see!¡±

    Winter promptly caught on to the reason why the men were arguing, though she was also confused as

    to why Frank would dislike Marian.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Fred. Just stop it,¡± she snapped and turned toward Frank. ¡°I¡¯d like you to do the same

    too, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank certainly understood that Fred was hell bent on marrying Marian.

    Since nothing he said meant a thing, he simply decided to keep his mouth shut.

    Soon, Brock and Marian returned.

    For his part, Fred did not mention Frank badmouthing Marian, and he quickly turned toward Brock. ¡°Mr.

    Summer, about the special care ward¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Brock eximed, and scratched his head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already made the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s wonderful!¡±

    Marian walked up to Fred¡¯s side, smiling. ¡°Mr. Summer also said he arranged for a rented apartment for

    you.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Fred eximed in shock¨Cthat was too good to be true!

    Brock smiled in turn. ¡°Of course, I know for renting a ce near the office so it¡¯d be more convenient

    for you toe to work. It¡¯s close to a fact that your home is far from our office, so I¡¯m here too, so you

    cane to visit your mother again whenever necessary.¡±

    It all felt like a dream to Fred¡­ To think such a great day woulde!

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    His mother was right¨Che just had to work hard, and his boss would see that.

    He was once again filled with hope for life!

    Brock was smiling too¨Cthe rented house was nothing more than to make it easier for him to see Marian.

    Most importantly, Winter just might stay there during summer break too¡­

    And being close made anything easier, did it not?

 Chapter 296

    However, Fred suddenly noticed that girlfriend¡¯s cor was wide open.

    ¡°What happened to your blouse?¡± he asked.

    Marian froze and quickly looked down.

    ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t feel that button fall off,¡± she quickly said as she pulled up her cor.

    She and Brock had been in so much of a hurry that the button was lobbed off when he tore at her

    blouse.

    Fred remained puzzled, but before he could press the issue, a nurse entered. ¡°Is Carol Zims¡® family

    here?¡±

    Fred quickly walked up to her. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m her son.¡±

    The nurse nodded. ¡°Your mother will be moved to the special care ward now.¡±

    Fred was not surprised since Brock had said as much. ¡°Where can we make the payment?¡± ¡°Payment?

    What payment?¡± The nurse did a double take. ¡°The chief himself approved the room for your mother.

    Juste with me.¡±

    ¡°The chief? As in Hali King?¡± Fred asked in disbelief.

    The nurse raised her brow. ¡°Of course. Who else could our chief be?¡±

    Fred and Marian turned to Brock right then, with Marian eximing in disbelief, ¡°You know Hali King,

    Mr. Summer?¡±

    Fred could kowtow to him right then. ¡°Thank you so much for this, Mr. Summer¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Haha! It¡¯s no big deal,¡± Brock chuckled, but he was even more shocked than they were.

    He certainly did not know Hali¨Che knew Walter King, the head neurologist.

    The nurse must have gotten it wrong, not to mention he never told Walter which patient needed

    transferring.

    Frank frowned right then. ¡°He has nothing to do with this.¡±

    Fred, who already had enough of Frank, promptly snapped, ¡°Really? Then who does? You?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I asked a friend to arrange a transfer for Madam Zims.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    ¡°Haha!¡± Marianughed. ¡°What, are you saying your friend is Hali King?¡±

    ¡°We did meet a couple of times,¡± Frank admitted.

    ¡°Oh, and who are you to meet Hali King?¡± Brock scoffed right then.

    Brock was a business owner and never even got to meet the chief of Riverton City Hospital, but a

    young prick like Frank did?

    Moreover, Frank was Fred¡¯s friend. With his help, Fred would have far surpassed Brock if he was as

    important as he boasted¨Cwhy would Fred stay under Brock¡¯s employment at all?

    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Shut up, Frank!¡± Fred snapped grumpily.

    Winter tugged on Fred¡¯s sleeve just then.

    She did not think Frank was lying, since he had given her a thirty million dor present like it was an

    afterthought, and even a kingpin like Kurt Stinson showed him due respect.

    If anything, it would not be surprising if Frank knew Hali.

    However, Fred was too prejudiced against Frank just then to care what his sister thought.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he growled and took her to the special care ward.

    Frank sighed exasperatedly¨Che had to follow, given the situation.

    However, Fred stopped him at the doorway when he arrived with them.

    ¡°There¡¯s no reason for you toe in,¡± Fred growled.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Winter eximed, puzzled at Fred¡¯s behavior. ¡°He¡¯s here to visit Mom. How

    could you keep him out?!¡±

 Chapter 297

    ¡°We don¡¯t need him visiting, and we didn¡¯t ask for him.¡±

    Fred¡¯s expression was icy, and he was bent on chasing Frank away.

    Winter was left standing there awkwardly, though Frank did not press the issue, seeing that Fred was

    determined.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll go,¡± Frank said and turned to leave.

    Winter hurried after him. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about that, Mr. Lawrence. I think Fred¡¯s on edge about Mom, so

    he was a little harsh. Please forgive him.¡±

    Frank smiled and patted her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not that petty¨Crun along. Just call me right away if

    anything happens.¡±

    Winter studied Frank and decided from his kindly smile that he really was not angry.

    She nodded and returned to her mother¡¯s ward.

    Frank continued to leave and had just reached the entrance when J¡¯s car arrived to a screeching

    halt outside.

    J herself soon alighted with arge bag of supplements.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Ms. Zimmer?¡± Frank asked in surprise.

    ¡°You said your rtive was sick, didn¡¯t you?¡± J quickly exined. ¡°So I came to visit.¡±

    Frank smiled, not expecting her to go that far for him. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry you have toe all this way over

    something so trivial¡­¡±

    ¡°No, Mr. Lawrence,¡± J quickly said. ¡°Your business is mine.¡±

    It was only after she finished that sentence that she realized she had misspoken and was left standing

    there awkwardly.

    Still, Frank quickly changed the subject. ¡°Oh, I have to go now since I have something else to do. If you

    don¡¯t mind, could you examine my rtive? Call me right away if it¡¯s serious.¡±

    He was not actually up to anything, but he could not go back when Fred had just chased him

    out.

    J nodded without hesitation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be checking things out with Hali personally.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Frank said and left.

    Meanwhile, Fred was awash with gratitude toward Brock in the special care ward.

    ¡°Mr. Summer, you really have to stay. I¡¯m buying dinnerter.¡±

    Brock waved him off.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take a rain check. I still have something to doter,¡± he said, eyeing Marian.

    Catching her cue, she quickly said, ¡°Well, don¡¯t let us keep you, Mr. Summer. Oh, and I have to

    work overtime too, Fred. You should stay and take care of your mom.¡±

    ¡°What? Thiste at night?¡± Fred asked in confusion.

    ¡°It¡¯s all for the money, Fred.¡± Marian smiled, and it was true¨Cshe was doing it for Brock¡¯s money,

    Fred was actually touched, and remembered how Frank was throwing shade at Marian. If anything,

    Frank was probably just jealous that he had such a kind and understanding girlfriend!

    Just then, the doors to the special care ward opened, and three people entered.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    The bald head cardiologist, Walter King, was leading the way.

    Behind him was Hali King, the elderly chief of Riverton City Hospital.

    A young, prettydy was walking behind them.

    ¡°Oh, Dr. King!¡± Brock eximed and promptly hurried to greet Walter.

 Chapter 298

    ¡°Thank you so much for today, Dr. King,¡± Brock eximed emotionally. ¡°My employee¡¯s mother would

    still be in a normal ward if not for you.¡±

    He turned to Fred and beckoned, ¡°Over here, Fred. Let me introduce you¨Cthis is Dr. Walter. King.¡±

    Fred hurried over and promptly took Walter King¡¯s hand, shaking it excitedly. ¡°I¡¯m Fred Lawrence, Mr.

    Summer¡¯s employee. Thank you so much for today.¡±

    Walter nodded and pped him on the shoulder. ¡°Young man, do take good care of your mother¡­ But

    I¡¯m not the one doing you a favor here. There¡¯s only one such special care ward, reserved for important

    people with urgent conditions. No one gets in unless they have the chief¡¯s personal approval.¡±

    Brock simply presumed that Walter was being humble. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to be so modest, Dr. King.

    We¡¯d never get a word in with your chief! It¡¯s all thanks to you!¡±

    Walter rolled his eyes, having the feeling that Brock¡¯s brain was a little on the slow side.

    ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating. I don¡¯t have the chief¡¯s ears, you know.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Brock was taken aback.

    If Walter did not speak to Hali and arranged the special care ward for Carol, then who did?

    Nheless, Walter shot Fred a look. ¡°Why are you spacing out here? Go thank the chief already.¡±

    Fred came to his senses and hurried to Hali. ¡°Thank you so much, sir.¡®

    Hali waved him off. ¡°It¡¯s not me either¨CMs. Zimmer has spoken, and who am I to deny her?¡±

    It was only then that Fred noticed the inly dressed woman standing beside Hali whom he did not

    know.

    ¡°And you are¡­?¡±

    Hali was smiling and left stunned. ¡°What, you don¡¯t know Ms. Zimmer? She¡¯s the granddaughter of Dan

    Zimmer, the owner of Riveton¡¯s Flora Hall!¡±

    ¡°Oh, gosh!¡± Fred gasped, surprised that the woman was such an important figure. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Ms.

    Zimmer!¡±

    So that was why even Hali was being so respectful around her!

    J smiled. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Mr. Lawrence himself asked me, so I¡¯ll do my best to help. My grandfather is

    friends with Hali too, so just call upon him if you need help around here.¡± ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Which Mr.

    Lawrence are we talking about?¡± Fred asked, puzzled.

    ? ??? ? ?? ?? ? ???

    J raised a brow. ¡°Frank Lawrence, of course.¡±

    Everyone was left astonished at that.

    Fred was left pursing his lips¨Cdid that mean that Frank had really arranged this special care ward for

    his mother?

    Beside him, Winter sighed exasperatedly.

    She really should have done everything she could to stop Frank from leaving earlier¨Cthe man had gone

    all out to help, only for Fred to chase him away.

    It would be weird if Frank was not disappointed!

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Marian was stunned but kept it bottled since she recognized J, who was there with Frank at her car

    dealership.

    Never could she have expected that the modest woman was the granddaughter to the owner of Flora

    Hall!

    Two bigwigs, but shended neither.

    Naturally, Brock was left blushing awkwardly as well¨Cwho would not be, when he had been caught lying

    outright?

    Fred¡¯s eyes dimmed with disappointment too. ¡°So it really was Frank Lawrence¡­¡±

    He really thought he would be fine without the man¡­ It turned out that without Frank, his mother would

    not even have been allowed in a proper ward.

    J looked around at them in turn and spotted Marian.

    Shepletely ignored Marian, however, and turned to Winter. ¡°So, you¡¯re Frank¡¯s sister?¡±

 Chapter 299

    ¡°What?¡± Winter froze¨Cshe was just friends with Frank, not his sister!

    For J¡¯s part, she did not say much as she studied Winter.

    ¡°Hmm. You do have the looks,¡± she said, nodding. ¡°Anyway, you and your family should step out for a

    moment. Chief King and I will be examining your mother.¡±

    They all nodded repeatedly¨Cthe chief of the hospital was right there, after all!

    Once they were out, Winter promptly snapped at Fred, ¡°I told you that you shouldn¡¯t have chased Frank

    away. What are you going to say the next time you see him?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Fred appeared embarrassed and felt a little guilty, but the way Frank threw shade at Marian still left him

    seething.

    ¡°So what?¡± he retorted stubbornly. ¡°Do you think we can¡¯t survive without him? You should stop seeing

    him too¨Cthe way I see it, he just wants your body.¡±

    He knew that much was true¨CFrank was as rich as he was influential. Why else would Frank be nice to

    their family if not for Winter?

    It was not to mention that they both came here together!

    ¡°What¡­¡± Winter was speechless, convinced that her brother was measuring Frank¡¯s

    generosity by his own petty standards.

    Just then, Marian had an idea and asked, ¡°Does that man even have a job?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know, but he does have friends in high ces.¡± Fred snorted.

    ¡°No, he¡¯s very rich too,¡± Marian quickly said. ¡°When he came to my dealership, he bought two

    Maybachs¨Cone for himself, and the other for J Zimmer.¡±

    At those words, Fred wheeled on Winter right then. ¡°You hear that? That man is justvishing any

    pretty face hees across with luxury. Don¡¯t you dare ept anything he gives.¡±

    Winter quickly tightened her cor.

    Seeing Fred¡¯s attitude, there was even less reason for her to show the thirty million dor ne

    Frank just gave her.

    Before evening arrived, Brock was long gone, and Marian was not bothered to stay.

    Only Fred and Winter were left sitting on the bench outside, dozing off.

    They jolted awake when J and Hali stepped out and quickly asked, ¡°Ms. Zimmer, Doctor King¡­

    How¡¯s my mother?¡±

    J breathed a long sigh. ¡°She¡¯s safe, thankfully¡ªshe also just woke up. I¡¯ve written a prescription

    here, so follow the routine, and she¡¯ll recover soon enough.¡±

    She handed the paper and her number to Fred, who took it gratefully.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now if there¡¯s nothing else,¡± she added. ¡°Call me right away if anything happens.

    =

    ¡°Okay, okay¡­¡± Fred nodded repeatedly and saw her off before heading into the special care ward.

    To no surprise, Carol was awake. One could expect nothing less of Dan Zimmer¡¯s

    granddaughter¡­ J did not need surgery to treat Carol!

    ¡°How do you feel, Mom?¡± Fred eximed, beside himself with delight.

    Carol nodded as she looked around. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­ Where am I?¡±

    It was obviously not her house.

    ¡°This is Riverton City Hospital¡¯s special care ward,¡± Fred quickly said.

    ¡°What?¡± Carol eximed, and quickly tried to get up. ¡°What are we doing here? It costs a fortune to

    stay here. Let¡¯s go home right away¡­¡±

    Winter promptly pressed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. Mr. Lawrence arranged this ward

    for you without spending a dime.¡±

    Carol did a double take and quickly asked, ¡°You mean, Frank Lawrence? The man at our snackbar

    before?¡±

    Fred hated Frank but nodded exasperatedly. ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±

    ¡°W¨CWhy would he go so far for us?¡± Carol murmured, perplexed.

 Chapter 300

    Fred snorted darkly. ¡°The way I see it, he just wants to get in Winter¡¯s pants. Why else would he go that

    far?¡±

    Winter flushed. ¡°Stop it, Fred. Also, he¡¯s done nothing even if he likes me. Why do you hate him so

    much?¡±

    Fred was left stammering before waving her off dismissively. ¡°He¡¯s too good for you. Didn¡¯t you see the

    women with him? Each of them are either rich or powerful. You think he really likes you, calling you

    sister or whatnot? He¡¯s just going to eat you up and spit you

    out!¡± Winter was speechless and despondent right then¨CFred was right about that much, since the

    women around Frank were all extraordinary individuals.

    Carol inhaled sharply as she thought about Fred¡¯s words as well, though there was one thing she

    disagreed with.

    Even if Frank was surrounded with women with marvelous beauty¨Cbeauty even her daughter could not

    hope to reach¨CFrank was still going all out to help her family.

    Was it possible that he was Winter¡¯s biological brother?

    She knew very well that Winter was adopted, even if she never told anyone else.

    Moreover, Frank¡¯sst name was Lawrence¡­

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    The more Carol thought about it, the more she was convinced it was the truth.

    Kindness that came without cost was just too good to be true!

    Leveling a solemn look at Winter, Carol said, ¡°Your brother¡¯s right, Winter. You can be friends with

    Frank, but you really shouldn¡¯t consider marrying him.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Fred eximed in shock. ¡°Be friends with him? She should be rid of him entirely!¡±

    Winter balled her knuckles at that. ¡°Mom, Fred. Frank never did you wrong. How could you be so mean

    to him?!¡±

    Her eyes red, she stormed out of the ward right then.

    ¡°Urhg, what a brat.¡± Fred snorted, thinking that Winter was getting really unreasonable these days.

    On the other hand, Carol was at a loss.

    How was she supposed to tell her children? Most importantly, did she have to tell them that Winter was

    adopted?

    Early next morning, Frank received a text from J, telling him that Carol had regained

    consciousness and was not in danger.

    Frank was relieved and was going to have breakfast when his phone started ringing.

    It was Vicky. ¡°Hey, Frank. What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Eating.¡±

    ¡°Eating? Didn¡¯t you see my text yesterday?¡®

    Frank tapped on WhatsApp and saw Vicky¡¯s text informing him that the bid event for Rejuvenation Pill

    distributors¡® rights was held today.

    As the majority shareholder, Frank was naturally obligated to attend.

    ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t get the notification,¡± Frank said awkwardly, scratching his head.

    Vicky frowned, ¡°Get over here to Verdant Hotel for now or you¡¯ll bete. You can eat here anyway.¡±

    ¡°Yep, yep,¡± Frank muttered nomittally and quickly got dressed, putting aside breakfast

    immediately.

    Meanwhile, arge Mercedies stopped outside the entrance of Verdant Hotel.

    Zeb Larkin and Cindy Zonda alighted, with thetter dressed alluringly in a gown with a plunging

    neckline and extensive makeup.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Larkin¡­ I¡¯m surprised there¡¯s so many people here for the bid,¡± she gasped.

 Chapter 301

    Zeb chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s only natural. If anything, the surprise is how thoroughly the Turnbulls¡®

    Rejuvenation Pill outsold the Szars¡® Beauty Pill. We¡¯re definitely getting those distributor rights.¡±

    Naturally, it would be even better if they could get the recipe.

    Cindy nodded repeatedly in agreement. ¡°Yes. Though you shouldn¡¯t forget my cut when you win, Mr.

    Larkin.¡±

    In reality, they had just met and hooked up over thest two days, with Zeb beguiling Cindy with his

    charm and wit easily.

    She even took a ten million dor loan for him thanks to that!

    Putting his arm around Cindy¡¯s waist, Zeb grinned. ¡°That¡¯s for sure. You¡¯re a much better

    businesswoman than your cousin.¡±

    Cindy was certainly over the moon from his ttery. ¡°Hmph. Helen would never measure up to me if my

    family had an actual business.¡±

    Zeb smiled¨Cshe really considered herself a big shot now¡­

    Despite his disdain, he said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go inside. The bid will start soon.¡±

    Once they entered the hall and saw bigwigs dressed in dapper suits everywhere, Cindy was

    immediately gleeful.

    This is the life she deserved as a strong, independent woman, her ce was right here among these

    bigwigs!

    However, even as she looked around, she promptly spotted a figure that left her disgust ring.

    ¡°Frank Lawrence! What are you doing here?!¡± she snapped, not expecting to see him on a prestigious

    asion such as this.

    He had no right!

    Frank frowned when he heard the familiar voice and turned to see Cindy striding toward him. angrily.

    ¡°Are you blind, or just stupid?¡± Frank snorted in annoyance. ¡°Can¡¯t you see that I¡¯m attending this

    event?¡±

    ¡°What, someone like you?¡± Cindy folded her arms in disdain. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a good look at

    yourself first?¡±

    Zeb walked up to them as well. ¡°Frank, the Rejuvenation Pill is selling like hotcakes, and only the most

    important bigwigs can be distributors. Some gigolo like you can¡¯t even hope to make a bid.¡±

    Frank nced at both of them in turn and sneered. ¡°Oh, but you¡¯re wrong about that. I¡¯m not here to

    make a bid, but neither of you would ever be an appointed distributor.¡±

    Cindy frowned in response. ¡°Shut up¨Cstop trying to jinx us, and get out of my sight!¡±

    ¡°Eating? Didn¡¯t you see my text yesterday?!

    Frank tapped on WhatsApp and saw Vicky¡¯s text informing him that the bid event for Rejuvenation Pill

    distributors¡® rights was held today.

    As the majority shareholder, Frank was naturally obligated to attend.

    ¡°Oh¡­ I didn¡¯t get the notification,¡± Frank said awkwardly, scratching his head.

    Vicky frowned. ¡°Get over here to Verdant Hotel for now or you¡¯ll bete. You can eat here anyway.¡±

    Yep, yep,¡± Frank muttered nomittally and quickly got dressed, putting aside breakfast immediately.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Meanwhile, arge Mercedies stopped outside the entrance of Verdant Hotel.

    Zeb Larkin and Cindy Zonda alighted, with thetter dressed alluringly in a gown with a plunging

    neckline and extensive makeup.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Larkin¡­ I¡¯m surprised there¡¯s so many people here for the bid,¡± she gasped.

 Chapter 302

    Hugo smiled slightly, while Zeb introduced, ¡°Mr. Goodman, this is Cindy Zonda, cousin of Helen Lane of

    Lane Holdings. I¡¯ve mentioned her before.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Ms. Zonda.¡± Hugo nodded and turned to tease Zeb, ¡°You lucky dog. It¡¯s a different girl from every

    other event!¡±

    ¡°Haha¡­ don¡¯t tease me now, Mr. Goodman.¡± Zeb chuckled and soon asked, ¡°Now, about the distributor

    rights¡­¡±

    Hugo¡¯s expression turned solemn at the mention of business. ¡°Every major family in the Central Steppe

    is here to make a bid. It¡¯s going to be a bloodbath.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Zeb quickly said. ¡°But I¡¯m sure we can make an arrangement since we go way back, Mr.

    Goodman. Moreover, Lane Holdings is also taking part¨CMs. Zonda here has long been an admirer of

    yours.¡±

    Hugo smiled and pped him on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¨CI made a promise, and I¡¯ll naturally keep

    it.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Zeb was delighted. ¡°Thank you. So, how many pills are we talking about?¡±

    ¡°To be honest, I can¡¯t get you the real deal,¡± Hugo said. ¡°But I¡¯ve been noticing that during the pill

    refinement process, a lot of defective pills would be produced. Those were supposed to be returned to

    the cauldron to be reprocessed, but I¡¯ve been stashing them. There are around five thousand of

    these¡­ If you want the whole lot, just twenty million dors will do.¡±

    Zeb was shocked.

    Even if those Rejuvenation Pills were defective, they would still sell since it was still in hot demand.

    If anything, five thousand was not that many¨Cand each Rejuvenation Pill was selling for a whooping

    fifty grand apiece right now!

    Zeb would be making bank with this deal!

    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic, Mr. Goodman. I¡¯ll take the whole lot!¡± He grinned.

    He had no intention of bing a legitimate distributor anyway¨Che would be gone as soon as he

    made his profit..

    As for what came after, it was none of his business.

    Huge nodded at his eagerness. ¡°That¡¯s good. You cane with me to get the pills once this bid event

    is over.¡±

    However, Frank had been listening to them from a distance and was actually shocked to hear that the

    bastard was stashing defective Rejuvenation Pills,

    Since he could not prevent the asional defective pill from every cauldron he used himself, he could

    let that slide.

    On the other hand, if those five thousand Rejuvenation Pills found their way into the market, it was

    going to inflict a huge blow to the confidence in the product.

    The first wave of distributors were inevitably bigwigs, and they would not take the bullet lying down!

    With that, Frank strode up to them and demanded, ¡°Why were those pills not returned for reprocessing

    or disposed of?¡±

    The trio did a double take, surprised Frank was suddenly questioning them.

    Although Hugo was shocked since he would be in deep trouble if his bosses found out, he narrowed

    his eyes and growled coldly, ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±

    Cindy promptly snapped at Frank in turn, ¡°Get out of here, Frank! This is none of your business!¡±

    At the same time, Zeb quickly said, ¡°That¡¯s Helen Lane¡¯s ex¨Chusband. They¡¯re already divorced, so he

    holds a grudge and wants to sabotage all Lane Holdings business.¡±

    Hugo promptly breathed a sigh of relief¨Cas long as it was not a Turnbull!

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question,¡± Frank growled coolly at Hugo just then.

    ¡°Just stop already!¡± Zeb bellowed at him. ¡°I¡¯m warning you¨Cdon¡¯t you dare start it here!¡±

 Chapter 303

    Frankpletely ignored Zeb and kept ring at Hugo. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    Huge frowned, but he was already relieved when he was told that Frank was unimportant.

    ¡°I¡¯m Hugo Goodman,¡± he announced pompously. ¡°Who do you think you are, meddling in the Turnbulls¡®

    business?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Good, I have your name. Now choose¨Csubmit your resignation, or I¡¯ll fire you.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Hugoughed out loud right then. ¡°Who do you think you are to fire me? Security!¡±

    Two security guards hurried to them at Hugo¡¯s call. ¡°Mr. Goodman?¡°!

    Hugo pointed at Frank and snapped impatiently, ¡°Get him out of here. He¡¯s trying to start a scene.¡±

    Both men turned toward Frank right then as one growled, ¡°Sir, pleasee with us.¡®

    Frank did not even look at them. ¡°I¡¯m the majority shareholder of Grande Pharma, here to attend the

    bid event. Neither of you have the right to tell me what to do.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Both security guards were stunned and traded nces.

    Majority shareholder? That really came out of nowhere¡­.

    Still, they were hesitant since they could not afford to upset any Grande Pharma shareholders.

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Cindyughed so hard she was clutching her stomach. ¡°You¡¯re such a riot, Frank! Calling

    yourself Grande Pharma¡¯s shareholder? I¡¯d be the owner if you were!¡±

    Zeb shook his head in wry amusement. ¡°You really don¡¯t know where to stop, man.¡±

    Hugo wasughing too. ¡°Look, kid¨Cyou can say whatever you like, but there¡¯s a time and ce for it.

    You¡¯re now insulting Grande Pharma, and I¡¯ve never seen you in any of the board meetings.¡±

    Beckoning at the security guards, he repeated, ¡°Get him out of here!¡±

    Both security guards thought about it and decided to listen to Hugo.

    After all, they could recognize Hugo and never saw Frank around. So if Hugo said Frank was not a

    shareholder, then he definitely was not.

    ¡°Sir, please stop making a scene.¡±

    ¡°Leave, or we¡¯ll make you.¡±

    Frank finally shot them a look. ¡°This is none of your business. Go back to your posts.¡±

    Both security guards pursed their lips¨Che would actually still order them around?!

    They traded a nce and decided to take action.

    However, that was when Vicky strode into the lobby in a white gown.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Seeing the scene, she promptly snapped, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Hugo saw Vicky and hurried to her side, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, there¡¯s this brat who¡¯s been causing a scene.

    It¡¯s no issue, and I already had security handle it. It¡¯d be all over soon.¡±

    Vicky turned to look and flinched when she saw who it was.

    ¡°Frank?¡± she murmured

    Hugo froze¨CVicky knew that brat?!

    On the other hand, Zeb and Cindy already knew that Frank was Vicky¡¯s boy toy. However, they were

    also convinced that Vicky would not stay on Frank¡¯s side on an important asion such

    as this.

    As such, Zeb promptly strode up and said, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, we¡¯re only here to attend the distributor bid.

    Your friend, however, insulted us¨CI must ask you to keep him in line.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Cindy was even scoffing. ¡°Ms. Turnbull, he may be your gigolo¡­ But you can¡¯t just cut him

    loose like this, y¡¯know?¡±

 Chapter 304

    Cindy continued, ¡°If he causes trouble, you¡¯re the one who would be humiliated.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s eyes narrowed as soon as Cindy finished, and she pped Cindy across the face!

    Smack!

    ¡°Oof!¡±

    The p resounded across the lobby.

    Cindy¡¯s cheek was instantly red and swollen while she stood stunned and clutching her cheek. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m

    Helen Lane¡¯s cousin!¡± she cried even as she stared nkly at Vicky.

    ¡°So what?¡± Vicky growled coolly. ¡°Insult me again, and I won¡¯t y nice even if your cousin is here.¡±

    Zeb quickly tried to reason with her. ¡°Please calm down, Ms. Turnbull. We mean no harm.. Hugo was

    certainly shocked as he stood nearby.

    So that was why Frank had been so pompous¡­ He was Vicky¡¯s boy toy!

    But a boy toy was still just a boy toy¨Che was more important inparison!

    As such, he hurried toward Vicky, saying, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, the event¡¯s starting soon. Let¡¯s hurry inside¡­¡±

    Vicky was not in a rush and turned to Frank instead. ¡°What was that all about?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Frank pointed straight at Hugo and said bluntly, ¡°That bastard stashed five thousand

    defective Rejuvenation Pills with the intention of selling them. I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t have to to

    you what happens if those defective pills reach the market?¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky was furious.

    Her instructions were clear¨Call defective pills were to be reprocessed, or if that failed, to be disposed of.

    With the Rejuvenation Pill hitting the market, she must be zealously prudent¡­ And yet, a warehouse

    manager like Hugo had the balls to sell those defective pills?!

    ¡°Hugo Goodman, you¡¯ve really grown a pair!¡± she snarled.

    Hugo flinched, feeling a chill down her spine when he saw Vicky¡¯s icy re.

    ¡°N¨CNo! It¡¯s nder, Ms. Turnbull!¡± he quickly cried.

    ¡°nder? I heard you perfectly clear when you bragged about it,¡± Frank said tly.

    ¡°Shut up! What, you have super hearing or something?!¡± Hugo snapped.

    After all, he and Zeb had been discussing in whispers¨Cthere was no way Frank could have heard them!

    Seeing that Hugo really did not know when to give up, Frank said bluntly, ¡°In that case, you¡¯re hereby

    dismissed as warehouse manager, and you are to hand over every key in your custody.¡± The

    management will look into this personally.¡±

    Hugo was bbergasted¨Che had been stashing the defective Rejuvenation Pills in thepany

    warehouses since security was too tight.

    Every item must be sold before they leave the warehouse, and he did not have time to move them!

    If management really checked, he would be exposed immediately!

    His face contorting in rage, he shrieked at Frank, ¡°You have no right to investigate me, manwhore!

    Don¡¯t believe him, Ms. Turnbull¨CI¡¯ve always been loyal to your family!¡±

    However, his frantic reaction made it obvious he was guilty in Vicky¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Frank has the right to investigate you since he¡¯s the majority shareholder of Grande Pharma, ¡± she

    said bluntly,

    ¡°What?¡± Hugo was left stupefied and kept shaking his head. ¡°Are you joking, Ms. Turnbull?¡± ¡°Oh, well, I

    forgot to mention¨Che¡¯s the anonymous shareholder of Grande Pharma. He just never showed up

    before.¡±

    Hugo¡¯s jaw dropped as he dropped limply to the floor.

    Grande Pharma was a newpany founded by Vicky, and the only shareholders Hugo knew were

    Vicky, Yara Quill, and Dan Zimmer.

    There was also another shareholder who held the 50% majority, but Hugo could never have known that

    it would be Frank!

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

 Chapter 305

    Zeb and Cindy traded nces of disbelief as well.

    Frank really was the majority shareholder of Grande Pharma?!

    Zeb was especially gritting his teeth in fury, cursing his own luck. ¡°Fuck! That manwhore has no right! It

    should¡¯ve been me, not him!¡±

    At the same time, Hugo finally realized the gravity of the situation and hurried to Frank to apologize

    earnestly. ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Mr. Lawrence? Please, I understand I¡¯ve made a mistake. I¡¯ll dispose of the

    defective pills right away! Please just give me a chance!¡±

    Frank simply shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. It¡¯s time to vacate your position.¡±

    Maggots like Hugo would only quicken thepany¡¯s corruption. If anything, it was better to count on

    hiring graduates fresh from college than hope for such men to change.

    ¡°W¨CWhat do you mean?¡± Hugo gulped.

    ¡°You don¡¯t get it?¡± Frank asked icily. ¡°I¡¯m saying you¡¯re no longer needed as a warehouse manager.¡±

    ¡°You!!!¡± Hugo pointed at Frank¡¯s nose as he bellowed, ¡°You have no right to fire me!¡± Frank shrugged

    nonchntly. ¡°Well, you can stay, but you¡¯d have to start over from the bottom¨Cas a janitor, to be

    specific.¡±

    He could afford Hugo that much leniency for Vicky¡¯s sake.

    Who knew that if he did his best, they might actually see fit to promote him back to management.

    However, that was an insult through and through in Hugo¡¯s eyes. ¡°Who the fuck are you to tell me to be

    a junior?! I¡¯m a manager of Grande Corp!¡±

    Wheeling on Vicky, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, I¡¯ve served Grande Corp for years! How could you let this brat bully

    me?¡±

    Vicky shrugged. ¡°Did he? Can¡¯t see it. Run along now, and wait while we investigate this mess.¡±

    ¡°What¡­?¡±

    Hugo never thought that Vicky was so cold that she would attack him over some manwhore! ¡°My father

    worked with your grandfather to build this empire!¡± he snarled. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t care about me, you

    should show my father due respect!¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m telling your father right away,¡± Vicky said and turned toward the two security guards.

    ¡°Why are you just standing there? Take him to the security office right now. He¡¯s now under

    investigation.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Yes, Ms. Turnbull.¡±

    Both security guards were actually left spacing out by the turn of events.

    It was almost a fantasy, seeing a usually high¨Cand¨Cmighty manager being told off like that! Naturally,

    neither of the security guards were nice to Hugo either.

    Vicky was right there to back them up, and judging from things, Hugo was most definitely going to be

    fired.

    Even if he were to be hired again, the security guards might outrank him!

    With that, both security guards pressed their hands on Hugo¡¯s shoulder, even as he cried furiously,

    ¡°Who do you think you are?! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± One of the security guards smacked Hugo in the head with his baton before dragging him

    away with his partner.

    Zeb was left at a loss as he looked on¨Chis ns to buy Rejuvenation Pills from Hugo just went up in

    smoke!

 Chapter 306

    However, Zeb nused to himself for a moment before striding up to Vicky

    At the same time, Cindy stayed behind him it only took Vicky one p to tame her.

    As Zeb reached Vicky, he held out a hand. ¡°Allow me to formally introduce myself, Ms. Turnbull. I¡¯m

    Zeb Larkin, and my father owns Zeb Trust.¡±

    Vicky nced at him. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Zeb smiled and brushed his fingers through his bangs elegantly. ¡°So I was just thinking we could

    discuss the distributor¡¯s rights for the Rejuvenation Pill¡­¡±

    ¡°That can wait. The bid starts soon.¡± Vicky remained impassive.

    ¡°Oh, you really are the Iron Lady of Riverton¡± Zeb continued ttering her, something which he

    happened to be good at. ¡°Your work is precise and elegant, and I¡¯m thoroughly impressed. I was

    wondering if you¡¯d mind making an exception for me?¡±

    vickyughed coolly ¡°For you And why should lo

    that?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve always been a Lan,¡± Zeb said. ¡°I want to be a distributor for you, and not to make money. I¡¯ve

    heard about your aplishments, but I never had the chance to share your burdens¡­ Now that I

    finally have a shot, I would even concede two tiers of profits to you. All I ask in return is that we be

    friends forever.¡±

    He was absolutely confident that once he got in Vicky¡¯s good graces, his good looks and sweet

    nothings would soon allow him to rece Frank.

    He just did not expect Vicky tough at his face.

    ¡°What can you do aside from ttery?¡± she asked when she was doneughing. ¡°Also, nothing about

    you could ever qualify you to be a Rejuvenation Pill distributor,¡®

    Zeb was as shocked as he was stunned by Vicky¡¯s sharp words.

    Frowning, he growled, ¡°Even if you say that, I am the son of an important family, and we have influence

    here in Riverton.¡±

    ¡°The Larkins? Really? A third¨Crate family talking to me about influence?¡±

    Vicky stood, her hands sped behind her back as she leveled Zeb a look of pure contempt. ¡°You

    little¡­¡± Zeb was seething so terribly his jugr vein bulged.

    This bitch was really belittling him!

    Vicky snorted. ¡°I still have other matters to attend to, so I¡¯m leaving. If your family really. wants to

    achieve anything, stick to hard work and proper attitudes. Quit your little schemes and twisted plots

    already.¡±

    As she strode away, Zeb finally loosened his knuckles¨Cno matter how furious he was, he would never

    dare cause trouble around the heiress of the Turnbulls,

    But without Vicky¡¯s presence, Cindy was once again pompous. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯ve got some moves,

    Frank. You¡¯re now the majority shareholder of Grande Pharma, huh?¡±

    Frank shot her a look and decided he had even less reason to hang around when she was mingling

    with the likes of Zeb.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Before he could leave, however, Cindy moved to stand in his way, leaving him frowning What else do

    you want?¡±

    Cindy reared her chin with an air of superiority. ¡°Hand over the Rejuvenation Pill recipe¡±

    As the majority shareholder of Grande Pharma, he definitely had the recipe!

    Cindy certainly could not care less about partnerships at this point¨Cthey could just get the recipe and

    make the Rejuvenation Pill themselves.

    And with that, they would be swimming in money!

    Frankughed despite himself. ¡°And why should I do that?¡±

    Cindy red at him as she snapped w

    righteous indignation, ¡°You¡¯ve been freeloading off my cousin for three years. How much of her money

    did she have to spend on you? All your sesses from her¨Cyou must repay her and hand over

    the recipe. Do that, a

    , and you¡¯re even!¡±

    Zeb nodded beside her. ¡°Cindy¡¯s right. Hand over the recipe right now, Frank!¡±

 Chapter 307

    Frankngbed coldy¨Che did not think he had to run into such shameless people.

    *I¡¯ve long since repaid every tacot I owe the Lanes,¡± he growled. ¡°If anything, it¡¯s the Lanes

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that crap and give me that recipe!¡± Cindy shrieked.

    She was at least smart enough to know that the recipe was worth a fortune, and she would eat well

    once she got it.

    She was not about to let Frank leave until she did!

    Frank red at her icily ¡°Let go, or don¡¯t me me for what happens next.¡±

    ¡°What? Are you going to hit me? Come on, do it!¡± Cindy shoved her cheek at him, pointing at

    She was convinced he would not do it?

    Frank snorted at her extreme brarenness and shoved her away

    ¡°Oef¡± Cindy gasped as she lost bnce and fell backward

    Still, Zeb managed to catch her ¡°Are you alright, Cindy¡±

    Cindy was seething. Did you just push me, Frank?! I¡¯m a woman! Don¡¯t you know chivalry at

    all

    ¡°Gender is irrelevant.¡± Frank replied tly. ¡°All I see are the good people and the bad.¡±

    He was not some masculine bum who would refrain fromying a finger on womenpletely

    When it came to people like Vi, he would not hold back when he had to

    ¡°Help! This bastard hit a woman! This is an outrage!¡± Cindy promptly cried out, causing a scene and

    drawing everyone¡¯s attention.

    However, even before they could get curious, Frank quickly called security.

    This time, the security guards were not about to drag their feet at Frank¡¯s orders and promptly

    restrained Cindy as they dragged her outside.

    ¡°What are you doing?! Let go of me! You¡¯re all bullies, ganging up on me!¡± Cindy shrieked, thrashing

    her legs violently.

    However, neither security guards said a word as they quickly threw her out, and the lobby became

    much quieter soon after.

    Zeb hurried to Cindy just then, assuring her, ¡°It¡¯s alright, Cindy. Can¡¯t you see? We can¡¯t win when

    Frank is a shareholder of Grande Corp.

    Cindy nodded in agreement, but she was still gritting her teeth in frustration. ¡°But I can¡¯t stand this! We

    could make the Rejuvenation Pill on our own if we just had the recipe!¡±

    oby nodded. ¡°If he wouldn¡¯t give you even if you¡¯re Helen Lane¡¯s cousin, I think we should have the

    Lanes do this¡±

    He wanted the recipe too, and it would be wonderful if the Lanes could get it for him.

    Cindy nodded but soon hesitated. ¡°Would the Lanes even listen to me?¡±

    Zeb grimed just then and leaned in to whisper his ns into her ear.

    Cindy was beaming right then. ¡°You¡¯re really smart, Mr. Larkin!¡±

    With their n decided, Cindy hurried back to Lane Manor, where Gina and Peter were using their

    phones idly.

    Suddenly, Cindy was running inside, bawling so loudly as if she was worried everyone could not hear

    her

    As soon as she got in, she threw herself on the couch and bawled.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Hugh Boo hoo¡±

    Gina quickly went up when she saw that ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Cindy? What happened?¡±

    Cindy threw herself into Gina¡¯s arms right then, crying miserably, ¡°He pped me, Aunt Gina!

 Chapter 308

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Gina cried out, her face flushed with rage as she noticed the red palm print on Cindy¡¯s face.¡± Who has

    the balls to hurt my niece?¡±

    ¡°Who else?!¡± Cindy sobbed. ¡°It¡¯s Frank Lawrence¨CI was just attending the Turnbulls¡® distributors¡® bid for

    the Rejuvenation Pill, but he pped me just because he didn¡¯t like the way I look. It hurts so much!¡±

    Peter clenched his fists in turn.

    He never liked Cindy, but he hated Frank more.

    ¡°That bastard is too much!¡± he bellowed. ¡°He doesn¡¯t respect our family at all!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± Cindy quickly added. ¡°He¡¯s been doing well for himself¨Che was appointed. major

    shareholder of Grande Corp. So, I asked him about the recipe for the Rejuvenation Pill¡­ but he

    laughed at me, and told me he¡¯d never give it to me!¡±

    Gina was still caught in rage for a moment, but her mind cleared considerably when she heard about

    the Rejuvenation Pill recipe.

    After all, the Rejuvenation Pill was selling like hot cakes these days!

    Still, she asked, ¡°Wait, why would Frank Lawrence have the recipe?¡®

    ¡°Why else? Vicky Turnbull named him shareholder of Grande Corp,¡± Cindy snorted. ¡°Of course he¡¯d

    have it!¡±

    Gina gasped in understanding, just as she realized that her family would be filthy rich if they got the

    recipe!

    ¡°Just wait here, Cindy,¡± Gina told her with righteous indignation. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with that lowlife right now.¡±

    Beside her, Peter was well aware of his mother¡¯s ns. ¡°I¡¯ming with you, Mom.¡±

    ¡°You have to get the recipe,¡± Cindy told her. ¡°With the recipe, our family can sell our own Rejuvenation

    Pills, and we¡¯d be swimming in money!¡±

    Gina nodded in agreement. ¡°Of course. Frank Lawrence must hand over the recipe after what he did to

    you.¡±

    And with that, Gina and Peter promptly drove out to look for Frank and got into Skywater Bay thanks to

    Zeb pulling some strings.

    However, Frank was not back yet, so mother and son were left pacing around endlessly while waiting¡­

    It was not until evening that Frank returned and saw Gina and Peter outside his house.

    Both of them spotted him and rushed toward him, while Frank leveled a cold re. ¡°What are you doing

    outside my house?¡±

    Gina snapped angrily, ¡°You! Did

    you

    hit

    my niece?!¡±

    This

    ¡°Hit your niece?¡±

    Frank frowned¨CCindy really knew how to twist the facts.

    He only pushed her, and he was somehow med for hitting her?

    ¡°What, you don¡¯t have the balls to admit it?¡± Peter bellowed in contempt.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. And get out of the way,¡± Frank growled impatiently.

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    ¡°Are you denying it? Do you think we¡¯re blind? My niece¡¯s face was so red!¡± Gina red viciously at

    him.

    ¡°Vicky was the one who pped her,¡± Frank shrugged. ¡°Take it up with her if you want.¡±

    Gina did a double take

    However, they certainly would not dare take it up with Vicky. All they could do was bully Frank!

    ¡°So what if Vicky did it?¡± Gina snapped stubbornly. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re the one who told her to do it!¡±

    Peter quickly nodded. ¡°Yes! You have topensate us after you hurt my cousin!¡±

 Chapter 309

    Frankughed so these two came all the way here just to demandpensation?

    ¡°How much do you want?¡± he asked.

    Gina quickly said, ¡°We don¡¯t want money.¡±

    Frank was actually shocked. ¡°You don¡¯t want money?¡±

    What was happening? Did the sun rise from the west?

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Peter said, his hands in his pockets as he reared his chin, looking like he was doing

    Frank a favor. ¡°You¡¯re the majority shareholder of Grande Corp, aren¡¯t you? Give us the recipe for the

    Rejuvenation Pill, and we won¡¯t press the issue.¡±

    Frank scowled right then.

    So after all that drama, it turned out that these two only wanted the Rejuvenation Pill recipe.

    ¡°Dream on,¡± he said with a snort. ¡°The recipe has been given to Grande Corp. Go to Vicky if you want.¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap!¡± Gina snapped impatiently. ¡°Do you know the recipe or not?¡±

    Frank nodded nonchntly. ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Then write us a copy!¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Frank replied, determined.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because the Rejuvenation Pill is now an exclusive patent of Grande Corp. I don¡¯t have the right to

    distribute it,¡± Frank said, his expression apathetic.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s uneptable!¡± Peter barked. ¡°Give us the recipe right now!¡±

    ¡°If I said no¡­¡± Frank stared at them coldly. ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡±

    Gina and Peter traded nces¨Cthey would never beat Frank even if they attacked him together!

    Nheless, Gina cried stubbornly, ¡°Give it to us, or you¡¯re not leaving!¡±

    ¡°Hmph. I guess making a scene is inherent for the Zonda family.¡± Frank snorted coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t have

    time for either of you. Now, leave.¡±

    ¡°Dream on!¡± Gina cried, grabbing Frank by the wrist¨Cshe would get her hands on the Rejuvenation Pill

    recipe today, one way or another!

    ¡°Let go,¡± Frank growled in annoyance.

    ¡°No way!¡± Gina cried defiantly.

    Frank simply put a palm on her head and shoved, knocking her backward.

    Unlike Cindy, she was less fortunate andnded square on her bottom!

    ¡°Oof!¡± Gina gritted her teeth in pain before pointing at Frank and snapping, ¡°How dare

    you

    push me?!¡±

    ¡°Keep messing with me and you¡¯ll see,¡± Frank growled, only holding back for Helen¡¯s sake before.

    But Gina was simply shameless!

    ¡°Peter! Don¡¯t just stand there!¡± Gina wheeled on her own son right then. ¡°He pushed me! Go get him!¡±

    Peter was about to move when Frank red at him.

    He froze, still traumatized by what Frank did to him before.

    And with that, Frank snorted in disdain and returned to his mansion.

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    When Helen finished work and reached home in the evening, she found Gina, Peter, and Cindy sulking.

    Perplexed, she asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°What else could have happened?!¡± Gina snapped. ¡°It¡¯s Frank Lawrence again!¡±

    ¡°What? What about Frank?¡± Helen eximed in surprise.

    ¡°Who else?¡± Peter grumbled. ¡°Ask Cindy and Mom!¡±

    Helen was immediately skeptical, however. ¡°What? That¡¯s impossible¨Cdid you mess with him? Why

    else would he push you out of the blue?¡±

    Moreover, back when Frank still lived here, her mother was the one who constantly insulted Frank,

    while he had to tolerate her however he could.

 Chapter 310

    If Frank really wanted to hurt them, he would not wait until their divorce.

    Nheless, Gina snapped tempestuously, ¡°Just look at you, defending that bastard even now!

    Turning toward Peter, she said, ¡°Show her the video!¡±

    Peter had long since downloaded from the car camera and quickly showed it to Helen. ¡°See it for

    yourself if you don¡¯t believe us.¡±

    Helen took the phone and saw that Frank was indeed arguing with her family before pushing her

    mother!

    She was immediately disappointed that Frank would do something like that. ¡°What¡­ How did this

    happen?¡±

    ¡°I told you, Helen.¡± Cindy walked up tofort her. ¡°Frank is rotten. He¡¯s just pretending to be nice

    around you.

    Helen bit her lip and whipped out her phone to make a video call.

    Meanwhile, Frank, who had just finished his dinner and was going to visit Dan, was surprised by

    Helen¡¯s call.

    However, he answered it to find Helen¡¯s angry look.

    ¡°Yes?¡± he asked..

    ¡°Why did you hurt my mother, Frank?¡± she asked heatedly with a frown.

    Frank was speechless. ¡°How did I hurt her? I only pushed her.¡±

    Helen leveled him a look of disappointment. ¡°Pushed her? How old do you think she is? Why did you

    do that?¡±

    His opinion of Frank had changed drastically ever since Vi Szar apologized to her. Even if he did

    ask for the Turnbulls¡® help to make Vi apologize, Frank at least cared about her.

    But now, she could not forgive him for pushing her mother!

    Nheless, Frank growled icily, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you ask her why I pushed her? Do you know the

    whole story?¡±

    ¡°Are you still trying to argue?! I watched the video!¡± Helen eximed in anguish.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Frank chuckled. ¡°If you actually did, you¡¯d understand why I¡¯d push her. If I really did give your

    mother the recipe for the Rejuvenation Pill, Vicky will sue Lane Holdings to oblivion.

    With that, he hung up, believing that Helen was beingpletely unreasonable.

    On the other hand, Helen was taken aback and wary at the mention of the Rejuvenation Pill.

    Wheeling on Peter, she snapped, ¡°Give me your phone.¡±

    ¡°What¡­ You already watched the video, didn¡¯t you?¡± Peter stammered.

    Helen snatched the phone, somehow realizing that she never noticed the video was me before

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    She raised the volume and almost passed out when she found out why they were argang

    Pushing Gina?! If she were Frank, she would becking Gina!

    She pointed at Peter and her mother right then and hellowed, ¡°Are you two crazy, demanding for

    Frank¡¯s Rejuvenation Pill recipe?!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?!¡± Gina snapped back,pletely unrepentant ¡°He freeloaded from us for

    three years! What¡¯s wrong with demanding a little recipe?!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Peter joined in. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t he give us at least that much?!¡±

    ¡°Do you even understand what would happen to him if he did give it to you?¡± Helen growded through

    her teeth.

    That was corporate espionage, and Vicky could have Frank rotting in jail for the rest of his life if she

    wanted to.

    If anything, it would be crazy if Frank gave it to them!

    Spin to im Your Surpose Heward!

 Chapter 311

    Gina snorted nonchntly. ¡°So what? What does that have to do with us?¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­ Why are you like this?¡± Helen stamped her feet in frustration, but she could not do anything

    since it was her mother.

    She regretted her actions too¨Cshe really should have been more careful instead of blundering and

    questioning Frank.

    That was when Cindy strode up and asked, ¡°You¡¯ve already divorced Frank Lawrence¨Cwhy worry about

    him? You should be thinking about how to get the Rejuvenation Pill recipe off his hands, and we will all

    be rich!¡±

    Helen wheeled on her shameless cousin, having had enough just then. ¡°Stop it! No one is to ever

    mention the Rejuvenation Pill recipe ever again, or I won¡¯t hold back!¡±

    With that, Helen stormed upstairs, leaving Gina and the rest speechless.

    ¡°Honestly¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with her? Why does she always side with some nobody?

    Meanwhile, Frank arrived at Flora Hall, where Dan was waiting with J in tow.

    They both approached him as soon as they saw him arrive.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Lawrence.¡®

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Zimmer,¡± Frank replied, here to discuss medicine as they had agreed before, while he

    would get some herbs as well.

    Naturally, Flora Hall is an expansive business and they would not mind giving away some.

    ¡°Come this way, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Dan said as he ushered Frank to the cloister.

    J had already made tea, and she sat and listened as Frank and spoke a length to Dan about

    medicine.

    They spoke about various topics from medicinal theories to acupuncture, and Dan actually felt

    incredibly enlightened.

    Still, as their discussion continued to midnight, J started to nod off and yawn repeatedly even

    though she was just listening.

    Seeing that, Frank asked, ¡°It¡¯ste, Mr. Zimmer. Why don¡¯t we continue some other day?¡±

    Dan stroked his beard, a little embarrassed just then. ¡°Haha¡­ Apologies, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯ve really lost

    track of time in our discussion.¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°Being able to discuss our knowledge was enriching for me too¨Coh, and there are some

    herbs that I¡¯d need. May I ask for some?¡±

    It waste, but Frank did hot forget why he came.

    Dan spread his arms right then. ¡°Oh, Mr. Lawrence¨Clike I said before, you just need to ask.

    After all, Frank was the one who invented the Rejuvenation Pill. He was absolutely supportive. of

    Frank, no matter what thetter had in mind.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay the night too?¡± Dan suggested. ¡°You can use our pill refinement chambers.¡±

    He could also get a peek while Frank worked, which worked absolutely to his advantage.

    Frank thought about it and nodded, since it spared him the trouble of going back to Skywater Bay.

    Dan the

    Dan then passed J the list of ingredients and told her to gather the herbs for Frank.

    After that, he led Frank to the guest room, which was just beside the pill refinement chambers.

    If Frank got tired, he could retire to his room right away¨Cit was exceedingly convenient.

    ¡°This chamber shall be reserved for your personal use from now on, Mr. Lawrence. You cane use

    it anytime you like.¡±

    Frank threw up his hands. ¡°This is too much, Mr. Zimmer¡­¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s no trouble,¡± Dan said cheerfully, leaving Frank a little embarrassed. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as

    trouble when it¡¯s us¨Cplease don¡¯t turn me down¡­ Also, it¡¯ste now, so I won¡¯t impose.¡±

    He left, and J soon entered with a stack of medicinal herbs.

    Frank quickly took them off her hands. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just leave everything here.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 312

    J then added, ¡°I¡¯ll get you a towel and other stuff so that you can wash up, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll be cooking some pills soon.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± J eximed in surprise. ¡°It¡¯s veryte¨Caren¡¯t you tired?¡±

    ¡°This pill isn¡¯t that difficult to make.¡± Frank smiled. ¡°It¡¯d be done soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ But I¡¯ll get them for you anyway,¡± J said and left the room.

    She soon returned with a set of toiletries before heading to the front doors, yawning.

    Flora Hall was not a hospital and did not operate 24/7.

    However, just as she was about to close the doors, two women suddenly charged inside.

    One of them was wearing a blue gown, and her face was pale, while the other, dressed in a form -fitting

    shirt, was helping the other woman stand.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯re closed,¡± J said.

    Liv Dawson, the one with the form¨Cfitting shirt, turned toward J and quickly said, Please, there are

    people after us. Let us hide here¡­¡±

    J was left shocked that something like this would happen.

    However, before she could say, arge group of men appeared at the corner of the street.

    All of them were armed, and they charged inside Flora Hall in no time at all!

    J froze, as she was a stranger to such violent scenes!

    A tattooed man who was clearly the leader chuckled coolly. ¡°Nowhere to run now, Ms. White.¡±

    Liv whipped out her dagger as she stood before the other woman, Kim White. ¡°Who are you people?

    How dare you attack Ms. White!¡±

    The tattooed man snorted in disdain. ¡°It¡¯s just a job¨Cdon¡¯t worry, you¡¯re next.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s someone else here, boss,¡± one of his goons told him just then.

    The tattooed man finally noticed the other woman at that but snorted nonchntly. ¡°Not an issue. We

    just have to kill her too.

    J gulped in fear¨Cwhat the hell? Did she somehow get caught in a gang war?

    Kim straightened herself despite the difficulty. ¡°You wanted me, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯ll go with you- there others

    are innocent. Let them go.¡±

    ¡°No! You can¡¯t go with them, Ms. White!¡± Liv cried.

    ¡°Just tell Father soon, Liv,¡± Kim told her. ¡°They¡¯re too many. You¡¯d never win.¡±

    She shook her head, stopping Liv since she wanted to say something. ¡°No. Thedy over there. is

    innocent.¡®

    Nheless, the tattooed manughed icily. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t say yes to that, Ms. White. Everyone

    here is going to die except you.¡±

    o per put a well, but the catt inte hope that met at the better get yN?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

 Chapter 313

    The tattooed man did a double take.

    Someone that strong there was in this little apothecarium all this while?

    Frank stepped out to the lobby just then, with J hiding behind him.

    He was about to start cooking a pill, only to hear themotion outside.

    He stepped out and saw in surprise the two goons chasing J, and he kicked them without holding

    back.

    He then looked around the lobby and found Kim and Liv as well.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked icily. ¡°You have some balls to cause trouble here.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    The tattooed man nced at Frank but soon dismissed him as he barked, ¡°Get him.¡±

    His gang of goons promptly charged, while J cried in warning, ¡°Watch out, Mr. Lawrence!¡±

    However, those small fries werepletely insignificant in Frank¡¯s eyes.

    He shot forward like a bolt, dancing between the goons as he sent all of them flying with each one

    punch.

    ¡°Shit¡­¡± The tattooed man paled¨Cso Frank was really strong!

    However, even as he watched his men fall one after another, he whipped out his dagger.

    Waiting for the perfect moment, he shoved it at Frank¡­ only for Frank to catch it between his fingers.

    ¡°What¡­¡± The tattooed man paled in disbelief, stunned by Frank¡¯s strength!

    Frank¡¯s eyes

    shed in disdain as he flicked his fingers, shoving the dagger backward with such force it left the

    tattooed man stunned.

    Even as the tattooed man dropped his dagger, Frank sent him flying with a kick!

    The tattooed man copsed in a pile at the door way with a loud thud, cursing, ¡°Fuck! You messed with

    Skyhawk Sect¡­ You¡¯ve really done it now, bastard!¡±

    Frank frowned¨Cthe Skyhawk Sect was a cabal of killers with strong influence down south. However, his

    re of contempt never faded. ¡°Skyhawk Sect? Even your boss would have to kowtow and apologize if

    he was here.¡±

    The tattooed man was shocked that Frank would disrespect his sect, and it seemed that Frank knew

    about them as well.

    ¡°Fine, I will remember this! Just you wait!¡± he snapped before rising to his feet and fleeing, knowing that

    he would never win or be able to take Kim with them.

    Frank did not particrly hold a grudge and naturally did not chase after him.

    He turned toward J. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    J shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­ But thedies¡­¡±

    Frank turned to the direction she was looking and saw that Kim was leaning feebly against the

    wall.

    He was just about to walk up to her, but Liv promptly stood in his way. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Your friend¡¯s really hurt. She could die if she isn¡¯t treated,¡± Frank exined.

    Kim pressed a hand on Liv¡¯s shoulder as she straightened herself.

    ¡°Thanks for saving us there, sir,¡± she nodded at Frank. ¡°I¡¯m Kim White of Southdam. However, I can

    only convey my sincerest gratitude another time¡­¡±

    However, Frank studied herplexion and asked, ¡°You must have suffered an internal injury, didn¡¯t

    you? Hold out your arm.¡±

    ¡°You know medicine?¡± Kim asked in surprise.

 Chapter 314

    Frank pointed at Flora Hall¡¯s que. ¡°Certainly. This is Riverton¡¯s most famous apothecary¡±

    Kim looked around and decided that Frank was not lying with all the shelves and cupboards where

    medicinal items were kept.

    Moreover, she had definitely been struck on the way here. She could feel that her body was a mess

    and had trouble breathing.

    And considering that the man was a healer, she promptly held out her wrist.

    With a single tap, Frank determined where her injuries were

    His fingers moving as fast as lightning, he touched Kim over her chest, and she immediately felt a pang

    of pain there..

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? How dare you molest Ms. White!¡± Liv was ring furiously as soon as

    Frank touched Kiur¡¯s chest and promptly pulled Kim toward herself while snapping, ¡°To think I believed

    you were a proper doctor, when you¡¯re just taking advantage of women!¡±

    Frank frowned at Liv. ¡°You¡¯re really terrible with words.¡±

    Liv was going to snap at him again, but Kim stopped her.

    ¡°Stop it, Liv,¡± she told her sternly before turning to Frank. ¡°Thank you so much for helping ust earlier. It¡¯s

    late now, and we have other things to do, so we¡¯re going now.¡±

    ¡°Word of advice, ma¡¯am,¡± Frank said just then. ¡°You really should seek treatment soon. Your internal

    injury is grievous, and you could be in danger if you don¡¯t take it seriously.¡±

    ¡°Thank you

    for your advice.¡± Kim nodded and started to leave Flora Hall with Liv helping her.

    Still, she paused at the doorway and turned to ask, ¡°May I have the pleasure of your name, sir?

    ¡°Frank Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°I see. Thank you.¡±

    With that, she and Liv disappeared into the night, while J frowned just then. ¡°What¡¯s their problem?

    You were treating that woman, but they behaved as if you meant harm.¡±

    In her eyes, Frank was a prodigy in both medical knowledge and pill making. There were who wanted a

    consultation with Frank, but they would not even have the chance!

    On the other hand, those two treated him like he was just some quack doctor!

    Frank simply chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them.¡±

    He closed the doors for J, though his mind was on Skyhawk Sect.

    many

    They had been a part of the Battle of the South Sea, although they were just some fringe sect.

    If anything, Frank was surprised that Skyhawk Sect managed to expand into Riverton within

    years.

    It seemed that he should refine some pills as soon as he can in case of emergencies¡­

    Meanwhile, as Kim and Liv kept walking along the curb, Kim instructed, ¡°Liv, remember to look into

    Frank when we get back.¡±

    ¡°What do you want to do? Kill him?¡± Liv asked in curiosity. ¡°Well, that makes sense since he molested

    you. We can¡¯t let him live after that.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that nonsense,¡± Kim promptly snapped, ¡°He did save us, and someone like him who

    could take down that many hitmen at once? He¡¯s definitely worth bringing to our side.¡±

    Liv thought nothing of it. ¡°What¡¯s so impressive about that? I would have taken them down myself even

    if he didn¡¯te.¡±

    Kim shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    Her skeptical reaction left Liv with the urge to prove herself. ¡°I will spar with him some other day¡­¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Kim promptly stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t you

    Before she could finish, she felt a pang of pain on her chest and copsed, leaving Liv turning pale!

 Chapter 315

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ms. White?!¡± Liv cried even as she tried to help Kim to her feet, just as the White

    family¡¯s men arrived.

    The bodyguard in the lead saw that Kim was unconscious and quickly asked, ¡°What happened to Ms.

    White?¡±

    ¡°She was hit when some hitmen attacked,¡± Liv quickly said.

    ¡°Quick, get her to the hospital.¡± The bodyguard quickly carried Kim into the car, which sped straight to

    Riverton City Hospital.

    After a surgery thatsted an entire night, Kim was finally kept out of danger.

    Eron White, the head of the White family, arrived just as dawn arrived and asked the bodyguards, ¡°How

    is she?¡±

    They kept their heads down in silence as one answered, ¡°A gang of hitmen attacked her, and she

    sustained internal injuries. But she¡¯s safe now.¡±

    ¡°What do I pay you for?!¡± Eron snapped furiously. ¡°There are so many of you, and she still got hurt?!¡±

    Liv exined, ¡°I take full responsibility, Mr. White. Ms. White wanted to take a stroll, and I couldn¡¯t stop

    her.¡±

    Eron turned toward Liv

    She was Kim¡¯s bodyguard, best friend, and an heiress herself, so he would not throw a fit at her.

    ¡°Do you know who they were?¡± he asked instead.

    Liv thought about it. ¡°They¡¯re from Skyhawk Sect¡­ That¡¯s what they said.¡±

    ¡°Skyhawk Sect?!¡±

    Eron gasped and quickly said, ¡°Well, as long as Kim¡¯s safe.¡±

    Hali King, the chief of Riverton City Hospital stepped out in ab coat just then.

    The White family quickly surrounded him, with Eron asking, ¡°How¡¯s my daughter?¡±

    Hali scowled. ¡°She¡¯s safe, but things don¡¯t look too good. Her organs were hit, and her veins. and

    muscles ruptured.¡±

    ¡°T¨CThen do something!¡± Eron quickly said. ¡°I can pay you however much you want, as long as you

    save her!¡±

    Hali was still scowling. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can help here.¡±

    Even though he had a double specialty in cardiology and neurology, Kim¡¯s internal injury was not in his

    domain.

    ¡°You can¡¯t? Aren¡¯t you the chief of this hospital? What do they pay you for?!¡± Eron bellowed in agitation,

    his face contorting in rage as his words grew hostile.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Concerned that this would lead to more drama, Hali quickly said, ¡°Calm down, sir. I said I

    couldn¡¯t help, but there is nock of talents here in Riverton. In fact, I know a friend who can definitely

    help.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you waiting for? Bring him here!¡± Eron quickly said.

    ¡°Just wait a moment,¡± Hali said, and hurried to his office to call Frank.

    Not only was Frank adept at treating internal injuries, but his Ichor Pill was something else entirely¡ªhe

    was the best man for the job.

    Meanwhile, Eron hurried to Kim¡¯s ward.

    He found her daughter lying in bed,pletely drained and her face pale.

    ¡°Dad¡­¡± Kim tried to sit up, but Eron quickly stopped her.

 Chapter 316

    Eron told Kim, ¡°It¡¯s alright. Don¡¯t move just stay put and rest.¡±

    Kim nodded. ¡°Is my condition very serious?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Eron assured her. ¡°The hospital chief is bringing in a specialist. They¡¯ll definitely make

    you better.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kim smiled.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Eron nodded repeatedly. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine as long as I¡¯m around.¡±

    Kim said nothing after that.

    In reality, she did not really care about her injury.

    She was in Riverton because of her arranged marriage. She did not like her fiance, however and left

    her hotel in the middle of the night to flee Riverton and the arranged matrimony. Naturally, that went

    south, though she actually thought sincest night that it would be good if she died like this.

    Soon, the doors to her ward opened again, and two men entered.

    It was Kuno Yaffe, the middle¨Caged chief of Flying Sword Sect.

    His only son, Jan Yaffe, who was just a little past twenty, stood beside him.

    Kuno hurried toward them, nodding at Eron as he asked, ¡°Mr. White, I heard your daughter was

    attacked?¡±

    Eron rose to his feet in greeting as well. ¡°I¡¯m afraid so, Mr. Yaffe. Her injury is also quite extensive.¡±

    ¡°Are the doctors here able to help?¡± Kuno pressed.

    ¡°No, not even their chief,¡± Eron replied. ¡°But he said he is bringing in a healer who can help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s t Kuno nodded and walked up to Kim¡¯s bed. ¡°Just rest easy, Kim. I¡¯ll have Jan

    take you out on a stroll when you¡¯re better.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kim,¡± Jan chimed in. ¡°I will definitely find those culprits and get even for your sake.¡°!

    Kim nodded, withstanding her agony as she said, ¡°Mr. Yaffe, I¡¯m afraid the wedding would have to wait

    a few days, given my condition.¡±

    She had absolutely no intention to marry Jan, but her parents had already decided for her.

    However, even if she could not change that, she could at least dy it for a few days¡­

    Kuno did a double take, able to read Kim¡¯s mind from the look in her eye.

    He did not take offense, however, since Kiin had not even met his son on more than a handful of

    asions¨Cit made sense that she was resistant to the idea of marrying Jan.

    But this was the perfect chance for Jan to spend more time with her and develop a rtionship!

    ¡°Haha!¡± Kunoughed. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s only right to get married when you¡¯re better.¡±

    [h¨Cthinner wi

    | TASTE

    Hali entered just then, grinning as he told Eron, ¡°Allow me to introduce you to Riverton¡¯s best healer,

    Mr. Frank Lawrence.¡±

    Hali had d witnessed Frank in action before and was heads over heels in reverence for him.

    Frank was still in Flora Hall and about to head home when Hali surprised him with his call. He would

    pass by Riverton City Hospital anyway, and stopping by was simply convenient. However, Eron was

    clearly skeptical as he studied Frank¡¯s face. ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s him? Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s too young?¡±

    Hali smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate him just because he¡¯s young, Mr. White. He¡¯s over dozens of times

    better than I am.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s you?!¡± Liv bellowed just then, as she finally looked up and her eyes widened¨Cwas that not the

    same man who molested Kimst night?!

 Chapter 317

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Frank looked up and recognized both women right then¨Cwere they not chased into Flora Hall

    last night?

    It was almost too much of a coincidence¡­.

    ¡°You know her, Liv?¡± Eron asked in curiosity.

    ¡°Yeah. Last night, he¡­¡±

    Liv was going to say that Frank molested Kim but quickly stopped herself since the Yaffes were with

    them, and they would most certainly get upset¡­

    ¡°What happened yesterday?¡® Eron asked in curiosity.

    Fortunately, Kim reacted quickly and said, ¡°He was the man who saved usst night when Skyhawk

    Sect pursued us.¡±

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Eron was surprised and looked at Frank with less contempt as he was surprised someone

    in his twenties was that impressive.

    Hali smiled. ¡°Exactly what I was saying¨CMr. Lawrence is as prodigious in medicine as he is in martial

    arts.¡±

    Jan frowned and strode up. ¡°In that case, treat my fiancee right now¨Cyou will be handsomely rewarded

    if you seed.¡±

    Frank, however,pletely ignored Jan and walked right up to Kim. ¡°I¡¯ve told youst night that your

    internal injuries were serious, Ms. White. You should have been treated right away, and it wouldn¡¯t beContent bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    this terrible if you had received treatment yesterday.¡±

    ¡°You were right, Mr. Lawrence¡­¡± Kim nodded awkwardly¨Cshe was the one who left Floral Hallst

    night.

    However, she had a couple of reasons, the first being Frank¡¯s warning sounding exaggerated.

    Secondly, she was not familiar with the people or this ce¨Cshe had no reason to trust a young healer

    like him.

    ¡°Can you help me?¡± she asked..

    ¡°I¡¯d have to take a pulse,¡± Frank replied tly.

    He ced his fingers on Kim¡¯s wrist, closing his eyes to feel her pulse carefully¡­ and soon had

    an answer.

    ¡°How is she, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Eron was most concerned about her daughter, since her arranged

    marriage was in the bnce.

    ¡°It¡¯s a mere trifle¨Cperfectly treatable,¡± Frank replied calmly. ¡°Her meridians are sprained, causing

    clotting and stressing her organs. I just have to apply some needles to remove the clotting, and she will

    be fine.¡±

    Everyone was delighted, with Eron quickly asking, ¡°In that case, can you do it soon? I¡¯ll pay you twice

    the standard charge if you can help her to a full recovery.¡±

    Frank was surprised that he was being so generous and nodded. ¡°In that case, I¡¯d have to ask

    everyone to step outside.¡±

    Then, pointing at Liv, he said, ¡°You can stay and help.¡±

    ¡°What? Step outside? Why?¡± Eron asked in confusion.

    ¡°I¡¯m performing acupuncture on Ms. White, and I¡¯d need her to take off her clothes. Or would

    all prefer to stay and watch?¡± Frank asked in return.

    you

    ¡°What? Take off her clothes?¡± Eron gaped.

    His family was rigidly conservative, and especially so with Kim. In fact, they had never allowed her to

    stay out of the house for a single night!

    Naturally, Eron found it even more uneptable for Kim to undress in front of Frank!

 Chapter 318

    Most importantly, Frank was just too young!

    It would have been fine if he were an elderly healer.

    Scratching his head, Eron asked, ¡°Is there no other way?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s only one way to treat her. You reserve the right to refuse, naturally.¡±

    Jan snorted coldly right then. ¡°Hmph! The way I see it, you just want to take advantage of my fiancee!

    Needing her to take off her clothes? I¡¯ve never heard anything more ridiculous!¡±

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Frank nced at Jan¡¯s piggish face and rattish eyes, with thetter looking at Kim as pervertedly as

    possible.

    To think an upstanding maiden like Kim would have to suffer a fiance like him¡­¡­

    Still, he was not inclined to meddle with anyone¡¯s engagement and shrugged. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me,

    then forget it.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence intends to treat me,¡± Kim said just then. ¡°Gender isn¡¯t a factor when ites to

    treatment. Just let him do it.¡±

    Unlike the others, she was actually convinced that Frank had no ill intent.

    However, Jan quickly reasoned, ¡°No, that won¡¯t do. You¡¯re my fiancee how could you let someone see

    you naked even before we get married?¡±

    Kim frowned¨Cshe absolutely loathed people like Jan who brought others down to their level.

    Perverts like him must think everyone else was the same!

    ¡°So you¡¯d rather I do nothing and die?¡± she asked.

    Jan promptly realized that he had misspoken and corrected himself. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I

    can. Kim¨Cthere¡¯s plenty of others in Riverton we could ask to hel

    Liv nodded in full agreement. ¡°Yes, Ms. White. Jan is right¨Cthere¡¯s no way there¡¯s just one healer in all

    of Riverton.¡±

    in

    Even Kuno, who had been staying silent throughout,ughed just then, ¡°There are many, fact, the most

    famous being Dan Zimmer of Flora Hall. We just happened to be acquainted too, so I can call him right

    away.

    Eron was delighted too. ¡°Wonderful! Thank goodness you know your way around!¡±

    Then, turning toward Hali, he snapped, ¡°You should have asked him earlier too. Why would you get me

    some greenhorn?¡±

    Hali was speechless. ¡°He¡¯s the best healer I¡¯ve ever met-¡±

    Forget it!¡± Jan waved him off in disdain. ¡°He¡¯s no older than me, and you have the cheek to say he¡¯s the

    best?¡±

    Wheeling on Frank right then, he snapped, ¡°Get out of here, kid. We don¡¯t need you here.¡± He was all

    too eager to chase Frank away since his father was calling Dan.

    Kim absolutely despised Jan¡¯s behavior and asked her father, ¡°Mr. Lawrence did save my life. You can¡¯t

    just chase him away like that, can you?¡±

    Eron nodded since that was reasonable.

    He pulled out a checkbook, wrote a number, and handed Frank the check. ¡°Here¡¯s your reward for

    saving my daughter¡¯s life, kid. There¡¯s a million in there¨Cwe¡¯re even now.¡±

    ¡°No, you can keep that spare change,¡± Frank growled as he rose to his feet and stormed off. ¡°Hey, Mr.

    Lawrence¡­¡± Hali was shrewd enough with people to see the anger on Frank¡¯s face. He quickly gave

    chase and caught up to Frank at the stairs. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Mr. Lawrence¨CI didn¡¯t know that the White

    family could be so¡­ stubborn.¡±

 Chapter 319

    Halt was certainly at a loss¨Cthe White family were the ones who asked for the best healer, but they

    were now chasing Frank away.

    Still, Frank waved him off. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, chief. Don¡¯t apologize for them¨CI have something else to

    do, so I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you.¡± Hali personally escorted Frank outside.

    Meanwhile, the Yaffes¡® men brought Dan to Riverton City Hospital soon enough.

    Seeing Dan¡¯s white hair and beard, everyone in the room was nodding in approval since that was their

    ideal image of a healer.

    Kuno introduced him. ¡°This is Dan Zimmer, the head of Riverton¡¯s Flora Hall.¡±

    ¡°Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Zimmer.¡±

    EL

    Eron hurried to Dan, shalding his hand with both his hands¨Chis daughter was saved! Dan saniled

    politely. ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, Mr. White. Mr. Yaffe has already informed me about your daughter¡¯s

    situation along the way¨Ctime is of the essence.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Eron nodded repeatedly and walked with Dan to Kim¡¯s bed.

    Like Frank, Dan felt Kim¡¯s pulse as well.. although he was soon frowning..

    Kuno was naturally concerned to see that reaction. ¡°Is Ms. White going to be fine?¡±

    Dan inhaled deeply. ¡°Someone wounded her, I believe?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Eron was delighted to see that he proved talented. ¡°You could tell? Your abilities are truly

    divine!¡±

    Dan nodded. ¡°Then there¡¯s no mistaking it¨Cthere¡¯s an afterblow within Ms. White¡¯s body that has yet to

    subside. That energy is disrupting the flow of her meridians and causing blockages everywhere.¡±

    ¡°What? Then what can you do, Mr. Zimmer?¡± Kuno quickly asked.

    Dan shook his head. ¡°Regrettably, I can¡¯t do anything about this, as I¡¯m not well¨Cversed enough in

    martial arts to nullify the afterblow.¡±

    Jan patted his chest. ¡°I will do it if necessary. My martial arts is peerless here in Riverton.¡±

    Dan gave him a look but waved him off. ¡°That won¡¯t do. You need to be nullifying the afterblow while

    performing acupuncture to clear her meridians at the same time. Being a martial elite alone without

    medical knowledge won¡¯t help.¡±

    Eron despaired at those words¨Cwhere could they find someone who was amazing in both medicine and

    martial arts?

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    ¡°Is there nothing you can do for my daughter?¡± he groaned.

    Liv was tearful as well, not wanting her best friend to die. ¡°You must be able to do something, Mr.

    Zimmer. Please save Ms. White!¡±

    Kuno put his hands together as he pleaded as well. ¡°Please, Mr. Zimmer. Anything for you¨Cas

    Kim absolutely despised Jan¡¯s behavior and asked her father, ¡°Mr. Lawrence did save my life. You can¡¯t

    just chase him away like that, can you?¡±

    Fron nodded since that was reasonable.

    He pulled out a checkbook, wrote a number, and handed Frank the check. ¡°Here¡¯s your reward for

    saving my daughter¡¯s life, kid. There¡¯s a million in there¨Cwe¡¯re even now.¡±

    ¡°No, you can keep that spare change,¡± Frank growled as he rose to his feet and stormed off. ¡°Hey, Mr.

    Lawrence¡­¡± Hali was shrewd enough with people to see the anger on Frank¡¯s face. He quickly gave

    chase and caught up to Frank at the stairs. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Mr. Lawrence¨C1 didn¡¯t know that the White

    family could be so¡­ stubborn.¡±

 Chapter 320

    Dan¡¯s eyes lit up as he asked, ¡°Are you serious, Mr. White?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Eron replied.

    Dan smiled. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t treat your daughter, but there¡¯s one person in Riverton who can. He¡¯s a

    savant in both martial arts and medicine¨Che definitely can help your daughter.¡±

    ¡°How is his medical knowledgepared to yours?¡± Eron asked in curiosity.

    Dan waved him off and sighed self¨Cdeprecatingly. ¡°It¡¯d be no exaggeration to say that I¡¯m far beneath

    him¨Cby a hundred times, even.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s actually someone so amazing in Riverton?¡± Eron eximed excitedly.

    After all, Dan could tell someone hurt his daughter just by taking her pulse¨Csomeone that good would

    be a big deal in Riverton.

    However, Kuno was rubbing his chin as he asked in curiosity, ¡°I¡¯ve been here in Riverton for years, but

    I¡¯ve never heard of any such person.¡±

    He certainly would have heard about that someone if he really was better than Dan.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be surprised.¡± Dan simply chuckled. ¡°He never cares for prestige. All he desires is the best

    medicinal herbs.¡±

    After all, he had only made Frank¡¯s acquaintance recently.

    Turning toward Eron, he said, ¡°However, you would have to pay with the Earthen

    Dragonheart if you want his help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem.¡± Eron nodded repeatedly¨Cright now, nothing was more important than his

    daughter¡¯s life.

    Kuno, however, frowned. ¡°This actually sounds sketchy, Mr. White. It¡¯s too soon to promise anything.¡±

    After all, the Earthen Dragonheart was the key for Kuno to rise to the next level, and it was supposed to

    be Kim¡¯s dowry.

    If Eron gave it off to someone else, all that hard work he had gone through would be for nothing!

    ¡°No, he¡¯s plenty reliable,¡± Dan said. ¡°I would even guarantee you if the gentleman I rmend can¡¯t

    help Ms. White, no one else in Riverton can.¡±

    ¡°In that case, please take us to him!¡± Eron could hardly wait.

    His daughter¡¯s life was further threatened with each passing second!

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Kuno could not argue just then either¨Ceven if he stopped Eron, Kim would die, and he would not get

    the Earthen Dragonheart either.

    After some thought, he decided to tag along, since he was interested in seeing who Dan was so

    worshipful of.

    Liv turned toward Kim just then. ¡°Thank goodness, Ms. White! You¡¯re saved!¡±

    However, Kim shed a bitter smile

    Hali brought in Frank, whom they had chased away.

    And now, Kuno brought in Dan, only for Dan to refer her case to someone else.

    That someone else would not fail them now, would he?

    Meanwhile, Frank had returned to Skywater Bay and had just gotten changed when his doorbell rang

    Frank pressed the inte and realized then that it had video too, with Dan¡¯s face instantly appearing

    right then.

    ¡°Good news, Mr. Lawrence.¡± He smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve found you one of the Five Elemental Wonders. The

    Earthen Dragonheart, to be specific.¡±

    ¡°For real?¡± Frank¡¯s eyes lit up.

    He was annoyed after the White family chased him away just now, but the news Dan brought left him

    beside himself with joy.

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Lawrence. Would you let me in? We can speak in detail,¡± Dan said.

    Frank personally went outside to open the gates without hesitation, while Dan led Kim and the rest into

    the hilltop mansion.

 Chapter 321

    Everyone aside from Dan stopped smiling when they saw Frank¨Cwas he not the same brat. that they

    had just chased away?!

    Dan did not notice the reaction of either side, however, and hurried to Frank. ¡°Allow me to introduce

    you to Eron White of Southdam. His family and friends are here to ask you to treat his daughter¨Cshould

    you do so, the Earthen Dragonheart is yours.¡±

    Frank chuckled tly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to introduce them. We are already acquainted.¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Dan was quite surprised. ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±

    Kuno strode up right then, demanding, ¡°Are you sure about this, Mr. Zimmer? You¡¯re saying that this kid

    can help Kim?¡±

    Dan nodded in assurance. ¡°Of course. Mr. Lawrence¡¯s medical knowledge is divine¨CI¡¯m absolutely in

    awe, to say the least.¡®

    Everyone gasped¨Cthe way Dan spoke of Frank was no different from Hali!

    One was the chief of Riverton City Hospital, while the other was the owner of Flora Hall, and both of

    them were thoroughly impressed by Frank¡¯s medical knowledge! Even if Frank actually knew nothing,

    anyone could be convinced of his greatness with such acim!

    Eron was certainly regretting being so dismissive of Frank earlier.

    He hurried up to Frank, apologizing, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for what happened before, Mr. Lawrence. Please

    don¡¯t take offense over this.¡±

    Frank shrugged¨Cit was no skin off his back.

    But while he was not going to charge them before, he would now.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s normal that you¡¯d doubt me,¡± he said tly.

    Eron breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°You are truly magnanimous. Please help my daughter right away.¡±

    He could not care less about what Frank would do to treat Kim now¨Cnot after Dan himself threw in the

    towel.

    If this continued, Kim would actually die!

    Nheless, Frank said slowly, ¡°There¡¯s no rush. I heard that you possess an Earthen Dragonheart?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ Yes.¡± Eron nodded.

    ¡°Give it to me now, and then I¡¯ll treat your daughter.¡± Frank stated his conditions right then.

    Kuno frowned right then. ¡°We can apologize for belittling you before, Mr. Lawrence, but you can forget

    about the Earthen Dragonheart. To you, Ms. White¡¯s condition was no more than a trifle, and you didn¡¯t

    intend to charge us before.¡±

    However, what actually worried Kuno more was that he would never get the Earthen Dragonheart if

    Frank took it!

    Frank simply smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to charge before, but that¡¯s not the case now. If my condition can¡¯t

    be met, then forget it.¡±

    With that, he turned to leave.

    Dan promptly tugged at Eron in response. ¡°What are you doing, Mr. White? Weren¡¯t you saying you

    would give anything for your daughter to get better? This isn¡¯t the time to fret over a mere herb!¡±

    Hearing that, Eron quickly said, ¡°Mr Lawrence, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m refusing to give it to you, but the Earthen

    Dragonheart is being kept at my family manor in Southdam. I came to Riverton in a hurry, so I didn¡¯t

    think to bring it along. Why don¡¯t you help my daughter first, and I¡¯ll have the Earthen Dragonheart

    delivered here tomorrow.¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°Are you asking me to take an IOU?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡±

    Eron pursed his lips. ¡°Not really¨Cthink of it as a real agreement. Moreover, my family business is vast

    and there¡¯s no way we can run. You don¡¯t have to worry about us reneging on this agreement¡­¡±

    As Frank narrowed his eyes in thought, Dan thought that they hade so close, it would be a waste

    to fail now.

    Walking up to Frank, he reasoned, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, this could work. Moreover, the Five Elemental

    Wonders are too rare that there¡¯s no telling when you¡¯d get another if you missed this. Moreover, Eron

    would be grateful after you save his daughter¡¯s life.¡±

    Frank nodded, understanding the reasoning¨Cand treating Kim was as easy as turning his palm anyway.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°In that case, I can agree to this out of respect for Mr. Zimmer.¡®

 Chapter 322

    Frank turned toward Kim and said, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Kim paused for a moment, but Jan stopped her just as she was about to head inside. ¡°Wait. Are you

    only letting Kim inside?¡±

    Frank nodded.

    Jan frowned. ¡°No¨CI won¡¯t agree to this, it¡¯s too dangerous for Kim. Let me in too, so I can stop you if

    you ever stray out of line. I can help look after Kim, too.¡±

    Frank said icily, ¡°Idiots are not wee in my house.¡±

    ¡°What did you fucking say to me?!¡± Jan bellowed, ready to charge at Frank.

    Kuno stopped him, however. ¡°Hold it. Behave yourself.¡±

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Kuno shot Jan a re before walking up to Frank slowly.

    ¡°That said, it¡¯d be bad if you¡¯re alone with Ms. White,¡± he said and turned toward Liv. ¡°Why don¡¯t you let

    her in too? As a fellow woman, she¡¯d be able to help.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Liv nodded repeatedly. ¡°You asked for my help before, didn¡¯t you?

    Frank thought about it. ¡°Come on in, then.¡±

    With that, Frank quietly headed to his room, while Liv followed, helping Kim inside.

    As the mansion doors closed, Jan was left staring at it, pursing his lips. ¡°He¡¯s really belittling us! Making

    us wait outside?!¡±

    Dan stroked his beard as he said quietly, ¡°You really should stop, Mr. Yaffe. Mr. Lawrence only. helps

    depending on his mood¨Cupset him, and your fiancee would be in danger.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Jan could only snort in discontent.

    In the mansion, Frank brought out a box of needles while telling Liv, ¡°Remove her clothes.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to turn away?¡± Liv asked.

    ¡°Why? I¡¯m going to see everything when I perform acupuncture anyway.¡± Frank shrugged nonchntly

    and pressed urgently, saying, ¡°Quit wasting my time.¡±

    Kim walked shyly up to the bed, her cheeks beet red¨Cit was her first time undressing in front

    of a man.

    Even as she kept telling herself that she was doing it to get better, she said softly, ¡°Do as Mr. Lawrence

    has asked, Liv.¡±

    Liv frowned, but nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    She helped Kim take off her white dress from the shoulder, baring her fair shoulders and then her long

    legs.

    As Kim only had her pink underwear on, Frank said, ¡°Everythinges off.¡±

    ¡°What, everything?!¡± Liv scowled. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not just taking advantage of Ms. White?¡±

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Frank growled impatiently. ¡°Get out if you can¡¯t help¨CI¡¯ll just do everything myself.¡±

    ¡°You little¡­¡± Liv gritted her teeth in frustration.

 Chapter 323

    As Kim¡¯s underwear was taken off, shey stiffly on the bed while keeping her eyes closed.

    Frank sat on the edge, his eyes darting all across her body without a care.

    Seeing that, Liv demanded, ¡°When are you performing acupuncture again?¡±

    Frankpletely ignored her and pressed a palm on Kim¡¯s belly.

    She kept her eyes closed, worried that she would meet Frank¡¯s.

    However, the pain she expected never came¨Call she felt was a flow of warmth rising from her belly,

    which Frank guided upward with his palm.

    Even he had to admit that she had done well for her beauty, as her skin was co

    fair.

    smooth, and

    Frank kept pushing upward to her chest and stopped, while using his other hand took out the needles

    from the box.

    He inserted them above her breastbone, the back of her neck, and below her navel in quick

    session.

    Kim¡¯s eyes widened as she breathed with much difficulty, ¡°Mr. Lawrence¡­ my chest feels stuck

    In fact, it felt like she had a boulder crushing her chest, and she could hardly breathe.

    Frank calmly said, ¡°That¡¯s normal¨Cyou¡¯ll be fine soon.¡±

    He started moving the palm he kept on her chest again, inevitably touching certain parts.

    Kim bit her lip, somehow forgetting her suffocation just now.

    Even Liv was left furious as she watched Frank¨Cwas that really treatment?! It was more like some

    scumbag trying to molest a woman!

    Having had enough, she was going to stop Frank when he suddenly pressed Kim¡¯s chest firmly.

    ¡°Bleurgh!¡±

    Liv was petrified as she watched Kim suddenly cough out a mouthful of clotted blood!

    Frank then rose to his feet. ¡°Your internal injury has subsided. I¡¯ll write you a prescription just stick to it

    and get some proper rest, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Are you alright, Ms. White?¡± Liv asked as she hurried to Kim¡¯s side.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Kim¡¯s chest was heaving as she stretched out her senses, but the pain in her chest was

    definitely gone.

    ¡°I feel much better,¡± she eximed in surprise before turning toward Frank and thanking him earnestly.

    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank nced at her. ¡°You¡¯re wee. You should wash up first, though.¡±

    Kim lowered her gaze to see that she was still covered in blood and naked on top of that.

    She hung her head in embarrassment¨Cshe was a total mess!

    She hurried to the bathroom with Liv¡¯s help.

    Outside the mansion, Dan was sitting by the curb, nonchnt since he knew Kim would definitely be

    fine.

    Kuno stood with his hands sped behind his back, his eyes closed and his thoughts impassive.

    On the other hand, both Eron and Jan were fidgeting nervously.

    However, while Eron was worried about Kim¡¯s safety, all Jan could think about was Frank seeing his

    fiancee naked.

    The very thought filled him with impotent rage!

    Nheless, the mansion doors opened just then, with both Kim and Liv emerging.

    Spin to im Your Surprise Reward!

 Chapter 324

    Seeing his daughter, Eron hurried up to Kim and asked, ¡°How are you feeling, my dear?¡±

    Kim smiled. ¡°Mr. Lawrence was amazing. I feel great¨Che also wrote me a prescription that I have to just

    stick with for a week, and I¡¯ll make a full recovery.¡±

    Eron breathed a long sigh of relief. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s wonderful.¡±

    Danughed out loud, ¡°Haha! Like I said¨Cshe¡¯s going to be fine once Mr. Lawrence helps.¡±

    Eron hurried to Frank at that. ¡°Thank you so much for this, Mr. Lawrence. My daughter is safe thanks to

    you.¡±

    Not caring for formalities, Frank said bluntly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Mr. White. I¡¯m doing it for the Earthen

    Dragonheart myself. May I ask where you¡¯re staying? I¡¯ll drop by tomorrow to get it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m staying at Creek Orchard¨Cit¡¯s one of the properties we own here in Riverton,¡± Eron quickly said. ¡°I

    could deliver it to you personally tomorrow if it isn¡¯t urgently required.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    ¡°No, I¡¯lle over to get it myself,¡± Frank quickly said. ¡°It¡¯s urgent.¡±

    It was certainly safer to take the Earthen Dragonheart for himself.

    Deliver? What if Eron lost it along the way?

    Moreover, Frank was wary because Kuno¡¯s actions and words made it clear that he did not want Frank

    to get the Earthen Dragonheart.

    ¡°Very well.¡± Eron did not borate since he was insistent. ¡°We shall excuse ourselves now, Mr.

    Lawrence. I¡¯ll be awaiting your arrival tomorrow.¡±

    And with that brief small talk, Frank saw them off.

    Janu

    Jan was hovering around Kim, asking after her and even opening the door for her before getting inside.

    Still, Kim paused by the car before turning to look at Frank and got in reluctantly.

    Jan was

    right beside her and could not have seen it clearer.

    He then narrowed his eyes, as he noticed that Kim¡¯s hair was damp.

    Did she take a bath at Frank¡¯s house too?!

    Still, he withheld his rage as he got in the car, sitting beside Kim and forcing a smile. ¡°Since you don¡¯t

    know the people or the ce here in Riverton, I¡¯ve put together a banquet soon. All my friends are

    invited¨Cyou shoulde too, and get acquainted with the important people around the region.¡±

    However, Kim was staring outside the window, her thoughts inscrutable as she nodded. ¡°Okay

    H

    Her halfhearted response left Jan pursing his lips, but he pressed, ¡°How about we go on a stroll for a

    change of pace?¡±

    Kim shook her head. ¡°No, Mr. Lawrence told me to rest for a while.¡±

    Mr. Lawrence this, Mr. Lawrence that¡­.

    Jan could crush Frank¡¯s skull with the spite he felt just then!

    As they eventually arrived at Creek Orchard, Jan walked Kim inside before stopping Liv.

    ¡°Can I have a moment with you please, Ms. Dawson?¡± he asked.

    Liv appeared perplexed. ¡°Is something the matter, Mr. Yaffe?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no big deal¡­¡± Jan chuckled as he walked toward her. ¡°I¡¯d just like to ask if Frank Lawrence

    took advantage of Kim. You know she¡¯s shy, and she¡¯d never tell me even if she was given grief¨Cthat¡¯s

    why I¡¯m asking you.¡±

    ¡°Take advantage?¡± Liv scowled. ¡°That¡¯s one way to put it. Not only did he see her naked, but he was

    even touching her¡­¡±

    She had no idea what she was saying even as she blurted about everything Frank did. In the end, she

    could not stand Frank and was convinced that only people from important families like Jan deserved

    Kim.

 Chapter 325

    ¡°Frank was touching Kim?¡±

    Jan¡¯s knuckles clenched as he growled through his teeth. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Liv rolled her eyes. ¡°He was putting his hands all over Ms. White¡¯s chest, pressing and groping, and

    she even coughed up blood!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Jan¡¯s veins bulged over his neck¨Che could kill Frank right then and there!

    Kim was a marvelous beauty, but he had never even touched her¡­

    And somehow, a bastard like Frank got to press and grope her?

    In fact, he did not care at all that Kim coughed up blood¨Call he knew he was being cucked.

    However, he could not show it since Frank was using the excuse of treating Kim!

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Mr. Yaffe,¡± Liv assured him just then. ¡°Ms. White is fine now, and your wedding can proceed

    as scheduled.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Jan nodded. ¡°Apologies for imposing. I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    Frank arrived at Creek Orchard early the next morning, where Eron was already waiting outside the

    front door.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You¡¯ve kept me waiting, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Eron said, waving at Frank from a distance.

    As Frank moved up close, he promptly asked the question he cared about most. ¡°Has the Earthen

    Dragonheart arrived, Mr. White?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Eron nodded.

    Frank was relieved to hear that. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s go get it right away-

    ¡°Calm down, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Eron invited cordially. ¡°Why don¡¯t youe in?¡±

    Frank thought about it and nodded.

    The servants quickly made them tea as they got in the drawing room.

    Eron took a leisurely sip of his drink before asking in curiosity, ¡°May I ask what business you¡¯re involved

    in, Mr. Lawrence? Why are you so well¨Cversed in medicine?¡±

    ¡°I was orphaned at an early age,¡± Frank replied evenly. ¡°I just learned a thing or two from my

    mentor.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Eron nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I must say that you have done my family a great favor when you

    saved my daughter, and I¡¯ve prepared a small present for you.¡±

    He beckoned at his servant, who quickly brought in arge chest of medicinal ingredients. Wonderroot,

    panacea caps¡­ there was everything one could ask for.

    Frank merely leveled a cool nce at it before frowning.

    While most of the herbs were all rarities and would cost upward of dozens of millions, the

    issue was that he needed none of them.

    ¡ª

    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary, Mr. White,¡± Frank said. ¡°These aren¡¯t of use to me why don¡¯t you just give me the

    Earthen Dragonheart instead?¡±

    Eron made an especially awkward face right then. ¡°To tell the truth, Mr. Lawrence¡­ the Earthen

    Dragonheart is my daughter¡¯s dowry!¡±

    Frank glowered. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    Eron simply chuckled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you pick anything else from my house? I mean, why obsess over the

    Earthen Dragonheart when you can take anything you want? Consider it the reward for saving my

    daughter.¡±

 Chapter 326

    And above all, Kuno had called Eron yesterday, insisting that he wanted the Earthen Dragonheart.

    With his daughter¡¯s savior on one end, and her future inws on the other, Eron decided to sacrifice

    Frank since he was just a healer.

    He just had to throw him a bit more money, and that was that.

    Nheless, Frank sprang to his feet right then. ¡°Mr. White, we agreed that I will be given the Earthen

    Dragonheart for treating your daughter. Are you reneging on that promise?¡±

    Eron frowned, his smile fading as it was clear Frank was not ying along. ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you, Mr.

    Lawrence? You can have anything aside from the Earthen Dragonheart. And if you don¡¯t want items, I

    can pay you with money.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to waste my time with you, Mr. White,¡± Frank said icily. ¡°I only ask that you bring me the

    Earthen Dragonheart soon, and stop wasting our time.¡±

    Bang!

    Eron mmed his palm on the table, glowering. ¡°How could you so stubbornly demand my family¡¯s

    treasure? Take my money, and you¡¯ll still be honored as a guest in my house or face the

    consequences!¡±

    He naturally had the balls to threaten Frank since he had already investigated Frank¨Cwithout any

    powerful families backing Frank, he certainly had no issue reneging on their agreement! Frank¡¯s eyes

    narrowed murderously right then. ¡°You¡¯re probably not aware, Mr. White, but I saved your daughter not

    only with medicine, but also with martial knowledge.

    Eron knew that, however Dan had told him before that if Kim was to be saved, the healer would need

    both knowledge in martial arts and medicine.

    ¡°What, are you going to attack me?¡± He gloated. ¡°This is my house. You won¡¯t get to leave if I say so!¡±

    Frank absolutely despised anyone who threatened him and directed his vigor even as he clenched his

    fists!

    Before he could move, however, Kim suddenly appeared in the drawing room, asking, ¡°What are you

    doing, Dad?¡±

    Eron did not expect her to show up now and snapped curtly, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business. Go back to

    your room.¡±

    Nheless, Kim was thoughtful as she observed the tense vibes between both men before asking,

    ¡°Dad, have you given Mr. Lawrence the Earthen Dragonheart?¡±

    ¡°Why would you ask that?¡± Eron shot back.

    That gave Kim more than a hunch, and she snapped with righteous indignation, ¡°Give Mr. Lawrence

    the Earthen Dragonheart. He deserves it.¡±

    Eron pursed his lips. ¡°It¡¯s your dowry.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Kim retorted sternly ¡°You had an agreement with Mr. Lawrence before my treatment¨Chow

    could you renepo

    on the deal now? What would everyone in Riverton think of

    us if word of this gets out? We¡¯d all be theirughing stock!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯splicated,¡± Eron said awkwardly. ¡°The Yaffes want the Earthen Dragonheart too¡­¡±

    Kim snorted. ¡°Then tell the Yaffes that if they¡¯re annulling my engagement over the Earthen

    Dragonheart, they can annul it all they want.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t joke around like that, Kim!¡± Eron barked.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Kim remained dead serious. ¡°I¡¯m not joking. Tell them, or I¡¯ll tell Grandfather to do it.¡±

    With those words, she whipped out her phone.

    Seeing that, Eron sighed exasperatedly. ¡°Alright, alright! I¡¯ll give it to the bastard, okay?!¡±

    Eron¡¯s father never liked the Yaffes, and it took Eron great lengths to convince him into epting the

    engagement.

    Naturally, if Kim told Eron¡¯s father, he would be the first to leap into action to get the engagement

    annulled!

    As such, Eron had no choice but to give Frank the Earthen Dragonheart to maintain the engagement

    and appease his daughter!

 Chapter 327

    Eron appeared utterly reluctant even as he called a servant to bring the Earthen Dragonheart.

    Frank checked it thoroughly as he took it.

    It was a herb that grew in the hostile reaches of the far west, devoid of sunlight.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    The stem and root bore a striking resemnce to dragons, hence the name.

    Naturally, Frank¡¯s apprehension eased when he confirmed that it was the herb.

    Eron saw the look on his face and growled coolly, ¡°It¡¯s not rightfully yours, brat. Don¡¯t believe for a

    moment that you¡¯d be able to hold on to it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not up to you to worry, Mr. White. See you around.¡± Frank thought nothing of his threat and had

    intention of lingering in his presence a second longer.

    ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Kim quickly said.

    As she personally escorted her outside the Creek Orchard residence, she suddenly bowed. ¡°I¡¯m. really

    sorry about what happened today, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank studied her and found the look of worry on her fair cheeks.

    He said, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. You don¡¯t have to apologize.¡±

    Still, Kim was tugging on the hem of her white dress. ¡°Are you going to hold a grudge?¡±

    ¡°What for?¡± Frank asked in confusion.

    Kim breathed a long sigh of relief as she smiled. ¡°Okay, then. But will we see each other again?

    Frank saw the look of attachment in her eyes and was instinctively distant. ¡°We will if there¡¯s a chance.¡±

    And with that, he nodded at her in farewell before driving away.

    Still, a call from Vicky arrived as soon as he got in.

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°Oh, nothing much¡­ I just heard about you procuring another one of the Five Elemental Wonders. Is

    that true?¡± Vicky asked in curiosity.

    ¡°It is,¡± Frank replied honestly.

    ¡°Well, congrattions. By the way, will you be free in a couple days?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but what do you have in mind?¡± Frank asked in return.

    ¡°I just missed you, y¡¯know?¡± Vicky purred shyly. ¡°Just asking you out for a¡­ heart¨Cto¨Cheart.¡± ¡°Then

    forget it,¡± Frank teased.

    ¡°Hey, can¡¯t you be a bit more sensitive?¡± Vicky huffed from the other end. ¡°Fine¨Clet¡¯s talk shop instead.

    There¡¯s a banquet tomorrow, and I¡¯d like you to attend it with me.¡±

    ¡°What banquet?¡±

    ¡°One held exclusively for the heirs and heiresses of Riverton,¡± Vicky said half¨Cheartedly. ¡°It¡¯d be boring

    if I had to go alone. Please keep mepany.¡±

    ¡°Fine, just send me the address,¡± Frank nodded.

    He hung up and started to drive back to Skywater Bay when a couple of figures caught his attention.

    Frank stopped his car and took a closer look.

    Was that not Marian Henley and Fred Lawrence¡¯s boss?

    And yet, they were snuggling up to each other even as they entered Hilton Hotel.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Frank gasped, realizing how big a cuckold Fred was made just then.

    He would like to just walk away, but after some thought, decided that it would be unfair to Fred.

    After considerable thought, he extracted the footage of that pair going into the hotel from his car¡¯s

    dashboard camera.

    Then, he called Trevor Zurich, asking him to inform Fred of the fact anonymously while Frank kept his

    hands clean.

    With that done, he stepped out and took a seat on the bench to wait for Fred¨Che really doubted that

    Fred could take this lying down.

 Chapter 328

    Frank was not surprised to see Fred arriving at Hilton Hotel in just ten minutes on his electric

    scooter.

    His eyes were scarlet, and his very presence murderous.

    Frank had been hinting at his girlfriend¡¯s duplicity before, and he turned against Frank for that!

    Naturally, today¡¯s anonymous tip drove him over the brink!

    His girlfriend and his boss were entering a hotel in broad daylight, and the tip even included a picture of

    the room number in high definition!

    How could Fred not get upset with this?!

    He strode in the hotel, intent on going straight to Room 908.

    Seeing his furious stride, the front desk receptionist stopped him. ¡°Sir, are you here for a stay?

    ¡°Buzz off!¡± Fred pushed her away and dashed up the stairs, not bothered to wait for the elevator.

    He was seeing red and almost losing his mind¨Cnot even the gods could stop him today, and he would

    catch Marian in the act!

    The receptionist turned pale and promptly barked into her walkie¨Ctalkie, ¡°Security, security! We may

    have a situation here¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Fred charged all the way to the ninth floor, stopping outside Room 908.

    He hesitated for a moment and video called Marian¡­ only for her to hang up immediately. Fred

    persisted with call after call, and Marian finally answered, after having had enough. She only had a

    towel wrapped around her as she snapped in annoyance, ¡°Are you done? I hung up because I¡¯m

    showering, but you¡¯d keep calling me?¡±

    Fred frowned. ¡°Where are you right now?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s th

    that attitude? Is this how you talk to me?¡± Marian lectured.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking where the fuck are you?!¡± Fred bellowed.

    Marian actually flinched. ¡°M¨CMy home, of course!¡±

    ¡°Open the door. I¡¯m right outside,¡± Fred said tly.

    ¡°W¨CWhat are you talking about? Why did youe to my house instead of working?¡± Marian¡¯s eyes

    were evasive¨Chow would she answer the door when she was not even at home? ¡°Just go back to work

    now,¡± she added impatiently. ¡°I¡¯lle see you in the evening. Be good!

    Fred suddenly punched the door of Room 908, and the ensuing bang resounded from Marian¡¯s

    end.

    Marian jumped in shock but quickly stammered, ¡°Oof¡­ Sorry, I just knocked myself on the door. It hurts

    so much¨Ctalk to youter!¡±

    Fred was basically sure Marian was inside Room 908 at that point while realizing that she would still lie

    to him!

    ¡°You¡¯re still not going to tell the truth?¡± he growled through his teeth. ¡°I¡¯m right outside Room 908 of

    Hilton Hotel. Open the door!¡±

    ¡°What? Open what door? What are you talking about? I¡¯m hanging up now¡­¡± Marian¡¯s face fell as she

    promptly disconnected the video call.

    Finally having had enough, Fred kicked the door!

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    Bang!

    The door was at once misshapen, but Fred was not stopping as he kept kicking it repeatedly. He used

    to serve in the military, and lost weight after he was discharged for his livelihood. And while he could be

    a little cowardly, he never lost his physicality.

    Likewise, while there were many concerns that kept him bogged down before, he did not care about

    any of those¨Call he wanted was to vent his rage!

    Crash!

    As the door was kicked open with a resounding crash, Fred found Marian and Brock staring at him,

    dumbfounded.

    However, though they did not expect him to kick down the door, neither of them were afraid that they

    were caught in the act.

    That was the case especially for Marian, even though she only had a towel on!

 Chapter 329

    Fred¡¯s eyes were blood red as he pointed at Marian and Brock, bellowing, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re

    doing?!¡±

    Marian simply rolled her eyes in annoyance at him. ¡°Can you stop already? Mr. Summer and I are just

    doing research, and you¡¯ve just ruined all our progress.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Fred bellowed. ¡°Research? On a hotel room bed?! Do you take me for a fool?!¡±

    Marian thought nothing of her duplicity, however, even shoving Fred and shouting, ¡°Why are you yelling

    at me? I¡¯ve been respecting you too much, haven¡¯t I? What¡¯s the problem if Mr. Summer and I just want

    a little bit of fun?¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re admitting to it?¡± Fred bit his lip so hard that he bled. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a hint of dignity,

    Marian?!¡±

    ¡°Dignity?¡± Marian rolled her eyes. ¡°What good is that? Does that put food on the table? Hell, you and

    that dignity of yours makes you less than two grand a month¨CI¡¯m basically giving you a freebie by

    ying with you.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Fred could have a stroke even as he stared at Marian, hardly believing that she was the one

    spouting such vile words. ¡°W¨CWhat happened to you, Marian? Didn¡¯t we promise each other to work

    hard, buy a house together, and then get married?¡±

    Marian could see the love in his eyes, but waspletely apathetic, ¡°Oh, you. Marry you? Can you

    even afford a house? I was the most beautiful girl at the school too¨Cwhy should I suffer like you?

    There¡¯s also your useless mother and your sister¡¯s debts! Marrying you is pure suffering!¡±

    She had no intention to keep up pretenses now that she and Brock had been caught in the act.

    Dispensing with all guises right then, she gave it straight to Fred about everything she hated about him!

    Fred was left gaping, feeling dead inside just then.

    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you just break up with me?¡± he asked, his eyes welling up with an emotion that could

    either be rage or sorrow. ¡°Why would you stay with me?¡±

    Marian twirled her hair with a finger as she sneered. ¡°Because suckers like you are hard to find.

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Brock growled impatiently just then, having settled on the couch and lit himself a

    cigarette. ¡°Fred, I have no intention of stealing your gal¨Cwe¡¯re just rxing together. I¡¯ll raise your

    sry to a couple of grand per month, so let¡¯s put this all behind us¡­ Also, why don¡¯t you buy us

    another box of condoms?¡±

    With that, he whipped out a hundred dor bill from his wallet and threw it on the floor.

    He was Fred¡¯s boss, while Marian was Fred¡¯s girlfriend¨Cthey both knew Fred and his cowardly nature

    all too well.

    He would never argue with anyone and would start apologizing at the first sign of trouble!

    Even if Brock was caught fucking his girl, he just had to pay a couple of dimes, and Fred would¡® not

    even dare to breathe another word!

    Fred was left staring nkly at the hundred dor bill on the floor.

    ¡°You both really consider me yourpdog, don¡¯t you?¡± he asked icily.

    Are you saying you¡¯re not?¡± Brock chuckded coolly. ¡°You can quit pretending as if you have spine ¨C get

    out of here already.¡±

    ¡°Are you done yet?¡± Marian snapped impatiently as well ¡°Get out, or I¡¯m going to break up with you!¡±

    Smack!

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    Fred pped her across the face as soon as she finished, and she stumbled before dropping to the

    floor.

    ¡°Did you just fucking hit me, Fred Lawrence?!¡± she screamed

 Chapter 330

    When Marian looked up, she saw Fred leaping toward Brock and grabbing his neck!

    ¡°You were my brother!¡± he screamed in rage. ¡°And you¡¯re fucking my girl?! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    ¡°Did you just fucking touch me?!¡± Brock bellowed back furiously, even rearing his chin at him fearlessly.

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you¨CFlying Sword Sect¡¯s leader is my close friend! If I¡¯ll make you wish you were dead!¡±

    Fred paused.

    you

    hurt me

    He did not know that much about Flying Sword Sect. However, he had at least heard that they were a

    powerful organization in Riverton, boasting innumerable apprentices.

    And seeing Fred pause, Brock immediately thought that he was afraid andughed. ¡°Haha! Why bother

    faking it, young man? I was just ying with your girl¨Cno need to get upset. And aren¡¯t you going to

    think about your mom and sister? Especially your sister¡­ with that pretty face of hers, I wonder what

    would happen if she fell into the hands of Flying Sword Sect!¡± Fred gritted his teeth, his arms shaking¨C

    he was ready to die, but he could not abandon his family.

    That was when Marian scoffed. ¡°Just look at that wuss. And he¡¯s trying to get physical, y¡¯know?¡±

    Her words certainly touched a nerve, and he growled, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a wuss¡­ but I¡¯ll show you today how

    tough I can get.¡±

    With those words, his arms stiffened, throttling Brock right then!

    ¡°Are you crazy?!¡± Marian leapt up and tried to pull Fred away, but she could not make him, budge at all

    with her measly strength!

    ¡°Urk¡­ Let go¡­ fuck¡­¡± Brock was struggling as hard as he could, his eyeballs almost popping out as

    he did not expect such strength from Fred!

    However, that was when a gang of security guards rushed in and subdued Fred.

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Fred shrieked furiously, but it fell on deaf ears.

    On the other hand, the security leader hurried to Brock, asking worriedly, ¡°Are you alright, Mr.

    Summer?¡±

    Brock was busy trying to catch his breath, while Marian was at his side, patting his chest repeatedly to

    help and showing no intention of speaking up in Fred¡¯s defense.

    When Brock could stand, he picked up the ashtray from the table and smashed it on Fred¡¯s head!

    The was a dull thud as Fred bled freely from the head, while Brock wheeled on the security guards.

    ¡°Fuck him up! Right fucking now!!

    The security leader knew that Brock¡¯s words carried weight and naturally did not dare to oppose him.

    He gestured at the other security officers, and they all began to clobber Fred!

    Meanwhile, Frank had been waiting for Fred outside Hilton Hotel.

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    But after a long time passed and Fred never showed up, he finally realized something went wrong and

    decided to go upstairs to check.

    He rushed all the way to Room 908.

    He strode in to find Fred on the floor, beaten to a pulp and half his face unrecognizable!

    ¡°Stop!¡± Frank bellowed.

    As the security guards finally stopped clobbering Fred, their leader demanded, ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±

    Marian even stood akimbo as she snapped, ¡°What? Did he call for your help?¡±

    Frank was there when Fred¡¯s mother fell ill, and she never knew when Fred and Frank became

    friends¡­

 Chapter 331

    Frank presumed things would have ended without a fuss when Fred caught on to Marian¡¯s duplicity,

    since Fred was always a wuss.

    He certainly did not expect him to be beaten to a pulp and regretted not following him into the hotel.

    And Marian¡¯s nonchnt reaction to Fred¡¯s pain only left Frank further disgusted!

    ¡°Could you stoop any lower, Marian Henley?¡± Frank growled. ¡°You cheated on Fred, and he caught

    you, but you turned on him and had him beat up?!¡±

    Brock was too busy thinking what he should do to Fred to worry about Frank. ¡°Fuck off, boy. This isn¡¯t

    your fight.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± Marian snorted haughtily beside Brock. ¡°If anything, you should be worried

    about yourself.¡±

    Frank promptly leapt up and pped Marian across the face!

    He would rather noty his hands on a woman, but he really could not stand scum like Marian!

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Argh!¡± Marian screamed, and turned miserably towards Brock. ¡°Mr. Summer! She hit me!¡±

    Brock was already furious. Seeing that Frank was bent on causing further trouble, he barked, Get him!¡±

    The security guards promptly charged at Frank, but he did not hold back as he floored each of them

    with a single punch, breaking limbs and leaving them howling in pain!

    ¡°No!¡± Marian screamed, surprised that Frank was that strong.

    Even as she quickly hid behind Brock in fear, Frank turned toward them with an icy re.

    That look in his eyes terrified Brock, and he gulped even as he stammered, ¡°W¨CWhat do you think

    you¡¯re¡­ doing? If¡­ If youy a finger on me¡­ I¡­ I will make you suffer!¡±

    Marian was stuttering too. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not married to Fred! I¡­ I can date anyone I want! He¡­ He deserved

    it! He started to hit Mr. Summer as soon as he came in!¡±

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly¨Che was giving Marian too much credit when he thought she could

    feel shame.

    ncing between both of them, he warned coolly, ¡°You will both stay away from Fred from now on.

    Bother him again, and I will kill both of you.¡±

    And with that, he carried Fred out of the room.

    It was not until both men were gone that Marian breathed a long sigh of relief and beamed. ¡± Mr.

    Summer, I guess it¡¯s over between me and Fred now¡­ No one will bother us ever again.¡±

    Brock, however, was rubbing his throat and still feeling grief.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ What a shame I can¡¯t get my hands on that sister of his,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about?¡± Marian smiled, immediately having an idea. Actually, Winter

    Lawrence heads home every weekend. Just nab her and pay her a little, and

    who knows? That penniless brat might spread her legs for you.¡±

    She knew all too well that she would never monopolize a bigwig like Brock constantly.

    In her case, it was better to help Brock with his ns instead of warding offpetition. Once she had

    fished enough dough from Brock, she could get herself some down¨Cto¨Cearth man as recement.

    Brock nodded in satisfaction at that.

    He was at first still concerned about dignity, but now that he had crossed that bridge, he did not have to

    pretend again.

    If anything, this was a good chance to properly get even against Fred!

    Meanwhile, Frank helped Fred into his car and fed him a pill.

    Fred woke up soon enough, but he quickly turned away when he saw Frank beside him.

    His eyes were moist¨CFrank had tried to warn him early on that something was wrong with Marian.

    He had to ignore it and think the worst of Frank for it.

    It wasughable to remember it now, just as he was too ashamed to look Frank in the eye!

    Frank sighed lengthily, not sure what to say to console Fred.

    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± he eventually asked.

    ¡°No, I feel much better,¡± Fred replied.

 Chapter 332

    Frank then passed Fred a cigarette-

    -as a man himself, he could empathize with how Fred felt.

    As Fred took a deep puff, Frank scratched his head and said, ¡°She¡¯s just one woman, and one who

    doesn¡¯t d¨¦serve your life. I can rmend a couple too, when there¡¯s a chance.¡±

    Fred slowly turned toward him and asked, ¡°You messaged me, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Frank made an awkward look, but nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d attack them.¡±

    ¡°Because I was a wuss?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say it. It¡¯s all my fault that things turned out like this between me and Marian.¡±

    Fred then chuckled bitterly and asked, ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡±

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll tell you anything I know,¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°Why are you so eager to help my family? Whether it¡¯s me, or my sister¡­ Do you really like her?¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°No¡­ And I could tell you the truth, if you can take it.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Fred chuckled self¨Cdeprecatingly. ¡°What won¡¯t I believe now? Hell, it turns out that the girl I

    loved for years has always cheated on me, and I epted that.¡±

    Frank considered his options again and decided on giving the truth.

    The way Fred suspected him so much before had really beenplicating matters, after all.

    As such, he said, ¡°Winter isn¡¯t your biological sister. She¡¯s my mentor¡¯s only daughter, and my mentor

    has died¨Chisst wish before his passing was that I¡¯d take care of her.¡±

    Fred was stunned. Winter was not his sister?

    Still, he only paused briefly as he soon mused, ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s why¡­¡±

    That was why Frank was doting on Winter so much, even with the ravishing of beauties who hovered

    around him.

    And he was also relieved that Frank made it clear that he bore no ill will toward Winter.

    ¡°In that case, I guess I can actually leave the rest to you.¡± Fred smiled.

    Even before Frank could understand what he meant, Fred alighted.

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°Where else can I go? Home.¡±

    Frank pondered for a moment. ¡°If you want revenge, I can help¨CI promise you, they will die. horribly.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Fred waved him off. ¡°Why break thew for the likes of them? I can live on fine

    without them.¡±

    Frank did a double take, surprised that Fred was so clear¨Cheaded about this.

    Still, he was pleased and relieved that Fred could think of it that way.

    Fred returned home in the afternoon.

    Carol had just been washing some vegetables to prepare dinner and was puzzled to see her son return

    so early. ¡°What happened? You¡¯re home really early¡­¡±

    Fred smiled in silence and stared fixedly at her.

    It only left Carol further confused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Fred replied, shaking his head. ¡°I was given the day off. I¡¯m going back to my

    room now.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Carol murmured, finding her son behaving strangely though she could not quite describe why.

    Fred took a bath, cleaning himself thoroughly before heading to the basement room where he slept.

    He sat on his bed for a while before exhaling lengthily as if resolving himself.

    He then pushed his bed away and broke the floorboards beneath with a steel rod to take out the

    wooden chest underneath.

    He slowly opened it to reveal the two homemade guns kept within.

 Chapter 333

    Fred had made those handmade guns himself but never used them for years.

    He concealed them under his clothes and stepped out of his room.

    Carol was already cooking, and seeing her son, she quickly said, ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready soon. Go set up the

    table.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be needing dinner,¡± Fred said, walking up to her side. ¡°I¡¯m leaving soon.¡±

    ¡°Leaving?¡± Carol was taken aback. ¡°It¡¯s going to be dark soon.¡±

    ¡°Something came up at the office,¡± Fred exined. ¡°Also, if anything happens, you should call Frank

    Lawrence.¡±

    Carol¡¯s female intuition was screaming to her right then that something bad was going to happen.

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Grabbing Fred by the arm, she asked, ¡°What are you hiding from me, Fred? You know tell me,

    whatever it is.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Fred smiled. ¡°You¡¯re being paranoid now, Mom. I¡¯m going now.¡±

    you can

    And with those words in parting, he left, leaving Carol ruminating the seemingly loaded meaning in his

    words.

    After some thought, she called Frank. ¡°Hello? Is this Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank just arrived home when he was surprised with Carol¡¯s call. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me, Madam Zims. What¡¯s

    wrong?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you see¡­ Fred was acting weird today after he came home,¡± Carol quickly said. ¡°I was really

    worried something bad would happen to him. Since you¡¯re more or less the same age, could you check

    on him and help him out?¡±

    ¡°Fred left?¡± Frank asked, perplexed.

    The brat headed home, and then left again?

    He was not bent on getting revenge, was he?!

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Carol eximed anxiously just then.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am,¡± Frank quickly assured her. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal¨CI¡¯ll go get him right now, and I

    promise to bring him back in one piece.¡±

    Once he hung up, Frank promptly called Trevor to send him everything he had on Brock, since. Fred

    definitely wanted revenge against Brock!

    As soon as he had everything, Frank got in his call and sped off, calling Fred repeatedly along the way.

    Fred never answered, leaving Frank frowning.

    He almost had enough of the man!

    He had promised to help with Fred¡¯s revenge, only for Fred to refuse¨Cdid Fred somehow believe he

    could take on Brock alone?!

    When Fred entered the lobby of Brock Estates in the evening, many of his colleagues greeted him as

    usual.

    After all, they had no idea what transpired between Fred and their boss and merely thought Fred came

    in on ate shift.

    They did not notice the unusual look on Fred¡¯s face either, as he ran straight to Brock¡¯s office on the top

    floor,

    That ce just happened to be a mess, with Marianying on Brock¡¯s desk, her long legs wrapped

    around Brock¡¯s waist.

    Her clothes were a mess, and her pantyhose was riddled with holes.

    Moreover, her cheeks were flushed as she moaned audibly.

    Brock was himself wheezing like an ox.

    When he was done, he dropped on his chair and lit himself a cigarette, chuckling in

    satisfaction as he met Marian¡¯s coquettish gaze. ¡°How¡¯d you like that? Who¡¯s better¨Cme or your boy?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s you, Mr. Summer,¡± Marian purred as she blushed. ¡°A piece of shit like Fred? Come on¡­¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Brockughed heartily.

 Chapter 334

    Brockughed heartily. ¡°Get yourself cleaned up and dress pretty. We¡¯re meeting a bigwig tonight.¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about Seth Yaffe?¡± Marian asked, immediately interested.

    The man was the junior chieftain of Flying Sword Sect¡¯s Riverton Branch and far more influential than

    Brock.

    If she could seize this opportunity and get in Jan¡¯s good graces, she would not have to worry about a

    thing for the rest of her life!

    In fact, she had no intention of sticking with Brock¨Cshe only wanted to use him as a springboard to

    keep leaping higher!

    Naturally, her scheme was not lost on Brock.

    Still, it suited him just fine¨CMarian was as ambitious as she was pretty and skilled in bed.

    If she could sink her ws into Jan Yaffe, his friendship with the man would definitely blossom further!

    Nodding, he said, ¡°Yes¨Chis uncle is Kuno Yaffe, the chief of Flying Sword Sect himself. Try your best to

    give him a good time.¡±

    Marian beamed. ¡°Oh,e on. You know how good I am with such things.

    Brock smiled as well and pulled her toward him. ¡°Sure, but I¡¯ll have to test you again just to check.¡±

    Bang!

    They were ready to go for another round when Brock¡¯s office door was kicked open violently. ¡°Ahhh!¡±

    Marian jumped in surprised and promptly straightened her clothes but breathed at sigh of relief as soon

    as she saw that it was Fred.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already broken up!¡± she snapped impatiently. ¡°Why are you stilling after me? We¡¯re never

    getting back together.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. I¡¯m not here for you I¡¯m here for him,¡± Fred said coldly, ring at Brock as he pointed

    at the gash on his head. ¡°You really did a number on me here, and I haven¡¯t repaid the favor.¡±

    Brock had been frowning, surprised that Fred actually came.

    However, he simplyughed at Fred¡¯s words, thinking him stupid right then.

    ¡°So, what are you going to do? Hit me?¡± He even gloated and pointed at his own head. Come on, do it!

    Do you even have the balls?¡±

    Marian was snickering at Fred too, convinced he would not do a thing¡­ until Frank whipped out his

    handmade gun and pressed the barrel on Brock¡¯s head.

    Both of them were petrified right then, with Brock immediately sweating bullets. ¡°D¨CDo you know what

    you¡¯re doing?!¡±

    ¡°Put that down right now!¡± Marian shrieked.

    ¡°What, are you scared now?¡± Fred growled through his teeth. ¡°Weren¡¯t you both so happy about

    bullying me before? Weren¡¯t you so sure I was a wuss?¡±

    Brock pursed his lips, but soon snorted. ¡°Hah! Don¡¯t think you can flex on me with some toy gun¨Cshoot

    me if you have the balls!!

    Fred had certainly presumed that Brock would be scared as soon as he whipped out his gun, and was

    surprised Brock was so stubborn.

    Brock could see that he was hesitant and became even more sure that he would never shoot.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± He snorted again, smacking his palm on the table. ¡°Put that peashooter right now, wuss!¡±

    Fred¡¯s breathing turned rushed and heavy right then, and he remembered how Brock and Marian

    insulted him as if he was totally insignificant.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Bang!

    Fred had suddenly turned his gun toward Brock¡¯s arm and fired!

    Brock¡¯s arm was promptly blown to shreds. Only a small bundle of skin and tendons kept what

    was left of it attached to his shoulders, while blood ejected like a geyser!

    Brock instantly lost all sensation in his arm as the gunshot left him deafened!

 Chapter 335

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Brock¡¯s scream resounded in his office.

    In a corner, Marian¡¯s face turned as pale as a sheet¨Cshe was certainly scared to death, never

    expecting the wuss Fred to actually shoot!

    As she stumbled and dropped on her bottom, Brock was clutching what was left of his left arm ¨¢nd

    rolling around on the floor!

    ¡°Fuck you¡­ You shot me?!¡± He stammered through the agony, ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re dead¡­ I¨CI¡¯ll kill you

    However, Fred¡¯s eyes only reddened at the sight of Brock¡¯s blood spilling all over the floor. Brock¡¯s

    threat only drove him into a frenzy, but he was not about to let Brock die so quickly! He brought his gun

    to bear and shot Brock in the thigh!.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    There was a burst of blood mist in the air as Brock let out a blood curdling scream!

    Two shots, and he was a cripple!

    Brock saw the madness in Fred¡¯s eyes just then, and finally realized he should be begging. ¡°Please¡­

    Stop¡­ Just let me go¡­¡±

    ¡°Let you go?¡± Fredughed maniacally. ¡°Hahaha! Weren¡¯t you telling me to shoot just a moment ago?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­ Please, just give me a chance¡­ I was a good boss, wasn¡¯t I¡­?¡±

    Brock was barely breathing even as blood spilled out of his mouth. He would most likely die if he did

    not reach a hospital soon!

    He felt overwhelming regret too¨Cas it turned out, the down¨Cto¨Cearth could really get mad! ¡°No chance.¡±

    Fred started to stride up to Brock again, while Marian seized the opening to flee.

    ¡°Help! There¡¯s a killer on the loose!¡± she screamed even as she ran.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Fred could hear her, but he was in no hurry¨Che was going to die anyway, so he had no intention of

    running.

    Seeing Marian running away, Brock quickly cried, ¡°Fred, please¨Cit was all Marian¡¯s fault! She seduced

    me! She caused all this¡­ Kill her already!¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Fred growled viciously. ¡°You deserved it too¨Cyou knew she had me, but you¡¯d y to her

    tune anyway.¡±

    With that, he leveled his gun at Brock¡¯s head.

    ¡°No!!!¡±

    Bang!

    With the resounding gunshot, Brock¡¯s brain was blown to bits even as he screamed.

    Marian was stumbling even as she fled downstairs, screaming to every employee around her. for help.

    Just then, a inan in a suit caught her¨Cit was none other than Seth Yaffe, the junior chieftain of Flying

    Sword Sect¡¯s Riverton branch.

    Brock was one of his father¡¯sckeys and a friend of Seth himself.

    They were close, since Brock was constantly able to bring in fresh batches of hotties.

    That was why Seth was there he was not about to miss out since Brock told him that he had hooked up

    with a babe who could really show a man a good time.

    In fact, as soon as Seth arrived here at Brock Estates, he immediately ran into a pretty face, whose

    clothes were noticeably disheveled¡­.

    Marian kept crying frantically, ¡°Please help¡­ There¡¯s a killer¡­¡±

    ¡°Calm down, beautiful,¡± Seth said, helping Marian to her feet. ¡°I¡¯m from the Flying Sword Sect¡¯s

    Riverton Branch¨Cjust tell me what¡¯s wrong, and I¡¯ll help.¡±

    Marian did a double take. ¡°You¡¯re Seth Yaffe?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you know me?¡± Seth asked in surprise.

    Marian grabbed Seth¡¯s arm with a vice¨Clike grip right then, as if grasping on salvation. Please, Mr.

    Yaffe! I¡¯m Mr. Summer¡¯s girlfriend!¡±

 Chapter 336

    Marian had a hunch that Brock was already dead but lied. ¡°Please, Mr. Summer was hurt. You have to

    save him!¡±

    Seath realized that she was Brock¡¯s new girlfriend and quickly decided that he had to flex properly.

    However, before he could call in his bodyguards, a man drenched in blood strode downstairs, gun in

    hand.

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    The workers in the lobby all screamed on top of their lungs and scrambled to flee¨Cit was a gun they

    were talking about, not a cleaver!

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Seth was stunned too, just as Marian yelled, ¡°That¡¯s him! He hurt Mr. Summer just now!¡± Seth¡¯s heart

    skipped a beat.

    Brock was most definitely dead¡­ but he had not gotten his money!

    Nheless, he stood in front of Marian and demanded, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Fred nced at him but did not recognize him.

    He brought his gun to bear, leveling it at Seth.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill the woman behind you,¡± he barked imposingly. ¡°My fight is not with you. Now, move!

    Seth¡¯s bodyguards promptly shielded Seth, while Marian clenched on the hem of his suit. Please, Mr.

    Yaffe! You have to help me!¡±

    Do

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m here,¡± Seth assured her with a smile, before wheeling on Fred and snapping, ¡± you

    know who I am?! Have you heard of Riverton¡¯s Flying Sword Sect branch? I¡¯m the son of its chieftain.

    How dare you point that gun at me?! Put that away, and I might consider sparing your life!¡±

    ¡°Fuck you, and fuck Flying Sword Sect.¡± Fred snorted. ¡°Even the gods will fall if they stand in my way

    on this day!¡±

    And with those words, Fred pulled the trigger!

    As soon as the muzzle shed, the bodyguard standing in front of Seth dropped to the floor, leaving

    Seth dumbfounded.

    Was the man crazy?! He already stated his name and title, but the bastard still shot at him?!

    ¡°Oh, fuck¡­¡± The other bodyguard turned and fled in fear right then!

    He was no more than Seth¡¯s bodyguard and could usually bully anyone thanks to Seth¡¯s privileged

    birth, and yet, this man was ready and willing to attack Seth.

    Hell, he would have stood his ground if it was a knife or a machete, but this was a gun! He would be

    dead if he still stood there!

    He would love to get rich, but before that, he had to be alive to spend it!

    ¡°Motherfucker¡­¡± Seth was left cursing¨Cwithout his bodyguards, he had no one to take the bullet for

    him!

    He certainly did not want this heat. Whatever this was about, he was leaving!

    Even so, Marian was holding on to him with a vice¨Clike grip. ¡°Please, Mr. Yaffe! You can¡¯t go! You have

    to save me!¡±

    ¡°Fuck off,¡± Seth snorted and pushed her away, swearing under his breath for getting involved at all.

    Right now, he just had to wait and bide his time for the right moment, then take Fred down.

    Slowly raising his palms, he told Fred, ¡°Like you said, we have no fight. I was just here on an errand,

    and I¡¯m leaving because you told me to.¡±

    Fred actually was not interested in coteral himself. ¡°Then go.¡±

    Seth turned, using his movement to slide a dagger out of his sleeve.

    He continued toward the doorway and suddenly turned again to throw it at Fred!

    Shunk!

    The dagger shot toward Fred, stabbing him in the shoulder.

    ¡°Oof-¡±

    Fred grunted in pain and fell limply to the floor, his gun slipping out of his fingers.

    Seth promptly leapt up and kicked it away, gloating. ¡°Haha! Is that all you got? Weren¡¯t you. being so

    ballsy before, threatening me and all?¡±

 Chapter 337

    Seeing that Fred was disarmed, Marian breathed a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath with him, Mr. Yaffe,¡± she quickly said, eager for Seth to kill Fred right then to

    spare her from further trouble. ¡°He shot Mr. Summer¨Cyou have to make him pay!¡±

    At the same time, Fred pulled Seth¡¯s dagger out of his shoulder with an impassive look.

    No pain could match the pain in his heart at this point!

    And seeing that he was still resisting, Seth jammed a foot on his shoulder and started to rain punches

    on Fred¡¯s face!

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± he bellowed. ¡°Still trying to y the tough guy, huh?!¡±

    Fred¡¯s previous head injury ruptured right then, and blood flowed freely again.

    He tried to fight back, but he was no match for Seth¨Ceven if he was just some rich kid, he had been

    instructed in martial arts at Flying Sword Sect since a child.

    Seth then kicked him, sending him flying and crashing against the stairs for embarrassing

    him before!

    As hey limply, seemingly not even having the strength to get up, Marian wasughing ast she strode,

    staring at her ex with zero sympathy. ¡°A fucking piece of shit like you, trying to y murder? Did you

    even look at yourself in the mirror before you came?¡±

    Fred looked up at her despite his bleeding face, disappointment showing in his eyes.

    Meanwhile, Seth ran upstairs and soon returned, furious.

    Brock was as dead as a doornail, and he was not getting anything out of that safe in Brock¡¯s office!

    Jamming his foot on Fred¡¯s face, he snapped, ¡°You really have some balls, pointing a gun at me and

    killing one of ours! Flying Sword Sect will make you pay your whole family is going down with you!¡±

    His threat actually reminded Marian, and she went up to Seth, offering details on Fred¡¯s family to get

    further into Seth¡¯s good graces.

    ¡°Mr. Summer, I know for a fact that he¡¯s worthless,¡± she said. ¡°He only has a mother and a sister for

    family¡­ That said, his sister is really beautiful¨Ceven Mr. Summer couldn¡¯t get her off his mind!¡±

    Seth was immediately interested. ¡°Oh, really?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d never lie to you, Mr. Yaffe.¡± Marian smiled, even giving him Fred¡¯s address.

    Seth was all too eager for retaliation and promptly called his men to have Fred¡¯s family captured.

    Hearing that his family was in danger, Fred spoke despite the difficulty, ¡°You¡¯d wish you were dead if

    you hurt my family.¡±

    ¡°Shit, still talk tough when you¡¯re like this? Hell, I wouldn¡¯t mind seeing what you can do!¡±

    Seth snorted in disdain.

    That was when Fred whipped out his second gun without hesitation and pressed it between Seth¡¯s

    legs!

    Bang!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    There was a thundering crack, and Seth was screaming shrilly even as the blow sent him fiying!

    He was bleeding all over the floor even as he mmed violently on the floor, and he was clutching his

    groin as he rolled around in agony!

    Marian was stunned¨Cshe never could have known that Fred had another gun!

    Fred then aimed it at her, and she promptly dropped to the floor, kowtowing repeatedly as she realized

    things had

    ally gone south!

    ¡°Please, darling! Don¡¯t kill me¡­ I had no choice! I¡¯ve always loved you¡­ You were always in my

    heart¡­¡±

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Fred waspletely unaffected despite her pleas, having seen her true nature through and through.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to kill you either, but you actually wanted to hurt my family,¡± he growled. slowly and clearly

    through his teeth. ¡°You¡¯ve ruined my life, but that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll kill you, then find you in hell and kill you

    again¡­¡±

 Chapter 338

    Fred¡¯s eyes were aze with spite as he pulled the trigger, killing Marian.

    Her eyes were wide open in disbelief even as she died, falling backward ever so slowly.

    She must have never expected to die in the hands of herpdog.

    Crash!

    A group of men in ck charged inside just then¨Cthey were all Seth¡¯s bodyguards, charging in to

    protect him after hearing he got hurt!

    As soon as he saw them, Seth could not care less about their pain as he pointed at Fred and yelled,

    ¡°Go get him, but keep him alive!¡±

    Recognizing danger, Fred promptly fled upstairs, while Seth¡¯s bodyguards lunged at him at his orders.

    Fred fought back even as he ran, his marksmanship perfect despite his extensive injury. With each

    crack of his gun, one of the bodyguards would drop dead on the floor.

    However, the bodyguards were no slouches.

    They spread out as soon as they saw he had a gun, ready to outnk him.

    Fred could read their movement and did not have enough bullets for them either.

    He took his only option¨Crunning straight back into Brock¡¯s office and shutting the door!

    He still had four bullets and had already finished what he came to do.

    If

    anyone else was eager to court death, he would not mind taking them out as a bonus!

    Still, Seth¡¯s bodyguards proved their efficiency once again and kicked the door open soon enough!

    ¡°Come on!¡± Fred screamed manically from behind Brock¡¯s desk. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you pricks are tougher

    than my bullets!¡±

    He fired one shot, killing the first bodyguard who charged in through the door.

    Two more rushed in, but they did a barrel roll as soon as they got in and leapt at Fred from both sides.

    However, Fred was quicker.

    Bang!

    Bang!

    Both bodyguards dropped dead instantly.

    However, that meant Fred only had one bullet left.

    He could not do anything against the bodyguards charging at him in numbers, just as he knew what

    would happen to him if the Yaffes got their hands on him after today.

    It was a shame he did not kill Saffe when he did¡­

    m

    He raised his gun and aimed it at his temple, but the bodyguards were too fast¨Cone had already

    reached him, and Fred dropped his gun even as he was knocked down and subdued.

    The bodyguards¡® leader red at Fred and growled coldly, ¡°You¡¯ve killed a lot of our men and maimed

    Seth himself. Toote for regrets, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Fred looked up in defiance. ¡°It¡¯s just a shame I couldn¡¯t kill you.¡®

    ¡°Haha!¡± The manughed. ¡°You can say anything you want, but you¡¯ve lost. Break his limbs, boys Mr.

    Yaffe will decide what to do with him.¡±

    Fred closed his eyes even as the bodyguards strode up to him. He knew this would happen when he

    killed Brock anyway.

    ¡°Hold it!¡± someone snapped sternly from the doorway right then.

    Everyone turned to find Frank standing there, holding Seth by the cor.

    He was choking Seth, too¨Cthe man¡¯s face was purple, and his eyes could pop out!

    Fred looked up when he heard the familiar voice too and saw Frank as well.

    The bodyguards¡® leader could feel his face fall when he saw that Seth was captured. ¡°Who the hell are

    you?¡±

    He did not dare make a move¨Che would be med if Seth was killed!

    ¡°Frank Lawrence.¡±

    The bodyguards¡® leader frowned, but he hadpletely no idea who Frank wasMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 339

    Seeing that Seth would suffocate soon, his bodyguards¡® leader quickly snapped, ¡°This isn¡¯t your fight,

    son. Just let Mr. Yaffe go¡­¡±

    Frankughed icily. ¡°You do it. I just caught this one myself¨Cnot about to let him go.¡± The bodyguards¡®

    leader nced at Fred behind himself. So they were together?

    He studied Frank right then and was soon relleved to see that Frank was unarmed. ¡°Think carefully

    about this, son,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re making enemies of the Yaffe family. Perhaps you don¡¯t know who they

    are?¡±

    ¡°Save your introductions. I know them just fine.¡± Frank waved him off impatiently. ¡°Flying Sword Sect¡¯s

    Riverton Branch, was it? What¡¯s that impressive? Even your chief has to watch his manners in my

    presence.¡±

    The bodyguards¡® leader was left pursuing his lips. ¡°Son¡­¡±

    Their chief had to watch his manners in his presence? Who the fuck did he think he was?

    Nheless, Frank dangled Seth in front of him just then. ¡°Word of advice? Let my boy go, or this one

    will be dead soon enough.¡±

    Seth was even pointing at his bodyguards¡® leader even as he choked, ¡°L¨CLet him¡­ go¡­¡±

    He was certainly unlucky, getting shot in the balls and now being used as a hostage!

    He could actually feel his consciousness fading too¡­

    The bodyguards¡® leader could see that Seth was in danger too and released Fred right then. Frank then

    added bluntly, ¡°Now get out of this building.¡±

    The bodyguards¡® leader frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck, son.¡±

    ¡°You have nothing to negotiate with,¡± Frank retorted icily.

    ¡°Fine! Just you wait¨Cyou¡¯ll understand terror now that you¡¯ve hurt one of us!¡± the

    bodyguards¡® leader threatened viciously, but he had no choice other than to leave the building. The

    others followed and immediately asked when they were outside, ¡°What should we do now? Things

    don¡¯t look good for Mr. Yaffe¡­ We¡¯d be punished if he gets killed!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± the bodyguards¡® leader said coolly. ¡°They¡¯d never do anything to him.¡±

    As long as Frank was not crazy, they would definitely keep Seth alive since he was their only shot at

    staying alive.

    ¡°Inform the chief. Tell him everything,¡± he then added.

    ¡°Yes, sir¡­¡±

    Charter 330.

    You

    Fred chuckled as he shook his head. wouldn¡¯t get it¡­ I feel so relleved now. Hell, I¡¯m also feeling a

    thrill I never felt before.¡±

    Frank looked at the corpses around them, each of which were killed with a single shot.

    He whistled, impressed. ¡°I¡¯ve really underestimated you¡­ You killed this many with a single shot each,

    and even maimed Mr. Yaffe there. What, don¡¯t you care about your family¡¯s safety anymore?¡±

    Fred shed a bitter grin. ¡°You told me toe to you if I¡¯m ever in trouble. Or what, is that moot now?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°My word is golden.¡±

    ¡°Great.¡± Fred sighed, his eyes welling up with tears of guilt. ¡°In any case, I¡¯m dead¨Cjust tell Mom that I

    died in a car crash, so please take care of her in my stead. And Winter¡¯s your sister in a way, so I¡¯m

    relieved to have you watch over her.¡±

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You¡¯re a real piece of work¡­¡± Frank sighed.

 Chapter 340

    Frank nced at Seth even as hey on the floor..

    If Fred did not hurt Seth, he could pull some strings and ensure Fred¡¯s safety.

    However, Flying Sword Sect would not rest when Seth was now basically castrated.

    ¡°What, you can¡¯t do it?¡± Fred asked, staring at Frank.

    ¡°I can, and you have my word,¡± Frank replied tly.

    His phone then rang with a phone call from Trevor. ¡°Hello, Mr. Lawrence? Where are you right now?¡±

    ¡°Brock Estates¡® offices. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Frank replied.

    ¡°Galen Yaffe, the chief of Flying Sword Sect¡¯s Riverton branch, just sent all his boys to your location,¡±

    Trevor said urgently. ¡°Do you know what happened there?¡±

    Frank scratched his head. ¡°Fred Lawrence blew Seth Yaffe¡¯s balls off. Also, we still have Seth in our

    hands.¡±

    Trevor gasped right then and stammered, ¡°T¨CThen what are you going to do? Start a war with Flying

    Sword Sect?¡±

    ¡°Sure, if they want one,¡± Frank replied nonchntly.

    They had already insulted the branch chief, and he was never going to let this slide.

    If anything, he would like to make it fast and was certainly not worried about making more

    enemies.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Tervore replied and hung up.

    Frank turned back to Fred. ¡°Now, tell me¨Chow did you upset Seth over there?¡±

    Fred told him everything in detail, and Frank nodded as he walked up to Seth. ¡°Hey, kid¨Cmy boy was

    going to spare you, but you blindsided him instead? You deserve this, to be honest.¡± Seth¡¯s face was

    pale, and he had long since lost all sensation beneath the belt.

    He was now a cripple, and he certainly could curse endlessly at the other two men, but it was pure

    agony just to move. ¡°Motherfuckers¡­ My dad will kill you both for what you did to me!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve already

    come this far.¡± Frank snorted, waving him off. ¡°You can stop talking tough

    now.¡±

    As he slowly rose to his feet, a middle¨Caged man strode into the lobby and barked, ¡°Are you here, Mr.

    Frank Lawrence?¡±

    Frank stepped outside in response and looked downstairs. ¡°Right here. Can I help you?¡±

    ¡°The name is Quentin Zodac.¡± The man smiled in greeting, his expression perfectly neutral.¡± As Flying

    Sword Sect¡¯s Riverton branch¡¯s chief servant, I¡¯m here to negotiate this issue. I was told

    you

    have Master Seth in your custody?¡± ¡°Indaad 11-1

    ¡°Sir, I have to inform you that this is our turf, and your friend was causing trouble,¡± Quentin said

    lengthily, having been informed about everything by Seth¡¯s bodyguards. ¡°Your friend. hurt Master Seth,

    and his retaliation was justified self¨Cdefense. Don¡¯t you think that your action is disagreeable?¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°Oh, you¨Cmy friend came to murder Brock Summer and Marian Henley, while your boy

    struck him with a dirty move, and he¡¯s not supposed to fight back? Also, if you¡¯re here to negotiate,

    then state your terms already.¡±

    Quentin sped his hands behind his back in response. ¡°Master Yaffe is right outside, and he has

    spoken¨Cthose who weren¡¯t involved will be deemed innocent. That is, as long as Master Seth is safe,

    and Fred Lawrence dies.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Frankughed coldly. ¡°A real optimist, huh? But no¨Che only gets to choose one.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 341

    Quentin did a double take, surprised by Frank¡¯s audacity.

    Still, he soon snorted coldly. ¡°Dream on, boy! On this day, Fred Lawrence will fall, while Master Seth

    lives!¡±

    Frank was equally upromising. ¡°Fine, then there¡¯s nothing to talk about. You can get out of here

    now.¡±

    Quentin frowned as he growled coldly, ¡°I didn¡¯te to talk to you, boy! Tell Fred toe see me!¡±

    Fred wobbled out of Brock¡¯s office just then. ¡°I¡¯m right here. What do you want to tell me?¡±

    ¡°Let go of Master Seth and kill yourself, and Flying Sword Sect will not press the issue,¡± Quentin

    growled icily. ¡°Do that, or your mother and sister will die with you!¡±

    Fred clenched his fist.

    He knew that was no threat¨CFlying Sword Sect could do that.

    Quentin could see his hesitation and promptly whipped out his phone to dial a number.

    It was soon answered, and he threw it to Fred. ¡°Go on, boy. Talk to your mom.¡±

    Fred was absolutely stunned¨Cthey had his mother already?!

    ¡°Mom? Are you there?¡± he called out.

    Carol was gulping on the other end. ¡°Fred¡­ What did you do?¡±

    ¡°Mom? Where are you? Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright¡­¡± Carol said quietly. ¡°All these people just came charging into our house, and they¡¯re

    stopping us from leaving.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re saying that they are from Flying Sword Sect,¡± Winter spoke up just then. ¡°What¡¯s going on

    here?¡±

    Fred panicked right then.

    He was ready to die, but he was not ready for trouble to befall his family!

    Still, he said, ¡°It¡¯s alright, Winter. It¡¯s not that serious¨CI can handle this.¡±

    With that, he hung up and wheeled on Quentin as he bellowed, ¡°What do you want?!¡±

    ¡°I told you¨Crelease Master Seth and kill yourself,¡± Quentin shot back, poising himself with a sense of

    superiority amid Fred¡¯s panic.

    Fred¡¯s fingers were clenching on the handrail, but he knew he could not save his family in this

    state.

    Perhaps death was his only option¡­

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I hope Flying Sword Sect will keep their promise-¡±

    ¡°Stop,¡± Frank spoke just then, his eyes cold and murderous.

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    He could not tolerate Flying Sword Sect now¨Cnot after they had the gall to go after Winter!

    If they had so much asid a finger on her, he would wipe them all out!

    He pulled Seth out of Brock¡¯s office right then and growled icily, ¡°Tell you boys to leave Winter¡¯s home,

    or I¡¯ll kill him.¡±

    ¡°Who do you think you are, threatening Flying Sword Sect?!¡± Quentin snapped furiously. ¡°Let Master

    Seth go, and we may consider sparing the women¨Cthat, or you will all die!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying it onest time! Tell your people to leave!¡± Frank bellowed in rage, his voice resounding

    over the lobby,

    Fred actually felt his ears hurt as he stood nearby, while Quentin was actually stunned.

    ¡°What¡­¡± he blurted, surprised by Frank¡¯s powerful vigor.

    However, he had no intention ofpromising¨Cif anything, the more Frank cared about Winter and her

    mother, the more obvious it was that they could use them as leverage!

    If anything, they would be outmaneuvered if they backed down now!

    ¡°If you want them released, you can do it first!¡± he snapped, determined.

    ¡°Release this!¡± Frank bellowed and smacked Seth in the back with his palm!

    ¡°Bleurgh!¡± Seth was coughing blood even as he was sent flying like a ball, crashing through the

    handrail as he flew!

    ¡°Master Seth!¡± Quentin was stupefied¨Che had never expected Frank to go that far!

    He mastered all his vigor as he leapt forward to catch Seth!

 Chapter 342

    However, Quentin felt danger as soon as his fingers made contact with Seth¡¯s body.

    Bang!

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    Seth soon crashed into Quentin with such terrible force that his arms were broken right then!

    Unable to stop Seth, he was sent flying as well!

    Still, as they finally crashed resoundingly to a stop, Quentin was soon scrambling to his feet. ¡°Master

    Seth! Master Seth! Are you alright?!¡± he cried as he hurried to Seth¡¯s side.

    Soon, he paled.

    Seth¡¯s face was purple, all his ribs cracked and his organs ruptured. His pupils were nk as well, and

    he was clearly not breathing.

    ¡°Motherfucker!!! You killed him?!¡±

    Quentin was stupefied¨Che hade to save Seth, but there was just no reasoning with Frank! He had

    actually killed Seth as Quentin watched!

    ¡°Not just him¨Cyou¡¯re next!¡± Frank¡¯s teeth were bared as he leapt off the second floor and bounded

    toward Quentin with a kick!

    Not about to let down his guard, Quentin brought his arms to bear and parry his blow!

    Pow!

    Frank¡¯s kick sent him flying dozens of meters away, and he crashed through the wall, leaving a long

    trail of debris in his wake!

    ¡°Bleurgh!¡± Quentin was coughing blood ¨¦ven as he felt a terrible agony on his chest.

    He looked up again at Frank again, this time in disbelief¡ªhe did not expect such horrific power from a

    mere brat!

    No, not even Galen would be a match for him!

    And Frank was not stopping¨Cmoving as fast as lightning, he closed the distance to Quentin and

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    grabbed him by the throat!

    ¡°W¨CWhat are you doing?¡± Quentin choked even as he paled in fear. ¡°Are you dering war on Flying

    Sword Sect?¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯d be your fault for touching Winter!¡± Frank¡¯s eyes were scarlet, and his murderous presence

    red!

    He would have negotiated with them peacefully, but they broke the rules when they went for Winter.

    A war? So what?

    On the other hand, Quentin had no idea what the connection between Winter and Frank was, or why

    he was so furious!

    Frank smacked his chest with his palm, leaving it sunken while Quentin was sent flying again! As

    Quentin crashed out of the doorway, all the Flying Sword Sect apprentices who were waiting outside

    were left stupefied.

    They had all presumed the perps in the building would surrender as soon as Quentin stepped in

    but they had actually attacked Quentin?

    ***

    ¡°Sir, are you alright?¡± one of them asked, but Quentin could barely breathe, let alone speak!

    The man immediately took it for an opportunity to grab some merit and bellowed, ¡°Go! We must save

    Master Seth!¡±

    There were over fifty Flying Sword Sect apprentices outside after all¨Cthey had nothing to fear!

    With a resounding battlecry, they all charged into the building!

    Frank simply stared at them, equally fearless.

    He unleashed his vigor, his clothes pping loudly as a shockwave unfurled away from him.

    At the very next second, he was already dancing through the crowd gracefully, and no one could stop

    him!

    With punches as quickly as a lightning, several Flying Sword Sect apprentices were instantly sent

    flying! And as Frank rained over dozens more punches, they were all floored, crying for their mothers.

    When Fred finally realized what was happening on the second floor, his jaw hung ajar as he watched

    Frank standing in the middle of the lobby.

    It was the first time he had ever seen Frank fight, and he had presumed him to be some rich kid without

    much skill¨Che certainly had to regard the man in a new light after today!

    He was fighting Flying Sword Sect apprentices too, each of whom were strong fighters themselves¡­

    but they were all as weak as kittens when they were up against Frank!

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    Quentin was left staring at the Flying Sword Sect apprentices scattered around the floor, groaning and

    howling in pain.

    He gulped, and his legs were trembling¨Cthey were going to need Kuno here!

    That was when Frank slowly made his way toward Quentin, who quickly said, ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence¨C

    I¡¯m just the negotiator, I¡¯m not even a member of the¨COof!¡±

    Frank had kicked him in the face even before he could finish, knocking him out.

    Frank then whipped out his phone to call Trevor.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Trevor answered instantly without hesitation, since he was already waiting.

    ¡°Send your men to Winter¡¯s home,¡± Frank said shortly. ¡°Flying Sword Sect has her.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Trevor eximed in shock and quickly nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir! My men and I will be there

    soon!¡±

    Frank hung up and turned to Fred. ¡°Are youing?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Fred said as he wobbled toward Frank¨Cit was only natural, since he was worried about his

    family.

    Frank nodded and brought Fred to his car, then sped straight to Winter¡¯s home.

    The entire street in front of Carol Zims¡® snackbar was cleared.

    Flying Sword Sect apprentices stood outside, watching the entire street, each of them armed. Naturally,

    no one else could be seen along the usually bustling street.

    Galen himself was seated on a chair in the snackbar, while Carol and Winter stood by the wall, huddled

    together.

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    Neither woman knew who he was, but they knew he was here for Fred.

    Carol certainly regretted not stopping Fred when she saw him clearly burdened in his mind. ¡°Excuse

    me sir. What did my brother do?¡± Winter asked softly just then.

    Galen leveled a cool re at her. ¡°He killed my men and held my son hostage. I¡¯m holding you hostage

    in exchange for my son.¡±

    One must admit that Galen had the right idea¨Cinstead of going to save his son, he seized Fred¡¯s family

    instead to force Fred on the backfoot.

    It was a pity he did not include Frank in his calctions¡­

    Nheless, Carol was shocked.

    She knew full well how much of a coward her own son was, and Galen was saying that Fred killed

    someone?!

    ¡°Sir¡­ I think you have it wrong,¡± she said in disbelief. ¡°My son is aw¨Cabiding citizen.

    .

    There¡¯s no way he would do something like that¡­¡±

    Galen snorted coldly. ¡°My people were very clear¨Che killed Brock Summer, and you best pray that my

    son is fine¡­ or you¡¯ll die with him!¡±

    Carol and Winter trembled in fear¨Cwas Brock not Fred¡¯s boss? Did he not always take good care of

    Fred?

    How did this happen?

    Carol had no idea what was happening and only wanted to see her son soon to ask what had

    happened¡­

    That was when a Flying Sword Sect apprentice rushed in. ¡°Mr. Yaffe, this gang just showed up

    -their boss is calling himself Trevor Zurich, saying he wants to see you.¡±

    Galen was left taken aback.

    He had heard of Trevor, who was involved in internationalmerce.

    What was he doing at a ce like this?

    ¡°How many men did he bring?¡± Galen quickly asked.

    ¡°Plenty. They might actually be the same numbers as us¡­

 Chapter 344

    Galen nced at Carol and Winter.

    This time and ce¡­ Did Trevore for these two?

    After some thought, he decided to meet the man.

    Trevor soon entered the snackbar, nodding with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Yaffe.¡±

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    Galen did not get up¨CTrevor was just a businessman, so what could he do anyway?

    ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡± he asked bluntly.

    Trevor chuckled. ¡°I have orders from Mr. Lawrence to protect Ms. Lawrence and Madam Zims.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Galen snorted in disdain. ¡°Protect them? They are my hostages.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d advise you not to get overconfident, Mr. Yaffe,¡± Trevor said slowly and clearly. ¡°Mr. Lawrence was

    already furious when you threatened Ms. Lawrence, and I¡¯d rather you release them right now. Do so,

    and I could at least speak in your favor so that things don¡¯t get out of hand.¡±

    If anything, Trevor was just not aware that Frank had already killed Seth, or he would have attacked

    Galen and his men already.

    Galen simplyughed at Trevor¡¯s face.

    Even if Frank had support, Galen was convinced he was no match for Flying Sword Sect.

    He even started floating at that, ¡°Mr. Zurich, I could see that you are worthy of respect¨Cand yet you¡¯re

    here, helping a piece of shit and even addressing him with reverence. How shameless can you be?¡±

    Trevor¡¯s expression was suddenly vicious. ¡°Mr. Lawrence is not to be insulted, Mr. Yaffe. You will pay

    for your insult.¡±

    Galen snorted. ¡°Pay? How?¡±

    The Flying Sword Sect apprentices surrounded Trevor immediately, while Trevor¡¯s men also whipped

    out their weapons.

    However, as things got tense, Frank and Fred entered the snackbar.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence?¡± Trevor was actually shocked, surprised that Frank arrived so quickly.

    Galen was shocked too, because no one informed him of the pair¡¯s arrival!

    Unbeknownst to him, Frank had already taken down all his men outside.

    ¡°Fred!¡±

    Carol and Winter were stunned to see Fred covered in blood. Did he really kill Brock?! However, the

    Flying Sword Sect apprentices were standing between them and Fred¡­ Galen was ring furiously at

    Frank in turn. ¡°So you¡¯re Frank Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Let them go, and I¡¯ll let you leave,¡± Frank bellowed bluntly.

    ¡°Where is my son?! Give him back to me!¡± Galen demanded in return.

    Frank¡¯s re was like a sword that pierced his chest. ¡°He¡¯s dead. He paid the price for threatening my

    people.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Galen was left dumbstruck, and his expression contorted savagely.

    ¡°Men! Get in here and kill this bastard!¡± he bellowed in rage¡­

    But no one came in.

    While Galen was still perplexed, Frank said icily, ¡°I¡¯ve already taken out those apprentices of yours

    whatever men you have left in your room is whatever men you have left.¡±

    ¡°And I told you to let them go!¡± he then bellowed.

    Galen pursed his lips.

    Impossible! He brought over fifty men¨Chow could Frank have defeated them all?!

    However, he was unfettered by Frank¡¯s bellow. He would avenge his son¡¯s death, whatever it took!

    ¡°Fuck you! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    With a raging cry, Galen whipped out his sword and leapt toward Frank!

 Chapter 345

    Frank was already on the edge of fury.

    He strode forward, his knuckle poised with neither sympathy nor hesitation.

    Galen paled¡ªhe did not even see Frank move, but Frank had already reached him!

    Before he could react, he felt an agony over his shoulder, as if struck by a steel hammer!

    Even as Galen dropped his sword, Frank did not pause as he punched Galen in the face!

    Unable to stop Frank at all, Galen was knocked down to the floor, rolling several times before he finally

    stopped!

    ¡°I said, let them go!¡± he growled as he seized Galen by the neck!

    ¡°What¡­ The chief didn¡¯t evenst one blow?!¡±

    The Flying Sword Sect apprentices around them were bbergasted.

    Their chief was already defeated, and no help wasing!

    They were certainly eager to let their hostages go since no good woulde from upsetting Frank

    now¡­

    However, Galen¡¯s face contorted savagely as he bellowed, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! Kill them all!¡±

    His only thought was to avenge his son¡¯s death. Even if he could not kill Frank, he would have Winter

    and her mother die with them!

    He would make Frank pay, to make him live his life in regret!

    ¡°You asked for it!¡± Frank snapped, incensed.

    ¡°Oof!¡±

    Galen grunted as Frank struck him in the sr plexus with his palm, leaving him utterly enfeebled as

    his cultivation vaporized!

    Frank in turn red at the Flying Sword Sect apprentices and barked, ¡°Move, or I¡¯ll cripple your

    cultivation like I did with him and take away your limbs!¡®

    The Flying Sword Sect apprentices were absolutely terrified by his threat.

    They had only joined the sect to learn martial arts. Would all of their hard work this far not go to waste if

    their cultivation was crippled?!

    It was certainly not worth giving up everything for the Yaffe family!

    One of them even threw down his weapon and surrendered right away. ¡°Sir, we even had to pay them

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    to study their martial arts. We have no fight with you¨Cplease, let us go.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes¡­ We never did anything¡­¡±

    And with one leading the way, the others promptly followed suit.

    ¡°Then leave,¡± Frank snapped at them.

    Relieved, they promptly ran!

    ¡°Bastards¡­¡± Galen was seething but unable to do a thing.

    Turning and ring viciously at Frank, he growled, ¡°Kill me if you dare. My brother will definitely avenge

    me¡­¡±

    Frank regarded him with disdain. ¡°No, I won¡¯t. I¡¯ll let you run off and cry to him. I wee anything that

    Flying Sword Sect would throw at me.¡±

    With that, Frank kicked Galen, sending him flying out of the snackbar.

    Galen had pushed himself up despite the pain, wobbling as he pointed at Frank and snapped, ¡± Fine!

    Just you wait!¡±

    Trevor watched him leave, before hurrying to Frank. ¡°Sir, are you sure letting him go is a good idea?

    He¡¯s definitely going to spice up history¡­¡±

    ¡°The other Flying Sword Sect apprentices would do the same even if we kill him,¡± Frank said calmly.

    ¡°And I¡¯ve already made an enemy of Flying Sword Sect before¨Cat least we¡¯re in an open war now.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

 Chapter 346

    Trevor did a double take¡ªit seemed that war with Flying Sword Sect was inevitable.

    Meanwhile, Carol¡¯s eyes were red as she hurried to her son, asking worriedly, ¡°What actually

    happened, Fred?¡±

    Fred hung his head, stumped. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom¡­ I killed people¡±

    ¡°B¨CBut why? You¡¯re not like that,¡± Carol sobbed in heartache.

    Fred¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡®

    ¡°Marian was cheating on him with Brock,¡± Frank said just then. ¡°Fred killed them both in his rage.¡±

    Carol froze at Frank¡¯s words, uncertain.

    She was not sure what she should say now¨Cshe certainly could not tell her son to just bear with being

    made a cuck!

    On the other hand, Winter was more concerned about Fred¡¯s future. ¡°What are you going to do now,

    Fred?¡±

    Fred kept his head lowered¨Che never thought about that.

    Beside him, Frank said, ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for him to hide abroad. That¡¯s the only way to save him.¡±

    He turned toward Fred, waiting for his answer.

    ¡°Oh¡­ But can hee back?¡± Carol asked in concern.

    ¡°That would be very difficult. It¡¯s up to him to make a foothold abroad for himself,¡± Frank replied.

    He was not going to help Fred all the way¨Cthe kid would only get bullied again if he was constantly

    dependent.

    Frank was also keen to find out what Fred was made of too.

    Fred gritted his teeth just then and said, ¡°Thank you, Frank. I owe you my

    life.¡±

    It was a shame he could not bring his family along, but this was his best option at the moment. But at

    the very least, Frank would make sure that they were safe, which spared him the worry. Frank nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have Mr. Zurich make the arrangements to transport you right away.¡± ¡°Please watch over my family,

    Frank,¡± Fred said and kowtowed to him three times audibly. Frank did not stop him¨Cit was his way of

    saying he epted Fred¡¯s request.

    Winter stared at Fred wistfully in turn before suddenly taking off the pendant from her ne and

    putting it in Fred¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Take this and use it if you have to,¡± she told him. ¡°Mr. Lawrence gave it to me for my birthday¨CI heard

    it¡¯s worth a lot of money.¡±

    She then turned to Frank. ¡°I know this is poor manners, Mr. Lawrence¡­ Please don¡¯t be too harsh on

    me.¡±

    Frank, however, was nodding in approval. ¡°I don¡¯t me you. I¡¯m happy to see that you value your

    kinship so much.¡±

    He certainly did not want Winter to behave like some ingrate, and her gesture actually won him over.

    Fred bit his lip even as he grasped the pendant, his tears rolling down his cheeks as he swore, Mom,

    Winter¡­ I¡¯ll be back and give you a better life. Believe me.¡±

    Staring at Winter, she added, ¡°Take good care of Mom when I¡¯m not around. Go to Mr. Lawrence if

    anything happens¨Cyou can trust him.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Winter nodded through tears.

    Once Fred was prepared by midnight, Trevor had his tickets ready, while Frank personally escorted him

    to the airport.

    ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to our contacts in South Asterion, sir,¡± Trevor told him. They will be there to receive Fred.¡±

    Frank nodded, satisfied. ¡°Also, arranged for martial elites to watch over Carol and Winter. Keep them

    safe.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir,¡± Trevor replied. ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged for my best men to watch over them.

    Meanwhile, everyone from the Yaffe family were gathered at the Flying Sword Sect of Riverton¡¯s

    headquarters, where Seth Yaffe¡¯s corpse wasid in the middle of the main hall.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

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    Galen was holding his son¡¯s corpse even as he bawled¨Closing a son at his age was too much to bear!

    The other members of the Yaffe family could certainly empathize, just as Jan mmed his hand on the

    table and bellowed in rage, ¡°Frank Lawrence again?! He¡¯s gone too far! He stole the Earthen

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    Dragonheart from my father, and now he killed my cousin! We must retaliate!¡±

    Everyone else was nodding with righteous indignation too, as Galen more than painted Frank as a vile

    criminal.

    At the same time, Galen had scrambled to his brother Kuno, hugging his leg as he howled, Please,

    Kuno¡­ My cultivation was crippled, and my son died so horribly! You have to avenge us!¡±

    Kuno was seated on the main chair, his eyes narrowed and his thoughts unfathomable.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to hesitate, Dad,¡± Jan told him. ¡°Let¡¯s just kill Frank already.¡±

    Kuno shot him a re and asked icily, ¡°And who¡¯s going to do that? You? You can see that he¡¯s as

    powerful as he is well¨Cconnected. You probably don¡¯t know about his background, do you?¡±

    The fact that Frank could cripple Galen¡¯s cultivation already made him more than formidable¡­ but they

    had never even heard of Frank¡¯s background or anything else!

    ¡°His background? What background?¡± Jan asked in confusion.

    ¡°He isn¡¯t just friends with Dan Zimmer and Trevor Zurich,¡± Kuno said slowly. ¡°He has ties with the

    Turnbulls too¨Che was there when the Turnbulls¡® Rejuvenation Pill hit the market recently. He¡¯s even

    said to be the key to their sessful development of the pill.¡®

    Everyone gasped at that, surprised that Frank actually had ties with the Turnbulls

    The head of the family was certainly prudent!

    ¡°The Turnbulls? The family with ties in the capital?¡± Jan eximed, but he soon argued, ¡°So what?

    What Frank did was criminal, and he¡¯s not one of them either¨Cthey aren¡¯t going to go to war for him

    over that, are they?¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know what their stance is for now,¡± Kuno admitted.

    Galen quickly pressed, ¡°Don¡¯t we have other ways to get back at him? Is there no way to avenge my

    son?¡±

    ¡°Yes¨Cwe just have toe up with a way to keep the Turnbulls out of this,¡± Kuno said calmly, his eyes

    shing confidently. ¡°Without them, dealing with Frank would be easy. I¡¯ll see to it personally as well¡­

    in three days, I¡¯ll offer his head to Seth¡¯s grave!¡±

    Galen was delighted at those words.

    His brother had always been omnipotent¨Cif he said this would work, then it would!

    As the rest of the family dispersed, Jan stayed behind, curious as to what ns his father had in mind

    to deal with Frank.

    ¡°What are you going to do, Dad?¡±

    212

    ¡°You¡¯re hosting a banquet in a couple days, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kuno asked.

    Jan quickly nodded. ¡°Yeah, most of the heirs and heiresses in Riverton are invited¨CI mostly wanted to

    introduce them to Kim.¡±

    Kuno smiled. ¡°And you¡¯ve invited Vicky Turnbull too?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s settled.¡± Kuno¡¯s eyes shed viciously. ¡°I heard that Vicky is very close with Frank¨Cshe¡¯d

    definitely bring him along. It¡¯s a banquet, so they probably wouldn¡¯t bring their bodyguards. They would

    all be in our turf, and we will first trick Vicky to get disappointed with Frank¡­ After that, we can do

    anything we want with him.¡±

    As father and son discussed their ns in detail, Jan grew increasingly excited¨Che could not wait for

    Frank to die sooner!

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    The Yaffes¡® banquet took ce in two days as scheduled.

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    Vicky, unaware of Frank¡¯s recent escapades, drove to Frank¡¯s hilltop mansion to bring him

    over.

    As Frank stepped outside, he was surprised to see Yara with Vicky.

    Still, it made sense for Yara to be invited too, since she was the Quill family¡¯s heiress.

    As Frank got in the car, he asked, ¡°Why bring me along to a party for rich kids?¡±

    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re one of us too,¡± Vicky giggled, patting Frank on the arm. ¡°And you¡¯re not going to

    embarrass yourself when I¡¯m gracing you with my presence. Also, we can properly enjoy ourselves

    since this party is held exclusively for brats¨Cthe geezers won¡¯t be showing up, not to mention that we

    haven¡¯t hung out ever since Grande Pharma was founded.¡±

    Frank pursed his lips. ¡°Amazing. You¡¯re treating me with someone¡¯s money!¡±

    ¡°Oh, quit fussing with the details. Yara, drive.¡±

    They soon arrived at a prestigious clubhouse by the river, and the security guard took a moment to

    check who they were before letting them through.

    The waitresses were all dressed in pretty dirndls, while the waiters wore elegant vests.

    The first floor was equipped with various gambling equipment, while to the back was a golf course and

    a racehorse circuit.

    Many of the rich kids were already on their horses, and Vicky was pulling Frank along too. ¡± Come on,

    let¡¯s go for a ride¨Cwe rarely do it, since we¡¯re always driving.¡±

    Frank pursed his lips¨CVicky could get a little thick at times.

    When he was a traveler, he would be happy if he could ride a donkey in the more hostile reaches.

    If anything, driving was absolutelyfortable in contrast to horse¨Criding¨Cthetter really hurt the butt

    when one had to rush!

    These rich kids were really asking for it¡­.

    ¡°Not interested,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve had more than my fair share of horses during my time as a farmer. You

    go.¡±

    ¡°Tch.¡± Vicky clicked her tongue. ¡°These are Ferghana horses¨Cthey¡¯re different.¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°They can¡¯t really gallop in a small field like this one. They¡¯d be trotting at best.¡±

    ¡°Oh, shove it. Let¡¯s go, Yara.¡± Vicky huffed and pulled Yara along to the horse track.

    When they were gone, Frank looked around.

    He had to admit that it was nice seeing just young people gathering¨Cno one would be talking shop, as

    they would all be busy enjoying themselves with their buddies.

    He picked up a cocktail and sat down in front of a slot machine.

    However, his luck was so poor he soon lost a grand.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence? What are you doing here?¡± someone called out.

    Hearing his name, Frank turned to see a young woman standing behind him.

    She wore a white gown and a thin white shawl draped around her neck, with her ck hair tied into a

    bun, held in ce with an elegant gold hairpin.

    Even her heels were exceedingly fashionable.

    Seeing that it was Kim White, Frank shrugged. ¡°What a coincidence, Ms. White. Are you here for the

    party too?¡±

    Kim smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes! Fancy seeing you here. I was actually wondering yesterday when I¡¯d see

    you again¡­ Didn¡¯t think it¡¯d be so soon.¡±

    ¡°Oh, haha.¡± Frank chuckled as he watched her stare at him fixedly, her gaze worshipful and somehow

    infatuated too.

    She was not in love with him, was she?

 Chapter 349

    Kim looked over Frank¡¯s shoulder just then. ¡°Did you lose all your chips, Mr. Lawrence? I still have

    some¨Cwhy don¡¯t you take mine?¡±

    Frank promptly threw up his hands. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I was just ying for fun.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here, Kim?¡± someone suddenly asked.

    A man in a suit had arrived, and Frank realized it was Jan upon a closer look.

    Jan in turn feigned surprise when he saw him. ¡°Frank Lawrence? Didn¡¯t expect to see you here.

    ¡°Jan is the host of this party,¡± Kim exined.

    Frank frowned in turn¨Che did not know this was the Yaffe family¡¯s turf.

    Jan turned toward Kim at that. ¡°Come on, Kim. Let¡¯s meet some of my other friends.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Kim said quietly. ¡°I don¡¯t know who they are anyway.¡±

    ¡°Come on, you¡¯re the main character today,¡± Jan pressed. ¡°And having more friends opens more doors.

    As my future bride, there¡¯s no harm in meeting my friends.¡±

    Kim nced at Frank and sighed exasperatedly. ¡°Fine.¡±

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Jan turned and smiled at Frank too. ¡°Please enjoy yourself too, Mr. Lawrence. Just ask me if there¡¯s

    anything you need¨CI¡¯ll definitely do my best to help.¡±

    Frank could see the ill intent in his smile.

    He had the feeling that Jan was going to mess with him already, just as he really doubted the Yaffe

    family would stop after he killed Seth and crippled Kuno¡¯s cultivation.

    However, he was in no rush¨Che just had to foil whatever was thrown his way.

    He had just headed to the buffet area to get something to eat, when a pretty waitress in a dirndl

    approached him. ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Frank replied coolly.

    She smiled. ¡°Would youe to the second floor? Mr. Yaffe would like to see you.¡±

    Frank chuckled coolly. ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    He followed the waitress upstairs to a private room, and she smiled. ¡°Please wait for a moment. Mr.

    Yaffe will be here soon.¡±

    Frank nodded and entered to find everything inside a mess, with countless expensive antiques in

    pieces.

    Frowning, he took a chair and sat down, while subtly pulling out his cellphone to turn on the voice

    recorder.

    He was actually interested to see what Jan was going to do!

    Jan hurried inside the room in under ten minutes. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s skip the formalities,¡± Frank said nonchntly. ¡°Out with it already.¡±

    Jan nodded and smiled. ¡°How direct of you, Mr. Lawrence¨Cin that case, I¡¯ll just cut to the chase: the

    Earthen Dragonheart you took from the White family is very valuable to us. Would you mind parting

    with it?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Frank refused right away. ¡°And if that¡¯s all you have to ask, there¡¯s nothing more to say between

    us.¡±

    Jan sprang to his feet right then and stopped him. ¡°Hold it. We haven¡¯t repaid you for what you did to us

    before.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Frank returned coolly. ¡°It seems that you Yaffes aren¡¯t happy¡­ Are you going to attack me

    now?¡±

    Jan was gritting his teeth as he red at Frank. ¡°I¡¯ll admit that you¡¯re impressive, but don¡¯t think that¡¯s

    enough to save you against my family and Flying Sword Sect.¡±

 Chapter 350

    Jan snarled, ¡°Did you think you can strut in Riverton just because the Turnbulls have your back?¡±

    Frank merely regarded him with disdain and scoffed. ¡°So what? It¡¯s unlike you, who keeps chasing Ms.

    White around you when she doesn¡¯t give a damn about you.¡±

    ¡°You little¡­¡±

    Jan was always furious whenever he remembered that, but this time, he restrained himself and

    snorted. ¡°Hah! So what about it? She will be mine eventually¡ªI can do everything I want with her once

    we¡¯re married! Hell, she wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything even if I have a couple of other women on the

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    side! On the other hand, you will forever remain the Turnbulls¡®pdog!¡±

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly. ¡°Ms. White would really be disappointed if she hears this.

    Janughed as hard as he could. ¡°Shut it! Once my family is allied with the White family through

    marriage, not even the Turnbulls can stop us! Now hand over the Earthen Dragonheart, and I can

    consider sparing your life. Refuse, and you will suffer!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my just reward for treating Ms. White,¡± Frank replied tly. ¡°On the other hand, you¡¯re the one

    who¡¯s been harassing me constantly. Don¡¯t you think your family is too much?¡±

    ¡°So what if we are?¡± Jan snapped provokingly. ¡°Give me the Earthen Dragonheart, or you won¡¯t get to

    leave!¡±

    ¡°Really? I don¡¯t think anyone can stop me if I want to leave, though.¡± Frank snorted and turned to head

    outside.

    Jan leapt at him from behind right then, aiming his fist at him. ¡°Die!¡±

    Frank, however, was prepared for it.

    He sidestepped, avoiding Jan¡¯s punch before seizing the man¡¯s wrist with lightning quick reflexes and

    throwing him aside!

    Crash!

    Jan mmed so violently against the door, the resounding crash caught everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°What

    happened, Mr. Yaffe?¡± Jan¡¯s friends hurried to his side to help him to his feet.

    Kim rushed to the scene after hearing themotion too, just as Jan wobbled up to his feet with his

    friends¡® help.

    He did not expect Frank to be so ruthless¨Che almost broke his ribs right then and there! Pointing at

    Frank, he started ranting in righteous indignation, ¡°That bastard! I was being nice and invited him up to

    the second floor as a guest, but he started insulting Flying Sword Sect and smashed all my antiques! I

    had something to say, about that, and he hit me!

    ¡°What? Isn¡¯t that going too far?¡±

    Everyone was shocked and peered inside the room to see the mess within.

    Adding that to the cold look on Frank¡¯s face, Jan¡¯s words seemed to ring true¡­

    Nheless, Kim promptly came forward. ¡°No, this can¡¯t be. Could there have been a

    misunderstanding here?¡±

    She would never believe that Frank was that type of person¨Cif anything, Jan had most definitely upset

    Frank!

    Liv ran to her side just then. ¡°Just look at the mess inside, Ms. White. It¡¯s definitely him¨Cwhy would Mr.

    Yaffe break his own stuff?¡±

    The others nodded repeatedly¨Cthat totally made sense!

    Jan looked on, smiling ever so subtly¡­

 Chapter 351

    ¡°What is going on here?¡±

    Vicky and Yara had just returned indoors as well, and they hurried upstairs upon seeing the chaos up

    there.

    Jan turned to Vicky right then and said, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, your friend was insulting Flying Sword Sect and

    vandalized my family¡¯s antiques. I tried to stop him, and he attacked me in return- I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    going to have to do something about this.¡®

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky eximed in surprise and quickly turned toward Frank.

    Having been around him for so long, she knew Frank well enough to not take Jan¡¯s words at face

    value.

    ¡°What happened here, Frank?¡± Vicky asked.

    Frank was folding his arms before his chest as he said evenly, ¡°He demanded for the Earthen

    Dragonheart. I refused, so he tried to attack me. Why wouldn¡¯t I hit him?¡±

    Everyone was left trading nces at that, unsure who to believe with the contradicting testimonies.

    Vicky naturally believed Frank and frowned at Jan. ¡°Was that what happened, Mr. Yaffe?¡±

    Jan snorted. ¡°Of course he¡¯s lying. My family business is virtually an empire¨Cwhy would we want some

    measly herb? And why isn¡¯t he answering the question of why he destroyed my family¡¯s antiques?¡±

    Liv nodded repeatedly beside him. ¡°Exactly! Mr. Yaffe¡¯s father is the chief of Flying Sword Sect. They

    could have easily taken it from Frank if they wanted to. Frank is definitely the one who tried to attack

    Mr. Yaffe!¡±

    Kim snapped at her, ¡°Stop it, Liv. Don¡¯t jump to conclusions before we have evidence.¡±

    ¡°Evidence?¡± Liv sighed in disappointment. ¡°You should stop defending Frank already, Ms. White!¡±

    Jan turned to Vicky right then. ¡°So, what are you going to do about this, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Vicky snorted. ¡°I¡¯ll pay for the damages.¡±

    Jan grinned. ¡°Those are medieval antiques we¡¯re talking about¨Cit¡¯s worth at least a billion.¡±

    ¡°A billion? Are you kidding me? Those trinkets are worth a billion?!¡± Vicky pursed her lips.

    She knew that Jan would definitely inte the damage, but this was too much even for him!

    Jan simply shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s how much my father spent on those antiques. Pay up, or stay out of this¨C

    Frank will pay for what he did!¡±

    ¡°You little¡­¡± Vicky was seething.

    A billion dors was a lot, and she was especially short on cash since she had just founded a

    newpany.

    However, the Yaffes would not let this slide if she did not pay up!

    ring at Jan viciously, Vicky snapped, ¡°Fine! One billion, was it? I¡¯ll get the money!¡±

    Jan frowned¨Che had never expected Vicky to take the fall.

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Frank suddenly said icily. ¡°Has there been any evidence against me? All that crap was already

    destroyed before I went inside that room.

    ¡°Tut, tut.¡± Jan clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. ¡°Stop trying to weasel your way out of this.

    Everyone here can see for themselves.¡±

    ¡°They sure can, but there are times when they weren¡¯t shown the truth.¡±

    Frank whipped out his phone and yed the recording of his conversation with Jan earlier out loud.

    From the very start, Frank was never heard breaking anything, and Jan was the one who attacked him

    first.

    The crowd were certainly shocked¨Cwhat a plot twist!

    Jan was left pursuing his lips, never expecting Frank to have an ace up his sleeve.

    His face turned especially pale when the recording reached the part where he thoroughly insulted Kim,

    and he looked up to find her balling her fists!

 Chapter 352

    Jan quickly said, ¡°Listen to me, Kim. That¡¯s not true-¡±

    Smack!

    Kim pped Jan across the face before he could finish.

    Biting her lip as she red at him furiously, she snapped, ¡°I never knew you were that horrible. Our

    engagement is over.¡±

    ¡°No, stop! Kim¨Cit¡¯s all just nder! Frank is trying to nder me!¡± Jan cried.

    He reached for her shoulder, but she shook him off and snapped, ¡°You can tell that to my grandfather.¡±

    And with that, she stormed out of the clubhouse, with Liv hurrying after her. ¡°Wait for me, Ms. White¡­¡±

    ¡°Kim¡­¡± Jan was about to give chase, but Frank stood in his way. ¡°You were clearly ndering me

    earlier, kiddo. What are you going to do about that?¡±

    Vicky stood beside Frank, folding her arms before her chest as she added coldly, ¡°Exactly. You¡¯d better

    exin your actions here.¡®

    Jan was left gritting his teeth as he red at Frank furiously. ¡°You piece of shit. I should¡¯ve known you¡¯d

    resort to such cheap tricks¡­¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re just that stupid.¡± Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°Get down on your knees and apologize, and I

    just might spare you.¡±

    ¡°Apologize?! Fuck off!¡± Jan red at him spitefully. ¡°I¡¯m the heir of the Yaffe family¨Chell, I don¡¯t mind

    telling you that you¡¯ll be dead soon enough! You killed my cousin and crippled my uncle! We would¡¯ve

    ¡°What?¡± Vicky eximed in surprise.

    She was just away for a few days, and something that important had already gone down?!

    On the other hand, seeing that Jan was refusing to apologize, Frank kicked him squarely in the

    chest.

    ¡°Oof-¡± Jan grunted as he was sent flying.

    As soon as hended, he quickly got up, but Frank was already in front of him.

    He kicked Jan again, shattering his kneecaps!

    ¡°Argh!¡± Jan screamed hysterically as he dropped feebly to his knees.

    He tried to resist but just could not free himself from Frank¡¯s arm at all.

    It was only then that he realized his uncle was not exaggerating when he said Frank crippled his

    cultivation!

    ¡°Fuck you, Frank Lawrence¡­ Fucking die already¡­¡± He could only curse Frank endlessly on his

    knees, since he could not get up with his broken kneecaps.

    ¡°Whoa¡­¡±

    Chacher 252

    Everyone watching was left gasping.

    ¡°Fuck me¡­ did that bastard really just beat up Jan Yaffe?¡±

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Well, Flying Sword Sect is going to kill him now.¡±

    ¡°What, hadn¡¯t you heard? The man already has a grudge against them.¡±

    A man in a suit chuckled just then. ¡°Anyway¡­ if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be going. Appointment with a

    doctor in the afternoon, I think.¡±

    Everyone else quickly excused themselves as well, perfectly aware that there would be a battle

    between the Turnbulls and Flying Sword Sect soon.

    They certainly did not want to get involved, let alone to catch the heat.

    And with that, everyone fled the banquet.

    Vicky and Yara were not leaving, however, watching as Frank stood above Jan and looked down coolly

    at him. ¡°Go on, call your daddy. It¡¯s time I settle things with Flying Sword Sect.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Jan wheezed. ¡°Just you wait. Let¡¯s see if you¡¯d¨Cstill strut when my dad¡¯s here¡­¡±

    As Jan quickly called his father, Frank was not idling either.

    Whipping out his phone, he handily texted a number hemitted to memory.

 Chapter 353

    Meanwhile, at a certain military barracks in the fringes of Riverton, an officer wearing camos was taking

    a nap in his office.

    When his phone suddenly jingled with a notification, he snorted impatiently as he took his cap off his

    face. ¡°Who the fuck is it? It¡¯s in the middle of the friggin¡® afternoon¡­¡±

    As he grumpily whipped out his phone, he was wide awake when he saw the sender.

    ¡°Oh, shit¡­¡± He scrambled to his feet and barked at his men, ¡°Assemble everyone, stat!¡±

    Aside from the soldiers at the barracks, the Quills were assembling as well.

    Vicky wasted no time and called Cliff Dixon as well, telling him to gather every man at their disposal to

    Flying Sword Sect was no small force¡ªthe Quills alone would be no match for their numbers.

    However, before Cliff could do as Vicky asked, Susan Redford suddenly snatched his phone and

    snapped, ¡°What are you doing, Vicky? Why are you suddenly gathering everyone?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t have to exin,¡± Vicky sighed impatiently. ¡°Frank¡¯s in trouble¨Che has a little dispute with

    Flying Sword Sect, so let Cliff send everyone here already.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Susan eximed in shock. ¡°Why are you butting in if that man has a beef with Flying Sword

    Sect? Don¡¯t you know how powerful they are?¡±

    Vicky frowned. ¡°So what?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not the only faction in Riverton!¡± Susan lectured her. ¡°And now you¡¯d make enemies of the sect

    because of one man? That¡¯s no different from shooting ourselves in the foot! Also, we still have the

    Szars breathing down our necks¨Cthey¡¯de for us as soon as we show any sign of weakness!¡±

    ¡°So what?! Frank is worth it! And as long as he lives, the Szars will be crushed!¡± Vicky shot back,

    deeply convinced of Frank¡¯s worth.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Susan bellowed. ¡°You¡¯re just being stubborn now. We won¡¯t get involved in this- don¡¯t you

    dare ask our people to sacrifice themselves for nothing, let alone Frank Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Just stay out of this, Mom!¡± Vicky reasoned. ¡°This is serious¨Cour family¡¯s future is at stake!¡±

    Susan, however, thought nothing of it. ¡°Save it. You¡¯re just blinded by your infatuation for that boy¨Chis

    fate has nothing to do with our family.¡±

    With that, Susan hung up.

    ¡°Hey!!!¡± Vicky snapped, stamping her feet angrily¨Cthat mother of hers would really get her killed!

    Hurrying to Frank¡¯s side, she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Frank¨CI can¡¯t bring in my men. Why don¡¯t we leave for

    now and wait until I can bring them in?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Janughed coldly, overjoyed when he heard them. ¡°Really? So the Turnbulls are not going

    to fight against Flying Sword Sect? Your grandad is smart¨CI¡¯d give him that. He¡¯s

    not stupid enough to provoke us over a gigolo!¡±

    Without the Turnbulls, only the Quills remained on Frank¡¯s side.

    They might stillmand respect, but not far enough to protect Frank from harm!

    When the Flying Sword Sect members arrived, they could demand that Frank cripple his cultivation¡­

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    After that, they could do whatever they wanted with him!

    Frank, however, simply shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s just Flying Sword Sect, Vicky. You don¡¯t need to call them

    in.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke, Frank,¡± Vicky reasoned, not wanting Frank to die because he was trying to act tough.

    ¡°Please think about this carefully!¡±

    ¡°Shit, you can really pretend,¡± Jan scoffed in disdain nearby.

    Suddenly, a deafening crash resounded around them!

 Chapter 354

    The ss doors of the clubhouse shattered as the Flying Sword Sect¡¯s elites charged in, sword in

    hand.

    They quickly surrounded Frank and the others, while a delighted Jan shouted smugly at Frank, ¡°It¡¯s

    over for you, bastard! My daddy¡¯s here!¡±

    ¡°Fuck you.¡±

    Seeing that he was still running his mouth, Frank pped Jan across the face, sending two bleeding

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    teeth flying!

    Soon, the Flying Sword Sect apprentices cleared a path for Kuno, who stared at Frank, Vicky, and

    Yara, and then at his son who was on his knees.

    Knowing that his n to frame Frank failed, he decided that there was no reason for cloak¨Cand -dagger

    stuff anymore.

    ¡°Release my son, Frank,¡± he said calmly.

    He did not want to push Frank, as he knew the man was so crazy that he would kill anyone if pushed

    too far.

    However, Frank snorted in disdain. ¡°Why would I do that? Your son tried to nder me.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kuno said, keeping his tone as amiable as possible. ¡°Then I apologize on his behalf. Are you

    happy now? Let him go, and we can put everything behind us.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Frank shook his head,ughing. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid? You brought over a hundred men,

    and you¡¯re telling me you¡¯ll put everything behind? Hell, your boys are gonna attack me as soon as I let

    your boy go!¡±

    Kuno rolled his eyes¨CFrank had the right idea.

    ¡°Then what do you want?¡± he demanded.

    Frank chuckled. ¡°Cripple your own cultivation, and I can consider sparing your son¡¯s life.¡±

    ¡°Dream on!¡± Kuno bellowed -he would never do that when he had the numerical advantage.

    Pointing at Frank threateningly, he shrieked, ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯d be cowed just because you hold my son

    hostage! Once I give the order, you and the women behind you will die! My son¡¯s life for three of yours?

    That¡¯s plenty worth it in my book!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Jan eximed in shock. ¡°No, Dad! I¡¯m your only son!¡±

    He wanted to beat Frank to a pulp, not sacrifice himself to get back at him!

    To make things worse, Frank shrugged nonchntly. ¡°I guess you left me with no choice.¡±

    Despite his threat, Kuno refrained from giving the order, and they were all left at a stalemate¡­

    That was when Robert and his men arrived.

    However, he only brought forty martial elites¨Cthey were up against Flying Sword Sect, so it was

    pointless to bring people who could not fight.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hold it for a moment, gentleman. We¡¯re all Riverton citizens, so let¡¯s just talk about this

    Why the long faces?¡± Robertughed as soon as he strode in.

    Kuno nced at Robert¡¯s faction, but there were just around forty of them¨Che would never win with

    those numbers.

    On the other hand, Yara breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Robert. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re finally here.¡±

    Vicky hurried to him as well, whispering, ¡°Sir, it¡¯s up to you to protect Frank now.¡±

    Robert nodded. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯m here now.¡±

    Striding up between Kuno and Frank, he said amicably, ¡°What happened here, Mr. Yaffe? Don¡¯t you

    think you¡¯re overreacting?¡±

    ¡°What happened here?¡± Kuno snorted, his eyes fixed on Frank. ¡°He killed my nephew and

    crippled my brother¨Chell, just look there: he just beat up my son. And you¡¯re telling me I¡¯m

    overreacting?¡±

 Chapter 355

    Robert frowned, caught off guard that Frank had pushed Flying Sword Sect that far.

    Even so, he braced himself and said, ¡°Mr. Yaffe, would you mind doing me a favor and let Mr.

    Lawrence live?¡±

    Kuno wheeled on him with a cool re. ¡°Let him live? No, governor, I¡¯m doing you a favor by talking to

    you right now. And you want him to live? No chance.¡±

    Robert chuckled. ¡°I get it, I get it¡­ However, Mr. Lawrence isn¡¯t as unimportant as most would think¨C

    you¡¯re going to pay if you really do kill him. That includes the Turnbulls, Flora Hall, my family, Skyde

    Dojo, Gerald Simmons¡­ there are plenty of people who owe Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯m afraid they would have

    a few things to say if you do kill him.¡±

    Kuno frowned. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±

    ¡°No, you misunderstand¡­¡± Robert quickly threw up his hands. ¡°I¡¯m just offering a simple suggestion¨C

    let¡¯s settle this the old¨Cfashioned way with a duel. It¡¯s the fairest manner of judgment¡­ What do you

    think?¡±

    Kuno studied Robert for a moment, and then nced at his apprentices.

    He pondered to himself, aware that Robert would protect Frank even if it kills him if he refused the duel.

    ¡°In that case, I shall entertain your request,¡± he said. ¡°But on one condition.¡±

    Robert¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Do tell, Mr. Yaffe.¡±

    In Robert¡¯s mind, Frank had the most chance of winning a one¨Con¨Cone duel. Otherwise, he would

    never win if the Flying Sword Sect apprentices attacked him all at once.

    you have

    ¡°This will be a duel to the death,¡± Kuno said and turned to re coldly at Frank. ¡°Do you the balls,

    kiddo?¡±

    In his mind, he was more than a match for Frank, even if he had to close his eyes. If anything, killing

    the bastard on the ring worked for him too!

    Frankughed coolly in turn. ¡°Hmm. Why not? Although the chief of Flying Sword Sect would be

    humiliated soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Quit running your mouth, boy,¡± Kuno snapped viciously. ¡°I¡¯ll show you the humility of defeat today!¡±

    Turning toward Robert again, he added, ¡°Mr. Quill, you¡¯re the one who suggested the duel- be our

    witness. If anyone dares/flee, you¡¯ll execute them on the spot.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Of course,¡± Robert replied, sweating over his brow¨CKuno was dead serious!

    Kuno then waved, and his apprentices backed away far enough to clear a ring.

    As Frank handed Jan to Vicky, she asked worriedly, ¡°Are you sure about this, Frank?¡±

    Frank chuckled in contempt. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll show him what ¡®there¡¯s always a bigger fish¡® means soon

    enough.¡°/

    ¡°Talk all you want.¡± Jan snorted in contempt. ¡°You won¡¯t even know what hit you.

    His father was a savant in martial arts peerless in Riverton¨Ca brat like Frank would never win!

    Frank did not argue.

    After all, nothing would persuade Jan more than when he watched Frank defeat his father.

    As Frank strode into the center of the ring, Kuno drew his meter¨Clong sword.

    Its edge was razor sharp, and the hilt was encrusted with a ruby, symbolizing the authority of the Flying

    Sword Sect chief.

    ¡°Draw your weapon, brat,¡± Kuno then growled

    Frank shook his head. ¡°Why? It¡¯s just you.¡±

    The utter disrespect!

    The Flying Sword Sect apprentices certainly thought Frank was full of himself and cheered Kuno on

    with righteous indignation.

    ¡°Go, chief! Kill him!¡±

    ¡°Show him the might of Flying Sword Sect!¡±

    Kuno did not waste his breath either and leapt toward Frank, his sword gliding smoothly in his grasp.

    ¡°Die!¡±

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Knowing that Frank had more influence than he expected, he must kill Frank before anyone else

    arrived, or this would only get out of hand!

 Chapter 356

    Kuno brandished his sword, slicing as if cutting through thin air, leaving strong gusts in his wake.

    Frank simply kept his hands sped behind his back, agilely dodging each of his powerful strikes.

    Each blow seemed to just scrape past his skin and miss, while he stood silently like a tumbler.

    As Kuno¡¯s sword kept missing Frank endlessly despite his strength and precision, Kuno began to

    panic¨Cthe boy was too quick!

    Suddenly, Jan shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, Dad! Kill him already!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Kuno bellowed in rage¨Che certainly knew that!

    Frank could not help chuckling in turn. ¡°That¡¯s it? That¡¯s Flying Sword Sect¡¯s swordcraft?¡±

    ¡°You piece of shit¡­ How dare you make light of us!¡± Kuno¡¯s eyes narrowed, his vigor converging into

    his wrist right then.

    Then, as his wrist shook violently, he swung his sword!

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you dodge this¡­ Phoenix Dance!¡±

    The de of the sword was vibrating with an audible hum, and suddenly, there seemed to be dozens of

    des!

    There was no telling which was the real one, and they were all shooting toward Frank!

    ¡°Watch out, Mr. Lawrence!¡± Robert cried out even as he turned pale.

    That was Flying Sword Sect¡¯s killing stroke, a sword technique of breakneck speed!

    It was just too quick to dodge. Even Vicky and Yara¨Cboth of whom were martial artists- would be killed

    in Frank¡¯s ce!

    Even the Flying Sword Sect apprentices gasped.

    ¡°Shit, the chief has to use Phoenix Dance?¡±

    ¡°Guess he¡¯s really hard pressed¡­¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence is a fish in a barrel now! Let¡¯s see how he¡¯s going to dodge this!¡±

    Frank, however, was simplyughing.

    Suddenly, he released his vigor, and a vortex of air built beneath his feet.

    With a light step, he vaulted backward, while time seemed to slow down in the vortex itself.

    It allowed Frank to find the real de with rtive ease, and he pinched it between his fingers. Kuno¡¯s

    sword abruptly froze in the air, its de bending by 180 degrees¨Che was lucky the sword was

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    malleable enough, or it would have shattered right then and there.

    ¡°What?!¡± Kuno¡¯s face turned pale in disbelief.

    Not only did Frank find the real sword from the rest, but he was also holding it in ce with

    just two fingers!

    ¡°Now, let me show you what real swordcraft is.¡± Frank chuckled and mmed his palm on Kuno¡¯s

    chest.

    Kuno felt as if he was struck by a sledgehammer and was sent flying.

    His sword was sent flying,nding in Frank¡¯s outstretched palm.

    Frank then infused his vigor into the sword, and the de which was gleaming coldly suddenly shone

    with blinding radiance!

    He then swung it,unching a shockwave through the air.

    Kuno could not see it, but he could read the violent killing intent and did all he could to roll to the side!

    Crash!

    The floorboards shattered in an instant, leaving a deep gash on the floor!

    ¡°My god¡­ How does he do it?¡±

    ¡°Is that really swordcraft? Are you sure that¡¯s not magic?¡±

    The Flying Sword Sect apprentices were all left gaping. Despite having honed their swordcraft

    for over a decade, they had never even heard of such a technique!

 Chapter 357

    Even Robert was left staring at Frank in disbelief. ¡°Holy shit¡­ Where does the man¡¯s potential even

    end?¡±

    ¡°Goodness¡­¡± Yara gulped beside him, her eyes shing with envy.

    Vicky was left astounded too.

    To be honest, she had to keep reevaluating her opinion of Frank time after time because he was him!

    That was when Frank moved one foot forward, and he seemed to teleport right in front of Kuno at the

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    next moment.

    Crack!

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    Kuno tried to fight back, but Frank¡¯s palm had already struck his shoulder, shattering his corbone!

    As Kuno gritted his teeth in pain, his expression contorting savagely, Frank looked at him coolly. ¡°You

    lost. Are you going to kill yourself, or should I do it for you?¡±

    Kuno was wheezing, hardly able to believe that he had just lost to some boy who was in his twenties!

    And having trained in martial arts for thirty years, he was not about to go down easily! ¡°You¡¯re telling me

    to die?! Who do you think you are?!¡± he shrieked before turning to his apprentices. ¡°Get him! Kill him

    dead!¡±

    He was convinced that Frank would survive if his apprentices swarmed him!

    However, before the Flying Sword Sect apprentices could move, a thundering rumble of engines red

    around them.

    Suddenly, several green trucks crashed into the clubhouse!

    Once they stopped, soldiers armed to the teeth all charged inside the clubhouse, encircling the Flying

    Sword Sect apprentices!

    The soldiers¡®mand was deafening. ¡°Nobody move! Drop your weapons!¡±

    Robert was left befuddled as he watched the soldiers. Their uniform sigils indicate that they were not

    under Riverton¡¯s jurisdiction, but they showed up here

    anyway¡­?

    The Flying Sword Sect apprentices were all staring nkly at the dark barrels aimed at them- no matter

    how impressive their des were, they would never win against that!

    One of the more cowardly ones immediately threw down his weapon.

    And with one doing it, the rest all dropped their weapons as well, just like dominos!

    Kuno, who was left sitting limply on the floor for a while, was dumbfounded.

    He knew that Frank had friends but presumed them to be the Turnbulls¡® bodyguards at best!

    Then what was the deal with these soldiers, who looked like they were ready for war?!

    Just then, the soldiers cleared a path as a man in his thirties, wearing full¨Cbody armor, walked straight

    to Frank.

    ¡°Long time no see, Mr. Lawrence. How have you been?¡±

    Frank remained impassive as he snorted coolly. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡±

    Vicky and the others were left trading nces.

    The men were all clearly military, and Vicky was just going to tell Frank to be polite¡­ only for Frank to

    lecture their leader!

    To make things worse, the man saluted him for it! ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Robert¡¯s eyes twinkled just then, and he hurried toward them and saluted the officer. ¡°Robert Quill,

    governor of Riverton. May I have the honor of your name and title?¡±

    The man nced at Robert and saluted him as well. ¡°Colonel Hans Schnee, East Coast base

    ¡°Basemander¡­?¡±

    Robert¡¯s jaw could drop on the floor right then.

    East Coast Base was thest bastion shielding the country, and the men there were supposed to stand

    guard even if all was left were corpses.

    And yet, Frank could order them around?!

    There was also the respect and deference Hans showed as he addressed Frank as Mr. Lawrence!

    What was the connection between them?!

    Hell, Robert was himself the governor of Riverton and a bigwig here, but he would be pretty

    insignificant in East Coast Base!

    ¡°Apologies for asking, but why have youe, colonel?¡± Robert asked tentatively.

    ¡°I received an anonymous tip about a sect starting a riot,¡± Hans replied coolly. ¡°Of course something

    needs to be done.¡±

    Then what was the deal with these soldiers, who looked like they were ready for war?!

    Just then, the soldiers cleared a path as a man in his thirties, wearing full¨Cbody armor, walked straight

    to Frank.

    ¡°Long time no see, Mr. Lawrence. How have you been?¡±

    Frank remained impassive as he snorted coolly. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡±

    Vicky and the others were left trading nces.

    The men were all clearly military, and Vicky was just going to tell Frank to be polite¡­ only for Frank to

    lecture their leader!

    To make things worse, the man saluted him for it! ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Robert¡¯s eyes twinkled just then, and he hurried toward them and saluted the officer. ¡°Robert Quill,

    governor of Riverton. May I have the honor of your name and title?¡±

    The man nced at Robert and saluted him as well. ¡°Colonel Hans Schnee, East Coast base

    ¡°Basemander¡­?¡±

    Robert¡¯s jaw could drop on the floor right then.

    East Coast Base was thest bastion shielding the country, and the men there were supposed to stand

    guard even if all was left were corpses.

    And yet, Frank could order them around?!

    There was also the respect and deference Hans showed as he addressed Frank as Mr. Lawrence!

    What was the connection between them?!

    Hell, Robert was himself the governor of Riverton and a bigwig here, but he would be pretty

    insignificant in East Coast Base!

    ¡°Apologies for asking, but why have youe, colonel?¡± Robert asked tentatively.

    ¡°I received an anonymous tip about a sect starting a riot,¡± Hans replied coolly. ¡°Of course something

    needs to be done.¡±

 Chapter 358

    While Hans was being vaguely subtle, Robert knew enough to understand that Frank was the

    anonymous tip.

    Still, he quickly nodded without asking further questions. ¡°Good work, colonel. Is there anything I can

    help with?¡±

    Hans barked, ¡°Arrest every member of Flying Sword Sect. I¡¯ll be in charge of the interrogation.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Robert nodded and turned to bark at his men to help Hans¡® soldiers load the members of

    the Flying Sword Sect into the truck.

    As Kuno was shoved to the ground by two soldiers while they cuffed him, he was snapping, ¡± Hold it! I

    am the chief of Flying Sword Sect! Who are you people? You can¡¯t arrest me! You have no right!¡±

    Never had he suffered such ignominy!

    However, his outburst merely left Hans frowning, and he suddenly punched him in the sr plexus.

    Kuno¡¯s face turned beet red as his eyes rolled up in its sockets, and he could feel gastric juice churning

    upward in his gut.

    Hans did not remove his hand, however¨Che spread his palm, his fingers digging into Kuno¡¯s abdomen

    like ws.

    As Kuno screamed on top of his lungs, Hans leveled an icy look at him and demanded, ¡°Do I have the

    right now?¡±

    Kuno was trembling in fear even as he sweated buckets. ¡°Brother, we can talk about this. Flying Sword

    Sect is plenty wealthy¡­ You just have to say the word, anything you need¡­¡±

    Hans chuckled coolly. ¡°Nice. Bribery? That¡¯s another criminal charge on your head. Show him some

    proper hospitality, boys!¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Kuno pursed his lips and snapped furiously, ¡°Don¡¯t push me! My family has considerable influence in

    Riverton!¡±

    That simply piqued Hans¡® interest. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re now a crime family? Search every nook and cranny,

    boys¨Cdon¡¯t let slip any piece of evidence!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the soldiers all replied at once and shoved Kuno into a truck.

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s happening here?¡± Jan was shoved inside the same truck even before he knew what was

    happening.

    ¡°Just shut up already¡­ We¡¯re all screwed now,¡± Kuno closed his eyes and sighed.

    As every member of Flying Sword Sect was carted away, Hans returned to Frank and said, ¡± What

    should we do with their chief, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°You had to ask?¡± Frank replied tly. ¡°He wanted to kill me.¡®

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Hans nodded repeatedly¨Cit was clear that Flying Sword Sect would be erased now.

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah. There¡¯s nothing else for you to do here, so you can go now,¡± Frank added.

    ¡°Of course, sir. Oh, and when would you have time to hang out at our ce?¡± Hans asked with a

    fawning sinile.

    ¡°Yeah, whatever¡­¡± Frank waved him off impatiently.

    And with that, Hans turned toward Vicky and the others. ¡°What happened here today is top secret.

    Don¡¯t breathe a word, or you will be deemed a threat to East Coast security¨Cwhen that happens, you¡¯ll

    find me a lot less friendly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes¡­¡± Vicky and the others all nodded repeatedly, perfectly aware that Hans hade expressly

    to assist Frank.

    In fact, Hans did not have to tell them¨Cnone of them would have breathed a word anyway.

    Hans started to turn and leave, but Robert hurried to him. ¡°Mr. Schnee, it¡¯s rare for travel all this way to

    Riverton¨Cwhy don¡¯t you stop by my humble abode?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯m still busy,¡± Hans replied summarily.

    you

    to

    ¡°In that case, I would like to ask a little favor,¡± Robert pressed. ¡°See, I have a question¡­¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Who is Mr. Lawrence, really?¡± Robert asked very softly.

    Hans frowned. ¡°Should you really be asking that?¡±

    His stern tone startled Robert, who awkwardly exined, ¡°No, you misunderstand, colonel. My

    daughter has been a longtime admirer of Mr. Lawrence, and they are even intimate¡­ but Mr. Lawrence

    has never told me about his roots.¡±

 Chapter 359

    Hans actually became interested in those words, since Frank was always surrounded by beauties.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± he murmured and turned to nce at Vicky and Yara, who were both nking

    Frank.

    If things went well, Robert could well be Frank¡¯s father inw¡­

    And with that in mind, his attitude toward Robert eased.

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I see.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Well, Mr. Lawrence had given express instructions not to b on his roots¡­

    though I could give you a hint.¡±

    Robert beamed. ¡°Of course, colonel. Do tell.¡±

    ¡°Do

    you know about Mystic Sky Sect, hailing from the South Sea?¡±

    Rovert scratched his head, hesitating for a while before answering, ¡°I have heard of the name, but I

    don¡¯t know anything specific.¡±

    He had heard a thing or two, that they were an ancient sect¨Cfar more powerful than Flying Sword Sect.

    Hans sighed. ¡°Then let me put it to you this way¨Cif Mr. Lawrence puts his foot down, even Mystic Sky

    Sect will quake.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Rovert was astonished.

    He had never underestimated Frank ever since he witnessed the depth of his martial knowledge and

    even had hunches about his identity.

    However, he would never have thought Frank to be so profound!

    Still, it begged a question.

    ¡°B¨CBut if he has such authority¡­ Why would he stay secluded in Riverton?¡±

    Hans pped him on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s beyond our paygrade. Just keep both eyes on Mr.

    Lawrence, and contact me if things look bad. Naturally, try to fulfill any requests he may have too¨Cyou¡¯ll

    have your cut when it¡¯s time to enjoy the fruits of yourbor.¡±

    ¡°Of course, of course.¡®

    Robert nodded repeatedly¨CHans did not have to tell him that.

    With that, Hans got in his truck and left, while Robert returned to Frank. ¡°That was truly an eye¨Copener,

    Mr. Lawrence. How about dinner at my ce?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll take a rain check. I still have something else to do.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Robert replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride, Frank!¡± Vicky offered just then, since she had many questions for Frank. Frank

    nodded and got in.

    Robert watched as they left before nudging Yara beside him. ¡°Weren¡¯t you saying that you and

    Frank were going out?¡±

    Yara froze right then. ¡°Dad¡­ I actually just wanted you to help him out before. We were never a thing.¡±

    Robert waved her off. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t mean to be usive. If anything, I¡¯d like you to do your best from

    now on.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Yara appeared perplexed. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    ¡°Just do your best to make Frank your boyfriend,¡± Robert said solemnly. ¡°The kid is something special.

    You need to win him over before he rises to the top soon. And I¡¯m your dad -I know you enough to see

    that you like him.¡±

    Yara blushed and lowered her head, twirling her fingers as she muttered, ¡°Dad, please¡­¡±

    Robert frowned. ¡°What? Or are you saying you don¡¯t like him? Very well, I¡¯ll discuss a proposal with him

    myself tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No, Dad¡­¡± Yara groaned under her breath. ¡°You won¡¯t know this, but Vicky really likes Frank too. I¡¯d

    never win¨Cshe has the looks and the family background.¡±

    Vicky was also an apprentice of her father¡¯s, and she knew Vicky well enough to tell that she was

    definitely interested in Frank. If it were any other person who would dare to speak with Vicky so

    insolently, she would have sent them flying with a kick.

    Robert sighed in disappointment. ¡°Oh, you silly child. What if Frank prefers your type? And don¡¯t you

    think it¡¯s embarrassing, admitting defeat even before you enter the ring?!¡±

 Chapter 360

    As Robert sighed in disappointment, Yara actually thought his words made sense.

    Who knew if she perhaps really had a shot?

    Meanwhile, Vicky told Frank as she drove, ¡°There¡¯s really more to you than meets the eye, Frank.¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°What do I have to hide from you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even start. You know who Hans Schnee is and his position. Why was he absolutely respectful to

    you?¡±

    ¡°I saved his father before,¡± Frank replied tly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Can¡¯t do anything about that.¡±

    Vicky wanted to hit his face right then. ¡°Fine, then onest question¨Ccan you hold against the elites of

    Morhen?¡±

    your own

    ¡°Who, those pushovers? The Four Families of Morhen are no match for me at my peak,¡± Frank

    dered confidently.

    ¡°That¡¯s pushing it, don¡¯t you think?¡± Vicky shot him another skeptical re.

    The main branch of her family was one of the four, and she had met the martial elites from each family.

    Those geezers¡® strengths were eerie, to say the least.

    On the other hand, she would think the world of Frank if he could actually stop one of them¡­ but he

    was saying that he could take them all on?

    ¡°Like I said, at my peak,¡± Frank repeated just then.

    ¡°Tch.¡±

    Vicky clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes, convinced that he was boasting.

    Still, they soon arrived at Carol Zims¡® house.

    Winter and Carol had both eventually decided to move into Skywater Bay after Frank persuaded them

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    to.

    After all, he imed he was protecting them now that Flying Sword Sect was destroyed, but there

    definitely would be stragglers waiting for their chance for revenge.

    Early next morning, Vicky headed to Grande Pharma¡¯s office, and her secretary hurried to her as soon

    as she arrived at the office. ¡°Ms. Turnbull, Helen Lane from Lane Holdings is asking to see you.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± the secretary replied. ¡°But we¡¯ve justpleted all transactions with Lane Holdings for

    the West City project, and she asked to see you soon after.¡±

    Vicky smiled¨Cshe had an idea why Helen was there.

    ¡°Show her in.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Turnbull,¡± the secretary replied and left.

    Helen entered soon enough, and Vicky greeted her warmly. ¡°Long time no see, Ms. Lane. Please take

    a seat.¡±

    Helen wore a white camisole under a ck cropped jacket, matched with a pair of loose leggings.

    She rarely put on makeup, but she had some on now. One could call it feminine rivalry, as she would

    do so whenever she had to meet Vicky.

    ¡°I came to hold up my end of our bargain,¡± Helen said bluntly.

    Vicky had agreed to stop paying Frank¡¯s bills, if Helen could pay her 200 million.

    And with the project finalized and the revenue finalized, Helen came to her with a check of that amount.

    Vicky took the check, studied it and sighed. ¡°I¡¯m surprised¨Cyou¡¯re really willing to pay this much to bail

    Frank out?¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°That¡¯s my money, Ms. Turnbull. You don¡¯t get to tell me how to use it.¡±

 Chapter 361

    Vicky smiled. ¡°I now understand why Frank would always go all out to save you¨Cyou¡¯re so adorably

    silly.¡±

    Helen paused. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Vicky waved her off, bored. ¡°Just my way of saying I¡¯ve never been Frank¡¯s sugar mommy.

    ¡°Really?¡± Helen was clearly skeptical. ¡°Then why are you always at his side, helping him?¡±

    ¡°I simply admire his virtues and character.¡± Vicky smiled in amusement, holding her chin on her hands

    as she stared at Helen. ¡°I told you¨Che¡¯s far better than you¡¯d think. You simply never noticed that.¡±

    Then, rising to her feet, she added, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, Ms. Lane, I need to get going.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother Frank ever again,¡± Helen quickly said.

    ¡°Haha!¡± Vickyughed in disdain. ¡°You¡¯ve divorced him, Ms. Lane¨Cit¡¯s his freedom to choose who he

    hangs out with. If anything, you should be talking to him instead of me.¡±

    Helen was stumped and left at a loss as Vicky strode out of her office.

    Zeb had been waiting at the lobby of Grande Pharma¡¯s office for a long while and quickly went up to

    Helen when he saw her step out.

    ¡°How did it go, Helen?¡± he asked enthusiastically. ¡°Were you paid themission for the project? Did

    Vicky Turnbull harass you?¡±

    Helen shook her head. ¡°I have the money, and Ms. Turnbull didn¡¯t harass me.¡±

    Zeb¡¯s eyes lit up as he nodded. ¡°That¡¯s great! With that 200 million, you can push Lane Holdings to new

    heights!¡±

    Helen nodded silently, while Zeb chuckled, ¡°So, there¡¯s this project I¡¯m on recently¨Cwe¡¯re developing

    something better than the Rejuvenation Pill. Are you interested in investing?¡±

    Helen¡¯s heart could stop at the mention of investing¨Cshe was certainly afraid after the mess with Greg

    Marsh!

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m really not interested.¡±

    ¡°Come on, Helen!¡± Zeb persisted. ¡°I think this is a good project¨Cwith both of us working together, it¡¯s a

    win¨Cwin!¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Helen remained insistent as she headed for her car. ¡°I intend to develop Lane Holdings, and with

    my grandfather¡¯s birthdaying soon, anything else can wait. I¡¯m going now if there¡¯s nothing else.¡±

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride, Helen,¡± Zeb quickly offered.

    Helen smiled in turn. ¡°I¡¯m heading home, Mr. Larkin. We¡¯re not going in the same direction.¡±

    And with those words, she floored the gas pedal and sped off.

    Zeb was left staring as she left, his knuckles clenched in frustration.

    He did not expect Helen to be so wary about investments, just as he was seething that he could not

    take a bite out of Helen¡¯s 200 million dors.

    He whipped out his phone and called Cram Larkin. ¡°Hey, Dad¡­ So I think we¡¯d have to wait a little

    longer for the 200 mil¡­¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Cram snapped at the other end. ¡°You failed to get the Rejuvenation. Pill recipe,

    and now you can¡¯t even smooth¨Ctalk some chick?!¡±

    The Larkins did not amount to anything in Riverton¨Cit was Cram who proved resourceful, using his

    good looks to sway the heiresses of the city.

 Chapter 362

    Cram had managed to hoard a considerable sum thanks to his womanizing and was hoping his son

    could take up the mantle.

    Naturally, with the Rejuvenation Pill selling like hot cakes and the discovery that Helen¡¯s ex- husband

    was the one who invented it, Cram tasked his son with getting the recipe from Helen.

    That went south too.

    ¡°Look, Dad¨CHelen has no influence over Frank anyway,¡± Zeb said awkwardly. ¡°And she¡¯s very careful,

    saying she¡¯d only consider investments after her grandfather¡¯s birthday¡­¡±

    Cram thought about it. ¡°Then work on Henry instead, and get the recipe soon.¡±

    ¡°I know¡­¡± Zeb sighed¨Cit seemed that he had to attend Henry¡¯s birthday party.

    Meanwhile, Frank drove to Riverton¡¯s antique bazaar¨Cafter his training for the day¨Che would never

    forget Henry¡¯s birthday, and he certainly regarded the asion with importance.

    Henry always had a passion for antiques, which was why Frank had decided to choose one instead of

    having Trevor do it.

    However, he only found counterfeits everywhere after walking around the ce.

    He was choosing a gift¨Csurely he could not give something fake.

    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t Frank Lawrence?¡±

    Frank turned to the scornful voice to find Zeb standing there, holding a porcin vase which looked like

    it cost a lot.

    ¡°What brings the great shareholder of Grande Pharma here?¡± Zeb sneered.

    ¡°Is there a problem with me being here?¡± Frank retorted tly. ¡°You¡¯re here, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Sure, whatever you say.¡± Zeb chuckled. ¡°Here to pick something for Helen¡¯s grandfather, aren¡¯t you?

    To think a bigwig like you would pick some cheap crap from the street¡­ It¡¯s really just going through

    the motions for you, huh?¡±

    He was certainly eager to mock Frank however he could, since Frank had sabotaged his ns to get

    those defective Rejuvenation Pills off Hugo Goodman.

    Frank nced at the porcin vase Zeb held in turn and chuckled coolly. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a porcin vase

    dating back to thest century?¡±

    ¡°Haha! I¡¯m surprised you could actually tell that much.¡± Zeb snorted smugly. ¡°It¡¯s an official¡¯s possession

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    during that era and worth a million.¡±

    ¡°A million dor item? You¡¯re really thick¨Cskinned, huh?¡± Frank said tly. ¡°I¡¯d also advise you to pick

    something else¨CHenry likes antiques, but he prefers paintings or manuscripts.¡±

    Zeb was stunned.

    He only found out from Cindy and Peter that Henry liked antiques, b what his grandfather actually liked.

    not even Peter knew

    Nheless, Zeb snorted. ¡°Did you think I¡¯d buy your crap? What I give shows my sincerity, and the

    old man would definitely like it. Who knows, he might be so pleased with it that he¡¯d arrange for Helen

    to marry me! Hahaha¡­¡±

    Frank¡¯s eyes narrowed, and Zeb was certainly pleased to see him upset. ¡°Don¡¯t get jealous now, boy.

    Now keep scrounging.¡±

    Frank growled, ¡°Don¡¯t trip over yourself.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just jealous!¡± Zeb gloated as he walked.

    Frank flicked his fingers,unching a shot of his vigor at Zeb¡¯s knees. ¡°Ouch!¡± Zeb yelped in pain as he

    fell forward!

 Chapter 363

    Crash!

    The porcin vase Zeb was holding smashed into pieces.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Zeb bellowed furiously before wheeling on Frank, who was over two meters away.¡± How dare

    you trip me!¡±

    Frank simplyughed coolly in turn. ¡°You¡¯re a riot¨Cyou tripped over yourself, and you have. the cheek to

    me me?¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Why would I trip for no reason?¡± Zeb growled through his teeth. ¡°You definitely did something!

    You¡¯re paying for that porcin vase!¡±

    ¡°You have the cheek to tell me what to do?¡± Frank glowered. ¡°Buzz off.¡±

    He started to leave, but Zeb quickly moved to stop him while shrieking, ¡°You¡¯re paying up today, or

    you¡¯re not leaving!¡±

    Then, turning toward the people around them, he said, ¡°See?! He broke my vase but refused to pay!

    Where¡¯s the justice here?!¡±

    Everyone quickly crowded around them at Zeb¡¯s call to get a look.

    Frank sneered at Zeb in turn¨Che was never going to pay up.

    A group of uniformed men strode toward them just then, and the crowd quickly made way. ¡°What¡¯s the

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ruckus here?¡± the man in the lead growled through his cigarette..

    Zeb recognized him and happily ran up to him. ¡°Yo, Dee! It¡¯s me,

    Zeb!¡±

    Dee Hampton¡¯s ratty eyes widened as he looked closer. ¡°Oh, Mr. Larkin? What brings you here today?¡±

    Zeb smiled and pointed at Frank. ¡°My grandfather¨Cinw¡¯s birthday ising up, so I came here to

    buy a present, but this fucker had to trip me! The vase is all shattered now¨Cyou have to help me out

    here.¡±

    He was not even sure that Frank tripped him, but he did not care¨CFrank was there, and he would make

    Frank pay! Who knew¨Cperhaps he might not have tripped if he did not run into Frank here!

    ¡°Shit, that happened?¡± Dee frowned.

    Zeb often shopped here in Riverton¡¯s antique bazaar, and they eventually made their acquaintance.

    With Zeb proving to be a generous soul as well, Dee was naturally happy to help now that he

    needed a favor.

    ¡°You broke my friend¡¯s stuff, brat! Now pay up!¡± Dee bellowed, pointing at Frank¡¯s nose.

    Frank replied coolly, ¡°You two know each other, don¡¯t you?¡®

    ¡°So what if we do?¡± Zeb gloated, standing akimbo.

    ¡°Do you have proof that I broke his vase?¡± Frank asked in return.

    Dee froze¨Che certainly did not have evidence.

    Even so, he snapped stubbornly, ¡°Evidence? What evidence? My word isw here, and if I say you

    broke it, then you did! Not only are you going to pay for my friend¡¯s vase, but that¡¯s also a ten grand

    fine for viting the peace!¡±

    Frankughed at that. ¡°Viting the peace? Who do you think you are, collecting protection money

    here?¡±

    A nearby vendor nudged his arm just then, whispering, ¡°Look, man¨CDee here is like the supervisor.

    Just pay up already.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± A stall owner nodded beside them. ¡°See the guys with him? You¡¯ll suffer if you y hardball.¡±

    Their kind were especially scared of Dee, as he lorded over them every day, demanding money. It

    would be their stall destroyed if they did not pay up and a harsh beating if they spoke out of turn!

    Dee was grinning smugly in turn. ¡°You know who I am now, kid?¡±

 Chapter 364

    Frank nodded. ¡°I do. Now show me your badge¨CI¡¯d like to see what government department actually

    runs a protection racket.¡±

    ¡°Badge?¡± Dee frowned.

    He did not have a badge and certainly did not belong to any department¨Che simply brought a bunch of

    goons around to build a protection racket.

    ¡°Give it a rest!¡± he snapped at Frank. ¡°Pay up, or I¡¯ll make you!¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m not paying if I don¡¯t see a badge.

    ¡°Shit, I gave you a chance.¡± Dee did not want to waste his breath either. ¡°Get him!¡±

    At his order, his goons rushed at Frank.

    The crowd around them cleared the way, while the stall owners hurriedly moved their merchandise

    further back in case they became coteral.

    Frank, however, watched in disdain at the goons rushing at him.

    He raised his palm, striking the first to reach him on the chin and sending him flying over ten feet!

    The other three goons pale and traded nces but charged at Frank at once.

    Frank did not even move his feet as he pped each of them once in turn.

    As the goons all copsed to the floor, crying for their moms, everyone around them was actually

    caught by surprise that the skinny kid was that good!

    ¡°Fuck¡­¡± Zeb growled through his teeth¨CDee¡¯s goons were such pushovers!

    ¡°Shit!¡± Dee frowned, caught off guard by Frank¡¯s strength. ¡°How dare you hurt my boys! You¡¯re dead

    meat!¡±

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He promptly whipped out his phone to call more of his people, which delighted Zeb.

    ¡°Dee, it¡¯s not just your boys¨Che¡¯s humiliating you!¡± He goaded them. ¡°Call everyone and straighten him

    out!¡±

    The bystanders nearby quickly told Frank in turn, ¡°Kid, you really should go. Dee has over a dozen

    boys at his beck and call¡­¡±

    Frankughed coldly¨Ca dozen? Really?

    He did not give a damn even when it was Flying Sword Sect, and that lot had over hundreds of

    apprentices!

    ¡°Has that brat always been collecting protection money here?¡± he asked instead.

    ¡°Well, yeah¡­¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°No one will, from now on.¡±

    The crowd was stunned.

    Did that mean he was going to fight Dee to the bitter end?

    ¡°Keep talking tough, Frank Lawrence!¡± Zeb shot him a look of disdain.

    Dee¡¯s other goons soon arrived, and Dee was once again shouting pompously at Frank, ¡°Get down on

    your knees and beg, boy! I just might spare you!¡±

    Frank folded his arms before his chest with a look of contempt. ¡°Funny. That¡¯s what I was gonna say to

    you.

    ¡°Fuck you! Get him!¡± Dee bellowed, and his goons charged at Frank again¡­..

    ¡°Stop!¡± A loud bellow suddenly resounded.

    Everyone was stunned to see a man in a suit stepping out from the crowd, with a bodyguard wearing

    shades in tow.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence? What happened here?¡± the man asked.

 Chapter 365

    Frank realized it was Tidus Simmons upon a closer look and said evenly, ¡°Nothing. Some blind fool was

    trying to nder me for breaking his vase and got these thugs to attack me.¡±

    ¡°What, really?!¡® Tidus was furious.

    Framing the man who saved his father¡¯s life?! This would not stand!

    Wheeling on Dee and his goons, Tidus barked, ¡°Who are you people? Attacking a man in broad

    daylight?!¡±

    ¡°This has nothing to do with you!¡± Dee bellowed,pletely dismissive toward Tidus. ¡°Get out of here,

    or we¡¯ll beat you up too!¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Tidus could choke as the thug snapped at him¨Chis father was the Chief of General Affairs.

    Turning to his bodyguard behind him, he growled, ¡°Mr. Flux.¡±

    Wes Flux nodded and suddenly leapt straight toward Dee.

    Dee¡¯s goons tried to stop him but were sent flying as soon as they touched him!

    At the same time, Wes kept advancing as he punched and kicked, instantly flooring every one of Dee¡¯s

    goons.

    ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Dee was left gaping, surprised that Wes was even more vicious than Frank!

    Why was everything not going his way today¡­?

    He was certainly not going to push his luck and quickly decided to run away.

    Wes was not about to let that happen, however.

    With a light tap of his foot, he was already in front of Dee and punched him in the stomach! ¡°Oof!¡± Dee

    grunted as his body arched like a shrimp, while Wes seized him by the cor and dragged him to Tidus.

    ¡°Sir, we can talk about this¡­ be reasonable¡­¡± Dee quickly surrendered.

    Like all bullies, he caved as soon as he met someone stronger.

    Tidus narrowed his eyes and demanded, ¡°What are you supposed to be?¡±

    ¡°I¨CI¡¯m just a vendor¡­ But no one¡¯s watching over this bazaar, see?¡± Dee replied reverently. ¡± That¡¯s

    why I thought I could build a protection system¡­ I wasn¡¯t doing anything bad.¡±

    ¡°Impressive. A vendor, squeezing other vendors for protection money?¡± Tidus was furious. ¡°It¡¯s not my

    fault¨Cit¡¯s all him!¡± Dee quickly pointed at Zeb.

    ¡°I¡­ What?¡± Zeb pursed his lips while cursing at Dee in his mind.

    Dee could not even put up a fight and was now betraying him too?!

    As Wes beckoned at Zeb, he braced himself and walked toward them, knowing that he was never

    getting away.

    ¡°You were using my friend of breaking your vase?¡± Tidus demanded.

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Zeb scratched his head awkwardly. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not so sure¡­¡±

    He had no idea if Frank did it at all¨Che just wanted to me it on Frank!

    Tidus scowled. ¡°What do you mean that you¡¯re unsure? Weren¡¯t you the one who used him?

    Zeb quickly shed an awkward smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t we just put this behind us?¡±

    Tidus had a hunch that Frank was innocent upon seeing that reaction.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°That won¡¯t do now, right?¡± he said, looking at the crowd around them before telling Wes, ¡± Mr. Flux,

    please request for the security footage.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Simmons.¡± Wes promptly whipped out his phone and got the recording soon enough thanks

    to Gerald Simmons¡® authority.

    Tidus hence saw from his phone that Frank neverid a finger on Zeb as soon he walked away!

    pping Zeb across the face right then, he barked, ¡°You tripped over yourself, and you¡¯re ming Mr.

    Lawrence for it?!¡±

 Chapter 366

    Zeb was left seeing stars from Tidus¡® p.

    He was certainly fuming, but he had to hold his tongue as he nced at Wes, who stood right beside

    Tidus.

    Dee was actually furious too. ¡°What?! You tricked me! Sir, he lied to me!¡±

    ¡°Shut it.¡± Tidus shot Dee a re, and he promptly kept quiet.

    Zeb then stammered, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault¡­ It¡¯s just a misunderstanding, so let¡¯s just forget about it.

    ¡°Forget about it?¡± Tidus asked icily. ¡°After you ndered my friend? Apologize!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Zeb was stunned. ¡°Me, apologize?!¡±

    He was the heir of a rich family and owned apany! It made no sense for him to apologize to some

    gigolo!

    ¡°Do you have something to say about that?¡± Tidus barked.

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    At the same time, Wes started to walk toward Zeb.

    Zeb was left gritting his teeth¨Cit was certainly going to be either an apology or a painful beating!

    ¡°N¨CNothing,¡± he said, bracing himself as he walked up to Frank and muttered unhappily, ¡°S- Sorry.¡±

    Frank chuckled coolly. ¡°What was that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t push it, Frank!¡± Zeb red at him.

    ¡°Really? And is that how you apologize?¡± Frank shrugged. ¡°Louder.

    Zeb hissed, ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, who?¡± Frank asked on purpose.

    Motherfucker!

    Zeb to bear with it, though he could choke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Frank. I¡¯ve used you wrongly- please don¡¯t

    take it to heart.¡±

    Frank nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Now, that¡¯s better.¡±

    Zeb sighed in relief before turning toward Tidus with a smile. ¡°Sir, I can go now, yes?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Mess with my friend again, and you¡¯re dead,¡± Tidus snarled viciously.

    Zeb certainly was not going to linger another moment as he squeezed his way through the crowd¨Cit

    had been a disgraceful day for him!

    Dee tried to run too, but Frank quickly stopped him. ¡°Hold it.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Dee quickly smiled. ¡°Sorry, sir. But that really wasn¡¯t my fault¡­ I didn¡¯t know that bastard was

    ndering you. I¡¯ll beat him up if I ever see him again!¡±

    However, Frank said, ¡°Don¡¯t let me see you in this bazaar ever again.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®what¡®? You have a problem with this?¡± Frank red at him in disdain.

    ¡°No, no¡­¡± Dee muttered.

    Tidus turned to Wes at the same time. ¡°Arrange for some security to watch the bazaar. If anyone

    demands protection money, arrest them right away.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Simmons.¡±

    Dee gulped and fled with his goons even as he realized he had lost his source of ie.

    The stall owners were certainly thrilled and awash with gratitude¨CFrank had really chased Dee away!

    Tidus approached Frank just then. ¡°Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank waved him off. ¡°Of course. What could a bunch of small fries do to me anyway?¡±

    ¡°Tidus nodded repeatedly. ¡°Oh, were you here to get some antiques? I know a

    thing or two about them myself. Perhaps I could help you look?¡±

    Frank¡¯s abilities went without saying, and given how close he was to the Turnbulls at the moment,

    Tidus was eager to further strengthen their rtionship.

 Chapter 367

    Frank smiled but refused. ¡°I¡¯ll pass. I shouldn¡¯t ask for help since it¡¯s my gramps.¡±

    Tidus was stunned. ¡°Gramps? As in your grandfather?¡±

    He never knew Frank had a grandfather!

    ¡°He¡¯s my ex¨Cwife¡¯s grandfather,¡± Frank exined. ¡°I owe him a lot, and I¡¯ll be attending his birthday

    even though his granddaughter already divorced me.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Tidus nodded. ¡°You¡¯re certainly a grateful man, Mr. Lawrence! But to tell the truth, there really

    isn¡¯t much to get here. However, there¡¯s quite the collection in my family residence. My dad is

    passionate about antiques himself, so everything¡¯s genuine¨Cyou can pick a couple as you like.¡±

    Frank was actually surprised that Tidus was that generous, not to mention that it was more ideal to

    have solid rmendations than foraging around blindly.

    ¡°Well, thank you very much,¡± Frank said..

    Tidus smiled. ¡°Come on now, Mr. Lawrence¨Cyou saved my father¡¯s life. A couple of antiques is nothing

    inparison. We can head over together now if you like.¡±

    And with that, Tidus led Frank to his car, and they drove to Gerald Simmons¡® official residence.

    Gerald was on hand to receive him as soon as Frank arrived. ¡°Wee, Mr. Lawrence. It¡¯s an honor.¡±

    Frank nodded in turn. ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, sir. I should be apologizing for imposing.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Geraldughed heartily. ¡°I¡¯d certainly like you to bother me more! So, I heard

    you¡¯re looking for antiques as a birthday present? It is something worth celebrating- do choose

    whatever catches your fancy.¡±

    They soon arrived at Gerald¡¯s study, and Gerald introduced various collections he had to Frank. After

    some thought, Frank asked, ¡°Would you have something like a painting?¡±

    ¡°A painting? Of course! What do you think about this one?¡± Gerald pointed at one hanging right behind

    his desk.

    Frank nced at it and was soon nodding in satisfaction. ¡°Impressive piece. Could you tell me more

    about it?¡±

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Gerald stroked his beard as he shed a bragging smile. ¡°It¡¯s one of Alfie Bronx¡¯s workste in his life,

    lost abroad for years. I spent a fortune to bring it backst year, and it¡¯s now valued at over ten million.

    If Mr. Lane prefers paintings or manuscripts, this would be perfect as a gift.¡±

    Frank was actually stunned as he stared at the framed painting.

    Since he could see that Gerald really liked the painting, he said, ¡°Actually, Mr. Simmons, this painting is

    too valuable, and I can see that you¡¯d like to keep it. I can take something else instead.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Gerald said, waving him off. ¡°I like paintings too, but art is supposed to be disyed for

    everyone¡¯s admiration. What good is my keeping it than celebrating Mr. Lane¡¯s

    birthday?¡±

    Turning toward Tidus, he said, ¡°Go on, take it off the wall for Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Tidus said, then quickly took down the painting and carefully boxed it. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Frank was still

    going to refuse, but Gerald was just too enthusiastic so he had no choice but to ept.

    ¡°By the

    way, where will the banquet be held?¡± Gerald then asked in curiosity.

    They must be close since Frank admired the man so much, and Gerald thought he could send

    someone to bring more gifts.

 Chapter 368

    Frank shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s still some time before that, so they haven¡¯t decided on a ce.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Gerald eximed. ¡°In that case, why not choose Riverton Hotel? It¡¯s a ce of high

    standards¨CMr. Lane would definitely like it.¡±

    Riverton Hotel was a go¨Cto venue for guests from out of town andrge¨Cscale banquets.

    While there usually was a two¨Cmonth waiting list for everything, it was unnecessary if Gerald pulled

    some strings.

    Frank sighed. ¡°Maybe next time, Mr. Simmons. I¡¯m not in charge anyway¨Cit¡¯s the Lane family.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Sure.¡±

    They made more small talk with Tidus all the way until the evening, when Frank excused himself.

    After sending off Frank, Gerald quickly called Vicky. ¡°Ms. Turnbull, were you aware that Frank is

    celebrating his grandfather¡¯s birthday?¡±

    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t even know he had a grandfather,¡± Vicky replied, perplexed.

    ¡°Oh, I mean Henry Lane, his ex¨Cgrandfather inw, not his actual grandfather.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Vicky eximed in understanding -Frank was always respectful of Henry, and it was Henry

    himself who had Helen marry Frank in the first ce.

    ¡°Well, Frank never mentioned anything to me. How did you find out anyway?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to my son¡­¡±

    Gerald then told Vicky about everything that happened earlier that day, and Vicky became pensive.

    ¡°Thank you for telling me, Mr. Simmons.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    After that, Vicky told Yara everything Gerald told her, and soon word spread further.

    The Lane family was nobody important, but they decided to celebrate Henry¡¯s birthday out of due

    respect for Frank.

    Meanwhile, the Lanes were preparing for Henry¡¯s birthday as well. It was not just a

    celebration, however, but also a presentation of the family¡¯s strength while making new allies of various

    important familles in Riverton.

    Gina was scratching her head repeatedly. ¡°So¡­ are we going with Verdant Hotel or Riverton Hotel?¡±

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Verdant Hotel, of course!¡± Peter eximed. ¡°It¡¯s the grandest hotel in Riverton!¡±

    Gina nced at Helen in turn. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Helen thought about it. ¡°Riverton Hotel.¡±

    She decided against Verdant Hotel because it was a Turnbull property and she did not want to run into

    Vicky there. Even if Vicky might not show up at all, it was better to be safe than sorry. ¡°Yeah.¡± Gina

    nodded. ¡°Can¡¯t let the Turnbulls take our money.¡±

    However, before they could call their friends and rtives, a servant hurried inside. ¡°Ms. Lane,

    someone calling himself the Chief of General Affairs¡® secretary just arrived.¡±

    ¡°The Chief of General Affairs¡® secretary?¡±

    Everyone was stunned since they had no dealings with the Chief of General Affairs, so why would his

    secretary suddenly visit?

    Still, Helen was the first toe to her senses. ¡°What are you waiting for? Bring him in. Don¡¯t

    ¡°I¡¯ll personally receive him.¡± Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°That¡¯s only right.¡±

    Everyone ¨C including Cindy, who was scrolling on her phone all along¨Cdropped what they were doing

    and hurried out to the door

    A man in a suit stood there, waiting.

    Hurrying toward him, Helen said, ¡°Helen Lane, at your service. Sorry for the poor hospitality when

    you¡¯vee all this way, Mr. Lynch.¡±

 Chapter 369

    The Chief of General Affairs¡® secretary smiled when he saw Helen. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Ms. Lane. I¡¯m Aron

    Lynch, and your reputation precedes you, Ms. Lane. It¡¯s an honor to finally meet you.¡± Caught by

    surprise, Helen smiled awkwardly.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Was she that famous already, that the Chief of General Affairs¡® secretary had actually heard of her?

    ¡°Oh, let¡¯s not keep Mr. Lynch standing. Come on in¨Cwe can talk inside,¡± Cindy said just then. Helen

    nodded repeatedly as she came to her senses as well. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right. Doe in, Mr. Lynch.¡±

    Aron shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. I¡¯m just here on the Chief of General Affairs¡® behalf.

    ¡°I see¡­ And what are Mr. Simmons¡® orders?¡± Helen asked gingerly.

    Aronughed. ¡°Calm down, Miss Lane. Mr. Simmons heard that it¡¯s your grandfather¡¯s birthday. Since

    it¡¯s a day to celebrate, he arranged for Riverton Hotel¡¯s premier banquet hall for your use¨Call expenses

    covered, of course.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    The Lanes

    were bewildered, while Helen quickly said, ¡°Please don¡¯t joke like this, Mr. Lynch. We have not earned

    enough of Mr. Simmons¡® favor for such privilege¡­¡±

    Aron chuckled. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be humble here, Ms. Lane, Mr. Simmons himself had spoken, so

    there¡¯s no mistake. You can go to Riverton Hotel to ask if you still doubt me.¡±

    If anything, Aron was himself shocked when Gerald tasked him with this errand¨Che would. certainly be

    a lot less shocked if they were talking about the Turnbulls!

    The Turnbulls at least had influence in the capital, while one could only wonder what the Lanes had up

    their sleeves to draw such attention.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    Helen nced at his mother and the rest in disbelief.

    ¡°Mr. Simmons really admires you, Ms. Lane,¡± Aron added. ¡°He also hopes that Lane Holdings will rise

    to new heights.¡±

    ¡°Of course, of course¡­¡± Helen nodded repeatedly.

    Seeing that his task was done, Aron said, ¡°Here¡¯s my number. Call me right away if there¡¯s anything

    you need¨CI have something else to attend to, so I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    Helen escorted him out of their manor reverently, and Gina signed emotionally when Aron¡¯s car was

    finally out of sight. ¡°Oh, my god¡­ Gerald Simmons himself arranged a birthday party for the old man?

    What an honor!¡±

    ¡°I heard that the premier hall is a ce for Riverton¡¯s rich and important people,¡± Peter added. ¡°To think

    that we¡¯d have the privilege too.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear Mr. Lynch?¡± Cindy chimed in. ¡°Mr. Simmons is footing the bill for the old

    man¡¯s birthday. When did you make his acquaintance, Helen?¡±

    Helen shook her head awkwardly. ¡°You give me too much credit. I don¡¯t have such a privilege.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being too humble,¡± Peter told her.

    Helen smiled bitterly¨Cshe was just stating facts.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Cindy gasped as she remembered something, and quickly said, ¡°Could Mr. Larkin have arranged

    this? I mean, who else would know Gerald Simmons?¡±

    Gina nodded repeatedly. ¡°It has to be him. You have to thank him properly, Helen. He¡¯s really done us a

    great honor this time.¡±

    Helen was taken aback¨Ccould it really be Zeb?

    Whatever the case might be, she now at least had a connection with Gerald!

 Chapter 370

    Looking around at everyone confidently, Helen snapped, ¡°So? What are we spacing around for? Send

    out invitations to everyone already¨Ctell them that Grandfather¡¯s birthday will be celebrated at Riverton

    Hotel!¡±

    Henry¡¯s birthday banquet was held a few dayste. The staff was especially enthusiastic thanks to

    Gerald, who spared no expense and asked only for the best, and his arrangements. Helen wore a

    ck dress with a slit that kept her legs vaguely visible, as she stood at the hallway to greet guests.

    Even those who were usually lukewarm toward the Lanes were now taking them seriously, since not

    just anyone got to book a hall at Riverton Hotel.

    A balding middle¨Caged man strode toward Helen with a present in hand. ¡°You really y your cards

    close to the chest, Ms. Lane, Could¡¯ve told me sooner that you¡¯re throwing a real party here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Voor, but it¡¯s all courtesy of Gerald Simmons.¡± Helen smiled, letting slip of her family¡¯s

    connection with the Chief of General Affairs.

    Mr. Voor became even more polite at that. ¡°I knew you were something special, Ms. Lane¨Cyou were

    right to get a divorce. Just give me a shout if you want to marry again, and I promise I¡¯ll get you a

    young, handsome stud.¡±

    Helen smiled awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll visit Mr. Lane now.¡±

    As the balding man headed inside the hall, Zeb soon arrived, present in hand with a big smile. His eyes

    lit up when he saw Helen¡¯s dress, surprised that her upkeep was so perfect¨Che had not noticed until

    now!

    ¡°Congrattions, Helen. It seems you and Gerald Simmons are close, with you getting his help to put

    this together,¡± Zeb said.

    He definitely underestimated Helen before¨Cshe actually knew the Chief of General Affairs! Helen

    smiled. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Why?¡± Zeb asked in curiosity.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen said gratefully, ¡°For talking to Mr. Simmons on my behalf, of course. My grandfather would never

    have had such privilege otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Hahaha!¡± Zebughed out loud¨Cshe actually thought he did this for her? If only he had that much

    authority!

    Still, he was not about to miss out on a chance to earn Helen¡¯s favor. ¡°Come on, Helen. Let¡¯s get to

    know each other even better¨Cyou just need to ask if you need my help with anything.¡± However, Helen

    was staring at the elevator, and Zeb followed her gaze to find Frank stepping out with a painting.

    Her expression impassive, Helen walked up and asked, ¡°What are you doing here, Frank?¡±

    ¡°What, can¡¯t I attend Gramps¡® birthday party?¡± Frank asked tly.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean¡­¡± Helen quickly threw up her hands.

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    Helen stammered, ¡°I¡­I¡¯m really happy you coulde.¡±

    She wanted to clear the air after her misunderstanding with Frank before but did not know where to

    start.

    Frank did not nce at her twice, however, and turned as he headed inside the hall.

    Zeb chuckled by the entrance just then. ¡°Hey, what present did you bring?¡±

    Frank shot him a look. ¡°Do I have to tell you?¡±

    Zebughed coldly. ¡°Haha! Just worried you can¡¯t afford anything for Mr. Lane¡¯s eightieth birthday.

    Should I lend you some money?¡±

    Frank nced at the present box he was holding and could tell it was another vase from its size.

    He chuckled. ¡°What, you bought another vase? Watch out and don¡¯t trip over yourself this time.¡±

    ¡°Fuck off¡­¡± Zeb snapped, though he was tightening his grip around his present.

    Frank sneered as he entered the banquet hall.

    Henry was at the host table, his eyes closed to rest after some small talk with a group of bigwigs.

    He would rather not be a part of such a grand celebration but had no choice to do so.

    It was his eightieth birthday after all, and his grandchildren had all worked hard for it, not to mention

    that this benefited the family business¡® development.

    As he opened his eyes and saw Frank, he immediately got up and waved. ¡°Frank, over here.¡±

    Frank hurried to him, smiling, ¡°Congrattions, Gramps-¡±

    ¡°Oh, save the braindead drivel.¡± Henry chuckled, tugging at his arm. ¡°Come here, sit.¡±

    Everyone else was left surprised by Henry¡¯s clear preferential treatment of Frank, and they were all

    pointing and gesturing at Frank.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the kid? Henry Lane is so friendly with him¡­¡®

    ¡°No idea.¡±

    ¡±

    One of the more knowledgeable ones said, ¡°That¡¯s Helen¡¯s ex¨Chusband.¡±

    ¡°Ex¨Chusband? Really? Why divorce him? He¡¯s such a looker¡­¡±

    ¡°What good is a pretty face? Man¡¯s never held a job for three years and kept goofing off. If he did, more

    would have known about him.¡±

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Everyone realized a start. ¡°So he¡¯s just some freeloading piece of shit? No wonder Helen divorced

    him.¡±

    Meanwhile, Henry pulled Frank to the main table and had Frank sit beside him.

    Gina, Peter, and Cindy were there too, and Gina was already snapping at Frank, ¡°He¡¯s not

    family, Henry. It¡¯s inappropriate to let him sit here.¡±

    Henry rolled his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s my grandson as far as I¡¯m concerned, and I can have him sit wherever I

    want. You can switch tables if you don¡¯t like it.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Gina was left stumped, while Peter pursed his lips beside them.

    Zeb arrived just then, immediately greeting Henry, ¡°Wishing you a happy birthday and many happy

    returns¡­¡±

    Henry never liked him and merely nodded.

    Gina and the rest, however, were awash with enthusiasm.

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    Gina quickly pulled Zeb to sit beside him, ¡°You¡¯re finally here, Mr. Larkin. Come, sit.¡±

    Cindy and Peter also promptly served him drinks and cigarettes, a privilege Frank never had.

    Gina turned to Henry right then. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Mr. Larkin that we can celebrate your birthday here.

    You should appreciate him more.¡±

    ¡°And you can shove it,¡± Henry snorted impatiently. ¡°I never asked for this¨Cthe way I see it, it would have

    been far better if there wasn¡¯t a party at all.¡±

    ¡°Oh, would you stop it? We¡¯d be the ones seen in a bad light if we didn¡¯t do anything,¡± Gina lectured.

    Frank was frowning in turn.

    He knew a thing or two about Riverton Hotel, and he doubted Zeb had the authority to pull strings.

    ¡°Did he really book this hall?¡± he asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Who else would have, if not him? You?¡± Peter shot back.

    ¡°The Chief of General Affairs¡® secretary came to visit us personally. What, are you jealous?¡± Cindy

    joined in.

    ¡°The Chief of General Affairs¡® secretary? Do you have his name?¡± Frank pressed.

    ¡°So what if we don¡¯t?¡± Gina stood akimbo, the picture of smugness. ¡°Who could pull strings with the

    Gerald Simmons aside from Mr. Larkin?¡±

    ¡°Oh, stop it. It¡¯s not that big of a deal.¡± Zeb threw up his hands in feigned humility.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank turned toward him. ¡°I say, could you tell me more about what you discussed with Mr. Simmons?¡±

    Zeb froze, not expecting Frank to press the issue.

    Averting his eyes, he snapped impatiently, ¡°Why should I tell you?¡±

    As he lit himself a cigarette and breathed a puff without a care, Henry waved off the smoke since he

    hated the smell.

    Seeing that Henry was having a hard time, Frank promptly snapped at Zeb, ¡°Snuff out that cigarette.

    Gramps doesn¡¯t like breathing your fumes.¡±

    Gina red at him right then and snapped, ¡°Shut up!¡±

    Frank simply bellowed, ¡°Snuff it out! Don¡¯t make me do it for you on Gramps¡® birthday.¡±

    Zeb froze again, feeling a chill from Frank¡¯s icy re.

    Peter, however, thought nothing of it and was going to argue when Zeb stopped him. ¡°That¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll

    snuff my cigarette, as long as it keeps Mr. Lane happy.¡±

    Frank¡¯s icy re only eased when Zeb extinguished his cigarette, but Zeb was ring at him in turn.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck, brat. I¡¯m just holding back because of Mr. Lane.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Gina quickly said. ¡°Don¡¯t stoop to his level, Mr. Larkin¡­ Also, your present looks so pretty. I

    wonder what¡¯s inside?¡±

    Zeb remembered with a start¨Che almost forgot all about that.

    He quickly put his present on the table, smiling at Henry as he said, ¡°Mr. Lane, I heard from Helen that

    you like antiques, so I got you something dating back a hundred years ago from the antique bazaar. I

    hope you like it.¡±

    Henry was finally slightly interested when he heard the word ¡®antique¡®, only for Zeb to open the present

    and reveal a porcin vase.

    Gina promptly leapt in to shower ttery. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s exquisite! How much does it cost?¡± ¡°Oh, just a mil,¡±

    Zeb bragged smugly. ¡°It¡¯s not much, really.¡±

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    ¡°A million is expensive!¡± Peter eximed in awe. ¡°But I guess it¡¯s pocket change for you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Larkin.¡± Gina smiled before turning toward Henry. ¡°See? That¡¯s Mr.

    Larkin¡¯s present for you.¡®

    ¡°I

    Henry took out a magnifying ss to study the pattern before asking curiously, ¡°How old did you say

    this was?¡±

    Zeb smiled. ¡°A century old. Do you like it, sir?¡±

    Henry nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not bad¡­¡±

    Despite disliking Zeb, he was still interested in antiques of such value.

    Frank, however, was frowning. ¡°That¡¯s a hundred years old? Doesn¡¯t really look like it.¡±

    Zeb¡¯s heart could stop even as he turned to Frank in panic. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    The real vase he bought before ended up in pieces¨Cthis time, he bought a bootleg item.

    However, the stall owner assured him that even with advanced technology, only specialists could see

    the difference.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Gina snapped at Frank again. ¡°What would you know? And you don¡¯t get to talk around this

    table!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know my antiques,¡± Frank calmly replied. ¡°But the patterns on the vase are drawn instead of

    printed, and the colors are too bright as well. Gramps, you should get some to appraise it, or it won¡¯t do

    if someone recognized some bootleg antique you keep in your study.

    He did not know that much about antiques, but he had seen his fair share of treasures, especially

    porcin vases.

    That was why he could tell right away that Zeb¡¯s was fake, and since the Lanes would not believe him if

    he said that, the best way was to get a specialist to appraise it.

    Henry nodded at Frank¡¯s suggestion, but Gina¨Cwho had had enough of Frank for the day- promptly

    snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to his nonsense, Henry. The way I see it, he¡¯s just trying to drive a wedge

    between you and Mr. Larkin¡­¡±

    Henry frowned. ¡°Frank¡¯s just suggesting. What are you so worried about?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Gina was stumped.

    She nced at Zeb and saw the awkward look on his face. Worried about upsetting him, she

    stubbornly persisted. ¡°Mr. Larkin¡¯s family is very rich. Why would he give you a bootleg item?¡±

    Cindy turned to Frank and demanded coldly in turn, ¡°At least Mr. Larkin brought a present! What did

    you bring anyway?¡±

    Peter nodded repeatedly. ¡°That¡¯s right! You came empty¨Chanded, didn¡¯t you? That cheek of yours!¡±

    Frank simply smiled. ¡°Of course I brought something. It¡¯s Gramps¡® birthday.¡±

    He took out the velvet box he carried and picked up the painting from inside, passing it to Henry

    directly. ¡°This is an art piece by Alfie Bronx himself. See if you like it?¡±

    ¡°Really?!¡± Henry¡¯s eyes lit up.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alfie Bronx¡¯s relics were so rare that money could not even buy someone one!

    He quickly unfurled the painting, nodding as he admired the vibrant, vivid colors. ¡°This is amazing¡­

    Where did you get it, Frank?¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°A friend gave it to me. It¡¯s no big deal.¡±

 Chapter 374

    ¡°Let¡¯s see!¡±

    Everyone else was curious since Henry really liked Frank¡¯s gift, only to be disappointed when they saw

    that it was just a painting.

    Gina rolled her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s so impressive about that?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Peter pursed his lips. ¡°Some dull paintings are worth a lot less than the porcin

    vase.¡±

    Henry frowned. ¡°Dull painting? It¡¯s an Alfie Bronx piece¨Cdid you ever finish school, not knowing who he

    is?¡±

    Cindy pointed at Frank. ¡°What, just because he said so? He could say it¡¯s by King Arthur for all I care!¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Zebughed. ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t mind telling you but paintings are easiest to fake, especially if they¡¯re

    old. No canvas would be preserved this well¨Cthe way I see it, it¡¯s fake.¡±

    Gina and the others nodded repeatedly. ¡°Exactly. Mr. Larkin is right.¡±

    They had not the faintest idea about antique or art, but if Zeb said so, then it must be.

    ¡°Just throw it away already, Grandpa,¡± Peter then told Henry. ¡°Why would you keep a bootleg?

    Henry quickly put it away and snapped. ¡°Shut it. I think this is the real deal, and I like it.¡±

    He could not care less if the painting was genuine¨CFrank gave it to him, and he would love it, real or

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    otherwise.

    Frank chuckled in turn, really doubting that Gerald Simmons would hang a fake painting in his own

    study. ¡°What makes you say it¡¯s fake? Just because you say so? Do you have evidence to prove that?¡±

    Zeb scoffed, ¡°You were tricked, weren¡¯t you? Why don¡¯t you tell us how much you paid for it instead?¡±

    On the other hand, Gina noticed someone else nearby and immediately had an idea.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t know when to give up, do you?¡± She snorted at Frank before hurrying to an elderly

    man nearby. ¡°Mr. Young!¡±

    Frank was perplexed by what Gina was up to and watched as she pulled the man to their table, saying,

    ¡°Everyone, this is Randall Young, the most famous antique appraisal in Riverton.¡±

    Henry already knew what Gina was doing since he had already met Randall thanks to his antique

    hobby and snapped, ¡°That¡¯s out of line, Gina.¡±

    ¡°What? Frank was the one who said it¡¯s real.¡± Gina shrugged innocently. ¡°In that nothing to worry about

    by letting Mr. Young take a look.¡±

    case,

    he has

    Peter was alreadyughing in his head. ¡°Greetings, Mr. Young.¡±

    Cindy and Zeb quickly greeted Randall as well, while Gina said, ¡°Mr. Young, we have an art piece by

    Alfie Bronx. Could you take a look?¡±

    Randall simplyughed, ¡°No, I don¡¯t even have to look to tell that it¡¯s fake.¡±

    Everyone was confused. ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Because the only privately owned Bronx piece is hanging on the wall of Gerald Simmons¡®

    office,¡± Randall exined. ¡°The one and only.¡±

    Zebughed snugly right then. ¡°Hahaha! Did you hear that, Frank?¡±

 Chapter 375

    Zeb, Gina, Cindy, and Peter allughed at Randall¡¯s words.

    Helen just happened to be done greeting guests when she came and heard themughing.¡± What¡¯s

    going on? Why¡¯s everyoneughing?¡±

    Peter quickly told her, ¡°Frank brought a present, saying it¡¯s Alfie Bronx¡¯s work¡­ but Mr. Young called it

    a fake without even needing a look!¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because the only real privately owned Bronx piece is hanging in Gerald Simmons¡® office!¡± Cindy

    Helen nced at Frank and sighed.

    She could understand him well enough to tell that he just wanted to show off in front of her grandfather

    and did not expect to be exposed.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s just a painting¨CFrank was probably tricked too, right Frank?¡± she asked, trying to

    bail Frank out from the awkwardness.

    Frank did not y along, however. ¡°Randall Young never even looked at it. How would he know if it¡¯s a

    fake? Also, I got it from Gerald Simmons¡® office.¡±

    ¡°Haha! You really can talk!¡± Zeb shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve met thick¨Cskinned people, but you¡¯re something

    else!¡±

    Gina snorted in disdain. ¡°You¡¯ve probably never even met Gerald Simmons, and you¡¯re saying you got

    it from his office?!¡±

    Helen red at Frank right then. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Just cut it out already.¡±

    She did his best to protect him, but he was going too far!

    That was when a servant came in and whispered, ¡°Ms. Lane, Mr. Lynch has just arrived.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Helen eximed in surprise, not expecting Aron toe as well.

    She was ready to go over to see Aron when he arrived, and she eximed in surprise, ¡°When did you

    arrive, Mr. Lynch? You could have told me I¡¯d be on hand to receive you!¡±

    ¨C

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Ms. Lane.¡± Aron smiled, holding up a hand. ¡°I¡¯m here mainly to send Mr. Simmons¡® best

    wishes.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Helen gulped, hardly able to believe her ears.

    The Lanes were left trading nces, while even Zeb was perplexed.

    Aron was carrying a rolled¨Cup canvas as Helen led him to Henry.

    After some polite exchanges, he spread the painting he was holding before passing it to Henry, he said,

    ¡°Here, Mr. Lane. A token of best wishes courtesy of Mr. Simmons himself¨Che hopes you¡¯ll like it.¡±

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Henry promptly got up to take it politely. ¡°This is too much¡­ Please do send my best regards, Mr.

    Lynch.¡±

    Aron nodded. ¡°Of course.

    Gina suddenly had an idea and smiled. ¡°Mr. Simmons certainly owns a lot of treasures. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve

    seen your fair share, given that you work for him?¡±

    Aron smiled. ¡°Mr. Simmons is an avid collector. It¡¯s no big deal for him.¡±

    Gina nodded. ¡°That¡¯s for sure¡­ There¡¯s another painting here. Would you like to take a look?¡±

    Naturally, she was talking about the painting Frank brought.

    Aron nodded without hesitation. ¡°Sure, though I¡¯m not that well¨Cversed myself.¡±

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    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not a problem,¡± Gina assured Aron before wheeling on Frank. ¡°Go on, bring your painting.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing, Mom?!¡± Helen snapped with a scowl¨Cif the real Bronx was being hung in Gerald

    Simmons¡® office, Aron would definitely recognize it!

    Did she really have to go that far just to humiliate Frank?

    Gina giggled smugly in turn. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare side with him¨Che¡¯s the one who kept insisting that it¡¯s real.

    Let¡¯s see what he¡¯s going to say now!¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Helen bit her lip, speechless.

    On the other hand, Frank remained impassive as he passed the painting to Aron, who was stunned

    when he saw it.

    Gina hurried up to him, asking, ¡°So? Is it real?¡±

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Zeb, Cindy and Peter were staring at Frank in turn, waiting for him to embarrass himself!

    Aron inhaled deeply and said, ¡°Of course it¡¯s real.¡±

    ¡°See¨Cwait, what¡¯s that?¡± Gina froze before she could start mocking Frank. ¡°Are you sure, Mr. Lynch?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Aron nodded repeatedly. ¡°I¡¯ve seen this painting every day for so long, since it was hung in

    Mr. Simmons¡® study. There¡¯s no mistaking it.¡±

    He then remembered not seeing it for the past couple of days¡ªso Gerald gave it off to the Lanes!

    Still, what on earth earned them such a great favor from Gerald?

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Zeb, Cindy, Helen, and Peter were left gaping in disbelief¨Cthis was not what Randall said!

    Hold on, did Frank really get it from Gerald Simmons¡® office?

    Henry was stroking his beard,ughing out loud as he leveled a gloating look at Gina and the rest.

    ¡°Hahaha! Like I said¨CFrank would never give me a bootleg item! What do you have to say now?!¡±

    Aron paused just then before turning to Frank. ¡°Sir, could you be Mr. Frank Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Frank turned toward him slowly. ¡°Do we know each other?¡±

    Aron threw up his hands. ¡°No we don¡¯t, sir¨Cbut Mr. Simmons often mentioned you. So, he gave you his

    favorite piece¡­ that makes a lot of sense now!¡±

    ¡°Also, I believe I must inform you that Mr. Simmons arranged for this hall,¡± Aron added. ¡°We apologize

    for not asking for your approval beforehand.¡±

    Aron¡¯s apology somehow sounded suspiciously like bragging, as if he wanted everyone to know that

    Gerald was the one who got the hall for this asion.

    ¡°Really?¡± Frank asked in feigned surprise before turning to smile at Zeb. ¡°I thought Mr. Zeb

    Larkin there made the arrangements?¡±

    Even as Zeb¡¯s heart thumped when he realized things were going bad, Aron appeared utterly

    confused. ¡°Zeb Larkin? Who¡¯s that?¡±

    Gian quickly exined, ¡°That¡¯s him right there! Didn¡¯t he ask Mr. Simmons to arrange this hall for us?¡±

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    Zeb appeared totally embarrassed -he was well aware that he did not know Gerald at all, let alone be

    recognized by his secretary!

    ¡°Please don¡¯t shout, Mrs. Lane!¡± He pulled Gina to make her sit.

    Gina, however, beamed at him. ¡°Oh, why are you being so humble, Zeb?¡±

    Aron turned toward Zeb just then and muttered in confusion, ¡°But I¡¯ve never heard of him.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Gina, Cindy, Helen, and Peter were dumbfounded, while Gina quickly pressed, ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Simmons

    reserve this hall for Mr. Larkin?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding.¡± Aron snorted before turning to Frank, ¡°Mr. Simmons only decided to make the

    reservation for Mr. Lawrence. Why else would Mr. Lawrence possess Mr. Simmons¡® privately owned

    painting?¡±

    Aron himself found out about that just this morning, though he did not ask questions despite his doubts.

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Everyone was left dumbfounded again, staring at Frank in shock while Zeb was left humiliated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now if there¡¯s nothing else,¡± Aron said.

    ¡°Please, Mr. Lynch. At least stay for a course or two,¡± Helen quickly said.

    Aron shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll pass¨CI still have work to do, and I¡¯m here just to deliver Mr.

    Simmons¡® present anyway. Best regards, Ms. Lane. Mr. Simmons does admire you.¡±

    While Helen walked with Aron to the exit, Henry was grinning smugly. ¡°Like I said, a painting this good

    couldn¡¯t be a fake.¡±

    Gina rolled her eyes but could not say a word despite her frustration.

    Meanwhile, right after Helen saw off Aron, representatives of the Turnbulls, the Quills, Trevor

    International, Skyde Dojo, and Flora Hall all arrived to offer Henry their best wishes.

    Helen and the rest of the Lanes were left gaping in confusion. In the past, a measlypany like Lane

    Holdings would never have been paid much attention.

    ¡°When did Helen get so impressive?¡± someone whispered. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of bigwigs!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but she¡¯s plenty amazing, getting a huge project with the Turnbulls. And now, all the

    bigwigs are attending her grandfather¡¯s birthday party!¡±

    Someone sighed. ¡°If only I had a daughter like Helen Lane¡­.¡±

    Helen was caught by surprise, but she was immediately on hand to greet the guests.

    Gina was even gloating smugly at Henry. ¡°See that, old timer? So what if that lowlife was friends with

    some government official? Or are you saying all these bigwigs came under his invitation?¡±

    Henry did not say a word, while Frank chuckled. ¡°I never told them, but it just goes to show how sincere

    they are.¡±

    ¡°You can shove it,¡± Gina snapped. ¡°They are here to see Henry, not you. Don¡¯t you dare breathe a

    word.¡±

    As Helen led everyone to Henry, he shed a polite smile and greeted everyone, since he had seen his

    fair share of social events during his youth.

    Zeb was confused as to how Helen met those bigwigs as well and whispered to her, ¡°You¡¯re so

    amazing, knowing all these people¡­ I mean, even Skyde Dojo?¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Helen was actually puzzled too.

    She was not surprised with the Turnbulls¡® and Trevor¡¯s friends visiting since they were partners.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Likewise, she had also met the Quills before, but they were not close enough to warrant the governor

    sending people to visit her grandfather¡­

    As for Skyde Dojo?! She had never even heard of them! Meanwhile, everyone was busy chatting

    with Henry¡­

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    Zeb was going to make the bigwigs¡® acquaintance, but he did not even have a chance to greet them

    when they all turned toward Frank.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence, our chief would like to invite you for an exchange at Flora Hall. You muste

    whenever you have the time.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence, our chief cordially invites you to¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence, my daughter is¡­¡±

    Everyone spoke all at once, encircling and ttering Frank to kingdome.

    Exasperated, Frank could only nod and agree to their requests.

    Naturally, Zeb, Gina, Cindy, and Peter were all gaping, with Gina¡¯s jaw almost dropping on the floor

    right then. ¡°W¨CWhy are they being so nice to him?¡±

    Beside her, Cindy and Peter looked like they ate dung..

    The crowd around them who were watching were busy gossiping among themselves too.

    ¡°My god, who is he? All the representatives from major groups are hovering around him!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ But isn¡¯t he Helen¡¯s lowlife ex¨Chusband?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? A lowlife being extended so many invitations?¡±

    Meanwhile, the representatives took their seats after Frank agreed to all their invitations, finally

    granting him some peace.

    Even Henry was left stunned beside him.

    Gingerly nudging Frank with his elbow, he asked, ¡°Were they all offering you invitations?¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡± Frank nodded.

    ¡°When did you meet them?¡±

    Frank thought about it. ¡°Around thest few months.¡±

    Gina was immediately skeptical. ¡°Thest few months? You mean when you hooked Vicky?¡±

    up with

    Peter nodded. ¡°If I became Vicky¡¯s gigolo, they would be on their knees even before they think about

    inviting me.¡±

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Zeb quickly said, intent on saving face after his earlier embarrassment. ¡°Those people

    are all associates of the Turnbulls, after all.¡±

    Helen had enough right then. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Be careful not to choke on your food, people.¡±

    ¨C

    At the same time, she remembered what Vicky said that she was never Frank¡¯s sugar

    mommy.

    Vicky certainly had no reason to lie about that.

    Could that mean those representatives¡® invitations were really meant for Frank and Frank only?

    Frank stayed until after the banquet was over, chatting with Henry.

    He only started outside when it turned dark and found Helen waiting for him for a while at the

    entrance.

    Quietly opening her car door, she beckoned to him. ¡°Let me give you a ride.¡±

    Frank hesitated for a moment before getting in.

    As she drove, Helen asked, ¡°Could you tell me how you met Gerald Simmons?¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°When I saved his life.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a healer¡­?¡±

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Always was. You just never noticed.¡±

    Helen stopped herself from saying anything, since she never cared for Frank enough to notice his

    strengths.

    ¡°So¡­ What about the others?¡±

    ¡°Long story, but the bottomline is that I know them,¡± Frank said quietly. ¡°What, are you trying to ask for

    a favor?¡±

    ¡°Hah! Why would I?¡± Helen rolled her eyes right then.

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    Helen regretted what she said soon after and switched gears by trying to show concern for Frank. ¡°I

    mean, I¡¯m just worried about you¡­¡®

    ¡°Worried? What for?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°That those people would trick you,¡± Helen said, still convinced that Frank was too innocent for the

    world.

    After all, she believed that he had not seen the world outside in the three years that they were married,

    not knowing that Frank might be more experienced than she was.

    Frankughed confidently in turn. ¡°Thanks for your concern, but that¡¯s not going to happen at the

    moment.¡±

    When Helen finally brought Frank back to the hilltop mansion at Skywater Bay, Winter was already

    waiting at the door.

    She hurried to him, leaping into his arms when she saw him return. ¡°Wee back, Frank.¡±

    Seeing her reaction, Frank quickly asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I was just getting bored staying home¡­¡± Winter shook her head.

    Helen alighted just then as well and was surprised to see Winter.

    Judging from her youthful appearance, she could not be older than a college student!

    Her figure was as great as her pretty face too¡­

    Frowning, Helen asked, ¡°Frank, this is¡­¡±

    ¡°My sister.¡± Frank introduced them nonchntly. ¡°Winter, this is Helen Lane, my ex¨Cwife.¡± Winter

    paused for a moment before nodding in greeting. ¡°H¨CHello.¡±

    Helen felt embarrassed, though she soon breathed a huge sigh of relief.

    She thought Frank was keeping a college girl in his mansion as a lover¡­ it turned out that she was just

    Frank¡¯s sister.

    Carol Zims arrived outside just then. ¡°Wee back, Mr. Lawrence! Come on, dinner¡¯s ready.¡± Frank

    turned toward Helen. ¡°Would you like a quick bite?¡±

    Helen shook her head. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll pass. I¡¯ll visit again some other time.¡±

    She was not familiar with Winter and Carol, but judging from Carol¡¯s age, she and Winter must be

    visiting rtives.

    She could visit some other day.

    Frank did not ask her to stay either and returned into the mansion to have dinner with Winter and Carol.

    Winter had been adapting quickly to her new surroundings¨Cshe had never lived in a big ce like this

    and cheerfully scrolled through her phone after finishing dinner.

    On the other hand, Carol was restless and started cleaning the floor after dinner.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that, Madam Zims,¡± Frank told her. ¡°Just leave it to the cleaner,¡±

    Carol quickly waved him off. ¡°I¡¯m just sweeping the floor. Hiring a cleaner for that is a waste of money,¡±

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank sighed but held his tongue,

    Eventually, Carol was done cleaning the floor, and sat on the couch, idling

    It was a ce of luxury, but it just did not feel like home.

    And with her son abroad under Frank¡¯s care, she was even more careful about not upsetting Frank

    Frank could sense her state of mind and sat beside her as he asked, ¡°You¡¯re not used to this ce, are

    you, Madam Zims?¡±

    Carol nodded,

    ¡°Yeah¡­ One easily gets restless at my age,¡± Carol said gingerly. ¡°Would it be alright if I moved back to

    my old ce after a while?¡±

    Frank thought about it and came up with apromise. ¡°Why don¡¯t I buy you a store near this area, so

    you can make a living?¡±

 Chapter 380

    Frank said, ¡°I¡¯d be near enough that way while you can make a living for yourself. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s good.¡± Carol nodded repeatedly but soon paused. ¡°But wouldn¡¯t buying a whole shop be

    very expensive? I don¡¯t really need it that badly¡­¡±

    Frank smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¨CI can afford it.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ Thank you very much. I don¡¯t know what else I can say,¡± Carold eximed, ¡°Can I have Winter

    with me too? Don¡¯t worry¨Cwe won¡¯t run away.¡±

    ¡°Are you still wary of me, Madam Zims?¡± Frank asked in surprise.

    He could not say that he was not hurt with how careful she was around him, especially since he was

    sincere.

    Carol shook her head and made sure Winter was not around before saying, ¡°No¡­ I think you know

    about Winter¡¯s situation too, that she¡¯s not my daughter¡­?

    ¡°I am aware. I don¡¯t mind telling you that I showed up at your snackbar the first time to look for her,¡±

    Frank admitted, having no reason to hide it since Carol was now opening up to him.

    Carol nodded in turn. ¡°Yes, but Winter herself doesn¡¯t know. I¡¯ve raised her for twenty years, and I know

    what she thinks¨CI can tell that she likes you too, but you¡¯re both siblings.¡±

    That was why Carol had to be careful, in case something amoral happened between Frank and Winter

    as they cohabited.

    Frank pursed his lips in awkwardness¨Cso Carol thought he was Winter¡¯s brother?

    ¡°You misunderstand, Madam Zims.¡± He smiled. ¡°I actually adopted thest name of my mentor, who

    took me in since I was an orphan. Winter is his only daughter, and before my mentor died, hisst wish

    was for me to take care of her.¡±

    Carol did a double take before breathing a long sigh¨Cso Frank was not Winter¡¯s brother!

    ¡°Oh, you could have told me sooner,¡± she said wryly.

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank scratched his head. ¡°Actually, Winter¡¯s life at your home is good, and that¡¯s why I never told her.

    There¡¯s no chance to do thatter on either.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ Well, I¡¯m relieved,¡± Carol said, patting her chest. ¡°Either way, Winter¡¯s in your care now. She¡¯s

    young and headstrong at times, so I hope you could tolerate her more. I still have some money too. It¡¯s

    not much, but it¡¯s enough for her dowry¡­ Just pick a good date soon and tie the knot.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ huh?¡± Frank nodded repeatedly before he realized something was not right and quickly

    exined, ¡°No, Madam Zims, you misunderstand. Winter and I are not like that.¡±

    ¡°But you said Winter¡¯s father asked you to take care of her before she died?¡± Carol asked solemnly.

    ¡°It¡¯s only right you take care of her for the rest of your life.¡±

    In other words, by marrying Winter.

    Frank did a double take.

    Carol spoke sense¨Che just never thought about it that way.

    Still, he threw up his hands. ¡°No, no¡­ Let¡¯s not discuss that for a while either. Winter¡¯s still young and

    hasn¡¯t properly experienced society, and I don¡¯t think we should tell her right now.¡±

    He thought of Winter as a sister, and nothing romantic. Also, who would hook up with their mentor¡¯s

    daughter?

 Chapter 381

    Zeb returned homete that same night and headed to his father¡¯s study.

    Seeing his son, Cram put down the book he was reading and asked, ¡°I heard Henry Lane¡¯s birthday

    was today. How did you do?¡±

    ¡°Terrible. I was humiliated.¡± Zeb huffed. ¡°Frank Lawrence stole my thunder¨Cnot only did the Chief of

    General Affairs¡® secretarye to see him, but all of the Turnbulls¡® associates were there as well,

    inviting Frank to visit them!¡±

    ¡°Fine, then put all of that behind you,¡± Cram lectured. ¡°Right now, you should be trying to get the

    Rejuvenation Pill recipe.¡±

    ¡°I would, but Helen doesn¡¯t really trust me right now.¡± Zeb sighed exasperatedly.

    Cram mused to himself for a while and said, ¡°Then it¡¯s time I stepped up.¡±

    Zeb quickly warned him, ¡°Dad, you shouldn¡¯t underestimate Frank Lawrence. He¡¯s no pushover.¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Cramughed. ¡°If he were really that amazing, he wouldn¡¯t be freeloading off the Lane family

    for three years. You just stay out of this, and think of a way to win over Helen and her money. We¡¯ll rise

    above once I get the recipe.¡±

    Zeb nodded right then¨Che would certainly like to win over Helen too.

    Now, it seemed that he would have to resort to a more hands¨Con approach.

    Early next morning, Frank had just finished washing up when he received a call from Trevor Zurich.

    He had already found apletely renovated mansion near Skywater Bay for Carol that she could

    move into anytime.

    Frank nodded in satisfaction and informed Carol about that.

    After breakfast, a security guard informed Frank that a guest had arrived.

    Frank was surprised¨Cwho would be visiting this early in the morning?

    Still, he let them in.

    It turned out to be none other than Cram, who was surprised Frank lived in such luxury.

    He was even more shocked when he met Frank personally¨Cdespite Frank¡¯s slender frame, his

    presence was imposing, and he was exceedingly good looking.

    Perplexed to see Cram in turn, Frank nodded and asked, ¡°To whom do I owe the pleasure?¡±

    Cram smiled. ¡°Cram Larkin, at your service. Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Frank frowned right then. ¡°Larkin? Then Zeb Larkin is your¡­¡±

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Cram nodded. ¡°Zeb is my son.¡±

    Any good opinion Frank had of the man was gone immediately, though he tried his best to be

    cordial. He might hate Zeb, but he had no reason to attack a man who came in peace.

    ¡°Then tell me, Mr. Larkin¡­ To what do I owe the pleasure?¡± he asked.

    Cram smiled. ¡°I¡¯vee mainly to apologize to you, since things have been unpleasant between you

    and my son¡­¡±

    Frank raised a hand to stop him. ¡°I¡¯m busy, Mr. Larkin. Please cut to the chase.¡®

    ¡°Very well. My son told me that you invented the Rejuvenation Pill,¡± Cram said right then. And I came to

    ask for the recipe.¡±

    Frank¡¯s expression cooled right then. ¡°In that case, you can leave. I¡¯m never giving it to you.¡±

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    Cram quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t reject me in a hurry, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯m buying the recipe, not demanding it¡ª

    moreover, we can keep working together in the future. Or are you intent on having Vicky Turnbull as

    your sugar mommy for life? Really? A man of your talents?¡±

    Frankughed at that.

    Cram, however, thought he was on to something since Frank did not argue and quickly added, ¡°My

    family is no dynasty, but if you join me, we can build an empire where we reap all the benefits!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Frank raised a hand to stop him. ¡°I¡¯ll say it onest time¨CI¡¯ll never give you the

    Rejuvenation Pill or work with you. You can leave.¡±

    Did Cram even know how influential the Turnbulls really were? Was he that stupid to believe Frank

    would trade the Turnbulls for him?!

    Cram frowned. ¡°This is your chance at a new lease of life, Mr. Lawrence. You¡¯d better think about it¨CI¡¯m

    as sincere as I can be, so don¡¯t spit on my kindness.¡±

    In Cram¡¯s mind, Frank had a lot to gain in working for him¨Ca gigolo like him would never get a better life

    otherwise!

    Frankughed coldly in turn. ¡°What if I spit on your kindness? What are you going to do about it?¡±

    He actually thought Cram was reasonable, only for thetter to start threatening him as soon as he was

    refused.

    It was not surprising that Zeb was Cram¡¯s son¨Cbirds of the same feather truly flocked together.

    Cram narrowed his eyes and growled coolly, ¡°Well, I can¡¯t do anything to you¡­ would be horrible

    soon enough. Dealing with you couldn¡¯t be simpler.¡±

    but

    your life

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    Frank snorted in cold disdain. ¡°Very well, I don¡¯t mind seeing what you can pull off. I¡¯ll y with you

    anytime you like.¡±

    With that, Frank turned and shut the door in Cram¡¯s face.

    ¡°You little-¡±

    Cram was left pointing at the door, fuming.

    He did not think he would be disrespected like this when he came to talk to Frank.

    As he stormed off, he vowed to show Frank what he could do!

    At the same time, Frank returned to his room.

    He did not worry even when he was up against the Szars, and he was certainly not about to worry

    about the Larkins now.

    Right now, he had a more pressing issue, and that was to extract the Earthen Dragonheart.

    He instructed Winter not to bother him for a while and to call Trevor if anything happened while he was

    in seclusion.

    With that, he entered a sealed room and assumed a meditative pose.

    cing the Earthen Dragonheart in a cauldron, he began to direct his vigor as trained to absorb the

    herbal essence.

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Once the essence seeped into his veins, it began to wash over Frank¡¯s meridians.

    His body¡¯s abundant vigor was hence gradually refined into pure vigor, each particle slowly gathering in

    his sr plexus and building into a solid swirl.

    His physique solidified further as he directed pure vigor through his veins just like how he was trained.

    He sat like a frozen statue, only deriving endless pleasure and no pain from using pure vigor to refine

    his body.

    A vortex seemed to build around him in that sealed room as days passed, swirling endlessly around

    him¡­

 Chapter 383

    Winter was afraid to impose as Frank stayed in seclusion.

    She attended her sses as usual during the day and helped out at her mother¡¯s new snackbar

    whenever she had free time.

    After Carol reopened her snackbar, things were once again busy whenever rush hour arrived,

    A few dayster, Winter was also helping out in the evening.

    After helping her mother close the doors, Carol said, ¡°You should stay the night here, Winter.¡±

    Winter shook her head. ¡°No, I should go back to Skywater Bay. Frank is still in seclusion, and I¡¯m not

    sure when he¡¯lle out. I need to go back to check on him.¡±

    Carol smiled. ¡°You really care a lot about him.¡±

    Winter blushed. ¡°Stop it, Mom. Our family owes him¨Cit¡¯s only right for me to show some care in return.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Hurry back soon,¡± Carol told her.

    Winter nodded and rode her electric moped back to Skywater Bay.

    She looked up to see the skies covered in dark clouds¨Cit looked like it was going to rain.

    She shut all the doors and windows before checking the basement as well.

    However, Frank was still not out.

    She could not help being curious about what training he was doing in seclusion, that he could fast for

    days.

    Still, she did not dwell on it and returned to her bedroom, unaware that a ck¨Cd man hid in a dark

    corner outside the mansion, studying the building.

    Once Winter¡¯s room light was off, the ck¨Cd man sneaked into the mansion.

    He was one of Cram¡¯s goons, sent there to threaten Frank.

    Naturally, he could not kill Frank before getting the recipe and would only hurt Winter!

    He followed his intel and made it to Winter¡¯s room, but she was not asleep.

    Thinking it was Frank when she heard footsteps, she was just about to get out of bed when she

    realized something was wrong

    If it was Frank outside, he would not have to tip¨Ctoe!

    ¡°A thief?¡± she muttered in panic and picked up a photo frame from the bedside drawer.

    Tiptoeing to the door and quietly opening it to a narrow slit, she gingerly looked outside¡­ and almost

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    felt her heart stop as she was staring into another pair of eyes!

    The main was scrawny and smiling smugly.

    ¡°No!¡± Winter screamed as cold sweat ran down her back, the photo frame in her hand

    suddenly forgotten.

    She was petrified -it was a scene right out of a horror movie that she had never expected to happen to

    her!

    And while she was stunned, the ck¨Cd man shoved the door wide open, knocking her

    down to the floor in surprise.

    She frantically crawled backwards while crying out, ¡°W¨CWho are you?!¡±

    The ck¨Cd manughed. ¡°You must be Winter Lawrence. I¡¯m here for you.¡±

    With that, he whipped out a knife, brandishing it.

    Anyone would be scared at the sight at the cold, gleaming edge!

    ¡°W¨CWhat do you want?¡± Winter gulped.

    ¡°Your dear brother didn¡¯t want to work with my boss,¡± the ck¨Cd man grinned as he strode toward

    Winter. ¡°So I have to hurt you now.¡±

    Winter scrambled to get away, but the ck¨Cd man promptly chased her down and grabbed her by

    the neck.

    ¡°No!!! Let me go!!!¡± Winter screamed even as she struggled.

 Chapter 384

    However, Winter was too small to put up a fight, and the ck¨Cd man smiled. ¡°Calm down, it¡¯s just a

    little mark on your face! It¡¯d be over before you know it¡­ But the harder you struggle, the more it¡¯s

    going to hurt!¡±

    Winter watched in tearful despair as the knife inched closer to her face.

    Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shed, illuminating the room.

    Bang!

    At the same time, there was a loud crash downstairs, startling both Winter and the ck¨Cd man!

    ¡°Frank! Help me!¡± Winter screamed on top of her lungs.

    The ck¨Cd man then felt a terrible murderous presence behind him and turned to find a figure

    standing there.

    It was pitch¨Cck, but the man¡¯s eyes somehow gleamed icily.

    Horrified and knowing that things had gone bad, the ck¨Cd man tried to make the first move!

    Thud.

    There was a dull sound, and the ck¨Cd man froze.

    He had no idea when Frank moved, but his knife was already gone.

    That was not all, as his hand was cut off at the wrist too!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± the ck¨Cd man screamed as he stumbled backward. ¡°W¨CWho are you?!¡±

    Frankughed coolly. ¡°You came to my house without knowing who I am?¡±

    The ck¨Cd man nched. ¡°F¨CFrank Lawrence?! Impossible!¡±

    His intel suggested that Frank was at best an advanced vigor wielder, but the man had just unleashed

    pure vigor!

    That meant he was now Birthright, a rank of martial artists who could refine their vigor into pure vigor,

    shaping it into solid forms.

    For example, they could cast a sh through thin air even when unarmed!

    ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence! I¡¯m begging you¡­ I¡¯m just under orders! I have no fight with you¡­ J- Just let

    me go!¡±

    The ck¨Cd man was promptly on his knees, begging¨Che would never win against a Birthright, and

    he might just stand a chance if he begged!

    ¡°No chance. You tried to hurt my sister,¡± Frank said coldly and held his palm t as he swiped.

    The ck¨Cd man felt himself choking as he reached up to his own throat, where blood was gushing,

    in panic.

    He tried to speak but could not.

    Soon, he copsed on the floor, his eyes wide open as he died with much regret¨Che would never have

    taken this job if he had known that Frank was Birthright!

    But it was now all toote.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank then took Winter out of her room and asked, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°N¨CNo¡­¡± Winter shook her head repeatedly, not quite recovered from her panic just yet.

    ¡°You should sleep in another room for tonight¨Cdon¡¯t worry, everything is fine now,¡± Frank said calmly.

    He never asked the ck¨Cd man who sent him, but he had an idea.

    And now that he had reached Birthright, he was invincible here in Riverton.

    Meanwhile, every martial elite in Riverton had rushed out of their room, all of them staring fixedly at the

    sky as the downpour left them soaked through.

    As Kenny Sparks stood on his house¡¯s balcony, his wife quickly brought him an umbre. ¡± What are

    you doing, standing here instead of staying in bed thiste at night?¡±

    Kenny was still staring nkly at the skies. ¡°Someone in Riverton has just reached Birthright.¡±

 Chapter 385

    ¡°Birthright?¡±

    Kenny¡¯s wife stared at her husband in confusion.

    She did not know much about martial arts, only that her husband had reached the pinnacle in wielding

    vigor.

    That fact alone allowed him to stand as chief of an entire marital sect.

    How much stronger would that other person be if they reached the Birthright rank?

    Kenny nodded. ¡°Look at the skies. It seems that with the new Birthright rank, the tides will change in

    Riverton.¡±

    Kim White also heard the thunder outside her home.

    She stepped out of her room in her pajamas and soon found her father staring at the skies from behind

    the door.

    Seeing her, he smiled. ¡°Why are you up thiste, Kim?¡±

    ¡°I thought I heard thunder¡­ It woke me up,¡± Kim replied quietly.

    Eron nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not your ordinary thunder either. Someone has just reached the Birthright rank.¡±

    ¡°Birthright rank? Is that really strong?¡± Kim asked in curiosity.

    ¡°Of course. Even Kuno Yaffe only reached the pinnacle in wielding vigor.¡± Eron sighed. ¡°I wonder who it

    could be¡­ It¡¯d be great if they could be our ally.¡±

    Eron had naturally learned about the fall of Flying Sword Sect.

    He had no idea who it was but was at once shocked and afraid.

    In the case of thetter, he was scared of Flying Sword Sect¡¯s enemiesing for him. In fact, he was

    still on edge even after days went by, and no one ever came.

    But if they could have a Birthright rank individual as an ally¡­ they would have nothing to fear!

    Kim asked softly just then, ¡°Could it be Frank Lawrence?¡±

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    She had seen him in action and knew that he was really strong.

    Eron simplyughed at her, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re being naive now, Kim. Birthright rank individuals

    have to be trained for decades, but Frank isn¡¯t even thirty. It¡¯s not even guaranteed that he can reach it

    in life.¡±

    Unbeknownst to him, Frank had already reached Birthright rank three years ago.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Kim murmured, a little disappointed just then.

    Aside from the Spark n and the White family, the martial elites of other major families were also

    outside their homes as well¡­

    Early next morning, Cram was feeling proud of himself, convinced that Frank would quietly take his

    offer for a partnership after his show of force.

    Calling the man himself, he asked, ¡°Things weren¡¯t peacefulst night, were they, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    Frank frowned as he asked icily, ¡°You were the one who sent the hitman?¡±

    ¡°No, you misunderstand, Mr. Lawrence.¡± Cram simply smiled. ¡°He wasn¡¯t a hitman¨Che¡¯s just a

    messenger, there to deliver my threat. You should really consider working with me, or I can¡¯t promise

    your family¡¯s safety soon.¡±

    ¡°Well done¨Cyou¡¯ve sessfully provoked me,¡± Frank said quietly. ¡°Know this: if I see you apologizing

    on your knees before sundown, I just might let you live.¡±

    ¡°You can ¡±

    Cram was just going to start snapping, but Frank had already hung up.

    ¡°He¡¯s really too much!¡± Cram snorted.

    Meanwhile, Frank called Trevor as soon as he hung up. ¡°Trevor.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

 Chapter 386

    Frank said icily, ¡°Give the order to boycott the Larkins.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Trevor replied without hesitation.

    Meanwhile, Zeb entered his father¡¯s room and asked, ¡°How did it go, Dad? Is Frank giving up the

    Rejuvenation Pill recipe yet?¡±

    Cram mmed his palm on the table as he spat furiously, ¡°He told me to get down on my knees and

    apologize! He¡¯s really full of it!¡±

    Zeb narrowed his eyes. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s just kidnap Helen. I can see that Frank is still attached to

    her, and it¡¯ll all be worth it when he hands over the recipe when we threaten her.¡±

    Cram thought about it and nodded. ¡°Guess it¡¯s our only way. Frank Lawrence only has himself to me

    for not knowing his ce.¡±

    Zeb nodded and was just getting started when the phone in the study rang.

    Cram answered it and was immediately deafened by the caller¡¯s screams, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you,

    Cram Larkin?! How dare you challenge Mr. Lawrence?! Understand this¨Cwe never knew each other!

    And don¡¯t try to call me ever again!¡±

    Utterly befuddled, Cram asked, ¡°What? What are you talking about, Mr. Zims?¡±

    However, Mr. Zims hung up even before Cram could finish his question.

    More calls soon followed the first, and every caller¡¯s purpose was the same: to cut ties with the Larkins!

    Cram was left dumbfounded at the turn of events, until another call came¨Cthis time from Jackie, who

    hailed from the same hometown as Cram.

    The man was sighing. ¡°Look, Cram¡­ I think we should just give up on the investment we agreed upon

    before and try not to cross paths from now on.¡±

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Please, Jackie!¡± Cram cried as if he was hanging on for dear life. ¡°W¨CWhat¡¯s happening here? Are you

    being threatened? Why is everyone suddenly boycotting me?¡±

    ¡°Well, I guess I can tell you since we go way back¡­ It¡¯s the CEO of Trevor International. He dered

    that anyone who is a friend to you is an enemy of Trevor International.¡±

    Cram was dumbfounded. ¡°Trevor International?! I never did anything to them!¡±

    ¡°No, you

    didn¡¯t¨Cbut you did something to Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Who?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but Trevor really admires the man and wouldn¡¯t even mention his full name.¡±

    Sighing again, Jackie finished, ¡°Okay, that¡¯s all I¡¯ll say. Just watch your back from now on.¡± And with

    that, he hung up.

    Cram was left staring into thin air in disbelief.

    When did he ever mess with anyone named Lawrence¡­ Wait, did Jackie mean Frank Lawrence?

    It was hard to believe, but it was the likeliest case.

    At the same time, Zeb was still staring at Cram in confusion. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t kidnap Helen for now,¡± Cram quickly said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Zeb was puzzled.

    ¡°Look, Frank is more than what he seemed¨CI¡¯m going to see him now. Don¡¯t do anything until Ie

    back.¡±

    If Trevor really did call for a boycott on his family, all their ns against Frank must be put to a stop!

    While Cram quickly got dressed and hurried to Skywater Bay without dy, Zeb remained utterly

    confused.

    All he could think was that his dad was too easily spooked¨Cit was just Frank, so what was there to be

    scared of?

 Chapter 387

    Leaving home, Zeb drove straight to Helen¡¯s office and greeted her once she stepped outside the

    building.

    ¡°Hey, Helen.¡± He smiled.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Mr. Larkin?¡± Helen stared at him in surprise.

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Was just missing you. You didn¡¯t have lunch, right? There¡¯s a new restaurant nearby ¨Cwhy don¡¯t we go

    try it?¡± he offered with a cordial look.

    Helen thought about it and nodded¨Cshe was just going to eat anyway, and there was no reason to

    refuse.

    They soon arrived at the restaurant, with Zeb enthusiastically making the orders before smiling, ¡°What

    do you think we should drink?¡±

    Helen shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll pass on the alcohol¨CI still have work to do.¡±

    Zeb gave up, and after dining for a while, he cut to the chase. ¡°It¡¯s been years, Helen. I¡¯m sure you

    know how I feel about you. I came back to the country as soon as I heard about your divorce, and I

    never got married because you¡¯re the only one for me.¡±

    Helen stiffened and leveled him a weird¨Cout look. ¡°Why are you suddenly telling me this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you see how I feel about you, Helen?¡± Zeb asked earnestly.

    Helen pursed her lips awkwardly. ¡°I understand, but I can¡¯t ept it.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Zeb asked in confusion.

    Helen smiled and sighed. ¡°I won¡¯t lie¨CI may have divorced Frank, but he¡¯s still the one in my heart. I

    might even say he never left.¡±

    Zeb pursed his lips grumpily. ¡°Why? What¡¯s good about him? Frank doesn¡¯t deserve a strong and

    independentdy like you.¡±

    Helen lowered her head shyly as she smiled blissfully. ¡°Well, it¡¯s true I didn¡¯t want to go along when my

    grandfather arranged our marriage. But since we¡¯ve been married, he always respected me, never

    straying out of line¡­ it¡¯s as if we¡¯re more friends than spouses. I don¡¯t know when I fell in love myself,

    but I felt regret when I divorced him.¡±

    She never knew she loved him either, but she hade to realize it was always Frank who came to

    save her whenever she was in danger.

    Moreover, Frank would face everything alone, even when he was mismed.

    She really owed him too much

    Zeb was left gritting his teeth. ¡°Can¡¯t you consider me,

    me, Helen?¡±

    Helen shook her head right away. ¡°We¡¯re just friends, Mr. Larkin. I¡¯ve never thought of you romantically.

    I apologize if I have misled you in any way.¡±

    Zeb inhaled deeply, his eyes shing viciously as he picked up a bottle. ¡°Very well. We¡¯re still friends.¡±

    While pouring Helen a drink, he slipped a pill into her ss without her noticing.

    Helen was actually surprised Zeb was being understanding enough today and drank from her cup

    without thinking.

    After they finished their food, Helen slipped on her jacket. ¡°Thanks for the lunch, Mr. Larkin. The next

    meal¡¯s on me.¡±

    Zeb nodded in silence and watched as she stood up. Helen wobbled right then, as she felt lightheaded.

 Chapter 388

    Helen thought that she stood up too quickly and was going to reach for the wall, only to fall backward

    on the floor.

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Helen tried to call for help but realized she could not speak!

    Zeb moved on top of her and smiled. ¡°Oh, Helen¨Cyou shouldn¡¯t drink if you¡¯re bad with alcohol. Come,

    let¡¯s get you home.¡±

    Helen¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as she red at him, knowing that he had drugged her.

    Her mind was clear, but her body simply refused to move!

    At the same time, Zeb carried Helen out of the restaurant, as the waitresses looked on with smiles, and

    threw her in the backseat.

    Helen kept looking around and tried to shout, but she¨Ccould not do anything.

    That was when she spotted her own phone in her purse and pushed her hand as much as possible!

    It felt as heavy as lead, but she refused to give up. After all, she had no idea where Zeb would take her

    or what he would do to her!

    Luckily, she managed to make an emergency call with all her strength, and her emergency contact was

    none other than Frank!

    Meanwhile, Cram was visiting Skywater Bay once again.

    He pressed on the doorbell, and the door quickly opened¨CFrank was expecting him.

    ¡°Did youe to apologize?¡± Frank asked.

    Cram licked his lips as he leveled Frank a look of embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯d just like to ask¡­ What¡¯s your

    connection to Trevor Zurich?¡±

    Frankughed coldly. ¡°What, did everyone boycott you or something?¡±

    Cram paled.

    The fact that Frank knew meant that he was the same Mr. Lawrence whom Trevor mentioned!

    Dropping to his knees right then, Cram cried, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about everything! Forgive my ignorance and

    forgive me this one time! I promised we won¡¯t harass you or your friends in any way!¡±

    Cram was born amoner. Having none of the pride of dynastic heirs, he certainly knew when to give

    in.

    As the saying goes, noble is the man who knows when to yield.

    Moreover, it was stupid to squander money over honor anyway.

    Frankughed out loud¨Cthe man was really adaptable. ¡°I¡¯m surprised that you can really

    kneel when you have to.¡±

    ¡°Haha! You¡¯re so funny, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Cram chuckled.

    That was when Frank nced at Winter, who stood nearby. ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t be apologizing. to me.

    You should be apologizing to her.¡±

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Ms. Lawrence. Do forgive me for my mistake.¡± Cram quickly kowtowed to Winter with

    the same somberness.

    Winter gulped¨Cshe had never been in such a situation. ¡°Y¨CYou should get up¡­¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t until you forgive me, Ms. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I forgive you, okay?¡± Winter quickly said.

    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Lawrence.¡± Cram smiled as he stood up. ¡°About the boycott, Mr. Lawrence¡­¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll give you one chance since you¡¯re so sincere.¡±

    That was when his phone started ringing¡­

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    Frank answered Helen¡¯s call on reflex, but he could only hear Zeb who was busy driving and did not

    see what Helen did.

    Laughing smugly, he gloated, ¡°Stop struggling, Helen. I spent big bucks on that drug¨Cyou¡¯d be wide

    awake, but you just can¡¯t move. After all, I¡¯m going to show you what it means to have a good time as a

    woman. I mean, rumor has it that you never did it with Frank¡­ is he impotent or something? Hahaha!¡±

    Frank was left incensed by that unrulyughter and sprang to his feet as he bellowed, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, Zeb

    Larkin!¡±

    Zeb never heard him, though Cram was left stupefied as he sat opposite Frank. ¡°What happened, Mr.

    Lawrence?¡± he asked, not sure what got into him.

    Frank leveled a sharp re at Cram and kicked him in the chest, sending him flying!

    ¡°Oof¡­ Bleurgh!¡± Cram screamed and coughed a mouthful of blood while his chest burned! Frank

    charged out of the mansion too, pointing at Cram as he bellowed, ¡°Your son has the balls to abduct

    Helen Lane! If anything happens to her, your whole family will be dead!¡± With that, he sped out of

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Skywater Bay while barking orders at Trevor to track Helen¡¯s phone. Cram was left on the floor, never

    expecting his own son to be so bold.

    That idiot! He had told Zeb to wait until he came back!

    Meanwhile, Zeb carried Helen to a hotel room and threw her on the bed.

    The drug on Helen was starting to wear off, but she could only talk.

    ¡°Are you crazy, Zeb? What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    ¡°What am I doing?¡± Zeb chuckled as he took off his suit and tie. ¡°You, of course.¡±

    Helen stared at him in fear. ¡°Just calm down¡­ I can give you money, however much We¡¯re friends,

    aren¡¯t we? How could you do this to me?¡±

    you want!

    Zeb pursed his lips. ¡°Now we¡¯re friends? I¡¯ve been ving myself to you every day, but you didn¡¯t even

    take me seriously! How am I not better than Frank? No, I¡¯ll seal the deal right now -don¡¯t you ever y

    the chaste maiden around me from now on!¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    Helen did not expect him to be that terrible.

    At the same time, Zeb took off his clothes and turned on his phone¡¯s video function, leveling the lens at

    Helen while grinning smugly. ¡°Since Frank Lawrence cares so much about you, he¡¯d be satisfied with

    exchanging the Rejuvenation Pill recipe for this video. If he still refuses, the video will go viral across

    Riverton!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re scum,

    Zeb!¡±

    ¡°Oh, it only gets worse from here.¡± Zeb snorted and gleefully reached for her clothes.

    Tears welled up in her eyes¡ªshe could not move, and could only watch as his hands inched closer,

    praying that someone would save her..

    Bang!

    The hotel room door was suddenly struck deafeningly, causing both of them to jump!

 Chapter 390

    Zeb turned to see that the center of the door suddenly had a huge dent on it!

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    The door was solid wood! How powerful was the man to have kicked it into that shape?! There was

    another bang, and the door copsed heavily on the floor as Frank entered!

    Helen was rejoicing as soon as she saw him. ¡°Frank, help¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ruining my ns again!¡± Zeb growled through his teeth.

    He already had enough of Frank. It was time he finished this!

    Frank snapped in turn, ¡°I was going to spare you, Zeb Larkin, but you had to keep digging a bigger hole

    for yourself. Enough is enough.¡±

    He could tolerate Zeb joining the Zondas to mock him in public, but he would not abide with him going

    after Helen.

    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Zeb whipped out a pocket knife and stabbed it at Frank, having never seen him fight or care

    that he could.

    ¡°Frank!!!¡± Helen screamed on top of his lungs as Zeb¡¯s knife almost reached Frank!

    ng.

    ¡°What the¡­?¡±

    Suddenly, Zeb¡¯s knife broke.

    He stared at it¨Cit was not some cheap knife, so how could it break even before he stabbed Frank with

    it?

    He certainly had no idea that Frank had already released a burst of his pure vigor to break the knife.

    Then, he raised his hand, leaving such a violent shockwave that Zeb could not even open his

    eyes.

    All he could feel was the agony on his face, just before he felt himself flying!

    Crash!

    He saw stars as he hit the wall, but he soon scrambled to his feet.

    He now knew how horrible Frank could be just for one p!

    ¡°Fuck you! Just you wait!¡± he snapped at Frank defiantly, not stopping for his clothes as he fled.

    Frank was about to go for the kill, but Helen shouted at him, ¡°Frank! Please!¡±

    He turned toward her. Seeing that she was not moving, he quickly asked, ¡°What happened to you?¡±

    ¡°Zeb drugged me¡­¡®

    Frank did a double take and quickly picked up her wrist to examine her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just a paralytic agent. One needle and you¡¯d be fine.¡± Helen nodded repeatedly, while

    Frank inserted a needle under her navel. Helen immediately felt the sting, just as all her senses in her

    limbs returned.

    She quickly threw her arms around Frank, her tears gushing uncontrobly, ¡°I was so scared, Frank¡­¡±

    Frank stiffened, his arms dangling awkwardly before patting her gently on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s alright.

    Everything is fine now¡­¡±

    Helen then leveled a loving look at him, but before she could speak, Gina charged into the room with

    Peter in tow.

    Seeing that Helen¡¯s clothes were a mess and Frank standing with her, she immediately bellowed,

    ¡°Frank Lawrence! What did you do to my daughter?!¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Peter bellowed at him. ¡°Then who did that to my sister¡¯s clothes? Do you see anyone else

    here?!¡±

 Chapter 391

    Gina had received a call froin Lane Holdings that Helen never returned after lunch.

    Since Helen also had a meetingter, she would not leave for no reason,

    That was why Gina tracked Helen¡¯s phone, and it was fortunate she made it in time¡­ or Frank would

    have had his way with her!

    Frank rolled his eyes but said patiently, ¡°It was Zeb Larkin,¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare nder Mr. Larkin!¡± Gina snapped at him in contempt. ¡°Do you think he¡¯s sc¨´m like

    you?!¡±

    Frank frowned. ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth. Believe what you want,¡®

    Peter leapt up to grab his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to argue! We¡¯re taking you to the cops!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Helen snapped right then. ¡°Zeb was the one who drugged me and brought me here,

    but Frank came to save me, Zeb would have his way for me if he didn¡¯t make it in time!¡±

    Gina gaped, but she refused to believe it. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Helen¨CI¡¯m here now, so just tell the truth. Don¡¯t

    worry about that bastard.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Peter joined in. ¡°What good is helping him anyway?¡±

    Helen inhaled deeply¨Chow could they doubt her?

    Fortunately, Zeb did not take his phone when he fled.

    Helen picked it up from the edge of the bed, brought up the video footage, and showed them: Zeb¡¯s

    filthy words and behavior were perfectly clear, and Frank arrived just in time to save Helen.

    Gina simply looked on in disbelief, ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible. Mr. Larkin is not like that.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, there must be a misunderstanding,¡± Peter added, finding it hard to ept as well.

    Frank snorted coldly. ¡°Hrious. The evidence is right there, and you still think there¡¯s a

    misunderstanding.¡±

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°W¨CWhat¡¯s the problem? We have the right to be skeptical,¡± Peter stammered.

    Gina shot him a look of contempt in turn. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s our family¡¯s business¨Cyou don¡¯t get to tell us

    what to do!¡±

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not bothered at all.¡± Frank rolled his eyes and turned to leave.

    ¡°Frank! Where are you going?¡± Helen hurried after him, but Peter and Gina stopped her.

    ¡°Where do you think you are going, Helen?¡± Gina snapped.

    ¡°Frank saved me, Mom!¡± Helen eximed, staring at her speechless. ¡°Not only did you refuse to thank

    him, but you had to insult him too?!¡±

    1

    Gina thought nothing of it. ¡°So what if he did? What¡¯s so impressive about that? He should be doing

    that much after freeloading off us for years!¡±

    In fact, she would rather Frank never showed up, so that Helen would be Mrs. Larkin with a

    shotgun wedding!

    ¡°Enough!¡± Helen snapped, almost crying in frustration at her mother¡¯s unreasonable nature.

    She quickly ran out of the room, but Frank was already gone.

    Dropping to a crouch, she started bawling in regret!

    Meanwhile, Frank was on the phone with Hans Schnee.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sending you a location,¡± Frank said. ¡°Come here quickly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Hans replied before asking curiously, ¡°Is it just going to be me? And what¡¯s it going to be?¡±

 Chapter 392

    Frank¡¯s tone was icy. ¡°Death¡±

    Hans nodded in understanding ¡°Understood sir. I¡¯m on my way.

    Meanwhile, Zeb managed to make it home.

    Cram could tell from the way he was panicking and the fiery¨Cred palm print on his face that Frank had

    him beaten up.

    ¡°You kidnapped Helen?¡± he quickly asked.

    ¡°Yeah! And I was so close!¡± Zeb wheezed as be mmed a fist on the table in frustration. ¡°But that

    bastard Frank Laurence had to meddle again!¡±

    ¡°Really.¡± Cram pointed at him in disappointment. ¡°The worst thing you can do with this is get impatient!

    Now Helen ispletely on his side!¡°.

    ¡°So what?! We could just kill him!¡± Zeb sported in disdain.

    Cram did a double take. ¡°Kill Frank? And how are you going to do that?¡±

    Zeb grinned. ¡°Bahl Dad, don¡¯t forget that Vi Szar and I are tight. I also know that she¡¯s fought

    against Frank before, and nothing¡¯s better than borrowing her strength on this.¡±

    ¡°Will she belp? Cram asked, skeptical

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Zeb snorted and picked up the phone from his father¡¯s desk to call Vi.

    Vi soon answered, grumbling, ¡°Where have you been? It¡¯s been a while since you visited.¡±

    Zeb sighed as if in pain. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want to visit¡­ I¡¯ve just had trouble.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Vi asked in concern

    Zeb sighed again. ¡°This bastard named Frank Lawrence beat me up just because he didn¡¯t like the way

    I look! I mean, we¡¯re talking about a man¡¯s face here! You have to help me, Vi!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Vi eximed in shock. ¡°Are you crazy?! Why would you upset Frank Lawrence?! I¡¯m telling

    you¨Capologize to him right away, and don¡¯t ever mention me, or you won¡¯t even know what killed you?¡±

    And with that, she hung up.

    After all, thest time Frank attacked him, he left her in a state worse than death ¡ª the agony was still

    clearly enched in her memory!

    That was why she was not going to provoke Frank in any way. not until her brother returned.

    Zeb was left dumbfounded in

    Vi was terrified just because he mentioned Frank Lawrence? What on earth happened to ber?

    ¡°So? What did Ms. Szar say?¡± Cram quickly asked.

    Zeb was still gaping, ¡°She told me not to upset Frank¡­¡±

    ¡°I knew it.¡± Cram sighed. ¡°Trevor Zurich boycotted us because Frank told him to do it in the first ce¨C

    he¡¯s not that easy to deal with.¡±

    Zeb gulped, finally feeling fear. ¡°What should we do, Dad?¡±

    Cram narrowed his eyes. ¡°What else can we do? We¡¯ll take whatever they throw at us and take Frank

    down even if it¡¯s thest thing we do!¡±

    With that, they promptly gathered the best men they could find and spent a fortune hiring one particr

    bodyguard.

    As night arrived, Frank and Hans arrived at the Larkins¡® doorstep.

    Noticing unfamiliar faces, the bodyguards at the gates stopped them. ¡°Halt! This is Larkin family

    property! What¡¯s your purpose here? You¡¯re not entering unless you¡¯re invited!¡±

    Crack.

    Hans moved within a split second, eliminating him.

 Chapter 393

    Frank hade to massacre the Larkins, and not by hiding.

    He kicked down the front gates with a resounding crash, startling everyone inside.

    Countless bodyguards charged out of the mansion right then and surrounded him and Hans.

    Cram and Zeb stepped outside, and thetter was sneering when he saw Frank¨Che really doubted

    Frank would defeat all of his men!

    ¡°You really have the balls toe here, Frank¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Cram barked at him before turning toward Frank. ¡°To what do we owe the pleasure thiste,

    Mr. Lawrence?¡±

    ¡°Your son¡¯s life,¡± Frank said, his expression nonchnt but his tone murderous.

    Cram frowned. ¡°Zeb made a mistake today, and I apologize. Can¡¯t you look the other way this one

    time? Let him make amends¡­¡±

    ¡°Why bother writingws if apologies work?¡± Frank growled coldly. ¡°Give up your son, and I can spare

    your life.¡±

    ¡°How about twenty million dors to Ms. Lane inpensation?¡± Cram pressed, convinced that money

    could solve everything.

    ¡°Onest time,¡± Frank growled, his tone making it clear they were not talking about this. Give me your

    son. Don¡¯t make me do this.¡±

    Cram might be cowardly, but there was no way he would give up Zeb, his only son!

    Growling through his teeth, ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to see reason, I have no choice! The two of you

    would either have to kill every man here, or you¡¯ll both die!¡±

    ¡°Insolence,¡± Hans snarled¨Chow dare these scum refuse Frank!

    He sprinted toward Zeb with his hands outstretched.

    Zeb flinched in terror as Hans moved like a lightning bolt!

    Smack!

    Suddenly, there was a dull thud as a ck¨Cd man leapt in just before Hans reached Zeb, kicking

    Hans in the palm.

    Both men quickly moved back, with the ck¨Cd man stumbling several paces backward before he

    could anchor himself,

    On the other hand, Hans had already caught himself by just shoving one foot into the ground and was

    even licking his lips in excitement. ¡°Hoho¡­ I¡¯m actually surprised there¡¯s a challenge.

    Cram was grinning as he looked at the ck¨Cd man. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Gorm. But be careful- those

    two are strong.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    Scarless Gorm snorted. ¡°They¡¯re just brats¨Chow ipetent is your family that I, Scarless

    Gorm, the eighteenth Earthrank, have to put up with the likes of them?¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ Scarless Gorm?¡± Hans was actually surprised. ¡°The one who mastered the twelve forms of

    Tamarine Kicks?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve heard of me? Then surrender already.¡± Scarless Gorm snorted in disdain, folding his arms

    before his chest.

    ¡°Earthrank? What is that?¡± Zeb turned toward his father.

    Cram narrowed his eyes in glee. ¡°It¡¯s the ranking of the greatest martial artists beneath Skyrank.

    Individuals who reach Earthrank can engage a hundred alone.¡±

    Zeb gasped.

    One against hundred? That was amazing!

    ¡°If Earthrank is already that impressive, what about Skyrank?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not martial arts prodigies at that point.¡± Cram chuckled.

    ¡°Then what are they?¡±

    ¡°Beings like no other. Legends. Gods.¡±

    Zeb gulped in awe.

    Even if Scarless Gorm was not Skyrank, he would be more than enough against Frank and his friend!

    However, Hans was casually pursing his lips. ¡°You¡¯re eighteenth on Earthrank, and you have the cheek

    to mention it repeatedly?¡±

    Scarless Gorm frowned. ¡°Did you just mock me, kid?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not mocking you. I don¡¯t give a shit about you at all, actually.¡± Hans sneered in disdain.

 Chapter 394

    Suddenly, Frank said coolly, ¡°Quit wasting time. You have three minutes.¡±

    ¡°I need just one.¡± Hans shrugged.

    ¡°Fuck! Let¡¯s see you put your money where your mouth is!¡± Scarless Gorm bellowed, then shoved his

    foot into the ground andunched a kick at Hans face!

    ¡°Amazing!¡± Zeb eximed in delight even as he felt the shockwave, never expecting his father to be

    able to get someone so powerful!

    And yet, Hans moved at the very next instant and grabbed Scarless Gorm by the ankles, his w¨Clike

    fingers clenching!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡±

    Crack!

    Then, even as Scarless Gorm screamed, Hans punched him in the kneecaps!

    There was a crisp sound as Scarless Gorm dropped out of the air right then and was left clutching his

    right leg as he rolled all over the ground!

    ¡°My leg! My leg!¡± he shrieked at the top of his lungs, sweating profusely as his face turned pale.

    The Larkins turned pale too, with Cram gaping. ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s impossible!

    He had spent twenty million just to hire Scarless Gorm¡­ but Hans had just crippled him with a single

    punch!

    Zeb was pale as a sheet, not expecting that a fight between martial elites would end so quickly.

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He was still mocking Frank earlier, but he certainly could notugh now!

    Moreover, there was no style or elegance in Hans¡® movement, only brute strength!

    Even the Larkins¡® bodyguards were starting to back away, afraid to get close!

    Hans simply stood there, his hands in his pocket as he snorted. ¡°The sheer ignorance, trying to fight

    me when that¡¯s all you had.¡±

    ¡°W¨CWho are you?¡± Scarless Gorm stared at him in panic¨Csomeone as strong as him could not be a

    nobody!

    ¡°Nergal, Skyrank¡¯s eighty¨Cseventh,¡± Hans replied in disdain.

    ¡°What¡­?!¡± Scarless Gorm gaped.

    He never could have known, just as he would never have fought a Skyrank individual!

    At the same time, Frank slowly strode toward Zeb, who started stumbling backward before slipping and

    falling.

    He turned to his father and screamed, ¡°Dad!!! Please help!!!¡±

    Cram had no choice but to step between them. ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence¡­ just spare my son¡¯s life! You

    can have anything you want! We can talk about this-¡±

    ¡°Fuck off.¡± Frank sent him flying with a kick.

    Horrified, Zeb scrambled to his feet to run, but Frank had already reached him and grabbed him by the

    neck.

    His face turned purple as Frank choked him, and he wet himself under Frank¡¯s menacing presence.

    ¡°Ack¡­ Please¡­ Give me a chance¡­ I won¡¯t do it anymore¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ Please¡­¡± ¡°I gave you a

    chance. You just didn¡¯t take it,¡± Frank growled.

 Chapter 395

    Crack.

    With just a little squeeze, Zeb stopped screaming, his eyes wide open even as he died.

    ¡°No!!!¡± Cram screamed hysterically at the sight of his son¡¯s death, his eyes blood red as he bellowed at

    him, ¡°Frank Lawrence! You will die for this! Kill him! Kill him!!!¡±

    All of Cram¡¯s men whipped out their weapons, their des shing blindingly as they charged at Frank.

    Hans was about to move, but Frank stopped him.

    ¡°Let me show you what it means to have power,¡± he growled as the air around him swirled violently, his

    clothes pping loudly in turn.

    He stepped one foot forward, and shot toward the crowd like a bullet.

    With a punch, four men were sent flying¨Cthere was no way to withstand the weight of a truck crashing

    towards them.

    Even before des could reach him, Frank would shattered the edges with nothing more than a gentle

    ke, his pure vigor flowing around him.

    Screams ensued wherever he passed, leaving Hans standing there in shock.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence reached Birthright again?¡±

    Frank¡¯s cultivation had been crippled before, but he was now Birthright again in just three years,

    perhaps even stronger than before.

    Truly¨Conce a genius, always a genius.

    As Frank took down the fiftyish bodyguards of the Larkins in no time at all, there was not so much as a

    smear of blood on his hands.

    It was as if nothing ever happened.

    ¡°W¨CWhat are you¡­?¡± Cram waspletely dumbfounded, no longer feeling terror as he only knew

    confusion just then.

    Frank leveled a cool look at him. ¡°Frank Lawrence, apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect¨Cmention my name

    when you see the reaper.¡±

    He waved his hand, and Cram was instantly decapitated.

    Scarless Gorm was trembling even as hey on the floor. ¡°Mystic Sky Sect? Y¨CYou¡¯re Donn

    Lawrence?!¡±

    He never could have dreamed of provoking Donn Lawrence, the man who topped Skyrank!

    Was he not supposed to have been killed three years ago, at the battle of the South Sea?

    To think that the freak survived!

    Frank nced at him./

    Scarless Gorm recognized him, and that meant death.

    He beckoned at Hans, who nodded and swung his de.

    And with that, it was another name lost from Earthrank.

    With that, Frank turned to leave, his hands sped behind his back. ¡°Keep it clean.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Hans nodded repeatedly.

    After the Larkins were wiped out overnight, Helen was left exasperated.

    She wanted Zeb arrested, only to be told that he and his entire family ran away in fear of punishment.

    The next morning, she visited Frank¡¯s hilltop mansion again¡­ only for Winter to receive him.

    ¡°Who are you looking for?¡± Winter asked, still in her pajamas and groggy from sleep as she studied

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen.

    Helen was pretty and had a perfect figure, entuated by the ck figure¨Chugging shirt she

    wore.

    Helen was surprised to see a pretty face like Winter in Frank¡¯s house, and she looked young- as if she

    was still attending college.

    ¡°I¨CI came to look for Frank.¡±

    ¨C

    Winter raised a brow. Why were there always prettydies here every day, looking for Frank?

 Chapter 396

    Winter was speechless¨Cthe women hovering around Frank were each more beautiful than the next?

    ¡°Who are you to him?¡± she asked Helen tentatively.

    ¡°His wife,¡± Helen replied bluntly.

    ¡°What?¡± Winter was stupefied.

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Helen asked, leveling a curious look at her.

    Winter shook her head repeatedly. ¡°No¡­ It¡¯s just that someone said the same before¡­ So I was

    wondering how many wives Frank has.¡±

    Helen pursed his lips, since she did not need to guess. ¡°Was her name Vicky Turnbull?¡±

    ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡±

    Helen smiled. ¡°Bottomline is, she¡¯s not Frank¡¯s wife¨Cdon¡¯t be tricked. Oh, and you are¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Winter Lawrence, Frank¡¯s sister.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Helen trailed off. ¡°That makes me your sister¨Cinw. Can you get him for me?¡±

    She had never heard of Frank having a sister, but she did not dwell on the issue since herst

    name was Lawrence too.

    Winter nodded. ¡°Wait here for a moment¨CI¡¯ll get him.¡±

    Helen entered the living room, studying the mansion.

    Even she had to admit that it was renovated better than her manor¡­

    After a while, Frank came downstairs, surprised to see Helen. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°What, can¡¯t I visit you?¡± Helen shed a pained smile.

    ¡°You can,¡± Frank replied, shaking his head as he sat opposite her. ¡°I¡¯m just surprised.¡±

    Helen nodded and said earnestly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what happened yesterday, and I apologize on behalf

    of my mother and brother. Please don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    Frank smiled as he waved her off. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. I¡¯ve gotten used to it over the years.¡±

    Helen was left biting her lip¨CFrank seemed nonchntly, but he had also been given grief for

    years.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said guiltily. ¡°I¡¯ve failed to protect my husband and stop my family from misbehaving,

    which in turn led to your suffering¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright. Just let bygones be bygones,¡± Frank replied nomittally. ¡°Anyway, why did you

    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen hung her head, stammering for a long while before finally saying, ¡°Frank¡­ Why don¡¯t you move

    back in?¡±

    She wanted to ask for a remarriage, but was too embarrassed to ask.

    212

    It was funny how fate worked¨Cshe was the one who demanded a divorce, but now, she wanted to

    remarry¡­

    ¡°Move back in where?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°Lane Manor. Don¡¯t worry¨Cfrom now on, I¡¯ll never let my mother and the others harass you ever again,¡±

    Helen promised.

    Frank smiled, but after some thought, he said, ¡°Nah. Forget it.¡±

    Helen stiffened, but she was soon relieved¨Cwhat did she take Frank for? Telling him to leave ore

    back on a whim?

    ¡°I know you¡¯d be resistant to the idea, but I hope we can start over¡­ I¡¯d like you to give me a chance,¡±

    she said, unwittingly getting closer to him.

    She felt an overwhelming sense of security as she did, which she had not felt for so long ever since

    divorcing Frank.

    Divorcing him had certainly been stupid and impulsive!

    Frank frowned in turn, not sure if he should hug Helen or push her away¡­

 Chapter 397

    Frank was just feeling a dilemma when his phone rang.

    Feeling the thrill of salvation, he promptly answered the call.

    It was Yara Quill.

    ¡°Mr. Lawrence? Where are you right now?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Home. What¡¯s up?¡± Frank asked.

    ¡°Actually, Mrs. Turnbull asked me to contact you,¡± Yara replied. ¡°She wants to talk about Grande

    Pharma.¡±

    Frank narrowed his eyes, noting immediately that Susan Redford wanted to bypass Vicky, as she told

    Yara to directly contact him.

    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Vicky right now?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Yara replied awkwardly. ¡°She left the vi early this morning and never returned. They

    want to talk to you since you¡¯re Grande Pharma¡¯s majority shareholder¡­¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Frank took a deep breath and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be right there,¡± even though he had no idea what Vicky was up

    to.

    Hanging up, he turned to tell Helen, ¡°Sorry. I need to leave for a little something.¡±

    ¡°Does it have something to do with Vicky?¡± Helen asked, more or less jealous when Frank mentioned

    Vicky¡¯s name.

    Frank shook his head. ¡°No¨Cit¡¯s her mother who asked to see me. I don¡¯t know what it is about, but it

    sounds urgent.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Helen pursed her lips, though she could not help being surprised even as she wondered

    what Vicky¡¯s mother thought of Frank.

    Yara was waiting at the front door of Turnbull Vi when Frank arrived in his car.

    Hurrying to him as soon as she saw him, she said, ¡°Mr. Lawrence, you¡¯ve finally arrived¡­¡±

    ¡°How bad is it? Are there any details?¡± Frank asked, keen to find out anything before going inside.

    Yara shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything, but Vicky¡¯s parents and Neil Turnbull are here with this

    ck¨Cd man.¡±

    Frank frowned¨Che thought it would be a meeting among the Turnbulls, but having someone else

    changed things.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look,¡± Frank said and headed inside Turnbull Vi.

    1

    He entered the drawing room to find Walter Turnbull, Susan Redford, Neil Turnbull, Cliff Dixon, and

    other bodyguards.

    Seated on the main chair was a middle¨Caged man with amanding presence.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Lawrence!¡± Walter hurried to Frank¡¯s side when he saw him, delighted.

    ¡°Mr. Turnbull, why was I asked toe so urgently?¡± Frank asked in curiosity, sitting down beside

    Walter.

    Water was left scratching his head awkwardly, and it was Susan who answered, ¡°I heard you were

    given 40% of Grande Pharma shares. Is that true?¡±

    Frank nodded right then. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Susan inhaled deeply, ¡°That¡¯s why we called you here to hand over those shares. Naturally, we will pay

    you for it.¡±

    Frank did a double take.

    So they were just after his shares!

    Still, he smiled. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry, Mrs. Turnbull, but I can¡¯t give you those shares.¡±

    ¡°Frank Lawrence! Do you think you¡¯re one of us?!¡± Neil mmed his hand on the table as he bellowed.

    ¡°Vicky¡¯s the one who did all the work in founding thepany! And you get 40% shares just because

    you had a recipe?!¡±

 Chapter 398

    Neil Turnbull bellowed, "You have no right!"

    Frank simply crossed his legs as he retorted nonchntly, "Vicky''s the one who gave me the shares, and she will tell me if she wants it back. You don''t get to tell me what to do."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "You son of a¡­"

    Neil could choke¡ªFrank was really belittling him!

    Walter quickly stood up to clear the air. "It''s alright, Neil. Just calm down¡­"

    Susan was frowning in turn. "Frank Lawrence, I am telling you this as Vicky''s mother, and I have thought long and hard about this."

    "Really? Why don''t you walk me through your thought process?" Frank asked bluntly.

    "That''s enough!" The ck-d man on the main seat bellowed. "I didn''te for your nonsense!"

    Turning toward Frank with a look of contempt, he growled, "So you''re Frank Lawrence?"

    "Yes," Frank replied, studying the man in turn. "And you are?"

    His abundant vigor and strong physique made it obvious that he was a martial elite.

    "Wilf Chandler¡ªbutler of the Chandler household," Neil announced.

    As Frank narrowed his eyes at the mention of the Chandlers, Wilf slowly stood up, sping his hands behind his back as he growled, "You murdered one of us, kid. Finn Chandler may be a bastard, but his life was not yours to take. We were going to kill you, but we will spare your life if you give up your shares."

    Frank simplyughed. "How boastful can you get? Finn hurt my ex-wife, and I have yet toe for your heads¡­ And you''re already demandingpensation?"

    "Watch your words, Frank!" Susan promptly snapped at Frank for his impudence. "You''re talking to the butler of the Chandlers!"

    In reality, she and the other Turnbulls were afraid since the Chandlers sent one of their best, and they had no chance of winning.

    If anything, they were lucky Vicky was not around, or Vicky¡¯s shares would have long since been taken.

    They could not do anything about Frank¡¯s shares, since their only thought was to throw money so that this issue would disappear.

    Frank snorted in disdain, however. ¡°So what? Even the head of the family has to watch his words around me.¡±

    Walter gulped. ¡°Please don¡¯t be reckless, Mr. Lawrence¡­¡±

    He would like to help, but he just did not have what it took.

    ¡°You little¡­¡± Susan was seething, fearful that Wilf would go on a warpath right then!

    Wilf¡¯s eyes narrowed in turn. ¡°So you¡¯re not going to pay up?¡±

    The Chandlers never had any intentions of avenging Finn, since no child born out of wedlock was worth warring over.

    However, when the family heard about the incredible sess of the Rejuvenation Pill and that Frank and Vicky were the ones behind it, they got jealous.

    That was why they returned to Riverton, using Finn as an excuse.

    However, while Wilf thought his presence alone would make them cave with no issue, he was caught off guard by Frank¡¯s defiance.

    Frank could sense his murderous intent right then and snorted. ¡°So? What are you going to do about this?¡±

 Chapter 399

    ¡°You really need to learn some manners!¡± Wilf bellowed and suddenly threw the solid wooden desk

    beside him at Frank!

    While the Turnbulls all scrambled to get away, Frank did not move.

    He remained in his seat and slowly raised his arm¡­

    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Catching the table right then, he gently pressed, and the tablended on the floor with a deafening

    bang!

    Wilf was stunned¨Che did not expect that from Frank!

    In fact, Frank was still holding on to his teacup, growling icily, ¡°A fiery temper won¡¯t do any favors to

    your elderly body. Here, have a drink and calm yourself down.¡±

    Heunched his teacup at Wilf as if it were a bullet.

    Wilf crushed the cup with his stalwart vigor, but the tea inside burst away like bomb shrapnel!

    Wilf thought nothing of it, as he did not believe some droplet would hurt him¡­ until the first drop struck

    his skin.

    By then, it was already toote.

    Wilf wobbled and would have fallen if he had not caught on to the edges of the desk!

    The Turnbulls never saw what happened, however, with Susan even yelling at Frank, ¡°What are you

    doing?! Apologize to Mr. Chandler this instant!¡±

    Frankpletely ignored her, however, as his eyes were fixed on Wilf. ¡°Was the tea good, Mr.

    Chandler? Would you like another cup?¡±

    Wilf was left clenching his jaw as he tried to steal the mess that was his cirction.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ve underestimated you¡­ But don¡¯t get ahead of yourself just yet!¡±

    Glowering at Frank and the Turnbulls, he growled, ¡°In three days, our champions will be waiting for you

    at Tycon Dojo. Hand over those shares, or suffer the consequences!¡±

    With that, he turned and stormed off.

    When he was finally gone, Susan snapped at Frank, ¡°Do you know what you just did?!¡±

    ¡°What I did?¡± Frank snorted coldly. ¡°He¡¯s going to ride your head and take a dump. Forget not fighting

    back¨Cyou have the cheek to insult me for it?¡±

    ¡°You little¡­¡± Susan huffed, but she had noeback against that.

    Neil then said, ¡°Stop pretending already. Do you even know what the Chandlers can do?¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t, but Wilf is already proving to be a major pushover.¡± Frank snorted in contempt. ¡°He¡¯s

    simply beneath me.

    Neilughed despite himself. ¡°Boast all you want. Also, if he¡¯s beneath you, why didn¡¯t you beat him to

    a pulp?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s already a cripple.¡± Frank yawned. ¡°His twelve meridians are severed¨Cit took him

    everything just to stand.¡±

    Susan sighed, shaking her head, ¡°What on earth does Vicky see in you? What can you do aside from

    boasting?¡±

    Neil nodded in agreement. ¡°Don¡¯t think this is over¨CWilf is just their butler. Do you know who they sent?

    Drake Chandler, the Southern Fist and the tenth in Earthrank!¡±

    Susan snorted. ¡°What¡¯s the point in telling him? He wouldn¡¯t even know what the Earthrank is.

    Frank simply rolled her eyes¨Che actually wondered for a moment who the Chandlers sent. Why did

    people these days behave as if Earthrank was something to brag about?

 Chapter 400

    Frank rolled his eyes¨Ceven hisckeys could wipe out Earthrank individuals!

    Susan was ring at Frank in turn. ¡°What¡¯s that look for? Are you upset? Then hand over your shares,

    or it¡¯d be toote when the Chandlerse for you!¡±

    The main branch of the Turnbull family had power in the capital, but they summarily refused to care

    about Riverton, let alone send help. They were certainly on their own¡­

    ¡°Enough!¡± Walter barked just then. ¡°Frank just bailed us out, and both of you are ming him instead of

    thanking him?!¡±

    As a man of the household, he was certainly displeased with the Chandlers¡® unreasonable demands.

    However, he had to abide with it because circumstances just would not allow it.

    If anything, he found Frank¡¯s defiance cathartic, but his wife and nephew had to give Frank hell for it!

    And seeing that her husband was siding with Frank, Susan promptly snapped, ¡°Easy for you to say¡ª

    he can just run away if things go south, while we are left to clean up his mess!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Frank sprang to his feet right then. ¡°I can deal with the Chandlers myself¨Call of you just sit

    tight!¡±

    ¡°Hah! You¡¯ll deal with them?! We¡¯re not going to pick up your pieces when they¡¯re done with you!¡± Neil

    snorted.

    Yara rushed inside the room just then, ¡°Mr. Turnbull, Mrs. Turnbull, Vicky just returned.¡±

    ¡°Great! She¡¯d definitely do something about this!¡± Walter eximed in delight¡ªhe always felt lucky to

    have Vicky as his daughter.

    Vicky strode in soon enough, her heels clicking in her wake while a skinny man followed.

    Walter hurried up to Vicky. ¡°Where have you been? We were so worried¡­¡±

    Vicky nced at the mess that was the drawing room, and then at Frank. ¡°The Chandlers were already

    here?¡±

    ¡°Of course. They¡¯re demanding you and Frank hand over your Grande Pharma shares,¡± Susan said

    bluntly. ¡°The trade will take ce at Tycon Dojo in three days.¡±

    ¡°Dear cousin, you¡¯d better think of a solution that covers everything, or you¡¯ll lose Riverton forever.¡± Neil

    sneered, eager for Grande Pharma to fall apart.

    ¡°Of course I have a solution.¡± Vicky snorted and turned to the man behind him. ¡°This is Boran Lepley,

    eighth in Earthrank. He¡¯s more than enough to handle the Chandlers.¡±

    Everyone turned to see that he had a charged aura and a sharpness to him, making it clear he was a

    martial elite.

    ¡°Eighth in Earthrank? Doesn¡¯t that rank him above Drake Chandler?¡± Susan eximed in shock

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    Boran snorted, folding his arms before his chest. ¡°Drake Chandler can lick my boots.¡±

    narks

    The Turnbulls were certainly delighted to see his confidence and dismissive attitude toward Drake, with

    Walterughing out loud. ¡°Hahaha! We have nothing to worry about with Mr. Lepley here!¡±

    Susan breathed a sigh of relief too, rejoicing that her daughter was prepared.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Cliff Dixon walked up to Boran just then, nodding in salutation. ¡°I¡¯m Cliff Dixon. I¡¯ve heard of you before,

    Mr. Lepley, and it¡¯s an honor to finally meet you. Let¡¯s do our best together against the Chandlers!¡±

    It was only natural for Cliff to admire a martial elite like Boran, but the feeling was not mutual. ¡°Do our

    best together?¡± Boran snorted. ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±

 Chapter 401

    The Turnbulls were stunned, not expecting Boran to be that self¨Cimportant.

    Cliff was frowning as well¨Che had his pride as a martial artist too!

    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Mr. Lepley?¡± he demanded. ¡°Why would you insult me when I showed you

    respect?¡±

    Boran did not even look his way as he snorted. ¡°You¡¯re wrong there¨CI wasn¡¯t insulting you. You¡¯re not

    even worth insulting.¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Cliff was fuming¨Che must hit back to maintain his honor as a retainer of the Turnbulls!

    However, Vicky stood in his way before he could move. ¡°That¡¯s enough. You¡¯re both on our side, and it

    won¡¯t do if you start fighting even before you defeat our enemies.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    Boran snorted. ¡°I can handle the Chandlers myself, Ms. Turnbull. Why keep third¨Crate martial artists

    like him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re out of line! Let¡¯s see what you got!¡± Cliff bellowed.

    It was not just him either¨Ceven Walter, Susan, and Yara had enough of Boran and was eager to send

    Cliff after him!

    Vicky tried to intervene again, but it was toote.

    With a furious cry, Cliff leapt forward, swinging his fist!

    However, before his punch made contact, Boran moved at the speed of a lightning bolt, and struck Cliff

    on the chest with his palm!

    Cliff could feel the pain on his chest even as he was sent flying.

    Frank was actually caught by surprise as he looked on.

    He knew that Cliff did not stand a chance but did not expect Boran to go for the kill!

    They were both working for the Turnbulls¨CBoran should not go that far even if there was bad blood

    between them!

    Leaping away, heunched forward to catch Cliff by the shoulder, nullifying most of the momentum and

    helping Cliff straighten himself.

    Cliff certainly knew that he was spared further harm aside from the chest pain thanks to Frank, or it

    would have been much worse for him.

    Despite his fear toward Boran¡¯s palm strike, he gulped and told Frank under his breath, ¡°T- Thank you,

    Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    ¡°Wow¡­ You don¡¯t expect anything less of the eighth Earthrank,¡± Susan muttered in quiet approval,

    sighing.

    Cliff was her personally appointed bodyguard and plenty strong, but he did not evenst a blow against

    Boran.

    Neil was shocked too he already knew Earthrank elites were impressive, but that was still something

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    really special

    It was such a shame he did not get to meet more men like Boran!

    Only Walter and Vicky appeared worried, even as Boran red at Frank and Cliff in disdain.¡± You¡¯re

    lucky this time, kdd insult me again, and you¡¯ll be resting in pieces.¡±

    Turning toward Vicky, he added, ¡°I¡¯m going to get some rest. You can wire the rest of my fee in the

    meantime.¡±

    Vicky nodded and quicldy had a servant take Boran to a guest room

    After seeing Boran leave, Walter hurried to Vicky¡¯s side. ¡°Where did you find him, Vicky? He¡¯s so¡­. full

    of himself!¡±

    ¡°From the dark web. This is the only n I have against the Chandlers.¡± Vicky sighed.

    ¡°And how much is his fee?¡±

    ¡°Thirty million dors.¡±

 Chapter 402

    ¡°What¡­¡±

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Walter was stumped. ¡°Let¡¯s hope he¡¯s worth the money.¡±

    Vicky hoped so too, since this was the first time she met Boran and the only thing she only offered him

    was her money.

    Either way, they need someone strong from Earthrank to help.

    As the other Turnbulls left, Vicky walked up to Frank. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about what happened. I¡¯m really sorry

    about that.¡±

    The Chandlers wanted Grande Pharma shares, but her mother immediately tried to force Frank to give

    up his.

    She felt sorry for him, to be honest.

    Frank waved her off nonchntly and chuckled at the sight of her scowl. ¡°I never knew you could make

    that face.¡±

    Vicky breathed a long sigh. ¡°The Chandlers sent Drake, who¡¯s really strong, whereas my uncle¡¯s side of

    the family refused to help. To be honest, I¡¯m not confident about this.¡±

    Then, turning in curiosity toward Frank, she asked, ¡°What level on Earthrank do you think you¡¯d be?¡±

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be on that list¡­¡±

    Vicky cut him short before he could finish, ¡°Fair enough. You should leave Riverton as soon as you can

    if we lose the fight in three days. Even if the Chandlers have said they won¡¯t kill you, they¡¯d change

    their minds once they get the shares¡­ I¡¯m tired now. I¡¯ll go get some rest.¡±

    Frank could not say anything at that, which left Vicky in the dark.

    He was not Earthrank¨Che was Skyrank.

    Three dayster, at Tycon Dojo¡­

    The building itself was owned by one of the Chandlers¡® associates.

    The Chandlers had been spreading word about their uing confrontation with the Turnbulls, and

    many had gathered around the dojo. Most of them were just there to enjoy the show or reconsider their

    alliances.

    The Chandlers¡® purpose was simple, too: defeat the Turnbulls and promote themselves so that the

    minor bigwigs would defect to them.

    Cindy Zonda hade too. She loved joining in the liveliness, and Helen had to send her because she

    did not have the time for such a frivolous affair.

    She was also apanied by a man standing over 1.9 meters tall, his muscles tight andrge as if

    boulders.

    Hughie Steiner was her college ssmate, and he built a business in fitness gyms after they

    graduated. They recently met again during an alumni meeting and soon found themselves under the

    sheets.

    Cindy certainly had fun, since fit people were simply¡­ better.

    ¡°Who do

    you think would win today, Hughie?¡± she asked in curiosity.

    Hughie thought about it. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say¡­ The Chandlers¡® champion is tenth in Earthrank, while the

    Turnbulls¡® is eighth.¡±

    ¡°What? Doesn¡¯t that mean the Turnbulls have the advantage?¡± Cindy eximed in surprise.

    If anything, she would rather the Turnbulls lose, to the point they were stripped of everything.

    Frank certainly would not get to strut after that!

    ¡°That¡¯s not set in stone,¡± Hughie said. ¡°Two ranks means the gap isn¡¯t that wide. We won¡¯t know until

    the fight happens.¡±

    Cindy¡¯s mood improved right then¨Cshe was happy as long as the Turnbulls did not win!

    That was when she spotted a familiar figure, which was none other than Frank

    ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± she promptly snapped at him.

 Chapter 403

    Frank nced at Cindy, surprised that she was there too.

    "Hey, I''m talking to you, you hear?!" Cindy demanded with a scowl, striding up to him since he ignored her.

    Frank retorted tly, "Is that any of your business?"

    "Hah!" Cindy snorted, rolling her eyes. "You''re just here to watch the fight, aren''t you? What a shame that the Turnbulls are going to fall soon. Let''s see how you''re going to strut after that, gigolo!"

    "Word of advice¡ªdon''t start trouble over nothing. I don''t want to hurt you today." Frank leveled her an icy re.

    Hughie walked up to them just then, asking in curiosity, "Who''s this, Cindy?"

    Cindy folded her arms before her chest and snorted, "My cousin''s ex-husband. A piece of shit, really¡ªshe divorced him because he was so far beneath him, so he quickly hooked up with Vicky Turnbull."

    Hughie nodded, relieved to hear that Frank had nothing going for him. "So you''re just a gigolo, kid. Now apologize to Cindy."

    Frank snorted. "Why should I?"

    Hughie frowned. "Know your ce, brat."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Cindy quickly scoffed beside him, "Word of advice, Frank: don''t upset Hughie here. He''s the gym coach of Huggies Fitness and an apprentice here in Tycon Dojo. Apologize to me, and I might consider asking him to spare you."

    Hughie grinned as he flexed his biceps at Frank, smug that he had a chance to show off in front of Cindy.

    Frank merelyughed. "What if I refuse?"

    Hughie pointed him in the nose and snapped, "Then get in the ring, brat! Hell, I''ll even fight you one hand as a handicap!"

    He really thought nothing of Frank, judging him by his slender frame that he could easily floor him.

    Cindy kept goading Frank beside him too. ¡°Are you scared? Don¡¯t worry¡ªI will ask Hughie to hold back since you¡¯re Helen¡¯s ex-husband and all.¡±

    Frank merely shook his head, exasperated with her antics.

    Hughie, however, thought he was afraid and sneered. ¡°Haha! Aren¡¯t you a man? Why are you acting like your balls fell off?¡±

    Cindy giggled. ¡°Oh, my cousin wouldn¡¯t have divorced her if he was ever manly enough¡­¡±

    That was when Frank suddenly said tly, ¡°Since you asked for it, let¡¯s y.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Hughieughed, almost vexed for a moment that he did not get to show off in front of Cindy.

    ¡°Go on, get in the ring,¡± he said, flexing his wrist.

    Frank shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We can do this right here¡ªyou start first.¡±

    ¡°Whoa, me? You¡¯d be dead!¡± Hughie snorted, suddenly realizing that Frank was really belittling him.

    Frank simply retorted quietly, ¡°What, are you scared?¡±

    ¡°Shut the fuck up! Quit putting on airs already!¡± Hughie bellowed, having had enough of Frank¡¯s haughtiness andunching a jab at him right then!

    Frank stood with his hands sped behind his back.

    He sidestepped and flicked his fingers,unching an invisible burst of pure vigor straight at Hughie¡¯s kneecap!

 Chapter 404

    Hughie immediately felt a pang of pain in his kneecap, while his own inertia sent him crashing headlong

    on the wall!

    There was an audible thud, and he was promptly bleeding freely from the forehead.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Cindy gasped as she turned pale and ran up to Hughie, asking in concern, ¡°Are you alright,

    Hughie?¡±

    Hughie was left clutching his head as he growled through his teeth, ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m fine¡­ I just slipped.¡±

    He actually had no idea what happened, and his knees were still very much in pain!

    Wheeling on Frank, he snapped, ¡°You bastard! Why did you dodge?! Weren¡¯t you going to fight me?!¡±

    Cindy was frowning at Frank too. ¡°Yeah! Why did you dodge?¡±

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Frankughed coldly. ¡°What, am I supposed to just stand there and wait? Why are you ming me for

    being slow? Though it¡¯s hrious how you crashed straight into the wall.¡±

    ¡°Bastard!¡± Hughie was livid, but even as he tried to get up to attack Frank, he realized he had no

    strength in his knees at all.

    Cindy saw him stumble and quickly asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Hughie?¡±

    Hughie pursed his lips. ¡°I¨CI can¡¯t feel my legs¡­¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Cindy eximed in shock. ¡°How could this be?¡±

    Frank sneered in turn. ¡°Maybe you hit your head so hard that you can¡¯t use your legs anymore?

    ¦°

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Hughie bellowed, but he did not have time to bother with Frank anymore. ¡°Cindy¡­ Get me to

    the hospital¡­¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    Cindy nodded and helped him to the hospital without dy.

    Naturally, Frank could enjoy his peace and quiet with those two pests gone.

    Vicky, Yara, Cliff, Boran, and a host of Turnbull bodyguards soon arrived.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re already here.¡± Vicky nodded at Frank.

    Frank nodded in turn. ¡°The Chandlers aren¡¯t here yet?¡±

    As soon as he spoke, anotherrge group of people appeared from the back entrance of Tycon Dojo.

    The man in the lead was Drake Chandler, a middle¨Caged man with a hawkish appearance and tenth in

    Earthrank.

    Behind him was Wilf, the Chandler family butler, and the Chandlers¡® bodyguards.

    Vicky nodded at Drake. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure, Mr. Chandler.¡±

    Drake remained impasse, his hands onsped behind his back and his wo the conditions we asked three

    days ago Als Tupel

    but,

    ¡°THE SONING, QUE, To¡± Vicky glowered in tors than Marea is my age¡¯s work / mot for anything

    Drake chuckled. ¡°Then dere¡¯s nothing to disa

    ¡°beg to difericky smiled. ¡°You tegul of veresses discos e res engagement

    And you¡¯re suggesting

    ¡°Non¨Clethal knockouts, naturally.

    They would be sending out their representatives and the whee demands

    It was amon enough actice for major factors ring and may had the s

    Ve

    to apply this rule since Bran was one que

    If they won here, they would be able to send the Chandlers home without Now

 Chapter 405

    Drake smiled at Vicky¡¯s request. ¡°Of course¡±

    Vicky was taken aback that he would ept so easily, just as Drake added, ¡°If we win, you¡¯ll give us all

    of Grande Pharma¡¯s shares. Do you have any issues with that?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Vicky shook her head. ¡°And if we win, you and your family will never harass us as

    Naturally, we¡¯ll wee you if you¡¯re willing to do business.¡±

    ¡°Sure Shall we proceed to the ring?¡± Drake smiled.

    Vicky had already sensed that something was wrong with that enigmatic smile of his but just could not

    put her finger on what.

    Quess she would just have to wait and see¡­

    Vicky only realized that the Chandlers had invited many bigwigs in Riverton to watch the fight. All of

    them were staring at the Chandlers and her group as soon as they entered the hall.

    ¡°Hey, who do you think is going to win?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ but I hope the Turnbulls do.¡±

    ¡°What? What good woulde of that?¡±

    ¡°The Chandlers promised to make public the Rejuvenation Pill recipe once they have it. We¡¯d be

    making a killing too¡­¡±

    Frank¡¯s ears were sharp enough to hear their discussion, and he was actually surprised and suspicious

    They had just decided on the spoils for the fight, but the Chandlers had already told them that they

    would all enjoy the spoils as well?

    Even if the Chandlers did invite everyone here, something was still fishy¡­

    ¡°Mr. Chandler, what¡¯s this?¡± Vicky asked, gesturing at the crowd.

    Drake chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Turnbull. They¡¯re just acting as my witness, in case you lose and try

    to bail.¡±

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    Vicky pursed her lips.

    Bail?! There was no telling who would win here!

    Either way, they had to win!

    On the other hand, Yara was annoyed by Drake¡¯s words. ¡°That goes for you too.¡±

    ¡°Us Chandlers losing? Dream on, brat!¡± Wilf snorted while ring at her in disdain.

    Drakeughed in turn. ¡°It¡¯s good to be confident, girlie. We shall see how you do soon enough.

    ¦°

    With that, he strode towards the crowd and announced, ¡°Wee,dies and gentlemen! Thank you

    for epting my invitation to this fight and being our witness! See to it that the

    defeated does not bail or press any usations against the victor!¡±

    Drake¡¯s words were bold and confident, as if the Chandlers were not going to lose.

    And when he was finished, Wilf entered the ring.

    Drake turned toward Vicky in turn. ¡°Who will you be sending, Ms. Turnbull?¡±

    Vicky nced at Boran, but Yara said, ¡°There¡¯s no reason to overdo it, Vicky. I can deal with him¨Che¡¯s

    no Drake. We will leave him to Mr. Lepley.¡±

    Vicky thought about it and nodded. ¡°Just be careful.¡±

    Yara nodded and took to the ring.

    The crowd was immediately in an uproar.

    ¡°Whoa, who¡¯s the chick?¡±

    ¡°Yara Quill, daughter of Riverton¡¯s governor. She¡¯s quite strong.¡±

    ¡°I wonder who¡¯s better¨Cher or Wilf?¡±

    ¡°No idea, but I guess we¡¯ll soon find out.¡±

    Wilf was actually surprised that Vicky would send in another woman first¨Che thought they would send

    Frank at worst!

    He snorted in disdain. ¡°Hah! You Turnbulls are really making light of me, sending a girl against me!¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap,¡± Yara snapped. ¡°Talk after you¡¯ve beaten me!¡±

    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s see what you have.¡±

 Chapter 406

    With those words, Wilf charged his technique and leapt toward Yara.

    Yara energized her Boltsmacker in turn, and they shed with fists and palms, exchanging dozens of

    blows in a split second!

    As the fight intensified, the crowd around the ring cheered in excitement.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t think the doll wouldst that long against Wilf!¡±

    ¡°The governor¡¯s daughter is really something¡­¡±

    Wilf was actually seething¨Che was older than Yara and a man at that! The fact that shested this long

    against him was humiliating!

    He would have taken her down with a single move and was caught off guard that Yara was that strong

    and armed with an extraordinary technique.

    Nheless, Yara was only in her twenties and lost greatly in terms of her experience.

    When Wilf deliberately left an opening, she took it unsurprisingly, prompting him tough. Too young,

    too naive¡­¡±

    Yara¡¯s face fell, but it was toote to escape¨CWilf had suddenly caught her wrist and mmed his palm

    on her shoulder!

    ¡°Oof!¡± Yara grunted as she was sent flying some distance away.

    Vicky hurried to her, helping her to her feet. ¡°Are you alright, Yara?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Yara nodded but soon hung her head guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I lost.¡±

    Vicky did not me Yara¨CWilf was strong and much older, and it made sense if Yara could not win.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she assured Yara. ¡°He¡¯s the Chandlers¡® butler¨Closing to him is nothing embarrassing.¡±

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯ve only lost experience, not because you¡¯re weak. In a couple years,

    he won¡¯t stand a chance against you.¡±

    The crowd were all cheering too, since it had been a close.

    ¡°You¡¯re awesome, Ms. Quill!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Wilf Chandler only won with a cheap trick!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d definitely win in a couple of years!¡±

    Wilf, who still stood in the ring, frowned.

    He won but somehow lost¡­

    Just then, Drake said, ¡°You lost the first round, Ms. Turnbull. Are you going to continue?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Vicky replied. ¡°We¡¯re not out of men.¡±

    ¡°Really? Who will you send next?¡± Drakeughed.

    Vicky turned toward Boran. ¡°If you please, Mr. Lepley.¡±

    Boran snorted. ¡°If I¡¯d gone up just now, it would¡¯ve been over already. What a waste of time.¡±

    While Yara was left embarrassed, Vicky was gritting her teeth in annoyance.

    However, she did not say anything since they still needed Boran to win.

    Be that as it may, after Boran entered the ring, neither him nor Wilf moved.

    Vicky was left dumbstruck. ¡°What are you waiting for, Mr. Lepley?¡±

    Boran then raised his hand and said, ¡°I surrender.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Vicky sprang to her feet, while Yara, Cliff, and Frank were all staring nkly, Did Boran just

    concede?!

 Chapter 407

    ¡°Well, that just happened¡­¡±

    The crowd around the ring was also left staring nkly.

    Meanwhile, Vicky¡¯s eyes were round and wide in disbelief. ¡°What are you doing, Mr. Lepley?¡± ¡°Nothing,

    just conceding.¡± Boran shrugged nonchntly.

    ¡°I paid you thirty million to fight for us!¡± Vicky snapped furiously. ¡°And you just concede?!¡±

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Boranughed and folded his arms before his chest. ¡°You did, but the Chandlers paid me fifty million¨Cof

    course I¡¯m on their side. Why don¡¯t you top up another twenty mil? I swear I¡¯ll be neutral about that.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re despicable!¡± Vicky screamed as she pointed at his face.

    She was convinced Boran would observe the virtues of martial artists, but it turned out that she gave

    him too much credit!

    ¡°Hahaha!!!¡± Drakeughed out loud right then. ¡°That¡¯s another one point for my side, Ms. Tunbull! Your

    champion just conceded, too¡­ Do you have anyone else to send in?¡±

    Vicky gritted her teeth, her knuckles clenching.

    What could they do when the Chandlers have two Earthranks on their side anyway?!

    And seeing that she was silent, Drakeughed again. ¡°In that case, it¡¯s time you hand over your

    shares-¡±

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Frank suddenly said.

    Drake turned and frowned at him. ¡°What? Are you going to bail now?¡±

    ¡°Who said anything about bailing?¡± Frank retorted tly. ¡°The wager still stands ¨C and the Turnbulls still

    have me.¡±

    Everyone was shocked.

    The Chandlers had two Earthranks on their side, and the brat was still going in the ring?!

    ¡°Who is he? He¡¯s quite something¡­¡±

    ¡°No idea. Never seen him before¡­¡±

    At the same time, Vicky hurried to Frank. ¡°Just forget it. There¡¯s too many of them¨Cyou can¡¯t take them

    all alone.¡±

    She was certainly frustrated, but she would not risk Frank either.

    Yara was already defeated, and Cliff did not stand a chance against Boran.

    That meant it was up to Frank to face Wilf, Boran, and Drake¨Cand thetter two had not even lifted a

    finger so far!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No rat would hurt me,¡± Frank said, staring pointedly at Boran.

    He thought he was quite the character with his endlessly haughty attitude, but it turned out he was just

    another ingrate.

    Holding Frank¡¯s gaze with a murderous re, he growled, ¡°Who are you calling rat, bastard?!¡±

    ¡°You, of course,¡± Frank replied calmly as he slowly entered the ring.

    ¡°Oh, my¡­ the audacity of belittling an Earthrank!¡± Drake eximed, and started goading Boran, ¡°Go

    on, Mr. Lepley, Have at him.¡±

    Then, he turned to Frank and sneered, ¡°Rejoice, young man. It¡¯s your life¡¯s greatest honor to fight an

    Earthrank¡­ Pity that you¡¯d have to die doing it.¡±

    Frank shrugged nonchntly. ¡°They¡¯ve really bloated the list by including all sorts of scum into

    Earthrank, huh?¡±

    Both Drake and Boran glowered right then, since they were both Earthrank individuals whose positions

    were quite simr!

    ¡°Well, you asked for it! Now, die!¡± Boran bellowed and charged at Frank¨Cit was time to do a little

    something in service of the Chandlers after defecting anyway!

    ¡°Watch out, Frank!!!¡± Vicky, Yara and Cliff cried at the same time.

    Boran was just so fast¨Chis fist was already inches away from Frank¡¯s face, but Frank had not even

    moved!

    ¡°Die!!!¡± Boran screamed.

    However, just before his knuckle could make contact, he suddenly stopped right in front of Frank¡¯s face!

 Chapter 408

    At some point in time, Frank had already grabbed Boran by the wrist, holding him in ce!

    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± Frank slowly looked up at him in disdain.

    ¡°What?¡± Boran eximed, his cheeks suddenly pale.

    ¡°It¡¯s tradition¨Ctraitors do not get off scot¨Cfree, and the same goes for you,

    And with those words, he swiped his palm against Boran¡¯s arm!

    Swish!

    Boran¡¯s arm was sliced off clean, and blood gushed out like a geyser!

    ¡°Argh!!!¡± Boran screamed¨Cthis was not how it was supposed to go!

    Frank did not stop, however.

    Crack!

    you,¡± Frank growled.

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    He grabbed Boran by the shoulder and crushed his bones into powder before kicking him out of the

    ring!

    The entire exchange did notst more than three seconds, even as Frank nonchntly flung Boran¡¯s

    dismembered arm on the floor!

    Boran kept screaming even as he held his bleeding shoulder, ¡°Give me back my arm¡­ Give it back to

    me¡­¡±

    Frank snorted. ¡°It seems that the Cloud Mover style shall be lost on this day.¡±

    And with those words, he jammed his foot on Boran¡¯s dismembered arm and crushed it beneath his

    foot!

    Something snapped in Boran as he looked on¡­ his arm was now just a puddle, and it would never be

    reattached!

    The crowd looked on in silence.

    ¡°Woah¡­ the kid is ruthless.¡±

    ¡°It seems like the Turnbulls have an ace up their sleeves!¡±

    They had all been expecting the Turnbulls to lose after Boran defected. Some even started to leave,

    ready to call off any partnerships they still had with the Turnbulls.

    Naturally, the way Frank suddenly stepped out and turned the tables changed their mind.

    Even Vicky, Cliff, and Yara were astounded.

    Yara¡¯s jaw was even hanging open as she murmured, ¡°H¨CHe just took down an Earthrank with one

    strike¡­ How strong is he?¡±

    Cliff suddenly remembered how he insulted Frank the first time they met, and how hrious it was!

    The man could have killed him with just a flick of his finger!

    Meanwhile, Frank stood in the ring, asking icily, ¡°Anyone else?¡±

    Drake vaulted into the ring. ¡°Don¡¯t get so full of yourself, kid.¡±

    Frank simplyughed. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the tenth in Earthrank? The eighth can¡¯t even lift a candle. to me¨CI

    guess you really are suicidal.¡±

    ¡°Hmph. That¡¯s not the case now,¡± Drake growled, throwing off his shirt to bare his muscr frame, the

    very surroundings suddenly changing!

    Vicky, Cliff, and Yara gasped in turn.

    ¡°Did he reach the pinnacle as a vigor wielder?¡±

    ¡°His vigor¡¯s so abundant¡­ he must be on the cusp of Birthright!¡±

    The crowd was left frowning at yet another dramatic turn of events.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why he¡¯s so confident¡­ Drake has mastered his vigor!¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t he just an initiate five years ago? Such an aplishment is just horrific!¡±

    Drake was grinning gleefully even as he listened to the crowd¡¯sment.

    ring at Frank, he barked, ¡°Now, die!¡±

    Frank simply shook his head. ¡°You would have had a chance if you reached Birthright rank¡­ you¡¯re too

    weak as you are now.¡±

    With that, Frank suddenly unleashed his pure vigor, the around him bursting away as he kicked Drake

    in the chest!

 Chapter 409

    Drake quickly threw up his hands to parry the kick with every bit of vigor he had, but within a split

    second, he could feel a terrible shockwave vaporizing his vigor!

    His arms were left numbed from the blow, and he was struggling to stand as he wobbled backward and

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    fell out of the ring!

    There was a dull thud as he dropped on the floor, and Drake was left staring up at the ceiling, his face

    pale as a sheet.

    He felt blood in his mouth and a gag reflex but managed to stop himself in time, stilling his churning

    meridians.

    ¡°Sir¡­?¡±

    ¡°Are you alright, sir?!¡±

    Wilf and the other Chandlers turned pale too, horrified to see Frank knocking their elder out of the ring

    with just one kick!

    Drake gulped as he sensed his blood welling up his throat but waved them off. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Vicky, Cliff, and Yara were all trading nces.

    ¡°Whoa¡­¡±

    ¡°Oof¡­ Wasn¡¯t Frank saying that he¡¯s not Earthrank? How is he having such an easy time against

    Earthrank?¡±

    That was when Yara suggested, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s Skyrank?¡±

    ¡°Sky¡­rank?¡± Vicky¡¯s eyes widened, not quite buying Yara¡¯s theory.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Cliff said. ¡°Skyranks are usually fifty years or above, and most are heirs of their

    respective sects¡­ And how old is Frank inparison? Even if started as a baby, there¡¯s no way he

    could reach Skyrank at just twenty!¡±

    Vicky and Yara listened to him breaking down the process and nodded in agreement.

    They certainly could not believe that Frank was Skyrank either!

    Meanwhile, Frank stood imposingly in the ring and surveyed everything below loftily.

    ¡°I guess the Chandlers have no one left,¡± he growled. ¡°Do you yield?¡±

    Wilf pointed at Frank right then. ¡°Don¡¯t you get so full of yourself, kid! You merely caught Mr. Chandler

    off guard¨Che hasn¡¯t surrendered yet!¡±

    He knew he would not win against Frank, but they had a shot as long as Drake did not yield!

    However, Drake¡¯s face fell as he shot Wilf a re. ¡°Shut up!¡±

    ¡°Sir¡­?¡± Wilf blurted in uncertainty, not sure why his boss was being so wary.

    He was trying to hype him up, only for him to be told to stay quiet?!

    Drake growled at the same time, ¡°You don¡¯t get to talk here.¡±

    Then, turning toward Frank and the Turnbulls, he said, ¡°Ms. Turnbull, my family¡¯s fight is not

    with you. Why don¡¯t we put this mess behind us?¡±

    The onlookers were all dumbstruck.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s over?¡±

    ¡°What is Drake Chandler saying? Could Frank Lawrence¡¯s kick be too much for him?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that actually makes sense¡­.¡±

    Vicky could hear them from the stage but frowned. ¡°Are you yielding, Mr. Chandler?¡±

    Drake shook his head. ¡°Of course not. I just don¡¯t want things to get out of hand.¡±

    Frankughed icily. ¡°Since you¡¯re not yielding, then we¡¯ll just have to continue.¡±

    The man was already crippled by his kick, but refused to admit it!

    Naturally, Drake was sweating bullets as soon as Frank threatened to continue.

    Still, he kept his hands behind his back as he frowned. ¡°Do you not know anything aside from fighting,

    Mr. Lawrence? Let¡¯s just stay out of each other¡¯s way from now on, and won¡¯t demand any part of

    Grande Pharma¡¯s business¡­¡±

    my family

    Frank hesitated for a moment this time. ¡°Such sweet words¨Cdo you really think you can send us away

    with just words?¡±

 Chapter 410

    Drake did a double take and demanded, ¡°Then what do you want?¡±

    Frank growled imposingly, ¡°Vicky spent thirty million dors for this fight. Pay up.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s heart could leap out of her throat at Frank¡¯s words¨Cthe Chandlers would never agree to such an

    unreasonable demand! If anything, she would be plenty happy to have the Chandlers out of her hair!

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    To no surprise, Wilf snapped furiously, ¡°You¡¯re out of line!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Drake bellowed at him. ¡°It¡¯s just thirty million. I¡¯ll

    pay.¡±

    Vicky and Yara froze right then, and the same went without saying for Wilf and the other bigwigs.

    ¡°Sir¡­ Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s too much?¡± Wilf asked skeptically.

    Drake red at Wilf and growled, ¡°Are you telling me what to do?¡±

    ¡°Urk¡­ No, of course not.¡±

    ¡°Then shut up.¡®

    With that, Drank quickly had one of his men transfer thirty million dors to Vicky¡¯s ount. This

    concludes all business between us. Our families shall stay out of each other¡¯s way from

    now on.¡±

    And with that, Drake strode out of the rear entrance of Tycon Dojo.

    Wilf was certainly dissatisfied but had no choice but to follow.

    ¡°Sir, why would you¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish his question, Drake suddenly turned pale, dropped to his knees, and coughed

    out a mouthful of blood!

    ¡°What?! What happened to you, sir?!¡± Wilf cried even as he helped Drake to his feet.

    Drake sighed lengthily. ¡°It¡¯s Frank Lawrence.¡®

    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t he just kick you once?¡±

    ¡°And it almost killed me,¡± Drake groaned. ¡°I was just acting tough¡­ I thought it¡¯d be easy, but I didn¡¯t

    think the Turnbulls had someone that strong on their side. It seems that we¡¯ll have to stop upsetting

    them for now¡­¡±

    Wilf flinched in fear right then, knowing that he cheated death since he had almost fought Frank¡­

    ¡°Get me a sealed room where I can heal,¡± Drake added just then. ¡°And don¡¯t mess with the Turnbulls

    for a while.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chandler¡­¡± Wilf quickly replied and left with Drake.

    Outside Tycon Dojo, the various bigwigs had already left.

    After all, they hade to see who woulde out on top between the Turnbulls and Chandlers, only

    to be denied their entertainment!

    As Vicky and the clothes left the dojo, Vicky asked Frank, ¡°What rank have you reached, Frank?

    IT

    Frank shrugged. ¡°Birthright.¡±

    ¡°W¨CWhat?¡± Cliff was stunned. ¡°Birthright at your age?¡±

    Frank nodded. ¡°Just reached it a few days ago.¡±

    Cliff gulped¨CFrank had no reason to exaggerate, and he had definitely reached Birthright as he said.

    What was more, he was just in his twenties! Cliff was already in his thirties but merely an initiate in

    vigor!

    Talk about a frustrating rivalry!

    ¡°Are you Skyrank, Mr. Lawrence?¡± Yara quickly pressed.

    Frank shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know about Skyrank or Earthrank. I¡¯ll take down anyone who stands in

    my way.¡±

 Chapter 411

    Naturally, Vicky, Yara, and Cliff all thought Frank¡¯s words were filled with conceit.

    Cliff in particr gave him a kind warning. ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t underestimate Skyrank elites, Mr.

    Lawrence. The ones I¡¯ve had the honor of meeting may be over fifty years old, but their might can

    shatter mountains. They are no longer your average martial artists at that point.¡±

    Frank simply chuckled in return. ¡°Thanks for the tip.¡®

    In reality, Cliff would understand that the likes of Skyrank elites were beneath Frank if he had actually

    met Frank at his peak form.

    Later, Vicky left the group and headed home alone after having a few words with them.

    While Frank was supposedly her bodyguard, he basically never worked in that capacity for more than a

    few days.

    Meanwhile, at the Riverton International Airport, Donald Szar, his family, and Jaud White were

    waiting at the checkpoint for a while.

    Today, his eldest son was returning, and Donald thought highly of him as his heir.

    Drakon Szar had furthered his studies at eighteen. Moreover, his aplishment in martial arts

    earned him a ce at Sage Lake Sect, a foreign sect where he became the senior apprentice.

    Still, as Donald stood with his hands sped behind his back, he mused, ¡°I wonder who¡¯s going to win

    today¨Cthe Chandlers or the Turnbulls¡­¡±

    Jaud chuckled beside him. ¡°It¡¯d be best if they both lose, so we can wipe them out wholesale.¡±

    ¡°Hah!¡± Donaldughed in conceit, perfectly confident in his son¡¯s abilities. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t stoop that low¨Cmy

    son has justpleted his apprenticeship, and we will take Riverton with his strength alone. Not even

    the Chandlers and Turnbullsbined can stand against us!¡±

    Jaud nodded in turn. ¡°Certainly¡ªDrakon would definitely rise to prominence soon enough. If anything,

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    a ce like Riverton is too small for him!¡±

    Vi was growling through her teeth right then, ¡°I¡¯ll have Frank captured alive. He¡¯d wish he were

    dead!¡±

    She was sweating buckets even now whenever she remembered the terror of being tormented by

    Frank. Moreover, the Larkin¡¯s mansion was destroyed days ago, with Zeb Larkin gone

    without a trace.

    She was not about to take that insult lying down!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Donald assured her. ¡°I won¡¯t spare him or the Turnbulls.¡±

    Soon, Drakon¡¯s flightnded, and the handsome youth himself soon showed up wearing shades. He

    was the very picture of sess with a pretty woman in his arms, turning many heads as they passed. /

    With her jet¨Cck hair spread loosely over her shoulders, the woman was as charming as her figure

    was stunning. The side slit on her dress kept her long legs vaguely visible.

    Donald wasughing when he saw Drakon.

    ¡°Wee back, son,¡± he said, then asked in curiosity as he noticed the woman with him, And you

    are¡­?¡±

    Drakon smiled, ¡°Ah, slipped my mind. This is Quinn Ocean, my girlfriend and the daughter of an elder

    of Sage Lake Sect. We¡¯ve been helping each other as we rose through the ranks over

    the years, and we were hoping you¡¯d agree to our engagement.¡±

    Quinn greeted Donald politely in turn. ¡°Hello, Mr. Szar. Please ept this.¡±

 Chapter 412

    uinn handed the box to Donald containing Eternal Ice. It was a sacred relic of Sage Lake Sect, hich

    prolonged an average Joe¡¯s lifespan when consumed.

    rakon had told Donald about that before and was surprised Quinn would give him one.

    hether it was real or fake, he smiled. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Ocean. Well, neither of you are exactly oung¨Cit¡¯s

    high time to get married, though there are other matters that take priority.¡±

    onald¡¯s tone changed sharply as he continued, ¡°Your sister was bullied a while ago¡­¡±

    rakon raised a hand to stop him. ¡°You have nothing to worry about. Vi told me¨Cthey eally don¡¯t know

    what¡¯s good for them, going that far. I¡¯ve returned to settle the score and toke everyone in Riverton

    understand how terrible a fate awaits those who would bring harm > my family.¡±

    jonald was naturally beaming at his son¡¯s bold deration. ¡°Hahaha! I definitely have othing to worry

    about with you around, son!¡±

    leither Frank nor Vicky were aware that the Szars wereing after them.

    Moreover, Frank was distracted because Helen had been visiting his mansion every day and ooking

    breakfast for him before going to work.

    t was no different today, as Winter arrived downstairs to find that Helen had already finished ooking

    breakfast.

    Oh, you¡¯re up, Winter,¡± Helen said as she took off her apron. ¡°Breakfast is ready.¡±

    Vinter sat down at the table and sighed emotionally at the dishesid out all over the table. ¡± ou¡¯re

    really tireless,ing in every day to cook for Frank.¡±

    hey had grown closer as they spent time together for days.

    ven though Winter liked Frank too, she did not think she deserved Frank since shecked the ooks or

    sess topete against Vicky or Helen.

    Ioreover, Helen certainly showed determination with the way she came in early every horning to make

    breakfast for Frank.

    [owever, Helen shed a pained smile. ¡°It¡¯s what I should do.¡±

    his was her way of making amends¨CFrank had cooked for her for over three years, but she ad never

    once thanked him, as if he was obligated to do it.

    Tinter only felt pained inside. ¡°Right¡­ Frank would definitely like you.¡¯

    elen simply thought that Winter was offering her blessing. She still presumed that Frank and Vinter

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    were rtives, and that Winter was a potential ally.

    ist then, Frank arrived home after his daily routine, and Helen quickly greeted him. ¡± Wee back.

    Come and have your breakfast.¡±

    rank watched her work hard and the table full of dishes as he smiled.

    He used to imagine this endlessly, but their marriage was only filled with strife and arguments.

    And now, after their divorce, things were amicable to no end¡­ Fate was certainly ironic.

    Still, once Helen packed her things and started to head to work, she walked up to Frank and gave him

    a peck on the cheek.

    Frank froze up, as they had never been this intimate in their three¨Cyear marriage.

    Helen was embarrassed too and promptly fled outside.

    It was her first time making the first move, and her heart was pounding even as she left Skywater Bay!

 Chapter 413

    Frank touched his cheek, where a lipstick mark remained, and he could vaguely smell the intoxicating

    sweetness¡­

    Nearby, Winter pouted, ¡°Hey, are you going to eat? Or was your soul sucked out by that kiss?¡±

    ¡°Ahem¡­¡±

    Prank cleared his throat, never expecting something this awkward happening to him.

    Still, he shot Winter a re, ¡°What would a kid like you know?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m twenty,¡± Winter rolled her eyes, even puffing her chest. ¡°And you¡¯re still calling me a kid?

    Frank chuckled, ¡°Can¡¯t tell that you¡¯re grown up at all.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Winter flushed in anger. ¡°Are you a virgin?¡®

    Her own question somehow piqued her curiosity, and she tugged Frank¡¯s sleeve as she pressed, ¡°Wait,

    you are?¡±

    Frank flushed and frowned, ¡°What¡¯s so funny? I need to hold it in for the sake of my training¡­.

    ¡°Hababa! Whatever you say,¡± Winterughed so hard that she was shaking, ¡°Married for three years

    but still a virgin¡­ Hahaha¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, quitughing and eat,¡± Frank snapped as he sat at the dining table to do so, not about to

    discuss the birds and the bees with a child,

    However, Winter was almost choking as she kept giggling, and he sighed. ¡°Alright, stopughing

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    already, I will buy you a handbag,ter if you behave.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Winter¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I recently saw this bag that¡¯s about 500 dors¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy it for you if you don¡¯t ever mention that again.¡± Frank chuckled,

    ¡°Deal¡±

    Winter promptly stopped giggling and ate solemnly,

    Frank was grinning in turn¨Ctruly, handbags cured all sickness,

    After breakfast, Frank took Winter to Grande Square,

    It was a holiday, and the ce was plenty crowded,

    Moreover, as the recent pandemic lockdown concluded, many youths who were suffering from cabin

    fever finally got to spend their savings.

    Frank was going to pick a handbag from a luxury brand for Winter, but she shook her head in refusal.

    ¡°Forget it, Frank. Those brands are an insult to local brands, and it¡¯s embarrassing carrying them

    around,¡±

    ¡°True.¡± Frank nodded in admiration and patted his chest assuringly, ¡°Then pick anything you

    like. It¡¯s on me.¡®

    ¡°This one over here¡­¡± Winter said, pulling her along to a store for an antiquated local brand, with

    handbags and other fashion essories all in a local style.

    Frank looked around to find that the designs and everything else about the merchandise there were

    simple and straightforward, showing the designers¡® attention to detail.

    ¡°This store¡¯s been trending on our campus, Frank.¡± Winter giggled, and picked up a cherry print

    handbag. ¡°You said you¡¯re paying, didn¡¯t you? Well, I¡¯m taking this one.¡±

 Chapter 414

    Jean Zims and the others had already bought this exact handbag, and Winter had been yearning for it

    for a while, but she just did not have the money for it.

    Frank chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s no problem. While you¡¯re at it, do check out if there are clothes or anything else

    you need. We can buy everything at once.¡±

    Winter quickly threw up her hands. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. The stuff here is expensive¨Cjust a handbag is

    enough.¡±

    She was reluctant to ask Frank to spend too much on her. After all, she knew how difficult it was to

    make money since she had been helping out at her mother¡¯s snackbar ever since she was a child.

    Frank, however, did not seem to mind. ¡°It¡¯s fine¨Cit¡¯s a happy day for me. We¡¯re getting whatever you

    want.¡±

    He was really pleased that Winter was not a golddigger despite being raised in poverty, though one

    would have Carol Zims to thank for that.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m really fine! I have clothes and everything I need now¨Cwhy buy more?¡± Winter still refused.

    Seeing that she was insistent, Frank nodded and headed over to the cashier, paying without hesitation.

    Still, just as they were about to leave, a familiar voice asked, ¡°Winter? What brings you here?¡±

    Frank and Winter turned to find that it was Aria Lond. She was wearing white camisole that bared her

    fair shoulders, matched with a miniskirt and white thigh¨Chighs hugging her legs, presenting her as

    endlessly youthful.

    Winter smiled and greeted her in turn. ¡°Oh, nothing much¨Cjust came to shop with Frank.¡±

    Aria grinned. ¡°You mean, a date?¡±

    Winter blushed but quickly corrected her. ¡°Hey, stop it.¡±

    Aria narrowed her eyes and clicked her tongue. ¡°Out with it¡ªyou haven¡¯t been staying at the dorm.

    Have you moved in with him?¡±

    ¡°What, I¡­¡± Winter was stumped, not expecting Aria to guess that.

    Still, she was not about to admit it¨CAria was such a loudmouth that everyone would know tomorrow!

    ¡°No way,¡± she huffed. ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen.¡±

    Aria nodded in turn, ¡°I guess he¡¯s really not your type. And since it¡¯s not a date, why don¡¯t I join in? We

    can go shopping together.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Winter nced at Frank. ¡°I¡¯m fine with that, but¡­¡±

    Aria quickly caught her cue, and walked up to Frank to wrap her hands around his arm intimately.

    ¡°Please, Mr. Lawrence. I¡¯m bored shopping alone¨Cwhy don¡¯t we shop together?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Frank did not hesitate¨Cin his mind, Aria was a pretty girl and a student, albeit a little

    of a gold digging.

    He was just chaperoning Winter anyway, and having Aria with them would make things less awkward.

    ¡°Great! Winter, I just saw that they¡¯re having a major sale at the lingerie store, though you need to buy

    at least four items,¡± Aria eximed in excitement as she grasped Winter¡¯s arm. It¡¯s the perfect

    coincidence¨Cwe can pick more items since we¡¯re going together!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Winter¡¯s eyes lit up as soon as she heard the word sale, since she could never resist one after

    years of being frugal

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    With that, Aria pulled Winter ahead as Frank followed them to the lingerie store.

    When they arrived and Frank found himself staring at therge selection of lingerie, he realized it was

    really awkward for a man to be there.

    On the other hand, as Aria and Winter entered, a retail assistant quickly greeted them eagerly. ¡°Hello,

    Aria pulled Winter along and pointed at a certain piece of lingerie. ¡°How about that one, Winter?¡±

    Winter turned where she pointed and blushed right then.

 Chapter 415

    Even Frank lowered his eyes after a brief nce, rubbing his nose in silence.

    Aria was pointing at a ck babydoll nightie that was too risque no matter how one looked at it!

    Winter nudged her whileining under her breath, ¡°I can¡¯t wear that! Forget it!¡±

    Aria snorted. ¡°Why not? It looks perfectly fine to me.¡±

    The retail assistant with them quickly chimed in, ¡°Exactly¨Cit¡¯s ourtest addition, and the design is as

    fashionable as it isfortable. I¡¯ve bought one myself too! It alsoes in various sizes, so why not

    give it a try?¡±

    Aria turned patiently to Winter in turn. ¡°See? Your pajamas are thick and old¨Cfashioned. No respectable

    man would be interested after seeing you in it. The way I see it, you should buy a few more just to

    make sure they can¡¯t take their eyes off you.¡±

    Winter could feel her cheeks burning.

    As she nced at Frank with the corner of her eye, she actually felt eager to try it on as well when she

    saw him blush.

    Still, she just could not ovee her shyness.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it first? I promise you¨Cthis one really suits you.¡± Aria giggled before gesturing at

    Frank. ¡°You be the judge, Mr. Lawrence.¡±

    Winter turned pale and snapped frantically, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Letting Mr. Lawrence take a sample, of course. You wear lingerie like that for men, y¡¯know,¡± Aria told

    her carefreely, even holding the nightie in front of Winter to gauge the size.

    ¡°Ahem¡­ I wouldn¡¯t know about that, since I¡¯ve never bought any before.¡± Frank cleared his throat

    awkwardly since he just happened to be staring and quickly turned away.

    Winter had the freedom to wear whatever she liked, but Frank actually would rather she did not.

    Students should dress the part, after all.

    ¡°See? He¡¯s shy.¡± Aria goaded Winter. ¡°Go on, try it!¡±

    Winter still could not ovee her own shyness, however, just as she could sense Frank¡¯s aversion.

    ¡°Forget it. I¡¯m getting something normal,¡± Winter said and shoved the nightie back into Aria¡¯s hands

    before heading further inside the store.

    ¡°Hey¡­¡±

    Aria was going to stop her, but Winter had already put some distance between them and started

    picking something else with the retail assistant¡¯s help.

    She was actually disappointed that Winter did not seize the chance when she could and turned toward

    Frank

    Lifting the nightie with just a finger, she purred, ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, Mr. Lawrence. Nothing to get shy about

    when it¡¯s just me¨CI¡¯ll put this on if you¡¯d like to look.¡±

    Frank did a double take, surprised that she was that liberal.

    Still, he said, ¡°Not interested.¡±

    Aria doubted that, presuming that Frank was just faking it since there was no man in the world who

    would not be.

    ¡°You can quit pretending, Mr. Lawrence. Just wait here.¡± She smiled and headed into a changing room

    right then.

    As Frank was left speechless, Winter also picked something she liked. ¡°What do you think about this

    one, Frank?¡±

    She was holding a white bra¨Cthere was no borate fabric, but it was much more conservative than

    the babydoll nightie earlier.

    Frank was left feeling awkward again¨Cwhy would she ask him when he was not her boyfriend?

    ¡°Oh¡­ It¡¯s not bad,¡± he replied half¨Cheartedly.

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    The retail assistant was left a little perplexed right then¨Cwhat was the story between him and the two

    As Winter took the bra she picked into the changing room, the retail assistant told her, ¡°Take your time,

    miss. Just let me know if you need help.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    The retail assistant left to serve other customers, while Winter slowly took off her jacket to try on the

    bra in front of the mirror

 Chapter 416

    As Winter stood before the mirror, she kept staring and admiring her own figure.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ Not bad at all.¡± Smiling and nodding in satisfaction, she decided to take the one she tried on.

    However, she was about to unhook it when she realized that she was unable to.

    She fumbled for the hook, only to realize it was stuck.

    She started to panic right then, but the more she struggled, the tighter the bra became.

    As she sweated all over her brow, she gently knocked on the door.

    Frank, who was standing outside, asked, ¡°Yeah? What¡¯s up?¡°¡±

    ¡°Uh, Frank¡­¡± she murmured softly. ¡°Is the retail assistant still there?¡±

    Frank looked around, but the retail assistant was nowhere to be seen. ¡°No. Is there a problem?

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    ET

    Winter immediately felt embarrassed to death and whispered, ¡°What about Aria?¡±

    ¡°She got into another changing cubicle, and she¡¯s still in there.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Winter was speechless¨CAria was always dropping the ball!

    Having no choice, she asked, ¡°Could I ask you for a favor, Frank?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Frank quickly replied.

    Winter opened the door slightly, saying gingerly, ¡°Juste in here for a moment¡­¡®

    ¡°What?¡± Frank was dumbstruck. ¡°I¡­ probably shouldn¡¯t?¡±

    Winter¡¯s cheeks were beet red, her voice tiny even as she realized he misunderstood. ¡°That¡¯s not what

    I mean! My bra hook is stuck and I can¡¯t detach it. I need your help here¨CI can¡¯t go out, y¡¯know!¡±

    Frank understood with a start¨Che should have known Winter was not like that.

    Still, he looked around to make sure no one was inside before sneaking inside the changing

    room.

    He quickly saw that Winter had nothing on aside from the bra, her fair skin in full view as she hung her

    head, keeping her arms over her chest as she muttered, ¡°Frank, could you take a look at the hook?¡±

    Frank¡¯s gaze never strayed, since he really considered Winter his sister.

    Moving behind her, he chuckled. ¡°You locked it. I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Winter said without hesitation but flinched when Frank¡¯s hands touched her skin the next

    instant.

    The warm, hot sensation almost drained her dry right then!

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Frank asked.

    Winter shook her head repeatedly. ¡°N¨CNothing¡­ Could you hurry up?¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­ Just a moment¡­¡±

    Frank frowned¨Che was feeling hard¨Cpressed too, since he did not grow out his nails and the hook was

    locked tight.

    He suddenly sighed, his warm breath blowing across Winter¡¯s smooth back, and she had to bite her lip

    to stop herself from making a sound¡­

    ¡°Done!¡± Frank soon seeded after considerable effort.

    And once unfastened, the bra started to slide off¡­

 Chapter 417

    Almost in reflex, Winter pressed her bra against her chest as she flushed.

    She could not let it slip, just as holding on for too long would be bad¡­

    She froze, staring at the minor and seeing that Frank was staring fixedly at her.

    Noticing that things were getting awry, Frank quickly turned away, his body heating up in the cramped

    space

    Frank scratched his head. ¡°So, I think I¡¯ll just leave¡­¡±

    Why would he stay there after unfastening the book anyway?

    Winner nodded, but that was when Aria stepped out of her cubicle.

    Looking around but finding neither Frank nor Winter, she asked out loud in confusion, ¡°Hey, Winter?

    Are you in there?¡±

    Winter promptly grabbed Frank¡¯s arm at Aria¡¯s voice, and Frank turned to see Winter shaking her head

    She was reluctant to let Aria see her with Frank in a single cubicle¨Cwho knew what tall tales Aria would

    tell, given her rich imagination!

    Frank rubbed her nose and tactfully stayed quiet, pretending as if there was no one in here.

    Still, he pointed at Winter¡¯s chest.

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    Since she was still holding on to him, her bra was loose.

    Winter almost yelped when she looked down and promptly withdrew her hand to cup her breasts, while

    Frank tactfully turned away.

    Meanwhile, Aria left since there was no response, while Frank stepped out just then.

    Winter quickly got dressed and stepped out soon enough, her cheeks beet red.

    ¡°Where have you two been?¡± Aria asked, finally finding them again after searching the entire

    store.

    And she was right here earlier!

    Frank cleared his throat. ¡°Just¡­ uh, taking a stroll¡±

    Winter added guiltily, ¡°I¨CI was right here. Been changing the whole time.¡±

    However, Aria¡¯s eyes were narrowed as she studied Winter from head to toe. ¡°Why are your cheeks so

    red?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Winter eximed in surprise, touching her face. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®really¡®? They¡¯re as red as fire.¡± Aria snorted, ncing between Winter and Frank.

    ¡°Were you two doing something immodest while I¡¯m gone?¡±

    ¡°Stop it,¡± Winter promptly snapped at her.

    Aria simply grinned in understanding, having an idea right then. ¡°Come on¡ªlet¡¯s catch this new movie

    in the cinema.¡±

    Winter nodded¨Cshe was fine with anything as long as Aria did not press the issue. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been a

    while.¡±

    Frank followed them once again, a ve for the day as he carried their drinks and popcorn.

    He sat between them in the pitch¨Cck theater, though one might call him lucky having two college

    students nking him.

    Still, the movie was romantic themed and not interesting to him, and he was just a chaperone

    anyway.

    Winter, however, was watching it very seriously, her eyes wide as she watched the romantic

    progression of the female lead, shing a silly grin on asion.

    At the same time, the couple in front of Frank were kissing each other viciously¡­

 Chapter 418

    Frank felt something on himself just as he was going to close his eyes for a nap.

    He looked down to find Aria¡¯s hand on hisp, her elbow pressing against him as she leaned toward

    him.

    Frank shot her a cool look, only for her to smile and loosen her cor button, exposing herself without a

    care.

    Her legs were crossed, her stilettos already off her feet as she brushed her thigh¨Chigh socks against

    her leg.

    And when he did not react, her hands started to move boldly up Frank¡¯s thigh¡­ but he caught her just

    before she reached his belt.

    Frowning, he growled under his breath, ¡°Keep your hands to yourself.¡±

    Aria simply shed a bewitching smile, though she stayed in line after Frank warned her.

    Soon, Frank headed to the men¡¯s room, intending to relieve himself.

    Seeing a chance, Aria promptly followed him, squeezing her way into his cubicle even before he could

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    take off his pants!

    He frowned. ¡°Are you crazy? This is the men¡¯s room.¡®

    Aria smiled nonchntly. ¡°What¡¯s the problem? There wasn¡¯t anyone when I came in just now.

    11

    ¡°That still doesn¡¯t mean you cane in, and I¡¯m someone, y¡¯know. Just leave already.¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± Aria pouted, shaking her head. ¡°And you saw that lingerie earlier, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m wearing it

    right now¡­ Would you like to check it out?¡±

    Aria smiled and took off her jacket, revealing the babydoll nightie underneath.

    Frank scowled¨Cto think that the girl could be so immodest!

    Aria even wrapped her arms around his neck and purred, ¡°Why don¡¯t you just take me? I¡¯m a good girl¨C

    I promise I won¡¯t try to fight Winter for you. No, I¡¯d even help you win her over. I can give you anything

    she can give too, and even what she can¡¯t.¡±

    Frank stared at her mascara¨Ccovered cheeks, amused by her invitation. ¡°Why do you insist on throwing

    yourself into my arms?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re rich,¡± Aria said brazenly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯m not here to bug you. Just give me some

    pocket money each month, and you can have me any way you want.¡±

    Frank rolled his eyes¨Cshameless people were truly invincible.

    He was certainly at a loss for words on how to describe her, what with her spelling out her conditions

    for him.

    After some thought, he said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we do this instead? Help me watch over Winter on campus

    and make sure she¡¯s safe, and I¡¯ll give you pocket money worth five figures each month.¡±

    ¡°For real?¡± Aria eximed in surprise. ¡°It¡¯s that simple?¡±

    ¡°Of course, though you can forget it if you¡¯re not interested.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes, yes, yes¡­ I¡¯m interested, and I promise to take good care of Winter from now on. You will

    know right away if any man gets too close to her.¡± Aria quickly nodded.

    Frank nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Good, so that means we now have a working rtionship, and I¡¯m

    basically your boss.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Aria said shyly.

    ¡°Then leave.¡±

    ¡°But you can ask for anything else too, Mr. Lawrence,¡± Aria purred. ¡°I will satisfy any request.

    I mean, you¡¯re quite good looking, and I won¡¯t lose anything with a romp¡­¡±

    ¡°Leave,¡± Frank repeated.

 Chapter 419

    Having made a deal with Frank, Aria left the men¡¯s room, satisfied.

    Frank was actually uninterested with overly enthusiastic women like Aria, and not because of her looks,

    but rather, it was their immodesty and willingness to do anything for money.

    There was no way Frank would pay her that much attention¨Cwho knew when she would make him a

    cuck.

    After relieving himself, he stepped out to find Aria waiting outside.

    As they returned together, they found someone in Frank¡¯s seat.

    It was a young man dressed mboyantly, trying to chat Winter up. ¡°Hey, are you here alone? Why

    don¡¯t we add each other on WhatsApp?¡±

    Winter did not even know when he came and promptly waved him off in refusal. ¡°No, I¡¯m here with my

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    brother.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine. You¡¯re here to hang out anyway, right?¡± the youth pressed.

    Winter nodded shyly, and he chuckled. ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention ¨C my brother is the general manager of

    this mall. Why don¡¯t we hang outter? Everything will be on the house, and we¡¯re friends after that.

    Anyway, my name is Sunny Jameson. What¡¯s yours?¡±

    Winter had no intentions of hanging out with him and refused politely. ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯m heading home

    Sunny was not giving up and kept going. ¡°Come on, girl¡ª¡±

    Frank returned before he could finish, pping him on the shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s my seat, bro.¡±

    Sunny frowned and red at him. ¡°Who are you? This theater isn¡¯t full¨Ccan¡¯t you get another seat?¡±

    Frank repeated bluntly, ¡°That¡¯s my seat.

    ¡°Wee back, Frank.¡± Winter sighed in relief when she saw Frank.

    Sunny quickly calmed down when he realized Frank was with Winter and smiled while holding out a

    hand. ¡°Oh, hello. I¡¯m a friend.¡±

    Frank did not shake his hand, however. ¡°This is the cinema, sir, so please be quiet and return to your

    seat.¡±

    Sunny shed a chagrined smile and quickly sat down behind Winter.

    Even as Frank and Aria returned to their seats, Sunny had already forgotten what Frank said and kept

    talking to Winter from the back, ¡°There¡¯s this nice cafe in this mall. It¡¯s my treat. ¡°No thanks¡­¡± Winter

    frowned and shook her head¨Cshe was always too meek to be stern.

    That only encouraged Sunny, who whipped out his phone and continued, ¡°Then how about the best

    dessert store here in Grande Square? Satisfaction guaranteed.¡±

    This time, before Winter could finish, Frank snatched his phone away.

    ¡°Hey! What are you doing?!¡± Sunny snapped furiously.

    .

    Frank answered him with a p across his face, knocking him to the floor.

 Chapter 420

    Frank was pointing Sunny in the nose as he snapped, ¡°Get out of here if you¡¯re not interested in

    watching the movie!¡±

    With that, he threw Sunny¡¯s phone to the ground, smashing it into pieces!

    Sunny was furious. ¡°Hey! That¡¯s thetest model¨Chow dare you smash it?!¡±

    Even Aria snapped at Sunny at that point, ¡°Where do youe from, acting like you own the ce

    because you have thetest phone? It¡¯s just ten grand at best. Now get out of here!¡±

    She would have been interested in rich kids like Sunny before, but that was not the case now after she

    got in Frank¡¯s good graces.

    Not only would she be earning an easy ten grand each month, but she also would not mind getting

    frisky with Frank while watching the movie. However, this braindead man had to ruin her ns!

    Even the audience around them had their good mood ruined. They would p Sunny too, and it went

    without saying how cathartic it was to see Frank do it.

    Sunny was left ring at his broken phone, while pointing at Frank as he snapped, ¡°You¡¯re a dead

    man! Don¡¯t you know who I am? You¡¯re not leaving Grande Square when I¡¯m around!¡±

    Frank chuckled. ¡°Then do you know who I am?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Sunny snapped fearlessly. ¡°My brother is the general manager. You¡¯re not getting out

    alive!¡±

    ¡°General manager, was it? Go on, call him¨CI¡¯ll be waiting.¡± Frank snorted in disdain¨Cit was certainly

    conceited of Sunny to behave all high and mighty when he was calling upon a mere general manager.

    Frank¡¯s disdain only left Sunny even more furious, and thetter promptly called his brother. ¡± Hey, bro?

    Someone attacked me! You have toe¡­¡± 1

    Sunny was immediately confident after the call, and he started yelling at Frank and everyone else,

    ¡°He¡¯ll be here soon! Don¡¯t you dare run away!¡±

    The other audience quickly left since a fight would happen soon¨Cthey were just customers, and not

    here for a fight. The theater was not exactly small, but there was a chance of getting caught in the

    crossfire!

    Soon, a portly balding man strode in, with a group of security guards in tow.

    ¡°Who the fucky a finger on my brother?¡± the man barked.

    Sunny was beside himself with joy when he saw the portly man and hurried to him. ¡°That¡¯s the one,

    Gordon.¡±

    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Gordon Jameson turned to see Frank, Aria, and Winter.

    Naturally, he could not care less¨Che actually thought for a moment that it was a gang, but they were

    just three!

    Winter was flustered as soon as she saw that there were over twenty men, and she was worried

    that Frank would get hurt even if she knew Frank could really fight.

    On the other hand, Aria remained nonchnt since that handful of men were never going to beat

    Frank¨Che proved that much back then at the karaoke bar!

    Gordon then nced at Winter and Aria, his eyes shing lecherously.

    Still, he demanded, ¡°So you¡¯re the one who hit my brother, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°He deserved it.¡± Frank snorted in contempt.

    ¡°Shit, you really have balls. I¡¯m giving you a chance¨Cget down on your knees and apologize right now,

    and I¡¯ll let you go. Just so you know, my boys don¡¯t know their strength¡­ you can¡¯t me me if you¡¯re

    left a cripple.¡± Gordon chuckled smugly, convinced he was definitely winning against Frank with just his

    twentyish men.

 Chapter 421

    "Don''t push your luck." Frank snorted nonchntly. "Do you know who I am?"

    "Who cares? This is my turf." Gordon snorted smugly. "Get him! Don''t hurt thedies, though."

    At his orders, the security guards all charged toward Frank.

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Frank nced at Winter and Aria as he said, "Stay back."

    Aria tactfully pulled Winter to a corner, while the leader of the security guards bellowed, "You should be

    worrying about yourself, kid!"

    However, Frank had already floored him with a single punch before leaping into the crowd of

    bodyguards, flooring every single one of them with each punch.

    They were all down in no time at all, each of them howling and groaning in pain.

    "Well done, Mr. Lawrence!" Aria cheered, having known this would happen.

    Sunny and Gordon were left staring in shock, not expecting Frank to be that good.

    "Shit..." Sunny gulped. "Brother, you need to call for backup!"

    If twenty security guards were not enough, they could just call for more. They had over a hundred of

    them here in Grande Square, and Sunny doubted Frank could handle all of them!

    Gordon, however, was already turning to run. "Yeah, just keep him here. I''ll get my boys right now¡ª"

    Call for backup?! The bastard was clearly trained... It was time to bolt!

    However, Frank quickly leapt toward Gordon without a word, grabbed his necktie, and pulled.

    "Oof!!!" Gordon grunted resoundingly as he was shoved to the floor.

    "Fuck you! That''s my brother!" Sunny charged at Frank right then.

    "Fuck off!" Frank snorted and sent him flying with another p.

    Realizing that he had messed with the wrong person, Gordon was immediately clutching his head as

    he begged, "Please, man. Let''s talk about this..."

    Frank chuckled coolly. "Talk about this? That''s not what you said when you attacked me. Grande Corp

    has really gone to hell, with maggots like you infesting it."

    Gordon nodded brazenly. "Yes, yes, you''re right. Grande Corp is so unlucky to have maggots like me...

    So how about this? I can pay you however much you want, it''s your call... We''re bros, right? Just say

    the word you''re here to hang out¡ªI have some influence here."

    Frank''s eyes narrowed.

    The man was still trying to weasel his way out with money at this point¡ªand it went without saying that

    the money must have been earned through further corruption.

    "Save it," he growled. "I''ll be asking Grande Corp how the likes of you managed to make it in. Just wait

    for their word."

    Gordon was actually delighted to hear that¡ªhe could not ask for anything better!

    He had been working in Grande Corp for years, and his connections were now deeply entrenched

    among them.

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    Gordon was convinced that he just needed to grease some hands and all of this would go away.

    Still, he eximed in feigned shock, "Please, no! This is really no big deal¡­ You don''t have to go that far, right?"

    "Shut up." Frank pped him across the face, leaving him with bleeding lips.

    Even as Gordon cursed him inwardly, Frank called Vicky''s office number.

    However, her secretary answered since she was not around, but her secretary knew the connection between Vicky and Frank.

    As soon as she heard Frank''s voice, she greeted him respectfully. "Yes, Mr. Lawrence? How can I help?"

    "Who''s the general manager of Grande Square?"

    Debbie the secretary quickly checked. "It''s Mr. Gordon Jameson."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "He''s quite the pompous prick," Frank growled. "He actually sicked over twenty security guards at me¡ªthank goodness I''m professionally trained. If it were a customer, they''d be killed without question."

    "What?!" Debbie eximed in surprise. "I''m so sorry for our oversight, Mr. Lawrence. I''m sending someone over to handle this immediately."

    As soon as she hung up, she sent an executive who happened to be nearby, cursing Gordon for being such a troublemaker.

    He was dead meat now!

    As Frank put away his phone, Linus Huxley, the human resource executive of Grande Corp, arrived soon enough.

    He was the one who recruited most of Grande Pharma''s backbone staff and was personally acquainted with Frank, making him the best person to deal with this.

    Still, as soon as Gordon saw Linus, he scrambled toward him and hugged his leg, howling, "I''m so sorry, Mr. Huxley. Please give me a chance..."

    They went way back and often hung out together¡ªright now, Gordon just had to pretend to apologize, and Linus would take him away. After that, he would be released without issue, and the board would be none the wiser.

    Linus was frowning at Gordon in turn¡ªthis was a routine they had done many times, but this was one asion where he could not do a thing.

    "That''s enough. Just shut up already," he snapped.

    "Oh, okay..." Gordon was actually surprised¡ªLinus'' acting had definitely improved.

    At the same time, Linus hurried to Frank''s side. "I''m so sorry you had to encounter something so unpleasant, Mr. Lawrence. Grande Corp shall deal with this appropriately."

    Frank nodded. "How so?"

    "Perpany rules, Gordon Jameson will be fined and fired," Linus quickly said. "His actions shall be denounced and he will be made an example for the rest."

    Frank was actually satisfied. "And when will said actions be taken?"

    "Right now."

    "Then what are you waiting for? Go on."

    Linus whipped out the severance agreement prepared before he came and told Gordon solemnly, "Gordon Jameson. Grande Corp has decided to dismiss you for your actions today. And shares of thepany you had have been seized, and you will be fined per the amount stated in this agreement. Please review it."

    "What¡­?" Gordon thought that Linus was still acting and was left dumbfounded after reading the agreement. "What''s this? Are you really firing me?"

    Linus red at him and snapped, "What, did you think I was lying?"

    Gordon panicked when he realized the other man was dead serious. "No¡­ No! You can''t fire me! I''m the general manager of Grande Square!"

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    <span style="font-size:26px"><strong></strong>

    Linus'' tone was cold and permitted no refusal. "That was before. You''re not the general manager now."

    "How can you do this?!" Gordon was incensed.

    What an ingrate, betraying him in the blink of an eye when Gordon used to take good care of him!

    Smack!

    Linus briskly pped Gordon across the face right then and kicked him in the chest too!

    "Oof!" Gordon was left rolling on the floor once before catching himself.

    At the same time, Linus growled, "It''s fine if you don''t sign it. Grande Corp will be suing, and you''ll be in jail!"

    "What bullshit agreement is this?!" Gordon snapped indignantly even as he scrambled to his feet. "When did I disrespect a shareholder and affect thepany negatively?"

    Linus pointed at his nose as he snapped, "You''re really stupid, aren''t you? Mr. Lawrence here is a shareholder of Grande Pharma and Ms. Turnbull''s partner! He''s your boss'' boss!"

    "What¡­ That''s impossible!" Gordon was left staring at Frank in disbelief before turning back to Linus. "Did you make a mistake?"

    "Do you think I would make a mistake here?" Linus growled through his teeth¡ªhow much of an idiot could he be?!

    Gordon flinched in turn and promptly ran up to Frank. "Please, Mr. Lawrence. I-I''m so sorry for not recognizing you¡­ I can''t lose this job, I have mouths to feed! Please give me a chance¡­"

    Frank kept his hands in his pocket as he shrugged. "Give you a chance? I would''ve been beaten to a pulp by your twentyish security guards if I wasn''t trained."

    "No way!" Gordon quickly cried. "I-I was just going to straighten you out¡­ I''d never kill you!"

    "Fuck off." Frank sent him flying with a kick¡ªthe cheek he had to spout that crap!

    Then, turning to Linus, he added, "I don''t want to see anyone like him in Grande Corp ever again, or you can leave too."

    His icy re left Linus flinching, and thetter promptly bowed. "Don''t worry, Mr. Lawrence! This won''t ever happen again."

    Frank snorted coldly and left the theater with Winter and the others.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    Aria was watching him worshipfully. "I didn''t know you were a Grande Pharma shareholder¡­ Would you happen to need a secretary? Can Winter and I work for you once we graduate?"

    Frank smiled. "Of course, if you have the qualifications."

    Aria giggled. "Can''t we get some leverage, since we''re such close friends at all?"

    Frank chuckled. "I don''t own the ce, and Ms. Turnbull despises opportunistic people like you."

    Aria actually froze at that.

    Beside them, Winter was surprised Frank was a Grande Pharma shareholder as well, and he was not that much older than her.

    The gap between them was so huge that there was no telling when she would ever catch up¡­

    -

    Meanwhile, Vicky Turnbull and Yara Quill were seated in an antiquated room at Rainfield Teahouse, savoring some Darjeeling tea.

    Just then, Yara asked quietly, "Why did the Szars suddenly invite you out for tea, Vicky?"

    Vicky smiled. "Is there any other reason? They must have seen us making bank and wanted a cut too."

    "Huh¡­" Yara blurted.

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    <span style="font-size:28px"><strong></strong>

    Yara scratched her head. "I don''t think that''s possible¡ªtoo much bad blood between us."

    "So what?" Vicky shrugged nonchntly. "We will just deal with whatever they throw our way, and there''s nothing to fear when we have the advantage."

    Yara nodded in agreement, convinced that Vicky spoke reason.

    She was really not capable of leadership anyway and would overthink at times.

    Soon, the door to their private room opened.

    Donald Szar strode in, followed by his eldest son Drakon.

    "Oh, you''re early, Ms. Turnbull." Donaldughed. "Apologies for beingte when I''m the one who invited you here."

    Vicky shed a professional smile in turn. "You''re a busy man unlike me, Mr. Szar. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

    "Well, I''m not the one asking for you," Donald chuckled coolly. "It''s my son."

    As he spoke, Drakon sat opposite Yara and Vicky and studied them.

    Vicky studied him in turn, while Yara became wary as she sensed that Drakon was dangerous.

    "So, you''re the younger Mr. Szar." Vicky smiled. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

    Drakon growled coolly, "I''ve been training abroad and been out of touch, but I found out recently that my sister had been bullied and humiliated thoroughly by this man named Frank Lawrence, and I heard you and him are close."

    Vicky shrugged. "We''re just friends. I''m not sure what he did, but you can go to him if you want your revenge."

    "Haha!" Drakonughed. "You really are amusing, Ms. Turnbull, though I have another favor to ask."

    "And what would that be?" Vicky asked, her smile fading.

    "I''ve heard how well your Rejuvenation Pills were selling, and that you''ve made a fortune, so I''d like to take out a loan."

    "Not a problem. Just say a number, and I''ll transfer it when I get home," Vicky replied calmly.

    "Oh, how direct. But I want the Rejuvenation Pill recipe too."This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Vicky nodded again. "No problem. I''ll send it over when I get home."

    "Wonderful."

    Vicky then pointed out, "The condition for that is that I get home."

    As a martial artist, she could naturally sense his killing intent spilling away from him and tell how strong he was.

    She did not expect someone this strong among the Szars either¡­ Donald certainly yed his cards close to his chest!

    Drakon snorted in disdain. "Actually, I could just spare myself all that trouble. Frank Lawrence will bring the two billion dors I want and the Rejuvenation Pill recipe. After that, I''ll kill him, and then you are free to go."

    Vicky shook his head. "That won''t do¡ªyou see, I don''t know him that well."

    Drakon simply stared at her in glee. "We won''t know until we try. I''ve actually heard that you two are close, just as you''d get a better understanding of him if he decides to turn away."

    Vicky narrowed her eyes, her slender fingers suddenly tapping the table.

    Yara moved right then¡ªhaving been working together for so long, their understanding was tacit.

    Words were not needed for Yara to read Vicky''s intention.

    Whipping out a dagger, she stabbed it toward Drakon''s neck!

 Chapter 425

    Yara would not hold back since Drakon was hostile, just as she could sense that he was no average

    Joe.

    She might not stand a chance if she did not go all out!

    However, before her dagger could reach Drakon''s neck, his hands shifted with lightning speed.

    Thud!

    Shank!

    Yara never actually saw Drakon move, only the agony from her palm!

    He had grabbed her by the wrist, snatching away her dagger and stabbing it viciously through her arm

    and into the tea table!

    "Argh!!!" Yara screamed as blood streamed freely from her palm, her hand basically nailed to the table.

    Her face was contorted in pain as her hand trembled¡ªshe was plenty wary, but she did not expect

    such a huge gap in abilities between her and Drakon!

    Drakon was regarding her with disdain in turn. "Were you really trying to kill me, girlie?"

    Donald wasughing in turn, delighted to see his son dispatching Yara so quickly.

    She was Robert Quill''s daughter and could hold her own in a fight. And yet, she did not evenst one

    move against his son¡ªhis strength certainly went without saying!

    "Resorting to your cheap tricks when you''re up against my son? You''re a funny one... Hahaha!"

    Yara bit her lip but stayed silent despite her frustration.

    "That''s enough," Vicky growled just then.

    Drakon wheeled on her in turn. "I believe you have some exining to do here, Ms. Turnbull."

    Vicky inhaled deeply, but she was on the backfoot considering Drakon''s strength... One might even say

    she had no grounds for negotiation.

    "We are at fault," she said with considerable restraint. "What would you ask of US?"

    Drakon smiled and nodded in approval¡ªat least Vicky knew her ce. "In that case, you''reing

    with us. We''ll be waiting for Frank Lawrence to bail you out with the two billion dors and the

    Rejuvenation Pill recipe."

    Vicky smiled. "That''s no problem at all. I''ll call him right away¡ª"

    "No, that''s unnecessary." Drakon raised a palm to stop her. "What if you send him away instead, since

    you''re that loyal to your gigolo?"

    He turned toward Yara and abruptly pulled out her dagger, dragging more blood from her palm.

    Yara kept her jaw clenched to keep quiet, though her eyes were ring viciously at Drakon.

    Drakon simply shrugged. "You will inform the Turnbulls and Frank Lawrence instead."

    Vicky quietly put away her phone. "Fine, if that''s what you want."

    Donald was certainly gleeful to see his son handle the situation so easily.

    "Didn''t think this would happen, did you?" He gloated at Vicky. "We could''ve avoided all this if you''d

    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    given US the Rejuvenation Pill recipe from the start."

    "There''s no telling what''s going to happen," Vicky growled, her spite ring inwardly.

    But even if she was at a disadvantage, she could still turn the tables!

    "Time to go, Ms. Turnbull," Drakon said coolly just then.

    Vicky rose to her feet, ready to go with him, but Yara quickly grabbed her arm. "You can''t go, Ms.

    Turnbull..."

 Chapter 426

    Drakon snorted in disdain. "You don''t get to speak here, girlie."

    Vicky turned toward Yara as well, whispering under her breath, "Don''t worry. The Szars won''t kill me

    before they get the Rejuvenation Pill recipe. Just go home and tell my father to prepare twenty million,

    and tell Frank to bring the recipe and the money to ransom me."

    At this point, she could only trust Frank to save her.

    Yara nodded feebly in turn and watched as the Szars took Vicky to their car.

    With that, Yara did not hesitate to whip out her phone and call Frank.

    Frank was shocked when he received Yara''s call.

    To think that the Szars would kidnap Vicky in broad daylight, even hurting Yara!

    Yara was no martial prodigy, but her abilities had improved by leaps and bounds after being taught the

    improved version of the Boltsmacker.

    To dispatch her in a split second... It seemed the Szars had someone very powerful in their ranks.

    He did not hesitate to travel to Turnbull Vi immediately, and he strode through the front door to find

    Walter Turnbull pacing around.

    He was certainly anxious after being told his daughter had been kidnapped, and both he and Susan

    Redford were scowling.

    Even Robert was there, and he and Walter hurried to Frank when they saw him.

    "Oh, Frank... you''re finally here." Walter grasped Frank''s hand in agitation. "Word is that Drakon,

    Donald Szar''s eldest son, has returned... It seems that they want revenge against US."

    Frank remained calm andposed. "It''s alright, Mr. Turnbull. I''vee to save your daughter¡ªdo

    you have any details on their forces?"

    Walter shook his head, while Robert mused thoughtfully. "I don''t know the specifics about Drakon''s

    rank, but he is said to have trained extensively abroad."

    He then turned to his daughter. "Did you notice anything when you fought him?"

    Yara''s bandaged palm stiffened as she shook her head. "I just don''t know. I tried to blindside him, but

    that didn''t work at all."

    Susan snapped impatiently right then, "So what? Yes, Drakon Szar is strong, but we''re not going

    there to fight him. The Szars have already promised to release Vicky if Frank goes to them with two

    billion dors and the Rejuvenation Pill recipe. And saving Vicky right now is the priority!"

    "I understand the urgency, Ms. Turnbull," Frank said quietly, "but you shouldn''t panic. I have the recipe,

    but two billion dors is no small sum..." "It''s fine, Mr. Lawrence. I already have prepared it," Walter

    quickly said, pulling out a check with two billion dors written on it.

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    He grasped Frank''s hands again, pleading, "Please, you have to save Vicky..."

    It was his only option now¡ªWalter certainly knew that the Szars mentioned Frank by name because

    they wanted him dead, but he could not just let his daughter get hurt either!

    "It''s alright, Mr. Turnbull," Frank assured him. "Ms. Turnbull and I are friends, and I''ll definitely help now

    that she''s in trouble."

    Robert then said, "I''lle with you, Mr. Lawrence. Vicky is my apprentice¡ªI''ll definitely help as you''ve

    put it."

    Frank hesitated but nodded.

    That was when Susan spoke up. "Just the two of you won''t be enough. Frida Blue wille with you."

    Frank turned where she was looking to find a group of ck-d bodyguards standing outside the vi.

 Chapter 427

    Frida Blue, the woman in the lead, was slender and wore a ck face mask.

    With her hawkish gaze and her body-hugging spandex, she certainly looked formidable...

    Frank also counted twentyish men behind him, though he and Robert said at once, "No."

    "What? Why?" Susan demanded.

    "Because it''s unnecessary," Frank exined. "We want to save Vicky. In this case, numbers will

    be a burden."

    Robert nodded in agreement. "Yeah. The Szars will be wary if we go in such arge group."

    "A burden?" Frida snorted in disdain. "You''re the only burden here. We''re plenty enough to save Ms.

    Turnbull, so stay out of this."

    "What...?" Robert was left speechless by the girl''s contempt.

    "Please, Mr. Quill," Susan spoke up just then. "Ms. Blue is twentieth in Earthrank and one of our

    family''s personal bodyguards. She can hold her own."

    Robert was actually stunned.

    Twentieth in Earthrank, but she was just a bodyguard?

    The main branch of the Turnbull family was certainly not to be underestimated!

    Frida simply ignored Robert in turn. "We can just split up, Mrs. Turnbull. I will personally save your

    daughter."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank frowned. "The Szars are demanding the Rejuvenation Pill recipe. What would you do if they

    kill Vicky if you barge in?"

    "They won''t even see using. We will get Ms. Turnbull out without making a sound," Frida dered

    confidently.

    Frank, however, believed she was conceited. "Yara couldn''t evenst one move against Drakon. You''re

    not going to seed."

    "What, care to try me?" Frida glowered, having had enough of him right then.

    "That''s enough." Walter quickly butted in. "You''re both here to help, so stop arguing. Why fight among

    ourselves even before you get started?"

    "Just split up as Frida suggested," Susan pointed out just then. "Anything goes as long as Vicky is

    safe."

    "Hmph."

    Frida snorted and led her men out of Turnbull Vi right away.

    Frank was speechless¡ªwas Riverton really that weak in their eyes?

    Still, there was no time to hesitate.

    He started to leave with Robert, ready to meet the Szars¡ªhe was confident he could save Vicky as

    long as he was allowed to see her.

    "Mr. Lawrence, please hold up for a moment. There''s someone who would like to join us," Robert said

    as they left Turnbull Vi."

    "Who?" Frank asked, perplexed.

    An SUV came bounding down the street and screeched to a halt right in front of them.

    A man alighted, and it was none other than Bron Howard, the chief of South Alp Sect.

    Robert then exined, "Mr. Howard here is eager to avenge his son, after I''ve investigated the truth

    around his death¡ªit turns out Troy Howard was murdered by Jaud White, Donald Szar''s

    henchman."

    Frank nodded¡ªhe and Bron had even exchanged blows over that misunderstanding.

    And three was just the right number.

    Still, he said, "You maye along, but you can only make a move when I give the order."

    Bron nodded. "Of course."

    His goal was to kill Jaud¡ªthe rest was inconsequential.

    With that, Frank and Robert got in the car and sped straight toward Donald Tower.

    As the sun set, Frida and her men arrived at Donald Tower, working in perfect tandem to knock out the

    rear entrance guards with tranquilizer guns before unlocking the door.

    Though they managed to slip in the building quietly, they had barely reached the parking lot when the

    lights suddenly flickered and died.

    "Who dares intrude upon these sacred grounds?"

 Chapter 428

    Frida froze.

    She was already moving as quietly as possible, but they noticed anyway?!

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Still, she simply gave up on stealth as she shouted back, "You''re the ones who kidnapped Ms. Turnbull

    first. Let her go, and we might let you leave."

    Her response only prompted a mockingughter. "Oh, what do we have here? An actual woman?! So

    Frank Lawrence couldn''t make it?"

    "Why bother bringing him? I''m plenty enough for the likes of you." Frida snorted in disdain.

    "Haha! I guess Mr. Szar''s words fell on deaf ears... Now, die."

    Frida frowned¡ªit was not Drakon Szar?!

    However, she felt a burst of air shooting towards her even as the thought crossed her mind, and she

    leapt away.

    She could feel the de slicing a lock of her hair, even as she paled in shock¡ªthat was too fast!

    Moreover, while she managed to dodge out of harm''s way by instinct, her men were not so fortunate.

    They were not as strong as her, and they were blind after the parking lot lights were turned off... and

    were massacred in no time at all.

    "Argh!"

    "Gurk¡ª"

    Screams of death ensued endlessly, and Frida whipped out her sword, iling around by instinct.

    However, the screams soon faded entirely, leaving the parking lot eerily silent.

    "Bastion?! Grover?!" Frida kept calling out her men''s names, but there was no response.

    Click.

    Suddenly, the lights of the car park returned, and Frida quickly threw up her hand as she adjusted her

    eyes and looked around.

    A scrawny man stood nearby, smiling darkly as he studied her.

    She then looked down to find all her men dead, lying in pools of their own blood.

    "I''m surprised the Turnbulls have such pretty face work as a bodyguard," the scrawny man chuckled

    coolly. "What a waste it would be to kill you."

    "Fuck!" Frida snapped as she leapt up, bringing her sword to bear and ready to avenge her men!

    Even as she swung it, the sword swished deafeningly, tearing a gale through the air.

    The scrawny man remained fearless, however. With a light step as if he weighed no more than a

    feather, he dodged Frida''s strike while the sword left a gash against the wall.

    Frida was left stunned by the scrawny man''s footwork while he chuckled. "You''re too slow, girlie."

    His fingers wed toward her arm, and it was toote by the time she raised his sword.

    He left a deep gash, drawing blood... and seized her by the neck before she could react.

    Frida started choking right then, and he flung her violently against the wall.

    Bang!

    Frida copsed on the floor, blood seeping from her mouth as she murmured in disbelief, "W-Who are

    you?"

 Chapter 429

    Frida was caught in disbelief.

    She was twentieth in Earthrank but had never even heard of this man who had just dispatched her

    instantly.

    That would mean he must be in the top ten, but she knew the top ten personally, and none of them had

    such amazing footwork or martial prowess!

    The scrawny manughed in turn. "Earthrank? It seems you really don''t understand that there''s always

    someone better,dy. Not all martial elites are eager topete over such vanity, you know."

    Frida was taken aback¡ªhe was not Earthrank, but his martial arts was sublime... he must be from a

    sect!

    She had certainly underestimated the martial elites of Riverton!

    "What, are you regretting now?" The scrawny man gloated upon seeing the look of regret on her face.

    Frida growled through her teeth, "Spare me your nonsense. Just kill me already."

    She would prefer a quick death, having her pride as a martial artist too.

    In fact, there was nothing surprising about losing.

    However, the scrawny man licked his lips as he studied her lecherously. "That would be a waste for that

    pretty face."

    Frida froze. "What are you doing?"

    The man chuckled. "Just going to have some fun..."

    Frida was furious and snapped straight at his lecherous face, "You bastard! I''ll kill you!"

    She refused to fall victim to such depravity before her death!

    However, even as she iled her fists maniacally, the scrawny man thought nothing of it and sunk his

    wlike fingers into her shoulder again!

    "Argh!" Frida cried, her blood-curdling scream resounding in the car park.

    However, her arm was left dangling limply with those gaping holes left on her shoulders.

    The scrawny man snorted in disdain. "Quit resisting when that''s all you''re capable of, or I''ll make you

    really suffer."

    His delike nails slit through Frida''s jacket right then, baring her fair skin, leaving just her ck bra as

    thest bastion of her modesty.

    "Bleurgh." Frida suddenly spat in the scrawny man''s face.

    "I gave you a chance," the man snapped and punched her right in the face.

    As Frida bled from her forehead, nose, and lips, she started to drift in and out of her consciousness.

    "Hehe." The scrawny man chuckled coolly, seeing that she was no longer resisting.

    However, just as he was about to reach for her bra, he felt the burst of air behind him and paled as he

    jumped aside!

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    Shunk!

    A silver needle stabbed viciously into a nearby wall, shaking repeatedly from sheer momentum.

    The scrawny man''s eyes widened in panic¡ªhe was lucky he dodged in time, or the needle would have

    pierced his head!

    He could scarcely imagine the horrible death that awaited when that happened!

    "Who was that?!" he bellowed and turned to find three silhouettes slowly striding toward him.

    Frank was shaking his head even as he nced at the corpses strewn all over the floor¡ªFrida was

    really a fool.

    "Who are you people?" the scrawny man demanded again.

    "Frank Lawrence."

    "Bron Howard."

    "Robert Quill."

    The scrawny man was immediately delighted. "So you''re Frank Lawrence? Perfect timing. I''m taking

    you to Mr. Drakon."

    Frank was just about to move when Bron said, "Leave him to me. My son''s soul would be honored with

    another dead follower of the Szars."

 Chapter 430

    Frank nodded in silence, while the scrawny man snapped, "You really think you can kill me, geezer?!"

    He leapt toward Bron, his footwork deft and immacte.

    Bron raised his de in turn, and there was a cold sh as they shed.

    However, the scrawny man''s face fell, his pupils dting when he felt a coldness over his chest.

    He looked down to find a deep gash over his pectorals, his heart cut in two beneath it!

    "Im... possible..."

    Ssh!

    Blood gushed audibly out of this chest, and he fell to the floor with a thud, disbelief still written all over

    his face.

    He had fought martial elites countless times, only to fall to some middle-aged man?

    On the other hand, Bron sheathed his de with one smooth move, having dispatched the scrawny

    man with ease.

    Frida, who was sitting limply on the floor, was astounded.

    Who was that man? Could he be Skyrank?

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    Frank walked slowly up to her just then, putting a palm on her shoulder and grasping lightly.

    "Argh!" Frida screamed.

    "Your arm is broken," Frank exined quietly. "You need to get out of here."

    "No, my mission is to save Ms. Turnbull. I can''t leave even before we find her," Frida growled, grasping

    her arm as she wobbled to her feet.

    "You''re not saving anyone," Frank said, frowning. "Not when you can''t even protect yourself."

    Frida hung her head in embarrassment.

    Herrades were all dead, and she was almost killed herself.

    On the other hand, Frank, Robert, and Bron were just three men, but they killed the Szars'' martial

    elite without breaking a sweat.

    It went without saying how much she dulled inparison.

    Still, she insisted, "At least let mee with you and see that Ms. Turnbull is unharmed."

    "You cane along in that case," Frank said coolly. "But don''t run off¡ªI don''t have the time to worry

    about you."

    With that, they started to head upstairs when the elevator doors suddenly opened on their own.

    Frank headed straight toward it, but Robert stopped him. "Be careful, Mr. Lawrence. I think we should

    take the stairs."

    There was not much space in the elevator, and they would not be able to move if there was a trap.

    Frank simply nced at the camera in the elevator. "That''s unnecessary."

    With that, he entered the elevator, and Bron quickly followed suit.

    Seeing that Frank was that confident, Robert had no choice but to follow.

    Drakon was watching the camera footage from the top floor office andughing when he saw Frank''s

    confidence. "Hahaha! I like people who think so highly of themselves... It''s always so amusing when

    that confidence of theirs gets crushed!"

    Vicky was sitting on the couch nearby, a coffee ced on the table in front of her. She did not appear to

    be in any difort either, aside from the two burly men standing behind her.

    She frowned as Drakon keptughing nheless.

    Ding.

    The elevator jingled as the doors opened, and Frank, Bron, and Robert stepped out.

    There were not many people around.

    Drakon and Quinn were sitting behind the desk, while Vi stood nearby, her expression smug and not

    fearing Frank at all this time.

    Seeing Vicky, Frida quickly asked in concern, "Are you alright, Ms. Turnbull?"

    Vicky nodded. "I''m fine."

    She would not be making any false moves soon, however.

    Drakon slowly rose to his feet just then, his eyes fixed on Frank. "So you must be the famous Frank

    Lawrence?"

    "Indeed." Frank remained impassive as he nodded.

 Chapter 431

    Drakon asked icily, "Did you bring what I''ve asked for?"

    Frank pulled out the two billion dors and the Rejuvenation Pill recipe from his pocket right then.

    "Right here."

    Drakon beckoned with his finger but was left watching as Frank slid both items back into his pocket and

    told him, "Release Vicky now."

    Drakon frowned. "Are you telling me what to do?"

    Robert snorted in contempt. "A deal is a deal, Drakon Szar. We''ve brought what you''ve asked for.

    Now, release your hostage."

    "Hahaha!!!" Drakonughed out loud. "And what gives you the right to negotiate?"

    Robert barked angrily, "I am ordering you as the governor of Riverton! You''ve justmitted a

    kidnapping?"

    "The governor of Riverton?" Drakon scoffed, rolling his eyes. "So what?"

    "What..." Robert almost suffered a stroke from Drakon''s dismissive reaction.

    He was a big deal in Riverton, but the brat waspletely disrespectful!

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    Not about to take that lying down, he leapt toward Drakon furiously, ready to straighten him out!

    Drakon simply remained behind his desk, not moving and only watching in apathy.

    That was when a silhouette leapt out, kicking Robert before he could react!

    All he felt was a fiery agony over his chest as he copsed to the floor with a thud.

    "Blergh!" Robert coughed blood even before he could snap at his assant.

    Frank was frowning at the ck-d silhouette in turn.

    It was a muscr man with a pale face, his gaze icy and his very presence murderous.

    "Who are you?" Robert eximed in shock just then, not expecting Drakon to keep someone that

    strong around.

    The ck d man replied coolly, "Taran Nihill of the South Sea."

    Robert was left perplexed¡ªhe had never been to the South Sea and was therefore unfamiliar with the

    martial elites over there.

    On the other hand, Bron was well traveled and had heard of the name. "As in the Nihill siblings, who

    are ced 98th of Skyrank?"

    The ck-d man chuckled. "I''m surprised anyone in Riverton has heard of us."

    "98th of Skyrank...?"

    Robert and Frida were stunned¡ªeven if the siblings had a modest cement in Skyrank, they would

    still not hold a candle to them!

    Frank narrowed his eyes, and soon found a woman standing behind Drakon. Herplexion was

    much better than Taran''s inparison, and she even looked normal despite dressing fully in ck as

    well.

    Given their matching outfits, she must be the sister.

    Bron unsheathed his de in turn and snorted. "Hmph¡ªyou''re both just traitors who trained in twisted

    martial arts. And now, you''re even joining the vile likes of the Szars. your father will be humiliated if

    this gets out."

    "And who do you think you are?!" Taran demanded. "Say your name, or I won''t even know who I''ve

    killed soon enough.

    "Bron Howard, chief of South Alp Sect," Bron replied calmly. "I haven''t reached Skyrank, but I do like to

    challenge one."

    "Then I shall grant your wish!" Taran charged at Bron with a cry, his dagger dancing with the grace of a

    butterfly.

    Bron moved right then as well, shooting forward as fast as lightning.

    ng!

    ng!

    ng!

    Sparks flew as metals shed, and both men exchanged over dozens of blows in no time at all!

    "S-So this is a battle between Skyranks?" Frida was gaping, her eyes simply unable to keep up with

    either man''s movements.

    Even Robert was left in awe too¡ªtheir level was far beyond him!

    Despite being older, Bron was not the chief of South Alp Sect for nothing. His martial prowess was

    formidable, just as he was rich with experience.

    Soon, Taran was on the backfoot...

 Chapter 432

    However, just before Bron dealt the fatal stroke, Trisha moved, unleashing her whip at Bron like a

    Bron had to parry it with his de, and Taran promptly seized the opening to strike, his face contorting

    savagely as he bellowed, "You bastard! We were cultivating divine teachings¡ªit''s the likes of you who

    ndered us and got us kicked out of our own homes! Infidels like you should die!"

    "Imbecile," Bron swore under his breath at the sight of Taran''s madness and dropped his de as he

    leapt backward.

    However, Nihill siblings kept pressing the attack, and Brown was now at a further disadvantage after

    dropping his de.

    Soon, theynded a kick on his chest and sent him flying.

    Taran snorted in disdain. "Hmph. Is that all you got? And you dared challenge us?"

    Bron''s face flushed, his insides churning.

    He was certainly no match with those two put together, just as he did not expect the Szars to have

    that many martial elites in their service.

    He could not help feeling guilty again... it seemed that he would have trouble avenging his son.

    Even Vicky had presumed that Frank would easily bail her out after bringing Robert and Bron with him,

    only for things to turn out like this.

    In her mind, Frank was not going to win¡ªnot with the Nihill siblings and Drakon himself!

    "Haha!" Drakonughed out loud just then. "It seems your backup isn''t much help here, Frank!"

    Frank retorted coolly, "They''re not backup. They''re my friends."

    He looked around again.

    In the office, only Drakon and the Nihill siblings qualified as martial elites.

    Once they were dealt with, Vicky would be safe.

    Drakon could not care less about what Frank said, however. "I''m giving you a chance to save Vicky

    right now, Frank. Get down on your knees and apologize to my sister¡ªif she forgives you, I''d even let

    you live."

    Frank wheeled on Vi, who was already smiling gleefully.

    "Kneel to her? Really?" He snorted.

    "You''re already dead, Frank!" Vi gloated, already presuming that she had won and therefore

    snapping at Frank without a care. "Still trying to talk tough?! You''re not more than a dreg of society¡ª

    did you think yourself invincible just because you know a little kicking and punching?!"

    Drakon growled coolly as well, "I''ll make you kneel if you keep refusing."

    "Hehe." Frank chuckled in disdain. "No one except my mentor gets that privilege."

    Drakon gestured at the Nihill siblings right then, and they both leapt toward Frank from each side, their

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    daggers outstretched!

    "Frank!" Vicky cried out in shock.

    But at the very next instant, Frank sent Taran flying with a punch to the chest!

    "Brother!" Trisha cried out and flung her whip, coiling it around Frank''s arms and restraining him right

    then!

    Taran could feel his chest burning in agony but he fought through the pain, his fingers clenching around

    his dagger as he leapt at Frank again.

    Frank''s wrist, however, was unscathed despite being struck.

    His brow furrowing, he quietly charged the Five-Peat Archaeus.

    Pure vigor swirled within his meridians before being released in a violent burst while he bellowed

    thunderously, "Stay down!"

    The whip around his wrist shattered, and Taran was sent flying again from the unfurling shockwave!

 Chapter 433

    "Argh!" Taran screamed as he dropped his dagger while he flew, feeling his chest sunken and his

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    organs in pieces as if a truck just ran into him.

    Hended violently with an audible crash and started coughing blood.

    "Brother!" Trisha cried when she saw her sibling being wounded andunched the remaining half of her

    whip at Frank''s head.

    Frank did not even look her way as he raised his right hand, grabbing the other end of the whip out of

    thin air.

    Trisha paled in shock and pulled as hard as she could, but Frank appeared rooted in ce like a

    mountain.

    "Is that all you got?" He scoffed and suddenly pulled.

    The tiles beneath Trisha''s feet shattered from the violent force as she slid along by several yards.

    As Frank loomed ever closer, she realized that she was no match for his strength and stopped the tug

    of war.

    "Die!" she cried as she vaulted toward Frank, holding her palm sideways and aiming it at his neck.

    Naturally, she had underestimated Frank''s speed¡ªhe reached her in a split second.

    "Sister!" Taran cried out in warning from the floor as soon as he saw Frank move.

    "Toote." Frank snorted in utter contempt.

    Trisha actually felt her back sweating buckets within a split second in sheer terror, even as Frank

    caught her wrist and pulled.

    Smash!

    Everyone could actually feel the floor shake as Frank shoved Trisha into the tiles!

    "Bleurgh!" Trisha''s organs were in pieces and bled out from every orifice as she cked out instantly,

    her blood quickly welling into a pool over the broken tiles around her.

    The sight of his sister''s maiming left Taran incensed, and he snarled, "I''ll kill you!"

    Even as he fought through the agony of his body and limped toward Frank, Frank did not even look his

    way and kicked the dagger Taran dropped earlier.

    Swish.

    The dagger shot through the air, piercing Taran''s neck.

    16:13 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    The man shuddered before dropping limply on the floor, kicking up a pile of dust.

    As the dust settled, Robert and Frida were left gaping.

    Two Skyrank elites were killed, just like that, in under five minutes!

    Bron was staring at Frank in disbelief too, just as he realized that Frank was holding back when they

    fought before¡ªhe would not evenst one move if Frank really went all out!

    "Hahaha! Well done, Mr. Lawrence!" Robert eximed in awe as he came to his senses.

    He was certainly proved right¡ªhe considered the boy something special when Frank told him he

    improved the Boltsmacker!

    Vicky breathed a huge sigh of relief as well, her eyes never leaving Frank as she mused to herself on

    hitting the jackpot.

    On the other hand, Vi was staring wide-eyed at the carnage Frank left in his wake, her jaw almost

    dropping to the floor.

    She quickly turned to Drakon. "Come on, Drakon! Do something!"

    p, p, p...

    Drakon was actually putting his hands together, however, showing no panic at all.

 Chapter 434

    "Well done! You really don''t disappoint!" Drakon eximed in praise for Frank. "It''d be a bore if

    you died too quickly."

    Frank slowly turned toward Drakon.

    Being a martial elite, he knew that Drakon was actually the strongest hostile in the room.

    Still, he could not care less, even pointing at his feet as he growled, "I can appreciate how far

    you''vee, so kneel and apologize to Vicky, and I might just let you live."

    Quinn Ocean sneered right then. "Thest person who told Drakon that is resting in pieces."

    "Hahaha!" Drakonughed as he took off his suit. "You have the guts to tell me to kneel? Let me

    show you the power of a Birthright ranked individual!"

    "What?! Birthright?!" Robert was astonished.

    Drakon was not even thirty, and he had already gone that far?!

    How talented could he be?!

    At the same time, Drakon charged an esoteric technique of Sage Lake Sect, and a red puff of

    pure vigor promptly unfurled from him.

    Bron was astounded by the sheer energy he felt. "That''s pure vigor... He might be unrivaled in ten

    years!"

    "What''s Birthright? Is it that formidable?" Frida asked in curiosity, having heard of the term before but

    never actually encountering anyone of that level.

    "Martial artists can release pure vigor to fight at that level," Bron exined. "The clearer a man''s pure

    vigor, the less excesses there would be within. Still, Drakon''s reddish vigor is plenty pure enough, and

    no one in Riverton would achieve the same at his age."

    Even Bron had to admit Drakon''s strength despite being an enemy¡ªnot even he and Robertbined

    would hold a candle to the boy!

    "Oh. But can Frank win?" Frida pressed.

    Bron shook his head in exasperation. "Impossible. Unless he has reached Birthright too."

    Vicky had also paled when Drakon released his pure vigor and snapped, "That''s enough! You wanted

    the Rejuvenation Pill recipe, didn''t you? You can have it!"

    Being a martial artist herself, Robert had told her about Birthright elites¡ªas the term suggested, those

    who reached it are individuals bestowed with divine talent.

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    Unless one was a Birthright ranked individual as well, their only option was to run.

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    In Vicky''s mind, Frank did not stand a chance, but she would keep him alive no matter what it takes.

    As long as he lived, there was always a chance.

    That would not be the case if he died, which was why she would hand over the Rejuvenation Pill recipe

    just to keep Frank safe!

    Drakon, however, chuckled coolly. "It''s toote. You''re going down, kid."

    At those words, heunched a jab at Frank, while Frank slowly raised his right arm...

    Pow!

    A shockwave unfurled as fists met deafeningly.

    Bron stumbled a few steps before finally catching his bnce.

    When he looked up, he was left gaping.

    Robert, Frida and Vicky were all staring in disbelief too¡ªFrank had caught Drakon''s fist and

    stayed unscathed.

    "That''s. impossible."

    "He stopped Drakon? Does that mean he''s a Birthright elite too?!"

    Even Drakon could not believe it.

    His fist felt numbed as if he just punched a mountain, while Frank never budged!

    "What. T-This is impossible!"

    Frank simply leveled him a look of contempt. "You have the cheek to call that pure vigor?"

 Chapter 435

    Frank unleashed his pure vigor at the very next instant.

    It was pure-white and unblemished, almost crystal-clear as it swirled around Frank just like a

    shield.

    In contrast, Drakon''s pure vigor was a mess and certainly dulled inparison!

    "You''re Birthright too?!" Drakon could hardly believe his eyes.

    Bron was caught in disbelief too. "H-His pure vigor is so... wless!"

    "Impossible... I''ve never heard of anyone refining pure vigor to such an extent!" Robert was left

    shaking his head.

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    That was certainly the case for average Joes, but Frank had reached Birthright twice.

    Nothing was impossible when one had refined their pure vigor twice!

    Drakon was certainly incensed to see the sheer rity of Frank''s pure vigor and his perfect

    control.

    He was the one who was dubbed a genius as a child! He could not believe that there was

    anyone better!

    "Fuck you! I''ll kill you!" he shrieked, his earlierposurepletely gone as heshed out in

    rage viciously, aiming his strike straight at Frank''s vitals!

    Frank simply charged the Five-Peat Archaeus, the esoteric technique of Mystic Sky Sect.

    He unleashed a strike with his palm, releasing a powerful burst with all five elements!

    Drakon released Sage Lake Sect''s esoteric technique in turn.

    Bang!

    Pure vigor shed, and the pure whiteness quickly tore through the bastion of red pure vigor, shooting

    through Drakon''s palm and up his shoulder!

    Crack!

    Pop!

    The tendons and meridians in Drakon''s right arm popped and burst as it shattered into pieces, leaving

    a bloody mess!

    "Argh!" he screamed as he stumbled backward and soon found himself staring nkly at the stump

    that was his arm.

    He was never defeated ever since he joined Sage Lake Sect.

    And even as he remembered the technique Frank just released, he felt a creeping horror as he

    screamed maniacally, "W-Was that the Five-Peat Archaeus?! That''s impossible!"

    It was the esoteric technique of Mystic Sky Sect, once the greatest sect of the South Sea.

    But they have been massacred, and the Five-Peat Archaeus was thus lost to history.

    How was Frank able to use it?!

    Bron and the others were leftpletely confused as well, with Frida asking in confusion, "What''s the

    Five-Peat Archaeus?"

    Robert shook his head. "Beats me. Sounds like some technique."

    Bron shrugged too, since he was unfamiliar with Mystic Sky Sect.

    At the same time, Drakon was still staring at Frank in terror. "W-Who the hell are you...?"

    Frank replied bluntly, "Probably exactly the person you have in mind."

    Drakon froze.

    He was not involved in the battle against Mystic Sect Sky three years ago, but his sect''s elders

    often spoke of it.

    Donn, Mystic Sect Sky''s senior apprentice, stood off alone against multiple sects and dynasties

    but was said to have been struck down. Curiously, however, his body was never found.

    And since then, if ever the ''Mystic Sect Sky'' and ''genius'' were mentioned in the same sentence,

    it could only mean one person.

    Drakon murmured in realization right then, "So it''s you, Donn¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Frank''s pure vigor assumed the silhouette of a sword and stabbed

    through Drakon''s chest.

    With a flick of Frank''s wrist, it then sent Drakon flying.

    "Bleurgh."

    Drakon was grasping the gaping hole on his chest as he felt more air leaving his lungs than

    what he retained.

    He could not even muster the strength to talk at that point.

    "Argh!!!" Vi screamed as she wed at her own face.

 Chapter 436

    Vi was thoroughly overwhelmed by the sight of her peerless brother being beaten to a pulp by Frank

    and fled the scene as fast as she could.

    On the other hand, Quinn leapt between Frank and Drakon, snapping, "Stop!"

    Frank looked up slowly at her. "And who are you?"

    "I''m Drakon''s fiancee. Stay your de," Quinn snapped.

    "You''re kidding." Frank chuckled coolly. "Is this a game to you? He kidnapped my friend and demanded

    that I kneel, and I don''t get to kill him after I beat him?"

    Quinn frowned. "He''s the senior apprentice of Sage Lake Sect. We''ll kill you if you kill him."

    "Hahaha!" Frank simplyughed out loud. "Sage Lake Sect? Really? I will y your chief even if he

    "What..." Quinn did not expect such haughtiness from Frank but snapped defiantly nheless, "I''m

    warning you¡ªif youy a finger on Drakon, we will kill you even if it''s thest thing we do!"

    "Why don''t you ask your chief if he has the balls to fight me first? Now buzz off!" Frank bellowed

    deafeningly, his eyes ring icily and leaving Quinn petrified, overwhelming her with sheer hubris!

    He pped her across the face, sending her flying before stabbing Drakon dead.

    Even as Drakon died with his eyes wide open, Quinn was left stupefied as she looked on. "No."

    At the same time, Frank wheeled on the bodyguards who were guarding Vicky, both of whom felt like

    they were stabbed from just a re!

    One of them quickly begged, "S-Sir, we just work here. We didn''t do anything to Ms. Turnbull either."

    "Yes, yes, yes. Please, have mercy."

    "Get out!" Frank bellowed, and both men promptly fled in huge relief.

    Frank walked up to Vicky in turn and helped her to her feet. "Are you alright?"

    Vicky stared at him for a long while before suddenly throwing her arms around him, her voice choking

    with tears. "I''m alright, but I was so scared."

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    Frank could feel her warmth against his skin and her faint sweetness, and he chuckled awkwardly.

    "Scared? Why?"

    "I thought I''d never see you again. that something terrible would happen to you," Vicky sobbed.

    Frank did a double take, thinking that she was worried he would note to save her.

    16:14 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    He was actually surprised that she was worried for him instead.

    "Everything''s fine now. Let''s go home."

    "Yeah..." Vicky nodded, grasping his hand and refusing to let go.

    Walter was still pacing around in Turnbull Vi. This was his only way of calming his nerves, since he

    was worried out of his mind about how things were but was also afraid to call.

    That was when a servant ran in, eximing excitedly, "Sir! Ms. Turnbull is back!"

    Walter ran outside in excitement as soon as he heard, with Yara and Susan in tow.

    Walter could cry when he saw Vicky unscathed. "Oh, my dear girl. You scared me."

    Vicky pulled Frank along by the arm as she grinned. "Don''t worry, Dad. I''m fine as long as Frank is

    around."

    Walter took Frank''s hands in thrill right then. "Oh, Mr. Lawrence! We owe you a great debt! You cured

    Vicky, and now you saved her life again. she''s really blessed to have you in her life!"

    Susan frowned right then. "He''s not the only one who helped."

 Chapter 437

    Turning toward Robert, Frida, and Bron, Susan added, "Everyone here yed their part. How

    could you attribute everything to Frank?"

    She was certainly dismissive towards Frank''s and his modest roots, and she absolutely would

    not abide with her husband''s endless praise for Frank¡ªnot when he was clearly trying to get

    Vicky and Frank together!

    Though Walter was stumped by his wife''s words, Robert, Frida, and Bron were left trading

    awkward nces in turn.

    Not only were the trio''s involvement inconsequential in Vicky''s release, but there was a chance

    they might not survive if not for Frank.

    "Aunt Susan is right¡ªwe shouldn''t be giving Frank credit for everything." Neil nodded and

    turned to Frida. "Where are your men now? They should be praised as well."

    Frida pursed her lips miserably. "They... They''re all dead."

    Neil, however, could not care less. "See? Our family has sacrificed so many to save Vicky."

    Both Robert and Bron were scowling at that, while Frida''s eyes welled up with tears. "No, that''s

    not it. They were all killed even before they reached Drakon, and my hand was crippled too. We

    would all be dead if not for Mr. Lawrence."

    "What?!" Everyone''s face fell¡ªthose twenty men were lost even before they reached Drakon,

    and Frida''s hand was crippled too?

    "Be serious here, Frida," Neil snapped, frowning at her inability to read the room¡ªcould she not just lie,

    given the situation?

    Frida, however, shook her head. "I''m being serious. I owe my life to Mr. Lawrence¡ªMr. Howard and Mr.

    Quill can be my witness."

    Bron and Robert quickly nodded. "Ms. Blue is telling the truth."

    Neil pursed his lips, unable to believe what he was hearing.

    Even Susan had to sigh and give up at that point, while Walter was grinning ear to ear. "Hahaha!

    "That''s exactly what I was saying¡ªMr. Lawrence is truly one in a million! Everyone, please stay behind

    as I''ll personally hold a feast in everyone''s honor!"

    Bron and Robert nodded.

    -

    Turnbull Vi was exceedingly lively in the evening, and after dinner, Yara visited Vicky in her room,

    16:14 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    concerned about Vickys injury while also asking about what had happened.

    Vicky told her everything right then, leaving her in astonishment. "Mr. Lawrence has reached

    Birthright?"

    Vicky nodded. "Yeah. I didn''t expect that myself."

    "Whoa..." Yara gasped, her gaze worshipful. "If only I was half as good."

    "You''re plenty strong enough. Frank''s the freak here, so don''tpare yourself to him," Vicky assured

    her.

    She then nced at Yara''s palm and changed the subject, "How''s your hand?"

    "It''s just a flesh wound," Yara said nonchntly. "I''m mostly fine now."

    "Good."

    As the feast ended, Vicky and Yara left the room to see off Bron and Robert.

    Frank was going to leave as well, but Vicky quickly caught him. "Why don''t you stay the night?

    It''s veryte¡ªit''s inconvenient for you to head home at this hour."

    Frank did a double take, but refused without hesitation after a nce at Susan''s murderous

    re, "I think I''ll pass."

    He had no reason to dig a grave for himself here!

    On the other hand, Walter was eager for Frank to get together with Vicky and put a hand on his

    shoulder. "Come on, Mr. Lawrence! What''s the problem with staying one night? No one will dare

    to say no to you here."

    "Exactly." Vicky nodded.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 438

    Vicky nodded while Susan spoke up just then, "You should stay, or people would start telling us what

    ingrates we are. That goes for you too, Yara."

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    "What?" Yara did a double take, not expecting to find herself in the guest list as well.

    "It''s been so long since you stayed the night with us, Yara." Susan grinned. "You can sleep with Vicky,

    and properly catch up."

    Vicky was certainly left speechless by her mother¡ªwas she that afraid of her getting frisky with Frank?

    Still, neither Frank nor Yara could refuse the Turnbulls'' enthusiastic invitation.

    However, while Yara and Vicky slept in the same room, Frank was kept downstairs in the room directly

    opposite the master bedroom.

    Their defenses were certainly airtight!

    Still, Vicky started to creep out of bedte into the night, wearing nothing but a thin sleeping gown.

    Yara awoke with a start, "Where are you going?"

    Vicky giggled. "Going to see Frank, of course."

    "What?" Yara eximed before adding hesitantly, "Don''t you think you''re being too forward here? And

    I''m sure he''s exhausted after today¡ªyou should let him rest."

    She was aware how strongly Vicky felt for Frank, but surely creeping under the man''s sheets sote at

    night was going too far?

    Moreover, Vicky was an heiress of the Turnbull family¡ªdoing such a thing really cheapened her!

    Still, Vicky blinked as she asked, "When did you start worrying so much about Frank?"

    "What..." Yara was stumped and averted her eyes. "I¡ªI''m not... I mean, he''s my friend, and you''re my

    bestie... I''m just thinking about both of your sakes."

    Vicky hugged her right then with a mischievous grin, "Don''t tell me that you fell in love?"

    "No way! I think you and him deserve to be together." Yara pouted.

    In reality, she did feel a littlepetitive but would never tell it to Vicky''s face¡ªnot with the

    insurmountable gap between them.

    "Tch." Vicky clicked her tongue. "You used to say the same about me and Titus Lionheart."

    Yara scratched her head awkwardly. "I mean, it''s your preference that matters most."

    Vicky giggled. "What if I don''t like either of them, and you like Frank? I could talk to him for you."

    "What?" Yara threw her hands up. "Please don''t... Wait, why would you creep into Frank''s room if you

    don''t like him?"

    Vicky folded her arms before her chest. "I''m using him to free myself from the Lionhearts. The more my

    mom wants me to marry Titus, the more I''d rebel. Now, stay put."

    With that, she tiptoed downstairs, but the door behind her opened just as she was about to knock on

    Frank''s door.

    Susan was standing there, scowling. "What are you doing, staying up thiste?"

    "Oh, shit!" Vicky almost jumped in surprise before wheeling on Susan exasperatedly. "And what are

    you doing staying up, Mom?"

    Susan red at her in turn. "You''d be in another man''s bed if I didn''te out, and you''d have

    embarrassed our entire family."

 Chapter 439

    Vicky rolled her eyes. "Really? Do you think you get to call the shots just because I''m engaged

    to Titus Lionheart?"

    Susan growled, "We''re not having this discussion. Now go to bed."

    "Fine." Vicky snorted nomittally and returned upstairs.

    Frank was sitting in meditation with his eyes closed in his room but could clearly hear

    everything spoken outside.

    Vicky could be a realedian at times. -

    Meanwhile, Donald Szar was seated in his study, nning for his family''s future.

    After all, he was convinced the Rejuvenation Pill recipe was already in the bag with his son on

    the task.

    Soon, Vi came running into his study and he quickly asked, "So, is it done?"

    Vi, however, appeared terrified. "No, Dad..."

    Her terrified reaction left Donald''s heart skipping a beat.

    Did something happen to his son?!

    "Vi, tell me what happened," he pressed.

    Vi was trembling as she stammered, "Drakon. Drakon was killed."

    "What?!" Donald almost choked as his eyes turned bloodshot, and he started to fall backward.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Thankfully, Jaud White was on hand to catch him, and Jaud pinched Donald''s central nerve so that he

    caught his breath.

    Even so, he was shaking his head repeatedly as he murmured in disbelief, "No, that''s impossible. My

    son is invincible! How could he be killed?"

    Jaud nced between him and Vi, who was still trembling.

    Seeing that neither of them were in their right mind, Donald pressed Vi, asking, "Ms. Szar, who

    killed your brother?"

    Vi gulped, actually too scared to mention Frank''s name.

    She hesitated for a long while before forcing it out from her lips, "I-It''s Frank Lawrence."

    "Him again?!" Donald''s eyes were red, his veins bulging over his arms as he mmed his knuckle on

    the toblo

    LOU IC.

    Jaud himself did a double take, "Frank Lawrence killed Drakon? But he''s Birthright ranked!"

    It was certainly hard to believe, since Frank was not at that level when they fought... Was it

    possible that he had improved recently?

    "I don''t know. I don''t know!" Vi eximed, clutching her head and shaking her head in

    trauma. "Dad, why don''t we just make peace with Frank? We''re not going to win!"

    Donald almost suffered a stroke from her words¡ªhis daughter was now a lost cause!

    Quinn arrived just then as well, and Donald hurried to her, sobbing, "What happened, Ms.

    Ocean? How did Drakon get killed?"

    Quinn scowled but told him everything.

    Donald was left hitting his own chest and stamping his feet. "''ll kill Frank Lawrence! Gather

    everyone, Jaud! I''ll take him down even if it kills me!"

    Quinn remained impassive as she raised a hand, stopping him. "Pushovers like you would just

    get killed while achieving nothing."

    Jaud pursed his lips¡ªwhen was he reduced to the rank of pushover?

    Still, he did not argue since anything was better than going to fight Frank, which he was

    personally reluctant to do!

 Chapter 440

    Donald then asked, "Ms. Ocean, Drakon was your fiance¡ªare you not going to avenge him?"

    "When have I ever said I won''t?" Quinn growled coolly. "There''s no way I''d sit back when he

    was a member of Sage Lake Sect. Once I inform my father, we will naturally n ordingly."

    Donald was naturally relieved¡ªwith Sage Lake Sect''s help, there was certainly a better chance

    of sess in avenging his son!

    "Of course, Ms. Ocean. My family is at your disposal¡ªI''ll do anything to avenge my son."

    Frank left the Turnbull Vi early next morning, since he was really not keen to stay around after

    suffering Susan Redford''s grumpiness during breakfast.

    Vicky was still sleepy after all the excitement yesterday, so Walter personally escorted him to

    the front gates.

    "Please don''t get upset with my wife, Mr. Lawrence," he said. "She''s a little power hungry... Rest

    assured that I''ll always be indebted to you."

    Frank waved him off with a smile. "You''re exaggerating, Mr. Turnbull. I''d never get upset with

    your wife, and I''m still awash with gratitude that you gave me one of the Five Elemental

    Wonders."

    Walter was certainly pleased to hear that. "I''m relieved that you''d say that."

    They made some small talk after that, after which Frank excused himself.

    It was early in the morning, with barely any pedestrians and the air fresh.

    As Frank ran toward Skywater Bay, he ran headlong into J when he passed Flora Hall.

    She quickly waved when she saw him. "You train very early, Mr. Lawrence."

    "Just feeling like it, Ms. Zimmer."

    "But you''re not staying nearby, are you?" J asked in curiosity.

    Frank smiled. "Nope. I just stayed the night at Turnbull Vi, and I''m heading back to Skywater Bay

    now."

    "You stayed the night at Turnbull Vi?" J eximed in surprise.

    Frank nodded. "Yeah. What''s up?"

    "Oh. nothing," J shook her head, feeling dismay inwardly but quickly changing the subject. "Have

    you had breakfast? Why don''t you eat with us here?"

    "No, I''ve had breakfast." Frank smiled politely.

    "Okay¡ª"

    Bang!

    A loud crash resounded from the road just as J tried to find something else to talk about.

    She and Frank turned to see that a Mercedes had just crashed into a motorcycle, with vegetables

    spilling out of the motorcycle''s sidecar.

    Two women promptly leapt out of the Mercedes, and it was immediately clear that both of them

    came from money. After all, the driver appeared to be in her forties, and had perfect upkeep

    matched with expensive jewelry. The younger woman who rode shotgun was dressed up in

    pretty lolita fashion as well, but her arm was clearly dislocated.

    Jade Zahn, the driver, was immediately hugging her daughter, Luna Lane, as she snapped,

    "Don''t you know how to ride?! I''ll have you killed if anything bad happens to my daughter!"

    The motorcycle rider was Brenda, a female vendor, and she was bleeding freely from a gash on

    her head.

    Naturally, she was terrified since Jade and her daughter were driving an expensive car and

    wearing expensive jewelry.

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    "I''m so sorry... It was an ident," she immediately apologized.

    "Apologizing?! What''s the point?!" Jade bellowed as she red at her.

    Luna burst into tears right then. "Mom, my arm. It hurts so much!"

    "It''s alright, darling. I''ll get you a doctor right away," Jade quickly assured her before wheeling

    on the onlookers and bellowing, "What are you all looking at? Don''t you know you should be

    calling an ambnce?! Are all Rivertonians idiots?!"

    The onlookers were all frowning and taking a step back at her outburst, and some who were

    just about to call an ambnce also quietly put away their phones.

 Chapter 441

    Frank walked up to check Brenda''s head injury just then, and Jade promptly snapped at him,

    "What do you think you''re doing?"

    Frank shot her an icy re.

    "I''m a healer," he growled before turning toward Brenda. "Sit down, and don''t move. I''ll stop

    your bleeding."

    Jade, however, promptly grabbed his arm. "If you''re a healer, then take a look at my daughter

    first!"

    Frank nced at Luna in turn.

    Though he already despised both Jade and Luna for their haughty attitude already, he patiently

    said, "Your daughter only has a dislocated joint. It''s no big deal."

    However, his words only left both women incensed, with Jade promptly bellowing at him, "No

    big deal?! My daughter''s arm was dislocated, and you say it''s no big deal?!"

    Luna was bawling in turn, "Exactly, it hurts so much... Help me already."

    Frank frowned and pointed at Brenda. "Are you saying that your daughter is worse off than this

    woman?"

    "She''s just a stinking peasant! How dare youpare her to me, the heiress of the Lane family?!"

    Luna bellowed at Frank demandingly, callous like a typical spoiled heiress. "Help me right now!"

    Jade nodded with a look of contempt too. "Exactly! Comparing some lowly peasant to my daughter''s

    precious body. the disrespect!"

    She then whipped out a stack of dor bills from her purse and threw it at Frank''s face. "You poor

    bastards just want money, don''t you? There you have it, now help my daughter!"

    Frank was actually left stumped, as he had never met such self-important people like these two.

    What, did they just return to medieval times?!

    Just then, Brenda tugged on Frank''s sleeve. "Sir, you should help them first. I''m fine¡ªthis is nothing."

    Frank, however, was glowering¡ªhe would put those two in their ce!

    Completely ignoring Jade and Luna''s yapping, he started to clean Brenda''s wound instead.

    "Hey! Are you deaf?!" Jade screamed when she saw that Frank refused to listen and started to react to

    him again.

    However, before he could touch him, he wheeled on her and Luna as he bellowed, "Shut up! Stay put

    and wait if you want me to help your daughter, or leave!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "What..." Jade was livid.

    She and her daughter were from the Lane family, and no one would ever dare yell at them like this!

    If it was not for Mark Lane, the head of the family, telling them to make contact with their cousins in

    Riverton, she would never havee to this hick town!

    "It''s true that poverty makes a poor character." She snorted. "Northstream folks sure are dirt-

    eating bottom-feeders!"

    Luna snapped impatiently in turn, "Stop wasting your breath, Mom! Just call the Northstream

    Lanes already!"

    Jade nodded in agreement.

    Seeing that things could get worse, J hurried to them and said, "Excuse me, it''s really no

    big deal¡ª there''s no need to get too upset. I''m a healer too, so I can help your daughter."

    However, Jade was immediately snapping at her, "Then what were you doing earlier, making my

    daughter wait for so long?!"

    J was speechless¡ªwhat the fuck was this woman''s problem?!

    "I. Yes, it''s my fault." She sighed and hurried to Luna without another word. "Miss, just rx. I''ll

    set your arm right now."

    "Just do it already!" Luna grumbled impatiently.

    J put a hand on her wrist and the other on her arm immediately.

 Chapter 442

    However, J had barely touched Luna when she started screaming in pain, "Argh!!! My

    arm!!! My arm!!!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    Hearing her daughter''s cries, Jade promptly leapt toward J and pushed her down to the

    floor while asking Luna worriedly, "Are you alright, Luna?"

    "It hurts so much, Mom!" Luna sobbed.

    Her cries left Jade incensed, and she wheeled on J as she bellowed, "What do you think

    you''re doing? Aren''t you a healer?! How could you hurt my daughter?"

    J made a face. "I''m setting her bone. It''s normal if it hurts..."

    "Mom, I don''t want her help," Luna bawled right then. "It hurts so much."

    Jade red at J as she yelled, "Why are you just standing there?! Apologize to my

    daughter right now!"

    "A-Apologize...?" J was on the verge of tears.

    Jade, however, kept snapping at her, "You bitch! Turns out you were just a quack daughter, and now

    you''re trying to y victim after hurting my daughter?

    She started to reach for J, but Frank had suddenly leapt toward her and grabbed her by the wrist.

    As he was still busy stopping Brenda''s bleeding, he did not stop J when she offered to help Luna.

    But to think that Jade and Luna were such bullies!

    "Argh! What are you doing?! Let go!" Jade snapped at him.

    "That''s enough from you," Frank growled icily. "You''re the one who drove sloppily and crashed into that

    when someone offers to help your daughter, you''re going to assault her instead?!"

    The onlookers were already sick of Jade and Luna as well, especially when they insulted Rivertonians

    to no end.

    Naturally, they did note forward since Jade and Luna looked like important people, but they were

    immediately venting their righteous indignation now that Frank stood up against them.

    Moreover, most of them lived nearby and had visited Flora Hall themselves, and they therefore knew

    J and her family''s character well.

    They would not just stand by and watch while J was bullied!

    "That''s right! Ms. Zimmer was helping, and you tried to attack her!"

    "She is the granddaughter of Dan Zimmer, the head of Flora Hall! Her skill in medicine is above

    question¡ªyou should be the one apologizing!"

    Jade was actually surprised that everyone was snapping at her, and her face contorted in rage.

    "You peasants have no right to tell me what''s what! I''ll do whatever I want!"

    Then, wheeling on Frank, she snapped again, "Let go of me!"

    Frank growled coolly, "You''re nothing. Get out of Riverton if you hate this ce so much¡ªno

    one here owes you anything."

    With that, he shoved her, sending her tumbling painfully against her car!

    At the same time, the onlookers were all chanting, "Leave Riverton! Leave Riverton!"

    Someone even threw a bad egg at Jade''s face right then!

    As the stench swirled around her instantly, Jade almost gagged. "You... You bastards..."

 Chapter 443

    However, seeing that she had outraged the mob, Jade promptly leapt into her car and fled, not

    stopping to demand reparations from Brenda or anyone else.

    J breathed a long sigh of relief in turn and turned toward Frank. "Thank you so much."

    "You don''t have to thank me," Frank chuckled. "Honestly, where did those aristocatse

    from? The people''s outrage is certainly justified."

    Brenda came up to Frank just then and bowed. "Thank you so much, son. I wouldn''t know what

    to do if not for you."

    "You''re exaggerating, ma''am," Frank assured her. "It''s really nothing."

    J also cheered up considerably and smiled, "Ma''am, you could use some rest at Flora Hall."

    "No, it''s alright." Brenda quickly threw up her hands. "I''m actually fine, and I still need to work.

    Honestly, you are both so kind... I wish you the best of health. Get married and have many

    children..."

    She naturally presumed that Frank and J were together, since they would make a very good

    looking couple.

    "Huh." J was left stumped at her presumption.

    After seeing off Brenda, J asked shyly, "How does stopping by at Flora Hall sound, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank scratched his head awkwardly. "I think I''ll pass. I should be heading home." -

    Meanwhile, Jade and Luna had rushed to Riverton City Hospital, with the hospital chief personally

    receiving them and setting Luna''s arm.

    Gina, Helen, and Peter soon arrived at their special ward as well, with Gina greeting Jade warmly as

    soon as she saw her, "Long time no see, Jade. I missed you so much."

    She spread her arms, ready to give Jade a hug, only for Jade to avoid her and growl in annoyance,

    "What are you so happy about? My daughter is here¡ªin a hospital!"

    "Uh." Gina stammered as she quickly shook her head. "No, no, I''m not happy. I''m just d since it''s

    been a while since we''ve seen each other, you see?"

    Gina was certainly a lot less pompous around Jade.

    After all, Jade was the wife to Mark Lane''s eldest son, and Mark was the brother of Henry Lane, Gina''s

    father-inw.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    Mark''s family business was based in Southstream, which expanded endlessly over the years thanks to

    the man''s talent.

    On the other hand, Henry''s legacy was nothing inparison, giving Gina no cause to strut.

    "Hmph."

    Jade snorted in disdain. "I wouldn''t have stayed in this pathetic town if Luna weren''t hurt. Filthy

    peasants."

    "Yes, yes, exactly." Gina nodded repeatedly. "What happened here, Jade? How did you end up

    here instead of our manor?"

    "Where else would I go?" Jade huffed grumpily. "Some peasant attacked me, and Luna''s arm

    was dislocated!"

    "What? You were attacked?" Helen was actually shocked.

    "Who could be so bold?" Gina actually flinched.

    She was hoping that the Southstream Lanes would take them back this time or at least offer

    them some capital for investment.

    After all, the Southstream Lanes'' business had expanded internationally, and Lane Holdings

    would take flight if they gave so much as a trickle.

    On the other hand, it would be a pipe dream if Jade''s trip here proved unpleasant!

    Still, Jade snapped grumpily, "How should I know who it was?!"

 Chapter 444

    Luna chimed in, "You must find him, Mom. I''ll make him suffer for disrespecting our family."

    Gina quickly assured them, "Don''t worry, Luna. Anyone who disrespects you is disrespecting

    us¡ªI will definitely avenge you."

    Jade studied Gina just then. "Does your family have that much influence? The bastard was

    quite pompous and probably was well-connected himself."

    Gina quickly smiled, not one to be put down. "We do have some influence here in Riverton. Oh,

    and I forgot¡ªHelen here is partnered with the Turnbull family. Y''know, one of the top families in

    the capital."

    "Really? I guess you don''t amount to nothing." Jade snorted haughtily, still dismissive towards

    Gina''s family. "By the way, have you heard about the Fielden family''s hundred-year old

    drakeroot?"

    "Of course." Gina quickly nodded, although she had also heard that it was a family heirloom for

    the Fieldens.

    "That''s why I''vee to Riverton¡ªto get the drakeroot and cure Luna''s illness," Jade said

    nonchntly. "I would also be checking if you Northstream Lanes have what it takes to be

    received back to the main family."

    After all, Henry had not inherited anything from his family¡ªhe came alone to Northstream to build

    something for himself as soon as he reached adulthood. Though he did not seed, he still managed

    to create a legacy.

    Nheless, his eldest brother Mark had fallen ill recently, and Mark expressed hopes for Henry to be

    brought back to the family.

    Gina nodded repeatedly in turn. "Don''t worry, Jade. We''re family¡ªyour troubles are ours. We will also

    do our best to buy the drakeroot for you."

    "Mom..." Helen was going to warn his mom to think before she made promises.

    The drakeroot was the Fieldens'' heirloom, and they would never sell it easily¡ªGina might even end up

    offending both Jade and the Fieldens if things went south!

    However, Gina shot Helen a re, warning her to stay out of this.

    On the other hand, Jade was nodding in approval. -

    Meanwhile, Frank returned to Skywater Bay.

    There was no else since Winter had sses, and he took off his jacket and threw himselffortably

    on the couch.

    However, just as he thought about training, there was suddenly a sharp crash from the tearoom. Frank

    frowned¡ªdid a burr break in? How bold of them to do it in broad daylight!

    He sprang up and hurried over, only to find Frida Blue lying on the floor, covered in blood.

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    She breathed a long sigh of relief as soon as she saw him. "Help me, Mr. Lawrence..."

    "What happened?" Frank hurried to her and helped her stand, and saw that she was bleeding

    freely from a gash on her belly.

    He quickly sealed her veins to stop the bleeding, while Frida exined feebly, "I''m. being

    hunted."

    "Who are they?" Frank pressed. "The Szars?"

    Frida shook her head. "No. It''s Neil Turnbull."

    "What? Why would he do that?" Frank was dumbstruck. "Aren''t you an ally to the Turnublls?"

    Did Neil have a brainfart, hunting his own?!

    "It''s exactly because I lost a hand and greatly weakened. And he said I can''t lead the family''s

    bodyguards."

 Chapter 445

    Frank pursed his lips. "Are the Turnbulls that crazy?! You got hurt in the line of duty, and they

    are dismissing you in pain of death!?"

    "Not exactly..." Frida growled through her teeth, "Neil was forcing himself on me, but I refused

    and hit him... And now he wants me dead."

    Frank was incensed at that. "That motherfucker. Does Vicky know?"

    "No." Frida shook her head. "I barely made it here¡ªI didn''t have time to contact her."

    "I understand. Just rest and leave the rest to me." Frank nodded and carried her to the couch.

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    Just then, Neil''s hitmen crashed through the nearby windows as they leapt inside, sighing in

    relief when they saw Frida.

    Neil did tell them to take her alive if possible.

    One of them said, "Juste with us, Frida. Mr. Turnbull might even let you live¡ªyou''d only

    get yourself killed being stubborn."

    Frida withstood the pain in her belly even as she growled, "Dream on. I''d rather die than suck

    up to Neil."

    She was loyal to the Turnbulls, not Neil.

    And she was not about to take this lying down, not when Neil so ruthlessly dismissed her just because

    he wanted her as his side bitch! Not killing Neil was already plenty respectful to the Turnbulls!

    "In that case, you can''t me us for this."

    Both hitmen narrowed their eyes as they prepared to attack, when Frank growled coolly, "You two.

    Aren''t you really underestimating here?"

    Neither hitmen knew Frank, simply presuming him to be some ordinary citizen.

    One of them growled, "Stay out of Turnbull business."

    Frank folded his arms before his chest. "The Turnbulls are really pompous, huh?"

    "Are you meddling, kid?"''

    "I''m not¡ªyou''re the ones who barged into my house tomit murder," Frank said icily. "Did you even

    ask for my approval?"

    Both hitmen could sense the violent murderous presence spilling from Frank.

    They actually did not want to kill, but they had Neil''s orders.

    Trading a nce right then, they decided to take down Frank before deciding what to do!

    They leapt toward Frank at the very next moment, but they were really too slow for him.

    Frank sent one flying with a punch and floored the other with a kick, incapacitating both

    instantly.

    Frida looked on,pletely unaffected.

    If anything, she had fled here to Frank''s house in the first ce because he was powerful

    enough to protect her.

    Moreover, a single blow was enough for martial elites to discern their opponent''s depth¡ªboth

    hitmen could immediately tell that they were no match for Frank, and that they were never going

    to take Frida away.

    "So? Would you like to continue?" Frank asked.

    The hitmen helped each other to their feet while demanding gingerly, "Who are you?"

    Frank chuckled coolly. "Just run along to your master. Tell him that Frida is now under Frank''s

    protection, and that he cane see me anytime if he has anything to say about that."

    "Fine, we will pass your message."

    With that, both hitmen fled out of the window, terrified that Frank might suddenly change his

    mind.

 Chapter 446

    Frida said earnestly, "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. You''ve saved me again."

    "Just stay put," Frank replied. "I''m calling Vicky¡ªshe will handle this."

    "Thank you..."

    Vicky was furious after Frank called and told her what Neil did, and she drove straight to

    Skywater Bay.

    Frida started to bow, as if out of habit. "Ms. Turnbull¡ª"

    "Stop. Stand straight." Vicky hurried to help her to her feet. "And you have nothing to worry

    about¡ªI am definitely on your side in this matter."

    Vicky was certainly determined and then some, or they would be losing their people by the

    dozens.

    Who would serve them from now on if word of this got out?

    Most importantly, she could use this against Neil too!

    "Thank you, Ms. Turnbull. I knew the family wouldn''t give up on me," Frida said, emotional.

    "For sure," Vicky said solemnly, her earnestly leaving Frida all mushy. "You were hurt because of me¡ª

    I''m not about to abandon you right now."

    Then, turning to Frank, she asked, "Is she going to be fine? Is there a chance of recovery?"

    "Her meridians were maimed and her cultivation lost," Frank replied. "She will live, but to recover her

    cultivation would prove difficult."

    Frida was naturally disappointed, though Vicky pressed, "Is there no way to treat that? I''ll do anything

    to help."

    She nevercked money, and she knew for sure that she would earn Frida''s undying loyalty if she

    helped Frida that much.

    Being a servant of Vicky''s uncle''s family, Frida was above the rest and a worthy ally.

    Frank thought about it in turn. "Well, there is something we can do."

    "Really? What is it?"

    Frida and Vicky''s eyes lit up immediately.

    "A hundred-year old drakeroot can restore one''s meridians," Frank exined. "And with a month''s

    worth of recuperation, she would recover her peak form or even surpass it."

    "A hundred-year old drakeroot?"

    Vicky was left wondering where she could get something like that and suddenly smiled as she put her

    hands together. "I know where we can get one¡ªthe Fieldens."

    "They do." Frank nodded thoughtfully, since he heard about it as well. "But it''s also their family

    heirloom. Would they really sell it to you?"

    He never personally reached out to the Fieldens about the drakeroot either, since it would not

    help improve his cultivation anyway.

    Vicky said confidently, "A negotiation is essential to any deal¡ªI believe one can buy anything

    as long as the offer meets expectations."

    On the other hand, Frida had dropped to her knees, kowtowing. She certainly did not expect the

    family''s heiress to spend a fortune for her sake!

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    "Thank you for giving me a second chance, Ms. Turnbull. I can''t thank you enough... I swear that

    you have my undying loyalty from now on."

    "You''re exaggerating, Frida." Vicky grinned. "The family''s bodyguards are family to me, and I''m

    not about to give up on my family when they''re hurt."

    Frank stood by, impressed by Vicky''s ability to buy loyalty.

    From now on, Frida would be Vicky''s top fighter, and one who was endlessly obedient at that.

    "This can''t wait, Frank," Vicky said pompously just then. "You''reing with me to visit the

    Fieldens right now."

 Chapter 447

    Frank nodded and changed into another jacket before getting into Vicky''s car.

    The Fieldens were actually not a particrly important family. Paul Fielden, the family head,

    was a venture capitalist.

    His family had fallen on hard times and their numbers were dwindling, but they retained many

    treasures from their more illustrious predecessors. The drakeroot was naturally one of them.

    Vicky, who had partnered with him before, rode shotgun to call Paul ahead of time.

    "Hello, Mr. Fielden? It''s Vicky." Sheughed as she made small talk with Paul before getting to

    the point. "So, I was wondering if you''re at home? I would like to visit today."

    Paul was absolutely stunned on the other end.

    The Turnbulls had certainly been making waves in Riverton recently, and their heiress was

    actually making time to visit him?

    Though he had a hunch that Vicky wanted something, he had no reason to refuse.

    After some thought, he said, "Of course you''re wee to visit, Ms. Turnbull. My wife is home right

    now, so you can go straight there. I''m on my way home myself¡ªsee you soon."

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    "Great! See you," Vicky eximed and hung up.

    Frank arrived at the Fieldens'' residence soon enough, and Vicky rang the doorbell.

    Ding-dong...

    However, no one answered even after a long while, and Vicky was frowning. "What the hell is Paul

    ying at? Didn''t he say his wife is in?"

    Frank shrugged. "Maybe she''s out?"

    "Let''s just wait for a bit." Vicky sighed exasperatedly as she pressed the doorbell again, since she had

    something important to do and could not leave whether Mrs. Fielden was in or not.

    Frank shrugged¡ªhe was fine either way.

    That was when the doors opened, and a woman dressed in a thin sleeping gown strode out grumpily.

    Frank nced at her¡ªshe was just over her twenties, her skin fair and her pretty cheeks flushed.

    To think that Paulnded such a youthful wife in his thirties. the old man had game for sure.

    Vicky was delighted to see Sylvia Cassidy in turn, but Sylvia snapped at her before she could

    speak, "What are you people doing here outside my house? Get lost!"

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    Vicky frowned, frustrated right then¡ªshe hade to visit, and Sylvia was already snapping at

    them?

    She was about to retort when Frank squeezed her hand¡ªthey were not going to get the

    drakeroot if she started arguing with Sylvia.

    Then, nodding politely at Sylvia, he asked, "You must be Mrs. Fielden. I''m Frank Lawrence, a

    consultant in Grande Pharma, and this is Vicky Turnbull, the CEO of Grande Corp. We''re here to

    visit your husband."

    Frank actually thought mentioning names would encourage Sylvia to be polite, but she

    remained grumpy as she snapped, "He''s not home. Come some other day."

    "Oh, but we actually called Mr. Fielden earlier," Frank exined. "He told us you''d be here and

    asked us to wait while he returned."

    "What?!" Sylvia eximed in shock right then before turning and running back into the house!

 Chapter 448

    Frank frowned¡ªwas Sylvia not being too impolite here?

    Beside him, Vicky was furious. "What the hell is wrong with her? Isn''t she disrespecting us too

    much here?"

    Frank sighed lengthily, but there was nothing he could do either.

    They continued waiting outside the door, and it was fortunate that Paul soon returned.

    He alighted, wearing a suit, recognizing Vicky right away and smiling as he greeted her, "Long

    time no see, Ms. Turnbull. I''m so d that you''d spare time to visit my humble home."

    "You''re exaggerating." Vicky smiled.

    Paul then noticed Frank and asked in curiosity, "And this gentleman would be...?"

    "Frank Lawrence," Vicky quickly said. "He''s a consultant and shareholder to mypany,

    Grande Pharma."

    Paul was actually surprised.

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    Still, when they were partners before Vicky fell sick, he had grown to acknowledge her abilities.

    Moreover, any person with her seal of approval was definitely someone special.

    "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lawrence," he said with a nod.

    "Likewise."

    Paul then turned back to Vicky, asking in curiosity, "So. What are you both doing out here, instead of

    going inside?"

    Vicky smiled, an idea quicklying to mind. "We''ve just arrived."

    She was frustrated, but she was still willing to show respect to Paul and Sylvia.

    "In that case,e on in," Paul quickly said, and led them inside.

    They immediately saw a young man in a baseball jersey, almost stumbling as he ran downstairs.

    "Stanley? What are you doing here?" Paul eximed in surprise. "I thought you said you had dance

    lessons just this morning."

    Stanley was taken aback. "Oh, uh. It was canceled."

    Paul nodded, smiling nonchntly as he exined, "That''s my wife''s distant cousin, Stanley Cassidy.

    He''s working here in Riverton and would stay over from time to time."

    He then turned back to Stanley and said, "Go get your cousin, Stanley. Tell her we have important

    guests."

    "Oh, okay..." Stanley stammered as he returned upstairs.

    Frank, however, was frowning, his eyes never leaving Stanley.

    Soon, Sylvia came downstairs, having changed into something formal instead of her sleeping gown.

    Paul introduced her proudly right then, "Ms. Turnbull, Mr. Lawrence. This is my wife, Sylvia. She

    used to be the prettiest girl in Riverton University."

    Frank smiled as he sighed in awe. "She is certainly a marvelous beauty. Even the star

    celebrities I know would seem dull inparison."

    Vicky had to force herself to keep smiling, almost caught off guard by Frank''s capacity for such

    disgusting ttery.

    Paul wasughing heartily in turn.

    They all moved to the living room, making some small talk until Vicky saw the time was right

    and cut to the chase, "There''s a reason we''re visiting, Mr. Fielden."

    Paul already had a hunch¡ªhe owned apany, after all.

    "Please feel free to ask, Ms. Turnbull."

    Vicky sighed in relief and said solemnly, "I heard you possess a hundred-year old drakeroot,

    and I just happen to need it to save a friend who sustained a grievous injury. May I ask if you''re

    willing to part with it? I''m willing to pay however much you may ask for."

    Paul frowned, not expecting that Vicky would ask for the drakeroot¡ªhe would have agreed to

    anything else, just not his family''s heirloom.

    However, even as he hesitated, Sylvia suddenly snapped, "No. Absolutely not."

    Both Frank and Vicky turned toward Sylvia in surprise.

 Chapter 449

    Both Frank and Vicky could tell that Paul was hesitating but not unwilling to sell the drakeroot¡ª

    it was Sylvia''s prompt refusal that surprised them.

    "Mrs. Fielden, we didn''te demanding it for free," Vicky quickly said. "Just mention a price,

    and we will pay."

    "No," Sylvia refused again. "Doesn''t matter how much you''re paying¡ªwe''re not selling."

    She then turned to her husband. "Paul, my cousin needs that drakeroot. Didn''t you agree to

    give it to him?"

    Paul nodded. "I did, but Ms. Turnbull needs it too... How about splitting it in half?"

    He loved his wife to bits, and would basically agree to anything she asked for.

    But with Vicky making a bid for the drakeroot as well, he was in a dilemma since he did not

    want to offend either party.

    Sylvia shook her head repeatedly. "That won''t do¡ªthe drakeroot is a hundred years old, and it''s

    not perfectly preserved in the first ce. Stanley needs the entire herb."

    Vicky became flustered, since Paul was obviously a ve to his wife, and Sylvia was clearly not

    intending to share.

    Did that mean Frida was going to lose her cultivation?

    That was when Frank quietly said, "Mrs. Fielden, I know for a fact that the drakeroot is a powerful

    healing herb. May I ask what your cousin''s condition is? If it''s something simple, I can personally treat

    him¡ªthere''s no need to go to the extent of using the drakeroot."

    Sylvia simply rolled her eyes at him. "Really? You think you can treat illnesses?"

    "Of course," Vicky quickly joined in. "You shouldn''t underestimate Mr. Lawrence¡ªhe is an

    aplished healer whom even Dan Zimmer admires."

    "What? Really?" Paul was astonished that even Dan, the most famous healer of Riverton, deferred to

    Frank.

    Curious about how good Frank was, he turned to Sylvia. "Dear, you were making frequent trips to the

    hospital before, weren''t you? Why don''t you let Mr. Lawrence take a look at you?"

    Sylvia shook her head immediately. "Are you kidding me? A young boy like him wouldn''t know a thing

    about medicine!"

    Most importantly, she had a sexually-transmitted disease and she had not been with Paul much

    recently.

    Her affair would be exposed if Frank finds out!

    "It''s fine if you doubt me, Mrs. Fielden." Frank smiled in turn. "But as medicine goes, observation is vital

    ¡ªthere are times when all it takes is just a look to tell what''s wrong."

    "What? Are you sure?" Paul gasped, his interest piqued.

    Sylvia was frowning in turn, unsure if Frank was just boasting or could really do that.

    Vicky giggled beside Frank just then. "Go on, Frank¡ªshow your chops. Mr. Fielden and his wife are

    obviously doubting you."

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    "Have you been feeling weak in your limbs and often wake up in the middle of the night?" Frank

    asked quietly. "And is there a bloating aching in your belly?"

    "H-How''d you know?" Sylvia paled.

    "That''s amazing, Mr. Lawrence!"

    On the other hand, Paul was delighted to see that Frank was really as good as he said! After all,

    he was the only one who knew about Sylvia''s symptoms because they shared a bed!

    The fact that Frank could tell just from the look on his wife''s face proved that he was special!

    Vicky gloated smugly in turn. "Like I said, he''s good."

    Paul then pressed, "So what''s her condition, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank scratched his head. "It''s an STD..."

    "STD?"

 Chapter 450

    Since Paul was insistent, Paul braced himself and answered, "As in, a sexually-transmitted

    disease. It''s caused by irregr sex partners."

    As Paul quickly understood what Frank was talking about, he glowered right then.

    It would have certainly been amazing if he had irregr sex partners, but his virility had been

    dropping over recent years¡ªhe rarely did it with Sylvia these days as well!

    So how did his wife catch an STD?

    That was when Sylvia sprang to her feet, her face contorting in rage as she red at Frank,

    "Don''t you give that nonsense! I don''t have an STD!"

    Then, turning toward Paul, she cried urgently, "Please, darling. You shouldn''t listen to him. This

    is nder!"

    "Please calm down, Mrs. Fielden," Frank said firmly just then. "As a healer, I embody the ideals

    of one and would never mention anything lightly in case of a mistake. Moreover, I''ve seen that

    your cousin has the same issue¡ªis that why you wanted the drakeroot? I''m sorry, but the

    drakeroot wouldn''t work on either of you. I must advise that you seek professional treatment

    instead."

    Beside him, Vicky''s jaw could drop to the floor¡ªFrank''s exnation could not have been more

    obvious!

    Sylvia and her cousin had the STD, but most importantly, Paul was fine...

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    "S-Shut up!" Sylvia screamed as Frank touched a nerve and leapt towards him, her arms outstretched!

    "Enough!" Paul suddenly bellowed.

    He was glowering the entire time and suddenly sprang to his feet, grabbing Sylvia by the shoulder and

    throwing her on the couch!

    "Oof!" Sylvia grunted as she mmed heavily against the couch miserably.

    At the same time, Paul bellowed furiously up the stairs, "Stanley Cassidy! Get down here this instant!"

    He had already suspected his wife of having an affair, but never found any suspects.

    But no matter how much of a fool he was, he could put two and two together after Frank painted such a

    clear picture!

    "What''s wrong, Paul?" Stanley asked as he scrambled downstairs when he heard Paul furious bellow.

    Paul growled furiously, "Show me the medical report you received from the hospital before."

    "W-What? Why would you want to see that?" Stanley stammered awkwardly.

    "I said show it to me! What are you spacing out for?!" Paul barked even more certain when he

    saw

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    - -- - J -I Zi ¡± '' '' , - - - - ¡ª Stanley''s nervous reaction.

    He kicked Stanley right then, bellowing, "Speak up! What have you been up tost night?!"

    Seeing Paul''s furious reaction, Stanley immediately realized that he had been exposed.

    He turned gingerly toward Sylvia, who nodded.

    However, Paul pped him across the face right then and bellowed, "What are you looking at?!

    Exin yourself, and I just might let you live! Lie to me at all, and you will suffer!"

    Stanley gulped and dropped to his knees right then, begging through his tears, "Please, Mr.

    Fielden! It really wasn''t my fault! It''s Sylvia who kept seducing and coercing me! She was only

    attending my sses at first, but she eventually told me she''d be my sugar mommy and pay me

    a million a year!"

 Chapter 451

    Vicky was listening keenly from the couch, not expecting to run into such intriguing drama

    when she woke up today.

    On the other hand, Sylvia could not care less about the pain on her cheek and sprang to her

    feet as she screamed, "You bastard! You''re lying!"

    Paul was frowning in turn. "What did you say? She was taking dance lessons from you?"

    "Yes." Stanley nodded. "Look, I''m not even her cousin¡ªshe told me to say that so that it''s

    easier for us to hook up, even staying in your house..."

    He certainly had enough of Sylvia, which was why he frequented seedy joints in the night to let

    loose.

    He just did not expect to contract an STD, and now that he was exposed, his n to use the

    Fieldens'' drakeroot to cure himself went south too.

    Still, he did not hesitate to confess everything since he had already saved enough money¡ªthe

    only thing he must do now was stay alive.

    Paul could almost ck out from sheer fury¡ªnever could he have known that his wife was

    cheating on him in his own house!

    And to think that he treated Stanley like he was family. He had certainly been a fool!

    He would very much like to cut Stanley into pieces, but Frank and Vicky were there¡ªhe must at least

    wait until after they left.

    "Get out," he growled.

    Stanley promptly fled the house in relief, already nning to flee to his old home tonight.

    With the millions he saved, he could certainly live carefree back home!

    On the other hand, Sylvia was despairing, not expecting that a diagnosis would so utterly destroy her.

    "Just listen to me, Paul. I was the one who was coerced. You have to believe me."

    "Enough," Paul growled, pushing her away in disdain.

    It did not matter what either of those cheaters said now.

    She had an affair, and Paul did not¡ªthat was reality.

    "Pack your things and leave. Mywyer will serve you the divorce papers soon enough."

    "Please, darling. You can''t do this¡ªwe love each other so much."

    "Get out! Quit yapping into my ears!" Paul snapped.

    Then, seeing that she was dragging her feet, he grabbed her by the cor and mmed the door shut

    in her face!

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    The living room was much quieter without Sylvia, though Frank and Vicky were working hard to

    compose themselves.

    When Paul soon returned, they quickly put on their serious faces.

    There was sadness in Paul''s eyes as he sighed. "I''m so sorry you had to see that."

    "It''s nothing, Mr. Fielden," Frank quickly assured him. "You are the picture of sess¡ªSylvia''s

    duplicity only proves her short-sightedness."

    As a man, he could empathize with Paul.

    Paul waved him off. "Oh, it shames me to say it, but I married her while she was still in college.

    She was really too young and I ended up spoiling her. I''m not getting younger, and there are

    times when my body can''t keep up even if my spirit is willing. Would you care to take a look at

    me, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank smiled. "Your condition is no issue¡ªI''ll write you a prescription. Stick to it, and you''d be

    fine in a month. Just try to cut down on your alcohol consumption."

    "Great!" Paul''s depressed mood cleared right away, and he actually felt a little excited just then!

 Chapter 452

    In the end, there were just too many quack doctors and swindlers.

    Meeting such an extraordinary healer like Frank was a rarity, and Paul would like to get better as

    soon as he could.

    Vicky listened to both men awkwardly for a long while and eventually said, "Mr. Fielden, about

    the drakeroot..."

    Paul remembered with a start and quickly said, "Oh, I really would have forgotten if you didn''t

    remind me. Just wait a moment¡ªI''ll get it right now."

    He hurried to his house''s basement and soon returned with the drakeroot.

    Frank took a moment to verify it before nodding at Vicky.

    Vicky then turned toward Paul. "So how much would you like for the drakeroot, Mr. Fielden?"

    Paul smiled. "What are you saying, Ms. Turnbull? That slut would still have kept me in the dark

    if not for Mr. Lawrence here. Just consider it my gift."

    "In that case, thank you very much." Vicky nodded, not shying from taking such generosity. "If

    you could make time, doe by Grande Pharma¡ªwe might be partners again."

    Paul nodded. "For sure."

    Frank and Vicky made a little small talk with him before leaving, since Frida was still waiting.

    However, they had not left for that long when a Mercedes stopped right outside Paul''s house.

    Jade alighted first, studying the residence for a moment before rolling her eyes in disdain¡ªit was a far

    cry from her mansion!

    She strode through the front gates, with Helen and Gina hurrying after her.

    As Gina pressed the doorbell, Paul was left dumbfounded¡ªdid Vicky and Frank leave something

    behind?

    Still, he opened the door to find three women standing there and was left scratching his head in

    curiosity. "You are?"

    "Mr. Fielden, we''re from the Lane family," Gina introduced herself enthusiastically. "I''m Gina Zonda, and

    this is my daughter Helen Lane, CEO of Lane Holdings."

    She then turned to Jade, who added somberly, "This is Jade Zahn from Southstream."

    Paul waspletely bemused, since he had not the faintest idea who Jade or Gina were.

    Still, he had heard of Helen and that she was the Turnbulls'' partner so Paul actually regarded her with

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    , ¡ª ¡ö ¡ª - ¡ª I , J -Zf" importance.

    "Oh, I see. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked politely.

    Helen sighed in relief¡ªthey had hope since Paul was friendly.

    Before she could speak, however, Jade snapped behind her, "I heard you have a drakeroot."

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    "I do..." Paul replied, but was already frowned at Jade''s haughty attitude.

    "Well, my daughter needs it right now. Give it to me."

    Helen quickly said, "Please don''t misunderstand, Mr. Fielden. We''re going to buy it, of course."

    "Hmph! You should be honored that the Lanes of Northstream want something you have!"

    Jade snorted coldly as she folded her arms before her chest before wheeling on Helen. "Also,

    how unimportant can you Lanes of Southstream be? Prostrating yourself over a mere herb¡ª

    you are an embarrassment to our name!"

    Helen was speechless¡ªdid Jade consider herself an emperor or something? Was that how she

    asked for a favor?

    Gina quickly said just then, "Oh, it''s fine, Jade. Don''t worry about it¡ªwe certainly wouldn''t

    compare."

    On the other hand, Paul was glowering. "What the hell is this nonsense? Also, I''m not selling

    the drakeroot."

 Chapter 453

    Helen was not surprised by Paul''s refusal.

    The drakeroot was his family heirloom¡ªhe would never sell it so easily.

    However, Jade was immediately scowling. "You wretch! You should be honored that we want

    your drakeroot! You should be on your best behavior now that we need you. When I return and

    inform Mark Lane, he might help you soar to riches. But if anything happens to my daughter

    because you refused us, you and your family will be going down!"

    Her words were a barenaked threat.

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    Paul was clenching his fist in fury but had to restrain himself at the thought of the Northstream

    Lanes.

    They were a powerful family and basically owned Northstream, and Paul would not be able to

    stand against them alone.

    Fortunately, the drakeroot was no longer in his hands.

    At the same time, Helen quickly exined, "My aunt doesn''t mean anything bad, Mr. Fielden.

    He''s just worried about her daughter, whose condition can only be treated with the drakeroot.

    Please let us have it for my sister''s sake."

    Helen was certainly showing considerable respect, and Paul knew that he should not be stubborn at

    that point.

    "I understand, Ms. Lane," he said quietly. "Unfortunately, I don''t have the drakeroot."

    "What?" The three women were dumbfounded.

    They went through all that farce, but the drakeroot was never in the Fieldens'' possession?!

    Jade wheeled on Gina, right then, ring as she snapped, "You said the Fieldens had it! Were you

    messing with me?!"

    "O-Of course not! Why would I lie to you?" Gina stammered and turned to Paul. "Mr. Fielden, isn''t the

    drakeroot a family heirloom? Why don''t you have it?"

    Paul smiled. "Because I sold it."

    "Sold it? To whom?" Gina quickly pressed.

    "Frank Lawrence," Paul said, avoiding the details of what happened earlier. "I heard that he needs it

    urgently to treat a patient¡ªgo to him if you want it. I''m staying out of this."

    With that, he closed the door in the women''s faces, not bothering to even invite them in.

    "Frank? Why would he buy the drakeroot?" Helen was musing in curiosity.

    On the other hand, Jade was snapping at Gina again, "What the hell are you ying at? You''re making

    me run everywhere for the drakeroot¡ªis your family that ipetent?!"

    Gina, however, was not worried at all.

    In fact, she smiled. "Don''t worry, Jade. I will have that brat bring us the drakeroot right away."

    "Bring it to us?" Jade snorted. "Aren''t you thinking too highly of yourself?"

    "Oh, you wouldn''t know, but Frank was Helen''s husband," Gina exined. "But he''s a lowlife,

    and Helen divorced him a while ago. He used to be such a sucker when he was with us though,

    and I promised you ¡ªone call, and he will bring the drakeroot right over."

    Gina had to brag a little since it was Jade after all.

    Jade snorted in turn. "It seems your family is really desperate, having your daughter marry

    some lowlife."

    Helen frowned, upset with Jade for insulting Frank.

    "What are you waiting for? Call him and have him bring the drakeroot to the hospital," Jade told

    Gina right then and got into the car.

    Gina breathed a long sigh of relief, while Helen told her, "You''d better speak nicely to Frank

    when you call him, or he''s not giving it to you."

    "Really? Who the hell do you think he is?" Gina scoffed.

 Chapter 454

    Gina rolled her eyes,pletely ignoring Helen as she whipped out her phone and called

    Frank.

    -

    Frank had just returned to Skywater Bay and was in his basement preparing to make a pill for

    Frida Blue to restore her meridians.

    He did a double take when Gina called him out of the blue, but he answered anyway.

    "Where are you right now, Frank?" she demanded.

    Hearing her disrespectful tone, he replied nomittally, "How is that any of your business?"

    Gina cut to the chase right then. "You bought the Fieldens'' drakeroot, didn''t you?"

    "So what?"

    "Where is it? Bring it to me¡ªthe Lanes of Southstream need it urgently."

    Frank frowned.

    He had heard of the Lanes of Southstream back when she married Helen and knew that they were as

    rich as they were powerful.

    Naturally, they could not care less about Helen''s side of the family, or they would not have to lead such

    modest lives inparison.

    And now, Gina had actually called him just because the other family wanted the drakeroot... She really

    liked to stick her head up people''s butts, did she not?

    Moreover, it was not like the Lanes of Southstream would appreciate him if he gave up the drakeroot

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    anyway.

    "You really are a sucker for the Lanes of Southstream, Gina." Frank chuckled.

    "Cut the crap. Just bring the drakeroot already!" Gina urged impatiently¡ªthe family''s future hung in the

    bnce!

    Frankughed coolly, "Did you forget that I''m the owner, Gina? What does the drakeroot have to do

    with you? Why should I bring it to you?"

    "What." Gina choked, unable to retort.

    That lowlife was really growing bolder by the day, even going so far as to threaten her now!

    However, she restrained herself for her family''s sake. "This is a matter of life and death, Frank. I''ll

    remember your contribution when the Lanes of Southstream brings us back into their fold!"

    Frank simply snickered.

    Gian frowned. "What? Why are youughing?"

    "Nothing. It''s just that you''re not getting the drakeroot now," Frank said tly.

    "What are you talking about?"

    Frank picked up the drakeroot nonchntly just then, and dropped it into the pill cauldron.

    "Nothing, really. It''s just that I''m refining it into a pill."

    "What..." Gina almost had a stroke¡ªthe drakeroot was an exceedingly herb, and it was next to

    impossible finding another!

    "Alright, I''m hanging up now if you have nothing else to say¡ªI have work to do," Frank said

    with a chuckle, hung up, and turned off his phone.

    While Gina was left stamping her feet in frustration, Jade then asked, "What? Is it done?"

    Gina certainly wouldn''t say no, and quickly smiled at Jade, "Of course! But the brat is busy, so

    I''ll send Helen to get it."

    "What?" Helen pursed her lips.

    She could already tell from her mother''s reaction that Frank had refused, and she had just earn

    his spite if she asked now!

 Chapter 455

    Jade urged in response, "What are you waiting for, Helen? Get going already¡ªor do you think

    you can take responsibility if anything happens to my daughter?"

    "Yes, yes, yes," Gina replied and quickly told Helen, "Go on¡ªhead over to Frank Lawrence''s

    house and tell him to hand over the drakeroot."

    Helen shrugged exasperatedly. "Mom, why would he ever give us the drakeroot for nothing?"

    Gina could not care less. "Oh, he used to listen to everything you say, didn''t he? Just be nice to

    him, and he''d be wagging his tail as he gives it to you without hesitation."

    Seeing that Helen was still reluctant, she added, "Look, this is a matter of life and death¡ªyou

    have to do your best here!"

    "Fine." Helen sighed exasperatedly at her mother''s stubbornness and hailed a cab alone to go

    to Frank.

    At Skywater Bay, Frank had refined the drakeroot and other ingredients into a pill.

    After feeding it to Frida, he taught her a cultivation technique to help stabilize her condition.

    "How long would it take for her to return to peak form?" Vicky asked in curiosity.

    "Around a month," Frank replied calmly. "Her meridians are mostly fine now, and she will be in peak

    form after taking her time to heal."

    "Wonderful." Vicky sighed in relief.

    Frida was kowtowing to Frank in turn. "Thank you for giving me a second chance, Mr. Lawrence. I can''t

    repay you enough, but you just need to ask if there''s anything you need. I''ll definitely help even if it''s

    thest thing I do."

    Frank helped her to her feet. "You shouldn''t move around. Just stay calm and recuperate¡ªyour

    meridians are fine, but you''ve not fully recovered. Also, it''s not just me. Ms. Turnbull was the one who

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    obtained the drakeroot for you. Without it, even my medicinal skills would only help that much."

    Frida nodded¡ªher debt to Vicky certainly went without saying. At the same time, she vowed to herself

    that she now owed her allegiance to Vicky, and not the Turnbulls!

    Vicky then told Frida, "You can stay here in Frank''s house to rest. You can report to me when you''ve

    fully recovered."

    "Yes, Ms. Turnbull," Frida nodded, utterlypliant.

    That was when the doorbell rang, and Frank saw Helen through the video inte.

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    While he hesitated, Vicky came over and asked, "Who is it?"

    "It''s Helen Lane," Frank admitted.

    Vicky giggled as she studied him in turn. "So why aren''t you answering? Feeling awkward

    because I''m around? Should I leave?"

    "Oh, just stop being sarcastic." Frank scoffed and answered the inte. "Yeah, what is it?"

    Helen stared into the camera as she said, "Frank... I need a favor. Can we talk face to face?"

    "A favor?" Frank did a double take¡ªhe definitely did not expect that!

 Chapter 456

    While Frank wondered if he should let Helen in, Vicky came up. "Oh, if it isn''t the ex-wife. Why

    don''t you let her in?"

    She pressed the button to open the gates, while Frank rolled his eyes at her mischief.

    Outside, Helen frowned, not expecting to see Vicky in Frank''s house.

    She could not help hurrying into Frank''s mansion and scowled as soon as she saw Vicky.

    "What are you doing here?"

    Vicky grinned. "Frank''s my employee. Do you have a problem with me taking care of my own?

    In fact, the better question is: what are you doing here?"

    Helen puffed her chest as she retorted, "Is there a problem with me visiting my ex-husband?"

    "Hah! At least you know he''s your ex-husband." Vicky snorted. "And shouldn''t you be more

    careful while you''re here?"

    "What''s there to be careful here?" Helen shrugged. "We may be divorced, but Frank and I are both still

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    single¡ªunless you im to be Frank''s girlfriend."

    Vicky frowned but retorted nheless. "Well, I''m not at the moment... But that might not be the case

    soon."

    Frida had actually returned to her room to get some rest but could not help getting curious since she

    heard Vicky arguing with Helen.

    If anything, she was surprised Frank had an ex-wife, and that Vicky was really wary of her.

    She never saw Vicky being that hostile against another woman either¡ªshe was always so beautiful

    that she turned heads wherever she went and did not have topare herself with others.

    On the other hand, Frank felt an argument as he listened to her arguing.

    "Alright, alright, that''s enough," he said, cutting them short before turning to Helen. "You said you need

    a favor? What is it?"

    Helen quickly said, "You know that my family is a branch family to the Lanes of Southstream, right?"

    Frank nodded, more or less knowing a little about the Lane family in his three years with them.

    However, the Lanes of Southstream did not give a damn about Helen''s side of the family, with none of

    them ever visiting even when he married Helen.

    "My aunt, Jade Zahn, has brought her daughter here to get treated," Helen continued. "It''s a serious

    condition and the drakeroot is urgently needed. We visited Paul Fielden, but he told us you bought it."

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    Frank nodded. "So, you want the drakeroot?"

    Gina called him to demand it earlier, and he naturally had a hunch that it was also why Helen

    was here.

    Helen bit her lip and nodded awkwardly. "Yeah... I know my mom is heavily opinionated against

    you, but I''m hoping you''d help us¡ªor my grandfather. It had always been his wish to return to

    his family, but he never had the chance. We''re hoping to fulfill that wish with this opportunity."

    Frank tapped his fingers repeatedly on his cup, not saying a word.

    Helen might really believe that this was to help Henry, whereas Gina simply wanted a trickle of

    the other Lanes'' wealth and influence.

    Moreover, the drakeroot was already gone.

    That was when Vicky said what was on his mind. "I''m sorry, but you''re toote. We''ve already

    used the drakeroot."

    "What? How? Paul Fielden told us that you were in his house very recently!" Helen eximed,

    clearly skeptical.

 Chapter 457

    Frank nodded to confirm Vicky''s words. "I already refined the drakeroot when your mom called

    me earlier."

    Helen was disappointed, but there was nothing she could do either¡ªthere was no way to revert

    the pill back to the drakeroot.

    Still, she simply resigned herself.

    She was not particrly disappointed anyway since the drakeroot was not all that important.

    "Oh... Never mind, then." She shed a pained smile.

    Frank stared at her for a moment in thought for a long while and eventually said, "What''s your

    cousin''s condition? I could take a look."

    "Oh, forget it. None of the Southstream''s healers could help." Helen trailed off and quickly

    corrected herself when she realized she had misspoken. "I mean, it''s very serious, and most of

    the healers insisted she needs the drakeroot."

    Frank smiled. "I treated your grandfather when he was on death''s door too. I should at least

    try."

    Helen looked up right then, her heart welling up with emotion.

    There was no harm in letting Frank try even if he might fail.

    "Thank you, Frank." she murmured.

    Vicky watched as the vibes between them got a little toofortable, folding her arms before her chest

    as she huffed, "Hmph. You''re eager to suck up to the Lanes, aren''t you?"

    Her jibe left Helen feeling embarrassed, as it hurt to remember how her family used to abuse Frank.

    "I''m doing this for Henry, and not her family," Frank said just then.

    He then turned to Helen. "Where''s your cousin? Let''s make this quick."

    Helen smiled and did not take Vicky''s jibe to heart, since she knew Frank still had her in his heart.

    "Riverton City Hospital," she said. "Let''s go right now."

    Vicky watched as they left. "Come home soon, Frank. I''ll make dinner."

    She knew she could not stop Frank, and doing it would only make him despite her.

    She just had to know her ce in this particr case.

    Helen took Frank straight to Riverton City Hospital, asking while she drove, "Does Vicky always stay

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    the night at your ce?"

    "No. She just visits on asion," he replied.

    Helen breathed a long sigh of relief, her mood improving right then.

    "By the way... My Aunt Jade is a little bad-tempered. Just try not to speak much around her..."

    Still, she knew that her request was out of line. After all, Frank wasing to help, and they

    should not be mean to him even if things got frustrating.

    Naturally, she was worried that an argument would ensue, which was why she wanted Frank to

    be prepared.

    Frank simply chuckled. "Bad-tempered? What, is she worse than Gina?"

    Helen was left silenced at that.

    Once they arrived at Riverton Hospital, Helen headed straight to Luna''s ward.

    As soon as she entered, Gina asked urgently, "Do you have the drakeroot?"

    Helen shook her head. "Frank has already refined it into a pill."

    "What?!" Gina eximed and reared her head as she howled.

    How could the world be so unfair?!

 Chapter 458

    Gina was almost sobbing. "It''s over... It''s over... We can''t go back to the main family, can we?"

    Seeing Gina and Helen whispering among each other, Jade promptly asked, "What is it?

    Where''s the drakeroot? Bring it here already!"

    Helen braced herself as she told Jade, "Frank already used the drakeroot."

    "What?!" Jade eximed furiously.

    "It''s alright," Helen quickly said. "I brought Frank himself¡ªhe''s a master in medicine, he''ll

    definitely save Luna."

    "Are you kidding me?!" Jade''s face contorted in rage and contempt. "All the healers of

    Southstream couldn''t help Luna, and you''re saying someone in Northstream can? She needs

    the drakeroot!"

    "But it''s gone," Helen said exasperatedly. "Moreover, Frank''s skill in medicine is extraordinary.

    He might be able to help Luna, and it''s more practical than waiting for another drakeroot to be

    found."

    "Why is it gone?!" Jade bellowed as she wheeled on Gina. "You told me you''d definitely get it!"

    "W-Well, we were toote," Gina murmured awkwardly. "And Frank used it."

    "You wretches! You lied to me!" Jade snapped, feeling tricked right then.

    Hali King, the chief of Riverton City Hospital, frowned just then. "Mrs. Lane, it''s not like there''s a

    shortage of talented men here in Northstream. And I''ve personally witnessed Frank''s skill in medicine¡ª

    he really is special, and he just might be able to help your daughter."

    Gina quickly added, "Exactly! Frank is my former son-inw, so I would know. His skill in medicine is

    divine!"

    It was the first time Gina praised Frank in any way.

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    Not only was it insincere, but it was just to avoid any further k from Jade.

    Even if Frank failed to save Luna, that was his problem¡ªher family would have nothing to do with it.

    Jade nced between Gina, Hali, and Helen in turn.

    Still, since Hali had spoken, she had to give in for the time being, "Fine. I''ll let him try out of respect for

    Mr. King. If that fails, none of you are returning to the main family."

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief and hurried outside to bring Frank in, not forgetting to ask, "Are you

    confident about this?"

    "I can''t tell until I actually see her."

    "Fair enough " Helen sighed and led Frank into the ward.

    However, as soon as they stepped in, Jade and Luna were gaping at Frank as they snapped, "You?!"

    Helen and Gina were both left dumbstruck.

    "You know each other...?"

    "I would recognize him even if he rotted into pieces!" Jade bellowed. "He was the one who

    refused to help my daughter when we had an ident. He even assaulted me and incited the

    onlookers against me!"

    "What?!" Gina turned pale¡ªshe certainly did not expect that!

    She promptly red at Frank. "Why are you just standing there?! Apologize already!"

    "Why should I?" Frank growled icily. "She crashed her car into a motorcyclist and hurt my

    friend. She should be apologizing to my friend instead."

    Gina almost suffered a stroke right then. "Are you crazy? She''s Jade Zahn, a member of our

    main family! You can''t afford to provoke them!"

    Frank snorted. "What, are the Lanes of Southstream above question?"

 Chapter 459

    "Exactly! We''re above all else," Jade bellowed as she pointed Frank in the nose. "I''m giving you

    a chance to atone right now¡ªapologize to my daughter!"

    Jade was absolutely confident in her family''s authority and was ready to watch Frank apologize

    like a worm...

    However, she underestimated Frank, as he simply sneered. "Apologize to you? Dream on. Hell,

    even having me treat your daughter is delusional."

    "Frank Lawrence! How dare you disrespect my family!" Jade was livid.

    "Forget it, Mom," Luna snapped in her bed. "We don''t need him. There has to be a healer who

    can get me better anyway."

    On the other hand, Hali quickly reasoned, "Please, Mrs. Lane. Just calm down for a moment¡ª

    you have a miracle worker right here, and your daughter will get well right away. And you''re all

    family, right? Why get all upset over some little argument?"

    "Shut up!"

    Hali''s advice only left Jade further incensed. "Family?! With him?! He isn''t family¡ªI won''t let

    him near my house even if he offered to clean our toilets for free!"

    On the other hand, Frank turned to leave, not bothered to stay and argue.

    Helen quickly stopped him, frantically reasoning, "Please, Frank. I know you had a little argument with

    my rtives, and they can be a little too much¡ªbut if you seize this chance and treat Luna, they''ll be

    indebted to you!"

    She really hoped that Frank would seize this chance too, convinced that Frank would rise from rags to

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    riches if the Lanes of Southstream gave him even a sliver of their wealth and influence.

    When that happened, not only would she be free from Vicky''s control, but he would also rise to power

    in Riverton. Her family would stop belittling him at that point too!

    However, Frank did not seem to care and even gloated with utter conceit. "Chance? What chance can

    the likes of them provide? Even without them, I''m unstoppable here in Riverton!"

    Suddenly, a group of ck men in uniforms charged into the room.

    The one in the lead demanded, "Which of you is Frank Lawrence?"

    Everyone was left staring in shock at the group of men, who were clearly not average Joes.

    And the way they charged in, ready for violence. Were they after him for revenge?

    However, Frank remained impassive as he stopped forward. "I''m Frank Lawrence. Who are you?"

    "Riverton Precinct. You have been used of murder and grand theft among other charges. You''re

    Two of his men immediately moved behind Frank, pressing a palm over his arms to restrain him.

    Frank frowned as he did the math in no time at all.

    The entire group clearly came prepared¡ªwere they friends of the Szars?

    On the other hand, Jade wasughing out loud. "Hahaha! Weren''t you saying that you''re

    unstoppable here in Riverton? It turns out that you''re wanted for murder! Hahaha!"

    Helen was left staring in disbelief.

    In her mind, Frank was just an average Joe¡ªif not a little better looking than the rest. Why

    would he be involved in murder?

    "Officers, is there a mistake here?" she asked.

    "Are you questioning us?" The head officer red at Helen right then.

    Gina promptly pulled Helen behind herself and shed an apologetic smile."Of course not,

    officer. We''d never question you. We knew right away that brat is nothing good, and he has

    nothing to do with us.

    You must question him thoroughly!"

 Chapter 460

    While Gina absolutely refused to have anything to do with Frank, Jade folded her arms before

    her chest as she gloated, "You have one chance, Frank Lawrence! Get down on your knees and

    beg, and I might consider calling on my people to help you. Otherwise, you''ll die tragically."

    Frank simply snorted in disdain. "I don''t need your help. Also, look yourself in the mirror before

    you talk."

    "Vain prick..." Jade was livid.

    She was ready to see Frank kneel before her, begging, only for him to mock her instead!

    "Cut the chatter. Time to go," the head officer barked as he led Frank out of the ward.

    Frank did not resist, since he did not want to start a fight at a hospital.

    If anything, he would like to see who wanted him dead.

    On the other hand, Helen was panicking as she could do nothing but watch Frank being taken

    away.

    Turning toward Jade, she pleaded in hopes that Jade would call her people to bail Frank out. "Please,

    Aunt Jade. You have to save Frank¡ªhe''s a little stubborn, but he''s a good man! He must have been

    framed!"

    Jade, however, snorted in disdain. "You''re telling me to help? You''re kidding¡ªlike I said, I''ll help when

    hees to me begging on his knees."

    "What." Helen was dumbstruck.

    Frank had already been taken away¡ªhow was he going to beg?! -

    Meanwhile, Frank was blindfolded as he was shoved in the car, which immediately sped away.

    When his blindfold was lifted, he found himself in a sealed room, the blinding light overhead burning his

    face.

    He was unaffected, however, and could clearly see the look on everyone''s faces.

    Soon, the ck-d man entered, followed by a woman.

    Frank looked up and immediately recognized her¡ªit was Quinn Ocean, Drakon''s girlfriend.

    She slowly strode up to him, gloating. "Didn''t expect this to happen to you, did you?"

    Frank was going to raise his hand when he realized he was bound.

    The ck-d man growled behind him right then, "Don''t bother, kid. These are sage fetters, a

    restraint

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    developed by Sage Lake Sect against martial elites like you. It''s pointless to struggle."

    "Sage Lake Sect, huh?" Frank asked calmly. "So you''re dering war on me?"

    "War was already dered long ago," Quinn growled. "Drakon was one of us and my fiance.

    You''re a dead man the moment you killed him."

    Frank chuckled coolly. "There''s no telling who''s going to die here, actually."

    Quinn was surprised Frank was still being defiant at that point but shook her head in disdain.

    "Haha!

    Don''t worry¡ªI won''t kill you so soon. I''ll make you suffer, and you''d wish you were dead... then,

    when it''s time for Drakon''s funeral, I''ll bury you with him."

    Then, turning to the ck-d man behind him, she said, "He''s all yours, Burt. I''lle check

    on your progress tomorrow."

    The man named Burt Yorkman nodded respectfully. "You have nothing to worry about, Ms.

    Ocean."

    With that, Quinn turned to leave the room, leaving Burt alone to pick his torture tools.

 Chapter 461

    Frank started at Burt in turn¡ªhe had heard of him before.

    After all, Burt Yorkman had the reputation of making the most arrests in Riverton Precinct and

    was aspetent as he was brutal.

    Those he had his eyes on would never get away, though Frank was still surprised he was a

    member of Sage Lake Sect.

    Still, he reasoned, "You are more or less a man of aplishment in Riverton. Why stoop to

    being Sage Lake Sect''spdog?"

    Burt chuckled, presuming that Frank was intimidated and therefore trying to sway him.

    "Give up on your pretty words, kid." He snorted in disdain. "It''s your misfortune for upsetting

    Sage Lake Sect¡ªaverage Joes like you would never understand the terror they embody, but

    don''t worry, I''ll spare you the pain while satisfying Ms. Ocean."

    Frank chuckled. "So I should be thanking you?"

    "You''re wee."

    "Actually, I know a thing or two about sects myself¡ªhave you heard of Mystic Sky Sect?" Frank asked

    just then.

    Burt did a double take, surprised that Frank was aware. "They were the top sect in the world, but

    regrettably, they fell three years ago¡ªthe chief and their senior apprentice both. The Four South Sea

    Sects now share control over what''s left, and they are a shade of their former glory."

    "For now." Frank smiled. "You''ll soon see us rise again."

    Burt was surprised again. "You''re saying you''re one of them?"

    Frank nodded silently, and Burt shook his head in disappointment. "I might have considered letting you

    go three years ago, but you have no chance now."

    After all, Mystic Sect Sky was now nothingpared to Sage Lake Sect, and Burt had no reason to

    stupidly aid the apprentice of some dogshit sect.

    Whipping out a fat dagger, he said coolly, "It''s inhuman, but I''m crippling your meridians first. At least

    you''d be alive¡ªjust y nice if you want to live when Ms. Oceanes tomorrow."

    He was certainly being as kind as he could to a martial artist like Frank, but Frank said quietly, "Do you

    really think you can do it? Even Drakon Szar of your sect is no match for me."

    "Hah!" Burtughed. "I won''t win in a fight, but you have been restrained with sage fetters¡ªnot even

    Birthright elites can free themselves from it."

    He knew that all too well, which was why he used his position to have Frank restrained first.

    However, before Burt could stab Frank, he suddenly received a call, which he answered without

    hesitation.

    "Officer Yorkman," the voice on the other end greeted him. "I''m Vicky Turnbull, CEO of Grande

    Pharma.

    I heard that you took our shareholder Frank Lawrence into custody. I''m sure there''s a

    misunderstanding, so if you would kindly refrain from anything drastic, you will be rewarded

    handsomely."

    Naturally, Helen Lane went to Vicky as soon as Frank was taken away, and knowing how terrible

    Burt could be, Vicky called the man right away. She mentioned that Frank was her partner,

    indirectly warning Burt as she tried to bail him out.

    Burt frowned, surprised that Frank had enough influence to have someone like Vicky speak on

    his behalf.

    However, he was virtually born prejudiced against rich kids like her as a sect apprentice¡ªhe

    was convinced that they would neverpare to sects.

    "No worries, Ms. Turnbull, I can decide for myself after the crime Frank Lawrence has

    committed." He chuckled and hung up.

    However, more calls ensued.

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    "Burt Yorkman, I''m Trevor Zurich of Trevor International..."

    "Burt Yorkman, I''m Robert Quill, the governor of Riverton. I demand Frank Lawrence''s release

    right now."

 Chapter 462

    When even Gerald Simmons, chief of Riverton general affairs called as well, Burt was left

    stunned by how many bigwigs of Riverton were demanding Frank''s release.

    While he might even have released Frank on any other day given his vast influence, it was not

    happening now.

    He was a member of Sage Lake Sect, and he would offer his aid after they called upon him¡ª

    that, or die terribly for causing offense against the sect.

    Frank chuckled. "Let me go now, and I can pretend today never happened. I''ll even offer you a

    ce when Mystic Sky Sect rises again."

    "You''re kidding." Burt snorted. "I''m no ingrate, and not even the gods could save you now."

    And with those words, he poised his dagger, and¡ª

    Bang!

    A deafening crash ensued from the doorway so loudly both men could hear it even from the

    sealed room.

    Burt frowned, intending to check out what happened when one of his men scrambled inside. "This is

    bad, sir. There''s this huge group who just came in..."

    Burt remained calm. "Who has the balls to storm a precinct?"

    "I don''t know, but they''re carrying guns!" the junior officer cried.

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    "What?!" Burt was bbergasted, but before he realized what had happened, a squad of armed men

    charged inside, surrounding them!

    Burt gulped¡ªhe would never make a false move now. Sage Lake Sect apprentice or not, he was not

    confident about dodging bullets.

    "Who are you?!"

    No one responded, but Hans Schnee strode out and pped him across the face right then, knocking

    him to the floor and leaving him seeing stars.

    He also realized in shock that Hans was Birthright-rank too!

    ring downward at Burt, Hans barked, "You really have a pair, arresting Mr. Lawrence!"

    Burt bit his lip but stayed silent¡ªwho on earth was Frank Lawrence that he had such friends?

    Hans then ignored him and walked right up to Frank inside the sealed room.

    "Are you alright?" Hans asked and was about to free Frank when he realized it was no ordinary cuffs.

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    ¡± J Zi " - ¡ª - J

    He wheeled on Burt, bellowing, "What are you spacing out for?! Release this man already!"

    "That''s unnecessary."

    That was when Frank quietly rose to his feet, his biceps tightening as he shattered Sage Lake

    Sect''s so- called sage fetters.

    Burt was left gaping from the floor¡ªFrank actually broke the fetters with brute strength?!

    He started sweating buckets, as he knew then that Frank would have no trouble killing him even

    if Hans and his boys never came!

    Who was Frank? Why had he never heard of such a character from Mystic Sky Sect?

 Chapter 463

    Hans then turned toward Burt. "What should we do with this one, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Burt was left gulping just then¡ªHans could already floor him with just one strike, and he was

    not going tost a round in a fight.

    He could not help being afraid, but his only choice was to wait for Frank''s judgment.

    However, Frank merely nced this way before saying quietly, "Forget it. Don''t bother with

    him."

    What?" Hans did a double take¡ªthis was not Frank''s style!

    Anyone who ever tried to kill him would be killed in return, and Burt was going to torture him

    before that too!

    But he did not care?

    "Mr. Lawrence, are we really just going to let him go?" Hans asked in confusion.

    Frank wheeled on him. "What, are you questioning me?"

    "No, of course not. I''d never question your magnanimity, sir." Hans promptly threw up his hands and

    hung his head.

    Burt was left dumbstruck even as he watched¡ªeven a clearly high-ranked military officer actually

    deferred to Frank to such an extent?

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    Frank ignored Hans right then and strode out of the sealed room, while Hans shot a re at Burt as he

    growled, "You''re lucky Mr. Lawrence didn''t want to hold you ountable. But mess with him again, and

    you''re resting in pieces."

    With that, he hurried after Frank, while the armed squad of soldiers also quickly left, leaving Burt and

    his officers sighing in relief as if dodging a bullet.

    One of the junior officers quickly asked, "Who is he, Burt?"

    Burt shook his head repeatedly¡ªhe certainly had no idea!

    "I don''t know... but those men were packing heat in public, so they must be a huge deal."

    Then, turning toward the man, he said, "Hit me."

    "What?!" The junior officer was left bewildered.

    What had gotten into Burt, asking something like that?

    Nheless, Burt frowned as he barked, "I told you to hit me, so hit me!"

    "O-Okay!" The junior officer hesitated for a long while before he finally punched Burt squarely in the

    face.

    Burt was bleeding from the nose, but he told the junior officer to keep going instead of telling him to

    stop, until his face was swollen.

    After all, Sage Lake Sect had tasked him with this¡ªif he returned without killing Frank or

    getting hurt, they might use him of being a turncoat.

    He just had to make himself look hurt before iming that Frank was too strong, beating him to

    a pulp before running.

    And with that, he could im innocence.

    Meanwhile, Helen was still utterly anxious after Frank was taken away.

    She had asked Jade Zahn to help, but it turned out Frank and Jade already had a fight, and Jade

    certainly would not use her connections to bail him out.

    Helen had no choice but to ask her grandfather for help.

    Henry hurried to the hospital personally to see Jade once he learned that Frank was arrested.

    He did not stop for preamble as soon as he stepped inside, saying bluntly, "I have a favor to

    ask, Jade."

    Jade might be unreasonable, but she came with a job to do and would not go too far when it

    was Henry.

 Chapter 464

    Jade smiled. "Oh, what are you saying? We''re family¡ªif you need anything, just ask. I''ll

    definitely help however I can."

    Henry nodded in satisfaction. "Helen''s husband was arrested, and I''m hoping you would use

    your Southstream contacts to bail him out."

    Jade promptly frowned at Helen¡ªshe did not need imagination to tell that the brat had asked

    Henry to persuade her.

    After a long thought, she began, "It''s not like I don''t want to help, but he has broken the

    country''sws ¡ªhow am I supposed to help?"

    "I know Frank," Henry quickly said. "He''s definitely being framed. Just get him out, and then

    we''ll properly investigate the issue."

    Helen dropped to her knees in front of Jade too, pleading, "Please, Aunt Jade. I''m begging you

    to save Frank."

    When she was told that Burt refused to listen to Vicky, she was panicking since she could not

    think of anyone else who would bail Frank out.

    And when Henry saw Helen kneel, he growled, "You can just make a call and resolve this, Jade. Or do

    you want me to kneel too?"

    Jade flinched. "Are you crazy?"

    She could understand Helen kneeling since Frank was her ex-husband, but did Henry have to go so far

    for him too?!

    "I will if anything happens to Frank," Henry replied.

    Jade inhaled deeply and wheeled on Helen. "I''m sure you understand that there''s a huge grudge

    between me and Frank. I can help, but he must apologize personally."

    "Not a problem¡ªI''ll definitely persuade him to do it." Helen agreed to it without hesitation.

    She believed Frank would definitely be grateful to Jade anyway, and things would calm down between

    them¡ªit would be even better if Frank treated Luna.

    Jade whipped out her phone and sent Helen a number, leaving her confused. "What''s this?"

    "Chaz Graves'' number. Call him¡ªhe''ll deal with this," Jade replied.

    "Chaz has influence in Riverton?" Helen eximed in shock, remembering Chaz right then.

    The Graves were one of Southstream''s four families, and Helen remembered how she stuck out like a

    sore thumb when she visited the Southstream Lanes'' residence as a child.

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    She also became friends with Chaz at the time, though Helen rarely visited the Southstream

    Lanester on, and they rarely kept in touch.

    Jade chuckled coolly. "Why not? He''s the chief of Seaham Martial Artists'' Association, and his

    jurisdiction extends over every martial artist in Riverton, Seaham, and Southdam. His family

    business is spread over all three states as well."

    "Really? That''s amazing!" Helen breathed a long sigh of relief, convinced that Frank was saved.

    She quickly stepped out to the hallway to call Chaz, and she quickly introduced herself when

    Chaz answered.

    Chaz was surprised to receive her call.

    Hearing that she was asking her to bail someone out, he certainly could not refuse such a

    frivolous request.

    Naturally, he did not promise anything and instead said, "Let''s meet up for dinner, Helen. It''s

    been a while¡ªI''ve missed you, and we can discuss anything when we meet."

 Chapter 465

    Helen hesitated and asked, "Mr. Graves, this is urgent. Could you handle this as soon as

    possible?"

    After all, Frank had been taken away¡ªanother minute wasted meant further danger!

    "You can''t rush such things. Due process, you see?" Chaz said somberly.

    However, Helen understood right away that Chaz was hinting that he wanted something in

    return¡ªshe was asking for a favor, after all.

    Even if they were childhood friends, it had been years and they had grown distant.

    "Alright, where should we meet?" Helen quickly asked.

    Chaz sent her an address, and Helen headed out without hesitation once she received it, not

    forgetting to tell her secretary to transfer all the money Lane Holdings had to a specified

    ount.

    -

    Helen quickly alighted after parking her car outside Hoff Hotel and quickly spotted the handsome,

    sharply-dressed man who was waiting at a window seat.

    She looked closely and saw that Chaz still retained some of his facial features.

    He noticed Helen too and smiled as he stood up. "It''s been so long, but you''re still as young and

    beautiful as ever."

    Helen breathed a sigh of relief, positive that he was Chaz now. "Don''t tease me, Mr. Graves, though

    you did change a lot yourself."

    "Oh? How so?" Chaz asked with a smile.

    Helen naturally stuck with ttery. "You''re more handsome now."

    "Hahaha!" Chazughed out loud, unable to hide his glee.

    "Have a seat." He pulled out a chair for her in gentlemanly fashion before returning to his seat and

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    pouring her a ss of red wine.

    Helen, however, was too worried about Frank to have an appetite.

    "Let''s get down to business, Mr. Graves. How much do you want to help?" she asked, whipping out the

    debit card she prepared. "There''s five million in here¡ªyou can tell me if it''s not enough. I''ll gather

    more."

    Chaz stared at the card and chuckled. "What are you saying, Helen? Do I look like that type of person?

    Just keep it."

    Five million hardly covered the amount he spends each month and if he took the money Helen

    would

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    ¡± ¡ª - J '' ¡ª I -..-..,_..._ - - -¡ªyr

    not owe him a favor.

    Helen, however, remained tense. "Just take it, Mr. Graves. It''s a token of my sincerity."

    She was mainly worried that Chaz would not help if he did not take her money.

    Even so, Chaz raised a palm as his expressions turned cold. "What are you talking about?

    You''re already showing plenty of sincerity bying here. Moreover, am I the type of person

    who only helps when there''s money to take? Does our rtionship bank on money?"

    Helen froze¡ªChaz was not joking with that cold look of his.

 Chapter 466

    Helen was awash with emotion that Chaz would hold their past bond in such high value.

    "Thank you so much, Mr. Graves..."

    Chaz suddenly asked in curiosity, "By the way, who''s Frank Lawrence to you?"

    "My ex-husband."

    Chaz nodded in realization. "Oh! I did hear that you were getting married, but I was abroad so I

    couldn''t attend your wedding. What a shame! I heard he was a lowlife and freeloaded your

    family for three years without working a proper job, though¡ªwhy bother saving him?"

    Helen was left at a loss but soon smiled blissfully when she remembered Frank. "He''s nothing

    much, but I was happy with him. It was a mistake divorcing him and I regret it, but he''s still been

    good to me.

    That''s why I''m hoping you would help him¡ªhe was framed."

    Chaz nodded, not expecting her to think that highly of Frank.

    Still, it was just a matter of bailing Frank out anyway, so he whipped out his phone right then.

    "Don''t worry, Helen¡ªI''ll make the call right now."

    He promptly called Burt, even putting the call on speakerphone so that Helen would have ease of mind.

    "Hello, Officer Yorkman? I''m Chaz Graves," he said politely when Burt answered.

    Burt paused for a moment. "Yes, Mr. Graves? What can I do for you?"

    Chaz smiled, "It''s no big deal¡ªit''s just that you''ve arrested a friend of mine. Would you mind doing me

    a favor and releasing him?"

    Burt naturally had to ede since Chaz was heir to the Graves family. "May I ask who your friend is?"

    "Frank Lawrence."

    Burt did a double take. "Him again?"

    Chaz was left confused. "What? What''s wrong, Officer Yorkman?"

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    Helen only knew too well why Burt would be surprised, since Vicky Turnbull had already called Burt

    about Frank.

    "It''s nothing," Burt said. "I''ll release him since you''ve asked."

    He actually would not have bothered even if it was Chaz''s father asking before, but things were

    different now.

    Frank was taken away by a group of actual soldiers, and what was the harm in earning himself a favor

    from the Graves family? Making more enemies would be bad for his health anyway.

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    _ J , ..._ .. _. ¡ª . ¡ö ¡ª .J .. ¡ªJ .

    "Good." Chaz was delighted that Burt was that agreeable. "I''ll prepare a banquet in your honor

    someday. Please doe when it happens."

    "Thanks for your invitation, Mr. Graves. I''ll be there."

    And with that polite exchange, both men hang up.

    Helen''s tense mood was relieved too, and she kept bowing to Chaz. "Thank you so much, Mr.

    Graves."

    "You''re being a stranger again, Helen. Come on¡ªlet''s eat." Chaz shrugged nonchntly, as if it

    was nothing to him.

    Meanwhile, Hans Schnee had told his men to return to base while he drove Frank to a nearby

    hotel for dinner.

    "Mr. Lawrence, how about that hotel? The ce looks nice."

    Frank was riding shotgun and looked through the ss wall into Hoff Hotel and saw that it was

    indeed a nice ce.

    However, his eyes soon narrowed as he noticed the two people by the window seat.

 Chapter 467

    Hans noticed Frank''s scowl and immediately looked in the direction he was looking.

    There, he saw Helen dining with a man he did not recognize, and she looked like she was

    having a good time.

    Hans had never met Helen before, but he knew that she was Frank''s ex-wife, and that he had

    done a lot for her.

    If anything, it would be shocking if he could keep acting natural to see her having dinner with

    some other man.

    "Should we change ces, Mr. Lawrence?" Hans quickly asked.

    Frank''s expression returned to normal right then. "No. We stand apart now, and we''re no more

    than strangers."

    Hans, however, doubted that¡ªwould Frank have fought the Szars and the Chandlers if he did

    not care?

    Naturally, he did not have the balls to say it.

    With that, they both strode inside, took a seat near the door, and ordered some simple dishes, which

    they soon devoured clean.

    Before they left, Hans barked, "The check, please."

    Helen turned toward him at the loud call and found him and Frank ready to leave.

    "Frank?" Helen was delighted to see Frank, not expecting Chaz to be that efficient.

    She quickly got up to chase after Frank, while Chaz was left in his seat, perplexed and in awe of Burt''s

    efficiency¡ªhe had released Frank right after he asked?

    As Helen caught up to Frank, she asked, "Frank, they released you?"

    He nodded silently, and Helen eximed in joy, "Wonderful! Come on, let''s go home. You have to

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    apologize properly to Aunt Jade¡ªI know you both had a misunderstanding, but that''s out of the way

    now, and you can properly treat Luna¡ª"

    Frank raised a hand to stop her. "Hold it. Why should I apologize?"

    Helen was left staring at his cold expression. "Why? Because she got someone to bail you out..."

    Frankughed coolly. "She did? Are you kidding me?"

    Helen could feel Frank''s rage and asked, perplexed, "What''s your problem? She helped! How could

    you behave like this?"

    Frank snapped impatiently, "Why would I need her help? I''d be free even without her." "What..." Helen

    was speechless, just as she turned and noticed Chaz still sitting at their table, realizing then why Frank

    was upset. "Please, this is a misunderstanding¡ªthat''s Chaz Graves from Southstream. We''re just

    having dinner, and it''s not what you think!"

    "Just having dinner?" Frank snorted in disdain. "With just the two of you? Who''d believe that?"

    "Is that what you think of me?" Helen frowned, finding him unreasonable.

    "No, you have nothing to do with me at all¡ªwe''re already divorced," Frank retorted pettily.

    Helen''s eyes widened. "Chaz called Burt Yorkman to release you, and you''d think that of us?!"

    "He called Burt? Why wasn''t I aware?" Frank snorted, doubting herpletely.

    He knew for a fact that the Turnbulls, the Quills, and Trevor Zurich had all called him, but Chaz

    was not one of them!

    "You wouldn''t have been arrested if you knew everything!" Helen yelled tearfully. "Come with

    me right now! We have to see Aunt Jade¡ª"

    "I''m busy." Frank shook her off right then, knowing that Jade was the one who introduced Chaz

    to Helen.

    It would take a miracle for him to apologize to Jade or treat her spoiled daughter!

 Chapter 468

    As Frank quickly got into the car, Hans quickly followed without hesitation.

    Helen was left watching in utter disappointment as they drove off into the distance.

    Chaz stepped outside just then, staring at her tearful face as he said, "I never knew that your

    exhusband was that type of person."

    ¡°Sorry," Helen apologized. "I''m such aplete idiot."

    Chaz smiled. "It''s not your fault¡ªand I''m helping you, not him. Why don''t we go rx over

    some drinks?"

    Helen shook her head. "No, I still have things to do¡ªI have to go now. It''s my treat some other

    day."

    Chaz did not press her, since it was not the time. -

    Meanwhile, Burt hurried to the vi district in Riverton Gulf as evening arrived.

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    He saw Quinn Ocean as soon as he stepped inside the drawing room and dropped on one knee.

    "Mdy."

    "Get up. What happened to your face?" Quinn asked as she stared downward at his face, surprised to

    see him hurt.

    "I was beaten," Burt admitted.

    "Beaten? By whom?"

    "I don''t know."

    "What? You don''t know?" Quinn was confused but did not have time for that. "Forget it, then. Where''s

    Frank Lawrence? Why didn''t you bring him here?"

    Burt sighed. "That''s what I''m trying to say. His allies beat me up."

    "What? Who are they? How dare they assault an officer?!" Quinn gaped in disbelief.

    Burt was an officer in Riverton, and though he was not strong, his rank carried authority.

    Nevertheless, they beat him up anyway... Did they have a death wish?

    "I don''t know, but they were armed with guns," Burt said quietly. "I really don''t think we can afford to

    mess with him, and most importantly."

    He was going to tell Quinn about Frank''s identity as the senior apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect but

    paused in hesitation at that.

    If he said it, he would have no way of reconciling with Frank.

    Right now, he would prefer to sit on the fence and help whoever won.

    "Most importantly, what?" Quinn asked.

    "Most importantly, they were all addressing him respectfully as ''Mr. Lawrence'' and all that. He

    must be a really big deal."

    "Hmph," Quinn snorted. "I''ve already done a background check on him¡ªwhat influence would

    he have, aside from being friends with some business folks?"

    Quinn then turned to re coolly at Burt, asking sharply, "Don''t tell me that you released him

    because the Turnbulls bribed you?"

    Burt was sweating buckets right then. "Of course not! I''m loyal to Sage Lake Sect¡ªI''d never

    betray the sect!"

    Quinn chuckled coolly. "I believe you. Well, it''s just Frank Lawrence¡ªwith all the elites in the

    sect, killing him couldn''t be easier. Just find out where he is right now."

    Right after she finished, however, a voice boomed from outside the door. "You don''t have to

    look. I''m right here."

 Chapter 469

    Everyone in the vi was stunned by the voice.

    Even before they could react, the door was sent flying with a loud bang and crashing straight down before the couch where they sat.

    The door, which would take several men to pry open, had a particrly clear shoe print on it too.

    Quinn''s expression cooled, while Burt promptly leapt to a corner, knowing that things had gone out of hand.

    "Who was that?! How dare you barge into the Szars'' turf?!"

    A group of men in ck charged out, weapons in hand.

    "Back off!" Quinn bellowed, seeing that they were raring for a fight.

    She stopped them from encircling Frank not because she did not want him to die, but rather that they would just be wasting time since trash like them posed no threat to him.

    "Hehe¡­" She giggled as she rose to her feet, folding her arms before her chest as if she could not see Frank striding inside menacingly. "To think that you''de here¡­ and I thought you''d be fleeing Riverton already."

    "Fleeing Riverton? From the likes of you?" Frank snorted.

    Still, he knew from herposure that she has strong backing, though he was not worried¡ªin fact, he was interested to see who pumped her with such confidence.

    On the other hand, Quinn leveled an icy re at Burt, who was still cowering by the wall. "I''ll deal with youter!"

    Burt was left perplexed, but he was not that dumb and realized what had happened soon enough.

    "Woman, really¡­?" he muttered under his breath through gritted teeth.

    It was clear that Quinn was convinced he had released Frank, instead of Frank breaking out of the sage fetters himself.

    She obviously trusted Sage Lake Sect''s gimmicks more than Burt, and now that Frank was here, Quinn also suspected him of leading Frank here!

    Burt certainly realized that she was going to kill him as she believed he hadpletely turned against Sage Lake Sect. It was certainly frustrating¡ªhe had been hinting to her that Frank had backing, and those were people he could not afford to mess with.

    Why could she not get it?!

    Still, he was a Sage Lake Sect apprentice and wanted to make ast ditch effort.

    Chuckling awkwardly, he told Quinn, "I''m sure there''s a misunderstanding here, Ms. Ocean. Why don''t we just sit down and talk things out properly instead of staying tense? I''m sure the chief and your father wouldn''t want you making enemies out of a moment of pettiness."

    He was naturally stunned as Quinn stared at him in contempt as if he were an idiot. "Impressive, Burt. I didn''t think that your spine and loyalty hadpletely dropped off after bing a Riverton officer for years. Don''t forget who gave you this position, and how dare a fringe mongrel like you question my decision?!"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Quinn''s insults were certainly out of line, and Burt glowered. "Well, since I''m just a fringe mongrel, I shall stay out of this."

    "Hah! You really give yourself too much credit!" Quinnughed coolly. "You''re next once I''m done with you!"

    "Are you done?" Frank asked icily as he strode forward.

    His might as a Birthright rank individual was bared, his killing intent palpable as his eyes stayed glued on Quinn.

    She stood, folding her arms before her chest haughtily as she gloated, "Don''t think you''re above the rest, Frank Lawrence. There are so many elites in Sage Lake Sect that any single one of them could crush you easily."

    Frank snorted. "Really? Now I''m actually curious."

 Chapter 470

    Frank''s stride never slowed as his murderous presence grew stronger.

    On the other hand, Quinn''s expression was suddenly respectful as she nodded. "Uncle Sal, it

    seems like you have to put this brat in his ce."

    "Uncle Sal?"

    Frank felt a burst of gale behind him before he realized it, like a hundred birds shrieking at

    once.

    He was already annoyed even before the attack reached him.

    "You really are too conceited, kid! It''s time to teach you that there''s always a bigger fish!" the

    elderly man''s voice cried shrilly as he leapt out from Frank''s back, his fingers striking toward

    Frank''s nape as quick as lightning.

    "Teach me, when all you can do is blindside me? Is this all Sage Lake Sect can do?!"

    However, Frank had already sensed his presence.

    He just did not expect him to move so quickly¡ªor indeed, so brazenly.

    The man called him ''kid'' but was only capable of such despicable moves.

    But even if he was shameless, he was a Birthright rank individual and carried a strong vigor that the

    "Five-Peat Archaeus!"

    Frank growled in his mind as he stepped on the tile floor below, his body suddenly turned into thin air.

    Then, even before Sal Ocean could react, Frank was above his head, unleashing a clear burst of vigor

    that buffed his palm technique, knocking Sal''s finger technique backward.

    "Impossible! rgh!" Sal cried, unable to anchor himself as he crashed squarely into the wall, leaving a

    Sal-shaped hole as he coughed out a mouthful of blood.

    "That... That was Mystic Sky Sect... " he murmured as his widened eyes flickered in shock and terror,

    swallowing another mouthful of blood he was going to cough.

    His cheeks twitching, he kept an impassive look as he barked at Frank, "Who are you?! What''s your

    connection to Mystic Sky Sect?!"

    "Mystic Sky Sect?!"

    Quinn and everyone else froze right then.

    Quinn had heard her father speak of the great battle at the South Sea three years ago herself¡ªa battle

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    that had been as mad as it was bloody

    And it all revolved around Mystic Sky Sect.

    Be that as it may, they were crushed in that battle, with both their chief and their senior

    apprentice falling.

    Did this mean that Frank was a remnant?

    "Hah!" Frank chuckled coolly as he stared at the frantic Sal. "Why should I answer your

    question? On the other hand, you and Sage Lake Sect have been challenging me repeatedly¡ªit

    would be impolite if I didn''t respond. You will all fall here today!"

    Without giving Sal time to breathe, Frank moved at the speed of lightning and appeared beside

    Sal in an instant!

    "What?! Oof!"

    Sal''s meridians were already maimed, his lungs and veins choking.

    Even before he could muster his pure vigor to parry Frank, he was rmed as he saw Frank''s

    murderous intent re.

    He did not expect him toe true on his word and decided that he must eliminate Frank once

    and for all!

    However, to think it was one thing¡ªit was another thing entirely for his body to keep up.

 Chapter 471

    Sal watched as Frank used the single-finger technique he did, but he could not respond in time

    as Frank poked him in the temple.

    In an instant, there was a raging burst of pure vigor that blew into Sal''s body from that

    vulnerable acupoint.

    Sal felt as if his brain had been bludgeoned when he felt the poke, and his brain waspletely

    reduced to mush in the next instant.

    "Lotus Poke... Impossible... How did you..."

    As the old man breathed hisst breath, holding onto Frank''s sleeve with a vice-like grip, his

    eyes rolled up into his sockets.

    He could not understand how Frank could so easily use his sect''s esoteric technique!

    When he finally died, his fingers loosened around Frank''s sleeve as he dropped limply on the

    floor, breathless.

    Two moves!

    In two moves, one of Sage Lake''s Sect presiding elders died by Frank''s hand!

    "Uncle Sal!"

    Quinn''s lips were trembling as she watched her uncle die, suddenly no longer haughty as she pointed

    at Frank and screamed at the top of her lungs, "You''re dead meat, Frank Lawrence! You know?! You''re

    dead meat! Uncle Sal is one of Sage Lake Sect''s elders and consul to Cloudnine Sect of the South

    Sea! If they knew you killed him, all of Riverton would die with you!"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    While Frank only found Quinn''s crazed screams annoying, his savagery suddenly welled up when she

    mentioned Cloudnine Sect.

    They were presently one of the South Sea Four, and one of the sects that attacked Mystic Sky Sect in

    the Battle of the South Sea three years ago.

    He had no idea how many Cloudnine Sect apprentices he had personally sealed, so the grudge was

    already set anyway.

    Eventually, he would be paying them a visit and avenging his fallen mentor and fellow apprentices.

    The murderous air around him red further at that thought, and he wheeled on Quinn as he growled

    icily, "Sage Lake Sect, Cloudnine Sect. Let them alle. I''ll be waiting to see what a sack of losers

    like you could do to me! I''ve carved a bloody path across the South Sea Four three years ago, and I''ll

    do it again!"

    "What?!"

    Quinn was left bbergasted as she dropped to her knees with a thud, staring nkly at the youth who

    stood in the shadows like the reaper. "No... Impossible...carved a bloody path across the South Sea

    Four? You''d never. "

    "Go! Save Ms. Ocean!"

    Before Frank could kill Quinn, the thirtyish ck-d bodyguards who were encircling the vi

    compound finally charged inside since she was too stunned to order them.

    They had orders to protect Quinn if she was in danger.

    Nheless, Frank suddenly wheeled on them and bellowed, "Out of my way!"

    His raging cry actually paralyzed all thirtyish bodyguards, and they thought they seemed to see

    the silhouette of a roaring golden dragon.

    They were all shaking in their boots, barely holding on to their weapons.

    One of them turned toward their bald leader even as he stammered, "B-Boss? What do we do?"

 Chapter 472

    "G-Go...?¡°

    The bald bodyguard leader was stammering too, but as soon as he spoke, the bodyguards

    around him fought back their fear as they raised their weapons.

    "G-Go, go, go!"

    "G-No! Run!" The bald bodyguard leader finally managed to finish his sentence just then, but

    pandemonium had already ensued and no one could hear him.

    Frank had tried to repel them with his bellow and scowled when he saw that they had a death

    wish.

    "Since you''re all asking for it, I don''t mind ying along."

    He withdrew his pure vigor, as he did not need his full strength against these average Joes.

    As a falchion swung toward him, he sidestepped it, grabbed the man''s palm, and crushed it.

    "Argh!!!"

    The bodyguard who led the charge was soon screaming, while Frank pulled the falchion out of

    his grasp and cut down the men charging at him.

    He danced like a butterfly around them, killing whomever he passed with a single strike and without a

    single stter of blood on himself.

    It was how much he had improved after returning to Birthright rank, and the bodyguards were nothing

    to him.

    In just a minute, silence was all that was left, along with a blood-soaked floor and body parts strewn all

    over the floor.

    Even the bald bodyguard leader was decapitated, his face still frozen in horror.

    Swish!

    Frank brought the falchion to bear on Quinn''s face.

    Quinn, who was still on her knees, was not afraid or pleading for mercy as the de left a small, bloody

    slit over her forehead.

    Instead, she was breathing a bizarre cackle as he grabbed the chipped de of the falchion, not

    concerned that she was bleeding as she simply stared at it in nk curiosity.

    "Hmm." Frank frowned as he flung the falchion aside and grabbed her by the neck, lifting her off the

    floor.

    Quinn stuck her tongue out as she struggled to breathe and her face turned purple.

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    Z? ¡ª ¡ªZ?Z? ¡ª ¡ª I I

    Frank stared at her in silence in turn for a long while before snorting coldly and flinging her to the floor

    in disinterest.

    "You''re lucky this time," he growled and turned toward Burt, who had been hiding in a far corner without

    doing anything.

    He had certainly been scared shitless after seeing the true extent of Frank''s power.

    He was aw enforcement officer of Riverton and had seen much death, but not gore of such horrific

    proportions!

    Over thirty men were killed in under a minute, and one of them was a Birthright rank individual!

    Still, after a brief pause, he scrambled to throw himself on his knees before Frank, not caring

    that it was pooling with blood.

    "Please, Mr. Lawrence... I''m innocent! Don''t worry, y-your secret''s safe with me. Please just let

    me live!"

    The ever haughty high-ranked officer of Riverton was actually humbling himself to beg at

    Frank''s feet!

    Unlike Quinn, he was not burdened with loyalty to the sects!

    However, Frank simply chuckled, as he could not care less about Burt''s pleas.

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    "So what if you told Sage Lake Sect or Cloudnine Sect? I don''t give a damn."

    "Oh. Then."

    Burt was certainly dumbstruck.

    He knew Frank was as powerful as he was well connected, but to think that he did not worry

    about Cloudnine Sect either.?!

 Chapter 473

    One should know that Cloudnine Sect was a titan that none of Riverton could afford the

    challenge¡ª even Sage Lake Sect was no more than an ant to them.

    They had plenty of elites who had reached the pinnacle of Birthright rank, and some were even

    said to be Ascension rank individuals. Rumor even has it that their chief reached godhood three

    years ago!

    The top ten of Skyrank were all affiliated among the South Sea Four, and they could not care

    less about Riverton.

    And yet, Frank was so pompous that he did not worry about them?

    At that moment, Burt''s curiosity toward Frank beat his fear of the man.

    What on earth happened at the Battle of the South Sea three years ago? Why would this

    apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect end up here in little Riverton?

    Still, he did not pry since he was still at Frank''s mercy.

    Suddenly inspired despite the threat of death, Burt kowtowed, pressing his face into the blood

    all over the floor as he said, "Mr. Lawrence, you heard what Quinn Ocean said before¡ªI''m never

    escaping Sage Lake Sect. This is too serious, and they will me it on me even if you let me

    live. And since Quinn is so eager to pass such an unfair judgment on me, I''d rather rid myself of

    them and swear fealty to Mystic Sky Sect!"

    He mmed his forehead heavily on the floor before Frank''s feet once more, knowing that his head

    would roll if Frank did not agree to his request.

    But like he said, if the Sage Lake Sect investigated the issue and the Szars talked, he would

    definitely be implicated.

    He would definitely be made scapegoat, be it with the death of a Sage Lake Sect elder or the daughter

    of an elder.

    That was why he decided to just burn bridges and join Frank instead. If anything, he was sick of the

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    Sage Lake Sect always treating him around like theirpdog anyway.

    As he knelt, holding his breath from being too loud, he felt like he must have stayed in that position for

    a year, even though it was barely a minute.

    "Heh. In that case, I can spare your life."

    Burt felt immense relief when he heard the cool voice speak and promptly kowtowed again. "Thank

    you, Mr. Lawrence... I mean,rade!"

    "Hold it." Frank stopped him right then, saying coolly, "I will restore Mystic Sky Sect to its former glory

    one day, but it''s no ce for just anyone. While having the heart to join us means you''re qualified, to be

    allowed in depends entirely on your performance. Understand?"

    Burt would never say no in the face of Frank''s sharp re, as he nodded repeatedly even as he knelt.

    "Thank you... Mr. Lawrence! I''ll do my best to earn my ce in Mystic Sky Sect!"

    "Good."

    Frank was a little satisfied to see that Burt was being that tactful.

    Pausing, he then whipped out a business card. "Sort out this mess however you see fit¡ª

    consider it a test. Contact me with this number if you''re having issues."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence!" Burt received the card reverently with both hands.

    Frank started to leave but suddenly stopped at the doorway, ncing at Burt sideways as he

    asked coolly, "And I''m sure you know the price of betrayal?"

    "Yes, yes, of course," Burt replied, even as he wiped the blood and sweat lining his brow.

    "When you''re done, drop by Skywater Bay when you''re free¡ªI''ll teach you some Mystic Sky

    Sect martial arts," Frank added and left.

    On the other hand, thest part of what Frank said left Burt freezing.

    He had been acting as the Sage Lake Sect''spdog for years, but he never had a whiff of any of

    their martial arts.

    Naturally, it was their strategy.

 Chapter 474

    Fringe apprentices like Burt would never be allowed ess to the core teachings of Sage Lake

    Sect¡ªif anything, he had to personally find and learn various martial arts techniques on his

    own.

    Sage Lake Sect only offered their influence and mary support, and nothing else.

    On the other hand, as soon as he offered to join Mystic Sky Sect, Frank had already forgiven his

    earlier insolence and actually told him he was willing to teach him Mystic Sky Sect martial arts.

    And it was Mystic Sky Sect that they were talking about¡ªonce an equal to Cloudnine Sect!

    Considering Frank''s strength, the level of martial arts involved was all too clear!

    Burt made up his mind thoroughly right then¡ªinstead of serving Sage Lake Sect as apdog,

    suffering their whims, why not serve Frank instead?

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    Joining Mystic Sky Sect and learning their martial arts was something he had never imagined

    but was now offered to him on a silver tter!

    "No one can me me for this. Even if Sage Lake Sect stops treating me like a dog, I''m not

    going to be sentimental," he muttered under his breath, clenching his fist as he resolved

    himself.

    He has decided to serve Frank from this day forward!

    "Hahaha..."

    However, even as Burt resolved himself, he heard an eerieughter from the back, and he flinched.

    He turned to find that it was Quinn Ocean, who had regarded him with such disdain before.

    "She''s alive?!"

    Burt was shocked, but as he walked up to look at Quinn closer, she realized that she was staring into

    thin air, clearly out of her mind as she mumbled to herself.

    He then remembered what Frank said¡ªwas that why he spared her? Because she went insane?

    "That''s so nice of him."

    He could not help being impressed¡ªQuinn had repeatedly messed with Frank, but Frank spared her

    just because she lost her mind and posed no threat.

    "Heh. You really should thank Mr. Lawrence¡ªyou''d be just another corpse on the floor tonight if he

    didn''t decide to spare you. Being the daughter of Sage Lake Sect''s elder really wouldn''t make much of

    a difference."

    With that, he turned to leave with a sneer and called his contacts to clean up the mess.

    Since he had decided to ioin Frank he would do his utmost to the man''s satisfaction.

    However, while he was not watching, Quinn''s eyes were suddenly focused, even showing a glimmer of

    spite.

    "Just you wait! My father will destroy all of you..." -

    Early next morning, Chaz Graves arrived at Helen''s office, looking sharp in his suit.

    Helen was just having a meeting, and only saw him after it was over.

    "What are you doing here, Chaz?" She eximed in surprise.

    "Why can''t I visit?"

    "Oh, of course. Also, I haven''t properly thanked you for saving Frank." Helen smiled.

    Before she could continue, Chaz stopped her. "Why are you being so formal with me?"

    Then, he suddenly looked worried as he asked, "How''s Luna? Has she made a full recovery?"

    "How''d you know?" Helen was surprised again that Chaz knew about that too.

    Chaz exined, "I met your mom while I was waiting for you, and she mentioned it while we

    were chatting. Your ex-husband refused to treat him as well? What is actually going on here?"

 Chapter 475

    Helen could not help groaning inwardly at her mother''s tendency to b¡ªhow was she

    supposed to exin this?

    Still, she kept her reaction controlled as she said awkwardly, "It''s my family''s business, Chaz."

    "Then I won''t ask," Chaz said, shing a gentlemanly smile. "Oh, and don''t worry¡ªI''ve already

    contacted a famous Seaham healer. He should be here soon, and he''ll help cure Luna soon

    enough."

    "Really? Thank you, Chaz!" Helen eximed in surprise and quickly thanked him.

    "Why are you being formal again? Your troubles are mine, alright?" Chaz kept smiling.

    "Exactly! Just see how amazing Mr. Graves is, and he''s the chief of the Seaham Martial Artist

    Association too!" Gina appeared out of nowhere, ttering Chaz as loudly as she could. "Helen,

    you should get along better with him and forget about your lowlife ex-husband."

    "Hmph. That piece of shit isn''t even fit to lick his boots¡ªMr. Graves lords over the martial artists of

    Riverton, Seaham, and Southdam." Jade appeared alongside Gina as well, cutting her short.

    Still, she was just slightly less haughty around Chaz, even showing gratitude. "Thank you so much for

    helping my daughter, Mr. Graves."

    "Oh, it''s nothing." Chaz smiled gleefully, not bothered to correct them.

    Gina then red viciously at Helen. "Cut all ties with Frank Lawrence already, and don''t ever go seeing

    him again, you hear?"

    "Mom, Frank is actually¡ª"

    "That''s enough! How are you still on his side?! Don''t you know how much our family has suffered

    because of him?!"

    Gina was seething at her daughter''s hesitation and stubborn insistence to defend that walking disaster

    even now.

    Jade added icily then, "You''ve seen how that lowlife treated my daughter and myself, Helen. And you''re

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    still only seeing the good things he did? If you stay in touch with that petty man, you can forget about

    returning to our family!"

    Gina actually flinched at Jade''s threat and grabbed Helen''s daughter as she snapped, "Oh, you heard

    her! Don''t ever stay in touch with that lowlife, you hear?!"

    I.

    Helen trailed off as the three pairs of eyes watched her, and she nodded in exasperation.

    Whatever This could wait

    "I''m sure there''s a misunderstanding here, and don''t worry¡ªI''d never let anyone hurt Helen."

    Chaz then spoke up to clear the awkwardness before turning toward Helen as his tone changed.

    "I just happen to be officiating the opening ceremony of a new dojo here in Riverton. Mrs. Lane

    here told me that you had a few close calls, so why don''t youe with me and learn a thing or

    two for self-defense?"

    Before Helen could respond, Gina was pping her hands and stamping her feet in delight.

    "Great! That''s wonderful!"

 Chapter 476

    Gina kept ranting, "Frank has put Helen in harm''s way so many times, and she was almost disfigured

    once! If Mr. Graves can teach her a thing or two, she won''t be so easily bullied!"

    "That''s for sure." Chaz chuckled bitterly before asking Helen, "So? Are you free today?"

    Helen was about to say no when she suddenly remembered how she had ended up being captured so

    many times and how Frank had to save her.

    She somehow also had a mental image of Vicky Turnbull smiling at her gleefully.

    She heard that Vicky used to be a martial elite but lost her cultivation due to illness. But considering

    Vicky had made a full recovery, it was just a matter of time before she would regain her cultivation.

    The more Helen thought about it, the more unsettled she was.

    And being as ambitious as she was, she nodded solemnly at Chaz. "I''m interested. I hope you could

    teach me a thing or two¡ªthat way, if I''m in danger again, I wouldn''t have to be a burden to..."

    Helen was about to say Frank but held back when she saw the looks everyone¡ªespecially her mother

    ¡ª was giving her.

    "Everyone," she finished, even though she kept thinking of a towering man who could provide her a

    sense of security.

    "That''s not a problem." Chaz was delighted and immediately got her into his Mercedes, then drove off.

    Gina watched as they drove off and beamed happily at Jade. "See? If Helen manages to marry Mr.

    Graves, then."

    "Hmph." Jade snorted, still holding her in contempt.

    Still, after musing to herself for a while, she said reluctantly, "Your family isn''t entirely worthless if you

    could arrange a strategic marriage with the Graves family. If Luna is fully cured as well, I wouldn''t mind

    putting in a good word with Mark Lane."

    "Oh, thank you so much!" Gina eximed, reaching out for Jade''s hand only for Jade to avoid her.

    Even so, she was grinning from ear to ear.

    "What about me, Aunt Jade? Can''t you arrange a nice job for me too?"

    Peter suddenly appeared just then, causing Jade to jump.

    Patting her chest to calm herself down, Jade snapped, "You''re scum! Just suck up to your sister''s

    connections already!"

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    "Oh, okay." Peter was grinning happily, not offended at all from being called scum.

    After all, once his sister married Chaz, he would be destined for power and riches.

    "I''m going now, Mom¡ªI have to help Helen. The family''s future depends on her!" Peter said and

    hurried after Helen and Chaz.

    "Oh, my son is getting smarter every day." Gina nodded in approval.

    At Skywater Bay, Frank had just arrived downstairs after his daily training.

    Hearing his phone ring, he picked it up to find that it was Henry calling.

    "What''s up, Gramps?" he asked, though he already had an idea of what Henry was about to say.

    To no surprise, Henry sighed lengthly. "Oh, Frank... I''m so embarrassed..."

 Chapter 477

    Frank could feel the somberness in Henry''s words just from a little probing. "Don''t say so,

    Gramps. You called me to help Luna, didn''t you?"

    "I didn''t want to get involved, and I know better than you what Jade and her daughter are like.

    But..."

    Henry paused and sighed lengthily. "Just consider this as you doing me onest favor, and I

    won''t ask for anything else."

    "What are you saying?!" Frank scowled, his fingers trembling over his phone as he sighed. "I

    wouldn''t be alive if not for you."

    "I''m so sorry, Frank."

    It hurt Frank to hear the shaking, tearful voice on the other end. "Don''t worry, Gramps¡ªI''ll save

    Luna, and don''t speak about this being thest time or anything. Your family won''t fall apart as

    long as I''m alive."

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    However, he sat quietly in the drawing room after he hung up, and Winter found him still sitting

    there when she returned from campus.

    She put down her bag, hurrying behind Frank to massage his shoulders. "What''s wrong, Frank?

    In a bad mood?"

    "I''m fine," Frank said, shaking his head as he rose to his feet. "I''m going out for a moment. You can go

    help your mom in the meantime."

    "Okay." Winter nodded tamely despite her curiosity.

    Frank drove out to the hospital and entered Luna''s ward while avoiding detection.

    Seeing that Luna was out like a light, he started to go to work, but his sharp hearing picked up a

    Sensing a crowd heading toward Luna''s ward, he frowned.

    He opened the window and leapt out to avoid trouble, hiding just outside.

    Creak.

    The ward door soon opened, and an elderly ck-d man entered with Gina, Cindy, her boyfriend

    Hughie Steiner. and of course, the rotund Jade.

    "Darling!" Jade began to groan and sob as she saw her daughter lying unconscious on her bed.

    "Shut up!" the ck-d man snapped.

    However, instead of stopping, Jade''s face fell as she red at the ck-d man and snapped, "It

    16:16 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    doesn''t hurt because she isn''t your daughter, huh?!"

    The ck-d man''s breathing turned rushed, clearly angry.

    Still, he calmed himself as he put his w-like fingers around Luna''s wrist to feel her pulse.

    "Be gentle!" Jade bellowed. "Don''t you dare hurt my daughter!"

    The ck-d man''s knuckles clenched, and he looked on the verge of the outburst.

    However, he gritted his teeth and restrained himself as he remembered what Chaz had told him.

    Even Frank was sighing outside the window¡ªwith a mother like Jade, Luna was going to die a

    lot less older.

    He then remembered Gina too and shook his head with an exasperated smile.

    Soon, the ck-d man said, "Your daughter''s poor kidneys are causing multiple meridian

    blockages. But if you can procure a herb called the drakeroot, she''d make a full recovery in a

    month¡ª"

    "Shut up!" Jade snapped even before the ck-de man could finish.

 Chapter 478

    Jade bellowed, "Your daughter has poor kidneys! The same goes for your whole family too!"

    Speechless and livid, the ck-d man started to storm off.

    Even if Chaz had asked him toe from distant Seaham, he would suffer a stroke soon if he

    had to suffer a boor like Jade for another second.

    "Please calm down." Gina quickly stopped him, smiling apologetically when she saw that things

    were going awry. "My rtive is just a little too worried about her daughter. Please try to save

    Luna for Mr.

    Graves'' sake¡ªwe will reward you handsomely once she''s cured."

    The mention of Chaz and a reward calmed the ck-d man a little, and he nodded. "Then go

    and procure a drakeroot. You just need to bring it, and I''ll be able to cure her."

    Gina sighed. "I''m sorry, but I don''t think we can obtain one¡ª"

    "It''s all because Frank Lawrence used the only one we found!" Cindy chimed in, gritting her teeth.

    The ck-d man frowned in turn and sighed. "In that case, I can only cast my acupoint needles. It''s

    all up to fate if it works."

    Jade was going to start ranting at him again upon seeing hisck of confidence, but Gina quickly pulled

    her aside. "He''s the only one we can trust at this point, unless you have any better ideas."

    Jade paused before she ended up getting hysterical again. "Oh, my poor daughter... That bastard

    Frank Lawrence killed my daughter."

    Still, the noisy crowd soon left, while the ck-d man stayed behind to treat Luna.

    When he left too, Frank returned inside, frowning at the acupoints where the ck-d man applied his

    needles.

    "What a mess." He sighed¡ªthe man would not evenpare to Dan Zimmer, as those acupoints only

    stimted the body and invigorated them.

    In other words, the ck-d man was just trying to help Luna regain her strength, burning her vigor

    just so that she lived another few weeks.

    When her vigor was burnt up in weeks, she would run her course and die.

    Treating the symptom and not the issue was basically deceit. Still, the ck-d man must have had

    enough of Jade''s antics, or he would not go this far.

    "Hmph. If you have a heart, you should be thanking Gramps," Frank growled as he stuffed a Vigor Pill

    into her mouth.

    He then tapped several of Luna''s acupoints and waited for the pill to take effect. Once it did, he pulled

    out the needles of the ck-d man and ced them in the right acupoints.

    As he did, Luna''s breathing turned steady and she slowly opened her eyes.

    "You!" she snapped since Frank could not get away in time.

    Then, she touched herself to find herself covered in nothing but her white nket.

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    Her eyes widened and she screamed deafeningly.

    "Urgh."

    Frank cupped his ears as he leapt out the windo

 Chapter 479

    To no surprise, Gina and Jade stormed Frank''s hilltop mansion in Skywater Bay with Cindy and

    her boyfriend Hughie in tow.

    They usually would not have made it in, but Hughie managed to get a word in with security and

    led them to Frank''s mansion.

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    When they pressed the doorbell, they were surprised to find a puzzled Winter answering the

    door instead of Frank.

    She had just helped Carol at her new snackbar and was wearing a bear print apron as she

    helped Carol prepare dinner.

    "Who are you looking for?" Winter asked in confusion, not recognizing these faces.

    Even before Jade could speak, Gina stood akimbo and snapped, "Frank Lawrence is really too

    much, having some bitch on the side! He really is scum!"

    "Are you calling me a bitch?" Winter gaped, utterly mystified.

    Snap!

    Cindy took a photo of Winter before she realized it, gloating, "I have her photo! Let''s send it to the

    Turnbulls¡ªwe''ll see if Frank Lawrence can still remain Vicky Turnbull''s lover!

    "Who are you?"

    At that point, Winter had realized that they were all no friends of Frank and scowled even as she kept

    her hand on the door. "Also, I''m not a bitch¡ªI''m Frank''s sister!"

    "Cut the crap!" Jade rolled her eyes and shoved Winter to the floor with her pudgy hand while shouting

    into the mansion, "Show yourself, Frank! Stop hiding like a coward after molesting my darling Luna!"

    Carol rushed outside when she heard Jade''s maniacal cries and hurried to help Winter to her feet when

    she saw Winter on the floor. "What''s wrong? What''s happening here?"

    She quickly shed an apologetic smile at the menacing crowd before her. "Ladies, we can talk about

    this, yes? There''s no reason to fight. Come on in... Oh, and have you eaten? I''ve just made dinner. We

    can talk over good food¡ª"

    "Fuck off!"

    Seeing that Carol was trying to reach toward her, Jade pped her across the face right then, after

    which she flicked her wrist in disdain. "I want Frank Lawrence! How dare some lowly cook like you try

    to touch me! Disgusting. And you''re asking me to eat your food?! Even my dogs won''t stoop that low!"

    Winter''s eyes went red as soon as she saw Carol being hurt and stood before her mother,

    spreading her

    arms to shield her.

    "Why did you hit my mother? What did we do to you?" she demanded, her voice choking with

    tears.

    "What did you do to us?! He molested Helen''s cousin while she wasn''t watching!"

    Gina strode up and pped Winter too, knocking her to the floor!

    "You''re lying!" Winter cried even as she clutched her face. "Frank isn''t like that!"

 Chapter 480

    Jade spat at Winter right then, "Frank isn''t like that?! What, would I use my daughter to nder

    scum like him?!"

    At the same time, Carol scrambled to shield Winter while continuing to smile at the angry mob.

    "Please, I''m sure there''s a misunderstanding here¡ªMr. Lawrence isn''t like that. We''ll call him

    right now, and I''m sure he can clear up this misunderstanding."

    "You''d better hurry, or I''m cutting this bitch''s face!" Jade growled through her teeth as she

    whipped out a switchde, brandishing it in front of Carol and her daughter.

    "O-Of course." Carol wiped the blood off her lips and quickly urged Winter, "Go on, call Mr.

    Lawrence right now."

    "Mom."

    "Just hurry. Don''t you trust him?" Carol asked resolutely, watching the angry mob closely.

    "Yeah..." Though Winter certainly would not doubt Frank, she did not want to bother him.

    But seeing that her mother was determined, she took out her phone to call Frank''s number.

    While she did, Cindy and her boyfriend Hughie strode into the hilltop mansion.

    "Tut, tut." Cindy clicked her tongue as she looked around. "Vicky Turnbull is really sparing no expense

    on her boy toy! This is so much better than Lane Manor."

    Hughie''s eyes shed with jealousy, but he had his pride too. "Hmph. This is nothing¡ªI''ll buy you an

    even better ce."

    "Oh, that smells so good." Cindy then drifted to the dining room to find the table covered in scrumptious

    dishes.

    Carol''s cooking was certainly exquisite, and Cindy could not resist grabbing some smoked beef and

    stuffing it into her mouth.

    "Oh, this is so much better than the crap the Lane Manor cooks cane up with." She sighed as she

    ate and suddenly noticed the familiar lunchbox where the meat was ced.

    "Hold on. What''s this?" She rubbed her eyes, and realized upon a closer look that it was one of Lane

    Manor''s custom lunchboxes.

    It was only ever used in the manor and never brought outside!

    "No way." Cindy did a double take before knocking all the dishes off the table and picking up one of the

    lunchboxes.

    Gina frowned when she found Cindy striding toward her angrily with a lunchbox in hand. "What''s

    16:16 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    wrong, Cindy?"

    "See for yourself!" Cindy snapped and threw the lunchbox in front of Carol.

    When Gina saw the lunchboxbels, she was immediately furious.

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    Leaping up and grabbing Carol by the cor, she spat, "Where did you get the lunchbox?!"

    "What...?" Carol was stunned¡ªhow would she know?

    She turned to Winter, who was still trying to call Frank.

    Winter paused, staring at the lunchbox before frowning. "Helen brought it. She alwayses to

    make breakfast for me and Frank."

    "You''re lying!" Gina was even more furious at that and pped Winter viciously again. "My

    daughter has already divorced him! She''d never cook for him¡ªhe has no right!"

 Chapter 481

    "It''s the truth..."

    Winter teared up miserably even as she picked up her phone. "Ask Helen yourself if you don''t

    believe me."

    "Lies!" Gina kept snapping angrily, but she was already panicking.

    She knew her daughter better than anyone¡ªHelen had been leaving for work earlier these days,

    even before sunrise.

    Gina presumed that it was about work, but to think that she wasing here for Frank.

    Though her indignation red, she was afraid to press the issue, instead making a mental note

    to interrogate her daughter next time she saw her.

    "Hey, have you called that bastard yet?" she asked instead.

    "No. Frank''s not answering. I think he''s busy," Winter replied, shaking her head even as she

    red defiantly at Gina and Jade.

    "Hah! More like he''s running away from his crimes!" Cindyughed coolly.

    Jade was in turn ranting immediately, "That bastard! I''ll make him suffer! It''s all you Northstream Lanes''

    fault¡ªif Helen married that scum, my daughter wouldn''t have to suffer such ignominy!"

    Then, wheeling on Gina, she issued an ultimatum. "You''d better bring him in, or you''re not making it

    back to the main family!"

    Gina quickly reasoned, "Please, just calm down."

    "Fuck off! Northstream is filled with savages! All of them!" Jade bellowed as she strode off, leaving Gina

    standing there awkwardly.

    Still, her awkwardness soon turned to rage as she bellowed at Carol, "Tell Frank Lawrence toe to

    Lane Manor and apologize if he wants his little bitch back, or she''s dead!"

    Then, turning toward Hughie, she pointed at Winter and snapped, "Take her!"

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    "Yeah." Hughie nodded and strode up without another word with a sinister smile.

    He shoved Carol out of the way, sending her stumbling violently into a pir.

    As Carol hit her head and bled, copsing to a heap, Hughie seized Winter, picking her up like she was

    a pet, and shoved her into the trunk.

    "Mom! Mom!!!"

    Winter struggled when she saw her mother hurt and bit Hughie viciously.

    He felt it, but Winter''s struggles were insignificant to a big man like him¡ªhe simply pped her in the

    face, knocking her out.

    "Hmph. A little young but pretty. I guess I could have a taste," Hughie chuckled to himself as he shut

    the car trunk and drove off with the rest of the Lanes.

    Earlier at the Riverplex dojo, Helen was wearing a dobok that bared her sweaty cleavage,

    tempting Chaz to peek at her constantly.

    Oblivious, Helen asked, "How''s this, Chaz? Am I doing it right?"

    Her seriousness only sent Chaz''s juices flowing, and he thought he hadplete control over

    this ice queen!

    And with the risque dobok, Chaz felt like he would explode from lust.

    No, he would have her right now!

    "Chaz?"

    Seeing Helen staring at him in confusion, Chaz quicklyposed himself and restrained the

    bulge threatening to swell below his belt.

    He smiled at Helen. "You''re doing great, but..."

 Chapter 482

    Helen was perplexed. "But what?"

    Chaz nced at the other apprentices training around the dojo and leaned in to whisper into Helen''s

    ear, "But you see... as a member of Southstream''s Four Families and the chief of the Seaham Martial

    Artist Association, I naturally have some techniques I don''t teach others."

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    Seeing Helen''s bemusement, he shed a mysterious grin. "You''ll only improve after years if you stick

    to the regiment that the other apprentices are taking. Can you afford to wait that long?"

    Helen looked around to see the many apprentices undergoing basic training as well and realized that

    she was no better.

    Chaz then added, "You''re always busy with work¡ªsurely you can''t stick to basic training for years?

    Come on, there''s a sealed room here. I''ll teach you my family''s secret technique."

    Chaz certainly spoke reason, but Helen was not that ignorant.

    She mused to herself for a while and said, "It''s your family''s secret technique. An outsider like myself

    shouldn''t¡ª"

    Chaz scowled right then. "What do you mean outsider? We''re childhood friends, and you''re weighing

    that against some martial technique? You''re discrediting me now."

    "But." Helen was still hesitant, because she knew all too well why she wanted to learn martial arts in

    the first ce.

    Owing Chaz a favor just for that was more than what she had bargained for.

    On the other hand, Chaz could not wait and kept spouting nonsense just to assure Helen. "It''s alright¡ª

    there''s no reason to hesitate. It''s just an acupuncture technique that would improve your meridian

    cirction. You''d never be able to copy it even if you wanted to."

    Helen ultimately proved naive, though it would be apt to say she really hated losing to Vicky.

    Moreover, she did not think that her childhood friend would try to harm her, especially since Chaz kept

    up with his nice guy act perfectly until now.

    Even as they arrived at the sealed room, Chaz was licking his lips impatiently.

    "Alright, Helen, just lie down," he said as he took a box of acupuncture needles from the shelf. "You''ll

    feel a little hot with this acupuncture technique, but it''s perfectly normal."

    Helen nodded in consent, and he went to work, his eyes shing lustfully where she could not see.

    "Oooh." She gasped as needles pierced her skin, but Chaz kept going.

    It was only when Helen felt a fire building in her loins that she realized something was wrong.

    She reached for her phone, only to realize that she had kept it in her locker when she changed into her

    dobok!

    "Hahaha!" Chazughed when he saw that.

    By the time he was done, Helen''s gaze was unfocused and her cheeks flushed.

    She kept licking her lips as if under influence as well.

    Chaz seized her chin right then and smiled sinisterly. "Hahaha! A Southdam healer from before taught

    me this trick¡ªno matter how tough a woman could be, they''d soon be a slobbering, thirsty slut! They''d

    never remember what happened either... and you have no idea how long I''ve been holding back, Helen

    Lane!"

    He then took a seat, resting his chin on his palm leisurely.

 Chapter 483

    Chaz then goaded Helen, "Go on, do it yourself!"

    Helen started crawling toward Chaz, her mind totally controlled by desire.

    However, even as she behaved with pitiful obedience, there was a look of yearning on her face

    as she pleaded, ""Frank... Frank... Please, Frank... It''s all my fault... Don''t get upset with me,

    alright?"

    "Frank... Frank Lawrence?!"

    Chaz''s heart exploded with jealousy upon hearing Helen still saying Frank''s name even now.

    Frank was in his Maybach, driving along Riverton Avenue after fleeing the hospital.

    He was on his way back to Skywater Bay when he received a surprise call from Trevor Zurich.

    "Mr. Lawrence, our men watching Helen Lane reported that she''s with Chaz Graves, attending

    the opening ceremony of the Riverplex Dojo. and he was teaching her martial arts."

    Frank frowned for a moment, but his brow soon eased. "So what? She went there on her own

    volition¡ª it has nothing to do with me. And you don''t have to keep watching her from now on."

    "Huh."

    Trevor appeared hesitant but continued, "Well, sir. They also reported that Chaz lured Ms. Lane into a

    sealed room."

    "What?!"

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    Frank''s Maybach left a long trail of tire marks as he jammed his foot on the brakes, while his hand

    almost crushed the steering wheel.

    However, he eventually calmed down and looked up with a sneer. "So what? It''s none of my business."

    Trevor sighed on the end before hanging up.

    On the other hand, Frank''s Maybach stayed still on the road for a long while.

    Traffic even started to build up behind the car before it finally moved again, though it elerated just

    before the next junction and made a rapid U-turn, heading back the way it came!

    When Frank arrived at Riverplex Dojo and strode straight to the entrance, a man with an awkward

    bucktooth smile stood in his way, which made him appear especially shady. "Are you here to join the

    dojo?"

    "Where is Chaz Graves?" Frank demanded coolly instead of answering.

    "Mr. Graves?"

    Bucktooth did a double take.

    He peeked behind Frank and frowned upon seeing that he was alone. "What''s your business with Mr.

    Graves? You should know that not just everyone gets to see him¡ª"

    "Move!"

    Losing all patience, Frank shoved Bucktooth out of the way and strode into the dojo.

    As Bucktoothnded on his rump, he started screaming into the dojo, "Help! We have a

    troublemaker!" "What?!"

    "A troublemaker?!

    "On opening day?!"

    Four burly men in doboks strode up to Frank right then, blocking his path.

    "Kid, don''t you know who owns this ce? Are you really so bored that you''d cause trouble

    here?"

    One of them was bald, and he shoved at Frank''s chest, only to stumble backward while Frank

    did not budge at all.

    Even as the bald man was left stunned, Frank bellowed, "Get me Chaz Graves!"

 Chapter 484

    Frank was glowering, having zero patience as he bellowed inside the dojo.

    His outburst drew everyone''s attention, with many apprentices watching in curiosity.

    "Yo, is this a challenge?"

    "How rude. It''s just our first day."

    "Just watch¡ªthe bald man over there is called Francis. He''s a local martial elite and an

    Earthrank!"

    "Earthrank? What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Not sure, actually... You just need to know that they''re awesome."

    "Just look at our challenge, so fair and scrawny. He''s no match for Francis."

    "Yeah. He''s going to die horribly."

    "Wait, isn''t that Frank Lawrence?" One of the apprentices recognized Frank and appeared

    perplexed.

    "What is he doing here?"

    It was Jean Zims, a close friend of Winter''s. She was wearing her signature baseball cap and sweating

    all over cheeks despite putting up a ponytail.

    On the other hand, the four men felt a chill down their spine even as they listened to the other

    apprentices'' discussion.

    To have a challenger on their first day, the dojo''s reputation would be left in the dirt if they messed this

    up.

    Naturally, their partnership with the Graves family would go up in smoke as well despite fighting long

    and hard for it!

    If anything, Chaz himself attending their opening ceremony and using their dojo was already honoring

    them plenty!

    Even so, Francis knew that Frank was not one to be trifled with, and he was certainly not as vulnerable

    as he looked.

    "Do you know who has our backs, boy?" he asked, trying to intimidate Frank instead.

    "Not interested," Frank retorted coolly and demanded, "I''m here for Chaz Graves. Bring him over if you

    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    know what''s good for you!"

    One of Francis'' friends stood forward and narrowed his eyes. "You''re disrespecting the Graves family!

    You''re asking for it!"

    Frank simply raised three fingers as he red at the four burly men before him and said coolly "My

    16:16 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Rernarriage by Chu novel

    r J -J ¡ª - -J ¡ª J, -y

    patience onlysts that long. I''m counting to three."

    "One..."

    "Fuck you! Who do you think you are to demand to see Mr. Graves?!"

    One of the burly men finally had enough, and raised a fist bigger than Frank''s face, jabbing straight at

    him!

    Pow!

    The burly men were left stunned, and the apprentices around them all gasped in disbelief as

    well.

    Jean herself was snorting. "Hmph. Third-rate martial artists like you actually think you stand a

    chance?"

    She had seen Frank fight before and had since developed a blind faith in him.

    She had the looks, but unlike most girls, she also had a wild side, which was why she did not

    shy from throwing a bottle at Kait Wooper, a thug who had gatecrashed Winter''s birthday

    celebration.

    She had tried asking Winter in hopes that thetter would ask Frank to teach her some moves.

    However, Winter was too sweet on Frank, ruthlessly rejecting her best friend with the excuse

    that Frank was always busy.

    Jean had been sulking for the longest time, and she was thrilled to see Frank again today!

    To no surprise, she watched as the burly man''s full-power jab was stopped firmly by Frank in

    his palm.

    Then, Frank started to squeeze.

    The burly man immediately dropped to the floor in agony, screaming and clutching his wrist!

    "Two."

    Frank raised another figure as he continued counting.

 Chapter 485

    "You asked for it!"

    Francis'' other two friends leapt toward Frank.

    Frank had no reason to hold back, though he basically did not have to do much against pushovers like

    them.

    Smack!

    Two deafening ps resounded, and Frank stood his ground, still holding the first burly man''s knuckle

    even as the man continued screaming.

    On the other hand, the two burly coaches dropped to the floor with a loud thud.

    Theynded parallel to Frank, to his left and right.

    "...Huh?" The other apprentices all gasped in shock again.

    Thud.

    Francis, who had seen enough to know when to back down, dropped to his knees when he saw how

    things turned out.

    Bracing himself, he saluted Frank respectfully as he said, "I apologize if I''ve offended you before, sir.

    Could you actually be Skyrank?"

    "Three!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes as he counted the final number, and Francis felt a chill down his spine as he

    realized Frank was not ying along.

    And the look in his eyes when he breathed three. He was the reaper incarnate!

    Francis actually felt cold even though there was no air-conditioning in the dojo!

    "M-Mr. Graves is in the sealed room over there," he said. "Should I call for him?"

    "Hmph. At least you''re not blind," Frank growled and strode off.

    Francis was left staring at his palms as he realized they were trembling and almost dropped to the floor

    like his friends.

    Who could that man be? The death aura swirling around him was already that horrific¡ªhow did Chaz

    end up provoking a reaper like him?

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    "So cool."

    On the other hand, Jean''s eyes were fixed on Frank, the look of love all too obvious.

    She suddenly pped her hands together and mused to herself, "Right! I''m in the student council! I

    could just suggest to the administration to invite him over as a coach for our martial arts club. Winter

    won''t get to reject me this time!"

    With that in mind, she refrained from greeting Frank and instead hurried to the locker room excitedly. -

    Chaz was shirtless as he leisurely watched Helen, who was on her knees and starting to take off her

    dobok.

    Bang!

    That was when the steel door shook violently.

    "Hmm?"

    Being the heir to the Graves family and the chief of the Seaham Martial Artist Association, Chaz was no

    pushover.

    Sensing danger, he leapt away and dodged the shrapnel as the steel door shattered.

    "I''l kill you!" Frank was incensed when he stormed in to find Helen''s gaze distant, her dobok barely

    clinging on to her.

    "Frank Lawrence?!" Chaz stared at him in disbelief and then at the shattered door in shock. "Isn''t he

    just some lowlife gigolo? Didn''t he freeload off Helen for three years before getting Vicky Turnbull to be

    his sugar mommy? How is he this good?"

    Even so, he stayed calm and maintained his air of superiority, even sneering at Frank. "What? You and

    Helen are divorced, and you''re still intervening in her happiness? Don''t you think you''re overreaching,

    ex-husband?"

    Seeing that Chaz was still spouting nonsense, Frank was ready to cripple him.

    However, Helen had wobbled toward him despite still being under influence as soon as she saw him.

    "Frank... Frank... It''s all my fault... I missed you so much... Don''t leave me, please..."

    "Helen..."

    Frank''s rage vaporized right then as he reached out to pull her into his arms and listened as she

    bawled over his chest.

 Chapter 486

    Helen kept sobbing, "I regret it so much I could die... I shouldn''t have listened to my mother...

    I''m begging you, Frank. Just forgive me."

    Frank''s knuckles eased.

    She was an ice queen and girlboss, but Helen finally confessed her true feelings.

    Still, Frank soon remembered Chaz and looked up at him icily. "Weren''t you bragging about

    Helen''s happiness?"

    "Bitch." Chaz swore under his breath as he gritted his teeth.

    The acupuncture technique he learned from the Southdam healer revealed a person''s strongest

    desire. He just did not expect Helen to keep chanting Frank''s name when he used it on her!

    He was certainly indignant¡ªthe entire family hated Frank, so why was Helen so obsessed over him?

    Despite his grievance, he keptughing, even pointing at Frank. "Hehe. You''d better stay out of my

    business and put her down, and I just might let you live."

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "What, you can''t bear hearing a woman calling another man''s name?" Frank retorted, his death aura

    gradually swirling.

    "I don''t care," Chaz said with a shrug. "I only want her body. I don''t care who she loves or who she

    feels guilt for."

    "Bastard!" Frank bellowed.

    His cry caused Helen to flinch in his arms, and her mind cleared up as well.

    "Frank? What are you doing here.?" She looked up at Frank, puzzled.

    Seeing that she had recovered, Frank released her and pointed at Chaz as he growled icily, "He used

    passion acupuncture on you and tried to have his way with you."

    "Chaz?"

    Chaz froze as Helen turned in shock at him, though he soon made an innocent face. "My hands are

    clean! I was just performing acupuncture when you passed out in exhaustion, but he barged in, yelling

    at me and even molesting you against your will."

    Frank couldugh even as Chaz continued to distort the truth. "It''s obvious¡ªyour ex-husband

    is so petty! I saved him, and not only did he refuse to thank me, but he even threatened to

    attack me while questioning our rtionship. What does a sessful woman like you see in

    him?"

    As Chaz made a look of disappointment, Helen wheeled on Frank, looking him in the eye and

    demanding somberly, "Was what Chaz said true?"

    Frank could feel his heart turning cold, but he also remembered her pleading to him so

    vulnerably before.

    Relenting, he shook his head. "He''s lying."

    "Alright." Helen''s memory was still a blur, and she was silent for a while before looking up at

    him again. "I trust you this time, Frank. But it''s no lie that Chaz saved you before, don''t you

    think? I was there when he asked Burt Yorkman to free you, and you were soon released¡ªor

    are you saying that''s a lie too?"

    Frank snorted at her stubbornness, ring at Chaz as he sneered. "Really? When did I ever

    need his saving?"

 Chapter 487

    "Frank!" Helen snapped in disappointment. "What''s your problem? Is it too much to ask of you

    to humble yourself for a change?!"

    "Why should I humble myself?" Frank was angered right then and shot back coolly, "You never

    believe me anyway, so there''s nothing to discuss here. Go pursue your own happiness! It''s over

    between us! I''ll stay away, and you should too!"

    He shook off Helen''s tug and strode out of Riverplex Dojo.

    "Frank!" Helen stumbled even as she tried to chase after him, but he left without turning back.

    She was left against a pir, hiding her face in her palms miserably as she slowly dropped to a

    crouch.

    She simply could not understand. "Why... Why do you always have to be stubborn?!"

    On the other hand, Chaz was cursing Frank under his breath for ruining his ns.

    However, Helen''s reaction made it obvious that he had a chance too.

    Hurrying to her, heforted her. "It''s alright, Helen. You don''t have to beat yourself over your

    exhusband."

    "I''m tired, Chaz. Take me home," Helen said.

    "Sure," Chaz gave up, seeing that today was a no-go.

    He watched as Frank''s Maybach left, his eyes narrowing murderously as a dangerous idea took root.

    Helen would never give up on Frank as long as he was alive.

    And since Frank had the Turnbulls'' backing, he just had to work on the Turnbulls.

    Once Frank lost their support or was even deemed a threat, he would be insignificant! -

    Frank was never this furious even when his sect was destroyed or when Helen divorced him.

    A three-year marriage, and his quiet protection¡ªall for this.

    He actually thought that anyone could do whatever they wanted with him now.

    Not only did he have to keep secret that he was treating a bitch like Luna Lane, but Helen repeatedly

    doubted him.

    Enough was enough.

    His Maybach engine rumbled as it thundered down the road, and he calmed down just as he returned

    t^ ShAA/atflr Bov,

    Lo Jixyvvaiei uay.

    He sighed lengthily, remembering Henry''s ancient face and the moment he saved his life.

    He was now home, and he rxed a little as well.

    "Winter? I''m home¡ª"

    Before Frank could finish, he found Carol passed out on the ground, bleeding from the head.

    "Mrs. Lawrence?! What happened?! Winter!!!"

    He yelled into the house even as he carried Carol into the hilltop mansion.

    No one answered, and Frank felt his heart sink with a foreboding sensation.

    After getting Carol inside, he saw the food strewn all over the floor.

    He felt embittered, knowing that Carol hade over to cook for him.

    Quickly treating Carol''s head injury, he took out his phone and called Trevor Zurich... only to

    see the many missed calls from Winter.

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    He had been too angry to realize that!

    "Trevor."

    "Mr. Lawrence."

 Chapter 488

    Frank asked bluntly, "Who attacked Carol Zims, and where is Winter?!"

    Trevor could hear Frank''s repressed rage, but he would never lie anyway.

    Bracing himself, he admitted, "Ms. Lawrence is at Lane Manor."

    "The Lane family again?!"

    Frank went mad right then, his teeth gnashing violently and audibly. "I''ve had enough! It''s time I

    settle this once and for all! Trevor, send your best doctors to take care of Carol!"

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor replied immediately.

    Once Frank hung up, he glowered as he strode out of his mansion.

    It was suddenly pouring, and thunder rumbled deafeningly over the skies as if to reflect Frank''s

    mood.

    "My kindness is spent now, Gramps! The rest is up to them!"

    Vroom!

    Frank jammed his foot on the gas pedal, and his Maybach crashed through the guardrail as it sped

    toward Lane Manor. -

    Meanwhile, Lane Manor was a picture of harmony as they feasted, celebrating Luna''s full recovery.

    She was certainly alive and kicking, with even Jade showing delight at that.

    "It''s all thanks to Chaz Graves bringing in that amazing healer from Seaham. Just a few needles, and

    Luna''s cured."

    She still regarded the others with disdain, but she was actually grateful whenever she mentioned the

    Seaham healer and Chaz.

    On the other hand, Luna, who was supposed to be the main character, was sulking.

    She suddenly swiped the te in front of her off the table. It was filled with food Gina brought her, and

    it shattered into pieces on the floor.

    "Mom!" she cried. "Have you caught Frank Lawrence yet? I feel so disgusted that I can''t eat whenever I

    remember what he did..."

    "Oh... Haha." Gina chuckled awkwardly and assured Luna, "Don''t worry, Luna. We''ve caught his side

    bitch¡ªwe''ll torture her for you if that bastard still doesn''t apologize."

    "It''s alright, Luna," Jade chimed in. "I won''t let you suffer this injustice. We''ll make that bastard pay

    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    once

    we returned to Southstream!"

    Then, she rolled her eyes at Gina. "You really can''t hope for anything from Northstream Lanes, after

    all."

    The Lanes were left embarrassed and at a loss as Jade and Luna ruined the good vibes in no time at

    all.

    Still, Gina watched Jade as she asked gingerly, "So, regarding us returning to the main family..."

    "Don''t worry," Jade said with a snort. "We were going to bring you all back in the first ce,

    and you''ve put on a show that is good enough for me to think about it."

    Still, she suddenly had an idea. "Also, you must hand over Frank Lawrence''s bitch to me before

    we leave."

    "Of course," Peter quickly answered for his mother''s sake.

    On the other side of the table, Cindy and Hughie were lovingly feeding each other.

    Seeing that Helen was sulking in her seat, Cindy asked in concern, "Why do you look so down,

    Helen?"

    "Don''t even say it!" Gina snapped right then, ring at Helen as she snorted in disappointment.

    "Chaz Graves is the paragon of a good man, but she doesn''t even show her appreciation

    enough to ask him to stay for dinner."

    Helen remained silent for a while and suddenly stood up. "I''m full. I''m going to see Grandpa."

    "Brat!" Gina snapped in frustration, but there was nothing she could do since she could not

    lord over Helen now.

    As Helen opened the door to Henry''s room, she called out gingerly, "Grandpa?"

 Chapter 489

    Henry was sitting out on the balcony, staring at the downpour and lightning storm in the

    distance.

    "Grandpa...?"

    Helen called out again, finally bringing Henry to his senses.

    He turned and forced a smile. "Oh, Helen. What are you doing? Shouldn''t you be having dinner

    with your mother and the others?"

    Helen was speechless as she saw that her grandfather had grown more wrinkles over what

    happened yesterday, and she simply dropped to her knees beside him.

    "Oh, Helen." Henry pulled her into his arms and tousled her hair as he groaned in pain. "Frank

    is such a wonderful kid. Why can''t any of you see that?"

    "I know." Helen sobbed. "But he''s so proud and stubborn. I told him to thank Mr. Graves, but he

    had to refuse, though Mr. Graves saved his life!"

    "Mr. Graves? As in Chaz Graves?!" Henry did a double take and smacked himself on the forehead.

    "Oh, Helen¡ªyou''re such a fool!"

    "Grandpa.?"

    Henry sighed in disappointment. "Haven''t you been deceived enough? Gina and Peter are both too

    stupid to see the truth, and you''re no different? You''ve been married to Frank for three years, and you

    still don''t understand his character? Has he ever been proud or stubborn? No. You''re the proud and

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    stubborn one, Helen!"

    Helen was stunned by Henry''s words, and she remembered the misery and frustration in Frank''s eyes

    every time she ndered him.

    And just this afternoon, she also saw apathy.

    Henry sighed as he struck himself again. "Silly girl¡ªyou have to reconcile with Frank right now, or your

    mother and brother will end up driving him against us! Nothing can save us when that happens!"

    "Yes, Grandpa!" Helen sprang to her feet, wiping away her tears as her expression became

    determined.

    "Good. As long as you understand that, we still stand a chance. Go¡ª"

    Before Henry could finish, however, a thunderous bellow resounded from outside Lane Manor.

    "Gina Zonda! Come out and face me!!!"

    Helen froze at the bellow, while Henry closed his eyes in despair. "Oh, it''s over. It''s over for our family."

    "Don''t worry, Grandpa. I''ll handle this." Helen quickly came to her senses, picking up her coat as she

    16:16 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    rushed downstairs without another word.

    Jade, Gina, and everyone else were on their feet too, with Gina growling furiously, "Who does

    he think he is? He came here, unrepentant and even pompously calling me by name?!"

    Jade spotted Helen rushing downstairs as well, and snapped, "Just look at your ex-husband,

    Helen! He molested my daughter, and this is how he apologizes?"

    Cindy turned to Hughie in turn. "Are you friends here yet?"

    "Don''t worry," Hughie grinned. "They''re all professionals¡ªthey have the entire Lane Manor

    covered already. Frank isn''t getting away now that he''s here!"

    "You''re the best." Gina smiled gleefully before turning to Helen. "Where do you think you''re

    going?"

 Chapter 490

    Luna, who was all too eager for revenge, frowned when she saw Helen quickly putting on her

    shoes.

    "Are you really going to defend the bastard who molested me?!" Luna shrieked.

    Helenpletely ignored her and rushed outside in her stilettos.

    It was pitch-ck and pouring outside, but a towering figure stood in the middle of it.

    Frank remained impassive even as he watched Helen run out toward him, braving the rain.

    Bang!

    A bolt of lightning illuminated the skies, and Helen saw his face just then.

    Reaching out to him despite the rain, she cried, "Come in, Frank! We can talk about this... I know I was

    wrong for doubting you. Can you forgive me?"

    Frank remained silent,pletely ignoring her.

    Soon, Gina and the others rushed out as well with their umbres. "Oh, Helen¡ªwhy did youe out

    into the pouring rain without an umbre?"

    "Where''s my sister, Gina?!" Frank bellowed right then, and there was another p of thunder.

    "Oh, my goodness!" Gina almost fell over from the brute force of Frank''s bellow.

    She patted her chest to calm herself down and snapped viciously at him in turn, "Quit your yelling! Are

    you crazy?! I''ll have you killed if you give me a heart attack! Come on, Helen¡ªlet him soak in the rain

    since he likes it!"

    Luna hade out as well and pointed at Frank as she shrieked, "You bastard! You molested me at

    the hospital, and you''re being so pompous when you''re supposed to apologize?! Hughie! Where''s

    Hughie?! Call your friends to kill him!"

    Her spite for Frank was inconsble, and she almost broke her voice with her shrill shrieks.

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    She was the heiress to one of Southstream''s Four Families, only to end up molested by some

    insignificant bastard! If word got out, she and her entire family would be humiliated!

    "Hughie! Where are your friends? Call for them already!"

    Jade was livid too¡ªshe could not care less about Gina, let alone bringing the ipetent Northstream

    Lanes back to the main family.

    And it was all because of Frank molesting her daughter, which kept her fearing that Gina and her family

    would spread the word.

    She certainly hated Frank to the bone after the numerous grief he gave her. Not only did he

    incited a mob against her the very first time they met, but he also refused to treat Luna, and he

    was then caught molesting her!

    "Yes, ma''am." Hughie was no slouch himself, having spent thirty million dors just for a

    chance to suck up to the Southstream Lanes.

    Since he could not beat Frank in a fight and average bodyguards were no match for him, he just

    had to bring in the professionals!

    He hence spent a fortune to hire a group of elite hitmen, along with an Earthrank elite.

    He was convinced that Frank was going to die here whatever happened, though he would be a

    lot less confident if he saw how Frank really fared against the Chandlers.

    With just a call, the group of ck-d men lurking around Lane Manor appeared.

    They were all death dealers hired from the ck market who would do anything for money.

    And their leader was Earthrank elite number thirty-two¡ªDwight Houston of the Crestone Fists.

 Chapter 491

    Dwight was certainly full of himself as he growled impatiently while ring at Hughie and the

    rest, "I told you all to stay inside¡ªjust leave the rest to us."

    His technique, the Crestone Fists, had always beaten any opponent to a bloody pulp, so he

    would rather not have an audience.

    "Yes, yes, yes." Hughie did not argue and quickly pulled Cindy inside.

    Gina started to pull Helen along too. "Come on, Helen. Just leave the bastard to Hughie''s

    friends¡ªlet''s stay out of this."

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen smacked her hand away right then and demanded, "What is Frank talking about? What

    happened to Winter?!"

    "T-That bitch..." Gina struggled to answer but soon gave up and snapped angrily instead, "Just

    stay out of this. It''s more important that our family is brought back to the main family. And you

    just worry about marrying Chaz!"

    "Mom!" Helen cried. "How could you do this?! Winter''s my sister too!"

    "Sister?! She''s just a bitch Frank is grooming without the Turnbulls'' knowledge!" Gina snapped at her

    disobedient daughter. "You''re still siding with him after all this? Don''t you know that he''s the reason our

    family never had peace?! Plus, he molested your cousin¡ªor do you think the footage was fake?! And

    don''t think I don''t know what you''ve been up to every morningtely¡ªyou were cooking for that

    bastard!"

    Helen was shocked. "How did you¡ª"

    "Hughie!" Gina screamed before she could finish. "Lock her in her room! I''ve already spoken with the

    Graves family, and you''re marrying Chaz in a week. You just stay put until it happens!"

    "What?! I was never told!" Helen iled even as Hughie grabbed him. "Stop it! No! I''m not marrying

    Chaz!"

    "You can''t me me for this." Gina snorted. "We would at least have some backing when we return to

    the family once you marry Chaz, and your brother also had an agreement with him. He''ll arrange for a

    nice job for Peter, and the family will rise to new heights. You''ll understand soon enough that I''m doing

    this for your own good."

    "No!!! I''m not marrying Chaz! Frank! Help me! Frank!!!"

    Helen''s cries soon faded as Hughie carried her away.

    Gina and Jade stood off against Frank in turn, with Jade sneering at him. "Get down on your knees and

    apologize to my daughter, and I just might spare you. Your survival is all on you now!"

    She started to pull Luna along, but Luna shook her off and kept ring at Frank spitefully. "No,

    I''m staying. I''ll watch him die and be torn into pieces!"

    Jade nodded in approval. "Good! Anything for my daughter!"

    Gina nced at Frank again and was stricken with heartfelt terror when she saw the murderous

    re he leveled at her.

    As she hurried back into the manor with Cindy and Jade, Dwight stepped beside Frank and

    whispered into his ear, "Look, kid¡ªnothing personal, but I always work for the one who pays

    me. Thirty mil... If you can afford better than the Lanes, I''ll let you go. Hell, I''d even beat them up

    for you!"

    Dwight had zero principles of professional ethics¡ªit was another reason he did not want an

    audience.

 Chapter 492

    Frank nced at Dwight''s vile smile even as he tried to y both sides.

    "Move." He growled a single word.

    Dwight''s smile stiffened. "You sure you want to do this, kid?"

    "You''re asking for it," Frank retorted as he slowly turned and red Dwight in the eye. "Move if

    you want to live."

    His pompous threat only left Dwightughing. "No one has ever spoken like that to me in this

    business."

    "Someone has now," Frank pointed out, impassive.

    Dwight was incensed right then and grabbed Frank by the shoulder as heunched a punch at

    Frank''s abdomen.

    "You asked for this!" He shed a bloodthirsty grin, already envisioning Frank''s stomach

    bursting apart from his single punch.

    Pow!

    And yet, Dwight''s smile faded, reced by utter shock.

    His ever victorious Crestone Fistsunched at such a short distance¡ªhad struck Frank squarely in

    the abdomen as intended, but no gore ensued.

    Instead, his body and even his shirt remained unscathed, and Dwight seemed to see a ripple unfurling

    away from his fist.

    It was pure vigor stirred by Dwight''s punch as it deflected the weight of the strike back on Dwight with

    tenfold violence!

    Crack.

    Dwight stared stupid as his knuckles ruptured, his skin and flesh peeling away as his bone turned to

    dust.

    In just two seconds, his right knuckled imploded.

    "Argh!" he screamed at the top of his lungs even as he clutched the stump that was once his hand.

    Frank, however, did not afford him another second.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Smack!

    He pped Dwight so hard that his neck twisted into itself multiple times.

    With that, Earthrank elite number thirty-two was eliminated in a split second.

    "Wait, what?"

    The crowd of hitmen around Frank was stunned by the scene, and some were already thinking about

    running away.

    However, one of them suddenly cried, "That''s just one! He won''t win against all of us! Go!"

    The rest promptly raised their weapons and charged at Frank with a battle cry.

    Blood soon poured as fast as the rain¡ªFrank danced between the hitmen who numbered

    around a hundred, unstoppable.

    Any weapon swung Frank''s way would suddenly be taken out of their grasp before the hitmen

    were killed with their own weapons.

    Within minutes, around a hundred men were on the ground,ying silently.

    After all, Frank could kill with a single strike¡ªthere was no way for the hitmen to defend

    themselves or run.

    Thest hitman, who could see that things had gone terribly wrong, tried to turn and run.

    Henry simply picked up a falchion off the floor and flung it at him, stabbing him through the

    neck.

    He dropped on the floor audibly and never got up again.

 Chapter 493

    And with that, Frank eliminated an entire guild of ck market hitmen.

    Gina and the rest remained oblivious inside Lane Manor, as the walls were soundproof and

    thunder was cracking relentlessly outside. They could not hear the massacre nor the death

    screams of the hitmen at all.

    Convinced that Frank would never win against so many despite his strength, and certainly not

    the famous Dwight Houston, Gina had brought out the Lafayette wine she prepared beforehand

    and filled everyone''s sses in celebration.

    Now, they just had to wait for Dwight to carry Frank''s corpse inside.

    Turning toward Cindy, Gina asked, "Have you sent the photo to the Turnbulls?"

    Cindy nodded and smiled. "Don''t worry¡ªI hate Vicky Turnbull myself, but she''d be furious if

    she found out that her gigolo has another bitch on the side. We just have to dump Frank''s

    corpse on her doorstep, and she''d be awash with gratitude."

    Gina grinned. "Hmph. She''s always so high and mighty, but we have leverage against her now.

    She''ll be humiliated if we leak the news¡ªlet''s see if she can strut around us after this!"

    "Haha! She mighte to our doorstep, begging!" Cindyughed.

    Jade shot Gina a sideways re right then. "Don''t push her too far. I heard that the Turnbulls are a big

    deal in Morhen."

    "Oh, don''t worry," Gina chuckled. "We know where the line is."

    Right when she said, the tall, heavy doors to Lane Manor were kicked open!N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    Those doors were supposed to keep even burrs out, but it was reduced to dust!

    "Argh!"

    Everyone yelped and turned pale in shock.

    Then, Jade saw Luna.

    She did not expect her to return before the others. Before she could ask why, however, she realized

    Luna''s face was pale, her lips darkened and her body trembling.

    And she was even wetting her own lolita dress!

    "Mom... Mom..." she mumbled as if she had seen a ghost, not moving an inch even as she stared at

    everyone.

    "What''s wrong, Luna? What happened?!" Jade eximed.

    However, before she could reach her daughter, a hand reached in from behind and seized by the

    throat. "Give me my sister, or you will all die in pieces!" A thunderous roar ensued.

    Everyone froze when they saw the shadow behind Luna.

    Gina especially jumped as if stung, pointing at him as she shrieked, "F-Frank?! How are you

    still alive?!"

    "You have three seconds." Frank ignored Gina''s question, his fingers tightening slightly around

    Luna''s neck instead.

    Luna''s face turned ashen even as she screamed, "Mom! Save me! I don''t want to die!!!"

    Luna''s screams drove Jade out of her mind, and she lunged toward Frank, punching his chest

    as he cried, "You insufferable bastard! Let go of my daughter! I''ll kill you!"

    "Go away!" Frank would not hit a woman, but he had no reason to hold back against fishwives

    like Jade.

    With a vicious p, he sent Jade''s rotund frame soaring and rolling through the air before she

    mmed heavily on the floor.

    She started bleeding out of every orifice before passing out.

 Chapter 494

    "How dare you, Frank!"

    Gina was going to lose it too, but Luna''s scream brought her to her senses. "Help! It hurts so

    much! I''m going to die!"

    Gina screamed at Frank right then, "Don''t you know who you just hit, you animal?! That''s Gavin

    Lane''s wife¡ªtheir family is one of Southstream''s Four Families! If you let Luna go and beg, I

    might speak on your behalf so that they let you live. If you keep being stubborn, you''ll be dead!"

    "Hmph."

    Seeing that Gina was still being delusional, Frank simply squeezed.

    "Mmmph!!!!"

    Luna''s face turned purple, her arms iling as if to beg Gina for help.

    "Stop, Aunt Gina! He''s crazy!" Cindy promptly pulled Gina away and turned toward Hughie,

    shrieking, "Go! Fetch that bitch from the basement, or the Southstream Lanes will kill us all if

    Luna dies!"

    Hughie dashed downstairs immediately and soon returned with Winter, who was bound with so

    much rope that she looked like a dumpling.

    "Frank!" Winter cried, and Frank seemed to calm down.

    Tossing Luna aside, he strode up and gathered Winter in his arms.

    Cupping her cheeks with his hands even as he fought back his gnawing guilt, he said, "It''s all my fault...

    but don''t worry, this won''t happen again!"

    "How''s my mom, Frank?" she asked, so kind as she still worried over Carol even now.

    "She''s fine. I''ve had the best doctors look after her."

    As Winter became relieved, Frank caressed her cheek, staring at the bruises on her face and arm.

    "Who hit you and your mother?"

    "It was." Winter looked up at Hughie right then but soon shook her head and threw herself into Frank''s

    arms.

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    "I''m fine, Frank. Let''s go home¡ªeverything''s fine."

    "Alright. You go wait in the car. I have something to sort out." Frank said, patting her on the back.

    Even so, Winter held on firmly to Frank''s hand and assured him, "I''m really fine, Frank. It doesn''t hurt¡ª

    let''s just go back to Skywater Bay."

    Winter obviously did not want him to keep causing trouble.

    However, it only left Frank baleful¡ªWinter was just so understanding and always thinking for his sake.

    Helen, on the other hand...

    "Be good, Winter," Frank said firmly. "I have to deal with these scum¡ªjust wait in the car."

    "Okay."

    Seeing that Frank was determined, Winter stopped pressing him.

    Putting her hands on his cheeks, he said solemnly, "Promise me that you''ll stay safe."

    "Yeah."

    Frank walked her to the door and slowly straightened up.

    Winter''s assurance may have calmed him, but he was not forgiving these people.

    Turning toward the burly man standing nearby with an icy re, he growled, "Hughie, was it?''

    Hughie''s heart skipped a beat.

    Unlike the rest, he was a martial artist and could clearly feel the death aura unfurling from

    Frank.

    He rubbed his hands as he nced at the silent Cindy for a moment.

 Chapter 495

    "Yes, I''m Hughie. Mr. Lawrence, I¡ª"

    Frank punched him before he could finish, though his knuckle never made contact.

    It was the pure vigor swirling around his fist, tearing through the air like a lightning bolt that

    sent Hughie flying.

    His huge frame mmed viciously against the floor, his meridians severed as he was left with a

    hole in his chest.

    His eyes rolled into their sockets, and he was clearly not breathing much.

    "Argh!!!" Cindy screamed right then and dropped to a crouch, clutching her head with both

    arms.

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    She would not dare to snap at Frank¡ªunlike her aunt, she had seen Frank''s true nature.

    With the way he would kill without flinching, she would be next if he said another word.

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    Gina shrieked in both rage and terror, pointing a trembling finger at Frank, "You ingrate! You refused to

    treat Luna, and you''re attacking us in our own house now, even murdering right before our eyes?! The

    Southstream Lanes will kill you!"

    Seeing that Gina was still gloating even at this point, Frank glowered and strode toward her.

    Gina screamed right then and ran to pick up a vase, holding it in front of herself as she cried, "S-Stop!

    Are you crazy?! If youy a finger on me, the old man won''t ever forgive you!"

    Frank hesitated at the mention of Henry and lowered his hand.

    "Frank!"

    Henry himself called out to him from upstairs just then. "Is that you, Frank?"

    Frank was silent for a moment before he looked up and answered, "Yes, it''s me."

    "Frank... My family has really done you wrong!" Henry''s voice was choking with tears. "I''m too old, and

    Helen is too kind and naive. I-I."

    "Please stop." Frank''s eyes went red too. "It''s all my fault."

    His eyes went red¡ªhe owed Henry his life, and he would never forget that he would be dead if not for

    Henry.

    "Frank, I''m begging you onest time. Please forgive us. in exchange for my life."

    "You don''t have to go that far, Gramps," Frank replied. "Just say the word, and I''ll consider it done."

    He started upstairs, only to hear Henry breathing a long sigh.

    "I know you''re in a dilemma, Frank. But know this¡ªyou owe my family nothing anymore, and I''ll no

    longer be a burden."

    Frank was stricken with a sense of foreboding, but even before he could run upstairs, he heard

    it.

    Bang!

    The violent gunshot seemed to strike Frank in the heart. His head went nk even as he

    scrambled upstairs to find Henry sitting limply on the couch, his hands dangling limply at his

    side while he bled freely from a hole on his temple.

    "Gramps!" Frank screamed as he leapt up, prying Henry''s mouth open and shoved all the pills

    he had down his throat.

    "Temples... sternum... sr plexus..." He pulled out the acupuncture needles from his pocket

    and frantically tried to save Henry.

    Ultimately, he was left sitting limply on the floor, staring nkly into thin air.

    Henry Lane was dead.

    Frank was a miracle worker, but there was nothing he could do for a patient who blew his own

    brains out.

    At the same time, the Turnbulls arrived.

 Chapter 496

    Vicky led the charge into Lane Manor, her heart skipping a beat when she saw all the corpses

    strewn around the courtyard.

    Before she could speak, she heard the gunshot from upstairs.

    When she and Yara Quill made it inside, she immediately found Luna cringing in a corner and

    Cindy cowering with her head beneath her arms.

    Jade was on the floor, having passed out, while Gina stood still, still clutching the vase.

    "What happened here?!" Vicky then snapped at Gina. "Where''s Winter?!"

    Gina came to her senses and appeared delighted to see Vicky even though Vicky was ring at

    her.

    Forcing a smile, she began, "M-Ms. Turnbull... Did you know that Frank Lawrence had another

    lover¡ª"

    Smack!

    Vicky pped her across the face, not about to y along to her vileness.

    "Where''s my sister?!" she demanded. "If anything happens to her, you and the rest of your family are

    dead!"

    Vicky''s fury left Gina stupefied.

    She certainly could not say a word¡ªWinter was supposed to be Frank''s lover! How did she be

    Vicky''s sister?!

    One of Vicky''s bodyguards arrived just then and reported, "We found her, Ms. Trunbull. She''s in Mr.

    Lawrence''s Maybach."

    "Oh, Frank!" Vicky soon came to her senses, remembering the gunshot that sent a chill down her

    spine.

    She rushed upstairs without another word and found Frank doing his damndest to save an old man.

    His hands were covered in blood even as he kept mumbling to himself, "I''m sorry, Gramps. It''s all my

    fault. Come on, you''re scaring me! I''m a miracle worker, so I''ll definitely save you just like before. I''m

    not angry, see? Please just get up."

    It was the first time Vicky saw Frank being so helpless.

    She stood silently behind him, watching him work futilely for a long while before finally gently wrapping

    her arms around him. "It''s alright, Frank. There''s nothing you can do."

    Frank came to his senses at her voice and dropped all the needles he was holding on the floor, his

    eyes welling up with tears. "Why. How did things turn out like this."

    "It''s not your fault I know that and I trust you." Vicky breathed.

    Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel  J ! - J ¡ª

    Despite his self-me and misery, she pulled him to his feet and said firmly, "Come on¡ªwe''re leaving

    and nevering back."

    Frank remained silent as Vicky pulled him along and away from Lane Manor¡ªher people would

    sort out the mess.

    The rain and thunder never stopped that night.

    Frank woke up the next morning to find a petite figure holding himself in sleep for an entire

    night, and his nose picked up her sweet fragrance right away.

    However, he was not in the mood to admire the sight of beauty in his own bed.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    He got up and sat on the edge of his bed until the figure moved with a cute groan.

    "You''re up?" He forced a smile.

    "Yeah," Vicky replied as she stretched her back, not minding that her silk nightgown was not

    hiding her perfect figure at all.

    She snuggled up to Frank, wrapping herself around his neck as she mused, "I''ve never seen

    you looking as hurt as you were yesterday, Frank."

    Frank nced at her without arguing, instead saying quietly, "Henry Lane was a good man."

 Chapter 497

    Frank murmured, "Good men shouldn''t die like that."

    "Yeah." Vicky sighed, pausing as she remembered something else. "What about Helen? Does

    she know her mother kidnapped Winter?"

    "I don''t know." Frank shook his head.

    "I see..." Vicky murmured and got up to give him a gentle peck on the forehead, tousling his

    hair as she said, "As the CEO of Grande Pharma, I''m ordering you to take the week off¡ªafter

    that, you muste to work looking spirited."

    "Heh." Frank chuckled bitterly. "Thank you."

    "Caring for employees'' health is a CEO''s responsibility. Anyway, just call me if anythinges

    up." Vicky smiled at him and started to leave the room.

    However, she opened the door to find that Winter had been eavesdropping.

    Leveling a cheeky smile at Winter, she asked, "What were you doing?"

    Winter blushed right then and quickly threw up her hands. "N-Nothing! I was just going to call

    you for breakfast. Would you rather I bring the soup to your room, Frank?"

    She really was a good girl.

    Still, Frank got up and shook his head¡ªthere was no point in lingering in the past now. "I''ll be right

    over."

    Vicky smiled mischievously at Frank in turn, brushing her fingers over lips as she turned to Winter and

    giggled. "I''m skipping breakfast, Winter. I''m full, after all."

    "You''re full. Oh!"

    A little naive, Winter had to think for a while to realize what Vicky was saying.

    Flushing up to her ears right then, she turned and fled!

    "Oh, you." Frank smiled exasperatedly as he watched Vicky tease Winter and left his room.

    Sitting down at the dining table, he asked Winter, "Don''t you still have sses today?"

    He felt guilty even as he drank the soup Winter cooked while watching her pack her bags.

    If he had stayed calm and answered her call, then Winter would never have been taken away by those

    fishwives or gotten hurt.

    Trevor must have stayed his hand since he was unsure what to do, since said fishwives were from the

    Lane family.

    J .

    "Uh... D-Don''t worry, Frank. Vicky will give me a ride."

    Frank was perplexed, but he kept eating even as he wondered while Winter kept her back to him, her

    little face not appearing to be particrly pleased.

    -

    "Phew."

    Winter sighed when she was done packing her bagter and turned towards Frank.

    "I know it''s inappropriate to talk about it, but you shouldn''t me Helen," she said. "I''m sure

    she wasn''t aware."

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank remained silent while she left with Vicky.

    "Helen."

    Frank was feeling troubled.

    On one hand, he knew that Helen had not gotten over him¡ªshe confessed her true feelings

    when Chaz used the passion needle on her.

    On the other hand, Helen was stubborn and only ever believed what she saw. And with Henry''s

    death, there was nothing to prove his innocence, while Helen''s family would browbeat her into

    believing that Frank had defiled Luna.

    "What a mess." Frank sighed and shook his head exasperatedly¡ªit was now high time to give

    up on Helen.

    Henry had killed himself exactly because he did not want to get Frank caught in a dilemma

    because of himself.

 Chapter 498

    Henry had killed himself, giving up his life in exchange for Frank''s mercy.

    "As long as the Lanes don''t mess with me anymore, I won''t bother going after them," Frank

    mused to himself. "We''re all square now."

    It was Henry''sst wish, because he understood at the very end that his family did not deserve

    Frank.

    Despite Gina''s persistent ims that Frank did not deserve Helen, it was the other way round.

    After breakfast, Frank started his daily training routine.

    His phone rang with perfect timing when he was done, and it turned out to be Burt Yorkman.

    "What is it?" Frank answered.

    "Bro¡ªI mean, Mr. Lawrence! We''re in trouble!" Burt cried urgently right then.

    Frank frowned. "What? What''s the problem?"

    "I-It''s Quinn," Burt stammered. "S-She ran away!"

    "Ran away?" Frank remained unaffected, even nodding. "Then let her."

    "What? But..."

    Burt''s jaw hung open as he tried to speak and sighed after a long while. "Sir, her insanity was faked!"

    "I know." Frank nodded again.

    "What?!" Burt was left gaping in disbelief. "Then why didn''t you just eliminate her back then?"

    "Because I''m using her as bait."

    Frank''s exnation only left Burt further confused. "She''s bait? What are you fishing for, Mr.

    Lawrence? If she tells Cloudnine Sect about you¡ª"

    "Don''t worry, she won''t," Frank said confidently.

    "Really? Why?"

    Burt was especially concerned since his life was at stake, but Frank simply told him, "Don''t worry about

    it. Just watch out and call me if anyonees to you."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence."

    Frank sneered even as he hung up.

    I I- I 1-1 a-¡ª 11 Z-I I-:.-- r__x -I X. I-:.¡ª I ¡ê I

    16:17 12/02/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    ne knew that Quinn would noL tell Clouunine Sect about Him because oi her ambition.

    After meeting her for a few times now, Frank had discerned how ambitious Quinn was, and that

    she stopped at nothing to achieve her goals.

    She was certainly cunning too¡ªdespite being a Sage Lake Sect elder''s daughter, she would

    resort to feigning insanity just to save herself from Frank''s vengeance, and that certainly made

    her a scary individual.

    However, that also meant her greed would keep her from ratting him out to Cloudnine Sect and

    the rest of the South Sea Four.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    Mystic Sky Sect might be history, but everyone had gone after them in the first ce because

    they desired the Five-Peat Archaeus. Quinn would certainly be able to find out why, with her

    high rank in Sage Lake Sect and all.

    After all, it was an esoteric discipline thatbined mastery over the five elements, and it was

    said that with sufficient talent, it could propel a person to immortality!

    Those beneath were no more than mortals, while those who reached beyond were divine!

    And it was because Frank''s mentor attempted ascension that they were attacked by every other

    sect, foiling said attempt. If he had seeded, he would have been able to destroy every sect in

    Draconia, let alone the South Sea Four.

    Now, as the only living apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect, Frank showed embodiment of the Five-

    Peat Archaeus.

    He therefore knew for sure that Quinn would not tell Cloudnine Sect and would instead attempt

    to im the Five-Peat Archaeus for her own.

    In fact, her escape was merely the first move Frank made on the chess board.

 Chapter 499

    And just as Frank had predicted, Quinn did not even tell the Szars before fleeing alone back to Sage Lake Sect.

    Pulling rank as the daughter of an elder, she immediately scourged through the sect''s archives once she returned, her eyes shing greedily when she found out why Mystic Sky Sect was massacred three years ago.

    Five-Peat Archaeus¡ªimmortality!

    And now, that opportunity was right in front of her, ripe for the taking!

    Drakon Szar? Did he evenpare to the temptation of immortality?!

    They were just in a rtionship and not even married¡ªand Quinn would never let Cloudnine Sect hog such providence!

    With that in mind, she slips away from her fellow apprentices asking after her, smiling spitefully as she strode into her father''s parlor.

    -

    At The Dynasty, Helen was wearing a bareback ck dress as she leaned against the bar.

    She was drunk, as she had been for thest three days.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Naturally, she stank of alcohol and was barely coherent, and her vomit covered the floor around her.

    Cindy sat beside her, saying gingerly, "Come on, Helen. Let''s go home¡ªyou still have to preside over your grandfather''s funeral."

    Gina was looking on in concern too. "Helen, I did everything for your own good. If you go on like this, the Graves family would¡ª"

    "Go away!" Helen shook Gina''s hand off, wobbling as she rose to her feet and pointed between Cindy and Gina, stammering, "M-Murderers! You''re all murderers who killed Grandpa! Oh, Grandpa¡­"

    Helen''s outburst left Gina and Cindy trading nces, with Gina quickly doing her best to excuse herself. "It wasn''t us, Helen¡ªit was that bastard Frank Lawrence! Your grandfather would never have killed himself if Frank didn''t attack us! I''d never want him to die so soon myself!"

    Cindy quickly joined in. "Aunt Gina''s right. It''s not her fault¡ªit''s all Frank''s fault for bullying everyone just because he knows a little martial arts¡­"

    "Then let me ask you this," Helen growled, her face flushed even as she pointed between Gina and Cindy again. "Why would Franke to our house? Why was he so furious with us?! Why?!"

    ng!

    Helen suddenly picked up her ss and smashed it on the floor, and Cindy screamed in fear.

    Gina avoided Helen''s gaze as she argued, "B-Because he''s a bastard! He came to mess with us just for kicks!"

    "Exactly," Cindy added. "Why would you keep siding with him?! We''re your family!"

    "Yes! And home is where the heart is!" Gina quickly added. "Who should you trust if not your own family?"

    "Family? Do you really think I''m so stupid?" Helen snorted at Gina and Cindy before sighing lengthily. "Well, I certainly am."

 Chapter 500

    Helen whipped out a stack of neatly arranged papers and mmed them on the table,

    stammering, "G- Go on, take it¡ªthat''s grandfather''s will, and you can have your wish to return

    to the Southstream Lanes."

    Cindy promptly snatched the papers, though she kept smiling. "What are you saying, Helen?

    This isn''t important¡ªwe''re all worried about you!"

    "Yeah." Gina frowned. "If you stayed like this, Lane Holdings would¡ª"

    "Mrs. Lane, Cindy."

    Gina turned, feeling saved when she saw the tall man dressed sharply in a suit who had just

    entered the bar. "Oh, Mr. Graves! You have to talk to Helen¡ªwe''re just not getting through with

    her."

    "Alright. You should go home¡ªjust leave her to me," Chaz Graves replied, frowning in a rare

    expression of disgust when he saw what a mess Helen was.

    Still, he quickly hid it with a smile.

    "Wonderful! You reallye through for us when it matters, Mr. Graves!" Gina eximed in delight.

    "Allow me to buy you drinks next time for taking such good care of us, Mr. Graves," Cindy said, winking

    flirtatiously at Chaz.

    Hughie was dead, so she urgently needed another sugar daddy, even if it was Helen''s fiance.

    "What a minx," Chaz chuckled under his breath, though his expression remained polite.

    "Alright, let''s go, Cindy. Let''s leave the rest to Mr. Graves," Gina said just then.

    "Okay."

    Once Gina and Cindy left, Chaz ordered a drink and sat beside Helen, forcing his most understanding

    smile. "It hurts to hear about your grandfather''s passing, Helen, but he''s gone. There are still all the

    people in Lane Holdings counting on you, and I''m sure your grandfather wouldn''t want you to stay like

    this."

    Hearing Chaz''s quietforting, Helen looked upzily and asked almost unintelligibly, "Did you really

    save Frank? Please tell me the truth and don''t lie."

    "Huh?"

    Chaz felt like he had been caught red-handed as Helen mentioned it out of the blue, but he was not

    about to admit anything now.

    Bracing himself, he said, "Of course I did. Did he lie to you again? I even heard that he''s the reason

    your grandfather killed himself because he attacked your manor."

    Helen chuckled but did not allow Chaz to change the subject. "I really don''t know who to trust now...

    and I have another question."

    Chaz nodded. "Shoot."

    "Did the healer you send really cure Luna?" Helen asked, her eyes shing seriously despite

    being drunk.

    It left Chaz hesitant, though he soon sighed. "You still wouldn''t trust me or the cameras, Helen?

    You''d rather buy your ex-husband''s empty words?"

    In reality, he was panicking¡ªthe Seaham healer he sent made it very clear that unless he was

    provided the drakeroot, he would not be able to cure Luna.

    He also added that his acupoint needles only served to prolong Luna''s life by a few weeks.

    However, when he found out that Luna made a full recovery miraculously and mentioned Frank

    molesting her, he knew that Frank was the one who cured Luna.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    But he was not about to spill the beans¡ªthat would just prove Frank''s superiority over him!

    Instead, he pulled some strings to have hospital security provide him with the security footage,

    which he doctored afterwards.

 Chapter 501

    By cropping the security footage, Chaz made it look like Frank was really molesting Luna.

    And once he showed it to Gina and Jade, they both went mad and stormed Frank''s hilltop mansion.

    Scowling deliberately, Chaz growled, "Look, Helen¡ªeven if you doubt me, you wouldn''t doubt modern

    technology, would you? The cameras caught your ex-husband molesting your cousin, and you''re still

    siding with him? Don''t you think you''re being unfair to me?"

    He was therefore shocked as Helen shook her head, smiling as she waved him off. "The video was too

    grainy, wasn''t it?"

    Chaz grimaced but snorted. "So what? Even if your ex-husband was a healer, he refused to help Luna

    before since she and her mother had a fight with him. You were there, so how could you still doubt the

    facts?"

    Helen only felt thoroughly disappointed, her face appearing forlorn. "Oh, Chaz... Why would you keep

    lying to me?"

    "Why would I lie to you?" Chaz retorted, even holding his fingers up. "I swear I''m absolutely telling the

    truth. Scout''s honor."

    "Hahaha!" Helenughed, and her expression was suddenly cold as she snapped at him, "Grandfather

    told me everything in his will! He was the one who begged Frank to save Luna! The doctors also told us

    that someone changed the acupoint needles position! If they had stayed the way your healer put them,

    Luna would only live for another few weeks!"

    Even as she watched Chaz''s stunned expression, she shook her head as she snarled through her

    teeth, "You were the one who kept lying to me, Chaz, and you''re still doing it now! Do I look that gullible

    to you?! Frank was the one who went through great lengths for grandfather, but you distorted the truth

    and ndered him! You goaded my mother and the others to kidnap Winter before contacting Hughie

    and sending hitmen after Frank! Hughie told me everything before he died!"

    Helen''s ravings left Chaz stunned, but she continued without a care. "Frank was the one who kept

    sacrificing himself for us, but instead of receiving gratitude, he only suffered humiliations and insults¡ª

    even the misunderstandings are all by your design! Why did you do this Chaz?! Weren''t we supposed

    to be friends??!"

    "Enough!" Chaz mmed his hand on the table as he sprang to his feet, baring his true nature with a

    savageugh. "Yes, you''re right¡ªit was all me! I want your ex-husband dead, but it''s really taking a toll!

    What''s the harm in giving in to me?! Why did you have to keep obsessing over a lowlife gigolo?! Once

    you marry me, your family can return to the fold of the Southstream Lanes while I solidify my ce in

    my family. All of Riverton would be ours once our familiese together, but you can''t even

    understand something so simple! You really are stupid!"

    Utterly crazed right then, he bellowed, "Boys, get in here and take her away! I''ll have her tonight¡ªyou

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    said your ex-husband never touched you for three years? From where I''m standing, he''s impotent, but

    I''ll show you the pleasure of being a woman soon!"

    As several ck-d bodyguards appeared behind Chaz and reached for Helen, she tried to fight

    back. However, she was too drunk to stand straight, let alone run away.

    While the bodyguards dragged her out, Chaz stood before her as if to gloat, only for her to bite him

    viciously on the wrist.

    "Fucking bitch!" he bellowed.

 Chapter 502

    Chaz pped Helen across the face, leaving her seeing stars.

    "You asked for it!" he bellowed. "Take her away!"

    While Helen was being shoved into a BMW, a ck Maybach drove into The Dynasty''s parking lot as

    well.

    Vicky was riding shotgun dressed in a bewitching purple dress, watching Frank as she asked, "Henry

    Lane''s funeral will be held in a few days. Are you attending it?"

    "Yeah." Frank nodded somberly. "He saved my life. No matter what the Lanes did, I''ll send him off one

    It has been three days, and he had gathered himself by now.

    Vicky nodded with a smile. Just as she was going to start talking about what they should drink, she

    frowned as she spotted a single stiletto in the middle of the parking lot.

    "What the heck?"

    It was unusual, and her woman''s intuition left her frowning.

    Ladies were sensitive toward brands after all, and Vicky could tell that it was expensive. Moreover, she

    had seen the size and design before...

    Screech!

    Suddenly, a ck BMW that was driving from the opposite side stopped beside their Maybach, and the

    window rolled down to reveal a familiar face.

    "Tut, tut. If it isn''t Frank Lawrence and Ms. Turnbull! What, here to get drunk as well?" Chaz whistled

    pointedly at Frank, in a good mood even as he nced at Helen who was being pressed against the

    backseat.

    "Fuck off," Frank snapped, which immediately left Chaz''s smile stiffening.

    "Hmph. Let''s see how long you''ll keep up that pompous act." He snorted and turned toward Vicky,

    raising his brow repeatedly and flirtatiously. "Forgive me for being Frank, Ms. Turnbull, but keeping your

    gigolo would eventually lead to your family''s downfall. You really should dump him while you still can."

    "Thanks for the tip, but I think you can mind your own business, Mr. Graves. Why don''t you go back to

    Southstream andp up what''s left of it?" Vicky''s tone was polite, but her sarcasm was sharp.

    Though Chaz felt like he was given a p in the face, he was not annoyed at all. "Don''t worry¡ªI''m

    sure you''ll be begging at my doorstep in a few days."

    He drove off before Vicky could retort, leaving her wary. "What on earth is that bastard cooking?

    Frank simply chuckled in disdain. "We''ll deal with it when ites. It''s his own doom if he can''t get

    over himself." "I''ve always loved your attitude." Vicky beamed as she leaned against Frank''s shoulder,

    though she soon pointed at the ck stiletto still lying in the parking lot. "I think I know whose shoe that

    is¡ªI saw it at your mansion. It''s Helen''s."

    "Helen''s?" Frank frowned.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    He then remembered Chaz''s gleeful smile, and then nced at The Dynasty.

    He raised his brow as he connected the dots¡ªChaz was really not giving up, was he?

    But he had cut all ties with the Lanes now, and whatever they did was none of his business.

 Chapter 503

    Vicky blinked as she watched Frank drive into the parking lot without a care. "What, are you really

    giving up on Helen?"

    Frank stayed silent as he stopped the car and alighted, making a beeline for The Dynasty.

    Vicky stood in his way right then and smiled. "Still nursing a stubborn streak? Look¡ªI consider Helen

    my rival, but winning like this is boring. Get back in the car already. Also, I''m interested in what the

    Graves family is cooking."

    "Go if you want to." Frank started to stride past her.

    Vicky caught him by the wrist. "Running away solves nothing. Come with me¡ªalso, you''re my

    bodyguard, and you''ll have to exin yourself if I get hurt."

    Her pretty, mischievous smile left Frank nodding in exasperation¡ªhe really could not win against her.

    This time, Vicky drove and soon caught up to Chaz''s BMW by the junction, waiting for the light.

    "Where do you think they''re going?" Vicky mused.

    "Do you have to ask?" Frank chuckled despite his frustration and pointed at White Court Hotel just

    down the road. "There."

    "Wow, you''re right." Vicky snorted in surprise as she watched the BMW turn and drive into the hotel

    parking lot.

    Frank remained impassive, folding his arms before his chest¡ªhe had long since figured out how

    Chaz''s thought process worked.

    He almost had his way with Helen at Riverplex Dojo, and he was not about to let another chance slip.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "It''s consensual. So what are we doing here?" Frank snorted, though he was still unsettled inside.

    "Shush." Vicky silenced him, and they both watched the BMW quietly at that.

    Soon, Helen was dragged out of the car and into the hotel entrance, her arms restrained by the two

    bodyguards and looking clearly drunk herself.

    Vicky tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, smiling smugly. "I knew it. Helen would never be

    interested."

    Frank frowned. "I still don''t see how this is my business. I told you I''ve burnt all bridges with the Lanes."

    Vicky did not expose him right then and grinned instead. "Sure, you did. But you''re not just going to

    watch your ex-wife being defiled by that bastard, are you? Can your conscience really take it?"

    Frank sighed lengthily, but just as he was about to move, Vicky''s expression suddenly turned somber

    and she pressed a hand on his shoulder. "Hold it."

    "What now?"

    Still, as he followed Vicky''s gaze, he saw a white Mercedes driving into White Court Hotel as well.

    "That''s Neil''s car," Vicky said in curiosity. "What is he doing here?"

    Frank stayed silent, and watched with Vicky as Chaz stepped out of the White Court Hotel, greeting

    Neil Turnbull with a smile before going into the lobby with him.

    "Come on. Let''s see what those two bastards are up to," Vicky said as she slid quietly out of the car.

    It amused Frank to see her react like that, though he was also getting impatient.

    Vicky was right about his conscience hurting that Chaz made Helen get drunk and took her to a hotel.

    "Stupid girl..." he swore under his breath.

    "Shush." Vicky put a finger on her lips as they sneaked beneath the hotel window, where they could

    eavesdrop on Chaz''s conversation with Neil.

    "Are you serious, Mr. Graves?" Neil could be heard asking.

    Being the second son of the main Turnbull family, Neil never thought highly of the Graves family.

 Chapter 504

    However, Neil was actually interested since the offer Chaz made was exceedingly tempting.

    That was why he was here to iron out the finer details.

    "Yes. I''ve spoken to the Szars myself, and they are all onboard. We''ll take over Grande Pharma,

    oust Vicky Turnbull, and eliminate her gigolo."

    Still, Neil made a look of disdain. "The Szars? Haven''t they basically fallen apart already? Hell,

    Drakon ¡ªDonald''s eldest son¡ªwas killed almost as soon as he returned from Sage Lake Sect, and his

    fiancee''s gone without a trace."

    "True," Chaz said with a grin. "But they used their influence to reach out to the Lionhearts."

    "The Lionhearts?!" Neil''s eyes widened in surprise. "What are you up to?"

    "Nothing, really." Chaz licked his lips and shed a cunning grin. "But I''m sure that Titus Lionheart won''t

    hold back if he finds out that his fiancee has a lover, don''t you think?"

    Neil was silent since there was a threatening edge in Chaz''s tone, but he eventually said bluntly, "It''s all

    Frank Lawrence''s fault. Us Turnbulls yed no part in this."

    "Of course!" Chaz replied with aplomb. "Ms. Turnbull is a beauty like none other. She certainly wouldn''t

    be interested in some random gigolo... So, if you''re agreeing to this, Grande Pharma would be yours

    and Ms. Turnbull would still marry Titus Lionheart while the Szars get their revenge. It''s killing three

    birds with one stone, don''t you think?"

    "And what would you get?" Neil asked, staring fixedly at Chaz¡ªhe was not that dumb, after all.

    "Hahaha!!!" Chazughed as he apuded. "I''m not at all ambitious. I''m just really fed up with my

    fiance constantly breathing another man''s name."

    Neil gritted his teeth and growled, "Deal! So tell me, what do you need me to do?"

    Chaz was just going to borate on his n when a security guard noticed Vicky and Frank crouching

    by a corner of the wall.

    Striding toward them, he barked, "Who goes there?!"

    "Hmph."

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Without another word, Frank danced like a phantom, striking him in the back of his head and knocking

    him out.

    However, both Chaz and Neil heard the bodyguard.

    Frowning, they both stopped talking right then.

    "Damn it!" Vicky was gritting her teeth in frustration¡ªthey were almost getting to the most important

    part, but some security guard blew their cover!

    "We have to go!" she snapped and turned to leave.

    However, Frank was more thorough¡ªhe carried the bodyguard with them while picking up a feral cat

    from a nearby ditch and left it at the spot where they were hiding.

    "A cat..?"

    When both Chaz and Neil saw the cat leaping away as they rushed out of the hotel, they both breathed

    a sigh of relief.

    Still, Neil proved prudent and nodded at Chaz. "Seems like it isn''t safe here. Let''s talk somece more

    secure next time."

    "Sure," Chaz smiled. "I have something to attend to myself, so let''s pick up where we left off some

    other day."

    As Neil drove away, Frank and Vicky emerged out of hiding.

    Vicky had been clearly scowling after hearing that the Lionhearts would get involved and was certainly

    a lot less rxed than earlier.

    "I have to go, Frank. I need to send my men to keep watch on Neil."

    Frank nodded, understanding her concern.

 Chapter 505

    Vicky then told Frank, "Your fight with the Lanes aside, I think Helen is innocent. Don''t put yourself

    through a lifetime''s worth of regret out of a moment of pettiness."

    And with those words, she drove away in his Maybach at top speed.

    Frank thought about her words and decided that he had to admit Vicky was right. To a certain extent,

    she had tailed Chaz with him because she did not want him regretting anything.

    As a matter of fact, Frank had not gotten over Helen either. He knew full well that the same went for her

    too, but she could not see the truth and kept being deceived into making the wrong choice.

    They were married for three years, and such a long rtionship was not so easily ended.

    "Stupid girl..." Frank sighed as he strode into White Court Hotel. -

    In Room 808, Chaz''s bodyguards shoved Helen into the bathroom, sshing cold water on her.

    Her head cleared considerably, and despite her reluctance, she was dusting herself off after staying

    depressed for three days.

    She knew she absolutely did not want to marry Chaz, especially after seeing through Chaz''s deceit and

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    ambition beneath his harmless appearance.

    If she married him, the Graves family would devour the Lane family whole, be it the ones in

    Northstream or Southstream.

    Her grandfather''s will made it very clear that she must stand firm and remarry Frank, even if she had to

    go against her own mother.

    Frank''s quiet sacrifice was the reason Lane Holdings could rise from rags to riches and the reason she

    could reach where she was now.

    She would return to his side no matter what it took, and she would never give up no matter how

    disappointed he was in her¡ªeven if he rejected her.

    She had made up her mind, and as a strong, independent woman, she refused to just roll over and die.

    She looked around, but there was nothing else aside from toiletries in the bathroom.

    Chaz had taken her phone away too, so she could not contact anyone.

    "What should I do?" she murmured as she wrapped herself with a towel, her hair still dripping wet as

    she thought furiously about what to do.

    Click.

    Suddenly, the hotel room door opened, and a voice that sent her flinching spoke outside. "Are you done

    cleaning up, Helen?" "Chaz..." Helen bit her lip, tightening the towel around her. "Look¡ªI have no

    feelings for you, but if you let me go, we can put everything behind us, and we''d still be friends."

    "Friends?" Chaz almostughed outside. "Did you really think you''re still in a position to talk terms with

    me? Why don''t you listen to what your mother just called me to say?"

    He whipped out his phone and yed out a recording.

    "Oh, Mr. Graves. our daughter will be in your care from now on. I''m so sorry that she''s still obsessing

    over that gigolo."

    "Don''t worry, Mrs. Lane," Chaz assured her in the recording. "I''ll take good care of Helen."

 Chapter 506

    Chaz was still keeping up with his nice guy act, his tone as humble as it was gentle.

    "Oh, if only my daughter had met you earlier." Gina sighed over the phone. "Anyway, juste home

    soon. Let''s get you married to Helen soon."

    "Sure, Mrs. Lane."

    "By the way, can we really return to the main family? Jade''s been threatening us, saying they''d never

    let us go back..."

    "Don''t worry, Mrs. Lane. My family''s word holds sway in Southstream."

    "That''s wonderful!"

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    Beep.

    Chaz yed another recording soon after.

    "Oh, Chaz. Hughie is so useless, getting killed by some gigolo. Come over tonight. I''m so lonely." Cindy

    was purring.

    "Haha! I''lle for you when I''m done with your cousin, you minx!"

    "That''s a promise. You muste tonight. By the way, I''m also game if you need help holding Helen

    down."

    In the bathroom, Helen''s heart sank rock bottom as the recordings finished ying.

    "Just give up and give in to me already." Chaz chuckled outside. "Your whole family are all agreeable to

    you marrying me. There''s no fighting it now. Of course, you might be hoping that Frank will save you,

    but I don''t mind telling you that he''ll be dead in a few days."

    "What?!"

    While Chaz''s words left Helen disappointed before, her heart skipped a beat this time.

    She held on tightly to her bathrobe as she opened the door, ring fiercely at Chaz as she demanded,

    "What are you doing to Frank?!"

    "Hehehe." Chaz licked his lips at the pretty sight before him, his libido threatening to explode when he

    saw Helen''s half-naked body.

    However, forcing himself on her was boring¡ªhe wanted her utter obedience to satisfy his lust to

    dominate.

    "I''m sure you have heard of the Morhen''s four families, specifically the Lionhearts? On top of that,

    they''re backed by Volsung Sect¡ªone of the South Sea Four¡ªand crushing Frank Lawrence is no

    more than squashing an ant with a boot."

    He then brandished a bright gold business card at Helen. "This right here is Titus Lionheart''s business

    card. Just think about it¡ªI can call him and tell him that Vicky Turnbull, who was supposed to be his

    fiancee, has been messing around with some gigolo... Surely you know what happens after that?"

    Helen was left bbergasted by Chaz''s threat. "Y-You''re despicable!"

    "I''m really not." Chaz expression suddenly turned cool even as he folded his arms before his chest.

    "Would I have any reason to spur Titus into action if Frank didn''t seduce Ms. Turnbull? How is that

    despicable? I guess I should remind you¡ªthere have been idiots in Riverton who have tried to woo Ms.

    Turnbull. one was cut into pieces and fed to pigs while another was dismembered, and thest one

    was buried alive."

    Every death Chaz mentioned left Helen cringing.

    The Lionhearts of Morhen were way worse than Sage Lake Sect as they could crush little Riverton

    whenever they wanted!

    Chaz then put away the business card just then. "I''m sure you''re smart, Helen, so why stay with Frank?

    When the fighting starts, you''d just be hurting your mom, your cousin, Lane Holdings, and even the

    Lane family of Southstream. Hell, they might even exhume your grandfather''s body."

    Chuckling as he folded his arms before his chest again, he continued, "Naturally, if you give me your

    heart and soul, I swear I won''t tell Titus, just so your ex-husband will live another few years."

 Chapter 507

    Helen was stupefied¡ªshe had never expected this.

    Her grandfather''s will was clear: leave the family to be with Frank and follow her conscience.

    She had certainly made up her mind after being told about Chaz''s true nature, but his threat left her in

    despair.

    If she refused Chaz, he would go after Frank.

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    Yes, Frank was a fighter, but could he defeat the might of the Lionhearts?

    And they had the backing of Volsung Sect with hundreds of apprentices and countless Skyrank elites

    among their ranks.

    It was impossible¡ªFrank would end up destroyed, and Vicky could get caught in the crossfire too.

    It would not be just them either¡ªher family and thepany she worked so hard to develop in three

    years would all be reduced to dust.

    Helen was silent and turned toward Chaz, trembling. "I-If I marry you, would you spare Frank?"

    "Of course! I love you, Helen. Why would I bother with him if you marry me? I''m such a gentleman."

    Chaz smiled.

    That smile only left Helen disgusted¡ªto think that her childhood friend grew up to be such a heinous

    man.

    But she had no way of fighting back.

    After struggling with herself for a long while, she nodded in disgrace as tears welled out of her eyes. "J-

    Just spare Frank, and I''ll marry you."

    "Haha..." Chaz''s smile broadened as she resigned herself. "There''s no reason to hide anything from

    your husband, right? Take it off."

    He was staring at her amorously even as he strode up, but Helen held on firmly, not inclined to let him

    win.

    "What?" Chaz promptly scowled. "You''d rather your ex-husband die?"

    "I." Helen teared up but ultimately rxed her fingers.

    Chaz was smiling gleefully as he reached for her towel.

    "Stop!"

    A bellow suddenly thundered from outside the hotel room, and the door was kicked wide open.

    Helen turned to see that it was none other Frank, the one she wanted to see most.

    "Frank..." she murmured in joy, but her delight soon faded as she remembered Chaz''s threat.

    Nheless, Frank strode inside and took her by the wrist. "We''re leaving."

    "Frank." Helen hung her head, not budging and refusing to leave even as Frank tugged at her.

    "What."

    Even before Frank could appear confused, Chaz flicked the dust off his shoulders and smiled as he

    walked over. "You found us here¡ªhow incredible!"

    "You''re asking for it." Frank red at Chaz coldly, his killing intent aze.

    "Haha! Calm down now¡ªI know you''re good and I''m no match for you, but don''t forget that you''re

    Helen''s ex-husband now. Who she wants to be with is her decision."

    Turning toward Helen with a grin, Chaz asked, "Right, Helen?"

 Chapter 508

    Helen''s mouth was open, but she could not say what was guing her mind.

    Frank then turned to her and said solemnly, "I know there''s some misunderstanding between us, but I

    hope you''ll see the truth and not get misled. However, you have to trust me. Do you trust me, Helen?"

    Frank had never spoken to Helen like that before, and she could scream that she did.

    She put her hand on his palm, wanting to throw herself in his arms so much just then!

    However, just as she was about to give in to her desire, Chaz sneered as she dissuaded her. "Are you

    forgetting something, Helen?"

    Yes... There was Chaz himself and Titus.

    Helen was certainly embittered¡ªshe wanted to leave with Frank so badly, but so what?

    She knew Frank''s temper and that he would never give in¡ªand that meant death.

    As for her, should she choose love and cause the death of the man she so dearly loved?

    Helen withdrew her hand as if jolted, lowering her gaze while fighting back her tears. "I never trusted

    you, Frank. I-I''m marrying Chaz next week. Let''s just stay away from each other now."

    Her words left Frank feeling like he was punched in the gut.

    "What are you saying? A-Are you really¡ª"

    "Yes, Frank. Don''t bother me ever again." Helen braced herself and lied through her teeth. "You''ve

    always deceived me, while Chaz has always been good to me. Just go!"

    "Sorry for imposing." Frank hung his head and turned to leave right then.

    "Frank." Helen sped a hand over her mouth, suffering endless misery even as she watched him cut

    a lonely figure in the hallway.

    She could throw herself at him right then and tell him that she was lying.

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    But if she did that, Chaz would have him killed!

    "Hahaha! Not bad, Helen. You really know your ce." Chaz chuckled gleefully, stepping beside her

    and breathing in her scent deeply.

    Then, instead of staying with Helen, he ran out to the hallway and gloated loudly at Frank from the

    back. "You hear that, Frank Lawrence?! Helen is mine! Stay away from us from now on, loser! Helen

    loves me! Hahaha!"

    That was when Frank suddenly paused.

    "Eh?"

    Chaz immediately felt danger when he saw that, and Frank soon disappeared while Chaz felt a

    heartrending agony from his chest!

    He was the chief of the Seaham Martial Artist Association, but he never even saw Frank move!

    He screamed as he flew over ten meters down the hallway, coughing blood as he pushed himself off

    the ground.

    His eyes went red from fury as he growled, "I''ll kill you!"

    Seeing that things were quickly getting out of hand, Helen leapt up to Frank and pped him across

    the face!

    Smack!

    "Have you lost your mind?!" she cried, feeling thoroughly indignant¡ªhow could Frank behave in such a

    manner after she sacrificed herself for him? If Chaz held a grudge over this, Frank would be a dead

    man!

    Her p cleared Frank''s mind too.

 Chapter 509

    Frank stared at Helen in disbelief. "Did you just hit me?"

    "I."

    Helen''s palm was shaking as she stared at the palm print she left on Frank''s face, her heart aching.

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    But she could not apologize¡ªinstead, she leapt at him as if crazed, pushing him while shielding Chaz

    even as she bellowed through tears, "That''s enough! You killed my grandfather¡ªare you going to kill

    my fiance too?! Just get out of here! We''ll go our separate ways now, and I don''t want us to see each

    other anymore!"

    Frank watched her hysterical ravings, his knuckles loosening as he forced a smile. "Helen, you''re being

    threatened by him, aren''t you? Just tell me, and I''ll handle it. Trust me."

    Helen hung her head, avoiding looking him in the eye in fear that she would lose control right then. "No

    one is threatening me! This is all my decision! Stop fantasizing and leave!"

    ".I see."

    Frank clenched his knuckles as he turned to leave, really giving up just then.

    As the elevator doors closed behind him, Helen fell to her knees as if drained. She was wing at her

    face as she sobbed in despair, almost fainting even as she watched the elevator descend.

    "No. don''t go, Frank. That''s not true."

    "Bleurgh. That bastard."

    Meanwhile, Chaz had gotten to his feet, clutching his chest as he limped toward Helen.

    He watched as she stayed on her knees and bawled, his libido doused right then as he kicked her

    squarely in the face!

    However, kicking her to the floor hardly eased his swelling spite. He grabbed her by the hair, mming

    her face repeatedly on the wall and only stopping when she bled all over and passed out.

    Even so, she murmured, "Frank."

    "You bitch!" Chaz snarled, though he soon grinned savagely as he stared at the direction from which

    Frank left. "Did you think I''ll spare you because of her? You''re too naive, Frank Lawrence! I''ll make you

    wish you were dead. I''ll make you despair!"

    As Frank left White Court Hotel, he found Trevor waiting for him at the front entrance.

    He snuffed out his cigarette, doing a double take when he saw the palm print on Frank''s face before

    exploding in rage. "Are you alright, Mr. Lawrence?! Which bastard dared toy their hand on you?! Are

    they crazy?!"

    Just as he whipped out his phone, ready to call in the calvary, Frank pressed a hand on his phone and

    shook his head.

    "I''m fine. Let''s go¡ªtake me to The Dynasty."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence," Tervor quickly replied, since he would never disobey Frank''s orders.

    He more or less could feel the misery Frank seemed to project. Knowing that Frank was in a bad mood,

    he quickly drove Frank to The Dynasty.

    As Frank settled down in a seat he picked at random and began to chug a bottle of vodka, Trevor said,

    "I''ll drink with you, Mr. Lawrence."

 Chapter 510

    Trevor was hardly young, but he would die in service of Frank.

    He gritted his teeth as he picked up a bottle of red wine and chugged it, but he was already flushed to

    his ears halfway through one.

    On the other hand, Frank remained perfectly fine even as he emptied his bottle and watched as Trevor

    wobbled as if on the brink. "You don''t have to push yourself, Trevor."

    "No... Stop it, Mr. Lawrence... All that I am... is because..." Trevor mumbled unintelligibly, clearly out of

    the game already.

    Frank shook his head in exasperation and beckoned at Trevor''s bodyguard who stood by the doorway.

    "Send him home," Frank said. "He''s been wearing himself out worrying about me¡ªhe ought to get

    some proper rest."

    Trevor struggled even as he was taken away, while Frank was left sitting alone and drinking away his

    sorrows at the spacious booth.

    Soon, there were rows of bottles lining his table, though Frank was not using his Birthright rank abilities

    to nullify the alcohol''s effects. In fact, he started to feel drunk under the pressure.

    "Hey, isn''t that.?"

    A group of young people strode into The Dynasty just then. Their leader, who looked stereotypically

    thuggish with a lip piercing, had Aria in his arms and was flirting happily together.

    She was dressed mboyantly in a camisole, her permed hair spread loose and her makeup thick. She

    was a lot less conservativepared to Winter, though they were both college students.

    Still, she spotted Frank at his booth under the dimly lit room, with rows of bottles in front of him.

    "What are you doing here, Frank?" she asked as she snuggled up to Frank, abandoning the thug

    leader while deliberately pulling down her camisole to bare her pronounced cleavage.

    "Hmm?" Frank''s eyelids felt heavy, and he tilted his head in thought as he stared at Aria for a moment.

    "Oh, if it isn''t Aria Lond, Winter''s ssmate." He nodded when he finally remembered.

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    "Oh, you." Aria pouted unhappily. "You can skip that act when we''re outside¡ªdo I still look like a child

    to you?"

    "Hehe. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

    Frank was drunk, but he was still conscious enough to tell Aria could be more than a handful.

    He tried to move to another seat to keep his distance, but Aria simply followed him, sitting so close she

    was almost pressing herself on him.

    "Who is he, Aria?" Tuck, the thug boss, strode over to them, his eyes shing with jealousy as he

    red at Aria leaning on Frank.

    "Shit, he can really drink!" one of Tuck''s boys eximed as he saw the piles of bottles beside him.

    "Shut up." Tuck red at him in annoyance as he walked up to Aria, his tone clearly angry. "I''m asking

    you¡ªwho is he?"

    "What''s it to you?" Aria rolled her eyes and sneered in disdain, clearly dumping him right then.

    "You bitch..." Tuck was thoroughly incensed and turned on Frank, pointing at him as he threatened, "I

    don''t know who you are, kid, but learn your ce and fuck off, you hear?!"

    "Who do you think you are to tell Frank to leave?" Aria sprang to her feet, standing akimbo as Tuck was

    clearly harassing Frank. "You should be the one to learn your ce, Tuck! You''ll suffer if you upset

    him!"

 Chapter 511

    Aria''s mocking left the thugs incensed, though she was not afraid.

    Having seen Frank fight, she knew for sure that these thugs would never win against Frank, and there

    were also his many connections!

    Aria was certainly eager to sink her ws into a man who was rich, handsome, and well-connected. If it

    was not for Winter''s persistent refusal to tell her where they lived, she would be showing up on Frank''s

    doorstep to seduce him.

    And now that she ran into him, she was not about to give up on such a perfect chance!

    A thug like Tuck was nothing more than a wormpared to Frank!

    Tuck was ring coldly at Frank in turn. "Last warning, kid. Get out of here if you know what''s good for

    you."

    Frank frowned and nced at Aria beside him.

    He was in a bad mood, and these pests had to keep bothering him.

    But he was unable to avoid Aria, so he had to brace himself and chase away the thugs. "Find someone

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    else if you''re seeking trouble. It''s in your best interest not to mess with me."

    "Fuck you!" Tuck promptly picked up an empty bottle and smashed it on Frank''s head.

    "Argh¡ª!" Aria screamed, surprised that Tuck would really do that to Frank.

    As Tuck threw away what remained of the bottle, he red viciously at Frank. "Are you going to leave

    yet?!"

    His two boys appeared thrilled, with one whistling. "Nice one, boss!"

    "Are you alright, Frank?" Aria asked even as she scrambled to check Frank''s head, but he stopped her.

    It was just a bottle¡ªit would not even scratch him.

    "I''m telling you for thest time..." Frank growled as he rose to his feet, his gaze darting between Tuck

    and the two thugs behind him as if unfazed. "Don''t mess with me. I''m in a bad mood."

    "Tuck, I think this guy is bad news." One of Tuck''s boys hurried to him worriedly when he saw Frank

    was unharmed.

    "Shut up!" the other thug snapped. "Bad news? He can''t even stand straight! Are you belittling Tuck

    here?"

    Tuck was actually puzzled since he knew better than anyone how violently he smashed that bottle on

    Frank''s head.

    Yet, not only was Frank not bleeding, but the way he appeared unfazed left him rmed.

    However, his boys'' exchange and Aria''s look of panic only encouraged him.

    Picking up another bottle, he bellowed at Frank, "I''m in a worse mood than you are! You''d better leave

    now, or I''ll make you suffer! Haven''t you heard of me?! I''m Tuck Mahan¡ª"

    ng!

    Even before Tuck could finish, Frank picked up a bottle and smashed it on Tuck''s head so quickly no

    one could have seen it.

    Shards shot everywhere, while Tuck fell to his knees with a loud thud, stunned.

    "What the... Argh!!!" he mumbled and screamed when he touched his head and felt blood, dropping to

    his bottom as he stared at then still-drunken Frank and shrieked, "You hit me! You fucking hit me!"

    Frank sighed.

 Chapter 512

    Frank wobbled up to Tuck, remaining impassive as he growled, "I warned you, but you wouldn''t listen.

    You can''t me me for that."

    "He hit Tuck! Go!"

    Tuck''s two thug friends promptly picked up empty bottles off the table as well. However, Frank had

    already smashed both their heads with each one bottle, leaving them dropping limply to the floor, their

    heads cracked and bleeding.

    Even as one of them clutched his face and blood streamed down his forehead, he shrieked, "You hit

    Tuck! You''re a dead man!"

    On the other hand, Aria was pping excitedly upon seeing the three thugs being beaten up. "You''re

    so cool, Mr. Lawrence! Go on, kill those bastards!"

    Frank shot her a cold, impatient re in turn, and Aria''s thrill turned to fear.

    After all, he would not have been bothered by those three pests if she did not start trouble out of

    nothing.

    He threw away the broken bottle he was holding and started to leave... and was surprised when Tuck,

    still on the floor, grabbed him by the trousers.

    Even as he bled all over his face, his expression contorted viciously. "Do you think you can just leave

    after hitting me?"

    "Then what do you want?" Frank growled impatiently,

    Tuck most likely had no idea, but Frank had been holding back¡ªif he had not, Tuck and his thug

    friends'' heads would have blown apart.

    Now, his eyes shed murderously as Tuck stubbornly clung on to him.

    "Just you wait! I''ll make you pay for hitting me!" Tuck snapped and pulled his phone out of his pocket

    with shaking fingers.

    Before his call got through, a ck-d man in shades just happened to enter the bar.

    Tuck''s face lit up with savage delight as soon as he saw the man, and heughed at Frank madly as he

    snapped, "You''re a dead man!"

    Dropping his phone, he scrambled toward the man in shades, hugging the man''s feet as he bawled,

    "Mr. Yorkman! Please, you have to help me! Someone just attacked me!"

    Mr. Yorkman appeared surprised and promptly kicked Tuck several meters away as he snorted in

    disgust, "Who the hell are you?"

    "Did you forget? I''m Tuck Mahan! My brother Zuck Mahan posted bail to have me released!"

    His cries left Mr. Yorkman doing another double take, though he finally remembered. "Oh, the Mahan

    family''s good-for-nothing? So? What happened to your head?"

    Tuck was actually pleased to be called a good-for-nothing¡ªif anything, he was delighted!

    "That''s him, Mr. Yorkman! He stole my girl and attacked me in public! You have to help me!"

    Mr. Yorkman snorted, clearly here for something else.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    He would rather not get involved with Tuck, but the bar was already in an uproar and people were

    watching him.

    He cleared his throat given who he was and turned toward where Tuck was pointing.

    Just as he was about to flex authority and say something to calm down the situation, he saw who Tuck

    was pointing at.

    "Mr. Lawrence?!" he eximed as he took off his shades¡ªthe man turned out to be Burt Yorkman!

    "Hmm?" Frank actually appeared bored when he saw who it was and returned to his seat.

    On the other hand, the crowd grew restless.

    "Wait, isn''t that Riverton''s top officer Burt Yorkman?"

    "Gosh, it really is!"

    "A thug like Tuck actually knows Burt?!"

 Chapter 513

    Most of the onlooking crowd gasped in surprise when they saw Burt''s face since he was a famous

    person.

    The fact that he was here already meant that something big was about to go down!

    A woman with thick makeup even sighed from the middle of the dance floor. "Well, jig''s up. I was just

    saying that the kid is quite a looker, but he had to get physical with Tuck. It''s over for him now¡ªTuck is

    friends with Burt."

    "I heard the people he arrests end up half-dead. The kid''s unlucky to run into him today."

    "Tch. It''s his fault for flirting with Tuck''s girl..."

    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Open your eyes. She''s the one throwing herself at him."

    Even as the crowd argued among themselves, Aria was shaking in fear.

    Burt Yorkman, the top enforcement officer of Riverton, was known to be as strong as he was ruthless.

    She might be a college student, but she had a very active nightlife. She came to learn of Burt, and

    more importantly, how things ended badly for those who found themselves on his naughty list.

    "I. I." Aria nced at Frank, too scared to finish her sentence.

    At the same time, she regretted not knowing that Tuck was friends with Burt.

    Frank was as strong as he was well-connected, but there was simply no way he could hold his own

    against someone like Burt.

    Despite bleeding all over his face, Tuck was smiling savagely. "You''re done, kid! With Mr. Yorkman

    here, you''re¡ª"

    Even before he could finish, he felt a leather shoe hitting him squarely in the face.

    He was flying through the air before rolling all over the dance floor, his front teeth still hanging in the air

    in his wake.

    "What?!"

    Tuck''s thug friends gaped, not expecting this turn of events.

    Was Burt not supposed to be their friend? Why did he send Tuck flying with a kick?

    And that kick must really hurt. Tuck''s face would definitely be disfigured from now on!

    That was when Burt wheeled on them with a vicious re. "Take him and leave. Don''t ever let me see

    you around again!"

    The two thugs were already scared out of their minds and quickly carried Tuck out away and fled The

    Dynasty for their lives.

    While the crowd including Aria looked on in shock, Burt walked up to Frank, greeting him respectfully.

    "I''m so sorry those pests soured the evening for you, Mr. Lawrence."

    Frank held up a hand, gesturing that he did not mind before beckoning at him to sit.

    "What?!"

    Everyone thought they were dreaming to see Burt basically fawning over Frank!

    "And you are...?" Burt then nced politely at Aria.

    Aria sprang to her feet, ufortable with sitting right then. "Officer Yorkman, I''m a junior student at

    Riverton University¡ª"

    "She''s my sister''s friend who just happened to run into me," Frank said neutrally, pushing a bottle of

    beer to Burt.

    "Oh, Ms. Lawrence''s friend?" Burt nodded respectfully at Frank.

    Aria''s breathing turned rushed as she flushed, almost fainting from sheer excitement.

    She had never expected to make the acquaintance of someone important as Burt here, and she could

    brag about this for years!

    And Winter''s brother was so well-connected that he could well own Riverton. Hell, not even the

    governormanded so much influence!

 Chapter 514

    Seeing Aria blinking her twinkling eyes at Burt, Frank waved her off. "I need to speak with Officer

    Yorkman here in private. You should leave for the night."

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    "Okay." Aria pouted, reluctant but not stupid.

    The men were clearly going to talk shop, and interfering would only earn Frank''s displeasure.

    As such, she had to leave The Dynasty, feeling dissatisfied.

    Even as she tugged on her handbag and stepped out, she was cursing Winter under her breath, "Oh,

    Winter, you minx!"

    Winter had never told her Frank was so impressive that Riverton''s topw enforcement officer would

    suck up to him.

    What, was Winter afraid she would jump him?

    Naturally, Aria mismed Winter.

    Even Winter was not aware that Frankmanded so much respect, believing that Frank was only

    backed by the Turnbulls as an executive working under Vicky and receiving her favor.

    Impressive, sure, but not at the level of having aw enforcement officer serve at his beck and call.

    Still, Aria was dissatisfied about missing such a golden opportunity.

    ncing at the Maybach parked beside the road, an idea took root in her mind. -

    Meanwhile, Burt drank several bottles with Frank and started to get tipsy as well.

    Still, he was strong enough to withstand the alcohol without using his vigor to burn it off.

    "Mr. Zurich called me, saying you''re in a bad mood," he said. "He told me toe drink with you."

    "Oh, Trevor... Hmph. He always meddles." Frank huffed as he took another sip from his bottle.

    Musing to himself for a while, he then asked Burt, "What''s your level at present?"

    "I''ve fully mastered vigor," Burt said and sighed upon being reminded of his rank. "I''ve remained stuck

    there for the longest time, with no way of reaching Birthright rank. Sage Lake Sect treats me like their

    dog, refusing to teach me any of their martial discipline."

    "But you know what''s worse? When I found a century-year old Goldeater Cane a few years ago, I was

    about to refine it when someone leaked the news, and Sage Lake Sect took it!"

    Burt rambled on, fueled by alcoholic rage. "I found the Elemental Wonder myself, using all my

    resources, but Sage Lake Sect simply told me that I didn''t need it and took it!"

    Bang!

    He mmed his fist on the table with rage.

    "A Goldeater Cane?"

    Frank was surprised to hear that name, since it was the gold Elemental Wonder.

    Before this, he had already used various methods to gather the fire, water, and earth Elemental

    Wonders. Now, he just needed the gold and wood Elemental Wonders to recover his peak form.

    However, he was disappointed since it had been years ago, and Sage Lake Sect would surely have

    refined the Goldeater Cane into pills by now.

    Still, Burt was surprised by Frank''s unusual reaction to his mention of the Goldeater Cane.

    "Could you be interested in the Goldeater Cane too, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Yes," Frank admitted. "I was wounded back when I fled Mystic Sky Sect and my condition still lingers. I

    need all five Elemental Wonders to recover."

    Burt nodded. "In that case, I have an idea."

    "You have an idea?" Frank cheered up right then, almost forgetting that the topw enforcement officer

    of Riverton would definitely have his connections. "Are you able to find other Elemental Wonders?"

    "No, that''s not what I mean." Burt shook his head. "Elemental Wonders are so rare that even years of

    searching onlynded me a small shoot of the Goldeater Cane."

 Chapter 515

    Burt certainly left Frank mystified. "So, you''re saying...?"

    Burt shed an enigmatic smile in turn. "I have a hunch that the Goldeater Cane that Sage Lake Sect

    took from me has not been made into pills yet. It was no more than a seemingly, and if it wasn''t needed

    urgently, they must keep it nurtured with precious materials to ensure its survival."

    "Moreover, I''ve put two and two together¡ªwhen Quinn Ocean and Drakon Szar visited the Szars

    recently, their intention was to get married. Sal Ocean, the geezer you''ve killed, was supposed to

    officiate the wedding."

    Frank''s eyes lit up. "That means."

    "Yes. Sage Lake Sect would''ve given the Goldeater Cane to the Szars as dowry, and they probably

    still have it right now."

    As Burt broke down the facts, Frank frowned despite feeling hopeful. "The Szars definitely wouldn''t

    sell me the Goldeater Cane with all the bad blood between us."

    "That''s for sure." Burt chuckled coolly. "And I would have been disavowed from Sage Lake Sect when

    Quinn returned to them, so the Szars wouldn''t give it to me either. And if we tried taking it by force,

    they''d definitely rather destroy it than give it to us."

    "In that case."

    Burt sighed lengthily as they finally cut to the chase. "My friends in Sage Lake Sect have informed me

    that they''re up to something big in a couple days. Dejan Ocean, their elder, will being personally."

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    "Really?" Frank raised a brow. "The fish took the bait, I see."

    "Yes." Burt nodded. "I know you want to take down Sage Lake Sect all at once. For their part, they

    wouldn''t want to draw suspicion by sending everyone they had after some little-known youth. If they

    did, word would spread and Cloudnine Sect would catch on."

    Frank narrowed his eyes. "So.?"

    "I''ll act as a double agent and contact Sage Lake Sect," Burt exined. "I''ll drop hints that you want the

    Goldeater Cane and suggest they use it as bait to lure you in. If you trust your strength, you can

    eliminate them while getting the Goldeater Cane¡ªthat''s killing two birds with one stone."

    Watching Burt''s serious expression, Frank smiled and asked, "You''re not going to betray Sage Lake

    Sect, are you?"

    A drop of sweat trickled down Burt''s cheek right then, and he quickly lowered his gaze as he said,

    "What are you saying? I''ve served as their dog for years while gaining your favor after considerable

    difficulty. I''d never turn against you!"

    Frank nodded. "Fine. If we seed, I''ll help you reach Birthright rank.

    His assurance left Burt doing a double take, before eximing in delight, "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!

    However, there are risks in this n¡ªwe need to be careful here."

    "Don''t worry."

    They kept chatting through the night, with Burt asking for instructions on martial arts.

    Frank would answer everything while drinking, since he found Burt to be a rare potential.

    Even though Sage Lake Sect kept denying Burt anything solid, he had managed tobine various

    martial disciplines to develop his vigor on his own.

    One could even call it prodigious, and Frank only felt more contempt toward Sage Lake Sect.

    "Hmph. They have such profound talent right within their grasp, but they refuse to appreciate him."

    He was not aware that Sage Lake Sect suffered severely from nepotism, and fringe apprentices like

    Burt would always be bullied more than they were groomed.

 Chapter 516

    Truth be told, Burt had reached the position he was in today by his own merit and surprised even Sage

    Lake Sect.

    As such, there were some sect members who became wary of Burt rising to power.

    Meanwhile, both Frank and Burt drank a lot as they stayed at The Dynasty past midnight, having

    finished so many bottles that even the waiters and waitresses were starting to get afraid.

    "Mr. Lawrence, allow me to drive you home," Burt offered.

    He did not drink as much as Frank since he was asking for his instructions and was more or less sober.

    "N-No..." Frank slurred. "I just need to get a cab... Go home... Remember the techniques I taught you

    and train properly. Meditate on it."

    "Yes!" Burt was earnestly grateful, since Frank was already treating him a million times better than

    Sage Lake Sect.

    As he helped Frank out of The Dynasty, he looked up to find Aria crouching in front of Frank''s

    Maybach, shivering from the cold.

    "You''re still here?" he asked.

    Aria quickly leapt to her feet, rubbing her cheeks as she grinned. "Well, I was just thinking Frank had a

    lot to drink, and he''d need someone to drive him home."

    "You can drive?" Burt studied Aria from head to toe.

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    Being aw enforcement officer for years, he could tell immediately that the girl was naive.

    However, since Frank said Aria was Winter''s friend, he did not dwell on it.

    "I do," Aria replied gingerly. "The college offers driving lessons, and I''ve been driving for a year."

    "Good. Take him home to Skywater Bay. Remember, you have to send him home."

    "Sure."

    Aria nodded tamely, having waited for so long just for that.

    Taking Frank''s key from his pocket, she got in the Maybach and fired up the ignition.

    "Hel... Hel..." Frank was too drunk and started mumbling.

    "Don''t worry, Frank. I''m taking you straight home." Aria smiled despite her impatience and sped off right

    in front of Burt.

    Burt was in turn clenching his knuckles impatiently¡ªhe wanted to rush home to start training, since

    Frank''s instructions were more than vital to him!

    On the other hand, the Maybach stopped before long.

    Instead of Skywater Bay, Aria took several detours and eventually took Frank to White Court Hotel.

    She called a bellboy who carried Frank to a room.

    After taking a careful bath, she kept her clothes off and sneaked into Frank''s arms.

    Before she slept, she sent his location to her best friend Winter.

    When Winter entered the room at noon the next day, she shrieked, "Ahh¡ª!"

    "Hmm...?" Frank sat up, rubbing his head which ached from a nasty hangover.

    He immediately saw Aria in his arms, as well as Winter who was grasping at the door and staring at

    them in disbelief.

    "Frank, what." Winter''s jaw hung open, unable to say a word.

    Eventually, she came to her senses and mmed the door shut before she turned and fled, sobbing.

 Chapter 517

    Frank then touched himself and realized that he was naked, just like Aria was under the nket.

    "What the hell? Did I..." He rubbed his forehead as he tried his best to remember, but he could only

    remember that he was drunk even as he taught Burt martial arts and left the bar with him. and nothing

    else.

    "Frank." Aria stirred just then, holding the nket to herself as she stared at him vulnerably.

    She only said his name and nothing else, and the look in her eyes made it look as if his animal side

    took over and forced himself on her.

    Frank only felt frustrated, just as he could not help suspecting that he really went out of line.

    But why could he not remember anything?

    On the other hand, Aria could see that he was thinking and quickly continued her helpless act. "It''s

    alright, Frank. I was willing, and I''ll talk to Winter myself. You don''t have to take responsibility."

    Frank looked her in the eye and breathed a long sigh before turning his back to her awkwardly. "Don''t

    worry¡ªI''ll take responsibility for my actions and talk to Winter. I''m not scum. You could move into

    Skywater Bay if you want too. There are plenty of rooms over there."

    "Yeah!" Aria threw her arms around him and kissed his neck, only leaving Frank further awkward.

    After breakfast, he drove Aria to campus.

    On the way back, he began thinking about what happenedst night and called Burt.

    "What?" Burt eximed in surprise. "Aria was supposed to drive you homest night. Are you saying

    she didn''t?"

    "Oh, uh, never mind," Frank said and hung up, sitting in his car while aching with regret.

    Helen''s words had hurt him thoroughly yesterday to the point that he wanted to drink away his sorrows.

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    And once he did, things went out of control.

    "What a mess." He sighed lengthily again, but he decided against hiding anything.

    He and Helen were way past making amends now, and Vicky was engaged anyway. There was no

    issue for him to be with Aria, even though there was an ufortable sensation stuck in his heart.

    Because he felt nothing for Aria.

    Returning to his mansion in Skywater Bay, Frank stepped through the front door to find Carol cleaning

    the drawing room.

    "Where have you been, Mr. Lawrence? Were you in danger?"

    Carol was really worried for Frank since he was gone the entire night, especially after what happened

    before.

    "Nothing. Just a little busy," he replied vaguely, and returned to his room.

    He was getting tired with one annoyance piling up with another.

    Hence, he cleared his mind and started to train without a sense of time.

    When he was done, his phone rang.

    "Frank Lawrence, I hope you can attend my grandfather''s funeral tomorrow."

    It turned out to be Helen, but her voice was as cold as a machine.

    "I will."

 Chapter 518

    Frank was hesitant if he should ask Helen what was wrong, but Gina suddenly started snapping

    sarcastically from the other end, "What''s holding you up, Helen? You called him and told him, and that''s

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    all you have to do. Mr. Graves is waiting for you downstairs! He wouldn''t even be allowed here if not for

    your grandfather''s sake!"

    Beep.

    Helen hung up right then, while Frank shook his head self-deprecatingly, still holding his phone.

    Still, he smelled food just then and stepped out to the dining table.

    However, it ended up bing an awkward table of four with Frank himself, a surprised Carol, a silent

    but scowling Winter, and Aria, who was grinning ear to ear.

    Eventually, despite the awkward vibes, Winter looked up at her friend impassively and asked, "What

    are you doing here, Aria?"

    "Frank told me toe."Aria held a fork over her lips, looking especially innocent since she was

    wearing her Riverton University uniform without her usual mboyance.

    Turning toward Carol, she eximed, "Your cooking is fantastic, Madam Zims. It''s much better than my

    mom''s."

    Carol was befuddled with her daughter''s reaction, as she was scowling at her friend who had juste

    over for dinner.

    "Thank you," she replied. "Feel free to help yourself to more."

    "Thank you."

    On the other hand, Frank knew it was time he manned up.

    Straightening himself, he gave Winter a guilty look as he said, "Winter, something happenedst night

    and I''m sorry, but I must take responsibility too."

    Carol saw in turn that Winter was still hanging her head in silence and asked in concern, "What''s

    wrong, Winter? Did Frank do something to upset you?"

    Frank began, "Madam Zims, it has nothing to do with Winter. I¡ª"

    "I''ll just say it out loud." Aria suddenly raised her chin, cutting him short.

    There was no hiding the excitement in her face as she looked straight at Winter and said, "Frank and I

    slept togetherst night, and he said... he''ll take responsibility. But that''s fine¡ªwe''re still besties, right,

    Winter?"

    "Is that true, Frank?"

    Carol gaped at Frank in disbelief at Aria''s words¡ªshe did not think that Frank was that casual about

    rtionships.

    Frank braced himself and nodded.

    Bang!

    Winter suddenly mmed her fork and knife on the table, growling coolly, "I''m full."

    With that, she strode back to her room, mming the door shut deafeningly.

    "Winter...?" Frank was puzzled as to why Winter was upset.

    Aria was her best friend, but she should not be that angry.

    Carol sighed in turn. "It''s alright, Frank. I''ll talk to her."

    She entered Winter''s room to find her lying sprawled over her bed, bawling.

    "How could she do this! She''s my best friend!" Winter threw herself into Carol''s arms and bawled when

    she saw her. "I thought of her as my sister, and I even told her I like him. Why did she do this?"

    "Oh, don''t be sad, dear. All men are like this." Carol sighed as sheforted her, patting her head¡ª

    she certainly understood what she was going through.

    "No!" Winter cried. "She must have seduced Frank. He''s different from the rest¡ªhe''s not that casual!"

    Carol sighed lengthily, unsure what to say when her daughter was defending Frank so stubbornly.

 Chapter 519

    Frank had no idea that Winter was miserable that Aria stole her beloved.

    He merely presumed that his drunken fumble made things awkward between Winter and Aria, and he

    certainly had no words offort for that.

    As such, his frustration only grew as he listened to Winter''s sobs.

    Beside him, Aria was hovering around him, cing food on his te while sliding pointed nces at

    the direction in which Winter left.

    She could not help it¡ªFrank was as rich as he was sessful, and Winter could not me anyone

    that he was taken since she did not seize him.

    -

    Henry Lane''s funeral was held the next day.

    Vicky called early in the morning to inform Frank that she was busy and that he should attend as

    Grande Pharma''s representative.

    Frank did not dwell on it and drove Aria to Grande Square to pick out a couple of dresses suitable for

    the funeral.

    Aria was excited through it all and dragged Winter across every specialty store before finally picking a

    ck dress tailored by a famous designer worth over five million.

    "Wrap it up," she told the retail assistant haughtily.

    Though Frank would not actually miss five million, not to mention that he had Grande Corp''s gold card,

    Aria''s attitude left him truly ufortable.

    When they left, they ran into Jean Zims.

    She was clearly unfriendly toward Aria. "So that''s how it''s going to be, huh?"

    Aria did not flinch, even puffing her ample bosom as she snorted. "Who Frank likes is his choice."

    Jean pointed a finger at Aria''s face and leveled a stern look at Frank. "Do you really like this woman,

    Frank?"

    Frank frowned, but before he could say a sword, Aria stepped between them, her expression cool.

    "What are you talking about?"

    "You know what I mean." Jean snorted. "We turned a blind eye when you slept around before. Do you

    really think you can face Winter after what you did, when she thought the world of you?!"

    Aria glowered as Jean exposed her.

    "Me, sleeping around? That''s nder!" she snapped before suddenly smiling. "What, so you''re both

    jealous? You and Winter kept calling me bestie, but you''re both just resentful!" Smack!

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    Jean was as short-tempered as she was poor in verbal fencing and simply strode up to p Aria

    resoundingly across her face!

    "You bitch. We''ve seen your true colors now," Jean growled under her breath.

    Aria was left clutching her face, going mad right then.

    "You hit me?! How dare you?!" she shrieked before turning toward Frank, "Did you see that?! She just

    pped me!"

    "Alright¡ªboth of you should just calm down," Frank said as things started to get heated.

    He caught Aria before she could lunge at Jean, although he was frowning at Jean too. "I messed up

    with Aria, and I have to take responsibility."

    "Hmph."

    Jean snorted, ncing between them. "Mr. Lawrence, I''m sure you''re not one to fall for temptation too.

    Just watch your back¡ªthat woman you''re with is a snake."

    With that, Jean strode off.

    On the other hand, Aria struggled violently to free herself from Frank''s palm and shrieked manically,

    "What are you doing?! You saw her hit me, and not only did you not hit back, but you also stopped

    me?"

    Frank frowned again. "You''re friends. Don''t make things so awkward."

 Chapter 520

    Aria red at Jean as she left and shrieked, "Well, we''re no longer friends now!"

    Jean did not look back but raised her hand over her head to give Aria the middle finger.

    "Alright, stop drawing attention already." Frank intercepted Aria and quickly left Grande Square as a

    crowd looked on.

    Aria''s scowl only faded after Frank bought her a ten million dor diamond ne.

    She was still obsessing over the green diamond pendant that Frank gave Winter all those days and

    wanted everything Winter had too!

    -

    Henryy in a casket within Lane Manor.

    Helen, wearing a ck dress with a white flower brooch, was staring at it fixedly.

    Gina, Chaz Graves, and everyone else tried to move her, but she refused to budge.

    Chaz was even smiling as he dropped to a crouch beside her. "Don''t worry, Helen. I''ve asked my dad

    to invite every Riverton bigwig to give your grandfather a proper send off. I''m sure he can rest in peace

    to see them here."

    Gina''s eyes lit up at his words. "You really are thoughtful, Mr. Graves! Go on, Helen¡ªthank him

    already!"

    "Thanks," Helen said numbly and emotionlessly.

    Chaz scowled and swore under his breath, "I tried ying nice, bitch."

    Did she even know the lengths he had gone through to ask his father for such a favor, and all he got

    was that apathetic thanks?

    "Mr. Gerald Simmons, the Chief of General Affairs, has arrived!" a receptionist announced just then.

    "What? When did the Lanes get that friendly with Gerald Simmons?"

    The small and medium-sized enterprise owners were left aghast, watching as Gerald led his son Tidus

    inside amid everyone''s warm greetings.

    "Oh, it''s the honor of a lifetime to have you here, Mr. Simmons." Gina promptly approached Gerald with

    a fawning smile, even shooting Helen looks.

    Helen, however, still did not move.

    Geraldpletely ignored Gina in turn. Walking straight to Henry''s casket with a grim face, he held a

    minute of silent mourning.

    Then, walking up to Helen, he ced a hand on her shoulder. "My condolences.

    Helen looked up and nodded. "Thank you foring, Mr. Simmons."

    "It''s only right that I do." Gerald nodded in turn and sighed. "Frank really admired him, even getting a

    painting from me for his birthday. You never know what''sing, I guess."

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    "Please take a seat." Chaz came up to Gerald after waiting for the right moment.

    Gerald nced at him before nodding impressively as he and his son stepped away from the casket.

    "Robert Quill, governor of Riverton!"

    "What?! First the CGA, and now the governor? Are the Lanes really that well-connected?!"

    The small business owners were even more shocked at that¡ªthey had never heard anything about the

    Lanes having so many friends in high ces!

    "Mr. Tim Yates, chief of the Rivertonmerce guild!"

    "Kenny Sparks, owner of Skyde Dojo!"

 Chapter 521

    "Dan Zimmer, head of Riverton''s Flora Hall!"

    "Neil Turnbull of Morhen!"

    As the announcements came one after the other, every bigwig of Riverton seemed to have arrived.

    All the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) owners, along with other partners of the Lanes,

    were left astounded.

    "I wouldn''t have known that a modest family like the Lanes knows every bigwig in Riverton!"

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    "We have to ride on their coattails!"

    "Aren''t you slow? My friend works at Lane Holdings..."

    "Actually, I heard that Lane Holdings called for an emergency meeting. Helen Lane is no longer CEO¡ª

    it''s Chaz Graves from Southstream."

    "What? Wait, is it still named Lane Holdings?"

    "Who knows?"

    "All these bigwigs must havee because of Mr. Graves."

    "No matter how pretty Ms. Lane is, she''d never get so many bigwigs to pay respects. Isn''t it obvious

    who they came for?"

    "Wait, aren''t you forgetting someone? Wasn''t Ms. Lane married before? Could it perhaps be her

    exhusband?"

    Cindy rolled her eyes when she overheard those enterprise owners. "What are you talking about? Of

    course they came because of Mr. Graves! Helen''s ex-husband is a piece of shit, so shut up if you want

    to stay!"

    "Yes, yes."

    The SME owners naturally did not dare to argue despite Cindy''s outburst, since they were hoping to

    get rich with a partnership with Lane Holdings.

    "We shall be going now, Ms. Lane." Robert and the other Riverton bigwigs started to leave after paying

    their respects.

    They only came out of respect for Frank and would naturally not stay a moment longer.

    "Oh, Mr. Quill, Mr. Simmons¡ªwe''ve actually prepared tables for everyone. If you''re not too busy."

    However, Gina promptly stopped them. With bigwigs such as them, keeping them here to show

    everyone that they were friends of the Lanes bore inestimable benefit to the Lane family''s future.

    Chaz also came to invite them. "That''s right, Mr. Quill. Please at least stay for dinner."

    "That''s unnecessary. We still have other things to do."

    Robert and everyone else''s reaction was the same.

    Chaz did not press the issue and hence changed the subject. "In that case, Helen and I are getting

    married in a few days. Since you''re here, I wouldn''t have to have these delivered."

    As he smiled, he took out several white envelopes containing wedding invitations, leaving Robert and

    the rest stunned.

    "What?" Gerald frowned. "Why wasn''t I told that you''re marrying Ms. Lane?"

    "Is that why Lane Holdings'' CEO changed?" Tim Yates added.

    "Exactly." Chaz nodded smugly. "The Northstream Lanes and Southstream Lanes would soon be one

    again, thanks to my family''s involvement. Henry Lane''sst wish is fulfilled with this."

    "What..." The bigwigs were left trading confused nces again.

    Dan was glowering as he asked quietly, "Does Mr. Lawrence know about this? Did he agree to this?"

    "Why would our families'' matters require his approval?" Chaz chuckled coldly. "Helen and I have loved

    each other since we were children, and that has now borne fruit. He has no right to meddle, just as we

    don''t need his approval¡ªwhat matters is both our families'' approval. What does Frank Lawrence even

    amount to?"

 Chapter 522

    Chaz''s attitude left the Riverton bigwigs silent.

    "You bastard!"

    Kenny Sparks, being a martial artist, was more direct in temperament.

    Like the others, he knew that Frank still had feelings for Helen despite their divorce. Chaz was asking

    for it by meddling!

    "We''ll speak to Mr. Lawrence to confirm this issue. Watch your back, boy!" Kenny snapped, and

    stormed off angrily.

    "What? Mr. Quill, what''s his¡ª"

    Chaz was not expecting this turn of events¡ªdid these people note under his father''s invitation?

    Dan seemed to realize what he was thinking and snorted in disdain. "Kid, did you think we came to pay

    our respects to Henry Lane because of your father? You''d be overestimating your family in that case."

    Gerald turned right then, not bothered to look at Chaz twice. "You should be thinking how you''re going

    to exin yourself to Mr. Lawrence! You Graves have messed with someone above your pay grade!"

    "Farewell."

    Tim left as well. Though he had not spoken with Frank much, he learned about the man''s skills and

    strength from his close friends and did not want any part in Chaz''s mess.

    Chaz''s cheeks clenched as he watched those bigwigs storm off without taking his invitations, and he

    almost cursed out loud.

    Frank was no more than a gigolo living off the Turnbulls! He had no right to have so many bigwigs on

    his side!

    Nheless, Neil approached Chaz just as he calmed down, as if he had not heard Chaz''s exchange

    with the bigwigs.

    Keeping a straight face, he asked under his breath, "I''m done here. What about you?"

    "Really? Not bad. I can start soon myself." Chaz smiled savagely as he watched the bigwigs leave.

    They could admire Frank as much as they want, for he would bury them in under a week!

    Chaz vowed to make Frank a pariah, and then cut him into pieces!

    "Mr. Donald Szar has arrived!"

    As the Szars'' cars stopped outside Lane Manor, the white-haired Donald Szar alighted, his eyes

    red.

    He and Chaz nodded as they passed each other, smiling savagely in tacit understanding.

    Frank was driving to Lane Manor as well when he received Gerald''s call.

    "Mr. Lawrence, have you heard? Chaz Graves said he''s marrying Helen Lane in a week."

    "I know. And I''ve since cut all ties with the Lanes."

    Gerald sighed at his calm reaction. "In that case, I have no reason to take good care of the Lanes."

    Once Gerald hung up, Kenny''s call came to confirm the same matter, after which he snapped, "Why

    don''t I just send my dojo after them and wipe out the Graves family? You can see how fake his smile is

    ¡ªanyone can immediately tell he''s bad news!"

    Kenny remained cid despite Kenny''s agitation and quietly said, "Thanks for the offer, but I have

    nothing to do with the Lanes now."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 523

    As Frank hung up, he finally arrived outside Lane Manor.

    A doorman promptly stopped him, snapping sternly, "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence, but Mr. Graves gave

    express instructions not to let you drive inside."

    Aria wound down her window and snapped at the doorman, "Hey! This is in disrespect! You have no

    right!"

    Frank stopped her. "Forget it. I''m not nning to stay anyway."

    He simply parked by the curb and headed inside Lane Manor with Aria.

    He immediately found Chaz and Donald having a particrly happy chat, and Donald''s eyes went red

    the instant he saw Frank.

    Enemies really cannot stay in the same room. Although Donald was not about to start a fight just then,

    he shed a sarcastic, savage smile at Frank. "Cherish yourst days, Mr. Lawrence."

    "When''s your son''s funeral? Do send an invite to Skywater Bay¡ªI''ll definitely be there."

    Frank would naturally not take his jibe lying down, and his single remark certainly struck Donald where

    it hurt.

    "You bastard!" Donald almost exploded right then but eventually snorted as he turned and stormed off,

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    his eyes shing viciously. "Let''s see how much longer you''re going to strut!"

    On the other hand, seeing that Frank was being unruly, Chaz sneered at him as he lectured haughtily,

    "Watch yourself, Frank. You''re in my house¡ªyou wouldn''t even be allowed in if not for Henry Lane''s

    funeral."

    "Just shut up," Frank shot back, unbothered, as he pulled Aria along into the manor.

    His contempt left Chaz gritting his tooth too, though he was soon chuckling. "Go on, keep puffing

    yourself up. The Lionhearts already know that you''re seducing Vicky Turnbull, and they will send a

    Skyrank elite next week. Let''s see what happens then!"

    On the other hand, Frank''s heat stung as he strode inside to find Helen in front of Henry''s casket, but

    he did not react.

    After all, the manor was silent as soon as he entered, and anyone could feel the enmity that the Lanes

    felt toward Helen''s ex-husband.

    Gina and Cindy especially could kill him right then.

    Aria frowned in turn, ring at Gina as she pursed her lips. "What do you think you''re looking at? Frank

    came to mourn Mr. Lane, not to suffer your dead face."

    Dead face?!" Gina''s turned pale.

    Even Frank was a little annoyed¡ªAria''s choice of words was really poor when Henry''s casket was right

    there.

    Still, life returned to Helen''s face as she wheeled on Aria, ring at her fixedly as she snapped angrily,

    "Who are you? Were you even invited?! Get out!"

    Aria simply folded her arms before her chest with a look of disdain. "You have no right to tell me to

    leave. Frank and I are here to mourn Henry Lane, and it has nothing to do with you."

    "Frank...?"

    Helen finally turned and realized that a familiar figure was standing there with them.

    She bit her lip, but her gaze dulled before she said what was on her mind.

    Frank snapped at Aria, "Shut up. Leave if you intend to keep causing trouble."

    Aria''s eyes welled up with miserable tears. "It''s unfair how they''re mistreating you, Frank! Just look at

    them¡ªthey''re not weing us at all!"

 Chapter 524

    Aria argued, "Your ex-wife is even more unreasonable, telling us to leave!"

    Helen was going to exin herself but ultimately closed her eyes and repressed her ring emotions

    as she snapped coolly, "You can both leave if you disrespect my grandfather again."

    "Be quiet." Frank red at Aria too, finally silencing her.

    He strode up to Helen''s side and stood before Henry''s casket. He then dropped to his knees and

    kowtowed three times.

    "I will never forget that you saved my life, Gramps. I''ve done you a dishonor¡ªI failed to protect your

    family and caused your death. I''ll always feel remorse for my actions and can only hope that you''ll

    forgive me."

    Gina promptlyughed coldly at that. "Oh, you actually know that? Though I suspect that you''d actually

    feel remorse."

    "Yeah! You''re a murderer! Helen''s grandfather died because of you!" Cindy cried crocodile tears even

    as she pointed at Frank as everyone watched.

    "Mom! Cindy!" Helen''s eyes turned red as she lost it right then. "Please just stop already!"

    Bang!

    Suddenly, Frank mmed his forehead on the floor so hard that he started bleeding.

    Helen''s heart almost stopped as she looked on. "Please, Frank! Just stop!"

    Bang!

    However, Frank mmed his forehead on the floor!

    "That''s enough, Frank!" Helen cried as she tried to pull him to his feet, but he pushed her saide.

    Bang!

    After doing it three times, Frank looked up, bleeding down his face as his eyes welled up with tears.

    "I''ve paid my respect three times, Gramps. I hope you''ll find a better life in the next, and I''ll be here to

    pay respects again every year."

    With that, he wiped the blood off his face and turned to leave.

    "Frank..." Helen bit her lip, her knuckles clenching so hard they could break.

    It was not Frank''s fault¡ªHenry had said that much in his will.

    Henry knew that as long as he lived, Frank would alwayse to help his family. And each time he

    did, Gina and the others would always incite misunderstandings, driving Helen further away from him.

    Gina and Cindy were in fact the ones who pushed Henry to his death.

    If not for those two''s lies and selfishness, Helen would not have misunderstood Frank so many times,

    and Frank would not have been disappointed in her.

    Helen understood that her family finally drove him over the brink, leaving no recourse when they

    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    kidnapped Winter.

    On one hand was the man who saved his life, and the other was histe mentor''s daughter.

    How was he supposed to choose?

    Even Luna Lane''s illness wasn''t treated by that doctor from Seaham¡ªit was Frank, who would go that

    far to help such despicable people because he owed Henry.

    Having done so much for them, he had more than repaid his debt to the Lane family.

    And yet, not only did Gina and Cindy never cared about Frank''s kindness, but they would keep

    scorning Frank, even kidnapping Winter.

    In fact, Helen had nned to send Gina and Cindy to the care of the Southstream Lanes while she

    tried to make amends with Frank.

 Chapter 525

    However, Helen''s ns went south.

    Chaz''s involvement and his leverage forced Helen to go against her own wishes.

    She had to sacrifice herself to keep Frank safe...

    "Quit gawking. Frank is mine," Aria suddenly said coolly beside her.

    As a fellow woman, she could certainly see the intent in Helen''s eyes and quickly asserted dominance.

    "What?"

    Helen stared at Aria, stunned. She was just a college student dressed in risque fashion and with

    modest looks, depending entirely on makeup.

    And given her earlier outbursts, she clearlycked tact.

    Why would Frank be interested in her?

    Naturally, Helen''s skeptical reaction left Aria''s inferiorityplex ring.

    Helen was a natural beauty with a stunning figure, but she would still beat Aria despite her haggard

    looks after all the recent stress.

    There was just no way Aria could win¡ªnot even ten of her would.

    There was even less need to borate on style, when one was a in Jane and the other a strong,

    independent woman.

    "Frank and I did it, and he promised to take responsibility for me." Aria red at Helen haughtily

    nheless. "Also, did you really think those bigwigs who visited you earlier came because of your

    new boyfriend, Chaz Graves? No, it''s all thanks to Frank. They even called Frank soon afterward¡ªif he

    just says the word, your family and the Graves would be all dead."

    Smirking, she shot Helen a look of pity as she continued, "What a shame. You have the looks but

    couldn''t even keep him. See this dress? Tailor-made and worth over five million dors, but most

    importantly, Frank bought it for me. This ne too. thirty million dors and a joint project by over a

    dozen master craftsmen. It''s handmade too. Shame you have no such luck."

    With that, she smiled and left with Frank.

    Helen remained where she was, watching Frank and Aria leave.

    Her emotions were a mess and her heart hollow, as if missing a chunk.

    Aria''s bragging would not have stung that much before, but it did now¡ªher words sharp des that

    stabbed into the heart.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    The money was not the problem¡ªHelen would not care whether Aria''s gifts were five million or five

    trillion.

    What mattered was that Frank bought it for Aria!

    "They slept together too..." she murmured, almost fainting from heartbreak. "Three years, and we never

    consummated our marriage."

    Chaz entered just then and quickly caught Helen as she wobbled, frowning, "What''s wrong, Helen?

    What did that bastard do to you?! Don''t worry¡ªif he harasses you again, I''ll have Mr. Quill arrest him!"

    "That''s Mr. Graves for you!" Gina promptly showered him with ttery. "You''re so well-connected, even

    in Riverton!"

    "Oh, it''s nothing." Chaz chuckled. "Don''t worry, ma''am¡ªI''d never let that bastard hurt Helen ever

    again."

    Helen nced at Chaz fake smile, only feeling disgust.

    Meanwhile, Frank had left Lane Manor.

 Chapter 526

    Frank received a call from Burt Yorkman, who was wheezing and sounded weak over the phone. "It

    worked, Mr. Lawrence. Quinn Ocean and her father Bocek believed me, and you''ll be hearing about

    Goldeater Cane before long."

    "Yeah, good work... Why do you sound so weak?" Frank asked in curiosity.

    "Oh, I just had to suffer a little to make it look convincing. Oof, that woman can reallynd a hit. Some

    of my ribs are broken and she could''ve killed me right there." Burt chuckled.

    Frank, however, could tell that he was pushing himself. "Head to Flora Hall if you have the time. Just

    say my name, and someone will do their best to treat you."

    "Sure," Burt replied right away but soon added worriedly, "I have to warn you before that, Mr. Lawrence

    ¡ªBocek Ocean is a monster, and his ce in Skyrank is deserved. You have to watch out when you''re

    fighting him."

    "Got it." Frank hung up and took Aria home to Skywater Bay, where he found a middle-aged man in a

    white shirt, waiting with two bodyguards outside.

    It was none other than Eron White of Southstream.

    "What the hell would he want from me?"

    Frank went over as he alighted, just as Eron''s eyes lit up when he saw him.

    "Mr. Lawrence!" He was grinning broadly. "I heard you were out on an errand, so I waited for you here.

    It was alleged that you seek the Five Elemental Wonders, and you did get the Earthen Dragonheart

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    from my family. And now, I have great news for you."

    "Really?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes, inwardly amused.

    Burt had just called him, and here Eron was.

    Sage Lake Sect were certainly efficient, though it still surprised Frank that it would be the White family

    of Southstream running this errand for them.

    It seemed that the White family was quite dissatisfied with him after he took the Earthen Dragonheart

    from them.

    "It''s the Goldeater Cane, Mr. Lawrence!" Eron continued just then. "A distant rtive just happened to

    procure a mature one, and if you can offer a satisfying price, my family will act as the middleman for

    you to procure it." "Oh!" Frank appeared delighted despite his inward contempt. "I''m surprised you''d do

    me such a great favor¡ªI''m indebted to you. If you ever need anything, just say the word and I''ll do my

    best to help."

    "Actually, I do have something to ask," Eron said after musing to himself for a while. "My daughter has

    also asked me to invite you over to stay the night, saying she has something important to discuss with

    you... May I ask if you lodged at White Court Hotel recently?"

    Frank presumed Eron was going to mention his daughter Kim White to entice him into falling for Eron''s

    trap.

    However, Eron''s question actually left him stunned.

    White Court Hotel.?

    Frank nced at Aria beside him and nodded¡ªthat was the ce where Aria sank her ws into him.

    "Oh, then that must be a mistake." Eron sighed and smiled. "Kim''s actually working in management,

    and White Court Hotel is one of her establishments. While she was making reforms, she caught a

    group of staff who were involved in voyeurism, conspiring with external individuals to record videos of

    guests in their rooms. Kim insisted that it was vital she spoke to you face-to-face about it, so."

    Eron leveled a quizzical look at Frank just then.

 Chapter 527

    Aria was sweating over her brow even as she stood at a corner.

    At White Court Hotel, she had set things up so that Frank believed he had a drunken fumble with her.

    She knew there were cameras in the hallways and the elevators, but there were voyeurs too...?!

    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Did that mean that what she did that night was recorded, and Eron''s daughter wanted to tell Frank

    about that?

    Forget Frank''s fury once he was found out and take back everything he gave her¡ªthe life in mor

    and riches she envisioned would go up in smoke!

    Even as the thought struck her, Aria forced a smile as he turned toward Frank. "I''m a little tired. I''ll go to

    my room now."

    "Yeah, sure," Frank replied, already suspicious after seeing her unusual reaction.

    Moreover, he was a Birthright rank elite and had overwhelming self-restraint, not to mention that he

    checked himself right after and did not find anything unusual.

    And if he really passed out drunk, how would he even get it on with Aria?

    If anything, Frank had his suspicions in the first ce but came down with too much stress recently to

    really think.

    And was a girl like Aria devious enough to arrange all of that just to deceive him?

    That was when Frank remembered running into Jean Zims at Grande Square, and what she said

    echoed in his mind: "Just watch your back¡ªthat woman you''re with is a snake."

    That made Frank basically sure that Aria had set him up.

    If anything, she was just fortunate he had not been thinking straight¡ªhe would not have afforded her

    the chance otherwise.

    Still, he must produce evidence to back his suspicions, or he could not do anything if Aria got stubborn

    and refused to be confused.

    And Kim most likely had the evidence of what went down that night.

    In that case, a trip to White Hall was inevitable.

    Nodding without hesitation, he told Eron, "It''ste now, but I shall being over early tomorrow."

    "Great!" Eron eximed contentedly.

    Both men chatted a little before Frank saw him off.

    As they did, Frank was wondering about one thing¡ªEron was obviously conspiring with Sage Lake

    Sect against him, but what about Kim?

    Was Eron just using this as an excuse to lure him to Southstream? Was it possible that Kim had no part

    in this?

    He remembered Kim quarreling with Eron over the Earthen Dragonheart for his sake after he treated

    her injuries.

    "Well, whatever. I''ll just have to deal with anythinging my way." Frank snorted, shaking his head

    and clearing his mind of those bothersome questions.

    At dinner, Winter was still grouching, her eyes still puffy.

    Beside her, Carol sighed repeatedly as she slid nces at Aria, who sat beside Frank.

    However, Aria was the one who left the table first¡ªshe appeared very distracted, putting down her

    knife and fork before dashing for the bathroom.

    Later in the night, Frank''s room door opened.

    Aria entered, only wearing her risque lingerie as she slid under Frank''s nket without a word.

    "Frank..." she breathed into his ear, appearing especially alluring in her ckcy bra.

 Chapter 528

    Frank, however, did not even flinch.

    Now that he suspected Aria of duplicity, he was not about to give her another chance.

    "I''m busy," he said, throwing a jacket over her as he pushed her outside and locked the door after. "I''ll

    have to take a rain check."

    "Hey!"

    Aria was left stamping her bare feet outside in annoyance.

    Winter just happened to see that just as she left her room, and she appeared pensive. -

    Early next morning and after a good night''s sleep, Frank took Aria and went straight to White Hall in

    Soutsthtream.

    Aria was obviously resistant to the idea and kept cajoling him. "Frank, why don''t you go there yourself?

    I''m busy too..."

    "Just needed to confirm something. Don''t worry, I won''t do anything to you," Frank replied tly.

    His cold reaction only panicked Aria further, and her expression grew darker along the journey to

    Southstream.

    It was just a two-hour drive, and as they arrived at White Hall, Aria snapped at Frank, "What do you

    think you''re doing?"

    "Nothing. I just want the truth."

    "The truth?" Aria sobbed. "You took my first time, and I''m a girl¡ªwhy would I lie to you about

    something like this? Is it because you think so lowly of me?"

    However, her hysterics were futile.

    Frank merely shot her a look and said quietly, "How''d you know I''m here to investigate what happened

    that night? I never breathed a word, and you''d never think that unless you''re hiding something."

    Aria stopped snapping at him and instead used her charm. "Let''s just go back, alright? I''ll listen to

    anything you say. I love you so so much."

    Frank, however, made it clear that this was not up for discussion as he turned off the car ignition and

    alighted, heading straight into White Hall.

    "Oh, Mr. Lawrence! Doe in!" Gorde, the butler, greeted him with a professional smile, having been

    informed earlier.

    As he led the way, he smiled. "Ms. White really missed you ever since you treated her injuries!

    Frank kept his chest puffed and his chin reared, pretending not to hear a word.

    On the other hand, Aria, who hung her head even as she followed Frank, was anxiously looking around

    distractedly.

    "We''re here at Ms. White''s guest room," Gorde said as he opened the door.

    "Wait, I''m meeting her?" Frank frowned. "I''m supposed to see Eron about the Five Elemental

    Wonders..."

    It was why he came here in the first ce.

    The truth of what happened at White Court Hotel was of secondary importance, and Aria''s behavior

    along the journey here had already made it clear to him that she had been lying.

    Gorde nodded but exined, "Actually, it was Ms. White who found out about the Five Elemental

    Wonders. She''s really gone the extra mile for you, sir¡ªplease don''t spurn her goodwill now."

    "Understood," Frank said, quiet as he appeared bemused.

    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    Kim was the one who found out about the Goldeater Cane? Did that mean that she was the one

    conspiring against Sage Lake Sect?

    And did Frank not save her life?

    He loathed ingrates the most!

 Chapter 529

    Frank was bemused even as he strode into the guest room, where Kim was already waiting with Liv

    Dawson.

    Kim appeared especially ethereal with her long, wavy dark hair and white dress, and she was on her

    feet as soon as she saw Frank. "Mr. Lawrence."

    "How have you been? Have you made a full recovery?" Frank asked politely in turn.

    "Yes, all thanks to you, Mr. Lawrence," she replied.

    "Yeah." Frank nodded, feeling like he had just wasted his breath¡ªhe knew Kim''s condition better than

    Kim herself would.

    Not only did he treat her internal injuries, but he also cleared up his meridians so that she would be

    twice more efficient in cultivation.

    Aria, who entered the guest room as well, nced at Frank in surprise, not expecting him to know

    medicine.

    Still, her attention was quickly drawn to Kim''s guileless divine beauty.

    Though Kim''s poise was affected by her injury before, she had recovered and regained her charm

    befitting a goddess.

    She would not lose out to Vicky or Helen, and a single nce already left Aria''s inferiorityplex

    ring.

    "Please try this tea. I personally grew it and brewed it," Kim said as she served him a cup.

    Frank took a sip and could not help eximing in praise, "This tea is fantastic!"

    Aria was then surprised as Kim served her one as well.

    She was hardly well-versed in tea appreciation and simply nodded in approval as Frank did. "It''s great."

    "Why wouldn''t it be?" Liv suddenly snorted, rolling her eyes. "Ever since Mr. Lawrence left the other

    day, our dear Ms. White had been either tending meticulously to her tea or smiling stupidly as she

    stared nkly into thin air, waiting for your next visit."

    "Stop it, Liv!" Kim blushed as she shot Liv an embarrassed re.

    "Let''s put the tea talk aside for now," Frank said, reluctant to let thedies digress. "I''ll be blunt, Ms.

    White. I''vee here today because your father mentioned you have news about the Goldeater

    Cane."

    "Skipping the forey already?" Liv snorted sarcastically. "We''ve asked for you because we''re about to

    drop a bombshell on you, or you''d still be lying on your back wondering what hit you."

    Kim threw her a soft jab and snapped, "What are you saying? I just wanted to clear up a

    misunderstanding..." "Sure, sure. Like you''re perfectly pleased to see him being stolen away. And

    weren''t you so pleased about going free after the Yaffes vanished?"

    "Sure, sure, I''m so pleased. Now, zip it."

    Kim had been preparing meticulously to leave a good impression with Frank, but Liv''s persistent jibes

    to embarrass her left her exasperated.

    In the end, Liv still held Frank in contempt since he had neither riches nor influencepared to the

    Yaffes.

    Nheless, Kim felt the urgentness in Frank''s tone.

    After some thought, she exined, "My family is not actually involved in medicine, but we were told

    yesterday that an elusive dojo started an open recruitment. And the recruit who wins top ce in the

    recruitment tourney would be awarded the Goldeater Cane."

    "An elusive dojo.?" Frank appeared surprised.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Kim nodded. "It''s called Silver Spring Dojo, founded on the hills of Southstream. It wasn''t particrly

    famous."

    "Oh, so that''s the trap that Sage Lake Sect set for me?" Frank chuckled coolly.

 Chapter 530

    As Frank chuckled coolly, Kim appeared stunned. "What was that, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Nothing." Frank waved her off. "So, when is the recruitment tourney starting?"

    "Tomorrow afternoon."

    "Tomorrow?" Frank appeared thoughtful.

    Kim studied his face in turn and said, "It''s just a thirty minute drive from here. Why don''t you stay the

    night here if you don''t mind?"

    "Sure," Frank replied, not shying from epting her offer.

    And judging from Kim''s reaction, she had more to say¡ªthis time about what had happened at White

    Court Hotel.

    Suddenly, Aria got up with a forced smile. "It seems this is going to be a sensitive issue, so I''ll step out

    for the moment."

    Kim studied her and did not dissuade her, even turning to Liv. "Bring Ms. Lond for a stroll in the

    garden."

    Liv, however, was visibility resistant toward Aria. "I refuse."

    Aria was not tempestuous as she usually was either, instead smiling awkwardly. "Don''t worry. I''ll just be

    hanging around¡ªI won''t go far."

    "Very well. Thank you, Ms. Lond," Kim said, polite to thest.

    Once Aria left the guest room, Kim''s expression turned serious as she gave Liv a look.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Liv did not drag her feet and inserted a memory card into a video camera, twisting the screen so that

    Frank could see it.

    Kim pointed at the camera as she exined, "A few days ago, Liv stumbled on certain White Court

    Hotel managers conspiring with others out there to take footage of guests, which they then proceed to

    use as leverage for ckmail. They happened to film you when you stayed there the other night, Mr.

    Lawrence, and they were convinced you were worth ckmailing too, since you drove a Maybach."

    Frank nodded, staying impassive as he watched two bellboys carrying him into a hotel room, with one

    of them shing the floor manager a knowing smile.

    After that, Aria sneaked into Frank''s room.

    Then came the part that the voyeurs had filmed¡ªAria took off Frank''s clothes and then her own,

    making sure to mess up her hair and wiping her lipstick on his neck.

    As Frank watched from the screen, Aria sneaked under his arms but otherwise did nothing until the

    next morning.

    Click.

    Frank sighed lengthily¡ªthe truth was now revealed.

    He felt like he was greatly unburdened after watching the video, the unease stuck fast in his heart

    disappearing without a trace.

    So it was all a staged performance by Aria and Aria alone¡ªhe had never done anything to her.

    Turning toward Kim with a look of gratitude, he said, "Thank you, Ms. White. This means a lot to me."

    "Hehe." Kim giggled. "It''s really nothing¡ªthere''s no way I''d do nothing when a good man like you is

    being deceived."

 Chapter 531

    Frustration.

    That was the only thing Aria felt as she strolled through White Hall''s gardens, unable to appreciate the

    bright flowers blooming around her.

    She could not forget Kim''s calm smile, her knuckles clenching as she cursed, "Fuck them all! Jean,

    Winter, the White family... All of them! None of them can bear to see me living better than them! Did I

    hurt them or something?!"

    Her grief grew as she rambled on, before she finally cracked and dropped to a crouch, sobbing. "What

    did I do wrong? I just wanted a better life! You all had to go all out to mess with me!"

    As her sobs grew louder, she drew Eron''s attention.

    His first look at her was one of contempt, though he soon had an idea.

    pping his hands while grinning smugly, he put on a kindly face as he asked, "Aria Lond, was it?

    Aren''t you Mr. Lawrence''s girlfriend?"

    Aria was sobbing even as she looked up, on the verge of a breakdown. "I won''t be soon enough."

    "Hoho." Eron chuckled as he stood, sping his hands behind his back and cutting straight to the

    chase. "That''s terrible. Given Mr. Lawrence''s temper, if he found out you lied to him about something

    so serious, you''d probably be dead."

    "What?!" Aria''s heart was left pounding. "H-He''s not like that. I did lie to him, but he said he won''t do

    anything to you. I."

    She started panicking¡ªwhile she was merely bemoaning losing her life in riches and mor before,

    Eron''s words left her worried about her life.

    After all, Frank had shown his moves before. And he was certainly savage when he beat up those

    thugs, be it at the bar or the street. Even now, those memories were fresh in Aria''s mind.

    "I mean, he didn''t know the truth before, so he would have to cajole you first." Eron continued to

    gaslight her. "Just think about it¡ªit was all your fault, right? If you were in his ce, would you stand

    someone who deceived you like that?"

    Aria was clutching her head as she screamed right then, "Noooo!!! I don''t want to die! I-I''m still young.

    I can still marry rich! I-I can''t die!"

    What an idiot.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Eron looked on as Aria panicked with disdain, though his gaze soon turned gentle.

    "Don''t worry. He won''t do anything to you as long as you''re in my house."

    "W-Who are you?" Aria asked, finally realizing she never asked.

    "Me?" Eron smiled. "Eron White, head of the White family here in Southstream. Don''t worry, Ms. Lond

    ¡ª even Frank Lawrence would have to show me due respect in my house."

    "Thank you so much!" Aria''s mood improved a little.

 Chapter 532

    Soon however, Aria flinched as she remembered something else and quickly asked, "What about after I

    leave White Hall? C-Can you still protect me after that, Mr. White?"

    "Oh, well..." Eron shook his head as if troubled. "I''m sorry, Ms. Lond. But if you leave, Mr. Lawrence

    isn''t going to y to our tune."

    Aria was shocked, her heart sinking rock-bottom again despite just finding some sense offort.

    "Mr. White, please, you have to help me," she pleaded. "Please talk to Frank. I-It was just a mistake, I

    didn''t mean anything bad. I just love him so much, I."

    Seeing how gullible Aria was, Eron could not feel more disdain for Aria at this point.

    Still, he kept his thoughts from showing because he needed her for his ns.

    Pretending to be deep in thought, he then walked up and helped her to her feet and whispered into her

    ear, "Actually, there''s no way to get Mr. Lawrence to forgive you. But I have a proposal. I''ll only tell you

    if you''re willing to do it, but if you refuse, you just have to suffer Mr. Lawrence''s wrath. which I''m sure

    would be a fate worse than death."

    "Tell me, Mr. White! What is it?"

    Aria''s nerves could not be stretched thinner, and since Eron was clearly keeping her on tenterhooks,

    she quickly added, "Just save me, Mr. White. I''ll do anything you ask!"

    "Hoho." Eron''s eyes narrowed as he smiled, knowing that the time was right. "In that case, I''ll say it: Mr.

    Lawrence would be taking part in a martial tourney tomorrow, and that''s your chance at saving your

    own skin."

    Aria waspletely puzzled. "Frank''s going to a tourney. is this my chance?"Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "I have a poison here." Eron held up a small packet, smiling faintly. "It''s odorless and tasteless, but it

    will numb Mr. Lawrence''s nerves while he takes part in the tourney. It''s nothing malignant, or Mr.

    Lawrence would notice it easily given his knowledge in medicine. Just poison him with this, and he''ll

    lose the tourney and be too hurt toe after you."

    "Poison?" Aria gathered herself as she took the packet from Eron.

    She mused to herself for a while, but her eyes soon shed viciously. "Don''t you have a more potent

    poison? Something lethal."

    Her request left Eron taken aback, though he almostughed out loud.

    She was far more vile than he thought! Was she not just dering how much she loved Frank earlier?

    And now, she wanted him dead?

    Still, he held back a smile as he said, "That''s unnecessary. I''m sure you''ll understand what it means to

    not overreach. Like I said, Frank is well-versed in medicine and would notice a poison that''s too

    obvious. On the other hand, this is budsnuff¡ªa family recipe that almost wouldn''t qualify as poison. It

    only numbs the nerves and is used as a painkiller. Just make Mr. Lawrence drink it tonight, and you''ll

    understand tomorrow."

    Aria''s fingers clenched around the small packet, her eyes shing viciously.

    It was Frank who insisted on finding the truth, and he could not me her for this! She had no choice!

    "By the way..."

    Before he left, Eron leveled a twinkling gaze at Aria. "You cane to my bedroom if you''re not too

    busy¡ªthere''s plenty more to discuss, see?"

    Eron''s meaning was obvious, and Aria did not hesitate as she grinned coquettishly. "Of course."

 Chapter 533

    In the afternoon, Liv went to Frank''s room while he was training and said bluntly, "Frank Lawrence,

    you''d better keep your hands to yourself."

    Frank frowned, confused by her words. "Keep my hands to myself? Why?"

    "Don''t even get me started." Liv snorted as she nted herself on the couch, crossing her legs as she

    continued haughtily, "Kim''s father has already found a fiance for her. Keep your distance from Kim if

    you know what''s good for you."

    "And what does that have to do with me?" Frank merely found Liv mystifying.

    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    His retort stung Liv, and she leapt up, pointing at his nose as she snapped, "Can''t you see?! Kim likes

    you! I can''t even tell what you have going for you, but she''s obsessing over you so much every passing

    day! So you''d do well to stay away from her for the sake of her happiness!"

    "Then talk to her about it. Why me?"

    Frank was left speechless and gestured for her to leave. "What Ms. White does is none of my

    business, whether she''s engaged to the Yaffes or someone else. And I was never interested."

    "Fine. I guess you know your ce." Liv snorted but stopped at the door as she remembered.

    Pursing her lips as she turned to Frank, she asked, "Do you know anything about Flying Sword Sect

    being destroyed?"

    "No," Frank lied.

    "Knew you wouldn''t." Liv snorted. "You''re just a healer who''s a little better than the rest. Know your

    ce¡ªdon''t think we owe you just because you saved Kim. And we''re equal after you took the Earthen

    Dragonheart."

    Before she could leave, Frank sighed, "I saved you too when I saved Ms. White, didn''t I?''

    "What was that?" Liv''s eyes shed warily as Frank mentioned it.

    "Nothing," Frank said. "I''d just rather you show me due respect because I did save your life too."

    Liv flushed right then and snorted as she strode out of his room.

    Still, Liv''s outburst aroused Frank''s suspicion. "Fiance... Does that mean that Kim''s fiance is from Sage

    Lake Sect?"

    That exins why the White family would receive word so quickly, though Frank doubted that Kim

    would conspire with Sage Lake Sect against him.

    In his mind, Kim was an upstanding person¡ªshe showed her decisiveness when she epted his

    treatment and her integrity when she scolded her own father over the Earthen Dragonheart.

    Frank remembered Eron then and how disrespectful he was thest time they met at the drawing room

    of this very residence. It was assuredly a far cry from his attitude when he visited Frank yesterday...

    As the pieces fell into ce, Frank called Carol, saying he would not be going back tonight and told

    them to sleep early.

    Winter snatched Carol''s phone just then, mumbling irresolutely for a long while before telling Frank to

    stay safe while apologizing for her poor behavior over thest two days.

    "Haha..." Frank chuckled, a warmth unfurling in his heart when he heard her voice. "Yeah, I''ll be back

    tomorrow.. Oh, and let''s go out on a trip in two days."

 Chapter 534

    Over at Skywater Bay, Winter was taken aback.

    "A trip? What about Aria..."

    "Don''t worry, Winter," Frank assured her. "It turns out that it was just a misunderstanding¡ªnothing

    happened between Aria and I."

    Winter froze and dropped Carol''s phone with a loud thud.

    "Winter? Winter?" Frank called out from the other end.

    Winter turned toward her mother in disbelief. "Mom. Did I hear that right? Pinch me! Is this real?"

    "Silly girl." Carol smiled, shaking her head as she left to make dinner.

    "Oh, I''m still here, Frank," Winter eximed as she scrambled to pick up the phone from the floor, her

    usual liveliness instantly restored. "In two days, was it? No problem¡ªI have the day off."

    "Then it''s a promise."

    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Yes!"

    Winter whooped in joy once she hung up, throwing herself on the couch, and promptly told Jean about

    the good news.

    Jean, however, was not surprised.

    [Hah! I knew Aria deceived Frank, and you doubted me before! See? When I asked her if he actually

    liked her, his reaction made it clear he didn''t. I knew right then they''d split up eventually.]

    Still, Winter felt sympathy: [Doesn''t that mean Aria would be sad?]

    Jean''s reply was predictably annoyed.

    [Who, Aria Lond? That''s enough from you, princess¡ªyou had no idea how high-and-mighty she held

    herself the other day, and she even said we''re no longer friends. Why bother?]

    Then, she added: [By the way do you remember? Our professor applied for sick leave. And you''re

    saying Frank knows medicine? Why not invite him as a guest lecturer?]

    [I''ll think about it.]

    Winter was hesitant since she would need Frank''s permission.

    [Fair enough. See you tomorrow.]

    [Yeah.]

    Winter sighed as she lowered her phone.

    After musing to herself for a while, she went against Jean''s advice and sent Aria a text.

    [I don''t know what happened, but we''re still friends, right?]

    In White Hall, Aria''s phone jingled in Eron White''s bedroom just as she finished her bath.

    Thud!

    Her visage contorted with fury as soon as she read Winter''s text, and she even stamped on it for good

    measure. "That fake bitch! Sending texts just to mock me?!"

    "Oh, don''t worry, Aria." Eron grinned in his bed, resting his chin on his hands as hey on his stomach.

    "Just do what I tell you to tonight, and no one will beughing at you."

    "Yeah..."

    Aria walked up to his bed, her hips swaying mboyantly as she gazed lovingly at the man who was old

    enough to be her father.

    "You''d take responsibility for me, right?" she purred.

    "Of course." Eron smiled, with a hint of disdain Aria could not see.

    In his mind, she could not be dumber, believing herself to be a rich mistress when she was just a

    disposable tool!

 Chapter 535

    There was a grand banquet in the evening at White Hall, and Frank sought out Aria.

    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    "I won''t hold you ountable for what you did," he said. "You can keep everything I gave you, but I

    have one request¡ªonce we return to Riverton, you''ll tell Winter that nothing ever happened between

    us."

    Aria was taken aback. "I-I can keep your presents? You''re not upset?"

    Noting her disbelief, Frank nodded. "I had lost myself that night, or that wouldn''t have happened at all.

    Don''t worry¡ªI''m not upset, but no more dirty tricks like these, okay?"

    Aria nodded repeatedly as she saw the clear warning in Frank''s eyes. "Oh, are you going for a tourney

    tomorrow?"

    "Yes."

    "Then..." Aria appeared to be at a loss, but soon resolved herself and picked up the ss on the table

    and poured in wine. "Thank you for forgiving me, Frank. Cheers."

    Frank sighed in turn¡ªwhile Aria had clearly made a mistake, he was responsible too.

    It was the first time in a long while since he passed out drunk, and he really should be more careful

    from now on.

    With that in mind, he took the ss from Aria and chugged it.

    When he was done, he said, "I hope you''ll clear the air with Jean and Winter, so that you''ll still be

    friends."

    "Yeah, sure." Aria quickly nodded, having been staring wide-eyed as Frank finished the ss of wine.

    She breathed a clear sigh of relief when he was done before turning toward Eron.

    Seeing his nod of approval, she shed a smug smile.

    "Thank you for staying in White Hall, Mr. Lawrence. It''s an honor of a lifetime," Eron said, quickly

    toasting Frank while cursing Aria under his breath.

    She was so ignorant that she did not know enough to hide her reactions¡ªit would be all over if Frank

    caught on!

    If his family did not contribute, Sage Lake Sect would never agree to betrothing his daughter to the sect

    chief''s son!

    "You''re acting strangely today, Dad."

    On the other hand, Kim found her father''s fawning over Frank bizarre.

    After all, he had been badmouthing Frank endlessly after Frank took the Earthen Dragonheart and only

    stopped when the Yaffes vanished without a trace.

    There was no telling who destroyed the Yaffes, but Eron felt threatened since they were clearly made

    an example of.

    He was constantly being eaten by his own insecurities, and since Kim was his only trump card, he

    needed to get her a better husband.

    Since he could not count on the Yaffes now, the only candidate that caught his eye was Maron Ocean,

    the son of Sage Lake Sect''s chief.

    It was alleged he recently reached Birthright rank, and Elon himself was especially sure.

    After all, there was that freak thunderstorm he and his daughter witnessed before¡ªthe omen that

    Maron had ascended, even though he was only in his twenties.

    To cause such omen, it went without saying how profound the man''s talent was.

    That was why he was bootlicking Sage Lake Sect so hard¡ªas long as they had Maron''s favor, the

    White family would inevitably be the top family of Southstream!

    That was why he volunteered to lure Frank over to his house without Kim''s knowledge.

    "Haha! Frank Lawrence... You asked for it!" Eron couldugh right then.

 Chapter 536

    Even as Eron smiled warmly, he was drawing up ns in his mind.

    He had given Frank his chance to walk away, but Frank had to take away his Earthen Dragonheart

    anyway. If Frank had not, it would not have been so difficult for Eron to arrange a marriage between

    Kim and Maron!

    If anything, Frank taking away the Earthen Dragonheart and Eron letting Sage Lake Sect have their

    way with him made them even!

    Kim was at once uneasy to see that look on his father''s face.

    After the banquet, Kim went to his study. "What are you up to, Dad?''

    Eron scowled since she was being very blunt.

    "Nothing," he said quietly. "It''ste. Go to bed already."

    "Does it involve the fiance you mentioned before?" Kim pressed worriedly. "If you''re nning to harm

    Frank, I''d suggest you stop right now."

    "What would you know?!" Eron snapped sternly. "Everything I do is for your sake and for our family!

    What, did you think Frank was the one who destroyed the Yaffes? I''ve looked into him¡ªhe might know

    medicine and martial arts, but he has nothing else going for him. He''s now no more than Vicky

    Turnbull''s gigolo, and to be frank, insignificant."

    "So you are up to something. Dad, I''m begging you, just listen to me once¡ªdon''t mess with him,

    alright?" Kim pleaded.

    Eron only grew sterner. "You''re too young, and I understand you''re attached to the brat, but you''ll be

    marrying a man better than Frank Lawrence or Seth Yaffe soon. That''s all I''ll say."

    "Dad!" Kim despaired to see her father''s stubbornness.

    Be it with the Yaffes or whoever he had in mind now, he never considered her opinion, forcing her to

    marry someone without her agreement.

    She obviously did not like it, but Eron remained stubborn.

    Still, she came up with a bold idea, balling her knuckles as she strode out of Eron''s study.

    "I''m running away!" she growled.

    Instead of being treated as her father''s puppet and leverage, she should take fate into her own hands

    ¡ª even if it killed her!

    That''s why she did not hesitate to knock on Frank''s door and enter.

    As soon as she saw him, she held her gaze and said, "Let''s run away, Mr. Lawrence.

    "What?" Her sudden request and wounded look left Frank utterly confused, especially since he did

    nothing to warrant it either. "Is everything alright, Ms. White?" "My dad''s nning to harm you, Mr.

    Lawrence," Kim pressed. "Just run and take me with you. I can''t stand this ce for another second."

    Frank raised a brow.

    Amazing¡ªEron''s entire n was exposed by his own daughter.

    Liv just came this afternoon to warn Frank, and now Kim was asking him urgently to take her away...

    Nheless, Frank shook his head. "You shouldn''t joke about things like these, Ms. White."

    "I''m not joking!" Kim''s eyes were red, and she stubbornly refused to budge. "Take me, or I''ll shout for

    help and tell them you''re molesting me!"

    "Really.?"

    Frank was actually surprised that a polite and soft-spoken heiress like Kim could get so drastic,

    threatening him like this!Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 537

    However, Frank was not pushover himself to be threatened by such a cheap move.

    Seeing that Kim was not budging, he folded his arms before his chest and said quietly, "Go ahead and

    yell. I''m fine with it."

    "I''ll do it!" Kim snapped tempestuously.

    Frank snorted. "Go on."

    "Help! Someone... Frank Lawrence... touched me! Help!!!"

    Not expecting this turn of events, Frank had to leap up and sp his hand over her mouth, feeling

    defeated just then. "Don''t you know no shame? Is this how you treat your guests, Ms. White?!"

    "I don''t care," Kim snapped, too indignant to be bothered. "I''ll keep yelling, and you''re not getting away

    once everyone hears me!"

    Kim appeared totally harmless, but she was certainly tough once she got stubborn.

    Exasperated, he invited her over to Riverton the next few days after he acquired the Goldeater Cane.

    It was only then that Kim left, while Frank was left speechless for an entire night.

    -

    Frank woke up early the next morning, practicing his usual return before heading out alone with the

    directions Kim gave yesterday.

    He was heading for the secluded Silver Spring Dojo, which was built deep within the mountains for

    some reason.

    It would appear they wanted to keep themselves free from the mundane and put their heart and soul

    into pursuing martial arts. Even so, they could not escape Sage Lake Sect, as the sect was using them

    as bait to lure Frank to a quiet ce.

    The road there was bumpy, and Frank''s car could not advance any further once he reached the

    mountain.

    He alighted and walked up the mountain, and he had just arrived at a thick bamboo forest when he

    heard the shing of metals.

    As dried leaves settled, he saw an elderly but spirited white-haired man fighting several ck-d

    assassins.

    "How dare you attack me! Where did you evene from?!" he bellowed.

    "Beat them up, Grandpa!"

    A young girl cheered on the old man as he fought.

    "Rising Boltsmacker!"

    The old man danced around the ck-d man, his palm technique vicious and leaving audible

    shockwaves in its wake.

    He would hit the ck-d men''s weapons, causing the metallic sound Frank heard before.

    Pow!

    The old man''s palm eventuallynded on one of the ck-d men''s shoulders. He reared his head as

    he coughed blood, before rolling over the ground and turning to flee.

    "We got the wrong man. Run!" he cried, and the other ck-d men turned to run as well.

    The old man was going to chase after them but stopped only at cursing them since he would be leaving

    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    his granddaughter undefended.

    However, he turned to see Frank standing behind his granddaughter and bellowed, "Are you with

    them?!"

    His granddaughter flinched and turned to find that Frank had appeared behind her before she knew it.

    "Who are you?" she demanded, even pointing rudely at him fearlessly.

    "I''m Frank Lawrence, a nobody." Frank nodded politely, able to tell that both the old man and his

    granddaughter were trained outside a sect and were therefore not hostile.

    "Oh, you..."

    Seeing that Frank did not have any screws loose, the old man moved for a closer look and asked,

    "You''re joining the recruitment tourney too?"

 Chapter 538

    Frank nodded. "Indeed I am."

    The old man clicked his tongue in turn. "What a mess, allowing all sorts to join this party."

    Still, he could read through Frank''s spirited gaze to tell that he was one who could hold his own,

    through his spirited eyes alone. He might even be an elite in wielding vigor.

    However, judging from the old man''s ck-d assants from earlier, Silver Spring Dojo''s recruitment

    tourney was not just a tourney¡ªBirthright rank elites might even show up in droves.

    A young man like Frank would die before seeing what hit him without any sort of protection.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Clicking his tongue, the old man raised a hand to stop Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, I suggest you return to

    where you came from¡ªyou could see that I was attacked just because I was heading to Silver Spring

    Dojo. Would you be able to stop them in my ce?"

    Before Frank could answer, the old man''s granddaughter giggled. "Sir, you have the looks, so don''t die

    here senselessly. Listen to my grandfather and go!"

    Frank was not actually annoyed despite being belittled by grandfather and granddaughter, even

    smiling. "Actually, this whole tourney was a trap in the first ce, and it''s meant for me. From where I''m

    standing, you should both be leaving!"

    "Hey!" The old man''s granddaughter stood akimbo, clearly disgruntled. "How''d you know the tourney

    was a trap, and who the hell are you? Who would anyone bother to go through such lengths for you?"

    The old man narrowed his eyes in turn, stroking his beardly as he said, "Mr. Lawrence, you''re saying

    you''re aware this is a trap meant for you... Then why are you walking right into it?"

    "They have something I want. Forgive me for not borating on the rest," Frank said and nodded at the

    two again before striding past them, heading further into the first.

    "Hey! Honestly, how could someone be so full of himself, Grandpa?!" The old man''s granddaughter

    huffed even as she turned toward the old man.

    The old man, however, was staring fixedly and thoughtfully in the direction where Frank was leaving.

    Soon, he said, "Come, we''re going after him."

    "What?! Are you really buying into his crap?!" -

    The mountain''s forest was actually a long stretch ofnd, but the scenery was picturesque and the

    waters clear.

    As the trio traveled together, the old man kept trying to probe Frank, intent on finding out his history.

    Frank, however, only mentioned that he was from Riverton and nothing else.

    On the other hand, the old man''s granddaughter had different ideas.

    "Why don''t you take up tutge under my grandfather?" she suggested earnestly. "You''ll learn a thing

    or two, and at least you won''t get killed if you start boasting again."

    Frank simply smiled but said nothing, which left her further annoyed. "Hmph! Looking a gift horse in the

    mouth!"

    Soon, they were standing at a quiet clearing, looking out at the gates of Silver Spring Dojo.

    The dojo''s surroundings were serene, but itcked people and could well just be a part of the scenery.

    "Hahaha! You fell for our trap, Frank Lawrence!"

    A familiar shrillughter greeted Frank just as they stepped through the front gates, and the gates shut

    behind them on their own.

    "Heh..." Frank, however, remained calm as he looked up in amusement. "Actually, I''m surprised you''re

    still after me Quinn Ocean. Coming for your death again? After you had to feign insanity to escape me

    before?"

    "What? Quinn Ocean?!" The old man beside Frank did a double take.

    As his granddaughter looked on in confusion, he gulped and stuttered in fear, "Quinn Ocean is the

    daughter of Sage Lake Sect''s high elder. And this is really a trap meant for Mr. Lawrence, just as he

    said?!"

 Chapter 539

    Quinn strode out from the inner hall of the dojo, shaking with rage as she bellowed, "Silence!"

    She had never told anyone she feigned insanity just to escape Frank, but it was assuredly the lowest

    point of her existence, and she would never tell anyone about it!

    If anyone found out that the daughter of Sage Lake Sect''s high elder would stoop that low to save

    herself, her reputation would be dragged through the mud!

    "What, did I hit a nerve?" Frank chuckled coolly and nonchntly. "Did it never cross your mind that I

    spared you because you looked that pathetic?"

    "Keep talking, Frank Lawrence!" Quinn shrieked. "You''ve killed my fiance and now you''ve insulted me! I

    won''t show mercy!"

    She had to say something since the Sage Lake Sect pawns standing nearby were already avoiding her

    eyes.

    Waving at them, she bellowed, "Go! Anyone who takes him down will be taught Sage Lake Sect''s

    esoteric techniques and win the Goldeater Cane!"

    Charge!

    Upon hearing the rewards, all the ck-d men lurking outside the walls of Silver Spring Dojo kicked

    open the door as they charged inside, encircling Frank, the old man, and his granddaughter.

    And there were over a hundred of them!

    "What..." The old man was actually petrified when he saw their numbers and quickly turned toward

    Quinn, begging, "Please, Miss Ocean. I merely met Mr. Lawrence by chance¡ªwe''re not friends!"

    "You''re so embarrassing, Grandpa." His grandaughter snorted, actually unable to stand him just then.

    Naturally, her attitude left the old man fuming. "You ignorant whelp!"

    Those ck-d men were all vigor-wielding elites who serve the high elder of the Sage Lake Sect,

    and the old man could actually sense from their presence alone that some were above that!

    They were on apletely different levelpared to the ck-d men who ambushed them before,

    and given their numbers, the old man naturally chose not to put up resistance.

    "Hmph, I don''t care! You came with that bastard, and that means you''re with him!" Quinn shrieked from

    the front. "Go! Capture Frank Lawrence alive and kill the spare!"

    As the ck men brandished their weapons and closed ranks around the trio, the old man could see

    there was no turning back.

    Scowling, he grumbled at Frank, "Mr. Lawrence, you''ve killed us all!

    "You''re really embarrassing, Grandpa¡ªyou''ve already lost out to Mr. Lawrence in style." His

    granddaughter was suddenly no longer his fan and turned towards Frank. "You''re not a coward like my

    Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    grandpa, right?"

    "What, with this lot? Never." Frank chuckled coolly.

    "Nice." The granddaughter nodded in approval. "Though I think you should give up already. Tell what''s-

    her-name... right, Ms. Quinn-pretended-to-be-nuts-to-run-away to spare us this one time."

    Frank almost burst out inughter at the old man''s granddaughter''s sarcasm, while Quinn''s face

    darkened.

    Almost losing it right then, she screamed so hard her voice almost broke, "What are you spacing out

    for?! Get them already!"

    The ck-d men finally gritted their teeth and ceased their probing as they charged.

    Frank did not take them lightly¡ªhis eyes shing, he invoked Five-Peat Archeus with his meridian

    nexus, turning vigor into pure vigor that enveloped his entire self.

 Chapter 540

    ng!

    A ck-d man''s machete struck Frank squarely in the neck, only to resound with a metallic ng.

    "What?! Projecting your vigor... You''re actually Birthright rank?!"

    The old man''s jaw could drop from shock as he looked on.

    But it was not over yet¡ªFrank seized the ck-d man''s wrist and crushed it, while seizing his

    chipped machete and sending two other ck-d men''s head flying beforending with their shocked

    faces intact.

    "I''m here to help, Mr. Lawrence!"

    Suddenly, there was a burst of wind as Burt Yorkman, wearing a ragged ck suit, charged inside.

    He vaulted like a crane before assuming a tiger''s pose, quickly dispatching two ck-d men.

    "Burt Yorkman! You traitor!" Quinn shrieked, shaking with rage when she saw Burt helping Frank.

    "Hah!" Burt snorted. "I''ve been serving at Sage Lake Sect''s beck and call for years, but all of you kept

    me at arm''s length as if I were amon thief! Frank Lawrence here has not only spared my life, but

    he actually taught me martial techniques too! You''re all getting your just deserts! Tiger Fists!"

    Burt was definitely gifted¡ªwith just some pointers from Frank a couple days ago, he immediately

    mastered new techniques.

    In fact, Tiger Fists was one of the mostmon techniques found even in the ck market. And yet,

    Burt wielded it with the ferocity of a real tiger, unstoppable even as he charged through the ranks of the

    ck-d man.

    Nheless, that was when Frank suddenly felt an aching between his brow and a bizarre sensation

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    welling up the pit of his stomach¡ªhis meridians felt blocked even as he tried to project his vigor.

    "What? What is going on?" His heart skipped a beat.

    Had he been poisoned?!

    His consciousness stagnated even as the thought struck him. He could not move in time as a ck-

    d man''s fingers reached his shoulder, almost breaking his protective vigor.

    It took Frank great effort to stabilize his breathing while Quinn looked in with glee.

    "Haha! Eron White was actually telling the truth. He did manage to poison Frank Lawrence, and his

    vigor''s cirction is being impeded."

    "Get down and beg already, Frank!" Sheughed coldly. "It''d at least spare you pain!"

    Frank clenched his teeth, realizing what was wrong just then¡ªin his meridian nexus, there was a

    turbidness that kept affecting the flow of his vigor. Wherever his vigor reached, that turbidness followed

    suit, numbing his body and slowing his movements.

    "Frank Lawrence, you''ve in one of our brothers and insulted Ms. Ocean! You''ll be begging for us to

    end you soon enough!"

    The ck-d man who struck Frank just now bellowed, his fingers hardening with vigor as he

    attacked Frank with a Lotus Poke!

    "Fuck off!"

    Frank''s vigor may be blocked, but he was not someone whom anyone could walk all over.

    He spread his fingers, clearing his numbness.

    At the same time, he arched his back to charge the bursting punch, which heunched at the ck-

    d man''s oing fingers.

    Before he realized it, the man who just vowed to have his revenge had all his fingers pulverized.

    But he did not even have time to scream when Frank''s second punch struck him violently in the face.

    Poof!

    Blood sttered everywhere as the ck-d man''s head burst open like a watermelon.

    The other ck-d men around him were stunned, their assault on Frank suddenly halting.

    In fact, they were already backing away in terror¡ªnone of them was eager to die so horribly!

 Chapter 541

    "Aria Lond!"

    Frank''s fist was still awash with blood as endless rage red within him.

    He had been carefulst night during the banquet at White Hall. He inspected every kitchen utensil and

    piece of food to ensure there was no poison before setting his mind at ease.

    The only thing he did not take notice of was the wine Aria served him.

    Despite Aria''s endlessly devious nature, he thought he could forgive Aria since she was Winter''s friend.

    After that shenanigan of hers, she should be turning over a new leaf and genuinely reflecting.

    That was why Frank did not expect her to poison him instead!

    Thud! Thud!

    Frank started to hit himself with Sage Lake Sect''s Lotus Poke, striking various acupoints to fire up his

    vigor and dispel the poison.

    "You useless scum! He''s been poisoned! Get him right now!"

    On the other hand, Quinn was yelling at her father''s men since they were backing down instead.

    The ck-d men all traded nces but eventually braced themselves and charged.

    "Mr. Lawrence!"

    Burt leapt into the air, jumping from shoulders to shoulders beforending beside Frank.

    He could see that Frank was in a bad shape and reached him to stave off the ck-d man.

    "Thanks." Frank was earnestly grateful to see Burt put his life on the line for him.

    His fingers moved even quicker at that as he poked himself repeatedly while also taking a pill he

    refined beforehand.

    "Cough, cough... rgh!"

    Just as Burt was about to be overwhelmed by the ck-d men''s assault, Frank smacked his palm

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    on his chest, and he hacked out a mouthful of viscous ck blood.

    "Ipetent fools!!!"

    Quinn turned frantic as she saw Frank recover. She would have charged at Frank instead of having the

    ck-d men do it, but it was pointless since she was only a vigor wielder.

    However, a middle-aged man with war paint on his face suddenly vaulted from the ranks of the

    ckd men.

    He moved so quickly that Burt could not even see him,nding a punch in Burt''s gut.

    "Oof!" Burt grunted as he was sent flying, his face turning pale right then.

    "Burt!"

    Frank looked up just then to see Burt being sent flying, his eyes turning red as he glided forward and

    caught Burt.

    "Cough, cough..." Burt copsed in Frank''s arms and hacked violently, blood welling out of his mouth.

    "M-Mr. Lawrence. My meridian nexus."

    Frank promptly tore through Burt''s clothes to find the distinct bruise on his abdomen.

    His eyes shing, he looked up furiously at the middle-aged man who was gloating. "Burt Yorkman. I

    was the one who chose you and groomed you, but you betrayed Sage Lake Sect. In that case, I shall

    take back everything we gave you, and you can enjoy the life of a cripple."

    Around them, the ck-d men stopped attacking after the middle-aged man showed up, merely

    keeping Frank, Burt, the old man, and his granddaughter at the center.

    "Mr. Lawrence, I."

    "Don''t talk!" Frank snapped even as he sweated from his brow, his hand a blur as he poked Burt''s

    acupoints to seal them, preventing further loss of vigor.

    "B-Birthright rank?!"

    The old man, who managed to survive the ck-d men''s assault, could feel his hands shake even

    as he stared at the middle-aged man.

    "Hmph." The middle-aged man snorted just then. "I''ll at least acknowledge your strength, Frank

    Lawrence, since you survived the assault of so many Sage Lake Sect apprentices. But it''s over now."

 Chapter 542

    The middle-aged man folded his arms before his chest as he slowly approached, his eyes shing

    coldly.

    Still in Frank''s arms, Burt quickly warned Frank with hisst sliver of strength, "Watch out, Mr.

    Lawrence... T-That''s Eiger Ocean, Bocek Ocean''s other brother... He''s an elite Birthright... I''m no

    match for him. Urk..."

    Frank frowned. "Just shut up and lie down, or your meridian nexus will break. If that happens, you won''t

    even be able to wipe your own butt!"

    Eiger was actually surprised to see that Burt''s meridian nexus did not break either. "I''m surprised that

    you know how to seal vigor meridians, though one must expect nothing less from thest apprentice of

    Mystic Sky Sect."

    "Mystic Sky Sect?!"

    For the umpteenth time of the day, the old man behind Frank was staring in disbelief.

    "What''s wrong, Grandpa? What''s Mystic Sky Sect?" his granddaughter quickly asked.

    The old man was stuttering in astonishment, "M-Mystic Sky Sect of the South Sea. It''s Draconia''s

    oldest and most enigmatic sect! They didn''t have many disciples, but those disciples were all

    monsters!"

    "Monsters? As in, they''ve all reached Skyrank?"

    "Skyrank?" The old man turned to her with a terrible smile. "Even Skyranks are beneath them!"

    "What?!" The old man''s granddaughter was stupefied.

    The old man had always worshiped Skyrank individuals, ttering them for their almost freaky natures.

    And yet, that same old man would say that the Skyrank was beneath Mystic Sky Sect?!

    "Hmm. So you do know about Mystic Sky Sect!" Eiger turned toward the old man right then, his death

    aura swirling as he narrowed his eyes.

    The old man stumbled backward, but his eyes shed with indignation as he held Eiger''s gaze and

    said solemnly, "I''m Aion Fairfax, a member of Haply Hall. Please spare me and my granddaughter, and

    I promise in my honor that I will never breathe a word about everything we saw here. But if you kill us,

    Haply Hall will investigate the matter, and even the likes of Sage Lake Sect will not escape unscathed!"

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    Aion''s granddaughter was actually surprised that he suddenly mentioned his roots. "What are you

    talking about, Grandfather? Aren''t you just some wandering fortune teller?"

    "Haply Hall?"

    Eiger was stroking his chin, though he soon shed a vicious smile. "Well, I would''ve spared you if you

    didn''t know that the brat over there is from Mystic Sky Sect. But now that you do, I''ll have you both stay

    here just in case!"

    "Haply Hall?"

    Frank was surprised as well.

    He had heard of Haply Hall during the Battle of the South Sea three years ago, though he was not

    particrly familiar with them.

    As he eyed the old man suspiciously for a moment, he then put down Burt, his expression calm.

    "Whatever... Since this is a trap meant for me, I shall be the one who shall spring it! Doesn''t matter

    where you''re from, Mr. Fairfax. You were innocent, and I promise you safe passage."

    Frank then turned toward Eiger, holding out a palm menacingly. "Give me the Goldeater Cane, and I''ll

    spare Sage Lake Sect. Breath anything suspiciously like a ''no'', and you''ll face my wrath!"

    Eiger simplyughed savagely. "Your arrogance really knows no bounds, kid! Let me show you what

    they mean when they say ''there''s always a bigger fish''!"

 Chapter 543

    Quinn quickly yelled loudly to warn Eiger, "Be careful! That bastard''s strong, and he caught Uncle Sal

    off guard!"

    "Hah! Sal was a piece of shit who''d never hope to match me." Eiger snorted, his vigor burgeoning as

    he crushed the floor tiles as he feet, and he shot forward toward Frank like a missile. "I will avenge your

    fiance right now, Quinn!"

    "Be careful, Mr. Lawrence! Eiger stands among Sage Lake Sect''s top five!" Burt cried out in warning

    despite being told not to talk.

    "Top five?" Frank snorted coolly. "It seems like wended quite the big fish!"

    "Big fish? What the hell are you¡ª"

    Eiger''s face fell even as he kept charging at Frank.

    He could see the projected vigor around Frank solidify into a dazzling golden dragon.

    "Such solid pure vigor! He really mustn''t be trifled with... Miasmic Fists!!!"

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    Eiger was suddenly on alert, immediately using his best move.

    His fist carried pure vigor, shrouded in waves of darkness that the naked eye would have a hard time

    seeing through. It was just like a miasma, yet it was moving rapidly around Eiger''s knuckle as he shot

    toward Frank.

    "Miasmic Fists? And you''ve mastered it so well too. Guess you can''t even face me like a man, and

    you''re just as much a freak as you look!" Frank bellowed as he spread his legs and lowered his center

    of gravity, his Five-Peat Archeaus charging resounding.

    "Watch this, Burt," he said. "It''s a simple technique, but within it lies the precept of the way of the fist!"

    Keeping both eyes fixed on Eiger as he approached, he abruptly moved at the speed of a lightning bolt,

    instantly brushing past Eiger''s punch.

    As Eiger looked on in shock, Frank slowly raised his own fist and bellowed, "Tiger Fists. the ultimate!"

    Everyone could almost hear a tiger''s roar when he struck Eiger, their hearts all skipping a beat.

    Eiger''s face turned pale, his pupils dting as he watched the tiger lunging at him from the side, too fast

    for him to dodge!

    Pow!

    A thunderous shockwave ensued as vigor was refined with purity.

    Eiger was screaming in turn¡ªFrank had struck him on the shoulder, just as a crater was blown into the

    floor beneath him.

    Soon, every bone in Eiger''s body shattered, his flesh rupturing and he ended up no more than bloody

    pulp in the crater!

    "What..."

    Quinn froze.

    Her Uncle Eiger was top five, but he could not even survive a single punch from Frank!

    In the distance, Burt froze when he looked up with much difficulty.

    The Tiger Fist was just some basic, inferior martial technique he got off the ck market. and yet,

    Frank wielded it with such devastating effect!

    Still, he quickly gained further understanding of the way of the fists!

    "Holy crap. Frank Lawrence is that amazing?!"

    Aion''s granddaughter felt no fear even as she looked on. If anything, she was endlessly worshipful

    toward Frank after her initial surprise.

    "Of all the monsters of Mystic Sky Sect, it had to be the worst one."

    Aion was in turn sweating from his brow as he witnessed Frank eliminating Eiger with a single punch.

    While he was surprised, he was also reminded of a certain rumor.

 Chapter 544

    When Mystic Sky Sect was wiped out three years ago, it was rumored that their chief and senior

    disciple had gone missing.

    Could this young man be the missing disciple Donn Lawrence, the man who carved a bloody path out

    of his enemies despite the South Sea Four''s encirclement?

    The man had already topped Skyrank as a Birthright martial elite. One could not even begin to fathom

    his depth!

    In fact, Aion Fairfax was already no longer worrying about what Sage Lake Sect would do.

    Instead, he now feared that after Donn Lawrence wiped out Sage Lake Sect, he would silence Aion

    and his granddaughter... forever!

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    On the other hand, Eiger was on hisst breath after Frank''s single punch.

    He was also on his knees in a grotesque posture as he screamed in panic, "I''m Bocek''s sworn brother

    and the sect chief''srade! Sage Lake Sect will kill you if you kill me!"

    "Those are yourst words?" Frank asked as he leveled Eiger an icy look, chuckling coolly. "It''s as if

    you''re saying that Sage Lake Sect would forget all past grievances if I''d just let you go."

    "Y-You can''t kill me! I have money! I''ll give you as much as you want if you spare me. Right, the

    Goldeater Cane! You wanted that, didn''t you? It''s right there, inside the inner room. Just spare me, and

    I promise I will collect the rest too¡ª"

    Crack.

    Frank smacked Eiger with his palm right then, silencing him permanently.

    Even as Eiger''s eyes widened at his sunken chest, he kept rasping but could not manage a single

    word.

    Then, he dropped to the floor resoundingly¡ªone of Sage Lake Sect''s top five had been killed with

    immeasurable ease.

    Quinn was left watching as Eiger died for a long while beforeing to her senses.

    "You killed Uncle Eiger! You''re a dead man, Frank!" she screamed before turning toward the ck-d

    men around them. "You ipetent fools! Are you just going to watch and do nothing?! Kill him!"

    The ck-d men traded nces, none of them taking a step forward.

    If Frank Lawrence could kill a Birthright rank elite so easily, they would serve no purpose other than die

    if they charged at him.

    Naturally, their inaction left Quinn hysterical even as she spat, "You bunch of ungrateful, useless scum!

    Have you forgotten how much Sage Lake Sect spent on you?! Spineless twigs!"

    Frank remained silent and impassive as he looked up at Quinn, who stood some distance away.

    He started forward, and the ck-d man immediately cleared a path.

    Seeing that Frank wasing for her, Quinn''s legs were shaking and actually felt something warm

    flowing down her legs.

    "W-What do you think you''re doing?!" she shrieked. "I''m the daughter of Bocek Ocean! My father will

    kill you if youy a finger on me!"

    Frank simply snorted as he stood before her, staring coldly. "No more tricks. I might actually spare you

    if you give up the Goldeater Cane, but if you don''t... It''s death!"

    His sudden murderous re vaporized every bit of mental fortitude Quinn had.

    She dropped to her knees with an audible thud, staring nkly as Frank reached out a hand, unable to

    breathe.

    But that was when a bellow resounded from outside Silver Spring Dojo.

    "Wretched remnant of Mystic Sky Sect! The insolence to mess with Sage Lake Sect!"

 Chapter 545

    Frank turned just as the doors were kicked open, and a middle-aged man strode in.

    His hair and clothes were gray, and he carried the air of mastery.

    His hawkish eyes were fixed on Frank, his expression dark.

    It was none other than Bocek Ocean, high elder of Sage Lake Sect.

    "Dad!"

    Quinn appeared euphoric to see him, even scrambling as she dashed toward him, bawling, "Dad, you

    have to save us! F-Frank killed Uncle Eiger!"

    "What?!"

    Bocek turned where her daughter was pointing, his gaze darkening as he saw Eiger''s corpseying

    limply in the crater.

    "You wretch! You yed an elder of Sage Lake Sect!"

    "So what if I did?"

    Frank chuckled coolly, not holding back since he knew Bocek would be the worst opponent he faced

    today. "Shame your top five didn''t evenst a punch. I''m really disappointed."

    "Hmph. So you are as conceited as my daughter says," Bocek growled, quicklyposing himself.

    "You have now murdered three vital figures of Sage Lake Sect, and there''s no way for you to make

    amends now... But!"

    Bocek withdrew his death aura as he narrowed his eyes and added slyly, "Sage Lake Sect is always

    understanding. Give up all your techniques, cripple your meridian nexus, ande with me to Sage

    Lake Sect to mourn all those you killed¡ªand I''ll spare your life. Otherwise, you and everyone you ever

    loved shall die!"

    Frankughed out loud in turn. "You''re as crude as the words you say. And instead of taking your offer,

    I have a counter-offer: Have everyone in Sage Lake Sect cripple their meridian nexus and kowtow

    three times before me, and I shall spare Sage Lake Sect. How about that?"

    Bocek sneered, undeterred by Frank''s sarcasm. "So you''re not admitting to your crimes?"

    "What crimes do you speak of?" Frank shot back, standing against Bocek with equal might.

    "Fine, have it your way. Get him!" Bocek bellowed at the ck-d men.

    They were once again trading nces, some cowering while most too afraid to move.

    That was when Bocek added, "Deserters will be punished ording to Sect rules!"

    They froze at those words, their eyes going red right then.

    Despite being a part of Sage Lake Sect, their families were in the hands of the sect.

    On one hand, it was called employee benefits.

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    On the other hand, it was leverage during drastic situations.

    As such, what Bocek meant was that anyone who did not fight would have their entire families

    executed.

    But if they sacrificed themselves for Sage Lake Sect, they would more or less be earningpensation

    for their families.

    "Die, Frank Lawrence!" one of the ck-d men bellowed as he charged at Frank, weapon raised.

    And with him leading the way, the others all charged at Frank as well with resounding battlecries, all of

    them turning into fearless zealots right then.

 Chapter 546

    Death meantpensation for their families, while desertion meant death to them and their families.

    Sensing the change in attitude among the ck-d men, Frank did not hold back as he charged his

    Five-Peat Archaeus, his Birthright rank might overwhelming them.

    It was a headache now that they were suddenly fearless even in death, especially since some were

    vigor-wielding elites.

    A group around ten would be no issue, but even he was hard-pressed against dozens, even hundreds

    ¡ª not even a lion could stand against a horde of hyenas alone.

    Seeing that Frank was a little overwhelmed, Aion''s granddaughter cried, "Help him, Grandpa!"

    Aion, however, stood his ground.

    He appeared troubled and was clearly not intent to get involved.

    If Frank won, he and his granddaughter muste up with something to appease thest apprentice

    of Mystic Sky Sect.

    And there was still a chance he would kill them so that they would not tell on him.

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    Naturally, things would not bode well for them if Sage Lake Sect won either, so all Aion could do was

    stand there, indecisive.

    "Oh, you''re such an embarrassing geezer!" Aion''s granddaughter snapped just then and leapt into fray.

    Surprisingly, her dainty form wielded martial arts that almost defiedmon sense!

    With just a single palm technique, she unleashed a violent shockwave that sent two ck-d men

    flying.

    She was clearly more than what met the eye!

    "Stop it, brat!"

    Aion was absolutely petrified.

    What was he going to tell Haply Hall''s elders if something happened to his granddaughter because she

    was blundering her way through this mess?!

    Having no choice right then, he braced himself and joined the fight as well, alleviating the pressure on

    Frank right then.

    At the dojo gates, Quinn was still watching as Frank sent more ck-d men flying or killing them

    outright.

    She winced from time to time but eventually turned toward her father in confusion. "Dad, are we just

    going to sit by and watch as he ughters our men?"

    Bocek was much moreposed inparison. He was watching the fight too and said quietly, "We''ll

    get our hands on Mystic Sky Sect''s secrets. Moreover, there''s been too many prying eyes involved..."

    Quinn''s heart skipped a beat as she looked at the crazed ck-d man in shock. "You mean."

    "Yes." Bocekughed coolly. "No one aside from you and me must know about this¡ªnot even the

    chief. Also, new apprentices can always be recruited, while these ones die wearing down Frank. It''s

    killing two birds with one stone."

    Quinn lowered her gaze, a little scared of her father''s savage, bloodlusting re just then.

    "That includes Eron White and his family. The man wants to have his daughter marry Maron Ocean?

    Hah! He''s dying too."

    Bocek''s face contorted ruthlessly and nced at his daughter to see her hesitant.

    pping her on the shoulder, he chuckled. "You must understand, my dear girl¡ªthere''s no such thing

    as principles in this world! Everyone listens to the person with the biggest stick, and the ones who

    defeat their conscience would always reach further and higher than anyone else!"

    He nodded in approval as he watched Quinn ponder upon his words, and he whipped out his phone to

    make a call.

    "Jorg Zayas? Got a job for you," he said icily. "Assemble your boys and massacre the White family of

    Southstream. Remember, leave nothing alive!"

 Chapter 547

    Meanwhile, a guest has arrived at White Hall. It was Shane Tomen, the heir to a rich family in

    Southstream.

    He was in his twenties, having recently returned afterpleting a master''s degree abroad.

    He was ssmates with Kim during their middle school years and had been infatuated with her since

    Kim was already pretty maiden since then.

    He confessed his feelings to Kim when they graduated and was devastated when she rejected him,

    saying that she was underage.

    It was why he chose to further his studies abroad, and years had passed when he learned that Kim

    was engaged to the heir of the Yaffe family of Riverton.

    He was once again miserable, as the Yaffes were backed by Flying Sword Sect.

    His family consisted of generations of business folk, but they stood no chance against the Yaffes, who

    had the edge in physical violence. Hence, Shane had to give up under his father''s stern dissuasion.

    But he soon heard news of the entire Yaffe family being wiped out.

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    "Could someone up there be watching over me?" he mused just then.

    He quickly settled all business he had abroad¡ªincluding a pregnant girlfriend¡ªand hurried back to

    Southstream.

    He visited White Hall the very next day and was now in Kim''s guest room.

    Taking a sip of a yellowed tea, he leveled a look of worry at Kim. "I heard the Yaffes were wiped out, so

    I was worried. It really keeps people on edge, the way those sect members go all out to ughter each

    other."

    Kim, however, waspletely distracted, only serving some in tea leaves and not the ones she

    handpicked.

    "Yeah. It''s not surprising given the terrible things they were usually up to," she murmured.

    Shane was delighted to see that she was not sentimental about the Yaffes, even believing that this was

    his hour.

    Adjusting his sses, he smiled. "Does that mean you''re free now?"

    "Free?" Kim rested her chin on her hand as she snorted darkly. "How am I free? I still have to suffer my

    father''s arrangements."

    "Mr. White?" Shane frowned as he reached for her hand, but Kim withdrew hers as if jolted.

    Her reaction left him displeased, but he smiled anyway. "In that case, I will appeal to your father for

    your sake, so that he''ll free you."

    "Really?" Kim''s eyes lit up with hope, but it was gone soon enough. "Forget it. My father is stubborn

    and self-obsessed¡ªhe''d never listen."

    "Don''t worry, he''lle around with me here," Shane assured her, patting his own chest. "You can run

    away with me if he still refuses. I was going to start the greatest empire ofmerce that Southstream

    has ever seen. That''s why I''ve returned¡ªI''m sure that with my brains and my connections, your father

    will be satisfied."

    Kim frowned as Shane''s meaning could not be clearer, but before she could speak, the doors were

    opened violently.

    Eron strode in, glowering at Shane in disdain. "Dream on, boy. My daughter already has a better fiance,

    and you''re insignificant inparison. Do you understand?"

 Chapter 548

    Eron''s blunt tone left Shane at once surprised and angered.

    "Don''t you think you''re exaggerating, sir?" he demanded. "Why don''t you mention the name of the

    fiance who could make me appear insignificant?''

    Eron nced between Shane''s defiant visage and Kim''s look of mncholy.

    Considering the timing, Sage Lake Sect would be done with Frank by now.

    "Ahem." He cleared his throat and grinned. "My daughter will be marrying Maron Ocean, the son of

    Sage Lake Sect''s chief. You really should look yourself in the mirror and decide if you can ever win

    against Sage Lake Sect... If the answer''s no, then just give up on your pipe dreams already."

    Kim did a double take at his mention of Maron before mming her palm on the table as she sprang to

    her feet, furious. "You''re out of line! You can''t do this!"

    Moran was known to be prodigious and had reached Birthright rank early in life, but word from every

    ce he ever traveled to pointed to a terrible personality.

    Not only would he frequent red-light districts, but there were also usations of an appalling personal

    life and that every woman he had ever been with always ended up suffering.

    His drunken behavior was even less eptable, with reports of him assaulting innocents on the street.

    He was incorrigible, and heaven knows how he reached Birthright rank. Perhaps the credit went to

    Sage Lake Sect''s chief, who must have spent a fortune on his son.

    "Nonsense!" Eron''s face fell as his daughter pointed out all of Maron''s ws. "Those are all just rumors

    ¡ªMaron is a good man. If you still doubt me, I''ll personally bring you on a visit after this."

    "Are you really so bent on driving me to desperation?" Kim cried, her eyes welling up with tears as she

    clenched her knuckles. "You''re willing to exchange my life and happiness for your so-called future?"

    "Silence!"

    A devilish figure strode in, and it was none other than Aria Lond, her cheeks thick with makeup.

    She leaned against Eron''s shoulder, snapping at Eron haughtily, "Is that how you speak to your own

    father, Kim? Apologize right now!"

    "Apologize?!"

    Kim could have a stroke, and she did not need imagination to understand the story between those two.

    Pointing a shaking finger at Aria, she demanded, "What have you been doing with that woman?!"

    "What can I do?" Eron turned away guiltily, shooting Aria an using look even as he argued. "We''re

    talking about you! Don''t change the subject!"

    "Y-You bastard!" Kim yelled as she flung her cup at Aria, the piping hot tea sshing squarely on Aria''s

    thigh.

    Aria shrieked, clutching her thigh as she fell to the floor.

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    "Insolence!" Eron''s eyes widened in fury as he pped Kim across the face!

 Chapter 549

    Kim clutched her cheek, ring at Eron in disbelief. "You''d hit me over that woman?!"

    Though her father loved her dearly, he changed ever since the Yaffe family had fallen, his behavior

    bing at once radical and unreasonable.

    Where he would show some respect for Kim''s opinion and choice before, he was now the embodiment

    of stubbornness and apathy. He and Kim drifted apart, and now, he would even p her over some

    woman who deceived Frank.

    Kim had never suffered such indignation!

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    She also knew very well what Aria was after watching the voyeur video of Aria at White Court Hotel.

    She was as devious as she was stupid, and she always liked to draw attention.

    And her father actually took interest in her? She was younger than Kim!

    "I''m disappointed in you!" Kim cried, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked up.

    "What..."

    Eron actually felt stung, but he soon came to his senses as Aria was persistently gasping in pain right

    beside him.

    "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re up to," he glowered and growled through gritted teeth. "You fell for

    Frank Lawrence, didn''t you?"

    "So what if I had?" Kim retorted defiantly.

    "Give up already! He''s probably dead by now!" Eron bellowed as he mmed his hand on the table.

    "That bastard took our family''s Earthen Dragonheart just because he saved you! I''ve already had

    enough of his pompous, demeaning attitude! If not for him, the Yaffe family would now be our inws!

    How could they have just fallen apart? Why can''t our family ever rise to the top?!"

    Kim would have snapped at his father for his mad ravings, but she was more concerned about Frank''s

    safety. "What did you do to Frank?!"

    "What did I do?"

    Her concern only incensed Eron and he snorted. "Fine, I won''t keep it from you¡ªdid you really think

    the tip I gave you was real?"

    Eron appeared gleeful when he saw Kim''s shock. "Well, it actually is real, and there is a Silver Spring

    Dojo. but it''s all just a trap for Frank¡ªone that Sage Lake Sect and I worked together to prepare, I

    might add! And that bastard went there happily, none the wiser. There, he would be facing hundreds of

    Sage Lake Sect elites and two of their elders, Bocek Ocean and Eiger Ocean! They are both Skyrank,

    and Frank Lawrence is dead once he gets there!"

    "What?!" Kim''s eyes widened in shock, and she could kill him right then, snapping in rage for once, "He

    saved my life! I''d be dead if not for him¡ªis my life worth less than an Earthen Dragonheart to you?!"

    Her father''s apathy waspletely new to her¡ªhow did her kind, loving father turn out like this?! She

    just could not understand!

    "You don''t get it Kim." Eron simply snorted. "Still waters run deep, especially in Southstream¡ªif our

    family is to survive and thrive, we must pay the price."

 Chapter 550

    Eron nted himself on the couch, growling icily, "I offered Frank twice thepensation amount back

    then, but he doesn''t know his ce! Not only did he refuse me, but he''d even seduce my daughter!

    He''s getting his just deserts¡ªonce he''s dead, Sage Lake Sect would agree to betrothing Maron to you,

    Kim!"

    "You''re crazy!" Kim snapped and fled the guest room just like that.

    Aria was ready to stop her. "How dare you do this to me, you¡ª"

    Eron waved her off, barking, "Let her go¡ªshe''s not leaving this house anyway! She really is getting

    even more stubborn these days..." -

    As she ran, Kim kept calling Frank, but his phone line was engaged.

    Kim could not help ming herself¡ªshe was just thinking she finally could help Frank in some way,

    only for it to all turn out to be her father''s ploy!

    She had done this to Frank. the man who saved her life!

    Gritting her teeth, she resolved in her grief, "If anything happens to Frank, my father would just have to

    marry my corpse to Sage Lake Sect!"

    However, just as she reached the doors, she found Liv staring at her with pursed lips.

    "Stop right there, Ms. White," she said and gestured for the security guards to restrain Kim.

    "What are you doing, Liv?! Are you on my father''s side?!" Kim cried, her heart sinking rock-bottom and

    her tears flowing to see her close friend and bodyguard betray her!

    "Don''t me me." Liv sighed. "I don''t know what happened, but you''re definitely going to look for

    Frank."

    "If you know that, then let me go!" Kim cried even as she struggled.

    "No." Liv shook her head as she leveled Kim a troubled look. "I''ve looked into him, y''know. Nothing was

    known about him before he married into the Lane family, and he freeloaded there until they kicked them

    out three yearster. After that, he managed to hook up with Vicky Turnbull¡ªbeing with him would just

    humiliate your family."

    "And that''s not the worst of it¡ªyou''d be putting yourself in danger. Also, I heard your conversation with

    Frankst night, and I''m not about to sit still while you throw yourself into the fire pit."

    Liv''s face was stony and clearly not intending to discuss the matter.

    Even so, Kim cried, "Frank is in danger! He''s walking into Sage Lake Sect''s trap! My father lured him

    there with a tip about the Goldeater Cane! And he''d rather I marry Moran Ocean, the son of Sage Lake

    Sect''s chief! Please, Liv¡ªfor the sake of our friendship, just let me go! I''d rather die than marry Moran!"

    "What?! Frank is an enemy of Sage Lake Sect?"

    Liv frowned at Kim''s ramblings. "Then I have even less reason to let you go. Just give up already¡ª

    Frank is a good healer, but he''s also a loser who doesn''t even have a job. And are you that keen on

    having Sage Lake Sect wipe out your family because of him?"

    Liv was determined, and Kim knew that she would not make it out.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Please, Liv... Frank saved you too, didn''t he?"

 Chapter 551

    Kim cried, "How could you be so heartless?"

    "This is for your own good," Liv said and beckoned for the guards to lock Kim inside her own room.

    "He saved you, you ingrate! You''re now spitting in his face!" Kim yelled even as she was dragged away.

    Liv stood there, leveling a troubled stare at the front door when her sense of danger tingled.

    Someone was behind her.

    Before she could turn, however, the man struck her fair nape with the side of his palm.

    She cked out right then.

    Meanwhile, Shane Tomen had yet to leave Kim''s guest room.

    Though he could see that Kim was not interested in him after the dramatic events earlier, he could also

    see that she was not interested in Maron either.

    Rising to his feet, he said quietly, "My family may not be as influential as Sage Lake Sect, but are you

    sure that Kim won''t end up doing something drastic, especially when you''re driving her to

    desperation?"

    "Don''t bother. It''s none of your business," Eron said with a snort, not interested in Shane at all.

    As Eron waved at his butler Gorde to escort Shane outside, Shane snarled, "Mr. White, my family rose

    to prominence in Southstream because we have backing. Sage Lake Sect may be powerful, but they''re

    not as invincible as you would think! You''ll regret your actions on this day!"

    Before he could leave, Gorde suddenly screamed outside.

    "What the hell?!"

    Eron was blowing at Aria''s thigh to soothe her scalded feet and looked up warily after hearing the

    A ck-d man then walked in calmly and lifted his mask to reveal his middle-aged face, overflowing

    with murderous intent.

    Eron''s heart skipped a beat when he saw him. "A-Aren''t you Jorg Zayas...?"

    Eron had naturally done his homework on Sage Lake Sect, since he was intending to ride on their

    coattails.

    And among their ranks was Jorg Zayas, the leader of a covert guild within Sage Lake Sect¡ªspecifically

    one in charge of wetwork and other ndestine tasks

    Jorg was himself a formidable Birthright rank elite, a blood knight whom no one in Southstream would

    dare cross.

    Whenever he showed up, a massacre would ensue.

    And for some reason, Eron felt fear as soon as he saw the bloody ck machete Jorg was holding. He

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    quickly pushed Aria away and respectfully beckoned for Jorg to take a seat on the couch.

    "To what do we owe the pleasure, Mr. Zayas?" he asked tentatively.

    "What? Don''t you know?" Jorg smiled even as he remained standing, his bloodthirsty gaze shing

    viciously as he raised his ck machete and licked the blood off the edge.

    Eron was stupefied, and it took him a long while to regain his senses.

    "Oh, but... this has to be a misunderstanding!" he cried. "T-Things are amicable between my family and

    Sage Lake Sect, and I''m supposed to visit in a couple days to discuss my daughter''s engagement with

    Maron Ocean. We''re basically inws. did someone set you against me?"

    Sheer terror welled up within Eron as all sorts of possibilities crossed his mind, but he just could not

    understand why Sage Lake Sect was suddenly after him!

    "Oh, but I couldn''t care less." Jorg chuckled coolly. "I only ever carry out orders, not offer exnations."

 Chapter 552

    Jorg sneered.

    He looked down to see Aria curled up from fear and reached out to pick her up before flinging her

    outside the room as if she were a ball.

    "Go!" he barked. "Gather everyone around the residence here. I might even spare your lives if I''m in a

    good mood, but if you run..."

    Eron panicked as Jorg''s ck machete inched toward him, and he promptly yelled at Aria, "Go! Do

    what Mr. Zayas said. Tell everyone it''s my order! Just go!"

    However, just as Aria pushed herself off the ground, she saw Gorde''s decapitated body just beside her.

    She promptly started yelling and fleeing like mad.

    Eron almost suffered a stroke right then. "Dumb bitch!"

    "Are you really running?"

    On the other hand, once Jorg saw what Aria was doing, he waved his hand.

    Vigor was refined into pure vigor instantly,unched into the distance and shattering Aria''s shoulders.

    Aria screamed, clutching her shoulders that were now a bloody pulp before copsing on the ground,

    her fate uncertain.

    Jorg then turned toward the trembling Shane. "Go on, boy, or it''d be worse for you."

    Shane scrambled outside without another word, yelling as he ran down the hallway, "Everyone!

    Assemble at the guest room! Mr. Eron White''s orders!"

    Jorg actually nodded in approval at Shane''s tactfulness, while Eron stared fixedly at Jorg.

    He tried to smile, but he would have looked better crying. "M-Mr. Zayas. So what have we done to

    warrant this? I''ve even met your high elder just days ago¡ªhe promised that once Frank Lawrence is

    dead, he would take my daughter to meet Maron Ocean. Wait, could Frank have managed to escape?"

    "Frank Lawrence?"

    Jorg clearly did not even recognize the name as he chuckled coolly. "Cut the crap, Eron White. I only

    do what I''m told¡ªI wouldn''t know anything else!"

    Eron gritted his teeth and clenched his knuckles. "Then at least call your high elder to check! Someone

    could be impersonating him and giving you those orders¡ªwouldn''t you be punished if you killed me by

    mistake? My daughter is going to be Maron''s fiancee! Even if I''m going to die, at least let me know

    why!"

    Jorg actually felt a moment of doubt as Eron tirelessly pleaded his case, and he could see that Eron

    was not lying.

    Was his daughter really going to marry Maron?

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    Even a hard man like Jorg frowned at the thought of Maron¡ªif the brat really lost his woman because

    of Jorg, he would pursue the matter to kingdome.

    And the very thought was... irritating.

    Still, he watched as everyone in White Hall slowly gathered and smiled coolly.

    It was just a phone call¡ªplenty of time for killing once he confirmed his orders.

    And considering that Eron could not stir up trouble, Jorg nodded.

    "Fine, you can have your phone call. But you only have one minute, and I''m killing you if you try

    anything funny." He grinned darkly as he pressed his machete against Eron''s neck.

    Kim was just locked in her own room when she heard Shane yelling outside.

    Before she could say a word, however, her servants dragged her outside to the assembly point. There,

    she found every retainer working in White Hall along with the livestock for some reason.

    Even her ailing, terminally ill grandfather was brought there.

 Chapter 553

    Kim cried, "Grandfather!"

    Even before she could reach him, around thirty ck-d men leapt into thepound..

    They moved in perfect synchrony, all armed with weapons meant to kill as they encircled the White

    family.

    Kim even saw one of them dragging Liv over, though she did not appear hurt aside from passing out.

    That was when Eron was being brought in from the guest room¡ªone of the ck-d men held a

    machete against his neck, his mask already removed.

    "Dad, what''s happening here?!" Kim demanded right then.

    Eron''s face was pale, and he could not do much aside from sighing. "I think there''s been a

    misunderstanding between us and Sage Lake Sect... But don''t worry! Just one call to clear the air, and

    everything will be fine."

    "Is this because of Frank?" Kim voiced her hunch right then.

    "You''re still thinking of that bastard?!" Eron growled viciously. "He might be the one who set us up!

    That''s why Mr. Zayas is here! If you still consider me your father, never mention his name again and

    properly marry Maron, or our family will suffer! We might end up like the Yaffe family!"

    "Shut up!" Jorg barked, and he whipped out his phone to dial Bocek Ocean''s number.

    "Sir, Eron White wants to talk to you. Yes, yes, I know."

    Jorg nodded respectfully and turned on his phone speaker, sneering as he threw his phone to Eron.

    Eron frantically caught it, and as everyone in his family watched, he began gingerly, "Mr. Ocean? Mr.

    Zayas has just stormed my house with his men. There''s got to be a misunderstanding¡ª"

    "No, there isn''t," Bocek''s cold voice boomed from the other end, and everyone heard himugh. "First

    of all, I must thank you for luring Frank Lawrence into our trap, Eron. But I regret to inform you that you

    and your family will have to die."

    "What? Why?"

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    Eron was stunned by Bocek''s cold words, ncing in disbelief at his daughter even as he pleaded, "Sir,

    didn''t you promise to introduce my daughter to Maron once Frank falls into your trap? Wouldn''t he be

    interested in a natural beauty like her?"

    "Hmph." Kim sneered in disappointment as she watched her father lick Bocek''s boots, her gaze

    showing nothing but disdain.

    "Haha!" Bocek roared withughter over the phone mocking Eron as everyone in the family listened.

    , "Are you dreaming, Eron? I''d even acknowledge your daughter''s beauty, and she really had a shot of

    marrying Maron, even earning his favor. But the most important question is... Are you really worthy?"

    That question left Eron dropping to the floor in his room, murmuring, "Mr. Ocean."

    "Well, I''m hanging up now¡ªI still have shit here to deal with."

    Bocek chuckled coolly before asking lightly, "Wait, do you want to know why I want your family gone?"

 Chapter 554

    Bocek finished, "That''s because you know too much."

    Beep.

    Eron was dumbstruck even as the call was cut off, the phone slipping off his fingers andnding on the

    floor with a loud thud.

    "Hehe. Do you get it now, Eron?" Jorg sneered sinisterly, brandishing his ck machete as he watched

    Eron sumb to despair and confusion.

    "Kim... I... I..." Eron turned to find only contempt in Kim''s eyes, wing at his own hair as he reared his

    head and howled.

    pping himself in the face, he cried, "I''m so sorry. I''m so sorry! They are all snakes. All of them!"

    Even as he shed tears of regret, he turned toward his father Forrest White, lying on his stretcher and

    dying. "I''m so sorry."

    He had gone through great lengths for Sage Lake Sect, but they never even considered him a person.

    All his one-sided sycophancy only earned him this ending¡ªto be wiped out because he knew too

    much.

    "Tut, tut, Eron. Don''t be sad. Don''t worry, I''m not that heartless." Jorg was chuckling even as he rubbed

    his chin.

    His gaze had been lingering on Kim and Liv''s fair napes for a while, his eyes twinkling.

    The other ck-d men knew what he was up to and chuckled as well.

    It was utterly sinister¡ªand it was not their first rodeo.

    They were all going to be killed anyway. Why not pick a pretty face and satisfy their beastly lust before

    getting to work?

    If anything, it was just another day in the office for them.

    "Come on! Cheer up, Eron. Well I guess I''ll have to spell it out for you," Jorg said, crouching to lift

    Eron''s chin. "That pretty face here is your daughter, huh? Why don''t you ask her to give me and my

    boys a little service, and I''ll let you live. How about that?"

    "Kim."

    Eron''s eyes lit up with hope again, and he turned to Kim.

    All he found was his daughter looking at him like he was scum, sneering. "What, are you going to tell

    me to spread my legs for those animals? You''ve really shown me something new here."

    Eron, however, was pleading. "Daddy''s begging you, please? See¡ªas long as I live, the family will

    carry on. You don''t want to see your grandfather sad, right? He''ll die with great regret if the family

    lineage ends here..."

    Kim nced at her grandfather even as her father pointed at him.

    Forrest was dying, so Kim had nned to exchange a favor with Frank. By telling him about the

    Goldeater Cane, she could ask for his help to save her grandfather.

    However, her father''s actions denied that hope, and the White family was now on the verge of doom.

    "Kim." Forrest was suddenly wide awake, his vigor seemingly restored as he reached out with a

    withered palm, hacking as he pointed at Kim. "K-Kim, don''t listen to your father. He''s a bastard."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 555

    "Grandfather..." Kim cried as she dropped to her knees beside him, her eyes clouded with tears. "It''s all

    my fault. I was toote to stop my father''s schemes."

    "No. No. You can''t me yourself for this, Kim. Come here," Forrest waved it off, rasping as he

    beckoned for Kim to get closer. "Run if you can, Kim. Don''t bother with us¡ªthe family is in your hands

    as long as you live."

    "But a woman has never carried the torches." Kim sniffled and snorted. "Funny. That''s all we care

    about, even now."

    "Hehe. You''re right. And that makes you much stronger than your father. He''s useless and nothing

    without all the family business he inherited."

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Dad!" Eron suddenly lunged towards them, grasping his father''s arm as he pleaded, "Talk to Kim. I-If

    she just bears it, the family will not fall to ruin!"

    Then, turning to Kim, he kowtowed at her repeatedly. "Please, Kim! Daddy''s begging you!"

    "Just give up!" Kim red at him in contempt as everyone else looked on, shouting, "You brought this

    on everyone because you never listen! How shameless can you get, telling your own daughter to

    spread her legs for some brute just to save your own skin!"

    Kim then spat right in Eron''s face, which left him silent for a moment before he flew into a maniacal

    rage.

    He leapt up, knocking Kim to the floor, and turned toward Jorg who had been watching in amusement

    for a while.

    "Come, Mr. Zayas!" he cried. "I''m holding her down for you! Just spare me, and I''ll keep her like this!

    She can''t fight back!"

    "Bastard! You bastard!"

    Forrest was shaking with rage even as he listened to the ck d men''sughter, and he suddenly

    stiffened as he croaked.

    "Grandpa!" Kim could go mad with spite, and she bit down heavily on Eron even as he straddled her.

    Eron, however, was too far gone and refused to let up even as Kim drew blood, even smiling fawningly

    at the ck-d men.

    "Gentleman, hurry! Come on, do it¡ªI have my daughter restrained!"

    "You''re a real treat, Eron!" Jorg was roaring withughter, almost shedding tears¡ªthis was the first

    time he had ever seen anything like this.

    Eron then startedughing with the ck-d men too, even as Kim kept struggling and yelling in

    defiance...

    Meanwhile, at Silver Spring Dojo, Frank had eliminated every ck-d man.

    All of them had cost Sage Lake Sect an ocean''s worth of resources to groom, and they were now lying

    on the floor, their blood pooling so high that it almost reached the ankles.

    ng.

    Frank was wheezing as he threw away a broken sword. He was ring at Bocek and Quinn, thetter

    of whom was pursing her lips as another scene of Frank''s terrifying side became etched in her mind.

    "Sage Lake Sect''s reputation is well deserved!"

    Frank grinned, wiping the blood off his face as he shed a grin.

    He had definitely killed too many right now.

 Chapter 556

    A death aura was already surrounding Frank, even as Bocek suddenly apuded.

    He looked down upon the ck-d corpses all over the ce and snorted. "I thought these

    ipetent fools would at least hurt you... I didn''t think you''d have helped."

    Just then, Bocek nced at Aion Fairfax''s granddaughter, whose face was flushed as she panted. Aion

    was himself struck on the shoulder, and his cheeks were pale.

    "I wonder, how much vigor do you still have?" Bocke then chuckled, sping his hands behind his

    back. "How would you fare against me now?"

    "Cut the crap!" Aion''s granddaughter snapped right then¡ªit seemed that she waspletely on

    Frank''s side now, although she was wobbling and exhausted.

    "Thank you both for the assistance. I''m awash with gratitude," Frank said with a brief nce at the two

    as he walked over the ck-d men''s corpses up to Bocek, who still stood with his hands sped

    behind his back.

    "This is my business now. Please leave as soon as you can."

    "Give up already, Frank!" Quinn snapped. "You can''t even stand straight now!"

    However, she was the one who could not help taking a step back as she was already traumatized with

    Frank, and he looked especially savage now as he was covered in blood.

    Not just anyone could y over a hundred Sage Lake Sect martial elites, and Quinn looked at Frank as

    if he were a monster.

    "Don''t try to bluff, Frank." Bocek sneered. "I know you have no vigor left. What do you have to bluff with

    when you''re at death''s door? Just drop to your knees, and I shall spare your life."

    "No vigor? At death''s door?" Frank suddenly chuckled.

    Bocek frowned, a foreboding sensation gripping him right then.

    But did he really have anything left after ying over a hundred Sage Lake Sect apprentices?

    If he did, then was he even human?

    Narrowing his eyes, Bocek barked, "Still bluffing, huh?!"

    "You''ll understand soon enough." Frank put his hands together, his eyes blood red as a wave of pure

    vigor of the same color suddenly bursting away from him.

    "What?! This is."

    Frank''s abrupt move left Bocek flinching, and Aion was stunned as well.

    "What is he doing, Grandpa?" Aion''s granddaughter asked in confusion.

    "He''s focusing his own death aura while recharging himself by absorbing the death aura of the corpses

    around him... Gosh, I understand now! That''s how Donn Lawrence could break his way past the

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    encirclement when his sect fell!"

    Aion suddenly grabbed his granddaughter''s hand and started to run toward the back door of Silver

    Spring Dojo. "We need to run, or we''ll both die if it''s toote!"

    "Hey! Burt is over there near the pile of corpses!"

    "Don''t bother! We need to get out of here!"

    Even so, Aion''s granddaughter ignored her grandfather''s cries as she stubbornly found Burt from the

    pile of corpses, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the back door.

    It was fortunate the floor was slick with blood, or she would not have been able to move Burt at all!

    Bang!

    Aion and his granddaughter sighed in relief as they mmed the back doors shut and almost fell as a

    horrible eruption unfurled within.

    It could well be an earthquake as the entire building shook!

 Chapter 557

    "What the hell was that?" Aion''s granddaughter turned toward her panicking grandfather in curiosity.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    "I-It''s." Aion gulped as he exined despite his fear, "It''s the Death Eater, Mystic Sky Sect''s secret

    technique that the elders of the Haply Hall spoke of. The person gathers death aura in his body, while

    his meridian nexus converts it and distributes it across his body, greatly enhancing his physique and

    speed. And for a brief period, a Birthright rank elite would gain the power of a Divine rank elite!

    "Divine rank?!" Aion''s granddaughter eximed in shock. "That would make him as strong as the

    chiefs of the South Sea Four!"

    "Exactly." Aion nodded somberly and sighed. "That''s why I''m saying that Mystic Sky Sect were all a

    bunch of monsters, even if there were never many of them!"

    "Then, how did they get wiped out?"

    "Well." Aion mused to himself irresolutely and shook his head. "I don''t know. It seems only Mr.

    Lawrence himself knows what went down at South Sea three years ago."

    -

    Bocek was left staring agape as Frank suddenly grew over half his size, his skin and eyes glistening in

    the color of blood.

    Visible mists of blood were unfurling out of his body too, and the bulging vessels over his chest actually

    formed the sigil of bnce and harmony.

    "Have you ever wondered how I made it out of South Sea?" Frank grinned, baring his teeth at Bocek

    and Quinn with a much richer voice. "As long as I kept killing, I could keep replenishing myself with

    death aura without end."

    "No. That''s impossible!" Bocek was dumbstruck with fear.

    He may be the fortieth Skyrank elite, but to see Frank in this form still left him speechless, his lips

    trembling in fear.

    All the death aura around them somehow fueled another one of Frank''s techniques, and one which

    was obviously stronger than the Five-Peat Archaeus. or in appearance, at least.

    Thud!

    Quinn dropped to her knees right then, trembling as she pleaded, "P-Please! I''ll stay away from you!

    Just let me live, and I won''t bother you ever again. I-I''ll even leave Sage Lake Sect and never show

    around you, please! Just let me live."

    Seeing his own daughter''s spineless reaction, Bocek bit his tongue, using the pain to recoup his sanity.

    He then pped Quinn across the face, snapping, "Spineless whelp! He could just be bluffing, and I''m

    the fortieth Skyrank elite and have yet to lose in a fight!"

    "Oh, really? Why don''t you try me?" Frank raised a brow, his expression showing a hint of contempt.

    "You will die! Feather w!" Bocek cried as he stomped a foot into the ground and leapt into the air like

    a vulture.

    His right fingers tore through the air toward Frank''s neck so quickly that his movements were a blur!

    "Ah! That''s my father! He certainly deserves his ce in Skyrank!"

    Quinn''s tears turned toughter when she saw the speed at which her father moved and watched

    eagerly, waiting to hear his father crush Frank''s windpipe!

    "Too slow."

    Nheless, Frank snorted as heunched Bocek into the air, even replicating Bocek''s technique as

    he bellowed, "Let me show you the real Feather w!"

 Chapter 558

    Frank''s hand shot forward like a missile.

    Bocek, who was spinning in the air after Frank sent him flying, felt Frank''s fingers around his shoulder.

    The audible crack of his bones soon ensued, and Bocek''s shoulder was crushed.

    "Argh!!!"

    His elderlyposure all gone, Bocek screamed hysterically as the single strike maimed him.

    Still, he was Skyrank''s fortieth, and he quickly reimagined his senses, gritting his teeth as he retaliated

    with rapid kicks.

    "Moonbreaker Drive!"

    Bocek''s legs must have struck ten ces at once. The air was bursting audibly as pure vigor shot away

    from his body, aiming straight at Frank''s face.

    "Too slow! Is that all the Skyrank''s fortieth can do?!"

    Frank scoffed as he took one step back, once again replicating Bocek''s technique. "Moonbreaker

    Drive!"

    Pow! Pow! Pow!

    While Bocek kicked ten times in an instant, Frank kicked fifty times within the same duration.

    Moreover, with death aura augmenting each kick, Bocek felt as if icicles were stabbing him all over his

    body.

    He screamed as he was sent flying again and dropped to the floor, rolling limply like a pile of mush.

    "Dad!" Quinn was utterly terrified to see that her father did not evenst a round against Frank and

    leapt to her father''s side, holding him in her arms as she bawled.

    "Hmm...?"

    Frank was ready to end both of them but suddenly felt a turbidness churning and ejecting out of his

    meridian nexus.

    Frank''s face fell, but he managed to stop the blood within that was threatening to eject out of his

    mouth.

    He had yet to fully recover after all¡ªthe three Elemental Wonders he had cultivated only propelled him

    to Birthright rank, which was far from his peak form.

    And then there was Aria''s poison, which he had yet to dispelpletely.

    Either disadvantage was severe, especially since he had forced himself to cast Death Eater, which

    severely wore down his body.

    That was when Quinn leapt toward Frank, grasping the hem of his trousers as she pleaded, "Please,

    I''m begging you, Mr. Lawrence... I won''t try to hurt you anymore! I''ll leave with my father and not get

    involved in Sage Lake Sect''s business anymore, and I''m your humble servant! I''ll do anything you ask

    me to¡ªjust let us live!"

    Her eyes welled up with tears as she kowtowed repeatedly, not even noticing her forehead skin

    breaking and bleeding.

    Frank would eliminate this threat once and for all, but he was at his limit.

    If he kept fighting, he would suffer irreversible internal injuries, and he would be reduced to a normal

    person like he had been three years ago.

    Frank sighed at that¡ªsuch was fate!

    "If you cripple your meridian nexus and give up the Goldeater Cane, I''ll let you live! Of course, this

    won''t happen if you cross me again!"

    Quinn felt salvation from his very words, and without another word, she struck herself viciously as

    Frank looked on.

    Her face turned pale as she bled from every orifice, and she withstood her pain to level a miserable

    look at Frank. "The Goldeater Cane is outside the rear gates, Mr. Lawrence. You just have to retrieve it

    yourself."

    Once could be a fluke, and twice could be a coincidence.

    But this was the third time, and Frank had thoroughly crushed Quinn''s pride.

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    Now, in her mind, he was the devil incarnate¡ªthe one person she would never beat.

    For the sake of her survival, she no longer bore any enmity toward him¡ªall she wanted was to run as

    far away as she could from him and ideally never see him again.

 Chapter 559

    "Wait."

    Just as Quinn did her best to help her crippled father into the car, Frank spoke up, putting his hand on

    the door as he reverted to his usual state.

    Quinn''s heart skipped a beat, presuming right then that Frank was changing his mind.

    However, Frank was no savage.

    He nced at Bocek even as he wheezed and spoke quietly, "There''s something else."

    "Do tell, Mr. Lawrence," Quinn said, immeasurably tame.

    "I heard your father sending someone to massacre the White family," Frank said. "Tell them to stop

    right now, and that the White family are never to be touched."

    Quinn was certainly relieved that Frank was not changing his mind, though she soon frowned. "But it''s

    the White family who lured you into this trap. Are you just going to leave them be?"

    "That''s my business." Frank''s cool gaze left Quinn flinching.

    "Yes, of course," Quinn muttered and quickly fumbled through her father''s pockets for his phone, then

    called Jorg to have him withdraw everyone.

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    Jorg was certainly mystified, but he had to say yes just so that Quinn hung up.

    She leveled a miserable look at Frank, who nodded. "You can go."

    Both Quinn and Bocek sighed in relief.

    "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Lawrence. I swear to never be your enemy ever again," Quinn

    said, clutching her stomach even as she started her car.

    "Hmph."

    Frank''s dissatisfaction was actually appeased once he saw that Quinn was that submissive, even

    throwing a bottle of pills through their window.

    "Take one pill each every day, and you two will make a full recovery before long. But with your meridian

    nexus crippled, you''ll stay as ordinary people for the rest of your lives."

    "T-Thank you, Mr. Lawrence." Quinn actually looked grateful as he drove away.

    Frank waited until Quinn was gone from sight before dropping to his knees and coughing up a mouthful

    of blood.

    He had regressed after that battle three years ago, and had yet to fully recover.

    He needed the Five Elemental Wondersbined with the Five-Peat Archaeus to treat his condition.

    Using the Death Eater technique would aggravate his injury, but things turned out well.

    Not only did he im the Goldeater Cane for himself, but he had also dealt with the annoyance that

    was Sage Lake Sect.

    "And most importantly, I didn''t need to ask for Hans'' help."

    Frank knew that asking Hans Stark would always solve any issue in just half the time required.

    However, if he asked one too many favors, a certain horrible geezer would catch on ande running

    from the southern borders, and Frank absolutely did not want said geezer to know where he was.

    Not only did they have a bet, but Frank''s own dignity was at stake too! -

    Meanwhile, at White Hall, Jorg was absolutely frustrated even as he put away his phone.

    Kim''s fair skin and stunning figure was right there, ripe for the taking. Her clothes were in pieces and

    her cleavage was all but bare.

    Being denied that sweetness was just like forcefully mped down just before ejaction!

    "Fine! I guess your family still has friends in high ces," he growled and waved his hand at his men to

    stop.

    Sneering at the dumbfounded Eron, he then snapped at his men, "We''re leaving!"

    In the guild, Jorg''s orders were absolute.

    The ck-d men were certainly reluctant since they were on the verge of satisfying their violent

    tendencies, but they left as told since they had their orders.

 Chapter 560

    Every person in the White family sobbed audibly once Jorg''s guild left, rejoicing from barely escaping

    the jaws of death.

    But who could have saved them?

    On the other hand, Eronpletely ignored Kim, even as she threw herself on his father''s lifeless body

    and wailed.

    He was staring nkly at Shane, who was talking into his phone stealthy as he hid behind a tree.

    He was wondering who had saved his family and just happened to remember Shane''s outburst just

    before he was chased out of White Hall.

    "Mr. White, my family rose to prominence in Southstream because we have backing. Sage Lake Sect

    may be powerful, but they aren''t invincible like you would think! You''ll regret your actions on this day!"

    Shane had merely said all that out of pure petty spite, but Eron took it for the truth.

    And now, he dropped on all fours, grasping Shane''s trousers as he kowtowed repeatedly, crying,

    "Thank you so much, Mr. Tomen! You''ve saved my family... you must have called your father to stop

    Jorg, right? We will forever remember this life debt¡ªI didn''t deserve this for mocking you before! My

    life is forfeited!"

    "Huh." Shane was holding his phone, staring nkly at Eron.

    He was almost wetting his pants when he got caught in the whole ordeal. While the ck-d men

    were not watching, he called his father, begging for his father to save him.

    Naturally, his father did not have the connections or power to bail him out from a blood knight like Jorg,

    and he was flustered himself at the moment.

    On the other hand, when Shane saw that circumstances had changed, he promptly hung up.

    He nced at Kim, whose clothes were still in pieces, his eyes shing with yearning lust.

    "Oh, you don''t have to worry about it. Just arrange for marriage between me and Kim if you really want

    to thank me," he said, puffing his chest proudly.

    Eron nodded repeatedly. "Our family is indebted to you. It''s Kim''s good fortune that you''re interested in

    her."

    Meanwhile, Frank was driving straight to White Hall, though he had three passengers this time.

    Naturally, Burt was riding shotgun after Frank tended to him, stopping his injuries from deteriorating.

    Aion and his granddaughter, both of whom were exhausted, were in the back seat.

    Along the way, Aion''s granddaughter introduced herself to Frank as Mona Fairfax, adding flirtatiously,

    "You can call me anything you like."

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    She was Frank''s diehard fan now, giving him the Goldeater Cane that they had found behind Silver

    Spring Dojo without any qualms.

    Naturally, Aion was left scowling at Mona for giving away such treasure freely, but she did not care.

    On the other hand, Frank was in a much better mood now with the Goldeater Cane. After all, he was

    just one Elemental Wonder away from recovering his peak form.

    Still, when he returned to White Hall, he found the servants carrying a mattress out of the house¡ªa

    sign that someone important in the family had died.

    His heart skipped a beat, but he carried Burt through the front door.

    There, he immediately saw the servants working busily everywhere and Eron with a clear fawning look.

    "Eron White!" Frank bellowed, glowering as soon as he saw him.

    "F-Frank Lawrence?!" Eron was left dumbfounded to see him return. "Y-You''re not dead?!"

    His reaction left Frank chuckling coolly as thetter strode up and seized him by the cor. "Sage Lake

    Sect was never enough to kill me. Now, tell me what happened here and where Aria is!"

 Chapter 561

    And now, Frank returned to White Hall to tie up loose ends with the White family.

    "Aria Lond is..."

    Eron was just about to say that Aria was seriously injured when the ambnce he called for arrived.

    He came to his senses right then¡ªwhy should he be afraid of Frank?

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    And now that he thought about it, Frank must have won over Bocek by paying the man a fortune, so

    that Bocek would turn against him.

    That was why Bocek even sent Sage Lake Sect''s guild hitmen to wipe out Eron''s family! Why else

    would Frank return unscathed?

    Moreover, Bocek told Eron that he knew too much, which only further proved him right¡ªFrank was the

    reason his family was almost massacred!

    But while Eron would be scared or cowering toward Frank before, he now had Shane Tomen''s support.

    Why should he be afraid of Frank when he was just Vicky''s gigolo, and when Sage Lake Sect backed

    down because the Tomens intervened?

    His expression changing right then, he shoved Frank away and snapped angrily, "Why should I tell you

    anything? Don''t think you''re smart by buying Sage Lake Sect''s favor. As long as Shane Tomen is here,

    you don''t get to strut!"

    Frank was actually surprised Eron would snap at him, though he understood enough given what Eron

    said.

    "Frank Lawrence from Riverton, was it?"

    Just then, Shane adjusted his sses beside Eron and regarded Frank haughtily. "So you''re the one

    who ordered the White family to be massacred. You''d really have gotten away with it too, if it wasn''t for

    me."

    "Who the hell are you?" Frank snorted, looking at him in disdain.

    "Insolence!" Eron bellowed. "This is Shane Tomen, and your dirty tricks proved futile in the face of his

    family''s power! Don''t think being Vicky Turnbull''s gigolo and befriending Sage Lake Sect keeps you out

    of harm''s way. Leave right now before Shane here decides that you should be punished!"

    "How low can you sink, Eron White?" Frank chuckled in disdain despite himself, seeing Shane''s smug

    look. "Forget getting into bed with Sage Lake Sect¡ªI only spared your family for your daughter''s sake.

    And yet, you''re still too blind to see any of it and behaving so rudely toward me?"

    Wheeling on Shane and pointing at him, he snapped, "Why don''t you ask this one who was the one

    who actually saved your family?"

    Shane was at once embarrassed and furious. "What, are you saying it''s you? Who do you think you

    are? You''re just Vicky Turnbull''s gigolo, and now you''d try to seduce Kim with the same cheap moves.

    How embarrassing!"

    "Care to repeat that?" Frank suddenly strode forward, his eyes shing with murderous intent.

    Shane promptly flinched and leapt backward, snapping, "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    Eron bellowed in turn, "How dare you be rude to my guest! Guards, beat up this moron and throw him

    out of my house!"

    Frank watched as the guards crowded around them. Still, just as he was ready to straighten out every

    Everyone turned to find Kim dressed in a ck mourning dress, with a pale-faced Liv Dawson in tow.

    As Kim walked up to Frank, she nodded at him before wheeling on Eron, her eyes impassive as she

    spoke coolly, "Grandfather''sst words was for me to take over as head of the family. As such, you

    don''t get to tell my guest to leave... Eron."

    "Eron...?" Eron stared at her, aghast.

 Chapter 562

    Eron stared at Kim, stunned that she called him by name before he flew into a rage. "I am your father,

    Kim! Watch your manners!"

    "Silence!" Kim snapped back as she stared daggers at him. "My father is dead, and we''re holding a

    funeral to mourn him and my grandfather. Disrespect me again and I''ll punish you with my right as the

    head of this household!"

    "What..."

    Eron could choke from sheer frustration but gritted his teeth as he remembered what he just did to his

    daughter, unable to argue.

    Shane stepped in just then. "Kim, your father did it for the sake of your family. Can''t you just¡ª"

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Kim directly ignored him, turning and striding proudly toward the parlor, snapping, "You don''t get to

    speak here! Liv, escort him out!"

    "Escort." Liv was clearly out of it and asked nkly, "Escort who?"

    "Do I need to spell it out for you?" Kim suddenly stopped and wheeled on her with a sharp re.

    Liv''s heart skipped a beat, but she hurried to Shane and gestured. "Please, Mr. Tomen."

    "Fine! I will never forget this insult!" Shane''s face contorted in rage, but heughed despite himself.

    Snorting, he turned and strode off, while Eron snapped at Kim right then, "Are you crazy?! You should

    be chasing away Frank Lawrence! Shane was the one who saved us¡ªhow could you be so

    ungrateful?!"

    "Ungrateful?" Kim snorted, ring icily at him in turn. "Look who''s talking!"

    "Kim." Eron was left at a loss for words by his daughter''s dramatic change in temperament and hurried

    after Shane while trying to cajole him.

    "Mr. Lawrence, pleasee in," Kim called out from the parlor just then.

    Frank started toward her without a pause, gesturing at Liv to have her settle in Burt, Aion, and Mona

    before going inside.

    In the parlor, the decorations for a funeral were quite pdash, and several maids were tending to

    Forrest White''s lifeless body.

    Kim stood by, her back facing Frank as she watched.

    "Mr. Lawrence, would you believe me if I told you I didn''t conspire with my father against you?" she

    suddenly asked.

    I believe you." Frank nodded.

    The confidence in his words left Kim flinching, her voice turning quiet as she continued, "I believe you

    too. I don''t know what you did, but you''re definitely the one who saved us, not the cowardly Shane

    Tomen."

    "Yes. I had Sage Lake Sect''s elder call off his boys." Frank nodded again.

    "Then, did you..."

    "Sage Lake Sect was no match for me," Frank exined. "And I found out about their n beforehand,

    so I''d never me you. I''m here because of Aria Lond¡ªI won''t hold back after she poisoned me."

    "Aria Lond."

    Kim flinched again when she heard the name. "She''s a vile woman, even seducing my father."

    She trailed off, refusing to say another word.

    After a brief pause, she told Frank about everything that had happened to Aria.

 Chapter 563

    Aria survived despite Jorg striking her with his projected pure vigor, but her entire shoulder was

    shattered and she was bleeding too much.

    She was almost dead when the ambnce arrived and carted her away, and she was not out of the

    woods yet.

    Frank sighed as Kim told him everything. "Well, it''s up to her what bes of her now. I really can''t be

    bothered to deal with her at all."

    "Hey."

    Kim suddenly turned, leaving Frank stunned with the tears in her eyes. "Does your promisest night

    still count?"

    Frank felt a spot of tenderness in himself at the sight of her misery and handed her his business card

    with a nod. "Come visit my ce if you ever find time to visit Riverton, though it''s a lot less elegant as

    White Hall."

    Kim smiled despite her tears. -

    After parting ways with Kim, Frank was ready to drive back to Riverton.

    However, when he and Burt arrived outside, he found Mona holding a letter, looking speechless.

    Frank took the letter and was left in a dilemma as he scanned through it.

    In a nutshell, Aion Fairfax had bailed.

    But that was not all¡ªhe was leaving his granddaughter in Frank''s care.

    "That geezer is so irresponsible!" Mona snapped, though there was no hint of dissatisfaction on her

    face, and she was ever so subtly pleased. "Oh, where can I go? Is there someone with a kind heart

    who''d feed me."

    Even as she stood with her hands sped behind her back, Mona started whistling to herself

    nonchntly, her thoughts clearly betrayed as she kept sliding peeks at Frank.

    "In that case..."

    Frank nodded and pointed at the front doors of White Hall. "I can ask Kim White to do me a favor and

    set you up with a job as a security guard."

    "A security guard?! No way!" Mona snapped, standing akimbo. "Also, I''m a Birthright rank elite. What

    martial elite of my level would work as a security guard?"

    Burtughed at her words, but it aggravated his internal injury and left him gritting his teeth.

    Frank turned toward him. "What about you, Burt? Can you set her up with a job?"

    "No way." Burt shook his head. "We''re all big sweaty men down at the precinct, working on

    interrogation and the like. Ladies keep a wide berth."

    Rubbing his chin, he then asked tentatively, "How about letting her join Mystic Sky Sect too?"

    "She''s gifted, but..."

    Frank trailed off as he remembered theplicated rtionships he shared with Helen and Vicky.

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    Things would surely get explosive if another woman were put in the mix.

    "Right!"

    Frank suddenly remembered J Zimmer telling him that Flora Hall was seriously short-handed, and

    having Mona help would be good. Moreover, she would know a thing or two since martial arts and

    medicine were closely associated.

    "Do you know medicine? Acupuncture, for instance?" he asked Mona.

    "Nope. Not at all," Mona said, even sounding proud as she added, "My grandpa is a savant, though."

    Frank pursed his lips in turn¡ªthat old man really left him with a serious problem here.

    She had helped him fight at Silver Spring Dojo, so Frank could not just abandon her.

    He was not that ungrateful, and he appreciated talent enough to want to keep her.

 Chapter 564

    Mona smiled nonchntly just then. "Could you be hesitant to take me in because of Haply Hall? Don''t

    worry¡ªI''ll cut ties with them right now."

    Mona whipped out his phone right then and dialed a number, speaking as soon as she picked up,

    "Hello, elder? Just calling to tell you that I''m leaving the sect. Yeah, so don''t call me ever again, or

    Frank might misunderstand."

    "Oh, nothing much¡ªI just fell out of love. See you, and don''t call me ever again."

    "Yeah, all the best. No love lost."

    Frank and Burt were left trading nces as Mona hung up, and she shrugged innocently. "What? Is

    that so weird?"

    "Can I just ask... How many boyfriends have you had before?" Burt teased. "Your scumbag lines for

    break-ups are impable."

    Mona rolled her eyes. "Boyfriends? What are you talking about? I''m just a kid."

    Frank was left burying his face in his palms. -

    It had been a long day, and Frank eventually drove back to Riverton when it was almost evening.

    He stopped by Flora Hall, leaving Burt there and telling him, "Take your time to rest and recuperate

    here. I''ll have someone deliver an Ichor Pill in a couple of days¡ªit''ll restore your meridian nexus and

    improve you to Birthright rank."

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence," Burt said gratefully.

    Frank shook his head. "No, I''m your brother-in-sect from now on."

    After the battle against Sage Lake Sect, Frank was utterly convinced of Burt''s loyalty.

    He first set things in motion by sacrificing himself, having some ribs broken as bait so that Bocek

    Ocean believed him. And then when the fighting started, he was determined to help Frank.

    "T-Thank you, brother!" Burt eximed just then, his tone earnest despite his seniority.

    He was even more pleased than when he learned that his meridian nexus could recover!

    As Frank brought Mona home to Skywater Bay, she was talking endlessly.

    "Wee back, Frank!" Winter was waiting for him.

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    However, when she saw Mona poking her head out behind Frank in curiosity, her voice turned shrill

    unwittingly. "Who is she, Frank?"

    "Hello, I''m Mona. You''re Frank''s sister¡ªWinter, was it?" Mona introduced herself. "Oh, Frank found me

    homeless on the streets, so he took me in, saying I will be your bodyguard."

    "Bodyguard?" Winter stared at Frank in curiosity even as Mona shook her hand with a vice-like grip.

    Frank actually came up with that idea on the way home. It was ideal as well, since the girls were

    around the same age and would definitely hit it off.

    Trevor Zurich had sent more bodyguards to watch over Winter and Carol Zims after the mess with the

    Lanes before. However, having Mona was doubled insurance since she was of Birthright rank and

    much stronger than those bodyguards.

    Winter was also relieved to see soon enough that Mona was no rival despite her entricity and

    happily brought her inside, introducing Mona to her mother.

    Even before Frank took his seat at the dining table, Mona started wolfing down everything while

    eximing, "Wow, this is all so delicious! Amazing... My grandpa and I never really get full stomachs

    since we''re always on the road. All hail Madam Zims!"

    Winter and Carol were actually sympathetic upon hearing that Mona never usually ate her fill and

    quickly encouraged her to eat more.

    For her part, Mona was not shy, eventually eating directly from the pasta pot as she crouched on the

    chair, her lips greasy from all the food.

 Chapter 565

    Burp.

    Mona was so bloated after finishing two whole pots of pasta that her eyes rolled up into their sockets. It

    certainly left Carol and Winter spooked, thinking that something terrible had happened to her.

    As for Frank, he came up with an excuse to leave Skywater Bay before driving to Grande Pharma.

    In the researchb, he used the cauldron Vicky provided to refine the Goldeater Cane. After half a

    night, he cooked it into two pills with a shining golden sheen, which he swallowed without hesitation.

    With his Five-Peat Archaeus technique energizing it, Frank''s eyes shone with a golden radiance as

    well. The injury from using the Death Eater was slowly recovered, and his near-dried meridian nexus

    was sparking with golden vigor.

    The Goldeater Cane continued to restore his physique toward his peak form three years ago.

    After a long while, Frank breathed a quiet bellow, causing the entire building to shake.

    The security guards outside jumped in shock, thinking that it was an earthquake when it was just a

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    shockwave as Frank regenerated.

    All his frailness before gone, even Frank''s gaze was sharp, and his limbs were brimming with endless

    energy.

    There was a faint whisper as he left the building. "Five Elemental Wonders... Now, one left."

    When he got his hands on that, he would return to his peak form. Or better yet, improve past it to reach

    the Ascendant rank!

    If that happened, his revenge against the South Sea Four, and his journey to rebuild Mystic Sky Sect

    was at hand!

    Once it was all done, he could proudly stand before that geezer and tell him that his choice was right,

    and that he did not need anyone to n or dictate his own life!

    -

    The next day, Frank took Winter to her campus, as part of a promise to go out with her.

    Naturally, Mona was with them, and they also met up with Jean Zims at the school gates.

    "Do you have a few screws loose, princess?!" Jean was pinching Winter on the thigh and nibbling her

    ear as soon as she got in. "It''s called a date, but you''re bringing me along with another fourth wheeler?"

    Mona was riding shotgun and appeared to find everything a novelty.

    Jean nced at her and sighed in disappointment as she shot Winter a deted re.

    "No, forget the fourth wheeler¡ªyou''re letting her ride shotgun too?!" she snapped even as she pointed

    at the gates of Riverton University. "You''re taking your date to school?! How does your mind function,

    princess? I''m so done with you!"

    As Jean copsed to her seat and rolled her eyes, Winter made an innocent face, grumbling, "But you

    told me that the medical professor took time off, so you said Frank could try giving a lecture. I asked,

    and he said yes."

    It only left Jean''s jaw dropping at a further loss of words.

    Eventually, she sighed, "With that pea-sized brain of yours, the world would end before you actually get

    a boyfriend."

    Soon, all four of them headed to the medical department and arrived at the head of the department''s

    office.

    Mr. Zims was a slightly balding, pudgy man wearing sses, and he regarded Frank with a skeptical

    look. "Ms. Zims, are you sure this gentleman is well-versed in medicine?"

    After all, Frank was a very young healer, and it was a first for the head of department. He also went

    against anyone''s mental image of a healer, who would have been working in the field for decades.

 Chapter 566

    Winter quickly said, "Don''t worry, sir. Frank is amazing."

    Jean nodded as well. "I swear it''s true, on my honor as the head of the student council. He won''t

    disappoint."

    "Fine." Mr. Zims nodded and turned toward Frank. "What''s your specialty? Pill refinement?

    Acupuncture? Or..."

    "Everything." Frank nodded confidently, not about to leave Winter disappointed when she was right

    there.

    "Everything? Hmph." Mr. Zims was surprised, only further convinced that the young man was spouting

    nonsense.

    Medicine in Draconia was a multi-faceted discipline that involved an ocean of theories, perspectives,

    and knowledge. Even bedside manners were vital, but this youth in his twenties imed that he knew

    everything?

    Naturally, Frank could tell that Mr. Zims was doubting him, given his hesitation.

    He studied Mr. Zims'' face in turn before saying quietly, "Have you been experiencing insomnia, profuse

    sweating in your sleep, bloated calves, problems with urinating. and inability tost long in bed?"

    Mr. Zims was left stunned but quickly shook his head even as he wiped the sweat off his head.

    "N-Nonsense!" he snapped, sliding a nce at the three girls with them.

    "Ahem." Frank caught his meaning and cleared his throat as he turned to Winter. "Wait outside. I''ll be

    just a moment."

    "Okay."

    Mona might have no idea what Frank was hinting, but Winter and Jean certainly did.

    Winter blushed right then, while Jean was staring at Mr. Zims as she stifled a giggle.

    Once they left, Mr. Zims asked Frank in surprise, "Kid. I mean, Mr. Lawrence, I''ve been experiencing

    symptoms just as you said! How were you able to tell?!"

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    Naturally, he felt embarrassed even as he admitted it.

    Frank smiled in turn. "Observation with all the senses is key to medicine. You''re losing hair down the

    middle and your gaze is dull. Coupled with your slightly rounded figure and constant sweating, it''s all

    serious symptoms of frail kidneys. I rmend supplements and acupuncture to reinvigorate your

    kidneys, and you''ll be clearly better in a week."

    When Frank left Mr. Zims'' office before long, Winter hurried to him worriedly. "How did it go?"

    Frank remained nonchnt. "I''ll be a guest lecturer for a time slot in the afternoon."

    "You did it!" Winter eximed excitedly, happier that Frank''s abilities were acknowledged than her own.

    "Well? Did Mr. Zims thank you?" Jean giggled beside them.

    She was actually Mr. Zims'' niece. Without that connection, not even being the head of the student

    council would have been enough to convince the man to invite Frank as a guest lecturer when he

    Frank naturally had his own reason to give a lecture as well. Even in Grande Pharma, there were

    strong opinions that he got his shares in thepany thanks to his rtionship with Vicky Pharma.

    With this lecture at Riverton University, he shall squash those rumors by proving his skill and honor

    definitively.

 Chapter 567

    At the same time, as Grande Pharma''s majority shareholder cum head of pill-making, Frank would like

    to contribute by recruiting young talent, repaying Vicky''s faith.

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    He would not have bothered giving a lecture otherwise.

    Still, when he arrived at the lecture hall punctually in the afternoon, he was intercepted by a male

    student.

    He had blond hair and ear-piercing which gave him the air of a delinquent, and he was pressing a hand

    on the wall, blocking Frank''s path as he sneered, "Hey, what''s your name?"

    Frank was not bothered to answer the delinquent and walked past him.

    "Hey, I''m talking to you!"

    That sent the delinquent into a rage, and he picked up his baseball club, swinging it at Frank from

    behind!

    Several female students who came for Frank''s lecture screamed when they saw that!

    Thud!

    However, Frank caught the baseball bat firmly in hand, and the delinquent could not pull out from his

    grasp.

    "I''m very busy," Frank growled, his eyes shing coldly, "so I don''t have time for trash like you. Get out

    of my sight if you know what''s good for you."

    Crack.

    He crushed the baseball bat with his palm right then, sprinkling the dust that remained on the floor as

    the delinquent watched.

    "It''s over for that lecturer." One of two male students sighed just then. "That''s Hal Lambert¡ªhis brother

    is East City''s Bravo Lambert."

    "Everyone new in the faculty has to pay him protection money, be it lecturers or students!" the other

    student added.

    "How dare you!" Hal snapped right then.

    Still, Frank did not care and started to leave again when he abruptly felt a gust behind him.

    He sidestepped Hal''s kick and wheeled on him coolly. "So, you really want to die."

    Hal''s face fell at Frank''s words, since he could really see the killing intent in Frank''s eyes.

    However, Hal had killed before and was not about to cower.

    In fact, he reared his chin and sneered. "Don''t you know that this entire faculty is under my protection?

    Everyone pays me, no exceptions, but I can see that you''re a hard man yourself, so I won''t charge you

    much¡ªjust a hundred grand." "Just a hundred grand?" Frank snorted in disdain. "Hell, forget the

    amount¡ªto think trash like you is so conceited you''d bring your protection racket to school. You''re not

    leaving now."

    "Hah! You really can boast," Hal chuckled coolly. "Don''t you know who my brother is?"

    "Isn''t that Hal Lambert? How did he end up arguing with Frank?"

    Winter and Jean just happened to arrive after getting changed at the dorm and immediately found

    Frank facing off against Hal.

    Jean promptly leapt up and snapped, "What do you think you are doing, Hal Lambert?! He''s our new

    lecturer!"

    "Ohoho? If it isn''t Jean!" Hal''s expression changed right then. "But my rules are rules¡ªyou know it,

    there''s no helping it. Everyone pays."

    He was clearly interested in Jean, grinning vilely even as he studied her endlessly.

 Chapter 568

    Then, ncing at Winter who stood behind Jean, Hal chuckled. "Yo, what do we have here? I''ve never

    met you around this faculty before, beautiful! Don''t worry, I''m very reasonable¡ªif you can''t afford my

    fee, spending the night with me at a motel works too."

    On the other hand, something snapped in Frank when he saw Hal''s lustful leer at Winter.

    He strode up and grabbed Hal by the shoulder, growling, "I was going to make a good impression with

    the students, but trash like you had to dwell here."

    Then, even as Hal looked on in confusion, Frank pped him viciously across the face and sent him

    rolling over the floor.

    "Get out of this faculty this instant!" Frank snapped.

    The students around them were subtly cheering, having had enough of Hal themselves.

    "Did you just hit me?!" Hal pointed at Frank and snapped even as he pushed himself off the floor.

    "Don''t you dare fucking run away! I''ll be back"

    The students around them appeared really concerned even as Hal threatened Frank.

    As Jean watched Hal clutch his face as he left, she went up to Frank. "Hal Lambert actually has strong

    connections in East City. You should postpone the lecture!"

    "Yeah. We shouldn''t upset them," Winter said in agreement, knowing that Frank was strong but would

    still rather he not get in trouble¡ªor most importantly, hurt.

    "That''s unnecessary. He''s just trash," Frank snorted.

    Then, sweeping his gaze over the students watching him in the hallway, he added solemnly, "Also,

    don''t you think it''d be embarrassing if I fled when everyone''s here for my lecture? Let hime as

    many times as he wants. I''ll send him running all the same."

    "Yeah!!!"

    Someone cheered, and everyone started pping¡ªFrank certainly made an impression even before

    he gave his lecture!

    Only Jean was left frowning.

    Nheless, the lecture started as scheduled, and Frank stood with his hands sped behind his back

    at the podium.

    He did not prepare his materials and watched as countless pairs of eyes stared at him in curiosity.

    He felt a sense of mncholy, as the sight reminded him of how Mystic Sky Sect was three years ago.

    "Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Frank Lawrence, and I''m the head of pharmaceutical

    development in Grande Pharma. Today, I''m giving a general lecture on medicine¡ª"

    "Get out here, Frank Lawrence!"

    Frank just finished his opening speech when the door was kicked open, and his expression turned cool

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    as he stared at the thugs standing there, holding pipes, baseball bats, and the like.

    The students turned pale in stunned silence.

    "Apologies¡ªI will deal with this and continue the lectureter." Frank nodded at them before striding

    down the podium, impassive as he strode out to the hallway.

    The thugs were crowding the hallway and surrounding him, and Hal was with them, this time carrying a

    metal baseball bat.

    Pointing at Frank, he sneered vacuously. "Weren''t you being full of yourself earlier? Don''t you know my

    brother is Bravo Lambert?! He just needs to give the word, and you''d die without knowing what hit you.

    Believe me!"

    "I really doubt that." Frank shook his head even as the thugs looked on, leaving them confused.

    After all the people they roughed up before, it was this brat who stood up to them and so conceitedly at

    that?!

 Chapter 569

    Even as Frank faced off against Hal and his thugs, the students craned their necks, peeking out

    curiously from the lecture hall.

    Some of the more cowardly female students were already pale in fear.

    It was not as if there had not been such confrontations at the medical faculty¡ªthings simply ended

    badly for those who confronted Hal.

    "That''s enough from you, Hal!" Jean bellowed as she ran out of the lecture hall.

    It was her idea to invite Frank as a guest lecturer, and even she would never forgive herself if anything

    happened to Frank, let alone Winter.

    She was certainly cursing herself for forgetting that Hal was such a bastard!

    Hal simply licked his lips and shoved her aside. "It''s not my fault, Jean¡ªhe''s so full of himself I need to

    straighten him out, or I''d lose face now!"

    "Frank..." Winter cried as she ran out of the lecture hall as well, flustered because she could not do

    anything.

    Still, she knew enough that getting involved would only end up burdening Frank.

    "Don''t worry¡ªI''ll handle this." Frank nodded at her and Jean before turning toward Hal and asked

    quietly, "So, you''re Hal Lambert, and your brother is Bravo Lambert of East City?"

    "Yes. I''m surprised you know." Halughed before snapping viciously, "Now get down on your knees

    and beg. and is the pretty face over there your sister? Send her over to the motel outside our school,

    and I just might spare you. How about that?"

    "Hoho." Frank chuckled coolly as Hal sent him flying again and pped him viciously across the face

    right then.

    In fact, he struck Hal so hard his face was left sent askew as he tumbled to the floor.

    The students were in uproar to see Frank pping Hal so boldly and in front of his thugs!

    "Hal!" A girl with dyed blonde hair and thick makeup shrieked as she ran out of the lecture hall to Hal''s

    side, ring at Frank and snapping, "What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

    "Fuck off!" Hal pushed her away, ring savagely at Frank even as he snapped, "Motherfucker! How

    dare you hit me?! You know my brother is Bravo Lambert!"

    "Hit you?" Frank sneered in contempt as he red at him in turn. "I''ll hit your brother too even if he

    "What?!"

    The students in the lecture hall were left stunned by Frank''s deration.

    He would hit Bravo too? The same Bravo Lambert who was Kurt Stinson''s right-hand man?

    Even if one would be forgiven for not knowing Bravo, that was not the case for Kurt.

    The man was the kingpin of East City who owned every night entertainment joint in the area, and he

    was untouchable.

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    Still, even Hal''s thugs who were ready to swarm Frank were left hesitant after what Frank said.

    They all looked toward Hal for orders, even as Hal winced from the pain on his cheek, his heart

    pounding.

    He was starting to wonder if Frank actually had powerful friends too, and he had certainly heard that

    the head of Grande Pharma pharmaceutical research had close ties with the Turnbulls.

    Still, he came to his senses when he saw his thugs trading nces around him and snapped angrily,

    "Quit gawking and help me up!"

    Once they did, Hal whipped out his phone and called Bravo.

    "Just you wait!" he snapped at Frank despite his lopsided mouth. "Fool me, and I''ll make you regret it!"

    Bravo happened to be in the middle of a motel romp. It was certainly a killjoy for his phone to suddenly

    ring with a call, and from his own brother at that!

    Still, he never stopped his hips even as he answered the phone. "What''s up, Hal?"

 Chapter 570

    Even as Bravo panted heavily, Hal told him over the phone, "Someone beat me up at school."

    "Beat you up?" Bravo actually stopped moving his hips, frowning. "Didn''t I tell you to behave and not to

    cause trouble?"

    "No! This brat is so full of himself that he shows no respect to anyone, not even you. He even said..."

    Hal paused, lowering his voice in fear of provoking his bad-tempered brother. "He even said that he''d

    beat you up even if you came."

    "What?!"

    Bravo was furious¡ªsomeone dared to disrespect even him?

    Still, his anger notwithstanding, he had been ruling the streets of East City with Kurt long enough to be

    better than just some brute. Pausing for a moment, he withheld his rage and asked, "Did he give a

    name?"

    "F-Frank Lawrence."

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    "Frank Lawrence?!" Bravo did a double take at the name. "Did he mention anything else?"

    "He''s supposed to be the head of Grande Pharma pharmaceutical research or something."

    There were plenty of Frank Lawrences in Riverton. However, only one face came to Bravo''s mind when

    it was one who had ties to the Turnbulls and was full of himself.

    His rage fading instantly, Bravo frowned as he asked Hal, "What did you do to him?"

    Hal was naturally shocked by his brother''s sudden change of tone. "What''s the problem? Is he that big

    of a deal that we can''t win? You used to say you wouldn''t fear the Turnbulls yourself."

    "I happen to be close to your campus. Just wait¡ªI''ll be right there," Bravo snapped, ignoring Hal.

    Even as he hung up, he was left swearing under his breath, "Dumbass."

    His libido all gone, he shoved the woman on the bed aside and quickly got dressed.

    In ten minutes, he drove to the medical faculty of Riverton University.

    "Bravo!" Hal was delighted to see his brother arrive personally.

    What he did not expect was for Bravo to turn as soon as he saw Frank and p Hal across the face!

    Every student in the lecture hall gasped in shock.

    Forget Bravo himself being there¡ªthey all presumed Frank to be in deep trouble, only for Bravo

    himself to hit his own brother.

    "What are you doing, Bravo..." Hal was left clutching his cheek, his face now swelling like a pig''s.

    "What am I doing?!"

    Bravo seized his brother by the cor as every student watched, snapping, "I paid a fortune for your

    schooling, and what did you do? Hadn''t I warned you not to cause trouble?!"

    "Yes." Hal nodded miserably at his brother''s pressure.

    "But you had to mess around, and now you''ve upset Mr. Lawrence!"

    Even so, Bravo pped him viciously again, leaving him yelping, "No! I won''t do it again!"

    "Apologize to Mr. Lawrence right now!" Bravo barked right then.

    Hal hung his head, but did as told. "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I was lumping you with the likes of me. P-

    Please forgive me."

 Chapter 571

    Every student was gaping in astonishment as Hal, coerced by his own brother, apologized to Frank.

    Turning toward the impassive Frank, they were all suddenly left wondering who on earth their lecturer

    really was.

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    Thedies especially had a twinkle in their eyes.

    Meanwhile, Jean was relieved to see that Bravo held so much respect for Frank, just as she became

    further curious about Winter''s brother.

    Winter was herself proud for some reason, even puffing up her modest chest.

    "Winter, weren''t you saying he''s your brother? Come on, introduce him to us."

    "That''s right... and upon a closer look, isn''t he drop dead gorgeous?"

    "Go on, Winter. Ask him for us, okay?"

    The other girls'' curiosity and interest left Winter flustered, and she snapped, "Stop it. My brother isn''t

    the type who messes around."

    "Hoho. Judging from that reaction, don''t tell me that there''s no blood rtion?"

    "Heh. She''s just guarding her prey."

    The teasing left Winter flushed. "S-Stop it! That''s not true!"

    "Not the way we see it."

    "Exactly. You love him, don''t you? Just look at the blush on your cheeks."

    As the girls were busy discussing Frank, he remained scowling as he turned to Bravo. "Your brother''s

    been busy collecting protection money from everyone."

    "Motherfucker! Don''t I give you enough money already?! Why the hell would you do that?!"

    Bravo pped Hal again and snapped at him as he turned toward the students. "Apologize to your

    ssmates right now!"

    "I-I''m sorry, everyone." Hal apologized miserably.

    Bravo then told the students, "Don''t worry, everyone¡ªI promise to return every cent he took from you.

    Also, contact me directly if this brat ever bullies anyone again, and I''ll straighten him out!"

    "No, I won''t ever do it again." Hal could die right then.

    It had certainly been a most unfortunate day for him. Not only did he end up messing with the wrong

    man, but he also ended up getting punished by his own brother as everyone watched!

    Bullying? It would be lucky if he was not mocked for this!

    Bravo then turned to Frank with a fawning smile. "What do you think, Mr. Lawrence? Is this good

    enough?"

    Frank nodded before ncing pointedly at Hal''s thugs who were still standing around them, congesting

    the hallway.

    Bravo promptly barked at them, "What are y''all still doing here?! Mess about with Hal again, and I''ll do

    the same to you! Begone, and don''t ever set foot in this campus ever again!"

    The thugs were absolutely terrified of Bravo''s threat and turned to flee.

    As the hallway quickly cleared up, Bravo rubbed his hands and shed a fawning smile. "By the way,

    Mr. Lawrence, my boss Kurt Stinson just happens to need a favor. Would you happen to have the

    time...?"

    Frank nodded¡ªso the man had a request.

    Still, he said, "I have to give a lecture right now. Whatever it is must wait untilter."

 Chapter 572

    Bravo nodded. "Oh, of course. I''ll wait for you,"

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    He was in no hurry, crouching as he waited in the hallway, even lighting himself a cigarette.

    Frank did not chase him off and returned to the podium in the lecture hall.

    He had certainly earned the respect of every student, and not just the girls¡ªeven the boys were at

    once grateful and worshipful.

    Still, the silent lecture hall was soon interrupted by a shrill, sarcastic voice. "Hmph. Just look at him,

    getting all smug because he has some powerful friends. Who knows if he really knows medicine?"

    Frank turned to find that it was the girl with dyed blonde hair from earlier who had rushed to Hal''s side

    after Frank floored him.

    It seemed that she was upset with Frank because of Hal.

    "So, you are skeptical about my medical knowledge?" Frank remained unaffected, standing on the

    podium with his hands sped behind his back as he smiled. "I can already see the swelling bags

    under your eyes and the yellow specks at the corner of your eyes despite your thick makeup. Also, the

    dullplexion of your cheeks, your dried lips, reddened eyes, and clear look of fatigue tell me right

    away that you''re pregnant."

    Everyone turned toward the girl right then, who appeared stunned for a moment before springing to her

    feet, pointing at Frank as she snapped, "Y-You''re lying! I''m not pregnant at all!"

    In reality, she was¡ªpregnancy tests never lie, which was why she could not hide a hint of guilt in her

    voice.

    "What a pity..." Frank shook his head, not offended by his denial. "You''re also constantly sleepy,

    sweating persistently, and suffering loss of appetite despite digestive problems. After all, you''re not just

    pregnant. You''re also."

    The girl was stunned again since Frank was right on every count. "Also what?"

    "You''re suffering from a conditionmon in promiscuity. It''s called human immunodeficiency virus¡ª

    HIV, for short."

    The girl was stunned again. But when she recovered this time, she was shrieking madly even as she

    ran out of the ssroom, "Hal Lambert, you bastard!"

    Once she left, several boys sitting at thest row in the lecture hall turned pale and fled too.

    "Whoa."

    The students remaining in the lecture hall were all left astounded, and they all stood up to apud

    Frank, worshiping him even more just then.

    "That''s simply amazing!"

    "He could tell just from a look... That''s a real healer for you!"

    "He''s the embodiment of wisdom through the ages!"

    "Whatever have we been learning until now?"

    Frank waved them off¡ªit was just a little distraction for him. "That''s enough, everyone. Let''s proceed to

    the importance of bedside manner in medicine."

    As he spoke, every student was paying him full attention¡ªeven those who usually cked off.

    Soon, the two-hour lecture was over, and Jean promptly leapt up to grab Frank by the arm, pleading,

    "How about giving a lecture every week, Mr. Lawrence? I''m begging, please!"

    "Yes, professor! We''re begging!"

    "We''d even pool our money to pay you! Please just stay!"

    The students were all mesmerized¡ªthose two hours were enough to offer a brand new perspective

    into medicine, and they would hate to see Frank leave!

 Chapter 573

    On the other hand, Winter was unusually protective despite her usual delicate mannerisms, shielding

    Frank as she snapped, "F-Frank is a very busy man."

    Her ssmates were certainly dissatisfied.

    "That''s sly, Winter!"

    "Yeah, aren''t you just keeping him to yourself?"

    "It''s alright, Winter."

    Frank patted her head and smiled¡ªhe never received formal education himself and was therefore not

    averse to the students'' eagerness to learn. "If you''re all interested, I''ll try to make time for a lecture

    every month."

    "Once a month...?"

    The students were all disappointed, though something was better than nothing.

    Winter blushed even as she braced herself against the other girls'' pointed looks. "That''s plenty! Frank

    is very busy!"

    Frank made a solemn face just then. "Alright, ss dismissed."

    As the students all thanked him earnestly for his lesson, he was once again reminded of his junior

    apprentices who always fooled around.

    The thought left him clenching his fist.

    As he strode out the lecture hall, Bravo Lambert hurried to him.

    He had been waiting for over two hours and littered the floor with cigarette butts.

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    Seeing Frank frowned at the mess, he paused before wheeling on one of his boys and smacking him

    on the head. "We''re at a school! Why were you smoking? Clean that up right now!"

    The man appeared wounded. "But that''s your mess."

    "Oh, the cheek! Get a broom right now!"

    "Okay."

    The man had to give in and left to get a broom.

    Frank finally spoke at that. "So? What did you need me for?"

    However, Bravo frowned at the students around them. "Why don''t we talk somece else? This really

    isn''t the ce to talk about it."

    "Sure." Frank nodded and left Winter with Jean. "I have something to attend to, so I have to go. Mona

    should be taking a stroll somewhere on campus, so remember to bring her home."

    "Okay." Winter nodded despite being reluctant to see him go.

    With that done, Frank got into Bravo''s car, and they headed to a secluded private room in a dimly lit

    bar.

    Bravo then said, "Mr. Lawrence, when you saved my boss Kurt Stinson... You said he was poisoned

    with Ster Wormwood, didn''t you?"

    Frank nodded, remembering what went down at Flora Hall. "Yeah. So? Did you find the poisoner?"

    "We couldn''t single out anyone," Bravo admitted. "But we''ve been looking into the herb tradetely and

    finally traced it to the Szars of Sunny City."

    "The Szars?" Frank paused, suddenly reminded of the martial elite who served Donald Szar.

    The man, Jaud White, was from a hidden sect in the South Sea.

    Jaud had poisoned Vicky with Snowshadeter on as well, but the Szars had since suffered a vital

    blow.

    With even Sage Lake Sect denying them support, they were on their best behavior recently especially

    after their Beauty Pill failed to take off, beaten thoroughly by the Turnbulls'' Rejuvenation Pill.

 Chapter 574

    However, why would the Szars of Sunny City have a problem with Kurt, whose operations were

    based in Riverton?

    Seeing the confused look on Frank''s face, Bravo sighed. "You might not know this, but the Szars

    had an agreement with us. We would secure a piece ofnd and pull strings across Riverton, while the

    Szars would build a pharmaceutical factory, which they imed would help them win a monopoly

    over Riverton''s pharmacy business."

    Frank frowned. "If I recall, Kurt was poisoned even before the Szars'' Beauty Pill hit the market."

    Bravo nodded solemnly. "Yes. They did not like our asking price, and things went sour. Mr. Stinson

    must have been poisoned right then... But they returned after a while, very agreeable this time. They

    even had no problems with Mr. Stinson raising the price by twenty percent, though you saw the

    oue for yourself¡ªtheir Beauty Pill lost to the Turnbulls'' Rejuvenation Pill, and that was when they

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    refused to pay us the outstanding cost."

    Watching Frank solemnly, he continued, "I heard you had a disagreement with the Szars yourself,

    Mr. Lawrence. Well, we''re not going to waste our breath with them¡ªwe''re taking back ournd. We''re

    just worried that Mr. Stinson would be poisoned again, which is why we''re asking for your help. You

    don''t have to do anything¡ªjust help us prepare against the Szars and save any of our men who''ve

    been poisoned. I''m sure your knowledge in medicine wouldn''t lose out to the Szars''."

    Seeing Frank must to himself, he quickly added, "Don''t worry, sir¡ªleave the fighting to us, and you''ll

    also be rewarded handsomely."

    "I don''t need a reward," Frank said. "Tell me, have you heard of the Five Elemental Wonders?"

    Frank had an idea just then¡ªsince Kurt was East City''s Kingpin, he must have plenty of connections,

    especially to the ck market in major cities.

    In that case, they would definitely be aware of any tip on the Five Elemental Wonders.

    "The Five Elemental Wonders?" Bravo blinked but quickly assured Frank, "Don''t worry, sir¡ªI don''t

    know what it is, but if it''s ever in Riverton, we''d be the first to find out."

    "In that case, I shall do you a favor," Frank said, satisfied.

    With Kurt''s assistance, the final Elemental Wonder he was missing might be found before long.

    Bravo then pressed, "As for your reward."

    "Save it." Frank shook his head, noting Bravo''s surprise. "Just notify me right away if you ever received

    word about the Elemental Wonders."

    "Alright. Then I must thank you before all else, Mr. Lawrence."

    Bravo was thrilled¡ªwith Frank''s help, the impossiblebor his boss left him with would be resolved

    soon enough!

    "So? When are we heading over?" Frank asked.

    "Right now!" Bravo rose to his feet, feeling utterly motivated.

    "Sure." Frank nodded.

    Bravo then made some calls, and over a dozen MPVs soon arrived outside the bar, each loaded with

    Bravo''s goons.

    "Are we getting the Szars to pay up now, Mr. Lambert?" a miniboss asked, appearing concerned.

    "It''s not like we''re scared of them, but the boys are still concerned."

    "Don''t worry!" Bravo waved, drawing everyone''s attention to Frank. "This is Mr. Lawrence. He''s with us,

    and will save you even if those bastards'' poison leave you on yourst breath!"

    The goons all turned toward Frank, all of them appearing respectful.

    However, Frank shook his head even as they looked on and said quietly, "Bravo''s not quite right there."

 Chapter 575

    Then, as Bravo and everyone else looked on in shock, Frank''s tone changed sharply as he dered,

    "Not yourst breath¡ªI''ll save you even if you''ve stopped breathing."

    "Shit!"

    "Amazing!"

    "That''s pompous!"

    Everyone including Bravo was shocked that Frank would humble himself, only for him to dere his

    overwhelming confidence.

    It in turn encouraged the goons, and suddenly none of them were afraid of the Szars'' poison.

    They were even shouting battlecries, ready to teach the Szars a lesson!

    "No more dirty tricks! We have nothing to fear!"

    "Let''s go! Down with the Szars!"

    "Come on!"

    They all got into their MPVs rowdily, then drove along the road, forming a grand convoy and drawing

    plenty of attention. -

    In reality, Bravo''s concerns proved to be true.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Although the Szars'' factory was long since defunct, Jaud White was there, smugly calling Donald

    Szar in Sunny City.

    "I''m sure Kurt Stinson found out who poisoned him a while ago," he said confidently. "Just leave this

    ce to me, and his boys are never getting inside... If they do, they''d be floored within minutes, and I

    could even ransom them for good money."

    "Good." Donald nodded but soon added solemnly, "Even if the factory is defunct, it holds great value to

    us. We can mass produce the Rejuvenation Pill once we get the recipe from the Turnbulls, and we''d

    recover our previous glory soon enough. That''s why you must not let anyone get in there."

    Jaud nced at the entrance and smiled savagely. "Don''t worry¡ªevery inch of this building is covered.

    They''re never getting in here." -

    Meanwhile, Bravo and his men arrived outside the factory.

    The building itself was huge, but no lights were lit inside and there were no signs of life.

    Soon, the goons who were sent to check the surroundings returned. "There''s no one here at all, boss.

    A miniboss frowned. "Aren''t we being overly cautious here? Isn''t it likely that the Szars abandoned

    the building and their machines?"

    "They would''ve given us a head''s up if that were the case," Bravo said with a snort. "But they''re not

    Turning toward the other goons, Bravo barked, "On me. We''re going in!"

    Before they could charge inside, Frank was suddenly in front of everyone, his hands outstretched as he

    stopped them. "Hold it!"

    Bravo''s heart skipped a beat right then, and he quickly told his boys to stop before asking nervously,

    "Have you found something, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted coolly as he grabbed a pinch of dirt from the ground and flung it forward.

    Suddenly, a thick nest of tangled threads not unlike a spider''s web was revealed, even though the

    ce was supposedly clear before!

    Each thread was transparent, and was only revealed after Frank threw the dirt over it.

    Bravo gasped when he saw the threads and was soon incensed.

 Chapter 576

    "The Szars have set a trap!" Bravo bellowed furiously. "We would''ve fallen for it if we didn''t have Mr.

    Lawrence with us!"

    Then, turning toward Frank, he asked, "Are those threads...?"

    Frank was chuckling coolly upon a closer look. "They make up the outermostyer, and it''s beenced

    with the sap of the Araneus Floret. Once you touch it, you''ll lose consciousness before you know it, but

    it won''t kill you."

    "It''s child''s y," he added. "Just keep your des in front of you and il around. Make sure not to get

    the sap on your skin. You''ll be safe that way."

    "You heard him, boys!" Bravo turned toward his men and barked, "Don''t let the threads reach your

    skin!"

    With that, he led the way, swinging his machete endlessly before him to cut off the threads.

    "Hmmm...?"

    In the factory, Jaud White had just gotten off the phone with Donald Szar, and he frowned.

    He could sense the perimeter threads being touched and sneered¡ªKurt Stinson''s men had really

    However, he was here, and he would not allow them a step inside this building.

    Rising to his feet, he took a pill the size of a fingernail and ignited an eerie blue candle.

    He watched as the candle''s smoke wafted away from the factory, chuckling. "This candle is made from

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    the poison dart toad''s mucus. Matched with the Araneus Floret, none of you are making it inside this

    factory! The smoke will cause you to hallucinate so badly that you''ll start cutting down your friends!"

    With that, Jaud reclined against his lounge chair, looking like he had won.

    -

    The blue candle''s smoke soon wafted beyond the factory, and it was Bravo who got struck first since he

    was leading the charge.

    He paused for a moment, his gaze quickly losing focus.

    Then, without a word, he brandished his machete and turned toward Frank, lunging at him!

    All his men were left stunned when they saw him behaving weirdly. "What''s wrong, Mr. Lambert?!"

    On the other hand, Frank could tell immediately from Bravo''s unfocused gaze and wobbling pace that

    he had been poisoned.

    He knocked Bravo to the floor at breakneck speed while tapping the acupoints on his temples and his

    ears rapidly.

    Bravo instantly came to his senses and was panting as if he was almost killed. "What the fuck... Who

    let a bear in here?!"

    A miniboss quickly asked, "A bear? What are you talking about, boss?"

    Bravo did a double take and turned toward the factory entrance. "What do you mean? It was right

    there!"

    "It''s a fear-inducing hallucinogen, possibly the Stiffheart Fruit or the three-tailed scorpion''s poison.

    Wait!"

    Frank paused as he smelled the poisonous smoke wafting through the air and promptly turned to the

    goons behind him. "Back off! Cup your face and don''t breathe! It''s a hallucinogenicpound cooked

    from the poison dart toad''s mucus!"

    Every goon behind Bravo promptly pinched their nose at Frank''s orders. Even Bravo, who was still on

    the floor, quickly raised his head and used both hands to hide his face.

    "Hah!" Frank bellowed as he charged his Five-Peat Archaeus, his vigor purifying as he dispelled every

    hallucinogenic particle in his body.

    Turning toward Bravo and his men who were staring helplessly at him, he gritted his teeth and

    snapped, "Withdraw! The smoke is going tost for a while. Shall I deal with that bastard for you?"

    "Wait, Mr. Lawrence¡ª"

    Bravo was just going to speak, almost forgetting that he had to cup his nose and mouth.

    As he quickly cupped them again, Frank barked, "Listen to me. Get out of here¡ªyou cane in when

    I call for you!"

    And with that, he leapt into the dark factory alone.

 Chapter 577

    "Fall back!" Bravo bellowed, knowing that now was not the time to act tough after Frank had spoken.

    Theirnd lot was right there and not running anyway, and so he fled, with his men helping him as they

    ran outside the factory.

    It was only then that they saw the thin blue smoke in the air, almost invisible to the naked eye.

    "Mr. Lawrence saw that before we all did." One of the goons sighed, feeling lucky to have survived that.

    "He''s simply amazing!"

    "Ya think? The man had some moves too¡ªhe took down Mr. Lambert with just a couple of moves, and

    it was so clean!"

    "Alright, shut it!" Bravo snapped.

    He was blushing while also a little spooked that Frank had subdued him.

    As Kurt''s best fighter, he had been carving a reputation for his exploits over the years. Naturally, it was

    a little uneptable for him to be subdued so easily.

    Still, he felt fortunate that he never made an enemy of Frank, or he would now be suffering for it.

    "Nobody breathes a word about this, ever," he quickly barked at his boys.

    "Yes, sir." The goons quickly kept their mouths shut, seeing that Bravo was being dead serious.

    -

    As Bravo and the others waited outside, Frank entered the factory alone.

    He was actually impressed to see the precision machines kept within the pitch-ck factory. It seemed

    that the Szars had really paid a fortune for all these, and they would definitely have to announce

    their bankruptcy if Kurt retook thisnd lot.

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    It was weird, since the Szars'' Beauty Pill was thoroughly defeated by the Turnbulls'' Rejuvenation

    Pill. At this point, they should be selling their machines to recoup their losses, just so that they could

    salvage something out of the whole debacle.

    That begged the question¡ªwhy would they rather keep the factory and these machines, even if it

    meant making an enemy of Kurt?

    "They haven''t given up yet?"

    Just as Frank appeared puzzled, a one-armed silhouette slowly stepped out, rasping, "I''m surprised

    that someone made it in here. Oh, what a blunder... Kurt Stinson hired you out of the ck market, did

    he?"

    Suddenly, the lights of the factory were turned on, and the interior became bright as day.

    Naturally, the one-armed silhouette was Jaud¡ªhe had been surprised when he sensed someone

    making it into the factory, resisting the effects of his blue candle.

    He was ready anyway, since Kurt was the kingpin of East City. It would make sense if Kurt hired a

    couple of Earthrank elites with his connections to the ckmarket.

    Still, he did not foresee this¡ªhe knew the effects of his blue candle better than anyone, and even

    Earthrank elites should not have made it in here unscathed.

    The intruder''s pace was unhurried, showing no signs of urgency to search and destroy the source of

    the poison.

    When Jaud turned on the lights, ready to unleash his trump card, the face he saw left him

    dumbfounded.

    He would have been fine with anyone else... but it had to be Frank!

    It was a bolt from the blue when Jaud saw him, just a sense of helplessness welled up within him, filling

    every fiber of his being.

    The bastard was everywhere!

    And the Szars had been staying so discreet, refraining from upsetting Frank at all, but Frank had to

    suddenly get involved with the Szars'' disagreement with Kurt too!

    Frank was chuckling in turn. "So it really is you, old-timer. The Szars never know when to give up,

    huh?"

 Chapter 578

    Frank strode forward, his eyes narrowing threateningly.

    "N-No."

    Jaud started sweating all over his brow, having long since given up on the idea of fighting Frank

    directly.

    And now that he saw Frank, his first thought was to run¡ªthe further away, the better!

    "Damn it! Didn''t Chaz Graves promise to bring in the Lionhearts and kill that son of a bitch?! That''s so

    long ago, but here he is, still alive and kicking!"

    Even as Jaud cursed inwardly, he was shing a smile that could well be a scowl. "Oh, hello, Mr.

    Lawrence! Long time no see..."

    Frank continued forward, his dark aura bursting. "Long time no see, huh? I guess that''s true, since I still

    haven''t settled things with the Szars."

    "Oh, no, no, no." Jaud quickly threw up his hands, quickly hatching a n. "Come on, Mr. Lawrence!

    Ever since his son''s death, Donald Szar has been repentant. He''s even attending church and told

    me not to get you upset and all that."

    "Really?"

    Frank chuckled coolly. "Thest time I ran into him was at Henry Lane''s funeral, but he was shooting

    me dirty looks and told me to appreciate what little time I have left."

    "Fuck!" Jaud hated Donald to the bone right then¡ªdid he have too much free time? Why did he have to

    provoke Frank?!

    Still, Jaud chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, Mr. Lawrence. This isn''t your fight anyway, right? We''re just having

    an issue with Kurt Stinson''s gang, and we could pay you twice more to look the other way. How about

    that?"

    "How about no?" Frank shook his head. "I''m not about to let you leave now that I''ve seen you."

    "Fuck!" Jaud finally had enough and snapped angrily, "Don''t push me, Frank Lawrence! Even saints

    have their limits¡ªeveryone will suffer if you push me too far!"

    "Really? Then show me what you''ve got."

    "Die!" Jaud suddenly yelled.

    Be it his pleas or his outburst¡ªit was all to hide his ambush.

    It would have been fine if Frank knew his ce and left, but he kept closing in.

    Jaud had no choice but to use his trump card ahead of schedule.

    Suddenly, a daggerced with purple poison shot toward Frank from the back.

    "Oh, so that''s your move?" Frank snorted as he pivoted and kicked the dagger.

    "Hah!"

    As Frank turned, Jaud grabbed a fistful of ck powder and threw it at him from up close,ughing,

    "That poison is apoundbining the essence of over a dozen children and South Sea''s toxic

    seaweed! Even a Skyrank elite would die in agony with just a pinch!"

    "Hmph." Frank simply snorted again, his eyes shing coldly.

    The essence of a dozen children? The old timer really had no end of evil gimmicks.

    To think that Jaud was so utterly depraved... He must die today!

    With that in mind, he moved to counter, his fists cracking in the air as his vigor purified and shot

    through the air. It pierced the burst of powder and struck Jaud, while his feet danced and leapt around

    the puff of poison powder.

    "What?!"

    Even as Jaud was sent flying and coughing blood, he paled when he saw Frank''s footwork.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 579

    Jaud recognized Frank''s moves. "The Five-Peat Archaeus. of Mystic Sky Sect?!"

    "I''m surprised you know about us." Frank strode up, ready to end Jaud''s life.

    Jaud promptly threw up his hands in panic. "No, please! Don''t kill me, Mr. Lawrence. Right, I can trade

    a secret of the Szars for my life!"

    Frank had a hand poised to strike but paused. "A secret of the Szars?"

    "Yes." Jaud coughed even as hey on the floor. "The Szars still want you dead. Just let me live,

    and I''ll tell you their secret."

    "Speak," Frank growled, his expression cold.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Then. Do I have your assurance that I''ll live?"

    "I''ll kill you right now if you don''t tell me!"

    Frank''s vigor charged again, and Jaud''s eyes widened against the tremendous pressure.

    Even as he begged for mercy, he steeled himself while cursing Donald endlessly. "Fuck! I had to run

    into this monster today of all days. But don''t think you can get away while I can''t, Donald!"

    If only Donald did not cut corners and paid Kurt, they certainly would not have to go through so many

    problems!

    If he did not task Jaud with defending the factory and the machinery, Jaud would certainly not have

    stayed, let alone run into Frank!

    In that sense, his problems right now were all Donald''s fault.

    Naturally, Jaud was himself oblivious of Donald''s pain, since Donald had already lost a fortune after his

    n to seize the Riverton market with the Beauty Pill foiled.

    It was not as if he did not want to pay Kurt, but he no longer had the money to spare.

    That being said, it was all the Szars'' own fault for being overconfident in the Beauty Pill.

    Pausing and seeing that Frank was not affording him a choice, Jaud gritted his teeth and admitted,

    "Donald Szar is conspiring with Neil Turnbull and Chaz Graves. They will be inviting Titus Lionheart

    to Chaz''s wedding and exposing your affair with Vicky Turnbull to everyone."

    "When that happens, Titus'' men would have you killed, while Vicky would be forced to give up on

    Grande Pharma as Titus brings her back to Morhen. After that, Neil would take over Grande Pharma,

    and the Szars would be given your shares."

    After he finished, Jaud added tentatively, "Look, Mr. Lawrence¡ªI''ve told you everything I know. Just let

    me live, and I swear to leave Riverton, staying out of your fight against the Szars."

    Frank was enraged after Jaud revealed such a bombshell.

    "So that''s why Chaz Graves and the Szars have been so quiettely," Frank mused. "It seems that

    they wanted me to lower my guard, and then stab me in the back on Chaz''s wedding day and defile

    everything I have while I watch. That''s actually impressive of Chaz!"

    Frankughed despite his rage¡ªit was fortunate he had agreed to help Bravo today, or he would still

    be oblivious to their schemes.

    "Mr. Lawrence... Can I go now?" Jaud asked miserably just then, clutching his chest and clearly

    maimed.

    Frank came to his senses and growled, "I would''ve let you go. in the past. If I do now, who would bring

    you to justice for the lost souls of those children?"

    Jaud''s heart sank, but his expression suddenly changed as he yelled at Frank, "I''ve given you such

    important information that I won''t be allowed to stay in Riverton, but you''re still going to push me?!

    You''re a gue to this world, and you''ll stay that way if you''re allowed to live! You''ll now pay for

    everything you''ve done!"

 Chapter 580

    Frank glowered as he projected his pure vigor. It manifested into a hammer out of thin air, swinging

    straight toward Jaud''s chest!

    "Hell no!"

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    Jaud suddenly leapt several meters into the air, dodging Frank''s hammer.

    He clearly had no intention to fight Frank as he fled wildly out of the factory.

    Given how fast he moved, he was clearly pretending to be maimed before.

    "You''re running now? Toote!"

    Frank''s pure vigor was still connected to him even after he projected it¡ªit was an ability unique to the

    Five-Peat Archaeus.

    And with a wave of his hand, Frank turned the hammer that shot past Jaud back to him.

    "What?!"

    Jaud thought he was safe as soon as he dodge the hammer earlier and did not expect it to still be

    under Frank''s control!

    As the hammer turned back to him, it struck him squarely in the chest this time, sending him flying even

    as screamed.

    "Gurk!" Jaud''s chest was sunken, and he was coughing blood as well as pieces of his own lungs into

    the air.

    Hended heavily before Frank, his life quickly draining from his body even as he squeezed out the

    words, "Hundred Bane Sect of South Sea wille for you... Donn Lawrence..."

    With those words, Jaud''s neck suddenly hung limp as he stopped breathing.

    "So you''re the Hundred Bane Sect''s filth." Frank snorted coldly.

    The Hundred Bane Sect was the most vile and hated sect in the South Sea, infamous for their

    depraved arts in poisoning and assassination.

    Naturally, they were no one of the South Sea Four, but they had a hand in the fall of Mystic Sky Sect''s

    nheless.

    If anything, Jaud''s death could count as added interest in Frank''s quest for vengeance.

    Still, while Frank was thinking about how he should deal with Jaud''s corpse, a group of men entered

    from the back door, stopping when they saw Frank.

    Mr. White?!" Someone sharp-eyed quickly spotted Jaud dead and not breathing on the floor.

    The rest became restless right then. "Mr. White is dead?! Who are you?!

    Frank nced at them and saw that they all wore Szar uniforms.

    They were all hired muscles, and there were dozens of them.

    Not bothered to stay, Frank picked up Jaud''s corpse and leapt out of the factory.

    "Stop!"

    "Hold it!"

    The hired muscle all chased after him, while Frank found Bravo and his men waiting by the curb as

    they were told.

    Seeing someone running toward him, Bravo quickly stood up.

    His eyes narrowed when he saw that it was Frank, carrying a body over his shoulder.

    "Mr. Lawrence, who¡ª"

    Frank simply gestured at the Szars'' goons and said quietly, "I''ve dealt with the poisoner. The rest is

    up to you."

    "Who!"

    "That''s amazing, Mr. Lawrence!"

    Bravo''s men were all gaping and looking at Frank worshipfully, as he had dealt with the Szars''

    poisoner so easily!

    "Hahaha!" Bravoughed. "You can expect nothing less from Mr. Lawrence. Now that the poisoner is

    dead, I have nothing to fear!"

 Chapter 581

    Raising his hand, Bravo beckoned, and all his men who were already sick of waiting sprang to their

    feet.

    They were all holding weapons, their eyes shing in excitement.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    Bravo then licked his lips and bellowed, "Mr. Lawrence has already dealt with the main issue, and the

    rest are just Szar rejects. What do we have to fear?! Let''s go, boys! Charge!"

    He led his men as they all dashed toward the Szars'' hired muscle who had just charged out of the

    factory.

    As both groups collided and a violent scuffle ensued, Frank stayed out of it. This was Kurt''s fight after

    all, and he should at least let his men have a chance to earn their keep.

    Instead, Frank took Jaud''s corpse to a quiet ce and searched it.

    The man had an assortment of poisons along with a tome called the Hundred Bane Anthology.

    After putting away the poisons, Frank read through the tome and was left shocked by the methods and

    process of harnessing poison from insects and other sources. There were even poisons he had never

    heard of¡ªif anything, the Snowshade that Jaud used before was basic and insignificant.

    That was when he found a note at the very end: [This tome is a secret of Hundred Bane Sect, and the

    only copy. It must never fall to the hands of others.]

    ncing at Jaud''s corpse, Frank eximed in realization, "So that''s why you fled all the way here to

    Riverton. You stole this from Hundred Bane Sect! Well, it''s useless to me anyway¡ªsuch a vile thing

    should not be allowed to exist."

    He struck with pure vigor, tunneling a hole into the ground.

    Kicking Jaud''s corpse into it, he threw the Hundred Bane Anthology into it as well and burnt both into

    cinders.

    When that was done, he returned to the factory, where the fight was already over.

    Aside from the ones who surrendered, Bravo and his men had cut down every hired muscle sent by the

    Szars.

    With that, Kurt reimed his plot ofnd, while the Szars were in deep trouble as they lost their

    trump card for a revival. The newly built factory, along with all the precision machines and other

    equipment inside, were all now in Kurt''s possession, never to be returned.

    Bravo had a cut on his head and bled all over his face, but he did not seem to mind.

    Seeing Frank return, he excitedly thanked him, "We all owe you for this, Mr. Lawrence. We would never

    have reimed this plot ofnd otherwise."

    "It''s nothing. Just doing what I can," Frank said, ncing at the factory''s machines and suddenly

    having an idea. "So what are you going to do with those machines?"

    "What, all this junk?" Bravo chuckled. "We just want thend, not this rusty crap. It''s worthless to us.

    Mr. Stinson wouldn''t know how to run a pharmaceuticalpany anyway, and we can''t be bothered

    either... we''ll just have someone tow it away and sell it for scraps."

    Bravo''s indifference delighted Frank, and he said, "I''m sure you know my work, and those machines

    would be really useful for me¡ªjust state a price, and I''ll take everything."

    Bravo did a double take and soon chuckled cheerfully. "What are you saying, Mr. Lawrence? If you''d

    just ask, you can even have thisnd, let alone this scrap¡ªheck, I can make the call here: Take

    everything you want, and we won''t ask for a cent!"

    Frank shook his head. "That won''t do."

 Chapter 582

    Even as Frank shook his head, he soon had a better idea and told Bravo, "How about this? You

    probably won''t have any use for thisnd right after reiming it from the Szars. Why not rent out

    thend and the factory along with the machines to me? I''ll pay you ten percent more than what the

    Szars paid you before."

    "What?!" Bravo gaped and shook his head firmly. "No, absolutely not!"

    Frank frowned in turn. "What about twenty percent?"

    "No, you misunderstand, Mr. Lawrence." Bravo quickly understood that Frank had the wrong idea when

    he raised his price. We''d never charge you the price we charged the Szars¡ªit''d be going against

    our conscience."

    He then added, "So, how about this? We''ll only charge you the rent for using ournd. The factory and

    the machinery didn''te from our money anyway, so you can have it on the house. Don''t turn us

    down now, Mr. Lawrence, or you''d be disrespecting myself and Mr. Stinson."

    Seeing that Bravo was determined, Frank nodded exasperatedly. "Fine. But I''ll still give you a ten

    percent cut on any products manufactured here¡ªI''ll be needing some muscle for security."

    "No problem!" Bravo agreed to it right away. "Here''s to a pleasant partnership, Mr. Lawrence!"

    "Yeah." Frank nodded, splitting up thest treasures of the Szars with just a few exchanges. -

    Donald Szar only found out that his men were chased out of the factory a dayter.

    Crash!

    He sent his te of food flying to the floor, leaving his wife in stunned silence.

    "Jaud White, you ipetent piece of shit!" Donald cried even as he knocked the entire dining table

    over before coughing up blood and copsing unconscious.

    Everyone was terrified and promptly did everything to resuscitate him.

    After considerable effort, he recovered, when one of his men came in. "Sir, Bocek Ocean and his

    daughter are asking to see you."

    "Bocek?" Donald was delighted that Sage Lake Sect made contact.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    Bocek came days ago and took the Goldeater Cane, but they had not heard from him since. Donald

    certainly had reason to believe Sage Lake Sect abandoned them.

    Show them in!" Donald cried even as he scrambled to get off the floor.

    However, just as he seated himself, he was left staring as Bocek limped inside, needing his daughter''s

    mutual assistance to walk.

    Donald''s pupils widened right then. "What''s this?"

    Bocek said he would be using the Goldeater Cane as bait to set a trap to kill Frank.

    Why had he and his daughter returned, looking beaten up?!

    "Ahem..."

    Bocek hacked violently even as he took his hand off Quinn''s shoulder, struggling to straighten himself

    as he turned to Donald. "Mr. Szar, my daughter needs a favor¡ªplease transport us back to Sage

    Lake Sect."

 Chapter 583

    Donald froze. "Transport you back to Sage Lake Sect? What''s going on here?"

    Moreover, Bocek''s tone was humble in contrast to when he came before, demanding Donald to do his

    bidding.

    What the hell happened?

    Even as Donald looked on nkly, Bocek sighed. "I won''t lie to you. My n failed, and Frank

    Lawrence has taken the Goldeater Cane while also crippling my cultivation. We are simply no match for

    him... No, even Sage Lake Sect is no match for him. That''s why my daughter and I will return and warn

    the chief, after which we will leave the sect and all this bloodshed behind us.

    "I''d also advise you to give up on your enmity for Frank Lawrence. That is, if you value your life."

    Donald was clenching his chair''s armrest so hard that it could break, his eyes red as he spiraled

    towards insanity.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    Useless, ipetent fools! All of them!

    Bocek was Skyrank''s fortieth and a high elder of Sage Lake Sect, but he could not even handle one

    miserable prick named Frank Lawrence?! And he even came to tell him to give up on beating Frank?!

    Donald was livid¡ªwhat about Drakon? Who would avenge his son?!

    Still, he suddenly said, "Actually, Mr. Ocean. It''s not as bad as you think."

    As the Szars looked on, Donald slowly walked toward Bocek.

    Then, when he was close enough, he suddenly whipped out a dagger from his sleeve and stabbed

    Bocek in the gut before Bocek could react!

    "Argh! What." Bocek''s eyes widened in disbelief as he red Donald. "H-How dare you."

    His meridian nexus was already destroyed, and he was thoroughly injured inside out or Donald would

    not have reached him so easily.

    "Father!" Quinn screamed, but the Szars'' guards knocked her down, pinning her on the floor before

    she could leap towards them.

    "Why wouldn''t I dare?" Donald gritted his teeth, his eyes ring with madness even as he leaned in to

    whisper into Bocek''s ear. "First Jaud White, and now you. There''s no chance for my family to turn the

    tables now, but I can still keep going until I avenge my son!"

    He then cackled madly. "Your cultivation was lost? Oh, don''t worry. You can show your value by dying

    ¡ª Sage Lake Sect won''t leave your death unanswered, right?" "You bastard!" Bocek realized right then

    that Donald was going to kill him and pin the crime on Frank so that Sage Lake Sect''s chief would

    dere war on Frank!

    "Father!"

    Quinn''s cultivation was destroyed as well, but she was not injured like Bocek was.

    She could still fight with her martial techniques, and she kicked away the Szars'' guards as she

    rushed toward Donald.

    "Die, you wretch!"

    "Don''t you fucking move!"

    Donald could not care less¡ªas soon as Quinn leapt toward them to save her father, he pulled out his

    dagger and pressed it against Bocek''s neck, bellowing, "On your knees¡ªor do you want your father

    dead?!"

    Quinn stared at the dagger dripping with Bocek''s blood and dropped to her knees in anguish.

    Though Bocek had never been this desperate, he bellowed, "Get up, Quinn! Don''t do it!"

 Chapter 584

    Even as Bocek looked into Quinn''s tearful eyes, he bellowed, "Run! Don''t worry about me¡ªDonald has

    gone mad, and you must tell the chief about what happened here! Warn him not to seek revenge

    against Frank... If he insists, he can have Donald''s head!"

    "Father!"

    Quinn was exceedingly miserable.

    She was the one who suggested they seek help from Donald. After all, they had no one to go to, and

    Bocek urgently needed treatment or his injuries would deteriorate enough to kill him.

    Naturally, she believed the Szars would help for Drakon Szar''s sake, only for Donald to suddenly

    snap.

    Now, Donald was going to kill them and me their deaths on Frank!

    "Just run, Quinn!" Bocek repeated, having seen that Donald had truly lost his mind and was dead set

    on killing Frank.

    There was no way he would run since he was thoroughly hurt and in Donald''s hand at that.

    The only way to minimize casualties at this point was to tell Quinn to run, or they would both die here!

    "No, I won''t!" Quinn bawled.

    "Quinn." Bocek appeared in trouble.

    Quinn was his only child, and he thought that her marriage to Drakon would prove a rewarding union,

    as the Szars were a decent bunch.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Contrary to expectations, the Szars ended up giving them a terrible enemy even before they got

    married. In fact, the Szars themselves turned against them now and were ready to me their

    deaths on someone else.

    "Hmph. I''ve led a noble life, and I''m not about to be coerced by some despicable worm!"

    Bocek snorted coldly and took onest look at his daughter before suddenly rising to his feet and

    running straight into Donald''s dagger.

    It pierced his neck in an instant, sttering blood everywhere.

    Quinn screamed right then, her eyes shing in endless spite for Donald.

    She clenched her fist, knowing that her father did it so that she would make the decision to run and not

    stay as the Szars'' hostage!

    "Just you wait, Donald Szar!" she bellowed and turned as she dashed out of Szar House.

    Donald froze, surprised that Bocek would go that far and was willing to die rather than be his hostage.

    Still, he soon came to his senses¡ªif Quinn managed to make it out, his n to me Frank for their

    deaths would go up in smoke!

    Not only would his n fail, but he would also be making enemies of Sage Lake Sect!

    Hence, he promptly yelled at his bodyguards, "Bring her back, dead or alive! The one who brings her to

    me will be rewarded with ten million dors!"

    Where there was money, there was a way¡ªevery single Szar bodyguard''s eyes were shing with

    greed as they charged toward Quinn.

    Quinn might have been a martial elite, but her vigor was now crippled, unable to augment her

    technique.

    She was soon on the backfoot and surrounded.

    "Kill her!" Donald shouted from a distance.

    Quinn watched as the Szars'' bodyguards kept charging at her, her eyes welling up in misery.

    She would never have gotten involved with Drakon if she had known that his family was such ingrates,

    and she would certainly not take sides with them and make enemies of Frank!

 Chapter 585

    However, it was toote for regrets now.

    The only thing Quinn could do was to flee Szar House. She must inform Sage Lake Sect that it was

    the Szars who killed her father, and they must exact revenge against them, not Frank.

    Hence, she did all she could to scale the walls of Szar House and fled outside.

    Still, her consciousness was blurring¡ªshe was already hurt physically, and there was her broken

    meridian nexus to boot. -

    The entire hill surrounding Szar House belonged to the Szars, and it was situated in the outskirts

    of Sunny City.

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Quinn kept fighting even as she ran, pursued by the Szars'' bodyguard up the hill, and was cornered

    over the cliff.

    "Put down your weapon! Stop resisting already!"

    "We can do this painlessly. It''s better for everyone, no?"

    The Szars'' bodyguards kept provoking Quinn.

    Still, her cheeks clenched in determination as she nced beneath the cliff and found the river

    beneath. "Hah! You''ll never take me alive," she cried right then. "And once I return to Sage Lake Sect,

    you traitors are all going to die!"

    Then, throwing the weapon she wrestled from one of the bodyguards earlier, she leapt off the cliff!

    Soon, a red-eyed Donald arrived. "So? Is she dead?"

    The bodyguards all traded nces, none of them daring to speak.

    "What?!" Donald barked. "Have you all gotten mute?! I''m asking a question here! Where is Quinn

    Ocean?!"

    "We pursued her here, and she had nowhere to run... so she leapt off the cliff."

    "Yeah, but she''d definitely be dead. The fall is too tall for anyone to survive it."

    Their vague answers only left Donald livid. "You are all useless, ipetent scum! Jaud White, Bocek

    Ocean. and the whole lot of you! Start searching now¡ªI want to see a body, or we would all be dead

    once Sage Lake Sectes for us!"

    His bodyguards also realized that they were in deep trouble and promptly drove down the mountain.

    Donald remained on the cliff, his white hair pping against the wind as he stood on the edge and

    looked downward. "Hmph... Jumping down from here, especially when she''s that hurt? She''s definitely

    not going to live."

    As he calmed down, he told his men, "Prepare my car. I''m visiting Sage Lake Sect!"

    "Yes, Mr. Szar," his bodyguards quickly responded.

    Looking down the cliff onest time, Donald snorted. "It doesn''t matter what I have to do. I''ll make you

    pay, Frank Lawrence!" -

    At Skywater Bay, Frank used some of his essence to refine an Ichor Pill and called Trevor Zurich to

    have someone deliver it to Flora Hall.

    Then, after finishing his usual training routine, a call arrived from Vicky Turnbull. "What have you been

    up to these days?"

    Frank had not told Vicky about Neil Turnbull''s conspiracy, since he would deliver a present during

    Helen Lane''s wedding anyway.

    Still, Vicky was being jovial as always, asking, "So, did you miss me?"

    Frank was in a good mood and actually yed along. "A little, I guess. I mean, I haven''t been to the

    office for a while."

    "Huh..." Vicky paused, surprised by his yful response.

    Still, she giggled. "I guess you''re in a good mood today. So why not do me a favor and have a drink

    with me tonight?"

    Frank raised a brow. "Where?"

 Chapter 586

    Vicky mused, coiling her phone''s cord around her finger. "Hmm. How about Ninedell Hotel? Some old

    ssmates of mine are inviting me over, and you could be my plus one. They''re all beautiful women, I

    might add."

    Frank clicked his tongue. "Then I''ll pass."

    "Oh, you." Vicky chuckled despite Frank''s attitude, snapping yfully, "What''s wrong, darling? Afraid

    that my beauty pales inparison and you''d fall for someone else?"

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    "Who''s darling?" Frank sighed exasperatedly. "And it''s your ssmates'' reunion. Why should I attend

    it?"

    "Like I said, you''re my plus one." Vicky pouted. "All my ssmates are married, so it''s awkward if I

    went alone... So are youing or not?"

    "Fine." Frank nodded exasperatedly. "So that''s why you called me today."

    "Smart." Vicky smiled and put down her phone.

    Neil suddenly appeared in her office, ring at her coolly. "Vicky, I''m warning you¡ªyou''re engaged, so

    stop messing around with Frank Lawrence. I''m sure you know what would happen if Titus Lionheart

    finds out."

    "Stay out of my private life, Neil." Vicky returned his cold re. "Or what? Are you going to rat me out

    to Titus?"

    Neil paused for a moment but snorted. "I''m doing this for your sake, or you''d end up getting killed

    because of that bastard!"

    "So be it. Never liked Titus Lionheart anyway." Vicky shrugged nonchntly. "And if you push me too

    far, I''d just elope with Frank. I won''t be suffering the short end of the stick even when things go bad,

    right, Neil?"

    Neil was left so livid that he could not argue.

    As he stormed off, kicking the door on his way out, Vicky finally appeared concerned.

    "The Lionhearts aren''t annulling the engagement." She sighed. "That''s troublesome, since Titus is no

    pushover. Should I really distance myself from Frank?"

    She immediately snorted and dismissed the idea. "No way!"

    In her mind, Frank was so much better, a man worth more than ten of Titus.

    Most importantly, she had realized she was not interested in Titus, which waspletely different from

    the way she felt toward Frank.

    "Urgh, whatever. I''ll cross the bridge when Ie to it!"

    Vicky sighed, shaking her head exasperatedly.

    Frank arrived at Ninedell Hotel as agreed in the evening and did not have to wait for long when he

    heard Vicky. "Oh! You''re early, darling. Can''t wait to see me?"

    Frank made a face. "Really, Ms. Turnbull? Can''t you quit with the ''darling'' thing?"

    Vicky giggled. "I told you you''re my plus one¡ªit''s infuriating when the other gals are all married and I''m

    not."

    "Answer''s still no. Let''s not cause misunderstandings here," Frank said sternly.

    "Fine, I''ll just settle for dearest." Vicky remained cheerful, humming as she wrapped her hand around

    Frank''s arm, threatening under her breath, "Don''t expose me, or I''m docking your pay."

    "What, is this part of my job?" Frank raised his brow, staring at her sideways.

    "Of course. And you''ll be rewarded if you do well." Vicky beamed.

 Chapter 587

    An attendant led Frank and Vicky to a grandly decorated banquet hall, which was already filled with

    men and women.

    They appeared close with Vicky, and some were even teasing her. "Oh, Ms. Turnbull. Always so busy¡ª

    don''t you know how long we''ve been waiting?"

    "Really? You lot just arrived yourselves." Vicky grinned as she led Frank to their seats.

    The eyes of every woman around them lit up when they saw Frank.

    "Oh, Vicky! It''s really been a while, huh? When did you get yourself a young stud?"

    "Nonsense. She''s engaged to Titus Lionheart of Morhen."

    "Then this must be him. I''m Corey Wace from Norsedam¡ªyour reputation precedes you, Mr.

    Lionheart."

    "Oh, so he is Titus Lionheart? He''s so handsome!"

    "What a loving couple, attending every social event together! Hi, I''m Ivana Crawley, and this is my

    husband Jack Trudish."

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    Frank was left smiling awkwardly as everyone spoke to him all at once. Even Vicky''s male ssmates

    were on their feet, nodding and smiling fawningly at Frank.

    Vicky quickly smiled and leapt to his defense. "Stop it, guys. This isn''t Titus¡ªhe''s the head of Grande

    Pharma''s pharmaceutical research and my personal bodyguard."

    "Bodyguard...?"

    Everyone who was about to shake Frank''s hand and offer toasts paused, most of them frowning. The

    vibes in the hall clearly changed as they realized he was not Titus, repulsed by his very presence.

    A woman in a red gown with a plunging neckline even rolled her eyes at Frank, clearly belittling him.

    "Vicky, you shouldn''t bring frivolous people to our gathering," she said with a snort. "Don''t you agree,

    Corey?"

    "Exactly." Corey was furious too, embarrassed that he almost fawned over a bodyguard.

    "In that case, excuse me." Frank started to get up, ready to leave.

    Things had gotten awkward because of him, and he had no arson to catch more heat.

    However, Vicky got up and firmly pressed him back on his chair before turning around and leveling a

    cool re at everyone.

    "What? Do you have a problem with the man I brought to dinner?" she demanded, her imposing tone

    leaving the hall silent.

    "No way. The gentleman is drop dead gorgeous to me," a woman in a tracksuit suddenly said as she

    got up and walked up to Frank. "Hello, I''m Kiki Moss. Pleasure to meet you."

    Most of her face was concealed with a pair of shades and a baseball cap even as she shook Frank''s

    hand politely.

    "Kiki Moss?" Frank did a double take¡ªher name rang a few bells.

    Kiki giggled in her sweet voice. "I''m just an ordinary streamer. Sorry about the getup, but I really hate

    the paparazzi."

    "Oh. Pleased to meet you." Frank nodded.

    "No way! You don''t know who Kiki is?!" a woman sitting a little far eximed in shock as she stared at

    Frank. "She''s the ever sweet streamer who''s always been appearing in clips¡ª"

    "Yeah, she''s so popr! All of Draconia knows her!"

    "Oh, stop it." Kiki pursed her lips. "You''re all exaggerating..."

 Chapter 588

    Vicky''s expression eased as things became amicable, and she returned to her seat.

    Suddenly, Ivana asked, "By the way, dear Ms. Turnbull... Does Mr. Lionheart know that you''re cheating

    on him?"

    Beside her, Corey almost choked on his drink, while Ivana continued innocently, "Just think about it,

    guys¡ªher personal bodyguard! It''s exactly what anyone thinks, right?"

    As she raised her brow pointedly and repeatedly, Corey mmed her ss on the table, frowning.

    "Watch your words, Ivana! Vicky''s not like that!"

    "Oh, there''s the fire! See?" Ivanaughed and pped, not afraid of adding fuel to fire. "It''s alright¡ªwe

    all know how much you love Vicky. I mean, you''re single even now!"

    On the other hand, the woman in the red gown who mocked Frank earlier pursed her lips, muttering

    under her breath, "How brazen, cheating on your own fiance."

    "What did you just say to me, Olive?!" Vicky bellowed. "Fiance?! Cheating?! I never agreed to my

    family''s arrangement, and I won''t mind telling you that I have no feelings for Titus Lionheart. Frank is

    the one I love!"

    "Oh, no!" Ivana quickly said. "Please stop, Ms. Turnbull, or we might all get buried with you if Mr.

    Lionheart catches wind of this."

    As thedies continued their thrilling debate of Vicky''s rtionship with the Lionhearts, Corey gestured

    at Frank.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    He wanted to have a word with Frank in private, and Frank was only too happy to flee the chaos.

    They headed to the men''s room together. Then, once Corey was done with business and started

    washing his hands, he remained impassive as he growled, "You should stay away from Vicky if you

    know what''s good for you, kid."

    "What''s it to you?" Frank replied, unaffected as he washed his hands as well.

    Corey leveled a solemn look at him, revealing his clear face and slightly pronounced forehead.

    It was clear he was a vigor-wielding martial artist and no average Joe, and he sneered as he

    threatened, "You''ll die horribly. Trust me."

    "Really?" Frank was certainly having none of it, even retorting bluntly, "Why don''t you tell Titus

    Lionheart that?"

    As Corey was left in stunned silence, Frank continued, "If you love something, you should fight for

    them. Did you really think that you could lecture me? Someone like you who''s always worried about

    everything? Don''t make meugh."

    With that, Frank strode past him, leaving Corey clenching his knuckles.

    Still, as Frank got out of the men''s room, a smiling Ivana pulled him back to their table and asked,

    "Frank Lawrence, was it? Ms. Turnbull''s been saying how good you are... But at what, specifically?"

    Seeing that Vicky was hiding a smile, Frank shrugged. "What do you suppose? I''m her personal

    bodyguard."

    "Ooooh..." Everyone eximed, staring pointedly at Frank and Corey as he returned.

    Kiki came up just then, taking off her shades to reveal her bright, spirited gaze as she asked, "Mr.

    Lawrence, are you really good at it? I mean, like really, really good?"

    Her eyes actually caught Frank off guard, and he nodded nkly. "I guess."

    "Then could you agree to my request? I want you to be my bodyguard for the next couple days," Kiki

    asked, her dewy gaze utterly miserably as she turned toward Vicky. "You''d agree to it, wouldn''t you,

    Vicky?"

 Chapter 589

    Before Vicky could answer Kiki, Corey was on his feet.

    Leveling a cool look at Frank, he said bluntly, "You have nothing to fear as long as I''m around, Kiki. You

    know that you can''t count on someone, and there''s every chance he''s more a performer than a real

    martial artist. I''ve seen too many people like him."

    Naturally, he was referring to Frank, but Frank simply snorted and kept eating his dinner, ignoring

    Coreypletely.

    On the other hand, Vicky appeared worried that Frank would get upset and moved between him and

    Corey''s re of disdain. "I chose him personally, and his abilities are above question."

    "Alright, alright... Why are we fighting again?" Ivana quickly tried to keep the peace this time.

    "Hmph. That''s a certain someone''s fault for bringing in someone else who has no business being

    here." Olive Perkins sneered, folding her arms before her chest.

    "Why don''t you just cut it out? Haven''t you had enough?" Ivana snapped, a little annoyed at that point.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Olive simply snorted coolly and rolled her eyes.

    Everyone in this hall was rich or important in Riverton, but Olive always seemed to have a problem with

    Vicky. Still, she certainly had cause for that¡ªnot only was Vicky more beautiful, but her career was also

    a ss above Olive''s.

    "It''s okay," Kiki spoke up just then. "Anyway, I''ve been having troubletely, and I need a really strong

    bodyguard. Since Frank is Vicky''s bodyguard, I''m sure he must be really good¡ª"

    "Really? I couldn''t tell." Corey snorted, pursuing his lips. "Don''t pin your hopes on the wrong man, Kiki.

    You''d be in deep trouble if a scandal happens as a result."

    He was clearly still upset with Frank.

    Suddenly, the doors to the banquet hall were kicked open violently, and everyone turned to find around

    six men in ck striding inside.

    One of them even threw a waiter on the floor, who was unconscious and bleeding from his head.

    "What''s the meaning of this?!" Corey demanded, realizing right away that the men in ck were hostile

    and leaping to Vicky''s defense right then.

    On the other hand, Kiki appeared stunned to see those men, and her gaze was suddenly evasive in

    clear terror.

    That was when a youth with a pale face and a giddy gaze entered.

    He looked around, and when he found Kiki cringing in an inconspicuous spot, heughed icily. "Oh, Ms.

    Moss... don''t you think you''re disrespecting me, running here alone to Riverton? Don''t tell me that you

    thought you could escape me?"

    "Who are you?" Vicky stood up, ring coolly at the youth.

    Kiki was a good friend of hers, and they had always kept in touch despite barely meeting up after

    graduating college.

    In fact, Kiki came to Riverton to seek refuge from Vicky, which was why she chose Frank without

    hesitation instead of Corey whom she was more familiar with.

    Despite being a personality, she was no fool. She knew enough to understand that Vicky had cause to

    vouch for Frank.

    In fact, Vicky had brought Frank to this reunion party because of Kiki.

 Chapter 590

    The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    However, neither Vicky nor Kiki had expected them to find them so soon.

    "Oh, if it isn''t Vicky Turnbull!" The youth whistled, studying Vicky from head to toe and chuckling. "You

    really are a devilish beauty. Would you like to join my agency¡ªactually, never mind. I''d never step on

    Mr. Lionheart''s toes."

    Then, turning towards everyone around the table, he introduced herself. "Everyone, nice to meet you.

    I''m Hubert Sorano of Morhen."

    "Hubert Sorano?!" Olive was suddenly on her feet, gaping. "You''re Emilio Sorano''s third son?"

    "Oh, someone here actually knows me! Not bad!"

    Hubert was pping his hands andughing. "In that case, I''ll cut to the chase¡ªKiki is a talent

    represented by Sorano Media, and I''m taking her with me. Does anyone have anything to say about

    that? Of course, you''d still have to watch what you say."

    Then, whistling at Kiki as if summoning a dog, Hubert chuckled. "Heel! I''m going to get violent if you

    don''t move, see?"

    "Vicky..." Kiki leveled a pleading look at Vicky even as she got up, scowling.

    "Ooooh!!!" Hubert gasped dramatically as if in realization, shaking his head. "So that''s why you came to

    Riverton¡ªyou want Vicky Turnbull''s protection! Shame¡ªI might actually back off if Titus Lionheart

    were here, but that''s not the case if it''s just Vicky."

    "Where are you taking Kiki?" Vicky glowered even as she demanded.

    Hubert shrugged. "I can''t be divulging corporate secrets, can I?"

    "Vicky." Kiki''s tears were sshing all over the table. "They want me to be their hostess and worse."

    "Either way, I won''t let you take Kiki." Vicky stopped Kiki right then, understanding her friend''s situation.

    If Hubert took Kiki back to Morhen, only hell awaited her there.

    "Oof, Ms. Moss." Hubert appeared pained and sighed exasperatedly. "Are you giving up on everything

    just like that? Don''t you know who pushed you to stardom? Aren''t you going to repay us for everything

    we sacrificed to elevate you? Hell, your chastity is now worth over ten million thanks to our branding!

    Whatmoner could say the same?! Be content!"

    The more Hubert spoke, the colder his expression became. "Nowe quietly if you know what''s good

    for you!"

    "No!" Kiki cried tearfully. "I''ve already left and paid your agency with everything I had¡ªit''s more than

    ten times what you''ve invested in me! Please! Why can''t you just let me go?!"

    Vicky sprang to her feet at Kiki''s pleas. "You heard what she said. Enough is enough!

    "Shut up! I was already being nice!" Hubert finally had enough, shooting Vicky a cool re before

    barking at his bodyguards, "Go, take Kiki, but don''t hurt her, though. Those bigwigs are going to

    demand a rebate if she gets hurt."

    However, Vicky stood between the burly bodyguards, refusing to budge. "Come if you dare!"

 Chapter 591

    Beside them, Olive finally had enough and snapped at Vicky, "Why are you meddling? Mr. Sorano is

    just taking his employee. Why would you want to catch this heat? Are you going to drag us into a fight

    against the Soranos?!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Ivana and the rest could only stay in their seats awkwardly.

    Olive was right that they would never dare challenge the Soranos, which was why they never said

    anything from the start.

    Hubert chuckled in turn as he turned to Olive. "Oh, at least this pretty face knows her ce. What''s

    your name?"

    "I''m Olive Perkins," she replied excitedly.

    "Haha! Good, you''ve got style." Hubert chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Would you sign up with Sorano

    Media? Rest assured, you''ll be our next big thing!"

    Olive was delighted. "Thank you, Mr. Sorano!"

    "Here''s my card. I''m staying in Room 1008e overter so I can give you an audition." Hubert

    handed her his card.

    While Olive took it excitedly and thanked Hubert profusely, the adults around the table only knew all too

    well what was about to happen.

    Even Ivana was rolling her eyes, despite not daring to say a word.

    "Know your ce and buzz off, Vicky!" Olive snapped even as she wheeled on Vicky, her tone

    suddenly growing in confidence.

    After all, a bright future was suddenly handed to her gift-wrapped. Her sense of inferiority toward Vicky

    was now gone, and she was actually now telling Vicky what to do!

    "What a slut." Vicky shook her head, not bothered with Olive''s attitude.

    Then, looking straight at Hubert icily, she told him, "I''ve spoken. You are not taking Kiki away unless

    you tell your dogs to hurt me too."

    "Vicky..." Kiki was at once emotional.

    "What, you think I wouldn''t dare?" Hubert snorted, ncing at his men and snapping his fingers. "Go.

    I''ll take responsibility for anything that happens."

    "Apologies, Ms. Turnbull." The burly bodyguards started toward Vicky again.

    However, before anyone could touch Vicky, a figure shot towards them from the sight, sending one of

    the bodyguards flying with a kick and crashing into a table.

    Hubert was stunned before snapping furiously and ring at the man before Vicky murderously,

    "What?! Who are you?!"

    It was none other than Corey. "Please calm down, Mr. Sorano. Violence solves nothing."

    "Corey...?" Even Vicky was surprised that Corey would put himself in harm''s way, which was unusual

    considering his personality.

    In fact, Corey was angry¡ªnot at Hubert, but at Frank.

    Frank, who was supposed to be Vicky''s bodyguard, showed no intention to intervene even though he

    could see Hubert''s bodyguards advancing on her.

    Instead, he remained in his seat and kept eating!

 Chapter 592

    In the entire banquet hall, Frank was the only one who did not seem to care.

    And considering what Frank had told him in the men''s room earlier, Corey could not stop himself from

    intervening.

    "Oh, he actually showed some spine." Frank wasughing in his head.

    Despite being busy eating, he was actually paying attention to Vicky''s situation.

    In fact, he had already projected his pure vigor around Vicky with Five-Peat Archaeus. If Hubert''s

    bodyguards had touched her earlier, things would have gone very badly for them.

    If anything, Frank would be embarrassing himself if he did nothing after Vicky announced to everyone

    that he was her personal bodyguard.

    Naturally, Corey was far from reaching Birthright rank and would never know what Frank did. Instead,

    he simply presumed that Frank was absolutely terrified of Hubert and kept eating to hide his panic.

    While Corey was himself afraid of Hubert''s family connections too, he should show more strength and

    a sense of responsibility around Vicky now that things hade to this.

    Bracing himself as he wheels on Hubert, he growled, "Mr. Sorano, I''m Corey Wace. If you refuse Ms.

    Turnbull and insist on taking Kiki away, I suggest you send your people to discuss the matter with the

    Turnbulls instead of getting violent or you''d be disturbing the peace between your families."

    "Oh... you really can talk out of your ass, huh?!" Hubert was gnashing his teeth even as he pointed at

    Corey and snapped, "Who the hell do you think you are, telling me what to do?! What I say goes, and

    that is all there is to it! Get out of here or I''ll kill you!"

    Seeing that Hubert was not backing down at all, Corey was all too aware that his own family

    connections were nothingpared to the Soranos''.

    However, he was not about to embarrass himself in front of the love of his life and certainly not lose to

    Frank¡ªhe would show Frank what a true man was!

    Stepping forward, Corey said coolly, "Ms. Turnbull is Titus Lionheart''s fiance, so you''d better calm

    down, Mr. Sorano. There''s always a better way."

    At this point, he had to name-drop the Lionhearts to remain immune despite challenging a Sorano

    since he was helping Titus.

    "Titus Lionheart." Wariness obviously showed in Hubert''s eyes, but he was soon sneering. "Did you

    really think I''d be scared of the Lionhearts? Go and kill anyone who gets in my way!"

    Hearing Hubert, Ivana and the others promptly fled the table, huddling in a corner in fear that they

    would get dragged into it.

    Only Frank stayed at the table, leisurely continuing to eat.

    "Hey... Frank Lawrence, was it? Get over here already, or you''d get hurt!" Ivana warned out of

    kindness.

    Frank simply pretended not to hear her and kept eating without a care.

    "Since you have to be so unreasonable, I guess I must stand my ground for Mr. Lionheart''s sake!"

    Watching as Hubert''s bodyguards charged at him, Corey moved¡ªfirst dodging a bodyguard punch and

    kicking him toward Frank''s table.

    Even as the bodyguard felt the pain in his stomach and stumbled, thinking he was going to crash into

    the table, his vision suddenly blurred.

    When he came to his senses, he was sitting on one of the chairs around the table.

    "Huh?" The bodyguard then turned to find the man eating at his leisure.

    Then, the man said quietly, "The food here is all expensive. It''d be a shame if you crash into the table

    and knock everything over. Oh, and could you please pass the salt?"

    Frank pointed at the shaker near the bodyguard just then.From N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 593

    "Oh... Okay, here."

    The bodyguard was stillpletely confused, unsure what had just happened as he nkly passed the

    salt shaker to Frank.

    As he stared nkly at Frank while he sprinkled salt over his food, Frank suddenly paused and turned

    to him in curiosity. "What are you looking at me for? Didn''t your employer tell you to do something

    earlier?"

    The bodyguard came to his senses at Frank''s words, and lunged toward Corey with an angry cry

    alongside the other bodyguards.

    However, the oue was no surprise¡ªthe bodyguards might be good, but they were no match for

    someone who could wield vigor.

    In fact, Corey had some moves too. His hair was a mess and his clothes were torn, but after a tough

    fight, he managed to floor all of Hubert''s bodyguards.

    "A vigor wielder? Just you wait!" Hubert snapped, but he quickly fled the banquet hall as he realized

    that the odds were against him.

    Ivana ran up to Corey right then, her eyes twinkling as she eximed, "That was so cool, Corey! You

    knocked down all those men even though they had you outnumbered!"

    "Heh. It''s really nothing." Corey chuckled and stared pointedly at Frank.

    The others followed his gaze, and Ivana snorted in dissatisfaction, being as blunt as she always was.

    "Aren''t you supposed to be Vicky''s bodyguard? Why didn''t you do anything when she was in danger?"

    "Yeah! Don''t tell me you were scared?"

    Frank remained unaffected despite their criticism and said quietly, "I have no reason to y with

    second-rate mooks, and it''d be a shame to waste all this food."

    "Excuses, excuses."

    "Exactly. Vicky and Kiki would''ve been in danger if not for Corey."

    "You''re really shameless, calling yourself Vicky''s bodyguard."

    "It''s alright." Corey smiled as he stepped forward. "Don''t me him¡ªmost people would be petrified

    when they see Hubert Sorano too. However."

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    Even as his tone sharply changed, his eyes remained fixed on Vicky as he shook his head and sighed.

    "You should really change bodyguards, Vicky. A man like that is not worth your time."

    Ivana quickly chimed in, "Exactly. Corey looks plenty good to me¡ªjust dump that one already and have

    Corey be your bodyguard."

    Even Kiki appeared visibly disappointed in Frank and was convinced that he was no martial elite but

    just Vicky''s lover.

    Naturally, none of them expected Vicky to smile and shake her head, refusing to hear a word of it.

    "That''s unnecessary. If Frank says those men are beneath him, I believe him."

    Ivana was left speechless by her stubbornness. "Dear Ms. Turnbull, how old are you again? Why are

    you still lovesick?"

    "You''re the ones who don''t know Frank." Vicky smiled.

    Corey was frustrated to see Vicky still defending the coward and sighed. "We tend to idealize our

    lovers, but you saw the truth¡ªdon''t get yourself hurt because of him."

    "Exactly. Corey''s totally right!" Ivana chimed in.

    That was when Olive, who had been silent throughout, suddenly got up, picking up her purse as she

    strode out. "Eat all you want. Let''s see what happens now that you''ve messed with the Soranos."

    Ivana rolled her eyes. "She really thinks she just hit the jackpot, huh?"

 Chapter 594

    Ivana snorted in disdain. "I really shouldn''t have invited her here if I knew she''d behave like this."

    "It''s alright." Vicky smiled. "Let''s eat!"

    Even as everyone returned to the banquet table, Olive could suddenly be heard screaming outside the

    door.

    "What happened?!" Everyone turned apprehensively toward the door to find that Hubert had returned.

    This time, he was apanied by two middle-aged men. One could feel their presence from afar, and

    they were clearly brimming with energy, making it obvious they were all vigor wielders.

    Moreover, their fists were dripping with blood that were not theirs.

    Even so, Corey demanded, "Aren''t you giving up yet, Mr. Sorano?"

    "Give up?" Hubertughed, his previous amicable expression gone and reced by savagery. "Don''t

    think you could flex on me just because you have some moves! These two are my family''s executives

    here in Riverton, and they''re here to kill you!"

    The two men traded nces in turn. Then one of them sneered as he danced forward, his vigor

    charged as he shot toward Corey in an instant.

    "Flying fish kick!"

    Corey could certainly see that the man was no pushover and used his killing stroke right then, aiming

    his kick straight at the man''s temples.

    "Using such third-rate moves to flex on Mr. Sorano?! You''re really asking for it!"Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    The man bellowed, moving as fast as lightning as he grabbed Corey by the ankle, holding it firmly in

    ce.

    "No!"

    Even as Corey realized the danger when he could not pull away, Hubert wasughing in the distance.

    "Let''s see how you''re going to keep yapping after this! Break his leg, Zorn!"

    "Yes, sir." Zorn looked up with a dangerous smile and twisted Corey''s ankle before thetter could

    move.

    Crack!

    A sick crunching of bones resounded in the banquet hall, followed by Corey''s screams.

    He then copsed to the floor with an audible thud, as sweat gushed down his forehead.

    "See? That''s for standing up against me." Hubert chuckled coolly and turned toward Zorn, gesturing

    across his neck with his finger. "Kill him."

    "No!" Kiki broke down as she saw that Zorn was ready to do it and ran forward, crying, "I''lle with

    you, Hubert! Don''t kill Corey¡ªhe has nothing to do with this!"

    "Oh, but he does now." Hubert sneered smugly at her. "I warned you, but you didn''t listen. Now you''ll

    see the consequences of upsetting me!"

    "Urgh..."

    On the other hand, Corey closed his eyes in despair as he watched Zorn raise his fist, his heart welling

    with endless regret.

    He really should not have intervened¡ªsomeone like him could not afford to challenge the Sorano

    family. All the martial elites at their disposal could easily destroy him, and no one would avenge him

    even if he was killed.

    All he could hope for was one thing¡ªthat the Soranos did not take out their rage on his family.

 Chapter 595

    Just as Corey closed his eyes and resigned himself to die, a cool voice suddenly spoke up. "Are you

    done? It''s time you leave."

    "What?"

    Corey was familiar with the voice.

    Was that not Frank Lawrence, Vicky''s gigolo?

    He suddenly dared to speak up, but it had to be now of all times? Was he suicidal?

    Even as Corey opened his eyes, he was left stunned.

    Zorn had his fist poised to strike at Corey''s head, but Frank remained impassive even as he held onto

    his wrist.

    Zorn could not seem to move at all and was sweating all over his brow!

    "Who the hell are you?!" Hubert finally saw that Frank had seized Zorn''s wrist but thought that Zorn

    was merely caught off guard. "Kill them! Kill every single one in this room! Leave no one alive!"

    However, Zorn was not moving at all, and Hubert thought he did not hear him as he snapped angrily,

    "Didn''t you hear me, Zorn?! What are you spacing out for?!"

    In reality, Zorn just could not say it¡ªFrank was holding on to his wrist like a hydraulic mp, and he

    was unable to move at all.

    "Birthright rank!"

    Lampon, the other executive, quickly realized that Frank was superior. After a brief pause, he quickly

    moved to shield Hubert behind himself while ring at Frank warily.

    Even Hubert was stunned when he heard Lampon. "What?! You''re Birthright rank?!"

    "The name''s Frank Lawrence," Frank said quietly as he held on to Zorn''s wrist. "Leave if you don''t want

    to die."

    Then, turning toward Hubert, he said, "I won''t say it twice."

    Something snapped in Hubert right then. "Fuck you! Who do you think you are to tell me to leave?!

    Don''t you know who I am?!"

    However, Lampon promptly grabbed his arm and reasoned earnestly. "Please calm down, Mr. Sorano!

    He''s Birthright rank, and none of us can afford to mess with him! If he really gets upset, none of us are

    leaving alive!"

    His words actually reached Hubert, bringing him to his senses.

    Still, Hubert red at Frank as he bellowed, "Frank Lawrence, was it?! I''ll remember your name! Just

    you wait¡ªwe have no shortage of Birthright rank elites among our ranks!"

    With that, he snorted and stormed off.

    Lampon remained, staring at Frank respectfully as he spoke. "Excuse me, sir... But could you...?"

    Seeing that Lampon was staring at his palm, Frank snorted and freed Zorn, though his fingers left a

    ck mark where he held Zorn.

    Zorn was sweating all over his brow too but said nothing as he pursed his lips.

    "By the way."

    Seeing that both executives were about to leave, Frank suddenly spoke, pointing at the bbergasted

    Kiki, "Tell your master that he''s not to mess with Kiki. Do so again, and I''ll be paying him a visit."

    "Y-Yes, of course."

    Both executives nodded repeatedly for the sake of their survival and fled miserably.

    As the doors closed behind them, a long silence ensued.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    All the voices mocking Frank before could not be heard, as everyone now stared at him in either

    embarrassment or disbelief.

    They obviously did not know what Birthright rank meant, but none of them were stupid.

 Chapter 596

    The two executives whom Hubert brought were clearly no pushovers, and one was enough to

    overwhelm Corey.

    And yet, both of them were so afraid of Frank they bolted from his threat alone. They were clearly

    fearing for their lives, and he never did a thing to them!

    In fact, proof was now unnecessary for Frank''s strength.

    Corey was the first to speak, breaking the silence. "Thank you for saving my life, Mr. Lawrence. I will

    always remember this debt."

    Even as he pushed himself off the floor, his face was pale.

    One of his legs was nowpletely crippled, but it was thanks to Frank that he was alive.

    Naturally, Corey also had no intention to demean Frank after finding out that he was a Birthright rank

    elite, since there was almost none of his caliber in Riverton.

    Moreover, Corey really doubted that Frank did not have any backing when he improved this far at such

    a young age!

    "I was being arrogant even though I wascking, and I''m too ashamed to stay in your presence. Please

    take good care of Ms. Turnbull from now on. Farewell," Corey said, bowing to Frank before limping

    away.

    Kiki felt guilty and uneasy for being skeptical of Vicky''s judgment earlier and hesitated for a while

    before saying, "Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence."

    Frank shook his head. "Don''t thank me. Thank Vicky."

    Kiki turned to Vicky right then, her gaze earnest. "Thank you so much, Vicky."

    "Hey, no thanks necessary¡ªwe''re besties." Vicky grinned.

    Still, she soon skipped toward Frank when she saw that he was leaving, grabbing his sleeve and

    snapping, "Hey, where do you think you''re going?"

    "Home."

    "Home?!" Vicky gaped. "What the hell is wrong with you? Did you really think Hubert would give up on

    Kiki just because you told him so?!"

    Frank shrugged. "Why not?"

    Vicky rolled her eyes. "Kiki, go with Frank and stay at his mansion. You can stay in Room 104¡ªmy

    room is next to it."

    "What?" Kiki''s jaw hung open in disbelief. "I-I really don''t think that''s a good idea. It''d be an

    inconvenience for Mr. Lawrence¡ª" "What are you worried about?" Vickyughed. "You''re not staying

    there forever, and he''s not doing anything to you when his baby sister is there. But if he tries anything

    funny, tell me and I''ll straighten him out."

    As she raised her brow at Frank as if to give him an order, he shook his head. "Room 104 is taken."

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    Vicky''s expression was at once hostile. "What?! Who''s staying there? Why don''t I know about that?"

    "It''s my business," Frank retorted. "And I never agreed to be Ms. Moss'' bodyguard.

    Seeing that he was refusing, Vicky was suddenly a pouting little girl, tugging on Frank''s arm as she

    cajoled, "Oh, just say yes for my sake, pretty please...?"

    Around them, Vicky''s friends were left stunned by her sudden change of attitude.

    What the devil?

    Vicky Turnbull, the most famous heiress of Riverton, had never shown this side of hers to anyone!

    If other men could see this, they would be loathing Frank to the bone!

    Frank sighed¡ªeven he had to admit that no man could resist Vicky''s devastating beauty and her

    adorable kittenish pleas.

 Chapter 597

    ^Q Search...

    / /

    The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu

    Later.

    "Here''s Room 106. You can stay here."

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    After getting Kiki settled in his mansion, Frank mused to himself before striding outside.

    A limousine slowly emerged out of the dark road, stopping in front of him.

    Frank stood there and sighed. "It seems that Hubert Sorano is really bent on dying."

    "Brat, did you think you coulde out unscathed after challenging the Soranos?!" an elderly

    ckd man with a gray beard bellowed as he alighted, ring at Frank haughtily. "You''ll pay for your

    impudence!"

    "And you''ll pay for your ignorance," Frank calmly retorted.

    The old man glowered but soonughed. "Some weaning brat like you threatening me? Who do you

    think you are?"

    "Funny. I could say the same, geezer."

    Frank''s eyes shed, and he suddenly shot forward like a lightning bolt without a word, reappearing

    right in front of the old man.

    "What?!"

    The old man''s re of disdain froze, caught in disbelief by Frank''s speed.

    He promptly raised his arms to block Frank''s oing punch.

    However, in just a split second, Frank switched his attack and spread his fingers, smacking the old man

    squarely in the belly!

    "Kneel!"

    His vigor purified as it shot out, the single strike left the old man coughing blood and dropping to his

    knees.

    The old man was horrified¡ªFrank had to be the strongest man he had ever encountered!

    Even as he thought that, Frank had grabbed him by the neck and lifted him off the ground, his

    expression impassive as he demanded, "Where is Hubert Sorano?"

    "I-I''ll never tell you!"

    The old man had barely finished when Frank tapped his ribcage acupoint, shutting his respiratory

    vessels and leaving him purple in seconds.

    Then, he tapped his median furrow acupoint, and the old man felt as if his chest was on fire, burning

    him alive.

    Frank''s medical knowledge saved lives, but he could use it for interrogations necessary. In fact, his

    methods would even beat Burt Yorkman''s interrogation techniques in terms of effectiveness and horror.

    "Are you going to talk now?" Frank asked coolly as he withdrew his fingers. "I still have hundreds of

    other techniques waiting to wear you down for the night. It''d feel like years, but you''d wish you were

    dead at every moment."

    "Urgh..." The old man was sweating all over as he flinched in terror¡ªthe techniques and abilities Frank

    disyed were not some Birthright novice like him could fathom.

    He thought Frank would be an inexperienced Birthright rank elite since he was young, but he proved to

    be a different ss entirely.

    Just two acupoints, and he felt half his life was drained!

    "M-Mr. Sorano is in Room 1008 of Ninedell Hotel."

    Frank actually paused¡ªHubert never left?! He certainly had balls!

    As the old man copsed to the floor on his knees. "I-I''ve told you what I know. Can you let me go

    now?"

    Frank did not keep torturing him. Instead, heunched a burst of pure vigor from his fingers, piercing

    the old man''s scalp and pulverizing his brain.

    The Birthright rank elite that Hubert sent did not evenst one blow before Frank killed him!

 Chapter 598

    The old man bled from orifice as he died horribly, while Frank got in the limousine he came in.

    "Drive me to Ninedell Hotel."

    The chauffeur was already petrified, but he quickly turned the car and headed to Ninedell Hotel as told

    since he valued his life. -

    In Room 1008 of Ninedell Hotel, Hubert was wearing only a bathrobe as hey sprawled on bed,

    enjoying Olive Perkin''s massage while holding up a phone.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    "You don''t sound too pleased, Mr. Sorano," Chaz Graves said from the other end of the line.

    "Of course I am! We just lost a golden goose, for fuck''s sakes!" Hubert cursed out loud and told Chaz

    everything that had happened.

    "What?!"

    Chaz was clearly shocked and repeatedly confirmed that it was the Frank Lawrence he had in mind.

    Then, musing to himself for a while, he advised calmly "Mr. Sorano, I''d advise you to run right now¡ª

    Frank is as strong as he is conceited. If I''m not mistaken, he''s on his way to you right now!"

    "Impossible." Hubert dismissed him confidently. "I''ve called in one of my family''s Birthright rank elders,

    and his ne had already touched down a while ago. There''s no way he''d lose."

    Chaz sighed. "I must insist that you be careful. Frank isn''t so easily defeated."

    "Oh, don''t worry! What is he going to do, kill me?" Hubert snorted in disdain.

    "Very well. Just don''t forget to attend my wedding in a couple of days."

    "For sure. I don''t care about you, but that''s not the case for Titus Lionheart!"

    Hubertughed as he hung up, snorting, "Be careful? Just because some Birthright rank elite showed

    up in little Riverton? Chaz Graves is an embarrassment to the rest of us, being so scared of that

    bastard."

    "Of course," Olive smiled even as she shed her cleavage. "That bastard is just the Turnbulls'' gigolo

    at best. He''d neverpare to the third heir of the Soranos!"

    "Hehe. You and your silver tongue." Hubert wrapped his arms around her waist, ready for round two,

    when he heard a loud crash outside.

    By the time he turned, the door was kicked wide open, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw who

    it was.

    Frank Lawrence...?" Hubert trailed off, suddenly remembering Chaz''s warning.

    Was the bastard as horrific as Chaz imed, defeating even an elder from his family?!

    Before his questions were answered, Frank was ring icily at him. "I remember telling your dogs to

    warn you to stay away, but you''re really asking for it."

    Hubert''s heart sank at Frank''s cool voice. He kept his towel wrapped around his crotch as he stood up

    and bellowed, "Where''s Elder Keyes? What did you do to him?!"

    "Elder Keyes?" Frank chuckled. "He''s waiting for you down under."

    "What?! Y-You wouldn''t dare!" Hubert stumbled backward in the face of Frank''s murderous re,

    terrified and regretting not heeding Chaz''s advice to run.

    Frank was really no pushover!

    On the other hand, Olive never realized how scary Frank can be.

    After all, she had left the banquet hall earlier than the others before and was still convinced that Frank

    was a loser.

    "Do you know who you are talking to, Frank?!" she snapped. "This is Hubert Sorano of Morhen, and

    you''re threatening him?! You''re so done!"

 Chapter 599

    Frank turned toward Olive, his re murderous. "This is no ce for you to speak."

    However, Olive was not afraid of him at all, even puffing her chest as she stood before Frank. "You''re

    only banking on Vicky Turnbull''s support! Her family might have some influence, but Mr. Sorano here

    doesn''t fear them, let alone a gigolo like you! Know your ce!"

    "Just shut up already!" Hubert snapped at her, as he could sense danger¡ªFrank''s expression had

    turned cool from Olive''s string of insults, and the dark aura around him was growing stronger!

    However, Olive showed no sign of stopping, even continuing to provoke Frank. "Mr. Sorano has

    already looked into you. You have an ex-wife who''s going to marry Chaz Graves in a couple days, don''t

    you? If I were you, I''d be hiding somewhere quiet and crying my eyes out. Whoever gave you the balls

    toe here and harass Mr. Sorano?!"

    Then, she yelled haughty outside, "Zorn! Lampon! What are you doing?! Why did you let this bastard

    in?! Get him out of here already!"

    "You can stop shouting now," Frank said quietly. "They won''t hear you."

    "What''s that supposed to mean?!" Olive eximed in disbelief, stiffening.

    "They''re dead, and both of you are joining him soon."

    "What?!"

    Finally realizing the trouble she was in, Olive ran outside to find both Zorn and Lampon long dead, lying

    in pools of their own blood.

    "No!!!" Olive screamed as she ran down the hallway naked.

    Frank did not chase after her¡ªthe instant she started snapping at him, he had used Jaud White''s

    Snowshade on her.

    She would get away, but she would also die in despair¡ªit was her deserved fate for provoking Frank,

    especially with Helen.

    Meanwhile, Hubert was still clutching on his towel as he kept backing away from Frank. "W-What do

    you want?!"

    "You should be asking yourself that question, Mr. Sorano," Frank said quietly as he closed in. "I told

    your dogs to ry my warning to you, but you chose to ignore me anyway. You''re clearly asking for it,

    and in that case, there''s no reason to waste my breath."

    "No! Y-You can''t kill me! I-I''m the third Sorano son, and my family wille after you if you kill me!

    OOh, and your family! They will massacre your family too!"

    Hubert was trembling in fear, his words barely logical.

    "You wouldn''t have to worry about that," Frank shrugged. "Don''t think your family is above the rest and

    can do whatever they want just because they''re from the capital. From where I''m standing, you''re all

    livestock who can talk."

    With that, Frank seized Hubert''s throat, slowly clenching.

    Even as Hubert''s face turned purple, he kept rasping endlessly to plead, "S-Sor... Please... No..."

    Frank remained unmoved, his eyes cool as he watched Hubert die.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Stop!"

    A group of men in ck charged inside the room just then.

 Chapter 600

    An elderly bearded man strode up behind Frank and barked, "I told you to stop, you hear?"

    "Hmm.?"

    Frank slowly turned and immediately noticed the lion head embroidered into the old man''spel.

    "The Lionhearts sent you, I presume?" he asked impassively.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    "Indeed. The name''s Trenton, and I demand you let go of Mr. Sorano right now," the elderly man

    snapped. "He''s under our protection, so if you kill him, you''ll be our enemy!"

    "Haha." Frank chuckled as he shook his head, immune to Trenton''s threat. "He provoked me endlessly,

    even threatening to kill my family. Do you think he''d repent just because I let him go?"

    Trenton frowned, but promised, "You have the Lionhearts'' assurance that he''ll stay in line¡ªbut only if

    you release him."

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted and eased his fingers, sparing Hubert. "In that case, you have one chance."

    He was not that eager to make enemies of everyone, after all.

    On the other hand, Hubert was on his knees, wheezing as he red venomously at Frank.

    Trenton helped him to his feet and started heading for the door, saying, "Mr. Sorano, Mr. Graves sent

    us to protect you. Rest assured that you''ll be safe if youe with us now."

    However, as soon as Hubert saw the lion head embroidered on Trentons''pel, his fear turned into

    conceit.

    "Hahaha! How caring of Chaz, and he certainly read that bastard''s moves!" he eximed, standing

    amongst the bodyguards as he turned smugly towards Frank. "Did you think this is over?! Just you wait

    ¡ªI''ll have you and the rest of your family killed¡ªespecially your sister! You''ll be crying and begging for

    my forgiveness after what you did!"

    "Mr. Sorano!"

    Even Trenton was frowning at Hubert''s unruly behavior as soon as he had protection.

    Before he could stop Hubert, he saw Frank''s murderous sneer as he slowly advanced.

    "Hmm. amusing. I already gave you a chance, but it''s not my fault that someone''s really asking for it!"

    Seeing that Frank was advancing, Hubert hid behind the bodyguards while snapping, "Don''t you know

    who these people are?! They are Titus Lionheart''s men! If youy a finger on me, he''ll leave you in

    pieces!"

    "Titus Lionheart?"

    Frank, however, never stopped.

    He even nced at Trenton and said icily, "I gave you Lionhearts a chance, but now it seems that you

    refuse to appreciate it. Back away, and I''ll let you live."

    Even Trenton felt his breath leave his lungs at Frank''s conceited threat.

    After some thought, he quickly said, "Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Graves had mentioned you, and Master Titus

    had been informed about your close rtionship with Ms. Turnbull. He won''t press the issue, but we

    insist on offering Hubert Sorano refuge. However, I''m sure we cane to apromise..."

 Chapter 601

    Turning toward Hubert, Trenton reasoned, "Mr. Sorano, why don''t you apologize to Mr. Lawrence and

    promise you won''t ever harass him, and let bygones be bygones?"

    "Me, apologize to him?!" Hubert gaped at Trenton in disbelief, unable to believe his ears.

    "Yes." Trenton nodded in confirmation.

    "No way!" Hubert bellowed, pointing at Frank as he snapped, "He took away my golden goose and

    threatened my life! And you want me to apologize after all that?! Aren''t you bodyguards who serve the

    Lionhearts? What, are you worried he''d attack you? Do you think he has the balls?!"

    Trenton was actually the Lionhearts'' executive who was based in Riverton.

    As a retainer of the hearts, he was naturally well-connected. He had long since heard about Frank''s

    aplishments from Riverton''s governor Robert Quill, and the Chief of General Affairs Gerald

    Simmons.

    Naturally, he inevitably came across rumors of Vicky being suspiciously close with Frank too.

    Trenton himself would have eliminated any man who got too close with Vicky, but he was wise enough

    to tell that Frank was different.

    Not only did the youth manage so many different oddities, but Trenton was also especially concerned

    with thest name ''Lawrence''.

    After all, the Lawrences were one of the Four Families of Morhen too, alongside the Lionhearts.

    They were also the most enigmatic as they always kept a low profile.

    Even if the Lionhearts were seemingly the most powerful dynasty in Draconia, the Lawrences still had

    an edge over them as theymanded actual military power.

    Be that as it may, there were not many of them, and the head of the Lawrence family was seventy but

    childless.

    Even so, he stood guard alone over Draconia''s southern frontier, keeping the unruly elements beyond

    in check and earning him the title of the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    And considering that possible connection, Trenton was therefore wary when it came to Frank.

    "Enough talking," Frank growled, losing all patience since Hubert was clearly unrepentant.

    Walking up to Trenton, he said icily, "Move if you don''t want to die, or I''ll butcher you along with him."

    Even as Trenton cursed Hubert for his mindless behavior, he braced himself against Frank''s dark aura.

    "We have orders from Titus Lionheart himself, Mr. Lawrence. We will provide refuge for Mr. Sorano¡ª

    we won''t let you kill him."

    "Now that''s better! You had orders to protect me, so act like it or you''ll really disappoint me!" Hubert

    snorted sarcastically from behind the bodyguards. "You heard him, Frank! Run along now, or you''ll rest

    in pieces if you upset the Lionhearts!"

    "Heh..." Frank suddenly chuckled, looking at Trenton as he sought for confirmation onest time. "So

    the Lionhearts insist on protecting this bastard?"

    "Yes." Trenton nodded despite his exasperation.

    St!

    Without warning, Frank had suddenly thrust his fist forward, punching a hole into Trenton''s stomach!

    As Trenton looked on in shock, Frank grinned icily, "Did you think really I''d really be scared of a measly

    family like the Lionhearts?"

 Chapter 602

    Trenton''s eyes widened even as he copsed to the floor¡ªto think that Frank was even crazier than he

    thought!

    "Frank Lawrence... How dare..."

    With Trenton eliminated with a single punch, Frank wheeled on the other Lionheart bodyguards and

    said quietly, "It seems that the Lionhearts would make an enemy of me just to protect that fool. In that

    case, none of you are leaving!"

    "You''re crazy, Frank!"

    Hubert was horrified by the sight before him.

    He knew for a fact that the Lionhearts were among the top powers in Draconia. And thanks to their

    closeness to Volsung Sect, their influence extended over every corner of the country.

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    As such, Frank had to be crazy to challenge the Lionhearts just to kill him!

    Even as the thought crossed Hubert''s mind, the Lionheart bodyguards leapt toward Frank, incensed

    that he actually got physical.

    "You bastard! You just killed a Lionheart executive!"

    "Insolence!"

    They were all bellowing as they charged as Frank, but they were all just vigor wielders despite being

    well-trained.

    Against a Birthright rank elite like Frank, there was only one oue.

    Frank glowered even as he struck each of them, leaving them dead before they hit the floor.

    Soon, only one of them was left.

    He was assuredly deted to see the rest all dead and dropped to his knees, begging Frank for mercy.

    Frank would have killed him too, but he suddenly realized that Hubert had already fled.

    The point of killing the Lionhearts'' men was to kill Hubert, and Frank promptly prioritized finding Hubert

    over the bodyguard.

    Turning, he broke the window with a kick.

    Then, as the bodyguard looked on in shock, he leapt out of the tenth floor window.

    Hubert was scrambling downstairs without caring how he looked, traumatized as he kept peeking

    upstairs.

    "Shit, that bastard is really crazy! He really has no respect for the Lionhearts, even killing their men!

    What mess have I gotten myself into..."

    Fortunately, Frank was not after him, while he sprinted down ten floors solely on his will to survive!

    However, even as he got out of the hotel, dashing straight for his car to flee, he realized in horror that

    Frank was already waiting for him on the first floor.

    "How did you." he blurted, but he soon saw the broken ss behind Frank and realized how he arrived

    there.

    He had leapt ten floors down¡ªand worst of all, remained unscathed as he waited leisurely for Hubert

    to run straight to him!

    W-What a monster!

    Even as the thought crossed his mind, he started to run again.

    However, he had not run more than a couple of steps away when he suddenly felt the stairs shaking,

    leaving him dizzy.

    He then saw in horror that the entire stairs was swung straight at his face! Even before he could cry out

    in pain, his throat was squeezed into itself, and he could not make a sound.

    Soon, his vision faded and he lost consciousness entirely.

    Frank chuckled as he withdrew his hand and watched as a small fountain of blood gushed out from the

    back of Hubert''s head. "I gave you plenty of chances. You refused to take it."

    Ding.

    That was when the nearby elevator doors suddenly opened.

 Chapter 603

    The nearby elevator doors suddenly opened when Frank was just about to dispose of Hubert''s corpse,

    and a familiar face appeared.

    It was none other than Helen Lane.

    "Frank...?" she murmured.

    Frank nced at her¡ªshe was visibly skinnier, and the dark circles under her eyes were obvious. Even

    if she tried her best to hide it with makeup, she could not hide it from Frank after their three-year

    marriage.

    It seemed that thest few days had not been kind to her.

    For his part, Frank stayed silent¡ªhe had cut all ties with her and had nothing more to say since she

    would soon marry Chaz.

    It was therefore shocking that Helen charged at him, grabbing his wrist as she cried, "Just calm down!

    Chaz told me you had a fight with Hubert Soranoe on, let''s go apologize to Hubert. The Graves

    family has just signed a partnership with the Lionhearts, and Chaz is now Titus Lionheart''s ally. If you

    upset Chaz."

    Before she could finish, she found the corpse on the stairs, her pupils dting as she turned pale.

    "What." she murmured as she released Frank to check who it was and was left dumbstruck when she

    did.

    "Frank!" Her lips were trembling even as tears rolled down her pretty cheeks. "W-Why did you do this?!

    Why did you kill Hubert?!"

    "I don''t have to tell you, do I?" Frank snorted coolly, folding his arms before his chest.

    "You don''t get it! You''re in deep trouble now!" Helen shrieked, almost cking out right then. "Titus

    Lionheart will arrive in Riverton soon, and he''lle after you for killing his allies! Why are you always

    so stubborn and impulsive?!"

    Why did she humiliate herself by agreeing to marry Chaz?

    It was all for Frank, so why could he not just hold back and stop causing trouble? Why did he always

    have to get on the wrong side of such terrible people?

    She had gone through great lengths just to give Frank a chance. Forget not knowing that¡ªhe had to

    trample all over her effort and sacrifice!

    "Stubborn? Impulsive?" Frank lowered his gaze as he murmured, but soon sneered. "There''s a reason

    behind everything I do, Helen. On the other hand, you only ever get led by the nose, never deciding for

    yourself. Is all that you see the whole picture? What if I told you that I killed him to protect my family?

    My sister?"

    Frank suddenly appeared sad. "No, you won''t get it¡ªyou''ve never believed me anyway, not even once.

    That''s why you really shouldn''t y saint and use me of anything, because you have no right. Run

    along now, tell Titus that I killed Hubert... But I''m telling you that I''m not afraid of him. No, I''m Frank

    Lawrence and I''m not afraid of anyone!"

    With that, he turned to leave without a care, scoffing as he did. "Oh, and best wishes for your wedding.

    Hope you get a kid soon too."

    Helen dropped to her knees, her eyes welling with tears from Frank''s apathy.

    Why would she marry Chaz now that Hubert was dead?

    If Titus went after Frank, all thepromising she did was but a one-sided wish and aplete waste

    of effort.From N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 604

    Helen had rushed to Ninedell Hotel after hearing from Chaz that Frank had a fight with Hubert.

    She was about to bring Frank and apologize to Hubert, but that was certainly moot now that Frank had

    killed him.

    There was no turning back now...

    Even so, Helen refused to give up and gritted her teeth as she vowed, "It doesn''t matter if you don''t

    understand me or ept my effort. I won''t let you die. Never!"

    With those words, she wiped away her tears and called Chaz. "Hey, I have a favor to ask." -

    Frank was frustrated even as he left Ninedell Hotel, punching the steering wheel as he got into his car.

    "Damn it!"

    He knew that Helen would marry Chaz, but her reaction just now left him infatuated nheless.

    He knew the type of scum Chaz was, especially after Jaud told him about the trap that Chaz had

    prepared for him on Chaz''s own wedding day.

    Would Frank stay away? The answer was evidently no.

    Frank had no idea what Chaz had going for him that Helen was so bent on marrying him. And yet,

    despite her seeming loyalty, she had to run all the way here because she was worried about him.

    It left Frank further frustrated and confused¡ªthey had cut ties from each other, so why would she

    bother?

    That was when Frank looked up and saw the sole surviving Lionheart bodyguard whom he had spared

    earlier.

    Even as he walked, he was speaking on his phone, most likely to report to Titus.

    Frank certainly did not fear Titus and alighted.

    He was about to take the phone from the bodyguard and warn Titus, but the person on the other end

    turned out to be someone else.

    It was Chaz Graves!

    "You?!"

    The bodyguard spotted Frank just then.

    He was feeling lucky after being spared before, only to find the same reaper emerging from the

    darkness of the car park.

    He flinched in terror, not even finding the will to run.

    "Continue."

    However, Frank nodded at him, refraining from interrupting the bodyguard''s conversation after realizing

    that it was Chaz.

    Over the phone, Chaz was gloating. "Well, now that he''s killed Titus'' men, that bastard is a dead man

    walking. I''ll inform Titus myself, and Frank will breathe hisst in two days."

    "I."

    The bodyguard leveled a flustered look at Frank.

    However, Frank did not speak, so he raised his phone and said hesitantly, "Actually, Mr. Graves, I just

    saw Helen Lane here."

    "Oh, that bitch?" Chaz snorted coolly from the other end. "She ran off as soon as she heard that Frank

    might step on the toes of the Lionhearts, even calling me and pleading mercy for that bastard."

    "S-She''s going to leave. Shouldn''t I escort her?"

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Nope." Chaz scoffed. "That dumb bitch is already worthless to me. She was so naive she believed me

    when I threatened to tell Titus about Frank and Vicky''s affair."

    Frank paused at those words, his mind rapidly working out why Helen''s actions contradicted her words

    so much¡ªChaz was threatening her with his life!

 Chapter 605

    On the other end, Chaz was still gloating with an evil smile. "That dumb bitch is just a tool I''m using to

    humiliate Frank Lawrence. No, I''ll deny even Helen her dignity, and Frank will watch as his woman is

    defiled by another man."

    Chuckling, he said, "Go¡ªreport to Titus Lionheart. My preparations here areplete, and all it takes

    is for Titus'' elite fighters to arrive."

    "Yes, Mr. Graves," the bodyguard replied before hanging up with a trembling finger, his whole body

    shaking as he turned toward Frank.

    He was deeply terrified of Frank flying into a rage, killing him in one swift strike.

    What he did not expect was Frank to stand there, staring nkly instead of flipping out.

    "M-Mr. Lawrence...?" the bodyguard called out to Frank miserably, not daring to flee despite Frank''s

    distraction.

    "Go."

    Turning toward the bodyguard as he came to his senses after a while, Frank said, "Don''t ever fight me

    again if you want to live, and you''d better not show up at that wedding."

    "Y-Yes! Mr. Lawrence, I won''t tell anyone about today or show up at that wedding!" the bodyguard

    eximed, rejoicing even as he fled in panic.

    After he was gone, Frank stood alone outside the main entrance of Ninedell Hotel, rearing his head as

    he sighed.

    So everything Helen was doing was for his sake¡ªbe it marrying Chaz or rejecting him, it was to stop

    Chaz from telling Titus that he was close with Vicky.

    In fact, she came as soon as she was told that he had a fight with Hubert.

    Frank''s heart welled up with guilt when he remembered what he had told Helen. Even if it was

    harmless on the surface, it must have really stung Helen''s heart.

    Even so, she still called Chaz, begging him to think of something just to stop Titus froming after

    Frank.

    Once coincidences and other frivolous factors were dismissed, it all came down to the fact of Chaz''s

    maniption.

    Still, he had to admit Chaz was right about one thing: Helen was stupid, not giving up on him despite

    everything he had done!

    "So, you want me, Chaz Graves?" Frank growled, inhaling deeply as his expression cooled. "We shall

    see who wille up victorious in the end!"

    With those words, he left Ninedell Hotel and drove straight to Lane Manor.

    It waste into the night when he arrived outside and pressed on the doorbell.

    To no surprise, Gina emerged, rubbing her groggy eyes and immediately snapping at Frank, "What are

    you doing here in my house?! You''re not wee here! Now, leave!"

    "Helen!"

    Frankpletely ignored Gina as he stood outside the gates, his fists clenched as he shouted into the

    manor, "I won''t let you marry Chaz Graves!

    "I know you''re not sleeping¡ªthose dark circles under your eyes betrayed you!

    "Do you hear me?! Trust me just this once! I won''t let you marry Chaz!"

    "Are you crazy?!" Gina snapped even as Frank continued to yell at the manor. "Helen''s decided to

    marry Mr. Graves herself! Give up already¡ªwe won''t let you interfere with their wedding!"Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 606

    As Gina saw that her insults were pointless, she strode up and shoved at Frank, "Get out of here!

    Helen''s not home¡ªyour shouting doesn''t mean a thing!"

    Frank simply braced against her meek fists and scratching as he kept shouting into Lane Manor.

    "Helen! I''ll definitely crash your wedding and take you with me¡ªwhether you like it or not! I''m always

    that stubborn and impulsive, and nobody can stop me! Not your family, not Chaz Graves... Not even

    the Lionhearts!"

    Having said his part, Frank quietly waited for Helen to respond.

    However, there was only silence aside from Gina''s shrieking and cursing.

    Still, it did not discourage Frank.

    Then, just as he was about to leave, the doors opened and Helen strode out in her pajamas.

    Gina turned frantic when she saw her. "What are you doing, Helen?! You''re marrying Chaz Graves

    soon. For the sake of us Northstream Lanes, don''t fall for his pretty face!"

    "Mom," Helen said calmly and quietly. "Let me talk to him."

    "No!" Gina summarily refused, snapping, "There''s nothing to talk with someone as despicable as him.

    Don''t worry, I''ll chase him away!"

    Helen shook her head exasperatedly despite Gina''s insistence. "There are things we need to be clear

    about."

    "Fine. You have three minutes, and he leaves once you''re done!"

    Seeing that Helen was insistent, Gina sighed heavily.

    She stood aside, folding her arms before her chest as she watched them.

    After the wedding, they would be moving back to Southstream, as their family would return to the main

    family and live grandly.

    This would be thest time Frank ever got to see her daughter!

    Helen sighed lengthily in turn and leveled an impassive look at Frank, but her gaze was clearly

    conflicted.

    "I heard what you said," she told him.

    "I get it now," Frank said solemnly. "Chaz Graves was threatening my life to coerce you, wasn''t he?

    He''s threatening to tell Titus Lionheart about me and Vicky."

    Helen did a double take but shook her head. "That''s not true. I don''t know where you heard that from,

    but I''m telling you¡ªI love Chaz, and giving up Lane Holdings is proof of that. I''ve never felt that way

    about you." "It''s all consensual¡ªI''m not being coerced, so don''t tter yourself, Frank. We''re never

    ever getting back together."

    Even as she spoke, Helen felt the misery burning her heart.

    She was assuredlypelled to marry Chaz now, as he had invited all of Riverton''s bigwigs to their

    wedding, and Gina already epted the Graves family''s dowry. Even the Lionhearts and Soranos had

    sent their people over.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    As such, even if Frank found out the truth and tried to stop the wedding, there was no way he would

    win against such overwhelming numbers.

    And all she had done for this would be reduced to a joke.

 Chapter 607

    Frank quietly said: "I know you, Helen. You avoid looking into my eyes when you lie."

    "Don''t act like you know me. You don''t¡ªand I''ll be very clear." Helen smiled. "I''m different now. A

    person should be realistic and give up on pointless ambition. What''s life for a woman, if not to find a

    man she could depend on and serve? Why deal with all the problems in a corner and shareholders

    instead of being a housewife? It''s an easy life and good for everyone."

    "Is that what you really think?" Frank asked, looking searchingly into Helen''s eyes.

    "It is." Helen met his gaze without flinching this time. "It doesn''t matter what you think or how highly you

    think of yourself¡ªI''m not leaving with you, so just give up. It''s gettingte and I''m tired... It''s time you

    leave."

    With those words, Helen quietly returned tinside Lane Manor, and Gina immediately leapt up to chase

    off Frank again. "What are you spacing out for?! Helen told you to leave, you delusional fool! Who do

    you think you are?!"

    Frank simply craned his neck and shouted into Lane Manor again, "Get over yourself, Helen. Don''t

    think you''ve saved me! I''m telling you right now¡ªI''ll never thank you. No, I''d hate you for it! Call me

    names, insult me all you like. I''ll never let you marry Chaz Graves, you hear me?!"

    "Get out!!!" Gina shrieked madly just then, picking up a brick and smashing it on Frank''s head. "I-If you

    stray out of line, I''ll kill you!"

    "Hahaha!" Frankughed heartily, oblivious to Gina''s insults even as he bled from his head and drove

    away from Lane Manor.

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    At the same time, Helen returned to her room, pressing her back against the door once she closed it

    and dropping to the floor with a thud.

    She could hear Frank''s brightughter and was left folding her arms before her chest just to stop

    herself from crying.

    How could Frank be so crazy? Was she really worth it?

    She had seen how her own family had abused Frank for three years. He did not seem to care, even

    vowing that he would save her.

    She really did not know what to do now¡ªhow would she face him during the wedding, and who would

    she be to him then?

    In his car, Frank picked up his phone and dialed a number.

    "Isn''t it quitete, Mr. Lawrence? How can I help?" Hans asked from the other end.

    Frank grinned. "Bring your men to Graves Mansion in two days. We''re crashing a wedding!"

    "Yes, sir," Hans replied immediately, without asking questions or showing hesitation.

    Now that Frank knew the truth, he would not stand by and watch as Helen fell into the fire pit.

    No, he would make everyone understand that if they upset him, even the Lionhearts would kneel

    before him!

    Time flew.

    As the day of the arranged marriage between the Lanes and the Graves arrived, all of Southstream

    was left shocked by the return of the Nortstream Lanes and the morous wedding of the Graves'' heir.

 Chapter 608

    Countless rich and powerful individuals and groups arrived, with hundreds of prestigious cars lining the

    parking lot outside Graves Mansion. Naturally, there were many others forced to park by the curb.

    Chaz was wearing a ck tuxedo, his hairbed neatly as he stood and received all the guests filing

    through the parlor.

    Naturally, he was only greeting the top elites of Riverton¡ªhis retainers would handle the modest

    families and small business owners.

    Even as he appeared bright and pleasant, raising his champagne flute to salute the guests around him,

    one of the servants came to him with a report, "Everything''s in ce, sir... but the Szars didn''t send

    anyone, citing unforeseen circumstances."

    Chaz shrugged. "Never had much hope in Donald Szar anyway."

    "That''s not it, sir," the servant said, before leaning in to whisper into Chaz''s ear, "The Szars'' factory

    was retaken by Kurt Stinson. At this point, they have no leverage for a partnership with us. though

    someone from Mr. Stinson''s side has since made contact with us."

    "Really?" Chaz smiled, a little surprised. "Tell them yes. I''m fine with partnering with anyone, as long as

    the Turnbulls and Frank Lawrence fall."

    "Yes, Mr. Graves." The servant nodded and left.

    Another servant soon came with another report. "Mr. Graves, Frank Lawrence was at Lane Manor two

    nights ago, announcing that he would crash this wedding."

    Chaz snorted. "I knew he''de, but announcing it? I''m interested to see if he has the guts toe

    good on his word! This is my house, and I''ve assembled every man we have, not to mention that the

    Lionhearts have sent their martial elites as well. If hees, he''s not leaving!"

    His eyes shed with savagery even as he crushed his champagne flute. "We''ll settle this once and for

    all, Frank! You''ll be kneeling before me even as I humiliate you!"

    -

    In a grandly decorated room, Helen was sitting before the dressing table, staring nkly at the beautiful

    woman in the mirror.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    She nced at the phone she left on the table, her eyes welling up with worry¡ªshe had been fretting

    that he would reallye ever since Frank dered he would crash this wedding.

    Worst of all, he had killed Hubert, and there was no hiding it¡ªthe Lionhearts were long since made

    aware of that fact.

    If Frank came to Graves Mansion, he would not be just facing the Graves'' wrath, for the Lionhearts

    would want a piece of him too.

    That''s why she had been calling Frank repeatedly, and then texting him since he was not answering,

    begging him to stay out of this.

    Naturally, Frank did not respond to her texts, and it left Helen further uneasy.

    Gina came up to her just then, beaming as she ced a beautiful jewelry box in front of Helen. "See?

    Mr. Graves bought all these for you. Even the cheapest one costs millions! Come on, pick a few and

    put them on."

    In contrast to Gina''s enthusiasm, Helen was totally uninterested, even sighing.

    "What?! Are you still thinking about that bastard?!" Gina snapped right then, her face falling since she

    knew all too well what her daughter was thinking.

    She snapped the jewelry box shut even as she growled, "Just give up already, Helen¡ªthis is Graves

    Mansion, and there''s guards stationed at every corner. Frank would be kept outside the gates even

    before he could get in, and it''d be worse for him if he tries to barge in!"

 Chapter 609

    Seeing that Helen frowned from what she said, Gina quickly assured her, "Don''t worry¡ªthat bastard

    was just exaggerating. He was trying to trick you into eloping with him. He definitely won''t try barging

    into this wolf''s den... Who knows, he might have fled Riverton by now!"

    Helen was at once disappointed and hopeful¡ªall she wanted was for Frank to be safe, and she could

    only hope that he refrained from causing things to spiral out of control.

    Cindy entered just then, and promptly grabbed the jewelry box, gaping at it and then at Helen, "Wow.

    Did Mr. Graves give these to you? Can I have a few of these nes? I''ve never worn anything so

    expensive."

    "Yeah, you can have it." Helen forced a smile.

    She had zero interest in the jewelry box and pushed it toward Cindy.

    "Thank you, Helen!" Cindy was jubnt and tried on everything from the jewelry box while looking at

    herself in the mirror repeatedly.

    Gina sighed nearby¡ªit was Frank''s fault that Helen was like this.

    But those days were behind them now. they would live like queens soon!

    "Smile, Helen¡ªit''s your big day." Gina grinned. "The Lionhearts are sending their people over too. We

    can''t embarrass ourselves in front of royalty."

    "Yeah," Helen replied, her voice hollow and once again forcing her smile.

    Gina could see that Helen had not gotten over Frank, but he did not deserve her at all.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    All was right in the world now¡ªHelen would soon marry into the Graves family, and the Southstream

    Lanes would be taking them back as well.

    Gina was certainly determined to see this through when a life of privilege was within reach. Even if her

    daughter is still obsessed over Frank now, reality wouldpel her to change her mind and forget

    about him.

    "Come on, it''s time. We should go," Gina said.

    "Yeah."

    Even as Gina pulled Helen to her feet and left the dressing room, Cindy was still obsessing over the

    jewelry box.

    While Helen was distracted, she quickly sneaked a pile of jewelry into her purse.

    It was a full house at the wedding hall.

    Soon, Chaz went onstage under the emcee''s invitation and amid a warm apuse.

    Picking up the microphone, he was beaming as he spoke vibrantly. "I thank all of you bigwigs of

    Riverton, partners of my family and Helen''s, as well as all our friends and family, foring to witness

    our wedding.

    "I won''t lie¡ªHelen and I were meant to be with each other ever since we were kids, and I''ve decided

    that she''s the only one I''d ever marry. But various things happened, and she was led astray by vile

    people. However, I worked tirelessly, and now she''s back at my side!"

    "And now, our true love has borne fruit. I wish everyone would generously offer your blessings for our

    union without worrying about things like family or self-gain."

    With that, he concluded, "I love her, and she loves me. It''s that simple!"

    The hall erupted in thunderous apuse at his speech, with several bootlickers cheering loudly amid

    the charged atmosphere.

    "Oh, Mr. Graves is such a loyal man!"

    "True love will always bear fruit!"

 Chapter 610

    However, Helen''s ears burned at those words as she only found irony in them

    True love? Loyalty? All lies.

    Chaz was clearly coercing her and using her to control the Lane family.

    She suddenly found herself weary and wanting nothing more than to throw away all the burdens

    weighing down on her shoulders.

    At the same time, she could not help wondering to herself if Frank woulde to save her, and she

    was suddenly caught in her fantasies...

    What if Frank rallied all the bigwigs of Riverton? Would she not be able to follow her heart and escape

    this wedding filled with despicable lies and deception?

    The emcee then continued, "Thank you, Mr. Graves¡ªI''m sure everyone is touched by your loyalty. And

    now, let''s invite Ms. Lane on stage!"

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    Nheless, silence ensued andsted for a while.

    It was not until Gina stepped up and shoved Helen that she came to her senses and realized that she

    should be going onstage.

    Amidst the hesitant apuse, everyone was left gawking at her, mesmerized.

    The women especially appeared jealous since she barely had any makeup on, but she was a goddess

    incarnate with her natural beauty, matched with her slightly curled hair and her pure white dress.

    "Whoa, so that''s Helen Lane?"

    "I''m not surprised Mr. Graves would be so obvious. If I were to lose such beauty, my heart wouldn''t be

    able to take it either!"

    "A match made in heaven. How envious."

    Nheless, as the emcee kept things moving, the wedding soon moved on.

    The priest and emcee were grinning ear-to-ear as thetter announced, "And now, we shall proceed to

    the reading of vows and exchanging of rings."

    While Chaz smiled as he strode forward, Helen was hesitant as she nced at Gina, who appeared

    more nervous than she was.

    Still, she had no choice but to lift her skirt slightly as she moved to stand beside Chaz.

    "Before we begin, do the parents have anything to say?"

    At the emcee''s call, Helen and Chaz turned toward their respective elders.

    Only Gina was there on Helen''s side¡ªher father Mason Lane was staying with the Southstream Lanes

    and never came.

    On the other hand, Chaz nodded at his father, Wyll Graves.

    "Well done, son." Wyll was rubbing his chin in approval of his son, since Chaz certainly had him beat in

    cunningness.

    Still, Wyll was more than content¡ªnot only did his boy basically seize control of the Lane family, but

    their family was also riding the coattails of Morhen''s Lionhearts now. Soon, their family will devour the

    Lanes, and it would be inevitable for them to be top dogs of Southstream... no, perhaps all of

    Riverton!

    "Oh, this is so wonderful."

    Gina was exceedingly pleased as well, and she was more excited than anyone that Helen was being

    this docile.

    It seems that her daughter finally epted reality¡ªGina could actually see the bright future as they

    became family with the Graves and returned to the fold of the Southstream Lanes as well!

    On the other end, Cindy could not help being jealous at her cousin''s good fortune. "Helen''s always the

    lucky one, and now she''s even marrying Chaz Graves. It should have been me, though¡ªit''s not like

    there''s that much difference between us."

 Chapter 611

    Eventually, the priest spoke up. "Helen Lane, do you take this man as your beloved husband?"

    Chaz was grinning ear-to-ear as he and Helen turned toward each other.

    Then, making sure everyone else was out of earshot, he whispered under his breath, "Don''t worry,

    Helen. I''ve discussed the favor you asked for with Titus Lionheart, and he said yes."

    "Really?" Helen did a double take but soon appeared troubled.

    Her reaction left Chaz''s gaze shing coolly as he smiled. "But he had one condition."

    "What is it?" Helen''s heart skipped a beat, feeling a foreboding sensation.

    Chaz''s grin broadened. "His brother Wilbur will be the one having your first night."

    "What?!" Helen gaped in shock and disbelief. "Chaz Graves, you''re a¡ª"

    "What, is that a no?" Chaz shook his head, chuckling. "Don''t worry. I''ll only record a video and use it

    appropriately¡ªrest assured, my lips are sealed."

    "You''re a sick pervert!" Helen growled through gritted teeth under her breath.

    "You tter me." Chaz grinned brazenly. "It hurts to let young Wilbur have my wife, but there''s no

    helping it. I''m making sacrifices for the sake of my family''s future."

    Naturally, he would never tell Helen that he would be showing the video he recorded to Frank once he

    had Frank captured.

    He would make Frank watch Helen suffer that humiliation just to break Frank in every way he could.

    On the other hand, the audience suspected nothing, believing that Helen and Chaz were flirting since

    their exchange was brief.

    Helen only despaired further as he unwittingly turned to find a fat boy sitting in the middle of a tight but

    fawning escort group.

    He was not even twenty, but he was as round as a ball, with hives growing around his exceedingly

    grotesque facial features.

    He even stuck his tongue out at Helen, his eyes narrowing vilely.

    Helen almost puked from a single nce, and she was supposed to spend her first night with him?!

    "Go on, say ''I do''." Chaz grinned, closing his eyes as he prepared for Helen to say the words.

    However, he soon noticed something amiss.

    He opened his eyes again to find Helen standing still with a conflicted look on her face, showing no

    intention of speaking up.

    "Ms. Helen Lane...?" the priest prompted.

    Helen clenched her knuckles as a look of humiliation showed on her face.

    Chaz breathed into her ear just then. "Do it. You''re not going to save Frank if you get cold feet now¡ª

    surely you don''t want Titus to carve him into pieces, do you?"

    "I."

    Helen could only hear the ringing in her mind and looked around as if to look for help.

    All she saw was the crowd waiting for her to say yes, Wilbur who was lusting after her body, Gina who

    kept gesturing at her to go on. and Chaz''s evil smile.

    She did not want this at all.

    "But."

    That was when Helen remembered Frank and his sonorousughter and raging derations that night.

    "Hey, what''s going on? Why''s the bride freezing up and staying silent?"

    "Yeah, is she getting cold feet?"

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    "Shit, if she is, it wouldn''t just be her¡ªit''s over for the Northstream Lanes!"

    As the restless whispers soon reached Gina''s ears, she had enough of her daughter''s hesitation.

 Chapter 612

    "Helen!" Gina yelled. "Go on! Say yes! It''s over for our family if you get cold feet!"

    "Yeah, Helen!" Cindy shouted as well. "Do it!"

    "Do it!" The audience urged Helen as well, and she looked around, but that familiar face was not there.

    And if she said yes now, there would be no turning back.

    Even Chaz was glowering at that point. "Are you deliberately embarrassing me, Helen? You''d better

    take the deal I''m offering, or Frank is a dead man! No, it won''t just be him¡ªyour mother, your cousin,

    and everyone serving the Northstream Lanes would all rest in pieces! Make up your mind... No, there''s

    no changing this even if you refuse!"

    Chaz''s threat left Helen trembling all over, and she eventually closed her eyes and rxed her

    knuckles as she gave in.

    "Okay." she said, her eyes filled with misery.

    But before she could, the front doors of Graves Mansion were suddenly kicked open resoundingly!

    "Argh!!!"

    "What?!"

    The guests turned in time to find one of the Graves'' bodyguardsnding among them.

    His body was used to bludgeon the doors, and he was nowying limply on the floor, spurting blood

    and his fate unknown.

    The crowd then turned to find a towering figure slowly striding in.

    "Stop this wedding! Keep your mouth shut, Helen Lane!" the figure bellowed.

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    Everyone turned again toward Helen and saw that she had sped her hands over her mouth, tears

    welling up in her eyes.

    "Frank." she murmured.

    It was certainly none other than Frank, his gait upright as he strode inside. His clothes were a mess

    and sttered with blood, which told everyone what he just did.

    His expression was murderously solemn as he strode into the hall, having rushed there from

    Southstream. Then, he smiled and nodded as he saw Helen''s tearful gaze.

    "Sorry," he said. "The Graves had some bodyguards, so it cost me some time."

    "Some bodyguards." Chaz was left standing there gaping in disbelief.

    What Frank meant by ''some bodyguards'' was a security force of three hundred strong who guarded

    every inch of his family''spound. Most of them were well-trained, with over dozens being vigor

    wielders and several Birthright rank elites!

    Chaz was convinced they were enough against Frank, but the man showed up here anyway!

    Did he really beat everyst one of them to reach this hall?!

    "Frank Lawrence!" Gina screamed right then. "What do you think you''re doing here?!"

    She was already panicking and furious to see her daughter getting cold feet and could now skin Frank

    where he stood!

    "Hmph. Do you need to ask?" Frankughed brazenly as the audience looked on. "I came to steal a

    bride!"

    His thunderous voice left the entire room silenced, as everyone traded nces before ncing

    between Frank and Chaz.

    Even as they discussed among themselves restlessly, none of them expected anyone to crash Chaz''s

    wedding.

    It was even more shocking that the wedding crasher was this arrogant and insolent, dering his

    intentions so directly!

 Chapter 613

    "Frank Lawrence? Never heard of him."

    "Who''s he? How dare he mess with the Graves family, one of the top four families of Southstream?"

    "Is he crazy? Suicidal, even?"

    "Oh, this is getting really interesting! I have my headline ready for tomorrow now!"

    "We''re in for a show!"

    The peaceful wedding was first interrupted with the crowd''s whispers, and eventually, pandemonium

    ensued.

    All at once, the crowd was discussing Frank''s background, the arranged marriage between the Lanes

    and the Graves, and what on earth could have led to this wedding interruption.

    "Oh, this plot came to me in a dream..." an heiress suddenly murmured with twinkling eyes. "The

    princess is marrying a prince, but her one true lovees to their wedding to take her away."

    "Wake up. This is reality, not a fairy tale¡ªand the bastard is getting himself killed."

    "Yeah. Let''s see how Chaz Graves deals with this."

    "How else would he deal with this? The brat is dead either way."

    Helen, however, waspletely oblivious to everyone''s words¡ªshe only had eyes for Frank.

    Frank''s clothes were a little disheveled, and there were blood stains on her cheek.

    Even so, he was the prince she yearned for.

    However, before she could reach out with her hand, she withdrew as if jolted as her rationality returned.

    "Frank." Helen despaired, knowing full well that nothing had changed even though Frank came for her.

    After all, she understood that even if Frank came to save her and she really wanted to leave with him,

    his intrusion was fatal.

    After all, he had insulted three families in one go¡ªthe Graves, the Lanes and even the Lionhearts.

    In the end, she would still marry Chaz as he demanded, while Frank would suffer the inconsble

    wrath of the Graves and the Lionhearts!

    A future? There was no telling if he could leave Graves Mansion alive!

    "Is he crazy to havee alone, or is he just suicidal?" Cindy saw Frank too and knew for a while that

    he was strong.

    Still, she was surprised he came. or perhaps the Graves family did not arrange for security?

    "Hah! It''s fine you came." Gina''s expression suddenly contorted viciously beside Cindy, ncing at her

    as she sneered. "Mr. Graves definitely arranged for a legion of martial elites. They will wipe Frank off

    the face of the earth, to everyone''s relief."

    "I see." Cindy leered at Frank haughty as if he really was going to die. "So Chaz nned all this."

    "nned this? Fuck off!" Chaz swore under his breath, panicking and almost losing his bnce when

    he overheard Cindy and Gina.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    He had certainly arranged for security, covering every inch of this mansion with traps and martial elites

    just to capture Frank when he came.

    And yet, he broke through everything and arrived here anyway!

    "How did he get in here?" Chaz murmured, doubtful that Frank defeated his three hundred alone and

    remained so nonchnt as if it was just a walk in the park.

    At the same time, Gina sprang to her feet and started snapping at Frank, "Frank! You''d better fuck off¡ª

    Mr. Graves has this ce surrounded, and if you keep messing around, you''ll die here!"

    She was not about to let anyone mess up her destiny, let alone Frank, the one bastard she hated most

    ¡ªnot when she was inches away from the life of fame and fortune she imagined!

    "Hmph. Surrounded?" Frank ignored the chaos around him, instead going onstage and pushing away

    the priest and emcee on his way to Helen.

    "I came like I said, Helen," he said, looking straight into her eyes with a bright gaze that left her

    frustrated.

 Chapter 614

    Seeing the security guards sitting among the guests get to their feet, Helen looked so nervous that she

    could cry. "Why did youe, Frank? You have to leave before the Graves family''s guardse for

    you!"

    "Leave?" Frank smiled. "Then I will bring you along with me."

    "You''re still joking around now?!" Helen could cry as she stamped her feet in frustration.

    "I''m not joking," Frank said, holding her gaze as his expression turned solemn. "I know that Chaz

    forced you into marrying him, by threatening my life at that."

    The room was left in an uproar at Frank''s words, as Chaz''s fabricated persona of a devoted lover

    crumbled.

    So Helen was coerced by Chaz into this wedding when she did not want to marry him?!

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    There was not one soul who didn''t like gossip, especially the drama and intrigue involving rich and

    powerful families.

    Even as the guests were sent abuzz with excitement and listened attentively for more juicy details,

    Helen shook her head and smiled miserably.

    "So what if he did, Frank?" she sobbed. "I know you''re strong and you have Vicky Turnbull''s support,

    but can you defeat ten, or even a hundred? Can Vicky protect you if the Lionheartse after you?

    And you''ve now insulted the Graves family. If they work with the other top families of Southstream...

    Don''t you know that you''re already helpless?!"

    "Shush." Frank put a finger on her lips to stop her from talking and held her gaze. "Forget our three-

    year marriage¡ªhave I ever lied to you, even after our divorce?"

    Helen wanted to lie but ultimately admitted, "No."

    "Then trust me this one time!" Frank said, holding out a hand. "I can''t offer flowery words or promise

    you anything, but I''m now standing right here and asking if you''lle with me, Helen."

    Helen was silent at that.

    She looked around her.

    Chaz was barely repressing his rage, while Gina was charging toward them.

    The crowd was in an uproar.

    The Graves family''s security guards were running at them, their weapons poised.

    The Lionhearts'' bodyguards did the same, under orders from Wilbur Lionheart.

    Helen became hesitant¡ªshe could leave with Frank now, but what would happen after?

    She was always smart and rational.

    That was why she knew how terrible the consequences would be if she trusted Frank¡ªthe Graves, the

    Lionhearts and even her own family would attack them.

    Forget actually escaping¡ªwhat would happen after that? Would they run to the ends of the earth?

    What about Gina, Cindy, and the family whom her grandfather left in her care?

    "Grandfather..." Helen suddenly remembered the will that Henry Lane wrote for her.

 Chapter 615

    ''Helen, there are times when you shouldn''t be rational. You''re a woman and you should trust your

    instincts more and be stubborn! Know how to follow your heart when you face a dilemma, or you''d be

    left with a lifetime of regret like me.''

    Helen''s confused gaze turned sharp as she remembered her grandfather''s will.

    It was thanks to her wit and rationality that Lane Holdings became so sessful.

    However, it was also her wit and rationality that kept her only relieving what she saw, doubting

    everything Frank said.

    She used to think about it and regret it but ultimately stayed rational and dispel those regrets.

    And the same thing was happening, as her rationality kept telling her not to go with Frank, or the

    consequences would be severe.

    Her heart kept resisting that, however, because she really wanted to take Frank''s hand... to the point

    she could lose her mind.

    "Haha. Hahaha!!!"

    She suddenlyughed as everyone looked on, innocently and without a care. "So that''s what it was.

    I''ve always wondered why I could never measure up to Vicky Turnbull, and why she could always

    manage what I can''t."

    Smiling earnestly, she snapped, "Mom? I''m so sorry, but I don''t fucking care about the Lane family

    anymore!"

    Her expletive left everyone gaping in shock, even as she pushed Gina away and pulled the veil off her

    face.

    Then, instead of taking Frank''s hand, she strode up to Chaz and pped him resoundingly across the

    face, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

    "You despicable little man! You''d have me sleep with that disgusting pig on that first night?! I''d rather

    marry an animal than marry you!"

    Chaz was left clutching his cheek, his shock soon turning into crazed fury. "Helen Lane.!!! Frank

    Lawrence!!! You''re both asking for it!"

    "No, it''s you who''s asking for it!" Helen snapped, taking off her stilettos and throwing it at Chaz. "You

    are tiny, despicable, and trash! And I''ll spit on your grave!"

    Chaz tried to dodge, but one stiletto struck him in the face.

    Helen then strode up and took Frank''s hand with a blissful smile.

    "I''m so sorry, Frank. Chaz coerced me!" she cried. "I''m finally following my heart now, and I''d have no

    regrets even if I die at your side today! I''m yours even in death¡ªI love you!

    The plot twist in the wedding left the entire wedding hall a mess.

    Helen''s outburst was praised subtly, even by the family and business owners with close ties to Graves

    family.

    The heiress earlier was even clutching her cheeks in admiration. "Fearless against authority, revenge,

    and death... My goodness, this is so romantic!"

    "Shut up!" Wilbur was fuming from embarrassment nearby, as Helen''s ravings left him a target of the

    crowd''s spite. "Go! Kill them both!"

    Even as he huffed and bellowed, his bodyguards charged toward Frank and Helen.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    "Helen." Frank was actually a little bewildered to see Helen throw herself into his arms.

 Chapter 616

    Helen never broke character as a strong and independent for as long as Frank knew her and would

    stay stoic even with him.

    Her raving outburst actually left his heart skipping a beat, and he held her firmly in his arms, his eyes

    shing. "Don''t worry. I won''t let you die here... absolutely not!"

    "Yes!" Helen nodded in his arms¡ªshe had decided to trust him, and she would do so to the bitter end!

    "Do you know what you''re doing, Helen?!" Chaz shrieked, his face contorted in fury as he revealed in

    true nature.

    His own bride-to-be was spurning him on the altar.

    No, forget that¡ªwhat she just did just made him lose face. She could well have cut it off!

    Exposing him in public and pping him, then running to another man?!

    His reputation was being trodden on¡ªhow would Southstream rich and important see him now? Or his

    own family, for that matter?!

    This was not even an insult. It was a deration of war, one that would be fought to the bitter end!

    Chaz would rather die than let those two leave¡ªdying would be a reliefpared to being mocked for

    the rest of his life!

    Gina, who had just been pushed by her own daughter, could faint just then. "Helen! Get down on your

    knees and apologize to Mr. Graves and Mr. Lionheart, then finish this wedding! You''ll be the

    pariah of the family if you keep being stubborn!"

    It was unbelievable¡ªher daughter was never this unreasonable! And it was all Frank''s fault!

    However, what scared Gina the most was the collective wrath of the Graves and the Lionhearts.

    If Helen really left with Frank now, it would be all over for the Northstream Lanes!

    That was why she was instantly aligning herself with the Graves and the Lionhearts.

    Even Cindy was shaking in panic and shrieking at Helen, "Calm down, Helen! If you really leave with

    that lowlife, it''s over for the family. and me!"

    "Shut up!" Helen flipped off Cindy right then. "I''ve had enough of you already. Don''t you think that I''m

    unaware about you stealing my jewelry¡ªI just can''t be bothered! And how low can you sink, using my

    company''s stamp to approve your cravings for branded goods?!"

    "What? I." Cindy was left stumped.

    The heiress from earlier who was fawning over Helen and Frank''s escapade happened to be sitting

    beside Cindy.

    As she turned, she immediately saw the ne poking out of Cindy''s handbag and promptly grabbed

    it, shouting loudly, "Isn''t this the Graves family''s Orchid ne? Speak! How did it get inside your

    handbag?!"

    "I... I..." Cindy stammered but could not manage a coherent sentence.

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    The crowd around her was soon in an uproar.

    "Holy shit, Ms. Lane is right!"

    "And I thought it was all bullshit."

    "Stealing the Graves family''s dowry? She really is a piece of shit."

 Chapter 617

    "That''s enough!"

    Gina sprang to her feet and yelled at Helen, "Can''t you just stop already?! Cindy is your cousin! Are

    you really so bent on pushing her over the brink?!"

    "Me, pushing her?!" Helenughed miserably. "I''m your daughter, Mom! Forget running to me after you

    split up with Dad¡ªyou even had to burden me with a dead weight like Cindy! And you know all too well

    how many terrible things she''s done¡ªdo you think I''m that stupid?"

    Then, ring at Gina, she continued, "Also, I weed you with open arms since you and Dad went

    your separate ways, but I never had a day of peace ever since you came! Youin because you

    can''t live like a trophy wife in Northstream, and me Grandfather for being strict with you¡ªyou even

    tricked me into divorcing Frank! You made me an enemy of Frank and drove Grandfather to his death!"

    "You and Cindy are certainly satisfied, but what about me?! Have you ever treated me like a daughter?!

    You''re just treating me like leverage against Dad!"

    Gina was left stumped at Helen''s tearful rant, but she also knew she had no excuses.

    "I-It''s all because..." she stammered. "I-I''m doing this for your own good! You''ll eventually get it..."

    "Hah!" Helen snorted, utterly disappointed in her mother.

    Nheless, as Helen revealed all the dirty deeds of the Lanes, the Graves, and the Lionhearts, none

    of them were smiling at that point¡ªespecially Wyll Graves.

    His lips were shaking with rage, as his family never suffered such ignominy!

    "Sort out this mess, Chaz," he barked. "Or you''re disowned!"

    Chaz''s rage red even more at Wyll''s outburst, and he bellowed maniacally, "What are you fuckers

    spacing out for?! Go and kill them already!"

    Thest bodyguards the Graves family charged at Frank, barefisted since they could not carry

    weapons to the wedding ceremony.

    The Lionhearts'' bodyguards soon followed suit, and there were over a dozen men encircling Frank and

    Helen in an instant.

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    Crash!

    Suddenly, the ss dome overhead shattered as a figure leapt down deftly, crashing resoundingly

    between Frank and the bodyguards.

    It was Burt Yorkman, who had long since made a full recovery.

    "Mr. Lawrence¡ªI mean, brother! I came here as soon as I heard you were crashing a wedding!"

    Laughing coolly, he whipped out a sword, ring at the bodyguards around him as he bellowed, "Come

    at me if it''s death you seek!"

    Burt''s stunning entrance and the shattering ss dome sent all the guests fleeing outside, clutching

    their heads.

    "Stop! Get back here!" Chaz shrieked madly, his temple veins bulging.

    No one listened, however.

    Some of the calmer ones recognized the person with Frank¡ªit was the top officer of Riverton, after all!

    "I-Is that Burt Yorkman, Riverton''s bestw enforcement officer?!"

    "It really is!"

    "And it looks like he''s on Frank''s side... he''s actually that well connected?!"

    "What are you spacing out for?! Kill them!" Wilbur was still bellowing at his bodyguards even as he hid

    beneath a pir.

    "Charge!" The bodyguards charged at Frank despite knowing that they would never beat Burt, but they

    had orders!

    Burt raised a brow. "What should we do, brother?"

 Chapter 618

    Even someone like Burt had to stop and think because these bodyguards served the Lionhearts.

    However, Frank simply sped his palm over Helen''s eyes and snapped a single, icy word. "Death!"

    Burt''s face contorted with savagery at Frank''s orders, since it meant there was nothing to worry about

    now.

    He swung his sword stylishly, releasing a dance of phantoms.

    Even before the Lionhearts'' bodyguards could react, they fell to the floor, bleeding rivers as their limbs

    were all sent flying and scattering all over.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "What?! Burt is Birthright rank... Has he improved that far?!"

    There was no shortage of martial elites among the guests who remained, and some even recognized

    Burt.

    However, they were all stunned to see Burt release streaks of his pure vigor!

    "Birthright rank?!"

    Even the Graves family''s martial elites were faltering when they heard that.

    Burt''s fame for his ferocity was certainly deserved, dismembering five men in a split second and

    leaving them screaming!

    It was a scene of horror!

    Chaz''s eyes went red as he could see that his men were ready to bail, and he promptly yelled, "Don''t

    you dare run away! Go!"

    Having no choice, the Graves'' bodyguards gritted their teeth and charged.

    Burt remained impassive as he cut them down, dyeing the hall that was once joyous and lively into a

    horrific red.

    "Hmph!" Burt snorted coolly as he leapt lightly off the stage, reaching Chaz instantly and holding the tip

    of his sword against his throat.

    One false move, and Chaz would drop dead.

    Chaz turned pale, but he did not move in fear that Burt would slit his throat.

    "You''re crazy!" Gina shrieked as she turned pale too. "Helen, tell him to let Mr. Graves go!"

    Helen simply snorted as she kept clinging to Frank, and Gina had no choice but to wheel on Frank.

    "Frank! Let go of Mr. Graves, or my family and you''ll all die if the Lionheartse after us!"

    "Exactly." Chaz''s eyes shed in fury and embarrassment even as he red at Frank and grinned.

    "You''re a dead man if you hurt me! Titus Lionheart will never forgive you!"

    "You put it as if Titus would spare me if I stayed my hand," Frank retorted.

    Chaz stiffened right then and suddenly shrieked, "No! Don''t kill me!"

    Then, turning toward a discreet corner below stage, he bellowed, "Neil Turnbull! Get out here already!

    Are you just going to watch as he kills me?!"

    "Neil Turnbull...?"''

    Frank was actually taken aback, though he soon remembered Jaud White''s story and understood.

    Neil must have been here, waiting until Titus Lionheart arrived.

    Since he was a key figure in the Turnbull family, he just had to show up and use Frank of having an

    affair with Vicky.

    After that, Titus would kill Frank and then bring Vicky back to Morhen, while Neil would take over

    Grande Pharma effortlessly. At that point, he just had to work with the Szars to establish a

    chokehold in Riverton with the Beauty Pill and the Revitalization Pill.

    They certainly had this all panned out!

    As Neil eventually braced himself and emerged from hiding, he snapped, "I''m surprised you actually

    came, Frank Lawrence!"

 Chapter 619

    However, Frank merely regarded Neil with disdain. "Ungrateful, traitorous scum. Who do you think you

    are, telling me what to do?"

    He had no intention of going after Neil out of respect for Vicky, but he could not be med for what

    happened when Neil came asking for it.

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    "You should think about what you''re saying, Frank." Neil glowered. "Titus will soon be here, so know

    your ce and get down on your knees. Who knows, Titus might prove understanding and spare your

    life! Keep being stubborn, and not even I can help at that point."

    "Hahaha!" Frank could not helpughing at Neil''s gloating at that point, shaking his head. "Oh, Neil...

    you''re both Turnbulls, but why is Vicky so smart, while your head is all empty?"

    "Did you just mock me?!" Neil red at Frank.

    "Brother, take Ms. Lane and go. I can deal with this," Burt said just then.

    Thanks to Ichor Pill Frank sent him, he healed rapidly and even ascended up to Birthright rank, far

    eclipsing the man he once was.

    Chaz turned pale even as the tip of Burt''s sword left a bloody scrape over his neck, but he gritted his

    teeth and smiled, "Go? Where to? None of you are going anywhere. Even if you''re safe if you got out of

    Riverton, finding you is a piece of cake with the Lionhearts'' influence! So get down on your knees and

    submit, Frank, or your family will suffer too!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes at Chaz''s defiance. "Did you really think I''d fear the Lionhearts?"

    "Hahaha!" Chazughed. "I''ll admit you have skill, bypassing my guards to reach this ce, but this is

    the end for you! The Lionhearts have plenty of vigor wielders and even Ascendant rank fighters under

    theirmand. You''re being naive to think that you can stand against all of them!"

    On the other hand, Burt was experienced enough to tell that Chaz was just provoking Frank''s pride.

    "You have to go, brother! He''s just buying time!"

    Frank simply snorted as he kept ring at Chaz. "I know that. But I wonder who''s going to save you?

    Do you really think you have a single bodyguard left outside?"

    "What?!" Chaz was stunned by Frank''s scoffing. "All my family''s three hundred bodyguards."

    "Exactly. They''re noting to save you because they''re all dead!"

    "Impossible!" Chaz cried stubbornly. "There''s three hundred of them! How did you."

    "Still don''t believe me?" Frank shook his head at Chaz''s look of shock. "As for Titus? I have even less

    reason to fear him. In other words, your death hase, Chaz!"

    Chazs cheeks drained of all color as he gradually believed Frank.

    Three hundred bodyguards! How did Frank even do it?!

    Nheless, the doors suddenly opened again.

    Wilbur Lionheart¡ªwho had been content cringing in a corner for a while¡ªwas suddenly on his feet and

    yelling, "Titus! You''re finally here! You have to help me!"

 Chapter 620

    A man in a long coat strode in, the sharpness in his eyes so piercing it could well be actual des.

    He had long ck hair with a streak of white on his bangs that parted in the middle. Standing tall at 1.9

    meters, he was burly and fleshed out where he should, making it obvious that he was a formidable

    martial artist.

    "You have to help Mr. Graves! Frank Lawrence is going to kill him!" Wilbur was still crying out anxiously.

    "Cam down." Titus shot Wilbur a look of assurance, while he strode pompously to stand just beneath

    the stage, smiling faintly at Frank on top. "So, you''re Frank Lawrence? I''ve heard you saying outside

    that you don''t fear me?"

    His tone was calm, but the dark aura spilling out of his eyes struck Burt so hard he stumbled a few

    steps backward.

    Burt paled in shock as he came to a realization. "Hepleted Birthright! S-So that''s the might of Titus

    Lionheart?!"

    Even Helen''s fingers were clenching on Frank''s clothes even as she cowered in his arms.

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    And yet, Frank was not backing down, even striding forward to meet Titus'' re. "Why should I be

    afraid?"

    Both men held each other''s re for a full ten seconds before Titus chuckled. "Heh... I expected

    nothing less of you, Mr. Lawrence. Your strength certainlymands respect."

    Despite his tall frame, Titus spoke calmly and did not seem to have the haughty temper of rich kids like

    Chaz or Neil.

    And yet, boundless danger lurked beneath his calmness¡ªif caught off guard like Burt, he would knock

    one off bnce with his menacing presence!

    Be that as it may, Frank remained calm as he replied, "You don''t say, Mr. Lionheart. You live in Morhen,

    but you had to poke your nose all the way into Riverton, taking in a bunch of despicable mooks under

    your wing. But I guess you''re no different, since that''s what they say about birds of the same feather."

    "What." Chaz was dumbstruck.

    Titus could well be a god to him, with boundless poor and endlessly influential connections.

    And yet, Frank remained so impudent, even insulting Titus to his face!

    However, while Chaz was left shocked for a moment by such bravado, he was soon smiling sinisterly.

    Frank''s conceit suits him just fine¡ªa man like Titus would not leave Frank''s insults unanswered!

    And once the fighting started, Frank would be resting in pieces!

    However, even as Chaz grinned savagely at Frank, ready for Titus to kill him in one swift stroke, Titus

    actually bowed his head and apologized, "You''re right, Mr. Lawrence. I''m a poor judge of character."

    What?! Titus was bowing instead of flying into a rage?!

    In Draconia, no one had the right to make Titus bow or apologize, save for Titus'' own father!

    Naturally, it was not just Chaz¡ªeven Wilbur was left in visible shock and disbelief behind Titus.

    Titus had always strutted, and this was the first time Wilbur saw Titus bow his head and apologize

    despite another''s person''s insults!

    "Titus, what¡ª"

    However, before Wilbur could finish, Titus suddenly reared his head again, his eyes shing coldly as

    he snapped, "I''ve apologized for my misdemeanor, but what about you, Mr. Lawrence?!"

 Chapter 621

    Chaz, Wilbur, and even Neil were all grinning in delight as Titus'' attitude changed dramatically.

    It seems that nothing was wrong with the man¡ªhe was merely being courteous before moving in for

    the kill!

    "You murdered my friend Hubert Sorano and my family''s retainers, and now you''ve crashed the

    wedding of Mr. Graves, my subordinate. Lives were lost, so I''d really like to know what you have to say

    for yourself, Mr. Lawrence!"

    At those words, his dark aura burst out, shooting toward Frank!

    Frank did not cower, however.

    Leaving Helen with Burt, he unleashed a burst of dark aura and repelled against Titus'' pressure.

    "Huh?" Titus gasped when he saw that Frank was not faltering, actually surprised that Frank had that

    much in him.

    Frank remained impassive as he nced at Burt. "Take Helen and go."

    "Yeah!" Burt nodded, knowing from a nce at Titus that he was no match for the man.

    Hence, knowing that he would just be a burden to Frank if he stayed, he held Helen''s arm and snapped

    his fingers.

    A rappelling rope dropped from the shattered dome on the ceiling, and Burt held it with a single hand

    while he held firmly onto Helen with the other. Soon, they were rising into the air and swiftly leaving

    through the roof.

    Frank seized the moment to look around¡ªmost of the guests, including Gina and Cindy, had fled

    during the chaos.

    Gina and Cindy were certainly afraid to catch me since Frank had undoubtedly messed up the

    wedding, which was why they left without a word.

    "Mr. Lionheart! Stop them! Don''t let them take Helen away!"

    Chaz was suddenly stamping his feet and yelling, not caring that he was bleeding from the night as

    Helen was almost disappearing from sight.

    Wilbur''s fat figure was shaking from anxiety too. "Don''t let her get away, Titus! Chaz said... he said he

    would let me have her!"

    "Hah!" Titus bellowed as he stomped the floor, and dozens of ss shards shot up into the air.

    They glinted against the light, just as the shockwave of Titus'' bellow sent them shooting toward Helen.

    Frank was not about to let Helen get hurt¡ªhe swiped his foot over the floor, his vigor purifying and

    bursting away to knock the shards near him away.

    ng!

    As the ss shards shattered resoundingly in the air, Helen was out of the hall.

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    She nced downward at Frank onest time, nodding determinedly before leaving under Burt''s

    escort.

    Now that she had decided to trust Frank in body and soul, she would no longer lose herself!

    "Oh, that''s quite impressive, Mr. Lawrence." Titus was not actually frustrated despite Helen''s escape,

    even admiring Frank''s moves.

    "You''re no slouch yourself." Frank remained impassive as he stood off against Titus.

    "Mr. Lionheart!" Neil was suddenly on his feet again, grinning sinisterly as he pointed at Frank and said

    his lines. "That bastard has been confounding my family, bewitching Vicky and sessfully winning her

    over! There were nights when she never returned home, and they were most definitely sleeping

    together! Frank cucked you, Mr. Lionheart! Oh, what would Morhen''s rich and powerful think of my

    family if they knew about their disgusting affair?! Or you for that matter, Mr. Lionheart? That''s why you

    must kill him right now!"

    "What?"

    At longst, Titus was frowning.

 Chapter 622

    Titus only heard that Vicky and Frank were very close, and nothing about things getting physical.

    No man could ept being cucked even before getting married, and the same certainly went for Titus,

    the heir to a dynasty as illustrious as the Lionhearts!

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    He glowered right then. "Is what Neil said true, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Before Frank could say a word, Neil was jumping as he pointed at him and bellowed, "Frank Lawrence!

    Did Vicky spend the night at your mansion in Skywater Bay?! Answer me!"

    "Vicky has her own room in my mansion," Frank said calmly even as he met Titus'' hostile re. "But

    we were just colleagues and behaved as such, never once overstepping boundaries. Believe what you

    will."

    "Shut up!" Neil bellowed furiously. "You think I don''t know Vicky? She would have fallen for your tricks if

    I never interfered! Hah! Deny it all you want¡ªI have a recording!"

    Neil grinned darkly as he whipped out his phone, and yed a recording of Vicky giggling and flirting at

    Frank, repeatedly calling him ''darling''.

    Titus had enough at that, snatching away Neil''s phone and crushing it in his rage.

    Then, turning on Frank with a murderous re, he bellowed, "What do you have to say for yourself

    now, Mr. Lawrence?!"

    Before this, he only intervened against Frank for the sake of Wilbur and his family''s retainers, staying

    out of Frank''s conflict against the Graves and the Soranos.

    However, things changed dramatically after he heard that recording¡ªFrank was now his enemy, and

    one who cucked him at that.

    There was no way Titus would tolerate this!

    "I have nothing to say because I have not done anything that hurts my own conscience," Frank spoke,

    his tone calm as usual. "Believe what you will."

    He knew at that point that nothing he said would change anything, when Titus had already made up his

    mind that Frank was an enemy.

    Indeed, Titusughed despite Frank''s short answer.

    "Very well! I was going to be nice for the sake of your family... You have only yourself to me for

    what''sing!" he bellowed in fury before stamping his feet. "Guards!!!"

    There was a thunderous echo as over a hundred Lionheart retainers bellowed in response.

    The doors opened with a bang again, and over a hundred men-in-ck charged inside in a tidy

    formation from every doorway, soon crowding the hall.

    Frank looked around¡ªthey were all vigor wielders, and over a dozen were Birthright rank.

    There may be just over a hundred of them, but each of them were genuine martial artists, and the best

    of the best at that!

    "Haha! Mr. Lionheart is getting serious now, Frank! You''re a dead man!"

    Chaz wasughing cathartically¡ªthe n might have deviated, but Frank was still going to die thanks

    to Neil''s help!

    Cucking Titus Lionheart of Morhen?! He would not survive even if he had nine lives¡ªChaz almost

    could not wait to see Frank begging on his knees!

 Chapter 623

    With the advantage in hand, even Titus'' tone was no longer polite as he growled, "Get down on your

    knees and kill yourself, Frank Lawrence, and I''ll let you have a pretty corpse."

    None of the bodyguards he brought were pushovers. Even Frank would have a hard time fighting over

    a hundred of them, and to make things worse, Titus was a full-fledged Birthright rank elite, while there

    were over a dozen other Birthright rank elites among his bodyguards.

    There was certainly no escape for Frank, but he simply chuckled. "Hah! And I was wondering how

    impressive you''d be, Titus Lionheart, when you''re already proving overconfident on our first meeting.

    Also, sending this many people against one man? Don''t you feel embarrassed even if you did manage

    to kill me?"

    "A lion goes all out even when huntring a mere hare." Titus sneered, not about to underestimate Frank

    because of his gloating. "I know you Lawrences, and we''d never win without sending in all we have.

    Dignity matters not for me when ites to eliminating my enemies once and for all."

    "Heh..." Frank chuckled despite Titus'' words. "And you brought them all from Morhen, didn''t you? I''ll

    admit that they are all good men too, but haven''t you heard this saying?"

    "What?" Titus raised a brow.

    "Never kick a ho''s nest!" Frankughed icily. "Riverton is not under the Lionhearts'' rule!"

    With that, he tapped the dial button on his phone.

    Bang!

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    The doors of Graves Mansion were suddenly kicked open for the umpteenth time.

    Then, a bunch of thugs with weapons charged inside, with their leader bellowing, "I''m Bravo Lambert of

    East City! I''ve brought my men to assist Mr. Lawrence!"

    Titus actually did a double take as he saw the roguish-looking thugs, each of whom were incapable of

    controlling their vigor at all.

    Then, he roared withughter. "Oh, Frank Lawrence. Is this your so-called ho''s nest? A few

    hundred thugs?! Did you just want to make meugh?! My bodyguards don''t even need half an hour to

    wipe them out!"

    "Hahaha!!!" Chaz and Neil wereughing too, with Chaz scoffing, "Did you think you''d hold your against

    the Lionhearts with these hoodlums? What''s the point of numbers if they''re weak? Did you get kicked in

    the head by an ass? You really don''t understand the full power of the Lionhearts!"

    "What a clown." Wilburt was snorting nearby, folding his fat arms before his chest in disdain.

    Every Lionheart bodyguard was a martial elite, and Frank only sent some street thugs after them?!

    Nheless, all their smiles soon faded.

    While Bravo''s thugs upied the southern doors, the northern doors were kicked open as well.

    Then, a formally dressed Robert and his daughter Yara arrived with their men¡ªthough there were not

    many of them, they were each martial elites.

    "Robert Quill, governor of Riverton, here to assist Mr. Lawrence to crash this wedding!"

    After him, more men charged inside, led by a smiling Gerald Simmons and his son, Tidus. "We''re here

    too, Mr. Lawrence! Sorry, I could only bring a little over four hundred strong."

    "Hahaha!" Tim Yatesughed heartily as he led his men into the hall as well. "Don''t get full of yourself

    when you can only bring this many!"

 Chapter 624

    "Hahaha!" Timughed heartily as he led his men into the hall as well. "Don''t get full of yourself when

    you can only bring this many!"

    As the chief of the Rivertonmerce guild, he was the richest even among the bigwigs of Riverton.

    He was eager to get into Frank''s good graces, bringing in over a thousand men including his own men

    and a dozen vigor wielders hired off the ck market.

    He certainly spared no expense!

    That was when Kenny Sparks strode into the hall as well, nked by innumerable Skyde Dojo

    apprentices. His expression was one of murderous solemnity as he announced, "Mr. Lawrence,

    Skyde Dojo hase. You will be the same as us!"

    "Hoho, Mr. Lawrence. Flora Hall is here too, but please be understanding since we can''t bring that

    many." Dan Zimmer arrived as well, chuckling as he entered the hall with his granddaughter''s help.

    Behind him were bodyguards sent by every major n and groups which owed Dan favors, and they

    numbered up to the hundreds as well.

    Naturally, the hall was now totally congested, and there were even more men encircling Graves

    Mansion outside.

    After all, it was not just every bigwig of Riverton who was gathered here. Even the White family and

    Dawson family of Southdam sent their people!

    Titus also spotted over a dozen helicopters hovering in the air outside as he peered through the

    window, his heart sinking rock-bottom when he spotted the markings.

    Soon, Hans Schnee strode in, full-armed under his jacket. "Make way! I''m eager to see which blind fool

    dares to challenge Mr. Lawrence!"

    "I-Is that Hans Schnee?!"

    "My god... He''s the basemander of the East Coast! Even a big shot from Starington hase!"

    And after Hans arrived, countless soldiers rappelled inside from the shattered doom of the hall, training

    their guns''ser trackers on the Lionheart bodyguards surrounding Frank.

    One false move, and it would be a bullet squarely between their eyes.

    None of them could dodge bullets no matter how good they were, and Titus himself had over a dozen

    aimed at him from somewhere he could not see.

    Even if he was Birthright rank and his pure vigor could repel some bullets, there were only so many

    bullets he could stop.

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    Only an Ascendant rank could hold ms own, but I itus was certainly not that.

    And as one faction after another charged into the hall, Chaz, Neil, and Wilbur who were all mocking

    Frank were suddenly quiet.

    Their eyes were soughably wide they could pop out of their sockets, their jaws dropped in fear and

    astonishment.

    "W-What the hell is this?!" Neil simply could not understand.

    How did Franke to know so many bigwigs?!

    No, forget knowing them¡ªthey were willing to stand with Frank and make an enemy of Morhen''s

    Lionhearts!

    Some, including Skyde Dojo, even brought everyone they had?!

    What was this influence? This connection?!

    What impact did Frank have on Riverton that all of their bigwigs came personally for his sake?

    It was not just the thugs¡ªthere were magnates, governors, and even soldiers like Hans. The symbols

    of Draconia''s military power were all here!

    In other words, all of Riverton was here to support Frank!

    "Do not kick the ho''s nest, huh?" Titus muttered, his throat suddenly dry.

    Also, a ho''s nest? More like a lion''s pride!

 Chapter 625

    It was now not surprising that Frank remained calm and conceited¡ªhe came prepared.

    Naturally, neither Chaz nor Neil could have known how Frank predicted their n and countered it

    ordingly.

    It was a question for Jaud, who would rather stay anonymous.

    Chaz and Neil were certainly caught in despair too¡ªeven the Lionhearts would not be able to win

    against Frank, not when he brought thebined might of Riverton!

    And having so immactely set up a n specifically to get Frank killed, neither of them were going to

    survive this.

    After all, the Lionhearts could not protect them¡ªnot when Titus himself could not ensure his own

    safety.

    And if Titus actually attacked Frank, his friends were not going to just stand by and watch¡ªevery ally of

    the Lionheart, including Titus himself, would die here.

    "T-Titus! Please, I''m so scared... I don''t wanna die! Not here!" Wilbur was bawling, his pants already

    wet.

    Titus was himself feeling somber¡ªhe could see the legions of men swarming outside and understood

    that he no longer had the advantage nor the right to throw his weight around Frank.

    "We''re surrounded. and even the East Coast Base Commander is here. There is no mistaking it now¡ª

    Frank is a member of the Lawrence family."

    He could hardly ept it¡ªhis fiancee had slept with someone else. And he, the heir of Morhen''s

    Lionheart Dynasty, would be reduced to ignominy.

    While most of his family''s power resided in Lionheart, and he might not fear Frank if they went all out

    as well, it was too little toote. Even if they called for help now, it was still going to take them days to

    come in force, and Frank was not about to give his time.

    "I''ve underestimated you, Frank," Titus said after fighting his reluctance for a while, bowing his head to

    Frank. "I won''t press the issue between you and Vicky, or meddle in your conflict against the Graves

    family and the Soranos. I concede."

    He sighed heavily, frustration showing on his face.

    He was Titus Lionheart, the heir to Morhen''s Lionheart dynasty and a martial elite who rose toplete

    Birthright rank unimpeded.

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Another few years, he might even reach Ascendant rank, propelling him above the rest and to a ce

    only a select few individuals in Draconia ever reached.

    He had therefore never expected to blunder like this!

    Still, despite his grief, he was no average rich kid because he understood a simple yet obvious

    principle: Everything was still possible as long as one was still alive.

    If he chose to die for pride, Frank would definitely fight him to the bitter end.

    And if Titus lost his life, he would also lose everything.

    Therefore, despite all his pride as the man so admired and so fawned over in Morhen, he could read a

    situation well enough to understand that he was on the back foot¡ªand surrender.

    He knew that Frank would not attack him anyway¡ªhe was the heir of the Lionhearts, and making him

    concede was already a monumental task.

    Even if the Riverton factions gathered here were each small in scale, the Lionhearts could still wipe

    them all out if necessary... but only if they decided a total war was worth it.

    In fact, even if they did, figures like Hans Schnee¡ªwhomanded the military forces of the East

    Coast ¡ªwould prove troublesome.

    "I''ve conceded, Frank. Can I go now?" Titus pressed since Frank was not responding, though he had

    already presumed they hade to an agreement.

    But just as he turned to leave, he suddenly heard Frank''s cool voice. "Wait."

 Chapter 626

    "What? Are you not going to desist, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Titus'' eyes shed viciously¡ªFrank was really overreaching!

    "I''m warning you¡ªif anything happens to me here in Riverton..." He chuckled coolly, ncing pointedly

    around himself. "No one here will get away with it!"

    Titus'' threat actually left the Riverton bigwigs flinching, but Frank slowly continued toward him, looking

    him in the eye as he said, "I have no intention to fight you¡ªI just want to clear up one particr matter

    with you."

    "And what would that be?" Titus scowled, his keen senses still detecting over a dozen gun barrels

    leveled at his face.

    "It''s about Vicky Turnbull," Frank said.

    Titus almost flew into a rage right then, scoffing. "What, are you going to humiliate me in front of

    anyone?"

    "I have no such interest or attention." Frank shook his head. "I swear by my honor that Vicky and I have

    not been involved in anything scandalous."

    "That''s it? Do you think I''d believe you? Also, your honor? How much is that worth?" Titus snorted,

    clearly uninterested in Frank''s exnation.

    "That is why I''d like you to visit Turnbull Vi in passing." Frank appeared solemn.

    He had already insulted Titus anyway¡ªwhy not bail out Vicky while he was at it?

    Titus snorted again. "And what should I do at Turnbull Vi? Take Vicky with me? I''m sorry, but I''m not

    interested in bing a cuck."

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    "No." Frank shook his head again. "It''s best you ask her yourself if anything actually happened between

    us, as well as find out her opinion."

    "What opinion?" Titus frowned.

    Frank spread his arms. "If she''s willing to go to Morhen with you, nothing''s stopping you from marrying

    her and spare yourself from further misunderstandings in the future. However, if she''s not willing to go

    along with her family''s arranged marriage, I hope you''ll respect her decision."

    "Is that it?" Titus was skeptical.

    After all, Frank had the advantage, and both men knew that there was no peace between them after

    today''s conflict. Moreover, if Frank did fall into Titus'' hands the way Titus himself was caught off guard

    today, Titus would certainly not be so merciful!

    "That''s it." Frank nodded.

    "Hmph!" Titus snorted. "Know what I think? You''d best be careful if you ever visit Morhen. You may

    have won this round, but this doesn''t mean a thing."

    "Heh," Frank chuckled in disdain, seeing that Titus remained indomitable despite his defeat. "Then I

    shall keenly await what you''ll cook up, Mr. Lionheart."

    "Don''t worry, I won''t stoop to the level of despicable little men," Titus growled in disdain. "Just stay in

    Riverton for the rest of your life. Should I ever find out that you''re visiting Morhen, you have no one but

    yourself to me in the face of my vengeance!"

    "Hmph. Feel free to see yourself out!" Frank spread his arms, nonchnt as if he was in his own home.

    "Mr. Lionheart! Please, Mr. Lionheart!!!"

    Neil had wet himself in terror as he watched Titus turn to leave with his men, not looking back at all.

 Chapter 627

    Hans came over to Frank, gesturing with a searching gaze. "What about these two, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank smiled in disdain. "They''d remain a pest if kept alive, and there''s no reason for the Graves family

    to live..."

    He then leveled a haughty look at Neil as if he were a dog, even as Neil kept kotowing at his feet.

    "Despicable, traitorous scum. List down all his crimes and deliver it in writing to the Turnbulls, then kill

    him."

    "Yes, sir," Hans replied with a salute.

    With that, two soldiers came and dragged Neil away, even as he kept begging, "Please, Mr. Lawrence!

    Mercy! I was tricked. Chaz tricked me! Please, just let me live."

    On the other hand, Chaz wasying on the floor,ughing so loudly even as he shed tears as if he had

    lost his mind.

    "Color me surprised, Frank! It''s my blunder. I didn''t think you had that many friends!"

    As several soldiers strode up and restrained him with a vice-like grip, he promptly cried out in panic,

    "This is all my fault, and I''m man enough to take responsibility! This was all me, and it has nothing to do

    with my family! Spare my father and my brothers¡ªlet them live! I''ll kowtow to you. I''m begging, just let

    them live."

    Chaz kept pping himself even as he cried, hitting himself so hard his cheeks were soon bleeding

    and mangled.

    "Hehe. Oh, Chaz." Frank''s cold chuckle drew Chaz''s gaze.

    As he looked up in confusion, his face was covered in blood and tears. His mouth hung open, revealing

    that he knocked out his own front teeth even as Neil''s screams resounded from outside the hall.

    At the same time, Frank continued, "If you''d won today, would you have spared my family?"

    It was a calm question, but Chaz froze right then.

    After all, the answer to Frank''s question was simple: no, he would never have spared Frank''s family.

    As such, he now had no right to demand mercy for his family!

    Soon, more screams resounded from outside the hall, and Chaz turned hysterical.

    With a deafening yell, he freed himself from the grip of the soldiers holding him down, charging madly

    toward the nearest wall and hitting his head violently against it.

    "You certainly got off easy." Frank chuckled coolly, shaking his head as he watched Chaz breathe his

    last.

    Meanwhile, a car screeched to a halt outside Lane Manor.

    Gina and Cindy then promptly alighted and dashed wildly into their rooms, rummaging through

    wardrobes and shelves.

    They were searching for all branded clothing, limited-edition handbags and every expensive piece of

    jewelry they could find. Even antiques such as paintings were being shoved haphazardly into their

    suitcase.

    "Hurry up, Cindy! Aren''t you done yet?!" Gina sweated all over her brow in panic.

    "Calm down, Aunt Gina. I''ve still yet to search Helen''s room," Cindy retorted as she rushed there.

    "Oh, don''t bother! Let''s go already, or we won''t make it!" Gina urged, as restless as a cat on a hot tin

    roof.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    On the other hand, Cindy could not help rolling her eyes even as she rummaged through every drawer.

    "Doesn''t Helen have any jewelry at all? She''s really something!"

 Chapter 628

    Gina urged, "Hurry up already, Cindy! We can''t stay here in Riverton... No, we can''t stay in this country

    at all! We need to escape abroad, and we only have twenty minutes to make it to the airport!"

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    "Coming!" Cindy eximed, carrying a pile of Helen''s branded cosmetic products out of Helen''s room

    and shoving everything into a suitcase.

    When Gina saw that, she promptly snapped angrily, "Oh, just drop it, Cindy! How much are those

    cosmetic products worth anyway? Let''s go!"

    "Have you bought our ne tickets, Aunt Gina?"

    "I did¡ªI still have dozens of millions in savings, and with these treasures, we''d have enough money to

    survive abroad for a while."

    Despite what she said, anxiety was written all over Gina''s face.

    They did not stay at Graves Mansion earlier and fled with the guests instead.

    After all, judging from Helen''s reaction, Gina knew she would not marry Chaz on this day.

    And with that going up in smoke, the Southstream Lanes would never ept them, while the Graves

    family and the Lionhearts would pin the me on their family.

    Gina was especially concerned about the Lionhearts, because if they pressed me and came after

    them, they would be dead even before they knew it!

    Either way, they could not stay in Draconia, let alone Riverton!

    Gina could not care less about Helen either.

    If Helen had made up her mind on eloping with that bastard Frank, she could face the consequences

    herself! As her mother, Gina had done all she could!

    "Oh, this is killing me." Gina shook with sheer frustration.

    She was so sure that she could return to the fold of the Northstream Lanes triumphant, to leapfrog up

    the pecking order and most importantly, to flex on Mason Lane for belittling her!

    She was not unreasonable¡ªher daughter''s engagement to Chaz was all thanks to her setting things

    that way! She just did not think that Helen would get cold feet, let alone run away with Frank!

    She had certainly lost more than what she bargained for¡ªforget leapfrogging, she now had a target

    painted on her head!

    And when the Lionheartse calling, even the Southstream Lanes would suffer, let alone Gina

    hearself!

    Still, Gina could takefort in the fact that the Graves and the Lionhearts would get rid of Frank for

    good.

    He might be able to use his connections to weasel his way out if he was only up against the Graves

    family, but against the Lionhearts? Even the Turnbulls would not be able to save him!

    Gina was not worried about Helen''s safety either, since Chaz had always treasured Helen.

    Hell, there was a huge chance that Helen would change her mind if Frank was killed, and Gina would

    be able to return from abroad sooner. Everything would fall into ce once more, with neither the

    Graves nor the Lionhearts pressing the issue.

    However, even as Gina was busy fantasizing, Jade Zahn and her daughter Luna Lane stormed into

    Lane Manor with a group of bodyguards.

    "Jade...?" Gina''s heart skipped a beat since it had been a while since Jade showed up.

    "We''ve all heard, and it''s all your fault, you ipetent Northstream Lanes!" Jade''s pudgy cheeks

    shook even as she mmed her palm on the table. " Do you call yourself a mother, Gina?! Your

    daughter got cold feet at the altar, insulting the Graves and the Lionhearts. Even us Southstream Lanes

    are now aughing stock. And you think you could just run away without a care? Dream on!"

    "Jade. W-What are you doing?!" Gina kept a vice-like grip on her suitcase, refusing to let go even as

    Jade''s bodyguards strode up to take it from her!

 Chapter 629

    Jade bellowed, "Don''t think that you Northstream Lanes can leave before you take responsibility for this

    mess! We''re handing you over to the Graves and the Lionhearts, so that they won''t believe that we''re

    on your side... No, from this day forth, the Northstream Lanes and Southstream Lanes have nothing to

    do with each other!"

    "What?!"

    Thunderstruck, Gina almost copsed!

    Even Cindy''s face fell, but she hurried to Jade with an apologetic smile. "Please, Aunt Jade. We''re

    family aren''t we? There''s no need to go that far, is there?"

    "Hah!" Jade sneered at Cindy right then. "Did you just say we''re family, Cindy? Is there no bottom that

    you wouldn''t sink to? You''re only family with Gina. How are you rted to me? Also, I refuse to have

    anything to do with someone who''d steal a bride''s jewelry on her wedding day!"

    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.

    There was no news like bad news¡ªJade''s outburst left Cindy''s face falling.

    She did not think news of her stealing Helen''s bridal jewelry had already spread. Was there any ce

    she could show her face from now on?!

    Gina came to her senses as well and dropped to her knees with a loud thud as she started to kowtow

    at Jade. "Please, Jade. I''m begging you! Cindy may not be family to you, but I am! Just let us go, and

    we''ll repay your favor once we achieve sess abroad! Please!"

    Though she kowtowed audibly twice, reality was a cruel mistress as her pleas proved futile even

    though she abandoned all her pride.

    Jade was simply impervious, rolling her eyes as she sneered. "Oh, Gina. Why don''t you just die at this

    point? You''ve caused the death of your own husband, and even your daughter is now disowning you!"

    "To be honest, we Southstream Lanes were actually eager for your daughter to marry Chaz Graves

    and secure an alliance with the Lionhearts. but what came of it? Forget Helen getting cold feet at the

    altar as all of Southstream watched¡ªshe even had to insult the Graves and the Lionhearts, offending

    every person within reach."

    Shaking her head in disappointment, Jade continued, "Do you think we Southstream Lanes would want

    anything to do with you at this point? Is it our fault for turning you away? You''re so ipetent that you

    couldn''t even catch the winning lottery ticket dropping on yourp, and you had to insult the person

    who dropped it!" "There''s just no saving any of you at this level of stupidity. You can''t me us for

    doing the right thing and disavowing everyst one of you Northstream Lanes. So, while the Graves

    and the Lionhearts are dealing with Frank and Helen, we Southstream Lanes would assist them by

    dealing with you!"

    At those words, Jade snapped coolly at her bodyguards, "Go! You have nothing to worry about¡ªbreak

    their limbs if they resist!"

    "Yes, ma''am!"

    Watching desperately as the bodyguards approached, Cindy snapped, "Jade, you ungrateful bitch!

    Don''t you remember who saved your daughter?!"

    Luna snorted nearby. "Chaz was the one who brought in that healer. What does that have to do with

    you?"

    "Please, Jade! We can talk about this!" Gina pleaded on top of her lungs. "I didn''t want this to happen!

    It''s all because of Frank¡ªhe bewitched my daughter! You should be going after him!"

    "Oh, I''m not worried. The Graves and the Lionhearts have him cornered, and I''m sure he''s dead by

    now." Jade snorted, pointing at Gina and Cindy as she snapped, "And right now, my job is to bring in

    both of you when the Graves and the Lionheartse on our doorstep, to prove that our hands are

    clean! Get them!"

    The burly bodyguards went all out at Jade''s orders right then!

 Chapter 630

    The bodyguards violently snatched Gina and Cindy''s suitcases from their grasp before shoving them to

    the floor and restraining them.

    "Take them away!" Jade bellowed, and the bodyguards carried them away.

    Then, Jade''s eyes lingered on the suitcases filled to the brim with jewelry before ordering to have all of

    it carried to her.

    Naturally, she was going to keep everything for herself¡ªGina and Cindy certainly did well packing

    everything up for her!

    -

    An hour after they left, a restless Helen returned safely to Lane Manor, escorted by Burt.

    She thought Gina would be home since she saw the car she had bought for her outside, only to walk

    through the front door to find everything a mess.

    Forget Gina and Cindy¡ªnone of the maids on the payroll were in sight.

    Helen felt a foreboding sensation right then¡ªdespite her misgivings toward Gina, Gina was still her

    mother and Helen was immediately concerned for her safety.

    "What''s this?" Burt murmured as he picked up two pieces of papers off the floor.

    Helen''s expression stiffened as she took them from Burt, and her disappointment soon showed.

    Flight tickets for Gina and Cindy¡ªand the ne must have left just now.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    After Helen spurned Chaz at the altar, they were clearly afraid that the Graves and the Lionhearts

    woulde after them. They were ready to head abroad and were clearly in a hurry.

    "Heh..." Helen sneered. She could not have felt more disappointment towards Gina just then.

    That was when Burt''s phone suddenly started ringing, and he nodded at Helen as he answered. "It''s

    Mr. Lawrence."

    "How is he? D-Did he make it out?"

    Helen''s fingers dug into the couch even as she asked that¡ªFrank''s safety was her top priority now.

    "Yeah, uh-huh." Burt nodded repeatedly, ignoring her for a moment.

    Then, he hung up, breathed a sigh of relief before turning toward Helen with a smile. "Don''t worry¡ªMr.

    Lawrence was not in danger at all. Titus Lionheart has conceded, while the Graves family and Neil

    Turnbull have been punished ordingly. Mr. Lawrence himself will soon be here as well, so don''t

    worry."

    At Burt''s words, Helen reclined limply against her couch as she sighed lengthily.

    I guess we don''t have to flee Riverton now..." she murmured before suddenly springing to her feet.

    She had just realized what Burt had actually said and was gaping at him in shock. "What was that? Did

    I hear that right? T-Titus Lionheart conceded?"

    "Yes, you heard me right."

    Burt smiled. "Titus Lionheart conceded to Mr. Lawrence. He dered in front of Riverton''s bigwigs that

    he was cutting ties with the Graves family, and that he would not intervene in the dispute between

    Frank and the Graves and the Soranos. In short, Mr. Lawrence seeded."

    Burt''s exnation only left Helen in further disbelief, as if she were caught in a dream.

    The Lionhearts of Morhen were a dynasty of unparalleled power¡ªwhy would any of them concede to

    some insignificant brat like Frank?!

 Chapter 631

    Frank''s Maybach drove into Lane Manor soon enough.

    Frank felt emotional even as he stared at the building¡ªthest time he had gone inside was during

    Henry Lane''s funeral.

    He made up his mind to have Helen move into Skywater Bay with him as well.

    Cindy and Gina could have the manor if they knew their ce and stopped messing with him.

    Still, his phone rang just as he was about to press the doorbell.

    It was an unfamiliar number, but Frank answered without hesitation.

    "I''m surprised you''re alive, Frank," an ancient but authoritative voice spoke from the other end.

    Frank''s fingers clenched around his phone¡ªthe voice invoked all sorts of memories from the past.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    Taking a moment to calm down as much as possible, he soon replied tly, "You do indeed seem

    surprised."

    "Hoho... Holding a grudge now are we, boy?"

    The voice seemed to pierce Frank in the brain, striking a nerve.

    Still, Frank changed the subject instead of answering. "Hans, huh?"

    "Nope. You''ve really moved heaven and earth over at Riverton that even I heard about it all the way

    from Cloudington. I mean, crashing a wedding? Your temper''s really never changed."

    Frank was briefly silent and clenched his fist as he asked, "Why are you calling me now?"

    "What, isn''t it perfectly normal for a dad to call his own son?" Godwin Lawrence chuckled before saying

    quietly, "If you''re done behaving like a petnt child out there, then it''s time toe home. That wager

    we had? It''s always been a joke."

    "And your joke was an insult to me." Frank''s chest heaved even as he snapped, "I''ll ask you a question,

    old man, and you damned well be honest! Were you the one who ordered the massacre of Mystic Sky

    Sect?!"

    A suffocating silence, and then.

    "Yes, I did," the ancient voice answered.

    "Why?! Why did you do it?!" Frank screamed in rage, his heart bleeding. "You knew I poured out my

    heart and soul for them! Hundreds were killed, and all because you''re forcing me to go home?!" "That''s

    not all," Godwin remained haughty and authoritative, pausing a moment before adding, "The things that

    embroil Mystic Sky Sect are exceedinglyplicated, and it''s more than what you can see. I can''t give

    you the full picture, but you''ll eventually understand¡ªthe fate of all nations is strung up into

    a single fatal knot. Whoever snaps first would fall, with no hope of recovery."

    Then, Godwin appeared weary as he said, "Riverton is too far from me, and I can''t protect you even if I

    wanted to. Come back to Cloudington already."

    "No, I won''t," Frank retorted coolly, his gaze determined. "Our wager still stands, old man. I''ll reach

    beyond Ascendant rank, perhaps even reaching Immortal rank! When that happens, I shall return your

    insult by a hundredfold!"

    Over at Cloudington, a city in Draconia''s southern borders, a quiet sigh could be heard.

    Reclining against his wooden armchair, Godwin put down his phone and stared outside, spacing out as

    the bamboo forest rustled against the wind.

    "Fret not, my lord. Master Frank wille around eventually." His white-haired valet smiled in

    assurance.

    Godwin sighed softly even as he picked up his cup from the table. "How long have you been working

    for me again, Fenton?"

 Chapter 632

    The valet named Fenton replied respectfully, "Sixty-three years, sir."

    "And your daughter... I heard she''s doing well in Morhen?" Godwin asked.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    "More or less." Fenton nodded, chuckling. "Word has it that she''s the leader of the Martial Alliance or

    some thingamajig. We''d never understand what the young ones are up to these days."

    Godwin turned toward his valet and old friend with a smile. "Well, Frank''s alive. Does their betrothal still

    count?"

    "Of course, my lord. I''ll send word to my daughter right away and have her depart to Riverton and

    protect Master Frank immediately."

    "Good." Godwin nodded in satisfaction but soon shook his head and sighed. "Danger lurks in every

    corner of Draconia. We can only wait until that silly boyes around!"

    "He''s wise beyond his age. He will eventually understand your plight, sir."

    Both men were still speaking when a uniformed soldier suddenly entered.

    "Sir!" He saluted Godwin.

    "Report." Godwin was suddenly the figure of authority from earlier. His age and exasperation seemingly

    lost in an instant, reced by a quiet might and detachment.

    "Sir, General Rambada of Talman is asking to see you."

    "Rambada?" Godwin chuckled coolly, ncing at Fenton as he growled, "It seems like those brats have

    come to cause trouble again."

    "Hahaha... Spare the rod, spoil the child."

    "Then let''s give them a spanking as per usual!" Godwin slowly rose to his feet, his grim presence as a

    military man overflowing.

    Even the soldier who had just arrived was shaking in his boots and sweating down his spine! -

    Back at Riverton, Frank took a moment to collect himself outside Lane Manor.

    Pushing the troubles with his old man and Mystic Sky Sect out of his mind, he entered Lane Manor.

    Helen leapt into his arms as soon as he saw her, and he held her in turn,forting her endlessly. "It''s

    alright now. I''ve dealt with the Lionhearts."

    He did not forget to nod at Burt and thank him.

    He actually did not n for Burt to help today, and he was actually surprised to see Burt recover so

    quickly while his abilities improved to the next level. The man might even be more gifted than he

    thought!

    "You don''t have to thank me, brother. It''s what I should do," Burt scratched his head awkwardly, only

    speaking up when Frank and Helen were done hugging.

    He was just about to excuse himself when Helen stopped him. "Officer Yorkman, I know this might be

    too much to ask, but could you find out where my mother is?"

    After hearing her request, Burt turned toward Frank.

    Frank might have no love for Gina and Cindy, but he knew blood rtions were not so easily severed.

    If anything, Helen did not ask the favor out of worry but instead, out of obligation as Gina''s daughter.

    In reality, Helen had given up on Gina and Cindy and only had time for either of them now that she

    ensured that Frank was safe.

    It was obvious who was more important in Helen''s heart now.

    "Yeah. I''m counting on you, brother." Frank nodded, knowing that Burt was absolutely reliable when it

    came to finding people¡ªit would be right to trust him.

 Chapter 633

    Burt returned to Lane Manor in half an hour and told Frank the information he had.

    "I''ve found them. Both Gina and Cindy Zonda were taken by the Southstream Lanes."

    "The Southstream Lanes?" Helen was confused¡ªwere they not all family? Why would they abduct

    Gina and Cindy?

    Seeing that she did not realize what was happening, Frank stayed impassive as he pointed out, "They

    want to prove that they had nothing to do with us."

    While Helen scowled in realization, Frank continued, "Let''s go. Even if Gina is a failure of a mother,

    blood runs thicker than water¡ªin that sense, I can''t stay out of this either."

    "Thank you, Frank." Helen could naturally tell that he would go with her to bring back Gina from the

    Southstream Lanes and was endlessly grateful.

    She felt endlessly guilty¡ªwhy had she never realized that Frank was so perfect? -

    After parting ways with Burt, Frank took Helen straight to the Southstream Lanes.

    Once they alighted outside their mansion and announced themselves, they were immediately encircled

    by the Southstream Lanes'' bodyguards instead of being received.

    A haughty boy stepped out of the mansion,ughing at Frank. "So, you''re Frank Lawrence? Haha!

    You''ve toe looking for your own death!"

    "And who are you?" Frank remained calm despite being encircled, even asking the boy for his name.

    "Me?" The boy chuckled in disdain. "I''m Jon Lane, second son of Gavin Lane!"

    Soon, more people poured out of the Southstream Lanes'' mansion.

    The ever rotund Jade Zahn was naturally among them,ughing as soon as she saw Frank. "I''m

    surprised you managed to escape the Graves and the Lionhearts! But this suits us just fine¡ªwe''ll bring

    you back to them right now!"

    "Yes, we''ll make sure to keep our hands clean from the mess you Northstream Lanes made!"

    "Silence!"

    A middle-aged man barked as he strode out from among the crowd.

    He was Gavin Lane, Helen''s eldest uncle and the heir apparent of the family.

    ncing between Frank and Helen, he then asked, "Helen, tell me what''s going on here?"

    "Where''s my dad? I''d like to see him first." Helen strode up, looking around for any trace of her father.

    The Southstream Lanes were suddenly silent, and it was Luna who strode forward, pursing her lips as

    she said, "Your father? Your mother got him killed ages ago. Did she never tell you?"

    "What?!" Helen froze in shock, but she was soon ovee with rage.

    Gina had kept telling her that her father Mason Lane was a bastard, dumping her while he lived like a

    king with the Southstream Lanes.

    That was why Helen was ufortable when Gina started an affair with Greg Marsh. But she never

    would have thought that her father was already dead, or that it was Gina who killed him!

    "There''s a reason we chased Gina away." Gavin sighed, shaking his head. "Your father left an estate

    after his death, but Gina doesn''t deserve a cent. That''s why we''ve been holding it in escrow before

    passing it on to you."N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

 Chapter 634

    Gavin then finished, "But you never reached out to us, and Gina kept us from reaching out to you

    directly. That''s why things ended up the way they are now."

    It was only then that Helen understood why Gina constantly forbade her from visiting Mason here in the

    Southstream Lanes'' mansion.

    He was already dead, and Gina wanted everything he had for her own!

    Even her constant schemes for the Northstream Lanes to be taken back into the main family was for

    that purpose alone!

    She suddenly felt light-headed and would have copsed on the ground if Frank did not catch her.

    Seeing that Helen was crumbling under pressure, he asked, "Where''s Gina now?"

    "Frank Lawrence, was it?" Gavin was clearly unsentimental, shaking his head at Frank as he ignored

    his question. "I don''t know how you managed to get away from the Graves and the Lionhearts, but I

    can''t let you leave now that you''re here."

    Still, with just a look, he had his family''s bodyguards clear a subtle gap among their ranks.

    Frank could see it, and he understood Gavin''s intention.

    Despite Gavin''s ims that he would detain Frank, he was actually letting him go.

    His impression of the man improved greatly, but he said, "Don''t worry. Titus Lionheart has already

    conceded to me and promised to stay away from Helen and I. We only came to take Gina away."

    Frank''s words, however, left the crowd silent.

    "Hahahaha!!!" Jon Lane was the one who first burst outughing. "I''ve just met you, but you really know

    how to tell tall tales!"

    "Haha! Titus Lionheart conceding to him?! Who does he think he''s kidding?!" Jade wasughing too.

    "He really can''t do anything other than lie. He''d even imed that he was the one who treated Luna''s

    illness!"

    After all, Titus was the heir to one of Morhen''s Four Families, and his family had Volsung Sect''s

    backing.

    He could just sneeze, and all of Riverton would shake!

    Even if they could admit that Frank was good enough or lucky enough to escape a man like Titus, this

    insignificant brat was saying that Titus conceded to him?!

    It was hrious and almost no different from iming that Mike Tyson had lost to a baby in the ring!

    "It seems you''re doubting me?" Frank sighed.

    Jade shrieked at him right then, "If Titus Lionheart really conceded to you, I''d actually kowtow to you!

    "No, that''s not enough." Jon chuckled, pping Frank on the shoulder. "If it''s true, I''ll eat my dogs'' poo

    on the spot! That said, you''d be the one doing the eating if that never happened. Do you have the balls

    to take this wager?"

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank looked past Jon''s confident grin and smiled in turn when he saw the bulky ck hunting hounds

    that a servant was walking.

 Chapter 635

    Frank chuckled. "You certainly have an acquired taste, Jon."

    Jon did a double take but soon chuckled coolly.

    "So, you''re taking the wager? Great!" Jon eximed, pping his hands. "My family will be my witness

    ¡ª if Frank here did not force Titus Lionheart to concede, he shall be eating my hounds'' poo!"

    "Hahaha! Quit trying to act tough, Frank!" Luna scoffed. "Jon is famous for being a man of sheer will...

    Though I''d like to see you eat poop too!"

    "Frank, you really should be more grounded." Gavin was left speechless by Frank''s boast as well.

    Frank and Helen could hardly protect themselves now, but they still came to save Gina?

    No, forget that¡ªFrank would actually spout such absurd lies? Did he take them for fools, that they

    would buy his tall tales?

    Gavin actually started to hold Frank in contempt at that¡ªhe felt like Frank was insulting his intelligence,

    and the boy really did not know his ce!

    N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Sneering at Frank, Jon then spoke up again. "Did you think you could say anything you want because

    we won''t have proof? Don''t worry¡ªmy brother Roth has already brought his men to pay the Graves

    and the Lionhearts a visit. They should be arriving by now."

    Then, turning to Gavin, Jon suggested, "Just bring Gina out here, Dad. They''d all be leaving soon

    anyway¡ªwhy stop them?"

    His words left Gavin exasperated.

    Gavin had the family''s bodyguards create a gap, and Frank would definitely be able to escape with

    Helen.

    But he refused to do it, even after all of Jon''s gloating and posturing.

    Even Gavin had to be angry at that point, while cursing Frank for being a fool.

    It was almost as if Jade and Luna could not be med for being prejudiced against the boy!

    If anything, Frank''s conceit, impudence, and stupidity was as Jade and Luna imed.

    Nheless, the Southstream Lanes'' soon brought Gina and Cindy, both of whom were tied up.

    "Helen!" Gina promptly ran toward Helen, begging, "Please, Helen¡ªtell your uncle to let us go! I

    apologize for everything I did, Helen!"

    Helen was still overwhelmed by the pain of her father''s death and was immediately incensed by her

    mother''s antics.

    Why did you and Cindy buy ne tickets?!" she demanded.

    Gina felt a pang of guilt but quickly yed dumb. "What? ne tickets? I don''t know anything about

    that..."

    "Yeah, Helen. What ne tickets?" Cindy quickly joined in.

    Even the Southstream Lanes were ring in contempt at their shameless behavior.

    "You''re still pretending even now, Mom?!" Helen snapped.

 Chapter 636

    Helen kept striding menacingly toward Gina, snapping, "What about Dad? You kept telling me he

    dumped you and is living like a king here!"

    "Well..." Gina sighed exasperatedly, knowing that the cat was out of the bag. "It was an ident. I-I

    didn''t mean to do harm."

    "Fine, even if you didn''t, what were you trying to do with his estate?!" Helen snarled, gritting her teeth

    so hard that they could break. "Why were you stopping me from reaching out to Uncle Gavin and the

    rest of the family but so keen on having us Northstream Lanes being taken back?!"

    "I. Uh."

    Gina''s eyes were darting away¡ªshe had excuses for anything else but not this question because the

    persons involved were right there with them!

    Having no choice, she started throwing a fit just to change the subject. "Oh, Helen! Don''t you know that

    you''ve just killed us all? It''s not just us Northstream Lanes, but even the Southstream Lanes too!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    Wheeling on Frank with a venomous re, she said, "You jinx! You bastard! You had to seduce my

    daughter, and now you''ve killed us all! I''ll kill you! Oh my god. can''t you just see that no one loves me?

    And even when I had a daughter, she kept making life hard for me and ran into a jinx that brought on

    our collective demise. Oh, Helen. I''m so sorry. Just give me a chance, okay?!"

    Helen was shaking with rage even as she watched Gina throw her tantrum all over the floor¡ªwhat on

    earth had she done to deserve a mother like that?!

    Cindy came up to Helen as well, despite her hands still being bound. "Helen, there''s only one thing to

    do now. If you want to protect the family and yourself, you just give into Chaz Graves and beg when he

    arrives, then promise to properly marry him. You can me everything on Frank¡ªeveryone will be fine

    after that, see?"

    The Southstream Lanes'' eyes lit up at Cindy words¡ªwhy did they not think of that?

    Gavin himself hurried to Helen and reasoned, "Look, Helen¡ªyour mother''s crimes are unforgivable,

    but she''s still your mother and we''d rather not hand her over to the Graves family. Why don''t you talk to

    Chaz when he arrives and follow through with the wedding? No one''s losing anything, and we''ll even

    give you your father''s estate. How about it?"

    "Yeah, Helen! Your uncle''s suggestion makes sense!"

    "Just talk to Chaz, and nothing of value will be lost! We''d even earn the favor of the Graves and the

    Lionhearts¡ªthat''s just a fairytale ending!"

    Even Jade was speaking up. "Surely you know how to weigh matters ording to their importance,

    Helen. You''re an adult¡ªand a strong, independent woman! I mean, the CEO of Lane Holdings? You

    have to see what''s obviously right and wrong, let alone hesitate!"

    "Exactly. Us Southstream Lanes would be ready to help. You won''t suffer for this."

    And seeing that everyone was trying to change Helen''s mind now, Gina promptly switched gears and

    stopped throwing her tantrum.

    Making a miserable face as she joined in the lobbying crowd, she cried, "Please, Helen. I''m your

    mother. Could you really bear to watch me get killed?"

    Helen could not help turning toward Frank even as she withstood the endless persuasive words thrown

    at her.

    He remained impassive, however, simply standing there and saying nothing.

    Naturally, he was letting her decide and seeing if she would believe him or be swayed by her own

    family and doubt him again.

 Chapter 637

    Helen did not hesitate. "I''m sorry."

    She had now chosen to trust Frank unconditionally and refused to falter no matter how reasonable the

    Southstream Lanes, Gina, or Cindy were.

    At that very moment, only Frank was worth depending upon.

    Walking up to Frank''s side, Helen met the confused gaze of the Southstream Lanes with her girlboss

    poise. "You''re all saying that Roth has left to meet with the Graves and the Lionhearts, and that he''ll be

    back soon. In that case, we can just wait for him to return, and we''ll see if my husband here has been

    lying at all."

    "If he was exaggerating at all, I''ll be on my knees in apology withoutint!"

    Helen nced at Frank at that.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    Seeing that she was trusting him that much now, he squeezed her hand in assurance. "Don''t worry. I''d

    never lie to you."

    Helen smiled confidently at him in turn.

    "Are you crazy, Helen?!" Gavin eximed.

    He could not believe someone as smart as Helen would believe Frank''s tall tales.

    He might believe it if Frank had strong connections and made Chaz concede, but Frank insisted it was

    Titus, the heir to the one and only Lionheart Dynasty of Draconia!

    At this point, he had to suspect Helen was not right in the mind.

    Jade rolled her eyes, convinced that Helen was looking a gift horse in the mouth. "Forget it, Gavin.

    They''re beyond saving¡ªthey only have themselves to me now."

    On the other hand, Gina was bawling, "Oh, Helen!!! You''re killing me!!! I''m your mother, but you''d still

    refuse to save me!"

    Cindy was despairing too. "That''s right! Helen, you could beg Chaz to spare Frank if you want him to

    live! Chaz loves you so much¡ªjust tell Frank to apologize, and everything will be fine!"

    While they were all still getting hysterical over Helen choosing to side with Frank, several cars came

    bounding down the road.

    "It''s Roth! He''s back!" Jon was immediately at attention, even sneering as he walked up to Frank.

    "Don''t forget our wager now."

    "Don''t worry¡ªI have not." Frank smiled calmly in return.

    Jon actually felt doubt just then.

    How was he still so calm at this point? Could Titus really have conceded him?!

    Jon cursed his own stupidity just for thinking that¡ªthe sun would rise from the west before that

    happened!

    The rest of his family were convinced of the same as the cars drove through the gates.

    Soon, Roth Lane¡ªa good-looking man with well-groomed hair and sported sses¡ªalighted.

    As he quietly walked up to his family, Gavin hurried to his eldest son as he eximed, "Wee back,

    Roth!"

    At the same time, he nced at Frank with the corner of his eye and sighed to himself¡ªFrank was still

    refusing to leave, his expression even remaining fearless...

    Well, he had already given Frank a chance! He could not be med for Frank not taking it!

    Turning back toward Roth, Gavin looked behind Roth but did not see any cars belonging to the Graves

    or the Lionhearts.

    "Didn''t Titus Lionheart and Chaz Gravese with you?" he quickly asked. "Are we supposed to bring

    them to Graves Mansion?"

    While Gavin was still busy worrying about what the Graves and the Lionhearts thought, Roth''s

    expression was grim as he sighed lengthily. "Don''t bother. The Graves are all gone now."

 Chapter 638

    "What?!"

    The Southstream Lanes were all left astonished by Roth''s words, and even as they wondered what he

    really meant, Gavin asked, "What do you mean, Roth...?"

    He was actually skeptical and urged his son for more details.

    Seeing that his family had trouble understanding, Roth adjusted his sses as he spoke bluntly this

    time, "The Four Families of Southstream are now three. All thirty-two members of the Graves family

    have been butchered¡ªnone were left alive."

    The Southstream Lanes were all gasping at Roth''s words.

    "Butchered? All of them?!" Gavin eximed, before turning stiffly toward Frank and seeing that he

    remained calm despite the bombshell.

    As if he already knew.

    Seizing Roth by the cor right then, Gavin cried urgently, "But what about the Lionhearts or Titus?!"

    "Calm down, Dad." Roth adjusted his sses as he patted his father''s shoulders. "Titus left,

    announcing to everyone that he no longer has ties to the Graves family and would therefore not meddle

    with the wedding between Chaz Graves and Helen Lane."

    "What?!" Gavin was left thunderstruck.

    Even his family''s expression turned somber at that point.

    Roth, however, took Gavin''s shock as confusion, shaking his head as he sighed. "I''ve had to reach out

    to multiple sources to uncover the facts, but Frank Lawrence¡ªthe man who crashed Helen''s wedding

    ¡ª had forced Titus to back off. Hell, the man conceded to Frank, and every Riverton bigwig witnessed

    it. He agreed to never challenge Frank again in Riverton. And. A-And he even lost his fiancee."

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    It took Roth several attempts to say thatst part.

    He expected his family to look surprised before celebrating that they had somehow dodged a bullet.

    However, he only found them turning to stare at a certain young man in fear and disbelief.

    Puzzled, Roth quickly asked Frank, "And you are.?"

    "Frank Lawrence, at your service." Frank nodded, smiling faintly as the Lanes watched.

    "Pfft." Helen giggled audibly.

    Frank did not disappoint her¡ªhe had said that he forced Titus to concede, and he did! And the looks

    on the faces of the Southstream Lanes were certainly hrious just then!

    "You''re Frank Lawrence?!"

    Roth stumbled backward a few times before dropping to his knees before Frank in terror!

    "I-I''m Roth Lane of Northstream... You honor me with your presence, sir!" he eximed.

    "What? Why." Gavin felt thoroughly embarrassed that his own son would kneel so quickly.

    He strode up, ready to scold him for being spineless¡ªeven if Frank could send Titus packing, Roth had

    no business kneeling to Frank!

    "Dad! You don''t get it!" Roth snapped in retort.

    He was there at Graves Mansion himself and knew better than anyone the horrors Frank was capable

    of!

    The man alone yed 300 Graves family bodyguards, with barely anything left of them!

    Even now, the rivers of blood were flowing freely at Graves Mansion¡ªa sight of utter horror!

 Chapter 639

    Roth knew that if his family somehow upset a reaper like Frank, the same fate awaited them!

    He gulped even as his own family stared at him, puzzled. Leaning in to whisper into his father''s ear, he

    said, "Dad, that man is way more horrible than you''d think!"

    Gavin almost cked out when Roth told him everything Frank did at Graves Mansion.

    It was all true?!

    Still, they were certainly too short-sighted to see what powers may be supporting Frank, even gloating

    that they would be understanding enough to spare Frank. After all that they had done, it would be

    amazing at all if Frank allowed them to live!

    Thud!

    Gavin dropped to his knees as well. "Mr. Lawrence! I was too blind to see, even doubting your words

    and power! I deserve every punishment! We, the Southstream Lanes, are all blind fools!"

    Gavin was the second leading authority in the family. Naturally, him kneeling to a young man like Frank

    left every member of the family and their bodyguards as confused as they were shocked.

    Nheless, Gavin''s face turned pale when he saw that everyone else was not moving, and he

    promptly snapped at them, "All of you, kneel! That includes you, Jon!"

    Gina was left gaping.

    How did that bastard¡ªno, how did Frank make Titus concede?

    She was suddenly short of breath and almost passed out as she remembered how many times she had

    harassed Frank.

    Hell, she was trying to gaslight Helen into abandoning Frank and saving her! If Helen had really done it,

    she would be dead too!

    Unlike Gina''s panicked reaction, however, Cindy reacted quickly as she hurried to Frank''s side.

    "I knew you were amazing, Frank! I always believed in you!" she cried and smartly used her connection

    to Helen as leverage. "Please forgive me and Aunt Gina for Helen''s sake?"

    Frank ignored her, instead leveling a vague smile at Jon and slowly saying, "So, I wonder if our wager

    still stands?"

    "What?!" Jon''s face had already turned pale, and he was sweating buckets when his brother Roth told

    him about Frank''s might.

    He was brought to his senses with a nudge from Roth and turned to look at his bulky ck hounds

    huffing in the distance.

    "What..." Jon''s face contorted in misery right then.

    He had gone through great lengths to groom those ck hounds, building up their ferocity and feeding

    them over five pounds of meat everyday.

    If he had to eat all their poo, he would die!

    Jade and Luna were a lot less haughty than before too.

    Despite Jade''s fatness, her sharp hearing picked up on Roth''s exchange with Gavin, and she tamely

    knelt like the rest.

    While she did, she stayed silent without looking up.

    After all, she was not stupid¡ªthings had never been pleasant between Frank and herself.

    And if Frank decided to reopen old wounds, she and Luna would die a million times over!N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

 Chapter 640

    And now, as Jade heard Frank mention his wager with Jon, she knew there was no escape.

    She turned toward Gavin for the sake of her son, crying out, "Please! You have to do something!"

    If Jon got killed eating dog poo, their family would be theughing stock of all of Southstream!

    Gavin did not want his youngest son to die so miserably too and turned to level an earnest, pleading

    look at Frank. "Please, Mr. Lawrence. My son has always been too mischievous¡ªhe''s just joking to

    liven things up. Please be understanding..."

    Then, he pped Jon in front of everyone for his stupidity, snapping, "Apologize to Mr. Lawrence

    already!"

    The p actually brought Jon to his senses, and he quickly kowtowed to Frank. "I was just joking, Mr.

    Lawrence! I didn''t mean to insult you."

    "Really?" Frank turned toward Luna, who was on her knees and trembling. "Someone told me you were

    a man of sheer will but would like to see me go through with your wager?"

    Luna turned pale from Frank''s stare and hung her head in silence.

    Jade gritted her teeth audibly and hit her head audibly on the floor as she kowtowed twice. "I know

    things were unpleasant between us before, Mr. Lawrence. I even spat on your goodwill and doubted

    that you saved Luna. Please just spare my children. I''ll suffer your wrath in their stead!"

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    "Mom!" Both Luna and Jade cried, tears welling up in their eyes.

    Helen frowned at that and nudged Frank.

    "Alright," he said. "I''m not that petty¡ªconsider all debts paid. However!"

    The Southstream Lanes were all breathing a sigh of relief when Frank said all debts were paid, and

    their heart skipped a beat when his tone changed sharply.

    "Henry Lane has always wanted to return here, where he belonged," Frank said. "I hope you''ll send

    your people to bring his casket back here to be reburied."

    Then, turning to Jade, Frank said, "Meanwhile, you and your daughter shall return to Northstream and

    apologize to the woman you knocked down in your car and pay her threefold the damages."

    The Southstream Lanes kept kneeling, listening quietly as Frank listed his demands.

    Then, as Frank stayed silent for a long while, Gavin looked up in surprise. "Is that all? Isn''t there

    anything else?"

    Frank shook his head. "Nope.

    "Don''t you want some...pensation?" Roth suggested, fearful that Frank would change his mind

    given his misgivings toward Roth''s family. "Our family is one of the Four Families of Northstream, so we

    do have some money even if we''re not particrly influential."

    Frank was left speechless¡ªwhy did everyone insist on giving him money?

    Still, after some thought, Frank decided to take up his offer. "Fine. But I''m not interested in money¡ªjust

    pour in your resources in helping me find the Five Elemental Wonders. If you seed, I''ll buy them

    from you at a high price."

 Chapter 641

    Around an hourter, Frank turned down the Southstream Lanes'' invitation to stay for dinner and

    headed home with Helen, Cindy, and Gina.

    It had certainly been a rewarding trip. Even after Frank rejected further attempts to give him money, the

    Southstream Lanes managed to find a way to win his favor through Helen.

    Gavin swore on his honor that he would invest fully into Lane Holdings and assist the growth of Helen''s

    business while passing thete Mason''s estate to her in full.

    As for Jon, he was ultimately forced to honor his wager by his own brother Roth, albeit with a lighter

    punishment, as he only had to kiss his dogs'' bottoms.

    He was crying but had no choice but to do it, and he sped off to rinse his mouth and brush his teeth

    once he was done.

    Dayster, a group sent by the Southstream Lanes came over and brought Henry''s casket home,

    fulfilling hisst wish.

    Helen was at once emotional to see Frank going that far for her grandfather, just as she understood

    profoundly that he was worth giving the rest of her life for.

    And this time, neither Gina nor Cindy dared to say a word on their way home.

    They were delighted but also embarrassed to see Jade return all the stuff they were packing¡ªthat was

    the case especially for Cindy, since her suitcase was full of Helen''s belongings.

    Still, before they reached Lane Manor, Frank spotted a military helicopter on a hastily preparednding

    pad, drawing many bystanders who stopped to look.

    Frank felt a foreboding sensation when he saw the markings, and as he drove inside Lane Manor, he

    saw him¡ªan elderly white-haired man in a ck suit and a long white shawl around his neck.

    Frank instantly recognized him and scowled at his presence.

    It was Fenton, his father''s valet.

    On the other hand, Helen aligned, ncing nervously at the stern bodyguards nking Fenton as she

    asked, "And you are?"

    "Haha. You''re Helen Lane, I believe?" The kindly old man smiled and nodded, his presence genial

    unlike his escort.

    "Yes, I am," Helen replied, humble as she did her best not to appear impolite.

    "Oh, he''s definitely someone important. Maybe he''s on the level of the Lionhearts?" Gina spoke subtly

    to Cindy as she alighted.

    "Yeah," Cindy murmured. "I wonder who he''s waiting for."

    "Me." Frank''s expression was cool as he strode past Gina.

    "What?" Both Gina and Cindy were stunned by Frank''s hostile tone.

    As Frank approached Fenton and Helen, Fenton smiled and nodded as he saw Frank. "It''s good to see

    you again, Master Frank. How long has it been? Five years?"

    "Cut the crap. What are you doing here?" Frank snapped impatiently¡ªhe would ignore Fenton if he

    could.

    Helen frowned in turn. "Frank, he''s¡ª"

    Frank turned away, snorting. "Ignore him. Just go inside."

    Gina and Cindy would certainly not say a word.

    From N?velDrama.Org.

    It was already a surprise they were still alive, and seeing that Frank was not being friendly to the old

    man, they promptly pulled their suitcases along as they hurried into Lane Manor.

    Helen, however, remained where she was, hesitant.

 Chapter 642

    Given what Frank said, it was clear that the old man knew Frank and Helen herself.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    And Helen knew Frank enough that there was a fight between them.

    Helen then subtly nced at the helicopter in the distance. It was clear the helicopter had been parked

    there for a while, or it would not have drawn so many people.

    "Sir," she said. "Please don''t be upset with Frank. I understand you''ve waited for a while, so why don''t

    youe sit inside?"

    "Oh, you have good manners. That''s great." Fenton smiled.

    Before he could get in, however, Frank stood between him and the doors. "No, you don''t have to go in.

    Say what you need to say here and leave."

    Helen frowned at Frank''s rudeness.

    However, she also remembered that Frank was not the type who disrespected elders.

    And if Frank was being rude, she should not overstep and correct him.

    Nodding apologetically at Fenton, Helen hurried inside.

    "Go on. Say what you need to say." Frank glowered, his tone cool. "If you''re going to ask me to return

    to Cloudington on my father''s behalf, then my answer is no. Just give up already."

    Fenton was not surprised by his reaction and kept smiling calmly. "I''m not here to persuade you to

    return to Cloudington, sir. I''m just here to deliver Mr. Lawrence''s presence for Ms. Helen Lane¡ªit''s

    been ced in the drawing room."

    "And by the way..." Fenton paused for a moment before adding, "Silverbell has learned of your survival.

    She''ll soon arrive from Morhen."

    "Bell?" Frank paused, remembering the young girl who had always tagged along wherever he went,

    always calling out his name in her adorable little voice.

    How was she, after all these years?

    Frank''s expression rxed as those memories returned to him, though he said, "Anything else? Leave

    if there isn''t, and don''te back. Just tell my father I''ll return to Cloudington eventually, but not now."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence. I''ll pass your message word for word." Fenton bowed slightly before leaving with

    his escort.

    As the helicopter''s des whirled resoundingly as it took to the skies, all Frank felt was annoyance

    once more.

    He strode into Lane Manor and immediately found Gina holding a palm-sized box in the drawing room.

    She opened it to a narrow slit and quickly shut it when she saw what was inside. "Woah!!!"

    Cindy did not see it and walked up to ask, "What is it, Aunt Gina?"

    "A ruby the size of an eyeball!" Gina eximed, holding firmly onto the box even as she tensed up.

    "Let me see!"

    "Be gentle or you''ll drop it!"

    While Cindy and Gina were busy trying to im the ruby, Helen got off the couch to receive Frank.

    "Frank, who''s that elderly gentleman¡ª"

    "My father''s valet," Frank replied in annoyance, rubbing between his brow.

    Helen was shocked. "B-But you told me you didn''t have a family."

    Frank chuckled coolly. "Well, he''s dead to me."

 Chapter 643

    Gina hurried toward them just then, her expression thrilled. "Look, Helen! This ruby... Its hue is better

    than every gem I''ve seen at the expo! Gosh, how much would it sell for¡ª"

    "Mom!" Helen snapped angrily. "Could you not mess around with something so precious? We''re

    sending that back!"

    "What?! No!" Gina flinched, hugging the box in reflex as she stared at Helen in disbelief. "Your name is

    on the box, so it''s clearly meant for you! Why would you send it back?!"

    Helen shook her head. "It''s too valuable. I can''t ept it."

    Gina rolled her eyes at her insufferable daughter. "It''s someone''s sincerity! How could you reject it?!"

    She would not be sending it back either way!

    Cindy agreed. "Just take it, Helen. It''s a gift from Mr. Lawrence''s family, wishing you the best for your

    marriage with him."

    Helen turned to Frank instead. "You should send it back. I''d rather not owe such a huge favor."

    Judging from every word Frank had said earlier, Frank was clearly on bad terms with his family.

    Receiving their gift would most definitely upset him.

    "I have no problem with that." Frank shook his head. "Talnam has too many precious stones, and it''s

    worth nothing to the old man. Also, we''d have to talk to them if we want to send it back, which I''d rather

    not."

    "But." Helen nced at the ruby her mother was holding.

    It was sorge and fine in quality that it must be worth dozens of millions.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    Moreover, he could hardly make up for the misunderstandings she had toward Frank in the past, and

    epting the ruby would just make her feel even more guilty.

    Frank could see that she was feeling awkward about the issue and turned toward Gina. "I''m having

    Helen move in with me in Skywater Bay from now on. You and Cindy can stay here, and you can have

    that ruby. Don''t bother us if there''s nothing important."

    "What? For real?!" Gina eximed in delight at Frank''s words.

    "For real." Frank nodded and led Helen out of Lane Manor, though she still appeared troubled.

    "Frank, my mom. Urgh." Helen sighed after a moment of silence in the car, having no words for her

    own mother''s behavior.

    Frank thought nothing of it, driving as he spoke calmly, "I don''t care about your mom, but it''s more than

    worth it trading a ruby for you."

    Seeing that she was serious, Helen''s heart welled up with emotion and happiness, and she leaned on

    Frank''s shoulder as they headed to Skywater Bay as night fell.

    Unsurprisingly, Vicky was told that Helen had moved her things into Frank''s mansion in Skywater Bay.

    Hence, early next morning, she was standing outside the doorway in her business suit, her chest

    puffed and her lips pursed.

    She pressed the doorbell so hard that she could crush it, and when a groggy Frank finally answered

    the door, she snapped, "Frank Lawrence! Were you sleeping with Helen Lanest night?! When did

    you even rekindle that lost spark?!"

    Her words almost left Frank copsing.

    "Excuse me. Passing through..." Winter murmured as she hurried past them with her sling bag, poking

    her tongue out at the arguing couple before hurrying away gleefully.

    "Did you rat me out, brat?!" Frank red at her as she left, catching on right then.

    "Oh, what a nice day out! It''s such a good thing to go to school. I wonder what I''ll be having for lunch?"

    Winter kept ying dumb as she quickened her pace until she was gone from sight.

    At the same time, Vicky snapped, "Don''t change the subject, Frank! Give it to me straight!"

 Chapter 644

    Seeing that Frank was ready to hurry past her to chase down Winter, Vicky strode to the side and

    stopped him.

    Then, puffing her fair chest, she continued to interrogate him.

    Just then, a yawning Helen emerged in her pajamas. "Who was it, Frank?"

    Still, she was at once alert when she saw Vicky at the door, their eyes meeting with a dangerous,

    cracking spark.

    "No way!" Vicky growled through her teeth.

    "Yes way." Helen puffed her chest, smiling proudly.

    "I don''t believe you!" Vicky snapped, though she appeared dejected.

    "Believe what you want!" Helen stood akimbo beside Frank, asserting dominance.

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    Vicky was wheezing and ring hostilely. "I''m surprised you can go that far, Helen¡ªI''ll give you that!"

    "You tter me." Helen smiled victoriously as she leaned against Frank.

    "Stop it!" Frank had enough even as both women sandwiched him and stopped the confrontation.

    Sighing exasperatedly, he turned to Vicky. "You haven''t had breakfast, have you? Come in and eat.

    Madam Zims made breakfast for four."

    While Helen frowned, Vicky narrowed her eyes and smiled dangerously. "It''s fine. I''ll watch you eat." -

    The air remained tense between both women at the dining table, as both Vicky and Helen were ring

    fixedly at each other.

    Vicky then dished out the first blow. "I''ve checked. It didn''t happen."

    "Bathroom."

    "No way. Frank doesn''t like it there." Vicky grinned confidently.

    "No, he just hasn''t found the right person," Helen shot back.

    "Enough! Both of you, be quiet and eat!" Frank snapped, having had enough as he mmed a palm on

    the table.

    Helen and Vicky actually stopped for a moment, but they were soon eyeing a piece of bacon on the

    table, and their forks shed!

    Frank buried his face in his palms and sighed¡ªit was so difficult having these two share a room.

    "Heh, all mine." A groggy Mona suddenly appeared, scooping up the piece of bacon that Helen and

    Vicky were fighting over and eating it right then.

    "And who are you?" Helen and Vicky turned their crosshairs on Mona right then, suddenly allies.

    "The name''s Mona Fairfax, and I''m Frank''s¡ªhold on, where''s Winter?" Mona asked, suddenly realizing

    Winter was nowhere to be seen.

    "She''s left for school already," Frank groaned, hanging his head.

    "Whoops, I overslept! Why didn''t Winter wake me up?! Anyway, I''m going now!" Mona eximed and

    took the entire te of bacon with her as she ran outside.

 Chapter 645

    Mona called out, "Wait for me, Winter..."

    As her voice faded into the distance, Helen and Vicky''s were staring coolly at Frank.

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    "She''s a martial elite I met in Southdam. I took her in as Winter''s bodyguard," Frank replied.

    "Who''s a bodyguard.? Wait, is everyone gone already?" Kiki asked as she left her room.

    There were dark circles under her eyes, and her hair was a mess¡ªshe clearly did not sleep muchst

    night.

    Helen was left gaping as Kiki showed up before turning toward Frank in disbelief.

    He braced himself as he exined, "She''s Kiki Moss. She''s staying here to hide from the Soranos."

    "Hello, I''m Kiki!" Kiki shed a professional smile at Helen.

    Helen remained silent before asking quietly, "How many other women are staying here, Frank?"

    "She''s thest one," Frank quickly assured her.

    However, that was when Frida Blue also left her room, nodding at Vicky in greeting. "Hi Ms. Turnbull.

    I''ve made a full recovery, so I can return to work now."

    She then did a double take when she saw Helen, recognizing her as Frank''s ex-wife.

    Naturally, she caught on quickly to the brewing conflict as Vicky sat opposite Helen.

    "Gah..." Frank could curse out loud right then¡ªFrida could have left her room at any other moment, but

    did she have to do it now?!

    He had just assured Helen that Kiki was thest, only for Frida to show up. What was that if not a p

    in the face?!

    "What a shame." Vicky grinned gleefully when she saw the sullen look on Helen''s face. "Frank had no

    shortage of beautifulpany when you left him."

    Vicky predicted an outburst from Helen¡ªor for her to be riled up, at least. However, Helen simply

    snorted and held her gaze as she said, "And he doesn''t need them anymore. I''m enough for him now."

    "That''s not set in stone. You''re not remarried, aren''t you?" Vickyughed, shaking her head. "Tut, tut.

    Just imagine, a woman dumping a man, only to realize he was more important than she gave him

    credit for and start chasing after him instead. Leaves you with a bad taste in the mouth, doesn''t it,

    Kiki?"

    As Vicky turned toward Kiki, Kiki simply smiled before picking up her bowl of soup to flee, having no

    intention of taking part in Helen and Vicky''s war.

    Still, Helen said solemnly, "Bad taste notwithstanding, I know now that I''ve made a mistake, and if

    Frank gives me a chance, I''ll cherish our rtionship more than ever before."

    "Hmm..." Vicky was surprised Helen would say something like that¡ªthe old Helen would certainly not.

    It seemed that the mess with the Graves family left her matured, though this would make their

    competition fairer.

    "Alright, keep a lid on it for a moment¡ªlet''s talk shop," Frank said and took them to a random cafe by

    the street after finishing breakfast.

    Sitting between them, Frank watched Vicky. "Titus Lionheart has approached you, hasn''t he?"

    Vickyughed coquettishly, her feet dangling as she said. "I knew it was you. Who else in Riverton

    could have made the Lionhearts of Morhen submit?"

    Pausing, she then smiled. "Naturally, I rejected him. I''ve decided to stay in Riverton¡ªdon''t disappoint

    me now, Frank."

 Chapter 646

    Vicky raised a brow, her meaning all too clear.

    Frank said quietly in turn, "Anyway, I helped Bravo Lambert reim a plot ofnd that his gang rented

    to the Szars. The Szars built a factory over it, and their precision machinery for producing

    pharmaceutical products is still in there."

    "Really?" Vicky''s eyes lit up.

    "Exactly. After we took back thend, I rented the factory from Bravo, so I''m going to¡ª"

    "Aha! I expect nothing less from my head of pharmaceutical research." Vicky cut him short.

    "So? How much is Bravo asking for? I''m taking everything," she said, adding with a wink. "You''d get a

    twenty percent revenue cut too."

    "No," Frank shook his head. "I intend to sell the factory to Helen and Lane Holdings."

    "What?!" Vicky sprang to her feet before sighing in disappointment. "I see¡ªI get it now. I still have work

    to do, so I''ll be going."

    Frank caught her wrist before she could leave, frowning, "I''m not finished."

    "What''s there to say now?" Vicky chuckled, repressing her misery as she turned toward Helen.

    "Congrattions, you''ve won."

    Helen actually felt surprised and troubled that Vicky would suddenly throw in the towel, and she got up

    as well, suggesting, "We can split the factory."

    "Don''t pity me, Helen Lane." Vicky smiled bitterly, knowing from what Frank said that in his heart, she

    still did not measure up to Helen.

    And to think this was how it ended after she had sacrificed so much for him¡ªVicky couldugh at

    herself.

    "Just listen to me." Frank had read her mind from one nce, sighing exasperatedly. "Lane Holdings

    will be pouring in investment and human resources, while you''ll provide expertise and technology. That

    way, both of you can be proper partners¡ªsplitting the factory''s ownership would only cause further

    conflict instead, no?"

    Both women stared at Frank in confusion.

    Helen was going to speak but could not, whereas Vicky remained as blunt and as carefree as she was.

    Folding her arms before her chest, she eximed in surprise, "Oh my... Two-timing, Frank? You''ve

    really got balls."

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    That''s not what I want!" Frank retorted, swiping the sweat off his brow.

    Vicky kept smiling at him. "You don''t want to upset me but can''t bear to part from your ex-wife. Do you

    really think you can have your cake and eat it?"

    "Yeah." Helen sighed. "You disappoint me, Frank."

    "I just want you both to work together and make money!" Frank cried, feeling a head-splitting migraine

    just then. "That''s all!"

    "Fine, that will do. Guess I''ll just have topromise here." Vicky sighed, ncing at Helen and

    snorting.

 Chapter 647

    Helen nodded. "I agreed. I''d rather not put Frank on the spot."

    With that, the two girlbosses of Riverton shared the factory Frank repurposed from the Szars.

    Further details were up to those two¡ªit would not be Frank''s business either way. -

    At noon, Randall Young was sitting in his jewelry store at Riverton''s Square Street, holding up a

    magnifying ss as he studied a bright ruby.

    After a long while, he breathed a long sigh and put away the magnifying ss.

    Then, looking up at the girl standing opposite him, he cleared his throat. "Well, the luster and form rank

    it among the best of the best¡ªit''s a ruby fit for Talnam royalty. So, would you mind telling me where

    you got it from?"

    Naturally, Cindy was the one standing opposite Randall.

    She brought him the ruby that Fenton delivered, though she shook her head in hesitation. "It''s a gift. I

    can''t say."

    "You can''t say..." Randall breathed a long sigh and shook his head. "Ma''am, I''m actually afraid to buy

    this from you because it''s too valuable."

    Pausing for a moment in thought, he then said, "No, that''s not all. You must understand that this

    belonged to Talnam royalty! There would be a diplomatic crisis between Draconia and Talnam if they

    were to find out that somemoner got their hands on this!"

    Cindy was actually terrified by what Randall said. She certainly did not think that the ruby from Frank''s

    father belonged to royalty and could cause a diplomatic crisis!

    However, she did not give up and pressed, "But are you really passing up on this, Mr. Young?"

    "Well." Randall hesitated for a moment, and sighed as he raised five fingers. "I can take it for 500

    million dors. That''s twenty percent of its full value, but it''s all I can pay you because I can''t sell it

    anywhere other than on the ck market. You have to understand."

    "500 million?!" Cindy''s eyes could pop out, and she almost choked even as she stared at the ruby she

    was holding.

    And 500 million was just twenty percent of its full value. She had really hit the jackpot!

    That was when Cindy''s phone started ringing, and she quickly put the ruby in her bag before

    scrambling to answer it.

    Hello, Cindy? How did the appraisal go? Is the ruby real?" Gina asked from the other end.

    "O-Of course..."

    Cindy stopped himself as greed overcame her.

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    After all, there was 500 million dors at stake!

    Cindy promptly switched gears. "Of course it''s fake, Aunt Gina! We were all tricked¡ªit''s just some

    crude imitation made out of artificial ss worth 500 bucks at best!"

    "What?!" Gina almost copsed unconscious on the other end. "Are you sure, Cindy? There''s no

    mistaking it?!"

    "Of course there''s no mistake!" Cindy assured her. "Randall Young of Square Street personally

    appraised it. He''s never wrong!"

 Chapter 648

    Cindy finished, "You can trust Randall Young even if you don''t believe me, right, Aunt Gina?"

    "Frank Lawrence!" Gina shrieked right then. "You lied to me! I thought you''d finallye around, but

    you''re just tricking me with some ss orb! No, I can''t let him take Helen away like this. I''ll take this up

    with him. He could kill me in front of Helen if he wants!"

    After her rant, Gina hung up, while Cindy smiled greedily and passed Randall the ruby. "500 million it

    is!" -

    In the evening, Frank finally had Helen and Vicky agree about the factory.

    Before he could breathe a sigh of relief, however, his phone started ringing.

    "Hello?" Frank asked, and heard wheezing from the other end.

    "Hello?!" he pressed, his voice louder this time.

    Mona finally answered just then. "Frank! Winter and I are being chased on campus! No¡ª!"

    The call was cut off with Mona''s scream.

    "Mona?! Mona?!" Frank shouted, but his only answer was static beeping.

    "What''s wrong, Frank?"

    Vicky, who had just made an inventory of all the factory''s machinery, was in a good mood as she

    approached him.

    Still, she frowned when she found him shouting worriedly.

    "Winter''s in danger. I need to get to Riverton University!" Frank eximed as he picked up his jacket

    and rushed out of the factory.

    As he bumped into Helen, wearing a safety helmet and maintaining her usual cool beauty demeanor.

    "Where are you going, Frank?" she quickly asked, since she was nning to go home together with

    him.

    "Riverton University. Winter''s in danger!" Frank replied and leapt into his car without another word,

    speeding off and kicking up soot in his wake.

    "What''s going on? Why is Winter in danger?" Vicky asked as she stepped out, folding her arms before

    her chest.

    Helen appeared worried too. "Wouldn''t he be in trouble by going unprepared?"

    "Don''t worry. No one in Riverton is a threat to him." Vicky beamed,pletely confident in Frank.

    "And you should wear your safety helmet." Helen turned, her brow creasing when she saw Vicky

    wearing nothing on her head.

    She swiftly took a safety helmet a staff was holding and put it over Vicky''s head.

    "Urgh. Who wears these? It looks hideous." Vicky snorted in disgust and tried to take it off.

    Helen pressed it firmly on her head while snapping sternly, "You should follow safety regtions while

    on site, Ms. Turnbull. Set a proper example."

    "Hah!" Vicky retaliated by wrapping her arms around Helen''s waist, bringing her red lips close and

    blowing a puff into Helen''s ear as she giggled, "Are you worried about me?"

    "Hey!" Helen blushed, flustered. "I just want you to be serious!"

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    Vicky was always yful even at work, and a partnership with her was really taxing!

    Nearby, Bravo stared fixedly as Helen and Vicky cuddled, almost bleeding through the nose.

    He sighed¡ªFrank was certainly a lucky man, but why could he not be lucky too?

 Chapter 649

    Frank drove at top speed to Riverton University, arriving in under fifteen minutes when it would

    normally take half an hour.

    He narrowed his eyes as he immediately spotted the ambnces at the gates, feeling a foreboding

    sensation right then.

    He rushed toward it and found paramedics tending to several students, each bleeding all over their

    faces.

    Thankfully, he did not recognize any of them.

    Then, as he started toward the campus building, a girl suddenly appeared and got in his way. "Hey,

    stop! The cops have already set up a police line¡ªno one''s allowed in!"

    They were both surprised when they saw each other''s faces, since the girl was none other than

    Winter''s best friend, Jean Zims.

    "Frank?!" She appeared stunned.

    "What happened here, Jean?!" Frank asked, repressing his panic as much as he could.

    "I don''t know¡ªa bunch of ck-d men suddenly charged into the campus," Jean cried urgently,

    tugging on Frank''s sleeves. "They hurt the security and kept shouting for Winter, but Mona was with

    her. Mona was strong and managed to beat some of them, but there were too many, so they had to

    keep running."

    Jean then pointed at the circle of ck-d men at the campus doorway.

    "I saw Mona and Winter being chased into that building. A young man was leading them, and he

    threatened to burn it down. Many male students who tried to stop them were beaten up. Just wait here,

    I''ve already called the cops. Someone wille to stop them."

    Jean''s quick rundown gave Frank the general idea of what happened. However, considering that

    Winter had always behaved and stayed away from badpany, those ck-d men were most

    definitelying after him.

    "Make way!"

    Over fifty men-in-ck charged through the front gates just then.

    Frank nced at them, immediately recognizing them as Trevor Zurich''s bodyguards¡ªhe must have

    sent them over first thing.

    "It''s toote, Jean. Just stay here¡ªI''ll help Winter," Frank said, ignoring Jean''s attempts to stop him,

    and he started charging inside the building.

    Calm down, Frank!" Jean cried, but she was left stamping her feet since she could not stop him.

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    The onlooking crowd saw Frank running forward alone and started shouting at him too.

    "Hey, don''t go over there! They''ll beat up anyone who gets too close¡ªyou''d get yourself killed!"

    "Hey, isn''t that Professor Lawrence?"

    "Professor Lawrence? Who?!"

    "Who else... He''s the one who gave a lecture at the medical faculty!"

    "Stop him! He''d get himself hurt!"

    Seeing that the students were running to intercept him, Frank turned toward Trevor''s bodyguards. "You

    hold them there. Leave the rest to me!"

    "What.?" Their leader paused for a moment but soon recognized Frank and promptly directed his men

    to turn around and hold back the rowdy students.

    Meanwhile, smoke was billowing from the lower floors of the building, with sparks filling the air as heat

    unfurled.

    Frank''s pupils dted¡ªthe building was on fire!

    His pace quickened as he shot forward, turning into a blur as he streaked toward the lecture hall.

 Chapter 650

    A young man wearing a white suit and clearly appeared rich wasughing in front of the building.

    "Hahaha! Come out, beautiful, or you''ll be burned alive!"

    He was still holding the torch that ignited the gasoline poured around the building. His eyes shed with

    wild excitement as he watched the cinders danced, even as his crotch started swelling! -

    Meanwhile, Mona was pulling Winter as they ran along up on the fifth floor, hiding in an empty

    ssroom and coughing violently because of the smoke surrounding them.

    "Just leave me, Mona! Run!" Winter pushed Mona off, trying to get her to flee alone.

    There was no doubt that Mona would have gotten past those ck-d men''s encirclement if she were

    alone. Winter certainly knew that Mona was kept inside this building because of her.

    On the other hand, Mona was cursing under her breath. "Shit. I was just wondering why they weren''t

    coming after us... They''re setting fire to the whole building! That brat''s really crazy!"

    Then, pursing her lips and ncing behind at her, she said, "It''s toote for that, Winter. And if I ran, I''d

    feel guilty eating all the food your mom made for me every day. Do I look like an ingrate to you? Also,

    don''t worry¡ªI''ve already called Frank. He''ll be here soon."

    Since there was no changing Mona''s mind, Winter did her best to keep up and avoid the smoke. -

    As Frank arrived at the lower floors of the campus building, he was anxious even as he looked around

    the burning floors.

    "Who was that?!" Three ck-d men encircling it noticed him just then.

    "That''s my question! Who are you people, setting fire to a public ce?! You monsters!"

    Without another word, Frank danced through them, breaking their noses and flooring them even as

    they screamed.

    The third ck-d man was just about to move when Frank seized him by the neck, lifting him into

    the air before mming him on the floor. "Speak! Who are you?! Why are you after Winter?!"

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    "Just kill me! You''re not getting anything out of me!" the ck-d man bellowed, his teeth gritted in

    determination even though he was bleeding out of the back of his head.

    "Not going to talk?!" Frank snapped, impatient given the urgency of the situation.

    He rapidly tapped the ck-d man''s acupoints, and soon, the ck-d man started screaming

    even as he wed his own face, leaving a bloody mess.

    "Speak! Who sent you?!" Frank bellowed.

    "Kill me! Just kill me!" The ck-d man kept screaming.

    "Tough guy, huh?" Though surprised that he was resistant to acupoint interrogation, Frank did not stop

    there and sealed the man''s metatarsal acupoint, leaving him with bone-piercing agony that fired directly

    into his skull.

    "Argh!!!" the ck-d man screamed wildly, drawing the attention of the other ck-d men.

    Nheless, he soon confessed as it was agony no human could have survived. "Sage Lake Sect...

    We''re from Sage Lake Sect!"

    "Sage Lake Sect?! I see! Well, you''ve asked for it!"

    Incensed, Frank smacked the man''s scalp, shattering it.

    Then, he ran straight into the burning building, leaping onto crumbling pirs to head upstairs.

 Chapter 651

    The stairs inside the building had already copsed, and no one could go up from there.

    Frank simply scaled the handrail that remained with the agility of a monkey and leapt up to the fifth floor

    in just half a minute.

    "Mona! Winter!" he shouted as he released a burst of pure vigor to disperse the thick smoke.

    "Frank! Over here!" A meek shout from Mona could be heard from the lecture hall down the hallway.

    Frank rushed toward it, running along the wall to leap over a wall of mes, bounding through the fire

    and promptly pulling both Mona and Winter into his arms.

    While Winter had passed out, Mona looked up anxiously at him. "We couldn''t get out. The stairs were

    on fire!"

    "Just hold on tight!" Frank eximed.

    His vigor charging in his meridian nexus, he released a violent burst of pure vigor from his palm, parting

    the sea of mes before him and the ckened walls behind it.

    Bang!

    Outside the campus gates, Jean looked up, stunned by the violent explosion.

    She then saw the huge hole blown off the wall of the fifth floor, just before a person carrying two others

    in each arms leapt out of it!

    "Isn''t that... No!!!" Jean screamed even as he sped a hand over her mouth in horror.

    At the same time, Frank barked, "Five-Peat Archaeus: Phantom Stride!"

    All his pure vigor converged on his feet in an instant, unleashing a burst of wind.

    At the same time, Frank moved at extreme speed while carrying both girls, leaping from debris to

    debris as he jumped down.

    Eventually, he rolled as hended, sessfully bringing both girls down from the fifth floor unscathed!

    "Wow, that was so cool!" Mona''s face was covered in soot, but she whistled in excitement.

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    Winter stirred and saw Frank in front of her as soon as she opened her eyes. "Huh? Frank?"

    Frank nodded at her. "Yeah. Don''t worry, I''m here now."

    Winter smiled, assured since Frank was the coolest knight in shining armor ever.

    "Tut, tut." The young man in a white suit approached Frank from the back.

    The ck-d men from before arrived as well, slowly encircling Frank and the two girls.

    "Frank Lawrence, I presume?" The young man smiled, pping as he nced at the crumbling

    building. "You''re good, I''d give you that¡ªand here I was doubting if you actually did kill Bocek Ocean

    before."

    "Who are you?" Frank growled, slowly rising to his feet, the coldness in his eyes palpable.

    "Me?" The young man pointed at himself with a faint smile. "I''m the son of Dahok Ocean, chief of Sage

    Lake Sect. You can call me Maron."

    Then, rubbing his brow, he sighed. "Oh, Frank... I don''t know how you killed Bocek and Quinn, but

    you''ve really done it now. Did you think that the Sage Lake Sect wouldn''te after that?"

 Chapter 652

    Maron''s usation only left Frank puzzled. "Bocek and Quinn were killed?"

    "What, you didn''t know?" Maron paused beforeughing. "Don''t you think it''s toote to feign

    ignorance?"

    Frank frowned. "I didn''t kill them."

    "Oh, so you''re saying that they identally slipped while walking, and guh¡ªdied." Maron gagged as

    he made a gesture across his neck, smiling in amusement.

    "I don''t know what your sect is plotting. Either way, I''m innocent and there''s a witness right here," Frank

    said, turning toward Mona.

    Mona nodded¡ªshe was there when Frank fought Bocek. "He didn''t kill Bocek Ocean or his daughter

    Quinn. He let them go, and I saw that with my own eyes."

    "I see. So I''ve misunderstood." Maron nodded solemnly before grinning at Frank. "Or did you actually

    think I''d believe your crap for a second there?"

    Waving them off, he snorted. "It doesn''t matter now¡ªyou''re an enemy of Sage Lake Sect, and their

    deaths make no difference. So? Have you thought of how you want to die?"

    "No," Frank growled.

    Even if he was surprised that Bocek and Quinn were dead, he was not about to yield to Maron.

    He could immediately tell that Maron would never submit easily¡ªburning a campus building in broad

    daylight was proof of that.

    And since Maron did that without knowing if Bocek and his daughter had actually died by Frank''s

    hands, it was clear that conflict was inevitable today.

    "You have one chance, Frank. Break your own arms ande quietly to Sage Lake Sect with me, and

    I just might spare your family. Or else..."

    Maron licked his lips as he stared venomously at Mona and Winter with a vile smile. "All my brothers

    here will get a taste of your sister."

    Frank was briefly silent, before he chuckled as his solemn expression turned to a sneer.

    Those who knew him would be able to tell that someone had just touched a nerve.

    And right now, the air around them cooled as Frank''s dark aura unfurled from him like smoke.

    "Mona, take Winter and go," he growled. "I need to have a proper talk with Maron here."

    "Yeah," Mona was not worried since she knew the depth of Frank''s strength.

    She could also tell from his tone that he was furious.

    Beside Maron, one of the ck-d men murmured, "Sir."

    "Let them go. I''ll have them anyway, and it''d be a loss if we disfigured thedies'' faces before we get

    started."

    Maron nodded at his men for them to make way, watching as Winter and Mona left.

    Turning back to Frank, his eyes narrowed. "Alright, it seems like you''re not going toe here quietly...

    I guess I just have to be rough. Go!"Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    At his order, the ck-d men whipped out an assortment of weapons as they charged at Frank.

    "Heh. A bunch of pushovers trying to strut?" Frank snorted, and crouched slightly as he fired up his

    meridian nexus with his Five-Peat Archaeus technique. Streaks of pure vigor shot out from his very

    pores and a golden dragon materialized.

    As the dragon enfolded Frank in its embrace, everything around it seemed pitch-ck inparison.

 Chapter 653

    Maron''s eyes widened. "What?! The bastard''s pure vigor is so firm!"

    Even before he could react, Frank danced like a dragon, moving so quickly that he was leaving

    afterimages behind him.

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    He leapt into the ranks of the ck-d men and soon screams and smacking could be heard, while

    weapons and limbs were sent flying into the air.

    And the more Frank fought, the better he became.

    All the ck-d men were floored in five minutes, and Frank stood upon them.

    Punching thest one''s face inside, Frank sent him flying and rolling to Maron''s feet.

    With that, only Maron and Frank were left standing, with Frank ring at Maron in disdain. "That''s all

    you brought? A bunch of vigor wielding weaklings?"

    "Oh, I was not hoping for them to do anything to you..." Maron smiled. "They''ve bought enough time for

    me. See, I''m teaching you a lesson here, Frank Lawrence¡ªmight not make right. So what if you can

    hold yourself in a fight? You still need influence and connections."

    Laughing coolly, he said, "That''s all for today. If you don''te to my sect''s enve in Southdam

    tomorrow, you''ll just have to watch your own family rest in pieces. I mean, I''m fine even if you didn''t

    come. Hahaha!"

    Maronughed even as he started to leave, leaving Frank freezing up.

    "Stop!" Frank bellowed, but before he could give chase, Maron had already gotten into the convertible

    waiting within the campus.

    "Bye~" He chuckled, riding shotgun and shing both his middle-fingers at Frank. "Hahaha!"

    The Maserati''s engine rumbled as it shot away, leaving Frank behind.

    He stood in silence before turning and punching down the tree beside him, snapping the thick trunk in

    two and sending it crashing loudly to the ground.

    At the same time, the campus building behind Frank copsed with a resounding rumble as well.

    "Sage Lake Sect!" Frank snarled as he looked up, his eyes shing frighteningly.

    That was when his phone rang, and he answered it impassively. "What is it, Trevor?"

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence, but I''ve lost contact with all my bodyguards. My guess is Winter and Mona

    have been taken away, and the tracker we put on them was blocked as well. I couldn''t find them!"

    Understood," Frank growled and hung up.

    His phone then rang again, and it was Carol Zims calling this time. "Frank? There''s this bunch of

    people who just charged into the mansion and took Ms. Moss away... Do you know anything about

    that?"

    "Yeah," Frank said, feigning calmness since he did not want Carol to worry.

 Chapter 654

    Carol eximed, "Oh, then that''s a relief... Anyway, do you know if Winter and Mona areing back

    for dinner?"

    "No," Frank replied, doing his best to stay calm despite his fears. "Actually, none of us will be going

    back tonight, but we''ll be back tomorrow night."

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    "Oh, okay. Just stay safe with the girls, Frank."

    "Yeah, don''t worry."

    Frank hung up after assuring Carol, only for another call to arrive, this time from Bravo.

    "Mr. Lawrence. The Szars just came and took Ms. Lane and Ms. Turnbull away! My boys and I did

    my best to put up a fight, but they got away! I''m so sorry, I¡ª"

    "No, it''s alright. It wasn''t your fault," Frank assured Bravo despite his heart sinking right then.

    When he hung up, there was no hiding the murderous re in his eyes.

    "Donald Szar!" he growled through his teeth. "I gave you a chance! You''ve really done it now!"

    Suddenly, Frank''s phone rang again.

    This time, it was Gina, who started snapping as soon as Frank answered, "Frank Lawrence! To think

    I''ve believed for a moment you''ve turned over a new leaf. but you''ve tricked me! That ruby is just some

    piece of ss, not even worth fifty bucks! Forget lying to me¡ªyou''d lie to Helen too?! Your family

    thinks Helen is worth so little, do they?! You''d better make up for this, or you''re never marrying Helen!

    I''d rather die than let you marry her! Kill me if you can, you liar and bastard!"

    Gina''s fishwife ramblings left Frank snapping right then.

    "Shut up!" he bellowed and hung up immediately.

    Gina actually flinched on the other end¡ªeven if she had threatened Frank with her own life, she was

    certainly afraid.

    As she came to her senses after Frank''s outburst and hung up, she was clenching on her phone and

    eximing in disbelief, "How dare he. Telling me to shut up?! The insolence! Is that how he behaves if

    he wants to marry my daughter?! I''d rather die than let Helen marry that liar!"

    Even as Gina was busy getting hysterical over Frank, Cindy had already bought tickets to go abroad.

    Gina called her just as she passed the border control area. "Cindy? Where are you? It''ste now¡ªwhy

    aren''t youing home yet?"

    Though Cindy felt guilty from Gina''s question, Gina was already starting to rant about Frank insulting

    her, and urging Cindy to go back to Lane Manor. After that, they would go to Skywater Bay and find

    Helen, and expose Frank''s lies.

    "Forcing Titus Lionheart to concede? From where I''m standing, it''s all lies!" Gina spat. "Frank is a liar,

    and the rest of his family too!"

    "Huh... Anyway, I''m hanging up, Aunt Gina."

    "Hello? Cindy? Hello?"

    After Cindy hung up, she blocked Gina''s number and strode toward her flight gate without a care.

    She would start her new life now, with the 500 million dors in her savings ount.

    She could not hide her hopeful smile even as she envisioned the good life she would lead abroad.

    Naturally, she did not notice that a scrawny Talnam man had been watching her from her seat at the

    waiting lobby.

    Seeing Cindy striding through the flight gate, the man spoke into his earphone quietly. "Target has just

    boarded her flight."

 Chapter 655

    The voice in his headset issued an order in Talnamese too. "Follow her, and find out where she got that

    ruby."

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    "Yes, sir," the man replied as he got up, impassive as he followed Cindy, who was still reveling in

    delight. -

    Later that night, J said her goodbyes with her colleagues at Flora Hall, turned off the lights, and

    was ready to head home.

    Just as she picked up her bag, she noticed a slender figure copsed by the shadows of the wall.

    "What?" J moved closer to find a woman covered in injuries.

    Scabs had built up over her wounds¡ªnew and old, while her clothes were in pieces.

    "Hello? Hey!" J walked up, gently patting her on the cheek.

    "Frank... Frank Lawrence..." the woman suddenly murmured.

    "Frank Lawerence?" J eximed in shock and leaned in to listen to the woman''s feeble whispers.

    But there was no mistaking it¡ªshe had said Frank Lawrence.

    "Could she be Frank''s girlfriend?!" J promptly went to work, calling in her colleagues who had not

    let her carry the woman into Flora Hall.

    She was stunned when she turned on the light and saw the true extent of the woman''s injuries¡ªthere

    was not one inch of her skin that was unscathed.

    Blood had thickened, gluing the hole in her clothes to her injuries, while pus was growing almost

    everywhere.

    Her ribs and various other bones were broken, and her left thigh was bent in a horrific angle.

    It was a miracle at all that the woman was alive.

    "Go! Prepare the necessary herbs and tend to her injuries!" J ordered.

    She was a healer of virtue worthy of inheriting her grandfather''s legacy¡ªeven though it was obvious

    that the woman did not have any money on her, J refused to deny her help since she was on the

    verge of death.

    Moreover, the woman said a name J was very familiar with.

    While her colleagues cleaned the woman''s wounds and stabilized her, J headed outside Flora Hall

    to call Frank.

    Yes?" Frank asked, his tone clearly sharp, proving his bad mood.

    J searched her words, ncing at her busy colleagues as she said, "Hello, Frank. We just brought

    in this woman who''s thoroughly hurt and had copsed outside Flora Hall, on the verge of death. I don''t

    know her, but she was calling your name when we picked her up...Do you want toe over and see

    who she is?"

    Frank was actually annoyed with J''s call, but being told about a maimed woman calling his name

    left his hair standing.

    Could it be Kiki, or was some other woman Maron Ocean abducted?!

    "Just wait there. I''ll be right over!" he cried.

    "Sure¡ªhuh."

    J was just about to speak, but Frank had already hung up.

    Disappointment showed in her eyes as she listened to the static beeping, but soonposed herself.

    "Now''s not the time for fantasies, J," she muttered to herself as she adjusted her sses and

    threw away those messy thoughts, joining her colleagues again to help the woman.

    Frank arrived then arrived after ten minutes, rushing into the operating room before J greeted him.

    Still, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the woman''s bloodied face.

 Chapter 656

    The woman was Quinn Ocean.

    Still, Frank was confused even as he felt relieved¡ªhe clearly remembered letting Quinn and her father

    Bocek go.

    Even without her vigor and meridian nexus, she still had her martial arts.

    So what could have left her half-dead? Sage Lake Sect?

    Frank kept making theories, but blind guessing proved pointless.

    Instead, he turned toward the busy healers around Quinn, frowning as he urged, "Make way. Leave her

    to me."

    J walked up and asked, "Do you know her, Frank?"

    "Yeah," Frank directed his vigor into his fingers, tapping Quinn''s various acupoints rapidly without

    stopping.

    Soon, she coughed out a mouthful of clotted blood.

    "Needle!" Frank snapped, holding out a hand to J.

    "Oh... Okay!" J promptly ran to get a box of disinfected needles.

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    Whoosh.

    Frank grabbed a handful and spread them like petals over Quinn''s acupoints before taking out an Ichor

    Pill and feeding it to her.

    As the Ichor Pill took effect, color returned to Quinn''s cheeks, her eyshes twitching just before she

    opened her eyes.

    It took her several seconds toe to her senses. "Frank."

    "Don''t move. I''ve only treated your internal injuries, not your external ones," Frank said, frowning.

    "Mmmph." Quinn groaned as shey on the surgical table, her gaze troubled and miserable.

    "Tell me, what on earth happened?" Frank asked, while waving at J for her to leave.

    J was hesitant but did as she was told.

    Quinn waited until J was gone before biting her lip as her tears rolled, hatred shing in her eyes

    along with misery now.

    "It was the Szars," she rasped after a brief silence. "Donald Szarpletely lost his mind. He

    killed my father and tried to kill me, saying he''d me it on you so that Sage Lake Sect woulde

    after you in full force."

    Frank, however, frowned in suspicion. "How did you make it out alive?"

    "Me?" Quinn chuckled bitterly. "The Szars chased me up a cliff, and I had no choice but to jump into

    the river. I only survived by chance, and I''ve been running from the Szars since. I''vee to you,

    knowing that the Szars would be waiting for me along the path to Sage Lake Sect. I want you to tell

    the chief the truth, so that he would wipe out the Szars and avenge my father!"

    Seeing the zing hate burning in Quinn''s eyes, Frank knew for sure that she was not lying.

    Still, he shook his head after some thought. "Even if what you told me was true, there''s something you

    have to know¡ªthe Szers seeded. Sage Lake Sect came for me this afternoon, kidnapping me

    and forcing me to go to Southdam tomorrow."

    Quinn''s eyes widened at his words, her expression bing agitated.

    "No, absolutely not..." She wheezed, coughing blood as she leveled him a pleading gaze. "M-Mr.

    Lawrence... I''lle with you to Sage Lake Sect tomorrow. and expose Donald Szar''s true nature to

    our chief, Dahok Ocean!"

 Chapter 657

    Frank mused to himself even as he held Quinn''s searing gaze, but he eventually shook his head.

    "It''s probably toote. I don''t think anyone can reason with Maron Ocean, and Sage Lake Sect wouldn''t

    change their mind even if you returned."

    Pausing, he then continued, "Moreover, you''re worth nothing to the Sage Lake Sect after your father''s

    death. Instead of retaliating against the Szar''s like you said, Maron would just have me killed to get

    more out of this."

    Frank''s dissection left Quinn''s face paling in despair.

    After all, she knew that everything Frank said was right.

    As soon as Bocek''s meridian nexus was destroyed, he and Quinn knew that there was no longer any

    ce for them in Sage Lake Sake.

    They wanted to return just to gather their allies and use their reputation to reim whatever fortune

    they had before they left.

    Now that Bocek was dead, any influence he had had gone up in smoke.

    It was pointless even if Quinn returned now¡ªno one would listen to her, and she might even be

    eliminated at worst.

    After all, what purpose would a woman who had no cultivation and influence serve for Sage Lake Sect

    inparison to an influential family like the Szars?

    "T-Then what should I do?" Quinn sobbed, her voice shaking.

    Frank breathed a long sigh as he looked at her. "Just stay here and focus on getting better. You''re now

    not involved with Sage Lake Sect. I''ll go to see them tomorrow, and things would be fine if they listen to

    me... If they don''t, I''d just have to kill them all."

    He then turned to leave but paused without looking back as he told her, "By the way, I''ve healed your

    meridian nexus. Just rest, and you''ll be in fighting form again soon."

    And with that, he left without a nce behind.

    "T-Th..."

    Quinn wanted to thank him, but her words stayed stuck in her throat, and it was difficult to breathe them

    out.

    If not for Drakon Szar and his family, she would never have been Frank''s enemy.

    Likewise, it was her greed that led to her father''s death.

    Endless hatred welled up in Quinn''s heart, but she soon forced herself to look up as she made up her

    mind.

    Early next morning, Frank left White Court Hotel where he had been lodging, since it was close to Flora

    Hall.

    As he took his Maybach out of the parking lot, he suddenly found a woman standing at the exit,

    wrapped in a nket.

    Naturally, it was Quinn.

    "What do you want?" Frank frowned at her as he wound down the window.

    "I''ming with you to Sage Lake Sect," she said, her visage determined.

    With that, she simply stood in front of Frank''s car, her actions proving her resolve.

    Still, Frank shook his head. "Did you forget what I said? There''s no point in you following me. You''d just

    get killed for no reason."

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    "That''s fine by me." Quinn remained impassive.

    "You''re thoroughly hurt. You''d just burden me," Frank added.

 Chapter 658

    Quinn shrugged. "Don''t worry about me. They can kill me for all I care."

    Frank was actually surprised to see her acting tough.

    "Fine. Get in," he said and was left watching as she limped toward his car, struggling to get inside.

    It was clear that even with his miraculous Ichor Pill, one night was too brief for Quinn to fully recover¡ªit

    only stopped her injuries from deteriorating at best.

    In fact, moving would have ruptured it, and Quinn was bleeding from herp even as she rode shotgun.

    She was silent throughout their journey, her eyes staring ahead.

    Frank''s phone rang with a call from J Zimmer just then. "Frank... Have you seen the womanst

    night? She''s gone when I woke up this morning! Her injuries are still very severe, and her bones

    haven''t been realigned. I''m afraid."

    "Don''t worry," Frank said quietly, hearing the concern in J''s voice even as he nced at Quinn''s

    shaking fingers and bleeding legs. "She''s with me. I''ll treat her myself."

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    "Oh, I see." J sounded clearly disappointed.

    Then, as she mustered her courage to ask if Frank had time for dinner, she was left listening nkly to

    a static beeping as Frank had already hung up.

    She sighed softly. -

    On the other hand, Frank was driving as he quietly said, "Let''s stop by a hotel."

    "A hotel?" Quinn did a double take, her gaze troubled.

    Frank did not notice it and picked a hotel at random, booking a room.

    Right after she helped Quinn into their room, Frank pointed at the room and ordered, "Take off the

    nket and lie down."

    "Yeah."

    Quinn sat on bed, pulling off her nket and taking off her bleeding clothing.

    When Frank returned from the bathroom with a box of needles, he found her naked and avoided his

    gaze.

    Frank did a double take before averting his eyes as well. "Why did you take everything off?! Put your

    underwear on!"

    Quinn''s lips parted in confusion toward his outburst but ultimately stayed silent as she put on her

    underwear.

    Just doing that ruptured more of her wounds.

    She bit her lip as she watched Frank walking toward her, his arms outstretched and ready.

    "B-Be gentle," she moaned nasally.

    Her voice left Frank''s juices flowing.

    There was no doubt that Drakon Szar had good taste¡ªQuinn was beautiful. Though she would still

    be dull inparison to Vicky or Helen, she had the edge in maidenlike vulnerability.

    And at the moment, she was gently biting her lip, her cheeks flushed.

    Coupled with her long legs, fair skin, elegant figure, and the many bloody gashes covering her body, a

    man''s darkest and vilest desires would be set ame... and be bent on viting this delicate

    flower in the crudest manner possible!

    Frank breathed a long sigh topose himself, his eyes shing with a golden spark.

    He had no interest in Quinn''s body¡ªhe had gotten a room just to get some privacy and test a special

    acupuncture technique that he had learned from Mystic Sky Sect.

 Chapter 659

    The technique in question was the Needles of Nine Animus.

    Frank projected his pure vigor, coiling it around the acupoint needles as translucent threads after

    disinfecting them.

    Then, taking aim at Quinn''s acupoint, he focused all his attention to the epidermis as he slowly pressed

    one needle into her belly.

    "Ahhh." Quinn moaned in a way that would send imaginations running wild.

    "Hold on," Frank told her, breaking a rare drop of sweat over his brow.

    He had never used this acupuncture technique before, since he had only read about it in a book from

    Mystic Sky Sect''s forbidden section.

    This acupuncture technique elerated regeneration, regardless of how severe the injury could be.

    While that was as unbelievable as it was illogical, it was not a technique that healed all injuries and

    mdies. Instead, it was a radical technique to be used in extreme circumstances because it burned

    through the person''s potential and vigor limit in exchange for quickened regeneration.

    It was undoubtedly a double-edged sword for all intents and purposes.

    "Ooof." Quinn gasped in pain again as Frank inserted the second needle.

    At the same time, the pure vigor Frank coiled around the needle would rotate it rapidly, charging the

    limits of Quinn''s physical potential.

    As such, a patient needed great endurance to survive the bone-piercing agon of the Needles of Nine

    Animus while it was being applied. Even men who had been conditioned by years of physical training

    were known to start struggling before long.

    In fact, Frank was ready to subdue Quinn, but she turned out far tougher than he gave her credit for¡ª

    she braced against both needles, her body twitching but not struggling.

    Frank certainly had to change his opinion of her just then.

    "Just hold on!"

    Frank inserted the third needle, and Quinn finally cried out. Her fingers began to spasm, while all her

    bones cracked audibly.

    Then came the fourth. the fifth. and the ninth needle!

    As Frank inserted thest needle, Quinn seemed to be overwhelmed by the agony, falling unconscious

    even as her fingers sank into the sheets.

    At the same time, a miracle was happening: all her bloodied wounds were visibly closing, and even her

    snapped ribs and broken leg were fixing themselves ordingly.

    As her whole body convulsed, her tendons, meridians, and meridian nexus were all instantly restored

    to peak form.

    "Phew... And, up!"

    Frank flicked his fingers, and the nine needles shot out, pulled by his pure vigor and dropping loudly on

    the floor.

    Quinn opened her eyes right then.

    "What? I." She stretched out her arms and saw that her palms were fair and flushed, a far cry from her

    shriveled appearance before!

    Frank had long since turned away and said quietly, "Nothing to be surprised about. That acupuncture

    technique elerates your healing, but it also burns your potential. You wanted to avenge your father?

    I''m giving you a chance."

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    Quinn froze in her bed for a long while before dropping to her knees loudly at Frank''s feet.

    "Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence. Thank you." Her voice was choking with gratitude and regret.

    "I just don''t want you slowing me down," Frank replied. "Now let''s get you some clothes. We have an

    appointment at Sage Lake Sect."

 Chapter 660

    Frank never turned back as he strode out of the hotel room only to find arge group of people

    crowding the doorway outside.

    There were both men and women, and all of them were nodding in understanding when they saw

    Frank.

    Two men strode up right then, eximing, "That was amazing, brother!"

    "Damn straight. What supplements have you been taking? Can you give me a rmendation?"

    Frank did a double take, and it was only after a while that he realized what both men meant.

    The hotel was not particrlyrge, and the walls were thin¡ªQuinn''s voice must have resounded

    across the entire building

    "Leave a number, handsome?" Twodies whose bodies were only covered with bath towels even

    intercepted Frank on his way out, winking flirtatiously.

    "Sorry, not interested."

    Frank strode past them right then, though the two men gave chase right then. "Come on, brother!

    What''s your secret? Tell us..."

    Still in the room, Quinn was left staring nkly at the bloodstains on the sheets, and she also

    overheard the misunderstandings of the gossiping crowd.

    However, instead of getting angry, she actually felt embarrassed.

    Eventually, she left the hotel with Frank.

    Frank took her to a boutique, since her clothes were stained with blood and riddled with holes and

    almost unwearable.

    The retail assistant kept praising Quinn''s beauty, her tone making it clear that she presumed that Frank

    was Quinn''s boyfriend.

    Though Quinn quickly denied it, she kept sliding peeks at Frank with a hopeful look in her eyes.

    Frank could naturally read Quinn''s intention, but he really did not have time to waste on her.

    Things were still dire, with Helen and the others still in the hands of Sage Lake Sect.

    He whipped out the card Vicky gave him, had the retail assistant pick something for Quinn, and

    dragged her along as they hurried to his car.

    As such, the retail assistant was left pouting as she was just about to rmend something

    fashionable worth over tens of thousands.

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    Sage Lake Sect''s headquarters was in Southdam.

    Frank had wanted to call up Trevor Zurich and had him send a group with them but changed his mind.

    With Quinn, who was a member of Sage Lake Sect, they did not need numbers. In fact, they might

    even get in the way.

    "Dahok Ocean is our sect chief, but he''s usually training alone within his residence and basically never

    tends to sect affairs."

    Along the way, Quinn gave Frank a lot of information about the internal workings of Sage Lake Sect.

    "Although Maron is Dahok''s only son, it''s usually the elders who confer and decide on all affairs within

    the sects. My father has the final say as a high elder, and naturally he made many enemies because of

    that."

    That was when Quinn sighed. "Now that he''s dead, authority in the sect would fall to the elders. I alone

    won''t be able to oppose them, and our only chance is to sneak in and go straight to our sect chief. We''ll

    talk things through with him and ask him to take control over the situation¡ªthat''s the only way to save

    the people that Maron abducted unscathed."

    Believing that it was a good idea, Frank hence alighted on his own at the fringes of Southdam.

    While he strode boldly and alone through the front gates of Sage Lake Sect, Quinn sneaked in through

    the rear. Thanks to her familiarity with the internal structure of the sect, she headed straight toward

    Dahok''s residence.

    The Needles of Nine Animus did not just heal her injuries¡ªit restored her meridian nexus and vigor as

    well.

 Chapter 661

    Nothing was easier than for Quinn to avoid the guards and sneak into Dahok''s residence.

    She split up with Frank as he would be drawing the attention of the Sage Lake Sect leaders.

    He strode through the mountain gates and immediately saw the stately board on which the name ''Sage

    Lake Sect'' was carved¡ªcentury-old sects really did impress.

    The apprentices standing guard were glowering and barking when they saw Frank, "Who goes there?!"

    "Frank Lawrence of Riverton."

    The apprentices'' faces fell as soon as Frank replied, and they encircled Frank while one of them ran

    into the building to report.

    Soon, Maron Ocean and a group of Sage Lake Sect elders stepped out, standing above the stairs as

    they looked down on Frank with lofty contempt.

    Maron was still in his white suit, pping when he saw Frank. "Not bad. You have the balls toe

    here to die."

    The two elders with him scowled in disdain, snapping, "ying our apprentices and our high elder?!

    Get down on your knees and ept your punishment!"

    "What are you waiting for?! Kneel!"

    "Oh, calm down, Elder Huxley and Elder Randel." Maron smiled meaningfully. "We have another guest

    today, and Frank here certainly looks confidenting here alone. Why don''t we have him fight against

    our own elites, while our other guest offers some critique to improve ourselves and all that?"

    Both elders frowned at his suggestion.

    "Shouldn''t we keep our own problems to ourselves?" Elder Huxley soon asked.

    "Exactly. What happens in the sect stays in the sect," Elder Randel reasoned. "We should make this

    quick ¡ªcut Frank Lawrence''s head off as an offering to the souls of Bocke and our fallen apprentices."

    Maron raised a brow, however. "What, are you telling me what to do?"

    "No, of course not."

    Both elders were stunned by Maron''s dark look for a moment and quickly lowered their heads.

    Frank was actually surprised¡ªMaron was just the son of the Sage Lake Sect chief, and Quinn had just

    told him that the Sage Lake Sect''s elders were mostly the ones who called the shots. And yet, Elder

    Huxley and Elder Randel were clearly scared of him...

    "I''m giving you a chance now." Maron walked up to Frank just then, chuckling under his breath. "Do

    your best during the duel and even help me impress my guest, and I''ll let you and your lovers go. How

    about that?" "How about this?!" Frank suddenly bellowed, his hand suddenly shooting out at bullet

    speed as he seized Maron by the neck.

    One move, and Frank would snap it!

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    Elder Huxley and Elder Randel panicked, seeing how easily Frank caught Maron.

    "Insolence! How dare you behave with such impudence in our enve!"

    "Maron!"

    "I''m giving you a chance now," Frank simply growled at Maron, returning his threat word-for-word.

 Chapter 662

    "I''m giving you a chance now," Frank simply growled at Maron, returning his threat word-for-word.

    "Release them, or you''ll die!"

    Elder Huxley and Elder Randel''s faces fell at Frank''s threat, but Maron appeared perfectly calm.

    It was as he had expected Frank to attack and hold him hostage and did not even resist.

    In fact, he almost appeared perfectly content as Frank''s hostage.

    "Don''t move!" he snapped at Elder Huxley and Elder Randel as they were ready to save him before

    turning back to Frank and smiling. "Go on, do it. Kill me!"

    "What?" Frank was dumbstruck that Frank was that fearless.

    "Oh, don''t be so surprised." Maron chuckled. "Kill me right here if you have the balls, Frank Lawrence

    ¡ª but you have to think about it: none of your girls are going to get away alive if you do. If that''s what

    you want, then do it."

    Maron was absolutely confident that Frank would back down¡ªeven if Frank could crush his neck like

    he wanted, it meant burning bridges with Sage Lake Sect.

    Even Frank himself would have trouble bearing with the fallout, especially when Maron still held Helen,

    Vicky, Kiki, Winter, and Mona captive.

    Maron''s death would mean all five of them dead, which was why he did not care if he died.

    "So? Made up your mind yet?" Maron sneered at Frank. "Go on, be quick with it and have all your

    ladies die with me... or let me go and y by my rules."

    Seeing that Maron was immune to his threat, Frank turned coldly toward the Sage Lake Sect elders

    and apprentices. "Hand over the hostages, and I''ll let him live!"

    "Don''t listen to him!" Maron bellowed at them, seeing some of them were being swayed. "If you defy

    me, I''ll make it hurt even if I survive."

    To no surprise, everyone followed his orders, leaving Frank growling, "Damn it."

    He could not give up on Helen and the others, and that in turn meant he was helpless against Maron.

    Eventually, he released Maron, who pped him on the shoulder in satisfaction,ughing. "Not bad!

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    You''re a good man, biting off what you can chew."

    Still, he suddenly glowered and pped Frank across the face.

    Smack!

    It did not hurt Frank at all, but Frank was incensed inwardly.

    "But now that you''re in my house, you have to follow my rules." Maron sneered, whipping out his phone

    and brandishing it in front of Frank. "If this happens again, I''ll kill one of the hostages. Understand?"

    Frank looked up to see Helen, Vicky, Kiki, Winter, and Mona on the screen, all tied up and blindfolded.

    "I must say that they''re all so hot," Maron said, putting away his phone while whispering into his ear,

    "Yesterday, I almost had a taste of each of them personally... but I changed my mind. Do you know

    why?"

    He smiled fearlessly despite Frank''s murderous re. "Because I met someone better! I mean, looks

    matter the most for thedies, and I''m the son of the Sage Lake Sect chief and soon the chief. I need

    to weigh my decisions for the sake of the sect."

 Chapter 663

    Maron was endlessly pompous, clearly saying all he could to provoke Frank.

    "It just happens that I have a guest from Morhen, but how do I put this? We can''t afford to upset her."

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Maron sighed, shaking his head dramatically as he walked circles around Frank. "She''s so hot, but

    she''s also too powerful. She''d just kill me if I try to force myself on her¡ªthat''s why I need a fearless

    champion, and one who has nothing to do with Sage Lake Sect to take her down. But I don''t mean to

    hurt her, I just want to incapacitate her¡ªideally unconscious."

    "After that, leave everything to me," he finished, pping Frank on the shoulder and patting his cheek.

    "I''m counting on you, Mr. Lawrence! If you do, I''ll..."

    Maron trailed off as he switched gears. "Hold on, letting off a martial elite like you so easily is a waste.

    Let''s do it this way instead¡ªI have five hostages, but you can pick the one I release while I release

    each of them after you fulfill a task for me. Generous, aren''t I? That''s decided!"

    Maron was going to strode off contentedly when Frank chuckled behind him.

    "What? What''s so funny?" Maron scowled, his smile fading right away.

    "I''m surprised someone in Sage Lake Sect is that shameless, and."

    Frank wiped his own face as he grinned at Maron. "You''re really asking for it!"

    Quinn scowled at the sight of Frank''s grin.

    Snorting, he suddenly leapt up and punched Frank in the stomach.

    He really was Birthright rank and did not hold back from unleashing his vigor with his punch, almost

    bringing Frank to his knees.

    As Frank straightened himself, his expression was cid even as he chuckled coolly. "Well done,

    Maron. You''ve really pissed me off now. I''ll remember this grudge¡ªjust don''t start bawling like a baby

    when you get your just deserts."

    His arrogant attitude left Maron''s eyes shing viciously. However, even as Maron raised his fist to

    punish Frank again, their eyes met, and he backed down, lowering his knuckle.

    "Keep talking all you want. There''s all the time for you to regret it." Maron snorted and strode off with

    Elder Huxley and Elder Randel.

    The Sage Lake Sect apprentices kept Frank surrounded as they entered the enve.

    Sage Lake Sect was certainly worthy of its hundred-year history.

    Not only did they own all of Sage Lake Hill, but Frank also saw a vast square as soon as he entered

    the enve, where countless apprentices were training.

    Various stairs leading to different ces branched away from the square, leading to the conve,

    barracks, shrine, and dojo.

    Frank was led toward the conve, and he could hear Maronughing even before he entered.

    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Silverbell. I was held back tending to some mundane issues

    concerning my apprentices¡ªI can only ask for your understanding."

    As Frank strode into the conve, Frank quickly saw Maron on the main seat, with a woman seated in

    the guest''s chair.

    Her white silky dress made it appear as if she was shrouded in mist.

 Chapter 664

    Silverbell had the air of a goddess unsullied, her skin fair as snow, and she kept her hands primly on

    herp as she stared at Maron fixedly.

    "If memory serves, I should be meeting your sect''s chief, Mr. Maron. Or perhaps he''s dismissive of my

    disposition as chief of the Martial Alliance, which exins his absence?"

    Her words were sharp despite her unsullied appearance. Her voice was cool as spring, and it left

    Maron''s face stiffening right then, even as he forced a smile. "That''s not true, Lady Silverbell. My father

    has always secluded himself in his residence for his routine, but he recently got hurt and is

    recuperating. He also delegated his duties to me¡ª"

    "In that case, I shalle back another day." Silverbell rose to her feet right then, ready to leave.

    Maron quickly stopped her, shing an apologetic smile. "Please, Lady Silverbell. It doesn''t mean we

    don''t have any champions to represent us just because my father is hurt."

    "Really?" Silverbell stopped, saying quietly, "You know the rule. Your champion mustst twenty strikes

    against me to earn a ce in the Martial Alliance. However, I''ve never sensed the presence of anyone

    who wouldst five strikes from my sword, and you only get one chance, so you''d do well to be

    prudent."

    Damn you, woman! How dare you belittle Sage Lake Sect!

    Though Maron was cursing Silverbell endlessly in his mind, he was not about to pass up on a chance

    to join the Martial Alliance.

    First and foremost, Cloudnine Sect of South Sea had helped them fight for this chance. And Maron had

    every intention to use this opportunity to prove that he was superior to his father in charisma and

    competence and legitimately inherit the sect.

    Secondly, joining the Martial Alliance was a good thing¡ªthey would gain ess to the alliance''s

    resources, while Sage Lake Sect would also secure influence in the eastern region of Draconia.

    Thirdly...

    Maron ever so subtly ogled Silverbell''s lofty demeanor and her perfect figure.

    He could not wait to taste her already.

    In fact, he had lost all interest in other women the instant heid eyes on her¡ªthey were all mundane

    inparison to her, and the sense of aplishment of conquering Silverbell far outweighed the

    rest.

    "Lady Silverbell." Maron smiled. "The elders of my sect drilled overnight to cast abat ward. They

    may be personallycking to you, but if theybine to cast thebat ward, I''m sure even you won''t

    fare well against them."

    "Really?" Silverbell was actually curious. "Then let them cast it. Show me what Sage Lake Sect can

    do."

    With that, Silverbell strode out of the conve but paused, as if sensing something, when she passed

    Frank.

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    Frowning and ncing at him quizzically, she found his face familiar but could not ce it.

    It was true that she had met countless individuals as the chief of the Martial Alliance, but there was just

    something different about Frank. In fact, her heart that had always remained calm thanks to years of

    conditioning fluttered when she saw Frank''s face!

    "You are...?" she blurted.

 Chapter 665

    "Hahaha..."

    Maron wasughing as he came over, throwing an arm around Frank''s shoulder. "Lady Silverbell, this

    is my friend, Frank Lawrence."

    "Frank Lawrence.?! No, that''s impossible."

    Silverbell''s cool gaze flickered for a moment, showing confusion and reminisce. However, it onlysted

    for a moment as she regained her coolposure, and she threw those thoughts away.

    She hade to East Draconia for Frank Lawrence¡ªDonn Lawrence, to be precise.

    Donn was the son of Godwin Lawrence, the Lord of the Southern Woods. Silverbell was told that Donn

    had found sess in Riverton, and she had traveled there to meet him. to clear the air and annul the

    engagement their parents decided for them while they were children.

    As for the man before her. Even if he had the same name, Frank should not be here in Southdam, let

    alone get involved with Sage Lake Sect.

    After all, Sage Lake Sect was a minor cabal in a remote location¡ªthe Lord of the Southern Woods'' son

    would never keep such frivolouspany.

    Presuming that this man of the same name caused a misunderstanding, Silverbell shook her head and

    drifted away before Frank said a word.

    Frank frowned even as he looked on¡ªhe recognized her even though she could not recognize him.

    It was indeed Silverbell, the daughter of his father''s valet.

    She did not go by anyst names¡ªFrank remembered naming her Silverbell himself. -

    When Donn was young and ying in the woods, he chanced upon Fenton telling Godwin that he was

    gifted with a daughter and asking Godwin to name her.

    Though Godwin was happy for Fenton, he let Donn do the naming. However, Donn was just a boy at

    the time, and the wind chimes dangling beneath the roof just happened to catch his attention. He

    suggested Silverbell right then and was surprised that Fenton took it seriously.

    With that, Donn had a ymate until he was ten, when his mother was in in a revenge killing.

    Under the rain and thunder, Frank clutched his mother''s lifeless body and cursed her father for being

    too much of a coward to avenge his own wife.

    Eventually, Donn became Frank, parting ways from his father and leaving Cloudington, eventually

    joining Mystic Sky Sect.

    Now that he thought about it, it had been over a decade since they hadst met¡ªshe had since

    be a woman of marvelous beauty and had the martial caliber to be chosen as the chief of the

    Martial Alliance.

    Frank actually had no idea what the Martial Alliance was all about. Given Maron''s attitude, however, it

    was definitely no child''s y.

    He did not take offense that Silverbell did not recognize him either, since people changed¡ªespecially

    over twenty years.

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    Still, he felt content, seeing that the young girl who always tagged along when he practiced martial arts

    had be such a goddess and remembering the cute way she used to say his name^

    That was when Maron pointed at Silverbell, chuckling under his breath, "What do you think, Frank?

    That figure, that ass, and those pretty cheeks... Don''t you just want to defile her viciously in bed?"

 Chapter 666

    "Whether I can do that tonight depends entirely on you. Hahaha."

    Maronughed heartily as he strode off, leaving Frank standing there, clenching his knuckles as his

    visage shed murderously.

    One way or another, Maron would die tonight!

    Soon, Frank followed the Sage Lake Sect apprentices to the enclosed dojo, where he immediately

    spotted the white-dressed figure drawing her sword.

    A faint pure vigor wafted among the Sage Lake Sect elders even as they encircled her, resonating

    harmoniously somehow.

    "Abat ward.?" Frank narrowed his eyes.

    It wasmonly practiced by sect apprentices, requiring resonance in pure vigor and psyche.

    Moreover, mostbat wards would enhance the individuals within while diminishing any

    disadvantages¡ªpushing them beyond what they were usually capable of.

    "Don''t worry, Lady Silverbell!" one of the elders barked. "This Divine Lotus Ward has never been

    beaten since its conception!"

    "Hmph."

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Both Frank and Silverbell snorted at the same time¡ªno sect ever got to brag when it came tobat

    wards because the strongest wielders ofbat wards resided at the borders of Draconia.

    Take, for example, the twelve generals serving the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    Thebat ward they cast in tandem was genuine in every sense of the word.

    Working in perfect unity, they wouldplement each other while instantly pushing their Ascendant

    rank cultivation to peak potential, and even Divine rank elites would have trouble holding their own

    against them.

    It was a godly stroke, and even the world would falter in their wake. Modern artillery would be futile

    against it. as such, one had to describe the ward cast by the Sage Lake Sect elders as ''pathetic''.

    "How amusing," Silverbell said, looking at thebat ward cast around her before ncing at Maron in

    the distance. "I''d advise you to give up if this is all Sage Lake Sect is capable of. A measly sect like this

    has no business joining the Martial Alliance."

    "Go!" Maron snapped at the Sage Lake Sect elders, as Silverbell''s mocking left his cheek clenching.

    "Apologies, Lady Silverbell!" the Sage Lake Sect elders bellowed as they took to the air, spinning like

    tops in the air as they cast theirbat ward and charged at Silverbell.

    "Ignorance." Silverbell''s eyes shed coolly, seeing that they were stubbornly attacking.

    With a flick of her sword, dozens of beams fired away from her word like a blooming flower.

    One elder''s clothes was left in pieces, while the one beside him was screaming as he was sent flying.

    Even before the Sage Lake Sect apprentices realized what was happening, Elder Randel was covered

    in a dozen gashes, bleeding like a stuck pig and barely alive.

    All the Sage Lake Sect apprentices gasped.

    The horror! Elder Randel was one of their strongest leaders, but he did not even survive a single strike

    from Silverbell?!

    The other two elders left standing nced at each other, and they subtly drew out a pack of white

    powder.

    Without another word, they charged at Silverbell from both sides.

    Thud!

    The one on the left was lobbed into the air by Silverbell''s sword, while the elder to the right was sent

    flying as well, coughing blood after Silverbell kicked him.

    However, in the instant he was kicked, he managed to sprinkle his white powder on Silverbell''s foot

    without her noticing.

    Seeing the confirmation gesture from the kicked elder, Maronughed as he walked up, pping,

    "Hahaha! One could expect nothing less from you, Lady Silverbell. Our elders are really pushovers in

    comparison."

 Chapter 667

    Seeing that Maron actually knew his ce, Silverbell nodded impassively. "In that case, your

    application to the Martial Alliance is now forfeited. Only approach us in Morhen again if one of yours

    actually reaches Ascendant rank. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

    She started to drift away, but Maron stopped her again. "Please wait, Lady Silverbell."

    "What?" Silverbell''s expression cooled, staring pointedly around at the Sage Lake Sect apprentices. "Is

    there anything else you have to add?"

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "Certainly." Maron strode forward, shaking his head. "Like you said, my sect''s right is rightly forfeited.

    But won''t you agree it''s a pity when my father just happens to be incapacitated, and the chance that

    Cloudnine Sect fought for us would onlye to waste?"

    "What are you trying to say?" Silverbell growled impatiently.

    "Patience, Lady Silverbell." Maron smiled politely. "Even if current members of my sect have failed, my

    friend here is willing to join and help us fight for this chance, and he''s a formidable one."

    "Your friend?" Silverbell frowned as she turned toward Frank without knowing but soon shook her head.

    "I remember saying you only have one chance, Mr. Maron. You failed to take it, and asking for a third

    party''s help is against the rules."

    "Come now, Lady Silverbell!" Maron eximed in dramatic misery. "What''s another match when you''re

    that strong? My friend herees from distantnds too, and it won''t do for him to leave in

    disappointment. Can''t you give us another chance for the sake of Cloudnine Sect?"

    Before Silverbell could say another word, he threw up a palm. "I swear this will be ourst chance. We

    will never bother you again if we lose!"

    Silverbell certainly wanted to say no but felt that curious sensation from before as she nced at Frank

    again, who remained impassive.

    After some thought, she nodded despite herself. "Fine. Seeing that your father is unduly incapacitated,

    I can give you another chance. But this shall be thest."

    "Of course! Certainly!" Maron eximed delightedly, his eyes narrowing as he returned to Frank. "I''m

    sure I don''t have to borate, do I? If you want yourdies to survive, go all out and bring that

    pompous bitch down a peg. If you don''t..."

    Maron trailed off but raised his phone to show a ck-d man smiling as he tore through Helen''s

    sleeve, baring her fair skin.

    "No¡ª!" Helen screamed and flinched in fear, while the ck-d manughed and stood akimbo.

    Theughter left Frank clenching his knuckle so hard it could break.

    Maron chuckled darkly in turn. "If you lose, the guild will have their way with them... No woman ever

    survives, just so you know."

    "Understood."

    Frank nodded, impassive as he strode past the Sage Lake Sect apprentices as they cleared a path.

    As he made his way toward Silverbell, who stood with sword in hand, she hesitated for a moment

    before asking, "Frank Lawrence. Have we met before?"

    "Hmm.?" Maron frowned at the question that seemed to havee out of nowhere.

 Chapter 668

    As Frank looked up to meet Silverbell''s eyes, he said quietly, "No, Lady Silverbell. It''s our first

    encounter, just as this is my first time hearing about the Martial Alliance."

    "The Martial Alliance." Silverbell spaced out for a moment and started exining for some reason, "The

    South Sea Four founded the alliance, and only notable sects or factions in Draconia are offered a

    ce..."

    It was only at the end that she came to her senses, frowning as she wondered why she would exin

    the Martial Alliance to some punk she did not know.

    Swish!

    She whipped her sword, speaking quietly, "Less talking. Since you''re representing Sage Lake Sect for

    their trial, you must be prepared. Show me what you have and whether the Sage Lake Sect is worth

    the alliance''s time!"

    "Go, go, Frankie!" Maron cheered for Frank with fake enthusiasm, waving his phone at Frank at the

    same time to warn him against pulling anything funny.

    Frank was not actually going to do it¡ªif he were to be honest, he would like to see how much Silverbell

    had improved, as he had not met the brat for a decade.

    Turning toward one of the Sage Lake Sect apprentices nearby, he held out his hand. "Lend me your

    sword."

    "Sir.?" The apprentice was taken aback and turned toward Maron.

    Maron nodded¡ªhe certainly wanted Frank to win.

    Frank caught the sword thrown at him and calmly walked up to Silverbell without assuming any stance.

    "You''re testing your skill with a sword against mine?" Silverbell frowned.

    Her specialty was the sword, and Frank was challenging her with what she was best at?!

    "Come at me," Frank said and stopped talking.

    As he strode up, he slowly remembered the footwork and strokes of the strongest sword style of Mystic

    Sky Sect: the Wandering Nephrite.

    The fact that he did not assume a stance left Silverbell frowning further.

    "Such an amateur. Whatever, time to crush your dreams," she said and leapt forward, unleashing the

    first strike.

    Her sword hummed as a deafening sword beam shot away, aimed squarely at Frank''s shoulders.

    ng!

    But while Silverbell presumed it was over with her first stroke, she was left stunned to see Frank

    parrying her beam.

    And when she was left stunned, Frank moved, leaping forward at breakneck speed and leaning forward

    so much that he looked as if he would teeter and fall.

    It would take a trained eye to see that he was using pure vigor to pad his feet, and he would never

    actually fall.

    At the same time, he swung his sword straight for Silverbell''s kneecaps.

    "Huh?" Silverbell was surprised by his opening stroke¡ªwhere had he learned such a move? She had

    never encountered anything like that!

    ng!

    Lifting one leg and standing on the other, she lightly swung her sword and parried Frank''s ethereal

    blow.

    But even before she could switch to the attack, Frank slid his pure vigor along her sword while he leapt

    past her nk.

    ng! ng! ng!

    In a brief instant, Frank unleashed over a dozen strokes, leaving the Sage Lake Sect apprentices

    dumbstruck.

    While Silverbell had every reason to be appointed Chief of the Martial Alliance, Frank''s swordcraft was

    just too unpredictable and vtile that she kept being caught by surprise.

    Still, she kept parrying Frank''s blows thanks to her years of experience and even switched to attack.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 669

    Elder Huxley walked up to Maron, his tone hesitant. "Master Maron, isn''t Frank Lawrence..."

    Maron shrugged. "He''s better than I thought, able to challenge that bitch as an equal."

    "But what about the chief¡ª"

    "Silence," Maron growled as he shot him an icy look. "He''s barely alive, so shut it unless you want all of

    us dead!"

    "Yes, Master Maron." Elder Huxley sighed heavily.

    "Come on, Elder Huxley." Maron chuckled, seeing his concern. "I know that it''s hard on you as an elder

    of our sect, seeing how things have turned out. but would you rather have Sage Lake Sect stay stuck in

    measly Southdam for another hundred years?!"

    "Just think about it in another way," he continued with an enigmatic smile. "Bocek Ocean is dead, and

    my father will soon be too. Who else would know what we did? And once this match is over and I have

    my way with Silverbell, do you know what''s going to happen?"

    Elder Huxley shook his head. "I''m not sure. and I''m confused. Wouldn''t Lady Silverbell punish us?"

    "Punish us?" Maronughed confidently and pointed at Frank, who was still fighting against Silverbell

    intensely. "Why would I be punished? What crime have Imitted? It''s all Frank''s fault for drugging

    Silverbell with Passion Dust. I was merely aiding her in her distress but was caught in the moment as

    Silverbell was overwhelmed with passion.

    "The rest will be history." Maron''s grin broadened. "Frank will be dead, while Sage Lake Sect will be

    epted into the alliance after I have Lady Silverbell''s body. And you elders will benefit from this too,

    don''t you think? The sky''s the limit¡ªthat is, after we join the Martial Alliance. How is that not better

    than suffering the whims of my old man or Bocek Ocean?"

    Elder Huxley''s eyes lit up, and he bowed in deference. "Your n is wless, Master Maron. I''m

    earnestly impressed!"

    Maron snorted, and he sat leisurely on the chair that some Sage Lake Sect apprentices brought.

    "Indeed. Now, let''s just wait for the drug to kick in¡ªonce it does, we''ll me Frank for it!"

    ng!

    ng!

    ng!

    The sh of swords between Frank and Silverbell raged on.

    With abination of misdirection and blurring speed, Frank''s swordcraft continued to befuddle

    Silverbell,ing deadly close on asion.

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    Silverbell was not backing down, however¡ªit was rare for her to encounter a sword master of Frank''s

    caliber, and she unleashed all the techniques she kept sheathed without a care.

    "Rain of des!" she bellowed as she vaulted to the air, firing a multitude of sword beams at Frank as

    if it were raining.

    Frank was quietly impressed¡ªthe brat had improved by leaps and bounds, and swordcraft alone was

    not enough to defeat her.

    "Dancing Storm!" he cried as he swung his sword in turn, as if cutting through the rain.

    He unleashed a burst of sword beams of his own, parrying the rain of beams that Silverbell unleashed.

    In the distance, Maron narrowed his eyes. "That''s over thirty strikes!"

 Chapter 670

    As Frank and Silverbell''s sword duel intensified, Maron grew more wary of either of them.

    At the same time, he felt lucky he had never fought Frank directly... or he would end up a corpse

    already!

    "Take this¡ªThousand Mile Burst!"

    A blur shot down from the above.

    Too fast for Frank to avoid, he had to raise his sword to parry in the heat of the moment.

    ng!

    The silver beam shattered the sword even as Frank looked on, and it never stopped as it kept pressing

    toward Frank''s face.

    "Oof¡ª" Frank grunted as he stepped backward, and he touched his forehead to feel blood welling out

    of a shallow scratch.

    "I lost," he said, throwing the hilt on the floor and openly admitting defeat.

    "No, you''ve won," Silverbell said even as shended, her fingers twitching around her sword.

    She leveled a look of mixed emotions at Frank before shaking her head. "It''s the rule¡ªanyone in any

    sect who canst twenty strikes from my de earns their sect a ce in the Martial Alliance. And

    you''ve survived more than fifty."

    ncing at the shards of the broken sword around the floor, she sighed in disappointment. "And it''s not

    as if you were incapacitated¡ªthe sword you wield was just too crude. I have to admit that you''re a

    ss above me."

    Swish.

    Silverbell sheathed her sword, nodding calmly at Frank. "You''ve cleared this trial."

    "Thank you." Frank nodded in turn, not denying it since it was the reality.

    When the best of the best stepped into the ring, they pitted their skills and warrior''s mind against each

    other.

    It was especially the case in swordcraft, with swords being elegant weapons wielded in a civilized time.

    Those without virtue could not hope to direct their sword to strike true, let alone cultivate their

    swordcraft to the pinnacle.

    "And since you''ve won, I hereby announce that Sage Lake Sect. is eligible."

    Silverbell suddenly paused before turning toward Frank in disbelief and dropped to the floor limply, her

    cheeks flushed and her breathing rushed.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "It''s working!" Maron eximed in delight, leaping out of the crowd and pointing at Frank as he

    bellowed in righteous indignation, "What do you think you''re doing, Frank Lawrence?!"

    "Hmm.?" Frank turned to Maron in confusion.

    As the Sage Lake Sect apprentices looked on, Maron kept snapping, "To think I treated you as a friend!

    How dare you resort to such underhanded moves!"

    "Underhanded moves?" Frank was left further confused about what Maron was up to.

    Maron simply ignored him and bellowed, "I''m taking Lady Silverbell to the infirmary¡ªI saw Frank

    blindside her with a white powder just now!"

    Then, turning towards Elder Huxley, hemanded, "Restrain him! Also, all other apprentices are to

    stay away from the infirmary and avoid getting into trouble."

    Then, he went up to Silverbell to help her to her feet, but she pushed him away. "Sage Lake Sect...

    When did you. poison me?!"

 Chapter 671

    Silverbell''s bellow actually gave Maron pause, but he wheeled on Frank again. "It was during thest

    blow¡ªFrank released some sort of powder out of his sleeve. I thought I was seeing things, but it''s

    real!"

    "I saw it too!" Elder Huxley bellowed and pulled Frank''s sleeve, knocking off a pile of Passion Dust from

    Frank''s sleeve.

    "What..." Frank was dumbfounded, as he clearly saw Elder Huxley sprinkle the powder on his sleeve

    right then.

    Elder Huxley simply leaned close, growling a threat under his breath, "Don''t you dare argue. You know

    what happens if you do."

    "F-Frank? Why.?!" Silvebell was wheezing, sweating buckets as her gaze turned unfocused.

    Frank remained silent¡ªif he maintained his innocence, Maron would retaliate by hurting Helen and the

    others.

    "See? He''s silent because he''s caught red-handed!" Maronughed darkly at Frank and carried

    Silverbell to the infirmary. "Don''t worry¡ªour best healers will cure you soon enough!"

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    "So that''s what he''s up to." Frank''s eyes shed violently as he watched them leave, finally realizing

    Maron''s game.

    On the other hand, Elder Huxley grinned, baring his yellowed teeth. "Well done, Frank. Since you''ve

    done this much, we''ll refrain from hurting your women for now."

    "We had an agreement. You''ll release one hostage after I win," Frank said, impassive.

    "Oh, I wouldn''t know about that." Elder Huxley shrugged, his expression smug. "We''ll see what Master

    Maron says after he''s done."

    As the other Sage Lake Sect apprentices left, Frank stood alone at the center of the square, his fists

    clenched in silence.

    He was in a dilemma.

    Should he charge into the infirmary and butcher Maron just because he did not want Silverbell to be

    defiled by that bastard? But he was also afraid of Sage Lake Sect''s cutthroat guild hurting Helen and

    the others in retaliation.

    "Chirp. chirp."

    Just then, a rather big cuckoo perched on a tree branch above Frank, skipping around and chirping

    repeatedly at Frank, its tone somehow anxious.

    "Hmm.?" Frank looked up to find the cuckoo pping its wings at him repeatedly, chirping shrilly and

    seemingly directing Frank toward the shrine.

    "Isn''t that Lady Quinn''s pet?" one of the Sage Lake Sect apprentices suddenly eximed.

    Frank''s eyes lit up at those words, and he started dashing toward the shrine.

    The Sage Lake Sect apprentices promptly gave chase while one ran to Elder Huxley. "Sir, Frank is

    bolting!"

    Elder Huxley remained perfectly calm. "Just keep following him. Let him go wherever he wishes to as

    long as he''s not meddling in Master Maron''s business. If he so much as approaches the infirmary,

    threaten him with our hostages! "

    "Yes, Elder Huxley!"

    Nheless, Frank soon charged into the shrine and found a middle-aged man with ashen hairying

    limply on the floor, barely breathing and clearly near death.

    "Frank!" Quinn leapt out from behind an altar when she saw him, crying anxiously, "He''s Dahok Ocean,

    our sect''s chief. You have to help him¡ªthat wretch Maron had him poisoned!"

    Frank said nothing and went to work right away, crouching beside Dahok and checking his eyes.

    "Master Ocean?! What happened?!"

    The Sage Lake Sect apprentices who had been chasing after Frank panicked when they saw Dahok on

    the floor!

 Chapter 672

    Seeing that one of the Sage Lake Sect apprentices was ready to run and tell the others, Quinn

    snapped, "Stop! Master Ocean has spoken¡ªanyone who sees this must never breathe a word! Maron

    Ocean intends to kill him to im the title of chief, a crime most unforgivable! Stay here and keep

    watch. Make sure no onees in!"

    Quinn''s orders worked¡ªat her words, the Sage Lake Sect apprentices stood in silence.

    All Maron told them was that the chief had been injured and incapacitated, not such outrage within their

    enve!

    "Heavens... Maron tried to kill the chief?! That''s his own father! How could he do this?!"

    "I-I don''t know. What the hell."

    "Wait, wasn''t Maron saying that Quinn Ocean died too? She''s alive and kicking!"

    While the sudden turn of events left the Sage Lake Sect apprentices dumbstruck, Quinn herself was

    anxious too, forgetting honorifics as she asked, "Frank. What do you think? Can you save him?"

    "Yes." Frank nodded, while subtly impressed at how low Maron would sink.

    Forget poisoning his own father¡ªhe resorted to one of the worst poisons ever known: the Gehennical

    Frost Scarab. Virtually untraceable, the victim would be caught in hellish extreme coldness that they

    could not hope to escape.

    The poison extended inside out, and neither vigor nor pure vigor could nullify it.

    The symptoms were exactly the symptoms Dahok exhibited: unresponsive to any stimulus as he was

    leftpletely paralyzed. They wouldy in a vegetative state while going through hell, and their mind

    would eventually break under torment, killing themselves to be free.

    And that was what made the Gehennical Frost Scarab the worst¡ªit faded very quickly from the victim''s

    body, and it would appear as if the victim had killed themselves for no reason.

    Maron had certainly been meticulous.

    Still, Frank quickly went to work, whipping out his needles and thrusting one each into two of Dahok''s

    acupoints.

    At the same time, he infused his pure vigor into Dahok''s body, helping him gather the poison at the

    center of his median furrow.

    "Move!" he bellowed at Quinn as his eyes suddenly narrowed, and he shoved a blood drawing pill

    down Dahok''s throat.

    He then smacked Dahok on the chest, and his ribs actually cracked as they shattered.

    "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    "Stop right there, Frank Lawrence!"

    The Sage Lake Sect apprentices snapped in outrage, expecting him to save Dahok, only for him to

    break the man''s ribs!

    What was it if not opportune revenge?!

    "Stay away!" Frank bellowed when the Sage Lake Sect apprentices started toward him, sending them

    flinching and backing away.

    Even Quinn was confused, however. "Frank, what are you¡ª"Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    "It''s fine," Frank growled, wiping the sweat off his brow and thrusting thest needle into an acupoint to

    the right of Dahok''s median furrow.

    Ssh!

    The instant he pulled it out, a jet of pungent ck blood shot out from the acupoint like a tiny geyser.

    One of the Sage Lake Sect apprentices just happened to be too close, and the ck blood sshed all

    over his hand.

    "Argh!!! Argh!!!" he screamed, even clutching his hand and rolling all over the floor!

 Chapter 673

    There was a sickening crunch as the Sage Lake Sect apprentice''s hand started to ice up, his skin soon

    freezing into a dried ckness.

    It was a sight of sheer horror, and the other Sage Lake Sect apprentices promptly backed away in fear.

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    "Urgh." Dahok groaned as he stirred, pushing himself up to his seat in the shrine.

    "Ingrate!!!" he finally snapped after mumbling the word repeatedly before coughing another mouthful of

    ck blood.

    This time, everyone stayed well away, having learned their lesson.

    Dahok wheezed even as the ck blood iced up on the floor, finally able to speak again.

    "Go!" he bellowed. "Take down that bastard Maron and bring him to me!"

    Quinn and Frank traded nces, and both strode up.

    "No, absolutely not!" Frank barked, holding up a hand.

    "What. Why?" Dahok wheezed through shallow breaths but forced a smile nheless. "I haven''t met

    you, sir, but I''m grateful that you saved my life. However, I shall have that treacherous boy. Today."

    "Are you sure the elders of your sect still serve you?" Frank asked quietly.

    Dahok froze in silence, though he turned to Quinn after a while. "Quinn, your phone please. Call Jorg

    Zayas and have him return. And your father too. We need him back right now."

    Quinn shook her head. "Sir. My father is dead."

    "Bocek''s dead?!" Dahok''s eyes widened in shock. "Was it that bastard Maron.?"

    "No." Quinn sighed miserably. "It was the Szars."

    Dahok hacked violently for a while, his eyes shing viciously when he looked up again. "We shall

    make the Szars pay when we''re done here. Go¡ªcall Jorg Zayas right now."

    Not quite familiar with Jorg, Frank nced at Quinn quizzically while she borrowed a phone from one of

    the Sage Lake Sect apprentices.

    "Jorg Zayas is the leader of our sect''s cutthroat guild," she exined. "Don''t worry¡ªthe sect shall

    serve the chief''s will until the end."

    "The cutthroat guild?" Frank''s heart skipped a beat and suddenly grabbed Quinn''s wrist.

    "W-What?" Quinn looked up in confusion.

    Frank did not answer. Instead, he turned toward Dahok and said solemnly, "Master Ocean, your son

    had the cutthroat guild hold my friends hostage and had been forcing me to do his bidding. Could you

    speak with them personally and ask them to ensure my friends'' safety?"

    Seeing that Dahok was hesitant, Frank nodded to assure him. "As long as the cutthroat guild ensures

    their safety, I''ll stop the coup guing your sect. I can assure you that you won''t be disappointed!"

    Despite Frank''s solemn request, Dahok was left in a dilemma because he needed the cutthroat guild to

    return and restore peace to his guild.

    If he asked the cutthroat guild to defend Frank''s friends instead, his only allies would be beyond reach.

    And worst of all, he was now a defenseless cripple¡ªhe would lose to Maron when challenged!

 Chapter 674

    Naturally, it went without saying what would happen if Dahok lost to Maron.

    Quinn strode up just then, eximing, "Master Ocean! Please, if you trust me, then you can trust Frank

    Lawrence too!"

    ncing at Frank, she assured Dahok confidently, "Frank is capable of stopping the coup, and he can

    do it alone!"

    Dahok frown despite her assurance. He was slightly swayed, but he still could not trust Frank

    completely as he had never seen the man fight.

    "I can vouch for him too, Master Ocean." One of the Sage Lake Sect apprentices nodded, suddenly

    speaking up. "That bast¡ªI mean, Mr. Lawrence¡ªwas evenly matched against Lady Silverbell, chief of

    the Martian Alliance. No, scratch that... He defeated Lady Silverbell!"

    Turning toward the other apprentices, he asked loudly, "You all saw that, right?"

    The other Sage Lake Sect apprentices nodded repeatedly, speaking out in confirmation with their fellow

    apprentice.

    They were never loyal to Maron anyway. And now that they had learned of his treachery, they quickly

    show their loyalty to Dahok, distancing themselves from Maron.

    "What?!" Dahok eximed in turn.

    There was no reason for the Sage Lake Sect apprentices to lie. but the young man before him really

    defeated Silverbell?!

    Silverbell was a one in a billion when ites to swordcraft, even achieving Birthright rank in her

    twenties¡ªit would be no exaggeration tobel her a monster.

    And yet, Frank Lawrence bested her?!

    With that in mind, Dahok no longer hesitated.

    Taking Quinn''s phone, he called Jorg.

    -

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    "Hello? Master Ocean? I thought you were incapacitated and resting."

    Jorg answered the call from the basement of Szar House, where he kept Helen, Vicky, Kiki, Winter,

    and Mona after abducting them from Riverton.

    "Maron poisoned me! He was trying to kill me!" Dahok yelled over the phone right then..

    "What?!" Jorg''s nonchnt expression stiffened, and he soon frown and growled, "Who the fuck put

    him up to it?!"

    "That doesn''t matter!" Dahok quickly said. "Just remember¡ªdon''ty a finger on your hostages or

    allow any harm toe to them, you hear?!"

    "Yes, Master Ocean!" Jorg replied, but he soon frowned in hesitation. "Wait, shouldn''t we return to the

    enve right away to help?"

    "No," Dahok replied after a brief pause. "I can stop this coup on my own. Just make sure those

    hostages are safe!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    Still, as Jorg hung up and nced at Helen, Vicky, Kiki, Winter, and Mona who were all staring fixedly

    at him, he sighed dejectedly. "Fucking blue-balled..."

    Be that as it may, Dahok''s ce as the sect chief was now above question.

    He never revealed if he was hurt, but made it clear that he alone can stop the coup.

    That was enough to give the cutthroat guild pause¡ªeven if they were determined to side with Maron in

    the coup, they still needed to consider Dahok''s health.

    After all, Dahok was Birthright-pinnacle¡ªthe strongest individual within Sage Lake Sect.

    On the other end, Frank breathed a huge sigh of relief once Dahok hung up.

    Soon, his relief was reced by exhrating delight¡ªnow free of his hostage burden, he was like a

    tiger that had escaped its cage.

    Those little shrimps of Sage Lake Sect never had any hope of stopping him anyway!

 Chapter 675

    As Maron left the shrine, he inhaled deeply as he looked up at the skies, murmuring, "Do you hear me,

    Maron Ocean? It''s time you pay."

    Meanwhile, Maron brought Silverbell to the infirmary''s bed, ready to undress her, when she caught his

    hand.

    "What are you... doing..." Silverbell was heaving, her eyes unfocused and her whole body twitching,

    though she still retained her consciousness.

    Even as she kept fighting the Passion Dust''s effect, she was shivering as she cringed toward the other

    end of the bed.

    "Please don''t resist, Lady Silverbell. I''ve found the way to clear the poison from your veins."

    Maron was grinning darkly as he unbuttoned his shirt and moved closer. "Don''t worry¡ªthe Passion

    Dust is the real deal. I spent a fortune buying it from the South Sea, so that you''d have an unforgettable

    experience of carnal pleasure. You can''t resist it even if you''vepleted Birthright¡ªyou have to be

    Ascendant rank, or you wouldn''t even know what hit you."

    "I-It was you." Silverbell drew her sword, pointing it at Maron''s face and intent on killing him right then.

    However, her limbs were limp, and she felt as if her meridian nexus was on fire, and she certainly did

    not have the strength to wield her sword.

    Now, she was no more than a weak and vulnerable girl, withdrawing as she heaved and resisted the

    fire in her loins, shrieking at Maron to stop him.

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    Even so, he kept closing in. "Come on, Lady Silverbell. I heard that you''re a virgin. That''s just amazing.

    I can''t wait to see you write beneath me! Hahaha. Don''t worry, we''re getting married soon, and I''ll spoil

    you to bits. You''ll be a part of Sage Lake Sect, after all!"

    He knocked the sword out of Silverbell''s grasp, but just as he reached for her clothes, Silverbell

    suddenly struck his face with her scabbard.

    "Go. away!" she panted, leaning against the wall as she shuddered.

    "You bitch." Maron could feel the swelling on his cheek.

    Even as he gritted his teeth, the pain sent his animal instincts into overdrive.

    Seizing the scabbard from Silverbell, he pped her twice!

    "Fucking bitch!" he screamed. "I''m ying nice, so stay down or I''d have to get rough!"

    Maron lunged at Silverbell right then, tearing her clothes into pieces even as she lost the will to fight

    back, with the fear and rage in her eyes reced by confusion.

    "Hahaha! That''s it! That''s it! Keep writhing for me!" Maronughed in excitement.

    The woman was really naive, allowing him to have her unimpeded!

    "Hey, Maron."

    Suddenly, Maron felt someone pping a hand on his bare shoulder.

    "What?! Who the fuck are you?!" Maron snapped without even looking behind. "I''ve warned the lot of

    you not to bother me! Are you people deaf... Frank Lawrence?!"

    Maron finally turned when he was finished with his outburst and froze when he realized who it was.

    Naturally, it was Frank, who had entered quietly after dealing with the guards outside.

 Chapter 676

    Maron''s libido dropped as he lost all patience with Frank.

    "What are you doing here?! Fuck off!" he bellowed, pointing at the door, only to find Frank still smiling

    at him. "What, you want yourdies to die?!"

    Incensed, he whipped out his phone and called Jorg, even putting the call on speaker just so that Frank

    could hear him too

    "Hello? Master Maron?" Jorg breathedzily from the other end..

    "Cut off one of thosedies'' arms!" Maron snarled viciously and wheeled on Frank with a smug grin.

    "Hahaha! I warned you, Frank Lawrence! You asked for this!"

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    However, that was when Jorg yawned audibly from the other end. "Actually, I''m sorry, Master Maron...

    See, Master Ocean gave me strict orders to protect them instead. The way I see it, you should be

    going down on your knees and begging daddy, and he just might leave a pretty corpse when he''s done.

    That''s all I have to say. Bye."

    Beep.

    Maron''s whole body stiffened in shock as Jorg hung up on him, and his phone slid off his fingers,

    dropping loudly on the floor with a thud.

    The silencested for seconds before Maron squeezed a smile at Frank, "Actually, Mr. Lawrence. You

    see, I."

    Frank smiled and nodded. "Uh-huh. I''m listening."

    "I was coerced into this! It was Donald Szar who had nned all this. Yes, it was the Szars all

    along! I didn''t n anything! He killed Bocek Ocean and his daughter, then tried to shift the me on

    you. My hands are clean."

    Frank listened in amusement as Maron pleaded his innocence endlessly.

    Then, he said, "Time to get down on your knees, Maron."

    Maron seemed to finally remember that thanks to Frank''s words. He promptly threw himself to the floor,

    grabbing Frank''s trousers while kowtowing endlessly. "Please, Mr. Lawrence. brother! It''s all my fault!

    Please just let me live! I will do anything for you if you do¡ª"

    Frank watched as Maron bawled, his snot and tears all gushing at the same time¡ªhardly the dignified

    bearing a Birthright rank elite should have.

    Shaking his head and sighing in disappointment, Frank said, "You really are the worst, and I actually

    preferred the conceited way you behaved before."

    As Maron looked up at him in tearful surprise, Frank gave him a friendly p on the shoulder. "Get

    ready. It''s time to pay."

    Thud!

    Frank suddenly kicked Maron squarely on the chest, sending him mming on the wall as if he were a

    ragged doll.

    Maron was Birthright rank.

    Though it came at the cost of mountainous piles of resources, there was no mistaking it.

    Still, Maron regretted that he was Birthright rank soon enough and no average Joe.

    If he were thetter, Frank''s kick would have given him the sweet release of death.

 Chapter 677

    Regrettably, Maron was undoubtedly Birthright rank.

    His eyes rolled up in their sockets as he mmed into the wall. At that moment, his pure vigor

    protection sent him bouncing back toward Frank, who was rolling up his sleeves.

    "Maron Ocean..." He smiled as he slowly walked up to Maron. "I shall teach you a lesson now myself¡ª

    you don''t get to stand above the rest just because you''re well-connected. Sure, it''s necessary to have

    friends when you''re out in the world, but you need to be able to hold your own before that!"

    "Please, no more¡ªOof!" Maron grunted again as Frank kicked him to the wall again, knocking half of

    his teeth out.

    Watching as he slid down the wall, Frank seized him, pping him until all his other teeth fell out.

    "What''s wrong, Maron? Done already?" Frank lifted him into the air even as his face was left swollen,

    grinning throughout.

    "P-Please..." Maron kept begging, his words almost unintelligible.

    "Oh, don''t worry. I''m not done with you yet!" Frank grinned, baring his white teeth.

    Crunch.

    "Argh!"

    Maron''s fingers were pulverized even as he let out a blood-curdling scream, while Frank punched his

    other cheek, leaving his face swollen like a pig!

    "No, no, no. This is far from enough! Not after you fucking asked for it!"

    Frank bellowed as he lifted Maron into the air again, his fist punching Maron so quickly that they were a

    blur. Each punch was a violent pounding, crushing all of Maron''s bones and his flesh to a pulp.

    After all, Frank was finally venting all the fury he had been bottling up for a while. He certainly had no

    reason to hold back against scum like Maron!

    "That''s for kidnapping my family!

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    "That''s for threatening me with my sister!

    "That''s for insulting me repeatedly!

    "That''s for being a subhuman piece of shit!

    "That''s for trying to kill your own father!

    "That''s forying a finger on Silverbell!"

    Frank''s crazed bashing ultimately left Maron a literal pulp. Then, punching a hole in the wall, he threw

    what remained of Maron out, whichnded into a portable toilet at the farm outside.

    Even as Frank panted heavily, all he felt was catharsis.

    He resolved to protect his family with all his might from now on.

    He would do his best to prevent another tragedy like when he had to watch his mother die as a child

    because he had been weak back then.

    However, even before he could check on Silverbell, he felt the cool softness of her skin coiling around

    his body like a snake.

    "Donn..." Her passionate moan almost sent Frank over the brink.

    Pursing his parched lips, he forced himself to turn and found Silverbell panting heavily, her eyes clearly

    unfocused.

    "Silverbell..." Frank could actually hear the quiver in his own voice.

 Chapter 678

    "Donn... Donn..."

    Silverbell pressed herself into Frank''s arms, the sensation of her warm, damp skin leaving Frank''s mind

    nk.

    Before he realized it, he was in bed, having already taken off his shirt, his body tangled with Silverbell''s.

    Turning pale in surprise, he quickly tried to get up, but Silverbell had clearly lost all rationality.

    She clung firmly onto Frank, refusing to let go as she snuggled against him like a yful kitten.

    No man could resist such temptation, and Frank was heaving, his eyes red.

    He could do it right then, but his rationality warned him against exploiting Silverbell in her moment of

    vulnerability.

    And it was Silverbell they were talking about¡ªshe was at least ten years younger.

    He bit through his lip, forcing himself to calm down as he pinned down Silverbell on the bed. Then,

    keeping his eyes closed, his fingers brushed over her silky smooth skin as he felt for acupoints that

    could calm her down.

    Smack!

    Frank struck her acupoints when he found them, but the Passion Dust had already taken root by then.

    The substance was already flowing through Silverbell''s limbs and there was no stopping it¡ªsave for

    holding down Silverbell, stopping her from moving at all while he applied acupuncture.

    However, not only would Frank have trouble holding her down, but he did not have that many needles

    left after using most on Dahok Ocean.

    "Damn it!" Frank growled as his eyes darted across Silverbell''s body, his body so restless that he could

    well be burning up.

    Biting the tip of his tongue firmly to force himself to stay calm, he took a deep breath.

    Then, he extended his hands exasperatedly... -

    When Quinn received Frank at the shrine, she found his eyes bloodshot as he strode through the gates

    and asked in confusion, "Why do you look so tired, Mr. Lawrence? Did something happen?"

    "Nothing. It was just a little. taxing," Frank replied, shaking his head while subtly straightening his

    clothes.

    "Huh?" Quinn was left confused.

    Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence," Dahok said nearby, seated meditatively.

    He nced at the Sage Lake Sect apprentices around him, relief showing on his weary face. "Maron^"

    "I killed him," Frank said shortly.

    Dahok''s eyes widened for a moment before he breathed a long sigh. "That wretch got what he

    deserved."

    "Master Ocean..." Quinn pped him on the shoulder, seeing the misery in his eyes.

    Dahok took her hands and sighed in turn. "Thank you for helping my sect and saving my life, Mr.

    Lawrence. I really don''t know how to repay you. Without you or Quinn, that wretch would have brought

    a gue down upon our heads. So just ask if you need anything¡ªSage Lake Sect would go to hell and

    back for your sake!"

    Seeing such an opportunity, Frank did not hesitate, "I have a need for the Five Elemental Wonders.

    Even just information on them would suffice."

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    "The Five Elemental Wonders?"

    Unlike the rest, Dahok did not appear helpless when he heard the term.

    In fact, he was thoughtful as he said, "We don''t have it in our enve, but I know someone who does¡ª

    the man always brings it along just to brag in my face, which is why I remember it well."

 Chapter 679

    Frank drove straight to Szar House with Quinn after leaving Sage Lake Sect.

    The Szars had been messing with him too many times, and there was no reason to let them live

    now.

    Frank called Trevor on his way there, asking him to send his people over to clean up the mess he

    would make.

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    Donald Szar was seated in his drawing room and having a drink with a guest, who happened to be

    none other than Eron White.

    "Mr. Szar, is it true?" Eron asked, looking hopefully at Donald. "You told me that Sage Lake Sect

    could restore me as the head of the family."

    "Don''t worry." Donald spread his arms proudly without hesitation. "Maron Ocean and I had an

    agreement. Once he takes his ce as the sect chief, he will restore my family to its former glory.

    When that happens, I just need to put a good word in¡ªhelping you reim your ce as head of the

    White family couldn''t be easier."

    Seeing how cheerful Donald was, Eron picked up his ss and saluted him fawningly. "Thank you so

    much, Mr. Szar."

    "You''re always wee, Eron." Donaldughed as he mused to himself and sighed. "You have to

    know that I had no choice but to avenge my son Drakon¡ªFrank Lawrence is a dead man now that

    Maron has decided to get involved, and I more or less had my revenge. But..."

    "You may speak frankly, Mr. Szar." Eron smiled encouragingly despite Donald''s evasive attitude.

    "In that case, I will." Donald looked up. "I heard that your daughter Kim is a real beauty, and I''d like her

    to marry into my family. Our ties would be even stronger with this union, don''t you think?"

    "No problem!" Eron smacked his own thigh, agreeing to it without hesitation.

    Still, he soon paused and frowned. "But I thought you have no sons of marriageable age now, Mr.

    Szar?"

    "No, I don''t." Donald smiled, rubbing his chin. "I''m going to marry your daughter myself, and she''d

    hopefully produce an heir for me. I won''t force you to say yes if you''re reluctant, of course."

    Eron was taken aback but once again raised his ss without hesitation. "I already owe you an

    unpayable debt for agreeing to restore me as head of the family. I have no reason to argue if you''re

    interested in Kim¡ªif anything, it''s her good fortune to have your favor." "Hahaha!" Donaldughed at

    Eron''s words, pping him on the shoulder as he said, "You really are a man after my own heart, Eron!

    I promise you¡ªour families shall be one!"

    Yes, yes, we''re family!" Eron agreed and chugged.

    Donald just happened to spot Jorg Zayas as he was heading out and hurried to him. "Mr. Zayas! Why

    don''t youe join us for a couple of drinks? It''s been a long journey here, and it''s the same leaving

    after this."

    Jorg looked at Donald murderously but stayed silent as he chugged his drink and strode off without a

    beat.

    "What''s his problem?" Eron was puzzled¡ªJorg might have been impatient when they first met, but he

    was at least amicable.

    But just now, he looked like he would kill them both right then.

    "Oh, don''t worry about him." Donald smiled as he reassured Eron. "It''s been days since he''s had some

    rest¡ªit''s understandable if he''s a little on edge. Let''s keep drinking and head over to meet Maron

    Ocean at Sage Lake Sect when he sends word."

    "Okay." Eron raised his ss again.

 Chapter 680

    Even as Eron continued drinking, he felt a rising foreboding sensation.

    As if on cue, Donald suddenly beckoned at a servant to bring pen and paper. "Ah, I almost forgot¡ª

    come on, Eron. Let''s have our agreement put in writing, in case alcohol causes our conversation to slip

    your mind."

    "In writing?" Eron eximed in surprise.

    "Yes." Donald grinned. "Write here that you''re willing to have your daughter marry me. My pledge for

    you in turn is to do my utmost in restoring you as head of the White family. How about that?"

    Eron was hesitant. "Is that... necessary?"

    "Of course," Donald was suddenly solemn despite his smile. "I am a man of my word, and verbal

    promises never count in my opinion. Don''t you agree?"

    Eron nced between Donald''s smile and Donald''s bodyguards who stood around them, and he felt

    sweat trickling over his brow.

    Still, after musing to himself for a while, he suddenlyughed and picked up the pen. "Well, since it''s

    your principle, I shall certainly follow. It''s good to have agreements in writing anyway."

    "Now that''s better. You''d know how important this is eventually." Donaldughed heartily.

    As they wrote a pledge for each other and signed it, Donald even had a servant bring them a stamp

    pad so they could ce their fingerprints.

    [I, Eron White, pledge to arrange a marriage between my daughter Kim White and Donald Szar

    once I''m restored as head of my family.]

    [I, Donald Szar, pledge to restore Eron White as the head of his family with all my will and strength.]

    As both men were given each other''s pledges, Donald was grinning broadly after scanning through it,

    while Eron breathed a small sigh of relief after reading his.

    "Come, Eron! Let''s keep the drinksing. Drink up!"

    The pledge was left on the table as they kept drinking until their faces were flushed crimson. But even

    as they were busy mumbling drunken gibberish to each other, there was a loud crash resounding from

    the doorway!

    "What''s the meaning of this?!" Donald bellowed furiously, mming his hand on the table. "I said we''re

    not to be disturbed!"

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    "Oh, calm down, brother." Eron stood up as well, assuring him with his almost unintelligible speech.

    "Maybe it''s just a servant knocking something over.

    "Heh. It seems I''m not wee in Mr. Szar''s abode," a voice ingrained into Donald''s bones spoke

    from the doorway just then.

    "Frank Lawrence?!" Donald was suddenly half sober as he stood in disbelief.

    "What?! Frank Lawrence?!" Eron flinched as he turned in shock toward Donald.

    What was Frank doing here? Did Donald not just assure him Maron would have him killed?!

    Even as both men were left stunned, a bellow resounded across the room. "Donald Szar!"

    Donald then saw the figure striding inside with a sword that was still dripping with blood.

 Chapter 681

    "Quinn Ocean?! You''re alive?!"

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    Donald stared at Quinn in disbelief, more shocked to see her than Frank!

    "Sorry to disappoint you, but I''m alive and kicking!" Quinnughed icily as her brow creased, and she

    bellowed, "You killed my father and forced me off a cliff. And now, you shall pay!"

    Even as Quinn leapt toward him, sword in hand, Donald was clenching his jaw so hard his teeth could

    break.

    "Fucking mooks! All of them!" he growled.

    It was now obvious why his men never found Quinn''s corpse!

    However, he was not about to just roll over and die¡ªhe promptly overturned the table and quickly leapt

    backward to draw the sword hung on the wall. After everything was said and done, he was still a vigor

    wielder!

    Still, Quinn was an unstoppable entity of rage, slicing through the table and shing swords with

    Donald!

    On the other hand, Frank slowly strode inside and immediately saw the man sitting limply on the floor.

    "Hmm? What are you doing here, Eron?"

    "I, I..." Eron kept trying but could not muster a full sentence at all.

    "Wait, what''s this?" Frank saw the written pledges on the floor and picked them up.

    "Give them back!" Eron suddenly screamed, finding strength out of nowhere¡ªhe was well aware that

    those pledges must never see the light of day and leapt madly at Frank.

    "Buzz off!" Frank sidestepped him, leaving Eron catching nothing but air as he tumbled face-first to the

    floor.

    Knowing that the papers were very important to Eron given how obsessed he was, Frank had even less

    reason to return them.

    "Let me see." he murmured as he scanned through the papers, and his expression was suddenly cold

    ¡ª even murderous¡ªwhen he was done.

    Frank breathed a sigh, his dark aura spilling out slightly as he leveled an impassive look at Eron. "I''ve

    really underestimated you, huh?"

    Eron''s face turned pale, unable to muster a single word as Frank put away the pledges, his eyes

    shing with endless disdain. "I''ll hand this over to your daughter. I''m sure she''s keen to find out what

    his father would do just to be restored as the head of the family."

    The man would have his own daughter marry a 50-year-old geezer!

    "Give it back!" Eron shrieked. "T-That''s my family''s business! A nobody like you has no business

    meddling!"

    Smack!

    Watching as Eron lunged at him again, Frank pped him across the face with the back of his palm.

    He struck Eron so hard that Eron almost fainted as he looked at Eron like refuse, shaking his head in

    disdain. "Actually, I do¡ªI''m Kim''s friend."

    While Eron was left immobile, Quinn''s fight was nearing its end.

    Though her abilities had diminished due to her injuries, Frank''s Needles of Nine Animus mostly healed

    her.

    And even if she used to be Birthright rank and lost her cultivation, she still had her swordcraft.

    Moreover, she fought like she was ready to die, forcing Donald on the backfoot.

    ng!

    Sparks shot away from their swords, and the impact sent Donald mming violently into the wall

    behind him.

    However, he was not packing even though he was clearly vulnerable.

    In fact, he was smiling savagely as he watched Quinn keep charging at him relentlessly.

    "Hmm...?" Frank could sense danger even as he stood in the distance.

 Chapter 682

    Donald''s left hand¡ªkept hidden from view¡ªsuddenly pressed on a hidden depression on the wall.

    Then, a ck handgun popped out,nding in his hand.

    As Quinn kept charging at him, sword poised, he grinned savagely as he brought the gun to bear

    between her eyes.

    "What¡ª"

    Quinn''s eyes widened, not expecting Donald to have such a trick up his sleeve!

    Worst of all, he would shoot her through the head even before her sword reached him!

    Biting her lip, she closed her eyes as she resigned herself to her fate...

    Bang!

    ng!

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    The crack of a gunshot resounded, soon followed by the stifling scent of gunpowder.

    Quinn opened her eyes, presuming that she had been shot. only to see Donald''s gun flying out of his

    grasp and the bullet shot striking a vase behind her.

    "Frank Lawrence!!!" Donald was ring savagely at Frank.

    He saw Frank firing a burst of his pure vigor, sending his gun flying!

    "Die!"

    Seeing her opportunity, Quinn raised her sword and sliced off Donald''s hand.

    "Argh!!!" Donald let out a blood-curdling scream as his hand and blood seemed to float in thin air.

    Quinn''s eyes went red as she pressed her attack, slicing off his left arm, and then his legs and belly!

    Her sword swinging wildly, she eventually hacked Donald''s head off.

    Even at the very end, Donald was ring vengefully at Frank even as his head dropped to the floor, his

    eyes never closing.

    "Frank. Lawrence." He wheezed through the blood in his mouth with thest bit of strength he had and

    finally died.

    Quinn was panting heavily, leaning on her sword for a moment before turning toward Frank, her eyes

    red and welling up with tears.

    "Thank you, Frank." she said and dropped to the floor, her sword nging loudly as itnded.

    Frank stayed silent for a long while and eventually nodded. "Well done!"

    "Frank!"

    "Darling!"

    Frank soon heard shouts from the outside, and he went out to find several familiar figures running

    toward him.

    Naturally, it was Helen, Vicky, Kiki, Winter, and Mona¡ªTrevor had managed to free them from the

    guest room just now.

    "Are you alright, Frank?" Helen cried as she ran up to Frank, holding his face and checking

    everywhere, only breathing a sigh of relief when she saw him unhurt.

    On the other hand, Vicky was being her usualedic self.

    Instead of throwing herself into Frank''s arms, she dropped to a crouch in front of Frank''s crotch, staring

    sternly as she demanded, "Talk to me, junior. Was my darling cheating on us?"

    "Quit it, Vicky!" Frank snapped exasperatedly.

    Curiously, the women all appeared unconcerned¡ªeven lively¡ªdespite being held hostage for an entire

    night.

    "Frank... I-I thought I wouldn''t see you again..." Winter was much more honest in contrast, tearfully

    throwing herself into Frank''s arms and bawling.

 Chapter 683

    Mona stood nearby awkwardly, blinking.

    "Hmm..." she mused as she nced at Frank. "Should I be hugging you too, Frank?"

    "Quit it." Frank shoved her away even as she moved up.

    Kiki was thest to arrive, clicking her tongue in wonder as she watched the otherdies chattering,

    pouting, flirting, or bawling around Frank.

    "What''s this, Trevor?" Frank asked when he saw Trevor Zurich arrive with his men.

    Trevor grinned. "It seems that they weren''t subject to any abuse¡ªMaron might have an agenda here,

    but it was just house arrest at best. In fact, they were kept in the guest room and not the basement."

    "Yeah, don''t worry, Frank¡ªwe''re fine," Helen said with a smile.

    "What do you mean ''fine''?" Vicky folded her arms before her chest, snapping in annoyance. "I had to

    sleep in the same bed with you, and you almost knocked me off! Go on a diet, Helen!"

    "S-Shut it!" Helen blushed, retorting loudly, "You go on a diet!"

    "Tut, tut. Denying it with all that b around your belly?" Vicky reached out to pinch Helen''s stomach

    right then.

    Helen leapt away, snapping, "Stop getting all touchy! Show some dignity¡ªyou''re an heiress!"

    "I can do whatever I like!" Vicky eximed as she leapt at Helen, pulling up her shirt to show the

    others. "See? She''s gaining some belly fat, don''t you think?"

    "Let me go, Vicky!" Helen cried and struggled in embarrassment, pulling her shirt down since she could

    feel Frank''s eyes on her.

    "But Helen''s figure is just fine. There''s no belly, is there?" Mona said solemnly just then.

    "Oh, my bad. The b is around here." Vicky kept copping a feel, while Helen struggled and flushed in

    frustration.

    "Why so serious? You''re such a killjoy," Vicky giggled.

    "Well, what about you?!" Helen suddenly retaliated and groped Vicky in turn.

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    As they kept tussling and exposing each other, Frank was looking on in bliss.

    "Quit gawking." Winter shot him a pouting look, suddenly not crying.

    "Ah." Frank scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly.

    Either way, he was relieved that they were all fine.

    "Leave no loose ends."

    Half an hourter, Frank was standing at the gates of Szar House and instructing Trevor to deal with

    the rest, and he had someone send Quinn back to Sage Lake Sect.

    "Oh, as for him..."

    Frank pointed at Eron, who sat on the ground nearby, staring stupidly into thin air. "Deliver him to the

    White family of Southdam, and show them these."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence." Trevor nodded respectfully, taking the written pledges.

    Frank suddenly narrowed his eyes. "And send more people on protection detail. I don''t want another

    kidnapping ever again, you hear?"

    Trevor could feel the frightening dark aura spilling away from Frank and quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, Mr.

    Lawrence. I''ll be more careful from now on."

    "Good." Frank nodded and started to leave but soon paused again. "Oh, and do help me look into the

    Leaf family of Norsedam."

 Chapter 684

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence." Trevor agreed to it right away without asking any questions.

    Frank then returned to his Maybach to find it congested, with thedies arguing endlessly on who got to

    ride shotgun.

    Eventually, Winter triumphed, not because Vicky or Helen actually lost, but because neither woman

    could stand the thought of the other riding shotgun.

    "Hmph. I''ve ridden shotgun with my darling many times anyway," Vicky huffed, folding her arms before

    her chest.

    "Who''s your darling? How brazen," Helen snapped, her ice-like beauty persona long forgotten.

    "Oh, just stop it already..." Frank was left rubbing his brow¡ªhis days of peace were long gone.

    "I won''t be going back to Skywater Bay," Kiki said, standing outside the car and waving him goodbye.

    "The Soranos have given up on me after Hubert Sorano''s death, and I can live the way I want to now."

    "Are you going to be alright?" Frank frowned, somehow worried.

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    "Don''t worry. Vicky has my back!" Kiki grinned and winked at Vicky, while Vicky smiled in turn.

    "Then take care." Frank nodded. "You can still give me a shout if you run into trouble again."

    "Sure." Kiki smiled as she parted ways with them.

    Even as Frank drove back to Riverton, listening to thedies squabble in the back, he somehow found

    cheer instead of annoyance.

    Sage Lake Sect was no longer a threat after this. Even their sect chief Dahok Ocean made it clear that

    they were all at Frank''s disposal if he just said the word.

    As for Quinn, she was taken to the sect after avenging her father under Dahok''s grooming. If there

    were no surprises, she might well be the next sect chief.

    And then there was Silverbell...

    Frank had left her at Sage Lake Sect since he was reluctant to get involved any further.

    It had been an awkward encounter from the start, and Frank was not about to forget it anytime soon. -

    The journey back to Riverton was smooth, and things were peaceful again.

    Winter and Mona were attending college, while Helen and Vicky were busy with work since they now

    shared a new factory and precision equipment. It was even rare for Frank to see them at times, as the

    partnership between Grande Pharma and Lane Holdings meant a truckload of work to be done.

    As for Frank, he continued his usual routine while waiting for word from Trevor. He even made time to

    give a lecture at Riverton University, as the week passed by in peace.

    One day, Helen came to him early in the morning with a dead serious look.

    "Hey, bum." She smiled. "I see that you''re restless from too much free time... and I have a job for you."

    While her smile was rare before, Frank was getting used to it recently, since she was in a perpetual

    good mood ever since she moved into Skywater Bay.

    Shrugging, he said, "Just cut to the chase. Honestly, you talk like Vicky these days."

    "Huh.?"

    Helen''s smile stiffened, and she frowned as she wondered if Frank was right.

    She eventually sighed because he was indeed right¡ªVicky was having an influence over her since

    they had been hanging out a lottely.

 Chapter 685

    Helen waved him off, smiling faintly. "Just give it a rest¡ªI bring good tidings, as we Northstream Lanes

    are nowpletely a part of the Lane family again."

    "Uh huh, and?" Frank remained unaffected.

    Helen was not surprised and kept smiling. "Well, that''s not all. Uncle Gavin also told me that I''m now a

    candidate for the head of the family!"

    "Just a candidate?" Frank snorted in disdain.

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    "Hey, don''t get too greedy!" Helen bumped him in the head, giggling. "Others would have to rack their

    brains scheming just to get the opportunity. It''s already amazing that someone like me, who was only

    recently taken back, was chosen at all!"

    To be honest, Helen was as apathetic about being brought back to the main family as Frank was. They

    would only be a branch of rtives, having a superficial rtionship with the Southstream Lanes

    without any meaningful exchange.

    As such, bing a candidate for the next head of the family was different! The title alone carried

    weight and position over the entire Lane family, unlike being mere rtives¡ªit was a chance to turn

    things around!

    Now, Helen just had to beat her rivals and prove her ability to Mark Lane.

    If she came out on top, she would be the leader of a dynasty in the most genuine sense!

    "Oh, congrattions," Frank said without sincerity.

    He knew all too well that Helen''s Uncle Gavin was smart¡ªGavin could see that Frank was connected

    to someone very important and therefore chose Helen as a potential heir just to curry Frank''s favor.

    However, it was virtually assured that Helen would never be the head of the Lane family.

    Specifically, Mark''s other heirs would never let Helen, a woman, to stand above them, let alone one

    who had just returned to the family.

    If she did, they would be utterly humiliated.

    "So!" Helen snorted proudly, pping Frank on the shoulder as she grinned. "I''m going to be the

    head of the family! Forget about Vicky Turnbull while you can and fawn all over me. It''d be toote for

    regrets when I actually get my meteoric rise!"

    Her smug look actually left Frankughing and nodding in amusement.

    "Sure, sure. I''ll be sure to fawn all over you when you be the head of your family.

    His clearly half-hearted reply left Helen pouting.

    "Be serious! I know I am!" she snapped unhappily, standing akimbo. "Once I''m the head of the Lane

    family, I''ll be Vicky''s equal... No, I''ll even outrank her! She won''t get to strut when that happens!"

    Though Helen reared her chin as she announced her ambitions proudly, Frank was left smiling in wry

    amusement. "So that''s what it was all about."

    Helen remained motivated, however, as she was aware that Vicky always had an edge over her.

 Chapter 686

    In the end, Vicky was the heiress of an important family.

    Helen certainly dulled inparison, just as her pride could not take it.

    Therefore, now that she had the chance to be the head of the Lane family and be an equal

    of Vicky''s, she would seize it.

    As for who woulde up on top, that depended entirely on their respective abilities!

    Ring...

    Helen''s phone started jingling just then, and she answered it. "Hello?"

    Gina was immediately snapping, "Where are you? Come back to the manor right now! Remember

    Madam Lang, Mark''s second wife? She''s here, and she''s also being very specific about wanting to see

    you!"

    "She wants to see me? Why?" Helen asked even as she nced at Frank.

    Mark was brother to Henry Lane¡ªHelen''s grandfather¡ªand had married three wives in his younger

    days. It also happened to be the reason Henry and Mark had parted ways in the past.

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    Nheless, Gina was at once cheerful, "Oh, don''t you get it? It must be because your uncle has

    informed you that you''re a candidate to be the next head of the family! Madam Lang must have

    come to curry your favor! We''ve definitely hit the jackpot this time!"

    "Alright, got it." Helen raised a brow at Frank as she hung up. "See? Speak of the devil indeed."

    "Hehe."

    Frank chuckled, waving her off since he did not want to rain on her parade. "Alright. See you around."

    "Wait, have you already forgotten what I told you to do?" Helen snapped in annoyance at his

    nonchnce.

    "What was it?"

    "You''reing with me to see Madam Lang," Helen said happily. "You''re now family, and you y a

    role in whether I be the next head of the family. Don''t think you can run away now! Well, I don''t

    mind granting you the honor of winning my favor before I''m actually promoted as the next head of the

    family. I''m going to get changed now."

    Since Frank was not arguing, she jogged off to her room, humming happily as she prepared to dress

    up nicely.

    Frank looked on, shaking his head in exasperation.

    Frank parked his Maybach outside Lane Manor an hourter.

    He and Helen were certainly dressed to impress, as he was forced by Helen to wear a formal ck

    suit, while Helen wore a ck gown with a side slit.

    Lane Manor was seeing quite a number of guests today, with the entire drawing room filled to the brim

    with people.

    Naturally, the most impressive among them was the elderly woman seated on the centermost couch,

    holding a ck walking stick and wearing a ton of shimmery jewelry and borate makeup. Even if

    some of her hair was frizzled, she appeared spirited and her dress was trendy.

    Jade Zahn was there with her daughter Luna Lane too, though they were clearly looking impatient as

    they sipped on their coffee.

    On the other hand, Gina stood respectfully at a corner with her hand sped, not allowed to sit but

    obviously worshipful toward Fleur Lang.

    For some reason, she looked no different from a servant despite owning the manor.

    "Oh, Helen! Finally! What took you so long? Madam Lang was getting impatient..."

    Gina hurried to Helen when she saw her, but her face fell and she snorted when she saw Frank. "Who

    told you to tag along, Frank Lawrence?! That cheek of yours to show up here. Fine, since you came

    anyway, you can exin yourself! How did your father''s so-called ruby turn out to be just some ss

    orb?!"

    "ss orb?" Frank frowned. "You definitely messed up there. I never liked Fenton, but he''d never dupe

    me with some cheap counterfeit¡ªhe knows what the consequences would be if he does."

 Chapter 687

    Gina was getting more frustrated by the minute. "Hah! Still trying to fool me? Cindy had Randall Young

    of Square Street appraise it personally. That man is a specialist, and he said it''s a ss orb worth no

    more than twenty bucks¡ªor are you saying he''s wrong?! Don''t think you can have my daughter with a

    mere trinket. At least pay me fifty million dors in dowry if you want to marry her!"

    Even as Gina pulled Helen along, ring at Frank viciously, Helen tried to calm things down. "Did you

    make a mistake, Mom? Frank would never make a mistake."

    "A mistake?! The evidence is right there! Frank is a liar!" Gina snapped angrily. "He might even be lying

    about forcing Titus Lionheart to submit! Don''t fall for his lies, Helen!"

    "Enough!" Frank snapped coolly but keeping his voice low as he could see the Southstream Lanes

    were watching them gleefully. "Where''s Cindy? Why don''t you ask her?"

    "C-Cindy?" Gina was suddenly stammering. "S-Something came up at her college, and she was told to

    return abroad."

    "So you''re an idiot." Frank snorted.

    "What did you just say to me?!" Gina strode up, ready to hit him.

    Helen caught her, however, and snapped impatiently, "Stop it, Mom! Where''s the ruby now?"

    "I-It''s." Gina stammered again. "Cindy said she threw it away in frustration. It''s not worth anything

    anyway..."

    "What."

    Seeing how stupid her mother was, Helenughed despite herself. "Don''t you know what Cindy''s like?

    Do you think she''d tell you if she took the ruby for an appraisal and it turned out to be real?"

    "No way!" Gina shook her head. "It''s just a ruby¡ªshe''d never lie to me."

    "If she didn''t lie to you, where is she now?" Frank interrupted bluntly.

    "What." Gina choked as if swallowing a fly.

    "Also," Frank added, "that ruby was a property of Talnam royalty and worth at least ten billion dors in

    cash."

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    "Ten billion in cash?!" Gina''s mouth widened into a circr shape in shock, but she soon shook her

    head. "No, you''re definitely lying! You''re a pathological liar. It''s just impossible!"

    "Come on, Mom. It''s true!" Helen snapped.

    Though it was the first time she heard about how much the ruby was worth, she trusted Frank

    unconditionally and urged, "Call Cindy already, Mom. Tell her to bring that ruby back."

    "Oh, dream on. If my hunch is right, Cindy''s already sold it," Frank said, shaking his head¡ªhe was

    more than familiar with Cindy''s behavior. "And right now, she''d be abroad indulging herself."

    "Curse you, Cindy! I''ll kill you!"

    Gina almost jumped as she whipped out her phone, but the only response she got was static beeping.

    Helen did the same. "I can''t get through either, Mom."

    "Goddamnit..." Gina groaned.

 Chapter 688

    Gina dropped to her bottom, unable to cry no matter how she wanted to, feeling hollow inside.

    How could she have known that some ruby Frank threw at her was worth that much?!

    "What are you doing over there?! Can''t you see that Madam Lang has been waiting for so long?!

    Where are your manners and proper upbringing?!"

    On the other hand, Jade finally had enough and snapped from afar, mming her cup on the ss

    table with an audible ng.

    That was especially the case for Gina, sitting on the floor like some fishwife.

    "Forget it¡ªwe can save this, forter. Let''s go back to business," Frank said calmly right then, knowing

    how important the meeting today was for Helen.

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    Helen realized with a start at his words. It was true¡ªshe was still thinking about the ruby, but what was

    at hand was more important.

    Jade then extended a hand as she introduced, "Helen, meet Madam Lang. She''s your grandmother

    twice removed, and her words are absolute in the Southstream Lane household."

    As she spoke, she nced at Gina¡ªwho was still sitting on the floor¡ªand fumed, "What''s with that

    scowl?! Pour Madam Lang some tea already!"

    "It''s fine, I''ll do it." Helen forced a smile and quickly poured a cup of tea, offering it to Madam Lang

    respectfully with both hands.

    However, Fleur Lang simply snorted at her and turned away. "How uncouth."

    Beside them, Jade pointed at Helen and snapped, "Is that how you serve tea to your elders?! Don''t you

    know the tradition?!"

    "Tradition?" Helen did a double take¡ªthis was the way she served her own grandfather tea as a child.

    What tradition were these people talking about?

    "It''s alright, Madam Lang. Theye from a hick town and wouldn''t know upper-ss tradition," Jade

    told Fleur before turning towards Helen with a sneer. "Get down on your knees and hold the teacup

    over your head. That''s how you serve tea to your elders with sincerity."

    "Get down on my knees?" Helen frowned.

    What kind of tradition was that? If it had existed, it must have existed over decades if not centuries...

    Did the so-called upper ss maintain this horrible tradition all this while?!

    "What, are you refusing, Helen?" Jade folded her arms before her chest while snorting sarcastically.

    "Are you dissatisfied with Madam Lang, or our family''s tradition?"

    "Start learning our tradition if you consider yourself a part of our family, brat," Fleur added just then. "If

    you are ignorant of something so basic, you have no right to lead us."

    Hearing that Helen might not be the head of the family, Gina suddenly came to her senses.

    Flustered, she hurried over and took the teacup from Helen, dropping to her knees and holding it over

    her head.

    "I''m sorry, Madam Lang. Helen is just a little slow¡ªshe''ll learn it soon enough," Gina then breathed

    reverently like a ve.

    Even Frank felt sick to the stomach as he stood aside.

    That was when Fleur spoke again, "Who do you think you are, serving me tea?"

    At the same time, she was looking haughtily downward at Gina, showing no intention to take the cup.

    "Oh..." Gina''s smile stiffened, and she had no choice but to slowly pass the teacup to Helen, pleading,

    "Go on, Helen. There''s nothing embarrassing about kneeling to your elders anyway."

    Helen frowned but eventually sighed as she dropped to her knees with a thud.

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    Jade snorted coolly right then. "Could''ve done that earlier, but you had to drag your feet. How

    impudent."

    Beside her, Luna''s eyes shed with obvious glee, as if Helen was kneeling to her and not to Fleur.

    She was clearly upset that Helen was chosen as a candidate for the next head of the Lane family, but

    so what if she was? In the end, Helen still had to kneel before her grandma.

    On the other hand, Frank was frowning as he watched Helen kneel.

    He was already sick of such ugly tradition, and even Godwin Lawrence¡ªthe most corrupt man Frank

    ever knew¡ªnever maintained such tradition.

    In contrast, the fact that some paltry households would maintain it made it clear they were used to

    bullying the younger generation.

    Still, Frank bore with it, staying silent since being a candidate for the next head of the Lane family was

    very important to Helen.

    Meanwhile, Fleur remained apathetic as she sat there, watching Helen kneel. She waited until Helen''s

    fingers started shaking from holding the teacup before nodding in satisfaction, and slowly took it.

    However, she only took a sip when her face fell, and she spat it at Helen''s face!

    Smashing the teacup into pieces on the floor, she pointed at Helen and snapped, "You wretch! Are you

    trying to burn me?!"

    "What the hell, Helen?" Luna eximed, ring at Helen while bringing a towel to wipe Fleur''s lips.

    "Are you trying to hurt Grandma?!"

    Helen scowled¡ªLuna and Fleur''s reactions were clearly scripted and meant to frame her!

    And the fact that Fleur spat the tea at her meant this was never tradition¡ªit was a barenaked insult.

    In fact, Fleur did note because she was interested in Helen as a candidate for the next head of the

    Lane family. Instead, she was here to assert her authority over Helen and bully her!

    At the same time, Jade was glowering and shouting at Helen, "What''s your problem? You can''t even

    make a cup of tea?!"

    "She''s just used to keepingpany with savages," Luna gloated gleefully. "She knows nothing of the

    tradition of the upper ss."

    "Oh, it''s just a misunderstanding." Gina promptly cleaned up the mess on the floor, shaking her head. "I

    had the tea myself. It won''t burn!"

    Fleur''s face fell. "What, are you using me of lying? That I''m harassing Helen?"

    "No, no, no, of course not." Gina quickly apologized, afraid of arguing at all.

    Jade, Fleur, and Luna were smiling gleefully at Gina''s spooked reaction¡ªshe was clearly spineless,

    and her daughter would not amount to much.

    Someone like Helen end up as the head of the Lane family? No chance!

    But since they were epted back into the family, they should properly break her so that she would

    understand who held the power in the family. It was the only way to make Helen and Gina understand

    that they should know their ce and never covet what would always lie beyond their reach!

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    "What are you spacing out for, Helen?" Luna snapped authoritatively, ring at Helen despite her

    inward delight. "Serve Grandma again, and make sure the temperature''s right this time!"

    "You heard Luna," Jade growled, rearing her chin.

 Chapter 690

    "O-Okay, I''ll do it right away," Gina eximed and promptly poured another cup of tea, handing it to

    Helen and giving her a look.

    Helen clenched her knuckles, ready to refuse serving it to Fleur again, when she remembered Vicky.

    Even now, the difference between them was huge¡ªbing the head of the Lane family was Helen''s

    only way to turn the tables against Vicky.

    As Helen prepared to reach out and take the tea cup, Frank, who already had enough, snatched the

    cup off her hands.

    Gina did a double take but was soon incensed. "What are you doing, Frank?!"

    Was he going to mess up yet another monumental opportunity for her?!

    If he upset Fleur, forget about Helen bing the next head of the Lane family¡ªthey would be exiled

    again!

    "Frank..." Helen was murmuring.

    She certainly knew that Frank had enough and was saving her from further misery.

    Still, just as everyone was left hesitating, Frank snorted as he briskly flung the tea at Fleur''s face.

    "Argh!" Fleur shrieked as the brown tea sshed all over her, melting her thick makeup instantly.

    "Have you gone crazy?!" Gina sprant to her feet as if jolted, snapping at Frank while bringing a towel to

    wipe Fleur''s face.

    On the other hand, Jade was afraid of Frank''s connections but yelled at him anyway, "This is our

    family''s business! You don''t get to meddle!"

    "That''s right!" Luna screamed as well. "You and Helen have yet to remarry, and that means you''re not

    family! You have no ce here!"

    Frank remained perfectly calm as he put the teacup on the table, a stark contrast to the others in the

    room.

    Sneering, he asked, "Family business? I don''t know about that, but Madam Lang there was saying it

    burns, so I was just testing it."

    Turning toward Fleur even as she quivered with rage, Frank shook his head. "I guess it didn''t burn, or

    you''d be on your feet¡ªdon''t you think? It''s the same tea from the same teapot, so I wonder who''s the

    liar."

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    Fleur shook in fury even as she met his cool eyes.

    Her face still dripping wet, she suddenly shoved Gina away as she whipped out a document and

    mmed it on the table.

    "Do you know what this is?!" she snapped in a frenzy, ring viciously at Helen. "It''s the proof of your

    candidacy that the wretched Mark Lane passed to me! Our family owns a billion-dor investment

    company in Southdam, and he was going to appoint you as CEO. But now?!"

    Wheeling on Frank venomously, she sneered, "I changed my mind because of your dear husband! I''d

    rather throw it away than pass it to you!"

    Gina started hyperventting at Fleur''s words. "A billion-dor investmentpany?!"

    If Helen did be CEO, Gina would be rich and powerful as she had always dreamt of!

    Frank''s Talnam ruby certainly dulled inparison!

    "Go on, Helen! Serve Madam Lang tea!" Gina eximed in such a thrill that she almost broke her

    voice.

 Chapter 691

    They could not afford to let slip such a grand opportunity¡ªwhat was a little offensepared to a

    billion-dorpany?!

    However, Helen shook her head at Gina''s look of excitement.

    Still, she picked up the teacup, even shaking her head at Frank so that he would not interfere.

    Frank remained impassive as he backed away, his eyes fixed on Fleur and leaving her annoyed.

    When Helen was about to give her the teacup, Fleur folded her arms before her chest, refusing to take

    it.

    mming a hand on the agreement on the table, she pointed at Frank and snapped coldly, "If you want

    this, ssh the tea at his face!"

    Helen froze at Fleur''s words and turned toward Frank, who was folding his arms before his chest and

    keeping quiet.

    This was clearly retaliation and harassment of Helen as well!

    "What are you waiting for, Helen?!" Gina cried in agitation¡ªshe could take the teacup and ssh

    Frank herself right then! "That''s his just deserts for disrespecting an elder. Don''t you know what''s more

    important? A billion-dorpany, Helen!"

    Helen was left bracing herself against everyone''s stares and her mother''s enthusiastic persuasion.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Luna was leering at her smugly in turn.

    So what if Helen was a candidate for the next head of the Lane family?

    So what if Frank outssed Titus Lionheart?!

    They were trampling all over Helen and Frank effortlessly, and they could not say a word in turn!

    "Do it!" Gina was certainly disappointed in Helen already, shoving her firmly toward Frank.

    "Frank..." Helen looked up, trouble.

    "Hmph."

    Frank never said a word, closing his eyes and clearly waiting for Helen to ssh him.

    "Do it, or you''re never getting this agreement!" Fleur shrieked.

    Eventually, Helen gritted her teeth and wheeled on the others, then flung the tea at Jade, Fleur, and

    Luna on the couch!

    "Argh!!!"

    Fleur shrieked as she caught the most of it since she was sitting in the middle. She tried to spring to

    her feet, ready to attack Helen.

    She could not get up, however, and could only throw her cane at Helen, though Frank knocked it away

    with his palm.

    "You bitch!" Jade was shaking even as she wiped the tea off her face, pointing and bellowing at Helen,

    "Madam Lang was being kind to you and giving you a way out, but you had to behave so tactlessly!

    Get out! You''re now no longer a part of our family!"

    "You''re all a bunch of primitive savages," Luna snapped as she wiped her clothes as well. "You''d never

    be the next head of the Lane family!"

    "What are you doing?!" Gina cried, her daughter''s behavior leaving her horrified.

    Still, indescribable grief soon struck her as she pointed at Frank. "Are you really giving up on a billion-

    dor investmentpany just to side with him?! What does he even have going for him?!"

    "Shut up, Mom."

    Helen snapped as she turned toward Gina, having had enough.

    Gina was left gaping¡ªwas this still her daughter Helen?!

    When did she be so unreasonable, just like a savage?!

 Chapter 692

    As Gina turned toward Frank, she realized why Helen was behaving like this!

    She turned her head, aiming herself at a pir in the drawing room as she shrieked hysterically,

    "Apologize to Madam Lang right now and get that agreement, Helen, or I''ll kill myself right now!"

    "Go on, do it." Helen remained unmoved, shaking her head.

    Gina looked on in shock as she strode toward the couch, looking haughtily downward at Jade, Fleur,

    and Luna as she said icily, "If you came to humiliate me and assert your authority, Madam Lang, then I

    must inform you that you really should''ve chosen someone else. I might have done it for that billion-

    dor investmentpany in the past, but now..."

    Helen''s eyes shed coldly as she bellowed, "You''re all just a bunch of clowns, and I''m done being

    nice!"

    Her stately strut left Jade, Fleur, and Luna, with Fleur clutching her chest and almost copsing.

    "Fine, fine!" Fleur cried as she pointed a shaking finger at Helen before throwing the agreement at

    Luna, wheezing as she snapped at Helen, "You''re a tactless fool just like your grandfather! Luna will be

    taking over the billion-dor investmentpany from this day forth¡ªand you can rot for all I care!"

    "Whatever. I wouldn''t take your handouts anyway." Helen snorted, kicking the table violently while

    pointing at the door. "Garcia, walk them out of here!"

    Jade, Fleur, and Luna got up and started to leave.

    Fleur, who was still shaking with rage, snapped at Gina as she walked past her, "You really are a mook,

    raising a daughter like that!"

    While Fleur strode off without looking back, Luna was holding the agreement, giving Helen a baleful

    look despite celebrating inwardly.

    "Oh, I should tell you, Helen," she said, clicking her tongue. "My grandfather built thispany from

    scratch, but you''d just throw such a great opportunity to me. Thank you so much."

    She beamed, unable to hide her delight and humming happily as she skipped off.

    Jade was grinning at Helen too. "Thank you for this. With this, Luna will be a candidate for the

    next head of the family."

    "What, her?" Helen chuckled, unrepentant. "Billion-dor investmentpany or not, I''ll show you that

    you don''t get to humiliate me as you will. And once I be the head of the family, I''ll make all of you

    pay for what you did today. So remember this, Jade."

    Frank blinked and scratched his head as he watched Helen, feeling like she was apletely different

    person.

    How could he put this... It felt like it was Vicky, and not Helen, standing there.

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    Still, Frank sighed exasperatedly as the drawing room door was shut violently, unsure if this was a

    good omen or something else.

    That was when Helen''s shoulders slumped, suddenly deted like a balloon.

 Chapter 693

    Helen ran straight toward Frank, throwing her hands around his waist as she hid her head over his

    chest.

    "Oh... What should I do, Frank? My candidacy will be forfeited now!" she groaned. "And a billion-dor

    investmentpany! I wouldn''t have to suffer Vicky if only I had it. Sobs."

    Her remorseful reaction akin to a toddler''s left Frank chuckling as he watched her.

    "Weren''t you full of confidence just now?" he asked, pping her on the shoulder tofort her.

    "I-I was just putting on airs!" Helen pouted miserably. "I was being impulsive, doing what I thought Vicky

    would do. and you''reughing at me! Oh, I''m such a goner."

    She kept whimpering as she punched Frank yfully on the chest.

    It was certainly a far cry from her girlboss strut just now, and Frank had to hold back hisughter

    despite his amusement.

    "Oh, the injustice." Gina was left watching in despair as they flirted.

    Frank''s ruby was gone, and now the billion-dor investmentpany. It was all overwhelming her,

    and she could really hit her head on the pir right then and end it all.

    Naturally, she did not have the guts to see it through and could only copse on the couch, sighing

    while aging a decade in appearance.

    That was when Helen''s phone rang, and she answered it.

    "What happened, Helen?" Gavin Lane asked from the other end. "Madam Lang is throwing a major

    tantrum, saying she''d rather a dog have the billion-dor investmentpany than you?"

    Helen did a double take, remembering Luna''s smug face just then.

    Was Gavin referring to Luna as a dog?

    She almost burst out inughter, but Gavin heard her and asked sternly, "What''s so funny, Helen?"

    "Oh, nothing," Helen quickly said, turning back into a girlboss in a split second and telling Gavin

    everything that had happened just now.

    Gavin was left sighing. "Please don''t get offended, Helen¡ªand Mr. Lawrence, of course. Madam Lang

    is old and prefers how things were in her heyday."

    Gavin was certainly smart¡ªthere was absolutely no ming Helen once he heard that Frank was

    involved.

    If they pushed the man too far, candidacy or billion-dor investmentpany really would not matter

    at that point.

    However, Fleur might not understand it just because Gavin did.

    She always was the worst senior member among the Southstream Lanes. If Helen really angered her

    and she spoke out against her to Mark, Helen''s candidacy as the next head of the Lane family would

    go up in smoke even though Gavin fought hard for it.

    How would he ride Frank''s coattail at that point?!

    That was when Gina, who had been spacing out for a while, suddenly appeared beside Helen.

    She snatched Helen''s phone right then, crying urgently, "Please, Gavin. We''ll drop by someday to

    apologize¡ªFrank and Helen together, of course. Really, it''s all Frank''s fault, and I''m sure Madam LangExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    would be pleased if they sincerely apologized, right?"

    Gavin was left speechless by Gina''s ramblings.

 Chapter 694

    Was Gina really that brainless to ask Frank to go to Southstream and apologize, and for someone as

    lowly as Fleur?!

    If he was really forced to visit them, it would not be an apology¡ªFrank would be threatening the

    Southstream Lanes instead, as he would not be satisfied until Helen was appointed the head of the

    Lane family.

    Once it was pushed through, every clique in the family would get upset, and they would go their

    separate ways when they could have coexisted peacefully.

    "No, it''s fine¡ªI cane up with something else," Gavin quickly told Gina, his eyes soon lighting up

    with excitement as inspiration struck.

    "Listen up, Helen¡ªthere''s this farm my father has been investing in," he exined. "He personally

    loves it and often hires contractors to green it. However, the farm itself is inflicting mary losses,

    amounting up to the millions now. We can''t keep giving handouts for a business even if the old man

    loves it, so he''s been nning to sell it.

    "As such, if you can take over that farm and make the business boom, I''m sure my father would think

    highly of you¡ªyou might even be given that billion-dor investmentpany!"

    Gina was thrilled to hear Gavin''s suggestion and thanked him endlessly before turning toward Helen.

    "Go on, thank your uncle!"

    Helen was actually moved and was about to thank him when Gavin said quietly, "Wait, don''t thank me

    yet. I said that my father is ready to sell it, but it won''t be easy to actually acquire it. First, you''d need

    around a billion dors to purchase the farm, and there''s subsequent investments just to make a profit

    from it.

    "Moreover, you only have one week to get everything ready¡ªmy father wants to sell it as soon as he

    can. That''s why you really should be prudent about this... My father himself used all the family

    resources but just couldn''t make a profit out of the farm."

    "What?! A billion?!" Gina''s face turned pale right then.

    Where would any of them get a billion?!

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    And a billion was just the cost of buying the farm, while subsequent investments were not included!

    Helen was frowning too, since she really could not afford a billion dors¡ªif she really wanted to do it,

    she would have to liquidate Lane Holdings.

    And even that did not includeter operations cost, and she must also make a profit with the farm!

    No matter how she looked at it, it was almost impossible.

    That was when Frank suddenly came and spoke over the phone, "Deal. We''ll wire the money in three

    days."

    Gavin had made himself very clear, after all¡ªit was virtually impossible for Helen to seed alone, so

    he was basically telling Frank everything too.

    In fact, Gavin was waiting precisely for Frank''s response.

    He breathed a sigh of relief once he received Frank''s assurance and was chuckling on the other end.

    "It relieves me to hear that you''re helping, Mr. Lawrence," he said and hung up after some brief small

    talk.

    Helen sighed dejectedly right then, her gaze gloomy as she snapped, "You''re being impulsive, Frank!

    Where would we get so much money? Lane Holdings especially doesn''t have money to spare with the

    new factory''s precision machinery... No, we wouldn''t have that much money anyway!"

 Chapter 695

    On the other hand, Gina hung her head in silence for a long while.

    Then, having made up her mind, she looked up and snarled, "I''ll find Cindy. If we do, we''d be able to

    buy that farm!"

    "That''s not necessary," Frank said, waving her off¡ªmoney was no issue for him.

    The question here was how they were going to make a profit with that farm.

    Gina, however, was only getting further agitated. "No, I''m not taking this lying down. I''ll find Cindy!

    Curse that brat... She''d do this to me when I trust her so much!"

    While Gina strode upstairs, Helen frowned as she turned toward Frank. "About the money. Why don''t

    we ask Vicky? We might be able to pool the money by working together."

    "What?" Frank was a little surprised. "When did you two bond?"

    "N-No!" Helen blushed as she snapped. "What are you talking about? We''re just colleagues, that''s all!"

    Frank raised a brow, staring at her with a faint, suspicious smile. "Hold on, did you fall for Vicky? Be

    honest now¡ªwhich way do you swing?"

    "Stop it! Just stop it!" Helen punched him and stormed off, still blushing.

    "Haha..." Frank chuckled¡ªhe was naturally joking.

    Soon, his expression was solemn since there was business to attend to.

    No matter how one saw it, he was the main reason that Helen lost the billion-dor investment

    company and offended the Southstream Lanes.

    That being said, he was very pleased with the way Helen snapped at Fleur today¡ªshe was no longer

    wet behind the ears like before.

    And since he was pleased, he should help Helen be the next head of the Lane family, just to see

    the expression on Jade, Fleur, and Luna when it happened!

    Without further ado, he whipped out his phone and called Trevor Zurich.

    "Mr. Lawrence," Trevor answered almost instantly.

    "Hey, Trevor. So, I''d like to borrow around two billion dors from you. Can you wire it to Helen''s

    ount by tomorrow?"

    "Borrow?" Trevor was shocked to hear the word, and quickly said, "You can have the money, Mr.

    Lawrence! You really don''t have to take a loan like some stranger."

    "No it''s a loan and one taken under my name." Frank insisted solemnly "I''ll pay it back in installments

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    with a five figure interest."

    "Oh... Okay." Trevor could only say yes since Frank was dead serious.

    "Thanks," Frank said and hung up.

    On the other end, Trevor was left in disbelief and smiling exasperatedly. "It seems like Mr. Lawrence''s

    in a good mood."

    Early next morning, Frank had two beauties in his car as they drove to the outskirts of Southstream.

    They journeyed through many winding mountain roads and eventually arrived at a vast farm.

    Gavin stood there, waiting in a formal suit.

    His eyes lit up when he saw Frank''s Maybach and hurried over to receive him.

    However, Frank soon spotted other familiar faces as well.

 Chapter 696

    Jade, Luna, and Fleur¡ªwho had a major disagreement with Frank and the others at Lane Manor just

    yesterday¡ªwere there too.

    Pursing her lips, Fleur was already snorting when Frank arrived. "I''m telling you¡ªhe definitely came

    empty-handed and is going to appeal to our better nature using Henry Lane''s name. I mean, these

    people, pooling a billion dors in a day? Dream on!"

    Roth Lane, Gavin''s eldest son, was there too, frowning at her words.

    "Madam Lang," he said quietly, "Mr. Lawrence isn''t all he seems. A billion dors really isn''t that much

    money to him."

    "Oh, don''t be such a wuss, Roth." Luna snorted haughtily. "Even I can admit that Frank Lawrence has

    friends, but gathering a billion dors in a day? It''s still a challenge."

    "Don''t worry, Luna." Jade grinned, winking at her. "That man obviously brought Helen here to appeal to

    emotion. And the farm is a money sink anyway¡ªHelen would never make money out of it even if she

    bought it. They''d just lose more than what they bargained for."

    Luna smiled confidently at her mother''s words.

    Meanwhile, Frank stopped his Maybach by the curb and alighted.

    While Frank was dressed casually, Helen wore a sunflower print blouse with jeans and arge sun hat.

    On the other hand, Vicky was dressed more fashionably with her little ck dress that kept her thigh-

    highs just short of exposure.

    Coupled with her stunning figure, shades and parasol, she certainly had the look of a noble daughter

    inspecting hernds.

    Naturally, she was an heiress in every sense of the word.

    Her getup left Roth stunned even as he stood afar, and it took him a long while to turn away and sigh¡ª

    Vicky''s fame for her beauty across thend was certainly warranted.

    As for Luna, she could only pout and click her tongue. "Stinker."

    As Frank led both women to Gavin, Gavin quickly asked, "How did it go, Helen? Do you have the

    capital ready?"

    "Uh... Yes," Helen nodded tamely, ncing at Frank feebly.

    Just yesterday, she received a call from her bank saying that someone wired two billion dors into her

    ount.

    Naturally, it had to be Frank.

    "Oh, that''s good," Gavin said, sighing in relief at Helen''s confirmation¡ªwho knew how Fleur would

    harass them if they did not have enough. "Just wait here for a moment. I''ll send for my father right

    away."

    Gavin led them to the veranda before leaving to get his father.

    Before he left, he shot Roth a look, who caught his cue right then.

    His father wanted him to be the mediator!

    It was certainly a monumental task, but Roth nodded.

    That was when Fleur, who was seated on an armchair, scoffed. "I was told yesterday that you''re buying

    this farm, Helen. It''s a good idea, but it''s really expensive, with all the resources Mark poured into it. DoContent bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    you have enough money?"

    "You don''t have to worry about that, Madam Lang," Helen replied, her tone staunch despite her almost

    casual getup.

    Frank suddenly remembered how Helen deted after snapping at Fleur, Luna, and Jade, and he could

    not help snickering.

    Helen could immediately tell what was on his mind and subtly rolled her eyes at him.

 Chapter 697

    On the other hand, Vicky was smiling. "You must be Fleur Lang, ma''am. Your reputation precedes

    you... Oh, where are my manners? Would you like some tea? I can pour you some."

    She really enjoyed stepping on toes, gleeful even as she mentioned the tea incident of the previous

    night and leaving Fleur glowering.

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    Jade, who had enough, snapped at Vicky right then, "Ms. Turnbull, you should stay in line even if your

    family is important in Morhen. We aren''t afraid of you."

    Vicky gasped in dramatic surprise. "Whoa, you must be Jade Zahn! Hello to you too¡ªI heard that my

    darling husband Frank Lawrence saved your daughter, yes?"

    She certainly was no punching bag like Helen, and her mention of that life debt left Jade and Luna

    pursing their lips grumpily.

    "I mean, a life debtsts forever, doesn''t it? But why does it feel like neither of you are grateful?"

    Vicky sighed in exaggerated disappointment just then. "Such a shame I''m not as noble as my husband

    ¡ªI mean, if I saved someone and they still have the cheek to nder me for molestation, I''d really

    punish them behind their back. Who knows, they might be poisoned without knowing it!"

    Vicky''s pointed supposition actually spooked Luna, and she hurried off, lifting her sleeves to check.

    Jade strode up right then, shielding Luna behind her. "This is the Lane family business, Ms. Turnbull!

    Stay out of this!"

    "Oh, I certainly do, but my hands are tied!" Vicky shrugged. "Helen borrowed my money. I''m now

    bearing a risk as her creditor, so I have a right to check if her investment is a prudent one, don''t you

    think?"

    Vicky''s smile never faded even as she brought down the women of the Lane family a peg.

    They certainly knew Vicky was infamous for her sharp tongue, and they would not get anything out of

    verbal fencing against her.

    Instead, Fleur turned her sights on Frank, snorting under her breath, "Two-timing bastard. Despicable."

    "Oh, but isn''t your husband much worse, Madam Lang?" Vicky giggled. "I mean, three wives! That''s

    three-timing¡ªmy darling is much more upstanding inparison."

    Her retort left Fleur cursing herself¡ªwhat was wrong with her, trying to insult Frank with that?! She was

    just shooting herself in the foot!

    With that, Vicky silenced Luna, Jade and Fleur all on her own. They scowled as if they were choking,

    as none of them could breath the insults and mockery they had on the tip of their tongues.

    Helen actually felt cathartic¡ªin this respect, Vicky was not that contemptible.

    "Whoa!"

    Soon, an elderly man arrived on horseback.

    His curled hair was white, but his eyes were spirited and he was dressed stylishly.

    It was none other than Mark Lane, Henry Lane''s younger brother.

    After Gavin hurried to him and helped him off his house, he looked around, eventually fixing his gaze

    on Helen.

    "Gavin told me about you, Helen," Mark spoke, his tone carrying such strength that he almost did not

    look seventy. "You''re interested in taking this farm off my hands?"

    "Yes, Mr. Lane," Helen nodded.

    "Hoho. Then do you know how much this farm costs, along with the maintenance fees and the rest?"

    Mark chuckled, holding the saddle as he pointed at a distant river. "That farnd over there, where we

    grow various fruits and vegetables, is the size of two viges. That''s around seven square kilometers of

    land there."

    Then, pointing southeast, Mark continued, "Over there are the horse stables and woods where fruit

    trees are grown. It''s around seven square kilometers too... Oh, and there''s also livestock."

 Chapter 698

    Mark chuckled, gazing proudly upon the farm that stretched on endlessly. "Chickens, ducks, fishes,

    geese, pigs, and goats, and an enormous pond... These are all my treasures, and I''ve been watching

    over them for years."

    "And losing a whole lot of money because of it," Fleur added tactlessly.

    Mark''s face fell right then, but Gavin hurried over to clear the air with a smile. "Helen, my father shed

    blood and sweat for this farm. I''d like him to enjoy some peace in the knowledge that it''s passed on to

    safe hands."

    "Exactly," Mark said, his expression easing as he sighed. "My health''s been declining ever since my

    brother''s passing, and I feel too weary to keep managing the farm."

    "What are you saying, sir? You''re the picture of good health, right?" Helen eximed, turning toward

    Frank.

    "Yeah," Frank frowned ever so slightly but nodded in silence for Helen''s sake.

    Gavin noticed Frank''s hesitation, however, and made a mental note.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    On the other hand, Mark was chuckling and holding up his palms cheerfully. "Helen, I won''t waste your

    time. We''re family, and if you want this farm, you just have to pay me the same price I bought it¡ªa

    hundred million dors."

    "What?!"

    "No!"

    Jade and Fleur promptly sprang to their feet when Mark offered Helen a lowered price, scowling,

    "What, do you have something to say about that?"

    "N-No... It''s just that, you''ve worked on this farm and spent money on it for so long," Jade said,

    lowering her voice. "Surely it''s not worth so little. But it''s your choice, of course."

    Still, her tone changed sharply as she frowned. "Also, didn''t rk and Gable n to build a factory

    here? They are your sons, and you asked for five billion when you offered it to them. Why does Helen

    only have to pay a hundred million?"

    Jade''s words actually gave Mark pause, while Gavin red at her and could p her right then. "Can''t

    you just keep your mouth shut?!"

    Fleur was thumping her can then. "Jade is right. Don''t you remember asking rk¡ªyour own son¡ªfor

    five billion dors? Doesn''t your conscience hurt as a father?"

    Luna chimed in as well, "Yeah, Grandpa. You''re being unfair."

    "Shut up!" Mark snapped at everyone as he came to his senses. "Those two animals will demolish my

    farm to build a factory by the river¡ªa pollution-heavy material processing factory, I might add! All the

    hard work and money I spent on this farm over the years would just go up in smoke! I''m now passing it

    to Helen so that she''ll keep the farm going instead of selling off thend for some rotten factory!"

    "Helen!" he barked, wheeling on Helen with red eyes. "Tell me, what are you going to use thisnd

    for?"

 Chapter 699

    Seeing the seriousness in Mark''s eyes, Helen swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue.

    After all, she and Vicky had agreed after much discussion that it had to be a factory.

    Thend was t, and with that river, it was a god-given treasure for an industrial zone.

    And no one ever lost money when it came to industrial zones, though one could not say the same for a

    farm.

    Seeing her hesitation, Mark frowned in annoyance. "Are you going to build a factory here too?"

    "No." Helen quickly denied it, while her mind quickly searched for options.

    It was obvious that Mark cherished his farm and refused to build factories that would pollute the natural

    goodness here.

    However, the problem was that farms were really not profitable, and they might end up losing a lot

    more.

    If that happened, forget Mark crediting Helen''s abilities¡ªall she would receive in turn was

    disappointment and a huge debt. She would certainly not be considered a candidate for the next head

    of the Lane family while she loses all her money, losing more than what she bargained for like Jade

    had said earlier.

    It was only now that Frank understood why the Southstream Lanes were perfectly calm giving up the

    farm from the start¡ªit really was a money sink.

    And Mark''s refusal topromise only makes things worse.

    "Hehe... Helen, don''t think you can put on airs now," Fleur chuckled, not forgetting to mock Helen just

    then since she held a bitter grudge against Helen. "Did you think we''d consider passing you the farm if

    it was that easy to manage? Dream on!"

    "I''ll be frank, Helen," Mark said, frowning. "I''ve worked on this farm for a long time, and I wouldn''t pass

    it to anyone if it wasn''t for my age catching up to me. If you want to take it, you must promise me that

    you won''t build a factory."

    Pausing, he then added, "Also, I''ve been thinking about retiring as head of the family. You have one

    quarter''s time, Helen¡ªmake a profit with this farm, even earning the starting cost, and I''ll appoint you

    the next head of the Lane family! Can you do it?"

    Helen was hesitant as she saw the gleam in Mark''s eyes.

    That was when Vicky strode forward, beaming as she answered in Helen''s stead, "Don''t worry, Mr.

    Lane. With Helen and I brainstorming together, we can make a profit with this farm in a quarter¡ªno, in

    just two months!"

    Markughed, seeing how confident Vicky was. "Very well! I shall pass all rights to this farm to you

    ladies. Naturally, we should have this down in writing."

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Mark then beckoned for Gavin to bring the prepared agreement, cheerfully writing a hundred million

    dors on it.

    "If you do seed in earning the hundred million dors you paid me in two months, I''ll acknowledge

    that you have surpassed us in potential. I certainly won''t be worried about you leading the family!

    Hahaha..."

    Mark wasughing as he left, leaving everyone trading looks.

    "A jolly old man, isn''t he?" Vicky smiled, watching as Mark left.

    "Yeah." Helen nodded, tears welling up in her eyes as Mark reminded her of her own grandfather,

    Henry.

 Chapter 700

    That being said, both Mark and Helen seemed to have a tacit understanding to not mention Henry

    today¡ªthey did not want to add to their own misery.

    However, while Vicky and Helen were watching Mark leave emotionally, Fleur went Lang over and

    snatched the agreement off Gavin''s hands.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    "Hmph. Two months?" She snorted and saw the hundred million dor sum to be paid.

    Whipping out a pen from her pocket, she added a zero behind it and quickly passed it back to Gavin.

    Gavin frowned when he saw Fleur change the price. "This is insurance. What if Helen fails? We''d lose

    big."

    "Don''t tell anyone! And don''t you understand how humiliating it would be if some nobody is appointed

    the head of our family?!" Felur growled under her breath.

    Gavin was going to argue but soon noticed Frank turning toward them.

    He quickly pretended nothing ever happened¡ªhe did not want Frank to have a fight over money here.

    It did not benefit his family whatsoever!

    Also, it was just one more zero, and Helen had agreed to pay a billion dors before anyway.

    At this point, Gavin had to give in and bring the agreement to Helen and Vicky.

    On the other hand, Fleur winked at Luna and Jade, and all three women smiled gleefully.

    Jade even snorted, dead sure that Helen would fail. "Two months to make a billion dors out of this

    rundown farm? You won''t even grow a tree at that time!"

    "Exactly," Luna giggled. "Get too greedy, and you''d just end up humiliating yourself."

    With that, they left in their car in satisfaction at getting one over Helen after suffering Vicky''s witty

    contempt.

    They just had to wait while Helen made a fool of herself now! -

    On the other hand, Frank remained calm andposed even as Helen signed the agreement and

    returned to him, frowning.

    Her hair could turn white from stress right then. After all, she hade here, convinced that this issue

    was in the bag... only for it to turn out to be a lethal dilemma.

    "We only have two months, Frank." She sighed. "How are we going to make a billion dors out of this

    farm?"

    "You sounded so confident when you gave Mark your promise," Frank stayed impassive as he turned

    toward Vicky. "Do you have a n?"

    "Of course not." Vicky shrugged innocently. "I was talking out of my ass."

    "Hey!" Helen almost choked and fell unconscious as Vicky suddenly proved so... irresponsible!

    "Oh, Helen. Did you think we were friends?" Vicky raised her brow, giggling as she folded her arms

    before her chest. "Don''t forget that we''re still rivals¡ªif you fall, Frank is mine and mine alone. That''s

    why I gave Mark my empty promise."

    Poling Helen on the forehead with a sly smile, she continued, "Honestly, how could you be so silly? I

    almost find you cute now!"

    Helen then realized that Vicky was just goading her, because she was starting to show reluctance

    when Mark asked for a billion instead of a hundred million.

    To think that she had forced herself to sign the agreement under the impression that Vicky had a n,

    and they had already made payment! But it turned out that Vicky just wanted to pull the rug from

    beneath her feet!

 Chapter 701

    Helen almost shed tears from sheer frustration. "How could you do this to me, Vicky?!"

    Vicky walked up and hugged Helen while purring, "Oh, dear Helen... Why are you tearing up? It really

    hurts to look¡ªbut reality is just that cruel. All is fair in love and war! You need more resolve than this!"

    Wagging her finger at Helen, she continued, "I mean, just think about it¡ªwhy would I help you be

    the next head of the Lane family? Just so that you can lord over me? I''d be shooting myself in the foot,

    and I''m not as dumb as you are."

    Seeing that Vicky''s words were striking Helen where it hurts most, Frank sighed exasperatedly. "That''s

    enough now, Vicky. Stop scaring her¡ªdon''t you have any ideas?"

    "Huh?" Vicky turned toward him in shock. "Did you think I''m just scaring her, darling? This is a once-in-

    a-lifetime opportunity to defeat Helen once and for all. Fine, I''ll be frank. I''m not some deity who can

    make money out of such a huge farm in two months. Helen is in for it now."

    Helen really snapped at that and pushed Vicky away as she huffed, "T-To think I thought you were

    helping me out of the kindness of your heart. You''re despicable, Vicky!"

    "You tter me." Vicky smiled, leaving Helen feeling like she was punching futilely into cotton.

    In the end, she had to rely on Frank.

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    He actually had an idea after racking his brainsst night. If it was sessful, they would make a billion

    in under a month!

    "Vicky, could you make a call to that star celebrity. Noel York, was it?" he asked, his eyes shing

    sharply.

    "Frank." Helen tugged on him gratefully right then.

    Frank smiled in turn¡ªwhile he had always supported Helen from the shadows to help her grow in the

    three years they had been married, there was no time for that this time.

    He shall get involved personally this time.

    "Have Ms. York film somemercials for us and distribute it across all channels," Frank said quietly.

    "Spare no expense¡ªthe more publicity, the better. Announce that we, the Lane family, will be starting a

    member-exclusive farm trip, and only twenty people are allowed in each day."

    "A farm trip?" Vicky rolled her eyes, seeing that Frank was already taking Helen''s side. "I''ve thought

    about it, but it''s basically impossible¡ªwe''re short on time, and thepetition is too fierce for us

    unless we have an edge."

    "Exactly." Frank smiled confidently. "We do."

    "Contact Dan Zimmer of Flora Hall and nave him endorse as well. Just say..."

    Frank paused, musing to himself before saying, "Just say that our farm trip is different from the rest. It''s

    a one-day journey, but most of the tourist''s hidden mdies would be cured, and their lifespans would

    be extended by a year!"

    "What?!" Even Helen appeared embarrassed by such oundish ims. "Isn''t that false advertising?"

    Vicky was speechless too. "Extending their lifespans by a year. You really know how to spin it, darling!"

    "What, are you doubting me?" Frank nced between them, huffing. "Thene up with a viable idea

    on your own."

    "Heh," Vicky giggled.

 Chapter 702

    Vicky stuck her tongue out at Frank, while Helen frowned.

    "Alright, just leave this whole affair to me," he said. "Both of you just follow my orders¡ªyou''ll be

    handing the advertising and getting all the public figures of Riverton to build hype. The more hype, the

    better.

    "As for me^" Frank nced at the farnd around him, sighing. "I''ll be staying here for a while."

    "Frank..." Helen was awash with emotion.

    She was convinced she could rise as the next head of the Lane family, only to end up relying on Frank

    again.

    It was as emotional as it was awkward¡ªin fact, Frank''s im before that he was the reason Lane

    Holdings flourished during their three-year marriage was no lie.

    Frank patted her on the head just then. "Come on. You don''t need me if you can do everything yourself.

    Go on¡ªget to work."

    "Yeah," Helen nodded.

    "ying favorites huh, Frank?" Vicky''s huffed, puffing her cheeks in jealousy. "You''re always on Helen''s

    side, never caring about me! I''m upset now!"

    Frank chuckled. "Comining when you already have the goodies? When did I ever refuse when you

    really need me?"

    Vicky thought about it and nodded as she smiled again. "True. Well, we''re leaving now. Look, darling¡ª

    it''s fine if you fail. I''m not going to me you¡ªjust let Helen suffer the consequences alone."

    Vexed, Helen tried to punch Vicky even as she giggled and waved nonchntly. "You and Frank

    nned this just to scare me!"

    "No. Actually, I just wanted you to suffer."

    "V-i-c-ky T-u-r-n-bu-l-l!!!"

    Frank watched as they chased each other on their way out, though his smile soon turned somber.

    Farm trips were wildly popr over thest few years, and most city-dwelling bigwigs were losing

    interest.

    But what if it was a trip that extended one''s lifespan and nourished their body?

    Rich folks tended to hope to live longer, and none of them would rather die in pain of death.

    And Frank was aiming for them as his target demographic.

    Livestock, ntations, and fisheries were outdated¡ªFrank could work himself to death and never earn

    a billion dors in two months with those.

    On the other hand, if this membership-exclusive tour scheme filled its twenty-person quota every day,

    and with tickets priced at two million dors, one month was enough for them to recoup their spending.

    Naturally, Frank would still need help from both Flora Hall and Trevor Zurich¡ªhe could notplete

    such a grand project on his own.

    Still, while he was busy nning everything, Frank''s phone suddenly rang.

    "Hello?" he answered, and it was Trevor by sheer coincidence.

    "Mr. Lawrence? You asked me to look into the Leaf family of Norsedam before, yes? Well, I found

    something."

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    Frank nodded in satisfaction. "Heh. It actually took you a week? It seems that the Leaf family are good

    at keeping things under wraps."

 Chapter 703

    Trevor was watching a haggard Frank with a pained look. "Why don''t you let me drive, Mr. Lawrence?

    You''ve been working hard for days."

    It had been five days since Trevor called Frank to report his findings on the Leaf family of Norsedam.

    And over thest five days, Frank had been busy as he measured every corner of the farm, including

    the hot springs, stables, and orchards.

    He made arrangements to set up ayout resembling a nned town. Then, he had Trevor spend a

    fortune hiring the best architects in Draconia to provide it a grand design.

    At the same time, Frank needed everyone to quickly finish all construction for the resort in a month. For

    that, Trevor hired over a thousand contracts who worked overnight.

    After that, Frank provided Trevor with an inventory of medicinal herbs and asked him to buy everything.

    "Who''s it for?" Trevor asked in curiosity at the time, but Frank simply smiled and said nothing.

    Nheless, Trevor did as told and was soon left watching as he watched Frank refine every herb into

    pills, and then fed said pills to the livestock living across the farm.

    Trevor was certainly bbergasted¡ªhe had gone through great lengths to procure all those herbs, but

    it turned out they were not even meant for people?!

    It had been five days since Frank worked on the farm without stopping.

    When it was time to leave, he got in his car, bringing Trevor along as they drove straight to Norsedam.

    ording to Trevor, it took him a long time to investigate the Leaf family because they excelled at

    secrecy... because Bail Leaf, the head of the family, died under mysterious circumstances recently.

    The cause for his death had been controversial¡ªsome imed it was vengeful murder, while others

    said it was sudden death.

    None of it mattered to Frank, just as he and Trevor did not go to Norsedam to mourn the man¡ªthere

    was no reason to do so when they had never even met the man.

    They were there to attend the small auction hosted by the Leaf family following Bail''s death.

    In life, Bail had been the most enthusiastic collector of antiques and rarities among the east coast''s

    upper ss.

    Now that he was gone, those treasures would only gather dust, and so, Bail''s heirs decided to auction

    some of it.

    And one of the auctioned items was a hundred-year Hyperion Root, thest of the Five Elemental

    Wonders that Frank desperately needed.

    With it, he could fully recover from his internal injuries and regain his peak form again:

    Birthrightconsummation!

    When he did, he would be able to hold his own even against Ascendant rank martial elites.

    -

    Norsedam was just one river away from Riverton, and it was just a three-hour drive.

    As he drove, Frank told Trevor everything about his n for the farm.

    In one month, all the livestock would be cultivated enough, as pills made from herbs and nature''s

    wonders improved them beyond their mortal flesh.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Their very flesh was now ichor and could give even Mystic Sky Sect''s livestocks a run for their money.

    And for the average Joe, the taste and value of such meat would be astounding¡ªeven if immortality

    was not possible, it would still prolong a person''s life.

    Moreover, that was only for the livestock¡ªFrank had also recruited acupuncturists from Flora Hall,

    teaching them techniques that could work in tandem with the pills he refined. It would naturally greatly

    improve the visitors'' health.

    As for the hot springs, Frank would be applying his own brew of herbs.

 Chapter 704

    As for horse-riding, fishing, and other forms of entertainment, Frank would set them up as contests,

    with winners being awarded even better service. Frank even had a mind to open such contests to the

    public.

    Trevor was certainly excited after Frank told him about his mastern and volunteered to be the first

    guest.

    Frank happily agreed to it, just as he could take a break as the chief nner for the resort project now

    that everything was on the right track.

    The rest was up to Trevor, and as for advertising... Would the two beautiful women not catch more

    attention than him anyway?

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    Frank and Trevor were still chatting as they arrived at Norsedam.

    The Leaf family had chosen to hold their auction on the ck market¡ªit appeared that most of Bail''s

    collections were procured through unsavory means and could not be shown to the public. Moreover,

    while the ck market had no shortage of rarities, the prices were inevitably higher than usual.

    "Wee, Mr. Lawrence." Trevor smiled.

    He had his men look into theyout of the building, and he was familiar with every nook and cranny by

    now.

    As he led Frank into the auction hall, the auction began just as they took their seats.

    The crowd''s voices were deafening, with various rare treasures taken up to the disy table onstage,

    as ridiculous starting bids were announced for each item.

    Frank and Trevor had front row seats, which Trevor had naturally arranged for.

    "Ah, good. They have yet to auction the Hyperion Root." Trevor sighed in relief as he checked the list of

    auctioned items on stage.

    "Destiny, one would say." Frank smiled.

    That was when the woman beside Frank turned to him. "Hmm. You two came for the Hyperion Root

    too?"

    She had waist-length hair and wore leather pants that hugged her long, shapely legs.

    While her appearance certainly left an impression, there was a haughtiness in her eyes that kept

    people at arm''s reach.

    Frank was not going to answer, but seeing that these were familiar ground for the woman, he thought

    about it and smiled. "Of course. It''s a rare treasure, and I''d like to see it up close and personal."

    The woman snorted in disdain, her manners crude. "I won''t lie¡ªit''s mine already. I''d advise you to give

    up even if you''re willing to fight for it."

    "Every auctioned item has no owner until a bid is sessful," Trevor snapped in displeasure right then.

    "How is it already yours? Don''t you think you''re being overconfident?"

 Chapter 705

    The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu

    "Fine. I guess we''ll see." The woman sneered, clearly hostile toward Frank and Trevor.

    Trevor was going to argue, but Frank stopped him. "Don''t cause a mess. We''re here for the auction."

    Trevor snorted coolly. "Well, we''re letting her off easy."

    His business operated mainly abroad, but he still had strong influence in Draconia. How else could he

    have investigated the Leaf family so quickly?

    Meanwhile, auction items were quickly leaving the table, and the more important ones were now being

    presented.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Soon, Frank found himself staring a fist-sized yellowed tree root,ying still in a chest cushioned in red

    velvet cloth.

    "Look, Mr. Lawrence! Isn''t that the Hyperion Root?!" Trevor eximed excitedly, not noticing the frown

    on Frank''s face.

    Jenny Leaf¡ªBail''s daughter and emcee of the auction¡ªpersonally introduced the item. "Honored

    guests, the next item is one of my father''s most precious pieces, and it''s often presented for appraisal:

    a Hyperion Root, which represents the wood element of the Five Elemental Wonders. It is an object of

    utter rarity, and it wasn''t easy for myte father to acquire it."

    Jenny then lifted the sandalwood chest over her head, while the cameras zoomed in on the Hyperion

    Root.

    As she gently brushed her fingers over the herb, a yellow radiance emanated from it, coupled with a

    strange sweetness that everyone in the auction hall could smell.

    Under the illumination of the stage lights, the unordinary root revealed its true essence¡ªa herb

    gleaming bright in green and yellow hues.

    "It really is the Hyperion Root! I will have it!"

    The woman beside Frank sprang to her feet, her eyes shing in yearning and delight as she shook in

    thrill.

    It turned out that she was not the only one interested either¡ªonce the Hyperion Root was presented

    and proved genuine, everyone in the auction hall grew restless, their eyes twinkling as they stared at it.

    At the same time, Jenny continued, "It has been a precious part of my father''s collection, and I''m sure

    everyone here knows its worth. Without further ado, I hereby announce that the bid starts at a hundred

    million, and each subsequent bid must be a million or more.

    "And the bid starts... now!"

    At Jennys call, the air in the room became charged.

    "101 million!"

    "Hah! Your bid is terrible... 110 million!"

    "Stop fighting! It''s mine! 180 million!"

    Shouts making bids boomed from every corner of the hall, with more joining thepetition by the

    minute, while others simply enjoyed the drama.

    Some men had clearlye after hearing rumors of a Hyperion Root being auctioned and prepared a

    huge sum in hopes their bid was sessful.

    Everyone knew how rare the Five Elemental Wonders were, as centuries could pass without any being

    found.

    That was why the price for the Hyperion Root would never depreciate, just as anyone who bought it

    could sell it for several times the price they bought it for!

    Naturally, there were elderly individuals who loved anything that promoted longevity, and that included

    the longevity farming trip that Frank had proposed.

    They would not even bat an eyelid if they had to spend their entire fortune, as long as they could live

    another few more years.

 Chapter 706

    And today, Frank was seeing it in action with his own eyes.

    "300 million."

    A youth dressed casually raised his paddle just then.

    For some reason, the entire auction hall soon turned silent at his call.

    Scratching his head nonchntly, Tavis Holt grinned. "That Hyperion Root belongs to Hundred Bane

    Sect. Anyone who bids against me shall bebeled an enemy of my sect... and I''m sure everyone

    knows what happens after?"

    As Tavis looked around at those around him, everyone who met his gaze were grimacing but backed

    out of the bid nheless.

    No one would ever mess with the ruthless savages of Hundred Bane Sect.

    There was no line they would not cross. Anyone who made an enemy of them¡ªeven unknowingly¡ª

    would be poisoned with a variety of oddities in each instance, and they did it without ever being caught.

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    Naturally, there was also variety to the condition of the corpse left behind, each more creepy than the

    last: Some would melt instantly into a puddle of pus, while others screamed in agony for days before

    dying.

    That was why Hundred Bane Sect was that one sect no one would try to cross¡ªwhat was more

    important, one''s life or some trinket?

    And yet, the woman sitting beside Frank turned toward Tavis and snorted. "Hah! Hundred Bane Sect

    has the balls to mess with me? 500 million!"

    She appeared so haughty just then that it almost appeared as if she did not worry about them!

    "Huh?!" Tavis straightened, scowling as he red at the woman from afar. "Hey, girl¡ªyou''re asking for

    it by messing with Hundred Bane Sect!"

    The woman simply sneered as she nced at him. "You should know your ce¡ªyou''re the one

    asking for it. I am Sif Lionheart of Morhen!"

    "What?! Sif Lionheart?!"

    The auction hall erupted in an uproar right then¡ªthe people here had certainly heard of Sif!

    She was the youngest heiress of the Lionheart family and Titus Lionheart''s stepsister who managed

    their Norsedam branch.

    She held so much authority even the mayor of Norsedam answered to her.

    With her power, was she just anyone to be messed with?

    Even if the Hundred Bane Sect had killed countless people, they would still tread carefully around the

    Lionhearts, as they were under the Volsung Sect''s protection.

    Hence, while the crowd was shocked to hear Sif''s name, Tavis was left scowling and silenced.

 Chapter 707

    Sif was grinning smugly.

    Never once was she ever afraid when ites topeting connections!

    Tavis was hanging his head in turn, afraid to say a word since he knew how difficult Sif could be.

    Anyone who messed with her would have messed with her younger brother¡ªthe freak of Volsung Sect.

    "Oh, he''s spineless. Boring..." Sif sighed in disappointment as she returned to her seat.

    Then, she nced at Frank seemingly nonchntly.

    However, while she presumed that Frank would be petrified after hearing her name¡ªfalling to his

    knees in apology, even¡ªFrank remained impassive.

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    He was definitely not spooked and did not even nce her way as he sat calmly, ignoring Sif''s earlier

    dramatics.

    Still, Sif soon convinced himself that Frank was just feigning calmness to save face, her disdain for

    Frank ring.

    "500 million from Ms. Lionheart. Any further bids?" Jenny asked loudly just then.

    However, she was scowling a little because 500 million was way lower than her expected sessful

    bid.

    And it was all because Sif made a bid, intimidating everyone else as she imed her prize cheaply.

    No one would ever dare bid against her unless they had a death wish, making enemies of Morhen''s

    Lionhearts.

    "Calling 500 million once!

    "Calling 500 million twice!"

    Jenny was left in disappointment even as she asked loudly and futilely.

    But even as her hatred red, the Hyperion Root was really Sif''s once she announced the name of her

    family.

    No one would ever dare argue against the Lionhearts¡ªit was suicidal.

    "A billion."

    Amid the silence, a voice suddenly spoke.

    Everyone turned to find a slightly portly middle-aged man sitting near Sif, holding up his paddle.

    Naturally, it was Trevor.

    "What?" Sif turned in disbelief toward Frank, certainly aware that Trevor was just Frank''s errand boy,

    and Frank was the one who decided on the bid.

    In fact, she had already filled in the nks in her head¡ªshe was presuming that Frank was so

    stubborn he refused to fall to his knees just to save face. And now, he waspeting against her on a

    bid?

    Sif felt like she was pped in the face, especially with so many eyes watching.

    Was he deaf? Did he not hear Sif announce her bid for the Hyperion Root earlier?

    Or maybe he was crazy, even suicidal?

    Either way, the false bravado was real.

    "Hot damn. Who''s that man stepping on Sif Lionheart''s toes?"

    "Whoa, I just recognized him. That''s the CEO of Trevor International, and he''s a force to reckon with...

    Though he''s hardly a rival to the Lionhearts!"

 Chapter 708

    Trevor was certainly not afraid since Frank was backing him up.

    While he would give Sif and her widespread connections a wide berth on any other day, things were

    different now¡ªseated beside him was the only son of Godwin Lawrence, Lord of the Southern Woods.

    Who were the Lionhearts inparison?

    "Fine. If that''s your game, I''ll y along!"

    Sif sneered, repressing her rage as she raised her paddle. "Bid, 2 billion!"

    The hall was left in an uproar at the number Sif shouted.

    As expected of the Lionhearts and their deep pockets¡ªthey could shout such an astronomical number

    without batting an eye!

    "Ms. Lionheart has called 2 billion!" Jenny eximed cheerfully on stage.

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    Then, she nced at Frank, urging him to raise Sif in her mind.

    "Go on! Keep bidding¡ªdon''t lose to Sif!"

    "Hmph." Trevor snorted as he raised his paddle. "2.1 billion."

    Sif sneered and raised hers too. "2.5 billion! Go on, challenge my coffers. I have nothing but money!"

    Everyone could tell that her ire was stoked, given the raised pitch in her voice.

    "2.6 billion." Trevor kept bidding, knowing how important the Hyperion Root was for Frank.

    He certainly was not just being childish¡ªhe was simply bent on getting that herb!

    "3 billion!" Sif announced, her visage proud.

    There was no reason to fear as she had all the money in the world, and she was certainly eager to see

    how far those two would go!

    "3.1 b¡ª"

    Trevor was about to raise his paddle when Frank put a hand on his arm, stopping him.

    Then, as Trevor looked on in confusion, he shook his head. "Forget it. Let her have it."

    "But..." Trevor was taken aback and quickly said, "The Hyperion Root is so important to you! Why are

    you giving up, sir? If it''s money you''re worried about, you don''t have to¡ªjust leave this to me."

    "No, it''s not a question of money." Frank nced very briefly at Sif, his eyes soon turning back to

    Hyperion Root. "It''s not a hundred years old, so it wouldn''t be that helpful to me."

    "What?!" Trevor gaped. "Are you saying it''s a fake?! How dare the Leaf family sell a fake to the public!"

    He quickly checked the Hyperion Root thaty on the table again. It was luminous from tip to tip, its

    roots thin and long... it almost did not look fake at all!

    Frank shook his head. "No, I won''t call it fake¡ªit''s just too young, and its medicinal effect iscking.

    I''ve personally made queries earlier, but it had been harvested at ny years old. A real shame, either

    way."

    Even if there was just a ten-year gap between ny years and a hundred years, the result in growth

    between them was vastly different.

    While it would heal Frank to a certain extent, he would not make a full recovery.

    "In that case, it really is a shame." Trevor sighed in disappointment, losing interest in the Hyperion Root

    himself after Frank''s exnation.

 Chapter 709

    Meanwhile, Jenny was looking around. "Lady Lionheart''s bid stands at 3 billion. Do I hear another bid?"

    Trevor was frowning but stayed silent instead of continuing topete against Sif.

    Sif mistook it as Trevor showing weakness and was unable topete further.

    Smiling with smug disdain, she asked, "Why the silence? Go on, keep bidding¡ªlet''s see how much

    dough you have, challenging us Lionhearts."

    "Actually, you can have it since you like it," Frank suddenly said quietly.

    If anything, buying an underdeveloped Hyperion Root at three billion dors only proved Sif''s

    immaturity and experience.

    "I can have it?''" Sif snorted, folding her arms before her chest. "Pretty words, but just admit you can''t

    afford it. Do I really need your handouts? How shameless can you be?"

    "Heh." Frank simply chuckled and refrained from arguing, since it was pointless.

    Still, his attitude only left Sif annoyed, and his smile left her feeling powerlessly frustrated.

    She was intent on seeing Frank submit to the monumental pressure and frightening deep pockets of

    her family, but he remained nonchnt as always.

    And that really upsetted her.

    However, there was no excuse for her to keep harassing him¡ªif she did, it would show everyone how

    petty she was, and she would lose more than what she stood to gain.

    Snorting, she returned to her seat.

    Frank narrowed his eyes, the frustration in Sif''s expression not escaping his notice. -

    Eventually, Sif bought the ny-year-old Hyperion Root for the astronomical price of three billion.

    "Next up, another treasure from my family''s troves," Jenny announced and pulled off a red cloth to

    reveal a white stctite as thick as a person''s arm. "It''s a milk-white stctite¡ªnever processed or

    sculpted, one of the rarest items in my father''s collection. Feel free to check it out."

    "Huh...?" Frank''s face fell when he saw the white stctite.

    It was disappointing that he lost the bid for the Hyperion Root, but he suddenly straightened now, his

    eyes clearly focused.

    "Amusing." Frank murmured in excitement as he pped Trevor on the shoulder. "We need this,

    Trevor, no matter how much it costs!"

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    He had kept his voice down, but Sif heard him nheless.

    And seeing how excited he was, Sif scoffed in disdain, finally getting an opening to throw shade at

    Frank. "What''s so impressive? It''s just a stctite. Even if it''s older than most, it''d never measure up to

    any other Mother Nature''s wonders, and any respectable family would have a couple lying around.

    Only hicks like you who have never seen the world would consider it a treasure."

    Frank did not react to her, however, and kept urging Trevor to make a bid under his breath.

    The stctite was wlessly white, shaped like a bamboo shoot after a thousand years'' worth of

    precipitation. Even so, Trevor himself could not see what was special about it from its appearance

    alone, and it was not particrly breathtaking despite its rarity.

    At best, it would be cut off into smaller pieces to make fortune totems for warding off bad luck with.

 Chapter 710

    On the other hand, Trevor believed that the huge rock might have something special in it if Frank

    thought so highly of it.

    "Mr. Lawrence, the stctite..." he asked tentatively just in case.

    He knew for a fact that Frank had several such stctites in his own mansion in Skywater Bay. Even if

    those stctites were not as old as this one, there was no reason this particr one delighted Frank so

    much.

    "We must have it!" Frank''s reply was simple and determined.

    Naturally, Sif could see that nearby.

    "Yes, sir!" Trevor had no reason to refuse, seeing how determined Frank was.

    In fact, he would bankrupt himself buying that rock just because Frank said so!

    Meanwhile, Jenny was smiling as she introduced, "My father''s friend happened to find this milk-white

    stctite while exploring a cave. It''s a rare thousand-year-old stone, though we''ve never looked inside.

    The starting bid is ten million, and subsequent bids must be over a million."

    Though Jenny''s introduction was simple, the bidders knew that the milk-white stctite was more than

    what it seemed, and the air in the auction hall became charged right then.

    "20 million!"

    "25 million!"

    "30 million!"

    Though the wealthy bidders began topete, they weren''t actually interested in the stone itself, but

    what it contained within.

    After withstanding the wear and tear of a thousand years, whaty within would definitely be special.

    It was obvious everyone was ready to take a gamble, and even the auctioneer was brave enough to set

    the starting bid at a hundred million.

    And as a businessman, Trevor could certainly read the signs.

    Seeing that there were less bidders and that the timing was right, he stood up, snapping bluntly as he

    raised his paddle, "200 million!"

    "200 million?!"

    The hall was left silent at Trevor''s bid, and they watched him, some shaking heads and some sighing,

    while othersughed in contempt.

    It was a gamble, but there was no telling what the milk-white stctite contained¡ªit could well be just

    an insignificant rock!

    If that happened, one would have paid through the nose for nothing, and this was especially the case

    with that 200 million dor price tag!

    Some bigwigs were shaking their heads, considering Trevor mad for that uncalcted gamble.

    Naturally, no one raised his bid.

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    Those who know Trevor were aware of his determination and how he never lost what he set his sight

    on.

    If they could have him owe him a favor instead of fighting for it, why not?

    Hence, silence ensued in the hall.

    "Mr. Zurich bids 200 mil! Any further bids?" Jenny then asked loudly onstage, looking around.

    As every other bidder kept quiet, Jenny pressed, "Calling 200 mil once!

    "Calling 200 mil twice!"

    Just as Jenny was about to say it thrice, Sif slowly raised her paddle beside Frank.

    "300 million," she said and smiled provokingly at a frowning Frank, as if she had already won.

 Chapter 711

    Frank inhaled deeply and told Trevor, "Keep bidding."

    "Sure. 400 million!" Trevor raised his paddle without hesitation.

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    "500 million." Sif smiled smugly, folding her arms before her chest as if watching Frank and Trevor

    make a fool of themselves.

    "600 million!" Trevor remained impassive as he kept bidding.

    "One billion!" Sif yawned as she countered.

    That was when Frank sprang to his feet, ring at Sif as he asked coolly, "So you''re bent on outbidding

    me for that rock, Ms. Lionheart?"

    "No, of course not." Sif sneered as she returned Frank''s jibe before, word for word. "It''s an auction¡ªI

    bid, and an item is bought. Is there a rule that no one must bid against you?"

    Frank scowled harder, snorting as he turned toward Jenny and bellowed, "Two billion!"

    Then, he wheeled on Sif and growled quietly. "I will have that rock today. Try to outbid me if you can."

    "Heh. Did you think I''d let you off easy after you raised the bid for the Hyperion Root earlier?"

    Sif smiled despite herself and raised her paddle at Jenny too. "2.5 billion!"

    Seeing that Sif was bent on messing with him to the bitter end, Frank''s expression turned amused as

    he sat down.

    "Huh?" Sif froze as she watched Frank sit, folding his arms before his chest and showing no intention

    to make another bid, even asking nkly, "A-Aren''t you going to keep bidding?"

    "Nope." Frank smiled and shook his head.

    "What..."

    "What do you mean, ''what''?" Frank shrugged innocently. "I was just bluffing, putting on airs¡ªor is that

    against the rules? That said, you really are as rich as you are extravagant, paying 2.5 billion dors for

    a milk-white stctite. I''m envious."

    It was only then that Sif realized it was all Frank''s ruse!

    He kept bidding as if he was bent on getting the milk-white stctite. However, it was just a pitfall he

    dug for her, just to let her leap into it.

    And the fact that she bought a rock for 2.5 billion dors left her vision darkening from sheer rage!

    She could certainly hear the crowd whispering andughing among each other, while all too aware she

    was taken for a fool

    Not only would she suffer everyone''s scorn, but she would also have to exin herself to her family,

    and she would definitely be med.

    Naturally, she could use her influence as a Lionheart to annul this bid... but if she did, she would be

    mocked and the rest of her family scorned.

    It would certainly hurt her family''s reputation and dignity!

    Nheless, she snapped at the crowd, "Silence!"

 Chapter 712

    Everyone around Sif was silenced by her outburst¡ªshe was still an heiress of the Lionhearts, and no

    one would ever dare challenge her.

    "Just you wait!" Sif snorted as she red viciously at Frank.

    Frank merely gave her an innocent look, leaving her further frustrated. -

    Soon, the next auction item¡ªan emerald pearl¡ªwas brought up onstage.

    "My father collected this from the South Sea, and it was after much prospecting that we found out it''s a

    miraculous gem that promotes longevity," Jenny spoke.

    A hint of bitterness appeared on her face as she remembered that her father died of sudden natural

    causes¡ªfat good longevity did.

    Shaking her head, Jennyposed herself and said, "Bidding starts at 20 million, and each raise is set

    at 2 million. Bidding starts now!"

    Sif chuckled coolly when Jenny was finished. "Wait, that pearl? It''s not that rare... I guess the Leaf

    family really has nothing good in their collection. Eh?"

    While Sif was being dismissive, Frank was suddenly frowning again, and she turned toward him warily.

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    "Trevor, buy that pearl¡ªno matter how much it takes."

    Frank''s cool turn left Trevor raising a brow¡ªhe had done the same thing just now, but it turned out to

    be a trap meant for Sif.

    He certainly had no idea whether Frank wanted it, but since Frank spoke, he would make the bids.

    He had no reason not to, and he would jump into the fire pit even if he had to¡ªit was no loss.

    Hence, as bids for the emerald pearl reached 100 million, he stood up and raised his paddle. "200

    million!"

    "What?!"

    Sif turned toward Frank.

    It was the same bid price and the same expression from him, and it only upset Sif greatly. Even if she

    wanted to stop Frank, she was also afraid of Frank swindling her again.

    After a moment''s hesitation, she leveled a vicious re at Frank. "Hey, do you actually want it or not?!"

    "Why wouldn''t I? I even made a bid. Why don''t you make a bid too if you want it?" Frank replied.

    There was nothing to dissect from his words, and Sif certainly could not read what he was nning

    with his neutral expression.

    Moreover, she had encountered that hale pearl before and knew its quality and value.

    Two hundred million dors¡ªno more, no less.

    If she made another bid and it turned out to be another of Frank''s traps, she would be made a sucker

    twice.

    Telling herself that Frank was cunning and that she must be careful, she shook her head, giving up just

    then.

    "200 million from Mr. Zurich. Anyone else?" Jenny asked and counted down before banging the gavel

    thrice.

    And with that, the emerald hale pearl fell into Frank''s hands with rtive ease.

    While Jenny announced it, Trevor turned ufortably toward Frank to find him grinning. "200 million

    dors is no loss. I might even say we hit the jackpot."

    Sif could see Frank''s reaction from getting the hale pearl and sneered. "You really know nothing,

    celebrating just because you got some junk. Aren''t you worried how people wouldugh at you?"

    Then, opening the box of the Hyperion Root, she brandished it at Frank while scoffing. "See this? Real

    treasure¡ªand you''ll never have what it takes to get it!"

    However, Frank wasughing at her words. "Really? The way I see it, you Lionhearts only deserve that

    sort of trash."

 Chapter 713

    Frank sneered. "Ms. Lionheart, don''t you think you''re being overconfident? Also, word of advice¡ªtake

    a closer look at what you''re holding. Does it really have a hundred years'' worth of medicinal value?"

    "What?" Sif did a double take but did not check her Hyperion Root as she retorted, "This is a Hyperion

    Root¡ªthere''s no faking it. The roots are intertwined, a crystalline yellow and carries a fresh scent. How

    could it not be a hundred years old?"

    "That''s not quite right." Frank shook his head and smiled. "Ms. Lionheart, the Hyperion Root grows one

    tertiary root every ten years, so why don''t you start counting if it''s the right number?"

    Frank''s words finally built doubt in Sif at that¡ªif memory serves, it should be ten.

    "One, two, three..." She started counting, her face soon falling once she stopped at nine.

    She counted again and again, but the Hyperion Root only had nine tertiary roots. And she was dead

    certain there was no tenth root.

    "Are you sure the roots decide the age?! I''ll kill you if I find out you''re lying!" Sif snapped at Frank, but

    her expression was clearly ufortable and her voice was shaking.

    Frank shrugged. "Why don''t you ask the boy from Hundred Bane Sect? They''d know nature''s treasures

    the best."

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    "Hey! You, from Hundred Bane Sect! Get over here!" Sif snapped at Tavis Holt right then, summoning

    him over. "The Hyperion Root¡ªdoes it grow tertiary roots every ten years?"

    "That''s true." Tavis nced azy look at Frank before giving the Hyperion Root his full attention. and

    his face soon fell, with seat trickling down his cheeks.

    It was fortunate he did not bid for it, or his mentor would have his head for it. The Hyperion Root was

    really too young!

    Still, he shed an awkward smile. "Well, I''m sorry to tell you this, but the Hyperion Root was harvested

    too early. Each Hyperion Root is a secondary root, and it must have ten tertiary roots for a hundred

    years'' worth of medicinal value."

    Tavis then pointed at a little bulb on the root. "There. Another tertiary root would be growing out of that

    bulge¡ªit still needs another ten years to fully mature."

    "Another ten years?!" Sif gaped, finally convinced.

    Even fools would know how much a difference ten years makes for a herb, in both medicinal value and

    price. Being harvested a year early would mean a waste of effort, let alone ten.

    In short, it was a dud.

    Seeing the scowl on Sif''s face right then, Tavis quickly assured her, "Be rest assured, Ms. Lionheart¡ª

    even if it''s too young, it''s not trash. With proper fertilizing, it would grow again."

    "Yes." Frank nodded as hemented. "Soaking it in special nutrients for ten years will do, more or

    less. Sell it at that point, and you''d make a killing."

 Chapter 714

    No, forget being taken for a ride¡ªthere was no refund for any items sold on the auction, and the

    auctioneers took no responsibility for it.

    The worth and willingness to bid for each item depended on each bidder''s insight. No one could me

    anyone else if their insight provedcking.

    Naturally, Sif could mention her family name. But while that could coerce the Leaf family into giving a

    refund, word of hercking insight would spread.

    She could not afford the humiliation, just as she hated beingbeled as a rich failure.

    As such, she had no choice but to take the bullet for the sake of her family.

    Nheless, that was when Trevor decided to sh a vague smile just to rub it in. "So, Ms. Lionheart¡ª

    you could stop flexing with that now, don''t you think?"

    "Ahem." Tavis quickly tried to patch things up. "You shouldn''t say that, Mr. Zurich. The Hyperion Root

    may not be mature, but it''s still a treasure in itself."

    "You heard him." Sif snorted, quick to excuse herself even if it sounded forced. "Even if it''s too young,

    bumpkins like you won''t be able to afford it anyway!"

    Frank, however, simply smiled at Tavis and asked, "In that case, I have a question for you... How much

    is that treasure of yours worth?"

    "Guh." Tavis was stumped, and it took him a long while to look up at Sif, speaking ever so quietly while

    he braced himself. "Judging from the medicinal value and age. around 200 million."

    Sif seized him by the cor right then. "What?! 200 million?! That''s impossible! You''re lying!"

    "N-No..." Tavis shook his head, pleading.

    "Yes, he is." Frank nodded.

    "Hmph. I knew it." Sif released Tavis and turned toward Frank, pressing urgently, "How much do you

    want for it?"

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    "100 million." Frank smiled, leaving her thunderstruck.

    Sif copsed on her seat and stared into thin air. Tavis actually inted the price because he wanted to

    help her save face for something she bought for 3 billion dors!

    She could bawl right then, realizing that she bought the Hyperion Root for thirty times its value.

    "Don''t worry, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor spoke up just then, intent on adding insult to injury. "Ms. Lionheart

    has already made it clear that she has all the money she needs. She wouldn''t care about some spare

    change."

    Sif was glowering, but her tears were threatening to well out too.

    She had been mocking everyone else for their ignorance, only for it to turn out she was the ignorant

    one all along¡ªfirst spending 3 billion dors on a Hyperion Root and now 2.5 billion on some rubbish

    milk-white stctite!

    That''s a whopping total of 5.5 billion dors¡ªher family would have her head for this!

    Nheless, Tavis leapt to Sif''s defense right then, pointing between Frank and Trevor. "Don''t get so

    conceited when you messed up too, Mr. Zurich! Ms. Lionheart may have lost some money because of

    her mistake, but neither of you fared any better!"

 Chapter 715

    Sif''s eyes lit up at Tavis'' words.

    Yes! She might have lost, but that did not mean that Frank and Trevor had won!

    Rearing her chin, she pointed haughtily at the emerald hale pearl Frank was holding. "Even if I''ve

    mistaken the age of my treasure, it''s a treasure¡ªthat pearl of yours would never measure up to it!

    What are you so happy about, buying a pearl not even worth a million with two?!"

    "Exactly. What are you so gleeful about?" Tavis scoffed as well.

    Trevor simplyughed in disdain. "And I''m happy doing it. I''d be willing to pay 2 billion as long as it''s

    what Mr. Lawrence wants, even if it''s just a rock."

    Naturally, Trevor was referring to the actual rock Sif bought for 2.5 billion, leaving her fuming.

    "So what?!" Sif snarled through her teeth. "Oh, and I forgot to tell you¡ªthat hale pearl you have? Bail

    Leaf bought it from my family... If I recall correctly, we sold it for two hundred thousand like it was just a

    ss orb, and you spent 200 million on it! How about that! Surprised, aren''t you?!"

    Trevor frowned at her words¡ªit did not matter if he lost money, but to find out that Sif had sold it at

    such a low price was actually frustrating.

    Like he was taken for a fool!

    "It seems you knew everything about it from the start," he said quietly.

    "So what if I do? Am I obliged to tell you that?"

    Sifughed so hard she was clutching her belly¡ªshe finally got one over them!

    Leveling a gleeful taunting look at both men, she continued, "Either way, you are both clowns to me.

    The Leaf family got it for two hundred grand from us, while you had to pay 200 million for it. Surely I

    don''t have to mention who''s the idiot here? Hahaha!!!"

    Her attitude left Trevor more or less furious, but he merely snorted, since he could not make enemies

    of the Lionhearts yet.

    That was when Frank stood up, pping a hand on Trevor''s shoulder.

    Fiddling with the crystalline pearl, he turned toward Sif and asked, "Ms. Lionheart, you were saying you

    sold this to the Leaf family?"

    Sif raised a brow. "Yes, I did. Why would I lie to you?"

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "And how much did you sell it for?" Frank asked again just to confirm.

    "Two hundred grand. Tut, tut. And you had to spend 200 million," Sif repeated smugly, gleeful that she

    could rub salt in Frank''s wounds.

    "And you''re sure it''s the same one?" Frank rubbed his chin, looking surprised.

    "Of course it is. Why do you have to keep asking the same question?" Sif frowned impatiently.

    "Oh..."

    Frank sighed lengthily but soon chuckled beforeughing so hard that he was clutching his belly while

    pointing at Sif, who appeared surprised.

    "Oh, my goodness." Frank said, shaking his head when he was doneughing. "Thank you so much,

    Ms. Lionheart. And your family, of course. If all of you hadn''t sold it to the Leaf family for two hundred

    thousand, I would never have gotten my hands on such treasure."

    Sif appeared disgruntled. "Are you nuts,ughing for no reason? Maybe you lost it because there''s

    such a huge difference between 200 grand and 200 million?"

 Chapter 716

    Sif stared at Frank as if he was crazy. "Is it that hard to admit that you''re stupid? You had to pretend to

    be crazy, and for who?"

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    The crowd around them was whispering among themselves too.

    "The Lionhearts sole that hale pearl to the Leaf family for two hundred grand?"

    "No way... Didn''t Trevor Zurich buy it for 200 million?"

    "What would you know? That''s just how rich people are¡ªthey''re stupid."

    While most of them turned to Frank because he wasughing so hard, most of them agreed with Sif¡ª

    Frank had lost his head because he suffered a major trauma.

    That was why people always said that one must be ready to lose it all when making enemies of the

    Lionhearts!

    While everyone became even more wary as they nced at Sif, she became even more conceited.

    "You hear that? It''s not just me¡ªeveryone is mocking you now that they know! And still, youugh.

    Don''t you know it''s embarrassing?"

    "Is that so?" Frank adjusted his hold on the pearl while grinning. "Well, not many can see the true worth

    of this hale pearl, Ms. Lionheart. No, this is not your ordinary hale pearl. It''s a Hale Marrow!"

    Sif snorted, clicking her tongue. "Hale Marrow? What''s that? Never heard of it."

    The way she saw it, Frank was just being too stubborn to admit he lost.

    "In that case, allow me to demonstrate," Frank said and raised his palm to release a burst of pure vigor,

    firing it into the pearl.

    "Birthright rank?!" Sif''s eyes widened when she saw Frank''s strength and became wary right then.

    It was not surprising now that Frank was never afraid of her. but the Lionhearts had more than enough

    Birthright rank fighters as well, with her younger brother among them!

    In fact, he was a monster,pleting Birthright rank at such a young age that he far eclipsed his peers.

    Crack!

    Even as Sif''s thoughts crossed her mind, cracks appeared all over the pearl Frank was holding.

    The cracks extended all over the emerald pearl like spiderwebs.

    Even Jenny, who was still standing onstage, was bbergasted¡ªthe same naturally went without

    saying for everyone else.

    "He''s really lost it!"

    "There''s no need to destroy a gem just because he was humiliated and angry, right? Being a sucker is

    just normal in auctions..."

    "He could just stick to using words. Why get violent?"

    "For real. He could give it to me if he didn''t want it."

    Everyone was disappointed, hesitant, or left confused by what Frank did.

    He spent 200 million on it, and he was destroying it for nothing?! Talk about squandering!

    On the other hand, Sif was actually stunned for a moment when Frank actually broke the pearl, but she

    was soon guffawing.

    "Hahaha! Are you really alright here?!" She sneered, pointing at her own temples. "You spent 200

    million dors on that, and you''re breaking it already? Did it upset you that much that I told you it was

    really worth two hundred grand? But you didn''t have to go that far, did you?"

 Chapter 717

    "Did you think you won''t look dumb doing this? No, it''d just make you look even dumber! Hahaha...

    Huh?"

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Sif suddenly stoppedughing when she saw it¡ªthe tiny sprout thaty in Frank''s palm after the hale

    pearl shattered.

    There was no doubting it. The sprout was growing inside the pearl!

    And though it was small, it was crystalline like a perfect gem. Its very shape was the work of a master

    craftsman, and the emerald luster was so bright that it hurt to stare at it for too long!

    Moreover, one could see the bright green sap flowing through the crystalline sprout and the abundant

    vigor it carried.

    Even an idiot would be able to see that it was special.

    "I-Isn''t that a Hale Marrow? Isn''t it just a legend?!" Tavis shrieked on top of his lungs after a brief

    moment of shock, not caring about saving Sif''s face just then.

    The auction hall was left in an uproar right then.

    "Hale Marrow? What is that?"

    "Shit, it''s the Hale Marrow! There''s only a fractional chance it''d grow in mountains filled with spiritrons!"

    "To think I''d set my eyes on one of Mother Nature''s treasures while I''m alive! I can die happy!"

    "Though it''s just a rumor, I heard that it doesn''t just promote longevity¡ªit could also save you from the

    brink of death, and you''d feel so revitalized after that you could run marathons at full speed!"

    "Shit, for real? That''s just amazing!"

    "Haven''t you heard?! The chief of Cloudnine Sect himself ate one during his younger years. That''s how

    he grew to be so strong."

    "For real?"

    "Of course it''s real! Who could grow a herb within a rock?!"

    "It''s a priceless treasure in the most genuine sense! What luck does the kid have?!"

    "Buying a Hale Marrow for only 200 million? I would buy it for 20 billion if I had to!"

    The auction hall was left in chaos soon enough. Everyone present was gaping at the tiny green sprout

    in Frank''s hand, their greedy gazes almost piercing through it.

    Some were even ready to call in their men and make a grab for it!

    "H-How is that possible?" Sif murmured, dumbfounded.

    She had never heard of the Hale Marrow. However, she more or less got the idea that the tiny sprout in

    Frank''s palm was a priceless treasure, given how impressed everyone else was. It was a marvel in

    itself, while her Hyperion Root was underdeveloped¡ªno, even if it was fully mature, the Hyperion Root

    still would notpare.

    And worst of all, her own family sold it to the Leaf family for two hundred thousand!

    It was a number that stung Sif even as her heart bled, and she started to feel faint and could copse

    at any moment.

    Her family had given off a priceless treasure to the Leaf family for nothing, only for Frank to take it from

    her as she watched!

    And Sif had to mock them just minutes ago¡ªeverything she said was now working against her as a

    proverbial p in the face!

    Why?! Why did no one in the Lionheart family recognize such a treasure while Frank could?!

 Chapter 718

    Sif could feel her guts squirming, especially when someone asked Frank loudly if he would sell the

    Hale Marrow for 50 billion dors.

    Two hundred million for 50 billion¡ªit went without saying that Frank had made a killing!

    She would havepeted against Frank''s bid to the bid if she had known the devilry growing inside

    that hale pearl, and she certainly regretted not doing it now!

    If she could, she would travel back in time to p herself twice!

    Just then, Trevor was clicking his tongue gleefully. "How about that, Ms. Lionheart? To think that your

    family sold the Hale Marrow to the Leaf family for just two hundred thousand. All I can say to that is...

    Tut, tut."

    Frank was feeling buoyed too, and he was rarely happy about anything¡ªthe Hale Marrow was an

    extremely rare treasure, and much rarer than the Five Elemental Wonders.

    Forget healing himself¡ªthey would make a booming business in Mark Lane''s farm with this!

    In fact, he had seen the sprout within the hale pearl from the start. It was why he made a bid for the

    Hyperion Root despite noticing that it was underdeveloped¡ªnot only was there something better, but

    he had sharply noticed that Sif already had beef with him and was definitely going to bid against him

    just for the heck of it.

    Hence, he created a feint, telling Trevor to go all out and make a bid for the milk-white stctite. which

    Frank had seen all along that contained nothing.

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    After all, he needed to make sure that Sif would not ruin his ns.

    To no surprise, Sif really bid for the milk-white stctite, so Frank kept luring her at every step of the

    way until she fell into the trap he prepared.

    And after tricking her once, he knew Sif would be more wary the next time he made a bid, fulfilling his

    objective.

    It was an borate scheme, but if Frank had not nned to swindle Sif from the start, he would be

    paying through the nose for the Hale Marrow instead.

    "So, Ms. Lionheart. Do you think my 200 million dor pearl is worth the money now?"

    Frank asked, smiling at Sif. "Or to put it another way. Who''s the real clown here?"

    Sif was silent¡ªeverything she said against Frank earlier was now a p in her face and then some.

    She had spent 5.5 billion dors to buy two pieces of junk, while Frank only spent 200 million to buy a

    priceless treasure.

    The gap between them¡ªand who the real clown was in this issue¡ªwas all too clear.

    "Well, I''m not interested in the other items. And Ms. Lionheart, I thank your family for providing such a

    treasure. I''ll see you around."

    Frank chuckled and started to leave the auction hall with Trevor.

    "Stop!" Sif snapped as she came to her senses.

    Holding out her palm at Frank, she growled icily, "Hand it over."

    "What?" Frank raised his brow in surprise. "May I ask what you want me to hand over?"

    "Stop being glib. You know what I want!" Sif bellowed coldly. "The Lionhearts demand the Hale Marrow.

    State your price!"

    Since it was a treasure like no other, Sif knew her brother would improve further if she got it for him.

    And she was not about to miss out on such providence!

 Chapter 719

    Frank, however, had no intention to negotiate and refused bluntly. "I''m sorry, Ms. Lionheart¡ªI have

    great use for my Hale Marrow, and I''m not selling no matter what you offer me."

    "What?!" Sif did a double take, her temper ring right then.

    It was the first time someone would refuse her, the heiress of the Lionheart!

    "I''m being nice here!" she snapped. "Know your ce and give it to me right now! No one ever refuses

    me, and everyone will always hand over whatever I want to me on a silver tter!"

    Frank simply raised a brow and sneered. "Really? How on earth did you manage to describe daylight

    robbery with such righteous words? Or perhaps you own this ce too? Surely you should know how

    to abide by rules too, Ms. Lionheart?"

    "Shut up! What I say is the rule!" Sif bellowed haughtily, ring at Frank. "The Lionhearts will make this

    worth your while¡ªyou bought it for 200 million, didn''t you? I''m now buying it for 2 billion dors. It''s no

    loss for you, so hand it over!"

    Seeing that Sif was stubbornly persistent, Frankughed despite himself.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    To think Sif herself was mocking him for buying the hale pearl for 200 million just earlier. Now that he

    had unveiled the real treasure within, Sif was now bent on taking it from him!

    Still, it was even more outrageous that Sif was demanding to have it for just 2 billion dors¡ªit was

    hardly the value for a real treasure like the Hale Marrow! The woman was really taking him for a fool!

    "And what if I still refuse?" Frank asked, leveling a cool stare at Sif.

    "Then you''ll have to face the consequences," Sif threatened him, not pulling her punches at all.

    Even if she only got an underdeveloped Hyperion Root, the Hale Marrow would make up for it and then

    some.

    It was her only way to recoup her losses, and she would take it from Frank even if it meant her

    embarrassment.

    "It''s disappointing to think that a Lionheart would be socking in virtue." Frank snorted, shaking his

    head. "I actually believed for a moment that your family was the upstanding sort after meeting Titus

    Lionheart¡ªwell, consider my eyes open now."

    With that, he turned toward everyone else in the auction hall and spoke audibly, "Everyone! It seems

    that the Lionhearts would not hesitate to im any treasures you may luck into on this day. Are you

    willing to just roll over and yield? If so, why bother with the auction at all?!"

    Pointing at Sif just then, Frank bellowed furiously, "Just let Ms. Lionheart look through the entire

    catalog, and then im what sloppy seconds she leaves! That''s all the rest of us deserve, right? No!

    Even if she messes up and misses some treasure, she''ll im it from you anyway! You must return it

    because it''s rightfully hers! If you refuse, she will name-drop her family and threaten to end you! So, I

    ask again: why bother with the auction at all?! Why don''t we all just swear fealty to the Lionhearts,

    be theirpdogs, and deliver all we have as tributes?!"

    The auction hall was silent after Frank was finished, and everyone was scowling.

    After all, he was right¡ªwhy bother with the auction at all?!

    They had alle prospecting, keen to snatch some unnoticed treasures from the Leaf family''s

    auction.

    But with that despotic Lionheart heiress there with them? Really, why bother?

    Not only did they have no chance of outbidding her, but even if they won some miracle, she would just

    threaten them to hand over their loot.

    At that point, what could one do other than to yield, even if it took painstaking effort to im their

    treasure?

 Chapter 720

    Really, what was the point of the Leaf family''s auction? Why not just give away every auctioned item to

    the Lionhearts?!

    "Hmph. In that case, excuse me."

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    "Yeah, well, the Lionhearts are too big for the rest of us to mess with anyway."

    Eventually, one of the bidders got up and left... and soon, there were groups of them.

    "Huh... Wait, wait, wait, please don''t go!" Jenny called out from the stage, but most of the bidders were

    packing up to leave anyway.

    After all, it was now clear that they had no reason to attend this auction anyway.

    "What." Sif was left stunned as she watched the crowd leaving the auction hall, never expecting

    everyone to leave just like that.

    But their reason was simple, with Frank being the precedent¡ªif any of them chanced upon some

    treasure now, they could only leave with Sif''s permission.

    If she said no, it was time to hand it over¡ªor one would expect the wrath of the Lionhearts.

    And since no one present could afford to suffer the wrath of the Lionhearts, they had the same idea: if

    they could not afford to mess with them, could they not just keep their distance?

    In a split second, Sif became the most hated person in the auction hall.

    While no one would ever dare say it, most bidders were leaving because of her, and the lively hall

    turned very quiet within minutes.

    "No." Jenny could cry on stage¡ªshe still had half a catalog worth of items that were not auctioned yet!

    And though she would not dare to say anything even as she turned to Sif, she already hated the other

    woman to the bone!

    Either way, Sif had utterly tarnished the Lionhearts'' reputation in Norsedam!

    "Stop!" Sif strode up, standing before Frank since he was leaving too. "How dare you besmirch my

    family''s reputation! You''re really asking for it!"

    "I wasn''t the one who did that." Frank glowered, his tone icy since he had zero patience for the stupid

    woman. "Look around you¡ªyou ruined your family''s reputation. I really don''t think anyone in Norsedam

    is interested in a partnership with your family anymore, and it''s all your fault. Now, move!"

    Frank shoved Sif out of his way and strode out of the auction hall with Trevor, who leveled a

    condescending look at Sif.

    Sif was left spacing out for a moment.

    When she looked around again, everyone still around her was staring at her with cool hostility¡ªjust as

    Frank had said. She certainly could not expect anyone else to y nice after threatening someone in

    broad daylight, and so vindictively at that.

    Jenny got off stage right then, her expression impassive as she approached Sif. "Ms. Lionheart, I''m

    afraid this auction is over. You should go since the cleaners will soone to tidy up the auction hall."

    "Y-You dare tell me to leave?!" Sif growled in disbelief.

    "No, we''d never dare..." Jenny shook her head. "Though it''s unlikely we''d be seeking a partnership with

    your family either. After all, my family estate is too modest to endure your. devastation."

 Chapter 721

    "Please be understanding."

    And with a polite nod, Jenny left without looking back.

    Sif was left standing there, shaking with rage.

    It was the most terrible day for her, ever!

    She paid a whopping grand total of 5.5 billion dors for two pieces of junk. And worst of all, every

    bigwig attending the auction had seen the vindictive side of the Lionhearts, and as word soon spread, it

    would soon be the image everyone had of them.

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    Forget Norsedam¡ªeven the main branch of the family in Morhen would be affected!

    "Bastard..."

    Knowing that she had messed up terribly, Sif clenched her knuckles even as her fury threatened to

    consume her.

    But she soon smiled savagely¡ªsince she had already messed up anyway, she just had to see things

    through to the end!

    She would make Frank pay even if all of Norsedam would talk¡ªand most importantly, take the treasure

    he kept in his pocket. It was Frank''s fault for messing with her, and if not for that little speech he made,

    the situation would not have fallen to the unsalvageable state it was now.

    He was just some local hick¡ªshe could make him wish he was dead even if he was Birthright rank, just

    like the enemies of the Lionhearts.

    With that in mind, Sif whipped out her phone and dialed a number. -

    Frank and Trevor had just arrived at the parking lot when he sensed that they were being watched.

    It seemed that Sif was so despicable she could give up on all manner of integrity and wanted Frank''s

    treasure even if it meant being publicly scorned.

    And in spite of his contempt, Frank had to admit that the Lionhearts had efficiency, not to mention

    droves of martial elites under theirmand¡ªeven the one watching Frank now was Birthright rank.

    It was clear that the Lionhearts had done their fair share of plunder and piging too, or their men

    would not be this adept at this ndestine work.

    "We''re being tailed," Frank told Trevor quietly as he stopped in his tracks.

    "What?" Trevor was caught off guard and quickly looked around.

    However, it was only natural he saw anything since Birthright rank elites had their ways in hiding their

    presence.

    "What should we do? Jump in our car and leave?" Trevor was concerned since there were only two of

    them.

    "No. I''ll deal with the tail¡ªless hassle that way," Frank said and made a turn into an alley, which ended

    in a brick wall.

    To no surprise, the Birthright rank individual who was crawling over the wall in a weird way leapt off,

    glowering at Frank.

    It was not just him¡ªover twenty goons suddenly appeared in the alley with all sorts of weapons in

    hand, their faces covered.

    They were no longer careful since they were exposed, striding straight toward Frank and encircling

    him, clearly having no intent to let him pass.

    "Hey kid," the Birthright rank individual growled gruffly, brandishing his machete. "We heard you hit the

    jackpot at the auction. Now hand it over¡ªbe nice, and I''ll make your death painless."

    Frank sighed. "You already knew I had treasure even though we don''t know each other, even iming

    my death would be painless without offering mercy first?"

 Chapter 722

    Frank sighed. "Sif Lionheart is as despicable as she is... despotic."

    The Birthright rank goon leader paused visibly at the mention of Sif and snapped impatiently, "We have

    no rtion to Ms. Lionheart. Hand over the Hale Marrow or die!"

    "What, are you saying I''d live if I hand it over? Also, ''Ms. Lionheart''?" Frank snorted in disdain. "You

    slipped up there, brother."

    Realizing that he had been tricked, the Birthright rank goon leader gave up on all pretenses.

    "Go!" he bellowed, gesturing for his men to attack Frank.

    "Wait, you wanted this, right?" Frank casually whipped out the Hale Marrow just then.

    "Stop! Don''t break the Hale Marrow!"

    Some of the goons backed away when they saw it, afraid they would ruin it.

    The Birthright rank goon leader promptly strode up at Frank, demanding, "That''s it! Give it to me!"

    "Alright, take it," Frank replied and threw the Hale Marrow up into the air.

    In a split second, every goon''s eyes were glued to the bright green sprout, while Frank sneered.

    Turning into a blur, he appeared in front of the Birthright rank goon leader in the blink of an eye.

    "Huh?" The Birthright rank goon leader felt his body lighten even before he knew it, and he was

    suddenly flying.

    As he did, he found himself just inches away from the Hale Marrow. "Haha... I''m reaching it! I''m so

    close!"

    That was when fear crept in, as he realized he could not move his hands.

    To be precise, he realized he did not have hands as gravity pulled him downward, and the world around

    him spun.

    He could also vaguely make up three headless corpses still standing, one of which had a familiar

    getup.

    "Isn''t that. me?"

    That was the Birthright rank goon leader''s final thought before his vision cked out, and he all lost all

    consciousness.

    Frank did not hold back at all against the robbers.

    While they were distracted by the Hale Marrow, he extended his palm, charging his pure vigor to

    enforce it into a de.

    And with a diagonal swipe, three heads were sent flying.

    Once that was done, he leapt into the air and caught the Hale Marrow, leaping from shoulder to

    shoulder out of the encirclement.

    He returned the Hale Marrow back in his pocket before turning back to the goons and beckoned at

    them provokingly.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "You''ve really done it now, brat!"

    One of the goons realized that Frank had taken them for a ride and quickly turned to the Birthright rank

    goon leader. "What should we do, boss? He''s quite tough... Boss? Boss?!"

    The goon was soon left astonished as he realized the Birthright rank goon leader had lost his head¡ª

    literally.

    Even as he stared nkly in realization of the Birthright rank goon leader''s death, the other twentyish

    goons gave in to Frank''s provocation and charged at him.

    Frank remained perfectly calm as he stood his ground.

 Chapter 723

    Releasing streaks of pure vigor, Frank quickly projected a miasma before himself.

    Most people would not see it, but the goons could feel their movements slowing even as they charged

    inside. The weaker ones could not even move at all!

    On the other hand, Frank moved quicker while in the miasma.

    Pow!

    His punchesnded rapidly, and five goons were left coughing blood, their bodies stiffening.

    "What?! C-Could he havepleted Birthright rank?!"

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    The goon on the edge promptly withdrew his leg when he saw what was happening, his face turning

    pale in shock as if seeing a ghost.

    Frank''s movement was smooth as a flowing river and inch-precise, even elegant in appearance.

    As he charged toward the edge of the circle of goons, he would strike with his palm, knuckles, or

    fingers while each goon still had their weapons raised, leaving them frozen in ce.

    Then, when he left their encirclement, he sighed, and the miasma of pure vigor faded.

    The goons, who were all still standing, copsed loudly without anything holding them aloft.

    All of themy prone, breathless.

    Then, Frank calmly walked up to thest goon, pping him on the shoulder and smiling, "So, Sif

    Lionheart sent you?"

    "Y-Yeah!" The goon certainly would not lie after seeing what happened and asked fearfully, "W-Who are

    you...?"

    "Me?" Frank chuckled. "I''m just your typical passerby."

    The goon could cry right then.

    A typical passerby, when he managed to floor the Lionhearts'' well-trained goons in under five minutes

    without breaking a sweat?!

    Who would ever believe that?!

    And if Frank really was a typical passerby, their existence was pointless!

    The goon then nced at his headless leader, gulping as he asked, "A-Aren''t you going to kill me?

    "I don''t like killing. I''m not that whimsical." Frank grinned.

    The goon rolled his eyes despite Frank''s very presence being a threat to his survival¡ªit was like a lion

    iming it did not eat meat.

    Who did he think he was kidding after littering the floor with corpses?

    "Honest." Franks shrugged innocently. "Obviously, with that Birthright rank elite and those two vigor

    wielders being the exception."

    Sighing, Frank cut to the chase. "Anyway, I need you to pass Sif a message."

    "W-What is it?" the goon stammered.

    Frank threw an arm around the goon''s shoulder and said quietly, "Tell her to keep her stupidity in

    check, and that I''ll kill her if she messes with me again, and no one will be able to stop me. You hear

    that?"

    Chuckling as he pped the goon on the shoulder, the lucky goon nodded nkly.

    "Alright, I''m going now if there''s nothing else¡ªalso, your friends are going to wake up soon enough."

    With that, Frank waved as he strode to his car and left with Trevor.

 Chapter 724

    The lucky goon did not even dare to peek at Frank''s car te as they left.

    Moreover, Frank was not lying¡ªthe other masked goons stirred around thirty minutester, each of

    them trading nces as they could not remember what happened.

    When they finally came to their senses, they were all terrified in the realization that Sif had messed with

    someone she should not.

    Nheless, Sif herself arrived, and she was frowning at the mess all over the ce as well as the

    three headless bodies.

    "What''s going on here? Where''s my Hale Marrow?!" she demanded.

    "Ms. Lionheart, that man is too much for us," the lucky goon strode up, bracing himself as he ryed

    Frank''s message. "He wiped the floor with us without even breaking a sweat¡ªhepletely

    overwhelmed us."

    "Ipetent fools!"

    Sif was left seething at the sight of their dejected state, snapping, "He''s just a hick, and you can''t even

    deal with him?! Why do I even keep you around?!"

    While the goons promptly lowered their heads in fearful silence, the lucky goon added, "B-By the way,

    Ms. Lionheart... He told me to pass you a message."

    "Pass me a message?" Sif was puzzled.

    "He said." The lucky goon scratched his head awkwardly. "He told you to keep yourself in check."

    Naturally, the lucky goon left the ''stupidity'' part out in fear of angering Sif.

    "And he said he won''t hold back if you mess with him again." He trailed off, his voice gradually turning

    softer as he spoke.

    To no surprise, Sif was incensed.

    "He''s just some rich kid from a hick town!" she bellowed. "How dare he insult me like this!"

    Then, she wheeled on the goons. "And it''s all because of your ipetence! You''d better kill him the

    next time you see him, or your heads will roll!"

    "Yeah," the goons replied with much difficulty, trading nces.

    "Where did he go?! Did you get a bearing?" Sif asked.

    The goons all shook their heads in synchrony as they realized Sif was still bent on messing with that

    reaper¡ªthey were not that eager to die.

    "Ugh, you''re all useless!" Sif snorted, striding ahead and folding her arms before her chest. "Anyway,

    the family has just tasked me with finding out what happened to the Turnbulls in Riverton. When Titus

    visited them, he suddenly came back and was determined to annul his engagement with the Turnbulls

    without even giving a reason. I''m sure the Turnbulls have done something, and I just happen to be in a

    bad mood, so I''ll be taking it out on them. Let''s see if the Turnbulls can exin themselves... or they''d

    find me less than patient!"

    With that, she turned and strode off.

    The goons were once again trading nces, reluctance showing in their eyes.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Following Sif to Riverton was undoubtedly a punishment¡ªthe woman was infamous for being hard to

    please.

    And if things got bad with the Turnbulls, they would have to fight. They could only hope they did not run

    into a reaper like the one they just had met, or they might not be as lucky as they were today.

 Chapter 725

    A grand procession of luxury cars could be seen driving from Riverton Avenue straight toward Turnbull

    Vi, with police cars leading the way.

    Each road andne along the way had been cordoned off early in the morning just to receive the

    procession. Interested bystanders were all stopping in their tracks, wondering which bigwig would

    make such an ostentatious arrival.

    Walter Turnbull and Susan Redford were dressed grandly as they stood before their servants, waiting

    to receive the procession.

    When the cars all stopped inside, Sif slowly alighted as her chauffeur opened the door for her. She was

    dressed from head to toe in luxury brands.

    "Wee, Ms. Lionhart! Come on in!" Susan was absolutely fawning over Sif, since she was Titus''

    sister and elder sibling to the young master of Volsung Sect. As such, her position certainly held sway

    even among the Lionhearts.

    "Long time no see, Mrs. Turnbull." Sif nodded politely, but there was no warmth in her haughty bearing,

    making the pecking order all too obvious.

    Then, looking around, she asked, "Where''s Vicky? I don''t see her around... Is she refusing to see me?"

    Walter''s smile stiffened as there was an edge in Sif''s voice. "She just got out ofte. She''s been busy,

    and she came hometest night."

    Naturally, Walter would never mention that it was under his strong insistence that Vicky returned to the

    vi reluctantly.

    After all, she would be staying the night at Skywater Bay these days, allegedly to prevent ''a mistake''

    that would likely happen in her absence.

    "By the way, I prepared a present because I heard you''ll being. Take a look!"

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Susan took out an emerald ne from a box, holding it out to Sif with both hands.

    "Hmm."

    The sight of the ne, however, reminded Sif of the emerald hale pearl she saw in Norsedam just

    last night. She scowled a little but nodded and gestured for a servant to take it.

    "Thank you, Mrs. Turnbull," she said.

    "Oh, it''s just a little present." Susan was a little disappointed to see that Sif did not take the ne

    herself, but she did not show it.

    She still had a favor to ask, after all!

    "Ahem." Walter cleared his throat and smiled. "I''ve had the servants prepare tea and refreshments. It''s

    been a long journey¡ªdoe in and rest your legs."

    "Yes, yes,e on in," Susan said in agreement.

    With that, they strode into the vi''s drawing room.

    As they took their seats, Walter spoke first, asking, "You''vee in a real hurry, Sif. Is there something

    important? May I ask what it is?"

    "I''ll be frank, Mr. Turnbull. My family in the capital told me toe here," Sif answered calmly, looking

    around. "It''s about Titus'' engagement."

    "I see," Walter replied.

    He was already mentally prepared but still felt a mess of emotions that Sif hade because of that.

    When Titus visited a week ago, he had asked specifically to meet Vicky in private without saying

    anything else.

    They had the room to themselves, but Titus eventually left scowling, while Vicky appeared relieved.

 Chapter 726

    Walter had questioned Vicky many times since, but Vicky was deliberately vague¡ªall she would say

    was that Walter did not have to worry about her engagement with Titus.

    In other words, Titus and Vicky had decided to annul their engagement in private.

    And knowing that, Walter expected the Lionhearts to send someone over eventually.

    Even if he had no idea why Titus would annul the engagement, the fact that Vicky said it meant that

    Titus had agreed to it.

    While Walter was spacing out in thought, Sif took a sip of her tea and spoke unhurriedly, "There''s

    another month until the engagement that was agreed upon, but Titus told us it has since been annulled

    without citing any reasons."

    Leveling a thoughtful look at Walter, she asked, "I wonder if you''re aware of this, Mr. Turnbull?"

    "What?" Walter did a double take, thought about it, and shook his head. "No, I don''t... But I guess it''s

    Titus and Vicky''s joint decision. We shouldn''t meddle as a third party."

    "I see." Sif nodded as she turned to Susan. "On my way here, I''ve been hearing rumors about Vicky

    having a new lover. Would you happen to know anything about that?"

    Susan stiffened¡ªshe knew all too well as her daughter had expressed her admiration toward Frank on

    more than one asion.

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    If anything, she could expect the annulled engagement to be Frank''s fault too.

    However, she could not tell Sif¡ªwho knew what was going to happen if she did!

    Instead, she gave a nomittal reply. "Of course not. You really shouldn''t listen to such ignorant

    hearsay¡ªyou know how close our families are, and it''s inevitable that there are those who are jealous.

    And your brother Titus is the embodiment of talent. Is there any youth whoes close in Eastern

    Draconia?"

    While she spoke, she kept ncing at Walter.

    "That would definitely be best." Sif nodded but continued to probe them, her tone slightly threatening

    just then. "As you know, Titus values his pride more than his life. If he finds out that Vicky left him for

    another. Who knows what he''d do."

    Susan and Walter were both left scowling, and Susan suddenly spoke up, saying, "Well, I don''t know

    what got into the kids, but I''m sure any conflict can be resolved! Naturally, I personally hope that Vicky

    will stick to the engagement. So how about arranging for Titus to visit us again? Vicky will be here, and

    everyone can clear the air face to face."

    Sif frowned as she considered Susan''s suggestion and soon nodded. "True. It''s their issue, and they

    can tell us everything so as to avoid misunderstanding. But the engagement previously agreed upon

    would expire by then.

    Sif looked up with a look of hesitation between Walter and Susan, smiling in amusement. "Have you

    thought this through? This engagement concerns plenty of other affairs, and once it''s actually annulled,

    even the main Turnbull family in Morhen would suffer."

 Chapter 727

    As Sif''s words left the atmosphere tense, Vicky¡ªwho had just gotten out of bed and washed up¡ª

    strode down the spiral staircase.

    Susan quickly changed the subject. "Oh, Vicky. Come here, sit¡ªwe were just discussing your

    engagement with Titus."

    However, Vicky was scowling and raised a hand to stop her.

    "I heard what you said," Vicky said, frowning as she turned to Sif. "I''m sorry to say this ahead of time,

    but my engagement to Titus Lionheart is called off with no grounds for negotiation."

    Everyone froze at her words, none of them expecting Vicky to be so blunt.

    Could there have been something they did not know?

    Susan frowned as she demanded, "What are you saying, Vicky? Have you woken up fully yet? Why

    would a proper engagement be called off, and how could you decide on that alone?!"

    "I know what I''m saying, Mom," Vicky said calmly. "It''s a shame that Titus Lionheart and I are just not

    meant for each other."

    Sif rose to her feet, her tone gradually hostile. "What is the meaning of this? Has my brother offended

    you in any way?"

    "I mean nothing," Vicky retorted with equal pride, unflinching. "To sum it all up, I''m annulling this

    engagement!"

    "You''re what?!"

    Vicky''s words left everyone present stunned.

    So Vicky was the one who suggested it... but more importantly, why would Titus agree to it?!

    However, Sif glowered as she snapped, "Know your ce, Vicky Turnbull! You can annul the

    engagement all you want, but you must remember who you''re engaged with! You''re behaving insolently

    to us Lionhearts!"

    Susan quickly tried to mediate. "Don''t jump the gun, Vicky. We can talk about this¡ªjust tell us what

    happened."

    "Yeah, Vicky. You could at least let us know why, right?" Walter reasoned.

    After all, the Lionhearts were one of the Four Families of Morhen.

    The wind was in their sails, and they were not to be messed with, let alone disrespected. If their

    revered heir had their engagement annulled, how great an insult would that be to his family and him

    personally?

    If anything, marrying Titus was a dream many girls desired and a n countless women racked their

    brains just to formte. After all, there was no way but up when an engagement tied a family to the

    Lionhearts!

    Not only did Vicky refuse to ept it, but she wanted to annul it too?!

    That was nothing less than a p to the Lionhearts'' faces!

    Nheless, Vicky continued calmly, "I understand I am unjustified in annulling the engagement, and I

    can apologize to Titus... And as a matter of fact, I already did. If you think it hurts the Lionheart''s family,

    it can be arranged in a way where it''s Lionhearts who annulled it¡ªI will ept anything, even if it''s in

    writing. One way or another, I''m not marrying Titus because I have no feelings for him."

    Susan, who had kept throwing looks at Vicky, eximed, "Oh, why are you still throwing a fit even

    now? Love can be cultivated, don''t you know?"

    "Vicky Turnbull!" Sif bellowed, clearly furious. "Do you think you get to arrange and annul engagements

    with us Lionhearts on a whim?! What do you take us for?! The arranged marriage was always a mutual

    agreement between two families, and you don''t get to have a say!"Original from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 728

    Sif mmed her teacup on the table as her face contorted in rage. "It doesn''t matter what you say¡ª

    you''ll marry Titus one way or another!"

    However, Vicky stood her ground and showed no signs of backing down. "I can y along with any

    other arrangements, but my marriage is my own business. I won''t give in."

    "Hah!" Sifughed despite herself. "Do you have any idea what''s going on here, Vicky?! It''s your

    immense fortune that my brother is interested in you! No, neither you nor your family get to have a say

    ¡ªit''s my family that does, you hear?!"

    Even Susan''s face fell at Sif''smanding tone. Sif was not here to discuss anything¡ªshe hade

    to enforce the Lionhearts'' authority!

    "In that case, you should go home and ask your brother," Vicky retorted coolly. "If he actually refuses to

    annul the engagement, then I won''t argue."

    "No! No chance!" Sif pointed at Vicky as she snapped. "What our family wants, we get! It doesn''t matter

    if you agree to it or what my brother says¡ªthis engagement will continue as scheduled, because I say

    so!"

    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Thest part left Vickyughing despite herself¡ªthere were just no words to describe Sif at this point.

    But she was prepared, and she would not sacrifice her lifetime''s happiness just so her family could

    enrich their coffers.

    "So, you''re saying you''re the one to decide on my marriage?" Vicky asked icily.

    "You should be worrying about your family, not yourself!" Sif continued to threaten her. "If you annul the

    engagement with my brother, the Turnbulls shall be considered an enemy of the Lionhearts!"

    "Walter Turnbull!" Sif then wheeled on Walter, calling him by name and pointing at his face as she

    snapped. "Have you forgotten the agreement between our families to work together to fight against the

    South Sea Crow?! Your family''s strength and influence wanes with each generation, so I will give it to

    you straight¡ªdo what you must, or my family has no reason to protect you anymore! Hell, we might

    work with the South Sea Crow to take you down!"

    Laughing icily, Sif concluded, "Your family''s yearly gathering is in a month, isn''t it? We, the Lionhearts,

    shall be visiting when the timees... As for whether we''ll be friend or foe depends entirely on you!

    See you around!"

    And with those words, Sif and her people swiftly left Turnbull Vi, while silence descended upon the

    drawing room.

    Having kept it in for a while, Susan mmed her hand on the table as she sprang to her feet, shrieking

    hysterically at Vicky as she demanded, "Who told you you could annul the engagement?! Did any of us

    agree to it?! Don''t you understand the perils that would gue the family if you did?! It''s Frank

    Lawrence, isn''t it?! Don''t you know that he''s a vile reaper through and through?! First, it''s Les Turnbull,

    and then Neil Turnbull! Who is he going toe for next¡ªme?!"

 Chapter 729

    Walter also reasoned, "That''s right, Vicky. You should talk to us about something like this."

    After all, Titus was the gem of his family''s younger generation and a prodigy even among all the rich

    kids in Morhen. Not only did he reach Birthright rank before thirty, but he had also already secured a

    strong position in Volsung Sect.

    Heiresses worshiped his good looks and tremendous potential and would go crazy for him.

    And yet, Walter''s own daughter did not seem to care, even demanding to have their engagement

    annulled?!

    No matter how impressive Frank was, he would never measure up to Titus or any of the strength and

    influence he boasted.

    Even so, Vicky remained impassive as she retorted, "I alone will decide who I marry, not anyone else.

    And I''m not about to sacrifice myself for the sake of family."

    Before this, she would have been able to ept the engagement and arrangement for the sake of her

    family''s gains and prosperity. After all, she stood to profit in every way if she married Titus anyway.

    He was a suitable partner for marriage for her¡ªlooks,petence, a straightforward personality and a

    bright future? The man was almost wless... But that was the past.

    Ever since Vicky started to spend time with Frank, her heart had no space for another man.

    Why suffer a loveless marriage to someone she did not know instead of the strong, decisive, and blunt

    man before her?

    However, Susan could choke from Vicky''s stubborn attitude and screamed at her, "How old do you

    think you are?! What''s the point of love?! Does it put food on the table?! Take your time and find love

    for Titus Lionheart¡ªyou''re my child, and you''ll listen to me! You''re marrying no one else, because it''s

    the only way you''ll be happy and not find any regrets while the rest of us will live in peace! Get it

    through your thick skull: the family would suffer if you annul the engagement!"

    "That''s right!" Walter agreed. "I know you love Frank, but does he even hold a candle to Titus? Don''t

    forget that the South Sea Crow is after us¡ªa time bomb that would blow us all up at any moment! We''d

    be dead without the Lionhearts'' protection!"

    "I''ll deal with the South Sea Crow." Vicky frowned, perfectly aware of that issue as well.

    Her words left Susan hacking violently. "You''ll deal with her?! How?! It''s been three years, but members

    of the South Sea Four are found assassinated at every turn! Our own family has been living on edge

    and just waiting for the day she pays us a visit. Do you think we''d be living infort like we do now

    without the Lionhearts'' protection?!"

    Walter sighed. "Exactly. The South Sea Crow is elusive, and the South Sea Four can''t stop her even if

    they work together¡ªeven with all the Ascendant rank individuals they have under theirmand. The

    South Sea Crow wille for us eventually once the Lionhearts leave us!"

    "Give me time. I''ll get it done!" Vicky refused to give in, even leaving a determined look at Walter.

    "But there''s no time!" Walter cried in anguish. "There''s only one month until the family gathering, and

    you heard Sif. She''ll being, and Titus too! If you still refuse, it''s over for us!"

    Vicky fell silent at her father''s words.

    A month¡ªthat was all she had.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 730

    The South Sea Crow was so elusive the South Sea Four tried and failed for three years to take her

    down, even with all the Ascendant rank fighters at their disposal.

    How would Vicky ever stop that woman in just one month, and what could she do?

    Meanwhile, at Skywater Bay, Helen had washed up and was preparing to go to work when Frank

    stopped her.

    "How''s the promotion for the farm resort going?" he asked.

    Helen rolled her eyes. "It''s just been a week."

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Still, she soon shed him a flirty wink, sending Frank''s heart skipping a beat.

    Resisting the urge to hug her, he smiled instead. "Is there anything else you need my help with?"

    "Nope. Just leave the promotion to me and Vicky¡ªyou just worry about preparing the farm."

    "Really?" Frank strode closer, narrowing his eyes.

    "Yeah..."

    Helen trailed off and threw up her hands to yield¡ªshe was never a great liar. "Well, there''s no problem

    with Flora Hall, since Dan Zimmer agreed to it without hesitation when I mentioned you. It''s Noel York."

    "What''s her problem? No free slot in her schedule?" Frank eximed in surprise.

    "No, it''s worse¡ªshe''s been embroiled in a wave of bad publicity." Helen sighed. "Someone''s creating

    rumors that she''s been granting sexual favors to herpany''s executives, who in turn aided her in

    workce bullying. There have been peopleing out to use her, and some admitted to those

    favors with Noel. In short, it''s a mess."

    "Sexual favors? Workce bullying?" Frank frowned.

    The impression he had of Noel was that she was agreeable and mild-tempered. She did not look like

    the type who would get involved in workce bullying, let alone grant sexual favors withpany

    executives.

    "I know what you''re thinking, but the truth hardly matters now." Helen was rubbing her tempers as she

    exined. "The point is, Noel is going down. Heck, forget endorsing the farm resort¡ª there''s already

    talk reconsidering the endorser for the Rejuvenation Pill. Noel can''t even protect herself."

    Frank was left silent and eventually said quietly, "She helped us when we needed her most. We can''t

    just sit by when she''s being scapegoated for some crime she didn''tmit."

    Helen shot him a knowing look.

    Frank would not just stand aside and watch Noel suffer¡ªit was why Helen did not want to tell Frank in

    the first ce.

    Everyone had been on edge for a while now, and having one less worry was pretty much desirable.

    But likewise, Helen knew she would not be able to dissuade Frank and said nothing else as she

    handed him Noel''s private number.

    "Just don''t be reckless," she reminded him and left for work.

    For Frank''s part, he did not hesitate¡ªhe was more or less done with the nning for the farm resort

    and had been idling after delegating full authority to Trevor Zurich.

 Chapter 731

    After driving Winter and Mona to school, Frank stayed in his car as he called the private number Helen

    gave him.

    "Hello?" Noel''s tired voice could soon be heard.

    "Ms. York? It''s me, Frank Lawrence," Frank said nonchntly. "How have you been doing? Would you

    care to make time for a drink?"

    He naturally did not expect a star actress like her to say yes and was just making small talk.

    As such, he did not expect Noel to stay silent for seconds before asking shortly, "Where?"

    "Huh..." A little stumped, Frank simply picked the first ce that came to mind. "The Dynasty."

    "Got it," Noel replied and hung up without further ado.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Frank scratched his head awkwardly¡ªthe invitation was just the lead, and he did not expect the star

    actress to take it.

    Was he really that charming?

    Frank chuckled as he rubbed his chin and turned his Maybach to rush for The Dynasty. -

    As usual, the bar in The Dynasty was dimly lit as the wall speakers boomed with thunderous music.

    The air swirled with the scent of alcohol, and anyone inside could hardly differentiate if it was light or

    dark outside.

    Frank ordered a ss of fruit juice and waited at a booth seat, turning down severaldies trying to

    chat him up as he did, though they were probably interested in the Maybach key he left on the table.

    Realizing that, he pocketed his key.

    That was when ady with a baseball cap and a body-hugging skirt that bare her long legs strode

    through the front doors, looking around and clearly searching for someone.

    A thug''s eyes lit up right then, immediately able to tell that she was someone special.

    "Hey, beautiful! Are you here alone?" he asked as he hurried to Noel, his hand outstretched and ready

    to cop a feel, but Noel strode past him.

    "Oh, you have quick reflexes." The thug simply grinned, his hands getting even more unruly. "Come on,

    beautiful. What''s the point of drinking alone? My boss happens to be here¡ªlet''s drink together!"

    "No, I''m looking for someone," Noel snapped.

    Her voice was one of a kind, and the thug froze as soon as she spoke. "Holy crap, girl. You sound so

    familiar... Were you on TV?"

    "Buzz off." Frank strode up to them just then, his face impassive as he told the thug to leave.

    "Shit, boy! Do you even know who owns this ce?!" The thug red at him murderously for his

    pompous threat.

    "Ugh." Frank sighed and pressed a palm on the thug''s face to shove him away. "What the hell? I''ve

    been here so many times, but Kurt Stinson and Bravo Lambert just won''t rein in their boys."

    The thug was already drunk, wobbling as he dropped on his rump.

    Frank then turned to Noel as he apologized, "I''m sorry, Ms. York. This was a poor choice for a meeting

    ce."

    "It''s alright. I like this ce''s vibes, to be honest." Noel nodded.

    She was wearing a mask, but Frank could tell from her eyes that she was smiling¡ªand beautifully at

    that.

    That was when the thug yelled, "Boss! Someone''s causing trouble over here!"

 Chapter 732

    Hearing the thug''s yell, a burly bald man strode out from a nearby bar. "Who is it?"

    When he nced behind the thug and saw who it was, he promptly picked up a tablecloth and flung it

    at the thug''s face. "You piece of shit! You can''t even recognize Mr. Lawrence just because you took a

    few sips?! I told you to quit drinking already, but you just won''t listen! And don''t think you''re dragging

    me into your mess!"

    "Mr. Lawrence... Who?" The thug on the floor obviously had note to his senses.

    When he did, he promptly knelt in front of Frank. "I''m so, so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I didn''t recognize you!

    Bravo Lambert even told us that everything is on the house if you ever visit¡ª"

    "Just go," Frank snapped, not interested in taking it out with the thug since he was drunk and

    incoherent. "And don''t try to hit on thedies like you did, or you''re dead if you caught me."

    The thug waspletely sober at Frank''s scary threat and scrambled to run away.

    "Hmm. I''m surprised you''re that well-respected, Mr. Lawrence," Noel teased him just then.

    Frank scratched his head awkwardly and simply smiled as he pointed at his booth seat. "Would you like

    a couple of drinks if you''re interested?"

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Sure," Noel replied.

    She was not being gracious either and ordered two of the most expensive cocktails as soon as she sat

    down.

    It was obvious she was not in her usual good mood, since she did not frequent bars, let alone drink so

    openly.

    Frank watched as she chugged her ss and followed suit.

    When she was done, Noel''s cheeks blushed into an attractive pink as she smiled at Frank. "So, to what

    do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank nodded, and spoke bluntly since running circles around Noel might repulse her. "I''ve recently

    established a farm resort, and I''m nning to draw in influential people across Draconia as customers

    or endorsers."

    "You mean me?" Noel smiled, pointing at herself. "You want me as an endorser?"

    "Exactly." Frank stared at her solemnly.

    "Hahaha." Noel suddenlyughed out loud, and it was a while when she stopped and twirled her finger

    around her ss. "Don''t you know what''s been happening to metely, Mr. Lawrence? My

    endorsement would just backfire."

    "I know." Frank nodded. "But I insist on your endorsement because you helped us endorse the

    Rejuvenation Pill before. I''m here to help now that you''re in trouble."

    "Help me?" Noel appeared surprised but soon chuckled. "You''re too kind, Mr. Lawrence. I only chose to

    endorse the Rejuvenation Pill because of its miraculous effects, and you paid me as I deserved... In

    other words, I was just fulfilling my contractual obligation. It''s not quite helping."

    Seeing that Noel was being humble, Frank nodded but spoke bluntly, "But you were willing to endorse

    the Rejuvenation Pill nheless, even if it meant betting against the market. You took a risk to help

    us, and I''d know that better than anyone. That''s why you shouldn''t undersell your credit."

 Chapter 733

    Frank continued, "I''m not an ingrate, so tell me about the trouble you''re having and I''ll help where I can.

    Naturally, the condition is for you to endorse my farm resort as agreed."

    Noel''s skeptic gaze faded as she stared at Frank''s smile, while her own smile turned to gloom.

    "You can''t help me, Mr. Lawrence." She sighed. "But I''m short on friends right now, so I''ll just have you

    listen to me vent instead."

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    She took another sip of her cocktail before telling Frank everything¡ªnaturally, she was the victim of

    workce bullying instead of the perpetrator.

    Lycoris Entertainment, the agency representing her, used to be owned by a man named Dn Hood.

    He was quite influential in the east coast and had been obsessed with Noel for a long time. In fact, the

    thug named Dustin who was harassing Noel when Frank first met her worked for Dn too.

    Even so, Noel held her ground, rebuffing Dn''s advances with wit and determination...

    That is, until recently, when Lycoris Entertainment was bought out by the Soranos, one of the Four

    Families of Morhen.

    To make things worse, the Soranos bought out thepany expressly to get Noel¡ªon the very first

    day thepany was handed over, Willy Sorano approached her, asking her to have a drink with him.

    Noel was afraid to provoke him since his family is one of the Four Families of Morhen and did as she

    was told. Willy, however, started to get touchy, even directly asking her to get in bed with him.

    Noel was no pushover¡ªshe did not survive showbiz that long being one.

    She bore the insult and recorded her conversation with Willy, intent on leveraging her way out of

    Lycoris Entertainment.

    It just turned out Willy was even more ruthless and pulled all his connections and every trick he had to

    strike before Noel could do anything. He even threatened her to do as he told her, or she would have

    no ce in showbiz and zero public credibility.

    At that point, Willy could really actually do whatever he wanted with Noel.

    And given Frank''s temper, his brow was creased after Noel told him the full story.

    It was not surprising now that she was so dejected¡ªshe was really desperate.

    After some thought, Frank whipped out his phone to call Burt Yorkman, the topw enforcement officer

    of Riverton.

    "Brother Lawrence." Burt was panting as if running at top speed.

    "I need a favor, Burt. Do you have time?" Frank asked bluntly.

    "I''m chasing down a wanted man at the moment, sir. Just name the ce, and I''ll be there when I''m

    done here."

    Seeing that Burt was really busy, Frank decided against imposing and nodded. "I''m at The Dynasty.

    Drop by when you have the time."

    "Okay. Be there in thirty."

    As Frank hung up, Noel leveled him a puzzled look. "Who was that, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "You''ll know when he gets here." Frank shed a mysterious smile.

    Burt was really a man of his word. He strode through the front doors of The Dynasty in just half an hour,

    his sleeves slightly stained with blood.

    He strode toward Frank''s seat, nodding. "You asked for me, Brother Lawrence?"

 Chapter 734

    As Burt took a seat, he chugged a bottle of beer and caught his breath before turning to Frank.

    "It''s about Ms. Noel York here..." Frank began.

    "Wait, Noel York? As in the actress?" Burt turned toward Noel in shock and confusion.

    "What, you two know each other?" Frank asked, puzzled.

    "No, we haven''t met yet." Noel shook her head.

    "No, we haven''t." Burt chuckled. "It''s just a coincidence. But the man I was chasing earlier used to be

    an ountant at your agency, Lycoris Entertainment."

    "What''s that about?" Frank asked, his interest peaked.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Actually, it''s no big deal." Burt smiled. "The ountant was conspiring with Dn Hood, the previous

    CEO, in falsifyingpany finances leading to the recentpany acquisition. Dn''s now on the run,

    and he left that ountant behind to be his scapegoat."

    "What?!" Noel sprang to her feet, staring at Frank in disbelief. "O-Officer, are you saying that the

    Soranos'' acquisition is technically invalid? The falsified ounts must mean that much!"

    While Burt raised a brow, her expression turned solemn. "Well. What happens now?"

    Burt nced at Frank, who nodded.

    With that, Burt exined, "Well, now we have to track down Dn Hood, and as for Soranos. they just

    have to audit their ounts and pay a fine."

    "Is that all?" Noel eximed in disappointment.

    "I mean, the Soranos are still one of the Four Families of Morhen. They would have no trouble making

    all this go away."

    Burt nodded, ncing at Frank again. "So, Brother Lawrence, about why you asked me toe."

    "Heh. It''s a real coincidence." Frank chuckled. "I''ve asked you toe exactly to help Noel."

    Frank then told Burt about the Soranos ckmailing and canceling Noel, after which Burt sighed

    lengthily.

    "It''s tooplicated." He scratched his head. "And no one would ever square off against any of the

    Four Families of Morhen."

    "That doesn''t include me," Frank said quietly.

    "Wait, are you going to have me back up Ms. York?" Burt frowned slightly, as that likely meant

    challenging the Soranos

    "Exactly," Frank nodded and grinned. "Ms. York has a recording of Willy Sorano ckmailing her for

    sexual favors, and you just happened to arrest that ountant. Surely you have the muscle to

    invalidate the Soranos'' acquisition?"

    "I could, but..."

    Burt sighed. "I wouldn''t suggest it, Brother Lawrence¡ªthat might be crossing the line against the

    Soranos. You already made enemies of the Lionhearts, and if the Soranos joined in.

    "That''s my business." Frank sneered. "They''d eventually find out that I murdered Hubert Sorano. It''s

    just a matter of time."

    Turning to Noel, Frank said, "And since Lycoris Entertainment''s coffers are basically drained by Dn,

    I''ll acquire it instead. I could use the publicity to endorse my farm resort, and having a star actress

    would definitely bring in visitors by the droves."

 Chapter 735

    Noel was left stunned by Frank''s suggestion, since she never thought that Frank had the confidence to

    square off against the Soranos.

    What was more, he was already an enemy of the Lionhearts!

    Frank, however, paid her stare no attention as he continued nning. "So, I''ll be building a biological

    preserve in the outskirts of Riverton, which can double as a film set with a star actress like you

    endorsing it. I''ll also put money into making a film with you, some of which you could film at my resort.

    You could be doing stuff like tending to the farm and the like¡ªstuff to make you appear no different

    from themon man. It''s a lot of work, but we''d be drawing in tour groups and tourists with more

    humble circumstances..."

    Frank''s mind went into overdrive as he borated on all the ideas he had.

    Noel''s eyes lit up in turn, and when Frank was done, she had to admit that he had business acumen.

    A humble farm resort,bined with Draconia''s top star actress, somehow did not appear to be a bad

    idea.

    Still, Noel pointed out an issue. "Mr. Lawrence. Are you really going to fight against the Soranos for my

    sake?"

    She was wondering if Frank was no different from the Soranos and wanted her body too!

    "For your sake?" Frank appeared puzzled but soon chuckled. "I''m sure you misunderstood, Ms. York¡ª

    helping you and having you endorse my resort farm are two sides of the same coin, and said coin is

    going to be beneficial in every way. That''s why I asked to see you in the first ce, see?"

    Frank''s smile left Noel freezing, and a curious sensation welled up within her.

    She stared nkly at Frank for a long while, not even noticing that she was doing it until Burt called out

    to her.

    She blushed as she came to her senses, while Burt patted his chest audibly. "Since Brother Lawrence

    is set on helping you, you can hand over the recording to me. Don''t worry¡ªthe Soranos won''t be able

    to acquire Lycoris Entertainment as long as I''m around."

    However, Noel''s brain was already mush, and she handed him her recorder without thinking.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Still, worry showed on her face after Burt left, and she asked Frank under her breath, "Mr. Lawrence.

    Who actually is that officer?"

    "Oh, him?" Frank chuckled. "People have always called him the top inspector of Riverton. Don''t worry

    ¡ª he''s capable of handling this much."

    "What? The top inspector?!" Noel eximed in shock.

    How many other bigwigs like Burt was Frank was acquainted with if he knew even the top inspector?

    And given the way Burt spoke around Frank... It was clear that Burt regarded Frank''s orders like a

    subordinate.

    "Oh, it''s really no big deal. Don''t worry, Ms. York¡ªno one will dare threaten you now," Frank smiled,

    and thought of a new title for Noel. "You will now work for Lane Holdings as the head of the Lane

    Entertainment division."

    With the business out of the way, Frank and Noel continued drinking away happily.

    She had already thought highly of Frank when she endorsed Grande Pharma, and now, she was

    further impressed.

    She actually felt a tingling emotion she never felt toward anyone before. to the point that when she got

    tipsy, she happily epted Frank''s offer to drive her home.

 Chapter 736

    Although Noel was hopeful for something to happen, it turned out that Frank just wanted to send her

    home and nothing more.

    Noel could not help feeling disappointed at that.

    Then, blushing crimson as she realized why, she threw herself in bed, keeping her face buried in the

    sheets. -

    On the other hand, Frank was in a great mood after leaving Noel''s mansion.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    With the Hale Marrow he acquired in Norsedam, he would fulfill the ims he made for the farm resort

    and then some.

    And with Noel joining the team, it would be surprising if their promotion efforts actually failed.

    Still, there were some ideas that he would need his peak form to actuallymit.

    As such, once he left Noel''s mansion, he called Helen to tell her that Noel''s issue was resolved,

    hanging up before Helen could ask for the details.

    He then drove to Flora Hall, and not seeing the Maybach identical to his, he knew J was not at

    work.

    He headed inside, buying some herbs that wouldplement the Hale Marrow''s medicinal effect. With

    that, he could develop a spa bath at the farm''s hot springs that promoted longevity.

    He then asked the staff about J, and it turned out she had left to attend a medical lecture.

    Frank did not ask any further questions and returned to Skywater Bay by the afternoon.

    He told Carol Zims that he did not want to be disturbed and headed into his room.

    He took out the Hale Marrow, holding it in his palm and staring at the sprout brimming with life

    energies.

    He inhaled deeply, the faint sweet essence filling his lungs and veins, his body craving the natural

    treasure right then.

    "It''s time," he whispered, sitting cross-legged to condition himself into his peak form.

    Then, he tore half of the Hale Marrow and threw it into his mouth.

    Boom!

    As the Hale Marrow was converted into pure green essence, Frank could hear an explosion within his

    own body as the essence fused with the vigor in his meridian nexus.

    Soon, a horrific storm of energies brewed and tore through every inch of Frank''s body Frank felt only

    agony as his bones cracked audibly, his veins quivering under the storm, threatening to snap.

    "Shit!" He realized that he had underestimated the sheer medicinal energy of the Hale Marrow¡ªit was

    no wonder that even Mystic Sky Sect used to seek this treasure.

    It was simply extraordinary!

    Still, the pain did not wane in time¡ªif anything, it was getting worse.

    As the vigor within his body overflowed, Frank''s meridian nexus actually had trouble containing it.

    Crash!

    The bed he was sitting on copsed right then, the pure vigor flowing out of his sweat pores pulverizing

    it. The desk and tablemp soon suffered the same fate!

    As more furniture was crushed by the storm of pure vigor ejecting out of Frank''s body, his eyes

    narrowed in concentration.

    "Be still¡ª!"

    If his body kept going on like this, the entire hilltop mansion would be blown to kingdome!

 Chapter 737

    Plop!

    Seeming hearing Frank''s bellow, a green droplet condensed within Frank''s meridian nexus.

    Frank was shocked¡ªhe could not afford to have excess in his meridian nexus, though he soon calmed

    down.

    It was just pure vigor, refined down to thest particle.

    His remaining inner vigor was soon purified too, which would eventually bepressed again into a

    liquid form as he improved from Birthright rank to Ascendant rank.

    If pure vigor could kill effectively within ten paces, liquid vigor was beyondprehension as its range

    extended over hundreds of meters.

    Naturally, it went without saying that it was far more devastating as well¡ªeven a finger shot of liquid

    vigor could punch through steel over a hundred meters away, making it more lethal than bullets.

    At that stage, one would have truly be superhuman¡ªa monster in a man''s skin.

    And as the liquid vigor in Frank''s body increased, the pure vigor storm around him slowly subsided.

    When he was done cultivating and opening his eyes, he could see his own eyes gleaming with a

    golden-green hue from the shards of mirror on the floor.

    He could observe the world around him even clearer too, even hearing an ant vaulting over a branch a

    hundred meters away.

    Nheless, he sighed as he stared at the hole leading straight outside. "Just a little short..."

    Even though he had cultivated the Hale Marrow, it only served to promote his longevity and did not

    improve his cultivation.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Even so, the pure essence within the Hale Marrow was noughing stock, and Frank had cured all

    internal injuries within him, restoring himself to peak form.

    He haspleted Birthright rank and was hence just a step away from Ascendant rank!

    As he flexed his wrists, he found dark spots aside from realizing how limber it was.

    It was excess matter excreted from his body and not dust.

    And Frank was utterly confident after the cleansing from the Hale Marrow¡ªhe would prove a match

    against even Ascendant ranks as he took another step toward his goal.

    "Donn Lawrence has returned," he said with a sigh, a nostalgic expression showing on his face as his

    eyes twinkled.

    It had been a while since he felt this light.

    Still, he had used two-thirds of the Hale Marrow, and his body was getting immune to medicine. Even if

    he ate the rest of the Hale Marrow, nothing much would happen.

    Instead, he split up the remaining one-third. He would cook a portion with the herbs he bought from

    Flora Hall into longevity essence for the farm resort, and it wouldst up to a decade.

    As for the rest, he would refine it into Ichor Pills with his essence.

    With such enhancement, the Ichor Pills would not just treat injuries¡ªthey would greatly promote

    longevity as well, even improving a person''s physique.

    It would not be a long shot to call it divine either, and Frank was ready to split the pills among Helen,

    Vicky, and the rest to make up for their troubles.

    Without further ado, Frank took out the herbs he bought earlier, using his essence as catalyst to refine

    Ichor Pills.

    Now that he hadpleted Birthright rank, pill refinement could be aplished with just the fluids in

    his body. It spared the need for a cauldron and other tools while being far more efficient.

    In less than half an hour, over a dozen emerald pills the size of eyeballs materialized in Frank''s palm.

 Chapter 738

    He then poured the emerald longevity essence into a pot and breathed a sigh of relief when everything

    was done.

    He looked outside to see that it was alreadyte into the night.

    His room was a mess even without that huge hole on the wall, and his furniture was all in pieces.

    He stepped outside to find the mansion quiet and empty, save for note Helen left.

    She and everyone else had left. They would be staying at a hotel since she was worried about

    bothering Frank, but Carol had already cooked something for him and left it in the fridge.

    Frank chuckled after reading the note, touched by the feeling of familial warmth.

    Flexing his limbs, which creaked loudly, he headed off for a bath, and then took out the food from the

    fridge and wolfed down everything.

    While he ate, he then remembered his phone and found it from the mess of his room.

    The screen was cracked, but he could see the missed calls. Getting the backup phones around the

    mansion, he then called Burt. "Is it done?"

    "Yes, Brother Lawrence... But I couldn''t reach Ms. York." Burt clearly sounded relieved to hear Frank,

    since Frank was not answering his calls, and he thought that something had happened to him.

    "Wait, you couldn''t reach Ms. York?" Frank frowned.

    Noel was an essential part of his ns¡ªhe would make the Soranos suffer if they messed around.

    Quickly finishing his food, he changed into casualwear and picked up his jacket as he left, his Maybach

    soon bounding down the hilltop to Noel''s mansion. -

    Meanwhile, a gray-haired man wearing a white bathrobe was sitting cross-legged on a ss table at

    Noel''s mansion.

    He was watching a movie Noel starred in, twirling his ss filled with red wine smugly.

    Unlike Hubert Sorano, an illegitimate son, Willy Sorano was a legitimate heir to Emilio Sorano, the

    head of Sorano Media, the leadingpany in Draconia showbiz.

    And Willy was here to investigate Hubert''s death¡ªeven if Hubert was an illegitimate son of the family,

    his unusual death must be investigated.

    Naturally, Titus Lionheart and the Graves family of Southstream knew about Hubert''s death.

    However, the Graves family was thoroughly massacred.

    As for Titus, he was the only one in his family who knew, and he was too preupied with his

    engagement to Vicky Tunbull, meaning Hubert''s death remained an enigma.

    "Heh..."

    Willy clicked his tongue as he kept watching Noel''s movie and sighed. "What a shame, Ms. York. Your

    refusal to do sex scenes has really kept your poprity lukewarm over the years."

    Noel was herself curled up as she sat on the edge of the couch, wearing a bathrobe but doing her best

    not to expose herself.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Her hair dripping wet, her face was pale as she asked with a quivering voice, "W-What do you want?"''

    "What do I want?" Willyughed. "Oh, don''t worry¡ªonce I have my way with you, I''ll make you the

    most popr actress in Draconia... porn actress, that is."

    His eyes shing sinisterly, he licked his lips as he grinned. "Thrilling to just think about it, right?"

 Chapter 739

    "You''re... despicable!" Noel snapped, but she was horrified.

    She had protected her modesty in her years working in showbiz, and she would rather die than do

    porn!

    "Not really. You''ll understand when you''ve had a taste of men. Hahaha!" Willyughed as he pulled

    Noel into his arms, ready for some action.

    That was when the window beside him shattered as a thumb-sized cobblestone shot inside, hitting

    Willy''s wrist with deadly precision.

    "Argh!" Willy screamed like a gutted pig as his bones cracked audibly and clutched his bleeding wrist

    as he bellowed, "What the fuck?!"

    His bodyguards stationed outside heard the breaking ss and Willy''s cry, and they promptly changed

    inside.

    All they found was Willy lying on the floor as he bled and screamed.

    "There!"

    One of the bodyguards traced the hole to pinpoint the location of the attacker. "Search that location!

    How dare they attack Mr. Sorano under our noses!"

    At the same time, a man in a high cor suit strode out from another room in the mansion.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    He appeared to be the leader of the bodyguards and could tell right away that the person who attacked

    Willy was a martial elite.

    "Zam! My hand! My hand!" Willy screamed when he saw him.

    Zam Sorano rebuked the bodyguards around him before striding up to hold up Willy''s hand to check.

    He was soon frowning¡ªWilly''s hand was basically crippled, the thumb-sized cobblestone had torn

    through the gap between Willy''s arm bones. Even if it was a sheer coincidence, the hit was still the

    work of an exceptional martial artist.

    With that in mind, he made a salute in Frank''s direction, asking loudly but coolly, "Don''t hide now! Your

    caliber as a martial artist is clear as day, hurting the boy in such a manner!"

    Naturally, Frank had kicked that tiny cobblestone.

    He was hundreds of meters away from Noel''s mansion when he alighted and immediately saw the

    droves of bodyguards surrounding the ce.

    Their white uniform reminded Frank of Hubert''s bodyguards back then, and it was clear that the

    Soranos hade.

    He then extended his hearing and promptly heard Noel''s helpless cries and Willy''s savageughter.

    But if he charged in right then, the Sorano bodyguards would try to stop him, causing him to lose time.

    As such, he aimed his eagle eyes at the window and kicked that tiny cobblestone, hitting Willy''s

    perverted hand with perfect precision and instantly crippling it.

    It was an easy job now that he was back at his peak form!

    Even as Willy screamed, he charged into the mansion without dy, covering hundreds of meters in

    seconds.

    "Who goes there?!" The bodyguards who came searching for him only found a dark shadow bounding

    toward them before they cked out and lost all consciousness.

    As Frank moved, he released his liquid vigor with a wave of his hand, knocking out the bodyguards

    with a single strike.

    "Huh?"

    The other bodyguards heard themotion and hurried in their direction.

    Frank in turn avoided the main entrance since there were more bodyguards there, and it would take

    more time dealing with them.

 Chapter 740

    Bang!

    Frank kicked a hole into Noel''s mansion for the sake of efficiency, and it was still smoking as he strode

    inside through the debris.

    Willy and Noel were right there, and Noel screamed as she saw the golden eyes moving through the

    smoke.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "It''s alright, Ms. York. I''m here to save you."

    Noel calmed down when she heard the mild voices, her pupils dting in disbelief when she saw the

    towering figure striding inside. "M-Mr. Lawrence..."

    "I''m here." Frank strode to her side, shielding her while everyone was still restless to prevent her from

    being used as a hostage.

    He studied her a little and breathed a sigh of relief¡ªshe only had a bathrobe covering her voluptuous

    figure, but Willy had yet to do anything to her.

    He made it just in time.

    Zam strode up just then, glowering at Frank as he barked, "Who are you?! You''re intruding in the

    Soranos'' turf, and you maimed the family heir!"

    "The Soranos'' turf?" Frank chuckled coolly as he subtly pulled Noel behind him. "All I know is that this

    is Noel York''s mansion, and you and your dogs are the ones invading a private property. That''s not all

    ¡ª you would allow Ms. York''s modesty to be defiled?! What is thiswlessness?! Get out of here right

    now!"

    Frank''s insolence left Zam glowering. "I don''t know who you are or what you''re capable of, but haven''t

    you heard of the Soranos of Morhen? Mess with us, and you''ll die horribly!"

    "Frank." Noel tugged on Frank''s sleeve worriedly¡ªshe was touched that Frank could save her, but she

    did not want him to make an enemy of the Soranos for her sake.

    No matter how strong he was, could he afford such a powerful foe?!

    "Don''t worry." Frank gave her an assuring look before looking up at Zam. "And? Do you really think

    being a Sorano works for anyone? You have five seconds to leave, or you''ll be staying here

    permanently."

    Holding up his palm, Frank started to count down. "Five!"

    "Brat." Zam was incensed¡ªwho was this Frank Lawrence? How could he not give a damn about the

    Soranos?

    Could he be a member of the Lawrence family from Morhen?!

    That was impossible¡ªthey had fallen to anonymity and everyst member had moved down south.

    They would never return to the East Coast...

    So who on earth gave this brat the confidence?!

    While Zam quickly eliminated various possibilities, Frank had slowly lowered his thumb.

    "Four!"

 Chapter 741

    "I got it, Grandpa Zam!"

    That was when Willy, still grasping his bleeding wrists, snarled through the pain. "Just this morning, we

    were told that our acquisition of Lycoris Entertainment was invalidated after someone ratted out the

    falsified ounts."

    ring at the impassive Frank, he snapped furiously, "And thepany that acquired Lycoris

    Entertainment soon after is a smallpany called Lane Holdings... and I remember a Frank

    Lawrence being one of the executives!"

    "Hmm?" Zam frowned as he turned to Frank. "You''re the one who interfered with my grandson''s

    acquisition of Lycoris Entertainment?"

    "Three."

    Frank did not bother wasting his breath, still impassive as he counted down.

    "You bastard!" Zam snapped.

    It was the first time he was being belittled¡ªhe ranked above forty in Skyrank and was a Birthright rank,

    which was basically a great achievement in itself. only to be belittled in some hick town?!

    "Frank Lawrence, let me tell you who I am," he bellowed furiously. "People call me Zam Sorano of the

    Bright Sun Fists, so get down on your knees if you know your ce!"

    "Zam Sorano?!" Noel gasped behind Frank, having heard the name.

    Zam was infamous for massacring an upper middle-ss family in Morhen for messing with the

    Soranos, and it had caused a stir in the city at the time. Even the Martial Alliance had to get involved,

    and Lady Silverbell herself had to mediate.

    Zam ultimately strong-armed his way out anyway, and it just went to show how bad things could get

    when he was involved.

    "Run, Frank! Don''t worry about me!" Noel kept pulling at Frank sleeves and tried to push him away,

    only to find him unbudging like a mountain no matter how she tried.

    "Two!"

    At the same time, Frank kept counting down.

    Zamughed despite himself¡ªso someone in little Riverton had never heard of him and treated him as

    if he were some two-bit thug!

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Get your wrist checked, Willy. I''ll straighten out this blind fool," he growled, standing with his hands

    sped behind his back while his eyes shed with rage.

    "Yeah... You have to do this for me, Grandpa Zam!" Willy cried, ring venomously at Frank as the

    bodyguards escorted him away.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll just break his legs." Zam smiled savagely. "He likes to be a tough guy, so I''ll let him!"

    Once the bodyguards escorted Willy away and only Frank, Noel, and Zam were left. Frank counted,

    "One."

    His fingers closing, he red at Zam and chuckled. "I guess Willy Sorano knows enough to bail, so

    what are you doing here? Trying to dig a grave for yourself?"

    Zamughed again¡ªhow full of himself was this kid?! Did he not hear a word of what everyone said?!

    "I''ll break every bone in your body, you little shit! You''ll regret messing with the Soranos!" he bellowed

    and leapt without hesitation toward Frank.

    His pure vigor enveloping his fist with a golden glint, he aimed his punch squarely at Frank''s face in an

    instant!

 Chapter 742

    "And who''s going to do that? You?"

    Frank simply walked slowly, unflinching even as Zam rushed toward him.

    "Your vigor erupts with a burst as it leaves your acupoints as pure vigor, buffing the weight of your

    punch... You have skill, but you''re too weak."

    Frank shook his head in disappointment, having seen through the crux of Zam''s technique in an

    instant.

    "Die, brat!"

    It left Zam further enraged, and his bellow could copse the mansion!

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Even as his golden shockwave shot toward Frank, the air popped with a loud sonicboom!

    "And you''re above forty in Skyrank. They really let anyone in these days," Frank continued to muse to

    himself while mocking Zam and suddenly snapped, "This is how the Bright Sun Fist works!"

    Watching as the golden fist was about to reach him, Frank stopped his nonchntment and slowly

    raised his hand.

    He clenched his fist, and a golden liquid flowed out and soon projected a golden tiger head around it.

    Roar!

    It almost appeared alive and bellowed deafeningly at Zam!

    "What?! A-Ascen¡ª" Zam was dumbstruck and unable to finish his sentence, stunned that the

    unassuming youth before him was Ascendant rank!

    "Wrong. I justpleted Birthright rank." Frank grinned, baring his stark white teeth as his Bright Sun

    Fist met Zam''s.

    Pure vigor collided, but Zam could instantly hear every bone in his arm shattering, starting from his

    fingers!

    "Argh!!!" he screamed even as he crashed through the wall, his blood sttering as he flew andnded

    outside Noel''s mansion.

    Bang!

    The bodyguards who were rushing to get Willy''s hand treated only got into their cars when they heard

    something mming heavily on their car.

    "What the fuck?!" Willy cursed as he got out, his pupils dting when he saw Zamying on the car roof

    in a bloody mess.

    "What." The bodyguards all froze in ce¡ªZam was beaten in the time they reached their cars?! The

    same Zam whose name was known even outside Morhen?!

    No, forget being beaten¡ªhe was sent crashing into the room, and the message to them was clear:

    they were to take Zam as they fled!

    "Mr. Sorano.." One of the bodyguards approached Willy, but he averted his eyes even as he

    stammered, clearly intending to pressure Willy to leave.

    With the way Zamy limply and bled, he clearly was dying soon.

    If Willy saw red and sent them back into the mansion... They would all be dead!

    "A-Ascendant..."

    That was when Willy heard Zam''s groan, and turned toward Noel''s mansion, stunned.

    That young man was Ascendant rank?! That''s why he was so confident. and conceited!

    Willy scrambled into the car as his heart pounded in fear, not caring about the pain in his hand as he

    bellowed at his bodyguards to drive away!

 Chapter 743

    The Sorano family bodyguards promptly started the car, profoundly afraid of the Ascendant rank

    individual chasing after them and wiping them all out.

    "Ascendant rank... He''s actually Ascendant rank?!" Willy was traumatized, but soon, a profound pang

    of frustration struck him too.

    His family had Ascendant rank individuals under theirmand too. However, individuals of that

    caliber were one in a billion.

    Even as the third in line in the family, Willy would not get to order them around, and they would not do

    anything on a whim. not unless the head of the family gave the order.

    "Ugh."

    Willy could hear the groansing from the car roof just then.

    Once they were far enough from Noel''s mansion, Willy promptly barked at the chauffeur to stop the car

    and alighted.

    He realized in shock that despite having all his bones broken and his meridians snapped, Zam was still

    ¡ªmiraculously¡ªalive. With help, he would definitely live!

    Willy was joyful for a moment, but his frustration soon overcame him again.

    This was the first time ever in his life that someone did not cry begging for mercy after finding out that

    he was Willy.

    And now that he was not in danger of dying, his frustration grew further, clouding his thoughts.

    He had to flee between his legs, losing his bedpanion for the night and his dignity.

    He would not take this lying down, and his thoughts soon turn to revenge.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    But was there any way to have his family''s Ascendant rank individuals mobilize?

    He wanted Frank to understand his family''s true power.

    He wanted Frank to kneel and beg.

    Eventually, he turned toward the half-dead Zam, and a frightening idea sparked in his head.

    "Mr. Sorano? We have to go! The warden can still be saved!" A bodyguard turned toward Willy

    anxiously after finding that Zam was still breathing.

    However, Willy stayed silent.

    Then, he strode forward, taking a dagger from a bodyguard just then.

    "Mr. Sorano?!" The bodyguard turned pale, watching as Willy carried the dagger toward Zam.

    Still, Willy hid his dagger behind himself as he leveled a worried look at Zam. "Can you hear me,

    Grandpa Zam?" "Guh... Guh..." Zam tried to nod but could not, even as he leveled a look at Willy,

    urging him to take him to a doctor.

    Willy, however, shook his head in disappointment. "Grandpa Zam... Do you think the family would send

    our Ascendant rank individual after Frank Lawrence?"

    While Zam was left staring at him in confusion, Willy sighed.

    "Probably no, huh? I know¡ªmessing with anyone of Ascendant rank is costly." he murmured, his tone

    soon changing sharply as he chuckled. "But that''s not the same for you. If a famous man like you died

    to some anonymous kid, it would leave all of Morhen in shock, right?!"

    Zam''s eyes widened in rage and disbelief as if he had already anticipated Willy''s next move, but he

    could not speak even as his lips trembled.

    "Look, Grandpa Zam... I just can''t live this down. I spent so much money and effort on Noel York¡ªI

    can''t fail now!"

    Willy sighed as his eyes shed venomously, and he abruptly whipped out the dagger and stabbed it

    into Zam''s throat. "Now die, for my sake!"

 Chapter 744

    Willy screamed, "I will avenge you and make Frank Lawrence suffer!"

    Zam was staring fixedly at Willy even as blood foamed from his mouth.

    Never could he have imagined that the child he had been spoiling for most of his life was ready to kill

    him for his libido!

    This was as ridiculous as it was an outrage!

    But that was all he could do¡ªthink. He could not fight back at all!

    On the other hand, Willy saw that Zam was not dying right away even after he stabbed Zam so lethally

    in the throat.

    His eyes shing viciously, he pulled out the dagger and stabbed Zam in the chest.

    Shunk! Shunk! Shunk!

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Zam bled like a stuck pig as Willy kept stabbing him repeatedly, as if to vent all his grief while shrieking,

    "Useless geezer! So useless you can''t even beat some twentyish brat! You''re the reason I had to run

    away like a loser! Die! Die! Die!!!"

    Eventually, Willy stabbed the dagger into Zam''s face and was finally done with venting his frustrations.

    Naturally, Zam could not be deader at that point.

    Getting to his feet, Willy took a deep breath as his expression turned to normal, even wiping the blood

    on his hands on the shirt of a dumbstruck bodyguard.

    "You''re all under mymand." He shrugged nonchntly. "Remember¡ªnone of you saw anything.

    Frank Lawrence was the one who killed Grandpa Zam brutally, even desecrating his corpse. You hear

    me?!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    All the bodyguards around him kept their heads lowered as they answered.

    However, they were all only human and could not help being troubled by the ghastly sight before them.

    Willy then wheeled on the mansion in the distance, his eyes shing venomously. "Just you wait, Frank

    Lawrence! The Soranos wille for you, and you shall pay the price for insulting me today!"

    On the other hand, Frank did not bother going after the Soranos.

    He merely struck Zam hard enough as a disy of power. If they were smart enough, they would not

    bother him again.

    At least, that was what Frank thought as he exasperatedly watched Noel cry herself silly in his arms.

    Her bathrobe was almost sliding off her shoulders and baring her fair skin without her knowing, and no

    man could resist such temptation.

    Even as Frank quickly steadied his meridian nexus, he gently pushed Noel away. "You should get

    changed before you continue crying, Ms. York."

    Noel came to her senses and his words, and she looked down to see herself almost naked.

    Her cheeks flushing beet red, she fled to her room without looking back.

    Even Frank had to admit that she had what it took to be Draconia''s top star.

    With her slender waist, snowy skin, and outrageous cleavage, she could give Vicky and Helen more

    than seriouspetition.

    It certainly took Frank considerable willpower to repress the sparks ring inside him.

    Even as Noel emerged from her wardrobe with a modest gray dress, Frank could not help feeling

    disappointed

 Chapter 745

    Noel did not remain in her mansion, since she was afraid that the Soranos would turn back.

    While she intended to stay at a hotel, Frank was worried about her safety. After some thought, he

    invited her to stay at his hilltop mansion in Skywater Bay until things blew over.

    He certainly did not want anything like today happening to Noel again, since she was a partner for his

    farm resort project, which was close to opening.

    And it had certainly been a close call¡ªif Frank did not make it in time, Willy would have had his way

    with Noel.

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence," Noel said, not hesitating to ept his offer despite feeling a little awkward

    about bawling earlier.

    She could even say that she was looking forward to it, since Frank was now the image of a perfect

    boyfriend.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    She would have no qualms about leaving herself in his care...

    It was veryte by the time they reached Skywater Bay, and Frank gave a few instructions before

    assigning Noel to a room.

    She was visibly disappointed as Frank headed to another room, though his gentlemanly attitude

    improved her impression of him further.

    -

    While Frank woke up feeling refreshed the next morning, he quickly heard Noel gasping in pain

    repeatedly in her room.

    "What?!" Frank was puzzled¡ªhe had been spendingst night training, but he was also wary of the

    mansion''s surroundings.

    No one could have sneaked into Noel''s room past his watchful eyes.

    "Maybe she was hurtst night?" he mused to himself, frowning as he headed to Noel''s room and

    knocked on the door. "Ms. York? Are you alright? I can hear you from outside."

    "I-I''m fine!" she cried, but soon sighed. "I don''t think I can shoot your promotional video now, Mr.

    Lawrence."

    "What? Why?" Frank did a double take.

    He went through all that effort so that Noel could stay and promote his farm resort. was that not all for

    nothing if she refused now?

    Seemingly sensing Frank''s disappointment, Noel hesitated for a moment and sighed. "Mr. Lawrence,

    it''s just... Willy Sorano''s men forced me to take a bathst night. I struggled, so they gave me a

    bruising. I don''t think I look good in front of the cameras now."

    So that was all?

    Frank breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Noel was in a bad mood¡ªhe could not force her against her

    will if she did not want to work.

    Knocking on her door again, he chuckled. "Just leave it to me, Ms. York. Have you forgotten what my

    main profession is?"

    "Main profession. Oh!"

    Noel realized with a start and leapt off the bed as she opened the door.

    She was wearing a white shirt she got from somewhere, and her hair was wet, clearly having just taken

    a bath.

    Lifting her fair long legs beneath the shirt, she asked, "Mr. Lawrence, can you help me with the

    bruising?"

    "Ahem." Frank almost choked on his own spit¡ªNoel was in such a hurry she bared her feet directly in

    front of him so vulnerably.

    Coughing as he caught his breath, he was also in awe of the star actress'' extreme standard for

    appearances. The bruises were just thumb-sized, but she was already reluctant to appear before a

    camera.

 Chapter 746

    In other words, Noel was a perfectionist¡ªit was not surprising that she had what it took to be a

    top star in Draconia.

    After looking through the bruises, Frank smiled and nodded. "Don''t worry¡ªit''s no big deal. I can

    remove them soon enough."

    "Great!" Noel eximed in joy, almost hugging Frank and kissing him.

    Frank rubbed his nose awkwardly¡ªNoel only had a white shirt on, and her excitable bouncing almost

    exposed her.

    Repressing his impulses again, he felt weary¡ªif he and Noel continued like this, his restraint would

    eventually get him sick. -

    Soon, Noel was lying on the drawing room couch while Frank brought a drop of longevity essence that

    he would use at the farm resort''s hot springs.

    It went without saying how effective it was¡ªtreating a bruise with it was actually an overkill.

    However, Frank would use it on Noel anyway so that she had firsthand experience of the essence and

    showed more confidence in her endorsement.

    Dropping the essence into a bucket of water, he rubbed his hands with it, heating it with pure vigor

    before applying it on Noel''s legs.

    He could feel the silky texture of her skin, though Noel soon gasped and frowned.

    "What? Does it hurt?" Frank was perplexed¡ªhe might have read about this recipe from a book, but it

    should not lead to difort.

    "N-No." Noel hid her face in the couch. "It feels... so good."

    "Oh..." Frank felt a little embarrassed as Noel''s words can be interpreted either way.

    Noel soon looked up. "By the way. you''re amazing in a fight, Mr. Lawrence, beating even Zam Sorano.

    Could you be a member of the Lawrence family from Morhen?"

    "No." Frank shook his head, scorn ring inside him. "I cut ties with them long ago."

    "I see." Noel nodded in understanding. "Thank you so much. I would be dead if not for you."

    "It''s nothing." Frank shook his head again. "Burt''s done on his end, so you''re now the new manager of

    the entertainment division of Lane Holdings. How could I let someone assault someone from my own

    company without qualms?"

    Hehe." Noel giggled, shaking her head.

    While she understood that Frank was after her fame. She could not help feeling touched.

    "My back too, Mr. Lawrence." Noel did not shy from asking just then, lifting her shirt and baring her

    elegant median furrow.

    The fair, white skin left Frank flinching¡ªthat was a star actress for you!

    He had been telling himself that countless times, but he still could not help being impressed whenever

    he got a good look at Noel''s body.

    It was not surprising why she was so worried about a little bruising¡ªNoel''s skin was otherwise

    wlessly fair!This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

 Chapter 747

    Frankposed himself and applied more essence on his palm as he slowly and gently massaged it

    over Noel''s back.

    "Ah..." She frowned and gasped¡ªthe bruise on her back wasrger than the rest, and Frank had

    identally touched a part that hurt.

    "Bear with it. It''ll be over soon," Frank said, directing liquid vigor to his fingers to clear the bruises.

    In seconds, Noel gave in and moaned in a way that would lead thoughts astray.

    All her pain was gone, reced by a gentle warmth thatforted her exceedingly.

    "Darling, I have a favor to ask."

    A familiar voice could suddenly be heard from the door, and none other than Vicky Turnbull herself

    strode in.

    Frank and Noel both looked up at the same time, while Vicky trailed off.

    The staringsted for a moment between the trio, before the air around Vicky seemed to re. She

    red at Frank and Noel hostilely as she snapped, "What are you doing?!"

    Forget a man and a woman being alone in a room¡ªthe woman only had her underwear on as she

    lifted her shirt, while the man was rubbing all over her back.

    What else could it be about?!

    "Ahem. Just, calm down, Vicky," Frank quickly said. "Noel had some bruises over her skin, so I''m

    treating her."

    Even as he exined, he felt exceedingly guilty¡ªeven he would misunderstand seeing this.

    "Treating her? What treatment is this?" Vicky scowled as she studied both of them head to toe,

    jealousy showing on her face. "A naked treatment up close and personal? And look at you, not letting

    her go even now!"

    "Oh." Frank realized that it was certainly the case¡ªhis hands were ced squarely on Noel''s silky

    smooth back!

    He promptly lifted his hands while he groaned under his breath. He thought he was doing something

    bright and honest for the sake of Noel''s endorsement and sharing the workload Vicky and Helen had,

    only for Vicky''s interrogation to leave him with gnawing guilt as if he had really messed up.

    "Ahem, darling." Vicky was suddenly smiling as she walked up to Frank.

    "W-What?" Frank asked, not arguing about being called darling for once.

    "Oh, take a look at me! I''m burning up!" Vicky moaned, sping a hand over her forehead and looking

    utterly vulnerable.

    "What? What''s wrong?" Frank quickly put a palm on her head.

    That was when Vicky sighed. "It''s not just me... Helen''s feeling sick too."

    Unable to tell what was wrong, Frank asked nkly, "What are you talking about?"

    "What am I talking about?!" Vicky stood akimbo as she snapped exasperatedly and sarcastically, "Hah!

    Can''t you see that we''re both suffering from an unfaithful husband? The way I see it, you should just

    change your name to Don Juan!"

    "Don Juan?" Frank raised a brow, smiling exasperatedly.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Honestly,Vicky was unhinged as ever¡ªwhat was she even talking about? He was just helping Noel,

    not womanizing!

    "Ms. Turnbull, you''re really misunderstanding here." Noel leapt to Frank''s defense, seeing that even

    Don Juan was mentioned. "He''s just testing the longevity essence that he''ll be using at the farm resort."

 Chapter 748

    "Ms. Turnbull, you''re really misunderstanding here." Noel leapt to Frank''s defense, seeing that even

    Don Juan was mentioned. "He''s just testing the longevity essence that he''ll be using at the farm resort."

    "Oh, a massage, was it? Oof, I''m hurting here too! Give me a rub!" Vicky snapped as she nted

    herself on the couch beside Frank, grabbing his hands and pressing them over her breasts.

    Frank promptly withdrew his hands exasperatedly. "What are you doing, Vicky? Quit messing around."

    Vicky remained very upset. "What, you are massaging a woman you don''t know without a care, but you

    wouldn''t even rub me?!"

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "You''re not hurt¡ªyou don''t need it. Also, I''m using this essence for the farm resort and can''t afford to

    waste it." Frank sighed exasperatedly at the heiress behaving like a jealous, petnt child.

    "What do you mean I''m not hurt?!" Vicky kept pointing at her chest in frustration. "Here. Internal injury

    ¡ªI''m riddled with holes inside, much more serious than anything she has! Touch me if you don''t

    believe me!"

    Vicky even puffed her chest and goaded Frank to do it, which left him in pain.

    "Alright, alright¡ªit''s all my fault, Ms. Turnbull. Now stop messing around, okay? You have yet to eat

    since it''s early, right? I''ll feed you..."

    Frank was going to get up and leave, only for Vicky to catch him by the wrist.

    "For real?" The heiress was suddenly smiling goofily. "Can I really?"

    "Of course, what¡ª"

    Frank noticed that something was wrong just as he was finished and promptly shook her off, then fled

    into the kitchen. Hiding was his only option now, and there was no doubt that Vicky had him in a bind.

    Vicky was soon in her normal mood too, as she would never doubt Frank.

    The whole argument was no more than flirting.

    Frank soon brought thedies each a bowl of steaming pasta. While Noel ate hers slowly and paid

    great attention to how she looked, Vicky did not care for manners at all and soon wolfed down

    everything, leaving Frank shaking his head as he watched.

    "Dear Ms. Turnbull¡ªshow some manners, there''s a guest here." Frank chuckled in pain. "Is a bowl of

    pasta really that much better than your usual gourmet food?"

    "Of course," Vicky giggled, putting down her fork and patting her belly in satisfaction. "Anything my

    darling makes is the best. Anyway, let''s step outside for a moment. We need to talk."

    Vicky''s expression was serious as she led Frank outside.

    Noel stayed at the dining room since she could see that it was very important, refraining from

    eavesdropping at all.

    Still, Vicky was acting all mysterious as she had Frank get into her car, shutting the door to cut

    themselves off from the world outside.

    "What is it?" Frank was actually curious, since Vicky was being serious and even going the extra mile

    to prevent being eavesdropped on.

    "I''ll be leaving Riverton for a while, Frank. Helen will have to take over my work." Vicky appeared

    unhappy, a stark contrast to when she teased Frank.

    "Leaving Riverton? Where are you going?" Frank''s heart skipped a beat.

    "To Morhen." Vicky sighed softly. "There''s something in the family I have to deal with, and soon. I came

    to say goodbye."

 Chapter 749

    Frank rarely saw Vicky being so solemn, and it was a big deal judging from her tone. "What is it? Do

    you need my help?"

    "No." Vicky forced a smile. "It''s a private matter, and only I can resolve it."

    Even though she felt the impulse to tell Frank about the Lionhearts demanding that she stick to her

    engagement with Titus, she could not do it.

    Vicky had her pride, and Frank was busy enough¡ªshe did not want to burden him further.

    And though Frank was a great fighter, he was far from enough to stand against the Lionhearts, who

    were one of the Four Families of Morhen.

    They were no pushovers, as their influence extended into politics, business, and even the military.

    The Turnbulls were just business folks, while the Lionhearts'' authority was horrific in contrast, and they

    basically owned the East Coast.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Vicky certainly did not want Frank to catch this heat for her sake.

    "You have to tell me if you''re in trouble. Don''t push yourself," Frank said in concern instead of pressing

    the issue.

    "Don''t worry. I know what I''m doing." Vicky smiled¡ªFrank''s reaction only further convinced her she

    was right, and that he was worth the risk.

    "So? How long are you staying in Morhen?" Frank asked, frowning.

    "Can''t say. Probably a month, at least."

    "A month?" Frank appeared reluctant to see her go but sighed. "Alright, then that''s agreed. I''ll call you

    from time to time, and I''m getting involved if you can''t resolve it."

    Vicky shook her head. "That''s unnecessary¡ª"

    Frank cut her short right then. "Listen to me this one time. Don''t mess around!"

    "Fine." Vicky appeared exasperated, but her heart was filled with bliss.

    Thud!

    That was when someone knocked on the car window, and they both turned to find Helen had returned

    too.

    "That''s decided. Talk to me if you''re in trouble, you hear?" Frank said.

    He opened the door, ready to get out.

    "Wait."

    Suddenly, Vicky threw her arms around Frank, catching him off guard as she pressed her bright red lips

    on his.

    "Mmmph?!"

    Frank could feel the sweetness on his lips as he stiffened, his head going nk as Vicky caught him

    defenseless.

    "Hey!"

    Helen had opened the door, ready to interrogate them, when she saw what Vicky did.

    "What the hell is this, Vicky Turnbull?!" she snapped furiously.

    Vicky licked her lips with a relishing look as she pulled away and smiled. "That was good, darling. Now

    stay at home and remember how I taste¡ªI''ll spoil you to bits when I''m back."

    She then winked at Helen as if to assert dominance, not arguing as Helen dragged Frank out of her

    car.

    With that, she jammed her foot on the gas pedal.

    "You''re so... despicable!" Helen snapped, chasing after Vicky''s car a little before stopping and stamping

    her feet angrily.

    Regrettably, she was just incapable of being as smooth as Vicky!

 Chapter 750

    Three days soon passed after Vicky left.

    In the evening, Frank, Helen, and everyone else were eating together at the dining table when the front

    door was kicked open.

    "Where are you, Helen Lane?!" Fleur Lang stormed inside menacingly, with two noticeably burly

    bodyguards nking her.

    They were both over two meters tall and their faces showed some resemnce, while their muscles

    appeared rigid and chiseled.

    They looked like two mountains just standing there, inspiring fear from their appearance alone.

    "Get over here, Helen!" Fleur shouted again since no one responded.

    "Madam Lang?" Helen appeared puzzled as she saw Fleur''s fierce look and put down her fork and

    knife.

    Carol Zims stepped out just then and was startled by the intimidating scene.

    "Where''s Frank Lawrence?! Bring him here!" Fleur shouted again, turning her sights on Frank, who had

    remained at the table.

    Frank noticed Fleur''s arrival over a hundred meters away but took no notice.

    He finished his food and took his time heading to the drawing room, stretching his back as he asked,

    "You asked for me?"

    "Frank Lawrence, you bastard!"Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Another woman strode out from behind the burly guards and started snapping at Frank immediately¡ª

    and who could it be other than Gina Zonda?

    Grabbing Helen by the wrist and pulling her behind herself, she pointed at Frank and snapped, "You''ve

    really done it now, you jinx! Did you kill Hubert Sorano and Zam Sorano?! Speak up right now!"

    "The Soranos sent their men straight from the capital to our doorstep!" Fleur snapped furiously too. "If

    you have a death wish, don''t drag us with you!"

    "Madam Lang, Mom¡ªthere must be a misunderstanding. Frank isn''t a murderer." Helen leapt to

    Frank''s defense right then.

    Seeing that Helen was still being stubborn, Gina could choke, and she gritted her teeth as her face

    contorted in rage.

    Her face darkening, she bellowed at her own daughter, "What the hell has he been feeding you?! He

    killed two men! If you keep protecting him like this, he''ll eventually lead us to our deaths!"

    The Soranos had suddenlye under pressure, and me was certainly a disaster none of them

    expected. The problems Frank brought on their heads would never stop, and someday, it would end

    with their collective doom.

    "You''d bettere quietly, Frank Lawrence!" A young woman showed up just then as well, but her face

    was bandaged so heavily that no one present recognized her.

    "Who are you?" Helen asked hesitantly.

    "I''m Luna, damn it!" the bandaged woman snapped right then.

    "Oh! Wait, what happened to your face?" Helen was shocked¡ªLuna''s face was so battered that she

    could not recognize Luna at all.

    Everything from her nose to mouth was disfigured and covered in bandages, obviously not about to

    heal soon.

    "You have the gall to ask?!" Luna was shaking with rage, pointing at Frank as she snapped, "It''s all

    because of your ex-husband! He messed with the Soranos, and they beat me up!"

    Luna actually had not much talent, though she cared a lot about her pretty face. She certainly would

    not hold back after she was disfigured because of Frank, though she was never going to admit that her

    pompous behavior was a reason too.

    After all, she did not recognize the Soranos when they came knocking, and they gave her a major

    beating for snapping impudently at them.

 Chapter 751

    It was all Luna''s fault, but she would pin the me on Frank anyway¡ªit was his mess that had led the

    Soranos to her doorstep, and in turn leading to her getting beaten up!

    She would never believe that she earned that beating, having gotten buoyed from inheriting the billion-

    dor investmentpany, and hence spoke with impertinence even to some strangers.

    ring at Helen, she bellowed, "He will eventually lead all of us to our deaths as long as he stays in

    the family! Renounce him if you want to retain your candidacy as next head of the Lane family!"

    Gina started yelling at Frank too. "Have some sense and kneel, Frank! Go to Laneville right now and

    exin yourself to the Soranos¡ªtell them that you have nothing to do with us!"

    On the other hand, Fleur was not interested in idle talk and turned toward the burly bodyguards with

    her. "Go, Deedle. Tie up that little shit¡ªwe''ll bring him to the Soranos!"

    Helen strode up right then, shielding Frank protectively behind herself. "Come at me if you have a

    problem. Even if Frank did kill Hubert Sorano, my fate will be the same as his. But don''t try to me

    him if he''s innocent!"

    "Madam Lang..."

    Deedle was left scratching his head and ncing at Fleur.

    "Do it! I''ll take the me if anything happens!" Fleur snapped furiously, ready to repay all previous

    grievances she had toward Helen and Frank.

    As long as they came quietly, their farm resort project would go up in smoke with no hope of turning the

    tables.

    "Oh. Hehe..." Deedle chuckled as he extended hisrge hand toward Helen, ready to grab her by the

    neck.

    Frank was naturally not about to abide with that¡ªsuddenly, he was in front of Helen and caught

    Deedle''s palm.

    "What?!"

    The Southstream Lanes were all left dumbstruck, and even Gina was stunned.

    There was something different about Frank now. The man did not even appear murderous, but the

    gnawing fear of death she felt whenever she was in his presence was now much worse!

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Luna took a step back too, aware that Frank was not one to be messed with.

    "What are you doing, Deedle?! Do it!"

    On the other hand, Fleur had no idea how terrible Frank could be¡ªall she knew was that Deedle and

    Deedum were the best among her family''s bodyguards.

    They were both vigor wielders, and with their towering physique, scrawny ol'' Frank would be no match

    for them.

    Hell, not even if he grew a head taller!

    "Ugh..." Deedle, however, was scowling.

    He was never the type who held back, and yet, Frank was holding his palm in ce with a vice-like

    grip.

    He would cry out in pain, but his pride would never allow it!

    Hence, sweat trickled down his face right then as Deedle tried to withstood the pain.

    Still, Deedum could see that Deedle was on the backfoot and promptly leapt into action.

    As vigor wielders, neither of them stood a chance against Frank¡ªhis eyes narrowing, he instantly

    caught Deedum''s palm as well and squeezed.

    "Argh!!!" both men screamed.

 Chapter 752

    Fleur was left gaping in disbelief as both Deedle and Deedum dropped to their knees in front of Frank.

    "What?!" she eximed.

    Deedle and Deedum were the best of the Lane family bodyguards¡ªFleur would never reveal them to

    anyone unless it was really necessary.

    And yet, her trump cards turned out to be so insignificant against Frank!

    It was only then that Fleur remembered what Jade Zahn had told her before she came¡ªif she wanted

    to take down Frank, she had to work on Helen.

    They have to pull rank, using their family''s influence to coerce Frank instead of resorting to violence¡ª

    they would never win with thetter.

    Though regret showed on Fleur''s face as she finally remembered Jade''s warning, she was not about to

    let things slide.

    Wheeling on Helen, she snapped, "Just look at your ex-husband! He''s a real savage, as if the rules

    don''t apply to him! Get this¡ªMark is being confined by the Soranos, so put a leash on Frank right now!

    Candidate for the next head of the Lane family? We will all die because of you before that!"

    Helen was going to argue that Fleur started it since she had sicked Deedle on Helen herself but

    became panicked when she heard that the Soranos had Mark.

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    If this was really Frank''s mess, her candidacy as the next head of the Lane family would really be

    forfeited.

    Frank obviously realized that too.

    He, Vicky, and Helen had worked very hard just so that Helen had a shot as the next head of the Lane

    family. They would stand to lose a lot if the Soranos really got Helen forfeited.

    Hence, Frank briskly shoved Deedle and Deedum''s burly figures away and snorted. "I am man enough

    to admit what I did, and I''d never avoid taking responsibility."

    Wheeling on the mob of bodyguards brought here to punish him, he snapped, "You''re all real pieces of

    work. Everyst one of you refused to stay and defend the Lane family when they needed you,

    choosing to run away, even seizing the opportunity to repay personal grudges. Maggots!"

    "Who do you think you are talking to, you little shit?!" Fleur snapped furiously.

    "Frank Lawrence!" Luna yelled. "Don''t think you get to strut just because you can throw a punch! Once

    the Soranose for you, even your nine lives won''tst you long!" "Exactly! Why are you cowering

    here?! Go face the Soranos if you can! Don''t drag us into your mess! Gina joined in.

    "It''s just the Soranos. What''s the big deal?" Frank snorted, not caring about the Soranos at all.

    The Southstream Lanes cleared a path by instinct.

    "Frank..." Noel murmured, having been watching from the start, her expression troubled.

    After all, she realized that Frank had made enemies of the Soranos because of her.

    "Don''t worry. It has nothing to do with you¡ªthe Soranos and I had beef even before you came." Frank

    stopped her since he could anticipate what Noel would think.

    "I''ming with you," Helen said solemnly, standing up just then. "I''ll face it with you, whatever this is

    about."

    Frank nodded contentedly, seeing how determined she was.

    Winter had enough too and shouted, "I''ming too!"

    "Buzz off." Frank chuckled. "This is my business¡ªwhat can you do by following me there? Stay here

    with your mom."

    After stopping thedies from getting rash, he turned and shouted in the direction of the kitchen,

    "Mona!"

    "I''m here!" Mona, who had been stuffing her cheeks with food, wiped her mouth with her sleeve as she

    hurried out at Frank''s call.

 Chapter 753

    In a way, Frank was really impressed with how Mona could just keep eating without caring about what

    was happening just outside.

    While he was exasperated with taking in such a single-minded glutton, he gave Mona a look. "I''m

    counting on you here. Call me right away if the Soranos came here... and if anyone messes around in

    this mansion, beat them within an inch of their lives."

    "Got it!" Mona nodded enthusiastically.

    When all was said and done, she was still Birthright rank and had the protection of the mysterious

    Haply Hall¡ªher ability was more or less assured.

    With the arrangements made, Frank led Helen out of the hilltop mansion with the Southstream Lanes in

    tow.

    That was when Fleur subtly turned and gave Deedle and Deedum a look. Catching their cue, they

    slowed down and stayed toward the rear of the group.

    Then, when they thought Frank was not looking, they turned and headed back to the hilltop mansion.

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    Before they came, Fleur had given them instructions to take everyone in Frank''s mansion¡ªthe

    Soranos could deal with them as they liked after.

    That, or the Southstream Lanes would really get caught in Frank''s mess.

    Both Deedle and Deedum understood that and therefore barged into Frank''s hilltop mansion again,

    grinning savagely as they red at the helpless women.

    On the other hand, Mona nodded in understanding when she saw Deedle and Deedum return.

    So this was what Frank had hinted at before he left!

    Striding out from the group of terrified women, she stood akimbo and snapped, "Hey, boneheads¡ªfuck

    off if you know what''s good for you, or I''m not going to y nice!"

    Deedle and Deedum simply presumed she was just struggling futilely and took no notice.

    "Haha! A littless like you? You really can talk!" Deelleughed gruffly.

    Deedum growled solemnly in turn, "Cut the crap. We''d be in deep shit if Frank Lawrence suddenly

    turns back."

    Deedle nodded, remembering how easily Frank had overwhelmed them just now.

    "Mona, run!" Carol Zims could cry right then¡ªa little girl like her stood no chance against those two

    towering goons!

    And yet, Mona started forward as she saw that Deedle and Deedum were not leaving, which left the

    women pale.

    "Haha! A brat like you¡ª" Deedleughed, but that was when Mona disappeared and suddenly

    appeared in front of him.

    "What?!" Deedle gasped as his eyes widened and immediately felt his cheek get up close and personal

    with Mona''s foot.

    "Argh!" Deedle''s burly form was sent flying out of the door right then, and he dropped on the floor like a

    ragged doll.

    His bleeding teeth were all sent flying, while his eyes rolled up into his head as he fainted.

    "What?!" Deedum eximed in disbelief.

    When he turned toward the dainty girl again, he abruptly noticed the faint pure vigor swirling around

    her.

    Deedum''s face paled.

    "A-Are you Birthright rank...?!"

    "You finally realized, huh? Well, it''s toote!" Mona bellowed as she used the wall as a springboard and

    leapt,unching a missile-like kick at Deedum even as he raised both hands in defense.

 Chapter 754

    Pow!

    "Argh!"

    Deedum screamed as his bones cracked audibly and his arms dangled limply at his sides.

    "Now stay away!" Mona bellowed.

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    Taking a few steps back as the other women looked on in shock, she then leapt forward,unching a

    kick up Deedum''s chin and sending him flying too.

    Deedum howled in pain as he joined Deedle, mming heavily into the ground outside, his fate

    unknown.

    "Huh..."

    Unlike Winter, who had seen Mona fight before, Noel and Carol were both left stunned, and they were

    suddenly looking at Mona differently.

    -

    Frank and the others drove for over an hour to finally arrive at Laneville in Southstream.

    Even before he entered, he saw the familiar men in white¡ªthe Soranos'' bodyguard.

    And to no surprise, Willy Sorano, who had fled for his life from Noel''s mansion the other night, was

    sitting smugly in the Laneville drawing room.

    Gavin Lane was not present, though his eldest son Roth appeared most undignified as he served their

    beck and call, looking as undignified as a ve.

    Jon Lane was reclining limply on the couch, his face thoroughly beaten up.

    He had yielded, but there was a glint of defiance in his eyes.

    Seeing Frank and the others enter, Willy stood up and beckoned at a man with a long beard and a dark

    re. "That''s him, Mr. Zeller."

    Gus Zeller slowly stood up as he looked at the approaching Frank, asking icily, "What did the Lane

    family promise us? You said you''d tie up that murderer before you deliver him to us! You can''t even do

    that much?!"

    Roth inhaled deeply just then. Bracing himself against Gus'' hostile re, he bowed even as he said,

    "When all is said and done, Mr. Lawrence is still a member of our family. It''s uncivil to tie him up.

    Moreover, we don''t know who actually murdered Zam Sorano yet¡ªwe only brought Frank to clear the

    misunderstanding, not to press me!"

    "Silence!"

    Seeing that Roth was still being defiant, Gus suddenly waved and unleashed a burst of pure vigor at

    him. It sent Roth mming into the wall, and he coughed blood.

    "Roth!" Jade cried out in anguish and promptly yelled at the servants, "Go! You heard Mr. Zeller¡ªtie

    Frank Lawrence up!"

    Seeing that the Lane family bodyguards were moving up, Roth bellowed, "Don''t do it!"

    Even as he coughed blood, he straightened himself as he stood. "We may be a modest family in little

    Southstream, but the Soranos are out of line! Kill me if you want, Gus Zeller¡ªwe will not tie up a

    member of our family without rhyme or reason!"

    "Well, you asked for it!" Gus snorted, raising his hand and poised to strike at Roth for his impudence.

    Fleur promptly shrieked below the stairs right then, "Please, calm down, Mr. Zeller! Roth is very young

    and rash at times."

    Turning toward her family bodyguards, she then shrieked, "Go! Tie Frank Lawrence up right this

    instant!"

    On the other hand, Frank could immediately tell that Gus was Ascendant rank¡ªevery breath and move

    he made showed strength and purpose.

    Moreover, Roth''s words had calmed Frank down enough to not resist, allowing the Lane family

    bodyguards to tie him up as tightly as possible.

 Chapter 755

    Naturally, it did not matter how tightly the Lane family bodyguards tied Frank up¡ªfreeing himself was a

    matter of intention, and he yed along just to spare Roth from Gus'' wrath.

    "Hahaha!!!" Willy was even less wary now that Frank was tied up, striding down the stairs and pointing

    haughtily at Frank. "How about that, asshole?! Not so full of yourself now, are you?! Here, I''ll count to

    five... Haha."

    He was quoting Frank, even mimicking him and holding up five fingers just to rub it in.

    Frank remained unmoved, however.

    "You wanted to know how Hubert Sorano died? I''ll tell you right now," he said quietly, striding once

    toward Willy and holding his gaze as he growled, "I killed him. And he was full of himself. just like how

    you''re behaving right now."

    The Soranos were actually unfazed by his threat, but that could not be said for Fleur.

    "Insolence!" she shrieked, eager to renounce Frank. "You little shit! I should''ve known you were a

    murderer! To think you''d speak so insolently after you killed a member of the Sorano family, even

    threatening Mr. Sorano himself?! I''ll have your head now!"

    Wheeling on the Lane family bodyguards, she bellowed, "Go! Cut his head off to appease Hubert

    Sorano''s soul!"

    "Exactly!" Gina promptly joined in after Fleur''s outburst. "He''s a real jinx! My family has already cut all

    ties with him a long time ago! My daughter and I knew he was scum, so she divorced him¡ª"

    "Silence!" Fleur suddenly cut Gina short, bellowing, "You Northstream Lanes brought this all upon us!

    That''s why we''re disowning every single one of you. Go kill them all¡ªFrank, Helen, and Gina!"

    "What?!" Gina was left gaping in disbelief¡ªhow did she get caught in Frank''s mess?!

    Still, she quickly started pleading, "Please, Madam Lang. I''m innocent! Helen too! It''s all Frank''s fault

    ¡ª"

    "Silence!" Fleur bellowed again, ring at Gina furiously while flexing her authority as the most senior

    member of the family. "You''re all despicable fools, and we Southstream Lanes would have nothing to

    do with you! The only purpose you have is to die for your crimes and to prove our innocence!"

    "Hah! Madam Lang is right¡ªthe Northstream Lanes are all trash and maggots!" Luna added, feeling

    cathartic even as she watched Helen''s face turn pale.

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    Her disfigurement would hurt her chances of bing the next head of the Lane family, and she was

    not about to let Helen stay on as a rival, especially with that beauty of hers.

    If anything, the best oue here was to eliminate the Northstream Lanes all at once!

    With that in mind, Luna could not help being genuinely impressed by Fleur''s ability at scapegoating.

    The cunning of the rich and important was certainly extraordinary.

    Gina even gave up on all dignity right then, dropping to her knees and begging Fleur for mercy.

    "Please, Madam Lang... I''m begging you! Just let us go... I helped you, didn''t I?"

 Chapter 756

    However, Fleur remained apathetic even as Gina begged, showing no intention ofpromising.

    Even Helen was afraid. "Frank, could there be a misunderstanding here...?"

    She believed that Frank could not stand up against that many martial elites at the same time.

    That was especially true with Gus, the man who stood above them whose very appearance made it

    obvious he was no pushover.

    Was this really the end for them?

    Helen could not help regretting her actions just then¡ªif only she had known her ce and refused

    Gavin''s nomination of her as the next head of the Lane family.

    Obviously, Fleur did not want to see that happen and hade for her head.

    However, it was while her thoughts strayed that Frank spoke beside her ear.

    "Don''t worry. No one will hurt you as long as I''m around."

    "Yeah," Helen replied, slowly calming down as Frank''s words instilled her with an indescribable sense

    of confidence.

    Then, even as the Lane family bodyguards strode up at them, weapons in hand, she breathed a sigh

    before striding forward and bellowed, "I''m a candidate for the next head of the Lane family! Who dares

    to challenge me?!"

    Her spirited shout left the Lane family bodyguards pausing¡ªthey were all trading looks, none of them

    advancing.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Seeing them stop, Fleur bellowed furiously right then, "You mooks! They''re not a part of our family! Go!

    Kill them now!"

    "Silence, Madam Lang!" Helen red at Fleur viciously before turning toward the rest of the family.

    "Who died and made you king? Mark Lane? Or perhaps you''re now ahead of the Lane family? Or

    maybe the next?!"

    Helen''s outburst left the Lane family bodyguards silenced again.

    That was true!

    Forget Fleur''s constant need to assert her authority over the rest of the family¡ªshe was now asking

    them to kill the next head of the Lane family!

    Who would take responsibility if they actually went through with it?

    And Helen could see the bodyguards'' hesitation.

    "I''ll have noints if Mark Lane demands our departure... But!" She bellowed, pointing at Fleur

    Lang, "What right does she have to send me away and even demand my death, when I might be

    the next head of the Lane family?!"

    Fleur could blow up from Helen''s conceited deration and thumped her cane violently on the floor as

    she cried, "You bitch. I''m an elder of the Southstream Lanes!"

    Gina was scared out of her mind and hurried to stop Helen, crying, "Stop it, Helen! Just kneel and beg

    Madam Lang to spare us!"

    Helen shook her off, snapping coolly, "If I be the next head of the Lane family, I won''t behave as

    spineless as the rest of you! Confining your own when the enemies are at the gates?! Instead of saving

    your leader and clearing the misunderstanding, you''re now conspiring with your enemies against your

    own!"

    When Helen was finished, another spirited shout could be heard from upstairs.

    "Helen is right! You''re all a bunch of spineless cowards!"

 Chapter 757

    "Mark?"

    "Grandfather?"

    The spirited shout from upstairs left the Southstream Lanes stunned.

    Fleur was stunned like the rest and snapped right then, "Silence, old-timer! I''m doing this to save your

    life!"

    "I will not be denied!" Mark continued shouting from upstairs. "I''d rather die right now than live under

    such grief! I was waiting to see if any of you kids were going to stand up to these thugs... but rk and

    Gable bailed as soon as they heard the Soranos were here! Only Gavin and Helen stood up against

    them! That''s why I''m announcing it right now: only Gavin and Helen will be the candidates for the next

    head of the Lane family¡ªOof!"

    Mark was suddenly grunting just as he was about to finish, seemingly struck.

    "Sir!" Helen eximed in shock.

    Frank strode forward, leveling an icy look at Willy right then. "Come at me if you have a problem.

    Bullying an old man says more about you than me."

    "Old man? Who are you talking about?!" Mark wasughing upstairs. "I''m not old yet, whippersnapper!

    Punch me again if you can¡ªOof!"

    As Mark grunted in pain again, Frank''s brow creased in fury.

    He felt profoundly guilty toward Mark¡ªthe Soranos had beef with him, but, unable to find him, they

    came to the Lane family instead.

    It seemed that Willy had somehow connected the dots and realized that Hubert had visited Riverton

    before to attend the arranged marriage between the Lane and the Graves family.

    That in turn led him to Helen, and then Frank.

    And Frank was not about to let Mark die¡ªnot when his brother Henry had saved his life.

    Leaping past Helen, Frank red furiously at Willy as he snapped, "Debts will be paid, but only by the

    debtor. Come at me with everything you have!"

    "Come at you?!" Willy snorted and kicked Frank right then, sending him stumbling a few steps

    backward.

    Willy then raised a palm as he sneered viciously. "You''d better kill yourself in five seconds, or my men

    upstairs will kill Gavin Lane. Another five seconds, and it''s Mark Lane. and any second of hesitation

    after that, it''s another member of the Lane family. Let''s see how tough your so-called spine is!"

    Then, chuckling darkly, he said, "Oh, and your girl''s quite hot... But don''t worry, I''ll give her some proper

    loving when you''re dead."

    Frank, however, calmed down despite Willy''s provocation.

    He even closed his eyes and sighed. "I''m curious, Willy¡ªwhatever led you to believe you have power

    over me?"

    "What, you ask?" Willyughed and pointed at Gus, who sat nearby. "Do you know who that is? This is

    Gus Zeller¡ªour family spared no expense grooming him to Ascendant rank. No one in Riverton is a

    match for him, let alone you! So don''t ever believe yourself to be invincible, because we can crush you

    effortlessly whenever we want to!"

    Helen nced at Frank worriedly at Willy''s boast.

    She more or less heard about the rank between marital artists, and Ascendant rank was basically a

    god to theyman.

    And Frank had mentioned that he was Birthright rank before. and there was a vast gap between

    Ascendant rank and Birthright rank.

    It was therefore likely Frank would not win against Gus.

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    And that was when Gus slowly rose to his feet, striding to the edge of the stairs and looking down at

    Frank as he said, "I have no interest in dealing with you, kid."

 Chapter 758

    "However, you insolently yed Zam Sorano, the head steward of the Sorano family, and incurred their

    wrath. Your fate is hence sealed."

    Frank paused at Gus'' words. "Zam Sorano? The geezer who barged into Noel York''s house that night

    with Willy here?"

    Gus stood, his hands sped behind his back as he nodded. "Indeed."

    "No, there''s been a mistake." Frank shook his head. "I''ll admit to ying Hubert Sorano, because he

    disregarded my warnings and insulted me. But I didn''t y Zam Sorano."

    "Hmm.?"

    Gus appeared hesitant, raising a brow. "Well, Hubert is just some mistress'' child. If it''s just him, I have

    no reason to get involved..."

    He could tell that Frank''s rank was quite high and had no reason to lie given the circumstances.

    "Shut up, Frank Lawrence!" Willy promptly yelled, afraid that the truth would be unraveled. "How naive

    are you, thinking that your lies could deceive Gus?"

    "Believe what you want to," Frank replied, calmly shaking his head. "I only sent Zam Sorano flying but

    did not kill him¡ªif his injuries had been tended to in time, he''d have survived."

    "Quit your sophistry!" Willy bellowed. "And your five seconds are up¡ªGhent Loeb, kill Gavin Lane right

    now!"

    "Stop!" Jade leapt forward, pleading, "Please, Mr. Sorano. It''s all Frank''s fault! Don''t take it out on us¡ª

    we''re innocent!"

    "So what if you are?!" Willy bellowed. "He''s your inw, and he resorted to deception while refusing to

    ept the punishment for his crimes! Do it, Ghent!"

    "Stop!" a cold voice bellowed behind Willy just then.

    It was Gus, whose cool gaze was fixed on Frank. "Zam was my mentor, and I havee to avenge

    him. And if you im you didn''t kill him. Then who did it?"

    "I wouldn''t know. You should be asking the Soranos instead," Frank replied calmly.

    He had been ready to strike but quicklyposed himself seeing that Gus ced more importance on

    Zam''s murderer.

    "Hmph. Let''s see if you really didn''t!" Gus barked and suddenly leapt into the air, streaking toward

    Frank like a raptor.

    Hmph." Frank snorted in turn.

    With a burst of pure vigor that blew away the rope blinding him, he directed the Five-Peat Archaeus

    through his veins, and a projection of a roaring together shot away from him.

    "What?!"

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    Gus became dead serious when he sensed Frank''s abundant pure vigor and unleashed his best move

    on the first strike. "Sundering Talons!"

    Golden streaks akin to a raptor''s talones wed toward Frank, who appeared solemn as he took a step

    back.

    He may havepleted Birthright rank now, but he could not afford to be careless against an

    Ascendant rank.

    Every ounce of his pure vigor bursting away from him, he charged his fist and unleashed a thunderous

    punch.

    Bang!

    The two golden bursts of pure vigor erupted violently as they collided, and all of Laneville rumbled

    endlessly as if an earthquake had struck.

 Chapter 759

    Gus went all out from his very first strike, and Frank met his blows unflinchingly.

    Their fight was beyond the realm of an average Joe''s understanding¡ªeach blow was as swift as a

    shadow and as lethal as a viper''s fang... And they exchanged over thirty blows in no time at all!

    "What?!"

    On the other hand, Willy was left staring on in shock as both Frank and Gus proved evenly matched,

    even having a foreboding sensation right then.

    Then, after over fifty blows, Gus leapt backward away from Frank, taking a moment to calm his erratic

    breathing and staring at the other man fixedly.

    "I''m surprised." He nodded. "You''re not Ascendant rank, but you already boast such immense strength.

    I can already see that if you wanted my mentor dead, you wouldn''t have to resort to underhanded

    measures such as shing him through the neck with a dagger."

    Pausing, Gus then turned toward Willy and growled icily, "You have exining to do, Willy Sorano."

    "W-What do you mean, exining?" Willy snapped in defiance. "He killed your mentor! There''s no

    denying it!"

    Seeing Willy''s denial, Gus'' eyes suddenly narrowed as he unleashed a burst of pure vigor, pulling the

    bodyguard standing beside Willy toward him.

    ring icily into the man''s eyes, he asked, "Tell me, how did my mentor die?"

    The bodyguard was stunned and turned to Willy in reflex before staying silent.

    And as an Ascendant rank, Gus was able to catch the bodyguard''s movement and interpret it

    ordingly.

    It seemed that there was something fishy about Zam''s death, and Willy was most definitely involved.

    Flinging the bodyguard away, Gus then turned toward Frank. "Well, you''re innocent regarding my

    mentor''s death, but aren''t you still culpable for maiming him and for the death of Hubert Sorano?"

    "Indeed I am," Frank admitted without flinching.

    "At least you show mettle. In that case." Gus snorted, musing to himself for a moment before turning

    toward Willy. "Since you''ve insulted the Sorano family and we can''t just let it slide, why not apologize to

    Willy here, and we''ll let bygones be bygones?"

    "What?!" Willy was left ring at Gus in furious disbelief. "What is the meaning of this?!"

    "It''s exactly what it means." Gus waved him off, not bothered to exin himself. "This is the end of it.

    Hubert Sorano was asking for it, while I''ll be personally investigating my mentor''s death. At worst,

    Frank''s crime was identally ying a member of the family, but since Hubert is a mistress''s child, it

    really is no issue. Also..."

    Gus looked around at the Lanes as he added icily, "Don''t breathe a word about this, or each of you

    would have breathed yourst."

    "Of course!" Helen agreed before the others could.

    Fleur was ready to argue but had to hold back when she saw the warning look Gus shot her.

    After all, the Soranos had spoken¡ªanother word from her, and she would be killed in an instant.

    Naturally, she was left seething that everything ended on such a sloppy note, with their me game

    being foiled!

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Beside Fleur, Luna was even madder. However, she did not throw a tantrum either since anyone who

    argued at this point would be an enemy of the Soranos and the Ascendant rank Gus.

    As such, she could only re at Helen with ring spite.

    "What do you say, Frank?" Gus asked just then.

 Chapter 760

    Frank nodded as Gus turned toward him with a pointed look. "Of course¡ªI would certainly ept the

    olive branch you offer."

    Then, turning toward Willy, he said, "I''m sorry for what happened before, Mr. Sorano."

    However, there was no hint of sincerity in Frank''s apology. If anything, it sounded like an insult.

    Willy''s face darkened, but he was afraid to throw a fit.

    Instead, he resorted to name-dropping. "My father will hear about this, Gus Zeller!"

    "Sure." Gus nodded impassively. "Though that would have to wait after the murderer of my mentor is

    unmasked."

    Willy stiffened at Gus'' words, but he snorted as he turned and strode off.

    "Mr. Lawrence." Gus actually saluted Frank, a stark contrast to Willy''s frustrated reaction.

    As Gus beckoned for the Soranos'' men to leave with him, Helen was still caught off guard by Gus and

    the Soranos'' quick change in attitude.

    "What''s going on Frank?" she asked¡ªwas Gus really backing down because of Frank''s strength?

    Frank was staring at Gus pensively. "This isn''t going to be that simple."

    "Ahem."

    Mark and Gavin, who had been upstairs, came down with the assistance of their bodyguards.

    Gavin was clearly beaten up, his face battered and bruised, unable to speak fluently. Even so, he

    nodded gratefully at Frank and Helen.

    Mark had bruises on his face too, but he was in a much better condition than Gavin.

    "Grandpa..."

    "Dad!"

    Even as their family encircled them, Mark ignored them and turned toward Helen, who stood beyond.

    "Thank you, Helen. You really saved our family there!"

    "I don''t agree." Fleur snorted, sarcastic again now that there was no threat. "If not for her, the Soranos

    would never have attacked us. It''s all Helen and her ex-husband''s fault!"

    Pausing, she then added, "The way I see it, we should cut all ties with the Northstream Lanes and

    avoid getting involved with them ever again."

    "Grandma''s right," Luna quickly agreed. "Our family was totally innocent, and it''s Helen and her

    exhusband''s fault! They should be handling it themselves in the first ce!"

    Jade Zahn was also ring furiously at Frank, feeling pained for her son Roth Lane. "Such a shame

    they never had to pay the price for their troubles, while we became their scapegoat."

    "Enough!" Mark barked, stopping them as he nced between Helen and Frank.

    He knew that Jade and the others were right, and that Frank had caused this problem in the first ce.

    Nheless, he already had a mind to appoint Helen as the next head of the Lane family, and with

    Frank''s help, they would have even more opportunities.

    Though that meant more risks in return, Mark had always been adventurous and was therefore more

    keen for Helen to be next head of the Lane family.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    However, to boldly say it now would likely lead to fervent protests. Instead, Mark cleared his throat

    twice and said, "Be quiet. Now, listen to me."

 Chapter 761

    Mark finished, "Helen may have brought this upon us, but she''s the one who did not cow to the

    Soranos and fought back. She''s a testament to our family''s dignity, and we need a leader like her."

    Fleur was immediately flustered at Mark''s words¡ªshe would have no ce if Helen was really chosen

    to be the next head of the Lane family!

    "You''re being senile, old man!" she interrupted right then. "If you know she caused this, then you''d

    understand that you, Mark, or Luna wouldn''t have been beaten up. It''s all her fault!"

    "That''s right!" Luna was flustered too. "You have to think carefully about this, Grandpa!"

    "Silence!" Mark bellowed and waited until everyone turned silent.

    "I understand you''re dissatisfied, and I have no intention to break the old rules," he said, looking around

    at everyone as he decided topromise. "But I still prefer Helen''s attitude, so how about this? The

    wager with Helen before still stands, and she must make a profit from the farm in the remaining half

    month. If she seeds, you''d have to believe in her ability, don''t you think?"

    "And what if she fails?" Luna snorted in dissatisfaction.

    "If she fails?" Mark was left musing to himself obviously.

    He had been managing the farm long enough to know how difficult it was to turn a profit for it. And

    since he was the one who suggested the wager, he needed Helen to take some sort of risk to persuade

    everyone that it was a fair wager.

    While he was left uncertain, Frank came forward and said, "If there''s no profit from the farm in half a

    month, Helen''s candidacy as the next head of the Lane family will be revoked forever."

    The Lanes did a double take at his words, but they were soon smiling.

    Fleur gave up on all pretenses right then and sneered. "Good. You seem confident, so I shall wait and

    see if you can do it!"

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Luna was sneering too. "Nothing goodes out of being overconfident."

    On the other hand, Mark was frowning¡ªhe would ask Helen if she was confident, but Frank had

    spoken, so he should not defend her at this point.

    As such, he sighed and announced, "If Helen proves that she can produce a profit with a certified

    ledger, she will be the next head of the family!" -

    Soon after, Frank took Helen home to Skywater Bay, while Gina returned to Lane Manor, cursing Fleur

    along the way home.

    She now carried a grudge against Fleur and Jade, since both women were ready to have them killed.

    For once, Gina was urging Frank and Helen to get things moving with the farm or fake a ledger if push

    came to shove¡ªas long as Helen became the next head of the family.

    When that happens, she would get to pay them back for their grievance!

    Dayster, Frank received unexpected news: the 90-year-old Hyperion Root bought by Sif Lionheart

    had been purchased by Hundred Bane Sect at a high price.

    ording to Trevor Zurich, Hundred Bane Sect imed that they had a secret technique that would

    incubate the Hyperion Root, although there was no proof just yet.

 Chapter 762

    After hearing about Hundred Bane Sect''s incubation technique, Frank had the bold idea of visiting the

    sect. With that technique, he would not have to spend a copious amount of money and other resources

    into finding other natural wonders.

    However, he also had other concerns, mainly Vicky.

    As a week passed and the farm resort was getting ready for business, Frank felt a gnawing sense of

    foreboding.

    Vicky had since cut off all contact, ignoring all his calls and messages.

    While he wondered if he should make a trip to Morhen, a ck sedan stopped outside his mansion.

    Frida Blue, whom Frank had not seen for a while, alighted.

    She was now Vicky''s personal bodyguard after Vicky saved her before, while Yara Quill stayed in

    Riverton since she could not travel to Morhen with Vicky.

    Naturally, Frank was a little disappointed since he was expecting Vicky, and he quickly asked, "Where''s

    she? Why hasn''t she returned?"

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Ms. Turnbull won''t being back for a while," Frida replied.

    Frank frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "There''s been a situation at the main household in Morhen, and Ms. Turnbull needs to resolve the

    situation personally," Frida said with a shrug. "She expected that you''d lose patience by now, so she

    sent me back to give you a head''s up."

    "Really...?" Frank was as exasperated as he was anxious.

    Vicky expected him to lose patience? She really never lost her sense of humor even now.

    "So what''s this situation with the main household?" Frank pressed nheless.

    He knew Vicky enough to tell that she would not do this if it was no issue¡ªher personal freedom had

    most definitely beenpromised.

    "Don''t worry about the details. Just wait, and everything will be fine if Ms. Turnbull returns in a few

    days. though you should forget about her if she does."

    Having said all that in a single breath, Frida started to return to her car.

    "Hold it!" Frank grabbed the car door¡ªhe was not about to let Frida leave after what she said!

    His eyes shing, he demanded, "Did Vicky say that herself?"

    Frida appeared hesitant, but soon nodded. "Yes."

    "Is she in danger? Why wouldn''t she tell me if she is?!" Frank pressed, his tone stern.

    "She''s safe¡ªno one''s safer than she is right now, and she''s not hurt." Frida sighed.

    "Then what was that supposed to mean?!" Frank snapped. "Forget about her just because she said

    so?! Are you kidding me?!"

    Seeing that Frank was about to lose it, Frida said quietly, "Forget it, Mr. Lawrence. You can''t handle this

    ¡ªyou''d just be burdening yourself. You still have Helen Lane, don''t you? Just stay here and keep her

    company. Neither myself nor Ms. Turnbull are eager for you to get involved."

    "Shut the fuck up!" Frank bellowed, his expression icy as Frida refused to talk. "What is there that I

    can''t solve?! What''s the point of acting tough?! And don''t you forget that I healed your arm and

    meridian nexus¡ªI saved your life, and you still won''t trust me?!"

 Chapter 763

    Frank chuckled coolly. "Well, Vicky is right¡ªmy patience is at its limit. But she got something wrong

    too! I won''t let this rest just because you refused to tell me what''s going on, so don''t go telling me to

    forget about her. I''ll be visiting the Morhen Turnbulls personally and demand answers, and don''t me

    me for leaving a mess when that happens!"

    Frida felt a migraine from Frank''s unreasonable demands. "Look... You can''t coerce me with my debt to

    you. Ms. Turnbull is keeping you in the dark for your own good, or you''d get yourself killed! Why can''t

    you just listen?!"

    "Hah!" Frank snorted. "Have I not been through enough? So what if I have to make enemies against

    the Turnbulls? I couldn''t care less even if it''s the Lionhearts or the Soranos!"

    Though his words were strong and determined, Frida only took it for an outburst in the heat of the

    moment.

    She was fuming, as she had no idea what to say as she shook her head in exasperation. "Ms. Turnbull

    knew you wouldn''t let it go. Well, I don''t know what good it does, but I can take you to her, on condition

    that you listen to orders, or it''s you, me, and Ms. Turnbull who get it. Understood?"

    "Fine." Frank agreed to it right away.

    "Good. Go pack your things."

    Frank actually had nothing to pack. He called Winter and Helen to tell them that he would be away for a

    few days, and then arranged for Burt Yorkman to keep watch over Skywater Bay in case anyone tried

    anything funny.

    "No problem, brother. I''ll move in right away." Burt agreed to it right away.

    "Call me anytime if something happens," Frank told him.

    "Sure."

    Frank nodded as he settled everything in Riverton.

    With Mona Fairfax and Burt, both of whom were Birthright rank, they would have no trouble short of

    Gus Zeller.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    And since Frank did not need a change of clothes, he got into Frida''s car right away. -

    The journey to Morhen took a day, and it was night when the ck sedan finally stopped in the

    outskirts of Morhen.

    As Frida and Frank alighted at a cottage with a courtyard, a kindly middle-aged man stepped out,

    bowing when he saw Frida. "Wee, Ms. Blue."

    "Nash Yego, this is Frank Lawrence," Frida introduced quietly. "You''ll be looking after him for the next

    few days."

    "Not a problem. Hello, Mr. Lawrence." Nash nodded respectfully.

    Frank was puzzled in turn. "Why did you bring me here, Frida? Aren''t we going to visit Vicky at the

    Turnbulls'' residence?"

    "No, I arranged this¡ªyou''ll be lodging here." Frida sighed. "He used to work for the Turnbulls and he''s

    close with Ms. Turnbull. You can ask if you need anything."

    "Oh." Frank nodded and turned toward Nash. "In that case, I''d like to see Vicky right now."

 Chapter 764

    Frank''s bluntness left Frida rolling her eyes, speechless. "Could you be more patient? Ms. Turnbull

    can''t see you for now, so stay here for a few days. Once the time is right, I''ll take you to her."

    "Then tell me what the deal is with the Turnbulls." Frank snorted in dissatisfaction. "Or am I supposed

    to just wait here forever?"

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    "Being impatient doesn''t help, and things are still opaque right now." Frida shrugged. "Knowing too

    much doesn''t do you any favors, so I''m begging you now to just trust Ms. Turnbull and be patient,

    please?"

    Frank nodded begrudgingly since Frida was going that far.

    And since he was already in Morhen anyway, he would just have to visit the Turnbulls directly if there

    really was trouble.

    "Urgh." Frida sighed as Frank finally yed along and said quietly. "Now that we have an agreement,

    you should do as I say¡ªwait here, and I''ll contact you if anythinges up."

    With that, she leapt into her car and left¡ªshe had sneaked out in the first ce and needed a proper

    excuse for being gone for two days, and she could not afford to drag her feet either.

    "Come on in, Mr. Lawrence. It must''ve been a long journey¡ªwould you like some tea?" Nash asked,

    pushing a cup toward Frank.

    "Thank you." Frank took the cup, nodding. "I''d have to impose for a few days, Nash."

    "Oh, it''s nothing." Nash smiled. "Ms. Turnbull saved my life and has been endlessly gracious to me. It''s

    always an honor to repay that favor."

    "Really? Vicky saved your life?" Frank was actually curious.

    "Oh, it''s no big deal." Nash shook his head and smiled. "There was thisndslide, but Ms. Turnbull had

    gone the extra mile even for a retainer like me. I''ll never forget that."

    "I''m surprised Vicky is that affable." Frank smiled in turn.

    "It''s only natural." Nash nodded proudly. "I basically raised that girl. She''s perfect in every way¡ª

    personality, virtue, and appearance. There''s only a handful of people who wouldpare across all of

    Draconia, though I must say that she gets a little headstrong at times."

    "Headstrong.?" Frank could not help chuckling as he remembered Vicky''s sly grin. "You mean sinister."

    "Haha! I guess she''s teased you plenty too, huh?" Nashughed heartily and soon smacked his thigh.

    "Oh, apologies, Mr. Lawrence. Silly me, you must''ve been traveling for a day, so you wouldn''t have had

    a proper meal, yes? Just wait a moment¡ªI''ll start cooking right away."

    With that, Nash tied an apron around himself and strode into the kitchen, going to work right then like a

    proper househusband.

    Frank looked outside to see a bright moon overhead¡ªit was already veryte, and the moon was

    already overhead.

    He then looked around the three-floored cottage.

    Though the furnishing was not particrly grand, there was everything one would need in here, and it

    carried the warmth of a humble home.

    "Hey, who are you? Who let you in here?" a voice asked behind Frank just then.

    Frank turned to see a girl standing there, staring at him disinterestedly.

    She wore a denim miniskirt and appeared a few years short of twenty. And though she had a pretty

    face, her makeup was especially thick.

 Chapter 765

    The girl was chewing gum, her white hair suggesting she was a delinquent.

    "Hey, I''m talking to you," she told Frank. "Are you mute?"

    "Watch your manners, Kat!" Nash strode out of the kitchen just then, frowning at her.

    "It''s fine¡ªit''s only natural that she asks questions since a stranger has just showed up in her house."

    Frank smiled faintly. "Hello. I''m Frank Lawrence."

    "Right."

    Kat Yego yawned, shooting Nash an uninterested look and saying coolly, "Honestly, I don''t care where

    you find all these idiots..."

    "Watch your mouth, brat!" Nash snapped, ring at her." This is Mr. Lawrence. He''s an important guest

    of the Turnbulls!"

    "If he is, what is he doing here instead of staying with the Turnbulls?" Kat simply snorted in disdain.

    "Alright, just leave me out of your mess. I need money now¡ªI''m going out with my friends soon."

    "Thiste at night?" Nash frowned. "Your entrance examinations areing up, and you''re a girl. What

    do you think you''d look like, staying out for so many nights?"

    Kat appeared really annoyed. "Cut the crap¡ªit''s just annoying. Are you giving me money or not?"

    "That''s not the point." Nash appeared utterly disappointed. "What do you think you look like, going out

    every night dressed like that? Don''t you know that our neighbors talk?"

    "Oh, you''re so annoying, giving me crap whenever I ask for money. just shut it if you don''t want to give

    me any! And I''m an adult, so you don''t have to worry about me!" Kat snapped furiously, mming the

    door behind her as she strode out.

    "That brat." Nash was shaking his head and sighing, but he could not do anything about his daughter.

    Turning to Frank, he sighed. "I''m sorry about that mess, Mr. Lawrence."

    "It''s alright. The young ones can get rebellious." Frank smiled and shook his head.

    -

    Nash was done cooking after ten minutes.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    As Frank ate, he found the food delicious¡ªit was not as good as Carol Zims'' cooking, but he could not

    find any ws.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence, but I''ll be packing up some of it if you don''t mind." Nash smiled apologetically.

    "Kat hasn''t eaten for a day, and I suspect she''d be hungry when she gets back tonight."

    "It''s alright." Frank chuckled. "And you don''t have to restrain yourself around me, Nash. You''re the host

    here¡ªdo whatever you want, and don''t worry about me." "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence." Nash kept

    nodding as he thanked Frank and packed up a small portion of every dish gingerly and meticulously.

    Frank looked on, suddenly reminded of his father.

    The man never cared about anything in the house, always staying cold no matter what Frank''s mother

    did. He never even shed a tear when she died, leaving Frank to wonder if his heart was made of stone

    ¡ª all he had from the man were cold lectures and scoldings with no familial warmth at all.

    That was when someone knocked repeatedly on the front door. "Hey, Nash! Your daughter''s in trouble!"

    "Kat''s in trouble? What happened?"

    Nash did a double take and put down fork and knife as he asked nkly.

 Chapter 766

    The neighbor urged, "My daughter works at a karaoke bar, y''know? She just called, saying Kat was in a

    fight with someone there! You should hurry over!"

    Nash flinched¡ªthere''s never a dull moment with his daughter.

    As he started running outside, he turned back halfway and apologized to Frank. "I''m so sorry, Mr.

    Lawrence! Take your time¡ªI need to check on my daughter right away."

    Frank, however, had put down his fork and knife and wiped his mouth. "I''ming with you."

    He did not want to freeload off Nash especially when he was living in Nash''s house, and he would

    definitely help in any way he could.

    "But..." Nash appeared embarrassed since it did not make sense to have the Turnbulls'' guest assist

    him.

    "Don''t worry¡ªI won''t cause further trouble." Frank chuckled, seeing his misgivings. "Two heads are

    better than one."

    "Quit dawdling, Nash! Hurry up!" the neighbor urged just then.

    "Alright." Nash nodded and quickly hurried outside to his white car.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Nothing mattered more than his daughter''s safety now.

    Ten minutester, they arrived outside a karaoke bar, and they entered it to find several drunk burly

    men standing outside a private room.

    Their leader was a young man in a id suit, his cheeks red like the drunk men around him.

    He stank of alcohol like the rest, cursing as he kept kicking on the door violently, where Kat and her

    ssmates were hiding and refused to open the door.

    "Bitch!" the man screamed. "I''m ying nice, touching your butt, but you hit me! I''ll have my way with

    you!"

    Then, taking a few steps back, he jumped at the door with a leaping kick, and the door opened with a

    crash.

    The girls inside were screaming, but Kat showed spine as she stood staunchly in front of the man.

    "Hold it! I''m warning you, stay right there¡ªmy friends will soon be here, and you''ll regret it!"

    "Your friends? Really?" Cid, the man in the id suit, chuckling coolly and poised to strike. "I own this

    ce! Not even the Four Families can save you now! I''ll have my way with you tonight!" "Stop!" Nash

    and Frank hurried to the scene just then, and Nash stood between Kat and Cid. "Please, we can talk

    about this! Let''s not resort to violence."

    "What are you doing here?" Kat actually appeared more embarrassed than pleased to see her father,

    clearly not eager for him to interfere.

    "Mind your own business, old man!" Cid snapped, a look of disdain showing on his face after studying

    Nash and seeing that he wore nothing but cheap brands.

    Nash smiled apologetically, even bowing slightly as he said, "Please, sir. My daughter is young and

    reckless. I''ll apologize in her stead if she somehow offended him."

    "Hah! Are you hearing this?!" Cid snorted, shrugging as he turned and nced at his men before

    snapping, "That bitch pped me and broke my watch! You think an apology would work here?!"

    "Y-You''re lying!" A short-haired girl mustered her courage to speak up just then. "You molested Kat!

    That''s why she hit you!"

 Chapter 767

    "Y-You''re lying!" Mandy, a short-haired girl mustered her courage to speak up just then. "You molested

    Kat! That''s why she hit you!"

    Cid red at the girl right then, leaving her too scared to speak again. "I only touched her face. Is it my

    fault she refused to respect me?!"

    Nash forced a smile as he said, "Look, this is all just a misunderstanding, and there''s no need to make

    things worse. Why don''t we all just take a step back?"

    "Take a step back?" Cidughed in utter scorn and leapt forward to p Nash across the face. "Who do

    you think you are, telling me what to do?! Take a step back?! What gives you the right to tell me what to

    do?!"

    Nash stumbled and almost fell from the p.

    "How dare you!" Kat flew into a rage, picking up a beer bottle and was ready to hit Cid.

    Nash stopped her, however. "You''re a girl, Kat! Don''t do it!"

    "What, you want a fight?! Come on, hit me!" Cid sneered. "None of you will leave this ce alive if you

    evenid a finger on me!"

    "Please calm down, sir. It''s really all just a misunderstanding." Nash kept trying to make peace and kept

    smiling apologetically. "We can talk about this."

    "Talk about this?!" Cid held up his wrist to sh his broken watch. "This is a Vacheron! It''s three

    hundred grand a piece, and your daughter had to break it! So tell me, what are you going to do about

    it?!"

    "What?! Three hundred grand?!" Nash flinched from Cid''s outburst¡ªhe only made around a few grand

    per month. When would he ever pull together three hundred grand?

    "What? You wanted to talk about this, didn''t you?" Cid snorted haughtily. "Then pay up¡ªgive me three

    hundred grand right now, and I''ll consider sparing your daughter. If you don''t... Hah!"

    With that, Cid stopped talking, having made his threat.

    While Nash stood, fidgeting helplessly, Cid eventually sighed. "Forget it¡ªI could tell that you beggars

    could never afford it, but I won''t push you either."

    He pointed at Kat then. "Have your daughter spend the night with me, and I can forget about the three

    hundred grand. How about that?"

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Dream on!" Kat spat.

    Nash mused to himself for a while and eventually looked up, speaking sincerely. "S-Sir, don''t worry¡ª

    just give me a few days, and I''ll get you the money."

    "I want it right now! Fuck off if you don''t have it¡ªdon''t be an eyesore!" Cid grabbed him by the cor

    and shoved him aside, snapping, "Count your lucky stars, geezer. Three hundred grand! Not even B-

    list celebs get paid that well!"

    "I''ve had enough!" Kat flipped out as Cid continued to abuse her father.

    Picking up a beer bottle, she smashed it on Cid''s head!

    ng!

    It shattered over his head, sshing beer everywhere.

    "What...?" Cid was actually stunned by the blow and reached up to touch his head.

    When he saw that he was bleeding all over, he came to his senses. "Y-You bitch! You hit me!"

 Chapter 768

    Coming to his senses, Cid''s eyes widened as he bellowed, "I''ll kill you!"

    "Stop!"

    Just before Cid could fly into a rage, a group of male students carrying metal baseball bats.

    The leader stood inches over six feet, and he had a muscr frame.

    With a dozen of his friends charging into the room, he was certainly menacing.

    "Oh, we''re saved! Soren is here!"

    The girls including Kat all appeared delighted to see the leader, their eyes worshipful as if looking at a

    savior.

    After all, Soren was quite the character at school. His family was rich, and he was the handsome

    baseball team captain of the school.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    His eyes were on Kat as soon as he arrived, and he appeared especially concerned for her. "Are you

    alright?"

    "I''m fine." Kat nodded, her eyes twinkling with delight that he actually showed up.

    Beside her, Mandy could cry right then. "Thank goodness you made it in time, Soren, or those bastards

    would''ve had their way with us!"

    "Don''t worry. No one willy a finger on you as long as I''m around." Soren grinned, brandishing his

    baseball bat as he red viciously at Cid. "You have beef with my friends, huh? Get down on your

    knees and apologize, and I just might consider sparing you... Or I''ll break your legs!"

    Soren certainly appeared menacing with his tall frame and re, and the girls behind Kat were all

    watching him with a twinkle in their eyes.

    They had certainly imagined having a heroing to save them more than once!

    Still, Cid withstood the pain in his head, his eyes cool as he growled, "Do you know who I am, brat?!

    How dare you mess with me on my own turf?!"

    "I don''t care. Get down on your knees and apologize, or I''ll break your legs!"

    Soren swung his baseball bat with a vicious re.

    "Apologize!" The other boys behind him were showing as well, fearless since they were all at the peak

    of their youth.

    "Fine. You suckling brats, messing with me?! Just you wait!" Cid snarled viciously and started to turn

    and leave.

    "Who told you you could go?!" Soren leapt up right then and clubbed Cid in the calves, knocking him to

    the floor.

    "Go!" The other boys all charged forward with their baseball bats as well, following suit.

    "Stop! Stop!" Nash promptly strode up to calm things down. "You''re all still students! Listen to me¡ªjust

    calm down and don''t make a mess."

    "Who the hell are you?" Soren frowned, unhappy about being stopped.

    "Kat''s father." Mandy scoffed loudly in disdain right then.

    Kat did not snap at her in turn, instead turning away¡ªher father was such a loser that she felt

    thoroughly humiliated.

    "Oh, you''re Mr. Yego? Fine, then I''ll let them go out of respect for you," Soren said magnanimously,

    though he already felt great contempt toward Nash.

 Chapter 769

    Despite the contempt he felt for Nash, Soren could at least show that much respect for Kat''s old man.

    "Thanks." Nash breathed a sigh of relief and bowed to Soren.

    Soren then wheeled on Cid and bellowed, "Why are you still standing around? Get out! Don''t ever let

    me see you again, you hear?!"

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    Cid gritted his teeth and snorted. "Fine, just you wait! Don''t you fucking run away now!"

    As he limped off with his drunk friends, Mandy hurried to Soren''s side. "Are you really letting them go

    just like that? What if they bring more people?"

    "Don''t worry¡ªthey''re noting back." Soren grinned smugly. "You probably wouldn''t know, but this

    ce belongs to Mr. Darman. If those bastards came back to cause more trouble, it''d just end badly for

    them."

    "Mr. Darman? The leader of the Sunzers?"

    Everyone''s faces fell at that piece of information¡ªexcept Frank.

    The Sunzers were a mob that basically ruled South Morhen, and no one would ever challenge them

    in their own turf. And Hux Darman, their underboss, was said to be so influential he had ties to the Four

    Families of Morhen.

    Naturally, things would end badly for anyone who messed with him.

    "Don''t worry¡ªI''m a Lionheart after all," Soren said confidently. "And my dad knows Hux, so no one''s

    going to mess with me on his turf."

    "Shit, you''re actually friends with Hux Darman?! You''re amazing, Soren!"

    "For sure! Who''d every a finger on us with his protection?! They''d be asking for it!"

    As all the boys fawned over Soren, the girls'' eyes were glowing in admiration as they stared at him.

    Soren smugly reveled in being the center of attention, until he heard a chuckle.

    Soren turned to find the man standing at a corner next to Nash, impassive as if he really did not care

    for him, let alone praise him.

    "Who are you?" Soren snapped¡ªnaturally, Frank was the one who chuckled audibly.

    And yet, he could see that Frank appeared perfectly nonchnt as if he was not his fault, and Frank''s

    good looks especially left him upset.

    Frank wasughing at him after he just saved him?!

    Even as Soren grew more upset, Nash quickly exined, "Oh, this is Mr. Lawrence, a family guest. He

    came to help." "Help?" Kat sorted in disdain. "How, exactly? We haven''t heard a peep from him ever

    since he came, and we were being threatened!"

    "Exactly. He has the looks, but he''s cringing in a corner like a coward just because some scoundrel

    was running his mouth." Mandy scoffed as well.

    While the other girls stayed silent, they all regarded Frank with contempt as well, considering him just

    some pretty boy.

 Chapter 770

    What was the point of good looks in the face of danger? Would anyone spare a looker''s life just

    because they were handsome? If anything, they would be the ones who bolted the quickest when

    trouble started.

    Men like that were simply undependable.

    Soren pped Frank mockingly on the shoulder just then. "Bro, be a man and admit that you don''t

    have the balls to stop the fight, or you''d get hurt. And you wereughing, weren''t you? Shouldn''t you be

    grateful and say something after I bailed you out?"

    Frank simply smiled and shook his head¡ªthese kids were beneath him, and he would just be

    humiliating himself by getting petty with Soren.

    Nash quickly hurried to them to mediate. "It''s alright! The whole thing is behind us now. Let''s just go."

    Then, turning to Kat, he added, "I told you that you shouldn''t go out thiste at night. ces like this

    are especially dangerous. Come on, we''re leaving."

    As he reached for her hand, Kat smacked him away and snapped impatiently, "Don''t touch me! Leave if

    you want¡ªyou don''t get to tell what to do! You''re embarrassing me here!"

    "Can''t you just listen, Kat? It''s veryte, and I''m worried." Nash frowned, at a loss for words just then.

    "You''re worried?" Katughed despite herself and pointed at the door. "Did you help us when those

    bastards came to harass us?! They were at fault, but what did you do?! All you did was apologize and

    bend yourself backward. I''m embarrassed even if you''re not!"

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    "It''s for your sake, Kat," Nash reasoned. "It always pays to be safe out here¡ªthere''s no need to let

    things get out of hand."

    "So I''m supposed to just deal with it?" Kat snapped in disappointment. "You''ve always behaved like a

    bullied dog. That''s why I hate staying home¡ªbecause I hate your face! You''re always weak, so I''m

    begging you to just stay away from me and never show up around my friends. Having you as my father

    is the worst!"

    Nash froze, stunned by the image his own daughter had of him.

    He then remembered the wife he lost and took a deep breath.

    He was hesitant to speak, even though all he wanted was for Kat to be safe.

    Kat pointed at the door again and snapped, "What are you doing here? Leave, and take your guest

    with you! I don''t want to see you!"

    "Kat..."

    Get out!" Kat shrieked.

    Everyone else here had sessful fathers, but hers was always prostrating himself and tiptoeing

    around others as long as she knew it.

    He would always be a ve to everyone else, which only enraged Kat further!

    Soren finally spoke up just then. "You should leave, Mr. Yego. Kat will be fine under my care."

 Chapter 771

    Nash was certainly a treat, not retaliating after his own daughter flipped out on him.

    Even as Soren smiled, his contempt for Kat was ring inside.

    "Alright. I''m counting on you." Nash forced a smile and nodded at Frank.

    "That''s them! Surround those brats right now!" Someone suddenly bellowed from the hallway just as

    they were about to leave. Cid had returned, with over thirty men following them inside.

    They were certainly a menacing sight as they charged in, machetes in hand.

    The students'' faces fell and panic took over¡ªthey would never win against these bloodthirsty goons!

    "Wait!" Soren strode up imposingly nheless. "I''m warning you¡ªthis is Mr. Darman''s turf, and my

    dad is friends with him. Lay a finger on us, and you''ll get yourself killed!"

    "Shit, did you just threaten me?" Cid pped Soren across the face right then. "So what?! I''m his

    brother, y''know!"

    The room turned silent right then, everyone save for Frank left shocked by the sudden revtion.

    Soren especially froze up, his face turning pale.

    He did not expect that some vulgar youth in a suit was a big shot¡ªand Hux''s brother to boot!

    In contrast, his father was not exactly close with Hux, and it went without saying who between his

    father and Cid was higher on the pecking order.

    Soren had undoubtedly shot himself in the foot!

    "Weren''t you being full of yourself just now, kid?! You even threatened to break my legs¡ªwhy don''t you

    say it again?!"

    Cid seized Soren by the cor, pped him twice, and floored him, kicking him repeatedly even as he

    bellowed, "Meddling in my business?! You''re fucking asking for it!"

    Through it all, Soren was clutching his head and gritting his teeth as he withstood the pain, afraid to say

    a word.

    It was embarrassing, but surviving was more important¡ªthe only thing to do at this point was to bear

    with it.

    "Bunch of suckling brats, fucking around with me. The insolence! Just see what I''m doing to you now!"

    Cid bellowed, brandishing a machete while shrieking, "Get down on your knees! Anyone who argues,

    cut off their arm!"

    "You heard him. Kneel!"

    "Kneel!"

    The goons around them growled menacingly, even aiming their machetes at the students'' necks.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    They had certainly never been through such an ordeal, and each of them were trembling as they knelt.

    They were just students¡ªthey would never have the balls to fight these bloodthirsty goons.

    That was when one of the goons noticed Frank standing in a corner nonchntly and strode up to

    shove him. "Hey, why aren''t you kneeling?!"

    "Oh, you made a mistake here." Frank shrugged and smiled. "I''m just here to watch. I don''t even know

    these brats."

 Chapter 772

    "Oh, you''re mistaken here." Frank shrugged and smiled. "I''m just here to watch. I don''t even know

    these brats."

    His remark certainly drew the students'' contempt¡ªFrank was a coward just as they thought.

    Cid turned toward Frank as well but ignored him since he never challenged him.

    He was not bothered to deal with a bystander¡ªif anything, he was hoping for someone to spread word

    about his terrifying deeds.

    Turning back to Soren, Cid grabbed him by the hair and lifted him, sneering. "You were threatening to

    break my legs, was it? Come on, I''ll even let you do it."

    One of Cid''s goons threw a metal bat beside Soren with perfect timing.

    "Oh, it''s all just a misunderstanding..." Soren smiled apologetically, not daring to breathe a word about

    his grievance. "I was just too ignorant to recognize you. Why don''t you let me hold a banquet in your

    honor as a way of apology?"

    "Fuck off!" Cid bellowed and pped him again. "What do you take me for? Serve me food and

    apologize, and it''s done and over with?"

    "N-No! Of course not¡ªI''ll get you a super nice present tomorrow!" Soren cried, forcing a horrible smile

    as he appeared endlessly humbled.

    The star of their school being reduced to a slobbering, begging rag was certainly an unreal sight for the

    students.

    "Hah! I''d have cut your arm if your daddy didn''t know my brother!" Cid snapped as he kicked Soren

    away and turned toward Kat who stood in the distance.

    "Sup, kiddo? Did you think I''d just let it slide? Time to pay your debts for. what again? Right, breaking

    my watch, pping me, and smashing a bottle on my head!"

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Kat was cowed when she realized that Cid was a big deal, her face pale as she stepped backward in

    terror. "W-What do you want?!"

    "What do I want?"

    Cid sneered savagely. "Shouldn''t you be asking what you can do? Though I''ll be frank¡ªspend the

    night with me, and I''ll let this whole thing slide. That goes for everyone in the room."

    "But if you refuse." Cid''s tone suddenly turned icy right then. "Refuse, and no one is leaving!"

    Though the students were frightened as he brandished his machete around, Kat snapped through her

    teeth, "Fuck off!"

    "Well, I tried." Cid glowered and pped Kat across the face, knocking her to the floor so violently that

    her face was red.

    "K-Kat... just say yes already!" Mandy reasoned,pletely overwhelmed.

    "Yes, Kat. It''s really no big deal."

    "If you refuse, we''d all suffer because of you!"

    As the other students also followed suit, Kat was left tearing up in frustration.

    She nced at Soren, but he hung his head in silence, and her eyes lost their glow.

    "Oh, let''s please talk about this. There''s no need for violence." Nash stood between Cid and Kat,

    smiling apologetically. "I''ll pay five hundred grand for your watch and medical fees. Just let these kids

    go."

 Chapter 773

    "Hah! You again?!" Cid spat, really sick of Nash right then. "I won''t wait¡ªI really need an outlet to vent

    right now, and I''ve decided on your girl! I''ll have her right now, and no one gets to say otherwise!"

    He waved his hand, and two goons promptly strode up to restrain Kat.

    Nash tried to stop them, only to get knocked to the floor.

    "Let me go!" Kat screamed, terrified because the goons and Cid were serious.

    Even as she iled and struggled violently, she turned and leveled a pleading look at Soren¡ªher

    prince on the white horse, her only salvation.

    Soren finally cleared his throat right then, rearing his head and bracing himself as he said, "Please, let''s

    talk about this. She''s a friend¡ªjust let her go! I''ll get you someone better¡ª"

    Cid pped him again and snapped, "You''re talking when I''m not done with you?! Get the fuck out of

    here, or I''m gutting you like a pig!"

    Soren was left deted right then, hanging his head in silence.

    The rest of his friends reacted the same as they saw that, keeping their heads down and not saying a

    word, a stark contrast to their imposing presence earlier.

    These were all Sunzer goons¡ªthey really would get violent with them.

    "Stop!" That was when Nash bellowed, knocking away the goon restraining him and snatching his

    machete, leaping up at Cid and pressing it against his neck.

    "None of you move!" he bellowed. "My hand might slip if you do!"

    "G-Geezer!" Cid was surprised by Nash''s sudden outburst but soonposed himself and narrowed

    his eyes. "Well, color me surprised... You''re actually a martial artist!"

    "A martial artist?!"

    Everyone was stunned.

    Even Kat did a double take¡ªher own father was a martial artist?! She never knew!

    "Let my daughter go!" Nash snapped again.

    He was suddenly apletely different man¡ªhis re was sharp, and his machete was slowly cutting

    into Cid''s skin.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Do you even know what you''re doing, geezer?!" Cid growled through his teeth, feeling the prick on his

    neck. "You might be a martial artist, but you''re not going to beat all of us!"

    "I know!" Nash bellowed. "And I don''t care¡ªlet my daughter go or die!"

    "Let her go! Do it now!" Cid barked at his men, seeing that Nash was dead serious.

    He had numbers and influence, but he would be dead if he kept pushing Nash''s buttons!

    What''s the point of all that if he was dead?!

    "Run, Kat!" Nash cried once he saw that his daughter was freed.

    Kat, however, stood still, her tears welling up in her eyes. "Dad... What about you?!"

    "Don''t worry about me¡ªjust run! I''ll be right behind you!" Nash said, forcing a smile.

    While he was distracted, he did not notice a goon picking up a metal bat from the floor. The goon

    quietly closed in and struck Nash, knocking him to the floor!

 Chapter 774

    "Dad!"

    Kat''s face fell, but she was restrained again before she could jump toward Cid.

    "Fucking geezer! Are you threatening me?!"

    Cid was still traumatized as he touched his neck and felt blood, though his fear soon turned to rage.

    "You should be honored I''m fucking your daughter, but you had to threaten me, huh?! Cut him!"

    A goon strode up, aiming his machete at Nash''s arm even as hey prone on the floor,pletely

    helpless.

    "Dad!" Kat screamed.

    ng!

    Just as everyone thought Nash''s arm was going to be cut off, the goon doing it was left staring at hand

    holding his machete in ce.

    He was certainly stunned¡ªthe machete was not budging no matter how he moved, and why was the

    hand holding the de not bleeding?!

    Everyone was left staring in disbelief at Frank¡ªnaturally, he was the one holding the machete.

    "That''s enough," he growled.

    Havingpleted Birthright, even bullets would not pierce his projected pure vigor, let alone a

    machete.

    "H-How dare you!" Cid bellowed, at once surprised and furious that Frank meddled.

    "Oh, you can do whatever you want with those kids. Just not Nash here," Frank said nonchntly.

    "Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?!"

    Cid bellowed,ughing despite his rage as he stared daggers at Frank. "Even the Four Families of

    Morhen can''t stop me from taking his hand!"

    Frank shook his head exasperatedly. "So we can''t talk about this?"

    "Talk?! Who do you think you are?!"

    Cid was taken aback andughed as he pointed to the cut on his neck. "That geezer almost killed me,

    and you still think we can talk about this?!"

    He then looked around at his own goons pointedly, "You''ve got moves, I''ll give you that, but look

    around you. These are all my boys! Give me crap again, and I''ll cut you into tiny pieces too!"

    Frank did a double take but soon leveled a look of wry amusement at Cid as he quietly said, "Crap."

    "What?"

    Frank''s single word remark left Cid stumped.

    Frank shrugged in turn. "You told me that you''d cut me if I gave you crap again, right? Or did you miss

    it? Here, I''d repeat it for good measure: crap, crap, crap, and crap."

    Cid was left glowering at Frank''s mocking¡ªit was a barenaked challenge!

    "Go! Cut him up!" he bellowed right then.

    Bang!This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    But as soon as he was finished, Cid''s vision turned ck while what felt like a train crashed into him,

    sending him flying while his guts threatened to spill out of his mouth.

    He then realized that he had mmed into the wall before sliding limply onto the floor.

    Everyone soon saw Frank standing where Cid stood. "Oh, sorry. I just knocked into you."

    No one actually saw how he moved¡ªhe was right there in the blink of an eye! Moreover, they only

    realized that Cid had mmed into the wall after that loud bang!

 Chapter 775

    "Huh..."

    Everyone was left staring nkly as Cidy limply on the floor¡ªhis goons especially were trading

    nces in disbelief.

    Forget how strong Frank was¡ªthe fact that he dared to attack Cid at all felt like a dream!

    Cid had both numbers and power, and being Hux''s brother meant he had never suffered like this!

    It was no exaggeration to say that no one would dare challenge Cid in Hux''s turf¡ªeven someone from

    the Lionheart family like Soren could only bend themselves backward.

    On the other hand, Frank was not only being tongue-in-cheek with Cid, but he would even get violent!

    "Is he crazy? He just attacked Hux Darman''s brother!"

    "Messing with Mr. Darman is just messing with the Sunzers. Well, he''s screwed."

    "Is this what we call a nutcase? He has no idea who he just messed with."

    "You can tell right away he''s from out of town."

    It was not just Cid''s goons¡ªeven the students were looking at Frank sympathetically, as if he was

    going to die.

    "Cough, cough."

    Cid finally came to his senses and pushed himself off the floor, albeit with considerable difficulty. His

    body felt as if it was in pieces, and he might faint if he kept moving.

    He even coughed out two bleeding teeth!

    "H-How dare you!" he snapped at Frank.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Why wouldn''t I dare?" Frank grinned. "Oh, and sorry about bumping into you."

    His objective was achieved anyway, as he needed to do something worse to draw Cid''s attention from

    Nash to himself.

    "Shit. Y-You''re done, man!" Cid was shaking with rage, and looked around at his goons as he bellowed,

    "What are you spacing out for?! Go! Fuck him up!"

    As he spoke, another bloodied tooth popped out his mouth.

    "Go!" Seeing that, the goons were yelling as they lunged at Frank, their faces contorted in rage.

    The female students were all screaming in fear, but Frank did not react, even striding forward and

    leaping into the fray like a phantom.

    Punching and pping, every strike Frank unleashed was devastating and unstoppable. Any goon who

    got too close would end up getting a dislocated joint, ending up on the floor and screaming.

    It was in and simple, yet instantaneous¡ªwithin minutes, the thirtyish goons were left floored and

    groaning in pain.

    "What..?"

    The students were all left gaping at Frank as he stood, his hands sping behind his back.

    He was alone, against thirty men¡ªbut they could not even make a mess of his clothes.

    It was less a fight than a beatdown!

    "Is he. human?"

    "Shit, what just happened? I don''t think I actually saw anything."

    "Like I said, he isn''t a coward. He''s just subtle."

    "Handsome and a fighter? He''s so cool! I wish he was my boyfriend!"

    Following the initial shock, the students were now staring at Frank worshipfully and admiringly.

    The girls especially were already smitten, since Frank was way cooler than Soren earlier.

    "W-Who are you?!" Cid was cringing in fear at a corner once he saw his goons being left floored by

    Frank in no time at all.

 Chapter 776

    "W-Who are you?!" Cid was cringing in fear at a corner once he saw Frank wiping the floor with his

    goons in no time at all.

    His goons were all bloodthirsty savages who would never hold back, and it was iprehensible that

    Frank could just take them down.

    He was utterly terrified that Frank woulde and end him... but he was clearly being paranoid.

    Frank was not bloodthirsty, and Cid''s goons were just your stereotypical goons¡ªhe had no interest in

    ending them.

    Moreover, Frank remembered Titus Lionheart''s threat¡ªif Titus realized he was in town, he would be

    coming for him.

    That was why Frank had to keep his head down. In fact, he would not have gotten involved at all if not

    for Nash being in trouble.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "You have two choices." Frank smiled at Cid just then, pausing before continuing, "Either I kill you, or

    you apologize to Nash here. How about that?"

    "I-I know you''re a martial artist!" Cid snapped, not about to appear weak despite his fear toward Frank

    as he negotiated. "My brother is the underboss of the Sunzers, so don''t get cocky with me, or you''d

    have messed with the entire gang! You''ll suffer for it!"

    He was actually afraid of Frank''s moves but was soon confident again when he remembered his

    brother.

    "So, it''s death." Frank shrugged¡ªhe knew Cid''s type, and that he would never yield until he was

    straightened out.

    With that, he stamped a foot on one of Cid''s fingers forcefully.

    "Argh!!!" Cid squealed like a gutted pig right then.

    "So, are we listening? That''s another finger." Frank smiled and stamped his foot on another finger.

    Cid screamed in pain again, his head flushing red.

    Frank''s swagger certainly left the female students cooing, and they felt their juices stirring even as they

    watched.

    "Yeah, teach that bastard a lesson!"

    "And he was so cocky before!"

    Even as the girls scrambled to praise Frank, the boys were clenching their knuckles and would have

    been pping if Soren was not scowling.

    Kat was certainly changing her opinion of Frank too. She presumed that Frank would be weak like her

    father, only for him to turn out to be as strong as he was brave, even beating up Hux''s brother!

    That was a real man, though the thought left her leveling a troubled look at her father.

    "Stop, stop!" Cid was tearing up from the pain, his face contorted in pain.

    Nobody could have withstood such pain as the fingers were closely connected to the nerves.

    With that, Cid started to kowtow at Nash. "I''m sorry... I was a blind fool. Please just ask your friend to

    stop...."

    "Mr. Lawrence, you can let him go," Nash quickly reasoned. "We don''t have to go that far."

    "Fine." Frank snorted and raised his foot, saying quietly, "I''m letting you go because Nash asked. And

    remember the pain. Mess with me again, and I won''t mind making it hurt way worse."

    Hurt way worse?!

    Cid was scared speechless and scrambled to flee, clutching his figures.

    Naturally, he did not see where he was going and soon knocked into a bulging belly. He was knocked

    back by the recoil and dropped on his bottom.

 Chapter 777

    "Who the fuck..."

    Cid was ready to snap at whoever it was even as he caught his bnce¡ªhe was already deeply upset.

    How could his luck be so bad that everyone seemed to be able to mess with him?!

    "What? What''s going on here?"

    Cid paused mid-sentence when he heard the cold voice and looked up to see that it was Hux, his own

    brother and the one everyone called Mr. Darman.

    He was immediately delighted and promptlyined, "Brother, help! Someone was causing trouble

    here in your turf, and he even beat me up!"

    "What?! Who the hell messed around on my turf and hurt my brother?!"

    A thunderous bellow resounded over the hallway.

    Everyone stepped out to see the burly man wearing a tank top, shades, and gold chains striding inside,

    with several towering bodyguards behind him.

    "Mr. Darman?!" The students were all dumbstruck¡ªwhat was he doing here?

    They promptly huddled at a corner of the room, standing in attention as they feared that they would

    be Hux''s target.

    He was the underboss of the Sunzers after all and had hundreds of men under hismand,

    among which were martial elites.

    They were just students¡ªthey could never afford to mess with a big-shot like him!

    "Hahaha! It''s over for you, bastard! No one''sing to save you from my brother here!" Cid was

    grinning darkly, suddenly haughty even though he was as miserable as a dog just earlier.

    "Oh, no. What is Mr. Darman doing here?"

    "What happens now?"

    "Just pray the handsome man won''t get killed."

    While the students were left apprehensive, Soren was smiling subtly at Frank.

    "Hmph. So what if you can act tough? Let''s see how you can do that around Hux Darman!"

    He felt humiliated after Frank gave Cid and his men a beatdown, and everyone''s eyes were glued to

    him.

    Even his beloved Kat appeared worshipful toward Frank, which left him utterly jealous.

    But Hux was here now¡ªhe would suffer no matter how good he was!

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    On the other hand, he could use his father''s connection with Darman to protect his fellow students.

    With that in mind, he could not wait to see Frank humiliate himself!

    Cid pointed at Frank right then. "That''s him! He beat me up and stepped on my fingers, even making

    me apologize to that geezer! You have to help me!"

    Hux appeared puzzled. "What, you didn''t tell him about me?"

    "I did, but he doesn''t care! He only got even more violent!" Cid kept spicing up his story.

    Hux scowled further at his brother''s words.

    "You''re a bold one, kid, messing around on my turf and messing up my brother! Do you know what''s

    going to happen now?"

    While everyone was afraid to even breathe at Hux''s question, Frank shook his head nonchntly.

    "Nope."

    "Hah! Fine, I''ll tell you, then!" Hux snapped murderously. "If you behave, I''ll cripple you, but if you don''t,

    I''ll kill you right here and now!"

    However, Frank remained fearless, even asking in return, "Really? That''s impressive... but don''t you

    know what would happen to me if you mess with me?"

 Chapter 778

    However, Frank remained fearless, even asking in return, "Really? That''s impressive... but don''t you

    know what would happen to me if you mess with me?"

    "Oh, and what is that?" Hux smiled in amusement.

    "I''ll kill you right here if you behave, but you''d wish you were dead if you don''t."

    "Hahaha!" Hux roared withughter, shaking his head. "I guess they''re right about kids. They really

    don''t know anything! It seems that you don''t realize how deep a mess you''re in now¡ªif only you''d still

    strut like that while my men dismember you!"

    His expression soon turned savage, however, and he waved his hand. "Go! Clean up this mess!"

    The students'' faces fell¡ªwhen Hux said clean up, he obviously meant no witnesses.

    It was the mob''s rule. Blood would be spilled, and lives would be taken.

    And given how much influence Hux has, vanishing a few people was no big deal.

    Naturally, Nash was shaking in his boots¡ªthis was bad!

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    He had to get Vicky Turnbull''s guest involved. What was he going to say now?!

    At Hux''s orders, everyone else was chased out of the karaoke bar and all the cameras turned off.

    Soren and the other students were trembling even as they huddled in a corner, afraid to move an inch.

    They knew very well that Hux was going to do his worst.

    "Heh. You''re quite calm even if you''re facing death." Hux was looking at Frank in surprise. "Don''t you

    know what trouble you''re in?"

    Anyone else would be petrified once they heard Hux say ''clean up'', but Frank surprised him with his

    calm, fearless attitude.

    Hux could not help wondering if he was from out of town.

    "Trouble? What trouble?" Frank shrugged nonchntly.

    "Fine, then I''ll give you a chance. Chop your hand off, get down on your knees, and beg for my

    brother''s forgiveness, and I''ll let you live. How about that?"

    With that, Hux nodded at one of his men, who threw a machete loudly at Frank''s feet.

    Frank looked at it but did not pick it up, even looking at Hux in wry amusement. "Well, I''m giving you a

    chance too. Take your stupid brother and leave while I''m in a good mood, or I''ll get started."

    The room was left in an uproar, with everyone gaping and doubting their ears.

    What the hell?! Did Frank just threaten Hux?!

    The man was the underboss of the Sunzers, the strongest mob in South Morhen¡ªall it would take

    was a word from him to have someone disappear.

    And yet, Frank refused Hux''s offer, even threatening him rudely... He was truly insolent!

    "You can talk, kid. I guess I have to straighten you out or you''d never learn your lesson!"

    Hux glowered and gestured at his men. "Go, enlighten him! Take both his arms!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    The towering bodyguards behind Hux nodded and strode toward Frank right then.

 Chapter 779

    Those bodyguards were the best fighters of the Sunzers, having been trained from childhood. They

    would give martial artists¡ªeven vigor wielders¡ªa run for their money, and they would have no trouble

    taking on a hundred men with their bare hands.

    "Be careful, Hux," Cid said, hesitant just then. "He''s got some moves, and he took down my boys

    without trouble very quickly. Are you sure your boys can do it?"

    After all, he was still traumatized by the overwhelming strength Frank disyed earlier.

    "Hah! So what if he did?" Hux simplyughed at his brother''s warning. "These are the Sunzers best

    men, prodigies trained from childhood¡ªjust watch, dealing with that brat is just overkill."

    "They''re martial elites?! Great!" Cid grinned savagely, the pain that Frank had just given him still fresh

    in his mind.

    Even so, he would soon repay the favor a hundred fold when Frank could not fight back at all!

    The Sunzers were among the top gangs in South Morhen, with over a thousand members and no

    lack of martial elites led by their Four Kings.

    Frank and his scrawny frame? He was screwed now that he messed with them!

    "Hmph. Just watch¡ªhe''ll be beaten in three moves, and you''ll have your revenge!" Hux grinned.

    "Yeah!" Cid was smiling eagerly too.

    However, they were humiliated even before they finished.

    One of Hux men was sent flying between them, mming into the wall before losing consciousness.

    "What?"

    Hux and Cid both froze, trading nces before turning around.

    Soon, they saw that the bodyguard who was closest to Franky limply, his eyes rolled up into his

    sockets, unconscious.

    "What''s going on here?!" Hux was left scowling, but more screams ensued even before they realized it.

    The bodyguards who were just surrounding Frank were all sent flying like cannonballs, mming into

    the walls before dropping on the floor like rag dolls.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    They did not evenst one move against Frank, and Hux was just bragging confidently that Frank

    would notst three against them.

    It was certainly a p in the face, as Hux did not expect Frank to be strong enough to destroy all his

    men in the blink of an eye... and without making much of an effort!

    Even as Hux and Cid froze up like statues, Hux had seen enough action to actually get a bold idea.

    "Could he be Birthright rank..?!"

    "Shit, even the Sunzers'' best didn''tst one move! How amazing is he!"

    "So cool!"

    The students were whispering among themselves, some astonished while others smitten.

    On the other hand, Frank yawned and flexed his neck and fingers with an audible, cringing crack. "Your

    men aren''t that good huh? So, is it now my turn?"

 Chapter 780

    Hux''s face fell at the sight before him, and he took a step back somberly.

    He might be just a mob boss, but he had done his homework and knew about every young martial elite

    in Morhen. After all, he did not rely solely on his own influence to reach where he was today¡ªhe had to

    be able to read people and the room, or he would be dead before he knew it if he messed with

    someone he should not.

    Even so, he had idea who Frank was¡ªFrank was not from the Four Families of Morhen, and he did not

    recognize Frank''s face from Skyrank.

    A martial elite from out of town, perhaps?

    While hesitant, Huxposed himself following his shock, his eyes shing sharply as he snapped,

    "You can hold your own in a fight, kid¡ªI''ll give you that. But you don''t get to lord over everyone else

    just because you can throw a punch. Can you still hold your own against guns? Or are you fast enough

    to dodge bullets? Hell, I''ve seen many martial elites like you who''d get full of themselves just because

    they were good, and all of them got killed before their time..."

    Hux''s eyes then narrowed dangerously. "With no exceptions."

    Despite Hux''s threat, Frank appeared unaffected.

    On the other hand, Nash, Kat, and Kat''s ssmates all became worried¡ªHux was right, being good in

    a fight was pointless against connections and authority.

    And Frank was alone. Would he be able to defeat thousands, let alone hundreds?

    Soren Lionheart especially snorted audibly, seemingly forgetting that he was humbled to no end just

    earlier. "Exactly! So what if you can fight? You have no connections or authority, and you''d just be

    getting down on your knees and begging Mr. Darman soon enough!"

    Seemingly not hearing Soren, Frank simply shrugged. "Hux Darman, was it? Actually, I''ve heard the

    same speech over a dozen times and my ears have grown deaf to it."

    Then, his eyes narrowed murderously. "And as you can see for yourself, I''m still standing here. See, I

    really hate it whenever someone starts browbeating others because they have power, so my word of

    advice? Don''t upset me, or I''ll butcher you in the heat of the moment, and you''ll have to give that

    speech of yours to the reaper."

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Grr." Hux''s cheeks clenched, having no idea what to say to buy time.

    He might have influence, but against a tough nut like Frank ready to kill in an instant? He remained

    helpless.

    Moreover, he hade in a hurry and did not bring enough people, which was why he was wary

    toward Frank.

    "So how about this?" Frank nced pointedly at Nash and the students just then. "Let these

    bystanders go, and we can talk about our beef. What do you say?"

    As a matter of fact, Frank was already feeling murderous, but he hade to Morhen for Vicky. If he

    caused a huge mess, he really might draw the attention of Titus Lionheart. While that did not mean

    Frank was afraid of Titus or the Lionhearts, he was worried about getting Vicky as well as those around

    her caught in his mess.

    Naturally, if Hux insisted on pressing the issue, he would not mind eliminating Hux since he would be

    doing society a favor.

    For Hux''s part, he knew that Frank''s negotiation was a threat.

    He had the feeling that if he even breathed something that sounded a little like ''no'', all bets would be off

    ¡ªFrank would be on top of him in an instant, killing him.

    This was certainly the most frustrating day for him in the years since he began his criminal career!

 Chapter 781

    Hux eased his knuckles as he snorted and nodded. "Fine. They''re just students¡ªI can let them go out

    of the kindness of my heart."

    He needed to keep up appearances even if he was clearly being threatened.

    And Frank obviously did not care about that as he turned toward Kat and the others. "You heard that?

    You can go."

    "But what about you?"

    Kat could see that Frank had done this to save them but was hesitant since she had doubted Frank,

    and leaving just like this left her guilty. He was now the very image of a hero one would see in movies,

    disying strength andposure that left the girls worshipful toward him.

    "Don''t worry. Just head home with Nash¡ªI''ll be right behind you." Frank smiled faintly.

    The way he spoke was no different from how Hux had the whole karaoke bar cleared out earlier, since

    the students would not be able to stomach what he was about to do.

    Even Cid was frowning at that point and bellowing at the students, "What are you doing, just standing

    there?! Get out!"

    "Yes, yes, yes, We''re leaving right now." Soren hurried up to Kat, pulling her along while whispering

    into her ear, "Come on, we have to go. Mr. Lawrence is strong, and we''d just be dragging his feet."

    "But..."

    Kat had more to say, but Frank raised a hand to stop her, saying quietly, "You heard him. You''d be

    distracting me if you stayed¡ªgo."

    Nash sighed at Frank''s words.

    He would have tried to dissuade Frank too but instead said solemnly, "If you ever find yourself in

    danger, Mr. Lawrence, you run."

    "Yeah, I will."

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Seeing that Frank was determined, Nash had no choice but to follow the students out of the karaoke

    bar, whipping out his phone as soon as he stepped out.

    He might not be able to help, but he could at least call Frida¡ªwith the Turnbulls there, Hux would not

    be able to strut that much, which avoided unnecessary trouble.

    -

    Meanwhile, Hux watched as everyone else left before narrowing his eyes at Frank. "Your friends are

    gone now. Shall we begin?"

    "Heh. So what''s it going to be? I''m all ears." Frank narrowed his eyes, his tone murderously.

    "Ahem..."

    Unexpectedly, Hux cleared his throat, and his tone changed sharply as he began, "Well, I guess I can

    come clean since there''s no ears around. Look¡ªI can see that you''re plenty amazing, so swear fealty

    to the Sunzers and serve me, and I will forget our beef. Beating up my brother and my men goes

    away, all of it. Moreover, I''ll make you rich and ensure that you lead a good life here in Morhen."

    "Hmm?" Frank was actually surprised by Hux''s offer.

    He presumed that Hux would fight him to the bitter end like the other thugs in Riverton, but Hux was

    recruiting him instead?

    shing a vague smile, Frank asked, "What, are you afraid of me now?"

    "Afraid of you?" Hux shook his head. "Now that''s funny. I have hundreds of men under mymand,

    and you can see that everyone around here knows me, so why would I be afraid of some brat from out

    of town? You''re giving yourself too much credit now."

    Pausing, Hux then smiled in contempt. "Moreover, there''s no bad blood between us yet¡ªI won''t go as

    far as to demand blood for blood when you never shed ours."

 Chapter 782

    Getting himself a chair and sitting down, Hux continued, "See, I came into this life to seek position and

    money, not to satisfy some mindless gratification. I''m no longer a greenhorn like you¡ªI''m done staking

    my life for anything, and that''s how I reached where I am now.

    "These days, if there''s something I want, I''d use this," he said, tapping his head before holding up and

    brandishing a knuckle, "instead of this. So, are you interested, kid?"

    "Sounds intriguing..." Frank rubbed his chin, while thinking to himself that Morhen''s mobsters certainly

    were different from Riverton''s¡ªthey could at least see the big picture.

    "In that case, I''ll be frank." He chuckled. "I sent those students away because I didn''t want to be

    distracted, but because I''m ready to clean the house. But since what you offered intrigued me, I

    changed my mind."

    The hint of murderous intent in his smile left Hux stiffening, and his heart skipped a beat while cursing

    under his breath.

    Still, he knew he was lucky not to push Frank''s buttons given how much of a greenhorn he was.

    "Ahem."

    Feigningposure, he nodded and said, "So, that means you''re joining my gang? Good, at least you

    have a brain¡ª"

    "Nope." Frank shook his head. "I really don''t care about joining your gang. I''m just interested in the

    Sunzers."

    "What? What are you talking about?" Hux was confused¡ªFrank was interested, but not in joining?

    "Like you said, I''m not from here," Frank said quietly. "And being unfamiliar with the ce, I would need

    some assistance¡ªthe Sunzers would suit me just fine."

    Hux was left stunned. "Wait, you''re saying you want to be the boss?!"

    "Like I said, I''m not interested in joining your gang." Frank smiled, shaking his head before pointing at

    Hux. "But you''re an interested party, yes?"

    "You''re saying."

    Even as Frank''s suggestion dawned on Hux, Frank finished, "I''ll help you im leadership over the

    Sunzers."

    Though everyone stared at Frank in disbelief for a moment, Cid had enough and leapt up, pointing at

    Frank''s face as he snapped, "Shut up! My brother is at best the underboss¡ªdo you even know how

    powerful the boss is?! And you''re saying you''re usurping his ce? Dream on!"

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    In contrast, Hux took a deep breath before speaking quietly. "Kid, do you understand how big we

    Sunzers are? We rank among the top even in Morhen, while you have neither position nor

    connections. How would you usurp the boss? Just because you can fight? You must be joking."

    "Actually, you''ve got the right idea." Frank chuckled. "I can fight, and I''m very good at it. So good, in

    fact, that your boss would tamely yield his ce."

    With that, he stamped his foot on the floor¡ªthe entire karaoke bar shook as if in an earthquake,

    rumbling as light bulbs fell and shattered on the floor into pieces.

    When Hux and Cid looked down, they found themselves staring at a bottomless ravine that extended

    all the way to the door.

    The sight alone left them stupefied!

 Chapter 783

    Frank leveled a smile of amusement at Hux. "How about that? Feeling confident now?"

    The dust kicked up from the ravine left Hux and Cid coughing endlessly.

    "W-Well. You''d probably have no problem helping me take over the Sunzers," Hux said, wiping the

    sweat off his face as he sighed exasperatedly. "It''s just. Being able to fight alone won''t do, and people

    are going to disagree if I''m suddenly appointed the boss."

    "Then make them agree." Frank smiled. "The details are your responsibility¡ªI''m sure you understand

    the perks of bing boss, but surely you don''t think you''d be spared from putting in work either, do

    you?"

    Hux pursed his lips and red at his brother rebukingly just then.

    What was wrong with this kid?! He could have beef with anyone else, but it had to be this reaper.

    "By the way, what''s your name?" Frank suddenly asked.

    "Oh. I''m Hux Darman, Mr. Lawrence," Hux replied, suddenly addressing Frank differently.

    "Hux Darman, huh? I''m."

    Frank suddenly paused and cheekily changed his own name. "I''m Vicky Lawrence. Now run along and

    speak with your boss¡ªtell him to make time for a handover. Naturally, if he''s not happy about that, I''m

    ready to challenge him anytime."

    "Vicky?" Hux was left pursing his lips again at the name¡ªthat was a woman''s name!

    If that really was the kid''s name, it was a little.

    "What, do you have something to say?" Frank narrowed his eyes, seeing that Hux was suspicious

    about the name he gave.

    "No, no, no, of course not," Hux quickly said, pausing for a moment as he frowned. "Look, Mr.

    Lawrence, my boss really isn''t your typical mobster. His family is pretty important, and it won''t be easy

    making demands of such a man."

    "Not a problem," Frank said, nodding. "Just do as I''ll tell you¡ªset up a meeting for us in a couple of

    days, and you don''t have to tell me what to say. I know what to do."

    "Alright, I''ll do as you say." Hux nodded, exasperated but refraining from speaking up.

    He had never encountered that many Birthright ranks, but having climbed all the way to his current

    position, he knew which people he should mess with, and which he should not.

    It was a matter of thought if they wanted him dead, and he really could not afford to challenge such

    freaks.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Moreover...

    Hux gulped as a thrill seized him¡ªhe had been meaning to be boss for a while.

    Sess aside, he could just say it was all Frank''s fault for coercing him.

    His mood improved considerably at that thought.

    Just then, Cid was scowling at Frank as he left. "What are we going to do, Hux? Are we really doing as

    he said?"

    "You have the cheek to ask?!"

    Incensed, Hux pped Cid across the face right then¡ªhe had been holding back for a while now, and

    he only could not do it earlier because Frank was there with them!

 Chapter 784

    Hux bellowed at Cid right then, "It''s all your fucking fault! Would I have messed with a fucking jinx like

    him otherwise?! No chance! See what you''ve done now?! All of the Sunzers are getting caught up in

    your mess!"

    "I didn''t know!" Cid was left clutching his cheek, on the verge of tears.

    How could he have known that this would happen?! He was just chatting up some girl, only for some

    monster to get involved!

    It was no exaggeration to say that his luck was the worst.

    Still, Hux''s anger soon eased and he assured Cid, "Look, that kid just might have what it takes. If he

    really could help me take over..."

    "That means. we hit the jackpot?!" Cid was beaming.

    Hux chuckled. "Sure, just keep it between us¡ªno one must know. I''ll talk to the boss right now." -

    There was a 24-hour diner opposite the karaoke bar, and the students had gathered there at Kat''s

    suggestion.

    They were all huddled against the window, keen to see what was going to happen.

    The girls were especially whispering excitedly among themselves.

    "Kat, was that man your cousin? He''s as handsome as he''s strong, having the balls to stand against

    Hux Darman!"

    "Exactly. If only he was my boyfriend." Mandy agreed.

    On the other hand, Kat refused to answer and scowled at them¡ªshe had yet to forget that these girls

    were ready to betray just to save their skin.

    Most importantly, she had no idea who Frank actually was. All she knew was that he was her father''s

    guest, and nothing more.

    Soren snorted jealously just then. "Hah! So what if he can fight? Didn''t you hear Mr. Darman? Can he

    dodge bullets? Brute strength is pointless¡ªit takes brain, position and connections to survive. There''s

    no telling if he can leave the karaoke bar now either. What''s so amazing about that?"

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Exactly. I actually think that the buster is braindead. Probably some bumpkining to the city for the

    first time."

    "Pompous and acting tough? People like him would die early."

    The other boy agreed with Soren, though they had been grateful Frank saved them at first. In the end,

    they had to side with Soren.

    The girls were naturally worried after hearing the boys gloating and stared fixedly at the karaoke bar

    opposite in fear that Frank''s lifeless body would soon be towed out.

    Kat had been doing the same for a long while in silence but eventually spoke. "Soren, weren''t you

    saying that your father knows Hux? Can''t you ask your father to talk to Hux? That man did save us."

    Soren was silent for a while before shaking his head with an awkward look shortly after. "That''s too

    much to ask, Kat. Even if my dad is friends with Hux, that bastard beat up his brother and his goons."

    "I''m begging you, please," Kat pleaded. "He saved us. We have to do something!"

    "Well..." Soren hesitated for a moment but eventually sighed and nodded.

 Chapter 785

    "Well..." Soren hesitated for a moment but eventually sighed and nodded. "Alright, I''ll call my dad and

    see if he can help. But I can''t make promises¡ªhe was really out of line, and Mr. Darman has a temper.

    At that point, even reasoning won''t work."

    "It''s fine." Kat forced a smile.

    With that, Soren walked over to a corner, whipping out his phone and pretended to be talking over the

    phone.

    Naturally, he did not call his father¡ªhe knew full well that asking his father for a favor like that would

    only earn him a scolding and nothing else.

    Having his father ask Hux for a favor? Winning the lottery was easier¡ªSoren would otherwise not have

    held his tongue while Cid pped him repeatedly.

    In the end, all he did was pretentious anyway, and who cared if Frank lived, especially after he stole

    Soren''s thunder?!

    ncing at the girls who still looked stricken with worry over Frank, his heart red with jealousy.

    He returned them soon, and Kat hurried to him, asking, "How did it go?"

    "It''s done." Soren nodded. "My dad said he''ll talk to Hux. Whates after depends entirely on Hux''s

    mood."

    Naturally, he avoided giving specifics or he would lose face if Frank was killed instead.

    "Thank you." Kat smiled gratefully.

    "Don''t worry¡ªI''m not an ingrate, and Mr. Lawrence did save us." Soren smiled, his gaze earnest. "Now

    you know you can call on me whenever you''re in trouble. I''ll definitely be there for you."

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Soren''s friends naturally knew what Soren was aiming for, and they stood up to cheer for him.

    "Oh, aren''t you spoiling Kat too much?"

    "I''m so jealous."

    "Since when have you two been dating?"

    "Why are you just standing there, Kat? Kiss him!"

    "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

    Soren gave a look of satisfaction at his friends and chuckled half-jokingly, "Oh, I won''t turn down a kiss.

    Though that still depends if Kat''s interested."

    Naturally, he was half-serious.

    "Stop it!" Kat red at the boys in turn, blushing.

    "Oh, are you blushing? We''re right, aren''t we?!"

    While Soren grinned at the boys teasing Kat, Mandy looked on, her eyes shing with jealousy as she

    snorted.

    "Look! He''sing out!"

    "What? Where? Oh, I see him too!"

    The girls were suddenly pressing on the windowpane, staring in delight as Frank stepped out of the

    karaoke bar.

    He appeared unscathed, and even his clothes appeared unruffled.

    "Shit, Soren''s amazing! One call, and Hux Darman himself had to release that buster!"

    "He''s just above the rest."

    Everyone''s eyes were on Soren right then, with the boyspletely fawning over him!

 Chapter 786

    "What?! That bastard really made it out?!"

    Soren was left stunned when he saw Frank standing on the other side of the road.

    He did not expect Frank to be fine because he never called his father, let alone ask his father to help.

    If anything, he was cursing Frank in hopes that he would die soon.

    "Are you alright?" Kat was the first one to reach Frank as everyone left the diner.

    "I''m fine." Frank nodded but soon frowned. "I told you to go home with Nash."

    "Kat''s worried you''d get killed¡ªshe had us all waiting here." A girl strode up, smiling. "We''re surprised

    you''re fine, too... It seems that Mr. Darman is in a really good mood."

    "Good mood?" Frank pursed his lips. "I''m the one in a good mood. He''d be dead if I wasn''t."

    Everyone traded looks of embarrassment at his words, with Mandy grinning. "You against Hux

    Darman? You''re joking¡ªhe''s the underboss of the Sunzers with hundreds of men under his

    command."

    "Exactly. Don''t think you get to strut just because you know how to throw a punch¡ªkeep your head

    down while you''re in Morhen, as they say."

    "You''d be dead if Soren didn''t call his father to ask a favor. You really thought you were allowed to

    leave because you can fight?"

    "And you''d even brag that Hux would be dead if not for you. Sure, we owe you thanks, but please stop

    putting on airs, okay?"

    "Yeah. It''s actually awkward for us to even listen."

    Frank paused in surprise as the boys behind Soren all started yapping at him.

    "What, this guy helped me?" Frank snorted, pointing at Soren. "First of all, the reason I can leave is

    entirely because of myself and no one else. Secondly, y''all supposed to be students, not idiots. What

    makes you think this fool¡ªso scared he couldn''t say a word around Hux¡ªcould actually bail me out?"

    "Hey, what''s your problem?!" Mandy strode up, standing akimbo as she snapped, "Forget not thanking

    Soren for saving you, but you''re scolding him? We all saw it, he made a call!"

    "Hmph. If only we knew you''re that horrible. Kat shouldn''t have asked Soren to have helped you."

    Everyone was ring hostilely at Frank, and after things had gone that far, Soren was not about to

    confess with Kat watching.

    Bracing himself, he said, "Oh, just forget it. If he doesn''t thank me, it''s his business. I never expected

    gratitude anyway."

    While he puffed himself up to appear magnanimous, he could feel the guilt gnawing at his gut.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Nheless, the girls including Kat were all frowning at Frank, their good impression of him vaporizing

    because they thought him ungrateful and a braggart.

    To think they were so worried about him for so long... It was disappointing.

    For his part, Frank was not bothered to argue with children.

    Stopping a cab, he turned to Kat. "Are you going home?"

    Kat nodded. "Soren, everyone¡ªI''m going now. Let''s hang out some other day."

    Soren nodded in a gentlemanly manner, and the students left.

 Chapter 787

    Once Frank and Kat returned to the suburban cottage, they found Nash at the doorway, having waited

    for a while.

    He appeared anxious as he held his phone in his hand and breathed a long sigh of relief when he saw

    them.

    He walked up to them, smiling. "Mr. Lawrence, I just called Ms. Blue. I didn''t think she''d bail you out so

    soon."

    "Oh, that wasn''t necessary." Frank smiled in turn. "Call Ms. Blue again. Tell her she doesn''t have to

    come over."

    "Oh, okay." Nash quickly made the call.

    However, Frank soon heard Frida''s tone of exasperation. "Please pass the phone to Frank."

    Once Nash did so gingerly, Frida asked tiredly, "It''s just been a day, and you''ve already gotten yourself

    into trouble?"

    "It''s not my fault." Frank chuckled, ncing at Kat beside him. "A bunch of fools were attacking Nash. I

    had to help."

    "Nash...?"

    Frida was stumped when Frank mentioned Nash and sighed heavily. "You don''t have to worry about

    him. He''s not all what he seems."

    "That so?" Frank raised a brow, as the way Frida put it left his curiosity piqued.

    "Anyway, just keep your hands to yourself, or you''re going back to Riverton," Frida said coolly.

    Frank pursed his lips in turn. "So I''m just supposed to bear with it if someone gives me shit?"

    "Yes!" Frida snapped angrily.

    "No chance!" Frank refused right away.

    "Watch it!" Friad snapped but ultimately sighed in resignation. "Look, the Turnbulls and the Lionhearts

    are both getting antsytely, so you really should watch yourself or Ms. Turnbull might get it too. I''m

    begging you, please?"

    "Fine, I''ll do my best." Frank sighed reluctantly¡ªwhile he got tough whenever anyone snapped at him,

    he would always give in if they were reasonable.

    "Good. I''m hanging up if there''s nothing else," Frida said.

    Once she hung up, Nash hurried to him and asked, "Mr. Lawrence, Ms. Blue¡ª"

    "She told me to watch myself," Frank said, while shooting Kat an exasperated look.

    "Oh, it''s all our fault." Nash sighed audibly before wheeling on Kat with a frown. "Apologize to Mr.

    Lawrence right now! You started it!"

    "Why should I?! I didn''t ask either of you toe¡ªHux Darman wouldn''t have gotten involved if you

    weren''t there!" Kat snapped back coldly, the words of concern for her father vaporizing from the tip of

    her tongue.

    Pulling off her wig and striding impatiently into the cottage, she suddenly poked her head out and

    added coolly, "Right, and don''t ever show up around my ssmates. You embarrass me!"

    Kat was clearly upset with her father''s attitude, even though he tried to save her earlier.

    Nash watched as she left and sighed¡ªhe might have raised his daughter alone for years, but he had

    no idea how to handle her aside from being good to her.

    Somehow, that only got her unhappy, iming that he was too weak.

    Frank could only offer a few words offort. "She''s a good kid. She''ll understand that you mean well

    when she''s older."

    "I can only hope." Nash sighed.

    Frank could see that even if there was a rift between father and daughter, their kinship was still

    stronger than that.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 788

    Even if neither Kat nor Nash would say it, both father and daughter cared for each other.

    Kat had stepped up for her father when he was hurt, despite supposedly being a rebellious adolescent

    and despite the consequences.

    It was the same for Nash, which was why Frank could be sure that Kat was just a little rebellious and

    not actually rotten.

    And it was normal behavior for girls her age.

    "Oh, it''s veryte, Mr. Lawrence... Let''s get you to bed. I''ve already cleaned a room for you."

    With that, Nash led Frank upstairs to the guest room.

    The furnishing was not particrly grand, but it was clean and everything necessary was inside.

    "Is this to your satisfaction, Mr. Lawrence?" Nash asked apprehensively.

    "It''s good. Don''t worry, I''m not that demanding." Frank nodded. "Thanks, Nash."

    Nash breathed a sigh of relief and bowed slightly as he closed the door. "You''re most weed, and I

    should be thanking you instead¡ªthings would have turned bad for me and my daughter if not for you."

    -

    It waste into the night, and Frank took off his jacket to stare at the moon outside the window.

    As his troubled thoughts eased, he entered a meditative state for half an hour, when someone knocked

    on his door.

    He got up, narrowing his eyes as he stretched his ears and listened to the presence outside.

    It was light but rushed¡ªit was Kat.

    Frank opened the door to find her with ck hair¡ªit seemed that the white hair was just a wig.

    She was wearing baggy yellowish pajamas, and herplexion was fairer without makeup, a stark

    contrast to her delinquent appearance before.

    If anything, she looked like apletely different person¡ªlike a girl next door.

    "Yes?" Frank raised a brow, leaning against the doorframe.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "C-Can Ie in?" Kat asked, her gaze evasive and her tone tentative.

    "No." Frank shook his head.

    "What? Why?" Kat stared at him, taken aback¡ªshe definitely did not expect him to say no.

    Frank leveled her a weird look. "A respectable maiden shouldn''t be alone in the room with a man.

    "Well, I don''t mind. What are you so worried about?"

    Kat rolled her eyes and shoved Frank aside without another word as she strode in his room. "Oh, and

    close the door behind you¡ªdon''t let my father see this."

    Kat''s request left Frank further perplexed, but he closed the door.

    What the hell was the brat visiting him for, and thiste at night?

    Kat nted herself on the bed and sighed exasperatedly when she saw Frank standing still by the

    door.

    "Why are you just standing there? Come here, sit," she said, gesturing at the empty spot beside her.

    Though she had just matured, Kat had a good figure, having fleshed out where she should.

    Moreover, she was good-looking, even though her delinquent before hid her dainty facial features and

    pretty face. In a few years, she would match even Helen Lane in beauty.

    "Ahem." Frank cleared his throat. "Just so you know, I''m not interested in a brat like you."

 Chapter 789

    Sneaking into a stranger''s roomte into the night, and sitting so boldly on his bed? Any man''s

    imagination would be led astray by such a clear invitation!

    "Anyway, I''m sorry for bothering you thiste at night." Katposed herself before leveling a serious

    look at Frank. "Frank Lawrence, right? I''m here to actually ask for a favor."

    "I see," Frank replied, not bothered to press the issue before. "Go on. Tell me."

    Kat''s eyes lit up right then. "Could you tell me why you''re such an amazing fighter? Do you have some

    sort of superpower?"

    "Superpower? What the heck is that?" Frank rolled his eyes. "I''m a martial artist, honed physically and

    mentally as a warrior. I''m strong enough to fight hundreds, let alone the paltry few at the karaoke bar."

    "Tch."

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Kat clicked her tongue doubtfully, convinced that Frank was boasting. "You really like to exaggerate,

    don''t you? Can''t you give it a rest?"

    "It''s not my fault if you doubt me." Frank shrugged. "You have no idea so you won''t understand, like a

    hick who would think that the richest man in Draconia eats ten eggs every meal."

    Kat nodded thoughtfully at Frank''s metaphor¡ªthe average person would not recognize martial artists

    even if they see one, let alone understand their discipline. They would at best consider them a fellow

    human being who could fight better than the rest.

    "Fine, you''re amazing, and I don''t care if you''re exaggerating... Could you just teach me some moves,

    like the stuff on TV? I''m not going to ask to learn how to fly or anything¡ªa couple of moves like the

    Excalibur is enough."

    Kat trailed off, her eyes widening in expectation.

    Frank chuckled in wry amusement. "What the hell are you talking about.?"

    Excalibur? The girl really watched too much TV.

    That being said, at Frank''s level, he could unleash his pure vigor more devastatingly than the Excalibur.

    Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Ahem. So you''re saying you want to join my sect?"

    "Shit, a sect? That''s so medieval, old man!" Kat rolled her eyes, speechless. "Just teach me

    something."

    Frank pursed his lips wryly. "Well, I can teach you a thing or two for Nash''s sake, but my martial

    discipline revolves around vigor control. Otherwise, it''s just a husk with no power to speak of. You have

    to start with vigor if you really want me to teach you."

    What? What''s vigor?" Kat appeared confused.

    "Well..." Frank nced at the TV in the room, paused, and said, "To put it simply, it''s the internal energy

    people draw upon to enforce themselves, like they do on TV." "Oh, I get it. It''s the stuff street

    performers do, hardening parts of their body to break bricks?" Kat eximed in realization.

    Frank pursed his lips and pretended not to hear her as he continued, "You need to be initiated into a

    sect if you really want to train your vigor.

    "Naturally, talent also ys an important role¡ªyou won''t be able to feel vigor if you''re not suited to be a

    martial artist. In contrast, you''d easily make the cut if you''re gifted."

 Chapter 790

    "What?!" Kat scratched her head before asking Frank, "Then you can check me. Who knows if I''m

    some marital prodigy?"

    "Not likely." Frank shook his head. "Hold out your hand."

    "Okay." Kat did so obediently.

    "Listen closely," Frank said solemnly. "I''ll be infusing my pure vigor into your body. If you can feel its

    presence, that means you have the disposition for martial arts. Hard work would be pointless

    otherwise."

    "Hold on, that sounds sketchy," Kat suddenly pulled her hand away while staring warily at Frank. "Are

    you taking advantage of me?"

    "Well, if you''re not doing it, then you can forget about it," Frank growled grumpily, his expression

    stiffening.

    It was the middle of the night, and this brat was still engrossed in her fantasies.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    And he certainly did not have any intention to entertain her whims!

    "Hey!" Seeing that Frank was getting fed up, Kat held out her hand and stopped staring at him

    suspiciously. "Just pulling your leg¡ªcan''t you take a joke, old man?"

    Running into a stranger''s house to make a joke? She was certainly special.

    Frank rolled his eyes, refraining from saying it as he took Kat''s wrist and infused a strand of his pure

    vigor.

    He was caught off guard as Kat''s eyes suddenly lit up and she started moaning, "Ahh... I feel it,I feel it.

    It hurts a little. Ahh, be gentle! It''s my first time! It hurts!"

    Frank almost fell off the bed. He quickly mped his hand over Kat''s mouth while snapping, "What the

    hell are you saying?! Your father would get the wrong idea if he hears you!"

    "Umph..." Kat blinked with a wounded look¡ªshe was simply thrilled to feel such a strange power for

    the first time, so she was not thinking.

    Inparison, the fact that Frank pinned her down in bed while mping his hand over her mouth was

    much worse.

    Frank realized that too and straightened himself while turning away, "Urgh, whatever. Just watch

    yourself¡ªI''m not interested in brats." "Yeah, sure, but do you have to say that repeatedly? You''re

    putting it as if I''m interested in you," Kat pouted unhappily.

    Frank sighed but soon smiled. "Anyway, well done¡ªyou''ve taken your first step to bing a martial

    artist since you can feel my pure vigor. The fact that you felt it clearly proves that you''re gifted too."

    "Really?! That''s awesome!" Kat''s attention returned and she appeared excited.

    Frank nodded, but frowned before he continued, the pure vigor he infused into Kat already faded for

    some reason.

    "Huh?" Frank murmured, and held Kat''s hand to keep probing, but he was not mistaken¡ªit was as if

    the pure vigor had been dispelled by something.

    Puzzled, Frank quickly infused another strand of pure vigor... which faded as well.

    "Hold on!"

    Tracking the trail of the fading pure vigor, Frank suddenly noticed a glimmering silver seal in Kat''s

    meridian nexus!

 Chapter 791

    The seal was so tough that even Frank could not make it budge easily.

    Still, he concluded after probing it that it was a protective seal that did not hurt the body. The only issue

    was that it prevented a person from charging their vigor¡ªin fact, any form of vigor that showed up in

    the body would activate the seal, which would in turn be dispelled.

    It appeared that Kat''s journey as a martial artist had ended before it started, as the seal made it

    virtually impossible for her to use her vigor.

    However, it begged other questions.

    For one, it would take a martial artist peaking at Ascendant rank to cast such a seal, and at a great cost

    to the psyche.

    In that case, what made Kat worth the trouble for an Ascendant rank going that far to cast that seal?

    And if the seal proved unstable, it would consume the host in a split second, making it a severe risk.

    Could Kat''s birth involve some major yers who were at least peak Ascendant rank?

    Even across all of Draconia, Ascendant ranks were a rarity, and peak Ascendant rank even more so.

    That was when Kat saw the weird look on Frank''s face and quickly asked. "What? Is there a problem?"

    "No." Frank came to his senses.

    Either way, it seemed that someone was deliberately stopping Kat from bing a martial artist.

    In a way, she would be kept safe from other martial artists, but that also meant that any ordinary thug

    could hurt her, and she would not be able to defend herself¡ªjust like an ordinary person. At best, the

    seal could improve physical agility and regeneration.

    That was when Frank remembered how quick Nash was when he leapt to action, and also what Frida

    told him over the phone.

    Clearly, Nash was more than what he seemed.

    With that in mind, Frank wrote down a simple instruction on the Five-Peat Archaeus and passed it to

    Kat. "Take this. Follow these instructions to start your training¡ªI won''t be offering to guide you. If you

    can hone your vigor, that means you stand a chance, and you can contact me again at that."

    "No problem!" Kat eximed in delight, almost hopping on Frank''s bed.

    Taking the paper, she happily ran back to her room.

    "Interesting..." Frank watched her go, smiling faintly.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    If some martial elite was intent on stopping Kat from bing a martial artist, what Frank just did was

    offering Kat a chance¡ªshould she seed in using that novice technique to hone her vigor despite the

    seal, Frank had to admit that the girl was worth training.

    Moreover, the seal in Kat''s body was exceedingly rare, and Frank himself only learned of it by chance

    in one of the ancient texts in the Mystic Sky Sect''s archives.

    The seal was usually casted by a martial elite rted to the host to protect a less talented progeny, and

    at great costs to said martial elite. The seal was capable of absorbing any vigor and pure vigor around

    the host, so hostile martial artists were effectively powerless around them, even no different from a

    normal person.

    Naturally, the seal had limits¡ªit would not work against a martial elite whopleted Ascendant rank.

    Moreover, the first burst of vigor the host would hone would be nullified even if they managed to beat

    the seal.

    "Did Nash cast that seal?" Frank mused, but he soon abandoned the idea.

    Though Nash might appear to be a martial artist hiding his potential, he was at best an initiate and far

    from reaching Ascendant rank.

    "Interesting..."

    The skies were just brightening when Frank received a call from Hux.

    He could not resist a chuckle when he saw the number¡ªit seemed that Hux was quite enthusiastic

    about taking the shot of bing the boss of the Sunzers.

    "Hello, Mr. Lawrence? Are you up yet?"

    Frank sat up and asked bluntly, "Have you spoken to your boss?"

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence." Hux chuckled awkwardly. "He would like to see you¡ªyou can talk to him about

    whatever you have in mind."

    "Where?" Frank asked bluntly again.

 Chapter 792

    "Where?" Frank asked bluntly.

    "Sunze Dojo. It''s in South Morhen," Hux replied.

    "Alright. Wait for me there."

    "By the way, Mr. Lawrence..." Hux stopped him before he could hang up. "You have to watch out. My

    boss is really not pleased about this."

    "Got it."

    With that, Frank quickly washed up and headed outside, hailing a cap that took him straight to

    Sunze Dojo.

    He was not actually surprised that the Sunzers'' boss was upset about the arrangement¡ªwhy would

    he give up so easily on a position he had fought so hard to im?

    If anything, the invitation to the Sunze Dojo was an obvious trap, as the name of the dojo already

    suggested that it was Sunzer turf and dojos were a ce where blood was shed.

    -

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    When Frank arrived over ten minutester, Hux was on hand with a group of men to receive him.

    He was smiling apologetically and sporting dark circles under his eyes. "Be careful, Mr. Lawrence. The

    boss has summoned the Four Kings and every elite fighter in the gang."

    Frank could not helpughing at Hux''s serious look. "You''re really eager to take over, huh?"

    "Ahem. Well, I''m counting on you, sir." Hux nodded.

    He was determined¡ªinstead of staying stuck as underboss for the rest of his criminal career, why not

    make a gambit while Frank was here to help?

    Who knew if they just might seed?

    "Have you gone inside earlier?" Frank asked.

    "Nope. We''ve been waiting," Hux replied.

    With that, Frank strode in the dojo with Hux in tow and followed by other mid-level enforcers.

    To no surprise, the entire ce was congested. Every single person present was obviously a

    Sunzer, their physique robust and they all had their mean faces on.

    Many of them also carried exuberant vigors and were clearly martial artists.

    Naturally, the vibes in the room were exceedingly tense with everyone ring so icily. Anyone with a

    weaker mind would definitely have copsed, their knees giving way.

    Frank, however, was actually in the mood to joke with Hux. "It seems that they''re ready to get violent if

    anyone rubs them the wrong way!"

    Even Hux was left feeling a chill running down his spine when he saw the amount of people inside.

    p, p, p...

    A short, plump man with arge belly, holding a cigar between his fingers and wearing a pinstripe suit,

    strode out from the crowd just then.

    He was escorted by four Birthright rank bodyguards and pped while he walked toward Frank and the

    others.

    It was obvious that he was Pax Barzini, the boss of the Sunzers.

    "Wee, wee!And here I wondered how you got the balls to challenge me." He grinned before

    turning to Frank with a look of scorn. "Is that your man?"

    At that point, Hux somehow felt his fear feeding.

    Striding forward to stand at Frank''s side, he barked, "Your time as boss has ended, Pax! It''s time you

    step down¡ªthis man will be my champion. Not even your Four Kings can best him!"

    Pax reared his head andughed, while the various enforcers snapped at Hux in turn.

    "Screw you, Hux Darman!"

    "Insolence! Ingrate!"

    The elite Sunzer enforcers were snapping at Hux at his words. He was clearly belittling them,

    demanding that Pax step down when they were all right there with him.

    Talk about suicidal!

    "You''ve really grown a pair!" Pax smiled in turn. "But you of all people should know how many rivals

    and obstacles I''ve removed just to reach where I am today. Forget rebelling¡ªyou''re demanding my

    seat? Does that brat over there give you that much confidence!"

    "Yes!" Hux bellowed, taking another step forward while ncing at Frank. "Mr. Lawrence said he will

    help me take over. If anyone has anything to say about that,e forward!"

 Chapter 793

    "Heh..."

    Pax nced at Frank, shing a smile that did not reach his eyes. "When did the session of

    leadership for us Sunzers be a decision made by some outsider? Do you take me for some

    pushover who''d cave just because someone said so?!"

    His tone then changed sinister even as he kept both eyes on Frank. "I have no problems with you

    challenging me, Hux, but are you prepared for the consequences?!"

    Hux''s cheeks twitched at Pax''s threat, but he soon noticed Frank nodded at him.

    Taking another step forward, he bellowed confidently, "Of course I am! And you should be prepared for

    what happens after you step down too, Pax!"

    "Hah! You don''t have to worry about that, because you''re definitely losing!"

    Pax sneered.

    His confidence came from the Four Kings, each of whom were martial elites trained since childhood,

    and each Birthright rank boasting godly abilities.

    It was no exaggeration to say that they could handle over a hundred men at once, but that was not the

    worst thing about them¡ªthey also had abat ward they could cast in tandem.

    Once they used it, their strength and abilities would be boosted infinitely, with even martial elites who

    havepleted Birthright rank having a hard time against them.

    Those beneath? They were in for a beatdown.

    As such, Pax was dead sure that they were overkill against Frank.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Leveling a proud look at Frank, Pax chuckled, "How about that, kid? Are you confident you can handle

    the Four Kings?"

    Frank nced at the four men behind Pax and sneered as he shook his head. "Chicken feed."

    "What?!"

    "You''ve done it now, brat!"

    Frank''s tone of contempt sent the Four Kings flying into a rage, and they strode up, ready to straighten

    him out.

    "Wait." Pax stopped them, chuckling as he had an idea. "I''ve changed my mind, kid¡ªI like your

    attitude. So, I''ll spare your life even if you lose, but you have to stay and serve as a Sunzer. How

    about that?"

    Whatever you say." Frank shrugged nonchntly, knowing that he was not going to lose.

    "Good! I like that attitude in a young man." Pax smiled. "Bring in the table, boys! We''re signing a

    Release of Liability!"

    "Yes, Mr. Barzini!"

    Soon, a table was ced in the center of the dojo, and a white sheet ced on top of it.

    "If you could please." One of the Sunzer goons approached Frank with a hostile re, gesturing for

    him to sign the release agreement.

    It was certainly an orthodox dojo¡ªmeasures were in ce to deny liability if someone got killed, and

    that agreement was one of them.

    "Hmph."

    Frank did not hesitate to sign the name Vicky Lawrence.

    Still, just as the vibes between both parties tensed, a young man dressed in white slowly strode in

    through the front doors of the dojo. He had several curiously good-looking male valets escorting him,

    their hairs trimmed in varying length.

    They constantly hovered around the young man, which made the scene a little weird.

    "I heard someone''s challenging your leadership?" the young man asked Pax just then. "Who is it?"

    "Ned Janko?!" Hux''s face turned ashen right then.

    "What? What''s going on?" Frank turned to Hux, puzzled by his reaction.

 Chapter 794

    "What? What''s going on?" Frank turned to Hux, puzzled by his reaction.

    Hux leaned in to whisper under his breath, "That''s Ned Janko. He''s Pax Darman''s benefactor."

    Frank raised a brow. "Is the Janko family really that impressive?"

    Hux made a weary look at his question. "Well, Ned''s family is next to the Four Families of Morhen in

    importance, and Ned himself is second-in-line to inherit leadership of the family. Moreover, the Jankos

    have recently attempted to im the vacant seat among the Four Families, following the decline of the

    Lawrence family."

    "Oh, I see..." Frank rubbed his chin in realization.

    That was when Pax, catching both Frank and Hux off guard, hurried to Ned''s side with the Four Kings.

    Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hoho..." He chuckled. "I''m awash with gratitude, Mr. Janko... To think that you''de personally!"

    As he spoke, Pax nced sideways at Hux and smiled smugly when he saw Hux''s face turn pale.

    After all, no one would ever dare tell Pax to step down when Ned was around!

    "Haha... I merely heard about it and decided toe check things out since I wasn''t busy," Ned said

    and turned to Hux in surprise. "Oh, so you''re so challenging Pax?"

    "Mr. Janko." Hux promptly bowed, not daring to be rude.

    "And you." Ned then turned to Frank, raising a brow in surprise.

    Somehow, his reaction left Frank ufortable, and he found the pretty boy valets hovering around

    Ned especially distasteful.

    Hux then introduced Frank. "This is Vicky Lawrence. He''s a martial elite whom I''ve recently recruited,

    Mr. Janko."

    "Vicky Lawrence?" Ned did a double take before leveling a meaningful smile at Frank. "Such a

    charming name."

    He then turned to Pax. "Try to have your boys be gentle. I like his face¡ªI''d like to get to know him

    better after."

    "Who''s asking?" Frank bellowed, not holding back at all.

    He could get sick from the man''s exaggerated mboyance!

    "Insolence! Watch your manners¡ªthis is Mr. Janko you''re talking to!" Pax bellowed right then.

    "Oh, it''s nothing." Ned waved him off with a charming smile. "Kid, I must warn you¡ªMr. Barzini is more

    than what he seems. It''s fine if you want to test yourself, but you don''t have to go as far as to provoke

    the entire gang. Apologize, and I''m sure Mr. Barazini would find some goodness in his heart to forgive

    you."

    "Thanks for the tip," Frank growled coolly, not interested in wasting his breath. "But I''m here, and I

    signed the release of liability. I have no reason to back out now."

    "Oh, you have balls. I like that." Ned smiled. "Being confident is good, but you should know that there''s

    always a bigger fish¡ªpride goes before the fall, y''know?"

    "Thanks for the advice," Frank replied, but he remained where he was and showed no hint of backing

    out.

    Ned sighed softly in turn. "Well, whatever. Since you''re so determined, I''m sure there''s no point in me

    saying more, so I won''t."

    "Oh, Mr. Janko, no words ever cure ignorance. You''d be wasting your breath with that insolent child."

    "Exactly. He''ll be sobbing when they beat him into a cripple."

    "As one would say... He doesn''t know when to give up."

    The pretty boy valets around Ned started to joke among themselves, convinced that Frank was a brute

    who did not stop to regret until he got hurt, though it would be toote for him at that point.

 Chapter 795

    Shrewd as ever, Pax had his men bring chairs for Ned and his valets.

    His attitude changed since he was a lot less worried with Ned around¡ªno one would dare make him

    step down with his benefactor present.

    Still, he would have to put up a proper show for the man.

    Turning toward the crowd, he said loudly and smugly, "The young man over there is so brave... Every

    Sunzer present will be my witness. If he defeats the Four Kings, I''ll step down and Hux can take my

    ce."

    Everyone roared withughter at that.

    "Hehe." Frank simply braced against the jeers and contemptuous remarks and slowly strode toward the

    ring, cracking his neck.

    Pax then turned to the Four Kings. "Go, but remember, give a proper showing. Mr. Janko is watching!

    Don''t me me for disowning you if you lose!"

    "Yes, Mr. Barzini!" All four burly men answered yes before striding into the ring in a tidy formation.

    "Over here, Hux." Ned beckoned at an embarrassed Hux just then. "So where did you find your

    champion, and how good is he?"

    Somehow, Ned seemed to care less about the challenge than Frank.

    After all, Frank was young and handsome¡ªif Ned were a little stronger, he would be wrestling him into

    his bed.

    Hux was well aware that Ned swung that way, having been given orders before to scout for pretty boys

    for the man.

    And now it seemed that Ned was interested in Frank.

    However, Hux was not about to give Frank away so easily.

    The man was basically Hux''s trump card¡ªwhat would happen to him if Ned took him away?

    Still, he had no choice but to brace himself and answer, "Well, he''s good in a fight¡ªthat much I know

    since we made our acquaintance through conflict. We''re good friends now."

    "He''s good in a fight." Ned puckered his lips before asking, "How long do you think he''dst against the

    Four Kings?"

    "Uh." Hux was stumped.

    It would be a p to his own face if he said Frank would notst long¡ªwhat was the point of

    challenging Pax, even?

    On the other hand, if he imed Frank could win, it might incur Ned''s wrath.

    "Well, I''d say it''s fifty-fifty." Hux smiled awkwardly and gave a response that even he was not satisfied

    with.

    "Fifty-fifty? Hmph..." Ned was obviously displeased with the answer.

    On the other hand, Ned''s valets could certainly tell from Ned''s tone that he was biased against Frank

    and quickly started circlejerking, but not without a hint of jealousy.

    "Oh, it''s fine, Mr. Janko. The kid won''t evenst ten blows."

    "Exactly, that''s what I thought."

    "I mean, the Four Kings are quite famous in South Morhen, right?"

    "They''re brothers too. With their bloodline connection, thebat ward they cast would buff them up

    exponentially."

    "And they are constantly honing their physique to frightening levels too. Some say they are invincible."

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "That kid? The Four Kings would break his neck in five moves."

    "Heh. I think two would be enough," Ned concluded.

    As he and his valets giggled so shrilly that it would make a girl blush, Hux could feel his stomach

    churning as he stood nearby.

 Chapter 796

    However, Ned and his pretty boy valets were right.

    The Four Kings had more than established themselves¡ªwould Frank really win against them?

    The thought left Hux despondent again.

    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Even if Frank defeated Pax, Ned was here¡ªwould he really allow Hux to take over?

    He was getting a migraine just thinking about it... -

    Meanwhile, the Four Kings had moved inside the ring, standing opposite Frank and ring at him in

    disdain.

    They knew every martial elite in Morhen and had never seen Frank''s face or heard of the name Vicky

    Lawrence.

    In other words, he was from out-of-town¡ªa bumpkin ignorant to the fact that still waters ran deep here

    in Morhen.

    On top of that, the Four Kings were capable of defeating anyone in Morhen¡ªbarring the martial elites

    from the Four Families.

    As such, judging Frank by his youth, the Four Kings were dead sure that they had this in the bag.

    That was when Frank strode forward despite their scornful res, his expression even more pointed

    than theirs. "Come at me¡ªall four of you."

    "All four of us?" Ano, the leader,ughed.

    Beside him was the bald Dono, who was also the youngest of the four.

    He also had a very short temper and flew into a rage at Frank''s provocation. "There''s no need for that

    against a maggot like you! I''m plenty enough!"

    With that, he leapt over a dozen meters, clenching his fist as he closed in on Frank, aiming it squarely

    at Frank''s face.

    There was over a thousand pounds in weight behind that punch, and it tore through the air with a

    violent shockwave.

    "Amazing!" Ned''s eyes lit up as he watched.

    It was a simple punch, but it was also versatile as it can transition to a variety of follow-up strikes.

    If Frank decided to dodge, Dono would be able to pursue him easily.

    If Frank parried the punch, Dono could push harder and overwhelm him with his brute strength.

    Narrowing his eyes, Ned sighed. "Even Birthright rank individuals can be killed instantly by that punch!

    The Four Kings have improved again since thest time I''ve met them. There''s no need for spection

    ¡ªhandsome Vicky would be beaten in a few blows... Oh, what a shame." "Hah! And he''d challenge

    me. Talk about ignorance." Pax snorted in contempt as he stood nearby, looking like he had already

    won.

    Hux was hanging his head in turn, his knuckles clenched.

    Pow!

    As everyone looked on, Dono''s vicious fist that could break mountains mmed Frank squarely in the

    face.

    Frank did not even have time to dodge!

    "Ah. What a disappointment."

    Ned was sure that Frank had some moves, which in turn exined his arrogance.

    But he could not even dodge a single punch!

    The pretty boy valets were all sneering and shaking their heads too.

    "Haha! That''s all he''s got?"

    "And he supposedly came to help Hux challenge the boss. And it''s over already!"

    "Hux, just look at your champion!"

    "He''s going to be paralyzed for life from a single punch."

    While every Sunzer was mocking Frank and Hux without a care, they were soon left astounded.

    Frank remained standing despite being punched, without even twitching.

    It was Dono whose expression stiffened in disbelief just then.

    "rgh!" He suddenly coughed out a mouthful of blood, stumbling backward before copsing to the

    floor with a loud thud.

 Chapter 797

    To make things worse, the bones in Dono''s arm were fractured, and he could not even raise it!

    "What?!"

    It was not just Dono either¡ªthe rest of the Four Kings and the entire crowd of spectators were gaping.

    Dono had put in all his strength behind that earlier punch. He should have blown a hole into anything,

    be it a wall or a mountain!

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    And yet, Dono could not even feel his fist making contact with Frank''s flesh earlier¡ªit felt as if he had

    punched a metal te instead, causing no damage while shattering all his own bones.

    It was absolutely terrifying... Wait, could he be Ascendant rank?!

    Everyone below stage were left in disbelief when they saw that Dono was repelled so obviously too,

    since they presumed Frank would definitely be beaten.

    And yet, not only did Frank repel Dono''s punch, but the recoil also left Dono maimed!

    "What the hell, Dono?!" Ano, the leader of the Four Kings, bellowed just then, confused as he nced

    between the impassive Frank and Dono, who sat limply on the floor.

    "No! This is impossible!" Dono gritted his mrs, the heartrending pain from his left arm leaving him

    even more furious.

    He scrambled to push himself off the floor, withstanding the pain of broken bones as he raised his other

    arm.

    "No! This is impossible!" he bellowed, not caring about his friends'' interference as his eyes went red.

    He charged at Frank again¡ªhe really doubted that he would fail to pierce Frank''s defenses even as he

    stood there, allowing him to beat him up all he wanted!

    That was most certainly humiliating in front of so many people!

    Pow!

    There was a dull thud as Dono put even more strength into his punch, even buffing his right arm with all

    the vigor it had, but nothing changed.

    In fact, he screamed as his burly form was sent flying five meters into the air before mming loudly on

    the floor with a loud bang.

    It was not just his arms now¡ªmost of the bones in his body were shattered, and his ribs especially

    snapped from the recoil.

    The remaining three of the Four Kings were left staring as Donoy limply on the floor, and hurried to

    him.

    It was only then that they realized how thoroughly Dono had been maimed.

    In contrast, Frank did not move as he stood there, while their full-powered blow seemed to bounce

    back at them.

    It was simply outrageous!

    "He''s really tough, Ano!" Dono was sweating buckets even as he yelled, gritting his teeth as he warned

    his boss.

    Most of his bones were crushed and his arms were broken just from punching Frank twice, and vigor

    did not help against him¡ªwhat else could they do?!

    Finally seeing that Frank was no pushover and they could not afford to be careless, Ano greeted his

    teeth and bellowed, "Let''s go together for Dono!"

    Three of the Four Kings leapt at Frank. They struck consecutively with a palm to Frank''s chest, a sh

    to the throat, and a violent kick that left the air popping in its wake, cutting Frank''s path of escape.

    "Die!"

    Even as they attacked Frank viciously from a different direction each, Frank closed his eyes as he

    stood his ground, seemingly asleep.

    Pow!

    Pow!

    Pow!

    There were three audible strikes that resounded almost instantly as the three of the Four Kings struck

    Frank.

    The oue was naturally no different¡ªthey were left stumbling backward, their meridians churning.

 Chapter 798

    The oue was naturally no different¡ªall three men were left stumbling backward, their meridians

    churning. Instead, they were all left with internal injuries from the sheer recoil of hitting Frank, as if he

    was made out of steel.

    Frank simply stood there, shaking his head nonchntly.

    "Weak," he growled, opening his eyes as the whole room looked on in shock while stretching his back

    with a bored look. "If this is all you have, you''ve thoroughly disappointed me. Four Kings? More like

    Four Pups."

    "You''ve really done it now!"

    Incensed, the Four Kings¡ªexcept Dono who was lying prone on the floor¡ªtraded nces and

    attacked Frank again.

    Not holding back this time, they casted theirbard ward.

    But it would not have mattered to Frank even if they were four¡ªand they were just three now.

    "Quadruplet Ward!"

    Each of the Four Kings stood at a corner, their breaths in synchrony as the pure vigor around them

    converged and strengthened to the next level.

    "Hyah!"

    This time, they leapt toward Frank one by one instead of attacking all at once.

    Pow!

    Their kicks struck Frank''s protective pure vigor, but it had no effect even if they were reeling from the

    recoil.

    "Yourbat ward makes meugh!" Frank''s eyes narrowed as his death aura burst away.

    Ano, who was closest to him, was immediately astonished. "What... You''re Ascendant rank?!"

    "What?! He''s Ascendant rank?!" Ned almost fell off his chair as he gaped at Frank who still stood

    onstage, unbudging.

    "Ascendant rank?!" The pretty boys were gaping too.

    "Hyah!!!" Frank bellowed just then, and stamped one foot forward.

    The entire dojo quaked like an earthquake, his liquid vigor bursting violently toward Ano like a towering

    tidal wave.

    "Brother!"

    Bono and Chuno could see the danger, but Frank''s pure vigor sent them flying right then, bleeding

    through their orifices.

    It felt like someone had punched them directly into their abdomen, mincing their insides.

    All their meridians snapped, and their bones broke as they mmed forcefully in the floor as bloody

    puddles, fainting right then.

    "Huh..." Ano murmured.

    Frank was suddenly a colossal titan in his mind''s eye, his eyes shing a horrific red as he stood over

    a hundred meters tall, his hill-sized fists crushing cities with a single punch.

    "Argh!!!"

    The leader of the Four Kings was actually holding his head as he screamed. He had fallen to his knees

    as terror seized him, and he actually wet himself.

    Boom!

    The shockwave from Frank''s knuckle formed a gigantic rift into the ring, sending floor tiles into the air.

    But it did not stop there¡ªit kept tearing onward before ultimately stopping right between Pax''s legs.

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    Frank stood, his fist outstretched while the room stayed dead silent.

    Time stood as if someone had pressed a button, and no one dared to say a word now.

    Even Ned, who had much to say about Frank before the fight started, was left staring at the huge rift

    inches away from himself.

    His cheeks clenching, he could feel his own legs shaking!

 Chapter 799

    Even Ned, who had plenty to say about Frank before the fight started, was left staring at the huge rift

    inches away from himself.

    His cheeks clenching, he could feel his own legs shaking!

    His pretty boy valets were also turning pale, with two actually dropping to their knees audibly.

    Thud.

    Pax was on his knees too, staring nkly at Frank who leveled his fist at him, and then at the deep

    ravine beneath his feet.

    His head was nk even as he mused, "I-Is he actually human? How does he do it? Am I on a film set

    or something?"

    Then, turning toward one of his men, he snapped, "Hey, get over here and pinch me. I need to check if

    this is real."

    On the other hand, the Sunzer goons were all left at a loss after their initial shock.

    No matter how one looked at it, this had something to do with the power of a god! Really, what human

    could have done this?!

    As everyone turned pale from the devastation that ensued from Frank''s single punch, Ano¡ªwho was

    closest to Frank¡ªdropped limply to the floor in sheer terror.

    He started drooling from the mouth like a dog, his expression nk even though he was physically

    unscathed.

    It was a reaction of sheer terror, as being close to Frank meant he saw the otherworldly phenomenon

    that ensued from Frank''s punch.

    He started hallucinating from sheer terror, losing his mind right then.

    "No way... Not even Ascendant rank is capable of this..." Ned murmured as he straightened himself.

    He then nced at the stunned Pax, sighing inwardly¡ªwhy did he have to mess with such a monster?!

    Barring the respective chiefs of the Southsea Four, only the secret retainers of the Four Families of

    Morhen would prove to be a match for Frank!

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    And the fact that he was so young only made him even more scary!

    "What a monster." Ned murmured without knowing it.

    He then chuckled exasperatedly, remembering how he bet Frank would notst one blow¡ªit seemed

    that he was the clown all along, with how short-sighted he proved to be.

    Even Hux, who was still standing at the doorway, was pursing his lips.

    He had a feeling this would happen, and therefore did not disparage Frank like the others.

    Even so, Frank''s single punchpletely won him over.

    He had his doubts when Frank went up against the Four Kings, convinced that Frank would not be

    against the four of them collectively even with all his strength.

    Now? Four Kings who?

    They were all just chicken feedpletely insignificant,pletely ipetent!

    At the same time, Frank looked around before zeroing in on a dumbstruck Pax. "Who else? What about

    you, Mr. Barzini?"

    "Huh..." Pax blurted as he came to his senses, his cheeks clenching at Frank''s invitation but otherwise

    staying silent.

    Why would he get into the ring when the Four Kings were crushed so overwhelmingly? He was not

    suicidal!

    "Ahem."

    Ned cleared his throat just then. "It seems that you''d have to step down, Mr. Barzini."

    Pax was stumped. "Mr. Janko, I."

    "What, you have a problem?" Frank walked slowly toward them, his hands sped behind his back as

    he spoke, "If you have more martial elites under yourmand, send them in. I can do this all day."

 Chapter 800

    "What, do you have a problem?" Frank walked slowly toward them, his hands sped behind his back

    as he said, "If you have more martial elites under yourmand, send them in. I can do this all day."

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    At Frank''s words, Pax realized that he was done for¡ªwhat else could he say? Even Ned would

    concede his ce as boss of the Sunzers out of fear for Frank!

    Ashened face, he gave in right then. "Sure. I have no reason to refuse since you''ve spoken, Mr.

    Janko."

    Still, frustration and helplessness showed as Pax turned to Hux Darman and announced loudly, "From

    this day forth, I, Pax Barzini, will step down as head of the Sunzers¡ªand Hux Darman will take my

    ce!"

    Sighing, he then nodded politely at Ned. "Farewell."

    It was no exaggeration to say that Pax had lost everything¡ªthe Four Kings were defeated, and even

    Ned wasn''t on his side.

    Stepping down on his own was being tactful at this point, as it might be toote if someone else had to

    make him.

    Worst of all, he had made a long list of enemies during his tenure as boss of the Sunzers, and he

    really should be thinking about what happened now that he had lost his power.

    He promptly whipped out his phone and booked two ne tickets, ready to flee the country with

    whatever savings he had.

    That way, at least he would get to live out his days in peace¡ªhe would not evenst weeks in

    Draconia.

    Ned nodded in turn, seeing that Pax recognized the gravity of the situation.

    At the same time, no one in Sunze Dojo dared to speak, when Ned¡ªthe puppeteer of the entire

    gang¡ªwas sitting right there. Without his fostering, they would never have amounted to anything.

    "I-I''m the boss?" Hux had yet toe to his senses as Pax''s announcement left him dumbfounded.

    Beside him, Cid was already eximing in joy, "Yes, Hux! You''re the boss now!"

    "For real? Hahaha..."

    Hux was roaring withughter as he got over his disbelief and strode up to the ring.

    Looking around at the crowd standing around in the dojo, he bellowed, "I, Hux Darman, am now the

    leader of the Sunzers! If anyone present has something to say about that,e forward!"

    The Sunzers all kept their heads lowered at Hux''s words.

    With Frank defeating the Four Kings and Ned showing his support for Hux, mere goons like them would

    never dare catch that heat!

    One of the smarter persons in the dojo¡ªan underboss, hurried up to Hux just then, taking his hand and

    kissing it. "Mr. Darman!"

    "Mr. Darman!"

    "Mr. Darman!"

    By the time the first underboss looked up, everyone else in the dojo was saluting Hux in show of fealty.

    "Hahaha..." Hux had certainly been yearning for this for a long time, or he would never have braved the

    risk of following Frank''s suggestion to challenge Pax.

    Now that he had his wish, heughed in wild delight while pping Frank on the shoulder, speaking

    under his breath, "This is all thanks to you, Mr. Lawrence! The Sunzers are yours tomand from

    now on¡ªno matter rain, sleet, snow, your bidding will be done. Hell, you can have my head if I even

    blink at your orders!"

    That was exactly what Frank wanted to hear¡ªhe was certainly right about Hux being a smart man.

    That was when Ned came over, smiling and nodding at Hux. "Congrattions, Mr. Darman¡ªfresh

    blood always inevitably surpasses the old guard, and I''m sure the Sunzers will rise beyond under

    your leadership."

 Chapter 801

    "No, no, no¡ªnot a chance."

    Ned''s heartfelt congrattions left Hux shocked, and he quickly shed a smile awkwardly. "I would

    never have been allowed to seed you if you refused. If you need anything, just say the word and

    consider it done."

    Hux was clearly a people''s person, offering Frank assurance and then insisting his loyalty toward Ned

    in quick session.

    Cid hurried over, eager to show his face. "Don''t worry, Mr. Janko. My brother will definitely lead the

    Sunzers to new heights."

    Ned smiled and nodded, and finally showed his true colors just then. "Would you happen to be free

    later, Vicky? I have a reservation at a hotel restaurant nearby. Care to join us? Let''s get to know each

    other..."

    Pax, who was about to leave despondently, heard him.

    His eyes lit up right then, and he ran over to them with a fawning smile. "We''re still friends even though

    I''ve passed the torch to Hux, right? And I''m leaving the country soon anyway. It''ll be ourst banquet

    together, so I can properly say my goodbyes to you and Hux."

    Ned frowned in turn¡ªhe only wanted to invite Frank.

    Everyone else could tell what he was up to with that, and yet Pax had to tactlessly insert himself.

    "Sorry, Mr. Janko." Frank refused right then and started to leave. "I appreciate the offer, but I have other

    business to see too and can''t stay. See you around."

    Even if Ned was good-looking, Frank simply did not swing that way. Also, he was not dense enough to

    be oblivious to Ned''s intentions, and he refused to give him the chance.

    "Hey, where are your manners?! Mr. Janko himself is inviting you!"

    "That''s right! Not many people can say the same across all of Morhen. Stop being so pretentious!"

    "Disrespecting Mr. Janko?! You''ve really done it now!"

    The pretty boy valets around Ned promptly snapped at him.

    "Shut it." Ned stopped the valets'' outbursts while clearing his throat and frowning at Hux.

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    Hux flinched when he noticed Ned''s unhappy stare and could tell right then that Ned would never rest

    until Frank went to that hotel.

    His face contorted in pain in turn even as he cursed Ned inwardly¡ªhe had just be boss of the

    Sunzers, but his two benefactors were already giving him a hard time!

    Moreover, it was Ned who wanted Frank. Why was he in charge of the seduction?

    Also, if he could actually tell Frank what to do, did he even have to stay and suffer Ned''s whims?

    Did the man even stop to think if he could afford to upset Vicky Lawrence?!

    Still, his thoughts notwithstanding, Hux could not afford to upset Ned either.

    Making a face, he turned to Frank and said, "Mr. Lawrence, Pax is right¡ªwe''ve developed an

    understanding over the years as partners, and talking shop at Mr. Janko''s banquet would smoothen the

    transition. Could you perhaps..."

    Frank could tell from Hux''s reaction that he was left in a difficult situation.

    And Frank himself still had use for the Sunzers¡ªhe had to do something or Ned might take out his

    frustrations on Hux, even removing him from power.

    With that in mind, he feebly agreed to join them.

    He had shown the extent of his strength anyway¡ªif Ned started to behave funny, he just had to kill

    Ned.

 Chapter 802

    Ned''s creased bow eased when Frank agreed toe along. Suddenly, even Pax was less of an

    eyesore.

    He did not notice Pax lowering his gaze just then, and his eyes shed venomously.

    Even if he was stepping down as the Sunzers'' boss, he would collect his dues before leaving! -

    Half an hourter, Frank and the others left Sunze Dojo and drove to Southtown Hotel located just a

    block away.

    As a pretty twentyish waitress poured them wine, Pax wasughing heartily, seemingly not upset that

    he had just lost leadership over the Sunbalzers.

    "Hux." He chuckled. "You wouldn''t know, but I''ve been meaning to step down!"

    Hux could roll his eyes¡ªthere was no way he would believe that.

    Still, he pretended to be curious and asked, "What? Why?"

    Pax sighed. "You have no idea... It''s really not easy managing so many men and such arge turf as a

    boss, and there''s always someone looking to rece you."

    "See?" Pax eximed as he pulled a strand of white hair off his head. "My hair''s turning white already.

    How old do you even think I am?"

    He chuckled as Hux stayed silent. "That''s why I feel relieved now that you''re stepping up. I''d be living

    the easy life abroad now. Right, Gigi?"

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    Laughing gruffly, he then smacked the waitress'' bottom squarely, causing her to yelp.

    Gigi rolled her eyes at him while pouting charmingly. "Please behave. There are so many people

    watching."

    Beside them, Cid had been staring fixedly at her pronounced cleavage.

    "Hmm.? Do you know thisdy?" Frank asked in curiosity as he stared at the waitress.

    "Oh, she''s my wife. We just got marriedst year." Pax introduced Gigi to everyone and smugly raised

    his ss. "This wine is one of my precious collections¡ªour dear president himself serves this to

    important figures from abroad. Here, try it."

    With those words, Pax chugged his ss.

    Hux was studying the wine curiously in turn¡ªthe whiteness was crystal clear with a little hint of yellow

    sedimentation. Being a connoisseur himself over the years, he could see that Pax was right that it was

    rare, fine wine.

    Vicky." Ned began just then.

    Frank suddenly rose to his feet, leveling a vague smile at Pax. "Here, Mr. Barzini. Let''s have a toast."

    "Oh, it''s an honor to drink with a martial elite of your caliber! Cheers!"

    As Pax raised his ss, Frank smiled and took the ss off his hands. Then, taking Hux''s ss before

    he could drink, he shoved the ss into Pax''s hands.

    "Drink this one. I can tell that this ss is especially great."

    "What...?" Pax was left taken aback.

    "What? Are you afraid to drink it?" Frank asked, and reared his head to chug from his ss.

    He then held it up to show everyone else that he had finished it before leveling Pax a look of curiosity.

 Chapter 803

    "Oh, what are you saying, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Pax then smiled and chugged the ss as everyone watched, and he showed it to them like Frank did.

    "You really don''t trust me, huh?"

    "No way." Frank smiled in turn.

    With that, all suspicions around the room vaporized, and things turned lively around the table.

    Cid drank the most as the men clink sses endlessly, even blurting nonsense that left everyone

    laughing.

    Ned''s pretty boy valets even started dancing.

    Though Ned obviously tried to talk chatting up Frank repeatedly, Frank always had an excuse to give

    him the slip, leaving him exasperated.

    Then, just as the bottle of white wine was almost finished, Pax burped and rose to his feet, wobbling as

    he chuckled, "I''m gonna need the washroom."

    "Wait."

    Frank stood up as well, drunkenness showing on his face as he smiled. "You can go... after you take off

    your pants."

    "Hahaha." Pax chuckled and looked around pointedly, mumbling, "Are you drunk, Mr. Lawrence?

    Taking off my pants before I get to the washroom?"

    "Well, you are carrying something that really interests me."

    Shocked, Pax''s drunkenness cleared halfway, but he feignedposure and leveled a pointed look at

    Ned. "Huh. So you and Mr. Janko... share the same interests?"

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    "Not really."

    Frank was not bothered to y along as Pax was trying to change the subject.

    Striding forward, he pulled a small box out of Pax''s pocket, and Pax''s face fell right then. "Hey!"

    Frank was sneering in turn, waving the box of yellow powder. "Nervebreaker, huh? So you have ties to

    Hundred Bane Sect? Or did you perhaps just buy it off the ck market?"

    "What.?" Hux froze, before springing to his feet and ring at Pax in disbelief.

    Ned had been drinking a lot as well and leapt up while ring at Pax¡ªso he really was up to

    something!

    "Uh..." Pax muttered, but soon smiled as he had an idea, "Oh, silly old me. You boys know how many

    enemies I made over the years. I have to carry this around to take when things get hairy, so I''d be

    spared any torment! I''m not going to poison anyone''s food, let alone Mr. Janko''s, right?"

    Still, he could see that they were clearly ring at him, so he shrugged. "You suspected me earlier,

    didn''t I? But I drank from Hux''s ss and ate the same food you did. Wouldn''t I be dead if I poisoned

    you?"

    "Do you think we''re that stupid?!" Hux bellowed, ring at him in cool fury.

    They had been wary, but Pax just would not give up!

    Seeing that no one was buying his excuses, Pax inhaled deeply as his eyes shed viciously, his true

    colors bared as heughed savagely.

    "Well, I was going to let everyone die easily, but you''re asking for it! It''s not my fault!"

    "How dare you, Pax Barzini?!"

    "Have you gone crazy?! Have you forgotten who made you boss?!"

    Ned''s valets had drank the wine as well and were all snapping at Pax right then.

    "I''m crazy?!" Pax took a couple steps back and whipped out his phone. "Fuck off! You''re the crazy ones

    here!"

 Chapter 804

    "I''m crazy?!" Pax took a couple steps back and whipped out his phone. "Fuck off! You''re the crazy ones

    here!"

    Pointing at Hux, he snarled viciously, "You bastard! Have I ever mistreated you?!"

    "No," Hux replied calmly even as he glowered.

    "Then why did you have to usurp me?!" Pax shrieked, his eyes wide in rage. "Why?! Why did you have

    to betray me?!"

    Hux sighed. "Think about it. If you were in my ce, would you really say no to bing the boss?"

    Pax froze at Hux''s words and sighed after a long while. "No."

    "Then you have no right to me me. We always were just colleagues¡ªnot partners with fire-forged

    bonds," Hux said coolly. "What I''m doing isn''t betrayal. Only the strong get to lead! You said so

    yourself."

    "Hah!" Pax spat. "Strong? You?! You''re just a footsoldier with nothing going for you aside from dumb

    luck!"

    "And dumb luck is still a form of strength. Admit it, Pax," Hux growled.

    "Enough!" Ned snapped impatiently, stopping Pax''s hysterics as he red coolly at the man. "Think

    carefully about what you want to do, Pax, ande clean."

    "Come clean?!" Pax snarled viciously. "You''re just another lucky prick born to a better family than mine!

    You used your position as an heir of the Janko family to order me around, telling me to step down just

    because you felt like it! I''ve spent years building up the Sunzers, and all of it is gone just because

    you said so! So I''ll have you die for my pleasure!"

    "What are you doing?!" Hux bellowed.

    "What am I doing?!" Pax sneered. "Fine, I won''t hide it¡ªthe wine was already poisoned in the first

    ce, and I took the antidote just in case! Hah! Trying to turn the tables on me?! Now die in regret!"

    Everyone turned pale at Pax''s words... aside from Frank.

    Striding forward, he nced at Gigi seemingly nonchntly as he asked quietly, "It''s not that simple, is

    it? That woman isn''t your wife¡ªI''m guessing she''s an assassin you hired off the ckrank."

    "Good eye¡ªthat''s a martial elite for you." Pax sneered, shaking his head. "You may be Ascendant

    rank, but you drank a lot, didn''t you? Not even martial elites can survive the nervebreaker! And when

    all of you are unable to fight, Gigi here will cut you into tiny pieces!"

    Then, holding up his phone and waving it smugly to everyone around the table, he gloated, "After that,

    I''ll blow up the hotel and cover my tracks well. You can regret forcing me to step down in hell soon, Mr.

    Janko!

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Then, turning toward Hux, he smiled savagely.

    "Really, Hux? Trying to pit your shallow wit against mine? For shame!" Paxughed. "I will still lead the

    Sunzers after this, while none of you will be remembered!"

 Chapter 805

    "D-Dream..."

    Even before Hux could say ''dream on'', he began to see stars and the world seemed to spin around

    him, as if he was drunk.

    "Guess the poison''s kicking in." Paxughed smugly as he watched everyone fall to their feet.

    That was when he turned toward Frank, and his breath left his lungs.

    Frank was standing there, firmly upright as if he was unaffected, even looking at Pax interestedly in

    turn. "I-Impossible!" Pax eximed in panic. "I watched you drink that wine. How are you still

    standing?!" Frank''s strength had certainly left him with an impression, as he soundly defeated the Four

    Kings.

    If Frank was not affected by the nervebreaker, everything he did today would be pointless!

    "The nervebreaker is a potent drug, but I am a master of medicine and have already seen through your

    tricks." Frank shrugged and pulled a silver needle out of his wrist.

    He threw the needle, which fell into a pot of seafood soup with an audible ng, abruptly turning its

    contents ck.

    "Hmmm.?"

    Ned was sprawled over the table but smiled when he saw that.

    He really thought that it was over for him, as he had never expected Pax to have the guts to try and kill

    him.

    But even as regret wed at him, his eyes lip up in delight when he saw that Frank was fine.

    "The nervebreaker didn''t work.?!"

    Pax stumbled backward in fear¡ªthe nervebreaker was his trump card, one which he bought from the

    ck market after spending copious amounts of money.

    He was not lying when he admitted that if were in Hux''s shoes, he would have done all he can to topple

    whoever was in charge and take over.

    What Hux did not know was that Pax was simply more resourceful and cunning¡ªhe had the

    nervebreaker prepared anyway, since he was ready to poison Ned anyway to be free from control.

    He simply had the perfect chance to use it today. but it just did not work on Frank!

    "What a shame, Pax Barzini..." Frank''s eyes narrowed sharply and murderously. "If you had left

    Draconia quietly, you could have led a good life with your life savings. But you had to do this, and you

    can''t me anyone else for your actions!"

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    "Gigi!"

    Seeing that Frank was ready to attack, Pax turned and ran, while shouting for his hired assassin.

    Gigi was certainly professional. Without a word, she swiftly moved between Pax and Frank, leaping off

    the wall and aiming a flying kick at Frank''s face!

    "Shame."

    Frank had a glimpse of the enticing leg beneath her gown, along with the des abruptly shooting out

    of her six-inch heels.

    It certainly was not the time to be chivalrous either, as female assassins never relied on brute strength

    but their beauty.

    By enticing and bewitching their targets, they were always able to find the perfect opportunity and

    strike. As such, the most dangerous killers all around would not be the top hitmen with a high body

    count¡ªit was these seemingly unassumingdies.

    And right now, Frank''s priority was not Gigi the assassin¡ªit was Pax instead.

    If Pax managed to flee and trigger the bomb, he and everyone else would be killed!

 Chapter 806

    Smack!

    With a reverse grip, Frank grabbed Gigi by the ankle and pulled.

    Even as she lost her bnce, she seemed to tumble straight into Frank''s arms and was suddenly

    blushing in embarrassment.

    Frank frowned, but the blush was an act from the start.

    In an instant, her face fell as her lips parted, and another de shot out, boosted by pure vigor as it

    streaked toward Frank''s throat.

    "Hah!" Frank narrowed his eyes and unleashed his pure vigor, knocking the de away. "I guess I

    really can''t hesitate at all..."

    Glowering, he seized Gigi by the neck and mmed her against the wall.

    Bang!

    "Ahhh..." she groaned in pain, but it somehow carried a hint of sensuality.

    Any men who heard her would certainly be disarmed, but Frank would not fall for her tricks again.

    His fingers clenching, there was an audible crack as Frank crushed her neck.

    "Guh."

    Gigi''s eyes widened as she died in a split second, not understanding how a top ckrank assassin like

    her¡ªand a Birthright rank individual at that¡ªwould die just then.

    Still, the confusion could have been avoided if she had watched the fight between Frank and the Four

    Kings.

    ng!

    Even as her lifeless body dropped on the floor, the poisoned dagger she hid behind herself also fell

    audibly.

    If Frank had been a second slower, she would have riposted with that dagger.

    "Hah! Trying to run?" Frank bellowed as he saw Frank was about to escape, unleashing a burst of pure

    vigor from his palm, catching and restraining Pax like invisible spiderwebs.

    "Oof." Pax turned, and shock showed on his face as he saw Gigiying dead at Frank''s feet.

    She was supposed to be his trump card too, as he had spent 200 million recruiting her, but she did not

    evenst two seconds against Frank!

    K-Kill him!" Ned, leaning against the wall, shouted at Frank when he saw that Frank had caught Pax.

    Frank certainly did not need telling and waved his palm right then.

    Pax could feel himself being pulled by an unstoppable force and was screaming as he fell to the ground

    and was pulled backward to Frank.

    "Fuck!" Pax''s eyes went red as his fingers clenched around his phone, and he screamed maniacally,

    "You ¡ªall of you¡ªhad to do this to me. Well, we can all die together now!"

    He then pressed the button on his phone as hard as he could!

    "Hmmm...?!"

    Frank felt danger right then, and he threw Pax away as he heard the beeping from beneath Ned''s chair.

    "Move!"

    Appearing beside Ned in a sh, he pushed the man away and saw the ck bag beneath.

    The zipper was open wide enough to reveal a red timer, counting down with just two seconds left.

    "Hahaha! You thought you could kill me?! No! You''re all going to die!"

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Paxughed maniacally even as he was left on the floor.

 Chapter 807

    "Dream on! You''re the only one dying today!"

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Frank picked up the bag with one hand and flung it out of the window before appearing beside Pax in a

    sh soon after.

    "Eh?" Pax stoppedughing as his mouth widened in shock, like a duck seized by the throat.

    Impossible! Such speed... was he even human?!

    "Get outta here!" Frank bellowed as he sent Pax flying with a kick.

    "Oof!"

    The kick was so violent Pax shot through the air like a cannonball, crashing through the hotel

    windowpane and flying into the distance.

    Pax almost cked out right then, but he withstood the pain to regain his senses and realized that he

    was mid-air after Frank kicked him out of the window.

    "Hahaha!" Heughed maniacally as his mind quickly did the math. "Why, thank you, Vicky Lawrence¡ª

    you just saved me!"

    After all, the hotel was about to be blown to kingdome soon!

    Even if Pax would suffer some fractures or at worst, get paralyzed after being kicked from this high up,

    he would not be blown up at the very least.

    Still, even as heughed maniacally, he realized that something was wrong when he heard a beeping.

    He turned to look, his smile stiffening when he saw that the ck bag carrying the bomb was right

    beside him.

    It turned out that Frank had sent Pax and the bag flying out of the hotel with his kick.

    Beep!

    The bright red timer counted down to zero right then, and a look of confusion showed on Pax''s face.

 Chapter 808

    And that was thest look Pax had on his face before he died.

    Boom!

    A terrible explosion erupted in the air above the hotel in South Morhen. Shocked pedestrians were

    screaming while car horns red shrilly as the bomb had considerable yield.

    Even though it had blown up from such a distance away from the hotel, the shockwave still struck the

    building, causing it to shake violently.

    It went without saying for the pedestrians beneath were all sent tumbling to the floor.

    Arf! Arf! Arf!

    A pedestrian walking a ck dog was caught in the shock wave too, though the dog was soon on its

    feet and barking viciously at the sky.

    Soon, something charred dropped from the skies above in front of them.

    The ck dog walked up and had a sniff... and then started eating.

    When the owner went over for a look, he soon dropped limply on the floor, screaming.

    After all, it was a man''s charred arm!

    Morhen was in full alert following the bombing, and DNA tests uncovered that the hand belonged to

    Pax Barzini, the crime boss leading the Sunzers.

    The Jankos yed a crucial role, however, with Ned liaising with various parties to cover up the

    incident haphazardly as a gas explosion.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    The day after, Ned himself came to a bar within the Sunzers turf to have a drink with Frank and Hux.

    "The whole mess is settled now, Vicky." Ned appeared exhausted even as he took a sip from his ss.

    It appeared that even the Jankos had to work very hard to make the bombing go away. Still, it was

    understandable, as this was Morhen and not just any other city.

    Hux breathed a sigh of relief in turn, but he soon growled, "I didn''t think that Pax Barzini was that vile.

    It''s my fault¡ªI should have known he wouldn''t have given up so easily."

 Chapter 809

    Ned sighed again, shaking his head.

    For Frank''s part, he was willingly staying¡ªit was morefortable being in the same room when there

    were no pretty boys hovering around him. He would have just left otherwise.

    Ned then waved Hux away before leveling a serious look at Frank he never showed before.

    "I have a favor to ask, Mr. Lawrence..."

    Frank frowned, expecting Hux to profess his love for him just then, but he nodded in exasperation after

    seeing the serious look on Ned''s face. "Tell me."

    "It''s alright, Mr. Lawrence," Ned paused for a moment as he said quietly, "I''m actually not gay, nor am I

    interested in you in the way you''re thinking."

    "Huh?"

    Frank was taken aback by Ned''s candidness.

    But if he was not gay, then.

    "You heard me right, Mr. Lawrence. I had to pretend for appearances'' sake." Ned nodded, pausing with

    a bitter chuckle. "Things never go as one wishes when your family is important."

    Frank was silent as he remembered Vicky just then.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Nodding, he sighed. "I can understand."

    Ned did a double take at his words, then asked softly and tentatively, "The Lawrence family, was it?"

    "No." Frank shook his head.

    Ned breathed a sigh of relief and actually smiled. "I thought you''d be a member of the Lawrence family.

    Y''know, the most mysterious of the Four Families of Morhen? Guess I was wrong."

 Chapter 810

    Pausing, Ned then asked quietly, "In that case, may I have the honor of your real name?"

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Anyone could tell right away that Vicky was not Frank''s real name.

    Frank frowned slightly when he saw Ned''s earnest gaze and eventually sighed. "Frank Lawrence."

    "Frank Lawrence?" Ned nodded solemnly then. "Well, it''s an honor to have a heart-to-heart with you,

    and I''d really like us to be friends. And thank you for saving me yesterday, or Pax would really have

    killed me right then and there."

    Ned then smiled exasperatedly. "To think that the gang I personally fostered would bite my hand

    instead."

    "You fostered them?" Frank raised a brow.

    "Yes." Ned nodded and looked around to ensure that there was no one eavesdropping before speaking

    under his breath, "See, the truth is that family is embroiled in a familial dispute that only escted as

    time passed. Everyone is so hell bent on bing the next of the family. It''s crazy."

    Ned then sighed. "My brother Yuri especially tried to kill me several times. That''s why I backed the

    Sunzers and announced that I''m gay¡ªit''s all self-preservation to deter him, or I''d be dead already."

    Frank appeared disappointed right then¡ªit seems that the Jankos'' family dispute was way worse than

    the Lanes''... They were actually ready to kill their own brother!

    Ned, who had been keeping watch all along, pressed Frank when he saw the look on his face, "Well,

    I''ve actually realized that the Sunzers have never mattered to my brother. All the things I did were

    no more than petty struggles, and I''m just a clown in his eyes. It''s all conceit in the face of real power."

    He then leveled a determined look at Frank.

    "So, you''re saying.?"

 Chapter 811

    Frank nced sideways at Ned, though he had more or less an idea of what Ned was up to.

    "I''m proposing a partnership, Mr. Lawrence. Help me topple my brother and im leadership over the

    family, and you can have anything you care to mention, be it money, fame, or women."

    To no surprise, Ned was trying to recruit Frank, which left Frank in an awkward situation.

    If he was being honest, Ned certainly did not appear to be some two-bit thug. A friendship would

    benefit Frank, but the problem was that Frank did note to Morhen to start one fight after another.

    He hade to find out what happened to Vicky Turnbull... though Frank''s eyes lit up at the thought.

    "Mr. Janko, I''d like to ask. Do you think your family stands a chance against the Turnbulls or the

    Lionhearts?"

    "The Turnbulls or the Lionhearts?" Ned did a double take and lowered his head in thought before

    frowning. "Well, we won''t fear the Turnbulls since they are all just business people, and they tend to be

    wary about theirpany. But the Lionhearts might prove to be a problem. With Volsung Sect backing

    them, they''d always have thestugh if they were to go to war against us Jankos. However, we''d

    most definitely tear our pound of flesh from them at the very least."

    Looking Frank in the eye, he asked hesitantly, "Are you saying that you''re on bad terms with the

    Turnbulls and the Lionhearts?"

    "I did have a little quarrel with the Lionhearts," Frank admitted quietly.

    "A little quarrel.?"

    Ned chuckled, shaking his head. "Then my reputation will prove useful here. The Lionhearts would

    tiptoe around my family enough to refrain froming after you."

    He then paused before asking in curiosity, "So what''s this quarrel between you and the Lionhearts, Mr.

    Lawrence?"

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank kept a straight face as he said, "I forced Titus Lionheart to give up on his fiancee."

    "What?!" Ned was left gaping, bbergasted.

    The rumors that Titus had been binge drinking and depressed after returning from Riverton now

    certainly made sense!

    So Frank was from Riverton. And hepelled Titus to give up on his fiancee?

    As the pieces fell into ce, a dangerous idea struck Ned.

    Clearing his throat, he asked a little awkwardly, "M-Mr. Lawrence. Could you be interested in said

    fiancee?"

    "More or less." Frank shrugged.

    His bluntness left Ned dropping on his rear.

    A little quarrel? Was Frank really describing forcing Titus to give up on his fiancee a little quarrel?!

    The son of a gun was basically cucking the heir apparent of the Lionhearts!

    Hell, forget Titus¡ªno man would be able to stand that!

    Ned pursed his lips just then.

    If Frank was really going through with it, even the Jankos would not be able to bail him out, and it would

    be even more difficult if Ned himself was appointed as the next head of the family.

    Still, Ned thought things through and sighed.

    Before he could speak, however, his phone started to ring.

    Frank nodded at him, and Ned headed over to a quiet corner to answer it.

    When he returned, he appeared anxious. "My brother just called¡ªmy father has been poisoned. I have

    to go... I guess we''ll have to discuss our partnership some other time."

    "Wait." Frank frowned, seeing that Ned was ready to leave. "Your father was poisoned? What are his

    symptoms?"

 Chapter 812

    Ned paused upon hearing Frank asking about his father''s condition, and his heart skipped a beat when

    he remembered how Frank had counteracted the nervebreaker that Pax used on them before.

    "My brother said my father''s lips had turned purple," he exined. "His limbs are also twitching and

    icecold, and he has already lost consciousness."

    Frank nodded and could tell right away that an ice-type poison had been used on Ned''s father.

    Musing to himself, he said, "We can discuss the partnershipter, but you''d best keep this pill with you

    if you want to stay alive long enough to do so."

    "Huh? What?" Ned appeared puzzled even as he took the yellow pill.

    "It''s a pill that specifically counteracts ice-type poison. If your brother has given you the correct

    description, that''s what your father''s been poisoned with. The pill will at least remedy it for a few days."

    The pill was no real loss to Frank either, since it was nothing that precious¡ªit was just some pill he

    refined while he was refining other pills.

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!" Ned eximed and hurried away.

    "Hux." Frank then beckoned, and Hux hurried to him from his bar, his expression utterly fawning.

    "Well, you have your wish now¡ªyou''re the boss of the Sunzers." Frank grinned.

    "All thanks to you, Mr. Lawrence." Hux nodded gratefully. "I''d have been killed yesterday if not for you,

    let alone be the boss. I owe you my life."

    Frank nodded in turn.

    Hux really was sharp¡ªeven the thugs in Morhen had brains.

    "Well, I''m giving your first assignment now," Frank said quietly.

    "Do tell, Mr. Lawrence. I''ll run to the fire pit for you withoutint!" Hux eximed, patting his chest

    audibly.

    "Haha." Frank chuckled as he looked Hux in the eye. "I want you to look into the Lionhearts."

    "Of course! I''ll send my men right away. What?!"

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    Hux was about to say yes, only to pause and gape at Frank in panic.

    "M-Mr. Lawrence." He shed a pained smile. "I-I know what I said about sacrificing myself. But looking

    into the Lionhearts? We Sunzers are just a humble gang¡ªwe really don''t have what it takes."

    It was a little too much to ask!

    Naturally, Hux did not say thatst part.

    Still, Frank could see Hux''s misgivings, and Hux would be right.

    Against a leviathan like the Lionhearts, the Sunzers were really insignificant. -

    Morhen was divided into five zones: the northern, eastern, southern and western zones, and the core

    city.

    The northern, eastern, southern and western zones were also each divided into outer zones and the

    inner zones. The outer reaches were ruled by local bigwigs, kingpins, and the like, whereas the inner

    zones¡ªwhich together formed the inner city¡ªupied most of the city''s expanse and was the affluent

    turf of the Four Families of Morhen.

    As for the core city, that was a ce not just anyone could enter.

    After all, the official residence of Draconia''s president was there, along with the rest of the government.

    Even the Martial Alliance was rumored to have their base set up there.

    And the Sunzers were just a modest gang based in the outer reaches of South Morhen. How were

    they supposed to help Frank against the Lionhearts, residing in the Eastern Morhen''s inner zone?

    They would just be putting their heads into the lion''s mouth, pun intended!

    Frank, however, did not get upset at Hux''s resistance toward the idea and smiled faintly. "Don''t worry.

    I''d just like you to find out if there''s anything happening with the Lionheart family, and it''s fine if you

    come up with anything¡ªjust do whatever you can."

    Hux sighed in relief at Frank''s words and wiped the sweat off his brow.

    With their numbers, just asking around for information was easy enough.

 Chapter 813

    Hux was certainly terrified, as he was under the impression that Frank was justing up with an

    excuse to get rid of him.

    "Good. You can call me whenever you find something." Frank nodded and started to leave, with Hux

    escorting him all the way outside the bar.

    That was when they ran into some of Kat''s ssmates, including Mandy Doncic.

    However, while Mandy immediately red at Frank in contempt, the other girls were waving at Frank in

    greeting.

    After all, he was quite handsome. Even if he proved to be a braggart a couple nights ago, he was still a

    decent martial artist. Thedies¡ªespecially the younger ones¡ªliked a handsome face.

    "Hey, remember us?" One of them even went up to Frank and greeted him.

    Frank nodded politely, showing some extent of manners.

    "What are you doing here? Isn''t this the Sunzers'' turf?" the girl in the front then asked hesitantly,

    ncing behind Frank to check out the signboard.

    "Nothing. I was just taking a stroll," Frank replied, not about to tell those girls the truth.

    "Hah! Why bother?" Mandy snorted in disdain. "All he does is brag¡ªhe wouldn''t be standing there if

    not for Soren. He must havee to pay Hux Darman a tribute and apologize."

    "Oh... That makes sense."

    The other girls agreed with Mandy, but the girl in the lead was not deterred, even shyly asking Frank,

    "Do you mind giving us your number, handsome?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "Forget it. I won''t be in town for long." Frank smiled.

    "That''s for sure," Mandy quickly chimed in, snorting. "How long does he think he can stay after messing

    with Mr. Darman? He''s running with his tail between his legs."

    The girl did a double take before turning to Frank. "Really?"

    "Guess so." Frank shrugged, not bothered to argue with the girls, least of all Mandy.

    They could believe whatever they wanted to.

    Still, just as Frank stopped a cab and was ready to leave, Hux ran out of the bar.

    Panting, he stuffed a car key into Frank''s hand. He had been waiting by the door for one of his boys to

    bring it.

    "Oh, Mr. Lawrence¡ªyou shouldn''t be taking cabs, considering who you are! This is the key to a sports

    car... Don''t worry, it''s just around 4 million, so use it for now. I''ll get you something better in a few days."

    The girls were left stunned, ncing between Hux''s fawning smile and the car key Frank was holding.

    It was especially the case for Mandy¡ªshe was watching gleefully as Hux chased Frank down.

    She presumed that Hux meant to harm Frank, only for the man to fawn over Frank like a dog, even

    giving Frank a car key.

    "A Maserati?! It''s worth 4 mil!" The girl who had been enthusiastically chatting up Frank earlier

    eximed in shock, immediately spotting the ridiculously designed blue convertible parked by the curb.

    It was a dream for students like them to ride shotgun in the genuine leather seat!

 Chapter 814

    "It''s fine," Frank said. "I won''t be staying in Morhen for long¡ªI can make do with this. You don''t have to

    get me another."

    He nced at the key Hux shoved into his hands but did not refuse it since it was necessary to have a

    mode of transport.

    However, he was just going to ''make do'' with the Maserati when a group of boys could be heard

    gasping from the distance.

    "Shit, a Maserati?! Which bigwig owns it?!"

    "This is Mr. Darman''s turf... So probably him?"

    "It looks so cool. The skirts are so low!"

    As a group of boys gawked over the Maserati, Soren Lionheart appeared envious of it too.

    However, he pursed his lips in stubborn defiance. "My dad''s getting a new car in a few days¡ªI''ll drive it

    out to show you in a few days. It''s no Maserati, but it won''t lose out to it much."

    "Awesome! That''s Soren for you!"

    "Oh, but we won''t be getting a ride¡ªit''s definitely meant for Kat."

    "Hehe..." Soren''s vanity was certainly stoked by his friends'' fawning, but he soon found a familiar figure

    walking toward them. "Isn''t that."

    It was none other than Frank, whopletely ignored the boys as he got into the car right away.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    The engine purred as he drove off, kicking up a pile of dust as it soon disappeared from sight, leaving

    the boys where they were, trading nces.

    "Hey, isn''t that Soren and the boys?"

    "Hey Soren!" Mandy waved enthusiastically when she saw the stiff-faced Soren and hurried to him.

    However, Soren was still caught in the shock of Frank driving a Maserati and murmured, "H-How''s that

    possible?"

    "How could he drive such an expensive car?"

    "I-I''m not seeing things, am I? That man."

    "Yeah, I saw him too."

    The boys were left dumbfounded, as they did not expect the Maserati to belong to Frank.

    They thought that Frank was just some frivolous character despite how well he could fight. But now, it

    appeared that they were the frivolous characters to him instead.

    Soren came to his senses just then, looking up at the girls. "That car..."

    Mandy was huffing in annoyance. "Oh, that bastard?! The car is Mr. Darman''s, who g¡ªhey, where are

    you going?!"

    Soren''s expression contorted in savagery before Mandy could finish.

    "He drove Mr. Darman''s car?! He must have stolen it! He must be stealing Mr. Darman''s car!"

    Then, seeing Hux himself standing outside the bar entrance, he rushed to Hux, yelling, "Mr. Darman!

    Someone just stole your Maserati! It''s that bastard who hurt your brother!"

    "What?" Hux was perplexed.

    Stealing? What nonsense was this brat spouting? He was the one who gave Mr. Lawrence the car!

    "Mr. Darman, should I call the cops for you?" Soren pressed fawningly. "Don''t worry¡ªthat bastard won''t

    get away. Once he''s arrested, you can cut off his hand!"

    Hux finally knew what Soren was up to at that point.

    The brat hated Frank and was trying to goad him into eliminating Frank.

    However, Soren had missed the point where Frank was now Hux''s boss!

 Chapter 815

    Cut off Frank''s hand?

    Not only did Hux not have the ability, but he would never dare!

    Smack!

    Hux pped Soren audibly across the face without another word, pointing at his nose and scolding,

    "Who do you think Mr. Lawrence is?! Scum like you trying to mess with him?! Why don''t you look at

    yourself in the mirror first?! If you insult Mr. Lawrence again, I''ll beat you up each time I see you! Now

    fuck off! Don''t be an eyesore!"

    Then, as if he was not satisfied with his outburst, he kicked Soren to the floor and spat in his face

    before returning inside the bar.

    "Huh..."

    The boys were left staring awkwardly at Soren being mocked and beaten up by Hux, and the girls were

    all pointing and gesturing at him in disdain.

    One of the boys asked a friend beside him, "Hey, do you think that Mr. Lawrence was actually a big

    deal and didn''t actually need Soren to save him?"

    "Soren? Who''s Soren? I don''t know such a person. Let''s bail."

    "I agree."

    Having seen everything, the boys left¡ªthey were going to hit the bar with Soren, but his humiliation

    was too much for them.

    They left, no longer hisckeys from now on.

    The girls were left staring at the humiliated Soren too.

    They remembered the weirded out look Frank gave them two nights ago, as well as what Frank had

    said at that time: "What makes you think that this fool, who''s so scared that he can''t say a word around

    Hux, could actually bail me out?"

    The realization struck them tight then. In the end, it turned out that Frank was never the liar.

    It was Soren instead.

    Frank certainly did not need saving. And considering how much respect Hux showed Frank, and how

    Hux treated Soren... Soren''s lies crumbled on their own right then.

    With that, they left in contempt too.

    Only Mandy remained and tried to help Soren to his feet. "Soren...

    Soren, however, was losing it from sheer rage.

    Shoving Mandy away, his eyes went red as he bellowed, "Fuck! Vicky Lawrence, was it?! This is all his

    fault! I''m going to make him pay!"

    -

    Frank was naturally oblivious to being held a grudge for no reason and drove the Maserati back to the

    suburbs.

    As soon as he entered the front door, he found Kat rushing toward him excitedly, throwing her arms

    around his neck as she eximed excitedly, "Mr. Lawrence! I''ve got it! Listen¡ªI''ve just felt it in my

    stomach! It was kicking!"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Frank felt maimed even as he stood at the doorway. He turned to see the neighbors having flocked to

    the street outside, chatting and gossiping.

    Naturally, they all turned toward Kat when they heard her shouting and leveled meaningful looks at

    Frank.

    "Shit!" Frank certainly knew what was going down¡ªsping a hand over Kat''s mouth, he shoved Kat

    into the house while shutting the door.

    "Tut, tut... Honestly, Nash''s daughter really never smartens up..."

    "You think? She''s pretty, but she had to put on cakey makeup like a monster, hanging out with shady

    people all the time."

    "Oh, poor Nash. raising her to adulthood over the years, and she''s pregnant already."

    "Come on, just look at the man''s car. He must be some rich kid. Tut, tut. Already sucking up to rich men

    instead of studying properly."

    "The way I see it, she''ll be getting an abortion soon."

    On the other hand, Frank strode upstairs, ignoring the old folks'' excited debate as he returned to his

    room.

    At the same time, Kat was snapping, "Hey, are you listening?! I said I did it!"

 Chapter 816

    Kat rolled her eyes, watching as Franky down in bed with a speechless look.

    Dropping to a crouch, she yelled straight into his ear, "Hey! Are you listening?!"

    "I am," Frank replied nomittally, picking his ear as he turned his back on her exasperatedly. "I''m

    satisfied, so keep going, do your best... and can you leave now? This is my room."

    "And this is my house! You said you''d teach me martial arts if I could hone my vigor!"

    "You''re still far from the necessary standard." Frank waved her off like one would an annoying housefly.

    "Hey, what''s your problem? Why does it feel like you want nothing to do with me?" Kat stood akimbo,

    annoyance showing all over her face.

    "Does it?" Frank growled grumpily. "Then how about you stop paraphrasing your words in a way that

    would make people misunderstand? I don''t care about fame, but I still have a reputation to protect."

    "What?" Kat snapped nkly, but she started to think about what she was saying at the door.

    Her expression stiffened when she did, but she snorted. "Are you men always so prudish?"

    "Not really." Frank waved her off again. "Though I''d suggest you eavesdrop on your neighbors''test

    gossip too."

    "Huh.?" Kat scratched her head. "You''re not losing anything anyway. Why worry so much?"

    "Oh, but I''m really worried." Frank turned and leveled a stern look at Kat. "What would your father think

    if he heard about that"

    "Ah." Kat nodded thoughtfully.

    Frank shrugged. "Get it now? Now go back to your room and stop hanging out here."

    "Nope." Kat giggled, feeling like she had caught leverage right then. "Teach me martial arts, or I''m

    telling my dad you forced yourself on mest night."

    "Hey!" Frank sat up right then, staring daggers at her. "Don''t you know that''s nder?!"

    "Don''t care. Do what you will." Kat rolled her eyes again.

    "Do you know no shame, girl?!"

    Frank sighed in exasperation¡ªthis was a delicate time for him. Moreover, if Nash suspected that Frank

    harbored sinister intentions for his daughter, he would get suspicious even if the rumors were baseless.

    Things would only get worse if Vicky found out about said rumors too.

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    He was certainly frustrated, but Kat was Nash''s daughter, and that meant she was untouchable.

    "Oh, just teach me already!" Kat pouted, tugging on his arm. "See? I''m a born prodigy like you said,

    honing my vigor in just two days! Once I''m stronger, I can protect you and Dad..."

    Frank yielded when Kat said that she would protect Nash.

 Chapter 817

    Frank sighed, shaking his head. "Fine."

    He was not actually keen to teach Kat martial arts. Someone close to her had put a seal on her to stop

    her from bing a martial artist. It was most likely Nash or her mother.

    Somehow, Kat''s prodigy proved unstoppable, and she honed her vigor despite the seal with sheer

    talent.

    It certainly stoke Frank''s interest in grooming talented individuals.

    "Focus your vigor on your wrists, and release everything when you throw a punch. Like so¡ªhup!"

    Frank gave a quick demonstration, jabbing into the air.

    There was a popping sound as an apple on the table shattered into pieces.

    "This is the most basic martial technique¡ªthe Skyrush Jab," he finished, not telling Kat that it was a

    Mystic Sky Sect technique.

    "Amazing!" Kat was delighted to see Frank demonstrate his technique and ran back to her room to

    train.

    Frank sighed, unsure as to how this would turn out.

    Either way, having honed her vigor, Kat was now half a martial artist.

    -

    In the afternoon, Frank was training in his own room when he heard a car arriving at the cottage.

    He quickly opened his eyes and made sure he was well dressed before leaving his room.

    After all, he recognized the car engine sound¡ªit was Frida Blue''s car.

    As he headed downstairs, he realized that Frida had note alone¡ªthere was another woman,

    escorted by a group of burly bodyguards. She was dressed in luxury items from head to toe, wearing

    so much makeup she appeared pale. Though she was carrying a little dog in her handbag herself, she

    was pinching her nose with a look of utter contempt.

    Frank nced at Frida. "Who''s this...?"

    Frida made a troubled look as she introduced the woman to Frank. "This is Yonca Wells, Ms. Turnbull''s

    aunt."

    "Aunt?" Frank frowned. "Where''s Vicky?"

    "Oh, are you still obsessing over Vicky?" Yonca snorted, clearly overhearing Frank.

    Though she was busy patting her dog''s head, she shot Frank a look while asking sarcastically, "Frank

    Lawrence, was it?"

    "Yes," Frank strode forward, his attitude cold as he sensed that she was hostile.

    "Tut, tut..." Yonca shook her head after studying him from head to toe. "And here I thought you''d be a

    looker... It really begs the question of what drugs you''re feeding Vicky."

    "That''s none of your business, is it?" Frank, already frustrated that he was not seeing Vicky, was not

    about to be polite.

    "How dare you talk to me like that!" Yonca frowned and snapped at Frank right then.

    Frida could see that things were getting out of hand and quickly tried to mediate. "Please, Mrs.

    Turnbull. Don''t forget that you''re not here to start a fight."

    "I know. You don''t have to remind me." Yonca shot her a look of disdain, snorting. "I can''t stand this

    backwater ce and savages. Forget not bowing to me¡ªhe dares to speak with me in that tone!"

    "Here." She whipped out a check from the handbag where the dog sat, rolling her eyes at Frank. "What

    are you spacing out for? Take it!"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 818

    Frank nced at Frida.

    Seeing her nod, Frank took the check while staring at Yonca in curiosity.

    "Alright, you took the check¡ªthat means you agree to the Turnbulls'' agreement. Let''s go¡ªI can''t stand

    this ce another second longer."

    Yonca waved, gesturing for Frida to drive.

    "Wait!" Frank stopped them, seeing that they were about to leave, and asked nkly, "What

    agreement? I don''t know anything about it."

    "Also..." Frank nced at the check he was holding, brandishing it. "What''s this for?"

    "You actually want me to exin it to you? What a moron." Yonca snorted, rolling her eyes again.

    "That''s a billion dor check. Now that you''ve taken it, stop bothering Vicky. Satisfied now?!"

    When Yonca was finished, Frank wheeled on Frida furiously. "What''s this supposed to mean?!"

    "It''s exactly what it means." Frida sighed tiredly. "Ms. Turnbull has decided to marry Titus Lionheart,

    and their parents have already agreed to it. The annulment before doesn''t count, and that check is your

    compensation. You can now leave Morhen and return to Riverton¡ªgoodbye."

    Frida got in the car, while Yonca snapped in contempt at him, "Heard that, hick? You''ve really done it

    now, swindling a billion dors from my family! Urgh, it''s so annoying. Why do we have to pay him that

    much?!"

    Frank ignored her and growled, "This wasn''t what we agreed, Frida."

    "Things change." Frida shrugged. "Stopped being stubborn¡ªMs. Turnbull is marrying Titus, and there''s

    no changing that. Neither of us get to decide for her."

    "You think?!" Frank bellowed. "Of course it''s not up to us! So bring Vicky over¡ªI want to hear it from

    her. Either she tells me personally is willingly marrying Titus, or I''m not listening to anyone else!"

    "That''s enough from you!" Yonca shrieked furiously, her painted brows creasing. "Isn''t that enough

    money? Look at yourself in the mirror already¡ªyou don''t even deserve a cent! The way I see it, we

    should just have our people beat you up and throw you out of Morhen!"

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Really? Come on, then¡ªI''d like to see you try!" Frank tore the check into pieces, stamped his foot on

    it, and strode right up to Yonca''s face.

    "Oh, so that''s how you want to y it?!"

    Seeing that Frank was not ying along, Yonca beckoned at her bodyguards. "Go, break his arms! I''ll

    take responsibility even if he ends up dead!"

    Yes, ma''am!" the bodyguards bellowed.

    Frank scowled as he watched them approach, standing his ground.

    "Hah!" he bellowed, mming his palm into Frida''s three-ton car and sending it spinning before

    crashing it into the bodyguards!

    Bang!

    "What?!"

    "Oof!"

    "Argh!!!"

    The dozen bodyguards were all floored, coughing blood and leaving Yonca petrified.

    "Calm down, Mr. Lawrence!" Frida hurried to Frank to reason with him, shooting Yonca an exasperated

    look as she came to her senses.

 Chapter 819

    Frida was well aware that Frank''s abilities were more than what she or Yonca''s bodyguards could

    handle.

    If they really upset Frank here, they would definitely pay for it.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    As such, Frida pleaded, "Please, Mr. Lawrence¡ªthis isn''t really up to us. I''ve done my best, but..."

    "That''s your best?!" Frank bellowed furiously, pointing at a pale Yonca.

    "Alright!" Kat cheered from upstairs, clearly having been watching throughout. "Beat up that stupid hag

    already!"

    "Who are you calling hag, you little bitch?!" Yonca screamed like a fishwife, standing akimbo

    Kat had certainly struck her nerve, since she despised anyone who mocked her appearance.

    "Everyone, calm down!" Frida shouted.

    Still, she knew that they would not being to an agreement with Frank now¡ªit was clear he''s not

    giving up.

    And if they let things deteriorate, he really might storm Turnbull House and make aplete mess of

    things.

    "Here!" Frida strode between Frank and Yonca, whipping out an envelope. "This is an invitation to the

    Turnbulls'' annual dinner. I had to pull some strings to get it."

    She paused before saying, "For the sake of Ms. Turnbull''s happiness and her family, you should think

    before you attend it. Don''t forget that you still have Helen Lane back in Riverton."

    Yonca heard her and eximed in disbelief, "What was that, Frida?! Are you saying that he''s two-

    timing?! Are you kidding me?!"

    "That''s enough, Mrs. Turnbull!" Frida snapped, her tone suddenly stern.

    She nced exasperatedly at the wreckage of her car and the bodyguards pinned beneath it. Her car

    and those men would have been fine if Yonca did not sick them on him! Letting Yoncae with her

    really was the worst choice she made!

    "Let''s go."

    With that, Frida pulled Yonca along and left the cottage, leaving Frank alone while the bodyguards

    slowly crawled out from under her car and limped away too.

    "Annual dinner? Invitation?!"

    However, Frank was staring daggers at the invitation.

    He would not argue if Vicky was willingly marrying Titus.

    However, if she was coerced or had her mind changed because of something she could not help, Frank

    would never let it slide.

    He would not mind making a huge mess of things, like he did for Helen before.

    So what if he made enemies of the Lionhearts?! He would just have to kick their collective butts if he

    had to!

    He hadpleted Birthright rank, and almost reached Ascendant rank.

    At this point, not that many Ascendant rank individuals would be able to stop Frank!

    "Wow! You''re so cool, Master Lawrence!" Kat eximed, havinge downstairs without Frank

    knowing and standing on her toes to peek at Frank''s invitation.

    "Color me surprised... Ms. Turnbull was the reason you came to Morhen?" She shook her head and

    clicked her tongue. "I''ve really underestimated you. By the way, if you''re going to the Turnbulls'' annual

    dinner, could you bring me along? I''d like to see what being upper-ss looks like."

    She kept droning on, while Frank remained silent.

    Soon, Nash returned home.

 Chapter 820

    Even before Nash stepped through the front door, the woman living next door dragged her to a quiet

    corner and told her everything that had happened.

    Naturally, it was a bombshell that almost knocked Nash off his feet. "What?! Kat is pregnant, and the

    father is some rich kid?! He drives a Maserati and looks unseemly from first nce?!"

    He could blow up from sheer rage as he saw the Maserati in question parked right outside his door.

    Ever since his wife died, Kat was his only attachment to this world.

    Why else was he so willing to prostrate himself to everything? All he wanted was for Kat to grow up in

    safety... only for her to get pregnant right after she became an adult!

    It was absolutely uneptable, and he almost lost his mind.

    However, it was when he strode into his courtyard and realized something was wrong¡ªa ck sedan

    was overturned, while Frank stood impassively nearby.

    Beside him, Kat was yapping excitedly about something, and it had been a while since Nash had seen

    her being so happy or excited about anything.

    His heart clenched again, however, when he remembered what his neighbor had just told him.

    "Kat, who does that car outside belong to?" Nash asked just then.

    "The car outside?" Kat did a double take.

    Frankposed himself just then and nodded at Nash. "It''s mine. I drove it back this afternoon."

    "What?" Kat gaped¡ªFrank''s response had really caught her off guard!

    At the same time, Kat ran outside and saw the blue Maserati right then. She cried out in shock, "Master

    Lawrence! Where did you steal that from?! It''s so cool. Come on, let''s go for a ride!"

    "Master. Lawrence?!" Nash was perplexed, and turned in curiosity toward Frank.

    Aside from already feeling annoyed, Frank also felt guilty, so he nodded at Nash. "We''re going out for a

    while."

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Kat, what."

    Before Nash could finish, Kat snapped at him impatiently, "We''re just going out for a ride! Don''t keep

    pestering me, alright?!"

    "No, I have a question."

    However, Kat had already left before Nash could ask, leaping into the convertible while urging Frank to

    go as well.

    "Mr. Lawrence, what¡ª"''

    "The Turnbulls were here," Frank replied apologetically, under the impression that Nash was asking

    about the overturned sedan near the fencing. "Just get someone to tow it."

    Nash was taken aback, but pressed, "No, Mr. Lawrence. What I wanted to ask is¡ª"

    "Can''t you just give it a rest? Haven''t you asked enough?!" Kat had returned, pulling Frank by the arm

    and unable to wait a second longer. "Come on, Master Lawrence!"

    "Kat, our neighbor said you''re..." Nash was left staring even as Frank drove off with his daughter.

    "Pregnant with Mr. Lawrence''s kid?" he murmured softly before sighing lengthily and chuckling self-

    deprecatingly. "Nah, he''s just been here a few days. The neighbors must be talking out of their asses

    again. right?"

 Chapter 821

    While Frank took Kat out on a joyride in the Maserati, Ned Janko had returned to his old house.

    As he rushed toward his father''s bedroom, he immediately found his brother''s six-year old son, Hal,

    outside the door.

    Hal was ying with his water gun with the servants and promptly trained the gun on Ned''s face when

    he saw him.

    "Hahaha!!!" He pped his thighs as he left Ned''s face and clothes soaking wet, even insulting him

    with a limerick. "What exactly happened to Ned? Well, his stud kicked him right in the head!"

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "You little...!" Ned red at the child furiously even as he pushed his wet bangs off his face.

    He certainly could p the child for his insults, but he could not¡ªif heid a finger on his nephew, his

    own brother would just beat him up instead.

    "Hmph," he snorted, gritting his teeth and ignoring the child as he strode into his father''s bedroom. His

    father''s health was more urgent, after all.

    "Haha! Coward!" Halughed as he left. -

    Inside the room filled with traditional decorations, a man with ashen hair and a purple face, his eyes

    tightly shut as hey in bed, unconscious.

    It was Ned''s father and the current head of the Janko family, Ciril Janko.

    Yed Janko, Ned''s brother, was the tall, scrawny man standing beside Ciril''s bed.

    "Where have you been?! Father''s been poisoned!" Yed''s eyes shed sharply as he wheeled on Ned.

    Ned flinched, trembling and sweating bullets as his face turned pale. "I-I was just out on a stroll¡ª"

    "Out on a stroll?!" Yed strode up and seized Ned by the cor, growling icily, "Is there really such a

    perfect coincidence? You stepped out for a moment, and Dad ended up poisoned?!"

    "We''re right. He''s definitely the one who poisoned Ciril... No one else has a motive." The woman sitting

    by Ciril''s bed and holding his hand spoke up just then.

    She was Pa Mill, Ciril''s second wife whom he had married after the passing of Yed and Ned''s

    mother.

    Her tears were gushing even as she red at Ned. "You''re holding a grudge because your father

    chose Yed as his sessor, don''t you? How could you be so selfish?!"

    "I-I''m not!"

    Ned could tell immediately that both Yed and Pa were conspiring against him, and reasoning was

    pointless.

    More frustratingly, his own brother had to poison their father just to hasten his session!

    He was certainly seething and wanted to burn all bridges against Yed right then. However, his family

    was a family of martial artists, and Yed was of Birthright rank.

    Even if Ned trained in secret and built himself up, he had only just reached Birthright rank himself. He

    would not win against Yed, and if he started a fight here, he would definitely be getting the me for

    poisoning their father.

    His spite was aze, but he had no choice but to hold back.

    "Uncle..."

    That was when he felt someone tug on his sleeve.

    He turned in reflex to see that Hal had followed him inside and promptly shot his water gun at his face

    when he turned!

 Chapter 822

    "Hahaha..."

    Hal threw down his water gun andughed heartily, while Ned touched his own face.

    The ''water'' that Hal had just sprayed him with was warm and had an indescribable stench.

    ring at Hal who was giving him a gleeful mocking look, he cracked his knuckles audibly.

    Pa snapped at him right then, "What do you think you are doing, Ned?! Are you going to beat up

    your nephew in your father''s presence?! How dare you!"

    "I-I''m not." Ned sighed as he eased his knuckle.

    Halughed even loudly at that, even leaping up, punching Ned repeatedly in the knees while he did,

    "Get down on your knees! My daddy is right here!"

    "Hal."

    Yed suddenly spoke, frowning.

    Hal paused, asking, "What is it, Daddy?"

    Ned thought Yed was going to stop Hal, only for Yed to snort. "Why are you touching him? He''s filth."

    "Okay." Hal nodded obediently and stamped heavily on Ned''s foot before fleeing to Yed''s side,

    repeatedly sticking his tongue out at Ned.

    Ned almost snapped right then but ultimately held back¡ªhe had been biding his time for years, and

    this was nothing.

    "Ciril!" A thunderous voice that left the house shaking resounded just then.

    A group of thirtyish thuggish people suddenly charged inside the room, led by a stout man who was

    topless and wore gold chains.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    It was Lothar Janko, Ciril''s younger brother and Ned''s uncle. He hadpleted Birthright rank and was

    almost unrivaled in Morhen as a local gangster who ruled over the outer reaches of the city.

    Most importantly, he was one of the few members in the Janko family who did not scorn Ned.

    The ones following him were Janko retainers, and they all stood in formation with their hands sped

    behind their back.

    Naturally, the Jankos had considerable influence to be brave enough to stir waves, vowing to usurp the

    Lawrences as one of the Four Families of Morhen.

    And those retainers were ons source of the Jankos'' influence. While Ciril himself was Ascendant rank,

    four of those retainers were the same level, while the rest were all Birthright rank.

    Uncle Lothar." Ned promptly made way when he saw the man.

    "Hey, Ned! You''re such a mess. What''s wrong?" Lothar frowned.

    Ned scowled but could only smile awkwardly since Pa and Yed were ring at him.

    "Oh..." Lothar did not press the issue, instead striding straight to Ciril''s bed, holding him by the

    shoulders, and shaking him. "What happened, Ciril? Who did this to you? Talk to me!"

    Yed strode up, grabbing his uncle''s hand and growling, "Don''t bother, Uncle Lothar. Dad was still fine

    yesterday, even receiving an invitation to the Turnbulls'' annual dinner. But this morning, he fell

    unconscious once Ned left the house, clearly poisoned, and by a poison that even Ascendant ranks

    can''t resist!"

 Chapter 823

    Yed leveled a suspicious re at Ned just then, snapping sharply and bluntly, "Not everyone can get

    their hands on such a terrible poison, and we all know how affable my father is¡ªno one has a motive

    other than Ned. Dad was in a room alone with him for over an hourst night. I''m sure he did it at that

    time!"

    "Do you have evidence?" Lothar asked, shooting Yed a look.

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    He was no fool¡ªYed was the most ambitious in the family, while Ned was always cowering and never

    straying out of line.

    No matter how Lothar thought about it, he was not convinced that Ned would ever go that far.

    Instead, it was Yed who was the most suspicious.

    "I-I didn''t poison Dad," Ned braced himself and argued his case. "Why would I do something like that?

    Don''t try to nder me, Yed..."

    "What, are you talking back to me?!" Yed''s eyes shed dangerously and he strode up toward Ned,

    ready to beat him up.

    "How dare you snap at Daddy, eunuch!" Hal chimed in.

    "Enough!" Lothar bellowed, his expression icy. "No infighting until we found out what happened, Yed! If

    you insist it''s Ned, then show some evidence! Coercion won''t help your case!"

    Yedughed coolly right then. "But I have evidence, Uncle Lothar!"

    Ned looked up, taken aback¡ªYed had evidence!

    At the same time, Yed whipped out his phone to show a security camera recording of Pa walking

    through the hallway.

    She was carrying a tray with a teapot, and Ned came up to her, taking the tray eagerly and saying he

    would take it to his father.

    He then disappeared into a dead angle before reappearing and bringing the tea to Ciril''s room.

    "This is nder!" Ned cried in agitation after seeing the recording. "I wasing here to speak with

    Dad about the Sunzers!"

    Yed strode up and seized him by the cor. "Then why did you disappear from the cameras?! What

    were you doing there?!"

    "I-I didn''t do anything!" Ned cried. "The cameras missed me, that''s all! I''d never poison Dad¡ªwhat

    good would that do for me?!" "Hah! What good, you say?!" Pa snorted as she chimed in. "You''re just

    jealous he chose Yed to be his sessor and wanted petty revenge!"

    ''What..." Ned was frustrated but had no way of arguing back.

    In the end, it was Lothar who stood up for him, grabbing Yed by the wrist and growling icily, "Boy, the

    video might work as evidence, but it''s not enough. Yes, the cameras didn''t cover every angle, but the

    duration between Ned appearing and disappearing matches the pace he was walking in. In other

    words, he never hid there."

 Chapter 824

    Lothar finished, "Right now, the priority is to get help for Ciril. I''ve sent for Abel Loggins from the capital

    ¡ªhe''ll be here soon."

    At those words, Yed released Ned''s cor while growling, "You''re lucky this time!"

    Ned stumbled backward, his brows knitted in frustration.

    "Oh, you have nothing to worry about," Lothar suddenly said, looking between everyone pointedly.

    "Ciril is Ascendant rank¡ªonce he regains consciousness, who and how he was poisoned would be

    revealed. He''d know better than anyone. If any of you are present, I will not hold back. This is an

    attempt on my brother''s life, and it entails a summary execution!"

    Pa''s fingers twitched at Lothar''s threat, her expression unnatural as she sneaked a look at Yed.

    Yed nodded at her in turn, assuring her to stay calm since they would never be exposed.

    After all, they knew better than anyone that Ciril had been poisoned with the Taut Snow Tree.

    The Taut Snow Tree sounded like a tree, but it was anything but¡ªit was the one of most potent

    poisons that Hundred Bane Sect had in their disposal. It was meant for use against Ascendant ranks

    and named for the symptoms the victims exhibited.

    If the poison was not cleared in a day, the ice-type poison would permeate their body, disabling their

    ability to regte their body temperature.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    At that point, they would die frozen stiff, like a tree in the snow.

    There was actually a simple cure to it¡ªone just had to cover themselves in the golden sands of the

    northwest and charge oneself with pure vigor to clear out the poison.

    However, two factors worked against that. The first was that the poison acted quickly and confounded

    the mind.

    The second was that even if martial elites recognized the poison, golden sand was not easily avable.

    In other words, there was just no stopping the Taut Snow Tree in time, and one could only watch as the

    victim became a ''snow tree'' themselves.

    Soon, Abel Loggins rushed to the scene, led inside by the men Lothar sent.

    Abel''s hair and beard was white, and he stood aside as he studied Ciril for a long while.

    Eventually, he shook his head and sighed. "It''s toote...!"

    Lothar hurried to him and asked, "What''s the problem, Mr. Loggins? What has my brother been

    poisoned with? Can''t it be treated?"

    Abel shook his head helplessly. "This poison is called the Taut Snow Tree. It''s a poison that Hundred

    Bane Sect wields¡ªvirtually undetectable, it''s almost toote when it''s finally discovered. It''s ice-type,

    and only the golden sand of the northwest is needed to treat it in a day... judging the time since the

    poison took effect, it''s been almost a day now. You should arrange for his funeral matters."

    Abel sighed again and started to leave.

    "Wait, what?!" Lothar hurried to stop him, pleading, "Please, Mr. Loggins! You have to do something.

    My brother has led a grand life, and he really doesn''t deserve such a horrible death! Just help him. I''ll

    agree to anything you might ask!"

    Nearby, Ned could see the sincerity in Lothar''s gaze and sighed lengthily.

    As biological brothers, the bond between Lothar and Ned''s father Ciril was genuinely fire forged.

    In contrast, Yed was ready to frame him or even kill him just to seed their father as head of the

    family.

    Talk aboutmentable.

    That was when Ned suddenly touched his pocket and found a yellow pill, and he did a double take.

    "Ice-type poison. Right!" He abruptly remembered the pill that Frank passed to him at the bar, calling it

    a Yellow Shrive or something, that would temporarily stop the poison and buy time.

    With that in mind, he quickly took the pill out of his pocket.

 Chapter 825

    However, Yed saw Ned walking toward their father and taking out a yellow pill, and he promptly

    bellowed, "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    Before Ned realized what was happening, Yed had leapt up, knocking the pill out of his hand and

    stamping it into pieces.

    Naturally, his overreaction caught Abel and Lothar''s attention. "What? What''s going on here?"

    "Uncle Lothar!" Yed bellowed as he pointed at the remains of the yellow pill. "That bastard was going to

    feed father some poisoned pill, but I noticed in time and destroyed it!"

    "It''s not poison!" Ned retorted loudly to clear the suspicion against him despite his doubts. "It''s a pill

    given to me by Mr. Lawrence! It can stop the poison and keep father alive for another few days!"

    "Mr. Lawrence who?!" Pa chimed in, shrieking. "The way I see it, you''re worried that Mr. Loggins can

    save Ciril now that he''s here, and you want to poison him dead! You''re despicable!"

    "I''m not!" Ned bellowed, wheezing.

    "The proof is right here, and you''re still trying to lie your way out of this?!" Yed bellowed, grabbing him

    the wrist sand squeezing.

    Even as Ned dropped to his knees, sweating buckets in pain, Yed growled, "I guess this Mr. Lawrence

    who sold you the poison must be from Hundred Bane Sect! Do you really think that you can run after

    we saw what you did with our eyes?! Die!"

    "Stop!" someone shouted before Yed could kill Ned.

    Surprisingly, it was not Lothar but Abel.

    He had hurried over and dropped to a crouch, brushing his finger over the remains of the pill and

    tasting it.

    "What? Impossible!" he soon eximed in shock.

    "What? Isn''t that poison, Mr. Loggins?" Lothar came over, frowning in worry.

    "No... No! Far from it!" Abel shook his head repeatedly, his expression excited. "It''s just... There''s hope

    for Mr. Janko yet!"

    "What?!"

    While everyone gape in shock, Abel turned eagerly to Ned. "Young man, where did you get this pill?"

    "Ah." Ned was still stunned, surprised that a pill that Frank threw him so nonchntly left a man with

    Abel''s reputation so enthusiastic.

    He refrained from telling the whole story, frowning instead as he said, "My friend, Mr. Lawrence, gave it

    to me. He said it will work against ice-type poisons."

    "Exactly!" Abel nodded repeatedly as he pressed keenly, "Do you have more?"

    "No, just the one..." Ned muttered nkly.

    "Oh..." Abel appeared disappointed but turned towards Lothar urgently since that was not the point.

    "Go! Gather what remains of the pill, mix it with water and feed it to your brother!"

    "What?!" Lothar did a double take, surprised that the pill Ned took out would send Abel into such a

    frenzy.

    Beside him, Yed asked in disbelief, "Are you sure, Mr. Loggins? That pill. Will it really save my father?"

    "Why would I lie to you?" Abel snapped impatiently. "I remember reading it in an old medical text. It''s

    called the yellow something."

    "My friend called it the Yellow Shrive," Ned suggested with perfect timing.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Yes, that''s it!" Abel eximed.

 Chapter 826

    Abel was clicking his tongue, impressed. "The recipe for the Yellow Shrive should have been lost in

    time, only for me to encounter one here, today... The sun has yet to set on traditional Draconia

    medicine!"

    "Traditional Draconia medicine?" Yed scoffed in obvious contempt.

    Abel snorted in turn. "Boy, don''t think that traditional Draconia medicine loses out to foreign medicine.

    The only issue is that most of our discipline has been lost in time¡ªotherwise, foreign medicine cannot

    even hope to catch up to our pride!"

    "No, Mr. Loggins. I''m just curious," Yed groaned. "From the way you said it before, my father''s condition

    was beyond saving, and now you''re saying that a simple pill can bring him back to life?"

    "Yes!" Abel eximed confidently.

    With that, they watched as a servant picked up the powdered remains of the Yellow Shrive carefully.

    However, just as he mixed it with water and was about to feed it to Ciril, Hal whipped out a pebble out

    of nowhere and threw it squarely at his face!

    The servant fell with the bowl he was holding, its contents spilling everywhere¡ªthere was no

    recovering anything this time!

    As everyone stared in shock and the air in the room turned stiff, Hal wasughing loudly and pointing at

    the servant. "Dad, just look at his face! Hahaha. It''s killing me."

    Abel, fuming and bristling, bellowed, "It seems that the boy is too spoiled, and there''s no chance of

    saving Mr. Janko now. In that case, I have no reason to stay. Farewell!"

    As Abel turned to leave, Hal wasughing even more loudly. "Oh, geezer! Why are you leaving? Aren''t

    you going to save Grandpa?"

    "Bastard!" Lothar could kill Hal right then, but he had priorities and rushed to Abel, pleading, "Please,

    just wait. Mr. Loggins."

    Their voices faded into the distance, but Lothar eventually returned, scowling.

    "Lothar? What did he say?" Pa asked tentatively

    Lothar merely shook his head, too frustrated to speak.

    Meanwhile, the servant earlier was bawling in fear and pping himself endlessly. "I''m so sorry, Mr.

    Janko! I-I deserve to die."

    "You mook! You can''t even hold a bowl steady!" Yed bellowed furiously. "What do I even keep you

    around for?! Someone get in here, and cut him into tiny pieces!"

    "Hold it!"

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    Ned suddenly bellowed as he strode up, bracing himself against Yed''s re.

    He was suddenly no longer his usual stammering, cowering self as he demanded coolly, "What did he

    do wrong? Shouldn''t we be punishing a certain brat instead?!"

    "What?!" Yed''s brow furrowed at his words, bellowing, "What the fuck did you just say, Ned?! I''ll kill

    you!"

    "Funny, that''s what I was going to say!" Ned bellowed, pointing at Yed''s nose and scolding him back.

    "Y-You... How dare you!"

 Chapter 827

    Yed never expected Ned to fight back, and a death aura spilled out of him right there.

    Pa joined in right then. "Watch your tongue, Ned! That''s your brother you''re talking to!"

    "Eunuch!" Hal snapped too. "How dare you snap at my daddy! Die!"

    The boy leapt forward, ready to hit Ned, when he suddenly bellowed, "Enough!"

    Then, seizing Hal by the cor, Ned pped Hal so heavily the boy was bleeding from the mouth, and

    immediately bawling in terror. "Daddy! Help me^"

    Yed''s eyes went red as he bellowed, "Let him go! That''s an order, or I''m killing you right now!"

    "Are you showing your true colors now?!" Pa shrieked as well.

    "Fuck off! I''ve had enough of either of you!" Ned bellowed and turned toward Lothar. "You saw what

    happened, Uncle Lothar! You can see who''s not so keen to save, don''t you?!"

    Lothar''s eyes shed darkly in turn.

    In a split second, he snatched Hal out of Ned''s grasp, and...

    Smack!

    Smack!

    With two resounding ps, the spoiled brat was knocked out.

    "Uncle Lothar?!" Yed''s heart could break at the sight of Lothar''s violent punishment. "He''s just a child.

    He doesn''t know anything! How could you do this?!"

    "It''s all your fault!" Ned bellowed in rage. "You spoiled him to no end, and now he ended up killing

    Father! If the worst happens, I swear you''ll be buried too!"

    "Insolence! It seems I''ve been ying nice for too long!" Yed bellowed, his pure vigor bursting as he

    leapt up, ready to kill Ned.

    However, Ned had been seething too¡ªnot longer holding back, he charged his vigor and met Yed''s

    oing blow!

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    Pow!

    Knuckles collided, and Ned was sent stumbling backward and hitting a wall.

    However, Yed was stunned too. "What."

    "Surprised, brother?!" Ned coolly spat out a mouthful of bloody spit as he straightened himself. "I''m

    Birthright rank too!"

    "Enough!" Lothar strode up just then, standing between the brothers and snapping coolly, "How

    unseemly¡ªyour father is dying, and you boys are still bickering?!"

    Once he ensured that both men were keeping a distance, Lothar turned to Ned. "Where did your friend

    get that pill? Maybe you can contact him¡ªask if he has more. You can have a nk check as long as it

    saves your father."

    That was when Pa chimed in, "Did you forget, Lothar? The boy is still being suspected of poisoning

    Ciril. We should think about this."

    "Shut up!" Lothar wheeled on Pa right then, bellowing icily, "Do you have any ideas other than this?

    Or maybe you''re just not keen to save Ciril?!"

    "I."

    Pa kept quiet right then, knowing that she should not press her luck.

    Ned whipped out his phone in turn. "I''ll call Mr. Lawrence now, Uncle Lothar, but I''m unsure if he has

    more Yellow Shrives with him."

 Chapter 828

    Frank was taking Kat out on a joyride in his Maserati.

    They had covered ap around the outer reaches of Morhen and were returning to the cottage when he

    received Ned''s call.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Excuse me, Mr. Lawrence, but I would like to ask for a favor..." Ned asked right away.

    He certainly understood the true depth of Frank''s abilities, now that even a famed healer like Abel

    Loggins was swooning over some traditional pill Frank took out so nonchntly.

    Knowing that Frank was far more than what he seemed, Ned kept his tone as humble as possible.

    "Ah, Mr. Ned Janko." Frank nodded on the other end. "What''s the issue? Perhaps something

    unexpected happened, and my pill didn''t work?"

    Beside Frank, Kat eximed in surprise, "Ned Janko? As in the second son of Ciril Janko, who''s

    rumored to be gay?!"

    Smiling, she leaned away from Frank, as if deliberately keeping her distance.

    "So that''s how it is," she muttered under her breath. "That''s why you''re not interested in me. You''re

    gay!"

    "Shove it." Frank scowled at her.

    At the same time, Ned said from the other end, "No, Mr. Lawrence. It''s not the pill. It''s just that things

    are a littleplicated here. Do you have more of those pills?"

    "Oh, uh." Frank was about to say that he did but soon had an idea. "That was thest one."

    "What?!" Ned was taken aback and groaned despondently. "Well, I guess it''s just not meant to be. I''m

    hanging up now, Mr. Lawrence."

    "Wait!" Lothar cried anxiously before Ned could hang up. "Are you stupid, Ned? If that gentleman could

    make such a pill, he just might be able to save your father!"

    Snatching Ned''s phone, Lothar then asked urgently but politely, "Sir. Mr. Lawrence, I''m Lothar Janko.

    Would you minding over to our residence to treat my brother? Don''t worry¡ªI will pay you whether

    you seed, as long as youe over. How about that?"

    "Oh, just give it a rest." Pa rolled her eyes nearby, muttering under her breath. "You expect a piece

    of shit like Ned could actually make friends with anyone important? Sounds more like a conman to me."

    "Exactly," Yed agreed. "Do you really think he can save Father, Uncle Lothar? That''d make him better

    than Abel Loggins, and I''ve never heard of such a person in Morhen. Stepmother is right¡ªit has to be

    a conman."

    Shut up, both of you!" Lothar barked, his eyes shing murderously and silencing both men.

    That was when Frank chuckled from the other end. "Heh. It sounds really lively on your end... Did

    someone just call me a conman?"

    Embarrassed, Lothar replied humbly, "Oh, it''s just some impudent whippersnappers running their

    mouths. Don''t worry¡ªwe will pay you ten million dors as long as youe, whatever happens!"

    "What?! Ten million?!" Pa eximed in clear discontent.

    She then wheeled on Ned, still doubtful the brat would know anyone important.

    On the other end, Frank was grinning in amusement. "Actually, I don''t mind helping, and I''m confident I

    can seed¡ªbut my fee is one hundred million. Also, it has to be the person who called me a conman

    who pays me. How about that?"

    "Wha... a hundred million?!" Kat gaped beside Frank, even scratching her ears and wondering if she

    was hearing things.

    "Who is this conman?" Yed glowered in turn. "He has the audacity to demand a hundred million?!"

 Chapter 829

    Lothar turned toward Yed, asking coolly, "What''s the problem, Yed? Is your father''s life not worth a

    hundred million? Or maybe you never wanted him to be saved?!"

    "W-What are you saying?!" Yed was sweating from his uncle''s icy re and chuckling awkwardly. "Of

    course I want my dad to get better. I''m just worried that the conman would mess up and make things

    worse..."

    "Hmm?" Frank murmured over the line just then. "It seems you''re not keen for my help. In that case,

    there''s nothing to discuss."

    "Wait!" Lothar cried before Frank could hang up. "Alright, a hundred million is it. Yed agrees to it."

    Then, turning toward Yed with a murderous re, he barked, "Say it!"

    "Fine. a hundred million it is," Yed replied, cursing Lothar inwardly.

    If not for his uncle''s interference, he would have eliminated Ned by now and be the Jankos'' sole

    heir.

    "Tut, tut. You sound so reluctant." Frank chuckled, steering the car even as Kat gaped at him. "I''ve

    changed my mind now¡ªI want 200 million."

    "What?!" Yed flew into a rage, grabbing the phone from Lothar and bellowing at Frank, "How dare you

    raise the price?! I''ll kill you! No one gets to mess with us Jankos in Morhen and live to tell the tale!"

    Frank did not bother to threaten Frank in turn, instead saying slowly and nonchntly, "400 million."

    "Son of a¡ª"

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Eight hundred million."

    "Stop!" Yed was huffing even as he braced himself against Lothar''s murderous re, crying, "Fine!

    Eight hundred million, that''s the deal! I''ll pay you if you save my father, alright?!"

    Frankughed. "Now that''s a good boy. Send me the address."

    Yed certainly felt humiliated, though he was also celebrating inwardly.

    Eight hundred million? So what? He would never get paid once he came within Janko Gardens.

    At that point, he was the one who called the shot!

    Yed''s mind steeled with savagery at the very thought!

    Woah." Kat was gasping as Frank''s Maserati sterned inside Janko Gardens soon enough.

    She had never seen anything like this. The gardens seemed to stretch on forever, and it was in Morhen

    where every acre ofnd was worth its weight in gold!

    In fact, Frank had to drive for another ten minutes after passing the front gates before reaching an

    actual building.

    "So this is how Morhen''s upper ss live? It''s just... Urgh." Kat was left at a loss for words, looking

    everywhere in curiosity.

    She appeared even more of a bumpkin than Frank, even though Frank was the one who came from

    elsewhere.

    Eventually, they arrived at a white mansion, where Ned and his family were on hand to receive him.

    Frank could guess the rtionship implied almost in an instant.

    "Hmph. I knew he was a conman. He looks so young." Pa was sneering nearby.

    Yed certainly agreed, and even Lothar could not help frowning.

 Chapter 830

    Everyone was scowling harder especially when they saw Kat¡ªa brat looking around, curious about

    everything around her.

    On the other hand, Ned did not hesitate and approached Frank right away.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "Wee, Mr. Lawrence," Ned greeted Frank, while adding under his breath, "My answer to your

    proposal before... Please, you have to save my father."

    "Yeah." Frank shed an assuring smile at him and pped him on the shoulder.

    Kat smiled awkwardly when she saw that, and Frank shot her a sideways re, knowing what was on

    her mind.

    Lothar chuckled heartily and greeted Frank as well. "So you must be the Mr. Lawrence that Ned has

    been talking about? May I have the honor of your name?"

    Frank nodded and replied neutrally, "Frank Lawrence."

    "Frank Lawrence.?" Lothar was disappointed inwardly since he had never heard of the name, but he

    hid it well.

    After Frank entered the mansion with both men, Abel returned.

    Yed had sent for him¡ªhe was keen to see if Ned''s friend would actually walk his talk.

    And if the brat was lying, Yed knew that Abel would be able to tell immediately.

    With that, he would be able me Ned and the brat for everything and send the family returns to take

    them down!

    On the other hand, Abel was not plotting.

    As soon as he arrived, he approached Frank, greeting him politely and asking, "Mr. Lawrence, may I

    ask if you were the one who refined that Yellow Shrive pill?"

    "Yes." Frank nodded.

    "Oh." Abel nodded but was already skeptical.

    He had presumed that it was Frank''s mentor or someone senior who cooked the Yellow Shrive, and he

    was now dead sure that Frank was just bluffing.

    "If I may be frank, wasn''t the Yellow Shrive a lost recipe in traditional Draconia medicine?" he asked

    vaguely. "You''re so young¡ª"

    "Oh, so you''re doubting me, sir?" Frank turned toward him with an enigmatic smile.

    "No, of course not. I''m just curious." Abel smiled and sighed. "I can see that the pill was refined

    masterfully, and not the work of youth¡ª"

    "Nothing''s impossible." Frank waved him off impatiently. "I was asked here to treat a patient, not to be

    doubted. And since none of you trust me, I shall make myself scarce."

    Nodding, he started to leave, but Ned quickly stopped him with an apologetic smile. "Please calm

    down, Mr. Lawrence. They''re just wary since you''re very young¡ªit''s only normal."

    Lothar agreed. "Ned''s right. Don''t worry, Mr. Lawrence¡ªI have no intention of doubting you. Come this

    way."

    On the other hand, Yed waited and as Frank and the others headed to Ciril''s bedroom before catching

    Abel by the arm and asking under his breath, "What do you think about the boy, Mr. Loggins?"

    "I can''t say..." Abel frowned, shaking his head. "The way I see it, he''s most likely not a proper healer

    since he didn''t bring a single medical tool. There''s a good chance he wasn''t the one who refined that

    Yellow Shrive too."

    "So, you''re saying." Yed trailed off, delight already showing on his face.

    "Yeah." Abel nodded. "He''s most likely a conman. He must have gotten that pill from elsewhere and is

    hoping to cozy up to your brother."

 Chapter 831

    That certainly made sense¡ªa piece of shit like Ned would never encounter someone more impressive

    than Abel.

    If that young man was really as impressive as he bragged, why was he not famous?

    With that in mind, Yed stared at Frank from the back, sneering coldly.

    Eight million? More like poetic justice!

    If Frank never insulted him, Yed would have been content with giving the conman beating and throwing

    him out of his mansion.

    However, Frank''s pompous attitude had thoroughly left Yed incensed¡ªand no one insulted the Jankos

    and got away with it!

    -

    Soon, the Jankos were once again gathered in Ciril''s bedroom.

    Frank strode up to Ciril, and with just a single look, shook his head and said, "Taut Snow Tree¡ªone of

    Hundred Bane Sect''s finest. The Yellow Shrive would only have kept Mr. Janko alive for a few days

    instead of clearing itpletely."

    Abel frowned right then¡ªcould he have been mistaken?

    The way the kid identified the poison right away and without closer inspection... It was simply

    outrageous!

    Perhaps he was really as good as he bragged too?

    That was when Yed chuckled coolly. "Mr. Loggins has already identified the poison. I''m sure Ned told

    you¡ªquit being dramatic already."

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    "I see." Abel nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.

    After all, he would really be humiliated if some youth diagnosed Ciril quicker than he did.

    That was when Ned began, "I never told¡ª"

    Frank raised a hand, stopping him. "It''s fine. It''s not important."

    Sweeping his gaze over everyone, he said nonchntly, "I can treat this poison, but I will need five

    silver needles¡ªone thick and four thin. And boil a bucket of hot water. Do it right now."

    "You heard the man! Go!" Lothar barked at the servants right then.

    He was sweating all over his brow, feeling cornered just then.

    If anything, he was the one in the room who was most reluctant to let Ciril die.

    Their fire-forged brother aside, if Ciril really died, an upheaval would ensue for the Jankos.

    With Ciril''s leadership as an Ascendant rank gone, the family''s retainers would quickly disband and

    leave, while the rest of them would be reduced to a sulent chunk of meat that the other families

    would drool over.

    At that point, forget their pursuit to rise as one of the Four Families of Morhen¡ªtheir survival in Morhen

    would actually be called into question.

    That was why Lothar was hoping that something was better than nothing.

    Even if Frank was bragging endlessly and he had his misgivings about the boy, he did as told.

    If Abel Loggins¡ªMorhen''s most famous healer¡ªwas helpless, whatever could he do?

    As the servants brought everything Frank asked for, he said, "Everyone, keep your distance."

    Without hesitation, he pinched one of the thin needles and projected his pure vigor, directing it to spiral

    around the tip of the needle.

    "What..?"

    Lothar''s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of Frank''s technique.

    Only Birthright ranks were capable of purifying vigor and projecting it.

    The fact that this youth could do it meant he was one at his young age, which set him on the same

    level as the other heirs of the Four Families of Morhen!

 Chapter 832

    Moreover, there was mastery in the way Frank directed his pure vigor¡ªeven the average Birthright

    rank would never aplish that!

    "Could he havepleted Birthright rank?" Lothar murmured.

    While his own hunch shocked him, his heart was also suddenly welling up with hope.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    The kid just might be able to save his brother''s life!

    "Bastard."

    On the other hand, Yed''s pupils dted as he watched Frank perform acupuncture.

    The brat was Birthright rank too? Did that mean he was actually capable of saving Ciril?!

    The thought left him anxious right then!

    Beside him, Abel''s doubt toward Frank waspletely dispelled even as he watched him and

    murmured, "The Five Plum Spiritus technique...?!"

    It took one to know one, and Abel''s face paled as he watched Frank work on Ciril.

    He was suddenly remorseful, since he had been rude to the boy!

    He was still stubborn about asking Frank the identity of his mentor, or where he had gotten the Yellow

    Shrive from.

    But now, it was obvious that Frank was telling the truth, and that he was the one who refined the Yellow

    Shrive!

    After all, the Five Plum Spiritus acupuncture technique was one of the most sublime disciplines in

    traditional Draconia medicine, but it had been lost for over a century.

    Abel himself had read about it from some yellowed, shriveled text but could never master it. It was not

    until muchter that he realized that it required theplement of pure vigor.

    Martial arts and traditional Draconia medicine was inseparable, they used to say.

    Now, Abel more or less understood why such a profound tradition would be lost in time¡ªmost of the

    medical techniques required one to be a martial artist!

    Individuals who could master medicine and martial arts at the same time were assuredly a rarity. but

    there was one now, standing right before Abel!

    He was thoroughly disappointed in himself right then¡ªif only he had shown Frank more respect earlier!

    "Here, and here."

    Meanwhile, Frank was busy inserting the thin needles across Ciril''s chest before thrusting the thickest

    at the center in the shape of a plum.

    Then, pulling Ciril up so that he was sitting up, Frank moved behind him and struck him rapidly,

    repeatedly and audibly with two fingers.

    While everyone looked on in shock, Abel could see what Frank was doing.

    His legs almost buckled and he almost dropped to his knees.

    "The Pathos Seal? Yet another lost technique!" he cried. "So it really exists... not just in texts! Heavens,

    who is this boy?!"

    Abel''s reaction left Yed on edge right then¡ªit was clear that Frank was skilled, but he was not about to

    let him save that geezer!

    Yed gritted his mrs and narrowed at his own son Hal.

    Soon, Frank stopped after striking Ciril''s back onest time, causing him to vomit a pool of ck,

    clotted blood.

    Then, turning toward Ned, he snapped, "Ssh the hot water on his face now!"

    Ned did not hesitate to carry out his orders, but Yed stopped him even as he raised the bucket.

    "What do you think you''re doing?!" Yed bellowed. "That water was just boiled! Don''t you know what

    happens if you ssh it on your father''s face?!"

    "Buzz off!" Ned shoved him away, not interested in ying along with Yed''s whims any longer.

    He sshed the bucket of boiling water on Ciril''s face, and Ciril suddenly screamed, "Argh!!!"

    The room was left in an uproar as steam swirled in the air.

    "See what you''ve done?!" Yed seized Ned by the cor right then. "That settles it. You were definitely

    trying to kill our father!"

 Chapter 833

    "See what you''ve done?!" Yed seized Ned by the cor right then. "That settles it. You were definitely

    trying to kill our father!"

    However, Lothar eximed in surprise before Yed could hit Ned. "Stop! Look!"

    Everyone looked where Lothar pointed.

    Then, they saw that Ciril''s face was shedding ck ice shards all over the floor where the boiling water

    had made contact.

    "What? How..." Yed was stunned.

    Ned freed himself from his grasp, sneering. "It seems that you''re the one who doesn''t want Father

    saved, Yed!"

    "What." Yed was left speechless.

    "Watch your mouth, Ned!" Pa promptly leapt to Yed''s defense. "He''s worried about your father. Why

    would he try to hurt your father?"

    "Exactly!" Yed nodded despite his gnawing guilt.

    On the other hand, seeing that his work was done, Frank breathed a soft sigh and lowered Ciril,

    allowing him toy in bed.

    A healthy red had returned to Ciril''s cheeks too¡ªa far cry from the purpleplexion earlier. Although

    he was still unconscious, it was clear that he was normal again.

    "Alright, my work is done," Frank said as he took a towel from a servant to wipe his hands.

    Looking around at the Jankos, he pointed at Ciril and said, "Mr. Janko will wake up in half an hour.

    Make sure not to touch him at that time, or the collision of animus would lead to unforeseen

    consequences."

    Abel hurried to Ciril''s side just then, carefully inspecting Ciril''s breathing andplexion.

    Then, as everyone looked on in shock, the most famous healer of Morhen dropped to his knees in front

    of Frank!

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Mr. Lawrence." He apologized earnestly, "I have been ignorant and insulted you before. Please,

    forgive me!"

    Lothar was speechless. "Mr. Loggins, what."

    "Don''t worry." Abel nodded at him. "Your brother is fine¡ªas Mr. Lawrence has said, he''ll be up in half

    an hour."

    Then, turning back to Frank, he kowtowed at his feet and said, "I, Abel Loggins, have spent my life

    pursuing traditional Draconia medicine... To meet you today is more than what I could ever hope for!

    Please take me as your apprentice!"

    Seeing a man in his eighties kowtowing humbly to a twentyish year old youth certainly left the Jankos

    dumbfounded, but Frank appeared nonchnt, as if he was used to it.

    In fact, he was even waving off Abel. "Forget. You''re too old and your talent is mediocre. You''re

    beneath my tutge."

    "What?!"

    Frank''s words left the crowd petrified.

    Abel Loggins, the most famous, and undisputed best healer of Morhen, was justbeled mediocre?!

    What was more, Frank had told Abel that he was beneath his tutge!

    No matter how one looked at it, Frank''s arrogance was too much!

    However, Abel was the only one in the room who understood what Frank really meant¡ªhe was

    aplished in medicine, but he was alsopletely inept in martial arts.

    And being as old as he was, he was certainly not qualified.

    "Oh, that''s not what I mean, Mr. Lawrence," Abel said politely nheless. "I''m not so greedy that I''d

    want to learn your marital techniques¡ªI''d just like to learn some traditional medicine, such as pill

    refinement."

    "Don''t you feel embarrassed, as an old man kneeling to a kid?"

    Frank smiled vaguely as he stared downward at Abel, who was still on his knees.

    "Seniority doesn''t matter when ites to knowledge." Abel simply shrugged. "I may be old, but I''m no

    more than an ignorant child in your presence, Mr. Lawrence. What''s embarrassing about that?"

 Chapter 834

    Abel then finished, "All I ask is for some pointers from you, Mr. Lawrence, and me and my family shall

    always be indebted to your generous favor."

    "Your family?" Frank became interested just then.

    Ned hurried to him, exining, "Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Loggins'' family is a dynasty of doctors and healers.

    They are the top family in Morhen when ites to the medical field, owning hospitals and

    apothecaries."

    "I see..." Frank stroked his chin, more or less hatching an idea.

    He would probably fail if he stood against the Lionhearts and the Turnbulls on his own. But that might

    not be the case with Ned and his family''s help.

    As for the Loggins, they seemed to hold considerable influence in Morhen as a family of doctors, and

    Frank would certainly like to make their acquaintance should there be an opportunity.

    With that in mind, he nodded. "I can see that you''re very sincere¡ªjust leave me your address. I''ll visit

    some time when I''m free."

    "Wonderful!"

    Abel''s beard was bristling from his excitement, and he promptly whipped out his business card and

    passed it to Frank. "My family resides in Inner West Morhen. You can visit me at Loggins Apothecary if

    you''d like to meet me. No one will stop you if you show this business card."

    "Got it." Frank nodded and epted the business card.

    "In that case, I shall bid my leave," Abel said and bowed to Frank again before hurrying away.

    It was clear that he was an important and busy man, but his smile to Frank was not fake at all. It was

    his lifelong ambition to study traditional Draconia medicine, and he could not wait to tell his family about

    this chance encounter now that his wish was fulfilled.

    Frank then turned toward the scowling Yed. "What are you spacing out for?"

    Having read the bodynguage and general behavior of everyone in the room, Frank had already seen

    through Yed''s intentions. As such, he was not about to give up on an opportunity to help Ned to

    seed his father.

    "What?" Yed spaced out for a moment when he realized that Frank was looking at him.

    "Where''s the agreed reward?" Frank leveled him a look of glee. "Eight hundred million dors. No

    more, no less."

    Oh, right. I''ll have someone bring it right away, Mr. Lawrence." Lothar quickly said.

    Having seen how Abel reacted to Frank, he was not about to be glib with the man, just as he had no

    reason to spare expense now that his brother would hopefully make a full recovery.

    And for any family big enough to reach prominence in Morhen? Eight hundred million dors was really

    nothing.

    However, Frank waved Lothar off and pointed straight at Yed. "Did you forget? I asked him to pay."

    "What..." Yed almost flew to a rage as Frank was leveling a provoking re at him.

    Being the heir apparent of the Jankos, he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth¡ªno one had ever

    insulted him or pointed at him like that!

    And judging from Frank''s behavior, it was clear that the kid meant to insult him!

    Still, he took a deep breath and merely growled hostilely, "M-Mr. Lawrence, my father is still

    unconscious, and you''re asking for the money already?"

    "What is this, Yed?!" Lothar snapped in displeasure. "Are you doubting Abel Loggins?"

    "No," Yed retorted coolly. "I trust Mr. Loggins, but I don''t trust some brat who came out of nowhere.

    What are we supposed to do if he takes the money and runs before father actually makes a full

    recovery?"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

 Chapter 835

    Yed''s concern was actually reasonable, and Lothar paused in thought.

    "The way I see it, he must be in league with Abel Loggins." Paughed coolly just then. "He must be

    using some misdirection trick on theymen like us. I think Ciril was never cured at all!"

    "Exactly. I think so too." Yed sneered.

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "So you''re not going to pay me?" Frank''s tone became threatening, taking a step forward.

    "And what are you going to do about it? You''re in my house!" Yed snapped back and beckoned.

    Several Janko retainers loyal to Yed strode out, their death aura spilling.

    Frank turned to Lothar right then. "Mr. Janko, is this how your family treats guests? And the man who

    saved the head of the family at that?"

    Lothar did a double take but quickly reasoned, "Please calm down, Mr. Lawrence. I can see that you''ve

    cured my brother, and there was no mistaking it. And I''ve also promised that you''d be paid whether you

    seed, as long as youe over."

    Wheeling on Yed with a vicious re right then, he barked, "Yed!"

    Unable to refuse, Yed could only snort and push off the retainers nking him.

    "Come here." He beckoned at Frank. "Uncle Lothar had spoken¡ªI''ll get you your money."

    "I''ming with you," Ned said, walking toward them.

    "Do whatever you like." Yed snorted, able to see that Ned was wary of him.

    He subtly whipped out his phone and texted someone before leading Ned and Frank to a limousine

    waiting to take them to another mansion.

    Once they stopped outside the five-story mansion, Yed said coolly, "Wait here. I''ll get a check."

    He entered the mansion and soon returned, throwing the check at Frank.

    "Take it. Now, piss off." Yed snorted haughtily, as if he was giving alms.

    Frank picked up the check to see that it was just a million and scowled as he looked up at Yed. "What''s

    the meaning of this?"

    "It''s exactly what it looks like." Yed shrugged. "A mongrel like you deserves that much. Go on, refuse to

    take it¡ªsee what happens." "Yed!" Ned strode up, ring at Yed furiously. "You agreed to pay Mr.

    Lawrence 800 million! Don''t you dare go back on your word."

    "Eight hundred million?!" Yedughed coldly. "Would he even have the balls to take it?! This is my

    house¡ªwhat I say goes! And there''s no telling if father actually gets better, so why should I pay him?!

    You can pay him if you want!"

    "You little..." Ned was frustrated.

    Any business or property he had were constantly stolen by Yed, and he would never afford that 800

    million even if he did have some savings.

    He turned toward Frank, helpless as he sighed, "I''m really sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I only have around 500

    million. But don''t worry, I will get you your money."

    Frank shook his head, however, and smiled at Yed instead. "I said 800 million, no more, no less. And

    you''re the one paying me. I won''t take any money from Ned."

    Yed narrowed his eyes dangerously right then. "How dare you speak to me like that in my house?!

    You''ll pay for your insolence!"

 Chapter 836

    As the retainers and bodyguards loyal to Yed encircled Ned and Frank menacingly, Ned snapped at

    Yed, "What is the meaning of this?!"

    "What, you ask? Haha!" Yedughed loudly and coldly. "I won''t hide it from you now, dear brother¡ª

    yes, I was the one who poisoned our father! It''s his fault for choosing you as his sessor! He''s asking

    for it! Also, it''s not just me. Pa is in this too! She''s the one who personally did it!"

    "What..." Ned blurted, looking around as Yed''s men closed in on him in shock and rage. "Have you

    forgotten Uncle Lothar?! If he finds out about this¡ª"

    "Oh, don''t worry. That fool would never know." Yed sneered savagely. "Still, he did mess up my ns a

    little, wasting so much of my time. I would''ve turned on him right away if he didn''t bring those retainers

    with him!"

    "But that''s fine¡ªI made a deal with Sif Lionheart, and she''ll soon be here with the Lionhearts'' best

    men. Once they killed Lothar, I''ll seed Father as the next head of the Janko family! I did not want to

    do this. You all made me do this!"

    Ned was left dumbstruck by the extent of Yed''s treachery.

    "The Lionhearts?!" he bellowed. "When?! Have you forgotten Father''s teachings?!"

    "You can shove your things up your ass!" Yed shot back in disdain. "Might make right¡ªsince father

    refused to appoint me as his sessor, I just have to take it! He should have known this would happen

    when he chose you instead!"

    "Yed. You traitor!" Ned yelled furiously.

    "Hah! You''re the only traitor¡ªyou can rot in a grave like the queer you really are!" Yedughed and

    turned toward his men. "Go! Kill them both!"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    At his orders, the thirtyish bodyguards and three Birthright rank Janko retainers charged toward Ned

    and Frank.

    "I''m so sorry for dragging you into this, Mr. Lawrence," Ned apologized, even as he unleashed a burst

    of pure vigor that covered himself. "Don''t worry. I''ll clear a path so you can run!"

    "So this is the Jankos'' technique?"

    Frank paused when he saw the yellow projection in the shape of a tortoise around Ned but soon

    chuckled. "Actually, Mr. Janko, I won''t let you die yet. I''m still counting on your family''s assistance soon.

    And don''t worry, they can''t do anything to you as long as I''m here!"

    "Still talking tough?! Go!" Yed barked from a distance.

    An ashen-haired man aged around forty¡ªone of the Birthright rank Janko retainers¡ªleapt up into the

    air right then, charging pure vigor beneath his soles that spiraled into a miniature vortex.

    "Hillstepper!" he bellowed as heunched a kick at Frank''s face, the air cracking as he tore toward him.

    "Watch out!" Ned cried out on top of his lungs.

    "Paltry tricks... Hah!" Frank bellowed as he suddenly lifted the limousine nearby and flung it at the

    oing retainer!

 Chapter 837

    "What?!"

    "What is that brute strength?!"

    The Janko bodyguards could feel their hearts clenching when they saw the sheer power Frank fought

    with.

    Even Ned was left stunned for half a beat as he stood right beside Frank!

    On the other hand, the Birthright rank Janko retainers were unfazed¡ªthey were no pushovers.

    After all, they were the backbone of the Jankos'' strength as they rose as one of the Four Families of

    Morhen, recing the mysterious Lawrence family.

    As everyone watched, the ashen-haired retainer stayed on course, kicking the limousine thrown at him

    in two.

    As hended and looked around for Frank, he abruptly felt a cold burst of air on his cheek.

    "Huh?"

    Before he could turn, Frank''s foot was on his check,unching him into the air, spinning violently as he

    coughed liters of blood.

    "What?!"

    Yed, who had been watching all along, did not even notice when Frank appeared mid-air.

    "He''s so fast"

    The two remaining Birthright rank Janko retainers did, however. They more or less saw Frank vaulting

    into the air right behind the limousine after he threw it and were left stunned!

    "What are you spacing out for?! Go!" Yed bellowed at the retainers when he saw them hesitate.

    "Hah!" the white-haired elderly retainer barked as his palms moved rapidly, blurring in motion as he

    streaked toward where Frank wasnding.

    The other retainer clenched his fingers like ws, aiming them at Frank''s eyes as he followed his

    comrade.

    "Weak and insignificant!" Frank bellowed as he descended from above, putting his psalm together.

    "Boltsmacker!"

    Two purple lightning bolts shout out despite the bright blue sky, and there was a resounding p of

    thunder as Frank released both palms!

    "What was that?!"

    Lothar Janko, who was staying by his brother''s bed, noticed the lightning bolts.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    The rumbling thunder soon resounded not too far from the main Janko mansion.

    "Was that... an Ascendant rank fighting?!" Lothar murmured in shock, his fingers wing into the

    bedpost.

    The elderly Janko retainer with him shook his head solemnly. "No. That''s no mere Ascendant rank. The

    martial technique he used employs the world''s energies. He''s closing in on Transcendent rank!"

    "What? Who other than Ciril could''ve gone that far?!" Lothar eximed, but he was suddenly furious

    when he saw where the lightning boltsnded. "Isn''t that Yed''s mansion? Is he fighting Mr. Lawrence?!"

    However, while Lothar and the Janko retainers were distracted, they did not notice the child sneaking

    up to Ciril''s bed.

    Then, jumping on top of Ciril''s body, he startedughing as he hopped repeatedly on top of Ciril!

    "rgh!"

    It was not until Ciril coughed arge volume of blood that everyone turned and saw Hal Janko, covered

    in blood and sitting on top of Ciril in confusion.

    "You wretch!" Lothar''s eyes widened in sheer rage as he lunged toward Ciril''s bed, seizing Hal by the

    neck and ready to strangle him!

    "Lothar!" At the same time, the elderly retainer from earlier cried out in shock as he leapt toward Lothar,

    pushing him out of the way.

    Bang!

    The elderly retainer caught the full brunt of a palm strike in his chest right then and was sent crashing

    through the bedroom wall, screaming.

 Chapter 838

    "Brother!" Lothar cried, unable to keep strangling Hal as he dropped to the floor.

    When he looked up, he saw that Ciril was suddenly on his feet. However, his hair and beard were

    standing on ends and his eyes were thoroughly red, his veins throbbing like a raging beast.

    "He''s gone amok...?!"

    Even as the word came to mind, Lothar was left watching as Cirilunched a punch at him on the floor.

    "Move!"

    Lothar threw Hal aside as he barrel rolled out of the way, dodging Ciril''s punch by inches. which left a

    meter-deep crater on the floor.

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Brother, it''s me, Lothar! Get a hold of yourself!" Lothar cried out anxiously.

    His words did not seem to reach Ciril, however.

    If anything, it made Ciril even more violent.

    He bellowed again and kept attacking Lothar.

    "Go. Get Mr. Lawrence!" Lothar shouted to the retainers nearby even as he parried Ciril''s assault. "T-

    Tell him that Hal ruined his treatment. Ciril has gone amok!"

    Meanwhile, Frank was slowly rising off the ground in front of Yed''s mansion.

    Beside himy the two pompous Birthright rank Janko retainers, their bodies charred and themselves

    unconscious, barely breathing.

    "Anyone else? Come on, then," Frank challenged, looking around pointedly at the bodyguards around

    him.

    They were all mostly vigor wielders and were naturally trading nces, none of them daring to take a

    step forward to challenge Frank.

    Just look at the three Birthright rank Janko retainers¡ªtwo were on the ground, charred after being

    struck by lightning bolts.

    And the other one? He was sent flying somewhere, his fate unknown.

    Having seen the depth of Frank''s power, none of the bodyguards dared to mess about since none of

    them were suicidal!

    In the distance, Yed was even more shocked than they were.

    He knew that Frank was strong and possibly a Birthright rank. Naturally, he was confident he could

    handle Frank with his three loyal Birthright rank retainers¡ªand including himself, that would pit Frank

    against four.

    He just did not expect Frank to destroy the three retainers in an instant, and he could still see the

    moment Frank unleashed the wrath of the skies against them.

    He realized right then that Frank could well be Ascendant rank... Which meant that small fries like them

    would stand a chance!

    "He was just faking?!" He swore under his breath, his legs shaking uncontrobly. "I shouldn''t have

    sent the other retainers away!"

    He had kept only retainers loyal to him in Janko Gardens, sending everyone else away for misdirection,

    so that they thought they were facing an enemy from the outside. Moreover, the ones who stayed were

    Birthright rank and should have been enough to handle any problems.

    But Frank had to show up out of nowhere, not only bringing Ciril back from the dead, but also proving

    himself a formidable Ascendant rank!

    What a blunder!

    Yed''s spite for Frank was aze¡ªif not for him, his n would have seeded!

    "I guess your boys are scared." Frank gloated as he looked around at the bodyguards who kept

    withdrawing and turned toward Yed with a sneer. "So, Mr. Janko. Time to pay up. or perhaps you have

    more retainers up your sleeve?"

    As Frank strode toward Yed, the bodyguards in the way backed off, clearing a path for Frank straight

    toward Yed!

 Chapter 839

    "Frank Lawrence."

    Yed did not run.

    He was a martial artist too, though he also knew that he would never escape an Ascendant rank, which

    Frank was.

    Composing himself, he growled through his teeth despite his reluctance, "I''ll pay you your 800 million.

    But you have to promise that you''ll leave my house right away and never meddle in my family''s

    business!"

    "Mr. Lawrence..." Ned was left flustered¡ªhe would be killed if Frank really left for that money!

    To his dismay, Frank stopped and leveled an impassive look at Yed. "Really?"

    "Of course," Yed said. "I''m the next head of the Janko family, and my word is golden."

    In Yed''s mind, overflowing glee was quickly recing his panic as he realized Frank was just a fool

    who got involved for money.

    Losing 800 million dors while he turned the tables against everyone and became the next head of the

    Janko family? That was no loss at all!

    In fact, once his session wasplete, he could repay Frank with this humiliation!

    This time, Yed even had a servant fetch a checkbook to avoid suspicion and personally wrote it himself

    before handing it to Frank. "Here''s 800 million¡ªdon''t lose it."

    Frank took the check, nodded, and slid it into his pocket.

    Yedughed coldly, turning toward Ned, whose cheeks paled in despair.

    "So, isn''t it time you leave?" he then asked Frank.

    "Why should I leave?" Frank suddenly said.

    Yed did a double take, and soon, his sense of danger seized him. "We agreed that I''ll pay you 800

    million, and you won''t meddle in my family''s business!"

    "Have I ever agreed to that?" Frank asked and turned towards a confused Ned, adding, "Have I ever

    agreed to anything he said earlier?"

    Ned''s eyes lit up, his courage ring even as he was awash with gratitude.

    Now, he had truly realized Frank was worth depending on¡ªhe did not turn his back on him for money!

    "No," he said, shaking his head. "You never promised him anything, Mr. Lawrence."

    "Exactly," Frank said quietly, turning back to the dumbstruck Yed. "That''s my consultation fee¡ªit''s what

    I deserve." "Also..." he added, pulling out the million-dor check from earlier and sliding it into Yed''s

    coat pocket before pping him on the shoulder, "I''m a man of my word. You overpaid me, so I''m

    returning it to you now.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "You bastard." Yed finally realized that Frank was messing with him all along. "You''ve really done it

    now, Frank Lawrence! Do you know what will happen if you upset me?!"

    "To be honest?" Frank shook his head. "I don''t."

    "Hah! You''ll see when the Lionhearts arrive!" Yed growled through gritted teeth, like a wolf ready to

    strike.

    "Oh, don''t bother." Frank shook his head, grinning at Yed. "I don''t know what you''re up to¡ªall I know is

    that you''re in deep shit."

    "What¡ª"

    Before Yed could finish, Frank had punched him in the gut, shattering his meridian nexus into tiny

    pieces.

    "rgh!" Yed coughed out a mouthful of dark-red blood.

 Chapter 840

    "rgh!"

    Yed coughed out a mouthful of dark-red blood as he dropped on his rear, ring at Frank in disbelief

    even as he shook with rage. "Y-You crippled my cultivation! H-How dare..."

    "You talk too much."

    Frank shook his head and pped him across the face right then, sending several bleeding teeth flying.

    "You''re traitorous scum who conspired to kill your own father. Nah, you''re actually an insult to scum."

    Yed would never have dreamed that Frank would actually hit him. He screamed hysterically despite his

    missing teeth, "Y-You hit me! I''ll kill you! I''m the next head of the Janko family! This is my house. You''re

    dead!"

    "Whatever."

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    Frank turned, shaking his head as he walked up to Ned and pped him on the shoulder. "Go on, Mr.

    Janko. I''m sure you need to vent."

    "Yeah." Ned nodded.

    He had certainly had enough of this brother who bullied and humiliated him ever since a child. Even

    though he had gone the extra mile to make sure he did not upset Yed, handing over any family estate

    or business he was given under coercion, even going public that he was gay to avoid leaving a progeny

    to elude his brother''s wariness, Yed kept abusing him anyway.

    And Ned had been holding back those grievances for twenty years!

    Walking up to his brother, Ned breathed a deep sigh. "Yed."

    "Don''t you dare." Yed still snapped at Ned despite everything. "If youy a finger on me now, I swear I''ll

    cut your balls off! You could only wish you were dead!"

    "Uh-huh."

    Ned allowed Yed to finish threatening him, even nodding along.

    Eventually, he asked quietly, "Are you done?"

    "Huh.?" Yed felt a pang of terror as he stared at Ned.

    Suddenly, all of Ned''s cowardly demeanor was gone, and Yed was reminded of that conversation he

    had with their father.

    -

    Ciril was sitting behind his desk, speaking quietly. "Yed, I''m going to appoint Ned as my sessor."

    His words caught Yed off guard.

    "That eunuch?! Why?! How am I not better?! Do you really hold so much grievance against me?!"

    Why?! Why?! Would their father choose a loser like Ned for his sessor?!

    "Because he shows more potential, and he understands patience and the big picture¡ª" Yed could not

    remember the rest.

    At that very moment, his heart was consumed by jealousy, rage, confusion, and madness.

    All he knew was that he shall rise as the next head of the Janko family, no matter what it took!

    Pow!

    "Argh!!!"

    Yed''s mind was yanked back to the present even as he felt the agony between his legs.

    He was then left staring at his loser brother, who had kicked him wildly in the groin, breaking his family

    jewels!

    The sheer agony left Yed cking out.

    When he came to his senses again and saw him bleeding from his pants, his eyes shed with

    madness and hatred. "Fuck you, Ned¡ª"

    Pow!

    Ned kicked him squarely in the nuts again, this timepletely cutting off any chance for Yed to

    procreate.

    Even as Yed could die from the pain, Ned seized him by the hair, lifting him to eye level as he spoke so

    icily Yed could feel chills.

    "How about that, Yed? Who''s the eunuch now?"

 Chapter 841

    "Ned... I''ll kill you... You¡ª"

    Ned punched Yed in the face even before Yed could finish threatening him, sending Yed mming into

    the ground.

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Yed''s bodyguards rushed forward, ready to save him, only to see Frank shifting his weight between his

    legs.

    "You can keeping if you don''t mind dying."

    The bodyguards all paused right then in fear, caught in a dilemma as they watched Frank fold his arms

    before his chest.

    That was when a mini tram bounded down the cobblestone path and a Janko retainer leapt out.

    "M-Mr. Lawrence!" he cried. "Ciril Janko has gone amok¡ªplease, you have to help him!"

    "Amok?" Frank frowned, his expression suddenly cool. "I was very clear about not touching him. Did

    you not follow my instructions?"

    "W-We did." the retainer paused awkwardly. "But we were distracted for a moment, and Hal climbed on

    top of Ciril, and."

    "Save it." Frank waved him off. "I get the idea. It was nned ahead anyway."

    Frank then turned toward Yed, whom Ned had clobbered into a pulp and was barely breathing. "Even

    the brat''s shenanigans were probably deliberate¡ªYed here had most likely put him up to it."

    "Yed put him up to it.? Oh!" It was only then that the retainer saw Yed, held by the cor by Ned. "W-

    What''s the meaning of this, Ned?"

    "It''s exactly as you can see!" Ned bellowed.

    He was just feeling spirited from immense catharsis, his chest feeling light never before.

    Turning toward the retainer, he shed a cool smile and said, "Yed here has already confessed to

    poisoning our father. but that''s not all. He was ready to kill both myself and Mr. Lawrence here and

    would have seeded if not for Mr. Lawrence. Father would have died with the truth eternally buried!"

    Then, turning to Yed''s bodyguards, he bellowed with strength and authority that he long kept

    concealed, "I''m now asking all of you as the next head of the Janko family: Was there a single lie in my

    words? Confess!"

    His pressure overwhelmed Yed''s bodyguards right then, and all of them dropped to their knees.

    "Y-Yes."

    "Yed Janko has admitted that he poisoned Master Janko."

    Seeing that they were not confessing under coercion and instead out of guilt, the Janko retainer turned

    in disbelief toward Yed. "What on earth... How could you do this, Yed?! He''s your father! He treasured

    you so much¡ªhow could you be so heinous?!" "That''s enough," Frank said, stopping them. "I''m

    leaving to check on Mr. Janko now. And Ned, don''t kill your brother yet¡ªwe still need his confession.

    And from what I can see, even your stepmother was involved."

    Ned did a double take, his expression troubled by Frank''s instructions.

    Though Yed remained silent throughout, Ned kicked him as hard as he could once again.

 Chapter 842

    Ned spat, "Guess you''re lucky this time!"

    "Oof¡ª"

    Yed coughed blood as he copsed, unconscious.

    Frank and the Janko retainer then hurried into the mini tram that thetter came on and returned to the

    main Janko mansion.

    "Whoa..." Frank was actually surprised to see only half the mansion was left standing.

    At the same time, Ciril''s wild rampage was still continuing, and most of the Janko retainers Lothar

    brought were either dead or maimed.

    Even if Ciril was saved, the damage to his family was already done.

    "Is Mr. Lawrence here yet?!" Lothar shouted when he saw the mini tram return, wiping the blood off his

    lips and appearing guilty when he saw Frank.

    If only he had known that Hal would ruin everything. He should have just killed that brat from the start

    and be done with it!

    "Please, Mr. Lawrence." he cried. "You have to help us! Save my brother!"

    "Ciril." Frank appeared shocked even as he watched Ciril Janko from afar.

    The man''s skin was beet red as he fought several Ascendant rank Janko retainers at the same time.

    One would expect nothing less from the Jankos¡ªone of Morhen''s most illustrious families¡ªjust as

    Ciril''s ce as their leader was undisputed.

    The sheer depth of his strength¡ªeven in the absence of a rational mind, or the boost of pure vigor¡ª

    was quickly wearing down the Ascendant rank Janko retainers.

    Lothar could certainly see that Frank was impressed and promptly pleaded, "That''s my brother for you.

    That''s why he''s one of the high elders in the Martial Alliance and one of their best fighters. If he falls,

    our family could well fall apart."

    "That''s why I''m begging you, Mr. Lawrence. Help him. Just get him back to normal, and I''ll pay you

    another 800 million. No, even eight billion is not out of the question!"

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Pfft. Don''t tell me that the check is going to bounce too, just like Yed''s?"

    Somehow, Frank found it appropriate to chuckle and joke despite the situation.

    On the other hand, Lothar was gaping. "What?! That brat didn''t pay you?!"

    "He eventually did. I had to work for it, though." Frank smiled and nodded.

    Rising to his feet, he looked out into the distance with a somber gaze, watching as Ciril wheezed one

    moment and growled like a wild beast the next.

    "Peak Ascendant rank, huh?"

    Frank certainly knew that he was no match for the man. To even stand a chance against that man, he

    needed sufficient time to charge his pure vigor or some miraculous natural wonder that could bolster

    his cultivation.

    While he would be unrivaled against anyone below Transcendent rank if he reached Ascendant rank,

    Frank still had to admit that he could not win outright here and now.

    "Restrain him," he said. "Buy me five seconds."

    "Five seconds?! Alright!"

    Lothar gritted his teeth as he strode out from behind a copsed pir, looking at the remaining Janko

    retainers around him as he bellowed, "You heard Mr. Lawrence! He''ll save Ciril, but we first need to

    restrain Ciril and buy him time! Together now!"

    "Alright!"

    Ten retainers leapt toward the rampaging Ciril at Lothar''s orders.

    At the same time, Frank slid into a corner. He chanted a mantra as he unleashed the Five-Peat

    Archaeus, his pure vigor equal in strength with each of the Janko Retainers.

    Lothar nced at Frank unwittingly just then, shock showing on his face.

    "I-Is that the true depth of his power? He''s justpleted Birthright-rank, but his pure vigor is so

    condensed... Is there anyone in Draconia who could rival him if he reaches Ascendant rank?!"

    "Argh!!!"

    That was when a red-eyed Ciril wed into the concrete floor with a single bare hand.

    Then, pulling out a boulderrger than the size of a man, he threw it straight at Lothar!

    "Terrapin Remittance!" Lothar suddenly bellowed, and headbutted the boulder, shattering it into pieces!

 Chapter 843

    Frank nced at Lothar, inwardly impressed. "Such immacte defense technique."

    While Mystic Sky Sect apprentices were instructed in secret techniques taught since time immemorial,

    there were plenty of other secret techniques passed down among other ns and sects. Naturally,

    each of such techniques had something that made them special, but Frank had the advantage of the

    Five- Peat Archaeus.

    It was just a basic technique that the chief of Mystic Sky Sect had personally taught him back in the

    day. However, as long as a technique adhered to the rules of the five basic elements, Frank could use

    the Five-Peat Archaeus to observe, emte, and even improve on it.

    That was how he could copy anyone else''s technique so freely from the start!

    "Basilisk Remittance!" Frank bellowed as he cast the technique Lothar just used. Focusing the

    projection of yellow pure vigor around his feet, he shattered a boulder flying at him with a kick!

    Pow!

    At the same time, an elderly man in white garb whose beard was dyed with blood rushed to Ciril''s side,

    catching and restraining his left arm. "Sorry about this, Mr. Janko!"

    "Save your manners forter!" another middle-aged Ascendant rank Janko retainer shouted as he leapt

    to Ciril as well, locking his shoulders and forcing him to the ground.

    "Skyshaker!" A fatdy bellowed as she descended from above, aiming her immense buttocks on

    Lothar''s waist and pinning him down!

    "Argh!!!"

    Even as Ciril struggled violently, Lothar reached them as well and grabbed one of his legs.

    "Just bear with us, brother! It will be over soon!" he shouted. "Now, Mr. Lawrence!"

    Frank certainly did not hesitate¡ªhe could well see that the four Ascendant ranks were barely holding

    Ciril.

    Appearing beside them even before the retainers could see him move, he called out, "Hold him

    steady!"

    Then, whipping out a silver needle, he thrusted it with perfect precision into Ciril''s chest.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "Have a Serenity Pill on top of that..." Frank added as he shoved the pill down Ciril''s throat, and tapped

    him in the dead center of his ribs.

    "Halt!" he bellowed.

    Abruptly, Ciril''s whole body stiffened, and he was suddenly lying prone on the ground as if losing all

    strength.

    Seeing that he was finally stopping, the four Ascendant ranks restraining Ciril all breathed a collective

    sigh of relief.

    Even Frank thought Ciril was subdued as well, when Ciril suddenly looked up, his eyes shing with a

    scarlet more intense than before!

    "Huh?!"

    "What?!"

    The Ascendant ranks restraining themselves were certainly stunned, caught off guard when Ciril

    suddenly moved, sending them flying!

    Only Frank was left standing in front of Ciril, and this time, Ciril was using his pure vigor!

    "Move, Mr. Lawrence!"

    "Argh!!! Terrapin Breaker!!!" Ciril bellowed in madness as heunched his fist at Frank''s head, yellow

    pure vigor cracking around it even as it left the ground around them rumbling.

    Everything aside from Frank was already sent flying¡ªit went without saying what would have

    happened if Ciril''s fist had struck Frank in the head.

    And everyone who could see it certainly knew.

    "No! That''s my brother''s signature move! Run, Mr. Lawrence!" Lothar yelled on top of his lungs when

    he saw that.

    Ned just happened to be alighting when he saw Ciril and Frank, panic immediately seizing him and

    leaving him at a loss.

 Chapter 844

    Yed, who was thrown to the ground, could see ahead with his one good eye, which soon lit up with

    excitement and delight.

    "Hahaha!" Heughed raspily and shrilly. "That''s what you deserve... Hahaha!!!"

    It was not just him¡ªeveryone could see it too, the moment when Frank''s head would blow up like a

    watermelon.

    Ned''s fingers clenched on the car door and closed his eyes in anguish!

    "Hmm."

    On the other hand, Frank was simply watching as Ciril''s fist streaked toward him thunderously.

    At this moment, he genuinely understood that the Jankos truly had the disposition to rece the

    Lawrences as one of the Four Families of Morhen.

    Even in a stupor, Ciril could wreak such devastation upon all around him. In all certainty, he could prove

    to be a match for Fenton, Frank''s father''s valet!

    However, there was no way Frank would fall here.

    "Death Eater," he murmured, and a burst of red pure vigor unfurled away from Frank like a raging

    storm.

    As everyone was left stupefied, the death aura released caused the temperature around them to fall by

    over a dozen celsius!

    "T-That''s the Death Eater.. The signature move of the Lord of the Southern Woods, which he used to

    carve a path of carnage into Talnam..."

    Lothar immediately recognized the technique Frank used. Being an insider himself, he quickly realized

    who Frank really was.

    After all, the Death Eater would only be taught to heirs of direct lineage, and no one else.

    In other words, Frank was the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods!

    "Could he be the only missing apprentice of the Mystic Sky Sect, Donn Lawrence?!"

    Even as the thought struck Lothar, Frank moved.

    "Terrapin. Breaker!!!"

    Within a single split second, Frank replicated Ciril''s technique andunched it at Ciril.

    Fist met fist, although Frank''s knuckle was shrouded with streaks of blood-red bolts that red brighter

    than Ciril''s pure vigor.

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    Bang!!!

    A horrific explosion erupted around Ciril right then, and a blinding sh soon ensued, stunning

    everyone around them for an instant.

    Then, a surging heat wave unfurled, blowing apart what remains of the main Janko mansion.

    The luxury cars that were parked outside were all sent flying, rolling as they crashed into the distance.

    Hal, who had been hiding in a corner throughout, screamed as the heat wave sent him soaring into the

    air, beforending square on the rebar his father was holding on to for dear life.

    Shunk!

    Yed had never seen his own son''s chest being pierced by the rebar and was even pulling him down as

    hard as he could to block the debris flying towards him.

    When the storm finally subsided, the Janko retainer closest to Ciril finally dared to open their tear-filled

    eyes.

    And when he did, he was frozen stiff, shock showing his face when he saw what was before him.

    "Bleurgh..."

    Lothar had to cough out a mouthful of dust and wipe his face as hard as he could, before turning with

    considerable effort toward the epicenter.

    Then, he too was left stunned.

    He had imagined many oues. but not this!

    When Ned regained his vision and scrambled to his feet to look as well, he was equally stunned.

    Soon, everyone else saw it¡ªFrank''s shirt was torn into pieces, but he stood his ground, his expression

    impassive while the death aura around him was gone.

    On the other hand, Ciril¡ªhead of the Janko family and a man who had reached the peak of Ascendant

    rank¡ªwas topless.

    And he was on his knees, staying motionless in front of Frank.

    Clearly, Frank won the collision of fists between them.

 Chapter 845

    "Alright, quit spacing out now."

    Frank''s calm call brought every Janko to their senses. "I''ve pacified Mr. Janko now¡ªhis left arm is

    broken, but he just needs bed rest for a period and he''ll be fine."

    Walking up to Ned, he pped him on the shoulder, leaving him stunned and confused. "Huh?

    Wha...?"

    "Go," Frank frowned, clearly hinting that he should clean up the mess and earn his keep as the next

    head of the Janko family.

    When Ned finally understood, he forced a smile at Frank and nodded repeatedly.

    Striding forward, he instructed the terrified servants to carry Ciril to another mansion to rest.

    After that, he beckoned at the bodyguards.

    Yed, who was still staring nkly at his son''s corpse, was dragged to the middle of what remained of

    the main mansion.

    "Speak!" Lothar bellowed at him. "Did you or did you not poison your father?!"

    With Ned, the family retainers and Lothar encircling him, Yed became well aware that it was all over for

    him.

    His heart only sank further when he saw that his son was dead.

    He hung his head lifelessly, admitting to his crime wordlessly.

    "Insolent scum!"

    "You bastard!"

    "To think that I was ready to pledge my service after you seed Ciril!!!"

    "You''re worse than vermin!"

    The Janko retainers were screaming at Yed upon his confusion, almost sent over the edge by his

    attempt to kill his own father.

    They had always known Yed was ambitious, but they had never dreamed that he would attempt

    patricide!

    And every single retainer present had been fighting alongside Ciril as he built his dynasty, and their

    loyalty to the man was unshakeable.

    It was no wonder why they were incensed when they saw the extent of Yed''s treachery!

    That was when an ashen-faced Pa ran out of nowhere, throwing her arms defensively around Yed

    as she howled, "Stop yelling at him! I was the one who poisoned Ciril! I did it¡ªkill me if you want!"

    "What?!" Lothar''s cheek was clenched when he saw how protective Pa was toward Yed.

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    They were no mother-and son, and they were both in their thirties¡ªeveryone just needed a little

    imagination to know what their rtionship really was.

    "Scum... Both of you are scum!" Lothar was shaking with rage, pointing at them as he bellowed, "Such

    deceit, betraying my brother''s trust! Die like the vermin you are!"

    Swish!

    Lothar turned as he drew a machete from a bodyguard''s grasp, ready to cut Pa and Yed into pieces!

    "Uncle Lothar!" Ned cried as he suddenly strode in front of Pa, stopping him.

    "What?! Are you really taking their side, Ned?!" Lothar was barely coherent in sheer rage, jumping to

    conclusions right away.

    "No way. I''d never take their side." Ned shook his head. "I''m just thinking that Father should be the one

    who punishes them for their heinous actions. Don''t you agree?"

    His usual cowardly demeanor gone, Ned''s tone was firm, even carrying a hint of cool authority.

 Chapter 846

    Lothar did a double take beforeughing heartily in realization. "You''re right, boy... Well, that''s decided!"

    And seeing no protests from the retainers, Ned issued orders. "Lock them up. Once my father

    recovers, he''ll be informed about everything, and he''ll punish them as he sees fit."

    Then, walking up to Frank, he began, "By the way, wasn''t Yed saying he was conspiring with¡ª"

    The cool voice of a woman interrupted before he could finish. "Hmm? It seems that things have gotten

    lively here. Did I make it in time?"

    Lothar and the Janko retainers all turned toward the voice and frowned when they saw who it was.

    Ned strode forward, glowering as he demanded, "Who let you in here, Sif Lionheart?!"

    The woman in question was dressed in a leather skirt, a military jacket, and a ck Draconian beret,

    escorted by over a dozen bodyguards as she alighted.

    She casted a brief nce of disdain at Ned before looking around and asking, "Where''s Yed? Why isn''t

    he here to see me?"

    "Answer my question!" Ned bellowed at Sif, not cowed by her haughtiness. "Who let you in here?! This

    is Janko family property, and you Lionhearts have barged in here uninvited. What is the meaning of

    this?!"

    "Hah!" Sif snorted as she red at Ned''s sideways andughed coolly. "Since when does my presence

    need your approval, eunuch? Who do you think you are? I''m here for Yed¡ªwhere is he? Bring him

    here!"

    Seeing that she was full of herself, Lothar strode up as well, glowering. "May I ask why you''re here, and

    without informing us at all? Or have the Lionhearts be this impudent, convinced you can walk all

    over the Janko family?"

    "Could you shut up?" Sif snorted. "I''m here for Yed. This has nothing to do with rejects like you."

    Both Ned and Lothar glowered at Sif as she kept insulting them even after barging into their home. as if

    they were inconsequential!"

    That was when the lifeless Yed, who was being dragged away, suddenly came to his senses.

    "M-Ms. Lionheart! I''m here! I''m right here!"

    He bawled and howled, even as he suddenly freed himself from the bodyguards'' restraint with a burst

    of strength that came out of nowhere, and ran straight toward Sif.

    "What?"

    Sif frowned at the sight of his downtrodden state, her tone icy. "What is the meaning of this? Who did

    this to you?"

    "That''s none of your business, is it?" Ned snapped at her bluntly. "This is Janko family business¡ªit''s

    not up to the Lionhearts."

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Is that so?" Sif narrowed her eyes coolly at Ned, sneering. "It''s been a while, Ned Janko, but you''ve

    really grown a pair. I have no intention to argue despite your earlier insults, but now? Are you really

    going to defy me? You''re asking for it!"

    Seeing Sif''s eyes sh murderously while her bodyguards strode up, Nedughed despite himself. "I''m

    sorry, Ms. Lionheart, but look around. This is Janko Gardens, not your home. You can go elsewhere to

    strut!"

 Chapter 847

    Meanwhile, the Janko family bodyguards had chased down Yed and restrained him again.

    Even as they dragged him off to the basement stockade, he screamed, "Please save me, Ms.

    Lionheart! They''re going to kill me!"

    "Ned Janko, I demand you release Yed this instant!" Sif bellowed at Ned loftily right then.

    "No." Ned shook his head, his tone neutral. "I refuse. And what are you going to do about it? Attack me

    on my family''s turf?"

    "Better think about what you''re doing," Sif growled impatiently in return.

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    Ned was always a loser whom everyone could bully¡ªhow did he be so authoritative in just a few

    days, even daring to stand up to her?!

    "There''s no need to think, Ms. Lionheart." Ned held her gaze in turn. "I''m now asking you to leave my

    house. We''re not receiving guests at the moment."

    "What if I refuse?" Sif asked quietly.

    "Then I will have to remove you by force!" Ned bellowed. "Uncle Lothar! Retainers! Escort them out of

    here?!"

    "Come on if you dare!" Sif bellowed in turn as she strode forward. "Ciril Janko''s death is assured, and

    disrespect me again, and I''ll make sure everyone hears about it! Every enemy you''ve ever made will

    soon be at your doorstep... I''m sure I don''t need to borate further?"

    "And how do you know about Ciril?!" Lothar barked, shaking with rage.

    Ned snorted in turn. "Hah! Yed was gloating all about it, Uncle Lothar¡ªhe sold us all out to the

    Lionhearts! Ms. Lionheart is here to eliminate you and the loyal retainers, and they would have won if

    not for Mr. Lawrence''s interference!"

    Lothar was positively apoplectic upon hearing Ned''s words.

    Still, he stifled his impulse to kill Yed right then and there, and turned to Sif as he growled coolly, "I''m

    afraid the Lionhearts have failed today, Ms. Lionheart. My brother is alive¡ªand kicking, I might add!"

    "Hah! Quit being stubborn already," Sif snorted, folding her arms before her chest.

    Lothar shrugged, sneering as he pointed at Frank, "This is Mr. Lawrence. He saved my brother from

    the brink of death, and it was him who exposed Yed''s wretched conspiracy. Ask him all you want if you

    doubt us."

    "Mr. Lawrence? Never heard of."

    Sif trailed off when she turned and saw Frank standing there, impassive. "You?!"

    Ned noticed Sif''s agitation right then and quickly asked, "What, you''ve met before, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Yep, once." Frank nodded.

    "Once, you say?!" Sif could blow up from sheer rage when she heard Frank''s nonchnt tone!

    Her elders had been lecturing and criticizing her endlessly ever since she returned from Norsedam.

    Spending billions to buy an underage Hyperion Root?

    It was fortunate they had Hundred Bane Sect''s help to hasten its growth, or she would have lost even

    more money in terms of value!

    Sif certainly did not expect to see him here in Janko Gardens in the middle of Morhen.

    She could barely stay sane even as her fury red.

    But not only did the bastard refuse to apologize, he was even pointing at her usingly. "I''m sure Yed

    Janko got the poison he used on his father from you, didn''t he... Ms. Lionheart?"

    "So what if I did?!" Sif bellowed.

 Chapter 848

    Sif immediately realized what she had actually said right after she said it.

    She could well have admitted to aiding Yed in assassinating Ciril!

    Not only would that lead to a diplomatic crisis between the Lionhearts and the Jankos, but her actions

    and her family would also be quickly condemned far and wide if word spread.

    Also, there was no doubt that the Lionhearts were as influential as they were powerful enough to not

    fear the Jankos. But if they really pushed the Jankos too far, they would definitely retaliate and perhaps

    seed in taking their two pounds of flesh from the Lionhearts before they went down.

    In short, it waspletely unnecessary heat.

    With that in mind, Sif quickly switched gears, her tone cool as she said, "I''m a close friend of Yed''s, and

    I won''t sit idly by when he''s being abused. I couldn''t care less about any family dispute that happened

    here."

    "Well, what happens in the family stays in the family," Ned said pointedly. "And since I''m sure you

    weren''t conspiring with Yed, feel free to see yourself out, Ms. Lionheart."

    Sif was stumped¡ªat this point, defending Yed would only mean that he was in league with Yed, and

    that she had provided the poison and conspired against Ciril.

    However, she refused to leave empty-handed!

    Snorting, she wheeled on Frank and snapped coolly, "I''ll refrain from meddling against your rotten

    affair, but this man is my enemy. Or are the Jankos going to stop me from taking him with me, even if it

    means invoking the wrath of the Lionhearts?!"

    "Huh?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Ned turned to Frank in confusion, but he soon snorted as he turned back to Sif. "Watch it! My family

    owes this man a debt. If you insist on taking him, we will dere war on you!"

    "Who do you think you are?!" Sif bellowed, staring straight at Ned with a look of contempt. "You were

    next in line to seed Ciril Janko, but you''re still a loser and a eunuch? And you think you speak for

    the Jankos now?! Don''t make meugh!"

    That was when a rich voice boomed, saying, "Ned doesn''t speak for the family, you say? Then what

    about me?!"

    Both Ned and Lothar were immediately overjoyed when they heard the voice, whereas Frank appeared

    nonchnt, as if he had expected this.

    And it was no exaggeration to say that Sif was the most shocked person in the room, as everyone

    watched Ciril himself appear before them in golden robes!

    The man had a lion-like appearance, and his rich voice was just as resounding as a lion''s roar!

    "What?!" Sif blurted. "Didn''t Yed say they poisoned him already?! How is he still¡ª"

    Even as she was left shocked and uncertain, Ciril slowly strode toward her, asking quietly, "What''s the

    matter, Ms. Lionheart? It seems you''re really surprised that I''m appearing before you alive and well."

    "N-No..." Sif replied stiffly, even as she cursed Yed inwardly for his ipetence.

    "Hmph!"

    Ciril snorted, his voice booming like a bolt from the blue and almost knocking Sif off his feet. "Mr.

    Lawrence here is an important guest of the Janko family, and a man whom we''re indebted to¡ªhis

    enemies are my enemies! Remember that!"

    "Y-Yes, Mr. Janko..." Sif replied sheepishly, afraid to speak too loudly in the presence of a peak

    Ascendant rank.

    Moreover, Ciril was infamous for his fiery temper¡ªgive him enough reason, and he would really cut her

    down right here and now.

    Even the Lionhearts would not be able to argue against that, since the fault waspletely theirs.

    Poisoning the head of a family?! If the Jankos went all out on finding the truth, even the Lionhearts

    would not be able to hide their dirtyundry wlessly¡ªsomething, somewhere would be exposed and

    traced back to them!

 Chapter 849

    Once word got out that the Lionhearts were conspiring to assassinate the head of one of the Four

    Families of Morhen, their reputation would be dealt a serious blow. It went without saying that it would

    be much worse than Sif''s troubles at Norsedam!

    As such, Sif was now afraid to breathe a peep.

    If she somehow exposed herself now, forget Ciril¡ªeven her own family elders would skin her for the

    sheer vileness of her plot!

    Soon, Morhen would be left in chaos as it was every man for himself, while even the Lionhearts would

    find themselves desperate.

    "N-No, sir," Sif quickly said humbly. "I came here to deliver an invitation¡ªmy brother Titus will be

    marrying Vicky Turnbull in a few days, and your family is cordially invited to attend the ceremony."

    "Hmph. Yet another arranged marriage?" Ciril chuckled coolly and waved her off. "I understand. You

    may go now."

    "Ah... yes, of course. By your leave, Mr. Janko." Sif bowed slightly, ready to flee with her men right

    then.

    Still, she stayed long enough to shoot Frank a vicious re, as if to tell him that he was lucky this time!

    Before she could disappear, however, Ciril suddenly called out to her. "Wait!"

    "Yes, Mr. Janko?" Sif asked, turning around reluctantly.

    "Please send my thanks to Simon for his generous hospitality." Ciril smiled darkly. "I will always be

    grateful, and I solemnly vow to return the favor eventually."

    Sif pursed her lips, and this time, she went straight to her car with her bodyguards without pausing as

    they fled.

    When they were all gone from sight, Ciril suddenly coughed a mouthful of blood and dropped on one

    knee.

    Naturally, he was just putting on a strong front earlier.

    "Father!"

    "Brother!"

    Ned and Lothar hurried to his side to help him, but he raised a hand to stop them.

    "I''m fine," he said, before looking up at Ned with a contented smile, pping him on the shoulder.

    "You''ve done well, Ned. I was right about you¡ªI''m satisfied with what you''ve done, to say the least."

    "Father." Ned shook his head guiltily and sighed. "Yed is right. I''m useless. If it wasn''t for Mr.

    Lawrence''s help, I''d be¡ª"

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Don''t take away credit from yourself now!" Cirilughed heartily. "You understand how important it is to

    rely on others, to have faith and gamble¡ªthat''s wisdom in its own right! Just look at me and your Uncle

    Lothar. We both started out with nothing... But now, even the Lionhearts are tiptoeing around us!"

    "Yeah." Ned smiled and nodded, his face lighting up with confidence again.

    "Haha! Good. Now help me up!"

    As Ned and Lothar helped Ciril up to his feet, holding one arm each, Ciril turned toward Frank with yet

    another heartyugh. "Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence. I heard you''re both a formidable fighter and

    a skilled healer."

    Beside Ciril, Lothar could tell what his brother was going to say and quickly whispered into his ear,

    "Hold on, brother. The boy is Donn Lawrence in the flesh¡ªI''m sure of it."

    "Huh?"

    Ciril''s pupils dted, and he paused, clearing his throat.

    Suddenly, he was looking at Frank as if Frank was an equal. "Mr. Lawrence, you''ve saved my life and

    the legacy I''ve built. I hence announce that my family shall now pull out from the race to be one of

    the Four Families of Morhen."

 Chapter 850

    "What?"

    "Why?''

    Most of the Janko retainers and bodyguards were trading nces, puzzled by Ciril''s sudden

    announcement.

    Only the stronger retainers were frowning as they pondered on Frank Lawrence''s name, more or less

    getting the idea.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Could he be a member of the Lawrence family, formerly one of the Four Families of Morhen?!"

    "Is he the heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods?!"

    While everyone was left uncertain, Ciril coughed loudly twice andughed heartily, "Don''t worry, Mr.

    Lawrence. I have been around for a while¡ªand I despise ingrates the most. If you have any requests,

    feel free to voice them! I understand that money is nothing to you... As long as it''s within our power to

    grant it, we''ll do our utmost!"

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence! Don''t hold back on us now!"

    "Ask away, Mr. Lawrence!"

    Seeing how enthusiastic the Jankos were, Frank mused to himself for a moment before ncing at the

    invitation Ned was holding.

    "In that case, I do have a favor to ask," he said quietly.

    "Ask away!" Ciril said heartily.

    "During the Lionhearts'' wedding ceremony in a few days, and depending on the situation. I''m going to

    need your help."

    Frank refrained from giving details¡ªhe might have just saved the Jankos single-handedly, but it was

    still a pipe dream to ask them to go to war against the Lionhearts.

    To no surprise, Ciril frowned at his words, musing to himself before asking, "Do you bear grievances

    against the Lionhearts, Mr. Lawrence? If it''s Sif Lionheart, I could well have her brought back here this

    instant. But I can see you have been through enough to not get petty over mere squables and to

    challenge the Lionhearts for it?"

    Yed and Lothar both nodded¡ªthey agreed with that whole-heartedly.

    "No." Frank shook his head, his eyes shing coolly. "I suspect that the Lionhearts and Turnbulls are

    conspiring to force this wedding to happen. And the bride-to-be. she''s my woman."

    All the Jankos gasped right then, and even the usually dauntless Lothar was gaping. "A-Are you saying

    that you''re going to crash a wedding, in front of the Turnbulls, the Lionhearts, and every illustrious

    family in Morhen?!"

    Frank nodded solemnly. "If it''s necessary. But like I said, it depends on how things turn out."

    "Haha... Hahaha!!!" Ned wasughing out loud even as Ciril and Lothar were left hesitant. "And here I

    thought what it was going to be. And that''s all?"

    Nodding at Frank and putting a hand on his chest, Ned''s gaze shed with determination. "No worries,

    Mr. Lawrence¡ªshould you ask, you have my support even if it means my death! I owe you my life, and

    you didn''t abandon me when I needed you! That''s why I''d never abandon you either!"

    Ciril grinned in approval at Ned''s attitude and shared a smile with Lothar too¡ªthe brothers were

    certainly reminded of their good old days!

    "Alright!" Cirilughed cheerfully, spreading his hands, "In a few days, Lothar and Ned shall be

    attending the Lionhearts'' banquet. If a fight starts, we won''t hold back¡ªwe''ll support you to the end,

    Mr. Lawrence!"

 Chapter 851

    Kat waspletely oblivious to the dramatic events that had transpired.

    It was the first time she visited the grand abode of one of Morhen''s most illustrious families, and she

    was excitedly strolling everywhere under the supervision of the family butler.

    She was not distracted at all, despite the bolts from the blue, or the shockwave ensuing when Frank

    and Ciril''s fists collided.

    She was still jubnt even as she and Frank were heading back. "Once I get rich, I''m definitely living

    like that!"

    In contrast, her cottage certainly stung the eye no matter how she looked at it now!

    It was not until they almost returned to the cottage when Kat remembered Frank was visiting the Janko

    Gardens for business. "By the way, weren''t you going to treat Ciril Janko''s illness? Did it work?"

    Not wanting her to ask for more details, Frank shook his head nomittally.

    "Ah, so it''s a dud?" Kat shook her head in disappointment. "I mean, 800 million dors... Tut, tut!

    Shame you missed out, huh?"

    Naturally, she had no idea that the check Yed wrote was right inside Frank''s pocket.

    On the other hand, Nash breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that both Frank and Kat returned safely.

    He obviously had questions for Frank but could only scratch his head awkwardly in silence.

    Frank turned toward him. "Just say what''s on your mind."

    "Hmph." Kat, however, was immediately in a bad mood when she saw her own father frowning and

    headed straight for her room.

    And for once, Nash did not lecture her¡ªhe simply watched as she left.

    Then, after hesitating for a while, he finally began awkwardly, "Mr. Lawrence. See, Kat is still young. I

    mean, she has just be an adult, and."

    "Huh?" Frank stared at him, perplexed.

    "I mean." Nash remained flustered, unable to find his words even as he tried to shoot Frank looks that

    would make him understand.

    However, Frank remained utterly mystified.

    "Mr. Lawrence." Nash eventually gritted his teeth and sighed. "Kat is still too young to get a boyfriend or

    spend the night outside. So."

    "Oh."

    As Frank nodded in understanding, Nash smiled in relief, but only to stiffen when Frank rubbed his chin

    and exined politely, "Well, it''s normal for kids to start dating young these days, but not to worry¡ªI''ll

    do my best to keep her away from the unseemly sort."

    "Uh..." Nash was left blinking nkly¡ªhe was actually worried that Frank was the one who would get it

    on with his daughter!

    He was an important guest of the Turnbull family. and it would really be troubling if his daughter and

    Frank really started dating.

    "Well, it''ste. I''m going to bed now." Frank nodded, not paying attention to the look on Nash''s face as

    he returned to his room without a care.

    "Urgh..." Nash could only sigh lengthily¡ªFrank had no idea what he was saying at all!

    The stars were sparse that night.

    Frank was crossing his legs as hey in bed, reading a book.

    Soon, he narrowed his eyes when he heard someone tiptoeing along the second floor hallway.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    He put the book away at lightspeed and pretended to sleep, all while praying, "Stay away, stay away,

    stay away."

    Naturally, it was pointless¡ªhis door was unlocked with the right key as a figure sneaked up to his bed.

    Kat breathed a puff of air into Frank''s ear.

    Frank''s brow twitched, but he kept pretending to be asleep, unbudging.

    "Eh?" Kat appeared surprised.

 Chapter 852

    Kat appeared surprised but soon poked a finger on Frank''s cheek, breathing softly, "Master

    Lawrence?"

    Frank kept pretending to sleep.

    "You''re pretending to be asleep, aren''t you?" Kat snapped impatiently as she stood by his bed.

    Frank still did not move.

    "Heh. In that case, this ain''t my fault..."

    She quietly took off her shoes, dangling it in front of Frank''s nose.

    Frank''s brow wrinkled right then, and he sat up and snapped in annoyance, "That''s enough!"

    He saw beneath the moonlight that Kat had once again caked her cheeks with makeup and put on that

    white wig as well.

    "You''re a girl," Frank growled irritatedly. "Why do you have to keep sneaking into my room like we''re

    actually up to something? What if your father sees us? What would he think of me?!"

    "Hehe... I knew you were faking it," Kat giggled mischievously, before saying mysteriously, "I have a

    favor to ask, okay?"

    "You''ve been asking for plenty of favors, don''t you think?" Frank snorted,ying back down in bed while

    waving her off impatiently as if chasing off a housefly.

    "Come on, be nice!" Kat groaned. "A pretty girl like me is asking. Shouldn''t a man like you. Y''know?"

    "A girl?" Frank chuckled coolly. "Does that grant you special privileges? The way I see it, everyone is

    created equal."

    "Oh, could you stop being so stubborn?" Kat huffed and grabbed Frank by the arm, tugging as hard as

    she could. "Just help me out onest time! It''s thest time, I promise!"

    "Fine. What is it?" Frank asked, sitting up as she was really a pain.

    "Hehe. Sneak me out of here." Kat winked and smiled, sticking out her tongue. "My dad will definitely

    stop me from going out thiste, but that won''t be the case if you side with me. And I promise this will

    be thest time I ask for a favor. I won''t ever bother you after this, so pretty please!"

    Frank sighed¡ªthe kid was really an enigma.

    Getting out of bed, he growled. "You said it yourself. It''s thest time."

    "Yes! Thest!" Kat nodded repeatedly.

    However, even as they stepped outside, they found Nash standing in the middle of the hallway even

    before they coulde up with an excuse to sneak out.

    "Where are you going this time, Kat?" Nash sighed, feeling tired and pained.

    "Oh, I''m not nning to go out. Mr. Lawrence is, and I''m just tagging along."

    Frank was speechless.

    Meeting Nash''s gaze, he braced himself and said, "I have an errand."

    His words left Nash stumped, since he had no excuse to stop Frank.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Turning back to Kat, he asked, "Why are you going with Mr. Lawrence? It''s the middle of the night. It''s

    very dangerous!"

    Kat scowled in annoyance. "Well, I have Master Lawrence with me, and I just need a breath of fresh air.

    Don''t bother."

    "Mr. Lawrence..."

    "Don''t worry." Frank nodded at Nash. "It''s just a business discussion. Nothing too dangerous."

 Chapter 853

    "Danger''s not the question. It''s...uh..."

    Nash sighed, unable to continue.

    "Don''t you get sick of doing the same thing over and over again?!" Kat snapped impatiently right then.

    "I just want to go out, and there''s a martial elite in Mr. Lawrence escorting me. What''s going to happen?

    Do you really want me to go friendless?!"

    "Of course not. I just want you to make friends with normal¡ª"

    "The way I see it, you''re the freak here!" Kat bellowed at Nash before storming off.

    Nash sighed again. "Oh, that child..."

    Frank nodded at him. "Don''t worry, Nash. She''ll be fine as long as I''m around."

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Nash stared at him in turn¡ªFrank was exactly what he was worried about.

    However, he could not say it.

    Sighing, he handed Frank a small box and left without a word, his back slumped.

    Frank was left starting in confusion as he left, and he stiffened when he took a closer look at the box.

    "Nash."

    He called out, ready to exin himself when he realized what was going on, Kat had returned and

    started dragging him out by the arm. "Let''s go already! Why are you worried about that fossil!"

    "There''s been a misunderstanding¡ª"

    "You can deal with that when you''re back!" Kat snapped, not epting exnations as she kept

    dragging him away.

    Soon, they arrived at a basement bar in West Morhen.

    A group of Kat''s friends already reserved a booth seat before Kat and Frank reached the bar, and a girl

    came up to greet Kat after she called her.

    "Over here, Kat!" The girl had wavy ck hair and a mild smile, with two adorable dimples on his

    cheeks.

    Kat smiled as she hurried over, and they hugged and giggled before Kat turned to Frank. "Ahem¡ªMr.

    Lawrence, this is Lily York. She''s my best friend and the lead singer of our band, The Spades!"

    Frank nodded, seeing that Kat was quite serious about it. "Hello.

    "Lily, this is my mentor, Frank Lawrence! You can just call him Mr. Lawrence."

    "Oh hello, Mr. Lawrence. Nice to meet you." Lily nodded politely, already showing that she was more

    well behaved than Kat.

    "Lily, what''s taking you so long?" A youth in a suit came just then, his face falling and turning hostile as

    soon as he saw Frank.

    Naturally, it was none other than Soren Lionheart himself.

    "Oh, Soren," Lily said. "Kat was just introducing her mentor to me. This is Mr. Lawrence¡ª"

    "Save it." Soren raised a hand, stopping her impatiently. "I know."

    While Lily stared at them in confusion, Soren wheeled on Kat, frowning as he demanded jealously,

    "Why did you bring him here?"

    Kat frowned in turn, not caring for his jealous tone.

    While she somewhat had a good impression of and even admired Soren, she became repulsed after

    the other girls told her about what had happened just before Hux Darman pped Soren in the face.

    And Soren certainly did not hold a candle to Frank!

 Chapter 854

    Not only was Soren a liar, but he was also unreasonable, jealous, and a braggart.

    The man was simply incorrigible, and Kat wondered why she had not noticed that before.

    Composing herself, Kat stood akimbo as she red at Soren. "I don''t remember inviting you."

    "Lily did," Soren retorted, even more hostile toward Frank since he could notice Kat treating him

    differently.

    Lily quickly tried to calm things down. "Alright¡ªwe still have to get a show on the road here. It''s our

    turn soon, Kat... Are you ready?"

    "Hmph. For sure," Kat pped a hand on her chest and leveled a smug look at Frank, like a child keen

    to show off.

    Frank sighed tiredly. "In that case, I won''t impose. I''lle back to take you home when you''re done."

    "No!" Kat scowled right then. "This is why I had youe along. You''re watching us on stage, and

    you''re going to cheer for me!"

    "Come on, Kat," Soren chimed in, shooting Frank a look. "Don''t get pushy when he''s already refused

    you. Who knows, he might hate your music."

    Kat glowered at Soren''s clear provocation. "No one would think you mute just because you don''t

    speak."

    "What."

    Soren almost snapped at Kat''s harshness, but he took a deep breath and chuckled coolly. "Fine. Do

    whatever you want."

    With that, he returned to the booth seating without looking back.

    "What''s wrong, Kat?" Lily asked, puzzled¡ªKat used to admire Soren, so why the dramatic change in

    attitude?

    "Things happen," Kat replied grumpily while staring at Frank. "He''s just not my type."

    "Oh." Lily nced between Kat and Frank thoughtfully.

    "Anyway, you''re going to take a seat like a good boy." Kat scowled at Frank. "That''s why I brought you

    here. Do you understand?"

    "Nope." Frank shook his head.

    "Hey!" Kat almost exploded, but she took a deep breath and quickly put on her sweetest smile. "Pretty

    please, Master Lawrence? This is thest time. Okay?"

    Frank''s expression darkened. "You said that before we came. How manyst times does this make?

    Beside them, Lily was bbergasted.

    Kat had never made a face like that to any other man¡ªshe certainly saw Kat in a new light now!

    And among all the students from the middle schools in South Morhen, Kat was unanimously chosen as

    the most beautiful!

    At that very moment, Lily became dead sure that there was a story here!

    And seeing Frank frown unhappily, Lily cleared her throat and smiled. "Allow me."

    Stepping in front of Kat, she said, "Apologies, Mr. Lawrence, but Kat, myself, and three other friends

    have formed a band called The Spades. We''ve been hitting different bars, putting on live shows to earn

    some money on the side."

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Uh-huh." Kat nodded repeatedly.

 Chapter 855

    Lily smiled again, shing her dimples. "As we kept putting on shows and got more popr, an

    entertainmentpany made us an offer¡ªwe''ll be putting on a show for them. They''ll hire us if our

    performance meets their standard, and we''ll debut as pros. That''s why Kat brought you here, hoping

    that you''d cheer for us."

    "Of course," she then added with a pained smile, "if you''re not interested in band music, we won''t force

    you to anything... Just stay here and wait until Kat is done."

    Frank turned to Kat in surprise after hearing what Lily had to say.

    Nash was clearly not rich, but Kat would not have wanted money with the Turnbulls supporting them¡ª

    if anything, ying with the band must be her way to support her friends.

    "So that''s why you''ve been sneaking outte at night." Frank sighed in realization

    Since Lily had put it that way, he would be unreasonable if he was still dismissive.

    As he nodded to show he would stay, Kat pped him excitedly on the shoulder. "Haha! Keep your

    eyes wide as you watch now, Master Lawrence!"

    Frank smiled at her. "I don''t know much about music, but. do your best."

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "Yep!" Kat was jubnt, while Lily hid a smile as she watched.

    -

    "Huh? What is he doing here?!"

    Mandy Doncic, who was already at the booth seating, scowled as soon as she saw Franke over.

    Springing to her feet, she snapped bluntly, "Soren reserved this booth seat. There''s no ce for you!"

    Frank paused and looked around, but the other seats in the entire bar were taken, and he could not sit

    elsewhere.

    The other girls, however, were far more weing than Mandy.

    "Oh, why are you so petty, Mandy?"

    "Mr. Lawrence saved us before!"

    "Exactly. Soren wouldn''t be so stingy, right?"

    Tilda, one of the girls who warmed up to Frank before, smiled and patted the seat beside herself.

    "There''s a free spot here. Come sit here, handsome."

    Though it was the outermost seat, Frank nodded and did not refuse. "Thanks.

    Soren, sitting in the center, scowled and snorted, but he was otherwise silent. Frank could see that

    Soren was hostile to him. However, he did not care about the students anyway and was even less

    interested in Soren.

    He was not bothered by Soren''s jealousy either and would keep his distance unless provoked.

    "Hmph. Talk about brazen." Mandy folded her arms before chest, utterly annoyed as she sat down.

    "Let''s give a warm wee to the next band, Dragondawn! They''ll rock your world!"

    The lights overhead shed as a group of uniquely dressed youths strode upstage and started ying.

    Soren and the others were soon nodding along, engrossed.

    Frank, however, thought they were noisy and ignored them as he reached for a bottle of red wine.

    That did not escape Mandy''s notice, and she promptly snatched it out of his grasp. "Soren paid for that!

    Buy your own drinks!"

 Chapter 856

    Frank frowned but did not argue with Mandy, and instead reached for the jug of water, pouring himself

    a ss.

    Mandy snorted. "Can''t even afford to buy himself a drink, and trying to freeload off Soren. Despicable."

    Frank used the dim light and deafening beats to pretend not to hear Mandy, not even looking her way.

    It took a while until Dragondawn finished, and everyone in the bar including Tilda apuded.

    She turned toward Frank, her cheeks flushed as she smiled and asked, "What do you think? Don''t you

    think they''re just so cool?"

    "I don''t know much about music," Frank admitted. "But I thought they were a little noisy."

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Hah! You really are a bumpkin." Mandy promptly jumped in to mock him. "You can''t even understand

    new age rock. Honestly, what are you doing here?"

    At that point, Frank realized that Mandy was on Soren''s side.

    She could see that Soren hated Frank and therefore repeatedly insulted Frank to curry Soren''s favor.

    Her hard work clearly paid off too, as Soren smiled faintly and shrugged. "Don''t say that, Mandy. The

    arts are just too advanced for backwater folks¡ªit''s normal if they don''t understand it."

    He was clearly referring to Frank, but Frank was not upset at all.

    Frank had no cause to get petty with students, and they could say whatever they wanted to as long as

    it pleased them.

    Naturally, Soren was grimacing when he saw that Frank was unfazed, realizing immediately that Frank

    waspletely ignoring him as if he were just an angry ant.

    No matter how an ant iled around, insulted, or harassed an elephant, the elephant would not even

    bother to look its way.

    It only left Soren exponentially humiliated.

    He just happened to follow Frank''s gaze just then and realized Frank was staring at a man in the front

    row.

    Narrowing his eyes, Soren soon recognized the man¡ªhe was Willy Sorano, Emilio Sorano''s second

    son. Frank was frowning in turn. "Did Willy''spany invite The Spades to put on a live show for

    them?" He knew Willy''s style all too well¡ªthe casting couch was inevitable for Kat and the others if

    they joined Willy''spany.

    Considering that even a nation''s top actress like Noel York was not spared and was coerced by the

    Soranos in every way, mere students like Kat and the others would not stand a chance!

    Frank felt stung when he remembered Lily''s naive smile, and he was suddenly restless.

    And through sheer coincidence, it was The Spades'' turn to take the stage.

    "Hehe." Kat was even grinning smugly at Frank.

    He now saw why she had dressed up like that before leaving home¡ªshe was the bassist, handily

    plucking the strings to a low hum.

    Lily was holding a guitar, standing at the forefront since she was the lead singer.

    There was another guitarist, along with a drummer and the keyboardist.

    They matched each other perfectly in turn and couldmunicate with just a nce.

    They started tuning for a moment, and soon, Lily cleared her throat before she began to sing.

    Her voice was strong and permeating, and the bar quickly turned quiet as everyone listened.

 Chapter 857

    Frank was actually surprised¡ªin the beginning, Lily''s tone was mundane, but the apaniment

    seemed to lift her voice, allowing her song to engulf the person.

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Her performance left the basement bar silent, too. Men and women were all left staring at the girl who

    was dressed modestly, whose voice would not lose to top singers.

    Even someone as oblivious to music as Frank knew that she sang well.

    Then, as Kat joined in the chorus, their voices seemed to resound across the bar, leaving the crowd

    silent and enthralled.

    Tilda, the girl beside Frank, was sighing.

    Frank nodded without knowing it.

    On the other hand, Mandy was ring jealously at the girls. -

    When Lily eventually finished thest song, the crowd spaced out for a beat before apuding

    thunderously.

    Even Willy was on his feet at the front row, praising endlessly, "Impressive! The Spades are really as

    talented as they''re said to be!"

    "Encore! Encore!" the guests around the bar chanted, providing a much more enthusiastic reception

    than the one the Dragondawn received.

    Lily smiled and bowed. "Well, what shall we sing next? Any suggestions?"

    "I''ll pay you five grand for a request!" A pudgy man rose to his feet, his arms still around a prettydy

    as he called out heartily, "My Heart Will Go On!"

    "Booo..."

    Everyone appeared repulsed by the suggestion¡ªtalk about old-fashioned!

    Eder, the bar owner strode forward just then and leveled an earnest look at Lily. "Come on, girls. The

    man is paying five grand for a request, and we''re splitting it fifty-fifty."

    "Sure." Lily nodded, and the rest of The Spades were about to start ying when someone else stood

    up.

    "Five grand for a request? And such an old song?! I''ll pay you ten grand,dies¡ªmy request is Don''t

    Stop Me Now!''" "What?!" The pudgy man earlier frowned at the younger man who spoke. "Shit, your

    taste is older than mine!"

    Everyone jeered again too.

    "So what? It''s what I like!" The younger man crossed his legs smugly.

    "Well, alright then..." Lily said, a little exasperated.

    What was the problem with the guests today? Sure, it was nice to have paid requests, but each of their

    requests were more old-fashioned than the next!

    But there was no helping it since the customers were alright, and she could only sing it with her band.

    That was when Soren sprang up and shouted, "Wait!"

    Then, as everyone in the bar looked on, he chuckled and said, "Queen, in this day and age? Aren''t you

    people embarrassed? My request is just for a love bad, and I''ll tip a hundred grand."

    "What?!"

    "A hundred grand?!"

    Soren''s extravagant request certainly caught everyone''s attention, which stroked his vanity instantly.

    However, Kat was frowning on stage. "I don''t want to sing a love bad, Lily."

 Chapter 858

    Kat could clearly feel that Soren was after her with that request for a love bad, and it really irked her.

    Eder, the bar owner, scowled right then. "What, are you refusing a customer''s request? Are you trying

    to ruin my bar''s reputation?!"

    "No, no, of course not." Lily quickly smiled apologetically. "We''ll sing."

    As she spoke, she turned to Kat with a pleading look. "Please..."

    Kat frowned in annoyance but sighed. "Fine. Whatever."

    C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "Wait!" the pudgy man from earlier bellowed as he stood up. "Two hundred grand for My Heart Will Go

    On!"

    "Two hundred grand?!" Everyone in the bar gasped.

    That amount of money for a single request was just ridiculous!

    "Hah!" The pudgy man looked around smugly, still holding on to his prettypanion. "Who else wants

    to make a bid?"

    "Five hundred grand," Soren stood up again as he raised, shooting the pudgy man a look of disdain.

    "Five hundred grand? Shit, the guy''s crazy," the pudgy man grumbled as he sat down in shock.

    While it was utterly crazy that anyone would make a single song request by paying 500 grand, no one

    challenged Soren just then.

    "A love bad it is. I''ll just pretend I''m singing to Master Lawrence," Kat grumbled under her breath on

    stage.

    Lily heard it and smiled exasperatedly.

    "Wait."

    They were just starting when Willy finally spoke from the front row, beckoning nonchntly, "My

    request is I Wanna Be Your ve."

    "Huh.?"

    "What?!"

    Willy''s song request left everyone in the bar speechless.

    However, he was sneering as he held up a finger, silencing the crowd as he said, "My tip will be one

    million."

    "Shit, who''s the man throwing in a mil?!"

    "A million bucks for one song? Am I hearing him right?"

    "You heard right, and I Wanna Be Your ve at that... Heh."

    "Having a girl band sing it too¡ªthat''s just sick."

    As the crowd below the stage started to whisper among themselves, Kat strode past Lily on stage.

    Straightforward as ever, she red at the grinning Willy as she snapped, "I Wanna Be Your ve?! I

    don''t know a single word! Go to some seedy joint if you like that song so much!"

    "Is that how you speak to the guests?!"

    Eder, the bar owner, strode out and bellowed at Kat right in the face. "He''s rewarding you with a million

    dors! You''d better think about it¡ªa million! You''d be getting over a hundred grand each even if you

    have to split it! So what if the lyrics are a little cheeky? It''s no skin off your back¡ªor are you so keen to

    see my business fall apart?!"

    Eder''s threat left The Spades trading nces awkwardly.

    "I-I don''t know the song." Lily stepped forward with a chagrined smile. "Would you mind naming

    another song, sir?"

    She could already see that the young man was the person in charge of the mediapanying to

    assess them and refrained from being too rude.

    "You don''t know the song? Well, I can teach you."

    Willy did not seem upset at all, even grinning as he beckoned to her. "Come here. Let''s have a drink

    together before I give you my. instruction. Once I''m done, you''ll sing amazingly."

    The Spades were left scowling¡ªthey certainly understood what Willy was getting at.

 Chapter 859

    Tilda, the girl sitting beside Frank, was anxious too.

    She turned to Soren, pleading, "Can''t you do something, Soren?! We have to help Kat!"

    However, Soren could only scratch his head awkwardly.

    He had followed Frank''s gaze and realized the man in the front row was Emilio Sorano''s second son,

    Willy Sorano.

    They were one of the Four Families of Morhen, and Soren certainly could not afford to mess with them.

    While he was a Lionheart, he was no more than a distant rtive¡ªa far cry from Willy, who was from a

    direct lineage.

    Moreover, he had already spent all his pocket money of 500 grand and no more.

    As such, Soren pursed his lips and exined under his breath, "Don''t you see? That''s Willy Sorano! If

    he gets upset..."

    He trailed off, but the others understood¡ªSoren could not afford to mess with Willy.

    "Are we just going to let him humiliate Kat and the other girls?!" Tilda groaned, on the verge of tears.

    She and The Spades were good friends, and she was frustrated to see them ced in such an

    awkward situation.

    "Are you crazy?!"

    Mandy Doncic, who was sitting beside Soren, snapped at Tilda, "That''s Willy Sorano, the second-in-line

    to the Sorano family! Are you trying to get Soren killed, upsetting him?! Know your ce!"

    "Exactly," Soren sighed. "I can''t afford to mess with all the influence at his disposal."

    Soren was certainly honest for once, since backing off against the Soranos'' heir was nothing too

    embarrassing.

    Even across all of Morhen, no more than a handful of his peers would dare to challenge Willy¡ªeven if

    Soren liked Kat, he was not suicidal enough to die for her.

    At the same time, Willy gloated, "Come on, girls¡ªeach of you have a drink, and I''ll teach you how to

    sing it. And then you can all join Sorano Media, on your way to be the most popr of Draconia.

    How about that?"

    His gleeful look left the Spades troubled, but Kat strode forward, staring sternly at the others and

    snapped, "Don''t drink! Have you forgotten why we put together this band in the first ce? We should

    just disband, and I definitely can''t take this insult!"

    With those words, she mmed her bass on the floor.

    "Oh, so you''re going to insult me? I''m Willy Sorano!" Willy glowered.

    The other guests around him were all shocked.

    "What?! That''s the second heir of the Soranos?!"

    "Shit! Why would he show up at a modest bar like this?!"

    "Well, he''s here either way. I guess the girls are just unlucky!"

    The girls on stage appeared conflicted as the other bar guests leveled mixed looks at them.

    "Are you crazy?" Eder was sweating bullets in frustration. "That''s Mr. Sorano asking! His family is one

    of the Four Families of Morhen! What would you have to worry about if you get on his good side? Do

    you still have to y at some bar like you do now? You''d be the best band in Draconia!"

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    The girls were actually swayed a little by Eder''s reasoning.

 Chapter 860

    Naturally, most of The Spades were wary of the Soranos'' influence.

    Most of their families were modest¡ªeven poor¡ªand basically helpless against the Soranos,

    They had no choice but to give in to a smugly grinning Willy.

    "Kat..." Rosa, the keyboardist, leveled an awkward look at Kat.

    "What..." Kat was shocked as she realized that her band members were staring at her unhappily.

    "Not everyone leads afortable life like you."

    "Yeah. We''d all like to make a living for our family and realize our dreams."

    Kat was silent when she saw the guilty looks on their faces, and she eventually smiled and shook her

    head. "Heh... Then I''ll respect your decision."

    She started to leave, only for a glowering Eder to catch her. "Where do you think you''re going?"

    "The band''s breaking up, and I''m going home," Kat snapped icily.

    Eder snorted right then. "Did you think you can do whatever you want in my bar and leave as you like?!

    Either please Mr. Sorano right now, or none of you are leaving in one piece!"

    Several burly goons appeared backstage at Eder''s words, sending the girls'' hearts skipping a beat.

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Hahaha! I like her. I especially prefer feisty, stubborn ones¡ªbring her over, she can have a drink with

    me." Willy smiled evilly below the stage, and everyone could see that his intentions were sinister.

    "K-Keep dreaming!" Kat snorted and strode down the stage anyway

    Two burly goons strode up at her right then, and she assumed a fighting pose.

    "Buzz off!" she cried and unleashed the Skyrush Jab she learned from Frank.

    "Hah, some scrawny kid like you is¡ªOof!"

    Everyone was left staring at shock as Kat, whose height only reached the goon''s chest, leapt up and

    punched him in the chest. And somehow, her tiny wrist and miniscule knuckle sent the giant flying,

    even though he must weigh over 200 pounds!

    Bang!

    The goon grunted in dull pain as he crashed into furniture, drawing a chorus of screams.

    Willy and Eder were stunned as they stared at Kat, with Willy frowning. "What? She''s a martial artist?!"

    Even Kat was stunned, staring at her knuckle in disbelief.

    She had merely used the technique she practiced through sheer instinct and punched with all her

    strength.

    And she was certainly surprised how strong it turned out to be!

    Before she could be pleased, however, Eder came to his senses and ordered over a dozen more burly

    goons to encircle Kat.

    Even if Kat managed to catch the other goon off guard, she absolutely had no chance against this

    many.

    "Kat!" Lily became flustered on stage and quickly pleaded to Eder, "Please, sir! Just give us a chance¡ª

    we will learn to sing right now!"

 Chapter 861

    However, as soon as Lily started pleading to Eder, Kat snapped, "Stop it, Lily. I won''t sing for a bunch

    of scum like them."

    "But..." Lily watched anxiously as the bodyguards encircled Kat.

    "Hahaha! Good, good!" Willyughed. "I''ve really taken a shine to you now, girl¡ªyou''re a real feisty

    one! Take her and bring her to my bed. I''m breaking this wild pony tonight."

    Seeing that Willy was so despicable that he did not even care to pretend, Frank finally had enough and

    sprang to his feet even as Soren looked on in confusion.

    "I''ll tip ten million dors," he said evenly, leaving the entire bar gasping.

    "T-Ten million?!"

    "Now that''s a tycoon! Ten million. Not even A-list stars get that honor!"

    Everyone, including Willy, turned toward Frank.

    Willy was certainly upset and would see the face of the person who would disrespect him. though he

    also found that voice annoyingly familiar somehow.

    "Eh?" He froze when he saw who it was, his eyes ring in fury even as he was caught in disbelief.

    "Hahaha." Mandy suddenly burst out inughter beside Soren, drawing the attention from Frank.

    Rearing her chin at him in contempt, she then snapped, "Honestly, I know you like being the hero. but

    this time, it''s different."

    Pausing, she continued, "I can admit that you can fight, even taking away Mr. Darman''s car. But don''t

    you know what the situation is? If you want to stand up for those girls, show us the money! You have

    neither family connections or influence, so stop talking tough. Do you think you''d be able to conjure up

    ten million just because you say so?!"

    Soren was certainly delighted with Mandy''s mocking and chimed in sarcastically, "Oh, people don''t

    know when to quit, acting rich like they aren''t and not knowing time and ce. Messing with Willy

    Sorano? He''d be lucky if he left a corpse!"

    Everyone turned toward Frank after that, expecting an outburst.

    Naturally, they were disappointed as Frank''s expression remained neutral, even beckoning at Eder.

    "Come here."

    "Haha. How can I help you, sir?" Eder shed a fawning smile as he approached.

    He naturally would not mess with anyone in his line of business¡ªespecially someone who could tip ten

    million dors for a song.

    Frank''s tone remained t as he said. "Here''s my card. The PIN is 123456¡ªthen, have The Spades

    sing the song ''Bitch''. It''s meant for a certain bitch who doesn''t know his ce."

    Everyone was left astonished¡ªeverything he said was meant to insult Willy, calling him a bitch!

    The man was suicidal!

    Still, Eder was left in a dilemma. "Sir, actually..."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

 Chapter 862

    If Eder really made The Spades sing Bitch at Willy and made him angry, Willy would me him too...

    "What? You were the one who said the customer is always right, weren''t you?" Frank smiled faintly,

    returning to his seat and crossing his legs with a faint smile. "What, is that tip too cheap for you?"

    "Oh¡ªno, of course not, sir." Eder wiped the sweat off his brow, feeling a little awkward.

    Still, he gritted his teeth and steeled himself as he stared at the golden card between Frank''s fingertips.

    Ten million, and all tips to the band would be split fifty-fifty between the bar and the band!

    That means he would have a five million dor cut¡ªhis bar would bepensated for any losses!

    Who dared would win. Moreover, he was in no ce to meddle with some rich kids'' dispute. All he had

    to do was be the tool he was.

    "You heard him. He wants another song¡ªare you going to sing or not?!"

    As Eder turned coldly toward Kat, he was surprised by Kat''s sweet smile andplete change in

    attitude.

    She even returned on stage, picking up the bass guitar she threw on the floor.

    "Bitch, was it?" she said, emphasizing the word and leaving Willy glowering. "Don''t worry¡ªI''ll do my

    best to sing it."

    Lily remained worried, however. "Kat, your boyf¡ªI mean, is Master Lawrence that rich? Isn''t he just

    putting on airs?"

    "Probably not," Kat said hesitantly, herself unsure.

    "Frank Lawrence!" Willy sprang to his feet just then, pointing at Frank as he snapped, "What is the

    meaning of this?! You''re messing with me, aren''t you!"

    "I mean nothing by it." Frank shrugged innocently.

    Willy''s eyes narrowed murderously. "You''re suicidal, insulting me!"

    "I''m just insulting a bitch for being one," Frank quipped. "If you''re not one, then you wouldn''t feel

    insulted by it. Why don''t you sit down and enjoy it?"

    His cheeky remark left many other guests stifling theirughter. They would not actuallyugh out loud

    considering the influence Willy had and would suffer if they did.

    "Son of a ..." Willy was left fuming.

    If he kept arguing with Frank, he would be admitting to being a bitch.

    But if he showed restraint, it would mean he was taking an insult lying down!

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Waving to stop The Spades from ying, he stared daggers at Frank and snapped coldly, "Twenty

    million dors! Suicidal!"

    "Whoa?"

    Everyone else watched interestedly as Willy and Frank continued topete.

    Whatever the case might be, The Spades would definitely get famous after today, what with being

    tipped twenty million dors for one song!

    And the onlooking crowd was not disappointed as Frank smiled faintly despite Willy''s face already

    contorting from rage. "Are you alright? Anyway, I really insist we all listen to the song Bitch today. A

    hundred million dors."

 Chapter 863

    Frank''s offer left the crowd in an uproar.

    "A hundred million?!"

    "Shit, where did hee from? Tipping a hundred million just to mess with Willy Sorano?!"

    "What?" Kat was gaping at Frank from the stage too, asking in uncertainty, "Where would you get a

    hundred million dors, Master Lawrence?"

    "Don''t bother. Just start singing," Frank replied.

    Kat rolled her eyes, but she was still worried. "Just stop. You''re overdoing it."

    "I refuse." Frank smiled faintly.

    "Hey!" Kat snapped.

    "Kat... I think we should just go," Lily said nearby, her head aching.

    She just wanted to sing and rise to stardom and help her family.

    All she felt was pain, getting caught in this rich kids'' dispute.

    "I don''t think we''re going anywhere, Lily," Rosa said, pointing at one of the 1.9 meter-tall bodyguards

    standing nearby.

    Lily then realized that Eder was definitely not going to spare a golden goose like them¡ªnot when the

    tip was raised to one hundred million dors!

    On the other hand, the guests could hear what Frank and Kat were saying¡ªand Soren certainly could,

    as he sat nearby.

    Once he read into it, his eyes lit up and he sprang up,ughing coldly at Frank. "Don''t raise so quickly.

    Do you even have that much money to win against Mr. Sorano? What if you''re just talking tough?"

    "Exactly." Mandy sneered. "The way I see it, he can''t even afford ten million. He just wants to show off."

    This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hmm?" Willy did a double take, his eyes lingering on Soren as he asked tly, "Aren''t you two

    together?"

    "Of course not, Mr. Sorano." Soren nodded politely at Willy with a fawning smile. "Hell, I don''t like him

    ¡ªbut I had to let him sit here since there''s nowhere else for him to sit."

    "I see." Willy sneered as he turned back to Frank. "Well then¡ªif you want to raise me, you''d better

    have the money like that boy said."

    Gesturing at Eder, he snapped, "Go¡ªcheck if he actually has a hundred million dors for that tip in his

    ount."

    "Yes, Mr. Sorano," Eder hurried away, but soon returned scowling, flinging the card at Frank as he

    snapped, "You only have five cents left in your ount, sir! You should know your limits sir!"

    "Hahaha!!!" Soren guffawed, while Mandy was actually crying fromughter.

    At the same time, everyone else turned toward Kat, who was so embarrassed that she could hide.

    "Why did you have to talk tough if you don''t have the money?!" she muttered under her breath, ming

    Frank.

 Chapter 864

    "Hahaha." Willy was pping and pointing at Frank as heughed endlessly. "Oh, and here I thought

    you''d actually pull something here. You''re just a liar and an idiot!"

    "Oh, he''s killing me. Five cents in his ount."

    "Well, he certainly has balls."

    "I mean, I''d never bullshit about having a hundred million dors if five cents is all I have, and in front of

    Mr. Sorano at that!"

    Frank was a new face, so the guests would not know him, and theyughed savagely at his face.

    However, Frank was frowning after seeing the card Eder threw at him.

    Throwing it on the floor, he calmly shook his head. "This isn''t my card."

    "What?" Eder was left puzzled.

    Soren simply keptughing and pping Frank on the shoulder. "Haha! I know you want to save face,

    but don''t think you can get away from what you did. If I were you, I''d be running."

    "Did you forget, Soren?" Mandy scoffed. "He was trying to drink the wine you bought too¡ªlet him have

    a sip now. He probably drank something worth ten grand."

    "Tut, tut. Talk about thick-skinned. Still pretending at this point."

    "If it isn''t his card, whose is it? Is he saying that someone switched his card?"

    "Haha. Who knows? Someone might really do it if he actually had a hundred million."

    Eder frowned despite the jeers and scoff and hurried away as he came to a realization.

    Soon, he returned ashen-faced, stammering, "M-Mr. Lawrence, I''m so sorry, but you''re right. My front

    desk receptionist got the wrong card. This one''s yours."

    He trailed off before continuing, "She made a mistake and charged your card an extra zero."

    Eder naturally would not admit that his own employee pulled the old switcheroo.

    She had given in to temptation when she saw the truckloads of money and sneakily wired Frank''s one

    billion dors in the ount away.

    It was fortunate Eder noticed something was wrong and sent his men after her, chasing her down.

    However, the money was frozen mid-transfer, so he had to lie about the ounting error.

    "Huh.?"

    Naturally, the bar was left silent at Eder''s words.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    The ones who were jeering Frank were left freezing up, unable to say a word.

    Soren, who was stillughing a moment ago, was suddenly gapingughably in disbelief. "H-He

    actually had a billion dors in his ount...?"

    "A-And he was carrying it around?"

    Mandy froze up too, and her eyes soon rolled up as she cked out.

    "Fuck."

    At the same time, Willy hated Frank to the bone.

    He certainly could have forked out a billion dors on any other day¡ªhe was Emilio Sorano''s second

    son, and that amount of money did not matter to him.

    However, the family was keeping him under watch amid the questionable circumstances of Zam

    Sorano''s death. They even kept him on a budget, and twenty million dors was the most he could

    afford.

    And twenty million was certainly nothing to Frank''s one billion¡ªhe would be forced to listen to Bitch!

    It was an insult he would never suffer, and he snorted. "Let''s go!"

    "Remember, Frank Lawrence! I''ll make you regret this!" he bellowed viciously even before he and his

    bodyguards cut a hasty escape.

    Frank''s expression remained neutral as he nodded calmly. "Anytime."

 Chapter 865

    The bar kicked to life once Willy left.

    "Shit, that brother actually sent Willy Sorano packing! Don''t underestimate Frank Lawrence now!"

    "Any rtion to the Lawrences, one of the Four Families of Morhen?"

    "He just might have!"

    "Damn, and I wasughing so loudly... He''s not going to hold a grudge, is he?!"

    As everyone spoke to each other all at once, Eder approached Frank respectfully, shing an awkward

    fawning smile. "Sir, we''ve received your payment. I''ll inform the bank to return the remaining 900 million

    to your ount."

    "Good." Frank nodded and said nothing else.

    Beside them, Soren was left speechless as Eder basically prostrated before Frank, sweating all over

    his brow as his heart thumped.

    He suddenly remembered something he had read online.

    ''That''s all the money you have, but it''s no more than pocket change to me.''

    In the end, Soren was the clown¡ªall the wealth his father ever had would not even match Frank''s

    pocket change!

    After all, that was a billion dors they were talking about!

    People would go a lifetime without ever making that much money¡ªthe zeros in that number alone

    would leave one fainting!

    Soren turned toward Frank again and rejoiced in realization that Frank never even looked his way.

    Thank goodness he did not push his luck too far. He could not afford to mess with Frank, or the man

    would leave him pulverized!

    And remembering his jealousy toward the man left him in wry amusement.

    Jealousy?! He was not even fit to lick Frank''s toes!

    At the same time, The Spades had started to sing Bitch, and he realized that it was referring to him as

    well.

    Thoroughly humiliated and exasperated, he hung his head as he fled, unable to stay another second

    longer, and leaving the cked-out Mandy stillying in her seat.

    The Spades sang several other songs after Bitch.

    When it was over, everyone huddled around Frank,pletely ignoring Mandy as they toasted each

    other.

    "I didn''t think you were that rich, Master Lawrence!" Kat eximed, her cheeks flushed after just a

    ss of beer. "Where did that moneye from?"

    "Hmm... Some patient consultation fees, I guess." Frank shrugged.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    He did not mention the royalties he received from Lane Holdings or Grande Pharma¡ªnot that he would

    understand the numbers anyway.

    "What?! You''d get paid so much from visiting patients?" Kat was shocked, already nning to give up

    martial arts to take up healing.

    Lily was staring at Frank as well and said tentatively, "Thank you so much for helping us out today, Mr.

    Lawrence. We will return your money soon."

    "What? Why?" Kat refused right away, even snapping in righteous indignation, "We worked hard for

    that money!"

    "Kat." Rosa sighed helplessly. "Can''t you see that Mr. Lawrence just wanted to bail us out? We don''t

    deserve a cent."

    "Yeah."

    The other members of The Spades nodded unhappily too¡ªthey were not greedy despite their

    reluctance to give up the money. If anything, escaping Willy''s clutches was already amazing, and it was

    unreasonable to take Frank''s money too.

    "No, I won''t give it back," Kat suddenly said stubbornly. "It''s Master Lawrence''s tip, and this is a fair

    trade. It''s consensual, so why should we refund it?"

 Chapter 866

    "Don''t turn down the money now¡ªMaster Lawrence wouldn''t care about the money anyway, right?"

    Kat said, raising a brow at Frank.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    To her surprise, Frank was shaking his head at her. "No, I do care."

    "What?!" Kat''s eyes widened like oranges. "Why are you being so petty?! You have a billion dors in

    your ount, and you''d ask for our money back?!"

    "No, not them," Frank said, ncing at the rest of the Spades before turning back to Kat. "I only want

    yours."

    "What?!" Kat snapped indignantly. "That''s so unfair! Did my singing suck? Didn''t I do my best?"

    "Urgh..."

    Frank rubbed his temples and shook his head. "Think about it. What would your father think if he

    suddenly discovers ten million dors in your ount?"

    Before they left Kat''s cottage, Frank could already see that Nash Yego was worried Frank would put

    the moves on his daughter.

    Frank certainly had no such intention, but it would still beg questions if ten million dors suddenly

    showed up in Kat''s ount.

    What could he tell Nash at that point?!

    "Haha! I don''t care! I''m not returning it!" Kat poked her tongue out at him, making a face and leaving

    Frank speechless.

    "Lily." Yuri, the drummer, sighed just then. "I guess this is it for the band, huh?"

    "Yeah," Lily nodded, even as the others turned silent.

    "This is it? What?" Frank asked, puzzled.

    "Can''t you see?" Kat shrugged in helpless disappointment. "We banded up to reach for the stars, debut

    as pros, and make money with our fame. But I guess reality is different from what we thought. Judging

    from Willy Sorano''s behavior, a little known band like ours has no choice but to hit the casting couch to

    get signed to abel. "

    "It''s for everyone''s sake." Lily sighed.

    They were just anonymous singers who traveled between bars, and they had encountered the heart of

    society''s darkness.

    That''s why they had to disband¡ªto avoid further troubles and worst still, revenge.

    Moreover, it was clear that word of what had happened tonight had already spread. They already

    received offers from five other bars to have them sing there, but they were just students¡ª they would

    not survive society''s darkness and pressure.

    Frank could certainly discern the strong frustration and disappointment in their voice and see that they

    wanted to keep performing.

    It was their dream¡ªand more importantly, they were good at it.

    Musing to himself for a moment, he asked, "If you''re interested, I actually own a showbizpany..."

    "Huh?!" Kat turned toward him in shock. "You own apany?! I never knew!"

    Frank couldugh right then. "Are we that closed that I''d have to report everything to you?!"

 Chapter 867

    The Spades were left staring in disbelief when Frank told them he owned a showbizpany¡ªand

    that it was Lycoris Entertainment at that!

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Even students like them had heard about it since it was famous throughout the East Coast, and they

    had never expected to join apany of such grand scale!

    Still, their delight was soon reced by doubts.

    Kat, who was always candid, even snapped bluntly, "Hold it, Master Lawrence! Don''t you think that''s a

    tall tale?! I heard that the top actress Noel York herself works at Lycrois!"

    "Hmm, you''re right about that." Frank nodded. "I''ll give her a call and have her hire youdies."

    With that, he whipped out his phone and did so, while Kat was folding her arms before her chest and

    snorting doubtfully. "Keep talking, why don''t you? You, friends with Noel York?"

    Soon, a crisp voice spoke from the other side of the phone. "Hello, Mr. Lawrence? I was told you have

    an errand to run in Morhen. How did it go?"

    The Spades were left gaping around Frank, with Kat pinching Lily on the cheek. "I-I''m not dreaming,

    am I?!"

    Lily winced in pain and held her reddened cheek miserably. "What''s that for?! Pinch yourself if you

    want, Kat!"

    "I thought I was dreaming! But it isn''t!" Kat was hopping in excitement. "You really know Noel York, Mr.

    Lawrence! I''m her diehard fan! I''ve watched her moves, all of them!

    "Eh? Who''s that speaking over there, Mr. Lawrence?" Noel asked in curiosity just then.

    "Ahem..." Frank cleared his throat and spoke calmly, "Actually, I''d need a few more days before settling

    things over here. But I''ve scouted a nice girlband for you. Are you hiring?"

    "Of course!" Noel was giggling even before Frank finished. "I''d never reject anyone you rmend,

    Mr. Lawrence. Though I must ask, do they have a name?"

    "Uh." Frank turned to Kat.

    "We''re The Spades!" Kat eximed, shooting Frank an unhappy look as if to rebuke him for forgetting

    her band''s name.

    "The Spades? Hmm. Where have I heard of them before."

    Noel mused to herself for a moment before eximing in delight, "Wait, are they a group of students

    who often sing at bars in South Morhen?"

    What? You know them?" Frank raised a brow.

    "Of course. They''re quite famous!" Noelughed. "I even heard that the Soranos want them... I''m

    surprised you beat them to it!"

    "Hey, did you hear that?! Noel York has heard of us!"

    "Wow, that''s so cool!"

    While The Spades could barely contain their delight, Frank shushed them with a gesture before asking,

    "So? Will Lycoris Entertainment take them in?"

    As the girls sat on the edge of their seats nervously, Noel assured Frank determinedly, "Don''t worry. Let

    me have them for a few days, and they''ll be Draconia''s rising stars!"

    The girls whooped in delight right then, sharing high fives as all the doom and gloom before vaporized!

 Chapter 868

    Frank nodded. "Well, that''s decided."

    "Wait..." Noel suddenly said hesitantly.

    "Yes? Are there any issues like the Soranos?" Frank raised a brow and said confidently, "Don''t worry.

    They aren''t a threat."

    "No, of course I''m not worried with you around, Mr. Lawrence." Noelughed. "What concerns me is

    that they''ll be taking their entrance exams soon, right?"

    "Oh."

    While the other Spades were not affected, Kat was grimacing guiltily¡ªclearly the underachiever in the

    group.

    After The Spades agreed to a deal with Lycoris Entertainment, everyone headed home.

    And when Frank and Kat returned to the cottage, Kat immediately returned to her room this time, not

    bothering Frank throughout the night.

    After a night of peace, Frank was training the next morning when he received a call from Ned Janko.

    "Abel Loggins? Why would he be asking for me?"

    It turned out that Abel was asking for Frank but had to contact him through the Jankos since he did not

    have Frank''s number.

    Frank agreed to let him have it, and soon, Abel''s call arrived.

    "Master Lawrence."

    Frank almost flinched from the man''s endlessly respectful tone. "Just Mr. Lawrence is fine¡ªyou don''t

    have to be so formal."

    "Oh. Mr. Lawrence, can youe to Turnbull House right now?" Abel asked urgently. "There''s a

    situation here."

    Frank frowned, immediately nervous. "Turnbull House?! What happened there?!"

    "It''s George Turnbull¡ªthe present head of the family Glen Turnbull''s father" Abel replied. "He''s ill."

    Frank breathed a sigh of relief that it was not Vicky, his tone turning calm. "What about him?"

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "He started feeling sick yesterday and coughed a mouthful of ck blood this morning along with many

    tiny maggots," Abel exined. "I can''t diagnose him at all. That''s why I''m consulting you."

    "Tiny maggots, ck blood? Frank rubbed his chin and frowned. "That sounds like a bug from the

    South Sea... Only the vile elements would cultivate such arts. Who on earth did the Turnbulls mess

    with?" "You really are knowledgeable, Mr. Lawrence!" Abel could not help eximing over the phone,

    though his tone soon turned awkward again. "May I ask if you have a cure?"

    "It''s difficult, but not impossible." Frank nodded confidently, but he soon chuckled as he remembered

    something else. "If the Turnbulls want my help, have theme to my doorstep or I''m staying out of

    this."

    With that, he hung up.

    "Huh? Mr. Lawrence? Mr. Lawrence?!" Abel eximed, but soon sighed exasperatedly as she stared at

    the screen, showing that their call had been disconnected.

    He was suddenly left wondering if Frank had beef with the Turnbulls too.

    The Turnbulls happened to be crowding around Abel, with the current family head Glen asking eagerly,

    "How did it go? Is your mentor going toe and treat my father?"

 Chapter 869

    "What?!"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    The Turnbulls were bewildered after Abel passed Frank''s message.

    Glen''s third brother, Zac Turnbull, appeared at a loss. "You said your mentor''sst name was

    Lawrence? But we don''t know any healer by thatst name, let alone one residing in Morhen."

    "Either way, we muste up with something. Father''s illness is serious," Glen said solemnly. "Ask

    around. Find out if anyone in the family knows a healer named Lawrence. By the way, Mr. Loggins,

    would you happen to know your mentor''s full name?"

    "Frank Lawrence," Abel answered truthfully.

    "Alright, go ask around about Frank Lawrence¡ªwait, Frank Lawrence?!" Glen caught himself in

    realization and turned in disbelief towards Abel. "Could he be a young man from Riverton?"

    Abel nodded. "I don''t know if he''s from Riverton. but he is young."

    "What?! Are you talking about Frank Lawrence?!" Yonca Wells, who was seated beside Glen sprang to

    her feet as if stung. "Absolutely not! I won''t agree to this¡ªif we asked his help, he''d definitely exploit us

    instead of actually treating Mr. Turnbull!"

    Glen sighed at her vehement protest.

    "Well, it is troublesome if it''s the same man," he told Abel. "He''s. a person who shouldn''t be around

    Turnbull House at this time. Vicky would change her mind if she sees him, given her temperament."

    "Then what? Are we supposed to just let father die?" Zac appeared despondent.

    Not mentioning Frank''s name was an unspoken rule in Turnbull House at this point.

    After all, it took much persuading to strongarm Vicky into picking up her engagement with Titus

    Lionheart again, which would beplete dayster during their family''s annual dinner.

    They certainly knew how things were between Vicky and Frank¡ªthey were not about to mess that up

    now!

    "What happened when I told you to pay him off?" Glen turned toward Yonca just then.

    She snorted and turned away grumpily, immediately infuriated by the memory. "That brat doesn''t know

    his ce! He tore up the check, even attacking and hurting our bodyguards. The way I see it, he''s just

    some savage from the boonies and no healer. He''s a nutjob through and through!"

    Abel scowled at Yonca''s words¡ªif his mentor was a nutjob, what did that make him?!

    "So that''s why Mr. Lawrence doesn''t care about them." Abel snorted in realization and turned to leave.

    "If you can''t show my mentor any respect, there''s no point in me staying. Take care."

    Zac quickly stopped him. "Please, Mr. Loggins. Is there no other way to help my father? You don''t have

    to worry about money¡ª"

    "I told you," Abel growled coolly, "I can''t even diagnose the problem, let alone help. You should do as

    my mentor said, and go to him if you want your father to live. Take care now."

    The Turnbulls were all left scowling as they watched Abel storm off.

    Abel was the leading healer in Morhen, and that just might be the only way to save George.

    Amid the silence, Glen sighed and stood up. "Oh, well."

 Chapter 870

    Glen said, "I''ll go to him. I just hope I can convince him to help Father and to give up on Vicky¡ªif he

    does, we''ll make it worth his while."

    Yonca immediately snapped at his suggestion. "Absolutely not! You have no idea how pompous that

    brat gets. It''s impossible to make him give up on Vicky! If you prostrate yourself, forget being grateful¡ª

    it would only make him even more conceited!"

    "Glen." Zac stood up as well. "I could get more men and bring him over by force."

    "Watch yourself!" Glen barked, bellowing spiritedly at his brother despite his ripe age of sixty. "Who on

    earth ever forces a healer to work against their will?! And don''t worry¡ªI''m prepared to reward him

    more than what he deserves. Anything is agreeable as long as Father lives."

    Stroking his beard and smiling, he added, "We won''t have to worry about him refusing us."

    "Let''s just hope the kid knows his ce." Zac sighed.

    They were all certainly guilty toward Vicky¡ªthey all knew her from childhood, and to sacrifice her for a

    political marriage hurt their conscience.

    However, the South Sea Crow was a bomb about to blow up in their faces at any moment, keeping

    them constantly on edge.

    If anything, George''s weird sickness could well be her doing!

    "Call Frida Blue," Glen said quietly nheless. "Just the two of us will do it. There''s no need for

    anyone else."

    "Don''t joke around!" Zac cried. "You could get killed if he suddenly attacks you!"

    They all knew that Frank was a martial elite, with emphasis on elite.

    Glen would be walking into the proverbial lion''s den if he went alone, as only Zac was the only one who

    passed for a martial artist in the family.

    "No, I don''t think anyone Vicky takes a liking to is that vile," Glen said, waving Zac off. "As long as I

    show that I can be reasonable, I''m sure he would be too. Now stop trying to talk me out of it¡ªI''ll meet

    Vicky''s beloved personally."

    "Okay."

    The other Turnbulls nodded reluctantly.

    Half an hourter, a limited edition Bentley arrived outside Nash Yego''s cottage, and Glen alighted in

    his pinstripe suit, white shawl, and dragonhead cane.

    "What..."

    As he slowly strode into the cottage, Nash saw him and quickly bowed. "Mr. Turnbull."

    "It''s alright. You don''t have to be so formal." Glen smiled faintly, his tone mild.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    His eyes had a zing intensity and he carried himself with pomp, but he was not all that arrogant.

    "Hmm. So the head of the family himself hase?" Frank asked from overhead, able to see Nash

    bowing when Glen came in from the second floor balcony.

    Frida Blue stiffened herself even as she introduced them. "Mr. Lawrence, meet Mr. Glen Turnbull, the

    current head of the Turnbull family and Ms. Turnbull''s eldest uncle."

    "Heh."

    Frank sneered coolly, his reaction nonchnt as he leapt from the second floor. "I don''t care who''s

    coming. All I want to know is if they can make me an offer I can''t refuse."

 Chapter 871

    "Haha."

    Glen chuckled faintly and affably. "We are one of the Four Families of Morhen, after all. We''ll spare no

    expense."

    "Really? I don''t see it." Frank sneered in turn.

    "That''s Frank Lawrence?"

    Another group barged in the front gates just then, and it was none other than Zac himself leading them.

    "I told you not toe." Glen frowned at him, then at Frida beside himself. "You told him about this

    ce, didn''t you?"

    "I."

    Frida wanted to argue, but bigwigs like them were not that easily tricked.

    She hung her head, admitting to her fault in silence.

    On the other hand, Zac nced at Frank. "Hah! So that''s the mentor Abel Loggins spoke of? He''s so

    young."

    Turning suspiciously toward Frida, he asked, "You''re not lying to us, are you?"

    "I''m not." Frida shook her head gingerly. "Mr. Lawrence. is unmatched in medicine."

    "Hmph. Kid." Zac strode up at Frank, escorted by arge group of Turnbull family bodyguards with one

    Ascendant rank among them. "I don''t care what your schtick is¡ªyou''reing with us to treat my

    father, and I''ll cripple you if you fail!"

    Glen snapped at him as soon as he finished. "Watch your mouth, Zac! Is this how you speak to a

    healer?!"

    Zac clicked his tongue¡ªbeing only in his forties, he was clearly more self-important than his brother.

    Pointing at Frank and snorting doubtfully, he argued, "We don''t even know if he can help Father yet.

    And he''ll think less of us if we don''t show him who''s boss."

    "Exactly!" Yonca eximed as she strode in, clearly having followed Zac here.

    A pompous rich wife as ever, she was ring coldly at Frank. "We haven''t even punished you for

    hurting our bodyguards yet! Nowe quietly and help Mr. Turnbull, and we just might forget your

    indiscretion and reward you for it. But if you fail."

    Yonca trailed off, but the threat in her re was clear.

    However, Glen could see Frank glower visibly. He promptly wheeled on Zac and the others as he

    bellowed, "Am I not the head of the family, or do none of you care?! Get the hell out of here and don''t

    come back!" "D-Did you just snap at me?! For that insolent wretch?!" Yonca shrieked in shock. "I-I told

    Zac toe because I was worried! All I do is for you, and you snapped at me?!"

    Glen ignored her as he kept ring at Zac. "Get out, and bring that fishwife with you!"

    "But..."

    "Out!!!" Glen bellowed again.

    "Okay," Zac replied tentatively, knowing that his brother was furious when he saw the nerve bulging

    over his forehead.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Shooting Yonca an using re, he led his men and stormed off¡ªhe would not have disobeyed his

    brother if not for that woman''s endless pestering.

    And he certainly was prejudiced against Frank by the time he arrived, as Yonca badmouthed the man

    endlessly.

    On the other hand, Glen watched as everyone else left Nash''s cottage before turning back to Frank

    nervously. "Mr. Lawrence, please listen to me."

 Chapter 872

    Even before Glen could finish, Frank wasughing icily.

    "Nice performance¡ªthe usual good cop, bad cop routine? Get out," Frank said with a snort, waving

    Glen off nonchntly. "Your father''s death is his just deserts, what with the way his children behave.

    Don''t waste your breath and get out."

    Even as he returned inside the cottage, he paused and red sideways at Glen, adding coolly, "That

    reminds me¡ªI''ll be attending your family''s annual dinner. If I find out that Vicky isn''t willingly marrying

    Titus Lionheart... Hmph!"

    With that, he mmed the door shut, leaving Glen and Nash standing there.

    "Mr. Turnbull." Nash was at a loss for words.

    Caught between Glen and Frank, he could not do anything and did not know what to say since he

    could not afford to mess with either man.

    Glen was clenching his fist as various expressions alternated over his face.

    However, just before he could flip, Frida strode up. "Mr. Turnbull, let me speak with Mr. Lawrence."

    "You?" Glen did a double take. "Are you sure about this?"

    "No." Frida shook her head, shing a pained smile. "But it beats doing nothing."

    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Glen nodded gratefully. "I''m counting on you."

    Ahem.

    Frida walked up to the door and cleared her throat, but Frank spoke up before she could. "Do I owe

    you anything, Frida?"

    A cold sensation unfurled in Frida''s gut at his cool words, and she hung her head guiltily. "No. I will

    always remember my life debt to you."

    "Then keep your mouth shut," Frank snapped, his tone cold as ice. "I won''t listen to anyone unless

    Vickyes to me personally. We don''t owe each other anything now that you''ve gone out of your way

    to bring me here, so leave and take the Turnbulls with you. Don''t be an eyesore."

    Frida felt like her heart was cut in two, and she remembered Frank saving her twice in her most

    desperate moment, even restoring her meridian nexus.

    It was a debt she would never make up for, and yet she repeatedly browbeat and harassed Frank

    because the Turnbulls asked.

    She could really faint right then.

    "I-I know," she growled through her teeth and returned to Glen.

    "How did it go?" Glen could see there was no hope when he saw Frida''s pale look but asked anyway to

    keep thest bit of hope he had.

    Frida shook her head. "He won''t do anything until he sees Ms. Turnbull."

    Glen sighed loudly at that.

    While he was surprised Frank was more obsessed with Vicky than he thought, it was a request neither

    he nor his family could fulfill.

    In fact, Glen himself had to get down on his knees and beg Vicky just so that she would agree to marry

    Titus.

    She and Frank were clearly made for each other, but Glen had to split them up for the sake of his

    family.

    He would rather not do it, as he hoped for Vicky to follow her heart and marry someone she loved, but

    reality never goes as one would expect.

 Chapter 873

    When Zac saw Glen step out the front gates, he hurried to him and asked, "How did it go?"

    "Why bother? That brat clearly said no." Yonca snorted beside him right then. "That''s what I''ve been

    saying all along¡ªwe were going about it the wrong way. We should have asked the Lionhearts to send

    their elites to tie him up and take him to Mr. Turnbull. If he still refuses, just take his arms off!"

    "Just stop it already!" Zac snapped at her in annoyance, seeing the dark look on his brother''s face.

    Things certainly could have gone better if she had not been so insistent oning!

    "What, did I say anything wrong?!" Yonca snapped, standing akimbo. "We have to resort to violence at

    this point¡ªwhat would others think of our family if we leave empty-handed?!"

    Smack!

    Even as Yonca frowned and spat as she ranted, Glen finally had enough and pped her across the

    face audibly.

    "Argh!" Yonca yelped even as she dropped to the ground.

    Clutching her cheek, she red at Glen in disbelief and pointed at him as she snapped, "H-Have you

    gone crazy?! Forget snapping at me... You''re hitting me for some savage?!"

    "Hit you?! I''ll kill you!" Glen bellowed, clearly furious as he raised his dragonhead cane over Yonca,

    ready to hit her.

    Even as Yonca screamed in terror, Zac hurried to stop Glen.

    "Calm down!" he cried and gestured pointedly at the people around them. "The neighbors are

    watching! This can wait until we get home!"

    Glen calmed down at his brother''s reasoning and snorted as he straightened his suit.

    He shot Yonca a cool re right then, even as she stayed on the ground.

    He was usually the most rational andposed, qualities he embodied as the head of the Turnbull

    family¡ªif anything, and outburst like this was a rarity.

    On the other hand, Yonca was at first panicking but soon scrambled to get up and pointed at herself.

    "Don''t stop him, Zac! Come on, Glen! Kill me! You were so impressive and all that, weren''t you?!"

    She even leapt up wildly and started grabbing Glen''s cane, to which he snorted. "Unbelievable."

    With that, he got in his car with his men and left, allowing Yonca to keep shouting on the street.

    Zac was not used to being the mediator, but sighed at the crazed Yonca anyway. "That''s enough. Be

    more understanding¡ªGlen lost it because of Father''s situation, and I think we shouldn''t havee like

    he told us to."

    "We shouldn''t havee?!"

    Yonca did a double take and promptly trained her fury on Zac, poking his chest as she snapped, "When

    did you be another Glen?! We Turnbulls are one of the Four Families of Morhen, and Draconia''s

    veins for economic growth is in our hands! And we can''t even deal with some bumpkin?!"

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Rolling her eyes, she kept ranting, "You''re the only martial artist in the family... What was it, you

    completed Birthright rank, didn''t you? You said there aren''t many who can beat you in Morhen, didn''t

    you?! Since you''re that terrific, get in there and grab that son of a bitch, and take him to Mr. Turnbull!

    It''s that simple¡ªor would you rather your family beughed at?!"

    Zac looked around to find many of Nash''s neighbors down the street pointing and gesturing at them,

    and he felt at once embarrassed.

 Chapter 874

    Zac took a deep breath, his expression turning cold. "Since Glen''s coaxing couldn''t work... I guess I''ll

    just have to do it the hard way!"

    "Exactly!" Yonca eximed in delight. "If pushes to shove, find out where he lives and get some

    hostages. I doubt he wouldn''t cave at that point! The Turnbull family has no reason to waste time on

    the likes of him!"

    Zac nodded and strode into Nash''s cottage with his men again, standing at the courtyard as he

    shouted, "Frank Lawrence! My brother was being reasonable, only for you to scorn him! Do you think

    we''re pushovers?! You''d bettere with us and help my father, or I''ll send my people over to Riverton

    to get us some hostages!"

    Frank heard him and was instantly incensed.

    For him, those around him were untouchable¡ªif the Turnbulls really dared toy a finger on Helen and

    the others, he would not mind rooting out the entire family like weeds.

    Not even Vicky would stop him at that point!

    Bang!

    The door was pulverized resoundingly as Frank stormed out, snarling murderously at Zac, "You''ve

    really done it now!"

    Zac froze up, stupefied and immobile as if some ancient horror was ring at him, terror creeping into

    his very bones.

    He gritted his teeth, and when he finally regained control over his body, he braced himself as he

    bellowed at Frank, "Know your ce! Come quietly and help my father, and you''ll be an honored guest

    of my family¡ªyou''ll have all the money you can spend for the rest of your life!"

    "Pfft."

    Frankughed despite himself, seeing that Zac was still stubborn at this point.

    He grinned coolly even as he slowly walked toward Zac. "Really? Show me what gave you the bravado

    to talk to me like that. I guess you''re ready to dere war on me, aren''t you?!"

    He bellowed thest two words, kicking up a violent gust that sent Zac stumbling backward.

    "What.?!"

    Zac realized right away that Frank was more than what he seemed and clearly outranked him in martial

    prowess.

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    And tomand such strength at his young age. Was he backed by some faction or sect? Could he be

    from the Martial Alliance?

    However, there was no turning back for Zac now.

    Nodding at the Ascendant rank his family hired, he turned back toward Frank and bellowed, "We came

    in peace, and your so-called war is only one waged between factions and families! Do you think you

    have what it takes to war with us?! Stop being stubborn!"

    "Hahaha!!!"

    Frank reared his head as he roared withughter. "Came in peace, you say?! That cheek of yours! I

    actually feel embarrassed for you!"

 Chapter 875

    Narrowing his eyes, Frank bellowed, "I''m giving you onest chance for Vicky''s sake. Get out of my

    sight, or you''ll all die here!"

    Zac scowled and yelled back, "You are out of line! Did you think you could stand alone against the

    entire Turnbull family?!"

    Seeing that Zac was still intent on threatening him, Frank sighed and suddenly looked up. "I gave you a

    chance, but you asked for this!"

    Suddenly, he disappeared with a bursting gale.

    "What?!" Zac eximed, as Frank was on top of him before he realized it.

    His index finger outstretched, Frank''s eyes were narrowed as he breathed quietly, "Point Break."

    "Mr. Turnbull!" The Ascendant rank Turnbull retainer promptly pushed him out of the way.

    Bang!

    A burst of pure vigor erupted out of Frank''s fingertip with mirages of dragons.

    The Ascendant rank Turnbull retainer, unable to dodge in time, was reduced to a viscous pool of blood,

    sshing all over the wall behind him.

    Nothing was left of him, and one would think that he had vanished into thin air if it was not for all that

    blood.

    He was alive and kicking a moment ago, and he did not even have time to scream!

    "W-What?!" Zac was dumbfounded when he turned and saw the horror of the war.

    It had never crossed his mind that Frank was so powerful he could kill an Ascendant rank in an

    instant... and with nothing left of the man!

    "Oh, so someone died for you. Well, you''re not going to be that lucky now," Frank growled as he

    withdrew his blood-dyed finger and stared downward at Zac.

    There was endless murderous intent in his eyes.

    "H-How dare you! You tried to kill me!" Zac mumbled in disbelief even as he dropped limply to the floor.

    He never felt this way before¡ªlike a wretched maggot.

    Even as he felt endlessly embarrassed, Frank slowly approached him, his eyes shing as he folded

    his arms before his chest.

    "Heh..." He chuckled. "But I gave you a chance. You didn''t take it and even tried to pressure me with

    your bullshit family."

    Seized with terror right then, Zac begged with a quivering voice, "C-Can''t you let me go for Vicky''s

    sake?"

    He was truly terrified as he realized that he was fastened to a guillotine¡ªFrank was so strong he was

    basically a monster, caring not for consequences, let alone Zac''s family!

    "No." Frank sneered. "But I''ll make it quick."

    Zac''s heart grew cold right then, as the fear of death and endless regret seized him.

    In the end, his brother was right¡ªhe really should not have listened to Yonca.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    The first time he listened to her, his brother''s attempts to request Frank''s help failed even before it

    started.

    As for the second time... He was now going to die.

 Chapter 876

    "Damn you, Yonca. So that''s why Glen was so furious..." Zac closed his eyes in endless regret.

    "Protect Mr. Turnbull!"

    The Turnbull family bodyguards came to their senses just then and rushed toward Frank fearlessly.

    However, Frank simply kicked his leg into the air,unching a horrific burst of pure vigor around him

    and sending them flying and screaming.

    When Zac turned, he saw that each bodyguard was sprawled in pools of their own blood, their legs in

    pieces even as they screamed.

    "It''s over. This is it." He closed his eyes in despair.

    "Mr. Lawrence! P-Please stop!" a voice suddenly called out.

    "Eh? Frida?" Zac turned in surprise to find Frida running straight toward Frank, smartphone in hand

    even as she ignored the Turnbull family bodyguardsying around screaming in pain.

    "No, Frida!" Zac shouted. "Tell Glen to."

    He trailed off, unable to say the words ''avenge me'' because he realized a horrible truth.

    His family would never win against Frank.

    And if his brother confronted Frank unprepared, Glen would suffer the same fate he did now.

    He was clenching his fist, even as he wed on theirst hope. "We need the Lionhearts. Volsung

    Sect."

    However, contrary to his expectations, Frida did not attack Frank¡ªshe was simply running towards

    Frank, phone in hand andpletely defenseless.

    "Frida Blue," Frank growled coolly. "Did you forget what I just said? I won''t hold back if you insist on

    siding with the Turnbulls."

    "That''s not what I mean to do," Frida cried even as she raised her phone. "I owe you, Mr. Lawrence. So

    please just take this call."

    "Take the call?"

    Frank eyed the phone but did not reach out for it, though he soon did a double take when he heard the

    familiar voiceughing on the other end.

    "Oh, my. Whoever upset my darling? Come now. Stop for a moment, and take deep breaths."

    Frank snatched the phone right then, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Vicky, are you being held

    against your will? Just speak up if you are, and I''ll¡ª"

    "Whoa, slow down for a moment..."

    Vicky giggled as she always did, sounding calm andposed and clearly not under duress. "I''m not

    important¡ªyou are. I''d rather find out who messed with my darling, since that''s not a particrly easy

    task."

    Frank paused to let his rage subside before speaking quietly, "Your dear uncle Zac came to me, asking

    me to save your grandfather. I refused, so he threatened to take hostages from Riverton."

    "Bastard!" Vicky snapped, suddenly hyperventting.

    Frank actually heard someone else trying to calm her down right then. "Please, Ms. Turnubll. You''re an

    heiress from an important family, and such foulnguage is beneath you¡ª"

    "Beneath my ass!" Vicky snapped at whoever it was before telling Frank, "Hah! I thought I could help

    Uncle Zac, but now. Hah! Forget it! Can you hear me, Uncle Zac?!"

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    Frank held the phone at Zac, who was still sitting limply on the ground.

 Chapter 877

    Zac replied, "I-I can hear you..."

    "Hah!" Vicky snapped right then. "Did you forget what I''ve said? I told you not to threaten Frank with his

    family, but I guess none of you were listening! Even if I''d like to see Helen Lane served to me on a

    tter. Do it, darling! I won''t me you even if you kill Uncle Zac!"

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    Zac paled at Vicky''s words.

    He opened his mouth to speak but eventually hung his head in silence.

    Frank was silent too¡ªif Vicky directly spoke on Zac''s behalf, he might actually refuse her.

    But Vicky was smart.

    Knowing that Frank was not one who followed orders, she chose to side with him instead to disarm

    him.

    If Frank actually killed Zac after that, he would actually be the petty one.

    "It''s alright."

    Vicky sighed after a brief silence, pouting over the phone. "Just let him go, darling. This one time,

    alright? He''s still my uncle, and just killing him like that would make thingsplicated, y''know?"

    Frank sighed and shook his head. "Since you put it that way, I''m really not in the mood for death."

    Shooting Zac a look, he snorted. "Fine. I''ll let it slide once. And don''t you think you should exin

    yourself too, Vicky?"

    "Exin? What for?" Vicky asked, using her signature yfulness to y dumb.

    "Don''t try to y this down," Frank growled, frowning. "You were out of touch for so long that I couldn''t

    even tell if you were safe. Don''t you know how difficult that is for me?"

    "Oh, so you do care about me!"

    "Don''t change the subject!" Frank snapped sternly. "Are the Lionhearts coercing you?! If that''s the

    case, tell me! I''ll protect you from whoever it is, be it the Lionhearts or the rest of Draconia, and I''ll do it

    without hesitation."

    Vicky sniffled at his words, herughter quivering even as she tried to be cute. "Haha. I''m not. Why

    don''t youe over to Turnbull House to see me? I-I missed you."

    Her voice turned quiet towards the end, and Frank was not about to hesitate at that. "Alright. I''ll be right

    there."

    However, before he could hang up, Vicky quickly said, "Wait, darling. Would you mind helping my

    grandfather since you''reing anyway? I know it''s too much to ask, but I''d rather not lose him. So,

    please?"

    "Got it," Frank said after a brief silence, and hung up.

    "I''ll take you to Turnbull House, Mr. Lawrence," Frida said without further ado, heading straight for the

    car since she was there for the whole conversation.

    Frank nced at Zac and growled coolly, "You''re lucky this time. Now remember¡ªthreaten me with my

    family again, and there won''t be a next time!"

    "Yes..." Zac trembled even as he sat limply on the floor.

    It was long after Frank left that one of the Turnbull family bodyguards helped him to his feet.

    He looked around at the other Turnbull family bodyguards who were stillying and groaning on the

    ground and shed a pained smile.

    Gesturing at them, he said, "Send someone to clean up this mess, and."

 Chapter 878

    Staring at the blood stter and remains sticking to the wall, Zac sighed. "Build a cenotaph for Mr.

    Ziege. It''s only thanks to him that I''m alive."

    "Mr. Turnbull...¡±

    The Turnbull family bodyguards watched as Frank left and whispered into Zac''s ear, "Are we just going

    to let him go to Turnbull House? Your brother gave express orders not to let him get in touch with Ms.

    Turnbull, not even through phone calls. Ms. Blue is clearly going against that, so shouldn''t we punish

    her per familyw?"

    "Familyw?" Zac shook his head, chuckling ironically. "We''d all be dead if not for Frida Blue. If there''s

    anyone who needs to be punished."

    Yonca''s lofty face appeared in Zac''s mind right then.

    Soon, Frank arrived at Turnbull House in Frida''s car.

    As expected of one of the Four Families of Morhen, they certainly lived differently¡ªsomehow, their

    furnishings and houses were a ss above the Jankos.

    Marble statues, artistic works, and expensive vases lined the courtyard and hallways, each of them

    worth a fortune.

    Not every family could be that extravagant.

    Frida drove the luxury car over the red carpet-lined road, stopping outside a massive reception hall.

    "Mr. Turnbull is waiting for you inside, Mr. Lawrence. Do go in," Frida said after opening the door for

    him, pointing at the majestic building sitting atop the towering stairs.

    "Shouldn''t I be checking on George Turnbull first?" Frank said, just wanting to get it over with and see

    Vicky instead of continuing to tussle with the Turnbull family.

    Frida''s mouth hung open. "It''s Mr. Turnbull''s orders. I."

    "Got it." Frank sighed.

    He knew it was pointless to pester Frida, and she had done her best in helping him contact Vicky.

    He strode up the stairs, and two servants in tailcoats opened the door for him.

    Having nothing to fear, Frank straightened his cor and held his head high as he entered the gigantic

    parlor.

    It was very spacious, filled with every variety of artistic works. Even a novice like Frank could see how

    valuable they were, and he actually thought for a moment that he had left Draconia and was visiting a

    foreign museum.

    "You''re here, Mr. Lawrence." Glen was waiting ahead, and enthusiastically offered a handshake¡ªhe

    was friendly to Frank, at least.

    Frank, however, did not y along.

    "Where''s your father?" he asked quietly. "Don''t waste my time."

    "Huh..."

    While Glen was left feeling awkward since Frank did not shake his hand, what he was about to say

    would make things even more awkward.

    "Well. Mr. Lawrence," he said. "I''m afraid I have to apologize. Titus Lionheart has sent in the best

    doctor from abroad to treat my father."

    "So I''m not needed?"

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    Frank pursed his lips and shrugged. "Well, where''s Vicky? Take me to her."

    Seeing that Frank had not given up, Glen''s cheek stiffened and he smiled apologetically. "Well, since

    you''re not helping my father, then the deal between you and my niece is moot, don''t you agree?"

 Chapter 879

    "Agree, my ass!"

    Frank snapped at Glen even as the Turnbull family bodyguards watched. "When did I make a deal with

    Vicky? She called me to see her, and helping your father is a matter of convenience. I get to decide, so

    don''t think you Turnbulls can ride on Vicky''s request!"

    Anyone being snapped at like that would never react well, and that certainly applied to Glen Turnbull,

    the head of one of the Four Families of Morhen.

    The only one who did thatst time was his own father. Barring that man, every outsider had been

    reverent to him, even directly kowtowing.

    Even the head of the Lionheart family and the Sorano family had to show him due respect.

    And Frank was snapping at him in his house? Who did he think he was?!

    "Watch your mouth! I dare you to speak in that manner with Mr. Turnbull again!" The Turnbull retainers

    strode up at Frank just then, each of them Ascendant rank and hired with a king''s ransom.

    They even had an elder from the Martial Alliance among their ranks.

    "Really?"

    Frank cast a sweeping nce at them, and then at the scowling Glen as he asked quietly, "So you

    Turnbulls are not going to honor your agreement?"

    "The Turnbulls are generations of businessmen, and honoring our agreement is our t," Glen said

    coolly, his smile faded. "But your agreement with Vicky was just a verbal agreement that came without

    my agreement. Don''t you think you need permission to visit her in my house?"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Really? That means a grown adult like Vicky has no personal freedom in this house?" Frank narrowed

    his eyes hostilely.

    "Watch your tone, whippersnapper!" an elderly retainer snapped. "This is Turnbull House! You don''t get

    to strut!"

    "Speak like that again, and we will show you." An Ascendant rank hag narrowed her eyes threateningly.

    "Hahaha!" Frankughed instead of getting upset with their threat. "So these people are what gave you

    your confidence, Glen? You''d better make up your mind quickly."

    As Frank strode forward, his vigor bursting away menacingly, Glen''s expression turned cold. "No, they

    simply had enough of your insolence, and I never intended for this to be a discussion. So how about

    this? I''ll pay you a billion dors, and you vanish from Vicky''s life forever. You''re both from different

    worlds anyway¡ªshe will be Mrs. Lionheart, while you..."

    Glen trailed off, shaking his head. "You have an ex-wife in Riverton, don''t you? Don''t get too greedy

    now, Mr. Lawrence."

    "What if I refuse?" Frank narrowed his eyes coolly.

    "Then we have to go down a path neither of us would like," Glen retorted tly. "We''d have to make you

    forget about Vicky."

    "Hmph. I''d like to see you try." Frank snorted, giving up on pretension right then, charging Five-Peat

    Archaeus from head to toe and unleashing a horrible pressure.

    Glen snorted in turn and stepped back, while five Ascendant ranks surrounded Frank.

    The hag earlierughed eerily. "You are the first person who dares to strut in Turnbull House, kiddo."

 Chapter 880

    An elderly retainer remained impassive as he growled, "Why waste your breath? Just kill him and be

    done with him."

    "I agree." Another retainer in his fifties nodded in agreement. "Don''t me us, brat. me your

    tactlessness and refusing the olive branch Mr. Turnbull extended!"

    However, just as they were ready to attack, the doors to the reception hall opened.

    "Eh?"

    Frank, Glen and his retainers all turned to find a man with short hair striding in, his eyes shing

    murderously.

    And it was none other than Titus Lionheart himself.

    "I warned you never to show up in Morhen, didn''t I?" He smiled. "Well, now that you''re here... prepare

    to die."

    He was escorted by several Ascendant rank elites, one of whom had reached peak Ascendant rank.

    In an instant, the pressure was suddenly on Frank and he was caught on the backfoot.

    "W-Where''s the patient? I''m busy," someone spoke in inarticte Draconian just then.

    A middle-aged balding foreigner with blonde hair and blue eyes strode in just then. He was carrying a

    large briefcase and seemed so pompous that he was oblivious to the murderous vibe in the hall.

    "Hmph." Titus did not appear deterred that his impulse for payback was thwarted.

    Turning toward Glen, he smiled faintly. "Mr. Turnbull, this is Professor Roberts, who works at a famous

    university abroad. He''s the global leading authority in virology and infectious diseases¡ªhe can deal

    with any conditions, no matter how difficult it might be."

    "Great!"

    Glen eximed in delight when he heard Mr. Roberts'' credentials, giving Titus a thumbs up. "There is

    no need to worry when the Lionhearts step up! Don''t worry, Mr. Lionheart¡ªI''ll visit your family

    personally to convey my thanks if my father is saved."

    "Heh. You''re being too humble now, Mr. Turnbull." Titus smiled before turning toward Frank. "So, Mr.

    Turnbull told me you''re here to treat his father too?"

    "As a matter of convenience, yes," Frank replied, impassive. "Because Vicky asked.

    "Hmph."

    Titus snorted and scowled when Frank mentioned Vicky.

    Still, his eyes soon shed with disdain as he came up with an idea and turned toward Glen. "Mr.

    Turnbull, why don''t we let Frank join us to check on your father? We could let him give a demonstration

    of Draconian traditional medicine for Mr. Roberts."

    "What?"

    Professor Roberts clearly overheard Titus and chuckled in amusement. "Draconian traditional

    medicine? It''s all a sham. They can''t even name the ingredients they put in a bottle, and they follow

    neither procedure nor scientific principles. Snake oil salesmen, all of them."

    Frank had no intention to get involved and y to Titus'' tune, but he narrowed his eyes when he heard

    the foreigner insulting Draconian traditional medicine.

    "Really?" He asked. "Are you sure you''ve seen real Draconian traditional medicine?"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Of course." Professor Roberts scoffed, patting his chest audibly. "I''ve seen it and even put the soup

    they cooked for patients throughb tests. Nothing inside can cure illnesses in any form, which only

    proves my point¡ªsnake oil salesmen, conmen. Insignificant."

 Chapter 881

    Frank scowled and barked, "I won''t say a word if you''re insulting me alone, but you are insulting

    Draconian tradition, and I must set the record straight."

    He learned medicine from Mystic Sky Sect, and it was the most orthodox and oldest discipline in

    Draconia.

    And what were the medicine men from abroad doing while Draconia medicine was already saving

    lives? Their solution for clubfoot back then was amputation, and without anesthetic, leaving the

    patient''s up to fate! And now they were belittling Draconian tradition?

    However, Frank''s reaction was exactly what Titus wanted.

    He had certainly been humiliated in Riverton, and had not the guts to tell his family what happened.

    But now that he ran into Frank in Morhen, he would properly show him.

    He would return his humiliation at Frank''s hands by a hundredfold, and hurting his pride was just the

    first step.

    As the heir of the Lionhearts, he had seen as many mdies as healers. Even Abel Loggins¡ªthe best

    healer in Morhen¡ªonly amounted to that much in Titus'' opinion, and certainly did not hold a candle to

    Professor Roberts.

    Hence, in Titus'' mind, Frank would never surpass the limitations of Draconian traditional medicine no

    matter how good he was¡ªeven if he was better than Abel.

    With that decided, he leveled a smile at Frank. "Don''t think you could throw a punch just because you

    put on boxing gloves. It''s not just Mr. Roberts¡ªeven I believe that Draconian traditional medicine is a

    sham. So how about this? If you can heal Mr. Turnbull before we do, you have my word that you will

    have safe passage."

    Titus''s eyes then narrowed coldly as he sneered, "But if you fail, you will kowtow ten times loudly and

    break one of your arms. After that, you''ll leave and never mention Vicky. That''s really nice of me, don''t

    you agree?"

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    Frank nced at Titus'' smug look and the unconcerned professor Roberts, and shook his head,

    snorting. "Your suggestion is reallycking, Mr. Lionheart. With Glen Turnbull here as my witness, I will

    take my own life should I fail."

    Then, leveling a sharp look at Titus, he added quietly, "But if I seed, Titus... You''ll leave Turnbull

    House with your people, and your engagement with Vicky is permanently annulled. How about that?"

    "No!" Glen bellowed anxiously even before Titus reacted.

    While it was good for everyone if Frank failed, what if he somehow seeded by a fluke?

    He would never allow the engagement between Titus and Vicky, just as they had no reason to take up

    such a risk.

    Clearing his throat, Glen turned towards Frank and said, "How about this? If you can actually save my

    father, you have my special permission to meet Vicky. But if you fail, you will leave my house without

    another word and never meddle in my family''s affair. Naturally, I will stillpensate you ordingly."

    There was an edge in Glen''s voice, making it clear he was not to be refused.

 Chapter 882

    Frank was silent for a moment before nodding and agreeing to it.

    This was obviously the Turnbulls'' bottomline, and they were ready to snap if he kept pressing his luck.

    And he was certainly unlucky today, running into Titus Lionheart and his Ascendant rank retainers¡ªhe

    did not have the advantage if a fight started.

    Still, meeting Vicky would have to be done for now, since he had questions for her anyway.

    Glen was clearly relieved that Frank was ying along too.

    The details from Zac suggested that Frank was actually Ascendant rank... Even peak Ascendant rank.

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    If they really drove him over the edge, things would really get out of hand.

    "Where''s the patient. Can ''t you hurry?" Professor Roberts snapped impatiently right then, clearly

    unustomed to the messy diplomacy of Draconia.

    "The professor''s right. Come on, my father''s more important." Glen nodded.

    Havinge to an agreement, Glen had his people get a car to take everyone to a building at the edge

    of the Turnbull Estate.

    It was clearly George Turnbull''s residence, as they were led through long, winding hallways before

    finally arriving outside a grand room.

    An old man with a darkened facey on the twelve foot-wide bed, his body shriveled and skinny.

    Naturally, it was George¡ªGlen''s father and the highest authority figure in the family¡ªin the flesh.

    A tearful woman wearing a string ofrge pearls was wiping her eyes, delighted to see theme in.

    "Glen, has the healer you asked for arrived?"

    "Yeah, don''t worry, Mom." Glen nodded, snidely avoiding mentioning Frank. "Titus Lionheart brought

    Professor Roberts. He''s a global leading authority¡ªhe''d definitely have no problems helping father."

    "Oh, that''s the heir of the Lionhearts for you. Bringing in the world''s best doctor. Vicky''s really chosen a

    fine husband!" Kendra Malcolm eximed in delight before turning and frowning at Frank. "Who''s

    this?"

    "Frank Lawrence," Glen replied simply. "He''s here to help father too."

    "Him?!" Kendra snorted, studying Frank pointedly while snorting in disdain. "So the whippersnapper

    who bewitched Vicky is so unseemly. Just look at him and Titus. The difference goes without saying!"

    Kendra could not be med for that¡ªTitus in his tailored suit was the look of sess, while Frank was

    dressed casually and without any branded goods either.

    Even if he had the looks, their clothes made it clear they were from different sses.

    Still, Frank had no intention to get petty, staying impassive as he asked, "Can I get to work now?"

    "Sure," Glen replied nonchntly.

    Both Titus and Professor Roberts simply watched in clear contempt.

    The way they see it, Frank would never find the cause of George''s illness.

    Frank simply strode past Kendra and sat down beside George.

    However, just as he was about to lift George''s eyelid to examine him, Kendra suddenly lunged at him,

    smacking his hand away.

    "Who do you think you are?! Don''t touch my husband with your filthy hands!" she snapped and threw

    him a pair of rubber gloves. "Put these on!"

 Chapter 883

    "What..." Frank frowned. "Examination is vital in Draconian traditional medicine, and gloves aren''t a

    part of it. I need direct contact to examine the patient''s body temperature, skin texture, and other

    details to properly diagnose him¡ª"

    "Shut up!" Kendra clearly could not stand his long-winded exnation, almost spitting out her dentures.

    "Put those gloves on, or get out of here! We never asked for you! Some hillbilly like you doesn''t get to

    touch my husband¡ªI care for hygiene even if you don''t!"

    Frank almost snapped at Kendra''s outburst.

    He had every intention to help George, but his family repeatedly harassed him, clearly having no

    intention to let him live!

    "Hmph."

    He snorted, but decided to bear with it and put on the gloves for the sake of seeing Vicky.

    "Now, now, Mr. Lawrence." Titus chuckled even as he put on the gloves. "You don''t get to me those

    gloves if you misdiagnose Mr. Turnbull."

    "Draconian traditional medicine doesn''t even observe proper hygiene. How scandalous." Professor

    Roberts sighed, shaking his head.

    Frank ignored them as he gently lifted George''s eyelid and immediately saw the ck dot in his pupils.

    "A bug?" he thought right then, but without touching George directly, he had no way of determining the

    actual bug.

    Closing his eyes, he put his fingers and felt George''s pulse, and he scowled even as he slowly opened

    his eyes.

    Turning to Glen, he asked, "Your father''s been sick for a while, hasn''t he?"

    Glen did a double take but shook his head. "No, it''s recent¡ª"

    "He only fainted recently, didn''t he?" Frank sneered. "If my hunch is right, he''s been paralyzed and

    bedridden for half a year now."

    "Nonsense!" Kendra snapped. "He was alive and kicking just a week ago!"

    "Heh." Titus scoffed at Frank for his blunder right away. "Mysticism is really failing you, huh?"

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted, ignoring him and nodded. "Alright, I made a mistake there. I''m guessing Mr. Turnbull''s

    been taking supplements constantly."

    You think?!" Kendra snorted in annoyance.

    The most important man of the Turnbull family certainly needed supplements as old age takes over¡ª

    like any authority figure in respectable families would.

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Even as everyone threw Frank looks of disdain, Professor Roberts was chuckling. "So this is the trick

    of chatans here?"

    It was certainly amon trick¡ªchatans and conmen always asked general questions to deduce

    specific details about their victims, which they then used against them.

    "Uh-huh..." Frank nodded. "And Mr. Turnbull''s been eating hundred-year panaxes all this while?"

    "Nonsense. It''s deer musk!" Kendra waved him off impatiently. "Just leave already. You''re obviously a

    chatan, even less reliable than Abel Loggins before you."

 Chapter 884

    "No rush." Frank rubbed his chin as he continued, "If it''s deer musk, it''d be mixed with water, no?"

    "Nothing you said was right!" Kendra lost all patience and strode up at Frank, pointing at him as she

    snapped, "Get out of here and stop wasting our time!"

    "Why don''t you just give up already?" Titus Lionheart added gleefully.

    "That''s right¡ªyou should leave," Glen agreed, posturing himself as head of the Turnbulls. "We won''t

    stop you, but you don''t get to mention Vicky ever again or set foot in our house, you hear?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes but eventually nodded. "I have an idea of what Mr. Turnbull has been infected

    with. The symptoms started a week ago, catalyzed by deer musk which he consumed frequently, and

    not in solid form..."

    Taking out the needles he always carried with him, he looked around at everyone and said, "I will now

    perform acupuncture. If the information you''ve given me is right, Mr. Turnbull will wake up soon."

    "Stop it!" Glen snapped, frowning. "Don''t bother forcing yourself. Let Professor Roberts work¡ªyou''re

    not leaving this house if you worsen my father''s condition!"

    "Exactly!" Kendra spat. "I won''t let you hurt my husband! Glen, call in your men. Get him out of here!"

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    "Wait!" Titus stopped them just as the bodyguards entered.

    While he was defending Frank, he certainly did not want Frank to win, just as he did not feel any

    pressure to save George.

    If anything, his top priority was to see Frank fail, yield, and fall to despondence.

    That was why he was standing up for Frank¡ªjust to make him fail and be humiliated even more

    spectacrly.

    "Just look at how confident Mr. Lawrence is," he told Glen. "Why don''t we trust him onest time? Don''t

    worry¡ªmy men are waiting right outside. We will take him down if he dares to hurt your father!"

    "Moreover." He paused, turning toward Professor Roberts. "Whatever he does, Professor Roberts will

    be able to clean things up. There won''t be any problems, don''t worry!"

    Titus'' suggestions left Glen in a dilemma.

    But Titus was right¡ªProfessor Roberts was there to keep things under control.

    Moreover, Frank would be discontented if they chased him away right now and would use the excuse

    of not being given a chance. And no matter what he did, he would never dare step out of line when they

    had numbers.

    As such, reasonably speaking, his father was more or less safe.

    After musing to himself for a while, Glen nodded and turned toward Frank. "I''m giving you onest

    chance because Titus asked."

    Kendra immediately snapped, "Glen! It''s obvious he''s not an upstanding man. Are you sure¡ª"

    "Don''t worry¡ªDad will be fine with Professor Roberts," Glen assured her. "We can handle anything that

    happens."

 Chapter 885

    Glen then leaned in to speak into his mother''s ear, saying, "This is also our chance¡ªwe can pin me

    on Frank so that Vicky hates him, and we have more reason to stand against him."

    Kendra''s frown eased right then, and she nodded. "Good. We will go with that!"

    Frank could hear them whispering to each other and knew right away what they were intending.

    Though he did not care, he was still frustrated nheless.

    If Kendra had allowed him to touch her husband in the first ce, he did not need to resort to tricks to

    get the details from them, and he would have been able to diagnose George more urately.

    Still, he had deduced that George was infected by an earwig from the South Sea.

    It was not a particrly profound technique, but once the earwig''s eggs were consumed, the eggs

    would hatch intorvae with certain medicine or martial techniques.

    With that, thervae would reproduce within the victim''s innards, building hives and eventually

    devouring their insides clean.

    At the moment, the eggs in George were still incubating, so he could still be saved.

    And now that he was not held back, Frank whipped out over a dozen needles and breathed a puff over

    the needles.

    Heunched each of them into George''s body with inch precision, his movement so smooth that

    Professor Roberts actually gasped and murmured to himself in surprise, "Draconian... martial arts?"

    "Bring me some of the deer musk." Frank turned toward Kendra.

    Kendra was certainly displeased with being ordered around, but she remembered George''s n and

    had a servant fetch the deer musk.

    "Well, it''s fine." Frank said after taking a sniff and picked up a pinch.

    With his vigor, he melted it, and everyone in the room could smell the sweetness right then.

    "Go," he snapped. Hebined the melted deer musk he drew out into a paste and molded it into a

    pill. which he shoved right away into George''s mouth.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Hey!" Kendra was about to snap as Frank shoved the unknown green-ck pill down her husband''s

    throat.

    Still, Glen held her back, and she panted a long while to calm herself while cursing her under her

    breath, "Whippersnapper. If you feed him some weirdness, I will skin you!"

    Smack!

    Smack!

    Smack!

    His fingers charged with pure vigor, he struck George''s acupoints from a distance up to eight times

    before turning toward the others, relieved.

    "Ten minutes. Mr. Turnbull will wake up by then," he told them.

    His confident assurance left Titus hesitant¡ªcould the bastard actually seed?!

    On the other hand, Professor Roberts shook his head, skeptical as ever. "Draconian traditional

    medicine in treatment? Really?"

    "Let''s just wait for ten minutes and see," Glen said.

    As time passed, Frank''s brow creased.

    "What''s going on here?" He was puzzled¡ªdid he make a mistake, or perhaps his medicine was not

    strong enough?

 Chapter 886

    Frank expected George to awaken in under five minutes with his treatment, with the scarab eggs in his

    gut purged.

    He said ten minutes just so that he had time to spare¡ªeveryone''s constitution was different, and it was

    his style to be conservative.

    However, it was soon ten minutes, but George was not showing signs of recovering, and his cheeks

    were still darkened.

    Frank checked the pill he made and eventually came to a frustrating conclusion. "Wait... Could they be

    lying to me?"

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    If they were lying, his diagnosis would be inurate and his solution incorrect.

    If that was really the case, his treatment would be meaningless in a minor case, but George could get

    killed if it was serious.

    But before Frank could ask anything, Glen raised his wrist pointedly to check his Patek Philippe and

    shook his head.

    "It''s been twelve minutes, Dr. Lawrence," he said, emphasizing ''doctor'' to add insult to injury. "How

    much longer do we have to wait?"

    "Hehe..." Professor Roberts chuckled but otherwise said nothing, his disdain all too clear.

    "Why don''t we keep waiting? What if it eventually works?" Titus winked at Frank sarcastically. "Right,

    Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank glowered and red fixedly at Kendra. "Mrs. Turnbull, were you really giving me the right

    information? Was your husband really still, and I quote, ''alive and kicking''st week?"

    "What?" Kendra snapped back, but her gaze was evasive from guilt. Still, she was not about to yield to

    Frank.

    "Why are you suspecting me? You have no right! No." she eximed but quickly switched gears. "Why

    should I tell you anything? Who do you think you are?!"

    Frank almost snapped right then.

    Healers hated two things the most¡ªthe first being patients who hid symptoms out of misced pride,

    and second, doctors who did not follow instructions.

    And now, not only was Frank kept in the dark over George''s actual condition, but Kendra also insisted

    on ying guessing games. How was he supposed to help?

    "I remember asking you to give me the truth before I treated your husband," he told Kendra. "You

    should know that if you don''t give me the right information, I can''t properly diagnose him, let alone treat

    him! At that point, it''d be good if nothing happens, but there''s every chance of his condition worsening!"

    His rebuking tone sent Kendra flying into a rage, and she shrieked, "Enough! You''re just a hillbilly, and

    you should be honored that you''re even allowed to set foot in my house to treat my husband! Forget

    being a failure¡ªyou''re evenining?! Aren''t you a healer? Why would I need you if I told you

    everything? Get out if you can''t do it, and stop yapping here or I''ll have your arms hacked off!"

    Her unreasonable outburst certainly left Frank furious.

    It was clear that George was going to die because of these fools.

 Chapter 887

    Even so, Frank decided to put in onest effort and said quietly, "I''m a healer, but I''m not omnipotent. I

    can''t diagnose a patient without touching him, or when you''re lying to me about his symptoms! It''s Mr.

    Turnbull''s misfortune to have a wife like you!"

    Thest part was certainly a bombshell. Kendra leapt up to her feet instantly, leaping straight at Frank,

    ready to w his face and eyes out.

    "You vermin! Watch your mouth!" she screamed unreasonably. "I-I''ll kill you! Glen, call in every man

    you have¡ªI''ll make him wish he was dead!"

    Glen did not stop her and was actually ring at Frank. "Do you know what you just said?! Say it

    again, I dare you!"

    Frank met his angry re, took a deep breath, and chuckled coolly. "You want to hear it again? Fine¡ª

    I''ll say it as many times as you want! Having people like you for family is why George Turnbull will die!

    You''re all scum who would rather have your father and husband die!"

    Everyone was left stunned by Frank''s outburst, and Glen eventually raised a shaking finger, heaving as

    he pointed at Frank as snapped, "You... I''ve been giving you chances at every turn! Is that how you

    repay me?!"

    "Hah! Give me a chance when you''re hiding Mr. Turnbull''s condition from me?!"

    Frank could not care less just then, snapping back, "Why don''t you just be honest¡ªhe''s been

    bedridden for six months already!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "Shut the fuck up!" Glen bellowed, finally giving up all pretense of civility. "My father was just fine! He

    was never bedridden, right, Mom?!"

    That was what he believed because his mother had told him so¡ªhis father had been traveling abroad

    for six months.

    "E-Exactly!" Kendra cried determinedly as well.

    "Hmph. Still lying even now." Frank snorted, plucking off his gloves to put his left hand on George''s

    throat.

    Judging from the dried, shriveled skin, it was clear that he had not gotten out of bed for six months!

    "In that case, no one can save him. Do whatever you like." Frank snorted and stormed out.

    That was when all four Turnbull Ascendant rank retainers waiting outside strode in.

    Glen snorted right then, growling through his teeth at Frank, "I''ve been ying nice at every turn, but

    you''d disrespect me every chance you get, even insulting my mother! Did you think you could leave in

    one piece?!"

    Really? So you''re going to war with me?" Frank stopped, turning to re icily at Glen.

    "War?! You and what army?!" Glen snapped, feeling confident as he sneaked a nce at Titus and his

    Ascendant rank retainers.

 Chapter 888

    As Glen reared his chin at Frank hostilely, Titus strode up.

    "Wait, Mr. Turnbull." He chuckled coolly. "Frank Lawrence can wait, now that Professor Roberts has

    seen how pointless Draconia traditional medicine is. Time to show Mr. Lawrence what proper experts

    can do ¡ªit won''t be toote to kill him after."

    That was exactly what he wanted¡ªto beat Frank physically and psychologically, just to wipe that smug

    grin off his face and make him kneel before him.

    "Are you done talking?" Professor Roberts asked, already impatient.

    "Yeah." Glen nodded. "Please help my father."

    Kendra snorted coolly. "See? The professor isn''t making excuses for his failure, unlike that

    whippersnapper."

    At the same time, the Turnbulls and Lionhearts'' retainers encircled Frank and did nothing else, since

    Glen would not go against Titus when he wanted the Lionhearts'' help.

    Having had his orders, Professor Roberts opened his briefcase. Pulling a green tube from a cold

    storage case, he inserted it into a syringe while saying, "Thanks to the medical records the hospital

    provided, I''ve prepared three syringes of antidote on my way here."

    He then injected the green fluid into a vein on the wrist. "If only I was allowed to work sooner, the

    patient would be spared much pain... This would take effect in a couple of minutes."

    Then, ncing at Frank, he shook his head and snorted. "Thank you, young man¡ªyou only proved

    that Draconian traditional medicine is a scam, and I should never believe any of you chatans."

    His mockery left a vein bulging over Frank''s temples in frustration.

    Titusughed and joined in. "You have to admit, Mr. Lawrence¡ªDraconian traditional medicine is all

    just cheap tricks to deceive fools. But the Four Families of Morhen? It just won''t fly."

    "Exactly," Kendra red at Frank in disgust. "Look in the mirror¡ªwho do you think you are to offer

    medical treatment to our illustrious family?"

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    Frank remained silent, his eyes fixed on George''s face.

    Titus was satisfied, presuming that Frank had epted defeat and would not say a word now.

    Everyone waited for Professor Roberts'' serum to work, and George suddenly opened his eyes, actually

    waking up right then.

    What they did not expect was for him to suddenly sit up and breathe a blood-curdling scream, wing

    at his own throat as he threw up a mouthful of pungent ck blood!

 Chapter 889

    "What?! Impossible... Impossible..."

    Professor Roberts was gaping, shaking his head and clearly not expecting that to happen to George.

    Even as he quickly rummaged through his briefcase, Glen asked urgently, "Professor Roberts? What''s

    happening to my father?"

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "I don''t know. It''s thetest serum our team developed, and it should kill the parasites, but not this."

    Professor Roberts panickedly shoved a yellow tube into the syringe and shouted, "Get over here! Hold

    him down!"

    At Professor Roberts''s call, Glen quickly beckoned for the retainers encircling Frank to hold George

    down even as he convulsed.

    "Keep him steady!" Professor Roberts shouted even as he wiped the sweat off his brow and injected

    the yellow serum into George.

    "Urgh." George finally turned still and stopped convulsing or foaming ck blood from his mouth.

    "Phew."

    Professor Roberts sighed, before wheeling on Frank, ring as he bellowed, "It''s all his fault! He

    interfered with my treatment! Feeding a patient some unknown rubbish?! His body wouldn''t have

    rejected medication if not for that!"

    Everyone turned toward Frank at Professor Roberts'' usation, and Glen even red at him spitefully.

    However, before he could give the order for his retainers to take Frank, George started convulsing

    again, even more violently this time.

    To make things worse, he was coughing out pieces of his own innards, and its pungent stink left

    everyone pinching their noses!

    "Argh!!!"

    Another blood-curdling scream resounded in the room as George wed at his own chest, as if to kill

    himself just to spare himself the agony.

    "What? Why." Professor Roberts was left dumbstruck, at a loss for what to do.

    "What are you doing?! Don''t just stand there!" Glen yelled. "Help him!"

    "Get a grip!" Titus strode up to Professor Roberts as well, snapping under his breath. "Do something!"

    But Professor Roberts was so stunned he kept muttering to himself, "But the yellow serum was

    supposed to counteract the antidote. Why is he getting even worse? Was the antidote the problem in

    the first ce? Is the patient''s body rejecting it?!"

    Everyone was left stumped at that point.

    After all that drama, it turned out that Frank was innocent?

    In fact, George was now suffering so much he would rather die was all because of Professor Roberts''

    serum?!

    "Move." Frank strode up just then.

    "What... What do you think you''re doing, Frank Lawrence?!"

    "Get out! Stop bothering us!"

    Both Glen and Kendra yelled at the same time.

    Frank, however, ignored them as he made a beeline for George.

    His needles that were hidden near his fingers were already on George''s chest vessels, piercing a tiny

    cavity with precision.

 Chapter 890

    "Hup!" Frank barked as he smacked his palm on George''s chest, and a stream of green-ck blood

    shot out like a geyser.

    "Argh!!!"

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    George screamed but soon rxed as more blood gushed out.

    Frank then leveled an impassive look at Professor Roberts. "Your serum is an antibiotic. The earwig

    eggs inside reacted to it by hatching, and thervae are now invading Mr. Turnbull''s internal organs."

    His blunt words yanked Professor Roberts out of his shock, and he turned in disbelief toward Frank.

    "How did you¡ª"

    "I do stay in touch with foreign medical developments," Frank replied quietly. "I just don''t use them

    because they''re less effective."

    Eventually, the blood flowing out of George''s chest turned red, and Frank tapped his body twice to seal

    the bleeding artery.

    "Hup!" he bellowed and mmed his palm on the old man''s chest.

    "Bleurgh!" George coughed out a mouthful of viscous ck blood.

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    "Whippersnapper!"

    Everyone in the room had stopped moving since they believed Frank was there to help, not to mention

    that he was the only person who would do something despite the situation.

    Moreover, color was returning to George''s cheeks... but Glen was worried once more as his father

    coughed ck blood again.

    However, Frank was done ying nice.

    Leveling a cool re between Glen and Kendra, he said icily, "Come on, stop me if you want Mr.

    Turnbull to die."

    "What. Watch it!" Glen snapped, his expression furious.

    However, there was nothing he could do¡ªhe pinned his hopes on Professor Roberts, but the man was

    too stunned to do anything.

    And now, they could only put their hopes on Frank.

    "It''s a rot earwig," Frank muttered under his breath, nodding to himself just then.

    The rot earwig had an additional word to its name, butmon earwigs could not even hope to match

    the potency of a rot earwig''s venom.

    While earwigs devoured a person from the inside out, rot earwigs infected a person starting from the

    innards. Every organ would rot and be reduced to pus, which they then absorbed.

    Naturally, that meant a hundred times the pain of being infected by a normal earwig.

    Incidentally, the serum Professor Roberts injected into George served as a catalyst that energized the

    eggs, hatching them en masse.

    After that, therva began their assault on the old man''s innards.

    "I really wouldn''t be bothered to save you if not for Vicky''s sake..."

    Frank snorted even as he whipped out a new Ichor Pill and fed it to George, which would keep him

    alive.

    Then, plunging his silver needles deep into Geroge''s body, he would stab into each rot earwig and burn

    them with his pure vigor.

    The process continued for thirty minutes, and no one dared to speak at that time.

    Even Professor Roberts, who had been observing intently throughout, was gaping and murmuring in

    awe constantly.

    It was obvious that Frank''s methods left him thoroughly shocked.

    "Done!" Frank eximed as he pulled out a needle, tired after focusing so intensely.

    He breathed a long sigh before turning toward the gaping Turnbulls and a scowling Titus, saying

    quietly, "This time, you can see immediately if what I did works. Still, Mr. Turnbull would have been

    spared this pain if you didn''t lie to me about his condition and allowed me to touch him directly."

 Chapter 891

    And soon after Frank spoke, George woke up, coughing violently while he looked nkly around

    himself.

    "Father!"

    "George!"

    Both Glen Turnbull and were delighted to see him wake up.

    On the other hand, Titus was left pursing his lips as his expression contorted.

    "Hmph."

    Snorting, he said nothing else as he led his men out of the room.

    "Titus, wait..."

    Zac Turnbull had juste in and was left watching as Titus left, as Glen promptly snapped at him,

    "Go, Zac! Stop Titus¡ªit''s all thanks to him bringing Professor Roberts, or our father would have been

    put through so much pain!"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Without a word, Zac looked past Frank to chase after Titus, asking him to stay with an awkward smile.

    On the other hand, Professor Roberts did not leave with Titus.

    In fact, he was staring in confusion at Glen and said, "What are you talking about, Mr. Turnubll? Mr.

    Lawrence was the one who saved your father, not me."

    "No, you did," Glen said quietly, looking past Frank as well. "My father would still be unconscious if not

    for your serum. All Mr. Lawrence did was use some special method to catalyze your serum."

    "That''s a lie, isn''t it?" Professor Roberts demanded, disgruntled. "I know my serum better than anyone

    ¡ª Mr. Lawrence was the one who saved your father, not me. My serum only worsened his condition,

    and he''d be dead if not for Mr. Lawrence."

    Even if he had disrespected Draconian traditional medicine before, Frank''s performance had left him

    humbled.

    "Professor Roberts, what." Glen frowned, while cursing inwardly at the professor''s bluntness and

    inability to read the room.

    If Glen acknowledged that Frank was the one who saved his father, every mockery they threw at Frank

    before would now be a p in their collective faces.

    What would happen if word of this got out?

    He was the head of the Turnbull family¡ªhe would not be maintaining his innocence if people knew he

    was humiliated by some little known brat, and with so many people watching!

    And worst of all was the deal with Frank.

    Glen had never intended to let Frank meet Vicky.

    He knew his niece, and at this critical juncture, if Vicky changed her mind and ran away with that

    stinking brat, Glen was not going to weasel his way out of this one.

    That was why Glen was bent on insisting that Frank at best assisted in saving his father, and that the

    one who did the heavy lifting was Professor Roberts.

    No one would question that given Professor Roberts'' credentials.

    As for Frank, they just had to fill his pockets and send him away¡ªand without letting him see Vicky.

    However, there was no way Frank could not anticipate what Glen was nning.

    He was all too familiar with these bigwigs'' empty promises.

    Even if he helped, there was no way he would not have a backup n.

    Striding forward, he said quietly, "Mr. Turnbull, I don''t care about aplishments or fame..."

 Chapter 892

    Frank paused and finished, "All I want is for you to honor our agreement and let me see Vicky."

    "No!" Both Glen and Kendra yelled at the same time.

    George, who was still in bed, had no idea what was going on.

    "Who''s this...?" he asked, turning toward Frank feebly as a servant helped him up.

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    "That''s the man who saved your life."

    Surprisingly, it was Professor Roberts who sided with Frank just then. He was even leveling a look of

    respect at him and nodding politely, speaking inartictely but loudly.

    "I don''t know what''s wrong with you people, harassing Mr. Lawrence so much when he saved the

    patient without holding a grudge. He is aspetent as he is mystical, showing his loyalty and

    reliability. You have certainly changed my opinion on Draconian traditional medicine¡ªwhat you did was

    absolutely magical. Would you mind teaching me?"

    Frank had a better impression of Professor Roberts when he saw the look of genuine respect.

    It was likely that Professor Roberts simply prioritized rationality before all else at this stage of his

    career. Since he had never encountered real Draconian traditional medicine, he was willing to humble

    himself after seeing it in action, even asking Frank to teach him.

    It was certainly a stark contrast to the Turnbulls'' attitude¡ªGlen was even scowling at Professor

    Roberts'' overly blunt words.

    He took a deep breath and growled, "No, Professor Roberts. I''ve made up my mind¡ªyou saved my

    father, and you''ll be rewarded ordingly. As for Frank Lawrence."

    With a look from Glen, the Turnbull family retainers strode up and surrounded Frank, even as Glen

    finished, "I''ll reward you generously, but I''m sorry, you won''t be seeing Vicky because you didn''t save

    my father."

    "Why?!" Professor Roberts snapped, his fists clenching. "Unbelievable! Mr. Lawrence saved the

    patient, while I did nothing but made things worse! Do you hate him that much? If so, why did you bring

    him here at all?!"

    Professor Roberts left Glen grimacing ufortably, but he could not argue against that.

    As for Frank, he sighed and pped Professor Roberts on the shoulders, shaking his head.

    "Thank you for your honesty, Professor Roberts," he said, "But there are elements in this case that you

    won''t understand as a foreigner. They''re stopping me from meeting my woman because they want her

    to marry someone else¡ªit''s really not your fault."

    He then passed Professor Roberts his business card with his contact number. "Your dedication and

    respect to medicine has my respect¡ªcall me anytime you need assistance. I can''t do much, but I can

    offer some advice."

    "This won''t do!"

    Professor Roberts bellowed, surprising Frank with his single-minded stubbornness. "Let''s make this

    clear right now¡ªyou saved the patient, not me. You seeded where I failed, and that''s the truth!"

    Wheeling on Glen, he barked, "You people shoulde true on your promise and let Mr. Lawrence see

    his woman!"

 Chapter 893

    "Enough!" Glen bellowed, getting angry for once.

    He certainly had enough of the stubborn foreign professor who kept yapping endlessly, unable to read

    the room at all. "Mr. Hampton, get Professor Roberts out of here. Pay him ordingly and send him on

    his way!"

    "Yes, Mr. Turnbull." A middle-aged Turnbull family retainer strode up and leveled a cool re at

    Professor Roberts. "Come along, professor."

    "T-This is wrong!" Professor Roberts kept bellowing. "You can''t do this, not to a healer who''s only

    proven his kindness and loyalty! I''ll sue!"

    "Sue away." Glen remained impassive, his tone cold and even a little contemptible.

    He clearly did not worry about Professor Roberts'' threat to sue. It would make sense too, since the

    Turnbulls were one of the Four Families of Morhen and had reigned for a while in Draconia''s

    economical field. They definitely had cards to y, and some foreign professor would not be able to

    win awsuit no matter what he did.

    Such was the cruelty of reality.

    After Professor Roberts was sent away, Glen finally turned toward Frank and said quietly, "Name your

    price."

    Frank stood in the distance and met Glen''s gaze calmly, shaking his head. "I don''t need money. I just

    want to see Vicky."

    "No chance." Glen refused without hesitation. "Give up already¡ªyou can see how much Titus loves

    Vicky, and it goes without saying his superiority in power and position over you. To be honest, I wouldn''t

    mind seeing Vicky marrying a man she loves if not for begging circumstances, but reality is always

    cruel. I can admit your skill and martial prowess, but can you beat the Lionhearts'' authority and

    connections no matter how good you get? From where I''m standing you don''t have an edge over Titus

    at all."

    Glen''s tone then turned mild, "Giving up on Vicky is giving yourself an opportunity. My family will be

    grateful, and you''ll have more money than you can spend this lifetime. How about ten billion dors?"

    "Ten billion dors..." Frank lowered his head as he repeated the number.

    Seeing that Frank was finally breathing something else, Glen pressed him eagerly. "Yes. You''ll be our

    friend¡ªI mean, who wouldn''t want to be friends with us? But the condition is that you give up on your

    unrealistic ambitions. Hell, you can have fifteen billion, and I''ll make sure it''s transferred to your

    ount by tomorrow once you agree to it. From a legitimate source that no auditors would dare touch,

    naturally. Just take the money and start a new life in Riverton, and you could even have some of our

    businesses. You''ll definitely be a king down there."

    "Pfft..." Frank snickered at Glen''s eagerness, shaking his head. "You Turnbulls really are one of the

    Four Families of Morhen. You''re even richer than I thought."

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "For sure." Glen nodded proudly. "Our business extends throughout Draconia, and we''re involved in

    shipbuilding, tourism, and even the gem trade. Whatever you can think of, we''d be involved."

    "In other words..." Frank reared his head and leveled Glen a look of disdain. "Vicky is only worth fifteen

    billion dors to you?"

 Chapter 894

    "In other words..." Frank reared his head and leveled Glen a look of disdain. "Vicky is only worth fifteen

    billion dors to you?"

    "What, is that not enough for you?" Glen frowned in growing impatience¡ªFrank really had an appetite!

    "No." Frank smiled, shaking his head. "In your world, money can buy everything. But for me, it''s just

    scrap paper. I won''t give up on Vicky no matter how much you pay me, because she''s priceless to me."

    "Frank Lawrence!" Kendra flipped out right then, pointing at Frank as she snapped, "We''ve been

    ying nice, whippersnapper!"

    "Be reasonable!" Glen bellowed at Frank too. "I''ve been extending enough olive branches endlessly,

    but if you keep being stubborn."

    "What?" Frank leveled a gloating look at Glen''s furious re.

    "Retainers! Take him¡ªwe''ll enforce our family''sw!" Glen bellowed, giving up on all pretense since

    Frank was not giving in.

    He would kill Frank right here and now¡ªthey just had to make him vanish if he refused to give up on

    Vicky!

    "Wait." Frank suddenly held up a hand just as the Turnbull family retainers strode up, ready to charge

    at him.

    "What else do you have to say?" Glen demanded, mustering his patience seeing that there was a

    chance Frank woulde around.

    "Mr. Turnbull," he said, pointing at George on the bed and smiling. "I won''t lie to you¡ªthere are still five

    eggs I have yet to extract from your body, since I only have that much stamina. And if the rest aren''t

    extracted in time, the same thing that happened to you before will happen again. and in five days, your

    organs would bepletely dissolved and devoured clean. But the agony you''d be put through before

    that? Hehe."

    Frank trailed off, but Glen''s face turned ashen while panic showed on George''s face.

    The anguish earlier was still fresh in George''s memory, and he scrambled out of bed, begging Frank,

    "No. No, no! Please, you have to help me. I don''t want to go through that pain again."

    Kenda shrieked at the same time, "You monster! Threatening a patient with his life?! And you call

    yourself a healer?! Don''t you know the Hippocratic Oath?!"

    Frank actually fumed at Kendra''s despicable insult, but he simply smiled and shook his head. "Oh, but I

    don''t care. Glen Turnbull over there insisted I wasn''t the one who saved your husband¡ªit was

    Professor Roberts. With that being said, I shall bid you farewell. You can ask Professor Roberts for

    help. just pray that his serum would actually work."

    16:29 28/04/2024 Read The Girlboss Begs for Remarriage by Chu novel

    With that, he started to turn and leave.

    Just as he reached the door, Glen called out in clearly repressed rage, "W-Wait, Mr. Lawrence."

    "What?" Frank turned and grinned at him. "I wasn''t the one who saved your father anyway. Why would

    you stop me?"

    "You little..." Glen almost snapped at Frank''s clear sarcasm.

    He had certainly not suffered such humiliation as the leader of the Turnbulls!R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

 Chapter 895

    However, Glen could also see his father''s tearful, miserable look.

    Eventually, he gritted his teeth and gave in. "I''ll let you see Vicky if you cure my fatherpletely,

    alright?!"

    "I don''t believe you." Frank smiled and shook his head.

    "What¡ª" Glen blurted.

    Frank raised a hand to stop him right then, his expression cool as he said, "I''ve already seen how you

    rose to prominence as a magnate¡ªverbal agreements are clearly pointless since you won''t honor

    them. Do you really think your words still hold sway over me? How cute."

    Frank''s ruthless unmasking of Glen''s true nature almost gave Glen a stroke, but he mustered himself

    for his father''s sake and asked Frank stiffly, "Then what are your demands?"

    "I want to meet Vicky right now," Frank said calmly.

    While Glen did not refuse him immediately, he shook his head and asked quietly, "Why should I trust

    you? What if you refuse to help my father after you meet Vicky?"

    "Then it''s pointless to discuss this." Frank waved him off. "Take care, Mr. Turnbull."

    "Stop..."

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Glen nced at his father''s pleading look and stopped Frank again. "Alright, you have a deal. My

    people will take you to Vicky, but you must promise me not to touch her¡ª"

    "Do you still think you''re in a position to negotiate?"

    Frank wheeled on him, finally losing all patience as he growled coolly, "Glen Turnbull, you have two

    options now."

    "One: you can take me to Vicky right now, and I just might save your father if I''m in a good mood.

    "Two: refuse, and I''ll leave right now! And you can be sure I''ll be paying a visit during your family''s

    annual dinner ande bearing gifts!"

    "The choice is up to you. I''m counting down from three!"

    Frank''s pompousness certainly left Glen seething¡ªthanks to his family''s authority, he had always been

    the one threatening people, not the other way round!

    Moreover, not only did it hurt to be threatened like this, but whichever options he chose meant

    humiliation at Frank''s hands and yielding the advantage to him.

    If Frank reneged and refused to save Glen''s father after meeting Vicky, there was nothing Glen could

    do, and they would still be daring Titus Lionheart''s wrath.

    But if he refused to let Frank meet Vicky, that meant war against Frank, who had vowed to crash their

    family''s annual dinner.

    It was as radical as it was the worst decision, and that also meant a painful death for Glen''s father.

    Neither choice was ideal for Glen... and worst of all, Frank refused to give him a chance to think.

    Narrowing his eyes, Frank bellowed, "Three!"

    He did not pause and soon breathed, "Two!"

    "One." He chuckled coolly as he finished his countdown and turned away as he said coolly, "It seems

    that you''re still indecisive, Glen Turnbull, so allow me to assist you¡ªsee you in three days. Hopefully,

    your father will still be alive and kicking by then."

 Chapter 896

    With those words, Frankughed coolly and started to leave.

    "Wait... Please wait!" George cried out in anguish, dropping out of bed with a thud as he crawled

    toward Frank. "Please, you have to help me! I don''t want to die. Not like that!"

    His cries left Kendra panicking. She rushed up and grabbed her son by the arm as she begged, "Oh,

    just let him meet Vicky! It''s really no big deal!"

    "It''s not as simple as you''d like to think, Mother!"

    Glen exined even as he struggled out of her grasp, his cheeks heating up like a kettle, "You know

    Vicky''s temper¡ªif he sees her and she decides to leave with him, do you think we can stop them? I

    had to go through great lengths just to convince her to ept the family''s arrangement. What if she

    regrets it once she sees him?"

    Sighing, he added, "And don''t forget that Titus is still outside. Do you think we can hide this from him?

    What would he think of us if he finds out? It''s going to be a crisis!"

    "B-But."

    Kendra was dumbstruck. "But we can''t let your father suffer and die in agony! Is there no other way?"

    "Trust me, I''ve tried," Glen replied, deted. "The Lionhearts even brought in a foreign professor, and

    we know how that went. Who can we count on now?"

    "The way I see it."

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Glen turned toward his father who crawled up to the doorway, his eyes shing with determination.

    "Father will just have to take this one for the family!"

    "Glen!!!" Kendra screamed¡ªshe could hear Glen''s determination, and her fingers wed into his arm

    as she tried to stop him. "That''s your father you''re talking about! How could you just watch him die! No.

    This won''t do!"

    Dashing towards the door in a frenzy, she shouted at Frank even as he strode off into the distance, "M-

    Mr. Lawrence. Please! I''ll let you meet Vicky, alright? I''ll let you meet her, as long as you save my

    husband!"

    Frank stopped in his tracks and turned, watching Kendra and Glen quietly as thetter arrived at the

    doorway as well.

    Seeing the look on the man''s face, he realized that Glen did not reach his current position by ying

    on familial sentiment but through cold determination.

    He had clearly given up on his father.

    However, Kendra obviously was not going to do the same... And Frank would not be meeting Vicky if

    not for her.

    Ten minutester, Frank arrived outside akeside cottage in one of the Turnbulls'' luxury cars.

    There was fencing around the cottage, but thewn inside was blossoming with flowers.

    A beautiful woman in a sunhat and a bikini was sitting barefooted by theke, and she turned in reflex

    when she heard the car arriving.

    As Frank alighted, her face lit up with delight.

    "Darling!" she cried, tossing her sunhat aside as she skipped excitedly toward the car, leaping onto

    Frank just like a child.

    She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist¡ªit was as improper as improper

    could be.

    With her being dressed in only a bikini that entuated her stunning figure to thest, Frank almost

    bled from excitement.

 Chapter 897

    Naturally, the woman was none other than Vicky.

    She did not hesitate to lunge at Frank as soon as she saw him, and as they locked gazes for several

    beats, she jammed her lips on his with passion that would leave anyone blushing.

    "Ahem..."

    There was no telling how long had passed, and they finally pulled away when a servant cleared her

    throat.

    "Madam Zims, could you cough elsewhere? I hate you!" Vicky rolled her eyes at the woman, staring

    daggers.

    "Actually, Ms. Turnbull." Madam Zims nced pointedly nearby, and Vicky turned to find Titus himself

    standing there.

    The sinister look on his face was palpable¡ªforget Vicky lunging at Frank and kissing him

    enthusiastically, the fact that she had to be told that Titus was there made it clear Vicky really did not

    care about him.

    "I think I should remind you that we''re getting married in three days, Vicky," he said darkly.

    "Hah! Who wants to marry you?! I''m taking it back! I''m leaving with my darling!" Vicky snapped, her

    legs still wrapped around Frank''s waist.

    Seeing that Titus was ring at that hostilely, she deliberately gyrated her hips in a position that would

    send one''s imagination running wild.

    Titus could choke right then¡ªhis own fiancee, getting clingy with another man?!

    This was not a p in the face. It was an open rebellion!

    "Frank Lawrance!" Titus red at him, his face darkened as he bellowed. "Let go of her!"

    "Why should I listen to you?" Frank shot back, wrapping his arms around Vicky as he did.

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "Exactly! Why should we listen to you?" Vicky giggled in agreement.

    Titus could blow up right then. He turned and punched the car beside him, leaving a dent but obviously

    repressing his rage.

    "Don''t forget that upsetting my family will only hurt yours, Vicky!" he bellowed. "You''d better make up

    your mind soon!"

    "The Turnbull family? Hmph."

    Vicky finally let go of Frank at Titus'' threat, but even as her feet touched the ground, she stood beside

    Frank and showed no intention of going to Titus'' side.

    Her expression hostile, she spoke bluntly, "I believe we agreed to annul our engagement, Mr.

    Lionheart. But somehow things are back the way they were... Are you going back on your word?"

    "Going back on my word?"

    Titus shook his head and sneered. "This engagement was never up to us. It''s your family who insisted

    that you marry me. Even if I refused, my family would not allow that either. That is a fact, so ept it

    and quit fantasizing already."

    To be honest, Titus was not particrly ugly¡ªthose chiseled facial features and his handsome face

    would draw stares from everyone down the street.

    In fact, Frank would not have an advantage inparison at first nce, but he somehow only got

    better looking the more one stared.

    And with time, Titus would start to dull inparison.

 Chapter 898

    Vicky was an authority on that subject.

    However, she was not drawn to Frank just for his looks¡ªit was his style, attitude, and measures which

    left Vicky profoundly enchanted.

    If she never met him, he might really have gone with the family''s arrangement to marry Titus.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    But now that she had Frank, she could not care less about Titus.

    Moreover, Titus'' aplishment and current position was something he gained by riding his family''s

    coattails, whereas Frank relied on himself to get where he was today.

    In time, he would outss Titus by a mile¡ªsomething which Vicky held in profound conviction.

    Leveling a solemn re at Titus, she said, "I never believe in bullshit like fate¡ªI''ll take my life in my

    own hands, so I''ll tell you this now: I''ll never marry you. I love Frank and adore him, and he''s the only

    one I''ll ever marry. That engagement of ours? Hah! Fuck off!"

    "Please, Ms. Turnbull!" Madam Zims dropped to her knees audibly, kowtowing endlessly, "Please

    reconsider! Every life in our family is in your hands! The South Sea Crow will be delighted if you refuse

    to marry Mr. Lionheart... before she picks us off one by one!"

    "The South Sea Crow?" Frank frowned, somehow familiar with that name.

    Seeing that Madam Zims had spilled the beans, Vicky turned toward Frank in exasperation and

    exined, "The South Sea Crow is a terrible foe targeting our family for some reason. She''s vowing to

    exact revenge upon us, which is why my family has been on edge constantly. She''s the reason we''ve

    been losing our people every year, and it''s only our alliance with the Lionhearts and their people that

    she was kept in check."

    Frank frowned suspiciously. "What, you can''t just kill her and be done with it?"

    "Kill her?" Titus chuckled in the distance, shooting him a look of disdain. "She''s peak Ascendant rank,

    and she moves around like a ghost and has an arsenal of sinister devilry at her disposal. Even Volsung

    Sect failed to take her down even after cornering her on several asions. Hell, my father can''t do

    anything either, and he''s Transcendent rank. And you think you''d be able to take her down just

    because you say it?"

    "That''s right." Vicky sighed helplessly, not arguing with Titus for once. "The South Sea Crow is just too

    much for my family, and we''re just a dynasty of magnates andcking martial artists or talent. That''s

    why we really have no way to fend her off."

    "Without the Lionhearts, the Turnbulls would have been massacred already!" Titusughed loudly,

    folding his arms before his chest.

    "I get it." Frank nodded at that point. "So the problem is the South Sea Crow? She''s the reason you

    werepelled by Glen to marry that one over there?"

    Vicky nodded exasperatedly, but soon pouted and snapped, "Yes, but I don''t care anymore. I''m leaving

    with my darling, and no one can stop me!"

    "Oh, Ms. Turnbull..." Madam Zims sighed feebly nearby.

    Glen was certainly right¡ªVicky changed her mind as soon as she met Frank, and even Titus'' presence

    was pointless.

 Chapter 899

    Titus could see that he was achieving nothing too and got into his car.

    Before he left, he wound down his window and said quietly, "Vicky, it''s all up to you¡ªwhether you''re

    choosing my family''s protection, or to let the South Sea Crow wipe out your family. I won''t tell you what

    to do.

    "Make up your mind in three days¡ªduring your family''s annual dinner, an envoy from my family will

    send for you. If you refuse, consider the alliance between our families severed... at that point, you can

    really do whatever you like."

    With that, he reclined against his seat as he told his chauffeur to drive away.

    Vicky was left standing there, scowling.

    She was not stupid¡ªif anything, she was quite smart. One did not be the most famous

    independent woman in Riverton by being a simpleton.

    In fact, she had already spotted Titus as soon as she saw Frank.

    That was why she instantly made up her mind to greet Frank so intimately while giving Titus the cold

    shoulder. It was her way of telling Titus that she would not marry him¡ªthat she hoped that he gave up.

    Regrettably, Titus simply made it clear that the choice was out of his hands, insisting that it was an

    agreement between both families.

    Naturally, he was also pointing out that Vicky should be going along with it.

    In other words, the indirect confrontation between them came to a stalemate.

    Vicky sighed¡ªthings were worse than she thought.

    While Frank would not refuse if she gave up on everything and ran away with him, her family would be

    abandoned by the Lionhearts.

    The consequences were naturally unimaginable, as it was the perfect opportunity for the South Sea

    Crow to wipe out the Turnbull family. If anything, she would be fine if it was just the main family in

    Morhen¡ªbut the South Sea Crow vowed to wipe out everyone, meaning that Vicky''s parents would not

    be getting away even if they stayed in Riverton.

    At worst, she would get Frank caught in her mess.

    It was exactly what she did not want to see¡ªthe more she loved him, the less she wanted to see him

    being in danger.

    After a long silence, Vicky sighed and spoke despite the agony in her heart. "Darling. I think this is it for

    us."

    Frank felt stung by her seriousness. "Why? You just said¡ª"

    "Yeah, that''s what I said," Vicky shed a pained smile even as she caressed his face. "But without the

    Lionhearts'' protection, my family won''t survive. Eventually, you, and even Helen and Winter will get

    caught in my mess. And I really don''t want Helen mocking me."

    She had her pride too!

    Nheless, Frank frowned. "That''s the only reason you''re marrying Titus Lionheart?"

    "Yes." Vicky nodded. "I hope you''ll understand¡ªmy heart will always be yours, but I have to do this for

    you and my family."

    Suddenly, she giggled, "Of course, that''s not to say that I won''t cheat."N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Frank was left speechless by Vicky''s signature dark jokes, while Madam Zims was wiping the sweat off

    her brow.

    This heiress really had the gall to joke like that?!

    If she cheated and got caught... Madam Zims could not imagine how things would end well for her!

 Chapter 900

    "Oh, right..."

    Vicky turned toward Frank, frowning as she remembered something. "Darling. Did Uncle Glen let you

    see me just because you asked? That''s really not his style."

    "Oh, don''t get me started."

    Frank was about to promise Vicky that he would deal with the South Sea Crow, only for him to change

    the subject.

    As such, he had no choice but to tell her about the ''trials'' he had to pass just to meet her.

    Vicky was stamping her feet in frustration just as he was halfway done. "I told him not to upset you

    whatever he did or threaten you with your family. He just wouldn''t listen. And Uncle Zac too! Who on

    earth asks for a favor like that?!"

    "Heh. Hold your horses¡ªI haven''t reached the fun part." Frank chuckled.

    Shaking his head, he told Vicky about the wager with Titus and Glen, the pain he went through with

    Professor Roberts just to treat George, and everything else.

    Vicky pursed her lips, almost cursing out loud. "Uncle Glen doesn''t even care if Grandpa dies?! And it''s

    your sess, but he''s insisting that it''s some other foreigner''s aplishment. That''s a businessman

    for you. It''s all technicalities with him!"

    Taking a moment to calm down, Vicky pressed, "So? How did you get him to agree to let you meet

    me?"

    Frank smiled, speechless for a moment.

    Still, he told her about coercing Glen with his father''s health. Surprisingly, Vicky was not angry and

    actually shed a pained smile in turn.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Taking a moment to choose her words, she said quietly, "Darling. I hope you can understand Uncle

    Glen. He''s not actually that bad¡ªhe''s really worried that I''d elope with you in the heat of a moment.

    He''s the head of the family, and the family is his responsibility. There are many things that are beyond

    his control."

    "I understand," Frank said, in agreement after remembering his conflict with that man.

    An awkward silence ensued between Vicky and Frank at that before she sighed and asked, "How''s

    Helen doing?"

    Frank felt a warm sensation unfurling inside him.

    Even if Vicky constantly messed with Helen and they squabble constantly, there was a sense of

    camaraderie between both women. They were neither friends nor rivals, but there was just this bizarre

    connection that bound them, with said connection being Frank himself.

    Smiling, Frank shook his head. "Funny. Helen asked me the same thing too, but I couldn''t tell her

    anything since I had nothing."

    "Oh. Weird that she''d actually let youe find me," Vicky said, stretching her back just to unt her

    stunning figure.

    Catching Frank peeking just then, she winked yfully and asked, "Why don''t we do it right now?"

    "No, Ms. Turnbull!"

    The ever watchful Madam Zims'' face fell at Vicky''s suggestion, running toward them. "If the Lionhearts

    finds out that you''re unchaste, they''d¡ª"

    "They''d what, kill me?" Vicky pouted in displeasure. "Also, you''re an adult, so quit being a third wheel

    while I''m flirting!"

    "What..."

    Madam Zims was left exasperated.

    She did not want to do this either, but how could she disobey Glen''s orders?!

 Chapter 901

    Giving Frank a wistful gaze, Vicky asked, "When are you leaving, darling?"

    "Not at the moment," Frank said after some thought. "I still need to treat your grandfather, and I

    estimate it''ll take three days before I remove all the rot earwig eggs inside him. After that, I''ll be

    handling your problem."

    "My problem?" Vicky was left a little stunned.

    "Yeah." Frank nodded and smiled. "You said your family is on edge because of the South Sea Crow,

    right? I''m here now, and I''m not about to watch you suffer¡ªI''ll deal with her, and then we''ll go back to

    Riverton together, okay?"

    His offered hand and earnest offer left Vicky spacing out for a moment.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She put her palm on his warm hand, though she soon came to her senses and lowered her head so

    she could wipe away a tear without him seeing.

    Forcing a smile, she shook her head and said, "Darling, I know you''re amazing and aplished so

    much I wouldn''t ever dream of... But the South Sea Crow is different. I don''t want you to get in danger

    because of me, okay? And it won''t be just you. Helen, Winter, Winter''s mother. So many lives are at

    stake, and they are all waiting for you to go home. I can''t be that selfish."

    Despite her concern, Frank grasped her palm firmly and chuckled. "I''m not your darling if I can''t do that

    much. I''ll never give you up, Vicky, or allow you to marry someone you don''t love. Don''t worry¡ªI''ll help

    you deal with the South Sea Crow, and then we can return to Riverton together."

    Pulling Vicky into his arms without permitting refusal, heughed. "The farm resort is opening in a

    couple of weeks. You''ve been working hard for it, and you''re attending the opening ceremony with me."

    Vicky spaced out in his embrace and eventually leaned on his chest with a contented smile.

    "Yeah." She nodded ever so slightly.

    -

    Over the next three days, Frank stayed in the guest room that Glen arranged for him.

    One had to admit that the Turnbulls were extravagant¡ªevery room was equipped with the best

    necessities, and there were specialized servants serving different purposes.

    Even an unwee guest like Frank had maids helping him get dressed, wash up, and brew tea.

    It was a luxury he never had¡ªbeing born to a military family, he led a life of strict training and

    discipline.

    The luxurious lifestyle of rich kids?

    When he woke up in the morning, he might suddenly find that his father left him in some uninhabited

    forest, filled with vicious beasts.

    Naturally, it was to train him so that he would escape alive.

    Either way, it was a leisurely three days for Frank.

    At noon, he would be helping George with detoxing and extracting the rot earwig eggs.

    It was a task that could have been done instantly, but Frank deliberately dragged it up to three days.

    And by the third day, life had returned to old George''s cheeks, and he regained enough to walk without

    his servants'' help.

    He was earnestly grateful as well¡ªpeople his age just could not keep up with plots and schemes.

 Chapter 902

    Naturally, the other Turnbulls were less than friendly toward Frank.

    Other than Vicky, they all had looks of a constipated person whenever they nced Frank''s way.

    He was a real piece of work, but they could neither snap at him nor chase him away.

    Hurt him? They were still counting on him to cure George!

    All they could do was to defame him in private, even ming him for George''s condition when he

    contracted it six months ago.

    Frank did not care at all¡ªit was thest day of treatment for George and the day of the Turnbulls''

    annual dinner.

    Starting from the morning, luxurious cars were driving into the Turnbull estate, with men and women

    striding in as they attended the prestigious banquet.

    They were all family or regional executives, all of them embodying the might of the Turnbulls as one of

    the Four Families of Morhen.

    Naturally, Frank could see that not the entire family was gathered just yet. -

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    At the center of the dazzling banquet hall, countless servants were hurrying around busily, lining the

    tables with exquisite dishes and countless sses of expensive wine.

    Frank stood at a corner, watching as hundreds of Turnbull family members and executives mingled.

    They were all the backbone to the family empire¡ªand it was always this grand and lively every year.

    "What are you still doing here?" Yonca Wells asked, striding over to Frank when she happened to finish

    a conversation and spot him in the corner.

    Though she clearly appeared disgruntled, Frank chuckled in her face, unmoved. "What, do you want to

    chase me away right now?"

    "Hmph."

    Yonca snorted, pursing her lips. "This is our family''s annual dinner, and outsiders aren''t allowed here.

    You''re already done curing Mr. Turnbull too, so can''t you go back to your pig sty in the outer reaches?"

    Frank remained calm despite her insults and pointed at Titus who was chatting with Glen in the

    distance. "So, Titus Lionheart is a Turnbull too?"

    Yonca turned and saw Titus in his tailored suit and refined mannerisms, and she quickly turned back to

    shoot Frank a look of disdain. "He''ll be family eventually. Who do you think you arepared to him?

    Don''t you understand your ce at all?"

    "Nope," Frank shook his head and replied quietly. "All I know is that I''ve beaten him."

    Despite his pleasant conversation with Glen, Titus seemed to sense Frank''s stare just then.

    He turned, his gaze turning sinister even as Frank continued, "Twice. And naturally, it''s going to happen

    a third time."

    Yonca rolled her eyes at Frank''s conceited gloating and left.

    After all, if Glen could not stop Frank from attending this dinner, whatever she said was pointless.

    Even snide remarks got her a p in the face.

    Titus soon arrived with a ss of wine in hand, rearing his chin to shoot Frank a lofty re. "I''m

    surprised you''d stay, Mr. Lawrence. I must admit that you have balls."

    "It''s just that yours are smaller," Frank chuckled with a scowl.

    He absent-mindedly picked up a ss of wine from the table and clinked it with Titus''.

 Chapter 903

    Frank took a sip of wine after clinking sses with Titus but soon noticed something as the liquid slid

    down his throat.

    "What..." He frowned, ncing at the dark-red wine.

    "Problem?" Titus asked. "That''s a special grade Romanee-Conti, imported from Franconia. They

    produce less than 400 barrels each year, but 200 of those have been brought here expressly for this

    banquet."

    After hismentary, Titus made a look of dramatic realization. "Oh, I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence¡ªI''ve

    forgotten that hillbillies like you never get to experience such fine wine, let alone relish the

    exquisiteness in its taste."

    Nearby, Yonca hid herughter behind her palm, while other Turnbull family members frowned at Frank

    too.

    Who was he? Why had they not seen him around before?

    His very presence was a pr opposite from the glitz and mor of the banquet hall, so they couldn''t

    help being curious.

    Still, Frank wasn''t frustrated, even smiling and nodding. "Hehe... There really is something special

    about this wine that I can''t appreciate. I guess only someone as highbrow as you can appreciate it, Mr.

    Lionheart."

    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    His reaction actually surprised Titus.

    "Fufu... Who is this young gentleman? Is no one going to introduce me?"

    Before they could continue, a woman in her twenties approached them.

    She was wearing a mboyant gown and a particrly strong perfume.

    "Hmm.?"

    Frank''s eyes narrowed as soon as he saw her.

    Yonca hurried to her, saying, "Please, Marit. He''s just a healer who''s lodging in our residence because

    of Mr. Turnbull''s illness. He''s nobody important."

    "Oh." Marit Tisdon murmured and suddenly learned her face towards Frank even as her face lit up with

    realization.

    She was beautiful, her eyes bright and her cheeks born perfect.

    Her every move and gesture was bewitching as well¡ªno man could tear his eyes from her.

    Even as she moved closer to Frank, her smile almost left Frank stunned.

    "It seems you don''t like the wine I''ve brought," she breathed sweetly, her lips parting just enough as

    she licked them alluringly.

    "No way," Frank smiled, recovering his senses soon enough and twirling his sses. "I''m just ignorant

    and therefore misspoke. Since you''ve brought this wine, I won''t be such a buzzkill to shower further

    contempt¡ªand you know what they say about beautiful women and fine wine."

    Taking another sip, he nodded and praised, "It''s really good."

    "Fufu..." Marit giggled and winked charmingly at Frank. "You''re so interesting... More so than everyone

    else in this hall. Would you minding upstairs to my private room for a chat?"

    "I''m interested, but I''ll have to refuse." Frank grinned, staring pointedly at the man behind her.

    It was Zac Turnbull, George Turnbull''s third son.

    And he looked really angry.

    "Don''t bother with him, Marit," he growled as he strode over, shooting Frank a cool re but otherwise

    saying nothing as he pulled her away.

    "Call me!" Marit purred, having sneakily slid a note with her number on it into Frank''s coat pocket

    before she left.

    Frank snorted in turn. "Well, things are getting interesting."

    He returned to his seat, crossing his fingers behind his head while he ced his feet on the table,

    smiling faintly.

 Chapter 904

    "Haha! Walter''s back too? Terrific!"

    Frank turned and spotted a pair of familiar faces entering the banquet hall just then.

    Naturally, it was Vicky''s parents, Walter Turnbull and Susan Redford.

    It seemed that they had to attend this banquet even though they lived in Riverton.

    Glen Turnbull was on hand to receive them, though his eyes soon widened in surprise and he looked

    around, searching.

    "Where''s Les and Neil? Aren''t they noting back?" he asked.

    "They''re."

    Walter was left making an awkward face, unsure what to say.

    Susan nudged him on the back, clearly wanting him to speak up.

    "Ahem."

    Walter cleared his throat, and took out two reports, handing them to Glen as he exined

    exasperatedly, "Les was conspiring with our enemies and stole the recipe for the Beauty Pill which

    Vicky spent a fortune to acquire... He was killed during a fight thereafter."

    "What?!"

    The bombshell left Glen freezing, his lips trembling.

    Les was his second son. and he got killed in Riverton?!

    He was not even told when he died!

    "What''s wrong, Glen?" Zac strode up, taking the reports from his brother''s shaking hands.

    His eyes soon widened too, "Neil. and Les?! What''s going on here, Walter?!"

    Zac seized Walter by the wrist, his veins throbbing as he shook Walter violently in disbelief.

    "How could both our boys so simply get killed in Riverton?! Why?!" he bellowed.

    "Well, Neil."

    Walter sighed, agonizing. "Neil was trying to take over Vicky''spany and our estate. He was

    conspiring with our enemies too, but he ended up challenging someone he should not and was killed

    for it."

    Naturally, no one''s mood improved from Walter''s exnation.

    If anything, things got even more somber.

    "Challenging someone he shouldn''t?!" Zac''s eyes widened in fury. "Who was it?! We''re the Turnbulls! Is

    there anyone in the country we can''t challenge?! Who on earth killed my son, Walter?!"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Walter sighed¡ªZac was clearly ready to snap.

    Leaning in, he told Zac under his breath, "Hans Schnee, East Coast basemander."

    "What... Hans See?!"

    Zac stumbled backward so far that he only came into his senses when he hit a banquet table. "Why

    him? How did my son end up messing with him? T-This isn''t right."

    Hans Schnee was certainly one they must not challenge, even if Zac was much richer than the man.

    Not only was Hans a leading figure in Draconia military, but he also had the support of the man all of

    Draconia learned to fear¡ªthe Lord of the Southern Woods.

    He was a man so dangerous that not even the Lionhearts would confront him lightly.

    As such, even if it was just Hans, they had to take it lying down.

    "I want to know everything, Walter," Glen growled.

 Chapter 905

    Glen straightened himself, suddenly cold and authoritative again as he stared fixedly at Walter. "A child

    of our family must not die under such mysterious circumstances."

    "Exactly," Zac growled, repressing his rage. "I can''t let my son''s death go unanswered. And I want to

    know why!"

    "Naturally, I''vee prepared," Walter said, pulling out a stack of documentspiling evidence of

    Les Turnbull and Neil Turnbull''s crimes, including photo evidence.

    "Hey. Look," Susan noticed Frank sitting in a corner without a care just then and nudged Walter to look.

    Walter and Frank''s eyes just so happened to meet just as Walter turned.

    With that, Frank got up and walked slowly through the crowd to reach them.

    "Mr. Turnbull, Mrs. Turnbull. We meet again." He smiled in greeting.

    However, both of them appeared awkward since Frank''s name was in the documents they had just

    handed to Glen and Zac.

    There was no hiding it now.

    Walter cleared his throat and asked with an edge an elder would use, "What are you doing here? This

    is a family dinner¡ªoutsiders aren''t usually invited."

    "Hehe." Frank retained his cordial smile. "Don''t stand on ceremony now. You know why I''m here, don''t

    you?"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Huh... You two know each other?" Glen stopped flipping through the papers and looked up at Walter in

    surprise just then.

    Come to think of it, it would make sense that Walter knew Frank, given how close Vicky was with

    Frank. Still, it upset Glen a little¡ªdid his brother not know that Vicky was going to marry Titus? How

    could he allow his daughter to hook up with Frank?

    "Guilty as charged." Walter chuckled awkwardly but otherwise stayed silent.

    He could certainly see the using re of his brother and knew his intent.

    However, given Vicky''s temperament, could he really have reined her in even after finding out about

    her rtionship with Frank?

    He had reasoned with her endlessly, but what else could he do if she refused to listen?

    "Hello, Mr. Turnbull. I''m sure it''s been a bumpy ride from Riverton." Titus greeted Walter as he

    approached, wine ss in hand.

    "Oh, it''s really nothing..." Walter was almost as respectful as he was polite with Titus, a stark contrast to

    his awkward reaction around Frank.

    Titus then nced at Frank and chuckled coolly. "See? No one wants you here. I''d make myself scarce

    if I were you¡ªyou''d at least salvage some dignity that way."

    Frank simply shook his head. "Not everyone prioritizes dignity like you would. I''m here for my own

    reasons too, and it''s none of your business."

    "Wait!"

    However, even as he started for his seat, Glen suddenly bellowed at him from behind, his rage barely

    controlled.

    "Yes, Mr. Turnbull?" Frank nced at him nonchntly.

    "The papers here. It says Les was killed by a Frank Lawrence!"

    Glen roared, and the musicians stopped just then. "Were you the one who killed my son?! You''d better

    start talking!"

 Chapter 906

    The banquet hall erupted in an uproar at Glen''s outburst.

    "What?! Someone killed Les Turnbull?"

    "No way, he''s dead? And that brat killed him?!"

    "That''s the son of the family head we''re talking about... Who the hell let him in here?"

    Frank could feel everyone''s eyes on him.

    He nced coldly at Walter in turn and said calmly, "Yes, I killed him."

    "How dare you!" Glen bellowed, clearly unable to retrain his own wrath.

    That man had killed his beloved son and would strut on his own turf freely like it was nothing?!

    How would he hold his head high if word got out?

    Nheless, Frank wasughing out loud and shaking his head. "Then did you read the part on why I

    killed him? You''re a real failure of a father."

    Everyone swore they could hear Glen''s teeth gnashing.

    Frank ignored him, however, and turned toward Walter, sighing in disappointment. "Shouldn''t you be

    standing up to exin the facts? I remember how you bravely volunteered that you''d speak with your

    own brother personally. Why are you cowering now?"

    "I." Walter was left clenching his cheeks, pain swelling in his gut.

    It would have been fine if it was just Les¡ªhe was just Glen''s bastard and had a troubled reputation in

    the family. His death was at best inconsequential, and Walter could at least defend Frank''s actions.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    But the problem was that there were two deaths, and the other was Neil Turnbull, Zac''s legitimate son.

    How was Walter supposed to exin that? If anything, he hade ready to apologize and ept his

    punishment!

    "Hah! Those two lowlifes? So what if they are dead? No one will miss them!"

    Just then, Vicky strode into the banquet hall in her white gown, her long ck hair flowing beneath her

    tiara and her devilish figure instantly seizing everyone''s attention.

    "Vicky''s all grown up now!"

    "Yeah. She''s even more beautiful than before."

    Amidst the gasps of awe, Vicky strode up to Glen and Zac, speaking bluntly, "Les and Neil both

    deserve what wasing to them. They were ready to kill me and take over the business my father

    and I built in Riverton. Or was I supposed to just roll over and die without fighting back?"

    Her cool words left both Glen and Zac silenced for a moment, though Zac tried to argue, "I raised Neil

    ¡ªhe''s not like that. Could there be just a misunderstanding¡ª" "Not like that?" Vickyughed despite

    herself. "Neil was conspiring with the Szars of Sunny City and the Graves of Riverton. They were

    going to kill Frank first before working together to seize mypany."

    Turning to Titus, she asked, "You were there, Titus. Tell them¡ªwas I speaking the truth?"

    "Hmm?"

    Titus frowned as everyone turned toward him, but he chuckled, shaking his head after some thought.

    "Have you forgotten, Vicky? Mr. Lawrence crashed the wedding at Graves Mansion and was on a

    warpath, and Neil was just an innocent life lost in the bloodshed. Are you really ming Hans Schnee

    for that? I know you have feelings for Mr. Lawrence, but you shouldn''t side with him¡ªNeil is your

    family, y''know."

    "What?!"

    The crowd of Turnbulls red at Frank furiously after Titus crafted another version of what had

    happened on the spot.

 Chapter 907

    Unlike Les, Neil was highly regarded in the family.

    It was uneptable to see Frank, the murderer, to stand among them without a care!

    That was when the mboyantly dressed Marit shed a fearless smile. "Could he be the South Sea

    Crow?"

    "What?!"

    "The South Sea Crow?!"

    The name left every Turnbull on edge, and it was only natural since it was a nightmare that had

    hounded them constantly for three years.

    And everything would certainly make sense if Frank was that viin... and she was allegedly peak

    Ascendant rank too!

    "So that''s it."

    Zac growled viciously at Frank, his eyes shing. "That''s why Father was suddenly stricken with some

    bug. And you''re in Morhen by sheer coincidence, on hand to prove that you''re the only one who can

    treat him. The way I see it, you probably bewitched Vicky with some foul enchantment so that she is

    obsessed with you. But you''re not getting away now that you''ve been exposed! Retainers!"

    The ss dome overhead shattered at Zac''s bellowed, and amid some screams, ten Ascendant ranks

    landed around Frank, encircling him.

    "Hehe." Marit giggled and winked at Frank just then.

    Frank simply narrowed his eyes at her from a distance without arguing.

    "Yes, you being the South Sea Crow exins everything," Glen said as he strode forward, rearing his

    chin and posturing himself as the Turnbulls'' leader. "Speak! What do you want?"

    Frank remained silent for a while but soon snickered. "You wouldn''t believe me even if I told you¡ªI''m

    not the South Sea Crow, though I have an idea who she is now. Also. You lot are way dumber than I

    thought."

    "Frank." Vicky was watching him worriedly.

    "Step back, Ms. Turnbull. This man is dangerous." A Turnbull family retainer strode up and half

    dragged her away.

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Titus also caught her by the wrist while watching smugly as Frank was encircled. "How about that, Mr.

    Lawrence? Doesn''t feel good to have your mask ripped off, does it?" "Oh, I wouldn''t know about that."

    Frank chuckled as he leveled a gloating look at the rest of them, shaking his head. "All I know is that

    you''re all going to start hurting soon."

    "What?" Glen asked and abruptly felt a pang of pain in his stomach.

    "Bleurgh¡ª!!!"

    He was on his knees even before he managed another word and vomited out a mouthful of twitching,

    livingrvae.

    "W-What''s this?!"

    Glen stared at the pests in disbelief, and pointed a trembling finger at Frank even as he shuddered,

    "South Sea Crow... You..."

    "What?"

    Frank stood, folding his arms before his chest as more Turnbulls dropped to their knees around him,

    and shook his head in disappointment. "You''re supposedly a dynasty of businessmen, so why are you

    so foolish?"

    "Y-You''ll pay for this. Bleurgh¡ª"

    The ten Ascendant ranks around Frank were clearly hexed too, and they dropped to their knees as

    they directed their pure vigor to burn the scarab eggs inside them.

    "When did you." one of them growled through his teeth.

 Chapter 908

    "When did you..." one of the Ascendant ranks growled through his teeth.

    It was only yesterday that he came under the Turnbull''s payroll, and he never ate from their table.

    So how did he catch the bug like the others?

    "Darling." Vicky was clutching her belly too, clearly taken ill as well.

    "Come here, take this antidote and direct the vigor I infuse into you to clear your bowels," Frank said,

    passing Vicky a ck pill.

    Vicky took the pill without hesitation and sat in meditation as she epted an iota of vigor from Frank,

    directing it throughout her own body.

    She was a martial artist who had lost her cultivation due to poisoning. However, with Frank''s vigor as a

    catalyst, her body felt like a broken dam, and her vigor kept gushing away from her meridian nexus,

    swiftly purging the bug.

    "Vicky. Don''t trust him."

    Glen actually tried to stop Vicky from taking the pill, only to be left staring as Vicky was soon on her

    feet.

    And judging from the look on her face, she was cured and perfectly fine now.

    "Wha.?!"

    Glen was bbergasted¡ªwhy would Frank save them?

    The South Sea Crow wanted them dead!

    Could it be that he was not the South Sea Crow?

    At the same time, Frank whipped out two more pills and threw them to Vicky. "Here. Feed these to your

    parents¡ªthey can''t wield vigor, so you''ll have to assist them."

    "Okay!"

    Vicky did not hesitate to feed her parents both pills and directed her vigor flow into them to quickly clear

    the bug.

    As Walter recovered, he began, "Mr. Lawrence, I."

    Frank held up a hand to stop him. "You don''t have to thank me, Mr. Turnbull¡ªI simply won''t watch

    Vicky''s family get killed. Right now, there''s only one thing to do and it''s to capture the poisoner."

    "Frank."

    Vicky came up to him with a droopy face, her intention clear as she pointed at the hundred over

    members of her family.

    Frank snorted¡ªhe was not blind to the Turnbulls'' pleading looks. "They were using me of being the

    South Sea Crow, weren''t they? They shouldn''t be giving me those looks when they med me as the

    culprit so readily."

    "Darling!"

    Vicky tugged on his hand, pleading. "They are my family,e what way. Pretty please..."

    Leaning in, she then breathed into his ear, "They''d definitely think differently of you if you save them

    now."

    Frank sighed when he saw her sly smile.

    He was no angel¡ªas a matter of fact, he never told the Turnbulls when he realized something was

    wrong with the red wine. After all, he was an outsider to the lot of them and was not worth their trust. If

    anything, those who knew him hated him and certainly would not believe him.

    Moreover, he was keen to y messiah.

    After all, the Turnbulls should be grateful that he saved their lives, should they not? That would

    certainly win him a few favors.

    Considering how much grief he was given, he would still repay such injustice with grace because of

    Vicky.

    If not for her, he would have just up and left¡ªhe had no reason to be a punching back.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

 Chapter 909

    Who knew? Frank might even p andunch some fireworks and celebrate the moment the South

    Sea Crow massacred the Turnbulls.

    After all, they had never treated him fairly ever since he came to Morhen, and he was not one who

    maintained grace in the face of grief. They had constantly harassed him while posturing themselves

    with the superiority as one of the Four Families of Morhen, even breaking promises.

    As such, how was Frank supposed to y nice with the likes of them?

    However, while he got tough in the face of injustice, it was really ''what you see is what you get'' with

    him.

    In other words, Frank could be a softie at times.

    "Urgh, whatever..." His shoulders slumped feebly after Vicky tugged on him and pleaded for a long

    while.

    Having suffered this much grief, what was a bit more, and for Vicky''s sake at that?

    Whipping out the two remaining antidote pills, he handed them to Walter and said, "These won''t be

    enough, and I don''t have time to cook more. Get a bucket of water and dissolve the pills in the water,

    then feed each person half a bowl of it."

    Walter nodded gratefully. "Thank you so much, Mr. Lawrence."

    However, it was Susan Redford who noticed that something was amiss. "Wait, where do we get a

    bucket?"

    That was certainly true¡ªall this luxurious banquet hall provided was fine dining and bottles of wine and

    champagne. Buckets and even clear water was out of the question.

    Frank frowned and looked around. "Any bucket will do."

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Soon, he spotted a bucket of mop water kept in a corner and strode over, picking it up along with the

    mop.

    "This will do," Frank said, taking back the pill from Walter and throwing it into the bucket before stirring

    firmly with the mop.

    Then, leaving the bucket at Walter''s side, he turned and strode off. "Alright, now go and feed them with

    half a bowl each." "Where are you going, Frank?" Vicky appeared worried, seeing that he was leaving.

    "To see the South Sea Crow, of course. I have questions, and."

    Frank grinned. "I''ll resolve this issue for you."

    With that, he leapt, instantly dashing out of the front door.

    Walter and his wife were left staring awkwardly at the stinking bucket of mop water.

    "Walter, what..."

    Susan was left at a loss¡ªwere they really supposed to feed that mop water to every bigwig in the

    Turnbull family?!

    "Anything else can wait. We have to help them!" Walter gritted his teeth and picked up an empty bowl

    from the table as he strode up and forced Glen''s mouth open.

    The man was the head of the family, and his safety was top priority!

    "Sorry about this, brother!" Walter cried as he scooped half a bowl full of mop water and shoved it down

    his brother''s mouth.

    "Mmmph!!!"

    Glen iled around, knocking a lot of the water away.

    Walter turned toward his wife right then and snapped, "What are you spacing out for? Hold him down!"

    "Oh. Okay!"

    Susan finally went up to hold down Glen''s arm after spacing out for a while, watching as Walter

    continued to feed the vicious stench down Glen''s throat.

    She had to turn, patting her chest as she retched.

    But soon, Vicky joined in as well, holding down Glen''s hands with her father.

 Chapter 910

    After that, it was Zac and the rest of the Turnbulls'' executives.

    Walter''s family of three worked hard, and soon the entire bucket of mop water was finished.

    Stenched aside, it worked like a charm¡ªeven if they did not instantly recover like Vicky and the others,

    they were soon regaining consciousness, especially with the help of Vicky''s vigor.

    Most of them were getting to their feet, including Glen himself, although he cked out again, his eyes

    rolling up his head in sheer agitation when he was told that Frank had saved his family with a bucket of

    mop water.

    Even Titus was not spared the ignominy, his expression contorted with pure rage as he resisted his

    difort to drink half a bowl of mop water. -

    While Walter and the others were busy rescuing their extended family, Frank found the South Sea

    Crow standing atop the roof of the banquet hall, her hair dancing in the air.

    And her alter ego was none other than the enchanting Marit Tisdon, Zac''s wife.

    "I''m curious. Whatever did the Turnbulls do to you?" Frank asked as he tread over the roof tiles and

    approached her as she stood by one of the obelisks.

    "Haha. That''s why I said you''re the most interesting person at that dinner, Donn Lawrence."

    Marit giggled coquettishly, her low neckline baring her cleavage perfectly. She certainly would not lose

    out to Vicky and was actually the clear victor in certain aspects.

    "You know me?" Frank eximed in surprise.

    "Tut, tut. With that hefty bounty on your head, who wouldn''t?" Marit said, winking at him. "Even the

    many ckranks of Morhen are eager to get a piece of you!"

    "So, are you going to have a go too?" Frank raised his brow warily.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    He could not read the true depth of Marit''s abilities. As such, she might prove to be a handful if they

    really started fighting.

    Marit raised her brow and stretched her back just then. "Shame. I''m not interested in you. Or let''s just

    say I''m more interested in the Turnbulls than you. Ah, what a blunder."

    Despite sounding depressed, she was smiling charmingly. "I thought I''d wipe them all out during their

    bullshit annual dinner, but you had to interfere."

    What''s the story between you and them?" Frank asked quietly.

    "Oh, is that interest I hear?" Marit licked her finger, shing a bewitching smile as she batted her

    eyelids at Frank. "Are you going to help me against the Turnbulls? Oh, what should I do... I might fall

    for you now, handsome. And you look even better than the photos on your bounty. Heck, the more I

    looked, the easier on the eyes you are."

    "Hehe." Frank chuckled, shaking his head. "I might really help if not for Vicky. But what ifs would always

    be inconsequential."

    "Vicky? That pretty face down below?" Marit''s smile faded as she pouted grumpily. "What''s so good

    about her? Why don''t you juste with me, handsome?"

    Then, her smile returned, smug even as she bragged, "I am an expert in ny-nine positions. You''ll be

    begging for mercy¡ª"

    "Pfft."

    Frank snickered, reminded of something amusing. "I have an idea who you might be now. South Sea

    Crow, your title is simply nonsensical."

 Chapter 911

    "Hmm.?"

    Marit did a double take, and her charming expression soon faded as she turned solemn.

    "I guess I couldn''t hide it from you." She sighed but soon giggled charmingly like she did before. "But

    I''m telling the truth that I''ve fallen for you long ago. So how about it? Why don''t we just massacre the

    wretched Turnbulls, and then we can go wherever you want?"

    "Well, you know me." Frank smiled faintly, shaking his head. "All I hope is for you to give up on your

    vendetta against them and stay away."

    "No chance." Marit''s expression cooled. "They killed my sister, and I have an agreement... Wait."

    She suddenly paused and shed an exaggerated grin. "Right. I wonder if this is going to be helpful."

    "What is it?" Frank frowned, suddenly solemn as well.

    Marit was grinning so broadly that her eyes were narrowing. "Well, while I am hunting the Turnbulls

    because of my personal vendetta, I''m also bound by an agreement to do so. Would you like to know

    who it is?"

    Frank realized with a start at her words.

    "I see. I get it now." He nodded, musing to himself. "That is a bombshell. and I''m sure that Glen

    Turnbull and his family won''t be able to sleep easy when they find out."

    "Fufufu. That''s just it. Still water runs deep here in Morhen!" Marit eximed. "Everything''s cloak and

    daggers, especially Draconia''s very own president. He''s so venomous that you''d feel a shiver down

    your spine! Well, I was just getting weary and wondering if I should find a pce to settle down in."

    "Come to Riverton," Frank said, impassive. "Having another mouth to feed is really no big deal for me."

    Marit smiled wryly and sighed again. "I was going to go down with the Turnbulls, but I''ve changed my

    mind after seeing you. Naturally, I''m going to need your help."

    "Not a problem." Frank nodded without asking what for.

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    Marit appeared taken aback but soon smiled again.

    -

    Minutester, Frank leapt down from the broken ss dome of the banquet hall. Remaining Impassive,

    he caught his bnce and turned to Glen, who sat limply in his seat.

    "I''ve caught your culprit," he said, throwing a person on the floor, who was firmly restrained but

    struggling persistently, her body gyrating as she moaned alluringly in grief.

    Naturally, it was none other than Marit.

    "Why would you capture me?" She pouted. "Do you think I''m really the South Sea Crow?"

    "What.."

    Glen sprang to his feet, ncing between Frank and Marit repeatedly before asking in a shaking voice,

    "Are you sure she''s the one who infected us?"

    "Yes." Frank nodded, still impassive.

    "You''re amazing, darling!" Vicky proudly pressed her lips on his cheek.

    The kiss left Titus glowering, and Marit was frowning ever so slightly too.

    Still, Marit soon had an idea and started her drama queen antics.

 Chapter 912

    Marit''s tears were gushing audibly, and she turned toward a dumbfounded Zac in the distance, pouting.

    "Darling, you don''t believe him, do you? Why would I be an enemy of the Turnbulls?"

    "Hmm...?"

    Frank was caught off guard¡ªthis was not part of the n.

    Marit turned back toward him just then, her lips parting slightly to speak in a wavelength that only Frank

    could hear. "That''s for hooking up with that woman."

    While Frank was left speechless, Zac bellowed, "Frank Lawrence! Release my wife, you bastard!"

    He lunged at Frank like an angry tiger, but Frank easily sidestepped him and tripped him.

    "Are you crazy?" Frank snorted in disdain as Zded on the floor. "Your wife''s already dead. That''s

    just an empty house, controlled by insects."

    "I don''t believe you!" Zac bellowed even as he scrambled to his feet and jumped at Frank again.

    "Darling, help!" Marit cried miserably, ying along to his tune.

    However, her eyes shed with contempt ever so subtly.

    "Let her go!" Zac continued, this time going all out with his martial arts.

    However, Frank dodged him easily again and sent him flying with a kick when he tried to take Marit

    away.

    Wheeling on Glen right then, he snapped, "Are you just going to watch your brother mess around?!"

    "Silence!" Glen red coldly at Frank as he came to his senses, his temple veins bulging as he could

    still taste mop water. "Do you have proof that Marit is the South Sea Crow?"

    "Yeah, where''s your evidence?"

    "From where we''re standing, you''re the South Sea Crow!"

    "How are you fine when we''re all poisoned?!"

    Frank almost snapped at the Turnbulls'' obvious contempt.

    Thankfully, Vicky walked up and pped him on the shoulder, and he took a deep breath to calm down.

    Scowling at Glen, he kicked Marit to the floor and lifted her hair, revealing a beetle-sized bugtching

    onto her nape.

    "Open your eyes. She''s dead!" he snapped coolly. "She''s now just a puppet¡ªor, if you still doubt me,

    roll up her sleeves to see the decay on her body!"

    "Impossible!" Zac bellowed, his eyes red even as he limped from the distance. "She just came back

    from abroad, and she brought us that wine... Wait."

    Zac paused.

    Could it be.

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    He turned in disbelief toward the red wine on the table.

    "Exactly," Frank said bluntly. "Rot earwig eggs have been nted into the wine, and it''s just a matter of

    time after you drink it. As for those who did not drink the wine, I''m sure you''ve picked up the scent of

    Marit''s perfume? That''s beenced too. In short, every person here has been hit without knowing it."

    Frank''s exnation actually satisfied the Turnbulls.

    However, Zac remained the exception, and he sat limply on the floor, staring nkly at Marit.

    "Marit, are you really?"

    "I''m not, darling! Don''t listen to him! Why would I be the South Sea Crow. Heh!"

    Marit kept crying andining until her lips curled up into an eerie smile.

 Chapter 913

    Zac actually flinched from Marit''s eerie smile. "What?!"

    "What a fool, Zac..."

    Marit kept smiling as she shook her head at him, sighing in disappointment. "But I guess I could tell you

    something that might cheer you up."

    Bursting out inughter right then, she guffawed so hard that she could cry. "When your wife said that

    she was going abroad, what she meant was that she was going to have fun with her other lovers, right

    under your nose! In the hotel you owned, too! Hahaha."

    "What?!" Zac was left stunned in disbelief. "Impossible! Marit isn''t like that!"

    "I''m sure everyone else here knows about that, don''t they?"

    Marit simply turned toward some of the younger men among the Turnbulls, and at least five of them

    hung their heads right then.

    "What. H-How could you." Zac was not so stupid that he would not understand.

    In fact, he recognized that one of them was his nephew!

    Marit even giggled. "Y''know, when I killed her, she had four men on a hotel bed! It was just impressive!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "Shut up!" Zac bellowed in a frenzy and charged toward Marit like a bull.

    Glen quickly tried to stop him. "Calm down, Zac¡ª"

    That was when Marit deftly sprang from the floor and charged at Zac in turn.

    "Wait!" Frank tried to stop her, but it was already toote.

    "Ahahaha." Marit wasughing maniacally before shouting, "Do you remember the defenseless girl you

    murdered three years ago at the South Sea?! That was my sister!!!"

    Suddenly, her body started to swell like a balloon, and Frank only had time to pull Vicky behind a pir.

    Bang!

    With a resounding explosion, pungent, rotting flesh shot away at every direction as Marit

    selfdestructed!

    "Argh!!!" Zac screamed even as the shockwave from the explosion sent him mming into a wall.

    The guests in the hall were caught in the stter of rotting flesh and blood.

    Soon, they heard a loud sizzle and realized that Marit''s body was highly acidic, soon leaving parts of

    their skin charred.

    Shrieks and screams resounded across the banquet hall soon enough, but fortunately, it was just

    painful and not lethal.

    Only Zac¡ªwho was closest to Marit¡ªhad his limbspletely burned off and his wounds eaten up by

    acidic blood.

    Still, it was thanks to that he survived.

    Once Frank kept Vicky behind the pir and told her to stay, he hurried over to Zac, saving his life with

    his needles and one Ichor Pill.

    That was his agreement with the South Sea Crow¡ªto save Zac''s life.

    However, Zac would be a cripple, unable to hear, see, or touch. All his skin was burned off and he

    would be suffering agony every day, and he would not be able to die even if he wanted to.

    Such was the punishment the South Sea Crow wanted for Zac¡ªa living hell.

    Moreover, Frank had discovered the South Sea Crow''s identity.

    She was Ciaran Zobel, the lowest-ranked and least gifted apprentice in Mystic Sky Sect.

    Despite her rank, she was older than Frank¡ªMystic Sky Sect ranked apprentices ording to merit

    and martial rank instead of age.

    When the sect fell three years ago, she was just a vigor wielder¡ªa novice.

 Chapter 914

    Frank had no idea how Ciaran made it out, or how she improved so drastically in such a short time, but

    it must have something to do with the technique she manipted those insects with.

    Aside from that, Ciaran dropped a bombshell on Frank that it was none other than the Lionhearts of

    Morhen who hired her to attack the Turnbulls.

    Coupled with the fact that the Lionhearts'' own heir would soon marry Vicky, one had to start

    considering the facts.

    Once the Turnbulls were wiped out ''by coincidence'' right after that arranged marriage, every Turnbull

    estate would undoubtedly fall into the Lionhearts'' hands.

    It was all the Lionhearts'' ns, but the Turnbulls ignorantly insist on marrying Vicky off, ying right

    into the Lionhearts'' hands.

    Once Frank was done keeping Zac alive, he took a look around the banquet hall.

    It was a scene ofplete pandemonium.

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    There was no stopping the screams and curses¡ªeven Glen had his face left a little charred since

    some of Marit''s acidic blood struck him.

    "Damn her!!!" he growled, unable to maintain his calm andposure despite being the head of the

    family, even mming his hand violently on the table. "The dinner will be postponed. That''s all for

    today! You may all leave now!"

    With that, he did not stop to show others any concern as he left with the servants'' help.

    "Damn the South Sea Crow!"

    "My face... My handsome face!"

    "Ow. I wouldn''t havee if I knew this would happen!"

    Comints could be heard everywhere as the rest of the Turnbulls left in a hurry.

    At the same time, Frank found Vicky from the crowd and told her quietly about the information he

    received from the South Sea Crow.

    "What?!" Vicky eximed in disbelief. "The Lionhearts are actually that vile?!"

    "Wolves in sheepskin, as they say." Frank sighed, shaking his head. "They knew your family were just

    magnates who can''t protect yourselves, and they exploited that."

    Vicky frowned but soon made an awkward look. "Frank. I''d like to tell Uncle Glen about this, but you

    know that we don''t have proof."

    Naturally, she was furious as soon as Frank told her, and her delight came soon after, since she now

    had a legitimate reason to annul her engagement with Titus.

    Still, despondence soon ensued because Frank was her source.

    Frank would never lie to her, but without proof, her uncle would not believe her.

    Moreover, he was responsible for the entire Turnbull family, and to turn against the Lionhearts meant

    war.

    That was not to be done lightly.

    "Don''t worry¡ªI''ll find evidence, and it won''t take long," Frank assured Vicky.

    "Yeah." Vicky nodded but soon leveled a suspicious re at him. "By the way, why do I also get this

    feeling you''ve been staring at Marit funny? Be honest! You were up to something bad with her, weren''t

    you?"

    Her sudden question caught Frank off guard.

    Was she really doing the jealous girl act? At a time like this?!

    "Hah! Call it women''s intuition!" Vicky snapped tempestuously.

 Chapter 915

    The Turnbulls'' family dinner was cut short in a hurry.

    It was supposed to be a party for the family''s members and associates, where they would mingle with

    one another. After that came meetings and reports of financial standings, following which they would

    come to agree on the family''s strategic development.

    However, the South Sea Crow happened.

    Not only were most of them forced to drink mop water, but Marit also blew herself up, leaving them with

    burns and ugly scars.

    Moreover, not only were they forced to give up on their annual dinner, but their usual socializing events

    with the other rich and important individuals and families of Morhen had to be called off too.

    Glen was supposed to announce the wedding between Titus and Vicky at the dinner, but things

    certainly went south. At their current state, the Turnbulls would be everyone''sughing stock!

    Hence, the many guests who had just arrived were cordially asked to leave.

    Naturally, it was easier said than done¡ªthe Turnbulls were a family of magnates and had legions of

    partners and associates. Many of their invited guests hade from miles away, even neighboring

    states.

    As such, their mess left all those guests discontented.

    "So be it!"

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    An annoyed Glen snapped at one of the messengers who told him exactly that. "It''d still be better than

    letting them see the sorry state we''re in!"

    He and the other executives of this family were gathered in a smaller banquet hall. Like him, most of

    their faces or hands were left with charred burnt marks. They looked just like dalmatians, and it was a

    hrious sight considering their usual lofty demeanor.

    Even as they looked at each other, speechless, Glen turned toward Frank impatiently after sending

    away the messenger. "Do you have a way to cure our burns?"

    Now, Glen did not harbor any distrust toward Frank at all after he saved everyone despite their bug

    infection. If anything, it was no exaggeration to say that his prowess was divine.

    However, Frank could not care less. "I do. But why should I care?"

    "You''re out of line!" a Turnbull executive bellowed.

    He was barely holding back, as his chest was burning with rage¡ªeven if Frank did save their lives, he

    also made their noble selves drink mop water!

    In some ways, it was worse than getting killed.

    "Shut up!" Glen barked, finally speaking up to defend Frank, even shooting that Turnbull executive a

    re.

    Turning back to Frank, his tone turned humble and earnest, he said, "What are you asking for, Mr.

    Lawrence? You can have all the money you want."

    "Hmph..." Frank snorted.

    He had already seen through Glen¡ªthe man would not have bothered to speak so politely with him if

    not for those scars.

    As such, he said bluntly, "I still ask for the same¡ªannul Vicky''s engagement. Say yes, and I will heal

    everyone right away."

    Glen''s face contorted right then¡ªthe brat really said the one thing he did not want to hear.

    Still, he did his best topose himself and spoke to Frank calmly. "I can concede that you excel in

    both martial arts and medicine, Mr. Lawrence, but even a man like you can''t capture the South Sea

    Crow, can you?"

 Chapter 916

    Seeing Frank say nothing, Glen continued, "My family is even less of a match against the South Sea

    Crow. That''s why we need the Lionhearts'' help, or we''d suffer even more losses. I hope you can

    understand..."

    "That''s not necessary," Frank said naturally. "The South Sea Crow and I had an agreement. She won''t

    come after you anymore."

    "What?!"

    The room was left in shock at Frank''s words.

    "Haha..." The Turnbull executive who mocked Frank earlier was silent for a moment but soon turned

    toward Glen. "I told you, Mr. Turnbull¡ªhe''s with the South Sea Crow. See? He admitted as much to it

    now. Why else is he fine when we''re all infected?"

    "Yeah. He was close to the South Sea Crow when she charged at Zac as well. Why wasn''t he hit?"

    "Don''t bother. He''s definitely her ally!"

    The restless discussion around him left Frank scowling, even regretting asking his fellow apprentice to

    stay her hand from these people.

    "The South Sea Crow isn''t some monster. She''s human¡ªshe can see reason!" He strode forward,

    snapping coolly at them, "Have none of you considered why she came after your family for three

    years?!"

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    Another Turnbull executive snorted dismissively. "We have plenty of enemies. She''s just the worst and

    most cunning of them!"

    "Exactly!"

    "She might even be paid. Why else would she have been obsessed?!"

    Frank was really fed up with the Turnbull executives just then and turned toward Glen as he said

    quietly, "It was Zac Turnbull. He forced himself on a girl who asked him for help at South Sea and killed

    her to silence her. And that girl was the South Sea Crow''s younger sister!"

    Frank''s words left the room silent, and everyone turned toward Glen, though he was uncertain too.

    "You''re saying the South Sea Crow was willing to speak with you?" he asked tentatively. "She even told

    you why she was hunting us?"

    "Yes," Frank nodded. "She even invited me to join her, and I only refused for Vicky''s sake."

    Naturally, the Turnbulls were scowling at Frank''s words.

    "You must be joking!"

    A Turnbull executive stood up, his contempt showing all over his face as he sneered. "The South Sea

    Crow doesn''t care even if she''s up against the Lionhearts, and you''re saying she''d talk to some

    unknown person like you? Telling you her reason foring after us and promising to stay away after

    this?"

    Spreading his hands, he turned toward the others. "Do any of you think this is possible?"

    "Hah! He must be lying¡ªhe just doesn''t want to see our family sealing our alliance with the Lionhearts

    by marriage."

    "Exactly. Once we have the Lionhearts'' protection, the South Sea Crow won''t be able to do anything!"

    "That means he must be aiding and abetting the South Sea Crow!"

    Frank was left speechless by their remarks but made onest effort for Vicky''s sake.

    "Please use your heads to think," he said quietly. "If the South Sea Crow manages to kill everyone

    here, who do you think stands to gain the most?"

 Chapter 917

    "Who stands to gain the most?"

    Frank''s question left the Turnbull executives thoughtful, though they were all soon trading shocked

    nces.

    "I guess you know the answer."

    Frank snickered. "I wouldn''t have bothered telling you, but since you insist on being fools, I guess I

    have to make things clear. The South Sea Crow was after you for two reasons¡ªthe first being her

    personal grudge, and the other because another major family hired her. As for which family it is, I know

    none of you are stupid enough to not know who they are."

    "Impossible!" A Turnbull executive sprang to his feet in retort. "The Lionhearts have been our family''s

    allies over generations. Why would they conspire against us?"

    "Exactly! We are brothers-in-arms. They''d never do anything to hurt us!"

    "The way I see it, that brat is just trying to drive a wedge between us!"

    Even as the retorts grew and was soon deafening, Glen mmed a hand on his armchair rest.

    "Silence!" he bellowed before turning towards Frank with a zing ze as he spoke quietly. "Mr.

    Lawrence, I believe what you said about the South Sea Crow... Because Zac once spoke to me about

    that, and what you mentioned had indeed happened. And it was something only Zac and myself were

    aware of. The fact that you know that proves everything you said. However, as for your spection

    about the Lionhearts¡ª"

    "Mr. Turnbull! You have to be smart about this!" Another Turnbull executive leapt up frantically. "The

    Lionhearts have been our family''s allies over generations. They''d never hurt us!"

    "Exactly! Don''t fall for that brat''s trap!"

    "Enough!" Glen bellowed at the executives again, silencing them.

    He was the head of the family and knew better than everyone what would happen if they turned against

    the Lionhearts.

    Once war began, there would be bloodbath in Morhen¡ªas mere magnates, the Turnbulls were at a

    disadvantage.

    The family executives had a stake too¡ªthey were close partners of the Lionhearts, and the losses of a

    breakup would be inestimable. For the sake of not losing their business, they would doubt Frank''s

    words and even risk the chance of being duped by the Lionhearts.

    Such were business folks for you.

    That was when Glen spoke up.. "Mr. Lawrence, as you can see, my family is closely tied with the

    Lionhearts, and mere words won''t be able to change that. If you want to convince me, then you''d need

    concrete proof or we''d never believe you. Do you understand that?"

    Pausing for a moment to sigh, he then added, "If what you said was true, I have no reason to sacrifice

    Vicky for our sake. Surely you know what that means?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes.

    Sly old fox...

    He certainly knew what Glen was up to¡ªFrank was supposed to be the vanguard in his effort to cut

    ties from the Lionhearts.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    If the Lionhearts never schemed against the Turnbulls, Frank would be sacrificed. which was no loss

    for the Turnbulls.

    On the other hand, if the Lionhearts'' guilt was proven, the Turnbulls could use them while keeping

    their hands clean.

    It was certainly a good move, especially when Glen put Vicky up as a reward.

    He could see that Frank was head over heels for Vicky. As long as she was a Turnbull, they would

    always have Frank''s help.

 Chapter 918

    However, the Turnbulls missed one thing¡ªFrank''s patience had its limits.

    "Listen." He sneered, shaking his head when Glen offered him Vicky as a reward. "Since you and your

    family are so sure I was helping the South Sea Crow, I shouldn''t have helped any of you."

    Pointing at Glen, he growled coolly, "Everyone here has been harassing me and mocking me ever

    since I came, and to be frank, I''ve had enough. However, I''ve endured it repeatedly for Vicky''s sake."

    Snorting coolly, he continued, "This will be thest time. I''ll find evidence that the Lionhearts are

    scheming against you. But in return, none of you get to negotiate¡ªyou will free Vicky unconditionally,

    or I''ll turn against you. And you can trust me when I say that my methods are more brutal than the

    South Sea Crow''s."

    Glen sighed lengthily at Frank''s fearsome re, knowing that Frank was really angry just then.

    "If that''s thest time, so be it," he muttered under his breath before looking up and saying, "You have

    my word. This will be thest time¡ªonce you have evidence that satisfies everyone, Vicky will be free,

    and no one in the family will meddle anymore. Will that do?"

    Frank nodded, but a servant hurried into the room before he could speak.

    "Sir, Titus Lionheart is asking to see you..."

    He then paused, making an awkward look before continuing, "The wedding procession has arrived too.

    And we couldn''t stop them."

    Frank said nothing after hearing the report and simply stared at Glen.

    Glen sighed again and kept impassive as he said, "Let them in. I''ll exin things to them."

    A procession of Lionheart cars arrived outside the central banquet hall of the Turnbull estate, each

    decorated with ribbons and bouquets of flowers.

    It was such a long procession of cars that anyone standing from the front end would miss the other

    end.

    A kindly, rotund and graying old man alighted in a white suit, walking swiftly up to the waiting Glen while

    turning toward the servant sat at the back, "Bring in the dowry!"

    At his orders, over fifty chests of gems, jewelry and every form of valuables were brought up to Glen.

    The contests of each chest was obviously worth billions, and given the number of chests, it was no

    exaggeration to say it was priceless.

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    Despite being magnates, many Turnbulls were gaping greedily at the chests.

    "Haha..." the graying old man bowed slightly at Glen as he chuckled. "It''s really been a while, Mr.

    Turnbull."

    "Didn''t we just meetst week, Aesop?" Glen replied neutrally.

    "Oh, I''m really getting senile too soon." Aesopughed.

    "Ah, you''re finally here." Titus arrived just then as well, a look of understanding showing on his face

    when he saw Aesop.

    It seemed that the wedding must go on despite the unforeseen circumstances, and the Turnbulls had

    no reason to say no.

 Chapter 919

    "Titus," a crisp voice spoke just then.

    Titus turned just then to find Sif Lionheart striding toward him in a white dress. "You''re here too, Sif?"

    "Of course. It''s my dear brother''s wedding." She grinned from ear to ear. "And speaking of brothers,

    Ehud can''t make it because he''s training, but he sends his congrattions."

    He then took out a chest from her car and passed it to Titus. "Here. It''s a Hyperion Root I bought for

    Ehud. It was too young when I bought it, but Hundred Bane Sect''s had a method which quickened its

    growth, and now Ehud is giving it off to you for your big day."

    "Hahaha. Thanks." Titusughed as he took the chest.

    "Huh?"

    Sif unwittingly spotted a familiar face among the Turnbulls just then and snapped under her breath,

    "Frank Lawrence?! What is he doing here?!"

    "What?" Titus eximed in surprise. "You know him, Sif?"

    "That''s an understatement." Sif snorted and told Titus about the grudge between herself and Frank.

    Titus scowled and growled through his teeth. "He''s been messing with us Lionhearts at every turn. We

    will kill where we stand once we have a chance!"

    "Exactly." Sif sneered savagely. "And Ehud just happened to give me a treasure from Volsung Sect. Not

    even Ascendant ranks would survive it. He will die for messing with my ns twice!"

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    "Good."

    Titus nodded, and smirked at Frank from a distance, who was just standing there without a care. "I''ll

    have him kneeling before me, begging! Once this wedding is done, he''ll know what it means to mess

    with the Lionhearts!"

    However, while Titus and Sif were busy conversing, Aesop was frowning.

    "Postpone the wedding?" he asked incredulously. "What''s that supposed to mean, Mr. Turnbull?"

    "It''s exactly what it sounds like." Glen sighed, shaking his head. "Though the South Sea Crow''s attack

    didn''t cause major casualties, the mood is somber. As such, it''s simply inauspicious to continue with

    the wedding right now. Please pass a message to Simon¡ªinform him that I will discuss this issue once

    I''m done sorting out the mess here."

    "What?!" Aesop bellowed, kicking up a cloud of dust.

    He was so menacing Glen was sent stumbling backwards, glowering. "What''s the meaning of this,

    Aesop?!"

    "That''s my line!"

    Aesop''s kindly demeanor disappeared, and he scowled at Glen even as he growled icily, "This wedding

    has been decided years ago. It must proceed as nned, and your family has already given us all

    kinds of excuses before! Even now that we''re here and ready for thest stretch, we''re given more

    excuses?! Perhaps it''s really your intention to annul this engagement all along?"

    "I don''t mind telling you that Mr. Lionheart himself has given me express orders that Ms. Vicky Turnbull

    shall be married to Titus. It''s my head if this falls through, and since it''s my life on the line, I just might

    resort to drastic measures."

    Glen was angered at his words. "Really? Are you going to force things through if I say no, Aesop?"

    "Don''t think I don''t know," Aesop growled coldly as he turned toward Frank, who was standing among

    the Turnbulls. "It''s that brat who''s been messing about and dying the wedding, isn''t it? You Turnbulls

    can''t even discipline your children, allowing Ms. Turnbull to mess around with some unruly brat! For

    shame!"

 Chapter 920

    "Don''t think I don''t know," Aesop growled coldly as he turned toward Frank, who was standing among

    the Turnbulls. "It''s that brat who''s been messing about and dying the wedding, hasn''t he? You

    Turnbulls can''t even discipline your children, allowing Ms. Turnbull to mess around with some unruly

    brat! For shame!"

    "That''s right!"

    Titus strode up when he heard Glen and Aesop arguing. "Vicky is my fiancee, and there''s no arguing

    about that. Not only did you Turnbulls fail to discipline her, but you allowed some stranger like him to

    show up on my wedding day too. This is a clear challenge to my family''s honor! Should we take this as

    a deration of war?!"

    "A deration of war?!"

    Everyone was silent at Titus'' words, with every Turnbull gulping in the distance.

    They could not imagine war against the Lionhearts at all¡ªit would be a massacre if they went all out.

    And the Lionhearts had sent over a hundred bodyguards, each of them bearing the brand of Volsung

    Sect, meaning that they were at least vigor wielders. Moreover, Aesop was a peak Ascendant rank

    individual himself and was a famous man even in Morhen.

    If they really start a war against the Lionhearts now, the Turnbulls would be defenseless if those men

    leapt into action right away.

    With that, the Turnbulls started to reason with Glen.

    "Glen, just listen to the man. Let them have Vicky!"

    "Exactly. There''s no reason to upset the Lionhearts."

    "We''ve been friends with the Lionhearts for generations. And they''ve decided on today for so long¡ª

    let''s just go with that."

    "Silence!" Glen bellowed at the lot of them.

    Being a man who could shoulder a dynasty like the Turnbulls, he was no fool¡ªhe could already see

    that something was unusual with the Lionhearts'' attitude.

    Why were they so eager to have the wedding carry on as scheduled? If anything, Glen''s excuse was

    perfectly eptable, yet not only did the Lionhearts refuse to listen, but they were also immediately

    threatening him with violence.

    It simply did not make sense... Unless what Frank said was true.

    The more Glen thought about it, the more he found the Lionhearts suspicious.

    With that, he looked up and braced himself against Aesop''s pressure and said coolly, "If it''s a war you

    want, then a war it shall be. Don''t think we Turnbulls are afraid of you!"

    His outburst left every Turnbull as shocked as they were confused.

    Why was Glen taking a tough stand against the Lionhearts? Was he really not afraid of Lionhearts

    getting physical right away?

    Meanwhile, Glen and Aesop held each other gazes in silence for an entire minute, with neither man

    flinching.

    Ultimately, it was Aesop who caved.

    "Pfft..." He snickered. "Oh, why so serious? It''s an auspicious day and I''m just kidding."

    "Yeah, it''s just a joke," Titus added in agreement, but he was ring coldly at Frank, unable to do a

    thing.

    Seeing that the Lionhearts backed down first, the Turnbulls were all sighing in relief¡ªthey would be

    helpless if the Lionhearts really went for it now.

    "I hope you understand." Glen nodded in turn. "It''s not a good day for us to receive guests. Give us a

    week, and we''ll wee you with open arms."

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "Not a problem." Aesop smiled. "There won''t be more dys like today, I presume?"

    "Absolutely." Glen puffed his chest with great confidence.

 Chapter 921

    "Well, I''m relieved with your assurance, Mr. Turnbull."

    Aesop bowed his head at Glen before turning and beckoning at the procession. "Wrap it up¡ªwe''re

    heading back now. We''reing back next week!"

    "Yes, sir." Everyone answered at once.

    It was clear that Aesop held authority too¡ªat his orders, even Sif and Titus kept quiet despite having

    something to say.

    All they could do was to grumpily return to their cars and head home.

    Along the way, Titus was resting his eyes at the backseat, whereas Sif was ranting relentlessly, telling

    Aesop everything about her beef with Frank.

    "Hmph." Aesop snorted. "I''m surprised that the whippersnapper had it in him."

    Musing to himself for a moment, he then nced between Titus and Sif. "Neither of you leaked our

    grand scheme, have you?"

    "No way." Sif shook her head. "No more than a handful of us are aware of it. No one would catch on.

    And there''s no way that mad witch would tell the Turnbulls a thing."

    "Well then, I''m relieved."

    Aesop nodded, rubbing his chin. "Still, Glen''s reaction today is worth looking into. There''s no reason for

    him to get tough against us, refusing to proceed with the wedding even if it meant war against us.

    Someone must be messing around."

    "It must be Frank Lawrence!"

    Sif snapped angrily, folding her arms before her chest. "He''s as cunning as he is hard to read. We can''t

    rest easy as long as he exists!"

    "In that case, we''ll have to send someone to deal with him."

    Aesop nodded before turning to Titus. "Well, you''ve been quiet for a while. What do you think about any

    of this?"

    "Eliminating Frank is a must," Titus growled coolly as he opened his eyes, his demeanor a lot less

    casual than earlier. "We''d have to spend a fortune too¡ªthis job would take at least five Volsung Sect

    elders."

    "Five?" Sif gaped in disbelief. "Dear brother, don''t you think you''re being paranoid?"

    After all, there was the mandatory rule that every Volsung Sect elder must be at least mid-Ascendant

    rank. To send five such individuals against some whippersnapper was overkill, to say the least.

    "Paranoid? Not at all," Titus retorted quietly nheless. "If anything, I think that''s not enough. There''s

    just no way to read Frank Lawrence... but I suspect that he is Donn Lawrence, exile of Mystic Sky

    Sect."

    "What?!" Everyone gasped at Titus'' words.

    If Frank really was Donn, then he bore a blood grudge against the Lionhearts. Their close allies,

    Volsung Sect, was one of the factions who profited the most from the fall of Mystic Sky Sect three years

    ago.

    Nheless, Sif assured Titus, "Don''t worry. I''ll bring my men and personally capture him!"

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "No," Titus shook his head. "You should be more prudent and merciless. He must be killed on the spot."

    "What?" Sif was left taken aback. "But back at Turnbull House, you said¡ª"

    "That''s for anyone who''s listening." Aesop chuckled, ncing proudly at Titus. "The first thing one must

    learn as a sessor of the Lionhearts is to hide your real self. Titus has already grasped that lesson,

    while you need to work on that, Sif!"

    "Yeah," Sif replied, lowering her head at Aesop''s lecture.

    Titus turned toward her impassively. "Is Ehuding back soon?"

    "Yeah." Sif nodded. "In a week."

 Chapter 922

    "Good," Titus growled, his eyes narrowing. "In a week, our people stationed across the country can

    start their hostile takeover as every Turnbull and family executive returns to their base."

    Turning toward Sif, he said, "You''ll be in charge of dealing with Frank. The sess of our ns hinges

    on what happened next week... we''ll just have to resort to violence if there''s any deviation again."

    After all, everything was Titus'' idea, be it assimting the Turnbulls or the Jankos. Even if he was less

    talented than his younger brother Ehud in martial arts, his mind was far more formidable.

    In fact, there was no chance that anyone could tell that his seething reaction back at Turnbull House

    was faked. Not even Frank could hope to read just what sinister intentions he harbored.

    Titus.

    Sif frowned at him just then, asking tentatively, "Are you sure you don''t want to punish Frank once I

    capture him? I mean, the things he and Vicky were doing¡ªthat''s an insult to you. Are you really not

    upset?"

    Titus calmly shook his head, folding his arms before his chest as Aesop looked on approvingly.

    "No, I''m not upset," he said coolly. "For me, the oue matters before all else, and as such, I don''t

    see Vicky Turnbull as a woman. She''s more of a tool¡ªa key. Once I have her, I''ll have the disposition

    to im everything the Turnbulls ever owned when we wipe them out. In contrast, do you think I care if

    she likes me, or if she hooked up with someone else? I won''t mind even if she''s pregnant with his

    child."

    While Sif found Titus'' reaction strange, Aesop was giving him a huge thumbs up. "There is no question

    that you will seed as the heir apparent, Titus. Even Mr. Lionheart himself will be proud if he knows

    what you''ve put together."

    Even Sif had to be impressed that a single arranged marriage was so closely connected in such a

    convoluted web of conspiracy.

    "Frank Lawrence." Titus narrowed his eyes. "I''m afraid you''ll have to die." -

    Frank could see that Glen was now sincere after seeing the Lionhearts leave.

    He might only have a week to gather evidence, but Frank knew all too well that if the Lionhearts wanted

    to proceed with their n to assimte the Turnbulls, they still needed the South Sea Crow.

    After all, they needed her to eliminate the leaders of the Turnbull family. or Glen, at least.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    That was why he just had to wait for the Lionhearts to make contact with the South Sea Crow, who was

    really Ciaran Zobel, Frank''s fellow apprentice from Mystic Sky Sect.

    She had agreed to contact Frank right away if the Lionhearts reached out to her again, and they could

    catch the Lionhearts with their pants down.

    Once the Lionhearts'' conspiracy was thoroughly exposed, the Turnbulls would not be able to weasel

    their way out, and Vicky would be free.

    Whatever happened between the Turnbulls and the Lionhearts was of no concern to Frank at that point

    ¡ªhe had no stake in a conflict between two illustrious families of Morhen.

    But should the Turnbulls refuse to see reason and keep Vicky bound by her engagement even after

    Frank produced evidence, Frank would have nothing to say at that point. He would simply join the

    South Sea Crow and massacre them as he promised before, and even Vicky could not stop him.

    With that in mind, he said goodbye to Vicky for the time being and left Turnbull House with his head

    held high.

    As soon as he stepped outside the front gates, he found Ned Janko waiting out.

    He was actually surprised that Ned followed through with his promise to crash the wedding if it was

    necessary.

 Chapter 923

    Frank walked up to greet Ned and thanked him, but he soon received a surprise call from Gavin Lane,

    Helen Lane''s eldest uncle.

    Gavin was a lot more cordial than Glen, asking politely after Frank answered, "Mr. Lawrence, may I ask

    how are things progressing with the farm? The financial statement is due in a little over a month. If

    you''re in a bind, I could ask my father to give you an extension¡ª"

    "An extension?! Why do you always have to side with outsiders, Gavin?!" Jade Zahn could be heard

    snapping from the other end.

    "Shut up. It''s boy''s talk!" Gavin snapped at her before telling Frank softly, "You can sell thend if push

    comes to shove. I''m sure my father won''t argue as long as we recoup some of the costs."

    On the other end, Jade was still not letting up. "It''s Frank and Helen who were boasting about making

    money from the farm. Why should we help them¡ª"

    "Jade!" Gavin barked, promptly silencing Jade.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "Ahem." He then cleared his throat. "Sorry about that, Mr. Lawrence."

    "It''s alright." Frank chuckled. "And don''t worry¡ªI have everything all nned out for the farm. You''ll be

    hearing about it in a few days, and I definitely won''t disappoint you."

    "Haha!" Gavinughed in delight. "That''s good... That''s very good. And I have faith you won''t

    disappoint us."

    "Yeah. And thank you for calling just to remind me about that, but I have something else to do at the

    moment, so."

    "Oh, hold on for a moment!" Gavin promptly stopped Frank, asking a little softly, "I''ve heard that you''ll

    be in Morhen for a while?"

    "Yeah," Frank replied, raising a brow as he was curious as to who told Gavin about that, though he

    soon realized it was probably Helen.

    And to no surprise, Gavin chuckled. "Well, Helen told me that in case you''re wondering. Also, she and

    Luna will be going there as well for an on-site assessment of a subcontractor. You can drop by to check

    on them if you have the time."

    "A subcontractor.?" Frank paused for a moment, rubbing his chin.

    It would take a few days before he could settle things with the Turnbulls, since he was waiting for

    Ciaran to contact him.

    That meant he would be free for a few days, so he smiled and nodded. "Sure. I can make the trip.

    "Alright, that''s all I''ve called to speak with you about. I''m hanging up now."

    "Yeah."

    With that done, Frank eagerly called Helen.

    "Hey, Frank. Are you done with Vicky''s problem? When will shee back to Riverton?" Helen asked

    immediately.

    Frank was a little miffed she would ask about Vicky at length. "Hey, shouldn''t you worry about me first?"

    "Hehe..." Helen appeared nonchnt. "Would you have the time to call me if you''re not fine?"

    Frank could hear that she was in a car andughed exaggeratedly. "I heard from your uncle that you''ve

    come to Morhen to review a subcontractor or something. I happen to be free, so why don''t we meet

    up? I have a story to tell since it''s been an exciting few days for me."

 Chapter 924

    Helen giggled. "We can meet up at Springhill Hotel if you''re not busy. It''s in South Morhen."

    "Sure." Frank hung up and hopped into the Maserati that Hux Darman gave him before speeding off.

    Arriving at Springhill Hotel soon enough, Frank found Helen dressed sharply in a business suit.

    Gina Zonda was seated beside her, while Luna Lane and a man Frank did not recognize sat opposite.

    His suit was branded, and his hair was greasy and his skin fair¡ªobviously someone who came from

    money.

    "Come on! Like I said, there won''t be any issues if we gave Cato the subcontract. What are you worried

    about?!"

    Luna happened to beining loudly when Frank arrived, drawing much attention.

    "Frank, over here." Helen beckoned enthusiastically.

    Gina pursed her lips when she saw Frank, but she could not say anything since they were in public.

    On the other hand, Luna was a lot less polite, pointing at Frank as she snapped, "What''s he doing

    here? Who told him toe?"

    "I did." Helen nodded calmly, taking a sip of her drink. "He''s my husband. Is there a problem with him

    being here?"

    "Hmph." Luna snorted, clearly unable to stand Frank.

    "Helen, aren''t you going to introduce us?" Cato McCoy smiled politely at Frank.

    Though his hands were brushing over Luna''s back repeatedly, his eyes were darting toward Helen''s

    legs from time to time.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Naturally, Frank read him like a book right away.

    "That''s Frank Lawrence, Helen''s ex-husband and an unemployed bum." Luna snorted in contempt

    before Helen could introduce him.

    "Unemployed?" Cato appeared taken aback and turned toward Frank in disdain.

    "Oh, he''s not unemployed," Gina quickly said. "Frank has a proper job... as a..."

    "I''m in private practice." Frank smiled in return and calmly shook Cato''s hand.

    While he was surprised Gina would speak up for him, it was mostly because she wanted to save face.

    "Private practice? Then you''d have a lot of time on your hands?" Cato smiled. "Pays well too, ording

    to my knowledge."

    "More or less." Gina smiled and rubbed her nose awkwardly.

    "Yeah. I''d have a couple of patients each year, so it''s really easy." Frank chuckled.

    "Don''t listen to them, Cato," Luna snapped, rolling her eyes and not ying along. "He is a bum.

    Private practice? That''s bullshit."

    "Oh..." Cato nodded in understanding and smiled at Frank. "How about working at mypany? You

    don''t need any skill¡ªjust a driving license will do. I can pay you ten grand each month, how about

    that?"

    "Ten grand?" Frank raised a brow.

    It was generous pay for a chauffeur, but it was beneath Frank, who shook his head. "No, thanks. I''m

    good. I have no ns to change jobs at the moment."

 Chapter 925

    Cato pursed his lips and shrugged. "Very well. Juste to me any time you feel overwhelmed. I could

    always get you a job¡ªsubcontractorpanies like mine are always hiring."

    "That''s unnecessary," Frank replied coolly.

    It was obvious Cato considered Frank to be beneath him, and his job offers were clearly his way of

    mocking Frank.

    Frank certainly would never fall for such a cheap trick.

    "Enough small talk," Helen said as Frank took a seat. She then took out an agreement from her

    briefcase and pushed it to Frank. "Frank, the Southstream Lanes are building a mansion for Mark Lane

    as a gift for retirement. Everything about the subcontractor involved and various other finer details are

    included¡ª take a look and see if there''s anything missing."

    Frank took the agreement, but while hebed through it, Luna was scowling impatiently. "Are you

    going to sign it or not, Helen? I worked hard to get Cato''s help, and he can give us a ten percent rebate

    while providing good work. Why would you let some ignoramus like Frank read the agreement?"

    Helen did not hold back this time and retorted, "I''ve been given full authority on this matter. Ask

    Grandfather if you''re upset with the arrangement."

    Luna''s face contorted like she ate dung.

    "I''m done." Frank returned the agreement to Helen soon enough.

    "What do you think?" Helen asked him eagerly.

    Frank nodded. "The agreement details are very much you. Including even construction mishaps in the

    uses is a nice touch... but there''s something you missed."

    "What?" Helen was taken aback.

    Even Gina''s ears pricked up in attention.

    "Are you sure about the subcontractor''s background?" Frank asked. "Are you sure it''s not a shell

    company, ready to bail once they get your money?"

    While Helen appeared thoughtful after hearing what Frank had to say, Luna leapt up, mming her

    hand on the table, pointing at Frank as she snapped, "What do you think you are doing?! Cato is my

    contact, and I can be a referee to his character! Bailing once he gets our money? There''s a limit to how

    much bullshit you can spew, y''know!"

    "Exactly!" Cato bellowed coldly at Frank, clearly furious too. "I''ve been operating a seriouspany for

    years, and I have a good reputation here in Morhen. Why would I trick some bumpkin from a backwater

    ce like Riverton?! The paltry pay you can barely afford is beneath you¡ªI wouldn''t even take the job

    if Luna never reached out to me. and you''d insult me instead?! Unbelievable!"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    His reaction only confirmed Frank''s hunch.

    Still, he smiled faintly but said nothing¡ªall he offered was a suggestion, and it was Helen who decided

    what to do.

    "What about this?"

    Helen spoke solemnly after some thought. "Let''s take a trip to Cato''spany. I''ll need to look at your

    company''s conditions before the paperwork. That''s not too much to ask for, is it?"

    "Hmph." Luna snorted unhappily.

 Chapter 926

    "Hmph." Luna snorted unhappily.

    Obviously, things gotplicated after Frank came, when it was supposed to be a matter of signing

    and stamping some papers!

    Gina forced a smile just then. "Then you should go, Helen. I''ve never been to Morhen, so I''d like to take

    a stroll around."

    "Hmm.?"

    Frank could see the look on Gina''s face.

    She was trying to hide something, and it seemed that she must have her own reasons foring to

    Morhen with Helen.

    It was not surprising that she kept a low profile, not straying out of line when it was not usually her

    style.

    "Okay. Be careful, Mom." Helen told her and took her briefcase before leaving the hotel with Frank,

    Luna, and Cato.

    As soon as they were gone, Gina dialed a number she did not save in her contacts¡ªand it was not a

    local number either, but an international one.

    Once it was picked up, Gina stammered, "I-I''ve arrived at Morhen as we agreed! Where are you?

    Where''s Cindy? How is she?!"

    "Aunt Gina! Help me!" Cindy Zonda could be heard bawling from the other end.

    Soon, a man''s voice with a Talnamese ent spoke. "Abandoned factory zone, South Morhen

    outskirts.

    Did you bring the money? You can take her back once you pay up."

    "Yes, yes... Just, everybody stay calm, alright?" Gina pleaded tearfully.

    "Heh. We won''t do anything to her as long as you do what we tell you to."

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    And with that, the man hung up.

    "Hello? Hello?!" Gina shouted repeatedly even as her fingers clenched around the phone, but her only

    response was dull machine beeping.

    "Helen. I-I''m so sorry! Cindy''s my brother''s only daughter. I can''t let anything happen to her."

    Tears rolled down Gina''s cheek even as she took out a check from her pocket, which had two billion

    dors written on it.

    Meanwhile, Frank was not bothered with what Gina was up to¡ªshe could do whatever she wanted to,

    as long as it did not hurt Helen.

    Driving his Maserati, he followed Cato''s ck Mercedes to a moderately sized building.

    While it was no symbol of wealth since it was a rented office space, one would still have to admit that

    Cato at least looked the part.

    There were plenty of subcontractors moving around, and most of the men''s faces lit up when they saw

    Helen, some even whistling flirtatiously.

    "Yo, when did we get such a smokin'' hot secretary?"

    "Cut it out!"

    Cato grinned as he snapped at them. "This is Ms. Lane from Riverton, and she''s here to iron out a

    business deal. I''ll fire you if you upset her and she bolts."

    The subcontractorsughed and left.

    Helen was not particrly upset despite their rowdiness.

    She was a CEO, but she started from the bottom and had more than enough experience with

    employees teasing her.

    And truth be told, she preferred honest interactions with her employees, instead of hanging out with fat,

    greasy bigwigs.

    "This looks good." Helen nodded, relieved as she watched the subcontractors work in perfect tandem

    around the office.

 Chapter 927

    "Heh. I told you, didn''t I?"

    Luna was smiling smugly, folding her arms before her chest. "There''s no reason toe here at all.

    Cato''spany is perfectly up to standards."

    She then dispensed with all pretense, turning to Cato and throwing her arms around his neck. "Come

    on, let''s go hang out. It''s rare for me toe to Morhen, and I''d rather not waste time on work. It''s

    boring."

    "Okay. In that case..."

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Helen took out the agreement she kept in her briefcase, ready to stamp and sign it.

    That was when Frank caught her wrist.

    "Eh?" Helen looked up at Frank, puzzled.

    "What are you up to now?!"

    Luna was bristling since Frank was meddling again, standing akimbo as she snapped, "You just want to

    mess with us, don''t you? Get out of here, if all you want to do is waste our time!"

    "Mr. Lawrence," Cato growled coolly as he strode over. "This is mypany, and these are my

    employees. We have all the proper legal certification and approvals, but here you are, questioning us.

    What is this if not deliberate harassment?"

    Frank shook his head despite their hostile res and simply stopped a down-to-earth looking

    employee.

    Pointing at Cato, he asked the man, "Who is he to you?"

    "H-He''s our boss.? What''s wrong?" The man appeared perplexed.

    "Oh!"

    Frank nodded in realization but soon smiled. "And when did he be your boss?"

    "What?!" Cato panicked right away at Frank''s question and kept shooting looks at the man.

    The man stammered. "Yesterday. I mean, two days ago? No, I mean a month ago."

    It was obvious he was a poor liar andpletely let the cat out of the bag.

    Frank nodded and allowed him to leave, while giving Cato a meaningful smile. "You were saying that

    your family was involved in engineering for generations? Don''t you think you should exin yourself?"

    Cato''s cheeks stiffened.

    However, before he could say a word, Luna had already leapt up, shrieking at Frank furiously, "Are you

    done, Frank?! It doesn''t matter if Cato''s family is in the business! This is hispany, and we can all

    see that! He''s not a bum like you¡ªthe way I see it, you''re just jealous he owns apany! Don''t think

    you can ruin things for others just because you don''t own one!"

    Seeing that she was still defending the conman after all that, Frank did not hesitate to shoot her a look

    of disdain, muttering under his breath, "Idiot."

    "What?! Did you just call me an idiot?!" Luna kept screaming like a fishwife. "I''ll tell Grandpa, believe it!

    When I do, Helen''s candidacy as the next head of the Lane family will be forfeited! You Northstream

    Lanes have been freeloading off us, so you''d better watch it, or I''ll tell Grandpa to chase everyst one

    of you out of my house!"

    Naturally, her ranting left mattersplicated, suddenly involving the family when just a few words

    could have cleared up the entire mess.

    It was simply unbelievable.

    "That''s enough!" Helen bellowed just then, ring at Luna even as she left her stunned.

 Chapter 928

    Helen snapped sternly right then, "Luna, I remember your grandfather leaving this matter in my hands

    before we came here, or have you forgotten?"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "I. I."

    Luna was stumped, and started crying even as whipped out her phone, "I''ll call Mommy! You''re all

    bullying me¡ª"

    "Unbelievable."

    Helen sighed and locked her briefcase, before leveling a cool stare at Cato. "I''m afraid that our

    business talks have to be cut short here, since you refuse to be honest with me."

    "No, no, no. Please, Ms. Lane!"

    Cato cried out in short and quickly pleaded, "Please just give me a chance, Ms. Lane. I''ll tell you

    everything, okay? This isn''t mypany¡ªit''s my friend''s. So, how about this? I''ll introduce you to him,

    and he just needs 150 million dors to settle the whole thing. We can even split the cost for the minor

    stuff equally! What do you think?"

    Helen turned and left at his words, having even less intention to stay after his brazen request. However,

    before she and Helen could leave, Cato suddenly bellowed at them, "Fine! I''ll be honest¡ªI owe loan

    sharks money, and I have to pay up or I''ll get killed!"

    Giving up on all pretense right then, Cato was baring his teeth savagely as he growled, "So you''d better

    partner up with me right now, or you''re not leaving this ce!"

    At his outburst, over a dozen goons charged in from the door, each of them carrying baseball bats and

    other blunt weapons while ring viciously at Frank and Helen.

    "Hmph." Frank snorted coldly, not concerned at all with the small fries. "Partner up with you? Or do you

    mean daylight robbery?"

    "Robbery?"

    Luna flinched before she could call her mother, dropping her phone on the floor as she turned in

    disbelief toward Cato, finally realizing what was happening.

    "Exactly!" Cato spat as he whipped out a wrench out of nowhere. "I''d be dead if I don''t get the money

    anyway, so I don''t mind swindling you bumpkins. It was going so well too, but you had to show up and

    expose me. Well, I''m done ying nice¡ªpay up, or you''re all dying here!"

    Helen frowned as she watched the thugs closed in, her fingers clenching over her briefcase as she said

    calmly, "There''s no point in killing me. I don''t have the money¡ªit''s with my mother."

    "What?! You maniptive bitch." Cato was stunned for a moment but soonughed savagely as his

    eyes shed furiously.

    Wheezing, he growled with a sinister smile, "Well, it doesn''t matter. You''re all staying here! And I''ve

    been watching you for a while, Ms. Lane... No, I''ve been watching you since the moment we met! So¡ª

    let''s have some fun first, and then I''ll call your mother to pay up. If she refuses to."

    He looked around pointedly at the thugs around. "Well, my friends here have been holding back for too

    long. They are all dying to quench their thirst!"

    "You''re despicable!" Helen snapped icily.

    "W-What about me?" Luna asked just then, at a loss.

 Chapter 929

    Luna had met Cato online, and she thought him handsome from his photos.

    She was certainly hoping to hook up while building a business rtionship, only for things to turn out

    like this.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "You?"

    Cato turned in disdain toward Luna right then, grinning. "Why don''t you take a good look in the mirror,

    pig?! I wouldn''t even have bothered with you if it wasn''t for your money!"

    His venomous retort left Luna thunderstruck.

    "Be careful who you meet online, I guess." Frank chuckled nonchntly, perfectly calm enough to joke

    around even though he was up against a dozen thugs, as if it was just a walk in the park.

    "What do we do, Frank?" Helen asked anxiously.

    "Don''t worry. No one willy a finger on you as long as I''m around."

    Cato could hear him brag and snapped right then.

    He threw the wrench at Frank while bellowing furiously, "Go! Kill that bastard, but spare the chick.

    Whoeverys a finger on him will answer to him!"

    The goons all grinned in understanding.

    On the other hand, Frank merely held out his hand and caught the wrench mid-air although it was

    supposed to hit his face.

    He then held up three fingers at the goons. "You have three seconds to get out of my sight. Three!"

    His warning fell on deaf ears, however. In fact, the goons were all sneering in contempt.

    Still, Frank stayed impassive as he bellowed, "Two!"

    "Go!"

    The goon in the lead charged at Frank, and Frank did not hold back, striking him across the face with

    the wrench as he counted, "One!"

    The goon copsed on the floor right then, clutching a bleeding cheek as half of his teeth were knocked

    out!

    "Shit, he actually hit Gauma! Kill him!" another goon yelled, and the dozen over goons leapt toward

    Frank at once.

    At the same time, Frank sighed and muttered under his breath, "Pushovers."

    He raised his wrench again, breaking the leg of another goon who was leaping toward him.

    "Argh!!!"

    Even as the goon screamed, Frank caught him by the ankle and threw him at the other goons,

    knocking four of them down.

    "Get the chick!" Cato bellowed right then.

    A chimplike goon charged up to Helen, grinning sinisterly as he reached for her neck, only to suddenly

    find himself staring into a pair of eyes ring coldly at him.

    "What?!"

    The palpable death aura from the eyes left the goon freezing up, and actually wet himself right then.

    "Fuck off!" Frank had hygiene standards too and sent him flying with a kick.

    "Go!"

    Even as the remaining goons charged at him, Frank did not use his vigor at all and relied solo on

    physical techniques and speed, weaving in and out among them like a phantom.

    In under two minutes, the goons were all left on the floor, screaming and sobbing from broken arms or

    legs.

    In the distance, a terrified Cato dropped to the floor on his rump as he saw Frank start toward him, a

    blood-soaked baseball club in hand.

    "W-What are you doing?! Stay away! Don''te closer!" He kept backing away until he felt his back

    against the wall.

    With nowhere to run, he turned back toward Frank in panic.

    But he had brought over a dozen men!

 Chapter 930

    Frank somehow floored those dozen over men with rtive ease without breaking a sweat.

    There was no doubt about it¡ªthe man was a martial artist!

    How unlucky could he be?! Martial artists were far and few between... but he somehow ended up

    messing with one, and it had to be some backwater bumpkin at that!

    Cato certainly knew he had messed up big time now.

    At the same time, Frank dropped to a crouch before Cato and grabbed him by the hair, impassive even

    as he asked, "You were saying you''re going to have some fun with my girl, weren''t you?"

    "Frank!" Helen rolled her eyes in the distance, exasperated.

    Was that the only thing Frank heard?

    Frank simply ignored her as he shed a sickly sweet smile at Cato. "So? Are you still going to do it?"

    Cato shook his head so violently his neck could break, already scared out of his mind.

    "Well, you certainly can talk." Frank sighed, his eyes shing sharply as he suddenly snapped, "I''ve

    never even had fun with her myself, y''know!"

    "Please! I''d never dare! I''m so sorry! Just let me go!" Cato was sobbing.

    "Oh, but I don''t believe you." Frank chuckled, rubbing his chin.

    "W-Well, what do I have to do?" Cato asked quickly and eagerly, seeing a chance just then.

    Wham!

    Frank suddenly got up and jammed a foot on Cato''s groin, reducing him to a eunuch in an instant.

    "Argh!!!"

    As Cato screamed like a gutted pig, Frank smiled and nodded in satisfaction. "Well, I can rest easy

    now."

    "Frank!" Helen stamped her feet in the distance, certainly able to see what Frank had done.

    Why did he get so petty aftering to Morhen? She had been on the receiving end of such threats

    often enough¡ªbeing beautiful was as much a burden as it was an advantage anyway.

    "Hmph." Frank snorted and pped Cato on the shoulder even as his face contorted horribly. "Just

    pray you don''t run into me the next time you pull this, or it won''t just be your balls, understand?"

    "F-Fu..." Cato wanted to snap at Frank, but his rationality stopped him.

    All he could do was to grit his teeth and stop himself from cking out while using all his strength to

    nod.

    "Good boy." Frank stood up, walking to Helen''s side and beckoning. "Come on. Let''s get you a reliable

    subcontractor.

    However, Helen rubbed her temples and sighed. "Frank, haven''t you forgotten something?"

    Seeing that Frank appeared puzzled, Helen pursed her lips and gestured at a dumbstruck Luna nearby.

    Frank snorted. "Who cares? He''s her online lover¡ªyou should respect her wishes."

    With that, he shrugged and left.

    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    At the same time, Cato finally recovered enough when Luna reached him and held out a hand,

    begging, " "Luna... Please, help me^"

    However, Luna was thoroughly disenchanted and kicked him squarely in the groin, cursing, "Die,

    scumbag!"

 Chapter 931

    Luna was heartbroken, not because Cato tried to cheat her of her money, but because Cato would

    rather kidnap Helen thany a finger on her even though she was basically offering herself up for him!

    "Is there really so much difference between me and Helen?" she mused miserably even as she drank

    herself silly at the bar.

    Meanwhile, Frank and Helen took a booth seat and were waiting for someone.

    Around half an hour, Ned arrived. "Mr. Lawrence."

    He was no longer his meek self from before, and was brimming with energy even as he took a seat.

    Seeing Helen sitting beside Frank right then, he asked hesitantly, "She''s...?"

    "My ex-wife, Helen Lane," Frank smiled as he made the introductions. "And I''ve asked you here

    because she needs a favor."

    "Ex-wife?" Ned appeared stunned for a moment, but got up and shook Helen''s hand politely. "You

    really are dazzling, Ms. Lane¡ªI actually wondered for a moment if some top star graced this bar."

    Then, shooting Frank an upset look, he sighed in disappointment. "Honestly, you couldn''t even keep

    such a beautiful wife? You''re really losing your touch, Mr. Lawrence."

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    "That''s not exactly true."

    Helen smiled exasperatedly, able to tell right away that Ned was as polite as he was humorous. "It was

    my mistake divorcing him in the first ce¡ªI really wouldn''t have done that otherwise."

    "Really?" Ned nced between Frank and Helen, understanding that things wereplicated between

    them right then.

    Frank then turned to Helen. "This is Ned Janko. I heard his family is involved in construction and

    renovations, so he can help you with subcontracting."

    "Oh, that''s not an issue. Just leave it to me!" Ned patted his chest confidently, seeing that Frank was

    bringing him a business deal.

    "Yes. So my granduncle is nning to build a mansion for his retirement. We''ve already acquirednd,

    but the design and other details are to be decided. If there''s no issue."

    As Helen spoke, she took out the agreement from her briefcase and passed it to Ned.

    "A mansion, huh?" Ned appeared interested, and chuckled. "Two billion? That''s a decent sum even

    here in Morhen. Well, you have nothing to worry about with Mr. Lawrence vouching for you¡ªI''d actually

    do my best to help. That said, the budget."

    It''s not enough?" Helen asked nervously. She had no idea what influence Ned had, but judging from his

    mannerisms and the cut of his suit, he far outssed Cato.

    Even so, prices in Morhen might still be more expensive than other states...

    "No, that''s not what I mean," Ned waved her off and asked for a pen from a waiter, then crossed off the

    two billion and wrote down a billion instead.

    He grinned as he looked at Helen''s stunned reaction. "Yeah. I just need a billion to build a mansion that

    you would definitely be satisfied with, along with the gardens and all. Oh,kes and stables won''t be

    any issue either. Aside from that, what other interests would your granduncle have?"

    The fact that Ned was asking for such finer details left Helen staring at Frank in shock and disbelief.

    The man almost seemed too reliable, did he not?

    "Oh, right!" Ned chuckled as he added, "My family will foot the bill for materials and construction service

    up front. You can pay everything at once after the eptance test."

 Chapter 932

    "Oh, right!" Ned chuckled as he added, "My family will foot the bill for materials and construction service

    up front. You can pay everything at once after the eptance test."

    "Asking for payment after you finished construction? What even is this godly business?"

    Helen could hardly believe that there was a subcontractorpany that was this reliable.

    Did Ned not care that he might not be paid?

    Seemingly seeing Helen''s confusion, Ned smiled. "I understand that you might be confused, but I can

    tell you that it''s Mr. Lawrence''s character that I trust. His judgment is above question, and he vouches

    for you¡ªnot to mention that you''re his ex-wife. And given my partnership with Mr. Lawrence, a billion is

    really nothing. Hell, I wouldn''t mind footing ten!"

    Helen''s mouth was hanging wide open, understanding profoundly how reliable Frank was just then.

    "In that case, I must thank you before all else," she eximed, ready to bow.

    Ned quickly stopped her, chuckling. "Please, Ms. Lane! No need to get so formal on my ount... but I

    must ask, when will you be remarrying? Do inform me, Mr. Lawrence. I''ll definitely be there for the

    ceremony."

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "You''d be invited, don''t worry." Frank smiled.

    He was grateful toward Ned too¡ªthe man was a real friend.

    "Huh? What was that?"

    That was when a drunk Luna wobbled up to their booth seating, her cheeks flushed from alcohol. She

    nted herself beside Ned, grabbing his arm as she mumbled, "Your name is. Ned Janko?"

    "Guilty as charged," Ned was repulsed by the rotund, drunk woman but refrained from snapping right

    then since he could see that Luna knew Frank and Helen.

    He politely pulled his arm out of Luna''s grasp and kept his distance, when Luna suddenlyughed out

    loud, still holding on to her bottle.

    "What''s so funny, Luna?" Helen was obviously upset¡ªthey were here on business, but Luna had to

    embarrass them with her sorry state.

    "Oh, nothing." Luna pointed at Frank''s as sheughed, while sneering at Helen. "So this is the

    subcontractor Frank introduced to you? Ned Janko, Ciril Janko''s second son?"

    Ned looked up, scowling. "What, do you have a problem with me,dy?"

    "No, of course not," Luna shook her head and snickered at Helen, "I''d never dare mess with Ciril

    Janko''s second son. I''m just being sympathetic to a willful victim of a scam!"

    "Scam?" Helen gaped in shock.

    "What scam?" Frank was actually curious as to what the woman would say too, especially now when

    she was drunk and incoherent.

    "You''re being scammed, Helen!"

    Luna pointed at Frank smugly as if she had won, her tone then changing sharply as she said, "I''ve

    done my homework before I came to the city, y''know. The Four Families of Morhen each control a

    different field in the country¡ªmilitary, business, martial arts, and showbiz."

 Chapter 933

    "However!"

    Luna then reached out to smack Ned repeatedly on the cheek, chuckling. "There''s one other family that

    one must never underestimate too... and that''s the Janko family. Rumor has it that they''re ready to

    rece the Lawrences, who are falling into decline."

    Leveling a look of pity at Helen, Luna grinned. "So, do you really think that the heir to such a grand

    dynasty of enormous influence would go out of his way to help you with something so frivolous? That''s

    what I''ve been saying all along. you''ve been scammed!"

    Luna then pped Ned on the shoulder while sneering, "You really know how to put up an act, kid.

    How much did Frank spend hiring you? Honestly, did you forget about bringing bodyguards? I guess

    those clothes must have cost you your entire budget, huh?"

    Ned smacked her hand away before she could reach his shirt and turned toward Frank. "Who is she,

    Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Helen''s cousin. Just ignore her," Frank said, shooting Luna a look of contempt.

    "Oh, you''re going to keep up with the act?"

    Luna snickered and nted herself on the table, grinning at Frank. "You ruined my love life, Frank, so

    I''ll make you pay!"

    "Ruined your love life?" Frank was simply mystified.

    Even Helen was shaking her head. "Luna, Frank was the one who exposed Cato McCoy, and you

    should be taking him. He bailed us out before we suffered major losses, and he saved your life."

    "Bleh!"

    Luna spat on the floor boorishly before wheeling on Frank, ring at him viciously. "Saved my life?

    Him?! No thank you! If not for him, Cato would''ve epted me!"

    "What an idiot."

    Frank was at a loss for words¡ªhow Luna''s mind worked was really an enigma.

    Helen was shaking her head too. "If you don''t want to thank Frank, then fine. We''re talking shop right

    now, so move aside with your shenanigans."

    "No!" Luna bellowed. "Frank called Cato a scammer, didn''t he?! Well, I suspect that this man with him

    is a scammer too! There''s no way the real Ned Janko woulde just because Frank called¡ªwho

    does he think he is?!"

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Really?" Ned stood up, finally having enough. "So you''re doubting my identity, woman?!"

    "Exactly!" Luna scoffed. "It doesn''t matter how you bastards try to pretend¡ªyou aren''t from the Janko

    family. At most, you''d be a paid actor here to scam our money!"

    "Heh..." Nedughed despite himself, but soon leveled a stern look at the unreasonable woman. "Well,

    since you''re convinced I''m a scammer, I''ll invite Mr. Lawrence and Ms. Lane to my family''s estate for a

    visit. I don''t think anyone''s here busy anyway."

    "Uh, what?" Helen was hesitant.

    If Ned was really who he imed he was, things would end badly for Luna for doubting and belittling

    him.

    In the end, she was still Helen''s cousin, and Helen could not watch as Luna walked straight to her

    death.

    Moreover, Ned had offered them an eptance test before taking payment.

 Chapter 934

    The fact that Ned offered to take payment after building the mansion already disproved Luna''s

    insistence that it was a scam. If anything, asking for a single full payment after the eptance was a

    gesture of faith¡ªthat they really were not eager for their money.

    If anything, Luna was obviously trying to harass Frank, as she was taking out on him the disdain Cato

    showed him.

    Though Frank was the one who saved her from that conman, she somehow considered Frank the

    reason her love life went up in smoke.

    She wanted Frank to suffer because she did!

    "In that case..."

    Frank was just about to take up Ned''s invitation to visit Janko Gardens and disappoint Luna when

    Helen''s phone rang.

    "Sorry, I have to take this." Helen smiled apologetically at Ned as she hurried away.

    At the same time, Luna was still rambling on. "Hah! Just look at you pigs. I can tell you''re all involved in

    this scam, refusing to show proof. I''ll call Mommy! I''ll tell her that you ruined my love life and harassed

    me¡ª"

    "What?!"

    That was when Helen eximed in shock and disbelief.

    "What''s wrong, Helen?" Frank got up, asking in concern.

    "I-It''s my mom." Helen turned toward him, her cheeks turning pale in panic. "She''s been kidnapped.

    and the ransom is three billion dors."

    "What?"

    Frank was sunned¡ªGina Zonda, kidnapped!

    "Hahaha! That''s what you viins deserve!" Lunaughed gleefully just then, leaving everyone

    frowning.

    Frank turned toward Ned solemnly just then and apologized. "I don''t think I''ll be visiting your family

    estate for today. As you can see, we''re having a little trouble."

    "It''s no issue. Should I look into this and find out who''s ransoming Ms. Lane''s mother?"

    Ned asked, perfectly patient. "For all I know, the major yers around the city wouldn''t sink that low as

    to ransoming. I just have to send out my people, and we''ll find out who they are soon enough."

    "Then I''ll be counting on you."

    "It''s really nothing." Ned smiled and whipped out his phone to make a call. "Yeah, it''s me. Someone''s

    been kidnapped, so ask around... Look into the outskirts of South Morhen, to be specific... Alright. I''ll be

    waiting."

    After giving those instructions, Ned hung up and smiled at Frank and Helen. "Don''t worry¡ªus Jankos

    have some influence. My people will have something soon enough, and a word from me might be

    enough to ask for Mrs. Lane''s release."

    "Thank you so much, Mr. Janko." Helen nodded gratefully.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "Thank you so much, Mr. Janko." Luna mimicked her sarcastically. "Still keeping up the act? Don''t you

    ever get sick of it?"

    Nheless, Ned''s phone rang after they waited with bated breath for five minutes.

    He quickly answered. "Yeah. Did you get anything?"

    "No, sir, nothing."

    The man on the other end sighed exasperatedly. "None of the boys heard anything about kidnappings,

    though there''s been word about some Talnamese folks prowling around the abandoned factory district.

    That''s the only oddity."

    "Talnamese?" Ned did a double take. "What are they doing here in Draconia? Are they suicidal, barging

    into our country in broad daylight?"

 Chapter 935

    Talnam was a country neighboring Draconia down south.

    Things had always been hostile between them, and border conflicts were frequent.

    In fact, if not for the intimidating presence of the Lord of the Southern Woods in Southdam, one could expect more skirmishes

    and intrusion into the country. After all, he was the most feared Draconese in Talnam.

    As such, this kidnapping was utterly bizarre¡ªwhat could possibly have driven the Talnamese to sneak into Morhen, the very

    heart of Draconia?

    And being the Lord of the Southern Woods'' son, Frank, had no reason to ignore the kidnapping, whether it was for Gina''s sake

    or his inherited distaste for the Talnamese.

    After some thought, he nodded. "In that case, I''m going over. The fact that the Talnamese are showing up in the country means

    things are probably moreplicated than we think."

    Ned nodded in turn. "Then I''ming with you."

    Frank agreed reluctantly¡ªhe would rather not, but he needed directions or he would have trouble finding the right ce.

    Helen then asked, "What about me?"

    "You stay put," Frank said and mmed a palm on the table while shouting, "Hux Darman!"

    "What?!"

    "Did | hear that right?!"

    The other guests in the bar were left stunned by Frank''s shout.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    After all, they were deep in Sunzer territory, and Hux had just been appointed boss of the gang.

    Everyone would address him as boss and all, and was it not suicidal to call him by name?!

    "Who was that? Who has a problem with me?!" Hux was snapping as he strode out of the other end of the bar, a group of

    Sunzers in tow.

    However, his savage scowl faded as soon as he saw Ned and Frank, and he was suddenly all smiles. "Oh! Wee, Mr.

    Lawrence and Mr. Janko! You could have told me you''reing!"

    He then turned and pped one of his men across the face, snapping, "What the hell are you doing? Why didn''t you tell me they

    were here? I''ll kill you if they get upset!"

    ¡°But you told us to drink with you, Mr. Darman..." The bartender scowled miserably.

    "How dare you talk back to me!¡± Hux

    pped him again and pointed at.the

    bar. "Go, fetch,the|bEst Wirle me have.

    Iffeither! Mr. Lawrence or Mr. Janko

    leaves dissatisfied, this bar is closing

    down!" The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    "O-Okay!" The bartender stammered even as he ran off.

    "It''s fine, Hux. We just needed a ce

    to talk shop." Frank waved him off

    before saying seripysiGy|. Kave mM

    something Serious to do. Could you

    escort these twodies to this

    address? There''s a cottage belonging

    to a Mr. Nash Yego." The content is

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    chapter there!

    "Oh, okay." Hux scratched his head, a little disappointed. "Alright, I''ll get some men right away. By the way, | got my hands ona

    brand new car. It''s nice, look¡ª"

    "It''s alright. You can keep it." Frank

    turned him down and nced at

    Helen. "That cottage wap whe ve

    bgemstBVingy Mr. Janko and | will

    look for your mother in the

    meantime. Stay put, and don''t go

    anywhere else." The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    Helen was left puzzled. "Is this really necessary?"

 Chapter 936

    Helen certainly did not understand why Frank would go all out, even sending for bodyguards.

    "It is." Frank nodded solemnly, and he was concerned over none other than the Talnamese''s presence here.

    The only person who had a connection with them was most likely Frank himself. After all, the Talnamese still held a grudge for

    the time when the Lord of the Southern Woods led an insurgency into Talnam and almost abducted their king.

    As the only son of the Lord of the Southern Woods, Frank was worried that the Talnamese were after him.

    And those folks were known for their savagery¡ªif they really had Gina, Frank would not risk letting Helen get caught by them

    too.

    And most of all, he would not allow himself to be used as a bargaining chip against his own father. He would rather die than allow

    himself to get involved with that man again, especially if it was because of his ownpetence.

    With that, Frank brought Ned along in his Maserati and drove straight to the outer reaches of South Morhen.

    Ned had made many calls along the way, and it took them half an hour to find the right factory, which also took them out of

    Morhen borders.

    "It''s not my fault, Aunt Gina!" Cindy Zonda sobbed in that factory, leveling a guilty stare at Gina.

    She was left battered all over with blood-red lines lining her skin, clearly having been whipped repeatedly.

    "You little..." Gina could snap right then.

    She was tied to a pipe. She had also been beaten up and could not speak coherently, aside from mumbling the asional

    curse.

    "It''s not my fault!" Cindy bawled. "It was that ruby. Turns out it belonged to Talnamese royalty! It''s a national treasure, but he

    somehow stole it and gave it to us. He clearly wanted us dead! That''s why | was captured when | headed abroad. We''d get killed

    if we didn''t get the ruby back! | have no choice, Aunt Gina!"

    ¡°And you sold it for just 500 million!" Gina almost choked right then, while disappointment welled up within her.

    It turned out that everything Frank said was the truth¡ªthe ruby was worth ten billion dors, but Cindy had to sell it for just 500

    million, which she proceeded to squander abroad.

    "Heh. | really don''t care how much you sold it for."

    A scrawny dark-skinned man strode

    over just then, brandishing his whip

    as ne sneered. "Bri ys\the raby} br

    i\dieipairtuty ke me¡ªnone of

    oN like the feeling of insects

    Saul in your belly. The sounds

    they make when they eat your

    innards..." The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    As he walked up to Cindy with a

    savage smile, Cindy said in Lapgyisn,

    "Please onttkilemieh (definitely get

    tle Hib ack, don''t worry! Right, Aunt

    Gina?!" The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    Knowing that Cindy had dragged her

    into this, Gina een Oe chpice out td

    cfeneh RerGaw &n nod. The content

    is on ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    "J-Just don''t hurt us. | can make a call. I''ll ask someone to bring the ruby to you," she said.

    A flip phone was thrown at her nonchntly right then.

    "Do it now!" The Talnamese man urged her, growling.

 Chapter 937

    Picking up the phone with shaking fingers, Gina dialed a number, and her call was soon answered.

    "Hello? Frank? It''s me, Gina... I''ve been kidnapped, and they''re demanding three billion dors... Yes,

    three billion. Please, can''t you and Helen do something? Take a loan from Ms. Turnbull or something?

    I''m begging you. they''re going to kill me."

    Gina felt utterly drained after the call.

    Never could she have imagined the day woulde when she had to beg Frank to save her.

    The sheer humiliation left her hanging her head, especially after Frank replied nonchntly over the

    phone, "Calm down. It''s just three billion."

    He was certainly in no rush.

    If anything, Gina believed that her death was exactly what he wanted¡ªhe could do anything he wanted

    with her daughter at that point, and no one would dare to take Helen''s side.

    A venomous look appeared on her face at the thought, and she promptly sat up, shing a fawning

    smile at the Talnamese. "Gentlemen, it''s better to look into my son-inw than myself. He was the one

    who gave that ruby to my daughter as a gift."

    "What?!" The Talnamese were stunned as Gina offered details about where they got that Ruby.

    "Yeah! That''s right!" Cindy smacked herself on the head, eximing in delight, "How could I have

    forgotten? Frank Lawrence gave us that ruby! Just bring him in, and you''ll find where the ruby is!"

    "Exactly," Gina agreed, gulping as she continued, "Let me call him again and lure him here. After that,

    you can take him down. you can release us after that, right? You already took my two billion dors

    anyway. We are absolutely worthless to you anyway."

    "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Cindy nodded enthusiastically.

    "Cap?" One of the Talnamese turned toward the shadows.

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    There stood a burly bald brown-skinned Talnamese, who was clearly the leader of the thirtyish

    Talnamese hiding in the factory.

    "I think the women are right. We should just let them go."

    "No, we have reason to keep them here. Let''s use them as bait and lure in the one who took the ruby."

    "But the longer we stay in Draconia, the riskier it''d be."

    While the Talnamese were busy discussing the issue, their leader Talc raised a hand to stop them.

    He spoke coolly, "It''s thanks to our people watching the Draconian ck market that we found out our

    national treasure fell to the hands of scum. But it''s true as you say¡ªthe longer we stay here, the riskier

    it gets.... So, this is what we''re going to do. Tie up those two, as they will serve as bait. Once the man

    they spoke of shows up, I''ll take him down. The king has decreed that we must recover the crown

    jewel, even if we die trying!"

    "For Talnam!" he roared.

    "For Talnam!" his men echoed.

    Gina was certainly delighted that the Talnamese epted her suggestion and became a turncoat right

    then.

 Chapter 938

    "By the way, you have to be careful," Gina warned the Talnamese. "He''s a martial artist or something."

    It only left the Talnameseughing.

    "Don''t worry, we''re all martial artists too!"

    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    "Hell, Talc is Ascendant rank!"

    "Oh, we''re really not worried about some Draconian martial artist. Not many people can best Talc in a

    fight, save for the Lord of the Southern Woods!"

    For some reason, Gina felt a gnawing sense of foreboding as she watched the Talnamese joke among

    themselves confidently.

    "You''re so smart, Aunt Gina!" Cindy praised.

    "Shut up! It''s all your fault!" Gina snapped, and Cindy awkwardly turned away.

    Gina was not about to y nice, and Cindy knew that after selling the ruby for just 500 million and

    spending everything in just a week.

    In fact, the Talnamese nned to squeeze Cindy for five billion when they learned about the ruby

    falling to the ck market, and they needed that much to buy it back. And since she did not have the

    money, she had to stage her own kidnapping to lure Gina to South Morhen, while getting the two billion

    dor check Helen brought over for the mansion project.

    Naturally, Gina could not afford the remaining three billion either and had to call Helen, staging yet

    another kidnapping like Cindy did.

    However, there was no guarantee Helen could bring the three billion, so Gina sold out Frank as well

    just to be sure.

    She did not care about him at all anyway, and her family might well have a lot less problems if he got

    killed.

    That was what she told herself even as she called Frank and told him where they were.

    Screech¡ª

    Frank jammed his foot on the brakes, stopping his Maserati outside one of the abandoned factories in

    South Morhen.

    He and Ned alighted, managing to arrive quickly thanks to the details Gina had provided.

    They looked around¡ªthere was no one in sight ready to ambush them, so the Talnamese must be

    here.

    Ned then nodded solemnly at Frank. "My people areing. They''ll hang back and jump in if anything

    happens."

    "Good. None of them must be allowed to escape," Frank said bluntly, having a feeling his identity might

    be exposed.

    Ned nodded again. "Understood!"

    They strode into the factory together.

    It was already evening, and there was nothing lighting up the interior of the factory, leaving it pitch

    ck.

    As such, the vast entrance appeared to be the gaping maw of some behemoth, and Frank and Ned

    appeared to be food walking right inside.

    "Wee, gentlemen. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

    A hollowugh resounded in the factory, and soon the interior lit up, shing Ned and Frank for a

    moment.

    Frank was immediately on his toes and only lowered his hand when he saw that no one was attacking.

    Looking around, he asked quickly, "So you really are Talnamese. What are you doing here in

    Draconia?"

    "What, you ask?" the voice from before asked in return beforeughing.

 Chapter 939

    "That should be what we''re asking!"

    A burly figure leapt down from the room,nding with a thud.

    Several figures appeared at the entrance at the same time, cutting off their escape.

    "You know these women?" Talc then pointed at Gina and Cindy, who were both panicking.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "Hmm?"

    Frank frowned¡ªhe was only aware that Gina was kidnapped, and surprised that Cindy was there too.

    Still, Cindy reminded him of the crown ruby that Fenton delivered, and he knew right then that his

    hunch was right.

    Cindy had sold it off while lying to Gina that it was not worth much and traveled abroad to spend that

    money.

    Now, it seemed that the Talnamese had traced the clues from the ck market back to her and caught

    her.

    He was inwardly relieved, as the Talnamese were not aware who he was.

    He was fine if they were only after the crown ruby, but he would be worried if they were after him for

    revenge, since he was the Lord of the Southern Woods'' son.

    His father had been bullying the Talnamese aplenty, and it was not surprising if he resorted to

    something drastic.

    "Just let them go. I gave them the ruby¡ªthey don''t know anything," he said, scowling even before Talc

    could say a word.

    Gina did a double take in the distance. "Frank Lawrence¡ª"

    "Save it. I wouldn''t care if it wasn''t for Helen." Frank snorted.

    His cold reaction naturally vaporized the guilt that Gina was just starting to feel.

    "Haha... Interesting." Talc chuckled, pointing at Gina. "You might not be aware, but that woman lured

    you here. She told us that you''re a martial artist and told us to be careful."

    Ned red furiously at Gina and Cindy right then, while Frank remained nonchnt. "I could guess. It''d

    be weird if they didn''t betray me."

    "Frank Lawrence!" Gina snapped right then. "Are we that heinous to you?"

    "Are you not?" Frank sneered in turn, looking at them nonchntly. "Or are you saying that you didn''t?

    Gina pursed her lips but could not say anything against that.

    On the other hand, Cindy snapped stubbornly, "We just want to live! And it''s all because of the ruby you

    gave us¡ªnone of it is our fault!" "Really?" Frank shook his head in disdain. "Did you think this would

    have happened if you didn''t sell the ruby to the ck market? And you''re now ming me for giving

    you that ruby. Neither of you have a conscience, do you?"

    Frank''s words were right and just, and even Ned sighed. "I could put everything together from just

    that... And I''m really impressed by your upbringing, Mr. Lawrence. I would''ve let them rot if I were you."

 Chapter 940

    Ned then smirked. "I guess I can understand why Ms. Lane is your ex-wife and not still married to you."

    "Heh." Frank chuckled contemptibly.

    "That''s enough. I have no time for your squabbles!"

    Talc barked as he strode up, ring coldly at Frank, his red eyes ferocious as a wolf''s. "Either bring us

    the ruby, or you will all die. Now, choose!"

    "Is there a third option?" Frank asked calmly after a brief silence.

    "A third option?" Talc was taken aback, not quite understanding what Frank meant.

    "I''m choosing the third option," Frank continued, his tone and presence turning from calm to cold, and

    the room actually turned chilly. "You Talnamese have barged into Draconia''s borders and abducted our

    citizens. The sentence for you is death!"

    Frank bellowed, his pure vigor bursting into a violent storm that left even Ned stumbling beside him.

    "Mr. Janko!" Frank turned towards him, saying quietly, "Please protect the hostages. The Talnamese

    will be staying here. forever! Death Eater!"

    With a quiet bellow, blood-red pure vigor erupted away from Frank, building a field of crimson even as

    his expression contorted with savagery.

    "D-Death Eater?! That''s the Lord of the Southern Woods''s. No!!!"

    Talc realized what was happening as soon as he saw the blood-red pure vigor pouring toward them like

    a dense cloud.

    "Run!"

    "What the."

    "He''s the Lord of the Southern Woods'' son!"

    "What was that, cap?!"

    The Talnamese were terrified after hearing their captain''s shouting.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    There was no doubt that they were deeply afraid of the Lord of the Southern Woods, not just of his

    power but of his feat in the past.

    The man charged alone into the capital. He was unstoppable with the Death Eater, getting stronger the

    more he fought and leaving a path of carnage in his wake.

    It took Talnam over a decade to recover from that debacle.

    "Are you running? Toote! You will all die for intruding on Daconia soil!" Frank bellowed, his pure vigor

    unfurling across every direction.

    Three of the weaker Talnamese dropped to their knees, and one of them suddenly felt his neck twist

    lopsided, copsing on the floor and dying from sheer terror.

    "Run... I-I''ll stop him!"

    Talc could see that things were going badly very quickly and gritted his teeth as he leapt five feet into

    the air toward Frank.

    "Wyvern ws!" he bellowed, casting an emerald projection of draconic talons over his hand, even as

    he streaked menacingly towards Frank.

    "Hah! Stealing our techniques and using it on our citizens? What a joke! Let me show you the real

    deal!"

    Frank bellowed and cast a blood-red projection of draconic talons over his hand too.

    It was basically solid, with even the scales on the talons visible, even as a draconic roar resounded.

 Chapter 941

    Frank had yet to reach Ascendant rank.

    Still, he could briefly reach that level with the Death Eater, or even use all the death aura he absorbed

    to fight an Ascendant rank briefly as an equal.

    And Talc was just midway Ascendant rank. As Frank went out, he was immediately on the backfoot.

    "Die!"

    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    The shockwave from Frank''s punch shattered Talc''s projected talons right then, and he kept going,

    breaking Talc''s entire arm.

    "Cap!"

    "Cap! We''reing!"

    Seeing that Frank crippled their peerless captain with a single strike, the other Talnamese were at once

    panicked and incensed.

    While they were scampering earlier, they suddenly turned back, forming abat ward of thirty people,

    bolstering their vigor to peak Ascendant rank.

    Frank''s expressions turned solemn¡ªthe Talnamese were even more bothersome than imagined.

    "Fenton told me about this..." he said, remembering what he was told as a child. With a single military

    unity, the Cistern Ward could bolster their strength up by several ranks. And it did look good.

    "However, one of the ws is that the casters have to shift around when the ward is taking blows. One

    less person, and the ward would be a lot less effective. That means I must take down one of them first!"

    Frank did not hesitate tounch forward.

    With a wave of his hand, his Five-Peat Archaeusbined with his blood-red pure vigor, and he

    punched toward the weakest spot of the ward.

    In other words, the corner where the weakest of the Talnamese stood.

    "What? How does he know?!"

    Seeing that Frank had precisely singled out the weakest point of theirbat ward, the Talnamese

    were further convinced about who Frank really was.

    He was Donn Lawrence, the Lord of the Southern Woods'' son, and the senior apprentice who escaped

    the massacre of Mystic Sky Sect!

    "We must kill him now!" Talc bellowed. "Or he will be yet another gue for our country!"

    At his cry, thebat ward shifted, and Frank only managed to punch into the pure vigor of thebat

    ward.

    Unable to push forward, he was prevented from reaching the Talnamese just inches away.

    At the same time, that Talnamese¡ªthe weakest among their ranks¡ªdarted away like a fleeing fish,

    rushing to the outermost circle.

    Frank was certainly irritated that he missed his chance, and he would only end up wasting more time if

    they kept up this war of attrition.

    Nheless, that was when a woman''s bellow resounded across the factory. "Hah! So the Talnamese

    have really infiltrated our country. What do you think you''re doing in Morhen?!"

    Soon, a beautiful silhouette descended from above, her sword that gleamed coldly cutting down a

    Talnamese who happened to be off his guard.

    "No!" Talc almost lost his mind as they took a casualty, in turn affecting theirbat ward. "Who are

    you?! How dare you meddle in Talnam business?!"

    In the darkness, ady in whitended on the hilt on the sword as it thrusted into the ground, folding

    her arms before her chest.

    She was fairer than snow, her presence ethereal, but her eyes were ring sharp even in the

    darkness. "I am Silverbell, chief of the Martial Alliance!"

    "What?!"

    The Talnamese turned in shock and fear toward Talc as thedy announced herself.

 Chapter 942

    The chief of the Martial Alliance?! One could tell right away that the woman was not to be trifled with.

    Fight or flight¡ªeverything now hinged on Talc''s decision.

    He spoke just then, saying, "Lady Silverbell. We have no intention to fight¡ªwe''re here to recover our

    national treasure, which we know for a fact had been sold into Draconia''s ck market. All we want is

    to retrieve it... With your permission, of course."

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Talc was clearly ready to encounter Draconia''s authorities¡ªhow else would he have a script ready on

    the go?

    "Your national treasure?"

    Silverbell paused¡ªshe only came because she heard about the Talnamese presence, and this issue

    was not what she expected.

    "Yes. And those are the ones who sold it," Talc said, pointing at Frank.

    "Huh?" Silverbell recognized Frank''s silhouette, which reminded her a lot of the man in her dreams.

    She could not help blushing but soon scowled and waved off Talc. "I don''t care what you think you''re

    doing here. You''re all leaving Draconian borders, and nevering back, or you''ll die like that man

    over there!"

    Her outburst left the Talnamese fuming.

    Despite their discontent and rage, however, they knew that since the chief of the Martial Alliance was

    already here, that also meant Draconia''s elites were not far behind.

    In short, their presence had been exposed and there was nothing they could do about it.

    "Let''s go!"

    Talc beckoned at his man and leveled a venomous re at Frank. "Count your blessings, junior!"

    However, before the Talnamese could leave, Frank strode up, cutting off their path.

    Even if he had seeded in rescuing Gina, these men now knew who he was.

    And that means they could not be allowed to live.

    Withdrawing the Death Eater since he did not want Silverbell to see, he glowered murderously as he

    demanded icily, "This is Draconia. Did you really think you cane and go as you want?"

    Talc glowered at Frank. "What? The chief of your country''s Martial Alliance has already allowed us to

    leave. Are you really going to do this?"

    Eh?" Silverbell frowned¡ªeven Frank''s voice was familiar.

    Ned tried to reason with Frank as well. "He''s right, Mr. Lawrence. Thedy is younger than both of us,

    but one must never disrespect the chief of the Martial Alliance. Even my family would defer to her..."

    Frank shook his head, impassive. "I know what I''m doing, Mr. Janko."

    Behind Ned, Gina was panicking when she saw Frank stop the Talnamese.

    What if she got caught in between when the fighting starts?

    With that in mind, she yelled, "Frank Lawrence! T-The chieftess or something has already allowed them

    to leave! Who do you think you are to refuse her?! Are you really going to oppose her? Move aside and

    let those men leave already!"

 Chapter 943

    Cindy was shouting too. "That''s right! Are you trying to get us killed?!"

    "Shut up!" Frank bellowed.

    It was Cindy and Gina''s fault that the Talnamese had caught on to his whereabouts in the first ce.

    And now that they knew who he was, they would be sending every assassin and poisoner they had.

    When that happens, it would not just be Frank, but everyone around him would be in danger too.

    He could see that much from the look in Talc''s eyes. As long as the ck market of Draconia stood,

    they would always trace the clues back to him.

    And the mere thought sent Frank''s blood pumping!

    "Whatever happens, you are all staying here," he growled sinisterly and murderously.

    Naturally, Gina snapped at him even before the Talnamese could. "You fucking idiot! They''ve already

    surrendered¡ªwhy do you have to push them?! Are you not satisfied until you get me killed, so that you

    can have Helen without anyone stopping you?!"

    "Yeah! You won''t even get a sniff of Helen if anything happens to Aunt Gina!" Cindy joined in.

    "What''s going on here?" Silverbell remained impassive as she watched, but she was totally confused.

    Those women were Draconian citizens, but they would snap at the martial elite here to save them?

    "You wretches!"

    Ned finally had enough, wheeling on Gina as he bellowed, "Mr. Lawrence just had to abandon you if he

    wanted you dead! We''re risking our skinsing to save you, but you''d insult him instead of being

    grateful?! Another word from you, and I''ll have my people sew up your mouths once we leave!"

    Cindy simply smirked. "Who do you think you are, talking to my aunt like that?"

    "Exactly!" Gina shot Ned a look of disdain, getting full of herself. "Lay a finger on me, and the Lane

    family of Riverton will get you for this!"

    They clearly considered Ned to be Frank''spdog and did not show him an ounce of respect, even

    name-dropping the Southstream Lanes to puff themselves up.

    "That gentleman is Ned Janko, first-in-line of Morhen''s Janko family," Silverbell said neutrally, since she

    recognized him.

    "What Jankos? Never heard of them!" Gina waved her off dismissively.

    On the other hand, Cindy was suddenly sumped and dropped on her knees in front of Ned. "M-Mr.

    Janko? I-I''m so sorry! I must''ve been traumatized and misspoken. Please forgive me^"

    While Gina was left puzzled, Cindy pulled her toward herself, whispering panickedly, "The Jankos are

    the fifth most powerful family in Morhen! They''ll crush us!"

    "What?!" Gina nced at Ned in astonishment, and promptly dropped on her knees to kowtow to Ned

    repeatedly. "I''m so sorry! I didn''t know who you were... Please don''t hold it against me^"

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    Their clownlike reaction only left Ned annoyed.

    "Enough!" he bellowed. "Not another word from either of you!"

    "Yes, sure." Both Cindy and Gina nodded repeatedly.

 Chapter 944

    Ned sighed as he watched Cindy and Gina nodding repeatedly, just as he understood Frank''s position.

    There was no doubt that because Frank never bragged about himself, these two vain women would

    belittle him every way they could.

    Naturally, they could not have known that Frank was such a profound person he eclipsed even Ned. If

    anything, Ned was the one clinging to Frank, keen to befriend Frank and admiring both his strength and

    connections.

    After all, he was the heir of the Lawrences. Even if theycked numbers, theirs were the most

    enigmatic dynasty in Morhen!

    That was when Talc moved, seeing that Frank was distracted by Gina and Cindy.

    He knew Frank would not just let them leave, and that suited them just fine¡ªwere they really going to

    do nothing now that they had encountered the son of their deadly nemesis?

    Swish!

    ng!

    Talc suddenly whipped out a bizarre-looking hook, but there was a metallic ng when he swung it at

    Frank''s neck.

    "Hmph!" Frank snorted¡ªhis defensive pure vigor had stopped the hook dead mid-air.

    Now no longer distracted, he concentrated fully on his foes.

    His left hand moved as quick as lightning, catching Talc''s hook.

    At the same time, his pure vigor and Death Eater fired toward Talc''s remaining good arm after he

    crippled the other.

    Seeing that his sneak attack failed and was even being countered, Talc dropped his hook and leapt

    backward.

    Once he caught himself, he barked, "Back in formation! Stand fast!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    The other Talnamese quickly cast theirbat ward again, though the opening was apparent now that

    they had lost another man.

    Silverbell frowned at Frank in turn, recognizing him but not remembering where they had met.

    "I''m sorry, sir..." she said. "I don''t know what you have against those Talnamese, but you won''t beat

    theirbat ward. You should leave for your safety."

    "Thanks for the tip," Frank replied awkwardly, ncing at his right fingers and clearing his throat. "This

    is between me and them. You don''t have to get involved, Lady Silverbell."

    "Very well. I won''t," Silverbell replied.

    She was always rational, but Frank''s voice somehow made her curiouslypliant.

    It was simply unbelievable.

    However, she still added, "But don''t blow this out of proportion, or those above would have to get

    involved. Am I clear?"

    "Those above?" Frank snorted.

    With that, he ignored Silverbell and raised the hook Talc dropped, then lunged toward theirbat

    ward.

    "Attack!" Talc barked.

    At his orders, the Talnamese channeled their pure vigor, fusing them before firing it at Frank.

    Pow!

    Frank''s fist collided with the fist of the Talnamese standing at the forefront, and both men stumbled

    backward at the recoil.

    It seemed the strength of the Cistern Ward had clearly dropped after Silverbell killed one of the

    Talnamese.

 Chapter 945

    "Perfect!"

    Frank moved at the speed of light¡ªeven before the Talnamese could charge his pure vigor, Frank was

    already in his face!

    "No!" That was all he had time to gasp as Frank stabbed his chest with Talc''s hook and pulled him out

    from thebat ward.

    In the middle of thebat ward, Talc was breaking out in a cold sweat at the sight.

    "Hold the line!"

    "Hah! Did you think I''d let you?"

    Frank did not kill the Talnamese he pulled away immediately, instead seizing the opening to rush to the

    middle of thebat ward.

    "What?!" Talc was stunned for a moment but was soon grinning in delight.

    Inbat wards, the strongest spot was always the center, where everyone''s pure vigor converged.

    And given thatbat wards were made to kill in the first ce, Frank would only get himself killed by

    rushing down the middle!

    "Everyone together!" Talc bellowed.

    At his orders, every Talnamese charged their pure vigor and leapt toward Frank, poised to strike!

    "Mr. Lawrence!"

    Ned panicked as he looked on from the distance, seeing that Frank had obviously fallen for a trick that

    lured him into attacking.

    How would Frank defend himself now, when he was being attacked from every possible angle?!

    On the other hand, Silverbell remained calm even as she watched, even murmuring to herself, "What''s

    this?"

    "What do you mean?" Ned turned toward her in confusion.

    Silverbell shook her head exasperatedly. "Your friend is as conceited as he is bold. He wants to take

    down the ward with a single stroke."

    That was when Frank bellowed, "Death Eater!"

    He did not worry about revealing himself just then. Only Gina, Cindy, Silverbell, and Ned were there, so

    it was no issue to him.

    Charging Death Eater right then, he shrouded himself with the blood-red pure vigor and took the brunt

    of the Talnamese''s attack that came from everywhere.

    "What?!"

    Talc had a bad feeling when he saw what Frank did and shouted in a frenzy, "Stop! Everyone, stop¡ª!"

    However, he was toote.

    Once the flurry of blows struck Frank, he reared his head and coughed a jet of blood into the air, as if

    defenseless.

    "Mr. Lawrence!"

    Ned had seen enough and was ready to leap into the fray when Silverbell caught him.

    She appeared even more shocked than Ned because she recognized the technique Frank used.

    The Death Eater¡ªwith it, one would only be bolstered endlessly the more they fought.

    Most importantly, only two individuals knew that technique.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    The first was the Lord of the Southern Woods¡ªit was the technique he used to carve a bloody path

    into Talnam and achieve fame for that feat.

    As for the other...

    "Donn...?" Silverbell gaped, theposure she maintained from the start melting right then.

 Chapter 946

    There was no mistaking it now.

    The only other person who can use the Death Eater was Donn Lawrence, Lord of the Southern Woods''

    son and Mystic Sky Sect''s senior apprentice who had gone missing three years ago!

    "Y-You''re really alive...?

    Frank did not turn to look at Silverbell, however-he had more pressing business.

    "Thebat ward may buff your vigors collectively within reach." He suddenly sneered at the

    Talnamese. "But what if I put in my pure vigor too?"

    "What?!"

    "Impossible!"

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    The Talnamese around them all astonished, but they soon saw the thick red pure vigor shrouding them

    from every direction. It was Frank''s Death Eater, using their offensive vigor to pervade theirbat

    ward.

    "Argh!"

    One of the Talnamese copsed on his knees soon enough, clutching his head.

    The second followed in under two seconds, and then a third...

    Like a chain reaction, every Talnamese casting thebat ward copsed to the floor, their eyes beet

    red and their faces contorting with madness.

    "There''s no mistaking it... It''s him!"

    Silverbell felt a mess of emotions even as she watched the Talnamese copse.

    She had once seen Frank training with this technique as a child, and he reacted exactly the same way.

    As abundant death aura pervades the body and mind, one would not win against the bloodlust without

    a powerful will.

    While Frank managed to condition himself against it even as a child, that was not the case for the

    Talnamese.

    "Die!" One of them suddenly screamed resoundingly and lunged toward one of hisrades, sinking

    his teeth into his neck and tearing through it.

    "Garhg! Die!"

    "I''ll kill you!"

    The other Talnamese had lost their mind, attacking every otherrade around them.

    All at once, the situation spiraled out of control, leaving a mess of blood and guts.

    "Damn it!!!" Talc''s eyes were beet red as well, but he bit down on his tongue to stop himself from losing

    his mind from the infectious bloodlust.

    He was aware that they were defeated-soundly.

    Donn Lawrence was much worse than he was thought, a warrior with both strength and cunning. He

    would even turn theirbat ward against themselves, infecting them with his death aura.

    If Talc''s will was not strong enough, he definitely would have lost his mind like hisrades, bing

    zombies obsessed with bloodlust.

    "1-1 have to tell Talnam about Donn Lawrence... Draconia''s leaders promised US..." he mumbled

    through his bloodied lips.

    However, Frank heard him.

    His face fell right then, and he seized Talc by the cor, bellowing, "What was that?! Draconia''s

    leaders?! What did they promise Talnam?!"

    "Heh... the Lord of the Southern Woods abandoned his wife and son... Just to save his own skin...

    Hahaha..."

    Knowing that he was going to die, Talcughed maniacally just to spite Frank. "Trust me, you will die...

    Not by our hand, but by the hand of your own people! Donn... Lawrence..."

    He barely managed to squeeze out Frank''s name before dropping to the floor, dying with his eyes

    open.

 Chapter 947

    Five minutes after Talc died, there were no living Talnamese left in the factory.

    Most of them had killed each other, leaving a field of blood and guts that left Gina retching.

    Cindy''s face was pale and stiff, and she did not dare say a word.

    Frank stood along among the pile of mangled corpses, when he suddenly heard it.

    "Donn.J"

    He slowly turned to find a girl, her eyes locked on him, welling up with tears as if to tell him about all the

    years she missed him.

    "You''ve got the wrong guy," he said, lowering his head in silence.

    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    When he looked up again, he was smiling. "My name is Frank Lawrence, not Donn-and I live in

    Riverton. Do you remember meeting me in Sage Lake Sect''s enve?"

    Nheless, Silverbell was sping a hand over her dainty lips as she shook her head repeatedly.

    "Stop lying," she cried. ''You''re Donn-you always will be! Did you know how long I''ve been looking for

    you? Everyone told me you''re dead... My father, even yours... But I never believed them and kept

    searching for so long... Let''s go home, alright?"

    Frank had to restrain himself at the sight of her tearful pleas and said calmly, "I''ve met Donn myself.

    But he died three years ago at the South Sea -I just happened to learn the techniques he taught me.

    Take a good look... I''m not him."

    His calm gaze left Silverbell disappointed.

    She started to doubt herself too, since her memories of Donn were getting fuzzy too after going a

    decade not seeing him.

    Would he really be so cold to her, without even a flicker of doubt in his eyes, if he really was Donn?

    And the way he looked at her... As if she was aplete stranger...

    Nheless, she persisted. "No... My father told me that you''re alive and staying in Riverton. I was

    afraid to see you... I was..."

    Frank sighed exasperatedly at that, shaking his head. "I guess your father was just telling you white lies

    since you''re stubborn. But Donn is dead- there was no way he¡¯d survive his injuries."

    "R-Really?" Silverbell stumbled backward and shed a pained smile. "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence... I''ve

    lost myself. Donn always said he''d marry me... And I was always waiting..."

    Her murmur left Frank stung.

    How could she be so silly to take some childish promise so seriously?

    "I''m sorry that I''ve shown you such an unseemly side to myself," SilverbelI apologized, and took out a

    letter. "Here. It''s an invitation to join the Martial Alliance, which I''m now formally extending to you. Join

    US, and I''ll definitely arrange for a high position for you since you have the disposition."

    Then, she wiped her puffy eyes and breathed a silly giggle. "Will we see each other again, Mr.

    Lawrence?"

    Frank stayed silent for a moment and shook his head without taking the invitation. '' I''m sorry, I''m not

    interested in joining, and I think it''s better if we don''t see each other again, Lady SilverbelL"

 Chapter 948

    "Really? Donn... Frank? Can''t you reconsider?" "It''s me, Silverbell... Or you don''t like how I look now

    that I''m grown up?"

    Silverbell could cry, but she kept herself smiling-the bitter expression left even Ned¡¯s heart aching, let

    alone Frank.

    "No." He shook his head, turning away. "It''d be better if we never meet again."

    "I see..." Silverbell wiped her face as she strode out of the factory without looking back.

    "Ah, it looks like it''s beginning to rain..." she said as if to calm herself, even as she disappeared from

    sight.

    "Mr. Lawrence..."

    Ned had no words for Frank just then-he was just an outsider and did not know why Frank would reject

    someone as beautiful and strong as SilverbelI.

    "Phew..."

    Frank sighed lengthily before turning to Ned. "I''m afraid I need your help to clean up the mess. And if

    you could, please pretend nothing happened here. 1?

    "Don''t worry." Ned nodded solemnly.

    Frank then turned to Gina and Cindy, watching them in silence before saying, "Naturally, the same

    goes for you two. But if you do spill the beans, you''d be kidnapped like you were... and worse. And this

    time, no one wille to help."

    His advice left Gina and Cindy nodding repeatedly-they certainly did not have the gall to defy Frank

    now!

    "Good. Come along¡ªI''ll take you two to Helen. You can go back to Riverton with her." Frank beckoned

    to them to follow.

    He was suddenly a different person-exceedingly polite and mild-and even Gina could not find fault in

    him just then.

    Ned watched as they left, and sighed lengthily. "Mr. Lawrence is as strong as he isplicated, huh?"

    As Frank took Gina and Cindy back to Nash Yego''s cottage, they found Helen having an argument with

    Kat Yego.

    "I don''t care! You''re already divorced!" Kat revealed her intentions right then and was as hostile as she

    was unweing toward Helen.

    Nearby, Nash was at loss as all his attempts at reasoning were backfiring." Kat, you''re still a child. How

    could you just..."

    Helen was herself rubbing her temples.

    It had just been days, and Frank collected yet another stray-and a student who just became an adult at

    that!

    Honestly...

    Nheless, Kat kept making faces at Helen. "You''re the one who didn''t appreciate what you have.

    Who else can you me, old hag?"

    "Old... Hag?" Helen''s smile stiffened.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    No woman liked being made fun of with their age, especially by a younger woman who had juste

    of age.

    On one hand, Helen was certainly not old-if anything, she was youthful and beautiful.

    On the other hand, it was the indisputable truth that she was much older than Kat.

 Chapter 949

    Helen suddenly thought to herself how great it would be if Vicky was there with them.

    Kat certainly would not strut with Vicky around-not many had the honor of getting one over Vicky when

    it came to verbal fencing.

    If anything, Vicky would have tamed the child in no time at all, and Helen was a lot less smart that way-

    unable to riposte the brat''s witty remarks, all she had was Nash''s profuse apologies.

    Naturally, she would not stoop to getting petty with a child either.

    Just then, Frank led Gina and Cindy in through the door.

    Helen hurried to them, eximing, "Are you alright, Mom?"

    Gina was her mother after all, and she would be lying if she said she was not worried.

    She nced at Frank gratefully too, seeing that he had brought Gina back in one piece.

    "Hmph. Alright?" Gina snorted, already thinking of a script on the way back, shooting Frank a look and

    grumbling, "They took all our money!"

    "What?" Helen did a double take and pressed urgently, "But the money is from the Southstream Lanes!

    It''s for Granduncle''s mansion! If the money''s been stolen, what are we going to do-¡¯

    "Oh, it''s just two billion!" Gina snapped. "What, is money more important than me? Am I not worth two

    billion?!"

    "That''s not what I mean..." Helen sighed miserably.

    "What? You lost the money Grandpa gave you?" A shrill voice shouted from upstairs, and Luna soon

    came running down.

    She certainly looked haughty especially when she saw the awkward look on Gina''s face, and Cindy

    who was afraid to look anyone in the eye.

    "You''re all so ipetent!" Lunaughed. "I may have gotten scammed, but it''s you who ended up

    losing Grandpa''s money, not me! Well, who''sughing now? Let''s see what you''re going to tell

    Grandpa when we get back ... He just might get so upset that he''ll banish you people from our family!

    Hahaha!"

    Luna''s glee certainly left Gina anxious. "Helen, we could just sell Lane Holdings. We can''t afford to

    upset the Southstream Lanes. What if they banish US?"

    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

    "But if we sell Lane Holdings, the investment Frank and I made before would all go up in smoke..."

    Helen was left at a dilemma, but two billion was no small sum.

    Kat shrugged just then. "Ah, what a bunch of mooks. In the end, you all have to depend on Master

    Lawrence."

    "Don''t run your mouth, Kat!" Nash snapped anxiously.

    "It''s the truth!" Kat retorted, clicking her tongue while pointing at Gina." Granny over there is Helen''s

    mother, right? Helen trusted her with the money, but she ended up being kidnapped and losing her

    money. What else can be said? I''d kill myself already if I were her."

    "What was that?!" Gina wheeled on Kat, incensed. "What hole did you crawl out of?! You watch your

    mouth!" "Oh, I''m so sorry." Nash hurried over to apologize. "Children can be really ignorant..."

 Chapter 950

    "Oh, I''m so sorry." Nash hurried over to apologize. "Children can be really ignorant..."

    "How am I ignorant?" Kat snorted in disdain, folding her arms before her chest. "She lost the money her

    daughter entrusted to her, and then tells her daughter to sell herpany to make up for her mistakes.

    She''s a real bloodsucker, if not worse! Even Drac himself would have to kowtow to her and ask her

    to teach him how to be such a natural, shameless bloodsucker." 1

    Gina screamed right then, "You brat! I''ll tear out that rotten mouth of yours!"

    "Hahaha!!! Fight! Fight! Fight!" Luna pped as she watched.

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    "That''s enough!" Frank snapped coldly, finally stopping the mess.

    On the way back, he was busy thinking about what Talc had told him before he died-Gina''s drama was

    thest thing on his mind.

    Frowning, he said, "Ned Janko will recover the money the Talnamese took. Aside from the one billion

    he asked for in our agreement, he''ll return the rest as is."

    Gina breathed a sigh of relief right then. However, instead of thanking Frank, she was smiling at Helen

    instead. "See? Mr. Janko is so reliable. He protected US, and he''s so kind..."

    "Exactly," Cindy promptly chimed in. "We''d be dead if not for him."

    "And he''s not married yet... Why don''t you try things out with him?" Gina continued as she walked up to

    Helen, dering proudly, "With my dear daughter''s beauty... a little effort, and he''s all yours!"

    "What do you take me for?!" Helen snapped, really speechless with her mother''s behavior.

    Pointing at Frank, she said, "Frank went to work as soon as I got your call. He''s the one who saved

    you, but you never thanked him! What did he do to you? Why are you so prejudiced against him?"

    Her outburst left Gina scowling. "What? I can admit that he can fight, but otherwise he doesn''t even

    have a proper job, let alone connections. You should be thinking more about what I said and try to get

    things going with Mr. Janko-"

    "Not another word from you," Helen snapped coldly, having had enough." Also, you don''t have to worry

    about money from now on-l won''t be trusting you with anything. You, Luna, and Cindy can go back to

    Riverton now."

    In the end, no matter how sessful Frank was, Gina did not care because he did not have ''influence''.

    In her eyes, Frank mattered less than some freeloading rich kid.

    "What? Why aren''t youing back with US?!" Gina snapped, ring at Frank warily and concerned

    he would exploit her daughter.

    "I don''t want to go back for now." Helen waved her off in annoyance. "I need a break anyway. Quit

    bothering me for a while."

    However, even Frank was frowning. "Things areplicated in Morhen, Helen. It''s not safe for you to

    stay-"

    "See? Frank agrees with US. You shoulde with US." Gina agreed enthusiastically.

    Helen sighed and admitted just then, "Frank, I''m staying because I''m worried about Vicky-1 don''t want

    her to go through what I did..."

 Chapter 951

    Frank was convinced, but he still worried about Helen''s safety.

    As such, he set the rule that she must stay put at Nash''s cottage, which she agreed to eagerly.

    It appeared that she was pleased that she was allowed to stay.

    As for Luna, Gina, and Cindy, Frank had Hux Darman''s people escort them back to Riverton, in case

    there were still Talnamese prowling in Morhen.

    When all of that was done, Frank finally had the time to gather his confused thoughts.

    The first of his concerns was what Talc had told him.

    Somehow, he started to see a strange, vague connection between Draconia''s leaders, Talnam, his

    father, his mother''s death, and even the massacre of Mystic Sky Sect.

    And judging from his father and Fenton''s reactions, Frank had the feeling that the mastermind was

    someone even his father-the Lord of the Southern Woods himself-would never challenge.

    In that sense, Frank now had a feeling that his old man was scapegoated for the massacre of Mystic

    Sky Sect.

    However, what on earth was the agreement between Draconia''s leaders and Talnam?

    Frank was left irritated because he simply could not make head or tail of it.

    At the same time, he felt danger-because of hisck of ability.

    He may havepleted Birthright rank and even boosted himself briefly to mid-Ascendant rank with

    the Death Eater, but he could not win against anyone above that. 1

    As such, he has a pressing need to improve, ideally up to Ascendant rank. At that point, no Ascendant

    rank would be a threat to him.

    That said, there were only two methods to improve.

    The first was to train as he usually did, and wait for his pure vigor to solidify in time and improve

    beyond the bottleneck of his present rank.

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    However, that was too slow-and right now, Frank did not have the time to wait.

    The second, however, would be costly.

    He would consume the spiritrons from every form of nature¡¯s wonders, forcing open his meridian nexus

    and umting copious amounts of pure vigor for his improvement, just like he did before.

    Not only was this method expensive, but he needed bucketloads of natural wonders, which the rich and

    important had a monopoly over.

    In short, even money could not get Frank those, unless... 1

    It was an idea Frank had for a while-the elerated growth method that Hundred Bane Sect was said

    to have.

    If he had that technique too, he would not be constrained by the limited amounts of nature''s wonders.

    He simply had to buy them-even the immature ones-in truckloads, after which he could catalyze their

    growth to improve himself up to unthinkable levels.

    However, it was just an idea.

    Moreover, he had sent Trevor Zurich to gather information about the elerated growth method for a

    while now. The fact that he had no feedback from Trevor meant things did not look particrly

    hopeful...

    "I guess I have to subtly gather natural wonders while I hasten my training."

    Either way, it was a helpless situation for Frank-he was a rare talent in Draconia, but his injury had cost

    him three years, where his cultivation only deteriorated.

    Still, while he was absorbed in his thoughts, he received a call from Abel Loggins.

    "Hello? How can I help you, Mr. Loggins?¡¯ Frank asked politely.

    He was nice to Abel since he would eventually be moving to Morhen, and having some connections

    would help him establish a firm foundation.

    "I''m sorry to bother you again, Mr. Lawrence," Abel said a little awkwardly, and it took a while for him to

    say, "As you know, I have a chain of apothecaries, and my abilities as a healer were admired in Morhen

    despite my shorings. Anyway, there''s a martial elite who will being in today, and I suspect his

    condition is moreplicated than the build-up of old injuries. I can''t provide anything effective, so if

    you could, Mr. Lawrence

    In other words, Abel was asking Frank to make a trip.

 Chapter 952

    Frank saw no harm in making the trip.

    He did not have anything else on his te at the moment. All he was doing was waiting for Ciaran

    Zobel to make contact, and she would not be doing so anytime soon.

    Most importantly... Frank could hear the quiet footsteps shuffling toward his room.

    Naturally, it was none other than Kat.

    And with Helen staying in the next room at the moment, what else could happen if Helen caught them?

    Pausing for a moment, Frank then leapt to his feet, teasing Abel, "You know you''ll need to pay a

    consultation fee if you ask me to make a trip like that, Mr. Loggins." "No problem!" Abel assured him-he

    was more concerned that Frank would say no.

    Not only was Frank''s abilities as a healer profound, but Abel had to bother him on two asions

    already.

    It was almostmon for the best in any business to develop entricities, and asking too many

    favors like Abel had would upset them soon enough. If they were short-tempered, they would be

    snapping at him already.

    Anything could happen, and he still would not dare to say a word.

    Moreover, his patient today was exceedingly important-Abel really would not havee to bother

    Frank otherwise.

    However, it was clear that he had been paranoid-Frank proved far more agreeable than Abel had

    imagined, which reminded Abel of a certain line he read in a traditional Draconian medicine text: May

    the bottles on the shelf gather dust, lest there be mdies left in this world.

    Abel looked around at his apothecary, which was a lot grander than necessary, and felt a pang of guilt

    just then.

    "Mr. Lawrence truly is a testament to our kind, and yet he willingly remains anonymous. I, on the other

    hand, would unt my shallow knowledge of traditional Draconian medicine so readily, even building an

    apothecary and building a dynasty. For shame..."

    On the other end, Kat opened the door and strode into Frank''s room, but he was already gone, leaving

    the window open and the curtains bellowing.

    "What?!" she eximed as she ran up to the window and found Frank already in his Maserati. "Hey!

    Wait for me, Master Lawrence-"

    Frank, however, already sped off at top speed, leaving Kat stamping her feet. "Why are you avoiding

    me? I hate you!"

    Naturally, she had no choice but to return to her room.

    Frank soon reached the address Abel gave him. It was an apothecary at the inner reaches of North

    Morhen.

    The signboard ''Loggins Apothecary'' that hung overhead was very conspicuous, and one could smell

    the scent of medicinal herbs down the street.

    It stuck out against the modern architecture of the towering buildings around it but somehow it

    appeared more peaceful than the rest.

    It was noon at the moment, and there were plenty of people working inside and out busily.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    As Frank arrived at the entrance, a young man in sses who was waiting checked a photo before

    hurrying inside. "He''s here, Grandpa!" "Really?" Abel''s eyes lit up in excitement.

    He was the one who had his grandson Jim wait outside to receive Frank.

    After all, Abel was Frank''s student. Even if Frank did not particrly enjoyplicated formalities, Abel

    should show him due respect.

 Chapter 953

    Apologizing to his patient, Abel hurried off to receive Frank.

    However, as Loggins Apothecary was a mansion built in traditional Draconian architecture, there was

    much ground to cover from his office to the entrance.

    Abel was so excited that he almost fell a few times, but Jim managed to catch him each time-he would

    be aughing stock if he got hurt even before seeing Frank!

    "Gramps, is the man really as amazing as you say?" asked Jim, a twentyish youth who looked

    especially soft-spoken with his sses and actually appeared older than Frank.

    Still, he was not particrly interested despite his grandfather''s excitement.

    While he respected Frank at first since someone like Abel would go so far as to call him mentor, the

    man he saw earlier was undoubtedly younger than himself.

    That in turn left Jim doubtful-was his grandfather senile, mistaking some shaman off the street for an

    actual healer?

    Naturally, Jim could not be fully med for being presumptuous.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    When it came to traditional Draconian medicine, aplishments and experiences were prioritized

    above the rest.

    And both of those things were only gained through substantial time.

    So, what else could Jim think when some kid younger than himself was called a healer? Could the kid

    really have experience? How many patients did he even have?

    As such, Jim was quietly disapproving, even wary-his grandfather had spent a lifetime building a legacy

    in traditional Draconian medicine.

    If he ended up being scammed now, not only would they beughed at, but Abel''s title as Morhen''s

    best healer would go up in smoke too.

    When that happens, even Jim''s reputation as his sessor would be tarnished, and there may be no

    chance for him to continue the business in Morhen.

    "You don''t believe Mr. Lawrence, do you?" Abel read his grandson like a book with a single nce-it

    was only natural since he had groomed the son.

    Chuckling, he said, "Jim, this gentleman is a true sessor of traditional Draconian medicine. Looks

    and age can be deceiving at times... either way, you must not disrespect him for any reason,

    understand?" "Yeah," Jim muttered nomittally.

    While he still did not acknowledge Frank''s abilities, he would at least listen to his grandfather.

    If his grandfather was not fully senile, that would mean the man would have a few tricks up his sleeve.

    With that in mind, Jim happened to find Frank standing in front of a pharmacy counter, speaking with a

    woman. "Ma''am, your daughter''s suffering from a heat condition and dehydration. That can be helped

    with ice syrup and cooling fruits-a couple of days of that, and she''ll be fine." "What?"

    The woman named Brenda appeared taken aback and frowned.

    She was carrying her daughter Ava in one hand and holding a prescription list in the other.

    Even as Ava continued to cry herself hoarse, Brenda said, "But the doctor here just told me that she

    caught a cold... and the prescription ispletely different." "Let me see.¡± Frank said, taking the list

    and soon frowning-those were all medicinal herbs for heat conditions.

 Chapter 954

    If Ava really took anything on the list, her condition would deteriorate.

    No one could tell what would happen at that point.

    Frank crumpled the prescription list right then and threw it into a nearby trash can. No, you can''t let her

    drink it. It''d just make your daughter''s illness worse!" "What?" Brenda was left stunned.

    "Pfft-"

    Jim snickered nearby, and pointed at Ava, who was still crying herself hoarse in Brenda''s arms,

    shaking his head and smiling. "Grandpa, that''s your mentor? Have you gotten senile? The girl''s clearly

    having a cold with her intermittent coughs and stiffened vessels. And see how she keeps touching her

    neck? Her throat is affected too-there''s no question that it''s a cold, and a serious one at that.¡¯

    He paused for a moment tough. "And that man is saying it''s a heat condition? That''s your mentor,

    Grandpa? Are you kidding me?" "Huh..." Abel actually agreed with his grandson, as he could not see

    what made Frank diagnose the girl with a heat illness.

    "Where did youe from?!" A doctor in ab coat strode up to Frank just then and shoved him. "We

    don''t have time for you to mess around! Move aside and wait in the queue, or leave. Quit bothering our

    patients!"

    Seeing the doctor, Jim told Abel under his breath, "Gramps, that''s Ferdy Zeller-he''s a little famous, and

    I had to poach him from the south. He''s been invited to many medical forums, too... and your mentor

    questioned his judgment? Well, this is going to be interesting."

    While Jim refrained from being too damning just to be nice to his grandfather, he was folding his arms

    before his chest in amusement.

    He really thought for a moment his grandpa''s mentor had something to teach them, but now was

    absolutely convinced that Frank was just a nobody and was absolutely ready to mock Frank.

    "You''re the one who prescribed this list?"

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Frank frowned at the haughty doctor just then, snapping usingly, "The girl''s suffering from a heat

    condition, and you''d still prescribe her hot medicine? Are you trying to kill her?!"

    I''m trying to kill her?!"

    Ferdy pointed at himself, stunned for a moment, before he bellowed back at Frank, "Which hole did you

    crawl out of?! Every sign points to a cold, and you''re saying it''s a heat condition?! You''re just here to

    cause trouble, aren''t you?!''

    Drawn by the argument, the other staff and patients turned toward them and soon encircled them.

    "What''s going on here?" Several security guards in dapper suits soon arrived.

    Frank nced at them briefly, but continued bluntly, "The girl is definitely suffering from a heat

    condition. Your prescription could kill her!" "You''re hrious!" Ferdyughed despite himself and looked

    pointedly at the crowd around him before pointing at himself. "I''m Ferdy Zeller! Anyone in this business

    knows my name. I''vee to Morhen on the merit of my aplishments as a healer, even though

    my old practice down south pays better! I have been invited to five national medicine forums, and I''ve

    treated hundreds of patients, if not thousands! Who do you think you are to question me?!"

 Chapter 955

    Spreading his arms invitingly, Ferdy gloated at Frank. "Come on, tell US who you are! I''d like to see

    which famous university or mentor you learned from!

    Frank inhaled sharply and spoke as everyone looked on. "So in your eyes, the number of patients, your

    sry, and your honors are what makes a good doctor?"

    Ferdy leveled Frank a look of disdain as if he was braindead. "What, am I wrong?¡± "You''re wrong,"

    Frank said staunchly. "Doctors care more about saving lives and curing illness. And they do that by

    diagnosing them correctly, and then applying the simplest, most effective cure. You, on the other

    hand..."

    Frank grabbed the prescription list he threw in the trash can and flung it at Ferdy, snapping coldly,

    "You''re no doctor. You''re just yet another businessman! Even if the girl only needs a prescription for a

    cold like you said, all it takes is just basic cold medicine. But that wasn''t what you prescribed-

    everything you listed here is the most expensive item, and I''m guessing you''ll get a share of the profits,

    won''t you?"

    Ferdy was incensed that Frank would expose him like that and bellowed as everyone looked on, "You

    don''t know a thing! I''m the doctor here, and I don''t get any incentive from my prescriptions! I''m picking

    better medicine for the girl so that she''ll get better sooner-" "Bullshit." Frank cut him short bluntly. "Even

    if she had a cold, my prescription would get her better in a couple of days, and it cost less than thirty

    bucks. On the other hand, your prescription costs three thousand, and it''d take at least two weeks to

    cure the girl with those! Moreover, she''s suffering from a heat condition-if she takes your prescription,

    she could well die!" "Shut up!" Ferdy bellowed, flushed from rage.

    As a doctor, he was well aware that Frank was right, but he could not back down with so many patients

    watching, or he would lose his job!

    Instead, he kept snapping at Frank, "The question here is where is your medical license, sir? Show it to

    me!"

    Frank was stumped by the question since he did not have any.

    And seeing that he was silent, Ferdy promptly pressed his advantage,ughing and pointing at Frank.

    "So after your bullshit, you''re just some prick who doesn''t even have a license?"

    Turning towards the crowd around them, he spread his arms and grinned." As you can see, he''s just

    some nutjob here to cause trouble. Security! Get him out of here!"

    At Ferd/s orders, the security guards strode up ready to throw Frank out.

    Frank, however, could not care less about himself.

    Turning toward Brenda, he said solemnly, "Don''t let your child take the prescription he gave you, or

    she''ll be in danger! Trust me!" "Hmph."

    Brenda was no different from the others despite her initial doubt, and she leered at Frank like he was

    crazy. "You thought I''d rather trust you than Dr. Zeller? You''re kidding."

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    With that, she rolled her eyes at Frank and did not hesitate to shove a bowl of medicinal soup into her

    daughter''s hands. "Drink it now, and you''ll be fine."

    "But..." Ava nced hesitantly at Frank.

 Chapter 956

    Ava was hesitant. ¡°But that man said...''

    Brenda snapped, "Don''t worry about him. He''s crazy."

    Once she made sure Ava finished her bowl of medicinal soup, she carried Ava and left without a care.

    While Frank shook his head exasperatedly as he looked on, Ferdy was grinning smugly.

    "Time to go, Mr. Nutjob, or well make you."

    The towering security guards strode up around Frank, surrounding him.

    At the same time, Abel nced coldly at his grandson. "Jim, you have some exining to do."

    Jim bit his lip. "Don''t worry, Grandpa. I''m on it."

    After all, Frank''s diagnosis aside, he was still absolutely right about Ferdy forcing patients to purchase

    expensive medicine.

    It was clear he had built a profit chain in Loggins Apothecary.

    Even Jim was caught off guard since he had never expected this-what Ferdy did was undoubtedly a

    p to his face, since he had hired Ferdy.

    At the same time, Abel walked up to the security guards, frowning as he snapped, "That''s enough.

    Unhand Mr. Lawrence now." "Eh? Isn''t that Abel Loggins?" "Abel Loggins?!" "Mr. Loggins? Please, you

    have to save me..."

    The room was abuzz with excitement at the very sight of Abel, as every patient rushed toward him,

    eager to get a moment with him.

    Abel seemed to expect the situation and smiled at Frank as he said, "Mr.

    Lawrence, pleasee with me. Our patient this time is the retainer of an illustrious family."

    "That girl..."

    Frank frowned in turn, staying in ce as if waiting.

    Naturally, he did not want to leave since he was still worried about Ava.

    Seeing that, Abel thought he was angry, and hurried to him, speaking under his breath, "There are too

    many people watching. Let''s head to the back..." "No." Frank shook his head and sighed. "You should

    go, Abel. I''ll catch up soon." "Eh?" Abel was left a little confused-he could not discern any anger in

    Frank''s tone, so why would he stay there?

    "Frank Lawrence, was it?¡¯ Jim walked up to them, a lot less respectful than Abel, even leveling a look

    of contempt and exasperation at Frank. "My grandfather is the top healer of Morhen, and him being

    here is going to get the other patients restless. Why don''t you do US a favor ande to the back with

    my Grandpa?"

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    Frank remained impassive and shook his head again, leaving Jim impatient.

    "Hey, kid."

    Ferdy strode over to them as well, nodding politely at Abel before turning toward Frank, looking at him

    pointedly from head to toe and snorting in disdain.

    "You''re the Frank Lawrence that Mr. Loggins has been mentioning so frequently?"

    He chuckled. "I would never have guessed. Also, Jim is nice enough to ask you, so could you fucking

    leave already? You can''t even properly diagnose a cold, so you can quit pretending already. What, are

    you feeling guilty?"

 Chapter 957

    "Whatever I do is none of your business." Frank snorted.

    He could not care less about Ferdy. Not only was hecking as a doctor, but his only concern was also

    money and his own vanity-there was no virtue of a traditional Draconian healer in him at all.

    "You have a problem with me?" Ferdy scowled, seeing that Frank remained ever pompous.

    "Calm down, Ferdy. He''s not worth it." Jim quickly tried to smooth things over just as they were about to

    get out of hand again.

    This was his family¡¯s business, and any trouble here reflected badly on them.

    "I''d be straightening you out if not for Jim." Ferdy pointed at Frank as he snapped, his fingers almost

    touching Frank''s face. "Do you really think you''re tough? Strutting around when you don''t even have a

    medical license?

    Frank still ignored him, standing impassively with his eyes fixed on the front entrance, as if waiting.

    "Whatever."

    Seeing that Frank remained unresponsive, Abel sighed and said, "I''ll be waiting inside, Mr. Lawrence."

    "Yeah." Frank nodded nomittally.

    Abel then turned toward Jim, "You stay here with Mr. Lawrence, and don''t be rude!" "Okay." Jim

    nodded, though he was a little aggrieved even as he watched his grandfather leave.

    After a moment of silence, he looked up at Frank and asked, "Mr.

    Lawrence, my grandfather said you''re well-versed in traditional Draconian medicine and could save a

    man from the brink. How could you have misdiagnosed amon cold?" "Misdiagnose?"

    Frank turned and nced at him calmly, shaking his head. "No, I didn''t." "Still being stubborn? Why do

    I get the feeling your mouth would remain even after you''re cremated?"

    Ferdy scoffed, and soonughed when he realized something. "Wait, you''re expecting that woman and

    her daughter toe back?" "Yes." Frank nodded calmly, not bothered to hide it.

    "Hahaha!!!"

    Ferdyughed so hard that he was wheezing and clutching his stomach." What can I even say about

    you? How thick-skinned could you even get... Well, how about making a bet?" "A bet?" Frank asked,

    finally turning toward Ferdy.

    "Let''s bet if that woman will return with her daughter!" Ferdy grinned. "If they don''t, you''ll kowtow to me

    and bark like a dog!" "Dr. Zeller!" Jim frowned at him-that was too much, especially for his grandfather''s

    guest!

    However, Frank agreed to it without hesitation while staying impassive." Sure. And what would you do

    if that girl''s condition worsened because of your prescription?" "What, me?" Ferdyughed. "No

    chance. But if the girl really gets sick from that soup, I can kowtow to you and bark like a dog!" "No,¡±

    Frank said, shaking his head. "If you lose, you''ll give up on your practice permanently."

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank''s solemn demand left Ferdy frowning, and he felt an uneasy feeling in his gut.

    Could he have missed something?

    Impossible!

 Chapter 958

    Ferdy soon dismissed the idea that he might have made a mistake.

    He definitely did not make a mistake-the woman''s daughter had a cold.

    "Fine!" He sneered, nodding at Frank and taking up his bet.

    Though he had nothing else to say anyway, he hurried back to his office, somehow feeling a little

    guilty...

    After Ferdy left, Jim said, "I can see that you''re right about Ferdy prescribing expensive medicine to

    patients who don''t really need it. We will deal with it ordingly."

    Pausing, he then asked, "Why do you insist that the girl has a heat condition? Even my grandfather

    couldn''t tell." "Of course he couldn''t."

    Frank kept his eyes on the entrance, his tone t as he spoke. "The female physique is inherently

    cooler. But since it''s her lungs that are inmed, and the fact that she''s born t-footed is a

    combination of coincidences that makes it look like amon cold." "t-footed?"

    Jim was left musing for a while, but he had not the faintest idea what t- footedness had to do with

    any medical conditions.

    He simply chuckled and stayed silent, dismissing it as Frank''s nonsense.

    Now, he just had to wait and see what Frank would do when he lost his bet with Ferdy.

    And yet, in under five minutes, Brenda had returned, dashing inside Loggins Apothecary, crying out,

    "Help! Help!!!"

    In her arms, Ava was pale and unconscious.

    "What?!" Jim was left gaping-he certainly recognized Brenda and Ava since they had just left minutes

    ago.

    "W-What''s going on here?!"

    Ferdy just happened to look outside his office and was left dumbstruck.

    He had never encountered something like this-how could a patient exhibiting cold symptoms turn out to

    be suffering from a heat illness?!

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    Like Jim, he was staring stiffly at Jim, feeling something stuck in his throat and unable to speak.

    Brenda saw Frank standing outside Ferdy''s office just then and promptly carried Ava to her, dropping to

    her knees before Frank.

    "Sir... Please, save my daughter! I''m sorry-l was foolish and ignorant, trusting a quack doctor instead of

    you! I... I..." "Q-Quack doctor?!"

    Ferdy was left sitting rigidly behind his desk, feeling like the world was copsing on him as more

    people gathered around Frank. "H-How is this possible..." "Hey, the kid was actually right?" "Tut, tut.

    That little girl was just fine until she drank that soup Dr. Zeller prescribed. And now, that happened..."

    "She''spletely pale. Is there any hope left?!"

    Hearing the crowd''sments, Ferdy charged out of his office maniacally, pointing at Frank as he

    snapped, "It''s not my fault... It was you! You must''ve done something! What did you do?! Why did you

    set me up?!" "I didn''t do a thing," Frank retorted as he ced the unconscious Ava t on the floor and

    took out several needles from his pocket.

    "What... Acupuncture?" Jim frowned.

    At the same time, Ferdy lunged at Frank, ready to seize him by the cor." Answer me! How else could

    I have been wrong?! I''m never wrong! I''ve treated hundreds, if not thousands of patients! How could I

    make a mistake now?!"

 Chapter 959

    "Buzz off." Frank pped Ferdy across the face right then and sent him flying.

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    Jim watched as the almost six-foot Ferdy shot six meters away and crashed into his own desk,

    breaking it.

    impossible..." Ferdy mumbled repeatedly even as he copsed on the floor.

    "Sir, please... save my daughter..." Brenda was still begging repeatedly.

    "Don''t worry," Frank assured her. "She''ll be fine with me around."

    He began inserting the needles into the acupoints around Ava''s belly, and then took out a golden pill

    which he fed into Ava''s mouth.

    Jim somehow found the pill familiar. "Mr. Lawrence? What''s that?" "An Ichor Pill," Frank replied calmly

    without looking up.

    However, the name alone left Jim freezing up in shock. ¡® What? An Ichor Pill? For real?! And you just

    gave it off to some little girl?" "Some little girl?"

    Frank looked up, snorting even as he leveled a look of annoyance at Jim even as he suffered a

    breakdown. "It''s my pill, and I can feed it to whomever I like. Or do I need your permission?" "No, I..."

    Jim was hyperventting, barely stopping himself from telling Frank off.

    This was squandering of the highest order!

    Jim had been learning medicine from his grandfather ever since a child and naturally had a trained eye.

    He was at first unsure when he smelled the unusually pleasant scent of the Ichor Pill when Frank took it

    out. Still, he could determine that it was something special, as he quickly took note of the vibrant hue

    and brightness of the pill.

    Before he had a closer look, however, Frank had already shoved the pill down Ava''s mouth... and now

    that Frank had told him what he was, he regretted not stopping Frank right then!

    The Ichor Pill was a name he had read long ago in an old tome on traditional Draconian medicine.

    The pill was said to treat internal conditions and purify blood vessels. In fact, it was no exaggeration to

    say that it could raise the dead and refine the physicality of average Joes!

    Jim finally realized why his grandfather held such deference to Frank-he was a healer, and a real one!

    After all, not even his grandfather could get his hands on an Ichor Pill, let alone refine one!

    With that in mind, Jim dropped to his knees with a loud thud, trembling even as he kowtowed to Frank

    three times, crying out in panic, "M-Mr. Lawrence! Your knowledge in medicine is sublime and a

    testament to traditional Draconian medicine! I was just too ignorant to realize... Please don''t hold it

    against me-" "Alright, just get out of my way." Frank waved him off in annoyance.

    The patients watching were stunned.

    This was Jim they were talking about! He was the sessor to Abel Loggins, the most famous healer

    in Morhen!

    Everyone present knew him, and yet a man of his authority was kowtowing to some youth they had

    never even met!

    That certainly sent one''s imagination running wild...

    "What?"

    Ferdy, who had crashed through his own table, could feel hisst shred of hope vaporizing as he

    watched Jim kowtowing to Frank.

    He understood right then that Frank was more than what he seemed.

    Worst of all, he had a bet with Frank-he was going to lose his job!

    "I..."

    Ferdy tried to speak even as endless regret welled up in him, the bonepiercing agony he felt just then

    leaving him paralyzed.

 Chapter 960

    Ferdy could not even crawl over to Frank and beg!

    At the same time, Frank infused an iota of his pure vigor into Ava¡¯s chest and belly to stimte her

    internal organs.

    "rgh!" She suddenly coughed out a mouthful of blood.

    While Brenda''s face paled at the sight, Frank assured her, Don''t worry, she''s fine."

    Soon, Ava stirred.

    "Oh, my baby! You gave me such a scare!"

    Brenda eximed with tears of joy and held Ava firmly in her arms as she thanked Frank repeatedly.

    ¡¯Thank you so much... That quack doctor would have killed my dear Ava if not for you."

    Jim stood as he watched Brenda rummaging through her purse, his cheeks stiffening.

    Each Ichor Pill was priceless. If one had to rate its value, it would be ten million dors... and that was

    the lower estimation.

    While Jim was left troubled, Frank smiled, shaking his head. "My consultation fee is not exactly cheap."

    "T-Then... How much is it?" Brenda stopped rummaging her purse, obviously not a rich person.

    "Ten million dors," Frank said, holding up a finger, leaving Brenda pale right then.

    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "W-What? Ten million...?" she murmured.

    Frank was not surprised to see Brenda turn pale or hear the quiver in her voice, and he shook his

    head. "Naturally, you''re not the one paying-that''d be Loggins Apothecary. They were the ones who

    gave the wrong prescription and put your daughter through unnecessary pain."

    Then, turning toward Jim with a smile, he asked, "Don''t you agree, Mr. Loggins?"

    Jim paused for a moment but soon nodded as he came to his senses and stood up.

    "Exactly," he said solemnly. "Loggins Apothecary will foot the bill, and that''s not all -we''ll be refund ing

    the fee we charged you earlier and for the medicinal soup." "Huh? What...?" Brenda was left at a loss.

    "Thank you, sir." Ava thanked Frank feebly just then, perfectly aware of who actually saved her.

    "Heh..." Frank smiled calmly, knowing that this would happen and acting like it was nothing.

    As the patients looked on, he turned and strode away, but he soon paused and turned to Jim. "Issue

    Mr. Zeller the bill. He''s the one guilty of malpractice." "What...?¡¯

    Ferdy appeared at loss even as he sat limply on the floor.

    "Yes." Jim nodded, his attitude decisive. "ording to Loggins Apothecary rules, he''ll be covering the

    patient''s medical bills along with any requiredpensation. And there''s also that conspiracy to

    increase prices within our premises..."

    Striding forward, he tore the employee badge off Ferdy''s chest. "Dr. Zeller...

    Oh, wait. You''re just Mr. Zeller from now on." "No... Mr. Lawrence!" Ferdy bawled, plenty remorseful.

    "Please, you win! Just let me keep my job! I¡¯ll bark, okay? Arf! Arf! Arf!"

    Jim watched as the man abandoned all dignity and felt lucky he caught on quickly right then.

 Chapter 961

    Frank soon arrived at the back and stepped inside a detached house to meet the patient from an

    illustrious family.

    He soon saw that the patient-who was sipping tea leisurely at the guest room-was a familiar face.

    "It''s really been a while, Mr. Lawrence." Gus Zeller nodded in greeting.

    The man was with Willy Sorano when they attacked the Southstream Lanes, and he was now stroking

    his beard while smiling at Frank. "I''m surprised you''vee all this way to Morhen. May I ask what the

    purpose of your trip is?"

    Though his attitude was a stark contrast to when they first met, Frank shook his head. "Just a little

    personal errand."

    Then, turning toward Abel, Frank asked quietly, "Could this be the patient you mentioned?

    "Yes." Abel nodded and smiled, seeing that they were already acquainted." I guess this is what they

    call fate. ¡±

    Frank said nothing-he actually had a bad impression of Gus since he was a member of the Sorano

    family.

    Both the sons of the Soranos'' leader, be it Hubert Sorano or Willy Sorano, were endlessly pompous

    and always abusing their statuses as his heirs.

    To be frank, Frank did not want to help Gus either.

    Seeing that Frank was quiet, Abel presumed that he was hesitant because of Gus'' condition and

    promptly exined, "Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Zeller said that he sustained this condition three years ago at

    South Sea. It''s now rpsing, causing a buildup of excess vigor on his chest and causing a lot of pain.

    "Moreover, if your treatment is sessful, Mr. Zeller will be paying you amission, in addition to

    Loggins Apothecary''s standard payment for consultation." "Really?" Frank was surprised... Not about

    payment being made by either parties, but the reason Gus was taken ill.

    Three years ago, at South Sea...

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    Still, Frank stayed impassive despite his surprise and nodded.

    "In that case, I''ll try my best," he said, walking toward Gus while waving Abel off. "Leave US." "Okay."

    Abel quickly bowed his head and left in a beat.

    Though it was his own turf, he somehow was not upset that he was chased out.

    When he stepped out and saw his grandson, he was smiling at Jim. "So?

    That woman and her daughter returned, didn''t they?" "How''d you know?" Jim did a double take and

    sighed. "I can''t even begin to understand Mr. Lawrence''s wisdom in medicine-it''s too much for me, and

    it''s clear I''m the ignorant one. I finally understand why you hold him in such high esteem, Grandpa."

    "Oh, as long as you get it." Abel chuckled, pping him on the shoulder as he saw that his grandson

    was won over.

    He had Jim stay with Frank just so that he could see Frank''s methods for himself, otherwise, whatever

    he said would not ever convince Jim of the true might of Draconian traditional medicine.

    Meanwhile, inside the guest room, Gus nced at Frank and chuckled." Why so serious? Have a

    seat." ''Til stand," Frank said quietly, shaking his head. "I have some questions for you that concern

    your condition. Please do not lie.¡±

 Chapter 962

    Gusughed. "Haha. I definitely wouldn''t lie to you, Mr. Lawrence."

    Suddenly, Frank found Gus'' attitude toward him weird. After all, Gus should be on the Soranos'' side

    and therefore hostile toward Frank. After all, half the reason Zam Sorano was killed was because of

    Frank.

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    And yet, Gus was not showing any enmity toward Frank now-if anything, he was exceedingly polite,

    even kind, as if he were just an ordinary younger man.

    "How did you sustain your injury, Mr. Zeller?" he asked nheless.

    Gus smiled. He could tell that Frank''s question was clearly loaded and simply admitted, "I was

    ambushed one night, leaving my organs and meridian nexus in pieces. Thankfully, someone saved me

    from the ruins." "Someone saved you?" Frank repeated softly.

    "Yes." Gus'' gaze turned distant in recollection. "It was a young girl... a kind one. She fed me a golden

    pill that saved my life, even helping me improve to Ascendant rank."

    Pausing, he chuckled. "While my life and cultivation was saved, I was struck by Hundred Bane Sect''s

    Every vor Palm. Whenever I ingest a food with vor, my organs will burn... It''s infuriating." "I see."

    Frank nodded at Gus'' story.

    It was not a particrly serious condition, and he could easily nullify the lingering effects of that

    technique. All Gus had to do was to take an Ichor Pill with the antidote, and his condition would be

    rotted out in days.

    But it just so happened that his antidotes were used up.

    Still, before Frank could mention that, Gus was smiling. "I have a question of my own, Mr. Lawrence. If

    I''m not mistaken, you''d be interested in asking why I bailed you out when Willy brought US to Laneville,

    wouldn''t you?" "Yeah." Frank nodded solemnly, candid since Gus was being frank.

    "I owe my life to Mystic Sky Sect," Gus said quietly and sighed after a moment of silence while leveling

    a troubled look at Frank. "Like a lot of other families and factions, the Soranos sent me to South Sea

    and partook in the siege of Mystic Sky Sect. I believed what I was doing to be just.

    "However, I found a treasure as I helped pige the archives and was backstabbed. I was at the mercy

    of fate, but a girl-an apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect-saved me."

    Chuckling ironically and shaking his head, Gus exined, "At that moment, I understood that I had

    been lied to. Mystic Sky Sect and their apprentices were no evildoers, but individuals of valor and

    compassion. Heck, when I asked why she''d save me, she told me that I looked pitiful and didn''t want to

    see me die that tragically. How naive she was."

    Snickering, he continued, "After that, I escorted her out of the ruins of Mystic Sky Sect to one of the

    fishing viges in the South Sea. I would¡¯ve liked her to stay there, but that was when she found her

    younger sister''s body... It was simply ironic."

    Gus sighed, shaking his head again. "The light in her eyes faded right then, and she became silent. I

    could see that the culprit was Zac Turnbull and told her that, and she gave me onest look before

    rejecting my offer to return to Morhen. We parted ways right then, and thest I heard, she fled

    Draconian borders to Talnam. We''ve never met since."

    A look of profound guilt showed in Gus'' eyes.

 Chapter 963

    ¨¬ see."

    Frank finally understood how Ciaran survived the siege of Mystic Sky Sect thanks to Gus'' tale-Gus

    himself protected her.

    But in the end, Ciaran fled abroad and learned the insect hex techniques of Talnam, which now

    appeared to be caused by trauma.

    It left him hesitant too-what if Gus found out that the infamous South Sea Crow was that kind girl who

    saved his life? What would he think?

    "Like I said, I owe Mystic Sky Sect my life." Gus sighed. "It¡¯s a debt I can never pay."

    Frank waited for a moment before speaking quietly, "It seems that you have seen through me. I must

    also thank you for not telling anyone, since no one in Morhen seems aware."

    Gus smiled and raised a palm. "It''s really nothing."

    Frank''s gaze turned milder too. "Though we stand apart, I''ll treat you to escorting my fellow apprentice

    to safety. But if we have to fight again... Don''t expect me to hold back."

    Gus chuckled bitterly in turn. "You''re really merciless, Mr. Lawrence."

    Frank shrugged. "Anyway, I''ll be refining a set of pills, and I''ll have it delivered to your address. Take it

    punctually, and you''ll make a full recovery in days."

    Gus stood and bowed his head. "In that case, thank you very much, Mr.

    Lawrence." "Farewell," Frank said and turned to leave.

    He then ran into Abel and his grandson Jim. "Mr. Lawrence? How did it go ...?" "Yeah, it''s done.

    There''s nothing to worry about." "Oh. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!" Abel eximed.

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    "Yeah, we owe you now," Jim agreed.

    Their relieved reactions left Frank puzzled. "Why are you thanking me? It''s Gus Zeller I''m helping."

    "Oh..." Abel chuckled awkwardly. "It''s a long story... but the head of the Sorano family issued an

    ultimatum, threatening to tear down our signboard if Gus'' condition remains." "The signboard?" Frank

    then remembered the shiny golden signboard of Loggins Apothecary.

    Jim then came up with an idea. "Why don''t you enlist as one our apothecary¡¯s consultants? You just

    have to put in your name without actually doing anything, and we¡¯ll pay you a monthly fee. Naturally,

    you can drop if you''re feeling bored, but no one will force you. I''ve already chased away Ferdy Zeller

    anyway, so you can have his ce."

    Abel promptly joined in with his grandson. "That''s right! It''s our honor if you''re willing to be listed!"

    Seeing that both men were really enthusiastic, Frank rubbed his chin and nodded. "I guess I can take

    you up on the offer... But on one condition: I am in need of matured natural wonders, so could you

    gather them for me? It''s fine even if it''s immature.¡±

    Jim and Abel traded nces at Frank''s words.

    Their reaction left Frank thinking they could not do it, so he shook his head.

    "If you can''t, I guess-"

    "Just a moment." Abel stopped Frank, smiling confidently.

 Chapter 964

    Abel stopped Frank, smiling confidently. "This is Morhen, Mr. Lawrence, and I''ve been working here in

    Morhen for decades. I can''t promise you that I can get you anything amazing, but decades and even

    centuries old natural wonders are not a problem at all. Just leave it to me!"

    If anything, Abel and Jim were hesitant because Frank''s request was too simple, leaving them at a

    loss. After all, they were ready for Frank to demand something outrageous.

    "Good." Frank nodded, agreeing to the offer and feeling assured.

    As he left, Abel watched him and sighed in relief, smiling. "He''s as noble as he is generous..." "Yeah."

    Jim nodded but soon turned worriedly toward his grandfather with a frown. "What about the Soranos,

    Gramps?"

    Abelughed exasperatedly. "Don''t think I can''t see through your schemes, brat. That''s why you

    wanted Mr. Lawrence to list his name with US, didn''t you?"

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    Turning and giving Jim a solemn look, he said, "I know. The Soranos are pulling all stops to get

    involved in the pharmaceutical business, but they are sticking to modern medicine, which means

    they''re our rivals." "Yeah." Jim nodded.

    In fact, the head of the Sorano family basically threw the conundrum that was Gus at them exactly for

    that reason. If they failed to help Gus, the Soranos had an excuse to harass them, demonstrating to the

    public that Draconia traditional medicine did not work while endorsing modern medicine.

    And having been getting involved in showbiz for years, the Soranos were immacte when it came to

    publicity.

    If Frank did note, they would have fallen victim to the Soranos'' borate scheme.

    Shaking his head in exasperation, Abel sighed. "That said, we must still be respectful toward Mr.

    Lawrence from now on. The renaissance of Draconian traditional medicine depends on him." "Yes,

    Grandpa." Jim nodded determinedly.

    Frank returned to Nash''s cottage, but only Nash was present-neither Helen nor Kat were in sight.

    Frank became worried when he learned that both women went out together, though he decided to go to

    them after he was done with work.

    He headed to his room and locked the door, mixing the herbs he brought and refining it.

    Eventually, he had ten irregr sized ck pills sitting on his palm. He put them in a bottle and called

    Nash, passing him the antidote pills, and the Ichor Pill and asking him to deliver them to Gus at Sorano

    Estate.

    After all, Frank really did not want to go-Willy Sorano would definitely try to give him a hard time if they

    met, and Frank really did not want to catch the heat.

    And down-to-earth as ever, Nash agreed to Frank''s request solemnly and hurried to Sorano Estate in

    his white sedan.

    On the other hand, Frank thought about it but eventually decided to go looking for Helen and Kat.

    For some reason, Kat was always hostile toward Helen, and she must be nning something bad and

    Frank could never trust her attitude.

    To no surprise, when Frank found Helen at the basement bar nearby, he saw the exasperated look on

    her face as she sat with a group of students.

 Chapter 965

    Frank recognized that some of the boys around Helen were Soren''spdogs, and most of them were

    studying Helen''s face and figure lecherously.

    Even sitting in the distance, Mandy Doncic was folding her arms before her chest, shooting a sideways

    re of displeasure at Helen.

    After all, Soren was sitting right beside her, but his eyes were glued to Helen''s long legs, her ck

    thigh highs seemingly stealing their soul.

    Frank strode up to them and bellowed coldly at the boys around Helen," Get out!" "Shit, who the hell

    are you telling US to leave?!" "Don''t you know that our friend Soren just booked the whole ce for

    US?!" "What the-eh?¡±

    The boys started snapping but soon saw Frank''s face-it was the man whom Hux Darman was fawning

    over, and he could hold himself in a fight!

    Frank took Helen''s hand, frowning as he sat down beside her. "What the hell was that?" "They''re just

    Kat''s ssmates." Helen smiled feebly, seeing the rage on his face. "You''re being paranoid." "What..."

    Frank could not say anything just then.

    However, Helen''s beauty made her the center of attention anywhere she went. Combined with her

    mannerisms as apany''s executive, the boys naturally saw her as some rich woman.

    Frank certainly understood how attractive a prospect she was to those youthful boys.

    "Just calm down-l''m here to get along better with Kat," Helen said quietly, leaning against him to assure

    him as she could see that he was really angry.

    There was a glimmer of glee in her eyes too. After all, no girl would hate the one they loved getting

    jealous over her.

    "Hmph... Kat, was it?" Frank knew it was all Kat''s fault and looked around.

    However, he had yet to find them when a gang of thugs approached their table.

    One of them chuckled, "Yo, that''s some pretty cheeks on your gal, bro." "What''s it to you?!" Frank

    red at them, impatience showing on his face right then.

    "That''s some attitude you have, kid."

    The gang''s leader, a thug with an overjet named Brody, sneered. "Do you know where you are?! This is

    ckfive''s turf, y''know? ckfive of South Morhen! And ckfive''s son is our boss!"

    Pausing, he took Frank''s silence for cowardice and turned to share a lecherous smile with his boys.

    "It''s been a while since we''ve seen a chick that hot. Why don''t you lend her to US for a bit? Don¡¯t

    worry-well return her and even pay you for it. How about that?"

    Frank''s expression turned visibly cold, and he turned toward Helen in annoyance. "That''s why I told

    you to stay put-Morhen is much messier than Riverton is. What would you do if you ran into these

    thugs alone, and I wasn''t around, hmm?"

    Helen felt guilty at his unhappy question and straightened his cor while she pouted. "Fine, I get it. I''ll

    always listen from now on, okay?"

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    It was a first that the strong and independent Helen was being such a girl, and Frank''s rising

    indignation vaporized right then.

    "Fine, whatever." He sighed exasperatedly. "We''re leaving once we''re done here."

 Chapter 966

    "Okay." Helen nodded tamely.

    "Hey, are you deaf, kid? Didn¡¯t you hear me?" Brody strode up, shoving Frank right then.

    "It''s okay, boss. Must be deaf and blind." One of his goons hurried forward to keep the peace.

    "S-Shut up!" Brody pped him across the face, snapping angrily, "I''m not blind or deaf! You don''t have

    to tell me!"

    On the other hand, Frank did not attack right away despite being shoved, only saying coolly, "Leave

    before I get angry, or you''ll all die here."

    His threat left Brodyughing, and he pointed at himself as he snorted. ¡± Hey, are you really blind?

    There''s so many of us, and you''re telling US to leave? You should be leaving right now-but your

    girlfriend stays!" "Urgh, we had to run into some imbeciles." Frank sighed, clenching his fist." Last

    chance. Leave now, all of you."

    As he slowly looked up, his eyes shing murderously, several of the thugs were flinching in terror.

    One of them said, "Brody, l-l don''t think we should mess with him. Why don''t we just-¡¯ "Shut up!" Brody

    snapped angrily. "There''s over ten of US, and one of him!

    What is he going to do... Eh?"

    He was just about to finish when he turned and found a fisting straight at his face.

    Even before Brody realized what was happening, he felt an agony over his face as his body suddenly

    turned light.

    As Brody''s goons looked on in shock, he was sent flying, his head crashing on the door hinges and

    bleeding profusely. Two of his protruding front teeth were knocked out too.

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    "So? Are you going to get payback for your boss?" Frank asked he strode up, leaving the goons

    petrified, and they immediately fled, carrying Brody with them.

    They were actually the lowest in the hierarchy of gangsters, only ever bullying students or women. A

    man who showed a little spine like Frank was enough to send them packing.

    "Scum." Frank snorted and returned to his seat.

    "Let me take a look," Helen said, taking his hand and sighing in relief when she saw no injuries.

    "What?" Frank teased. "Is that concern I hear? Where did the ice queen go?"

    Helen rolled her eyes, staying silent for a long while before asking, "How many times has it been since

    you protected me like this?" "I''m not sure." Frank shook his head.

    "Countless." Helen mused to herself and eventually nodded, leaning on his shoulder affectionately.

    "There''s no one else we know here, whether it''s my mom or Vicky... And I''m not here for business. So

    may I be frank with you?"

 Chapter 967

    Helen asked softly, "So may I be frank with you?"

    Frank did a double take but soon said quietly, "Yeah."

    Tve actually missed you... That''s why I wanted to stay. I didn''t want to leave you," Helen said and shyly

    hid her face in his chest.

    Kat''s male ssmates shot him res of jealousy, but there was nothing they could do-Frank was

    simply on another level.

    Even the car he drove was a rare sight for most of them, and they would have no hope of having a

    beauty throw herself into their arms.

    Soren was especially snorting as he red at Frank in jealousy, though he soon had an idea.

    At the same time, Frank wasughing and teasing Helen. "Tut, tut... How shocking is this? Ms. Helen

    Lane, CEO of Lane Holdings whom every Rivertonian reveres as an ice queen, saying something like

    that to a bum like me. Who would ever believe that? I''m so touched... I''ve truly been blessed..."

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen flushed up to her neck and thumped his chest with a knuckle.

    She was always serious and never good when it came to speaking her mind, but she could obviously

    tell that Vicky Turnbull''s problem would not be so easily resolved. That was why she decided to say it

    after much consideration, in spite of her embarrassment.

    There was something else she did not say too-that she stayed because she wanted to be by his side

    and face any trouble Frank ran into.

    Just then, the front door of the bar was kicked open, and a short, stocky bald man strode in.

    "Who the hell bullied my boys?" he barked pompously, holding a ck steel club with six goons

    dressed in ck.

    They were clearly higher in the pecking order than Brody and his boys- Baldie was even a martial artist.

    "T-That''s him! He hit me!" Brody pointed at Frank as he cried, his words a little muffled since he was

    covering his mouth because of his broken front teeth.

    "Messing with me, huh? You''re dead meat!" He smiled gleefully as he followed Baldie upto Frank.

    "What, so it was you?" Baldie sneered murderously at Frank, brandishing his metal club.

    The mess was drawing much attention in the bar, and Kat had just happened to step out from

    backstage with her guitar.

    "Master Lawrence is here too? What''s going on?" she eximed when she saw the thugs surrounding

    Frank and Helen.

    Just as she was about to put aside the guitar and ask, a hand reached out and caught her by the wrist.

    "Just look, Kat," Soren said, pointing at Frank and sneering, "That man''s obviously a pig, not hesitating

    to chat up that pretty face as soon as he saw her, even chasing our ssmates away." "Soren''s right.

    That bastard is nothing good!" The boys nearby quickly agreed.

 Chapter 968

    "Soren''s right. That bastard is nothing good!" The boys nearby quickly agreed.

    "You can see his true nature now, can''t you, Kat?" Soren smiled smugly- this was what he wanted-to

    tarnish Kat''s image of Frank while salvaging her impression of him.

    However, he simply did not understand that Kat had already seen through him.

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    pping his hand away, she snapped coldly, "What Master Lawrence is is no business of yours. You

    don''t get to badmouth him!" "Kat!" Soren could barely hide his rage and snapped, "I''m just worried

    about you and don''t want you to be tricked, especially by the likes of him!"

    As he finished, he turned toward Frank pointedly.

    "Oh, sure!" Kat sneered in disdain. "So I should let you trick me instead? It''s time you understand what

    you did¡ªit¡¯s really sickening if anyone had to put it into words. And Master Lawrence was nice enough

    to not hold it against you, but you had to keep badmouthing him everytime. I''d be blushing if I were

    you!"

    Soren flushed from Kat''s usual bluntness, and even Mandy, who sat beside Soren, had enough.

    "Kat!" She leapt up, pping Kat in the face while snapping, "Don''t you know how much Soren has

    done for you? Count your blessings already!"

    Lily York saw Kat being struck and hurried down the stage to stand between the two, forcing a smile.

    "Let''s all just calm down. We''re all friends "Shut up!" Soren glowered at Kat with bloodshot eyes. "You

    bitch! You''reing with me now!"

    He whipped out his phone and dialed a number.

    Five men in ck strode into the bar right away and gathered behind Soren. Soren then barked, "Take

    her. We''re going to the hotel¡ªI¡¯ll have her, whatever it takes!" "Yes, Mr. Lionheart,¡¯ the bodyguards

    replied as they strode toward Kat.

    As they did, Soren wasughing. "Didn''t expect this, did you, Kat? My dad recently made a major

    aplishment, and the Lionhearts took US back! I''m now a full-fledged Lionheart, and you''re an

    enemy of the Lionhearts if you mess with me! That means death!"

    He nced at Frank just then, snorting and growling through his teeth, "I¡¯ll deal with you soon enough

    too!"

    However, that was when Kat suddenly reared her head, leaping up and punching down a bodyguard

    over a foot taller than her.

    Then, she kicked a bodyguard squarely in the groin. As he copsed, every man who was watching

    winced in pain.

    "Fuck you, Soren!" Kat spat bloody drool and leapt toward Soren, ready to cripple him with the martial

    arts Frank taught her.

    "What are you spacing out for?! Get her!" Soren cried at his bootlickers, stunned by the power Kat

    could unleash from her small frame.

    He was no martial artist and had no hope of winning!

    However, the bootlickers were hesitant. "Soren, she''s a girl..."

 Chapter 969

    Soren bellowed in rage, "Fucking take her! Anyone who does gets fifty grand!" "Fifty grand?!"

    The bootlickers could not care less about chivalry after Soren shouted his reward, and all of them leapt

    toward Kat.

    "You pricks...Damn it!" Kat cursed, but she was already giving up.

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    She was immediately at a disadvantage. Not only did she have to deal with the three bodyguards

    behind him, and her own ssmates standing between her and Soren.

    She knew the extent of her abilities too-it had just been a few days since she started out as a martial

    artist, and she had barely enough vigor to beat all these boys.

    Instead, she felt the stinging sensation on her cheek and turned to lunge at Mandy-she will get some

    payback, even if she could not reach Soren for now!

    "Argh!"

    Even as Mandy cried out in panic, Kat floored her with a single p, leaving her cheek swelling like a

    bun.

    With that done, she stood her ground, she turned toward her best friend Lily, shaking her head

    exasperatedly to tell her to stay out.

    However, Lily was truly her best friend-she did not give up on Kat.

    With reasoning not being an option, she grabbed one of Soren''s bodyguards and bit him in the arm.

    "Argh!" The bodyguard did not expect a shrinking violet like Lily to bite her. Incensed, he pped her to

    the floor.

    "Lily!" Kat was even more furious at that and charged toward the bodyguard right then.

    She nced hopefully at Frank as she did, but her hope soon faded.

    Frank himself was surrounded by Baldie''s thugs, and Helen was behind him.

    Not only was Frank busy, but Kat also knew that Frank cared for his ex-wife more than a teenage girl

    he had just met a week ago.

    Naturally, Frank did not miss the look Kat gave him, and he was not about to let Soren and his ilk

    continue doing whatever they liked.

    Looking up, he muttered, "Let''s make this quick..." "What?" Baldie did a double take and suddenly felt

    lightness in his hand.

    The ck steel bat he was just carrying had somehow teleported into Frank''s hand!

    "What-¡¯

    Before Baldie could say another word, Frank had sent him crashing into a table with a kick.

    "Argh!" Women screamed as the bar fight started.

    "Shit, did he just kick Baldie?"

    The thugs were stunned but soon came to their senses.

    "Fuck you!" they bellowed, their weapons poised as they charged toward Frank.

    "Frank! Be careful!" Helen cried in panic as a thug''s machete scraped past Frank''s scalp.

    A moment sooner, and they would hit Frank in the head!

    "I don''t have time for you." Frank''s eyes shed as he broke the thug''s arm and sent him flying with a

    kick.

    "Argh!" the thug screamed as he felt his arm snap.

 Chapter 970

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted, his feet moving too quickly for the naked eye to follow.

    He disappeared from sight as if a phantom, leaving them looking around aimlessly.

    "What? Where did he go?" "How did he do that?!"

    Frank was already behind them.

    Crack.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Pure vigor shot out of his fingers, leaving the thugs floored and screaming as their nerves and tendons

    were blocked, and they would not be standing up for over two weeks.

    Only Brody was left, and he was on his knees in fear.

    Frank wasted no time with him and turned toward Kat, who was already subdued and pressed against

    the floor by one of the bodyguards. Her cheeks were covered in bloodstains, but she kept fighting back

    without yielding.

    However, her retaliation was limp and tickled the bodyguard at best.

    "You''re asking for it!" Frank bellowed and charged toward the bodyguard like a storm.

    Even before he could look up in shock, Frank punched him, sending him rolling over the floor, his neck

    snapping with an audible crack.

    "What..."

    Soren knew he was in danger when he saw how quickly Frank dealt with his opponents, and he turned

    to run.

    "A full group of grown men bullying one girl? You wretches!" Frank bellowed just then.

    Soren felt an immense force abruptlying from the front. Unable to hold his ground, he was sent

    flying backward, crashing heavily on the floor.

    "Argh!" he screamed as he felt several of his ribs breaking.

    "And you!" Frank¡¯s eyes shed as he turned around at Soren''s bootlickers.

    "l-lt''s not our fault! It''s Soren... He put US up to this!" "Yeah, we''re innocent... We didn''t eveny a

    finger on her at all!"

    Frank was not about to give them a chance despite their excuses.

    While Kat was a headache for him at times, he definitely did not hate her- if anything, he appreciated

    her.

    As such, he was incensed to see her face bleeding.

    Rushing toward the boys in an instant, he sneered. "Well, since you don''t mind bullying a girl, then you

    won¡¯t mind me bullying some kids!"

    He caught one of the boys who could not run away in time and pped him twice viciously, leaving him

    stunned.

    "Trying to run?!" Frank chuckled coolly as he looked around at the other fleeing boys and threw the boy

    he was holding at two of them, knocking them down.

    Then, he charged toward another fleeing boy.

    "Shit, is he really human?!" The boy kept looking behind him even as he ran, praying that Frank would

    stay away and spare him...

    Regrettably, his prayer did not work.

    When he did not see Frank behind him, glee showed on his face as he believed that Frank was not

    coming after him for a moment.

    At the very next instant, he felt himself hitting a wall and falling backward on the floor, hard.

 Chapter 971

    Naturally, Frank stood in front of him, waiting.

    Brusquely picking him up, he pped him twice across the face and flung him back to his friends.

    "Apologize!" Frank bellowed as he stood in front of a kneeling Soren, his murderous leaving the boys

    flinching.

    "S-Sorry, Kat... We''re just following orders... Sorry..."

    It was quite something, seeing every boy and bodyguard who attacked Kat earlier now kneeling and

    begging.

    Pico was going to say something but cowered behind his bar in fear at the sight, crouching as he dialed

    a number. "Hello, Mr. ckfive? There''s someone causing a mess in your bar. Yes, yes, yes... You

    shoulde right away!"

    On the other hand, while every boy and bodyguard who attacked Kat was kowtowing to her in apology,

    Soren never did despite being the ringleader.

    He was clenching his jaw and clenching his knuckles, showing no intent to yield.

    "What, do you have something to say?" Frank growled at Soren, striding over to him and grabbing him

    by the hair. "I wasn''t bothered by your endless insults, nor did I care that you refused to change your

    ways. But attacking Kat in public? You''re really asking for it!" "Don''t..."

    Soren was trembling under Frank''s menacing presence, but he soon straightened as he remembered

    that he was now a Lionheart, even bellowing at Frank, "D-Don''t be so sure of yourself! I''m a full-fledged

    Lionheart now, and if you hurt me, you''re an enemy of the Lionhearts! If-" "Still not giving up, huh?

    Fine." Frank''s eyes shed coldly before Soren could finish, and he kicked Soren to the floor.

    As Soren looked on in shock and confusion, he raised his foot in the air, growling, "Most people would

    think that the Lionhearts are a big deal... but to me? They''re just trash!¡± "What?!¡±

    Everyone in the bar was gaping when they heard what Frank said about the Lionhearts.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Forget starting a bar fight-that man would insult the Lionhearts too?!

    Was there a single person who did not know that the Lionhearts were the most powerful of Morhen''s

    Four Families and carried themselves like kings?

    In fact, there had been those who insulted the Lionhearts before-their corpses were found the next day

    in the canals outside Morhen.

    "Y-You''re a dead man!" Sorenughed maniacally despite his impending death. "No one can save you

    now... You''re a dead man now that you''ve insulted the Lionhearts!" "Do I need saving at all?" Frank

    sneered in disdain, saying icily, "I didn''t want to bother myself with some insect like you, but you keep

    testing me repeatedly. I''m going to teach you a lesson to be remembered now."

    Thud!

    Soren screamed like a gutted pig when Frank shoved his foot down.

    His bootlickers all winced in pain as they saw where Frank kicked Soren- the man was now an eunuch.

    "F-Frank Lawrence!!!" Soren screamed, his eyes widening as he clutched his groin.

    Frank snorted and turned toward the rest. "So, does anyone here want what he had?"

    Everyone immediately looked terrified and were all kowtowing as they begged for mercy.

    Kat was leaning against the wall and gave Frank the bird. "I thought for a moment you didn''t care,

    Master Lawrence."

 Chapter 972

    Frank sighed. "You should quit frequenting ces like these.¡± "Yeah," Kat replied and nced at Helen,

    who came to help with an exasperated smile. "I was going to perform for you. I didn''t think this would

    happen." "It''s fine. Just don''t talk." Helen smiled wryly, wiping the blood off Kat''s cheek.

    "Let''s go." Frank looked around, nodding at Lily before starting to leave.

    "Who told you that you could leave?!" A thunderous voice bellowed from the back of the bar, and a

    burly man over two meters tall and wearing a ck tank top strode in.

    He was leading a group of men as they strode in through the back door, and the bar owner, Pico, was

    bowing immediately. "Wee, Mr. ckfive "Uh-huh." ckfive nodded nonchntly, looking around

    at the messed up bar before turning toward Frank, "Aren''t you going to pay US damages after the

    mess you made? That doesn''t make sense, does it?"

    He picked up a fallen chair off the floor, sitting down and cutting off Frank''s path.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank scowled, but he did not want more problems and so asked, "How much do you want?" "This

    much." ckfive raised his fingers and wagged them.

    "Five hunded grand?" Helen strode up, frowning. "Don''t you think that''s too much?" "Oh...?"

    ckfive was totally focused on Frank and never noticed the beauty beside Frank, studying her figure

    right then, his eyes shed greedily and he licked his lips, grinning, "Five hundred grand? Don''t you

    think you''re underestimating me here? I meant five million! No one''s leaving unless you pay up!"

    "Hahaha!" Soren was suddenlyughing in the distance just as ckfive finished.

    Clutching his crotch while pointing at Frank with his other hand, heughed gleefully. "You''re done! You

    messed with Mr. ckfive now... Don''t you know? He''s friends with the Soranos!" "Exactly." ckfive

    grinned even if he had no idea who Soren was, grinning and pping himself on the chest. "This bar is

    an estate owned by the Soranos. You''re not leaving Morhen alive now!" "Shit, ckfive is friends with

    the Soranos?" "First the Lionhearts, and now the Soranos... That brat is really dead now."

    ckfive was certainly smug as he saw the scared looks from the bar guests around him.

    Pausing for a moment, he looked at Helen again, chuckling. "Naturally, you have another option... Let

    your girl spend the night with me. Don''t worry, I''ll be gentle-how about that?"

    After all that daylight scamming, ckfive ended up setting his sights on Helen.

    Frank was actually not surprised.

 Chapter 973

    "Frank..."

    Helen frowned, realizing that ckfive was now after him.

    She did not want Frank to fight, but she was not about to let herself fall to ckfive''s dirty paws either.

    Frank nodded. "Don''t worry, just leave this to me." "So? Are we fighting our way out, master?" Kat

    asked.

    She would never doubt Frank''s strength-even if she was hurt right now, she was raring to go.

    ckfive goons quickly encircled them when they heard Kat, while Frank gave her a bump in the head.

    "Quit messing around already." He sighed exasperatedly. "Haven''t you caused me enough trouble?"

    "Well, what should we do?" Kat groaned miserably. "That bastard obviously won''t let it rest." "D-Dad!"

    Just then, Baldie gained consciousness after Frank sent him crashing into a table with a kick.

    As soon as he saw his father sitting on a chair, he bawled as he rushed over, sobbing over hisp,

    "Dad, someone just messed up our bar and beat me up!"

    Seeing him bawling, Frank could understand why Baldie was such good friends with Brody-neither of

    them had brains.

    "What?!" ckfive eximed in shock. "They beat you up on my turf?!

    They''re dead now!"

    Death aura spilled from his body-he was a martial artist too, though just Birthright rank.

    Baldie then pointed at Frank. "That''s him! He did it! You have to beat him up, Dad!"

    Turning toward Frank where Baldie was pointing, ckfive was left perplexed for a moment before

    bellowing in fury. "Amazing! Messing up my bar and beating up my son? You''re so done now!"

    He sprang from his chair, picking up a steel bat from his goon as he strode up, bellowing, "It seems I

    must straighten you out right now!" "Go, Dad! Beat them up!" Baldie eximed, glee showing on his

    face even as he clutched his hip.

    Soren wasughing too. "You''re fucked, Frank! Hahaha-" "Shut up!" Frank suddenlyunched a chair

    with a kick, which mmed Soren in the head and knocked him out.

    Then, holding back Kat who was eager to start fighting, he remained impassive as he stared at

    ckfive. "If you''re a friend of the Soranos, have you heard of the name Gus Zeller?" "Gus Zeller?!"

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    ckfive''s murderous re faded, and he stared at Frank curiously and frowned. "You know him?" "I

    do." Frank nodded.

    He had been catching a lot of heat today, and therefore resorted to name dropping Gus, since he did

    not want more trouble.

    Gus would most likely help out since he still needed Frank''s treatment. Moreover, Frank already had a

    hunch that Gus held considerable authority even among the Soranos, given how even Willy Sorano

    was tiptoeing around him, let alone ordering him around.

 Chapter 974

    Frank continued, "Why don''t you call Gus and ask if he knows the name Frank Lawrence?"

    ckfive was left doubtful just then-he was at best a fringe acquaintance of the family and could never

    afford to mess with Gus. Even as a retainer, Gus'' words held sway over Zico Sorano, the head of the

    Sorano family, making him one of the most important executives.

    And anyone who messed with a friend of his... nine lives would onlyst that long.

    With that in mind, ckfive took out his phone.

    Though he was staring at Frank warily, he threatened, "You''re dead if I find out you''re lying!"

    He then dialed a number. "Yes, yes, yes, it''s ckfive... Could you help me reach Mr. Zeller? No, it''s

    something urgent. It''s his friend..."

    Everyone else waited for a long while, and it was not until Kat started to get impatient that ckfive

    hung up.

    Once he did, he was left spacing out for a long while with a sour look on his face.

    Eventually, he turned to give Frank an awkward stare, and everyone looked on in shock as he dropped

    to his knees, kowtowing reverently to Frank!

    His sweat was trickling to the ground in fear even as he cried, ¡±1-1 apologize for speaking out of turn!

    Please don¡¯t hold it against me!"

    After all, Gus himself answered his phone call and told ckfive in no uncertain terms that he would be

    coming over to kill him if heid a finger on Frank!

    Finding out that Gus was that protective of Frank left ckfive sweating buckets and rejoicing he never

    attacked Frank.

    If he did... it would really be over for him! Frank really was Gus'' friend!

    "Then can I leave now?" Frank asked shortly and loftily.

    "O-Of course!" ckfive nodded repeatedly as he came to his senses, shing a fawning smile.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "Dad! Why are you letting them go?!" Baldie cried inint.

    "Shut up!" ckfive promptly pped him across the face, leaving him on the verge of tears.

    He would never dare to breathe a word now and was even smiling fawningly as he watched Frank and

    the others leave.

    Frank then paused. "Oh, and about damages..." "Oh! Right, yes, of course." ckfive promptly

    whipped out a gold card from his pocket, smiling. "There''s five hundred grand in here, Mr. Lawrence.

    You can use the money at this bar and consider it mypensation..."

    Frank did a double take-he actually was going to ask how much he had to pay, but ckfive got the

    wrong idea and thought Frank was coercing him instead.

    After a moment of silence, Frank took the card anyway.

    Given how ckfive behaved around him now, the man would not ept anypensation.

    If anything, taking the gold card would actually offer him peace of mind.

    And to no surprise, ckfive was a lot less apprehensive after Frank took his gold card, even getting

    his goons to get in line, forming a guard of honor as Frank and the others left.

    "Pleasee again!" he eximed after them.

    The bar guests who remained were all left gaping as they watched ckfive bend himself backwards,

    and it was especially the case for Pico, the bar owner, and Soren''s bootlickers.

    They certainly had never heard of ckfive behaving like such a loser, let alone witnessed it!

 Chapter 975

    As Frank drove, he nced at Kat in the backseat. "Let''s go to a hospital nearby." "Hold up. When did

    you get so friendly with the Soranos, Master Lawrence? " Kat asked, not bothered by her injuries,

    moving about restlessly even though Helen told her not to move.

    "One of their retainers is my patient, that¡¯s all," Frank said.

    Kat whistled, impressed. "That''s so cool... I think I should give up on martial arts and pick up medicine!"

    "Why don''t you actually study properly first?" Frank shot her down, not holding back at all. "Medicine

    requires specialized knowledge, while you don''t know a thing. Would you manage to learn anything at

    all?" "Hmph. More like you just don''t want to teach me." Kat pouted, folding her arms before her chest.

    Frank chuckled. "Fine, then let''s give you a crash course. First, you will memorize the names and the

    properties of ten thousand medicinal herbs, and the effects if they were mixed together."

    That was enough to give Kat a migraine, and she threw up her hands in resignation, while Helen hid a

    giggle.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    They arrived at the emergency ward, and Frank was cleaning Kat''s scratches when he saw an

    ambncee bounding into the hospitalpound.

    "Make way, make way!"

    A group of doctors and nurses were hurriedly wheeling a man, whose face was covered in blood, into

    the operating room.

    In fact, he was beaten up all over-he was a gruesome mess.

    "What?"

    Frank was ready to leave since it was none of his business, when he saw a ck, unevenly shaped pill

    dropping off the patient''s hand.

    He did a double take as he recognized that it was the antidote pill he refined.

    He then looked at the patient''s face and was soon left thunderstruck as he remembered.

    It was Nash Yego, Kat''s father!

    Frank''s shock showed on his face too. "Didn''t I send him to deliver the pills to Gus Zeller? How did he-"

    "Master Lawrence? Why are you spacing out there?"

    Kat saw Frank standing and spacing out in the hallway and waved in front of his eyes.

    "Kat..."

    Frank did a double take but quickly realized that he could not let Kat find out about this.

    Forcing a smile, he threw Helen his car key and said solemnly, "Sorry, something just came up. Go

    back to the cottage, and don''t run off again." "Huh? What came up?" Kat asked, suspicious.

    Frank nodded and smiled to make himself look as natural as possible. "It''s the Soranos. I told you that

    one of their retainers was my patient, didn''t I?" "Fine," Kat replied grumpily. "Be back soon." "Yeah,"

    Frank said, waving her goodbye.

    "Frank, what happened?" Helen asked, frowning worriedly.

    Kat might not be able to read Frank''s mind, but Helen had been with him long enough to tell.

 Chapter 976

    "It''s just a little something... Don''t worry," Frank said, deciding not to tell Helen.

    He did not want Helen to worry about Nash, since Nash had been kind to her.

    "Okay," Helen did not press Frank since he did not want to say, and instead nodded. "In that case, I''ll

    be going back to Mr. Yego''s cottage. Be safe." "I know. See you." After sending off Helen, Frank took a

    moment to calm down and strode toward the operating room, his knuckles clenched.

    Nash was so thoroughly maimed that |

    he could not recognize Frank at all¡ªit was not just a beating, but it was violent torture! Hee "Nash..."

    Frank felt a pang of guilt just then¡ªthis would not have happened if he did not send Nash to deliver his

    pills.

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    Naturally, he more or less had an idea who had done this.

    "Willy Sorano..." he growled, his eyes shing viciously as his rage red.

    "Hey! This is an operating room! You''re not allowed in here!" A nurse promptly stopped him when she

    saw Frank about to barge inside.

    "I''m a family member and a doctor. Let me in," Frank said, showing perfect self-control after what had

    happened

    three years ago despite his rage.

    Right now, his priority was to save - Nash and not get payback from the Soranos.

    "You''re a doctor?" The nurse st7i~A Frank and shook her head. "I don''t care what doctor you are. Only

    the doctors on duty are allowed in." "Moreover..." She trailed off, the contempt in her eyes showing

    despite her mask. "This hospital is owned by the Sorano family. Who do you think you are?" "What..."

    Frank was certainly infuriated, but he also knew that suddenly mentioning that he was a doctor ready to

    treat a patient did not make sense.

    If they allowed anyone in just because

    they said that, why bother operating a hospital at all? | Holding back his rage, Frank asked i quietly,

    "How long until they''re finished?" "You''ll be informed when they are," the nurse replied nonchntly,

    not wanting to waste her breath and pushing him away. "Why are you still standing here? I just told you

    the Soranos own this ce¡ªdon''t you know what happens if you mess with them?!" Frank had enough

    of her arrogant attitude right then and shoved her out of the way as he strode into the brightly lit

    operating room.

    The nurse promptly shouted, "Help! Security! We have an intruder here! Come here quickly!"

    A gang of security guards promptly showed up at the other end of the hallway, all of them holding stun

    batons as they charged into the operating room.

    Meanwhile, inside the operating room, the anesthetist was speaking quietly to the surgeon, "Willy

    Sorano''s orders are to keep him alive... even if he loses his limbs." | "Got it." Dr. Brent, the chief

    surgeon, sighed, shaking his head as he turned toward Nash, who was a bloody mess on the operating

    table. "Honestly, what the hell did you do to the man? It''s actually amazing, like he doesn''t want you to

    live or die..."

 Chapter 977

    Bang! Frank kicked open the door to the operating room, and the doctors all jumped and turned toward

    him in shock.

    "Hey! Who are you?! What are you doing here?!" "How confident are you about saving the patient,

    doctor?" Frank asked bluntly as he strode inside, staring icily at Dr. Brent as he stood near the

    operating table.

    "Well..." Dr. Brent was hesitant.

    The patient was maimed, but not lethally, since the torturer had been... methodical. They knew how to

    maximize pain but keep the victim alive.

    But even if there was no chance of the victim dying, a full recovery was a pipe dream too. The torturer

    made sure that their work was permanent, shattering the victim''s thigh bones and leaving him

    wheelchair bound.

    As the doctor in charge, even he would not be able to do much with the full extent of his abilities.

    Moreover, he had express orders to keep the man alive and in pain-they were not supposed to help

    him at all, only prolong his pain.

    "Is that so? I understand." Frank could read Dr. Brent''s mind just from the troubled look in his eyes-

    Nash was brought here to a hospital, but not for treatment.

    Striding up at the operating table, he snapped coldly, "All of you, out!" "Who do you think you are,

    orderingaround?!" The anesthetist who was seated earlier stood up, ring at Frank in contempt. "The

    Sorano family owns this hospital. You don''t get to strut here!" "Fuck off!" Frank sent him flying to a wall

    with a kick, knocking him out.

    Right now, all he wanted to do was to save Nash. He did not have the tto waste his breath with these

    people! "W-What...?" Frank could not care less and stood his ground as he bellowed, "Didn''t you hear?

    I told you to leave!" The doctors all traded looks, feeling the chill running up their spines.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    They were not a part of the Sorano family, just hired personnel, so this was quite the scary scene for

    them... "Oh, I''m not catching this heat. I''m out." 7187 Verify captcha to read the content Verify

 Chapter 978

    Although the dozen over security guards were wearing uniforms, their boorish speech made it clear

    that they were just sstreet thugs.

    Frank slowly looked up at them as they charged inside, growling, "You have five seconds. Get out of

    here, or I won''t hold back." "Shit, we have a cocky one!" The security guard leader leapt up at him, stun

    baton raised.

    "Hmph." Frank really did not have the tto waste with these thugs.

    Nash was still on the operating table, groaning softly in pain and in need of medical attention.

    Leaping up right then, Frank knocked out the security guard with the side of his palm, and the guard

    was sent rolling as he eyes rolled up in its sockets.

    Bzzt...

    Frank had grabbed the first security guard''s stun baton before he was sent flying and shoved it at the

    next closest security guard, leaving him convulsing as ck smoke billowed.

    "Out!" Frank bellowed and kicked the security guard into another.

    More kepting, however, and Frank did not hold back.

    Crack.

    Thud.

    Wham.

    He darted between them like a lightning bolt as he took them all down in under thirty seconds.

    The doctors who were peeking from the hallway were left gaping-every security guard who had such

    pompous moments was on the floor rolling around and screaming like gutted pigs. Many of them were

    still suffering from electric shocks, their tongues hanging out creepily.

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    "Take them with you and leave!" Frank then bellowed at the only security guard left standing.

    However, the security guard promptly fled the operating room whipping out his phone as he did. "J-Just

    you wait! You''ve really done it now, messing with us on Sorano turf!" Frank did not chase after him.

    Instead, he kicked every incapacitated bodyguard out of the operating room before mming the doors

    shut with a bang and striding to the operating table.

    The doctors who were chased out earlier looked in through the ss out at the hallway, watching him

    in shock.

    "The hell is he doing? Surgery...?" Dr. Brent leaned against the ss even as he watched reluctantly in

    exasperation.

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 Chapter 979

    Dr. Jomer kept gloating. "In the end, Draconian traditional medicine is a weak copy of modern

    medicine, imitating stuff like removing dead tissue and sewing open wounds. It''s all just a scam." While

    the other doctors nodded in agreement with Dr. Jomer, Dr. Brent frowned. "Just shut up and watch

    what that kid''s up to." Dr. Jomer shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Probably someone with a

    grudge. I mean, hurting that poor man even after all that? I really pity the man..." Meanwhile, Frank

    ced his needles beside Nash on the operating table-it was only up close that he saw the true extent

    of Nash''s injuries. Nash''s face was leftpletely and gruesomely disfigured, and his ribs were almost

    completely broken. None of his limbs were left whole and even stendons were cut.

    It was utter savagery.

    Frank actually felt the impulse to charge into Sorano Estate and find justice, but he could not¡ªnot until

    he saved Nash.

    Shoving two Ichor Pills into Nash''s mouth, he focused as he picked up his needles, sticking each into

    various spots across his veins, stimting his body to effectively absorb the Ichor Pills.

    Frank then generously infused copious amounts of pure vigor into Nash''s body, mending his severed

    muscles and veins just to quicken the healing process.

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    Slowly, Nash''s mangled body showed signs of recovery-the Ichor Pill certainly deserved its name, fixing

    Nash''s broken ribs within minutes and his broken arms too.

    The doctors all outside were looking on in shock.

    Dr. Jomer, who had been especially dismissive earlier, was rubbing his eyes. He could not believe what

    he was seeing from the electronic equipment monitoring Nash''s condition! "What devilry is this... Only

    minutes have passed..." "How..." "It''s a first fortoo... Is this the real Draconian traditional medicine? It''s

    simply-" Before Dr. Brent could finish, a group of white-uniformed men pushed them away.

    "Who are you people?" Dr. Brent quickly asked after a momentary surprise..

    "I heard someone caused trouble here. Is that the one?" et An old man in a white suit and a sinister

    visage strode up just then, ncing coldly at Frank in the operating room and then Brent. "Yeah, that''s

    him." Dr. Brent nodded stiffly.

    u over UMS He could see now that these were elite Sorano bodyguards, and the old man leading them

    was an elite martial artist.

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 Chapter 980

    Ghent did not really get along with Gus even though they were both retainers of the Sorano family.

    However, while Ghent deferred to Gus because Gus outranked him, that did not mean that Ghent

    feared him.

    And now that Frank had intruded into Sorano turf and caused trouble, it was a definitive p in the face

    for the Soranos.

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    If anything, he was dead sure that Gus could not argue if he killed Frank right here and now.

    With that in mind, he strode up and barked coldly into the operating room, "You have five minutes to

    cout and apologize, Frank Lawrence, or I''ll kill you in the nof the Sorano family!" "Hmph." Frank could

    certainly hear him but merely leveled a brief nce of disdain at Ghent before returning to work.

    Nash stirred just then, looking around in confusion but soon saw Frank.

    He was immediately apologetic. "I-I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I failed to do what you''ve askedto....."

    Frank frowned, withholding his age as he asked, "What the hell happened? Who did this to you?!"

    "It''s... Oh..." Nash sighed, and told him everything that happened at Sorano Estate.

    In the afternoon, Nash Yego had driven to the Soranos'' grand estate with the pills Frank passed him.

    Approaching one of the bodyguards at the gates, he smiled politely and asked, "Excuse me, could you

    please ask for Mr. Gus Zeller? Please tell him that Mr. Lawrence''s medicine is being delivered."

    "What?" The bodyguards paused and frowned upon hearing Gus'' name. "Who are you? We weren''t

    informed." "Oh... Is Mr. Zeller busy? Could you please contact him?" Nash continued politely¡ªit was

    something he was really good at.

    If Frank were in his ce, he would have been fed up with the bodyguard''s pompous attitude by then.

    "Hold on," the bodyguard replied nomittally, picked up the phone from his table, and called his

    captain. "Yeah. Sold man cup and asked to see Gus Zeller... Yes, cap. Understood." "Please, could you

    just helpout? I-It''s Mr. Lawrence''s request to deliver this to Gus Zeller." "Enough already!" The

    bodyguard sprang to his feet and grabbed Nash by the cor and pointed at Nash''s car impatiently. "I

    don''t know any Mr. Lawrence, and I told you to fuck off! You hear? Cap says no, and that means no.

    The Soranos would have told us to open the gates for you otherwise!" Nahs kept insisting nheless,

    "Please, I''m just here to deliver this medicine! Please contact Gus Zeller¡ª" "You fucking asked for it!"

    The bodyguard shoved Nash to the ground, snapping coldly, "Did you even get a good look at me? Do

    you think I''m in a position to talk to Mr. Zeller? And you-where did you even cfrom? Where did you get

    those pills from? Are u trying to poison the Soranos?! Why don''t you givea name, and I''ll let you in if I

    recognize it!" The bodyguard was endlessly pompous even though he was just a glorified doorman.

 Chapter 981

    "What...?" Nash did not expect that even a bodyguard of the Soranos would be this pompous, let alone

    suffer such harassment.

    He was just here to deliver spills! Moreover, he knew plenty of pharmacies and apothecaries, but he

    kept true to his honest nature, smiling as he said, "Please, sir-I''d never lie to you. Mr. Lawrence

    prescribed these pills to Mr. Zeller. You can check with Mr. Zeller if you don''t believe me." Sadly for

    Nash, speople were simply abusive, having no regard for good manners as they would bully anyone

    who seemed soft.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Are you deaf?!" the bodyguard snapped, leaping to his feet. "I just told you that smook likedoesn''t get

    to contact Mr. Zeller-it''s on my head if you''re just here to cause trouble! You can contact Mr. Zeller

    yourself if what you said is true, and then he''d tell us to let you in. Now get out of here already!" He

    pushed Nash to the floor again.

    "Hey...!" Nash was really frustrated but soon realized that whatever he said was pointless.

    He whipped out his phone to call Frank, but Frank was too busy with the bar fight to notice his call.

    Unable to reach Frank and supposing that he was busy, Nash gave up and returned to the bodyguard,

    smiling. "Excuse me, l just leave Mr. Zeller''s medicine here. You can pass it to him once breach him,

    alright?" "Fuck off!" The bodyguard swiped the pills off the table, springing to his feet again. "Do you

    take this ce for a garbage dump?! What don''t you understand?! Get out before you pissoff, or I''ll

    break your legs!" Nash only smiled despite the bodyguard''s unreasonable attitude and picked up the

    pills as he prepared to leave exasperatedly.

    That was when a car arrived at the gates and honked twice.

    The bodyguard heard it and was at once at attention as he looked outside. Once he saw the license

    te, he was smiling as he ran toward it, pushing Nash aside and almost knocking him over.

    "Welcback, Mr. Sorano!" he greeted Willy Sorano while pressing the button to open the massive gates.

    "Yeah." Willy nodded at the backseat and then saw Nash crouching as he picked up the pills.

    "Oh, that geezer?" The bodyguard shed a fawning grin as he turned. "I don''t know where he''s from,

    but he said he''s here to deliver medicine to Mr. Zeller. I asked the captain, but no one was informed, so

    I didn''t let him in "Wait, Gus Zeller''s medicine... from Mr. Lawrence?" Willy mused to himself, and soon,

    a certain Lawrence''s face cto mind.

 Chapter 982

    "Wait, Gus Zeller''s medicine... from a Mr. Lawrence?" Willy mused to himself, and soon a certain

    Lawrence''s face cto mind.

    As Willy''s expression turned cold, Nash saw the expensive car driving into Sorano Estate and Willy

    who sat at the back.

    Noticing the bodyguard fawning all over Willy, Nash could see that Willy was a big deal, and someone

    like him would most likely help him out.

    He walked up to Willy''s car, bowing nervously and asking gingerly, "Mr. Sorano? I''m here to deliver

    medicine to Mr. Zeller, but | wasn''t allowed in and

    couldn''t contact Mr. Zeller. Could you please¡ª"

    "Shut up!" the bodyguard bellowed at him right then. "Did you just ask Mr. Sorano to run an errand for

    you?! Who do you think you are?!"

    "No! That''s not what | mean!" Nash threw his hands up in panic. "This is medicine, and I''m sure Mr.

    Zeller needs it urgently to be free of pain soon.

    That''s why I''m asking a favor... Could you please pass this to Mr. Zeller, or just call him? I''m really sorry

    for taking up your time."

    Nash''s humility left Willy''s eyes shing in amusement, and he grinned. "Those pills are from a Mr.

    Lawrence, you say? Could it be Frank Lawrence?"

    "Oh? Do you know him, Mr. Sorano?" Nash''s eyes lit up in delight at Willy''s words.

    He was innocently convinced that the pills would be delivered if Willy was Frank''s acquaintance.

    He certainly would not think so if he knew what happened between them!

    "Shit." The bodyguard''s heart skipped a beat¡ªhe did not think that Nash was telling the truth.

    And if Willy''s friend got upset, he would be butchered many times over!

    However, even before the bodyguard could drop to his knees and apologize, Willy alighted and took the

    bag of pills Nash held out to him.

    "I''m relieved that you''re a friend of Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Sorano. Thank you so much for helping¡ªplease

    bring those pills to Mr. Zeller soon."

    Completely oblivious, Nash was bowing in gratitude, only to watch in shock as Willy threw the bag on

    the floor before trampling over each pill

    violently.

    "What are you doing, sir?!" Nash eximed in shock, confused by why Frank''s friend would suddenly

    flip out.

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    And once Willy was done, he was rearing his head andughing. "Hahaha... This is great!"

    Then, as everyone looked on in shock, he turned to Nash with a re of contempt. "Old-timer, | know

    Frank Lawrence... But whoever said we''re

    friends?"

 Chapter 983

    "What?!" Nash froze at Willy''s outburst.

    Did that mean Willy and Frank were... enemies? Willy continued tough savagely. "You see... the

    nFrank Lawrence means a lot to me. I dream of killing him every night, and I could skin him where he

    stands! And you! You''re makingrun an errand for that prick?! What''s wrong with you?!" Nah was

    dumbstruck, and he leveled a pained stare at the pills Willy crushed under his foot.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Please, Mr. Sorano..." He reasoned, "You could just say no if you didn''t want to help! How could you

    ruin the pills Mr. Lawrence made? It''s for a member of your family!" "Hahaha... Just shut up already!"

    Willyughed, pointing at Nash as he bellowed, "I''ve finally caught on now... so this is why Gus was

    vouching for Frank Lawrence, even though that means humiliating me! He''s in league with Frank!"

    Pointing at the pills on the floor, Willy keptughing coolly. "Well, here''s the proof. Let''s see what Gus

    has to say for himself!" "What are you talking about, Mr. Sorano?!" Nash eximed in confusion.

    Willy did not need him to understand, however.

    Turning toward the bodyguard standing nearby, he smiled darkly "Go call up the boys and show this

    geezer sproper hospitality! We''ll get proof that Gus has beeno consorting with the enemy "Yes, Mr.

    Sorano!" The bodyguard had calmed down after panicking earlier for a moment.

    So the geezer was a foe and not a friend.

    That certainly made things much easier! Whipping out his phone, the bodyguard made a call, and

    twentyish of his colleagues immediately arrived and encircled Nash.

    "What are you doing?" Nash cried. "I-I don''t know anything!" Verify captcha to read the content Verify

 Chapter 984

    Frank coincidentally happened to be at the shospital.

    Noticing the bloody mess that was Nash, he barged into the operating room to save Nash, chasing out

    all the other doctors.

    There was no telling what punishment Nash would have been subjected to if not for Frank, but he was

    still a bloody mess-all his nails were torn off, and every bone was broken.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Frank could not help feeling regret and rage-Nash looked a decade older now! If only he did not send

    Nash to Sorano Estate! "Willy Sorano!" Once Frank had the nof the culprit after Nash told him

    everything, he called Loggins Apothecary to transfer Nash over for better care.

    Then, he strode out of the operating room, standing off against Ghent Loeb and the many Sorano

    bodyguards he brought. Already furious, Frank was not polite at all, though he remained calm. "Get the

    fuck out of here, and I''ll let you live. Refuse, and you will die." "Bastard..." Ghent actually felt a small

    pang of panic from the death aura spilling from Frank and frowned.

    "You barged into Sorano property and hurt our security guards, and you''re telling us to leave when we

    haven''t punished you?" "Who do you think you are?!" The bodyguards with Ghent allughed.

    Frank slowly clenched his fist and rasped quietly, "Final warning." "Con, do your worst!" "There''s so

    many of us! You think we can''t take you?" "Why bother? Just take him down and break all his bones,

    one by one!" Seeing that the bodyguards were already talking about what they were going to do to him,

    especially the part about breaking his bones, Frank decided that he had enough@ight then. He

    remembered how Nash looked on the operating table, and it fueled his murderous intent even more!

    "Alright, you asked for it," he calmly said and disappeared.

    "Wha-" front o velhet Ghent could not even exim ''what'' in twhen Frank reappeared front one of the

    bodyguards, grabbing his arm even before he could react.  ?w"You said you were

    going to break my bones, huh?" he asked softly.

    The bodyguard was left gaping in panic as he stared into Frank''s cid eyes, unable to breathe a

    word.

    "Don''t you dare-" Before Ghent could even finish his threat, Frank had sent a burst of his pure vigor

    into the bodyguard''s nerves.

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 Chapter 985

    Ghent snorted coldly. "How dare you, Frank Lawrence! That''s a man of the Sorano family you just

    killed!" He leapt into the air, running along the wall as he charged down the hallway at Frank like an

    eagle.

    His fingers were outstretched, with red pure vigor swirling around them like ws, tearing shrilly and

    audibly through the air. The Sorano bodyguards had to sp their hands over their ears! It was not

    surprising that Ghent was confident of himself, as he was Ascendant rank.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    However, he was just only in the early phase-it really was not enough against Frank! "Hmph. You''re

    asking for it..." Frank did not turn-he already knew Ghent was streaking toward him.

    He steadied himself, inhaling deeply before turning.

    Then, heunched a punch swirling in golden pure vigor that met Ghent''s w attack.

    Fist and finger collided, the terrible shockwave that ensued, quickly knocking everyone off bnce.

    Blood sttered across the hallway walls, leaving a sight of gore.

    When everyone caught their bnce, they froze.

    After all, it was not Frank who bled... It was Ghent! Frank''s punch was unstoppable-it pierced through

    Ghent''s entire arm, shattering it before hammering a gaping hole in Ghent''s chest.

    "Oof... Ugh..." Pieces of Ghent''s guts had sttered along the wall with his blood, and he was left

    gaping in disbelief at the young man who stood impassive as he slowly withdrew his fist.

    He had been practicing martial arts for decades, but this was his first tencountering such a violent

    punch... blowing a hole through his arm and chest! It was simply outrageous! "rgh..." Coughing out a

    mouthful of blood and guts, Ghent then copsed on the floor, his eyes wide open in disbelief even as

    he died. "Mr. Loeb... is dead?!" "Impossible! He''s Ascendant rank! There''s no way that bastard could

    kill him with one punch!" "No, no. I must be dreaming." Even as the bodyguards kept withdrawing as

    they murmured in disbelief, Frank turned toward them, impassive.

    "So?" Striding forward, Frank''s expression was neutral even as he spoke. "Weren''t you boys acting all

    tough earlier? And there are so many of you you can definitely kill me, don''t you think?" "Spineless

    bullies. You''re all trash." Frank shook his head in disappointment after a brief silence.

    "Yeah! You killed Mr. Loeb! You''re fucked!" "I don''t know if I''m going to die..." He slowly looked up, his

    eyes shing murderously as he abruptly shoved his foot into the floor tiles and leapt toward the

    bodyguards. "But none of you are leaving this ce alive!"

 Chapter 986

    Even before the two bodyguards at the front could react, Frank had leapt up. Then, seizing them by

    their throats, he crushed them with an audible crunch! "Go! Kill him!" Seeing that Frank was attacking,

    the bodyguards certainly knew it was the end for them.

    Since they were not getting away anyway, they pulled out their machetes and clubs as they charged

    toward Frank.

    "Hmph!" Frank handily threw the two dead bodyguards at them, running along the wall as they charged

    down the hallway and instantly leaping behind them.

    "Trying to run? No chance," Frank told the bodyguard who was ready to flee.

    It was thest thing the bodyguard ever heard.

    That sbodyguard had bellowed at the others to charge at Frank, intent on using them as a diversion

    while he ran away. Thud! Frank punched him in the throat, breaking it and watched as he copsed on

    the floor in terror, no longer breathing.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Seeing that Frank had cut off their escape, the Sorano bodyguards could not stay calm at all and were

    screaming as they ran down the other end of the hallway.

    Only a few challenged Frank, though the hallway was soon resounding with screams and covered in

    blood anyway.

    When Jim Loggins and the Loggins Apothecary staff arrived, they were left stunned by the sight before

    them.

    Sof the more faint hearted were already puking, and this was the first tJim had ever run into something

    like this.

    "Mr. Lawrence, what..." Jim blurted as he hurried to Frank.

    The man was crouching on the floor, his face covered in specks of blood.

    He slowly stood up, nodding at Jim in gratitude Thanks foring-the patient is in the operating room.

    Please move him to Loggins Apothecary, and take good care of him. I have to go since I have stuff to

    do." "W-Where are you going, Mr. Lawrence?" Jim asked, refraining from asking the details.

    After all, he could see that Frank was the one who had killed all the bodyguards, and there was a ne of

    fear in his eyes as he watched Frank leave. "To Sorano Estate," Frank answered, pausing but without

    turning back.

    "Sorano Estate? Why?" Jim asked, feeling a foreboding sensation right then.

    Seeing the gore around him that sent a chill down his spine, Jim knew Frank must be going to Sorano

    Estate bearing ill will.

    After all, the man was thoroughly maimed-his nails were torn off, and he was missing arge piece of

    scalp.

    "Could it be the Soranos?" Jim could not help wondering, and he soon realized something even more

    shocking.

    Jim flinched at the very idea-even among the Four Families of Morhen, elne et the Soranos were next

    to the Lionhearts in power! Not only did they control a monopoly over Draconia''s showbiz, but they had

    also groomed a group of retainers who were fiercely loyal.

 Chapter 987

    Jim had the right idea-Frank had gone to Sorano Estate for payback.

    Every the remembered the torture Nash had been put through only further fueled his rage, murderous

    intent, and profound guilt.

    Not only did the man allow him to stay in his house, but he also got hurt because of him.

    If Kat found out, even she would surely not react well to him.

    "You''re going to die, Willy Sorano!" Frank growled, clenching his fist as his eyes shed with fury.

    He would make everyone pay for what they did to Nash, be it Willy or anyone else who was involved in

    torturing Nash! He would not hold back, even if it meant war against the Soranos! He strode out of the

    hospital, getting into a taxi that took him straight to Sorano Estate, since Helen had left in his car.

    He just so happened to run into the sbodyguard Nash spoke of.

    "What are you doing here, kid?" the bodyguard asked loftily.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Just as Nash had said, he was no more than a glorified doorman, but he was utterly despicably

    haughty because of who he served. "Is Willy Sorano here?" Frank asked as he strode up to him.

    "Mr. Sorano?" The bodyguard looked Frank from head to toe, his eyes soon showing disdain when he

    saw the taxi that was leaving. The man had to take a taxi? What, he could not even afford a car?!

    Deciding right then that Frank didnot amount to anything, he waved Frank away like he was a fly,

    shooting him a sideways re of contempt. "Not everyone gets to meet Mr. Sorano. Who do you think

    you are, calling him by name? Take a good look in the mirror... Urgh, what day is it? First it''s sgeezer

    looking for Mr. Zeller, and now it''s sbroke ass brat looking for Mr. Sorano-" "What was that? A geezer

    looking for Mr. Zeller?" Frank pressed on purpose.

    "Hmph." The bodyguard sneered at Frank, his tone impatient, "You want to know what happened? You

    had to be here to see it for yourself. By the tthe ambnce cfor him, all his Bones were broken, but he

    kept holding on to spills, saying that it''s Mr. Lawrence''s pills and shouldn''t go to waste. Oh, it was such

    a riot..." Suddenly, the bodyguard felt the air around him turning cold, and he looked up at Frank in

    shock to find his murderous re.

    "W-What are you doing?! Who are you?!" He stumbled backward, feeling that his life was in danger just

    from Frank''s presence.

    "I''m the Mr. Lawrence you were talking about," Frank said and seized him by the throat.

    "Gurk-what, let go of me... The We will kill you for this...

    your knees and I might even forgive you" belongs to englishS your knees auet sw Even now, he

    was still posturing with his masters'' importance!

 Chapter 988

    Frank certainly had nothing to say to that scumbag and crushed his throat with an audible crunch.

    He dropped the bodyguard in a pool of his own blood, his eyes wide open even as he died, still having

    no idea how that happened. How could someone really cause trouble at Sorano Estate? "Phew..." With

    that done, Frank strode up to the front gates of Sorano Estate, inhaling deeply before kicking it.

    The towering steel gates copsed along with a portion of the wall attached to it.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "What? What was that?" "Earthquake?" The Sorano bodyguards all quickly assembled at the gates and

    were left staring in shock at the young man who strode out from the dust, his expression impassive.

    They then froze when they saw their colleague lying dead nearby in a pool of blood.

    "W-What the hell?" "A-Are we under attack?" "No way, for real?" Even as the bodyguards traded

    nces from how ridiculous the whole thing was, the young man spoke. "Bring Willy Sorano to me."

    His words were calm, but there was a terrible storm that lurked beneath the cidness.

    "W-Who are you? What are you doing here?!" "Yeah! Did you chere to mess about?!" Frank did not

    have tfor the stards'' endless questions, a e turned icy. "Five minut If I don''t see Willy Sorano then, you''ll

    all die." "Die?" W I Frank''s threat only left the bodyguards around him staring in disbelief.

    Was he really here to start a fight, and with Willy at that? And he calone into the estate of one of the

    Four Families of Morhen? Did he have a death wish?! The bodyguards traded nces, though they

    soon understood that they were not hallucinating-.

    The kid really did just threaten them! In short, they were not crazy-he was the crazy one! One of the

    bodyguard captains, dressed in full white, strode up and looked Frank from head to toe.

    "Do you even know what you''re saying, kid?" He snickered. "I''m in my thirties, but you''re the first to cto

    Sorano Estate looking for trouble." The other bodyguards were allughing at Frank too, thinking him

    suicidal foring.

    Without further ado, Frank disappeared like a phantom.

    et He reappeared the next instant beside the bodyguard captain and decapitated him with the side of

    his palm even as the bodyguard captain keptughing!  ?wThe other bodyguards

    watched in shock as the head seemed to float in mid-air, while the decapitated corpse copsed to the

    ground.

 Chapter 989

    The kid was being serious! The Sorano bodyguards all panicked even as they stared at Frank''s calm

    demeanor.

    He just killed the bodyguard captain with a single strike, and he recently beca vigor wielder...

    He was as formidable as the Sorano retainers, and he was not someone they could hope to win! "Go...

    get the retainers!" One of the bodyguards quickly turned to flee, and Frank simply watched him go

    without a word.

    That was when someone shouted at him, "Don''t get so full of yourself, you prick! You''re a dead man

    the moment you came!" It was one of the bodyguards, who could not stop his outburst as he watched

    the bodyguard captain drop lifelessly to the ground. "Hmm...?" Frank turned toward the bodyguard,

    locking eyes with him and asking just half a meter away, "You just calleda dead man?" The bodyguard

    gulped, regretting standing out just then.

    He nced at the hundred over Sorano bodyguards behind him, but none of them were attacking

    Frank.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    It was simplyughable.

    "Y-Yeah! You''re a dead man!" the bodyguard shouted, mustering his courage, though his voice was

    trailing off even as he continued. "If you get down on your knees and apologize, you just might... huh?"

    He felt a coldness even before he could finish and looked down to find a gaping skull-sized hole that

    tunneled through his chest. "Gah!" he screamed as he dropped to the ground with a thud.

    "Anyone have more today?" Frank asked, flicking his wrist to shake off the blood.

    He stared impassively at the deathly silent Sorano bodyguards around him just then and nodded.

    "You," he pointed at one of them.

    "What? Me?" The bodyguard flinched in panic when he realized that Frank was pointing at him, and

    trembled so much he almost dropped to his knees.  ?wBut he could not do it¡ªonce

    the Soranos killed Frank, they would kill him too.

    It was a family rule. No one must submit to an enemy-even if they were merely bodyguards.

    Still, the bodyguards were petrified.

    He remembered how he bragged to his family that working as a Sorano bodyguard was a safe, stable

    job.

 Chapter 990

    Frank remained impassive as he stared at the trembling Sorano bodyguard. "Your five minutes is over.

    Since you''re not bringing Willy Sorano over, you can taketo him." He picked that bodyguard merely

    because he was the obvious coward-the more afraid they were to die, the easier they were to control.

    Gutsy ones would only waste more of his time.

    "What? Mr. Sorano?" The cowardly Sorano bodyguard turned toward the other bodyguards hesitantly.

    However, they were clearly afraid that Frank would just kill their cowardly colleague and then turn his

    sights on them.

    They just worked here, and they certainly did not want to die! And while Frank''s only opinion of the man

    was ''coward'', the man could not be med.

    The Soranos were not a dynasty of martial artists like the Lionhearts, and their only real muscle were

    their retainers.

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    And while the Sorano bodyguards'' job title was bodyguard, they were really just your glorified security

    officers. They only took the job because it paid well and posed no risks-if anything, anyone who

    preferred looking after smansions instead ofmitting violence in the Soranos'' nwas definitely not

    plucky.

    That was why the hundred over Sorano bodyguards only encircled Frank instead of snapping Frank

    like their colleague did earlier. The whole thing had caught them off guard. None of them-not even the

    Soranos-would have thought that a day would cwhen a man would kick down the front gates of the

    Soranos'' hturf and start killing people.

    Grabbing the cowardly Sorano bodyguard by the cor, Frank then shoved him to the driver''s seat of a

    dcar.

    He then rode shotgun and said, "You''re a bodyguard, so you''d know where Willy is. Taketo him-of

    course, you can refuse. I''d just have to choose someone else." The cold smile on his face and the

    implicit threat almost left the cowardly Sorano bodyguard wetting his pants.

    "O-Okay... Willy Sorano, right? I''ll take you to him, okay?" he howled as he bawled "Please, just don''t

    kill me... I have a family... Please, don''t kill me..."  ?wswne Frank was actually taken

    aback, surprised that the man was even more cowardly than he thought.

    He was going to kill more Sorano bodyguards just to prove his point, but now, it seemed unnecessary.

    As for the other Sorano bodyguards, not only did they not give chase, but they also all breathed

    collective sighs of relief once the car was gone.

    They just worked here¡ªthe ones putting their lives on the line for the Soranos were not around! Having

    no reason to die for something like this, they merely eported Frank''s intrusion. After that heyjust had to

    wait for the retainer: o subdue him.  wf anything that Sorano bodyguard vas certainly

    unlucky. Although Frank had coerced him to take him o Willy Sorano, the Soranos would lefinitely see

    that as surrendering tc he enemy.  WEven if Frank did not kill him, things still would

    end badly for him.

 Chapter 991

    In around ten minutes, Frank found himself staring at a gigantic luxury mansion with over seven luxury

    cars lining the courtyard. Each of them were limited editions that would invoke considerable envy if

    seen in public-from the looks of it, they were Willy''s very own collection.

    He then alighted without further harassing the cowardly Sorano bodyguard. He had a bone to pick with

    someone else, and he only killed before in rage and to establish himself.

    Now that he had found Willy''s mansion, he had no reason to do it-he never liked killing and was always

    tolerant toward those who knew their ce.

    "Go." He waved off the cowardly Sorano bodyguard.

    The cowardly Sorano bodyguard actually thought he was going to die and was delighted that Frank did

    not kill him.

    After all, nothing could be more delightful than cheating death, and he even thanked Frank profusely,

    even though he was an intruder who barged into Sorano Estate.

    Frank was left shaking his head in bemusement-the standard of bodyguards around here was really

    lacking.

    Naturally, it was not their fault either. None of them could have known that someone would charge

    alone into Sorano Estate, which was why even the retainers had trouble reacting right away.

    "Hmph..." Frank snorted just then, as he heard the euphoric voices of men and women upstairs.

    His rage red further even as he kicked down the door-Willy had left Nash crippled and almost dead

    but continued to indulge in his usual vices like nothing.

    A scumbag through and through! As Frank headed upstairs, several servants could see danger when

    they spotted Frank, especially the specks of blood on him. "What are you doing here?!" "Fuck off!"

    Frank did not waste time, kicking away several of the servants who stood in his way. "Kyah-!!!" et A

    maid shrieked deafeningly and dropped the tray she was holding just as Frank pped and knocked

    out @manservant who leapt op at him, ready to attack. S "What''s going on?! Who keeps yapping

    there?!" Willy shouted from the room angrily. "I was just starting to have fun-do you wantto skin you?!"

    swn "Shush." Frank sneered as he put a finger on his lips, gesturing for the maid to be silent.

    Then, he kicked open the door to Willy''s room.

    "What?!" Willy was buck naked in bed, his eyes widening when he saw a stoic Frank strode in.

    "Frank Lawrence?! How did you get in here?!" he eximed, quickly wrapping a towel around himself

    in panic and confusion.

    "Kyah!!!" The woman in the bed scretoo-not stopping to ot W dressed, she picked up a bathrobe and

    ran past Frank out of the room.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

 Chapter 992

    Willyughed. "The fact that you showed up here means¡ª"

    Smack!

    Frank said nothing as he pped Willy resoundingly across the face, leaving him stunned.

    Seizing Willy by the neck, his eyes shed murderously as he bellowed, "I asked you a question, so

    answer it!"

    Willy could barely keep up¡ªhe touched his face and felt the sting, finally realizing it was no dream.

    His face contorted with rage and humiliation as he looked up and red at Frank. "Y-You hit me?! In

    my house?! Do you know what

    you''re doing?!"

    Smack!

    "I told you to answer my question!" Frank bellowed as he pped him again, leaving Willy seeing stars

    as his lips bled.

    It actually took Willy seconds to recover.

    "Frank Lawrence, you¡ª"

    "Answer my question!"

    Seeing Frank''s fury, Willy actually felt a pang of panic.

    He had no idea how Frank got inside his own house, but Frank was going to keep pping him if he

    kept being stubborn. As such,

    he had to hold back his own rage and bellowed, "If you''re talking about that geezer this afternoon, yes!

    | sicked my men on him, so

    what about it?! Do | need your approval?! Who do you think you are?!"

    "Who do | think am?"

    Frank chuckled, but his calmness was the one before a storm.

    Releasing Willy and letting him copse on the floor, Frank narrowed his eyes as he looked downward

    at Willy, growling icily, "You

    have one chance to spare yourself from pain, Willy Sorano¡ªcwithto the hospital and kowtow to Nash

    in apology. That, or

    you''ll regret it... Trustwhen | say that you''d feel pain a hundred times worse than Nash''s."

    Willy was huffing on the floor, even as he realized that Frank had gone through the pain to chere just to

    get payback for that

    geezer!

    Spitting a mouthful of bloody drool, he wobbled as he got up and red at Frank savagely and grinned.

    "Frank Lawrence, you have

    balls, I''ll give you that¡ªbut you''re done. You just had to enter my house and make a mess of things.

    Do you know whates

    after?!"

    His eyes shing maniacally, Willy cackled hysterically. "Hehehe... It''s not just you! Every single person

    you ever held dear will die

    in the most painful and gruesways! As they do, they will curse and spite you, regretting ever knowing

    you! The sgoes for

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    you, Frank Lawrence. You''re all done because | say so!"

 Chapter 993

    Frank did not even flinch as he watched Willy cackle hysterically, and he asked calmly, "So, are you

    done?" "Eh?" Willy was taken aback by Frank''s unaffected reaction, even asking nkly, "Aren''t you

    scared? I know everything about you and your family in Riverton-Oof!" Willy could not even scream as

    Frank punched his lower jaw, pulverizing everything including his teeth into mush.

    All he could do was writhe around the floor in sheer pain.

    "Maybe..." Frank remained impassive as he watched him convulse, speaking calmly, "Maybe my family

    will suffer like you threatened, but I''ll do all I can to stop it before that. If it''s a war you Soranos want, I

    wouldn''t mind showing my chops and bathing your house in blood." "Insolence!" An elderly man in a

    white suit emerged from the door behind Frank just then, ncing at Willy before ring furiously at

    Frank. "Bathe my house in blood?! Such bold words! Now state your name!" Gus Zeller then entered

    as well and did a double take in confusion when he saw Frank.

    "What?" he blurted-all he was told was that someone had barged into Sorano Estate, and he rushed

    over post-haste.

    He did not expect to see Frank at all... Did that mean he was the intruder?! "The nis Frank Lawrence,

    and I''ve been waiting." Frank stood his ground, his gaze wary even as studied the man in white. His

    pure vigor was palpable and exuberant-he had to be halfway up Ascendant rank or higher.

    In other words, he meant trouble.

    "Granduncle..." Willy''s eyes lit up hopefully when he saw the man in white and started to crawl toward

    him even as he bawled unintelligibly, "Help me, Granduncle! T-That bastard barged into our hand tried

    to kill me... You have to help" Naturally, Frank did not allow Willy to leave.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank stomped his foot on Willy''s knees, preventing him from moving even as he screamed, "Please,

    Granduncle! Save me!" Tony Sorano''s eyes bulged in rage at the sight of his grandnephew''s abuse

    and humiliation.

    Pointing at Frank, he bellowed, "I don''t care where you cfrom. You''ve intruded upon Sorano property (

    and hurt a child of the. family You''ll die where you stand! Let go of my grandnephew, and I''ll let you die

    with dignity!

 Chapter 994

    "I bear you no ill will, Mr. Sorano," Gus retorted firmly at Willy. "Why would you mistreat you in any

    way? If anything, it does the

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Sorano family no good to start a fight without knowing why. After all, we''re talking about a martial elite

    who''s clearly outraged

    enough to charge into our own turf."

    "Fine. In that case, I''d like to hear the brat''s story."

    Tony nodded, withholding his rage as he turned toward Frank with a cool re. "What''s your beef with

    my family, Mr. Lawrence?

    We should at least understand why you''re trying to start a war here."

    "That''s right." Gus nodded.

    "Hmph. Finally, someone who speaks like a human being." Frank snorted as he eased his foot over

    Willy''s kneecap.

    Turning toward Gus darkly, he asked, "When you consulted me, we agreed that I''d bring you medicine

    to treat your recurring

    condition, didn''t we?"

    "Is that true?" Tony turned to Gus.

    "Yes, it is." Gus nced at him in turn, nodding solemnly and frowning.

    Frank then bellowed, "I happened to be busy, so | sent a man to deliver the medicine, but Willy here

    intercepted him at the gates

    and tortured him! So what are you going to do about that?!"

    Tony was left stunned by Frank''s bellow, while Gus eximed in shock, "You''re saying that Mr. Sorano

    tortured your courier?! | don''t

    know anything about that!"

    He was just curious as to why Frank had not delivered the medicine on the appointed tas agreed... So

    Willy had messed

    everything up!

    "Wait!"

    Tony held up a hand, frowning at Frank. "There''s plenty of issues in what you said, Mr. Lawrence. |

    don''t even know you, so why

    would my grandnephew attack your courier? Did your courier upset him?"

    Frank snorted, not bothered to exin himself. "Why don''t you let Gus over there exin?"

    Gus nodded at Tony in turn. "Mr. Sorano here had a little disagreement with Mr. Lawrence in Riverton

    when he attempted to acquire

    Lycoris Entertainment. | stepped in so that they both let it rest on that asion, but..."

    Gus trailed off, but his meaning could not be clearer¡ªWilly clearly held a grudge and took it out on

    Frank''s courier, so Frank had to

    chere himself in the nof vengeance.

    "Gus Zeller, you prick!" Willy cried all over the floor right then. "You''re obviously friends with him! That''s

    why you spared him in

    Riverton... You''d believe him even though Granduncle Zam was killed there! Instead, you''d take it out

    on me, and now you''re

    siding with him again! Aren''t you consorting with the enemy against our family?!"

    Gus glowered visibly at Willy''s outburst, leveling him a cool look as he chuckled. "Actually, | haven''t

    even settle that issue with you,

    Mr. Sorano! I''ve told Master Sorano about everything that happened in Riverton¡ªwhy else do you think

    you were being

    investigated so thoroughly?!"

 Chapter 995

    "Gus Zeller...!!!" Willy hissed furiously, but there was nothing he could do.

    "Willy," Tony said quietly just then, "Gus is right. You haven''t been found innocent of Zam''s death, and

    now, you''ve brought more trouble to our doorstep. You''re in the wrong here, so apologize to Mr.

    Lawrence now." "What?!" Willy''s eyes widened so much they could pop out, and he shrieked even as

    he looked up at them, "Am I hearing this wrong?! This... This Frank Lawrence barged into our home,

    killed our bodyguards, and hurt me! And you''re letting this slide?! When has our family becthis weak?!

    Or do we not fight back when others shit on us these days?!" "Silence!" Gus bellowed icily as he strode

    a step forward. "Letmake this clear-you''ve only ever been causing us trouble, and you''re a suspect in

    your own granduncle''s death! Don''t try to cry your way out of this!" Then, pointing at Frank, Gus

    laughed despite himself. "Frank Lawrence sent a courier to deliver a medicine, but forget stopping him

    -you''d torture the man? What is it that you mean to do? You don''t wantto getmedicine and get better?!

    The only person who has been unfair is you!" Gus''s bellow left Willy''s flushing in frustration, just as

    Tony waved his hand,ing up with a verdict. "That''s enough. Mr. Lawrence. You''ve struck my

    grandson and voiced your grievance. Why don''t we let bygones be bygones?" Even before Willy could

    give a piece of his mind, Frankughed coldly and shook his head at Tony.

    Looking downward at Willy, who kept struggling against his foot, he growled through his teeth, "Do you

    know how vile this prick has been? He broke every bone in my courier''s body, pulled off every

    fingernail, and took a chunk off his scalp. My courier was barely breathing when I found him!" Gus and

    Tony both scowled at Frank''s description, shocked by Willy''s vileness.

    "Oh, and did you think that''s all?" Frank snickered coolly. "He was not satisfied after putting my courier

    through all that torture. He had him sent to the hospital to be treated, just so he could bring him back

    for another round!" Gus''s rage was visible just then.

    Even if he did not see Nash''s actual state, just hould feel it in his b far over the line e from Frank''s

    descripti alone! On the other hand, Tony''s expression cooled, but not from outrage.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    "Frank Lawrence," he said. "Do you have any proof of what you said? I can''t take your words at face

    value unless you produce evidence."

 Chapter 996

    Willy struggled violently even as he bawled, "Save me, Granduncle!!!" Tony promptly strode up and

    bellowed at Frank right then, "Stop! We were being reasonable here, but you''d hurt Willy instead?!

    Would you rather we not be reasonable?!" "Calm down, Mr. Lawrence," Gus reasoned as well,

    reluctant to fight Frank.

    "Heh..." Frank chuckled nonchntly in spite of Tony and Gus'' wary stances. "You''re the ones who

    should be begging. Even before I came, there were only two options I was going to offer Willy." As he

    spoke, he crushed Willy''s other kneecap with his foot-the man was in so much pain that he drifted in

    and out of consciousness, but all he could do was curse and yell Frank''s name.

    "I''ll kill him if youloser," Frank said just then, seeing that Tony was ready to attack.

    His warning promptly left Tony straightening warily-he could already tell that Frank was strong, and that

    killing Willy was a matter of will for him.

    "Then what do you want?!" Tony bellowed, ring at Frank in rage.

    "This prick will taste the pain he''s inflicted upon Nash Yego, and it''ll be a lesson for life. Naturally,

    whether he lives depends on what you do..." Folding his arms before his chest, Frank sneered,

    "Remember, I never cto reason with anyone-you''re all going to beg for Willy''s life. Right now, I''ll infuse

    a poison within his body that will leave him in screaming agony for three days and nights. Attack me,

    and het die, and then it is war." Frank narrowed his eyes, his tone sinisterly cold and sending chills

    down everyone''s spines. "Sure, you Soranos are rich and powerful, but none of you can stopif I want to

    escape. After that, I''ll retaliate in the worst way possible... as for what that actually means, you can

    sleep on it." Both Tony and Gus could feel their skin crawling at Frank''s threat.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    However, there was no doubt that the Soranos would have their hands full if they really upset a martial

    elite of Frank''s caliber.

    Unlike the Lionhearts, whose influence revolved around the martial arts scene and had et numerous

    martial artists among their ranks, it would be a pain for the Soranos if Frank was determined to hurt

    them-especially if he resorted to gueri tactics. As both Tony and Gus stayed silent, Frank could hear

    the footsteps downstairs.

 Chapter 997

    Frank sneered. "If you want him to live, you''ll bring him over to Loggins Apothecary and have him

    kowtow to Nash in apology... It''s either that, or you can wait until he dies screaming in three days. And

    you can trustwhen I say he''ll regret being alive then." With those words, Frank leapt off the second floor

    before anyone could respond,nding on top of one of Willy''s luxury cars. As the Sorano bodyguards

    around him looked on in shock, he leapt into a dcar and drove off.

    "Stop him! Stop him!" EmiSorano-Willy''s father-bellowed manically at the bodyguards downstairs,

    having rushed to the scene after hearing what had happened.

    "Oh... Okay!" The bodyguards finally cto their senses and finally gave chase.

    However, Frank had already put a considerable distance between them, and they had no hope of

    beating him even if they caught up.

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    As such, they merely looked busy chasing after Frank but were actually doing it half-heartedly.

    None of them were eager to die anyway.

    And within minutes, the Soranos'' elite bodyguards never arrived, and the others basically escorted

    Frank out of Sorano Estate.

    The second floor of Willy''s mansion was eerily silent, save for Willy himself rolling around the floor.

    He was shouting for help endlessly and crying in pain, begging for someone to kill him-everything that

    would leave anyone creeped out.

    As Zico Sorano''s eldest son and Willy''s father, Emiwas furious to see his son being put through such

    anguish.

    "Call for a doctor. Find out what happened to him... And can someone tellwhat happened already?!" At

    his bellow, Tony Sorano-who had been silent for a while-looked around at the gathered Sorano

    retainers and other high-ranked members of the family.

    Sighing, he strode up and spoke quietly, "Your son messed with an Ascendant rank, and he cfor

    revenge." As everyone else appeared confused, he exined quietly, "Willy assaulted the man he sent

    to deliver medicine, tortured him, and suffered his retaliation." "Nonsense!" Emimmed his hand on

    the table as he sprang to his feet, bellowing furiously, "What do we pay the retainers and bodyguards

    for Forget not subduing an enemy you''re siding with them to use my son?! I don''t care about

    justice-he attacked Sorano Estate, and that''s unforgivable!" "Exactly!" Emilio''s brothers agreed, with his

    second brother striding forwards as he growled coolly, "We are one of the Four Families of Morhen,

    and someone was allowed to cand go as they pleased?! What would people think?!" "That''s right!"

    Emilio''s third brother barked, scowling. "Not only would theyugh at us, but do you think they''d still

    fear us? They''d just treat us like spushovers!" S "I propose that we send our men out to capture him.

    We''ll skin him as everyone watches, so that he''ll understand the consequences of messing with us!" "I

    concur!" too!"

 Chapter 998

    Just as the Soranos'' executives and retainers almost cto an agreement, an authoritative voice barked

    from the doorway, "What''s going on here?!" Silence quickly ensued, with most of them keeping their

    heads down in reverence while an old man shuffled inside.

    His back was hunched and his visage ancient, but he carried himself with authority.

    He stood in the middle of the crowd, his eyes piercing studying everyone.

    It was none other than Zico Sorano, the head of the Sorano family, himself.

    "Brother." Tony approached him and told him everything that had happened, keeping his narrative

    neutral as he reported the facts of what he had seen.

    "Hmm... an Ascendant rank named Frank Lawrence?" Zico was focused on Frank, barely paying the

    writhing Willy any attention as he thought to himself in silence.

    Soon, he smiled enigmatically, with even the wrinkles on his face smoothening.

    "Well, that''s decided." He chuckled. "Ctomorrow and send an escort with Willy to apologize to Frank

    Lawrence. Remember to be solemn and sincere-do your best not to upset the boy." "Why, Father?!"

    Emiwas the first to protest, springing to his feet and bellowing, "He hurt your grandson, and in our own

    house! It''s a p in our collective faces, and we''re supposed to apologize?! We''d be making ourselves

    aughing stock!" Zico appeared unaffected despite Emiquestioning his orders. He turned toward the

    other key members and retainers of his family, asking calmly, "Does anyone here agree with Emilio?"

    No one spoke up at his question-Emionly dared to because he was Zico''s son, and that was not a

    privilege the others had. And they knew Zico. They must either obey him, or else.

    et Nheless, Tony soon strode up as well, speaking politely, "Brother, I''m afraid I don''t understand

    this either. The enemy has cand attacked us in our own house, so why are we apologizing instead?This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Isn''t this a p to our face, as Emilio''s put it?" "Hoho..." Zico chuckled, shaking his head but somehow

    not upset like he usually would be when others question him "None of you get it, do you? What if I told

    you that the boy is really Donn Lawrence, the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods who supposedly

    went missing in South Sea three years ago?" "What?!" "That boy... the only son of the Lord of the

    Southern Woods?" "Mystic Sky Sect... Donn Lawrence..." The key members and retainers of the

    Sorano family needed minutes to digest the bombshell. They certainly had no idea how Zico knew, but

    his judgment was always on the money.

    Zico then sighed, clearly wary of the Lord of the Southern Woods. "I''m sure we all know how protective

    that man is toward his son. If we se much asy a finger on the kid, he''d be on our doorstep the day

    after." "Then, what? Are we supposed to just take this lying down?" Emieximed in grief and

    frustration.

 Chapter 999

    "Oh, you needn''t worry." Zico smiled. "I''ve heard that there''s been issues with Turnbulls and Lionhearts''

    arranged engagement, and it all revolved around Frank Lawrence." Emirealized with a start. "Are you

    saying..." "Yes." Zico snorted. "We''ll stay behind the scenes and let the Turnbulls and the Lionhearts

    deal with him. Ideally, his identity stays hidden and all of them get hurt in their conflict. That''s when we

    cin..." Laughing coldly, Zico sighed. "The Five-Peat Archaeus is a discipline said to lead one to

    Transcendent rank, a path to immortality. What are the opinions of mortals inparison?" "I

    understand now... Thank you for your guidance, Father." "D-Dad? Save me... It hurts so much...

    Everything hurts..." Willy held out a hand to Emieven as he rolled around.

    However, Emiwas already fantasizing about obtaining the Five-Peat Archaeus and did not have any

    attention to spare. Eventually, he shot the boy with a calm look and said coolly, "If you want it to stop

    hurting, you''ll personally apologize to Frank Lawrence tomorrow. Remember to be respectful-you don''t

    have the luxury of messing up, you hear?" In reality, Willy could not even think.

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    He was losing his mind from the sheer anguish he was put through, and he nodded repeatedly even as

    his tears flowed.

    It was an utterly tragic sight.

    Gus Zeller nced at him and sighed, shaking his head. "Talk about digging a hole for yourself." The

    next day, Kat Yego skipped school and rushed to Loggins Apothecary, somehow receiving word that

    her father was hurt. "Dad, who did this to you?!" she eximed angrily.

    Naturally, she found Nash in a much better state than yesterday, or she would have lost her calm and

    started bawling. Despite their strained rtionship, she did care for her father, and her heart ached to

    see him lying in bed so feebly.

    "Oh... I''m fine, silly girl." Nash could speak normally too, having mended at an logical rate with the two

    Ichor Pills from Frank. Though he was still bedridden, most of his physical injuries had healed.

    In just a couple weeks, he would make a full recovery, which left Abel Loggins and his staff further el

    impressed by Frank''s knowledge in medicine. "Uncle Nash, who did this to you? I''ll find them and give

    them a piece of my mind!" A mild-mannered bespectacled man entered the ward just then, scowling as

    he did and promising to help Nash.

    He was Matis Nagel, Nash''s sister-inw''s son.

    "No, it''s fine. What are you doing here, Matis?" Matis paused at Nash''s question and said quietly, "My

    friend just happens to work at that hospital you were transferred from. Your ncup in a conversation, and

    then told Mom, who toldto see you right away. Who did this to you, Uncle Nash?"

 Chapter 1000

    As Matis put down the fruit basket he brought and frowned, Nash remained silent.

    "It''s..." Eventually, he sighed without mentioning a name. "Just forget it. We can''t afford to mess with

    them." "Now, now. You''re underestimating Matis, Nash!" a shrill voice spoke outside the door.

    Soon, a middle-aged woman dressed in yellow who sported permed hair and excessive makeup strode

    in, clicking her tongue. She was Mel Gunnar, Nash''s sister-inw.

    "How terrible... What did you do to deserve this, Nash?" she eximed before turning to sh a proud

    smile at Matis. "But don''t worry-with my son around, he''ll find justice for you, whoever it was!" "Exactly."

    Matis nodded. "Just tell us who it is. I''ll definitely help you!" "You really don''t have to." Nash shook his

    head, not inclined to involve them and finding Mel''s voice too shrill for his liking.

    "Just tell us, Dad! Who did this to you? Was it my fault?" Kat pressed, clearly ming himself for her

    father''s injury since she believed Soren Lionheart was responsible.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Oh, fine..." Nash sighed, unable to withstand his daughter''s pestering. "There''s a little

    misunderstanding when I delivered medicine for Mr. Lawrence. Don''t worry, Kat-it''s not your fault."

    "Master Lawrence?" Kat did a double take, surprised that Frank had something to do with his father''s

    injury.

    "Mr. Lawrence? Who''s that, Kat?" Matis asked, frowning.

    "He''s a guest lodging at our cottage, my mentor, and-" Kat happened to spot Frank entering just then

    and pointed at him. "There he is." "What are you doing here, Kat?" Frank was surprised Kat found out

    about Nash''s injury, and he felt guilty and helpless at once-he was not keeping his hands clean now.

    "Mr. Lawrence, was it?" Matis suddenly stood in Frank''s way, leveling a hostile re at him. "You''re the

    reason my uncle was hurt? Who are you?" "Hmm?" Frank nced quizzically between Matis and Mel,

    and then at Kat.

    "That''s my cousin Matis, and my Aunt Mel." "Oh, your rtives?" Frank nodded.

    He a hand to Matis, saying lightly, nis Frank Lawrence, I''meng 2. Ot want trouble, and held out at your

    uncle''s for work. How do you do?" "I''m not feeling so good," Matis snapped, pping Frank''s hand

    away and seizing him by the cor his faces inches away from Frank''s as he growled icily, "You''d best

    tellwho hurt my uncle, or you''re not leaving this room!" "What are you doing, Matis?!" Kat would have

    asked Frank himself, but she was upset to see her cousin vent his anger on Frank.

    However, before she could reach them, Mel caught her while leveling Frank a look of suspicious

    disdain "What happened here? Why would you let ssuspicious character like him stay in your cottage

    Do you need money?"

 Chapter 1001

    "You just have to tell us if you need money... Now, see? Your father was attacked and can''t even say

    who it was or demand an

    apology. You have to suffer because of your pride, messing with the unseemly sort."

    Although Mel''s words were sympathetic, her expression did not show it¡ªif anything, there was a hint of

    contempt.

    Frank could see that Nash and Kat''s rtives were treating them strangely. Pausing for a moment, he

    turned back to Matis and said

    quietly, "Listen to me. The man who attacked Nash is not someone you can mess with."

    "Really?"

    Matis snorted in turn, releasing Frank and walking to his mother, snorting in contempt, "Did you hear

    that, Mom? He said | can''t

    mess with the man who attacked Uncle Nash."

    Kat walked up to Frank just then, watching him anxiously as she asked, "Who did it, Master Lawrence?

    You could at least tell me,

    right?"

    Frank shook his head. "Ignorance is bliss, and it''s none of your business. | can handle it myself."

    "Shut up!" Mel strode up, sneering at Frank. "How dare you say that Matis can''t mess with them! Lettell

    you this¡ªmy son is

    the CEO of Jundo Showtown! What, you haven''t heard of it? It''s a subsidiary of the Soranos'' estate

    and is worth billions. Even the

    rich and powerful have to show my son due respect, let alone sstreet thug!"

    Mel was basically projecting an air of superiority as she spoke, while Matis had his chest puffed smugly

    too.

    Mel then continued while leveling Frank a look of contempt. "Don''t worry, Kat. Matis will find justice for

    your dad¡ªhe''ll apprehend

    the culprit and cripple him. We don''t need sbrat who cout of nowhere! If we let him deal with it, your dad

    would have

    suffered for nothing."

    "Mom, | don''t think that''s enough," Matis said, shaking his head and ring coldly at Frank. "We don''t

    even know him¡ªhe might be

    on the sside with the people who beat up Uncle Nash. I''ll call my people over to restrain him for a

    thorough interrogation."

    "That''s my son for you. He really thinks of everything!" Mel grinned happily.

    On the other hand, Frank pointed at the door, having had enough of their haughty attitude. "Like | said,

    I''ll deal with this myself

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    without your involvement. Leave now if you have no other business here."

    "Why do we have to leave? What, you own this ce or something?" Mel rolled her eyes. "Do | need

    your consent to visit my

    brother-inw? Who do you think you are?!"

    "Does your conscience hurt? Is that why you want us gone?" Matis strode towards Frank menacingly.

    Mel snorted coolly. "Maybe he just wants to hook up with Kat!"

    "Are you done?!" Frank frowned and growled. "I''m doing this for your own good. If you''re really so

    eager for revenge and want to

    know who attacked Nash, fine! It''s Willy Sorano, so go after him if you can! If you can''t, then get lost!"

    "What?! Willy Sorano?!" Matis and Mel were both stunned.

 Chapter 1002

    "What?! Willy Sorano?!" Matis and Mel were both stunned.

    However, after an awkward silence, Mel cleared her throat and yelled, "At least use slogic if you want

    to lie! Why would Willy Sorano want to hurt Nash? He''s a kind man-he''d never offend Mr. Sorano!"

    "Exactly!" Matis agreed. "I''ve seen Mr. Sorano myself. It was a distant peek, but he''s kind and humble.

    He''d never hurt anyone! You''re just lying!" "Oh, that''s my son for you! He''s so amazing, actually

    meeting Willy Sorano in the flesh!" Mel'' eyes lit up as she eximed in praise before turning toward

    Frank. "Nothing to say now, huh? Lying about a person my son met... How embarrassing! I''d be hiding

    if I were you! Why don''t you look at yourself in your mirror? Who do you think you are, messing with

    one of the Four Families of Morhen?" Matis smirked, shaking his head. "There''s always those who

    would fantasize and think too highly of themselves." However, while Mel and Matis were busy mocking

    Frank, Kat finally turned toward him. "Is it true that Willy Sorano attacked my dad?" "Yeah," Frank

    replied, nodding solemnly at Kat while ignoring the two clowns. "I had Nash deliver smedicine in my

    stead, but he ran into Willy who beat him up." Frank was hesitant, but he refrained from telling Kat that

    Nash was actually tortured so that she would feel better.

    Nash knew what he was thinking and closed his eyes and sighed.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Oh, con! Don''t you know how to stop?! Matis strode up, glowering at Frank, "You, deliver medicine to

    the Soranos? Who in Sorano Estate would need your medicine? Are you sfamous healer?!" "He really

    won''t give up." Mel shook her head in disgust. "That''s enough!" Kat had enough, springing to her feet

    and pointing at the door as she snapped at Matis and Mel, "Both of you have been mocking Master

    Lawrence while flexing your sense of superiority. If you''re as amazing as you say, why don''t you go

    after Willy Sorano?! The door is right there-aren''t you the CFO Jundo of Showtown, Matis? Go to

    Sorano Estate and talk to Willy himself! If it really was his fault, then beat him into a cripple for Dad''s

    sake!" "What..." Matis flushed, as Kat''s words were sharp as ever.

    Moreover, he was in no ce to even talk to Willy! Talk All would be well if Willy was not at fault... but in

    case he was, would he really attack Willy for Nash''s sake? executa lost cause-he was an in the

    innumerable albusinesses that the Soranos owned, a glorifiedpdog. SW If they really upset Willy, he

    would be crushed in an instant!

 Chapter 1003

    Seeing the look on her son''s face, Mel promptly leapt to his defense.

    "Why are you snapping at us, Kat? We''re not the ones who hurt your dad," she reasoned, not forgetting

    to deflect. "Shouldn''t you

    be asking who did this to your father?"

    "Exactly," Matis quickly chimed in. "We''re doing this out of the goodness of our hearts for your father''s

    sake. We''re concerned."

    "We don''t need your help or concern!" Kat retorted bluntly.

    "Don''t worry," Frank assured her quietly, having no choice just then. "I went to Sorano Estate myself

    yesterday. Willy will cto

    apologize personally today¡ªhe''d be dead if he doesn''t."

    "What?!"

    Matis gaped but soon pped Frank on the shoulder as heughed.

    "Oh, con... you really should know when to give up!" He sneered while leering at Kat sympathetically.

    "See, Kat? Your guest

    can really make shit up... going to Sorano Estate and threatening Willy Sorano to apologize? He''d die if

    he didn''t? Pfft..."

    He wasughing too hard to continue, while Mel was smirking as well. "Exactly. Who do you think Willy

    Sorano is? Who are you in

    Their scion?"

    "I''m not," Frank replied, impassive.

    "Oh, but you could say that you are!" Matisughed. "You went so far as to say Willy would apologize

    personally. It''s really nothing

    if you kept dressing it up... Oh, and do you have ssort of important connection? Why don''t you tell us

    how you made it inside?

    Con, we''d all like to hear what you''re going to say!"

    Seeing that everyone including Kat and Nash were watching him, Frank sighed and said quietly, "lI

    walked inside myself."

    "Hahaha!!!" Matis roared withughter and turned toward Kat and Nash. "You hear that? He walked

    inside! The homestead of one

    of the Four Families of Morhen, by snobody! Shit, you''re just amazing..."

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Matis started pping sarcastically, clearly doubting Frank.

    Even Kat actually thought Frank did not make sense¡ªthe Soranos were one of the Four Families of

    Morhen, and they had many

    powerful retainers under theirmand. While she knew that Frank was powerful, was he capable of

    storming Sorano Estate all on

    his own, even coercing Willy into apologizing?

    It certainly sounded like a fantasy, and Frank had to say it solemnly as if he was not lying.

    Sighing lengthily and forcing a smile, Kat said, "Master Lawrence, | know you''re amazing... Don''t worry.

    | won''t hold my father''s

    injury against you, and there''s only so much that anyone can do. At least he''s alive and recovering."

 Chapter 1004

    Sighing lengthily and forcing a smile, Kat said, "Master Lawrence, | know you''re amazing... Don''t worry.

    | won''t hold my father''s

    injury against you, and there''s only so much that anyone can do. At least he''s alive and recovering."

    "I''m not lying," Frank said dryly with a frown, but he had no idea how to make her believe him.

    "Oh, | believe you, bro." Matis chuckled,ing over to throw an arm around Frank''s shoulder. "Don''t

    worry¡ªI''ll call Mr. Sorano

    himself and ask him to cover soon, and then I''ll get you a nice, cozy cell in a mental asylum. Maybe

    sshock therapy will

    bring you back to reality."

    "I can''t do anything if you don''t believe me." Frank sighed and shrugged.

    He expects the Soranos to arrive and apologize soon, or at least send someone over.

    That was why Frank did not want anyone else here¡ªif the Sorano decided to go full scorched earth

    and sent their forces to attack

    them, Kat and the others would be a burden.

    But he had now seen through Nash''s rtives. They were not here to show their concern for Nash¡ª

    they just wanted to flex their

    sense of superiority, even though it was worth nothing in Frank''s perspective.

    On the other hand, Mel could see that Nash had been quiet throughout, and she walked up to his bed

    with a smile. "Nash, why

    don''t you entrust my sister''s heirloom to me? As you can see for yourself, you''re in no state to watch

    over anything. Don''t worry,

    though. Matis is now an important man, and he''ll get you justice! | promise you¡ªwe won''ty a finger

    on it. It''s just for

    safekeeping, and we''ll return it to Kat when she''s older and stronger."

    Frank was surprised for a moment but soon sneered subtly.

    So, in the end, these rtives did not just want to show off¡ªthey were also after sheirloom Nash was

    keeping.

    Kicking a man when he was down... talk about being despicable.

    "What heirloom?" Kat turned to her father in surprise¡ªshe had never heard anything about that.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Absolutely not." Nash shook his head, determined and clearly not even bothered to discuss it. "The

    heirloom is lo''s keepsake, and

    | won''t give it off to anyone. | know why you''re here in the first ce, but you can give up because I''ll

    never give it to you."

    Mel''s face fell when she saw how determined Nash was, but she forced a smile as she made onest

    attempt. "Please, Nash. We

    bear no ill will, and my sister has been gone for so long. We have a right to get a cut of what she had,

    don''t you think?"

    All her fawning ended up thrown back in her face¡ªeven as Nash hacked violently, he bellowed, "Why

    don''t you search your

    conscience, Mel Gunnar?! Is there anything else lo left that | haven''t given you already?! Do you think

    you''d enjoy your current

    lifestyle without her fortune?! Would Matis have becwho he is today?! | asked for nothing in return,

    aside from fulfilling lo''s

    <pst wish, but you''re still obsessing over it after all these years! Do you even have a heart?!"

 Chapter 1005

    Nash''s sudden bluntness was certainly a new side to him for Frank and Kat.

    "Dad, what...?" Kat murmured.

    "I know. I shouldn''t have kept it from you," Nash said, lovingly patting Kat''s head and sighing. "Your

    mom was once a martial elite. She was almost dead after being blindsided by svile people, but I

    chanced upon her and saved her.

    "After that, she chose to bury her past, and we had you... but somehow, her old enemies found her.

    She entrusted you tobefore leaving, and they killed her. That''s why I''ve tried my best to keep my head

    down-it''s all for your sake." Sighing, he waved at Mel for her to leave. "You can go now. It''s not like I

    won''t give you lo''sst heirloom-I just can''t. I won''t let you have it even if you tried to steal it... No, even

    if you killed me." Mel''s eyes widened and she wheezed, pacing around his bed and ring at her as

    she snapped, "Just look at yourself, Nash! You''re a loser without money, ving yourself for others!

    You can''t even stand up for yourself after getting beaten up. Why bother with anything?! Just givelo''s

    heirloom! Once you do, we don''t owe each other anything! If you refuse, I''ll have to take it from you!" At

    her outburst, several men in ck strode into the ward.

    Kat sensed danger right then and snapped at Mel, "What do you think you''re doing?!" "What I''m

    doing?!" Mel growled icily. "Just look at your dad. How did my sister find herself sloser like him?! It''s so

    embarrassing... Hell, I''m embarrassed for her! And look how far you''ve fallen, letting in sstrange people

    to stay at your hfor money! The way I see it, there''s no point letting you keep my sister''s heirloom. Give

    it to us, and my son can use it to bribe his bosses-lo''s money got him his CEO position, and what you

    have now might be worth more. The Soranos might be so pleased that they''d even give him a couple

    morepanies to manage!" "Quit wasting your twith them, Mom!" Matis strode up, his expression

    cold. "If they refuse us, we have no reason to y nice!" Turning to his bodyguards, he barked, "Go tie

    up that girl. Let''s see if that geezer will give up now!" "Yes! Go on, do it!" Mel readily nodded.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Mel simply bellowed, "Don''t bother mentioning her. She''s dead!" Seeing that there was no turning back,

    Nash strained himself to turn to Frank with a pleading look. "m sorry Mr. Lawrence... But I have to ask

    for your help again." S "Yeah." Frank nodded.

    Even as a bystander, he understood everything now. Nash''s thewife was a martial artist who left a

    fortune for her family, and Frank also realized that she had d the seal on Kat''s meridian nexus. cast

    After all, lo Gunnar did not want Kat to beca martial artist in her footsteps, despite Kat''s born talent.

    And then there was Mel, lo''s sister.

 Chapter 1006

    It was natural for martial elites like lo to umte considerable wealth. As such, her sister Mel had

    been lusting after it, demanding Nash to give her everything.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Nash wouldply, giving up his wife''s fortune willingly.

    Even though Mel and her son Matis were living like kings, Nash was not bothered¡ªall he cared about

    was Kat. However, hispromising eventually got Mel so greedy that she demanded everyst bit.

    "Get out, or I''m counting down from three," Frank growled, holding up three fingers as he moved to

    stand beside Kat.

    "What, you think you can stop us?!" Matis bellowed. "Go on! Break his legs!" His bodyguards lunged at

    Frank even before he counted down, just as Kat sprang her feet as well.

    "Master Lawrence! I can deal with these two. You take care of those three!" she cried, determined even

    as she wiped away her tears. "I''ve been giving my dad too much trouble, so I''m going to protect him

    with my own hands today!" And with a battlecry, she leapt toward the two towering bodyguards she had

    no chance of winning.

    "See?" Frank smiled at Nash as he watched the other three bodyguards charge at him. "The kid will

    grow up-eventually." Nash appeared stunned for a moment but soon beamed.

    "Eat this... Skyrush Jab!" Kat bellowed just then, her punchunching one of the bodyguards like a

    missile into a rack of medical equipment.

    Both Matis and Mel looked on in shock, with Matis eximing, "What?! She''s a martial artist?!" At the

    stime, the three et bodyguards who were charging at Frank earlier saw what happened to their

    colleague and promptly turned to run at Kat instead. S Frank, however, was suddenly standing

    between them and Kat like a ghost.

    "Hey. It''syou''re fighting." He grinned and sent one of them screaming and rolling out of the ward with a

    punch.

    "What?!" Mel was grimacing as Frank and Kat stood together, assuming the smartial stance.

    Frank was even calmly lecturing Kat. "You''re using too much vigor for one punch. Half of it will do." "I-I

    was angry, y''know? I couldn''t help it," Kat ruck her tongue out at hmischievously. "Well, at leasure to

    teachnow." S Frank sighed exasperatedly and demonstrated by fighting the two oing bodyguards,

    while Kat dealt with thest one.

    Dull cracks resounded as knuckles met flesh, and soon, all three burly bodyguards were floored and

    unconscious.

    "Phew... Phew..." Kat had to keep her head down to pant grow ore looking up at Matis and growling

    icily, "Get out of here, or I''m just getting started!" S Matis was left seething even as he stared at the

    bodyguardsying strewn around the floor, knowing that he had failed.

    He was convinced that they could get through to Nash today and brought those bodyguards just for

    insurance.

 Chapter 1007

    However, neither Mel nor Matis expected Kat to have beca martial artist, and one with formidable

    strength despite her tiny frame.

    And the so-called Master Lawrence-sboastful, unseemly guest-was a martial artist too.

    In fact, the five bodyguards were Matis'' best men, but they did not evenst a round! "J-Just you wait!"

    Matis snarled and turned to leave the ward.

    Mel was reeling too, but she kept it to herself as she hurried after her son.

    Catching up to him in the hallway, she asked in clear frustration, "Matis... What are we going to do? Are

    we just going to let this slide?!" "Of course not, Mom-just calm down for a moment." Matis sneered

    darkly. "This was never a problem. I''ll call more people right now... they might be martial artists, but no

    matter how good they are, can they really handle a hundred men?! Mel grinned smugly in turn. "That''s

    my son for you. Go on-make the call." "Yeah!" Matis nodded, whipped out his phone, and dialed a

    number.

    Before the call was answered, however, he heard themotion down the hallway.

    Both he and mother turned to see a huge group of people, all fully dressed in white as they strode

    down the hallway.

    "What? Aren''t they..." Matis was taken aback, because he recognized his own boss among their ranks.

    And upon a closer look, he realized he recognized all of them and pped his mother on the shoulder

    excitedly. "Mom! They are all from the Sorano family-key members and retainers at that!" "What?!

    They''re from the Sorano family?!" It was the first tMel had ever seen such a profound sight. They were

    arge group of men, with people-clearing the path up front, and bigwigs wearing shades or hats fromProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.

    the back. They varied in age, but all of them wore the signature white suits of the Sorano family, clearly

    important figures within.

    And at the center of EmiSorano himself, the eldest son of Zico Sorano, the head of the Sorano family.

    Though their presence might even be more ster than sstar celebrities strolling down a street, Mel

    noticed something unusual at the very back.

    et Several men were carrying a stretcher, on whichy a youth who vel.

    was biting into a mouthguard in clea anguish. He kept grunting and groaning, clearly fighting it. S As

    the group approached, Matis had an idea and hurried to his boss with a fawning smile. "Lobo, Lobo?

    Hey, it''s me, Matis!" "Matis?" Lobo turned in surprise toward Matis, frowning as he asked, "What are

    you doing here in Loggins Apothecary?" "Oh, nothing much... It''s your birthday, isn''t it? See, I already

    bought you a gift but I was robbed in broad daylight right here. And it''s a martial artist..." Matis lied

    unabashedly, tically shaking his head and sighing. "The five bodyguards I brought were all beaten up...

    I would''ve been hurt too, but I got away quickly." S Lobo frowned. "Really? Did you tell him who you

    are?" Matis could barely hide his inward glee even as Frank''s face cto mind.

 Chapter 1008

    Since Frank kept boasting that he had walked into Sorano Estate unimpeded and forced Willy into

    apologizing, Matis did not mind letting him the chance to prove himself! Leveling a slightly fearful

    nce at Emiin the center of the group, Matis then told Lobo, "I did, but he didn''t seem to care. He''s

    really looking down on us." "What?!" Lobo was incensed right then but quickly restrained himself since

    he cfor another reason.

    pping Matis on the shoulder, Lobo said, "Look, the big shots have something important to deal with

    here, but don''t worry-I''ll call in my boys once they''re done." Matis was delighted with his assurance and

    thanked him profusely.

    "Just hang in there," Lobo told him. "Once we''re finished, I''ll bring my men!" "Alright! Thank you so

    much, Lobo!" Watching as the Sorano procession left, Mel hurried to her son and asked tentatively,

    "So? What did Lobo say?" "Hehe..." Matis smiled gleefully. "Don''t worry-I told him everything, and he

    promised to help, but only after the Soranos are done with their business." "Business..." Somehow, Mel

    frowned-she had a bad feeling since she remembered the man on the stretcher. "Did you ask Lobo why

    the Soranos chere in full force?" "Nope." Matis scratched his head in embarrassment. "But con, Mom-

    Lobo himself is at best a fringe character in the family, let alone me. It''s not in my ce to ask..." Then,

    he added in a hushed tone, "Still, it has to be something important. Didn''t you see that man at the

    eenter? That''s EmiSorano himself! He''s going to be the next head of the Sorano family! Mel was silent

    for a while but eventually asked with considerable difficulty, "D-Do you think what Frank Lawrence said

    might be true? That the Soranos have chere as he told them to?" Matisy "What?" was taken aback but

    soonughed out loud. "Mom, are you getting senile? You''re killinghere! Don''t you know how important

    these people are, especially EmiSorano? And you think that they''d apologize to Nash?" Mel cleared

    her throat awkwardly in response-Matis was right, there was basically no chance of anything Frank said

    to be true.

    However, she just had this bad feeling.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Frowning, she said, "Why don''t we follow them and look? I just feel a little worried." "Sure." Matis caved

    in to her instance, "Lobo will be helping us outter anyway. Who knows, Lobo might do it earlier if he''s

    passing by Nash''s room. I can''t wait to see the look on Frank''s face when the real Soranos show up..."

    Heughed wildly at his own imagination. "It''d be hrious

 Chapter 1009

    Just as Frank had expected, the key members of the Sorano family all entered Nash''s ward in a tidy

    formation.

    Thanks to Frank pulling sstrings, Jim Loggins had arranged the best ward for Nash. Even after over a

    dozen key members of the Sorano family and Willy''s stretcher were brought in, it was not at all

    congested.

    "Master Lawrence...?" Kat was left dumbstruck, watching as the huge group of people suddenly filed

    into her father''s ward. "Stay calm," Frank assured her, perfectly used to such asions.

    Rising to his feet, he strode up to Emiand asked quietly, "So, have you made up your mind? Will it be

    war, or will Willy be kowtowing in apology?" "What?!" Kat eximed and quickly sped a hand over

    her own mouth.

    These people really were the Soranos?! And the middle-aged man had such a different air to him...

    Kat suddenly remembered that she saw him on the papers and TV, and that the man was a big deal,

    though she could not remember his name.

    In fact, she did not recognize anyone else, aside from the man whoy on the stretcher, writhing.

    It was Willy! "What?!" she eximed again, and suddenly remembered what Frank had said-that he

    would make the Soranos cover to apologize.

    "Wait... He wasn''t lying? It''s all real?!" Kat felt the world spin around her and almost copsed.

    She was blunt and fearless, but even she could understand the might of the Four Families of Morhen

    and the authority the men before her embodied.

    She already thought that was ridiculous for Frank to be consulted by the Jankos, and yet, here he was,

    making the Soranos cto apologize personally.

    Who the hell was he?! Kat turned toward her father whoy on his sickbed and saw the equally nk

    on his face.

    After all, Nash could see the sman who tortured him was lying on a stretcher, his face contorted in

    anguish.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Just then, one of the Sorano executives had enough of Frank''s attitude. "Watch yourself, kid. We''re the

    Soranos, and-" Emisuddenly raised his hand, stopping him.

    "Haha." He chuckled genially. "We have indeed made a mistake, Mr. Lawrence." Kat and Nash''s eyes

    widened so much their eyeballs could drop off.

    The Soranos were really yielding to Frank?! "What?!" Matis and Mel, who had been eavesdropping

    outside, turned pale as they traded nces.

    Matis could hardly believe his eyes when they saw the Soranos file into Nash''s ward, and now, he

    heard in no uncertain terms what Emihimself had said.  ?wHe froze, thunderstruck,

    while his mother was grimacing so much she could cry. "Oh, no, no, no..." She immediately realized

    that everything Frank said was real.

    That man had the might to make the Soranos apologize... and that meant he was far scarier than the

    Soranos, more than what they could imagine! Against such power, they were less than maggots!

    "Matis! What are we going to do?! What can we do?!" Mel eximed in panic, femembering how much

    they had mocked and belittled Frank in order to pressure Nash.

 Chapter 1010

    While Mel was petrified, Matis did not fare any better.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He was leaning against the hallway walls, his eyes nk and his expression miserable.

    "Mom... I think we''re dead..." he murmured. "He can bend the Soranos to his will, and even EmiSorano

    is here to apologize... What do we even amount to..." Matis certainly felt like a clown-the blind type, as

    he remembered how much he tried to flex his sense of superiority over Frank! Just then, Emispoke

    from within Nash''s ward, "Mr. Lawrence, my father toldto bring Willy here and apologize personally. I

    hope you can forgive my wretched son''s atrocity, and we have prepared a suitablepensation-here,

    this check is worth 500 million dors. Please ept it." Seeing that Emiwas sincere, Frank nodded at

    Kat. "Go on. Take it." "Okay." Kat was caught fearless but remained fearless thanks to sheer

    inexperience and took Emilio''s check.

    "Haha..." Emismiled as she took it. "Well, since you''ve epted ourpensation, I believe we have

    an understanding now?" "Oh, my sweet summer child." Frank sneered, folding his arms before his

    chest and turning pointedly toward Nash. "Get Willy Sorano over here to kowtow and apologize

    already." "Not a problem." Emiactually smiled and turned behind to speak quietly but sternly, "Bring him

    over." "Oof..." Willy groaned even as he was being carried over.

    His eyes were unfocused and his expression haggard. He was apletely different man after just one

    day.

    Thud.

    Emilio''s eyes flickered for a moment with rage as he watched his son kneel despite his pain.

    However, he would never disobey his father, and he promptly withheld all his emotions as he stared at

    Willy impassively. "Go on. Kowtowin apology.  ?w"Ooof..." Biting on his mouth

    guard, Willy fought through the pain to kowtowet three times at Nash before leveling pleading look at

    Frank. S a He was willing to die right then-all he wanted was for Frank to spare him this misery.

    "My son has apologized. Is there anything else you''d like to ask, Mr. Lawrence?" Emiasked. "Hmph.

    Well, there is sincerity," Frank said, not caring to add anything further. However, he found their attitude

    suspiciouspliance was just not the Soranos'' style.

 Chapter 1011

    Fortunately, Kat was a girl who had this dauntless attitude and would really go for it in any situation.

    Nodding at Frank, she gave Willy two audible swipes across the face, leaving all the key members of

    the Sorano family inhaling sharply.

    Many of them turned toward Emilio, as the man was infamous for being overprotective of his son.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    The two ps were no different from ps to his face! However, while they all presumed that it was

    over with the pping, the Soranos were left watching as Kat inhaled sharply. Then, charging her vigor,

    she started to clobber Willy even as hey on the floor! She did not let up, even cursing as she kept

    hitting Willy, "I''ll kill you, fucker! What, do you think bullying my dad makes you a man?! Well, I''ll show

    you now!" Emilooked like a housefly flew down his throat as he watched Kat mercilessly thrash his son.

    He wanted to stop it, but remembering his father''s instructions, had no choice but to grit his teeth and

    turn away-out of sight, out of mind.

    Through it all, Willy''s screams resounded across the ward.

    Inside, he was tormented by Frank''s needle and was now being given a whooping by Kat outside.

    He actually wanted to die just then! Eventually, Kat stopped, huffing as he watched Willyy limply on

    the floor, barely breathing.

    And while she was busy with Willy, Frank had been watching Emilio''s reaction closely.

    The man could clearly see his own son being given the beating of his life but did not even breathe a

    word. Talk about ruthless.

    But while Frank was speechless, he was also wary-the Soranos had to be nning something big, or

    they would not have shown sucho restraint. Turning toward Kat, he asked, "Satisfied?" Kat nodded

    repeatedly, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Yeah!" "What about you?" Frank turned toward Nash,

    who was dumbstruck in shock.

    He quickly nodded when he heard Frank. "Yes, yes, yes... Oh, Mr. Lawrence... You really didn''t have to

    go that far..." Since both Yegos had their satisfaction, Frank had no intention to keep messing with the

    Soranos either. They had been restraining themselves plenty anyway, and Frank did not want to go the

    distance-he had his own concerns just like them. Turning to Emilio, he said, "Very well. I can see that

    you''ve been sincere, and this issue is settled." "Phew..." Seeing that Frank was letting up, Emisighed in

    relief and actually forced a smile. "In that case, the needle..." 53?? Verify captcha to read the content

    Verify

 Chapter 1012

    Emilio, who was thest to leave, nodded at Frank. "I''ll see you around." Even as he left, his eyes

    shed dangerously as if to ingrain Frank''s face in his mind.

    Frank was not deterred, however, even waving him off like a housefly and not bothered to look at him

    twice.

    "Master Lawrence... You''re so amazing!" Kat hurried to Frank''s side once the Soranos were gone. Her

    eyes lit up with worship, and she could barely describe the thrill she felt.

    She had already considered him formidable, even capable of making connections with the likes of the

    Four Families of Morhen... But somehow, he proved that he was even above that,pelling the

    Soranos to make this journey and apologize.

    And she even got to beat up Willy himself for payback.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    No one in Morhen would have dared to eveny a finger on that man! But she got to give him a

    thorough beating, while Willy''s family did not dare say a peep.

    It was simply delightful! "Hmph." Kat snorted, suddenly remembering Mel and Matis who had just fled.

    "I''m sure those two never thought that you weren''t lying... If only I could see the looks on their faces

    when they realize the truth." "That''s not important." Frank frowned, shaking his head as he walked up

    to Nash. "I might have forced the Soranos to apologize, but there''s no doubt that they were behaving

    weirdly. It''d actually make sense if they''d reacted angrily since this is an insult, but they simply kept

    cool... Something''s up." He paused for a moment and continued, "I would suggest that you and Kat cto

    Riverton withafter I''m done here. The waters in Morhen run deep-I''m worried you''ll get caught in it."

    Nash was silent as he could see that Frank was sincere. He asked quietly after sthought, "Will Ms.

    Turnbull be leaving Morhen too?" "Yes." Frank nodded. "She will be returning to Riverton as well. She''s

    not going to stay with the main family or marry Titus Lionheart." Nash nodded in turn, having been

    assured. In that case, I don''t see any reason why we shouldn''t move. Anywhere''s better than a dog''s

    life in Morken, though I''m afraid I''llbe imposing..." "It''s no issue." Frank smiled. "I can arrange a job for

    you in Riverton. As for Kat... I''ll ask Helen to help arrange for her to be enrolled at a college." "What?! I

    still have to go to school?!" Kat was scowling right then.

    "How old are you?" Frank sighed exasperatedly. "Quit daydreaming already... that said, you could

    practice acting with Noel York during your free time." "Sounds good! I love acting!" Kat was immediately

    thrilled again. "I might becthe next best actress myself!" Meanwhile, Mel and Matis found themselves

    staring at an angry Lobo outside Nash''s ward.

    He had over a dozen martial artists behind him, and he was growling, "I''m in a really bad mood, Matis.

    Now, tellwho bullied you earlier? We''ll deal with him right now and show them that the Soranos are not

    to be messed with!"

 Chapter 1013

    Both Matis and Mel kept their heads lowered in fear, seeing that Lobo was seething. "What? Why aren''t

    you talking?" Lobo growled impatiently. "Cat got your tongue?" "A-Actually, I was just pulling your leg."

    Matis cleared his throat and shed an awkward smile. "No one robbedat all." "Yes, yes, yes... My son

    was just kidding!" Mel was smiling and nodding repeatedly as well.

    "You fucking people!" Lobo bellowed furiously, pping Matis across the face right then. "I was looking

    forward to venting my frustrations, but you''re now tellingyou''re just fucking with me? Even the likes of

    you think you can walk all over me, huh?" "Fine," he growled, waving Matis off. "You don''t need to cin

    for work tomorrow. There will be a new CEO in Jundo Showtown soon. Now get out of my sight!" Matis

    panicked right then, upon hearing that he was fired from the job he had gone to great lengths to get.

    Ignoring his mother''s interference, he quickly said, "I''m not messing with you, Lobo. It''s just that the guy

    is... someone you can''t mess with..." "Really?" Even as he trailed off to a mumble, Loboughed in

    amusement, but his face suddenly fell and he seized Matis by the cor, bellowing, "What the hell is

    with you today? You didn''t take your meds? Is there anyone I can''t mess with? Are you belittlingor just

    fucking with me?! Is there anyone the Soranos are afraid of?!" Then, he shoved Matis to have him lead

    the way. "Just take us to him already!" "Oh, no, no, no... It''s really alright, sir," Mel quickly said. "My son

    is fine without his job, and we-" "You''d better keep your mouth shut, hag!"  1 "I..." Mel''s

    jaw hung open, but had no idea what to say as she sat limply on the floor, her heart bleeding right then.

    Who knew that such an unassuming youth like Frank was so feared even by the Soranos? And now... if

    Lobo found out they were messing with Frank, his son could get killed! "H-He''s here, sir," Matis said,

    giving up on any resistance.

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    It was not as if he had a choice when Lobo''s goons were nking him, and he ultimately stiffened

    himself as he strode into Nash''s ward.  ?wswn et And when Lobo saw that, he was

    at once shocked and confused. "Y-You mean... That person is..." "Yeah, it''s Frank Lawrence," Matis

    said, standing awkwardly at the doorway.

    Kat spotted him just then, and she immediately glowered and snapped at Matis hostilely, "Why did you

    cback? Do you want more?!" "N-No..." Matis could die even as he stood at the door, unsure what to do

    as he could neither enter nor back out.

    "Mr. Lawrence!" Mel suddenly pushed her son out of the way and rushed inside, kowtowing to Frank

    and Nash even as she begged, "I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence... We shouldn''t have eline mocked you!

    Please just forgive us! I swear you won''t ever see us again! Please just let us live!" Kat was actually

    surprised by her Aunt Mel''s reaction.

 Chapter 1014

    On the other hand, Frank was not surprised at all.

    He already knew that Matis and Mel were both eavesdropping on him and the Soranos outside.

    However, he was still surprised that they cback since he had expected them to run away already.

    "It''s him!" Seeing Frank''s look of confusion, Mel promptly pointed at Lobo. "We wouldn''t have bothered

    you, Mr. Lawrence, but that man forced my son to harass you!" "Shit..." Lobo''s face darkened from

    Mel''s outburst-how could he have known that Matis and Mel messed with Frank?! If he knew, he would

    not have turned back even if it killed him! Lobo then remembered Matis saying that the person was

    someone Lobo himself should not mess with. However, it would have been natural for him to presthat

    everyone else was beneath him since the Soranos had his back.

    He felt murderous right then, though Matis soon dropped to his knees as well, trembling. "We didn''t

    want to do this." "That so?" Frank looked past Matis at Lobo, who stood in a corner when EmiSorano

    spoke to him earlier.

    "You were with the Soranos, weren''t you?" he asked quietly. "Could you have been upset with what I

    had done and turned back to get it off your chest?" "N-No, I''d never..." Lobo was afraid to look up at

    Frank''s menacing question.

    Even the key members of the Sorano family did not dare mess with Frank, and he was just a fringe

    character! Smiling awkwardly, he said, "I-It''s all just a misunderstanding, Mr. Lawrence..." Frank

    snorted. "Then leave. Quit being an eyesore." "Y-Yeah..." Lobo nodded repeatedly even as he backed

    out of the room.

    As soon as he was out, rage and savagery showed on his face.

    "You fucking people!" he bellowed as he pped both Matis and Mel when they stepped outside as

    well. "You could''ve told me! Now get out of my sight and don''t ever show up aroundor I''ll murder you!"This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Neither Matis nor Mel dared say a word even after being pped, and they kept their heads lowered as

    they watched Lobo storm off.

    "M-Mom... What should I do?" Matis groaned as he cast Mel a miserable look.

    He had lost his job and the Soranos'' support at the stime! Mel shook her head, feeling pained too. "It''s

    all my fault... If only I had been nice to Nash and Mr. Lawrence, you''d have opportunities instead of

    having to deal with this. Well, it''s toote for regrets now..." She sighed lengthily and gave Matis a look

    of resignation before quietly leaving-she really could not put aside her pride enough to beg her brother-

    inw.

    "It''s all your fault..." On the other hand, Matis was growling under his breath, his eyes red as he red

    at Nash''s ward, his knuckles clenched and his face contorted with spite. "I lost everything because of

    you! I welstill be the CEO of Jundo Showtown if not for you... I''ll have my revenge and take back what''s

    mine!

 Chapter 1015

    For once, the next couple days were finally uneventful for Frank, and he got to spend it with Helen as

    she was on a rare break too.

    They went to the movies, shopped, and strolled through Morhen Park and other famous spots in

    Morhen. While they finally recovered a hint of the bliss they shared during their marriage, those calm

    days did not particrlyst long.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Follow current on NovelEnglish

    Just three days after Nash was admitted, Cirian Zobel texted Frank: [Tonight. The Dark Life. West

    Morhen.] Frank''s gaze narrowed sharply at the short text.

    Tonight was the decisive moment to catch the Lionhearts red-handed and change Glen Turnbull''s mind.

    After telling Helen to stay put at Nash''s cottage, he headed out in the afternoon, ready to free Vicky

    from the Turnbulls'' shackles. Helen followed obediently while telling him to be safe.

    The Dark Life was a bar, but only on the surface.

    As Frank waited there before Cirian''s meeting, he spotted over ten martial arts, two of whom were

    Birthright rank. There was even one Ascendant rank keeping his face hidden with a mask.

    Frank got himself shades and a mask too, blending in perfectly to the vibes in the room.

    Follow current on NovelEnglish

    Just in case, he bought a voice recorder to gather proof against the Lionhearts.

    Then, after waiting the entire afternoon, a familiar face entered The Dark Life-it was Sif Lionheart.

    She went to sit in front of the bar, raising her eyebrows at a bartender.

    The man nodded and whipped out his phone to dial a number.

    Soon, a cloaked figure strode into The Dark Life and sat beside Sif, chuckling raspily. "Hehe. Long tno

    see, Ms. Lionheart." "Silence," Sif snapped sternly, looking around and only continuing when she found

    nothing unusual around them. "You''re not as smart as I thought, Crow, saying my nin a public ce."

    "Hehehe..." The South Sea Crow chuckled raspily again, before whispering under her breath, "I''m

    afraid my n was sabotaged. The brat named Frank Lawrence saved the Turnbulls... They''d all be

    dead otherwise." Frank himself was staying hidden and not moving while recording their conversation

    with the device in his pocket.

    Sif was snorting just then. "Hmph. Frank Lawrence? He''s already caught in my web-he''ll be dead

    whatever he does!" Then, her tone changed sharply as she kept her voice lowered. "But et that''s

    enough about dead people. You must hold up your end of the bargain by the tmy family visits the

    Turnbulls in two days and wipe out every single one of their key members. Do you understand?" "Hoho,

    of course I do..." The South Sea Crowughed. "But you''re not going to default onafter I''m done, are

    you? Where''s the honor of the Lionhearts?" "I knew you''d say that." Sif said quietly, sliding a check to

    the South Sea Crow. "Here''s ten billion. Get the job done and leave Draconia¡ªyou''ll live like a king

    with this much money." "Gratefully epted. Heh, you Lionhearts really arrange for everything." The

    South Sea Crow breathed a strangeugh. With that, Sif started to turn and leave. "I''ll be going if

    there''s nothing else¡ª" "Oh, wait." The South Sea Crow held out a hand to stop her. "What else is

    there?" Sif asked impatiently.

 Chapter 1016

    "What else is there?" Sif asked impatiently.

    "Well, I was worried that this would give you a heart attack. Mr. Lawrence?" The South Sea Crow called

    out, turning toward the shadows.

    "Mr. Lawrence...? As in... Frank Lawrence?!" Shock showed on Sif''s face. She was dumbfounded,

    even as she nced between the South Sea Crow and the man emerging from the shadows.

    Catching his cue once he was called, Frank strode out pompously into the open.

    Disguises were unnecessary now-he took off his mask and sses, then turned off the recorder in his

    pocket while greeting Sif formally. "Good evening, Ms. Lionheart." "You... Both of you..." Sif cto a

    realization at the sight before her-she was no fool and turned to run after a moment of shock.

    "Running, Ms. Lionheart? Don''t you think it''s already toote?" Frank appeared behind Sif in an instant,

    striking her on the nape and knocking her out.

    The South Sea Crow took a sip of her cocktail even as she watched Sif copse limply on the floor,

    breathing an eerieugh. "Still unchivalrous as ever, my fellow apprentice..." Frank raised a brow,

    ncing at the fair legs poking out beneath the cloak and shook his head exasperatedly. "I''m surprised

    you''d want to kidnap her. Why didn''t you do it yourself?" The South Sea Crow chortled. "Isn''t it more

    interesting for you to show up and do it? I''d just like to see Sif look flustered." "Brat." Frank sighed

    tiredly.

    The South Sea Crow simply shrugged. "Well, I''m done here... I''ll be leaving Morhen now, as I''m sure

    the Lionhearts would suspect my involvement in her disappearance. I''d need a good ce to hide

    though."  englishWon "Go to Riverton. Find Burt Yorkman, and say my name," Frank

    told her and dropped to a crouch to examine Sif.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "Okay..." The South Sea Crow nodded but soonughed again. "Don''t tellyou''re going to...?" "Shut it,"

    Frank snorted, wondering how nownnocent fellow a her mouth like sesleazy taxi driver. Content bepici

    fot englishto "Oh, right. I met Gus Zeller, the Sorano retainer," he suddenly said.

    "Oh, he''s alive? Shame." The South Sea Crow sighed and left the Dark Life without another word.

    It was only when Frank picked up Sif that he alized that the bartendere and other customers at the

    barwere w n all lying on the floor, passed out as if drunk.  ?wGiven the attention to

    detail, Frank had to admit that though she was his junior, she was now an elite too. Sighing, he carried

    Sif out of the bar.

    Thirty minutester, the bartender stirred and suddenly leapt to his feet, looking around warily.

    Unable to find Sif no matter how he looked, his face fell, and he promptly whipped out his phone to

    make a call. Then, in another thirty minutes, a convoy of Lionheart cars arrived.

 Chapter 1017

    Titus remained impassive as he strode into The Dark Life.

    "What happened? Where''s Sif?" he asked the bartender.

    The bartender''s legs were trembling as he stammered, "I-I don''t know, Mr. Lionheart. All I remembered

    was her meeting with the South Sea Crow, and then I fell unconscious. She was gone when I woke

    up." Titus'' eyes narrowed, clearly infuriated by the bartender''s panicked recounting.

    His family owned The Dark Life, but there were no official ties as Titus himself set up this ce. They

    would use it to assign missions to ckrank individuals, and it was an exceedingly secure spot.

    Naturally, the public would have no idea about that-all they knew was that The Dark Life was a bar,

    though not particrly eye- catching.

    Even so, it was still illogical for a person to just disappear into thin air.

    "What about the cameras?" Titus asked when he calmed down, turning back to the bartender.

    "It''s..." The bartender leveled a troubled look at the corner, where the cameras that were installed there

    had disappeared.

    "Fine, I got the picture now. Just shut up." Titus waved him off in irritation and started thinking.

    Sif''s disappearance would have been nothing to him if it did not happen at this critical juncture.

    Could the South Sea Crow have betrayed his family and defected to the Turnbulls-her sworn enemy?

    Was there even a chance of that? A growing sense of foreboding struck Titus, and the image of a

    certain person slowly appeared in mind. "Frank Lawrence...?" Titus was surprised that he would think

    that, but was it even possible? Not only would Frank have no chance of knowing this ce-even if he

    did, how could he have known when Sif would be here? And that was not all, would he just happen toN?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    destroy the cameras while knocking out everyone in the bar bycing their drinks? It was the work of

    the South Sea Crow, no matter how one looked at it. But why would she kidnap Sif? What good would

    that do her?! Titus had zero idea what was happening.

    And early next morning, he got a call from Glen Turnbull himself, whose tone was endlessly icy. "Mr.

    Lionheart, I''m afraid we will be annulling the engagement between you and Vicky." "Why?!" Titus''

    fingers clenched so hard around his phone that he could crush it.

    "Because we have received word that your family has been in league with the South Sea Crow and

    culpable for the deaths of over forty members and associates of my family." "What?!" Titus was

    bbergasted.

    This was the worst case scenathat he absolutely did not want to happen.

    The South Sea Crow really defected to the Turnbulls?! But why?! "Mr. Turnbul," Titus said solemnly,

    keeping calm despite his shock and rage, "I''m sure there''s smisunderstanding here. over right now,

    and we can all sit down and discuss this-" "I''m afraid that would be unnecessary Glen refused coolly

    and even chuckled. "You should worry about what you would be telling Simon. I mean, even he would

    be surprised that his son is so outstanding, conspiring against us Turnbulls since three years ago."

 Chapter 1018

    Glen then finished, "In case you''re wondering, the South Sea Crow is on our side now. She told us

    everything." Titus'' fist was cracking audibly as he realized that the conspiracy he had nned for so

    long was thoroughly dismantled. Giving up on pretension, he asked coolly, "Where''s Sif?" "We have her

    remanded," Glen replied. "She will be allowed to return once your family has pulled out entirely from

    our estates and businesses." Titus almost shattered the ss table before him.

    He never thought that the Turnbulls would have the guts to stand against them.

    No, that was putting it lightly... They actually kidnapped a member of their family and threatened them

    in turn! "Fine. In that case, there''s nothing more to say, Mr. Turnbull," he growled. "We won''t hold back

    either if anything happens to Sif while she''s in your custody.

    "Save your breath, Mr. Lionheart," Glen retorted in disdain. "Your father already knows-he should be

    returning to Morhen as we speak. I''d be thinking about what options I have now if I were you." And with

    that, Glen hung up.

    Titus was still in his pajamas and sitting on the edge of his bed, spacing out for about ten minutes

    before suddenly flinging his phone on the floor, smashing it into pieces.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He did not stop there-as if going berserk, he kicked the vase by the wall and kept breaking everything

    in his own room. "Mooks! Ipetent pricks! Sif... All of them!" His eyes were red and he was

    wheezing by the the destroyed almost everything in his room when he realized that Aesop had been

    standing at his doorway.

    The pudgy man was leveling him a look of disappointment. "Master Lionheart is asking for you." Titus

    almost flinched at the nbut eventually scowled as he followed Aesop, leaving his room barefooted while

    his eyes red with fury.

    "Glen Turnbull... South Sea Crow... Just you wait," he growled under his breath. "You will all be begging

    for your deaths because you denied me!" Meanwhile, Glen breathed a long sigh after hanging up on

    Titus before turning toward Frank and Vicky with a look of mixed emotions.

    "Why would he conspire against us?" Vicky asked in curiosity. "Does he have a bone to pick?" et "No."

    Glen shook his head and sighed again, It''s his younger brother, Ekud Lionheart. The boypleted

    Birthright rank at a very young age and was already chosen by Simon Lionheart himself to be the next

    chief of Volsung Sect. "What does that have to do with Titus?" Vicky pressed, frowning.

    "Obviously, that''s because Ehud''s aplishments far eclipsed Titus'', even though they were

    bothprodigies in their own right. Titus must be thirsting to prove himself that he has what it takes to

    becthe next head of the family, and deter his brother from iming that position too." Having exined

    everything, Glen turned to Frank. "Now that the truth is revealed, Mr. Lawrence, I thank you for helping

    us without holding past grievances against us S "Don''t thank me. Just do what you promised to." Frank

    remained impassive.

    "That''s only right." Glen nodded. "You have gone above and beyond to help us. I have no right to lead

    this family if I break my promise." Then, trying his best to put on his nicest smile, he added, "Don''t

    worry. You won''t meet any resistance fromif you wish to leave with Vicky."

 Chapter 1019

    Frank breathed a sigh of relief at Glen''s assurance.

    Thank goodness the man kept his word-if the man pulled another technicality on him, Frank really

    would not mind turning against the Turnbulls right then and there.

    As they left Turnbull Estate, Vicky was once again the coquettish Turnbull heiress.

    Throwing her arms around Frank''s neck, she jammed her lips firmly on his cheek. "Oh, darling... You''re

    amazing! How did you manage to gather the evidence against Titus?" "Uh..." Frank was about to

    exin when he spotted Helen in her car, having been waiting for a while.

    She alighted, striding to stand between Frank and Vicky while folding her arms before chest. "Let''s

    head home, darling. You''re driving." "Okay..." Frank tamely ran off to get the car while wiping the

    lipstick stain off his cheek as hard as he could.

    He really would not stay for another second, sensing the conflict brewing between both women.

    Still, Vicky was giggling as she watched Helen. "What, are you jealous? Oh, don''t tell me... No action

    even though you got darling to yourself for so long?" "W-What are you talking about?! Did you think

    everyone else is just like you?!" Helen was at once embarrassed and angry-this was the first thing

    Vicky said after so long?! "That''s called suffering for your pride." Vicky giggled. "You''ve really messed

    up here, missing such a grand chance." Still, she suddenly leapt up to Helen, gathering her in her arms

    and kissing her on the cheek too.

    Even as Helen looked on in shock, Vickyughed as she rode shotgun and winked. "Don''t forget that

    we''re still rivals, Helen. Don''t let your guard down now!" "Vicky Turnbull..." As she blushed, Helen bit

    her lip so hard she could bleed.

    Frank just happened to be watching, and their intimacy almost left him crumbling.

    Quickly closing his eyes, he chanted a calming mantra to still his thoughts.

    "Fine, she Gatever," Helen snorted as Cgot into the car as well, but still weing toward Helen.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    t belongs to swnoveNaturally, Vicky meant to thank Helen U With her kiss too, and theyet were both

    basically weing each other back in their own way. Content Frank did not quite get it, but the

    peaceful vibe gave him considerable peace of mind.

    "By the way, how are things at the farm resort?" Vicky asked, immediately concerned now that she was

    free.

    "The opening ceremony is in a couple of days. We''ll make it in time." Frank smiled.

    Trevor Zurich had been keeping Frank updated about the farm resort.

    Most arrangements were in ce, and they were just waiting for the opening now.

    Still, just as the twere going to discuss the farm resort, Helen''s phone started ringing, and sheanswered

    it in front of Vicky and Frank.  ?w"Where are you, Helen?" Gavin Lane asked from

    the other end. "Are you still in Morhen?" "What''s wrong, Uncle Gavin?" Helen asked, hearing that he

    sounded both awkward yet urgent.

    "Helen... Oh, I don''t even know where to start," Gavin stammered.

    "What''s wrong? You can just tell me, Uncle Gavin," Helen said, frowning.

 Chapter 1020

    "What''s wrong? You can just tell me, Uncle Gavin," Helen said, frowning.

    "Alright... Just stay calm, alright?" Gavin asked.

    "Okay," Helen replied.

    Gavin sighed and spoke solemnly just then. "Your uncles recently returned. They found out about that

    farm, and they argued withand your granduncle a few times about it." Pausing, Gavin sighed again.

    "Thenst night, arge group of goons charged into the farm and burnt down the ce, causing

    devastating losses." "What?!" It was not just Helen and Vicky-Frank was furious too.

    "I''ve told your granduncle already," Gavin continued exasperatedly. "We both believe the goons were

    sent by your uncles, and your granduncle had them both brought back to Laneville. But they refused to

    admit it, and there''s nothing we can do." Hearing that, Frank grabbed Helen''s phone and asked

    urgently, "Mr. Lane, what about the herbal bath extract I kept in the warehouse? Are those still

    around?" "Oh, Mr. Lawrence..." Gavin murmured guiltily. "If you meant the pots of green fluids... every

    pot was spilled over, and there''s nothing left. I never knew they''d go that far. The blis on me..." Frank,

    however, could not hear anything else Gavin said.

    He had worked a long tto set up the farm resort, even using a rare treasure to brew that herbal bath

    extract.

    It was supposed to be the mainstay, but it was gone now-how were they supposed to run this business

    without it?! Moreover, Noel York already filmed themercials, and even Dan Zimmer of Flora Hall

    had endorsed it in public.

    Could they really dy the opening? But without the herbal bath extract, how was Frank supposed to

    fulfill the longevity they stated on themercials? Ring...N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    Frank''s phone rang just then as well with a call from Trevor.

    "Mr. Lawrence..." The man''s voice was shaking with rage.

    "It''s fine, I know." Frank stopped him, taking a moment to calm down before asking, "How bad is it?"

    "It''s... terrible," Trevor growled hoarsely and murderously. "I''ll send my men to Laneville right now and

    make them pay!" "That''s enough!" Frank snapped, frowning as he stopped Trevor.

    Then, he paused for a moment before he continued, "Now''s not the tfor that. Just keep this in mind and

    we will pick it upter. The priority now is to minimize the ne damage. Are two days enough to repair all

    the property damage?" Trevor was silent for a moment but soon replied, "Yes, Mr. Lawrence. But the

    herbal bath for the hot springs... It''s all¡ª" "Just leave that to me. Don''t worry about it," Frank assured

    him, even as he gave express orders. "Make an inventory of our losses and replenish our warehouses.

    I''ll be back with the herbal bath in a couple of days. Just get it done." "Yes, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor

    replied and hung up.

    Frank breathed a long sigh in turn, his gaze dark-it appeared that someone was deliberately

    sabotaging the farm resort!

 Chapter 1021

    Frank wasted no tin contacting Glen to save tand cook more herbal bath extract.

    Glen had certainly seen the pretend state of affairs, and that there was no chance of reconciliation

    between his family and the Lionhearts. As such, he was nowpletely on Frank''s side for Vicky''s

    bridegroom, not Titus.

    In fact, he did not hesitate to deliver copious amounts of natural treasures from his vaults, and there

    was no shortage of century old herbs.

    Even Frank was impressed-the Turnbulls were really rich as expected.

    When he was in Riverton before, he had to spend ages just to find even one, but Glen had them in

    scores.

    However, though Loggins Apothecary were also sending much of their herbs to help Frank as well,

    what they could give still fell shortpared to the Hale Marrow that he had acquired by chance at an

    auction.

    Still, it was enough for the tbeing.

    That night, Frank got on a private jet provided by Glen and returned to Skywater Bay with Vicky, Helen,

    Nash, and Kat. After greeting Carol Zims and Winter Lawrence, he returned to his room and began to

    refine new herbal bath extract.

    Winter had been thrilled to see Frank chand was going to throw a party for him.

    However, she had no choice but to shrug and give up, seeing that everyone was busy.

    "So they''re all busy because someone destroyed the farm resort?" Winter asked at the dinner table,

    staring at Frank''s empty seat.

    It was only thanks to Vicky that they realized why Frank and Helen went to work as soon as they got

    back.

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    "What''s wrong with these people? They can''t bear to see others seed or something?" Carol sighed.

    Then, she slid more food onto Kat''s te while patting her back affectionately so that the girl.

    stop wolfing down her foot belongs to englishS "I''m full!" Kat soon eximed, wiping her mouth and

    dashing toward Frank''s room.

    Banging on his door, she shouted, "I need to talk to you, Master Lawrence!" Frank had no choice but to

    answer the door and frowned at her. "I''m busy. If you have nothing important¡ª" "I do." Kat pouted,

    rolling up her sleeve and holding out her hand at him. "Do it." "What?" Frank had no idea what she was

    up to.

    "Take my blood!" Kat gaped. "Wait, my dad never told you?" "Tellwhat?" Her strange behavior left Frank

    at a loss-Nash never told him a thing.

    "Urgh, that paranoid geezer." Kat pouted again. "Fine, I''ll tell you since he won''t-my mother was the el

    sacred maiden of Hundre Bane swn Sect."  ?w"The sacred maiden of Hundred

    Bane Sect?!" Frank''s heart skipped a beat How did she know about them?! Kat did not notice his

    reaction, however, and instead calmly continued, "To be precise, she ran away. In short, that treasure

    my father mentioned before-the one my mother left-was actually me." "You?" Frank did a double take.

    "Yep." Kat nodded nonchntly.

 Chapter 1022

    Kat continued nonchntly, "I don''t really get it, but my mom is the catalyst for their incubation

    technique. My blood, which is

    basically my mother''s heirloom, has that incubation effect for medicinal herbs. Honestly, | wouldn''t have

    known because my

    father''s so overprotective, but I''m also not sure if it''d work since he''s the one who toldthat."

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank realized with a start after Kat''s quick summary¡ªso that was why Nash had been so careful with

    Kat, and why she had a seal

    in her body.

    Still, he shook his head. "I know what you''re getting at, but | have enough herbs for now, don''t worry¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Kat had picked up a knife and pricked her finger, drawing scarlet blood.

    "What..."

    Her determined visage left Frank sighing. "You''re such a brat..."

    "Oh, quit overextending," Kat said solemnly. "I heard from Vicky that you have the herbs, but they''re not

    old enough to be as

    effective as before. And you know it''s not easy to get older herbs. Moreover, | have to pay you back a

    little after you helpedout

    so much when you were in Morhen. Don''t you agree?"

    Seeing that she was serious, Frank had no choice but to ept her offer and gather her blood in a vial.

    And he really had been overextending as Kat had said¡ªeven though he refined the medicinal herbs he

    obtained from the Turnbulls

    and the Loggins into a small, viscous bottle of herbal bath extract, he had the feeling that it wascking.

    Without a natural wonder like the Hale Marrow, the herbal bath extract was effective, but not as

    apparent as before.

    And if it was not apparent, would the rich and powerful of Riverton be willing to part with their money

    just to try it? What was the

    point of his farm resort at all?

    After a long while of thinking, Frank eventually drew a small speck of Kat''s blood and flicked it into the

    green extract.

    Frank could sense that something was special about Kat''s blood too. It carried a special sweet scent,

    though he had no idea about

    the specific attributes¡ªit was red like any other person''s blood.

    However, he was also aware of Hundred Bane Sect''s incubation technique, and he was willing to test

    out the theory.

    He just had to refine the herbal bath extract again if he failed¡ªit would not take that much effort,

    though it would be costly when it

    cto ingredients. Even so, Frank had enough centennial herbs for now.

    Nheless, the pale green extract in the bottle started bubbling, its hue turning into dark green.

    As the reaction subsided, Frank took a sniff and eximed in shock, "What?!"

    He remembered the ingredients he had refined into this extract: ginseng, snow lotus, dragonroot, and

    the likes... each of which

    were hundred years old.

 Chapter 1023

    However, Frank had only inserted a drop of Kat''s blood, and the sedimentation improved by leaps and

    bounds.

    Suddenly, it was as if the ingredients he used were over 500 years old. The medicinal value of the

    herbal bath extract was actually on par with the herbal extract he refined from the Hale Marrow before.

    In fact, even Frank''s abilities could improve if he drank this extract, which would further condense his

    pure vigor! "Shit..." Frank froze, unable to calm down for a long while.

    Kat''s blood was frighteningly effective... She was a walking, talking panacea spirit! It was not surprising

    now that Nash was so protective over Kat... even from Frank himself.

    And if Hundred Bane Sect were to find out about Kat, it would be all over for her, as they would hold

    her captive and bleed her like livestock.

    Either way, Frank was relieved-with the vial of Kat''s blood, he could both refine the herbal extract again

    while improving his abilities.

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    And with the pressing issue resolved, he could finally turn his attention to dealing with the culprits of

    this entire incident.

    The formal opening ceremony of the farm resort was in a couple of days, and he was sure that certain

    individuals were eager to see him mess up.

    His fingers tightening around the bottle of dark green extract, he sneered-he was not about to let this

    go just yet! The Southstream Lanes were having a family dinner.

    Gavin Lane remained impassive as he sat beside his father Mark. Helen was seated on Mark''s other

    side, appearing fatigued but still dressed formally.

    A middle-aged man sat on Gavin''s other side, and he was so rotund his suit buttons were barely

    holding While he resembled Gavin, his cheeks were pudgy too and he was busy toasting another

    middle-aged man sitting on his side. Eventually, Gavin banged his knuckle on the table and red at

    his rotund second brother. "What''s the deal with the farm resort, rk?!" rk Lane did a double take

    but snorted in disdain, "I told you, Gavin. I don''t know anything." "Exactly," the middle-aged man who

    was exchanging pleasantries with rk earlier chimed in. "It''s a day of celebration-quit mentioning

    such nasty stuff." Naturally, the middle-aged man was rk and Gavin''s other younger brother, Gable

    Lane.

    In fact, as they were all sitting together and enjoying themselves with the rest of the Southstream

    Lanes, only Mark and Gavin appeared upset.

    "You pricks!" Mark abruptly flung his fork away and pointed between rk and Gable. "You did it, didn''t

    you?! I know it is even if you refuse to admit it!" rk appeared wounded. "Why do you keep insisting it

    was us, Dad?" "Exactly," Gable grumbled too. "You keep snapping at us when we just got back. We

    didn''t do a thing!" Even Fleur tang could not helpining, "Why would you snap at the boys as

    soon as they chome? They''re the ones you have to rely on after you retire.

 Chapter 1024

    Even Fleur Lang could not helpining, "Why would you snap at the boys as soon as they

    chome? They''re the ones you

    have to rely on after you retire."

    "Hah! Rely on them?!" Mark snapped tempestuously. "I''d rather pick up a stray! How much money have

    | given these two pricks?

    They promised to aplish something, and not only did they fail, but they only got worse!"

    "That''s too much, Dad," rk retorted, frowning.

    "Too much?!" Markughed despite himself, and mmed his palm forcefully on the table. "Fine, then

    where are the 500 million

    dors | gave you each for investment? Con¡ªtellwhatever you''ve done over the years. I''ll curse my

    own ignorance if you

    can giveanything, how about that?!"

    Both rk and Gable hung their heads right then, too embarrassed to respond.

    After all, they had wasted the millions their father gave them, and therefore had to chome.

    And seeing that they were silent, Mark snorted. "See? Nothing. And you still have the cheek to talk

    back to me?!"

    "Even so, you shouldn''t let sgirlie walk all over us!" Gable snapped, shooting a re of indignation at

    the silent Helen.

    "Exactly," rk agreed. "And didn''t you and your Uncle Henry have a big fight? Why are you bringing

    his family back to our fold?

    Letting swoman beca candidate for the head of the Lane family... I''m embarrassed for you, even if you

    don''t feel that

    way."

    Even though rk spoke thest part under his breath, Mark heard him anyway and bellowed, "What''s

    the problem?! At least she''s

    better than either of you, building a two billion dorpany out of nothing in just three years! Can

    either of you say the same?!"

    Mark''s ttery left Helen scratching her nose awkwardly.

    While her policies as CEO worked, Frank''s support was the chief reason for Lane Holdings''

    groundbreaking sess. Without him,

    herpany would be at best stuck at a humble scale even if it would not fall apart, and it certainly

    would not grow to two billion

    dors in value, gaining fin Riverton.

    Nheless, rk turned toward Gable, both of them sharing a sleazy smile. "Hmph. | wonder who

    she owes that sess too?

    Sessful women always have sspecial options, don''t you agree?"

    Everyone present understood what he was getting at, and even Helen was frowning.

    "That''s exactly what | was saying," Luna Lane chortled. "She''s only sessful because of her pretty

    face, and she''d be nothing

    without it."

    Gavin shot her a re and mmed his hand on the table. "Shut up!"

    "Why? Am | wrong?" Luna retorted, feeling confident with her mother Jade Zahn at her side even as

    she kept throwing shade at

    Helen. "Who knows what the pretty CEO of Lane Holdings is really like in private? She might have

    already caught something

    incurable in her crotch!"

    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "Haha!" Gable gave her a big thumbs up right then. "That''s my niece for you¡ªshe''s a better judge of

    character! Tut, tut... Even if

    the title of CEO sounds intimidating, anyone can tell that it''s just for show!"

    "And she''d have nothing when she''s older," rk added sarcastically.

 Chapter 1025

    As the vibes at the dinner soured, Mark was about to start shouting when Helen rose to her feet.

    Holding her wine ss between her fingers, her eyes were staunch and determined as she spoke,

    "Dear uncles-I can understand how you can doubt the sess of others. After all, both of you are

    ipetent, and you''re convinced that everyone else is no different. I''m not afraid of admitting that I

    owe much of my sess to my husband Frank Lawrence, but even then, I wouldn''t give up the way

    either of you had." Both rk and Gable scowled even as Helen continued to disparage them. "I mean,

    losing all of granduncle''s money and thening hacting like you still own the ce? I''m a woman, but

    at least I know shand acknowledge my own shorings instead of resorting to cheap insults or

    personal attacks." Then, turning toward Luna, she smiled faintly. "As for you, should I tell everyone

    about the inspection at Morhen and the friend you met online, who supposedly owned a construction

    company?" Her clear threat left Luna hanging her head fearfully. She certainly did not want her

    grandfather to find out, or the candidacy as the next head of the Lane family her grandmother fought so

    hard to get for her would go up in smoke.

    "At least you know your ce, so I''ll spare you for now." Seeing that Luna was silent, Helen nodded

    before turning back to rk and Gable with a re of contempt. "Dear uncles, I know that both of you

    have beef with me, even destroying the farm resort just to get back at me. However, lettell you this-

    such cheap tricks won''t stop me. If anything, it makescare even less about either of you." "I wouldn''t

    have cat all if not for Granduncle''s invitation, because it embarassesto share a table with either of you.

    If anything, Granduncle was right... You''re both pricks." With that, Helen chugged her ss and strode

    off proudly.

    rk was ring at her even as she disappeared from the doorway, his face contorting as his rage

    burgeoned.

    "Fuck!" he bellowed as he crushed the wine ss he was holding.

    Gable was glowering too, the gears in his mind turning.

    He was the one who had arranged for their goons to burn down the farm resort, after all-he was the

    brains to rk''s brawn, and be was really good at scheming. S Mark snorted just then and pped his

    hand on the table. "Helen''s right-the farm was my life''s work but you pricks had to burn it down out of

    petty jealousy! Try something like this again, and I''ll kill you both myself!" With that, he stood up and

    started to leave with the help of a servant.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Dad, I..." rk began.

    "Don''t callthat!" Mark bellowed at him efore he could say more et him silent and awkwardly hanging his

    head.

    to englisht belongs SW However, the rage in rk''s eyes never faded as he growled through his teeth,

    "Helen Lane... You asked for this..." On the other hand, Gable was silent as he quietly hid in a corner,

    hatching a n.

    After the dinner, Luna was taking a stroll in the gardens when she ran into her uncles having a chat.

 Chapter 1026

    Neither rk nor Gable avoided Luna when they saw her.

    In fact, Gable actually approached her and asked, "You can''t stand Helen too, can you?" Luna was

    taken aback for a moment but was soon glowering. "Yeah." Helen had always held herself head and

    shoulders above her, and her patience was more than used up as she remembered how pompous

    Helen had been tonight.

    All she wanted was an opportunity to express it! rk and Gable traded nces in turn and saw the

    delight in each other''s eyes.

    You cannot always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you get what you need! They had just

    been discussing what they were going to do about Helen, but they were missing a key part-something

    or someone they could use to catch Helen off guard.

    As long as Helen ''vanished'', the brothers would ultimately take ownership over the farm.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    They had certainly been coveting it for a while, and they hated their father for denying them all this

    while.

    If that geezer would just give them that piece ofnd, they would use the capital he gave them to

    establish an entire industrial zone. At the very least, they would not fall into their current sorry states!

    That was why they were furious when they returned. They were going to ask their father for more

    money and that farnd, only to learn that he had given thatnd to Helen... and for sm resort! iel It

    was rightfully theirs, but their father would rather give it to some... nobody! That was why they had

    called in their old thug friends, catching Trevor Zurich off guard to vandalize the farm resort.

    They broke what they could and burnt what they could not break, inflicting devastating losses upon the

    farm.

    Naturally, they did not care-as long as Helen''s farm resort failed to take off, the farnd would be

    theirs eventually.

    Nheless, their spite for Helen only grew as Madam Lang told them. that Helen was offered the

    candidacy as the next head of the Lane family. At that point, they wanted her to disappear and be done

    with it! Back at the present, Gable pursed his lips in worry as he asked Luna, "Are you willing to let

    soutsider becthe next head of our family? And a woman at that?" "That''s right!" rk goaded. "If we let

    Helen Lane lead, we will all suffer and you''re no exception-just look at the way she treated us today

    and how arrogant she was behaving!" Luna, who already hated Helen to the bone, nodded worriedly.

    "Yeah. It''ll be over forif she bes head of the family. We''ll suffer from anything we do from now on."

    Then, her tone changed sharply. "Do you have any way to stop her?" "Of course!" Gable grinned, his

    eyes shing coldly. "Do you have any way to call her out alone, ideally without anyone else knowing?

    We can make her disappear if possible!"

 Chapter 1027

    Gable kept goading. "Listen, Luna. Even if your Uncle rk and | can''t becthe head of the family, having you take leadership is

    still much better than letting Helen do it!" "Exactly! You have the candidacy as the next head of the Lane family too, and you have

    Madam Lang''s support. You''re certainly more than a match for Helen, and if she disappears on top of that..." rk trailed off, his

    eyes narrowing with a knowing smile. "Then I''ll be the head of the family..." Luna murmured to herself, her eyes lighting up with

    excitement as she smiled proudly. "Exactly!" Gable nodded, affirming her ambition. "Your Uncle rk and | both have your back!"

    "Yes," rk kept beguiling Luna as well. "Once we get rid of Helen, we will take back control of our family!" In reality, rk and

    Gable did not actually have to worry-Luna hated Helen for so long, but she just kept it to herself because she did not have the

    opportunity.

    Now that her uncles afforded her one-even promising her that she could becthe head of the family, it was certainly the perfect

    chance for her.

    In fact, she was already fantasizing about her uncles'' encouragement and promises.

    Patting her chest, she assured them, "Don''t worry. | will lure Helen out anytime." Both rk and Gable grinned in delight at

    Luna''s promise, a flicker of disdain showing in their eyes just now.

    Naturally, Luna did not see anything as she was busy reveling in her fantasy of bing the next head of the Lane family.

    Once she left, rk turned toward Gable. "Wait, we''re not really going to back that dumbass to becthe next head of the family,

    right?" "Oh, con! Is that how low you think of me?" Gable grinned, his gaze sinister as he spoke quietly, "We''re never leaving

    again now that we''re back.. Everything the family has will be ours. As for that dumbass? We just get rid of her when we do the

    swith Helen. No one would be the Wiser." rk gave Gable a thumbs up right then. "You''re amazing! The n is really wless!"

    "Hahaha..." While both rk and Gable wereughing sinisterly over their perfectlyid n, Luna called Helen excitedly as she

    was told, not knowing what they had nned.

    "Hello, Helen. Grandpa wants to talk to you. Cover for a bit," she said as soon as Helen answered, having thought of a script

    beforehand.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "Granduncle is looking for me?" Helen asked in curiosity.

    She had left Laneville and was returning to Lane Manor to check on her mother before returning hto Skywater Bay.

    Luna''s call was certainly... unprecedented.

    Still, she felt a little suspicious and ta

    frowned. Shouldn''t your father be

    callingif Granduncle is looki afer

    me? W areyan batlitd 0 instead?"

    "Wwhet:. Luna panicked and snapped

    impatiently, "| don''t know. They''re all

    busy-cif you want. | don''t care!¡± With

    that, she hung up and breathed a

    sigh of relief. The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    Thankfully, she was not exposed,

    though she did not knew ifsie mM

    ahs

    syceeetied di ef. The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    That said, given how Helen was... she

    would be runnin kijght away if

    Mark Lancaske _ right? The content

    is on ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

 Chapter 1028

    After a brief hesitation, Luna called her uncles. "I''ve already called Helen. You just have to wait for her

    on the road." "No, that won''t do." Gable chuckled over the phone. "Surely you can''t leave the dirty work

    to us while you do nothing?" Luna frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean?" "Nothing much." Gable

    kept chuckling. "Look, don''t worry-we just need you with us, and you don''t have to do a thing. Can''t

    have you go behind our backs and tell your Grandpa, can we?" Luna paused, but she soon realized

    that Gable meant she just had to be there.

    That would mean they were all in this together, and her uncles simply did not want her to betray them.

    If anything, she was relieved since she thought Gable wanted her to kill Helen with her own hands. It

    would even be better if she gets to see Helen die... or beg her for mercy.

    As such, she agreed to her uncle''s request and got into their car.

    They left Laneville, stopping by a quiet road that led straight to Laneville.

    They were joined by arge group of goons called in by rk and Gable.

    They were certainly a menacing sight even as they stood waiting, and even Luna was gulping

    nervously.

    Despite her feisty attitude, this was still her first tgetting involved with murder.

    She was at once eager and terrified too, since it was Helen, her worst enemy.

    Nheless, the butterflies in her stomachsted for around half an hour.

    They all heard a car bounding down the road before actually seeing the ck car.

    "She''s here!" Gable eximed-he remembered the car Helen drove earlier today, and this was the

    sone.

    The goons were at once on alert as well.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    rk had them block the road, while Gable got in his car, chasing downe Helen''s car before braking

    suddenly up front. SW There was a shrill screech of tyre scraping against asphalt as Helen''s car was

    forced to a stop.

    And just as everyone expected, Helen herself alighted warily.

    "Who are you people?!" she bellowed, looking around at the cars blocking her road. "What do you think

    you''re doing?!" "Hahaha!!!" rk wasughing at her in contempt as he alighted, evennes mimicking

    her. "Who are you vel: people?! What do you think you''re doing?! Hahaha..." Gable alighted from his

    car too and slowly Code toward Helen f the back, "Don''t tellyou''ve forgotten about us already, Helen." S

    The goons with them approached Helen as well, encircling Helen and her car.

    "Oh, it''s you..." Helen scowled.

 Chapter 1029

    "What do you want?!" Helen snapped even as she took a step back, leaning against her car as she

    red warily at the goons around her, as well as at rk and Gable.

    "What do we want, you ask?" rk shook his head even as he strode up, brandishing his steel bat

    threateningly at Helen''s face. "Well, you really are a beauty up close. Killing you right away is a real

    waste... why not let the boys have sfun, Gable?" As the goons around themughed sleazily, rk

    grinned sinisterly. "I remembered everything you said at the dinner! Don''t you think you should be

    apologizing now, huh?!" It waste into the night, and they were in the middle of nowhere-it was the

    perfect opportunity for a perfect murder.

    And yet, Helen was not afraid at all, even snapping coolly, "Apologize? Really? What you''ve done has

    only further earned you the title of prick." Helen''s tough reaction actually gave rk pause. He turned

    to look into Helen''s car and was relieved to see no one else inside. Gable then cover as well,

    glowering, "Still talking tough now, Helen? Whoever gave you the confidence?" "Just spitting facts."

    Helen shrugged. "So where''s Luna?" "I''m right here!" Luna shouted as she alighted, walking up to

    Helen and standing akimbo as she sneered. "You didn''t expect this, did you? Well, you had iting!"

    "What an idiot." Helen shook her head, seeing how smug Luna was.

    "W-What''s that supposed to mean?" Luna asked, confused by Helen''s confidence.

    Why was Helen not on her knees, begging for her life in this situation? "Why don''t you look around?"

    Helen asked, looking pointedly at the goons surrounding them. "What do you think would happen to

    you after they kill me? Did you really think that you''re safe?" Luna did a double take. "What''s that

    supposed to mean?" et Helen gave her a sympathetic look, though she was also sneering. "If I were

    killed, your father would investigate and soon find out that you were the one whost called me. What

    do you think rk and Gable here would do, in case you spilled the beans?" "What would they do?"

    Luna drew a nk but soon flinched when she realized her situation.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    However, she refused to believe it, even snapping loudly, "No... Uncle rk and Uncle Gable

    promised! They''d even backto becthe next head of the family! You''re just making stuff up!" Helen shook

    her head exasperatedly at that. "In that case, why don''t you look around you?" "What?!" Luna did so

    and found that she was being surrounded too.

 Chapter 1030

    As rk, Gable, and their goons encircled Luna and Helen, Luna was left stammering, "Uncle rk?

    Uncle Gable? What...?" Having heard thedies'' exchange, Gable apuded Helen, even smiling. "Not

    bad! I''m surprised you can see that... I guess Gavin admired you for a reason. Hell, you might really

    becquite something if you were allowed to grow." "Uncle Gable...?" Luna muttered even as realization

    struck her.

    It might have just been a suspicion earlier, but even Gable was basically admitting to it now that she,

    Luna, had been used like a tool.

    And now that she had served her purpose, both her and Helen would be silenced.

    Even as she red at rk and Gable in disbelief, she bellowed, "Why?! Why are you doing this?! W-

    Weren''t we''re in on this together?! How could you-" "We''re in on this together? Says who?" rk shot

    her a re of disdain, chuckling. "We''d be exposed if we really kept a dumbass like you around. Also,

    were you really actually hoping to be the next head of the Lane family? Hahaha... What even is this

    fantasy you''re in, girlie?" His mockery left Luna falling to her knees with a loud thud as despair

    overwhelmed her.

    She really thought for a moment that she could be the next head of the Lane family... and not only was

    her dream crushed, but it turned out that she had been used like a tool and might soon be gone

    forever.

    "No... No, no, no! I don''t wanna die!" Luna suddenly screamed manically.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    However, they were on a road heading straight to Laneville, far away from the city.

    No one wasing no matter how loud she screamed.

    "What a dumbass." Gable snorted in disdain and pped her across the face, leaving her stunned.

    "Shut up already, loudmouth! Luna grabbed his leg right then, pleading, "No! No! Uncle Gable, you

    can''t kill me... I lured Helen out for you! I can still be useful, I..." Gable, however, was mercilessly.

    He raised a gleaming machete and pressed it against her neck, sneering coolly, was going to do Helen

    first, and then you while you were too busy to notice... But I changed my mind because you''re so

    annoying." "No! Don''t kill me! Don''t kill me, Uncle Gable! Uncle rk, Uncle rk... I''m begging you!"

    Luna cried, turning back toward rk as she pinned her hopes on him.

    rk simply grinned sinisterly. "Oh, girlie-it''s not like I want to do this, but it''s your fault for being so

    stupid. I mean, you just need to be slightly smart to see how fishy this whole thing is. And people

    always pay the price for being stupid, y''know." rk''s mockery left Luna despairing, her tears gushing

    even as she stared at the gleaming machete pressed against her neck and closed her eyes.

    She just wanted to get one over Helen, but she had to die for it too! She certainly regretted doing this at

    all! However, before the machete reached Luna''s neck, Helen''s car door opened and the yawning man

    alighted, "What''s all that ruckus, Helen Haven''t we arrived at e f.n Laneville yet... Oh, what''s all these

    people doing here?" "What?!" Everyone, including rk and Gable, both turned towards the man in

    shock.

    On the other hand, Helen simply leaned against her door, folding her arms before her chest as she

    shed a vibrant smile at the confused men.

    "Ran into shighwaymen blocking the road," she said nonchntly.

 Chapter 1031

    Naturally, the drowsy man who alighted was none other than Frank himself.

    Helen was no fool-everything about this was suspicious, as not only did Luna call her in the middle of

    the night, but she was also telling Helen to hurry back to Laneville.

    If Mark was really looking for her, he would have asked Gavin to make contact.

    While Helen was afraid to ask, she thought about it and decided to bring Frank along.

    He just happened to be sleepy and was lying down for a nap on the backseat, which in turn kept him

    out of sight.

    However, while rk, Gable, and their goons were taken aback as Frank alighted, rk soon

    recovered.

    Leering at Frank gleefully, he chuckled. "Oh, Helen... So that''s your lowlife ex-husband, huh?"

    "Highwaymen... blocking the road?" Frank was jolted to his senses by rk''s mocking and pointed at

    himself nkly. "Lowlife ex-husband? You mean me?" "Hahaha... Look around you. Is there anyone

    else here?" rk, Gable, and their goons were allughing at Frank''s dyed reaction.

    Nheless, Frank calmly met rk''s leer and replied solemnly, "First of all, there are plenty of

    lowlifes around here, and I''m not the worst of them." "Also..." Frank then grinned and pulled Helen

    toward himself by her waist. "I''m not her ex-husband." "Oh, you..." Helen blushed even as she felt the

    warmth of his hand on her waist, suddenly shy like a maiden despite being the ice queen CEO of Lane

    Holdings.

    The goons were certainly left dumbstruck.

    "Shit, rk! That''s amazing... We have to get a taste!" "Exactly. You can''t blus for this!" rk did not

    respond to the goons'' sleazy catcalls, because he was busy being sleazy too.

    Even if Helen was his niece, she was just beautiful beyond words! Hell, there were not many women

    across Draconia who could match her beauty, let alone Riverton! "Really? You intend to dishonor my

    woman?" Frank strode up, shielding Helen behind let 2. poverimself as he smiled at the around him.

    "Did you ask for permission first?" belongs to english"Fuck off. Who needs your permission?" "Exactly.

    Who do you think you are?" "Let''s see if you can still talk tough when we cut off your arm!" The jeers

    around Frank left him exasperated.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He paused for a moment before ward rk and Gable, wet clearly the leas 2014 asked, "So, who are

    you two?" "They''re my uncles, Frank," Helen quickly said. "They''re the ones who burnt down the farm."

    "Really?" Frank rubbed his chin, chuckling.

    This was perfect-if they were in Laneville, he would not have an excuse to deal with these two.

    However, they had to present themselves gift-wrapped like this... talk about unfortunate timing.

    Moreover, he was not particrly busy now that he was done refining the herbal bath extract, and he

    was now studying rk and Gable with a look amusement. "So, you''re the who burnt down the farm?"

    "Yes, we did." Gableughed darkly.

 Chapter 1032

    Secrecy was unnecessary at this point, and Gable was evenughing darkly. "Yes, we burnt down your

    shitty farm resort. I don''t mind telling you that since you''re both dying here!" "I see." Frank turned to

    nce at Helen''s car before smiling at her. "The car camcorder is on, right? Is what they said

    recorded?" "Yeah." Helen nodded, hiding a smile behind her palm.

    She was surprised Frank was cunning enough to think of that.

    Moreover, she was not afraid at all anyway-if the goons and thugs of Morhen could not even reach him,

    rk and Gable''s friends certainly would not.

    On the other hand, Gable did a double take in surprise after hearing that his words were recorded.

    However, he soon regained his confidence and snapped coolly, "So what if you recorded us? We''d just

    have to kill you and set fire to your car. We won''t leave any evidence, so no one would know a thing!" "I

    see... You''ve really thought this through!" Frank smacked himself on the forehead tically but soon

    narrowed his eyes and sneered. "But doesn''t that apply to you too?" "Hahaha!!!" rk and Gable

    laughed at Frank''s question, pointing at him as they mocked him. "You''re not very bright, are you?!

    Look around! We have you surrounded, or are you saying you can handle twenty of us by yourself?

    There''s fearlessness, and there''s ignorance! Maybe quit watching those stupid movies, kid!" Frank was

    not particrly upset by their ridicule, even nonchntly turning to find Luna on her knees nearby.

    He raised a brow in surprise. "Helen, don''t tell me..." "Yeah, used like a tool." Helen nced at Luna

    too, and shook her head in disdain.

    "Oh, makes sense." Frank chuckled, even as Luna gave him a pleading look.

    Then, he strode forward and looked al with a smile. "So, are y at once, or would you fering doing it

    one on one?" w "Hmph. He really isn''t that bright." rk snorted at Frank''s nonchnt reaction and

    beckoned at his goons. "Kill bim! Don''t hold back... Then, you can have Helen!"

    ?w"Alright!" That was exactly what the goons were waiting for. They were all sneering savagely as they

    charged at Frank, machetes raised.

    "All at once it is, then." Frank simply ne nodded thoughtfully, just as his expression turned solemn. "I

    would have det y''all live on any other asion... But you''re all dying now!" Then, turning to Helen

    behind him, he said, "Get into the car and close your eyes." "Oh, okay." Helen hurried into the car

    tamely and wound up the car window.

    Naturally, she did not close her eyes and was instead staring at her man worriedly.

    Even if she knew those goons would not be able toy a finger on Frank, she still could not help but

    worry.

    Her heart would break if he got hurt, and Vicky would not let her hear the end of it.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Still, she soon realized that she was worrying too much.

 Chapter 1033

    Frank stood his ground, waiting.

    As the first goon swung his machete, he suddenly moved as fast as lightning when the tip of the de

    was inches from his nose. Helen could not see what he did, but the goon was suddenly screaming and

    on his knees, his machete already in Frank''s hand.

    Even before the goon could catch his breath, he screamed even as he watched Frank raise his foot.

    "N-No!!!" Nheless, Frank sent him flying with a kick, leaving his chest sunken and no longer able to

    scream.

    He was clearly dead! ng! At the stime, Frank had nonchntly raised the machete behind himself,

    parrying the machete of another goon trying to blindside him.

    He pivoted and punched the goon in the head so hard that he smashed it in.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    While he did, he did not forget to kick another goon in the shin, breaking his leg! Crack! "Argh!" The

    goon dropped his weapon and tried to flee despite the limp, but he suddenly heard the sound of metal

    piercing sh.

    He paused, looked down to find the tip of a machete sticking out of his chest, and dropped to the

    ground in endless regret. "H-He''s a martial artist..." "What?!" The sight of the goons being mercilessly

    sliced through like vegetables left rk and Gable stunned.

    They did not expect Frank to be that good-their goon friends had ruled the streets for years and were

    each as bloodthirsty as they were ruthless. So how were they being ughtered so easily?! As their

    legs began to shake, Gable was the first to cto his son, ge have to get out of here..... He''s a martial

    artist! We''d never win!" Even as he said that, he had pushed the petrified rk away while he ran

    alone toward his car.

    "You''re running?" Frank, however, could see the fleeing Gable and promptly picked up a machete,

    which he threw at the man.

    "Argh!" dropped to the floor and turned find get his t the machete had sent leg clean off from the kneet

    Content W belongs to englishS Even as he bled and howled in pain, Frank ignored him and turned to

    rk.

    Still, he suddenly felt lucky that he did not try to run like his brother, or his legs would be gone too.

    Amid the panic, he saw that Luna was beside him...

    Meanwhile, Frank continued to ughter the goons for a minute.

    After that, he threw away the machete he was holding.

    The thirtyish goons were all dead-even the ones who saw that things had gone really bad and tried to

    run.

    On the other hand, Frank straightened his shirt, which somehow did not have a single stter of blood

    despite the corpses around him.

    Then, he walked up to rk with a smile. "There. Leave no evidence... Am I doing it right?

 Chapter 1034

    rk was trembling in fear even as he looked at Frank''s smile. The man could kill without flinching,

    and he looked no different from the reaper.

    While rk had himself been involved in murder and other felony, it had never been one-sided like it

    was with Frank.

    It certainly left him traumatized...

    "S-Stay where you are!" he bellowed, whipping out a dagger out of nowhere as he grabbed Luna and

    pressed the dagger against her throat. "Or I''ll kill her!" Even as rk''s de broke skin and drew

    blood, Frank was shrugging at his meek threat. "Did you really think I''d care if she lives?" Luna turned

    pale as she trembled endlessly, her speech unintelligible even as she begged Frank for help. "P-

    Please... Save me..." "Hey now." Frank snorted, shaking his head and continuing toward rk. "You

    really shouldn''t askfor anything, Luna-you know better than anyone what you''ve done toand Helen.

    Also, you''re the one who set this trap and willingly fell into it. Can''t nyone for that, don''t you think?!"

    "D-Didn''t you hear me?!" rk kept yelling in panic even as he backed away. "If you take another step,

    I will-" "What? Kill her?" Frank smiled nonchntly and kept walking toward rk, even goading him.

    "Go on, do it! You''d spareso much effort if you do it. After I killed you, I''d just have to tell your family

    that you killed her. I''d even tell them I did my best, but... Hehe." "Fuck you, Frank Lawrence!" Luna

    finally managed aplete sentence-not to beg for help, but to curse him.

    Even as Frank''s gaze darkened at Luna''s outburst, rk could see that he was not affecting Frank at

    all.

    "Fuck! You''re all crazy!" he eximed and threw Luna at Frank as he turned to run.

    "Now you''re running? Don''t you think it''s toote?" Frank chuckled.

    He sidestepped Luna, allowing her to drop painfully on the ground.

    Even Luna teared up, Frank was already in front of rk.

    "What..." rk gaped when he saw Frank apparate before him.

    He swung his dagger at Frank, but Frank simply broke his arm with a punch.

    "Argh!" Even as rk screamed, Frank kicked him in the left kneecap, breaking it with a loud crunch.

    Dropping to a crouch in front of the ne man, he feaned closed at rk''s face in amusement. "What,

    weren''t you all so gung ho about messing with my girl? Go on, do it!" S rk was screaming as if it S

    pain and quickly shook . "N-No... Please! We won''t go..." do it again... Just let m "Now that''s a good

    boy." Frank smiled and nodded and left to fetch Gable.

    This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Though he had his leg sliced off, Gable had I''managed to crawl bay no vabi car even opening the door!

 Chapter 1035

    "No... No!!!" Even as Gable started to climb into his car, he had thought he could escape, but only for

    Frank to drag him back.

    He struggled violently even as his hope to escape beca pipe dream, but it was naturally pointless.

    Frank even broke one of his arms-the sthing he did with rk, rendering him immobile.

    "Now, letthink... what should I do with you two?" Frank rubbed his chin, watching as both Gable and

    rky limply on the ground before turning to nce at Helen in her car. Naturally, he was plenty

    considerate toward her since he would not allow mooks like these two to live otherwise. However, they

    were Helen''s uncles and Mark''s sons-executing both on the spot was really too much.

    "Please, Mr. Lawrence! Just let us go... It''s all Gable''s idea!" rk eximed through tears and

    shudders, brotherhood be damned as he sold out his brother right then and there. "He nned the

    arson on the farm too... he said that everything in the family will be ours if we get the farm and then kill

    our father! We will kill anyone who gets in our way too... That''s what he said, word for word!" Frank''s

    expression changed ever so slightly in disgust-these brothers were really pricks, even nning to kill

    their own father! He also finally understood why Mark was furious and cared so little about them back

    when Mark handed over the farm to Frank and Helen.

    There was certainly a reason.

    "Bullshit!" Gable exploded right then.

    "It was you who cbegging because you wasted every dthe old man gave you! Why would even think of

    this if you didn''t keep buggingevery day?!" Frank raised a brow.

    Both of them were really pricks of equal measure.

    Suddenly, Gable turned toward Frank and yed his trump card "Mr. Lawrence, you''d best think before

    you kill me... My brother is Zambri''s deputymissioner! He will make you pay!" "Yeah! That''s exactly

    right!" rk nodded repeatedly. "Our boys are all subordinates of the deputymissioner. No one will

    cover for you if you kill us. He will have your head!" Frank was certainly disgusted that the two pricks

    would threaten him even after all that had happened. However, he still decided to spare their lives after

    thinking about it.

    After all, they now had proof that rk and Gable burnt down the farm resort and attempted to murder

    Helen.

    And since Luna was involved in this conspiracy too, one would expect Helen to take leadership of the

    family without anyone questioning her. It would all be smooth sailing from here.

    On the other hand, if Frank took the easier option and killed rk and Gable, the entire incident would

    get stuck in limbo.

    For one, Luna would use Frank of killing Mark''s sons-even if rk and Gable were scum, it still

    might cause friction between Mark and Frank. Moreover, Fleur Lang would inevitably make a big fuss

    about it. In that sense, Frank would choose to spare them just to avoid the hassle.

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    "In that case, you''reing back to Laneville with us," he said. "Where you will confess all your crimes.

    Do that, and I will let you live-how about that?" Both rk and Gable were all too eager to seize the

    chance for survival and nodded repeatedly despite their pain.

 Chapter 1036

    "Fine. In that case..." Frank turned to Helen as they nned how they would get rk and Gable back

    to Laneville.

    That was when Luna suddenly shrieked, "Die!!!" "Gurk-!" Frank turned, and was left gaping in shock.

    Luna had picked up a machete from god-knows-where and had swung it at rk''s neck while Frank''s

    back was turned. Even rk could not react in time.

    Blood welled up in his mouth as he stared in disbelief at the wheezing Luna, even as she hacked off

    three quarters of his neck. His eyes widened and twitched endlessly, but he was clearly going to die.

    "What are you doing?!" Frank bellowed-he had just decided to take the brothers back to Laneville, only

    for Luna to murder rk! Luna was still wheezing, but soon dropped on her rump as sheughed

    maniacally.

    "Hahaha! Serves you right! Serves you right for fucking lying to me!" Luna kept cursing at rk even

    as hey dead, his eyes wide opened.

    While Frank remained silent, Gable panicked at his brother''s death and crawled toward Frank despite

    his pain. "Please, Mr. Lawrence! Save me!" "Luna Lane" Frank bellowed, et frowning even as he

    moved to stand in front of Gable since he could d let Lona kill Gable too. "Do you know what you''re

    doing?!" S "Of course! Luna sprang to her feet and bellowed back at Frank. "They deserved it! They

    lied to me! And Yo you dare get in my way when didn''t savejust now!" Frank glowered right then. "I

    alone get to decide their fate. And you''d be dead if not for me, understand?!" Luna simplyughed. "If

    not for you?! That cheek of yours! You told Uncle rk to kill me!" "What an idiot..." Frank was

    speechless.

    Luna would know better... that was, if she had a brain.

    Still, he was not bothered to stoop to her level. He struck her in the nape with the side of his palm,

    knocking her out.

    He put Gable in his own car while shoving Luna into the trunk and drove toward Laneville.

    As Helen followed in her own car, Frank called Trevor Zurich over the phone. "Send someone over for

    a cleanup. I just dealt with strash." "Trash, Mr. Lawrence?" Trevor did a double take and frowned. "You

    don''t mean...

    "Yeah." Frank remained impassive. "They burnt down the farm. You can take care of their bodies."

    "Hahaha!" Trevorughed in delight on the other end. "I knew you wouldn''t disappoint me, sir! .ne really

    returned the favor.

    worry, my men will be right there!"Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1037

    Trevor had put in tand effort into building the farm resort, contributing greatly for theunch.

    He even poured in resources from hispany Trevor International, bringing in over a dozen

    subcontractor teams to work simultaneously.

    Fortunately, rk and Gable did not manage to burn down the vis they built, or Trevor would be

    coming after them himself. Either way, he was breathing a sigh of catharsis when Frank told him that

    those responsible were dealt with.

    Frank said nothing after hanging up and continued driving toward Laneville.

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    As soon as he arrived, he found Mark, Gavin, and other key members of the Lane family waiting at the

    gates.

    Even Gavin''s sons, Jon and Roth, were there with Fleur and Jade Zahn.

    Frank could understand why they were there-Helen had called them before they arrived.

    Among them, Jade was fidgeting restlessly. What would she do if her dear daughter got hurt? As Frank

    stopped the car in front of the Lanes, he said nothing as he dragged Gable out of the car, and then

    Luna out of the car trunk.

    "Frank Lawrence!" Jade went crazy at the sight, leaping up to push him out of the way and ring at

    him. "How could you do this to my daughter?!" She then felt the bump on Luna''s head and the streak of

    blood left on her neck by Gable''s dagger, and she howled, You did this, didn''t you? kill your You hear

    me?! Killif you want, and kill Gavin too! Hell, why stop there?! You can kill everyone here!" "Buzz off!"

    Frank snapped, pushing her to the floor just as it dawned on him where Luna had inherited her stupidity

    from. Walking up to Mark, he said, "Mr. Lane, this whole thing-" "It''s alright, Mr. Lawrence." Mark sighed

    heavily. "Helen told us everything on the phone." It was only then that Frank realized he was leaning

    into his cane, his usual liveliness gone as he seemed to have aged two decades.

    He shook his head miserably even as he looked down at Gable, who was on his knees begging. "I

    thought those two would show sentiment even if they behaved like animals. But now, it seems..." "Calm

    down, Dad," Gavin reasoned.

    "Yeah, what if you ruin your health?" Roth added.

    "It''s alright. I know myself better than the rest of you." Mark sighed and beckoned at Helen.

    As she arrived, she sighed again. "I''m so sorry, Helen. It''s my fault. How can I face Henry if those

    two..." He was ready to kneel, but Helen Stopped him, even forcingst smile. "Please, Granduncle. I''m

    fine, see? I''m standing right here "Hah! You all really bought her lies, huh?!" Jade suddenly snapped as

    she leapt off the ground, ring at Frank and Helen.

 Chapter 1038

    Even as everyone turned to Jade, she kept ranting, "Does Helen have proof that Luna called her and

    lured her to a trap?! Are you all going to believe her just because she said it?! For all we know, Frank

    Lawrence can really hold himself in a fight!" But even as she ranted, Gable was scowling on his knees.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    He certainly had no idea-when he asked Jade about Frank, all Jade had to say about him was ''lowlife

    ex-husband''.

    It was why when he was actually up against Frank, he treated Frank with insignificance.

    Unbeknownst to him, ''lowlife ex-husband'' was just Jade''s opinion of Frank, and he was not a lowlife.

    His spite red even as Jade continued ranting, looking around at everyone. "What are Frank and

    Helen to us?! Nobodies-that''s what they are! Even if we ept Helen back into our family, she isn''t

    really family, so how trustworthy can their words be?! Considering that she''s drooling over bing

    the next head of the Lane family, we should really be thinking more about this!" That was when Gavin

    quietly strode up to her, scowling as he pped Jade twice across the face.

    "Do you know what you''re saying?!" he bellowed, pointing at her in the face. "Are you seriously

    using Helen and Mr. Lawrence of framing Gable and Luna, and then coercing them into going with

    their story?!" "Are you crazy?! You hitbecause of snobodies?!" Jade exploded and leapt up to tussle

    against Gavin.

    That was when Fleur strode forward. "I think Jade speaks reason here." At the stime, she shot a re

    of contempt at Frank and Helen.

    She never could stand those two and was not about to let up a chance to bring them down a peg! Still,

    she was inwardly bemoaning rk and Gable''s ipetence-how could they fail to get rid of those

    two? However, Helen cforward just then as well. "So does that mean no one believes me?" Jade was

    at once ufortable when she saw Helen''s confidence She promptly ran to the et unconscious

    Lunaet her as hard as she could until she woke up. "Mom..." Luna was sobbing as soon as she saw

    her mother.

    "It''s alright, Mommy''s here." Jade held her firmly in her arms.

    As she did, Luna''s eyes widened as Jade whispered something into her ear.

    Then, pulling Luna to stand in front of everyone, Jade shouted loudly "Go on, Luna! Tell everyone the

    truth. Did you call Helen and try to kill her with Uncle rk and Uncle Gable?" "It''s..." As everyone

    turned to Luna, Luna was ncing at Helen and an impassive Frank, her eyes shing viciously as she

    snapped, "It''s a lie! The whole thing was staged by Helen and Frank. They lured us to that ce, and

    then threatened us with violence!" Once she was finished, she buried her head in Jade''s arms, afraid to

    look Frank in the eye.

 Chapter 1039

    "What?!" "T-That''s not what Helen said..." "Well, which one is the truth?!" "I didn''t think that Helen was

    so devious..." Frank, however, was unaffected by the Lanes'' restlessness.

    He stared at Luna calmly even as she cringed inside Jade''s arms, his tone t. "Having a conscience is

    what makes a person human, Luna. I don''t know if you understand the situation, but I''ve saved your life

    today... There won''t be a next tsince you''d prefer to repay my favor with such spite." Luna certainly did

    not dare look him in the eye and basically erased what Frank did from her memory as she braced

    herself and snapped, "Save your breath! I never needed your help!" At the stime, Jade pointed at Frank

    and bellowed, "Take a good look, everyone! The insolence of this bastard to show up in our house and

    threaten my daughter in everyone! Where''s the justice here?!" Fleur also promptly pressed the

    advantage. "I''m sure everyone can see who''s telling the truth here now? I know you can fight, Frank,

    and our family can''t do anything about that, but we have our pride. Kill us if you can!" Jon Lane leapt

    into the fray as well, goading, "Yeah! Kill us all if you''re that amazing!" His father Gavin shot him a re

    right then, silencing him.

    "Haha... Hahaha..." Frank simplyughed in contempt despite their nder.

    Jade frowned and snapped, "Why are youughing? What''s so funny?" "You''re all such idiots... I guess

    being ingrates and stupid is in your blood." Frank snorted, shaking his head.

    "What are you talking about?!" Jade kept snapping but already felt the butterflies in her stomach.

    On the other hand, Frank did not want to waste his breath with her and beckoned, "Helen?" "Yeah."

    Helen went over to him, passing her phone.

    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    et Luna''s eyes widened in realization stiffening as she watched Helen''s phone a Frock Helen''s phone

    and y one of the videos. . to englishSW At the stime, Frank was sneering, "Do you

    understand why Gable never yed along with your stupid lies at all? He''s the smart one among you.

    Go on, take a ele look that''s footage from Helen''s car dashcam. Everything that happened is shown

    there As Gavin and Mark took Helen''s phone, Luna and Jade both sensed danger and made a grab for

    it.

    Gavin shoved them away, incensed. "Buzz off!" He knew that Frank would not stoop to lying, which

    meant Jade was deliberately ndering Frank and Helen.

    And even as Mark watched the video, he started scowling everyone could see Gable''s savage smile

    from the video as he gloated. "Yes, we burnt down your shitty farm resort. I don''t mind telling you that

    since you''re both dying here!" At that point, Mark was so overwhelmed that he almost passed out.

 Chapter 1040

    Mark had kept that farm afloat for most of his life and was strongly attached to the scenic spot.

    Otherwise, he would have used thend to develop a more profitable industrial zone.

    As such, to see his own son admit that he had burnt down that farm left Mark''s tears welling up in his

    eyes.

    Seeing that the old man was overwhelmed, Gavin was ready to take away the phone, but Mark insisted

    on watching the entire video.

    Everyone had no choice but to keep watching with Mark at that.

    Still, it just so happened that the dashcam was not facing the right way when Frank ughtered rk

    and Gable''s goons. However, it did capture the scene where rk threatened to kill Luna with a

    dagger.

    "S-Stay where you are, or I''ll kill her!" rk''s savage re was clear as day in the video.

    Luna had turned deathly pale as rk held her and kept begging Frank, "P-Please... Save me..."

    Everyone turned toward Luna right then, leaving her devastated.

    Seeing herself begging repeatedly and fearfully in the video, and remembering the nder she and her

    mother had just told, she certainly realized that she was the most despicable person in the world.

    Burying her face in her palms, she said nothing as she ran into the house.

    As she did, everyone was staring daggers at her or shaking their heads in disdain.

    Meanwhile, the video continued to y-Frank managed to save Luna by feigning disinterest, after

    which he crippled rk and Gable but spared their lives.

    While everyone thought that was it, Luna appeared on screen again and hacked rk''s neck with a

    machete, killing him. Everyone gasped at the scene and turned toward Jade.

    "Uh..." Jade could no longer argue when such decisive evidence was presented.

    And remembering what Frank had said earlier, she certainly felt like a clown! All her nder was now

    proven to be a malicious distortion of facts! It was not just her either... Her own daughter Luna had

    murdered her Uncle rk in cold blood.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    One could even argue rk deserved it, but Luna still did not get to do it.

    Add the fact that Luna ultimately turned around and used Frank and Helen? Their crimes were

    beyond doubt! That was when Fleur suddenly yelled at the bodyguards, "Go! Restrain Luna and Jade!"

    After all, she had tried to help them nder Frank and Helen earlier, elbet she had to denounce them

    as e19 quickly as she could. On the other hand, Mark breathed a long sigh after watching the entire

    video.

    Somehow he had cooled off and stood up with Gavin''s help as he calmly instructed the bodyguards,

    "Once you have those two, punish them per family rules. That''s nyshes and fifty ps for Luna."

    "N-No!" Jade cried hysterically, begging. P-Please forgive Luna! She''s just a child... I-I put her up to

    this! Just let her go! Even an adult man wouldn''tst nyshes... Luna will die!"

 Chapter 1041

    "You''re still arguing?!" Mark shot Jade an icy re and added coolly, "The sgoes for you too! Fifty

    lashes and a hundred ps!" "What?!" Jade dropped limply on her bottom upon hearing Mark''s

    merciless sentence, all light in her eyes fading.

    While the bodyguards took Jade away, Mark finally turned to Gable.

    There was no sympathy in his eyes as he shook his head and sighed. "My brother Henry has always

    rebuked me, tellingthat I shouldn''t get too many wives and mistresses. But I was convinced that having

    more heirs would ensure the family''s property. Well, look atnow..." Snorting in sheer disappointment, he

    nced at Gavin. "There''s so many of us, but only Gavin here has an eye on the big picture or is able

    to differentiate right from wrong." Then, he turned to Helen with a look of relief. "In the first ce, I gave

    Helen the candidacy as the next head of the Lane family because I wanted to whip the family into

    shape. I wanted the family to strive... but my own sons don''t evenpare to Henry''s granddaughter.

    Oh, the irony..." "Granduncle...?" Helen frowned, clearly sensing that Mark was not thinking straight.

    Mark simply ignored her. "Now that things have cto this, I hereby announce that you are the next head

    of the Lane family, Helen." "Grandpa?!" Jon gaped, stupefied by his grandfather''s sudden decision.

    Fleur quickly intervened as well, et snapping at Mark, "Are you getting senile, old man? Helen''s a

    woman... She has no right taking up such an important position!" Only Gavin was smiling and nodding

    at Helen, clearly epting the decision.

    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Save it!" Mark bellowed at the dissenters just then. "I''m still the head of the family! I have the right to

    appoint my sessor, and Helen will seed me-that''s final! Cnext week, she will also be given the

    investmentpany in Zamri!" While the Lane family was left with mixed reactions to the

    announcement, Mark sighed and turned towards Gable Lane.

    "Lastly, this ingrate..." Mark hesitated unable to sentence hisz own son to die. "Fiftyshes, and he will

    be indefinitely confined to the rear block of Laneville. He is ever to leave, or get in touch with anyone."

    He appeared exhausted as he finished and turned away, ready to leave.

    That was when Frank strode up to him, holding out a pill, "Mr. Lane, please take this. It''d help

    reinvigorate you." Mark took it without a word, and pped Frank on the shoulder in approval.

    Fleur was ready to snap at Frank again, but decided to hold back remembering what happened to Jade

    Zahn and Luna Lane. Instead, she grumbled sarcastically under her breath, "Hmph. Who knows if it''s

    poison? You''d want the geezer to die sooner so Helen would take over, don''t you?" "I''m not deaf!" Mark

    wheeled on her with an icy re. "I only refrained from punishing you because you''re old. Or would you

    rather join Jade Zahn?"

 Chapter 1042

    Mark''s threat left Fleur hanging her head in silence.

    However, Frank could also see that the other members of the Lane family appeared dissatisfied.

    Discontent was only natural if Helen was appointed the head of the Lane family so soon-if anything,

    Fleur was saying exactly what was on everyone''s mind.

    Even if they would not protest openly out of respect for Mark, they would try to sabotage Helen subtly,

    making everything difficult for her.

    It was up to Frank and Helen to show what they had.

    With that in mind, Frank nodded respectfully at Mark.

    "Mr. Lane," he said, "I believe that the wager you had with myself and Helen should be kept. We will

    make a profit of one billion in two months, so that Helen can bechead of the Lane family without

    anyone questioning her abilities" "What?" Mark was surprised by Frank''s suggestion-he had already

    announced that Helen would becthe next head of the Lane family, but Frank would turn that down

    regardless? Gavin quickly strode up to them. "But Mr. Lawrence, it''s been a month since that wager,

    and my wretched brother burnt down the farm resort. If the wager stays on, I''m afraid..." "No, Uncle

    Gavin," Helen said proudly, smart enough to read Frank''s intention right then. "We will rebuild it, and

    the wager stands. If we can''t make a billion out of the farm, I will give up my candidacy as the next

    head of the Lane family." Fleur snorted in disdain. "Hah! These are pretty words, but are you really

    going to make a billion dors in a month?" Helen smiled in turn. "You don''t have to worry about that,

    Madam Lang. We have our methods, and if we fail, I will automatically relinquish my candidacy." Mark

    was staring fixedly at Helen and Mark for a long while and eventually spoke, "I''ve kept that farm for the

    most of my life, but I''ve never managed to turn a profit out of it. If you two could really achieve that, I

    will retire and Helen will take my ce!" Helen was taken aback and quickly threw up her hands, "No,Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Granduncle. That''s not what I mean to do¡ª" "Oh, but that''s exactly what I will do." Mark smiled faintly,

    holding up a hand to stop her. "If you can do it, ne that means you''re a person who can lead the family

    to new heights. Otherwise, an old man likewould just keep us running around in circles. That''s why

    passing leadership to you would be the better choice." Then, looking around at everyone else, Mark

    asked, "So? Does anyone have anything to say about that?" Jon pursed his lips and snorted in disdain.

    "Well it''s agreeable, but only if Helen seeds. I''ve seen for myself the farm resort they were

    preparing, but it''s in ruins after Uncle rk and Uncle Gable did a number om it. I really don''t think they

    can do anything at this point." "ounting fraud, perhaps!" Fleur sneered darkly. "Not even divine

    intervention could help them otherwise!" "We won''t resort to fraud," Frank said, assuring everyone.

    "Every ledger of the farm resort will be avable for public review in a month. If we can''t make a billion

    dors by then, Helen will leave the Lane family, and I will depart from Riverton." "Good!" Fleur and the

    other members of the Lane family were at once gleeful despite Frank''s confident wager.

 Chapter 1043

    After all, Fleur and her ilk could not imagine how Frank could earn a billion dors through the farm

    resort.

    And if Frank departed from Riverton, they would once again take back control of the family and Mark

    would not be able to say a thing about that.

    Talk about ying to their tune...

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    "In that case, that''s all for today," Mark said. "Frank, Helen... I hope you won''t disappoint me." Once

    Mark turned and headed inside the manor with the rest of his family, Helen was suddenly her old self.

    "Frank..." she murmured. "Can we really do this? T-There''s no way, right? I mean, it''s a billion dors

    we''re talking about!" Her ice queen self melted away as she revealed her true self, and she was

    tugging on Frank''s sleeve miserable. She was certainly a lot less of that determined independent

    woman from before and more a miserable young girl.

    Frank almostughed out loud right then.

    "You''reughing?! You''re terrible!" Helen flushed, biting her lip grumpily.

    "Sorry, can''t help it." Frank paused and chuckled, "If you weren''t that confident, Ms. Lane, why did you

    agree to the wager so confidently?" "B-Because of you!" Helen threw a meek punch on his chest even

    as she cried. "You were being so confident! Of course I had to back you up... And I think it''s plenty

    enough to becGranduncle''s sessor. Why did you have to get him to retire earlier?" "Hahaha..."

    Frankughed as he pulled her into the arms. "Well, I did it on purpose-you''ll be a housewife after you

    lose, and not the CEO of Lane Holdings. We''ll be vagrants, traveling and begging alms, never having

    full meals..." "Ugh, you''re the worst!" Helen snapped, flustered as she punched him.

    In reality, she almost looked forward to what Frank described, even though it was clearly a joke.

    While she tended to carry herself proudly, she was a young woman just like any other who had her

    romantic fantasies.

    After two sleepless nights of reconstruction, the people Trevor Zurich sent managed to rebuild the farm

    resort.

    However, that also means the costs spiked up to five billion, once again exceeding the expected

    budget.

    "Don''t worry," Frank assured Trevor "Yourpany has a share of the farm resort, and you''ll definitely

    recoup your investment, if not make a killing."  ?wTrevor was relieved at that.

    Even if he did not say it, he still felt heartbreak after investing so much tand resources into the farm

    resort.

    At the stime, Lane Holdings'' new entertainmentpany had gone all out for one month, wis get §Ù§Ý§à

    NoebYork shooting personal ads for the farm resort.  ?wIn addition, she announced

    that she would be holding a concert during the opening ceremony of the farm resort.

    The entire east coast was left abuzz with excitement by the news, and there were even fans who

    traveled to Riverton. Naturally, concert tickets were scalped to kingdome, a testament to Noel''s

    incredible influence.

    And at the stime, reservations for the farm resort''s hyper premium experience were being auctioned

    too.

    Thanksmal promotion, aside from power spots, the were all fighting themselves just to get the in.

 Chapter 1044

    Promoting longevity and healing underlying conditions, the rich were exceedingly concerned when it

    cto their health and how long they would live.

    With such providence and the endorsement of Dan Zimmer of Flora Hall, they were basically flocking to

    make reservations for the farm resort''s hyper premium experience.

    As there were just too many requests, Helen and Vicky had no choice but to set up an auction for the

    farm resort''s hyper premium experience. Naturally, sessful bidders could enjoy their hot springs

    while watching Noel''s concert.

    Unwinding did not get any better than that, and money really was nothing inparison! "Oh, Ms.

    Lane, please! My boss is Kurt Stinson!" "Mr. Stinson is close friends with Mr. Lawrence... They worked

    together to retake that factory from the Szars, remember?" "Ah, Ms. Lane¡ªit''s me, Gerald

    Simmons. Haha... So I was wondering if I could make a reservation for the hyper premium experience?

    I mean, Mr. Lawrence himself developed it, and I''d never doubt him!" "Ahem... I''m Dahok Ocean of

    Sage Lake Sect. I heard that Mr. Lawrence has just built this farm resort..." Helen had gone sleepless

    since she returned from Laneville yesterday, when Vicky announced that reservations for the farm

    resort''s hyper premium experience would be auctioned.

    Everyone they knew and did not was calling, all of them intent to get a reservation.

    Eventually, Helen was left so weary in spirit and turned off her phone... only for Gina and Cindy Zonda

    to visit her on her doorstep. "Mom, what..." Helen sighed as she saw Gina''s awkward smile and

    realized right away what they cfor.

    Gina grinned as she walked up to her desk. "Oh, Helen... I was just thinking I would like a reservation

    for the farm resort''s hyper premium experience. It''s under yourpany, right? Can''t you let your own

    mom have a spot? And is it really as amazing as it says on TV?" "Yeah," Cindy added, scheming as

    she always did. "We''re family, There''s no issue with giving use reservations, is there?" Cousens

    belongs to englishS As news of the farm resort trended everywhere, the price for the hyper premium

    experience increased up to millions.

    Naturally, Gina and Cindy wanted to use their connection to Helen to get a free reservation.

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    Helen was going to ask how thick-skinned they could be, even trying to use their connections to get

    themselves a reservation.

    However, she was too tired and could only wave them off while excusing herself. "Lane Holding is

    involved in the farm resort project, but the leading figures are Trevor International and Grande Pharma.

    You should ask Frank or Vicky if you want a reservation." "What?!" Gina was at once bristling. "You

    invested in this project! Why should I ask a lowlife and a bitch?!" Cindy nodded beside her. "Exactly!

    Don''t you get to make a call in this?" "Because you know what you''ve done." That was when the doors

    to Helen''s office, and two people stood at the doorway.

    Naturally, they were exactly the people Gina did not want to see-Frank and a vibrant Vicky.

    Vicky was even beaming pleasantly. "Hey, I thought I just heard someone ca bitch... Right, Mr.

    Lowlife?" "What are you doing here?" Helen asked as she stood up.

    ne Seeing Vicky being so lively left her a little deted, as she could remember the dark circles under

    her eyes she saw when she looked in the mirror earlier. She had certainly lost another round in their

    rivalry.

 Chapter 1045

    Gina quickly shook her head. "No... You must have heard wrong." She was still afraid of Vicky and had

    no choice but to smile awkwardly, pulling Cindy along as she fled.

    Before they got away, however, Vicky was smiling and beckoning. "Wait. You wanted reservations for

    the farm resort''s hyper premium experience, didn''t you?" "Eh?" Gina promptly turned, nodding and

    smiling fawningly. "Of course! Oh, you''re as generous as ever, not keeping grudges'' "Oh, but I''m not

    finished." Vicky grinned. "I meant to say that you can attend the auction tonight if you want

    reservations." "What?" "Y-You''re not giving it to us for free?" Both Gina and Cindy froze, utterly

    confused.

    "Of course not. Just offering sadvice, y''know." Vicky shrugged.

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    Gina and Cindy realized right then that Vicky was just messing with them. However, they did not dare

    to say a word and had to leave seething.

    "Hahaha..." Vicky was roaring withughter as she watched them go, wiping a tear off her eye. "Your

    mother is amazing, Helen!" "Alright, cut it out." Frank braced himself and stood between the women,

    stopping the conflict that threatened to blow. "If Gina wants a reservation that badly, just let her have

    one. We''re not short on any... That goes for your father too, Vicky. That will do, no?" Then, turning back

    to Helen, Frank scratched his nose and said, "Anyway, Vicky and I cbecause we were worried you''d be

    too busy.

    You should get srest "That''s right. It''d break my heart if you worked yourself to death." Vicky tically

    wiped the nonexistent tears away from her eyes.

    et Helen was left gritting her teeth in frustration-she really should not have gone to Morhen and prayed

    as hard as she could that Vicky ended up marrying Titus Lionheart! S Still, Vicky Strode up and took

    Helen by the wrist. Con, Helen. Tomorrow''s the opening ceremony and you need to look like a Get''s

    get you swimsuits from Grande Square!" "Get your hands off me!" Helen snapped, at once frustrated

    and exasperated as a beauty like Vicky would get all touchy-feely with her.

    Nheless, the tsoon left Lane Holdings and drove to Grande Pharma''s specialty store for

    beachwear.

    Frank almost choked as Helen and Vicky pulled open the curtains and revealed their bikinis, despite

    being one as staunch as him.

    Their styles werepletely different, but their bikinis entuated their stunning figures in all their

    glory.

    Frank almost bled from his nose.

    "So? Does this look good?" Vicky asked with a wink.

    "Y-Yeah..." Frank nodded nkly.

    "Hmph." Helen was blushing, obviously more conservative than Vicky.

    Even as he felt Frank''s eyes scanning her from head to toe, she felt as if she was on fire...

 Chapter 1046

    As Helen turned and fled into the fitting room, Vicky saw that and returned inside as well.

    "Oh, what are you getting embarrassed about?" Sheughed.

    Soon, Helen could be heard yelling indignantly and struggling. "What are you doing, Vicky?!" "Oh,

    Helen! You can''t tell from the outside, but you''ve got a really nice body..." "Stop touching me! I''m

    warning you... Ah! Stop!" The voices of thedies as they yed around left Frank clearing his throat

    awkwardly.

    He turned away, only to find a retail assistant hiding a giggle, leaving him further embarrassed.

    The opening ceremony of Lane Holdings'' farm resort took ce the next noon, an asion of pomp

    and circumstance.

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    Thanks to the endless efforts in promotion and marketing, the little farm resort had beca sensation in

    Riverton.

    Frank even prepared a banquet for the asion, as countless rich and powerful figures arrived.

    Hundreds of luxury cards lined the parking lot, and several roads were locked down to stop more

    peopleing.

    Frank, Helen and Vicky were at the gates, weing the guests. Naturally, they would be receiving the

    rich and powerful, as there were other staff members who would receive the average Joes and in

    Janes.

    "Mr. Lawrence." Trevor hurried to Frank''s side excitedly, looking dapper in a suit. "The tickets for Ms.

    York''s concert alone and the auction for the reservations of the hyper premium experience have

    already made a billion dors in revenue." "Haha, not bad." Frank pped Trevor on the shoulder,

    surprised by how well-received the farm resort was.

    "Tut, tu... Noel rmended this ce, but it''s not exactly that amazing, is it?" A tall, haughty woman

    with a wless face strode in the front gates in a red gown just then.

    "Who''s that?" Frank asked, already feeling inexplicably repulsed by her lofty attitude.

    They had not spent that much tbuilding the farm resort, but everything was up to the strictest and

    highest standard.

    To mock it was an obvious attempt at causing trouble.

    Seeing that she was ignoring all the rich and powerful figures flocking around her as well, Trevor

    quickly leaned in to whisper into Frank''s ear, "That''s Rory Thames, Mr. Lawrence. She''s Draconia''s top

    singer "Really?" Frank could see Rory''s influence and certainly did not want to upset her. He

    approached her in greeting, saying, "Thank you foring, Ms. Thames. The VIP seats are on the

    second floor, if you could please proceed " "Tch. Who do you think you are, talking to me? Get Noel

    now," Rory snapped, clearly holding no regard for him and not even bothered to speak with him.

    Frank took a deep breath and kept his smile, "Ms. Thames, Ms. York is currently preparing backstage

    and unable to receive you just yet. Please be patient and wait on the second floor for the tbeing."

    "What''s the meaning of this? Are you unhappy with my presence?" Rory snorted, rolling her eyes since

    she saw the annoyance in Frank''s eyes.

    Frank was silent, and his eyes were cold when he looked up again. "Ms. Thames, you''re welcif you''re

    here as a guest. But if you''re just here to cause trouble, I''m afraid I''ll have to ask you to leave." S And

    with that, Frank turned to leave and greet other guests, leaving Rory behind, shocked.

    "H-How dare you take that tone with me!" she bellowed, clearly furious. "Where''s the manager?! I want

    to talk to them¡ªis this how their receptionists treat your guests?!"

 Chapter 1047

    Rory was shouting even as she glowered, "Forget not givingdirections-he''s treatingwith such rudeness!

    Does he not know who I am?" "What?" "What''s going on here?'' Rory''s outburst drew a lot of attention,

    and even the rich and powerful were shocked when they saw her.

    After all, she was Draconia''s top singer with legions of fans.

    It just so happened that Samus, one of the rich kids present, was her diehard fan.

    Seeing that his idol was upset, he strode up and shoved Frank, snapping, "Don''t you know who Ms.

    Thames is?! She''s the country''s best singer and has won multiple awards! Who do you think you are,

    treating her so rudely?!" Vicky frowned in the distance when she heard themotion and strode over.

    "What''s going on here?!" Rory clearly recognized Vicky and was looking at her pointedly from head to

    toe.

    She snorted haughtily. "What do you teach your employees around here, Ms. Turnbull? Not only was

    he not showingproper hospitality, but he was even being dismissive." "Aren''t you afraid that he''ll

    embarrass you?" Samus shot Frank a re and growled coolly. "I suggest chasing him away right

    now." "Oh, I see..." Vicky murmured.

    She nced at Frank, who shook his head exasperatedly.

    Both Rory and Samus were clearly from a different state, perhaps nowhere near the east coast.

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    They had no idea who Frank was and thought that he was your ordinary receptionist.

    Vicky almost ?tartedughing, but she turned to Rory seriously and exined, "Ms. Thames, this is my

    husband Frank Lawrence. He''s get consultant at mypany Grande Pharma... and the actual owner

    of this farm resort. So, if you''re unhappy with him, we have no choice but to ask you to leave." With

    that, Vicky''s smile turned cool.

    "What? What''s that attitude?!" Samus was incensed that Vicky was siding with Frank.

    Rory, however, stopped him as she nced at Frank in surprise, frowning as she asked quietly, "So

    you''re Frank Lawrence?" "Indeed I am." Frank nodded calmly.

    "Oh, what a disappointment." Rory sighed and shook her head in disappointment, and she

    startedheading upstairs. "And here I thought the man who saved Noel York was something amazing.

    For a moment, I actually wondered what you''d look like... but you''re disappointingly in." "Eh?" Frank

    and Vicky traded nces, unsure as to why Rory reacted like that.

    Still, the show must go on-the opening ceremony was exceedingly crowded.

    The rich and powerful were all seated on the second floor, including Riverton''smissioner Robert

    Quill and his daughter Yara, Senator Gerald Simmons and his son Tidus, a beaming Dan Zimmer and

    his daughter J, and Tim Yates, chief of the Rivertonmerce guild.

 Chapter 1048

    Even Gina and Cindy were sitting among the rich and important guests.

    Frank, Helen, Vicky, Trevor, and the other hosts of the event soon went onstage amid apuse, with

    Frank taking the microphone from the emcee and smiling at everyone.

    "Thank you everyone foring to the opening ceremony of this humble resort. Lane Holding''s farm

    resort is now officially open for business, and we offer a fivefold refund to any guest who decides that

    the therapy and entertainment, which ourmercials promise, is fake! Either way, I hope that

    everyone here has the best of health¡ªenjoy!" Thunderous apuse ensued, after which Helen and

    Vicky gave short speeches as representatives of their respectivepanies too.

    Then, once the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the farm resort was officially in business.

    Noel soon got onstage for her concert, apanied by an all-girls band, consisting of Kat Yego, her

    best friend Lily York, Rosa the keyboardist, and Yuri the drummer.

    Though Noel was an actress, she was a good singer too. Her voice harmonized perfectly with Lily''s,

    livening up the atmosphere.

    The farm resort was a huge sess, raking in 1.2 billion dors on the first day and affording Helen''s

    tense nerves relief. She picked a spacious private hot spring and had a dip with Vicky.

    The green water almost seemed magical.

    It was Vicky''s first ttrying the hot spring. It did not take long when she noticed that she was suddenly

    brimming with energy, while all the fatigue building up over thest few weeks was gone.

    Even her skin that seemed to appear dull because she stayed up overnight was now bright like a

    newborn''s, and she felt a freshness she could not quite describe.

    "Oh, you girls are getting started already? I''d really like to live here if I could." Noel arrived in her bikini

    just then, slowly entering therge pool and sighing in satisfaction.

    Her bikini was certainly more explosive than Vicky or Helen''s, baring her fair, pronounced cleavage.

    Frank and Vicky had been impressed with Noel''s figure the first tthey met her.

    And now, Helen and Vicky were trading nces, and able to see the shock and jealousy in each

    other''s eyes.

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    "Are you in there, Vicky?" Winter Lawrence soon arrived with her best friend Jean Zims, and thedies

    all weed them.

    Suddenly, the hot spring was a little congested, as Kat arrived with Lily as well "Woah, are those real?!

    Gosh, your body is out of this world, Ms. York!"  ?w"Ms. Turnbull?" "Ah, Yara. I''m

    here!" Vicky leaned against the poolside and shouted into the changing room when she heard her best

    friend cum ov bodyguard.  ?w"Ms. Turnbull... Eh? Why are there so many people

    here?" Yara Quill and JZimmer entered just then, covered in nothing but towels and ready to leave

    when they saw that there were plenty of people.  ?wne et "Oh, you''re here already

    ¡ªjust stay," Vicky ushered them enthusiastically.

    As Yara and J¡ªwho had surprisingly long legs-got into the pool, it was now thoroughly congested.

 Chapter 1049

    Just as thedies chattered away busily, Vicky was suddenly grinning mischievously.

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    "Hold on. Letmake a call..." she said, picking up her phone from the edge of the pool and dialing a

    familiar number. "Hello, darling?" "What are you doing?!" Helen''s eyes widened, sensing danger right

    then.

    "Shush..." Vicky winked at her before continuing her staged act. "Yeah. The hot spring Helen and I are

    using isn''t really working... Yeah, ctake a look, hurry!" As she hung up, she shed a sly smile at Helen.

    "Vicky... Urgh..." Helen obviously knew what Vicky was up to, and that she could not dissuade her at

    all.

    While she would like to enjoy the hot spring with Frank, she was left looking around at the pool,

    congested with women.

    If Frank came, would he not...

    That was when Helen realized in surprise that she felt the cheeky curiosity of how Frank would react...

    which was soon followed by a pang of guilt.

    "No, he''s noting in here. Givethe phone, Vicky!" she snapped indignantly.

    "No way!" Vicky giggled and ran off, leaving Helen looking exasperated.

    Things were still lively around the hot spring when they heard knocking. "I''ming in, Vicky..." The

    ladies were surprised, and all of them turned toward Vicky in confusion.

    She withheld a smile as she put a finger to her lips before putting on a serious face and saying,

    "Comingt darling. No peeking, though "O-Oh, okay..." the man outside replied and opened the door.

    Naturally, it was Frank, and he kept his head down as he asked awkwardly, "What were you saying

    about the hot spring? It wasn''t... Eh?" He trailed off as he saw the fairness amid the green waters.

    He thought he was seeing things and rubbed his eyes.

    et It was an unforgettable sight-the sight of fairness filled the entire hot spring, as all the women he

    knew were either naked or wearing bikinis, staring at him in turn. Frank gulped in the silence, and the

    first thing he thought was that he got into the wrong room... or maybe he was daydreaming? The

    strange vibe in the roomsted a minute as Frank and thedies locked gazes, until Helen strode up,

    blushing as she covered his eyes with a towel. "How long are you going to keep staring?!" she

    snapped, her voice filled with jealousy.

    "Huh? Oh, right... Sorry, I''m out of here..." Frank muttered awkwardly.

    He certainly had never seen anything like this before, and it was amazing that he could restrain himself

    as a man. Anyone else in his ce would have made a fool of themselves by now

 Chapter 1050

    "Oh, Helen-you''re no fun." Vicky giggled as she walked up, wrapping her hands around Frank''s arm.

    "Whatever... Darling, I was just messing with you. Come, let''s get you out of there." "Vicky..." Frank

    looked frustrated, but as a man, he was inwardly gleeful.

    He almost blurted, "Good job, Vicky," right then-he felt like he would live a few more years just from the

    sight of such beauties. Still, he soon sensed that something was wrong amid the giggling.

    While Helen covered his eyes, Vicky was supposedly guiding him out of the room, but the floor felt

    wetter for sreason. "Hahaha!" Vickyughed as she pulled off the towel.

    "Eh?" Frank abruptly found himself at the edge of the hot spring, and even before he had a good look,

    Vicky kicked him inside! "Wha-" Frank could feel himself surrounded by softness, and his eyes widened

    while Vickyughed evilly.

    He could not help it-he gave her a thumbs up right then.

    Despite his reaction, thedies were not yelling or upset.

    Instead, they were tearing at his clothes while giggling-it seemed that messing with him and seeing him

    in a sorry state pleases them greatly.

    "Eh... stop... help..." Frank could even feel smooches on his cheek, but there were too many of them

    for him to tell who it was.

    Eventually, he left the hot spring, his clothes a mess and himself appearing downtrodden.

    He was especially embarrassed by the red marks on his cheek, as the guests nearby were all pointing

    and gesturing at him.

    Still, the beautiful experience left him turning around... only to find himself staring into Helen''s angry

    re.

    He scampered away right then, drawing yet another chorus of giggles from thedies.

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    A month after the farm resort opened, Helen personally delivered the ledgers to Laneville.

    The Lanes were all astonished by the numbers-in just a month after taking ownership of the farm, Lane

    Holdings earned over four billion dors, far surpassing the one billion agreed upon for the wager And

    afterbing through every part of the ledgers, even Fleur Lang-who absolutely did not want to see

    Helen being appointed as the next head of the family-had to admit that the ledgers were absolutely

    genuine. Naturally, Mark Lane was the happiest.

    He already thought highly of the farm resort after trying the hot spring himself. He had since been,

    enjoying himself there over a dozen times in the past month, riding horses, golfing, and bathing at the

    hot springs or enjoying a massage When he''s tired. Seeing that the old man appeared absolutely in

    bliss, the rest of the Lane family visited the farm resort too.

    Despite the humble scale of the resort, the facilities, programs and the hot springs-the chief selling

    point¡ªwas beyond criticism. With the rest of the family showing admiration and being earnestly

    persuaded, Mark retired, while Helen took his ce with no protests from anyone.

 Chapter 1051

    Helen was even more busy after being appointed as the head of the Lane family, disappearing for an

    entire week while re-

    establishing contact with Trevor Zurich.

    Nheless, she suddenly showed up at Frank''s hilltop mansion in Skywater Bay one day, dragging

    him away from the dining

    table and shoving him into her car to ride shotgun.

    "You''reing withto Zamri," she said as she handily started the car and drove off, as Winter

    Lawrence and everyone else

    looked on in confusion.

    "Zamri? Why?" Frank asked, not quiteing to his senses.

    "I''m loaning you from Vicky," Helen said, throwing him an agreement and a ballpoint pen and

    instructing him curtly, "You''ll be the

    Lane Holdings'' head of security and my personal bodyguard. Just sign there and seal the deal."

    "Seal the deal?" Frank chuckled as he stared at the stuff on hisp in wry amusement. "What are you

    up to, my dear Ms. Lane? Am

    | signing my own death warrant here, and can | say no?"

    "Nope," Helen snapped, exceedingly pushy and jamming her foot on the gas pedal without even

    looking at him. "If you refuse to

    sign it, it''s a public execution in the afternoon!"

    "Oh, but can you bear to kill me..." Frank muttered under his breath, finally drawing a blush from Helen

    despite her overbearing

    attitude.

    She snorted. "Stop messing around. | need your help, and it''s important.¡±

    "Really?" Frank asked as he flipped through the agreement nonchntly and suddenly realized that he

    would draw a five million

    dor sry.

    Raising a brow, he feigned indignation. "Now, now, Ms. Lane. You''re rich, and you''re only paying your

    husband five million? Aren''t

    you underpayinghere? I''d be really discouraged with such low pay!"

    As Frank closed the agreement without signing it, Helen sighed exasperatedly. "You''re just a

    department head¡ªthat sry is way

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    above standard market value. | can''t bend the rules... and my money is yours anyway..."

    Helen trailed off, her voice exceedingly soft.

    "What was that?" Frankughed as hard as he could on purpose. "The car engine is too loud. | couldn''t

    hear you!"

    "I didn''t say anything!" Helen snapped, at once embarrassed, angry and punching Frank. "If you don''t

    want to sign it, fine! I''ll get

    someone else to be my personal bodyguard, and we will have to cohabit!"

    "What?!"

    Frank suddenly turned solemn. "That won''t do. It''s absolutely uneptable for my wife to cohabit with

    another man!"

    With that, he signed the agreement.

 Chapter 1052

    Frank chuckled. "There, Ms. Lane. | signed your ve contract." "Stop messing around. I''m driving!" Helen snapped, but she

    could not help smiling faintly as she nced at the agreement. After over two hours of driving, Helen and Frank arrived at Zamri

    and headed straight for a thirty-floor building.

    Alighting and throwing her keys to a security guard on hand to receive her, Helen finally exined why she brought him there.

    "This is a billion dor investmentpany owned by the Lane Family and basically their lifeblood. As the head of the family, |

    naturally have to take control, but many board members are ganging up against me, refusing to cooperate because I''m a weak

    girl." "A weak girl?" Frank snorted, looking at Helen from head to toe.

    She was dressed in a business suit that revealed a part of her corbone and entuated her lips.

    Coupled with her ck silk thigh highs, she was an imposing, professional businesswoman who could clearly hold her own.

    Weak girl was certainly far from the truth.

    Helen could see Frank''s doubt right then and sighed exasperatedly. "Look, that''s how my situation is at the moment even if the

    truth is far from that. | may be the chairperson, but if the board keeps resetting my leadership, I''d lose control over thepany

    and even my shares. Obviously, | wasn''t twiddling my thumbsst week-my ns are already in ce, but I''m still concerned

    that they''d resort to violence." "Oh, | see." Frank nodded-so she really was hiring him as a bodyguard.

    Helen pouted, seeing his disinterest. "What, so you''re refusing? Or would you rather protect Vicky than me?" "Of course I''ll

    protect you. I''d take down anyone who daresy a finger on my wife!" Frank was at once alert at the mention of Vicky, even

    holding up three fingers to swear.

    Helen giggled at Frank''s overly serious reaction.

    The security guard nearby was left dumbfounded as he saw that smile after parking Helen''s car.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    He had heard this morning that the new chairperson from the Lane family was a beauty, but Helen still surprised him despite

    being prepared.

    "Is she a goddess incarnate...?" He gulped but quickly returned to fool of himself if he kept stet post, worried that he would a

    ¡°Alright, con," Helen said just then, suddenly an ice queen again.

    Frank followed, lookingpletely

    out of sorts in his gajwear ahd

    opviaushy aching as a bodyguard.

    The content is on !

    Read thetest chapter there!

    Meanwhile, in the conference room

    upstairs, over a di zen(meniwere

    sitting aroGnd/a meeting table. The

    content is on ! Read

    thetest chapter there!

    One of them was bald and seated at

    the end. He clearly appeared to be ne

    the ringleader, listening as another

    board member with a mustache-

    growled unhappily, "What are w

    going Ke abyqutthis\Ral fara? Are

    We just ¡®going to lie down and let sgal

    walk all over us? "Exactly! Honestly,

    what was Mark Lane thinking, retiring

    and appointing a woman as the head

    of the Lane family?!" "Well, the

    agreement we had with Fleur Lang is

    nowpletely moot." "! heard that

    the Lane family had ssort of incident

    and allowed a fringe member to take

    control after. Say Something,

    Kallum... Are we really going to follow

    her from now on? The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

 Chapter 1053

    Kallum Gaetz looked around at the board members sitting around the table and shed a calm smile.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He even beckoned to his pretty secretary to light his cigar, breathing arge puff before looking up and chuckling. "What''s there

    to worry about? A woman and a fringe member of the Lane family... Does she think she can be our boss just because she was

    airdropped on us? Who does she think she is?" His smile then turned dark. "As long as we work together, what can a woman do

    to us? We just have to band up against her, protesting and refusing toply with any policy she makes... | really doubt she''ll

    last against us for a month. In the end, she''ll just recognize reality and return where she cfrom!" Kallum''s suggestion left every

    other board member giving him a thumbs up. He really was the boss here! Still, a bespectacled middle-aged man who appeared

    soft-spoken rose to his feet. "But what if she proves to be aplete novice and insists on standing against us? We can''t afford

    to drag this out!" Kallum actually frowned. "Mr. Briggs, don''t tellthat ounting hasn''t sorted out the ledgers?" Owen Briggs

    shook his head. "We just can''t. There''s Mr. Zork''s gambling debt, and then the 200 million dor project which wasn''t paid for

    because of the sinkhole incident. If the new chairwoman looks into it, there''s no way we can hide it." "Then don''t let her

    investigate at all!" Kallum waved off Owen impatiently. "Effective immediately, all ounting staff will work from home, and keep

    every piece of ledger with you!" "Oh, that''s a good idea!" The other board members, who were starting to scowl because Owen''s

    comint, were idelighted. Content be immediately englishto "That''s not all either... | still have other ns in ce." 1Kallum

    added smugly, "If that woman insists on fighting to the bitter end, | show her why one shouldn''t mess with a man in his own turf

    T''ll get speople to vanisk her, and none would be the wiser. If pushes to shove, there will be a new head of the Lane family

    and chairperson, but one who''spliant to us." Every other scheming board member gasped, impressed by Kallum''s borate

    ns.

    "So? Anyone have any other concerns? That woman will be here soon," Kallum asked, looking around the table.

    As no one spoke, he chuckled coolly.

    "To be fair, she does hold a majority of thepany''s shares, but if we stand together, we get to decide policy. As long as no one

    here falters, we''ll be fine-and if you do, you know what''sing for you." || The other board members were shaking their heads

    confidently at Kallum¡¯s subtle threat.

    "Con, Kallum¡ªwe''re all men here.

    Would we really allow schick to walk

    all over us?" "Exact mould bVen

    lather. Waren AALS ""Hahaha..." As

    the conference room resounded with

    sleazyughter, Frank and Helen

    arrived. The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    The content is on !

    Read thetest chapter there!

 Chapter 1054

    As the elevator doors opened with a jingle, Helen and Frank strode out.

    Helen could hear the rowdyughter from the conference room, but she remained impassive as she calmly and determinedly strode through the hallway and entered.

    The conference room was immediately silent.

    As Frank followed Helen in sight, he could see that the board members were stunned by Helen''s beauty, and he heard the subtle gasps.

    They had heard that the new chairwoman was a beauty, but not one of such proportions! An ice beauty with a perfect face? She was the ideal subject of conquest for any man! Their eyes were hence fixed on Helen, unable to look away.

    For her part, Helen did not appear upset with the stifling scent of tobo in the room, and instead strode up to Kallum''s seat while carrying a stack of document folders.

    "Mr. Gaetz, was it? Did no one tell you that''s the chairperson''s seat?" She asked impassively at Kallum and quietly added, "And I''m enforcing a new rule-no smoking in the conference room, especially during board meetings." With that, she snatched the cigar out of Kallum''s mouth and snuffed it out.

    Kallum was left dumbstruck-he did not expect that despite being a woman, she went for the blood right away, embarrassing him on the spot.

    Helen''s move left the other board members stunned too, but all of them stayed silent in case they upset Kallum, who was on the verge of exploding.

    After all, Kallum''s influence in thepany was deeply entrenched, and he was backed by many kingpins.

    In fact, there were no more than a handful of individuals in Zamri who would challenge him.

    And yet, this newly appointed chairwoman would...

    Shaking their heads, they could onlyment that despite her good looks, she was too dumb to live. "Heh..." Kallum eventually broke the suffocating silence, tapping his fingers on the table while lookat Helen in amusement. "So, you''re the new chairwoman?" Helen could see that he was not moving from his seat but did not flinch and replied sharply, "Yes, I am." "Then are you aware that this meeting has already been going on for an hour? In other words, you''rete." Kallum kept tapping his fingers on the table as he subtly looked up at Helen, intent on misdirection.

    He just did not expect her to smile coolly instead of panicking.

    She had made it a point to cthirty minutes earlier, and the meeting was never rescheduled. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Kallum was obviously trying to make her look bad.

    Moreover, the board members had already taken their seats even before she came, clearly showing henna respect as they did not even prepare a seat for her. Even Kallum''s secretary had a seat, while Helen had to stand-they were all clearly trying to show her who was boss.

    Hence, even as Helen smiled, her tone was stern and threatening. "Actually, Kallum, you''re the one who must have been informed that I''m now the head of the Lane family and the chairwoman of Lanecorp have the right to confiscate your shares if you refuse to budge." "Really? You''ll take my shares?" Kallum chuckled, as if Helen was joking.

 Chapter 1055

    Kallum nced at the other board members and insolently took off his shoes to put his feet on the table, as if he was in his own house.

    Snorting in amusement, he then asked, "So? How are you going to confiscate my shares, Ms. Lane? Did you think sverbal threat would intimidate me? Go on, do it-let''s see if you can actually carry out your threat." The other board members also quickly joined in, voicing their disapproval.

    "You''re a fringe member of the Lane family, Helen Lane! Mr. Gaetz has always been in charge here-show srespect!" "Exactly. A woman like you trying to lord over us? You really give yourself too much credit!" "Strutting as soon as you cin and demanding Kallum to give up his seat?! Just stand there and shut up!" "You can make us coffee since you have nothing to do anyway... And make it extra milky." As the board membersughed rowdily, Helen''s gaze cooled.

    She had been prepared for over a dozen scenarios before she cand was prepared for the worst.

    However, the situation was simply worse than that-they were already determined to oppose her.

    Not bothered that Kallum refused to give up his seat, Helen took a deep breath and smiled icily.

    Since they refused to respect her, she had no reason to respect them either.

    After all, she had not been idling for the past week. She had spent most of her tinvestigating other channels, ranging from suppliers, retailers, even bottom-level employees.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    She quickly uncovered many irregrities, and with her years of experience as a business woman, she quickly realized that Lane Holdings only appeared shiny on the outside and was actually hollow on the inside. And the worst of thepany were these board members, who were involved in every form of corruption: embezzlement, nepotism, and one of them even paid their gambling debts withpany funds.

    It was outrageous, to say the least.

    And right now, Helen was holding documentspiling the crimes of every board member, gathered over the past week.

    Since they did not afford her due respect, she had no reason to say more.

    Taking out the document certifying her appointment, she looked at the et board members around the table and said, "First and foremost, you must all understand that.l t Lam the majority shareholder here, and the representative of Lane family''s interest. That makesyour chairwoman-you can refuse toply but I have the privilege to forfeit your stake over Lanecorp." Kallum simply chuckled and groaned sarcastically, "The majority shareholder?

    But any Lane? Did you think a sheet of paper would make usply?" "If any of you have aint, put it up with the Lane family," Helen retorted coolly.

    "Well, we don''t have anyints." Kallum shed a sleazy grin. "After all, you''re as beautiful as an angel, and not many wouldpare. But we''re simply refusing to cooperate." "Exactly!" A board member quickly agreed. "We won''t cooperate!" "I don''t care what happens in the Lane family, but we have contributed our blood and sweat to Lanecorp... and they''re now suddenly letting swoman walk all over us, telling us what to do?!

 Chapter 1056

    The other board members quickly agreed with Kallum.

    "Exactly! There''s no way we''d cooperate!" "We can understand airdropping a new leader on us... but a woman and a member of the Lane family? And someone who hasn''t even been to Zamri?" "Not only did you refuse to behave on your first day of the job, but you''re already flexing your authority... I mean, a new rule in the conference room? Are you kidding me?" "You have nopetence, no influence, and no connections. What, are you going to bring in new clients for us with your pretty face?" "Pfft... Hahaha..." The board members kept insulting Helen, with one sleazebag even mocking her for her youth and beauty.

    "Are you done?" Helen remained impassive as she watched them, still standing proudly by the meeting table when they stoppedughing.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Then, she spoke bluntly, "It''s the Lane family who decided that I''ll take over this investmentpany. None of you get to be upset with this decision... Also, contributing to thispany? You bloodsuckers must be kidding." "I''ve done my homework-thepany keeps getting new invoices every year, but finances stay in the red for years. Why? I get why you''re so afraid oftaking et charge it''s because I''d prevent you from your shady dealings. You''re all wolves in sheep''s clothing, tobe honest. Criminal negligence, uwful sry deduction, embezzling, abuse ofpany funds, even sellingpany secrets... I can list down every single dirty deed each of you has ever done!" As the board members looked on in shock, Helen paused andughed icily. "I''d never have taken over a crappypany like this, but I''m the head of the Lane family and I''m obliged to remove any cancerogrowth on our interest. So lettell Youin no uncertain terms-ve cto chase you wretches out of Lanecorp and bring thepany back on track. Anyone who''s upset with that can resign, and I won''t stop you!" The silence was deafening once Helen finished.

    Through it all, Frank had been watching interestedly.

    It went without saying how stylishly Helen conducted herself, retaliating against the entire board despite. being outnumbered. One expected nothing less from his girl-she really was feisty.  s?Still, the thought made Frank realize why Helen had him cwith her.

    If these men got pushed too far and decided to stand against Helen, she would really be in danger.

    After that, she would have to be on her toes to prepare against any personal reprisals from them, and those were all points of concern from Frank.

    "Well, being stylish is costly." Frank sighed, though he felt a little proud inwardly.

    "Are you really going to oppose us, Helen Lane?" Kallum growled as she rose to his feet, meeting Helen''s re.

    "You''re the ones who refused to respectin the first ce." Helen m speered "Pot calling the kettle ck much?"

 Chapter 1057

    Kallum narrowed his eyes and grinned savagely. "Hmph. Don''t think you can intimidate us! Resign? So be it-let''s see how you can run thepany by yourself!" "Yeah! We''reing with you, Kallum!" "Let''s see how she''d do without us!" "You''d be begging on your knees!" All the board members rose to their feet, led by the senior members.

    Only the scrawny Owen Briggs remained in his seat.

    He wanted to stand too, but he was afraid since he noticed Helen''s sharp re.

    After all, his ounting department was in a precarious position, as they were in charge of all the financial data and ledgers for thepany.

    And since Owen had been cleaning up the other board members'' mess endlessly, he was as good as dead if Helen really started asking questions.

    However, that was not the case for the other board members.

    After all, they were dead sure that Helen would cave and beg them to stop-if the rest of the board went on strike, thepany operations would stall, even go bankrupt.

    That was why they had nothing to fear, even deliberately walking slowly.

    "Wait!" Just as the board members were about to leave the room, Helen stopped them just as they expected.

    "Oh... Honestly, why bother with posturing at all?" "Exactly. We''re all here to make money-why so serious?" "As long as you apologize, we can pretend nothing happened. You''ll be the chairwoman, we''ll take what we are entitled to, and we''ll stay out of each other''s way." "That''s right-we might even give you a cut, how about that?" Seeing that they were absolutely despicable, Helen was finally furious.

    She remained impassive as the board members returned to their seats, and she suddenly mmed her palm on the table with a loud bang.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    They were all left stunned, unsure of what she was up to.

    Helen looked coolly at their shocked faces, including Kallum''s. "Did you all think that you could get off scot-free after what you''ve done? That wouldn''t press the issue?" Picking up N one of the document folders, she said, "Mr. King, I wasz informed that you''re keeping multiple mistresses and footing the bill for their lifestyles withpany money. Or is that not true?" In the folder was photos of Mr. King''s three mistresses and the bills they racked up amounting to forty million dors.

    Though he had been insulting Helen endlessly earlier, Mr. King was m stiffened right then, his legs trembling and his face turning pale as he read the evidence against him.

    Helen had juste-how could she have known about such secrets? Did someone rat him out?! He promptly red viciously at Owen-he was the only one who knew! Mr Zark At the ve stime, Helen pushed another folder to a pudgy middle-aged board member, asking coolly, "Your business trip to Southdamst month was actually a trip to the casino, wasn''t it? Losing twenty million dors of thepany''s money... You were staying in Room 905 and called two pretty masseuses to your room at 2 AM, paying them five grand each."

 Chapter 1058

    Helen opened the folder in front of Mr. Zork, leaving him gaping. "There. Security photos of you in the act." How could Helen have found out?! This was top secret, and Owen was the only one who could have known since Mr. Zork reported his expenses to him! As such, Mr. Zork was leveling a death re at Owen too, his eyes almost shooting mes.

    Follow current on NovilEnglish.not

    "Naturally, the biggest problem ourpany has is you, Mr. Kallum Gaetz. As acting CFO, you''ve really set a new bar in corruption." Helen strode behind Kallum and mmed a document on the table in front of him, saying quietly, "Every yearly ledger showed profits... that is, before it gets passed to you for review. Afterward, everything will be in the red, and the Lane family would have to pay up for it... If anything, I must admit that you have balls." Then, pping Kallum on the shoulder, Helen finished, "Either way, I''ve reviewed the ledgers over thest few years. If you have any questions, you may ask them now." Kallum''s eyes were narrowed, while beads of sweat trickled down his face.

    Caught in disbelief, he picked up the document, and he was soon turning pale and sweating even more once he read it. And it was just the start.

    As Helen looked around, none of the other board members dared to meet her eyes, since they were more or less involved. However, Helen was merciless and continued to borate on each of their crimes and everything they had done while holding their current positions.

    Included in the list were bribery, embezzlingpany capital, nepotism, establishing cliques, ousting senior figures in thepany, and having sexual liaisons in the office.

    Follow current on NovilEnglish.not et Helen strode around the meeting table, stopping by each board member and listing out precisely what crimes they had done. If they argued, she would m solid evidence right in front of their faces, silencing them. Eventually, she stopped beside Owen, the head of ounting.

    et "As for you, Mr. Briggs..." Helen smiled faintly. "You''re actually different since you didn''t actually actively breakpanyws... but you''re still culpable, if not the worst of everyone here. And I''m sure you know why." "Y-Yes..." Owen was on the verge of tears, his heart almost giving out because the other board members were all ring at him spitefully.

    After all Owen was the only one who had dirt on everyone in thepany, but he also felt indignant-how could he have ratted them out? He had never met Helen before! That was just how amazing she is, revealing stuff even Owen himself did not know about, presenting concrete evidence to back up everything she said.

    Nheless, Helen walked up to him and said quietly, "Mr. Briggs,d am stillin need of your services sam wonder which you you''d prefer-keeping your job or rotting in jail? Or maybe... suffering their revenge?" "I-I''ll keep my job," Owen gulped.

    He was just an ountant and not a schemer, not to mention that he really had no choice when he was facing pressure from all sides! Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

 Chapter 1059

    After all, Helen could have all of the entire board jailed if she willed it.

    They were all scowling-they certainly had no idea how Helen got her hands on the evidence against them, with everyst bit of detail included. All they could do was to blOwen now.

    In the first ce, they were supposed to assert their authority over Helen as she took on her new position.

    Instead, she turned the tables and revealed all the dirt she had on them. She was clearly more than just a pretty face-she was a fighter who could throw a punch.

    "Either way, I''m done." Helen shrugged just then. "You can all leave now, and I won''t stop anyone here or plead for you to stay like you hope for. Instead, these documents will be publicized, and I will call for a shareholders'' meeting where we will decide your respective recements. You will all pay for your stupidity." Her blunt words finally made them understand, and Mr. King-who had been insulting Helen in every way possible earlier-dropped to his knees with a thud.

    "M-Ms. Lane! Please, anything but that!" he begged. "I promise... I''d never do it again! I will forfeit all my stocks and leave Lane Holdings. Just don''t present those documents! I still have a family to feed!" Helen stayed impassive despite the man''s tearful pleas, saying nothing.

    Thud! Then, Mr. Zock was on his knees too. "I-I apologize for my rudeness before too. Please, I''ll say yes to anything. Just don''t publicize those documents! I''ll never do it again!" "What..." The sight of both men dropping to their knees before a woman left Kallum seething beyond words. Pointing a shaking finger at them, he bellowed, "Where''s your honor? What did you just promise me?! We could just kill her and be done with it But you had to embarrass everyone so thoroughly!" Despite Kallum''s outburst, Mr. Zork looked up at him gingerly. "You ne should quit being stubborn, Kattum.

    At least we have a shot at parole, but you''re already on death row! "That''s right," Mr. King added hesitantly. "You should really start worrying about yourself instead of getting mad at us.'' "What..." Kallum was stumped.

    "Ms. Lane, w-we were forced into this! Kallum threatened us!" As both men yielded to Helen, the other board members abandoned their pride and started pleading to Helen too, with seven turning on Kallum to use him.

    Kallum could choke to death right then.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Traitors... spineless wimps!" he howled.

    But to everyone else, it was just the sad yapping of the defeated.

    h The board members were no fools-Heten already proved that she was capable enough to dig out their dirtyundry. Even if Kallura vowed that he would kill Helen, would she really be unprepared against him? She simply did not fear Kallum. After all, she was now the head of the Lane family, and if Kallum really wanted to get tough with her, he would fall short.

    And judging from Helen''s performance, she was an ady despite her pretty face.

 Chapter 1060

    As the board members all realized that Helen may be better than Kallum, they knew that their best option right now was to apologize and surrender their authority in hopes that Helen would keep them around.

    That was the only way to keep what they had instead of losing everything. It was frustrating, but none of them had the guts to oppose Helen now.

    All the contempt and dismissive attitude before was now reced by fear and reverence.

    "Hmph. Since you''re all being so earned, I guess I can forgive you." Helen nced at Frank before looking around at the board members. "I promise not to pursue responsibility for your previous transgressions, but you are still obliged to reimburse thepany for the damages you cause. I have taken over thispany with the goal to lead it to new heights, and I promise that no one would lose out if you are with me. Everyone would be showered in riches, even... So, can you do that?" The board members were certainly grateful for her extraordinary magnanimity and kept bowing their heads in thanks.

    After all, they had two choices: with the first, they were allowed to make amends and keep their jobs, while thepany headed to a brighter future.

    With the second, they would lose everything-even their freedom.

    No one except fools would choose poorly here, and almost every board member had chosen to pledge their loyalty to Helen. Only Kallum was glowering, his gaze evasive and his thoughts inscrutable.

    "My wife is really scary." Frank smiled in his corner.

    Even he had to admit that Helen was a cold, lethal ice queen when she was being professional.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Her carrot and stick method certainly reined in the fickle board members, and it was all done in under half an hour since they arrived.

    Helen then turned to Kallum. "It seems that you''re still reluctant to join me, Mr. Gaetz. Perhaps you have more to say?" Kallum was the only problem they had now.

    As the ringleader, he was the most vtile board member, but Helen had no intention of forgiving him from the start either After all, he had abused his authority for years, embezzling so much capital from Lane Holdings that they could execute him ten times over. Kallum finally looked up at that.

    Whipping out his phone and el brandishing the lit screen at Helen, he narrowed his eyes andughed at her. "Haha! I must admit that you''re as well connected as you arepetent, ehough! Ms dane, but it''s far from you still don''t understand the depth of my might!" Slowly rising to his feet, he continued, "I''ve already done my homework You''re just a woman with a freeloading gigolo constantly tagging along after you, and you think you can takedown in my own turf? How naive!" The door was kicked open with a bang right then, and a bunch of goons wearing ck suits charged inside the conference room menacingly.

    "Now, letteach you yourst lesson in life." Kallumughed haughtily. "In this world, might makes right!"

 Chapter 1061

    The tic entrance of the goons left everyone stunned.

    However, it was clear that Kallum had arranged for them to wait near the conference room, then charge inside once he gave the signal and kill everyone.

    The board members who had just turned against him becpale at the sight, even as they felt pangs of danger.

    Kallum wasughing loudly in turn, as if everyone there was beneath him.

    "Don''t worry, Helen." He gloated. "You won''t die alone-these spineless vermin areing with you! Keep dreaming big when you''re dead, boys! Hahaha!!!" Unexpectedly, Helen did not panic even as she watched the goons charge in.

    In fact, she was sneering. "Don''t you think you''re being naive here, Mr. Gaetz? Did you really think I wasn''t ready for a fight? Of course I expected this!" On one hand, she was offering the panicky board members assurance so they did not have to change sides again.

    On the other, she was attempting to intimidate Kallum, but he was not falling for it at all.

    In fact, he sneered. "I don''t doubt that you have ssort of trump card, Ms. Lane, but are you really pinning your hopes on your pretty boy secretary over there?" He was staring pointedly at Frank, whom he presumed to be Helen''s secretary. Frank had to look left and right before pointing at himself in surprise. "By pretty boy secretary, do you mean me?" Kallumpletely ignored him and keptughing viciously. "I''m sure you never expectedto arrange for an ambush beforehand, did you? Bluffing doesn''t work here! And since you refuse to cooperate, there''s nothing more to discuss-go! Kill everyone in this room this instant before they can pull something out of their ass!" From a certain point of view, Kallum was impressive as he knew it was important to attack quickly and deny his opponents a chance to fight back.

    Unfortunately for him, however, he did St Someone as g by Helen all this wooleas Frank to be are "Die!" One of the goons leapt forward before the others, leaping over the table toward Helen, machete in hand.

    Helen backed away and nodded exasperatedly at Frank-they must pacify the situation at hand, and anything else could wait.

    Frank cleared his throat just then.

    "Ahem... Allowto exin: I''m no head of the health and Saromet secretary-I''m the newly appointed department, you hear? Then, he moved like a ghost, suddenly in front of Helen as he kicked the goon leaping toward her. ng!

    As the conference room was twenty floors above, the screams of the goon was especially harrowing. M "What?! the health and safety department?!" Seeing Frank''s brisk kick, a look of surprise showed on Kallum''s earlier triumphant face.

    And he had never even heard of the health and safety department! On the other hand, Frank leapt up to the N.O table, flexing his neck and wrists before beckoning at the other e flinching goons with a Others, finger.

    "Con. Weren''t you going to attack Ms. Lane?" He gloated. "Though you''d have to get pastfirst."Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1062

    At the sight of Frank''s insolence, the other goons were all provoked.

    "Let''s go together!" they shouted all at once and charged toward Frank as one.

    ng! Frank aimed with perfect timing, kicking another charging goon through yet another window.

    The other goons were naturally not spared either, and Frank remained standing on the table as he stopped all of them from passing him.

    Over ten of the goons were sent flying in under half a minute, and since they were sent flying out of the window from the twentieth floor, surviving was basically out of the question.

    Their screams were harrowing enough. Seeing Frank''s nonchnce on top of that left the board members who had just sworn fealty to Helen dead silent.

    However, they were all rejoicing inwardly that they were not being stubborn enough to stick with Kallum against their new board chairman.

    Otherwise, Helen would have them thrown out the window instead-at that point,pensation would be a little toote. They would certainly lose everything when they were dead! "H-Help..." Thest goon was clearly petrified, and he threw away his machete to turn and run.

    "Running?" ng! Frank leapt off the table and grabbed him by the head, smashing him into the remaining window.

    The goon was briefly stunned as the window shattered.

    And by the the cto his senses, he found half of himself hanging outside the window, and he started screaming endlessly.

    Holding the goon by the back of his cor, Frank asked, "Tell me, who are you boys? Who''s the one backing Kallum?" His fingers seemed to loosen for a moment just then and the goon could feel himself falling, causing him to scream again.

    As the goon stared downward at the ant-like pedestrians along the street, his face turned pale and his legs trembled. He almost did not hesitate to wet himself.

    "No! Don''t he screamed. "We''re et just... hired muscle from Victorget... And our boss is Cadum Springer. He has connections in Morhen! You can''t kill me! You can''t-Argh!" Frank released the goon out of impatience before he could finish.

    Even if he tried to make himself sound important, he was a death dealer at best and amon thug at worst. Since they were so ready to draw blood, it could well mean that they were already involved with murder.

    If anything, ridding them was justice.

    And once he was done, Frank dusted his perfectly clean hands and returned to stand behind Helen.

    The vibes in the entire conference were different now, with every board member staring at Frank in fear.

    No matter how slow they were, they could see that Frank was a martial ve elite and a formidable one at that.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    It was not surprising now that Helen basically calone-her backup was enough.

    Helen slowly walked toward Kallum just then, her red lips curling into a sneer as she folded about arms before her chest. blow about that, M Gaetz? Are you going to give up your seat or not?" Kallum cto his senses at her question and promptly stood up, respectfully making way for her.

    Nheless, Helen did not sit.

    She merely cast a look of disgust at the chair Kallum sat on before turning toward the other board m members and pursing her lips. "So, what do you think we should do with Mr Gaetz now?" "Any ideas? Feel free to speak your mind."

 Chapter 1063

    "I suggest we be rid of him right away, to serve as a warning to the others!" "No, we have to make him return everyst dhe stole from thepany over the years!" "Yes! We will do that, and then get rid of him!" Kallum was certainly furious to hear that the board members who were so loyal to him before were now ready to lynch him.

    However, he was afraid to say a thing, even as he subtly nced at Frank while wondering if he could take Helen hostage before Frank realized it.

    On the other hand, Helen was hiding a giggle as she listened to the board members'' shouts of indignation even as they scapegoated Kallum.

    Turning to Kallum, she narrowed her eyes and asked, "So, Mr. Gaetz. Do you yield or not?" Kallum turned away-how could she still ask something so pointless at this stage?! But he was already set on this path, and he shall see through it! "No, I refuse!" he snapped coolly. "You may be able to fool these idiots, but not me! You''re just coercing them to cooperate, or Lanecorp would fall to chaos with a sudden purge of executives! You''ll abandon them in time, or am I wrong?" The board members were once again snapping and condemning Kallum''s rant, but they were also casting looks of concern at Helen.

    After all, Kallum had a point which concerned them-Helen had leverage against them, so it was only natural that they were wary.

    And yet, Helen did not worry at all, even holding up a hand to stop their outburst as she sneered. "I''m not a person who disposes of personnel like tools. I promise -if I''m not betrayed, of course-that I''ll be increasing every board member''s bonus by twenty percent at the end of the year and giving a fifty percent base sry increment." The board members'' eyes lit up at Helen''s promised boons.

    Her assurance that they would make even more money together already boosted morale.

    As for the specific numbers she provided now, it meant that she was not just providing lip service.

    If Helen failed to fulfill her promise, it was on her.

    It was an almost insignificant excuse, but it was enough to assure the board members since they were worried Helen would abandon them once she was done with them. And since Helen offered a promise, they did not lose anything if she fulfilled it, and they could just walk away if she failed.

    Aside from the head ountant Owen Briggs, the other board members just had to make sure they paid for what they had taken and Helen''s leverage would be void in months. Embezzlement? What embezzlement? And seeing that the other board members were now looking at Helen respectfully instead of fearfully, Kallum quickly realized that he had fallen for Helen''s trap.

    Helen was using him to bring to light the board''s doubts toward hen m

    offering them further assurance and reining them in for her cause. Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    However, that also gave Kallum an idea-since she was using him anyway, he could use this against her! "Helen Lane," he said bluntly, "lip hasend service an@yourt health and safety department.is pointless. Making money isn''t done by words alone if you want everyone in thepany to follow you, you should show that you can actually achieve something!" "Really? Achieve what?" Helen asked.

    Seeing that she took the bait, Kallum was awash with glee, but he kept a straight face.

 Chapter 1064

    Kallum said coolly, "There are three tasks that Lanecorp needs to see urgently. Fulfill them, then I will pay every di''ve taken and turn myself in to the police." Then, giving Helen a sideways re of disdain, he said, "How about that? Are you brave enough?" "Why should I y along?" Helen shot him an incredulous re in turn. "I''ll deliver you to the authorities right away. Think you still have the right to negotiate?" "Hahaha!" Kallumughed, surprisingly unfettered. "You''re too naive, Ms. Lane! Like I said, I have a way out-all the money I took has been donated to a charity organization, which I own myself. However, the headquarters is abroad. Sure, I''d be killed if you tookto the cops, but you''re not getting anything back!" Helen was left staring at Kallum''s smug face, scowling.

    She did not expect such a move from the sly old fox, and she really had to be careful with what he ns now.

    Kallum shrugged in turn. "Don''t worry-it''s just three tasks, and it''s for thepany''s sake and nothing is impossible at all. I''ll even put it in writing if you want. Do it, and you won''t hear a thing from me... You will have every dof your family''s money back!" It was all too obvious something was fishy with those three tasks, but Helen could not ept Lanecorp losing all that money without doing anything.

    And having just becthe head of the Lane family, she ought to show sresults.

    Eventually, she sighed and epted the deal.

    Kallum grinned smugly as he mentioned the first two.

    The first was to go to Victorget and collect the debt that they owed Lanecorp for two years.

    The second was for Lanecorp to secure at least three plots ofnd at the auction in South Zamri next week which would be used for property development. S "What about the third?" Helen asked, watching Kallum closely.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    He shook his head in disdain. "I''ll tell you if youplete the first two." "Fine." Helen agreed to it without hesitation.

    The other board members could already see that the two tasks were impossible.

    However, when Owen was ready to stand and speak up, they red at him threateningly, making him back off.  englishSW After all, they were keen to see how far Helen could go.

    Chyas Collecting a debt from Victorget already a troublestask if not deadly.

    It was only after Helen left the et windowless conference room that Helen Saw Cindy Zonda running m toward her panting. "Has the meeting started?" Helen glowered at her and snorted. "It''s over." "What? Already?!" Cindy was at a loss.

    Helen''s eyes were glued on her.

    "Weren''t you informed that the m meeting was brought forward by an hour?"

 Chapter 1065

    "Oh!" Cindy eximed, smacking herself in the head as she realized with a start. "Sorry, Helen. I was busy on a date with my boyfriend, so I forgot..." "Urgh..."

    Helen was speechless.

    Gina Zonda had bugged her constantly for a while-that was why Helen gave Cindy a job at all.

    However, Cindy had somehow managed to hook up with a hunk from the urban development department of Zamri. When he asked her about her job, Cindy said she was working for the Lane family to avoid embarrassment.

    The hunk mistook that for Lanecorp of Zamri, and not Lane Holdings of Riverton.

    That was why Cindy asked her Aunt Gina to beg Helen for a job at Lanecorp.

    Helen was now the head of the Lane family-arranging for a job could not be easier.

    Helen, however, was left with a migraine over the issue.

    It was true that it was easy to arrange a job for Cindy, but the problem was that Cindy knew nothing except fooling around.

    But in the end, Helen caving to Gina''s pestering allowed Cindy to work for her as a secretary, acting as a runner or making her tea.

    Helen just did not expect Cindy to assert her authority the first day at work. Not only had she been ying around with her new boyfriend past midnight, but she had forgotten all about her work and waste by an hour! UMS IAs a matter of fact, Helen''s evidence against the board members, which she had presented earlier, was delivered by her other secretary from Riverton. While she had electronic copies that were even more detailed, they were in herptop, which she had left in Cindy''s care here in Zamrist night while she returned to Riverton to bring Frank over. She really did not take into ount that Cindy would fail even at that if she had herptop, the documents and contents would have made that board meeting so much easier.

    As Helen rubbed her temples, she looked at Cindy in her business suit, repressing her rage as she asked, "Where''s myptop? Why didn''t you bring it with you?" "Oh... whoops, I forgot!" Cindy flinched like a catm which had its tail stepped on. "Will was ying svideo games with itst night. I must have left it at his ce!" "What?!" Helen could choke. "Company secrets were saved in thatptop! No one can be allowed to see it-I told you that before I left! And you let your boyfriend use it?!" "What are you being so upset about, Helen?" Cindy made a face, and whipped out her phone. "I just forgot... I''ll call Will to bring it over, okay?" Speechless, Helen whipped out her phone and dialed Gina''s number.

    "Hello? Helen?" Gina chirped cheerfully. "How did the meeting go?

    Cindy didn''t get you into trouble, right?" Helen took a deep breath-Gina really knew how to rub it in on the get-go.

    "I''m sending Cindy back right now," she snapped coldly. "Mypany doesn''t need someone like her. And no-nothing you say will change my mind!" Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 1066

    And with those words, Helen did not stop to listen to what Gina had to say and hung up.

    "What?!" Cindy snapped right then, incredulous. "Am I missing something here?! How could you be so petty, Helen?! I was onlyte and neglected yourptop, and you''re throwing a fit?! I''m your cousin, and Will has already personally delivered yourptop! What more do you want?! He''s a busy man, and he''s already being more than respectful by bringing it back to you!" Cindy''s outburst almost ruptured the veins in Helen''s temples.

    Snorting in disappointment, she strode to her office while shaking her head, not inclined to breathe another word to Cindy.

    "Honestly, what''s your problem?!" Cindy remained where she was, stamping her feet.

    Nearby, Frank stood watching idly with a look that said it was none of his business.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    He was just in charge of security and nothing else, though he could feel Helen''s blood pressure skyrocketing, and she was at her limit.

    As a girlboss, Frank had seen how Helen often asked her employees to be serious, responsible, and efficient.

    Still, she did not take into ount how terrible Cindy could be, and she was probably cursing inwardly.

    While it was terrible, Frank found it somehow hrious since it had been awhile since Helen had been so exasperated.

    It was certainly rare for an ice queen to be left speechless.

    Still, as Frank followed Helen into her office, he was surprised to find Owen standing there.

    The cowering, bespectacled head of ounting was doing his best to dissuade Helen. "I know you want to prove yourself, Ms. Lane, but this isn''t the way to do it!" Owen then noticed Frank and Cindy walking in and quickly turned quiet.

    Helen felt a migraine when she saw Cindy, but she gestured at Owen. "Continue." Seeing that Helen trusted. both of them, Owen spoke quickly and anxiously, "Please, Ms. Lane. NO Victorget is not your ordinary securitypany. They have the backing of a major Morhen faction, and their employees are every sort of scoundrel. Zamri''s scourge, that''s what they are! If you really did as Kallum said and tried to collect a debt from them, then you might..." "What?" Helen asked, raising a brow.

    "You might..." Owen gritted his teeth, but offered himself to finish, "Get killed!" Cindy gasped and quickly sprang to her feet, "You''re collecting a debt, Nelen? I mean, this nice man already said we won''t get that money! Let''s just give up and let them have that money, or we''d lose more than what we bargained for!" Helen was ready to snap at Cindy for speaking out of turn but ultimately restrained herself.

    Still, she inadvertently noticed Frank watching in glee nearby and rolled her eyes at him.

    Turning back to Owen, she said, "Mr.

    Briggs, I understand that you cout of concern for me and your show of loyalty is to avoid getting caught in the board''s conspiracies. Rest assured that you are safe from me."

 Chapter 1067

    Helen paused before continuing, "However, now that I''m the head of Lanecorp, I must take back what we''re owed. Understand?" "I do, but..." Owen was still worried-Helen was from Riverton and had not been around Zambir long enough to know how terrible Victorget could be.

    After all, their work was apletely gray area-they had a ton of professional bodyguards and grunts, along with a number of martial artists.

    In fact, the debt Kallum was talking about was just the biennial fee that he had recently paid them in advance.

    And now, Helen was supposed to take back the money from them? It was no different from going straight into the wolf''s den.

    "It''s fine. Don''t worry about-I have my head of security with me," Helen said just then, her meaning all too obvious.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "Are you serious, Helen?!" Cindy eximed. "You''re really counting on Frank to deal with an entirepany of grunts? I know he''s good, but-" She suddenly stopped, as Helen was already shooting her a warning re.

    Another word, and Helen was really going to have her put her down. Even if she could tolerate her negligence, she would not abide with Cindy disrespecting Frank! "T-Then... I shall leave you to it..." Owen sighed and left, seeing that Helen was not changing her mind.

    It was obvious he had no confidence in Helen at all, and he was still sighing even as he left her office. "I just hope that she can leave Victorget in one piece...." Frank just happened to hear that, elbet just as Helen finally turned toward him and asked, "You''ve been listening to the whole thing. What do you think we should do with this?" "I think-" Even before Frank could get a word in, Cindy walked up to Helen''s side and said, "Con, Helen-I''m your secretary, and he''s just a glorified e security guard! Why won''t you listen to me? I really think we don''t need that money... You heard the man. Victorget is not to be messed with, and we just cto Zamri-" Helen held up a hand to stop her and said coolly, "Buy yourself a ticket back to Riverton. Ask your boyfriend to give you a ride." Cindy gaped. "Helen..." "Out!" Helen snapped, pointing at the door.

    Cindy was certainly afraid and had no choice but to leave, but not without throwing shade before she left.

    "Hmph. You could just say you don''t wantto stay, but you had to nitpick my faults and chaseout.." Swn When it was just Helen and Frank left in the office, Helen picked up her ss cup, ready to smash it on the floor. Still, she soon sighed and controlled herself, instead asking hesitantly, "Do you think we can get that money back?" "Sure, why not?" Frank smiled. "Don''t worry-no one can hurt you as long as I''m around." Frank''s response assured Helen right then, and she sighed in relief. "Fine.

 Chapter 1068

    Helen and Frank left right away and were soon standing outside Victorget.

    On the top floor office inside, Cid Gaetz, Kallum''s son, was conversing with a bald man with a ferocious visage.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Cid was young, but he was clearly used to doing business with the man as he slid a check over the desk. "That''s twenty million, Victor."

    "Hmmm. What is it this time? Or should I ask, who is it this time?" Victor asked nonchntly, lighting himself a cigarette since Cid was an old customer.

    "Hehe. I really can''t get anything past you." Cid grinned. "So my father''s having issues with hispany, and he''s being kept in custody in his own office. It''s this new board chairwoman who wants full control, so my dad has beef with her... anyway, my dad''s asking that you don''t mention anything when she asks you to return a debt. Just humiliate her as much as possible, and then..."

    Cid made a gesture over his own neck.

    "Whoa!" Victor frowned and promptly threw the check back at Cid. "I''ve actually heard, but the chairwoman is the new head of the Lane family, isn''t she? And your dad wants us to kill her? Is he crazy?!"

    "Hehe..." Cid chuckled calmly despite Victor trying to excuse himself. "It''s up to you now, Victor. I know about the Morhen bigwigs who have your back-crushing smeasly family in Riverton is absolutely no issue."

    Pausing, Cid then kept smiling as he continued, "Also, twenty million is just the deposit. Once it''s done, you''ll be paid a billion."

    "What?! A billion?!" Victor''s cigarette almost fell out of his mouth. "Shit, how much money have you bloodsuckers been siphoning off Lanecorp over the years? Y''all be dead rich..."

    Still, Cid could see that Victor was hesitant. He quickly pressed, "And my father has added that once this is done, Victorget will be the sole contractor for Lanecorp''s security concerns. Do you know what that means...?"

    "Fine!" Victor gritted his teeth, giving in to Cid''s temptation. "Since y''all put it that way, I''m taking the deal-we just have to capture that woman, huh?"

    "Exactly." Cid nodded with a sleazy smile. "And she''s a beauty, Victor, so my father would like her pride crushed... if you know what I mean?"

    Victorughed, rubbing his bald scalp. "Hahaha! No problem-that''s what do best!"

    There was a knock on his office door just then, and he barked, "Cin!"

    A goon entered and reported, "Victor, and woman outside there''s this man and wo asking to see you.

    chairwoman of Lanecorp or something."

    Victor paused for a moment andughed. "Speak of the devil!"

    Cid was smiling too. "Well, I''ll look forward to seeing you in action, M Victor."

 Chapter 1069

    Victor calmly poured himself a cup of tea. "Don''t worry, Cid. I''ll definitely get it done since I''ve taken payment." He then turned toward the goon and gestured. "Show them in!" "Yes, boss." The goon left.

    Soon, Frank and Helen entered.

    "So, you''re... Eh?!" Victor was about to leap into action when he paused.

    He somehow found Frank''s face familiar, but he could not quite remember where he had seen the man before...

    Seeing that Victor was staring at Frank for a while, Cid frowned and called out to him. "Victor? Hello? What''s up? Why are you spacing out?" "What? Oh, nothing," Victor murmured.

    He somehow thought Frank resembled the man whom EmiSorano had mentioned that their family was not to mess with under any circumstances.

    Still, he put aside the questions in his head and turned toward Helen. "To what do I owe the pleasure, chairwoman? You just took charge of Lanecorp, didn''t you?" He shook his head and blew at his tea to cool it nonchntly.

    "Hmph." Helen snorted in turn-she naturally recognized Cid, having seen his photos while investigating his father Kallum.

    The fact that he showed up here could not mean anything good.

    Regardless, Helen strode up and said bluntly, "I''m here to collect what Victorget owes Lanecorp." "Hahaha...." Victorughed and put down his tea, studying Helen from head to toe in amusement. Ms. Lane, it has been agreed that Victoget will be the sole contractor to Lanecorp''s security operations. As such, Mr. Gaetz your CFO has therefore deposited 200 million dors, but you''re now severing the contract without precedent and asking back for that money? What are we to you? Do we look so easily bullied?!" "Hehe..." Cid sneered at Helen in turn.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He watched as Victor''s tone got harsher but the minute, even standing up as he threatened Helen at the end. His hard work certainly did not go to waste! On the other hand, Victor could see that Helen was just staring coolly at him in silence and returned to his chair.

    Snuffing out his cigarette on an ashtray, he smiled, "So how about this instead? Our contract stands, but you need to pay the remainder of our subcontract of 300 million while we stay as your security subcontractor. How about that, Ms. Lane?" "No." Frank strode up, knowing that Helen was never good at handling thugs.

    Such people were never reasonable, and the owner was trying despicably we to con Helen for more money.

    That''s why Frank took the stage. "I think Victorget should be returning that 200 million dors deposit, as well as 100 million in addition for holding a million in holding on to that 200 million dors without permission." S "What?!" Cid gaped in disbelief, but he soonughed so hard he could cry. "Hold on, where did you cfrom, kid? Isn''t Ms. Lane really scraping the bottom for her recruits?"

 Chapter 1070

    Shaking his head, Cidughed. "You''re not from Zamri, are you? Don''t you know who you shouldn''t mess with in this city? Hell... Do you even know who has Victor''s back?" "No, I don''t," Frank answered bluntly.

    Cid was stumped by Frank''s bluntness butposed himself and sneered. "It''s the Soranos of Morhen! Heck I don''t mind telling you-his full nis Victor Sorano!" "The Soranos?!" Helen''s face fell.

    After all, the Soranos were the most powerful family in Morhen barring the Lionhearts.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    If Victorget was really supported by the Soranos, Lanecorp''s money was as good as lost.

    "Hehe..." Victor was smiling too, seeing the look of panic on Helen''s face.

    Cid pressed his advantage, flexing on Helen and Frank with Victor''s influence. "Now, pay fifty million up front for damages, because you''ve disturbed Victor here... and he just might be merciful. If you don''t, hehe..." Helen was a little worried by the unexpected turn of events. "What should we do, Frank? Why don''t we just pay up and leave?" Frank saw her worried expression and remembered just then.

    Although Frank had stormed Sorano Estate and forced EmiSorano to personally apologize to Nash Yego, Helen did not know about that.

    In reality, Frank did not fear the Soranos at all.

    As Cid and Victor were getting full of themselves, Frank shook his head at her and strode up.

    His eyes glued on Victor, he spoke, "If you say you''re a Sorano, then you should have heard of me." "You?" Victor did a double take, clearly caught off guard as a foreboding feeling welled up within him.

    "Heh." Frank snorted. "Why don''t you call Morhen and ask if they remember the nFrank Lawrence?

    Once you do, you should really wonder about the attitude you''re putting on with me." S et Victor had yet to react, but Cid had sprang to his feet, pointing at Frank and snapping, E "Frank Lawrence? What stupid nis that?! Are you supposed to be famous?! Well, I never heard of you! Don''t think you could get away just because you''re flexing on us, and if you''re just trying to tell us, I can tell you with no uncertainty that Victor is a member of the Sorano family! Go on, Victor! Sew that prick''s mouth shut. Well, the damages have just increased to 100 million dors for your attitude! You''re not leaving if you don''t pay! Right, Victor? Victor? hello?" Mo Grinning, Cid turned toward Victor to find him frozen again.

    Feeling a tinge of danger, he quickly grabbed Victor''s shoulders and shook him "Are you alright, "?!" Why do you keep spacing out

 Chapter 1071

    "F-Frank Lawrence?!" Victor remembered right then.

    His extended family was holding an online conference, and Emihad made it especially clear as he showed Victor a photo.

    "This young man is called Frank Lawrence," Emiexined, "and he resides in Riverton, not far from Zamri. That''s why I''m concerned you might run into him... but remember, the entire family is not to mess with him! If you do, you''ll be punished ording to family rules!" Victor flinched even as he cto his senses and studied Frank while remembering the photo he saw.

    There was no mistaking-this was Frank Lawrence! A sheet of sweat trickled down Victor''s back right then.

    Even if he had no idea why Emiwould be so concerned about Frank, the only thing he knew was that messing with Frank meant viting family rules! And when that happened...

    Victor flinched right then, and then saw Cid still smiling at him and continuing to insult Frank.

    "Motherfucker!" he bellowed as his insides churned.

    Cid had really brought sserious shit to his doorstep! Was he trying to get him killed?! At the stime, Cid was still gloating. "You hear that? Victor is-" Smack! Before Cid could finish, Victor had pped him across the face, leaving him stunned.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Things were going so well, so why did Victor suddenly turn on him after spacing out? Clutching his cheek, Cid grumbled miserably, "What the heck? They''re over there-you should be pping them!" "Well I just pped you! Deal with it!" Victor bellowed.

    He was certainly panicking, but also relieved that he ultimately remembered Frank Lawrence.

    If things really got out of hand, Emiwould definitely cafter him, and only a tragic fate awaited him. "What?!" Cid was dumbstruck.

    What was happening? Why did Victor change sides out of the blue?! Wait, could Helen already have an understanding? But that wasom impossible! Still, while Cid was left stunned, Victor rubbed his hands and smiled awkwardly at Frank, hurrying to him enthusiastically. "Take a seat, Mr. Lawrence and Ms. Lane. Here." Even Frank had trouble keeping up with Victor''s sudden change in attitude, let alone Helen.

    "Fuck off!" Victor barked as he kicked Cid aside, making him clear them e

    couch for Frank and Helen.

    Then, he took out the check Cid gave him earlier and flung it at his face. "I''ll deal with youter!" He was basically murderous whenever he looked at Cid now, but 1fawning when it was Frank and Helen. "Please, make om yourselffortable. I''ll get the saffron tea it''s one of my most prized possessions." As he hurried outside his own office, he wiped the sweat off his brow while snapping at his secretary nearby, "Debbie, go brew the saffron tea, and use the best leaves!" Even as the secretary who wore thick makeup left in her alluring gait, Victor peered through the door into his office, observing Frank and Helen for a moment before whipping out his phone. "Hello? Yes, it''s me, Victor... Hahaha! Mr. Gus Zeller, I was just going to ask you something... Oh, it''s nothing important, I just wanted to ask about Frank Lawrence-right, there''s this pretty girlboss with him too. Just wanted to confirm that... Huh?

 Chapter 1072

    While Victor was busy confirming Frank''s identity outside the door, Cid was cringing in a corner inside Victor''s office.

    He was still staring at Helen in shock. "Y-You and Victor are in this together, aren''t you?" "Victor?" Helen was puzzled-it was her first tmeeting the owner of Victorget, so how was she supposed to conspire with the man? She turned toward Frank, who shed a smile of wry amusement at Cid. "Well, if he really is a Sorano, then he would have heard of me... And if that''s really true, then you''re screwed." "What?! Impossible!" Cid rasped, pointing at Helen as he cried, "You''re just the head of the Lane family, smoderately rich family from Southstream!" Then, he pointed at Frank. "And you''re just sglorified security guard! How could you have connections to the Soranos of Morhen?!" Helen turned to level a quizzical look at Frank too, and he sighed exasperatedly as he exined, "Well, I had beef with the Soranos. When Nash Yego delivered my medicine to one of the Soranos'' retainers, Willy Sorano intercepted him and assaulted him, even torturing him. After that, I stormed Sorano Estate and got payback, and the Soranos even had to apologize personally to Nash." "Oh, I see..." Helen nodded nkly, but she soon realized something was amiss.

    The Soranos were one of the Four Families of Morhen! How could Frank have stormed their estate and get revenge for Nash, even forcing the Soranos to apologize personally?! It just did not make sense! Even if Frank was right, the Soranos definitely would not y nice with Frank after what he did! "Hahaha!" Cid started tough loudly for two whole minutes as Frank and Helen watched.

    Eventually, it took him considerable effort to stop and sneer at Frank.

    "No way. Don''t you think you''re being ridiculous, Mr. Lawrence? Storming Sorano Estate on your own, and making the Soranos apologize to you? What, did you think this s sblockbuster flick? Did you think that I''m stupid enough to believe your bullshit?!" "Believe whatever you like." Frank shrugged and sneered in turn. "And I wasn''t talking to you anyway." "Frank..." Helen murmured just then.

    Forget Cid-even Helen had trouble believing Frank, since what he said was simply ridiculous.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    And who would believe something like that anyway? They were talking about one of the Four Families of Morhen here! They value their pride more than their lives, but instead of taking Frank down even if it killed them, Frank imed that they caved to his demands and apologized? And after he attacked their hat that?! It was simply unbelievable! On the other hand, Cid believed that he now had leverage and grinned smugly, "Hah! I''ll tell Victor exactly what you said soon. When he knows how you''ve insulted his family, he''s definitely taking you down!" "Do whatever you like." Frank shrugged again. "But my guess is that the Soranos would end you just to shut you up. Out of the goodness of my heart, I''m asking you to y dumb, as if you never heard a thing." "Pfft-" Cid snickered despite Frank''s serious tone.

    And here he thought that Frank was one of those martial elites fromm Morhen. But judging from the man''s ims, he was clearly just an insignificant loudmouth

 Chapter 1073

    Storming Sorano Estate and forcing them to apologize? Even children would not believe such a fantasy! "We''ll see!" Cid smiled darkly at Frank.

    Frank snorted in turn-he could not stop Cid if he was so bent on being suicidal, just as he was not obliged to stop him.

    Soon, Victor returned with a tray of tea and put it down respectfully on his own desk.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    However, before he could pour it, Cid scrambled toward him and pointed at Frank usingly. "V-Victor, that brat just insulted your family! You have to do something about him!" "Really?" Victor looked up and asked quietly, "And what did he say?" "He said..." Cid appeared utterly gleeful even as he gulped. "He said he had beef with the Soranos, and stormed Sorano Estate in Morhen, hurting Willy Sorano and forcing the main family to apologize." "Hah!" Cid spat tically with feigned outrage. "He doesn''t even look at himself before iming such bullshit. The way I see it, he''s really asking for it... So don''t hold back..." However, he was left staring as Victor calmly wiped the teacups and picked one up, pouring tea.

    Getting anxious, he pressed, "Victor, you had to see it, but he was so cocky earlier. l-argh!" Before Cid could finish, Victor had sshed the burning cup of tea in his eyes.

    He dropped to the floor and screamed hysterically, clutching his face. All he could see was darkness and all he felt was agony-he certainly did not know this would happen! "Motherfucker!" Victor bellowed just then, smashing the teacup on the floor as he strode up to Cid, bellowing, "I was going to let you go with just a couple broken limbs out of respect for your daddy, but you had to keep fucking around! Well, you''re not leaving now that you know what happened!" He then stomped his foot square at Cid''s stomach, leaving the man clutching his belly while curling up like an oversized, cooked shrimp.

    "What?!" Helen eximed in shock just then, at a loss for words.

    After all, Victor was basically admitting that Frank had been saying the truth.

    Could Frank really have stormed Sorano Estate and actually forced the Soranos to make an apology?! Helen always knew that Frank was amazing and constantly had to raise the bar when it cto her opinion of him... But never did she expect that he did not fear the Soranos, one of the Four Families of Morhen! Her eyes were left glued on Frank in shock and confusion, as if intent on learning him anew.

    Frank smiled and teased her just then. "What, still don''t believe me?" Helen blinked. "Oh... actually, I was just thinking that you''re overqualified as the head of the health and safety department. Why don''t you take my ce and becboard chairman of tanecorp instead?" "No way." Frank quickly refused.

    He was no workaholic, just as he did not want to get tied down by messy workce affairs.

    It was certainly the case today-if Frank had a secretary like Cindym Zonda, he would p her to death he instead of restraining himself like Helen did.

 Chapter 1074

    "Hehe..." Victor was all smiles as he approached Frank, passing him his cup of tea and asking tentatively, "Mr. Lawrence, I''ve just spoken to Uncle Emihimself, and he sends his best regards." "I see." Frank nodded he was certainly not afraid of Victor messing around, even drinking the tea right away and nodding. "This is good tea." "Hehe... If you like it, I can have it delivered to you, Mr. Lawrence." "That''s unnecessary." Frank refused, stretched his back, and turned to Helen. "Let''s discuss what you owe Lanecorp. If I recall, it''s 200 million dors in investment funds, and regarding the interest..." "Oh, don''t worry about it." Victor smiled, stopping Frank from counting-he was plenty shrewd enough to understand. "Just take 300 million dors from me, with 100 million as interest. Consider it a well wisher''s gift to Lanecorp. Will that do?" "Yeah." Frank nodded.

    Helen, however, frowned ufortably. "That''s inappropriate. The debt has aged for a while, but it shouldn''t be worth 100 million "Hey now." Victor chuckled. "Are you belittling mypany here, or me? A hundred million dors for a present is really insignificant in my opinion! Take it, or you''d be insulting us Soranos!" Seeing that Victor was determined, Helen nodded in exasperation.

    She turned to Frank, feeling proud as she suddenly realized her husband was ten times more impressive than she believed.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    And here she thought Victorget was going to be a tough nut to crack...

    But all Frank had to do was show up, and Victor Sorano was coughing up everyst dime, even adding 100 million dors on top of that! All the board members were shocked when Helen had Owen ry what had happened.

    Since the cunning thugs of Victorget had been tording over the city for so long, the board members certainly knew that thepany was backed by the Soranos of Morehn. S And yet, their new board chairwoman had managed to make them pay anyway without putting up a fight.

    They certainly feared that she was even more horrific than they expected! And once they received word, the board members'' mindset certainly changed.

    One could argue that they were coerced from the start before being convinced they could becricher by working with Helen.

    Now, however, they were utterly willing to serve her. Naturally, there were also losers in this turn of events.

    After all, not only did Kallum have to receive news that Helen seeded in collecting the debt from Victorget, but he also received news of his son''s death.  ?wVictor had actually called Kallum personally, allowing him to hear his son''sst words as their partnership drew to a close.

    "Dad, Frank Lawrence is the real deal, not Helen Lane! He looks unseemly, but we can''t afford to mess with him Cid was bawling, and he soon screamed.

    Victor then chuckled coolly. "Don''t callcold, Kallum. It''s your whocked tact and messed wet people hem shouldn''t anything, you should be watching your back too." And with that, he hung up, leaving a dumbfounded Kallum copsing into his office chair.

 Chapter 1075

    Kallum turned pale as despair seized him, his phone sliding off his fingers andnding loudly with a thud.

    Cid''s death was certainly traumatic, just as Kallum would never have expected Victor to turn on his son without even giving them a chance to negotiate.

    "Frank Lawrence... Helen Lane''s bodyguard? The head of the health and safety department?! W-Who is he?!" He murmured nkly before turning silent.

    Meanwhile, Helen and Frank had rushed back to Lanecorp.

    They were going to stay out for lunch, but Helen received a call from Cindy, saying that her new boyfriend had arrived with Helen''sptop.

    However, by the tHelen and Frank returned, the newly transferred secretary waiting by the entrance approached them, saying awkwardly, "Ms. Lane, your cousin left half an hour ago. They left an address and asked you to go to them." Helen took the note the secretary passed her: it read Grand Coast Hotel.

    She almost choked right then-she and Frank hurried back at top speed, but her cousin had calmly left to hang out with her boyfriend.

    When she finallyposed herself with considerable difficulty, Helen turned to the secretary and asked, "Did she leave aptop?" The secretary shook her head, leaving Helen speechless.

    "Let''s go," Helen told Frank-she was livid, but they had no choice but to y along with Cindy''s whims and rush over to the hotel with Frank.

    There, they found Cindy with a man with greasy hair and thick makeup. Naturally, the man was none other than Will Zeller, Cindy''s new boyfriend.

    When Cindy saw Helen, she stood up, smiling and beckoning enthusiastically. "Over here! took you so long, Helet englisha lot!" I''ve ordered "Hello." Will''s eyes lit up with lust as soon as he saw Helen walking over to them, but he smoothly hidit.

    t belongs to swer Holding out a hand to Helen, he asked, "And you are...?" Cindy pursed her lips. "Oh, that''s my cousin Helen Lane, the new head of Lanecorp!" "Oh, Ms. Lane." Will smiled and nodded. You''re so beautiful, also young and aplish but et §áo§Û Please take good care offrom now on."  ?w"Yeah," Helen shook his hand nonchntly in greeting.

    Will then turned to Frank and frowned. "And who''s this?" "Oh, him." Cindy pursed her lips Frank Lawrence is again. "Hel Frank Lawrence, a security guard." "A security guard?" Will appeared taken aback, contempt quickly showing in his eyes.

    Not even bothered to shake Frank''s hand, he eagerly beckoned for Helen to take a seat.

    Before he could sit down beside Helen, he was left watching as Frank ¦¯¦°

    strode up and took Helen''s seat. Scowling, he snapped, "That''s Ms.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Lane''s seat." Frank looked up at him coolly. "What? Can''t I sit here?"

 Chapter 1076

    Frank looked up at him coolly. "What? Can''t I sit here?" Will was at once upset- he was feisty for smeasly bodyguard! "I arranged for Ms. Lane to sit here, as we have a major business deal to discuss." Will said coolly. "Can sglorified security guard like you afford the consequences if you mess this up for her?!" "Of course." Frank raised his chin, appearing deliberately mystified.

    "What..." Will was left seething.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Enough." Helen held up a hand exasperatedly, stopping the men as she sat down beside Frank.

    Looking at Will sharply, she said, "My cousin Cindy has taken myptop. Please return it toif you still have it." It was certainly her priority, since there were many sensitive documents and files of Lanecorp saved in thatptop.

    It should never be seen by prying eyes, and thepany would be hurt if Will were to find out and sell the documents to their rivals.

    It might be gover if that happened, especially for Lanecorp''s slimy board members.

    "Oh, of course," Will quickly said, seeing that Helen was quite anxious.

    He picked up Helen''sptop from behind him and passed it to her personally.

    "Hehe..." He chuckled. "I''ve been worried since Cindy called earlier, so I brought it over as soon as I could. It''s my fault, so I''m buying lunch as a way of apology." "That''s fine," Helen said, breathing a sigh of relief after checking that herptop was fine, and that the documents saved were not moved.

    "Are you happy now, Helen?" Cindy giggled from a distance. "Also, I''ve asked Will to bring us here because he has a major deal ready for you.

    11ould properly thankandamission." S "What is it?" Helen turned to Will, knowing that Cindy was not a reliable source of information.

    Will smiled and nodded. "There are et fivend lots in the South Zamri development zone that will be auctioned in a week. Hundreds of businesses have already submitted their tenders topete for thosend lots." Then, ncing smugly at Frank before turning back to Helen, he continued, "And for Cindy''s sake, i can help you get four of thosend lots... even five, if we''re lucky!" "Really?!" Helen was delighted, seeing Will''s confidence.

    If this deal was a sess, not only would Helen aplish the second task Kallum tasked her with, but Lanecorp would be raking in hundreds of millions.

    "Of course!" Cindy puffed her chest proudly. "Will is an appraiser of tenders, and what he says goes when he ites to leasing thosend lots." "Oh, I''m really not that impressive, though my rmendation does hold sway," Will said, his words humble but nothing about his smug expression appeared that way.

    "In that case, please do rmend our tender. Lanecorp will soon m submit Helen''s phone started ringing before she could finish, and it was a call from Gina.

    "Urgh..." Helen sighed under her breath when she saw the caller and shed an apologetic smile at Will.

    "Sorry, Mr.

    Mr. Zeller i need to take this."

    "Oh, sure," Will replied, watching Helen head to thedies'' room before standing up as well. "What a coincidence. I need the men''s room too, Cindy.

 Chapter 1077

    "Okay." Cindy nodded, and quickly turned back to the desserts on the table.

    On the other hand, Frank was folding his arms before his chest as he watched Will head to the washroom, his gaze darkening. "Hey, what are you looking at? You''re just jealous, aren''t you?" Cindy gloated smugly, seeing that Frank was staring at Will. "My boyfriend isn''t like you-he''s an actual department head who reviews every corporation''s tender. Do you even know how many people in Zamri have to obey him? All you can do is get into fights and cling to Helen, begging her to get you a job." She smacked the table repeatedly even as sheughed at Frank. "You''re so screwed-you don''t know anything about having an actual job, do you? And Helen''s arranged for you to be the head of the health and safety department... Doesn''t that mean you''re just a glorified security guard? Oh, you''re killing me! Does your monthly sry even amount to ten grand?!" Frank snickered at Cindy''s audacity to mock him and was not bothered to retort.

    She could say whatever she wanted-Frank was actually more curious about who Will was and what he was scheming by getting close to Cindy.

    Closing his eyes so that he looked like he was resting his eyes, Frank extended his senses, focusing his hearing on the washroom. And when he did, he immediately heard Will talking suspiciously over his phone. "Hehe... Of course, I understand... Don''t worry, ma''am. The Lane family is as good as done, and I''ll use this to keep him upied as much as I can..." Frank glowered right then and muttered to himself, "Ma''am? Who was he speaking to? And who was he supposed to keep upied? Me?" While his hunch that Will got close to Cindy with ulterior motives was right, Frank calmly listened.

    He could hear footsteps as Will stepped outside the men''s room, turning on the faucet, and strode up to Helen when he saw her.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hehe, Ms. Lane." He smiled sinisterly as he moved to stand in her way.

    Helen frowned when she saw that look on his face. "What are you doing, Mr. Zeller?" "Oh, no rush!" Will licked his lips, leering greedily at Helen''s body.

    She was certainly a marvel to behold, with her curvaceous figure, her ck suit and white shirt that entuated her bosom, and her thigh highs covering her long fair legs. Will was getting antsy even as he looked, already eager to have a go.

    Such beauty was a rare treasure, and he could die happy if he could even get a lick in.

    "I''m going if you have nothing to say, Mr.

    Helen snappedshaking him off and ready to since she could tell what he ewanted.

    "Are you sure about that, Ms. Lane?" Will grinned, whipping out a photo from his pocket.

    "What..." Helen froze, but her gaze soon red.

    The photo listed all of Lanecorp''s confidential files with no exception, and it could deal a severe blow to thepany if it was leaked.

    "Are you angry? Hehe... Has anyone told you that you''re attractive even when you''re angry? Will chuckled as he walked up to Helen, reaching for her chin.

    Helen, however, avoided him and growled th threateningly, "Keep m hands to yourself, Mr. Zeller, for." get more than what you bet

 Chapter 1078

    Helen growled threateningly, "Keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Zeller, or you''ll get more than what you bargained for." "Really? Do you even know who my friends are? Hehe... You''d die from a heart attack if I told you, but I digress." Will smiled darkly, licking his lips as he cornered Helen. "Spend the night with me, Ms. Lane, and I swear by my honor that you can have the photo and all the files I made copies of... Or by tomorrow, everything in that photo would show up on the desk of your rivalingpany''s CEO. So what''s it gonna be?" Helen closed her eyes despite his threat, silent for a moment before saying, "So I can take this as a threat, right?" "That''s right." Will kept smiling, utterly gleeful as he was convinced he already had Helen.

    He was even beginning to imagine what goodiesy beneath her suit, and the fire in his loins red.

    There was no stopping it, just as he had no reason to stop himself.

    He started to reach his hand toward Helen, ready to go for it- Fwip.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Shunk! That was when a fork shot toward Will, stabbing into the back of his palm with pinpoint precision.

    Will screamed even as the fork stabbed through his hand, and he was grasping his wrist as he sweated all over his brow.

    Every guest turned toward him right then, and various attendants hurried to him, stunned when they saw the fork in his hand.

    Squickly performed first aid, while others called an ambnce.

    On the other hand, Helen seized the moment to return to the table.

    "Helen? What happened there?" Cindy asked, oblivious to what had happened.

    Helen was not bothered to answer and started to tug on Frank, ready to leave. She had immediately spotted the missing fork on his side of the table and knew that Frank was the who bailed her out. Delongs to englishAnd if Will returned, he would definitely have a bone to pick with Frank.

    Helen certainly would like to avoid further trouble, and she therefore m

    wanted to leave with Frank-right away. However, Frank showed no inclination to leave at all, even sighing and shaking his head at Helen.

    Then, he strode toward the washroom.

    "What the hell happened, Helen?!" Cindy eximed, finally seeing that something was wrong.

    Helen sighed and caved under et pressure, saying, "Mr. Zeller had an ident in the men''s room. I have no idea what it is, since it''s the men''s room."  ?w Well, is he alright? Cindy sprang to her feet, ready to charge toward the men''s room, but Helen shoved her back to her seat "It''s the men''s room. Are you sure you should be charging inside? Don''t worry-Frank has already gone to take a look." Helen was smiling but inwardly exasperated-if anything, Frank being there only made things more worrying.

 Chapter 1079

    "Sir, what-" "Move." Frank pushed away the attendants standing in his way, striding toward Will.

    Seizing the man by the cor, he shoved him into the men''s room and mmed the door shut loudly, locking it.

    "What do you want?!" Will growled through his teeth, his eyes ring in rage at Frank even as he watched himself bleed profusely from the palm.

    "What do I want? I should be asking that question instead." Frank shoved Will to the floor, sneering as he stepped on Will''s pierced palm, making him scream again.

    Narrowing his eyes coldly, Frank growled, "First of all, let''s start with who you really are... You got close to Lanecorp through Cindy, for what? To keep someone upied?! Who is it?! Talk!" "W-What are you talking about?! I don''t know anything!" Will panicked at Frank''s questioning, not knowing how Frank found out.

    "Not going to talk, huh? Well, this isn''t on me..." Frank shrugged-he had all the ways to make someone talk. Moreover, Will was definitely more than what he seemed, and actually working for someone else.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Fwip! Heunched a needle that shot into Will''s mouth and stabbed into his throat.

    In an instant, Will promptly felt pure agony from his neck and was clutching it as he rolled around the floor. "Argh!!!" "I have all the patience I need, and you''d feel the worst pain known to men if you keep refusing to talk," Frank told him.

    Somehow his voice reverberated and caused every fiber of Will''s being to spasm. His sense of pain appeared to be magnified a hundred times, and it cut to his very bone. In half a minute, his clothes were drenched in sweat. ''N'' talk!" Will cried with the veryst bit of his strength. "Hmph." Frank snorted as he stomped Will in the stomach and caught the needle shot out of his mouth. "Then talk. Lie to me, and you''ll regret ever being born." §ÚM Frank''s sinister threat left Will nodding repeatedly. He was certainly see bell for half a minute, and half of his life seemed siphoned out of him. terrified, as he seemedHe had no doubt that Frank could really make him wish he was dead.

    "I-It''s the Lionhearts! The Lionhearts of Morhen!" Will cried through his parched lips, "I''m here on orders from Sif Lionheart to bring down the Lane family as a distraction..." 4410 Verify captcha to read the content Verify mmMwWLlilOfifl0&1

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 Chapter 1080

    "What?!" Frank was taken aback.

    The Lionhearts had decided to go to war against the Turnbulls?! But Glen Turnbull had said that the conspiracy against the Turnbulls was nned and executed by Titus Lionheart alone. If the head of the Lionhearts were around, they would not have risked something this dangerous.

    Somehow, the Lionhearts changed their mind after a month and were ready to go down swinging?! They were even meticulous enough to n the destruction of the Lane family... It seemed that the Lionhearts were after him too! "I see... So that''s how it is..." Frank chuckled coolly after considering his options and took out a reeking ck pill and shoved it into Will''s mouth.

    "Since you know me, you''d know how skilled I am in medicine. That pill I just fed you is called the Veinbreaker, and you''d need the antidote every week or you''d die in pure agony as every vein you have ruptures." While Frank''s cool exnation left Will flinching, Frank''s tone soon changed. "Naturally, I''m not killing you just like that-I want you to carry on your business as usual and work against the Lane family as Sif Lionheart instructed. Just pretend that this conversation never happened. Understood?" Will was stunned, but he had no choice but to nod miserably since he would rather live.

    He was no fool-he was perfectly aware that he was no longer a pawn of the Lionhearts, but a pawn of Frank''s in his campaign against the Lionhearts.

    So what if he could see through everything? Resist? That would just get him killed! At the stime, Frank continued, "Naturally, you''re still inconsequential to me. You can tell Sif about what happened for all I care... the only loss here is your life." Pausing and shing a cold grin, Frank added, "But if you want to stay alive, do as I''ve told you to and I will provide you with the antidote. Understood?" "Y- Yeah..." Will sighed lengthily.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    He was not a core member of the Lionheart and had no loyalty toward but them anyway-he had no choice to take Frank''s side since he wanted to live.  ?w"Alright. Now get up." Frank pulled Will to his feet and smacked his palm to knock out the fork lodged in his palm.

    Then, he patted Will''s shoulder twice, and Will could clearly hear his bones cracking.

    It was clear how strong Frank was-Will gritted his teeth in pain but did not dare to make a sound.

    chuckled coolly. "Helen is mine, so "And there''s something emine, so et you''d better keep your hands to yourself. This is your first and final warning..."  ?w"I-I understand. It won''t happen again..." Will nodded repeatedly.

    At the stime, he was still in shock, terrified by Frank''s methods.

    .

 Chapter 1081

    As they returned to their table, Will made up the excuse that he fell and had his hand stabbed by a fork on the floor, thus causing the earliermotion.

    Cindy certainly could not just sit and watch, and she started to pull him along. "Con. Let''s get you to a doctor to clean that up." "It''s fine," Will said awkwardly, peeking at Frank and clearing his throat. "Mr. Lawrence has already helped me, and it doesn''t hurt anymore, so..." Naturally, Cindy did not trust him at all and scoffed at the idea that Frank could help. "No way! He''s just mon thug-who would you rather believe, him or a doctor?! Let''s go already, or you''d get an infection because of him. It''d be terrible if it leaves a scar..." Ultimately, Will had no choice but to leave as Cindy basically dragged him away.

    Exasperated, he nodded at Frank before he left, though Frank was taking a sip of coffee and did not seem to respond.

    Helen watched as Will and Cindy left, and she turned anxiously toward Frank. "Did you just " Frank nodded, admitting to it right then. "Don''t worry. He''s not going to bother you anymore." Helen remained flustered. "That''s not all, Frank. He made copies of vital documents from myptop. If Lanecorp''s rivals get their hands on those files-" "Don''t worry. He wouldn''t dare," Frank replied, finishing his coffee while shing her a reassuring smile.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Seeing that, Helen could only nod despite her misgivings-Frank had never let her down, after all.

    After finishing lunch and leaving Grand Coast Hotel, Frank remembered to call Vicky Turnbull and warn her.

    Vicky was actually surprised by the news, since the Lionhearts had been unexpectedly calm in Morhen-there were no signs they were getting ready for war.

    "Could you have made a mistake, ne Frank?" She giggled, holding her phone between her ear and shoulder while working. "Uncle Glen''s just called, saying that Titus'' father dragged him to Turnbull Estate and apologized-there were even talks of repairing rtions." .ne Frank was silent for a while as Helen watched, but he said staunchly, "Either way, just be prepared. You don''t have to tell your uncle, but prepare for the worst nheless. At the very least, make sure that you and your parents are safe," S "Got it." Vicky nodded, feeling somber as well since Frank was not joking at all.

    After hanging up, Frank called Trevor Zurich and Burt Yorkman He could feel the danger all too well, so he told om them to send more men and strengthen security at Riverton just for his peace of mind. S "What is Sif Lionheart up to?" Frank remembered that he and Ciaran Zobel-his fellow apprentice from Mystic Sky Sect-had worked together to set a trap on Sif.

    .

 Chapter 1082

    After Frank swiped the room card and opened the door, he was left stunned to find that it was a room with a single deluxe bed.

    He turned stiffly toward Helen, who shrugged as she strode inside. "Someone booked the presidential suite, so I had to make do with a deluxe twin. Don''t worry, the hotel''s conditions are..." She was stunned when she saw that there was only one bed in therge room too.

    "Heh. Well..." Frank scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly.

    Helen could see something in his smile that left her blushing, and she groaned. "This shouldn''t be... I remembered telling Cindy to get a twin bed room..." She stored out and asked one of the attendants outside, who apologized. "Sorry, Ms. Lane, but we didn''t have the tto inform you earlier. You were previously assigned to Room 506, a deluxe twin room. However, there was a sudden government inspection, and we had to re-assign you. Your secretary agreed to it, so..." Helen flushed even as she returned inside, biting her lip awkwardly while sliding a nce at Frank, who was pretending to read a newspaper.

    Their eyes met, and both quickly turned away.

    "Well, I''ve been busy," she grumbled exasperatedly, rubbing between her brows. "There''s so much to sort out since morning, so I forgot. I gave Cindy express instructions, but she couldn''t even do one thing... She''s just so unreliable." Despite herining, anyone looking closely might see a hint of expectation in her eyes.

    Frank cleared his throat and put down his newspaper. "Well... I''ll just get another room." He moved toward the door, but Helen suddenly caught his wrist, leaving him turning around in confusion. "Oh, wait..." Helen was certainly embarrassed with what she did, but her body moved before she knew it.

    After hesitating for a while, she smiled awkwardly. "I''ve already asked, but they''re fully booked." "Fully booked?" Frank eximed in surprise, and wrinkled his brow. "Then I''ll go to another hotel..." "No!" Helen sprang to her feet and realized she had just lostposure after seeing Frank''s eyes widen in surprise "Y-You''re my personal, bodyguard... If someone attack''swhile you''re away, that''s negligence! I''ll deduct your sry!" "Pfft..." Frank snickered at her unreasonable excuse.

    "Why are youughing? Am I wrong? Helen snapped, more ice girl just then than the een girlboss sw "Actually, you''re right." Frank rubbed his chin and chuckled. "Though I''d rather nd chuckled. the speak from "What are you talking about?" Helen flinched, staring at him in surprise. Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1083

    Frank shed a mischievous grin. "Let''s start with ''Oh, darling, I''m scared of the dark... please don''t go?""" Helen''s lips parted and tried to exin herself in panic. "No, I just think we shouldn''t book two rooms. It''s expensive and there are plenty of drawbacks..." "Hahaha..." Frank chuckled audibly, seeing her embarrassed and girly reaction.

    And seeing that he wasughing at her, Helen was done exining herself and pouted as she turned away.

    "Fine, I''ll quit pulling your leg now." Frank sat beside her and pulled her into his arms, smiling. "We can stay in a room, but I''m a man of integrity-I''ll properly marry you once I really settle down. There''s no rush, right?" Helen was touched. by the sincerity in his eyes, her lips puckering like an innocent maiden''s. "And when would that be?" "When indeed..." Even as he held Helen''s, Frank''s gaze turned distant.

    To be honest, he had no idea.

    After all, most people could hardly imagine the challenges he faced-finding his mother''s murderer, the faction that masterminded the fall of Mystic Sky Sect, and the truth that his own father had been hiding from him.

    It was a gloom that kept Frank in stasis, preventing him from actually promising Helen anything.

    In fact, he had no confidence that he could remain unscathed in the future.

    And if anything were to happen to Helen, it was on Frank for involving another person and for causing himself further regrets. Having another attachment in his effort to make progress was not really ideal.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    "Let''s make a promise, Helen!" He smiled nheless. "When I establish a sect, that would mean I''ve settled down. When that happens, I''ll do my best to have twenty kids with you." S Helen flushed right then. "No way! What am I, a sow?!" "Hahaha..." Frankughed heartily but kept the next part unsaid since he did not want Helen to jump to her feet.

    "If I die, you must forget aboutand find someone else who really cares about you, and lead a good life." His smile turned bitter, because he could vaguely feel it.

    There was almost no way he could get revenge, not when it was the behemoth that the Lord of the el ne Southern Woods-his father could not even hope to challenge. S Moreover, he was just drifting around like a headless housefly, not even knowing who his real enemy was.

    After spending the entire night training, Frank opened his eyes early the next day.

    He turned, watching in exasperation and regret at the woman whoday woman beside him, breathing rhythmically as she slept.

    He was no saint, and the night had been grueling.

    A man and a woman in a single room? And a defenseless, beautiful woman like Helen, who somehow looked like she was looking forward to something? No average Joe could have withstood the temptation, whiche was why Frank fled the hotel early in the morning, running over thirtyps and took a cold bath to finally calm .

 Chapter 1084

    If this happened again, Frank might really be unable to hold back-it was sheer torment! Helen woke up early too and walked to the window, straightening her hair as she watched Frank runps downstairs. Her gaze was at once tender, amused, and also disappointed.

    Over the next week, Frank was basically staying at Helen''s side at all times, ready to deal with possible attacks and reprisals. Still, Lanecorp was easier to manage than expected-the corruption guing thepany seemed to be cleared in a week, and various operations were up and running.

    As the leader, Helen naturally gained the admiration of all board members and shareholders.

    Naturally, it was also thanks to her powerful backer-how could they still stand against her when she could collect a debt from Victorget? Meanwhile, Kallum was still confined in his own office, the very look of dejection but still refusing to concede defeat.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Don''t worry, Helen!" Cindy eximed smugly as she sat beside Helen in her office. "My darling Will toldthat he gave Lanecorp''s tender the highest score. Attending the tender today is just a formality. We''ll definitely get all fivend lots!" "Really?" Helen asked skeptically, ncing at Frank.

    He nodded and smiled. "Most likely." "Hey!" Cindy pouted unhappily because of Frank. "It''s all thanks tothat we have this in the bag, Helen! Why would you ask him? What would he know?" Shooting Frank a look of contempt, she muttered under her breath, "Stealing people''s credit and bootlicking... How despicable." "Cindy!" Helen snapped, frowning.

    "Oh, it''s fine," Frank said, unconcerned.

    In reality, it was thanks to Frank that Will would secure the bid for Lanecorp-they really stood pool nea chance otherwise, and Helen would be left with a huge mess. S These days, Will was basically telling Frank everything, including the fact that Kallum had contacted him not to pass the review of Lanecorp''s tender.  ?wWill had agreed to Kallum''s request, but soon after delivered the recording of their conversation to Frank.

    Even now, Kallum was convinced that he was going to win.

    et He was certainly going all out to topple Helen, even promising Will the astronomical sum of 500 million dors, with 300 million dors already paid up front. S Will had no reason to say no, though he soon returned the money to Helen.

    Cindy was still smug about that, convinced that it was her aplishment, bragging about it constantly.

    Gina would call Helen, showering praise about how Cindy was smart andpetent, leaving Helen exasperated.

    She had no idea that Will was helping her because of Frank and reallym thought that it was all eindy, which was why she had no excuse to fire her.

    As such, she had her secretary from Riverton transfer over to Zamri, m which led to the bizarre phenomenon of two secretaries in one office.

    If Frank was a secretary too, that would make three.

    Helen beckoned at Frank just then. "Con-the bid is in the afternoon. We should at least show up."

 Chapter 1085

    Frank was driving, and when he and Helen arrived, they saw that it was actually a private garden.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    The venue was basically decorated as if it was for a social ball,plete with a buffet, wine, and ssical music. Waiters were weaving in and out of the crowd, serving guests.

    Naturally, everyone present were representatives of major businesses in Zamri- even if Lanecorp was not particrly weak among them, they were nothing to brag about either.

    Each guest had a tag on them identifying the groups representing them, and Frank even noticed Victor Sorano from afar.

    "Hmm...? Kallum isn''t representing Lanecorp now?" an elderly man carrying a ss of red wine asked as he approached Helen just then, with a woman in her twenties linking arms with him.

    It was a clear case of sugar daddying-the man was in his sixties.

    Helen politely greeted him in turn. "Mr. Jameson from Zomber Group, yes? Your reputation precedes you. I''m Helen Lane, the new board chairwoman of Lanecorp..." "Oh, you know me?" The old man was taken aback, since he knew everyone who was rich and important in Zamri.

    He did not recognize Helen, however, but she recognized him.

    "Of course I would have heard of you." Helen smiled. "You''re one of Zamri''s Three Bears, and you''re so famous that I''ve heard of you even back in Riverton..." She was clearly adept to the asion, quickly making smooth conversation with the old man and changing his opinion of her. Naturally, he was leering sleazily at her, but Helen did not care.

    Having socialized with strangers for years, she had certainly learned how to hold her own.

    Moreover, there were asions where she had to admit that beauty was a god given advantage.

    Just then, the woman with Mr.

    Jameson walked up to Frank, smiling as she clinked sses with him. "Hey, handsome. Your girl''s getting real close with other men. Don''t you get jealous?" S "Of course not." Frank returned bluntly with a smile. "I''m actually beside she''s so amazing." "Urgh, you''re no many with joy that fun," the woman said, though her red lips were cuding up dangerously. "Anyway, there''s this masquerade ball where only the bigwigs of Zamri are invited. Twin Lions Hotel... Are you interested?" "A masquerade ball." Frank was mystified-why would she suddenly mention smasquerade ball?" The woman then leaned in to whisper into Frank''s ear, "Since everyone has a mask on, they can do whatever they want with anonymity." She then blew a puff of air into Frank''s ear-it tickled, but Frank was as calm as a cucumber.

    He even smiled as he shook his head.

    "I''m sorry... ma''am? Not really interested in dancing or balls. I must apologize but I have to turn down your invitation." "Tactless." The woman snorted, though she paused a few steps away before turning around again to wink at Frank. "Twin Lions Hotel. Remember." Frank frowned, actually curious since she mentioned the hotel again.

    Rubbing his chin, he chuckled. "Why is she so eager to invitewhen we''ve never met? Could she be interested in me? Well, that''s understandablem since I''m handsome." When Helen turned to find him standing there rubbing his chin narcissistically, sheughed despite herself and ribbed him. "What are you smiling for?

 Chapter 1086

    Helen caught Frank and asked jealously, "What were you telling that woman?" "What?" Frank did a double take-was she always this jealous? Still, he chuckled after sthought. "She was invitingto smasquerade ball." "A masquerade ball?!" Helen scowled, certainly aware of what that meant. "So? Did you say yes?" "Why don''t you take a guess?" Frank chuckled and quickly fled into the manor.

    "Hey!" Helen eximed, flustered.

    Still, she soon calmed down-she knew Frank, and that he would never go near such ces.

    After all, he did not take advantage of her even when she was...

    Helen flushed, her cheeks burning when she remembered that night.

    "Hmph!" She snorted before hurrying into the manor as well.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    The manor was filled with people, and everyone was watching one person closely.

    Naturally, it was none other than Will Zeller.

    He stood on the stairs in his ck suit, holding a microphone in one hand and a document in another.

    "Everyone, please settle down," he said. "Thank you foring despite your busy schedules. Our department has reviewed the tenders everyone submitted, and I will now be announcing the sessful tenders." That was when Will inadvertently spotted Frank, and he paused for a moment before shaking his head subtly at him.

    "Hmm?" Frank was puzzled-was there a problem with Lanecorp''s tender? "Alright, for the firstnd lot..." Will paused, averting his eyes from Frank as he turned toward another man downstairs, holding out a band and smiling. "It will go to Mr. Woss of Drenam Limited!" S "What?!" Frank was left stunned by the announcement.

    It was not just Frank either, as the other Zamri bigwigs were shocked too.

    "What the hell is Drenam Limited?

    Never even heard of them!" "Yeah, are they even a local business?!" "What the heck? Passing off Smajornd deeds to smeaslypany?" Helen was taken aback, but shook her head exasperatedly soon enough. "I knew I shouldn''t have trusted Cindy-" "Wait. Something''s wrong," Frank said.

    He looked at Will, who seemed to be deliberately avoiding Frank''s gaze.

    Will then looked downward at the crowd and quickly continued, "And bet now, for the secondnd let je o to Mr. Woss of Drenam Limited "What?" "You''re being bribed, aren''t you?!" goes Hearing that the secondnd lot went to Drenam Limited too, the Zamri bigwigs were immediately outraged and protested loudly.

    They had never even heard of Drenam Limited before this, and they took twond lots in an instant?! It was certainly a joke, as even Zamri''s local giants could not best them!

 Chapter 1087

    Will quickly said, "Please calm down, everyone. This decision is made by those above. I''m just the head of the department and can''t make the decision here I''m afraid putting yourints to me is pointless."

    That was when Will nced at Frank, and Frank understood immediately.

    Will wanted to help them, but someone higher up in the pecking order meddled.

    "Drenam Limited? Have you heard of them before?" Frank asked Helen, ncing at the fortyish Mr. Woss who did not look like a business owner at all.

    "No. They might not exist... Even if they did, they can''t be a major yer," Helen said confidently.

    After all, she had done her homework-she could list out everypany in Zamri that had some extent of influence, and she had definitely never heard of Drenam Limited.

    And with Helen and Kallum''s wager still in effect, they could not allow thend lots to fall into someone else''s hands.

    Frank whipped out his phone and called Trevor Zurich right then. "Yeah, I''d like you to check thispany called Drenam Limited... It''s probably a constructionpany."

    Meanwhile, an exasperated Will called for calm from upstairs.

    "Please, everyone-settle down! Anyway, I hereby announce that the thirdnd lots go to... Mr. Woss of Drenam Limited!"

    Pandemonium ensued.

    The Zamri bigwigs would have been fine with a fellow major yer taking thend plots. But who could stay calm when everynd lot was given to some smallpany they had never even heard of?!

    "This is too much!"

    "What the hell are you ying at?!"Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Exactly!" One of the bigwigs turned toward Mr. Woss right then and snapped, "Mr. Woss, mind telling us who you actually are, and who''s behind you?"

    Mr. Woss simply smiled and never answered the questions.

    Ring...

    Frank''s phone vibrated just then, and he answered.

    "I''ve got said.

    Lawrence," Trevor the Sidonimited is a subsidiary owned by Gene Pearl richest man of the East Coast."

    "Gene Pearce?" Frank eximed, taken aback.

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence. He''s quite rich, and he''s been expanding his businesses into Zamri recently."

    "I see..." Frank breathed a sigh of relief, as he actually thought for a et t that the Lionhearts et of Sif were getting involved. S That would certainlyplicate things.

    Trevor then added, "By the way, Mr. Lawrence I''ve found out that Gene recently bought and built a mansion in Zamri. I heard that he''s ill and needs a proper ce to rest and restand

    recover."

    "I see."

    Frank smiled, as Trevor''s information gave him an idea.

    Illness? That certainly made things easier.

    Frank would have trouble finding a solution immediately if it was something else, but illness was his expertise.

    If Gene was willing to buynd and build a mansion for the sake of his health, he would certainly not mind giving it up too!

    And if Frank cures him, Gene would definitely not be stingy when he asked.

    With that in mind, Frank tugged on Helen''s hand. "Come on. It''s pointless to stay here."

    "We''re leaving?" Helen eximed, puzzled. "There are two morend lots."

    Frank then exined, "There are fivend lots on lease, but Kallum Gaetz asked for three. We''re one short either way." Helen frowned and sighed. "So... we''re giving up?"

 Chapter 1088

    Helen frowned and sighed. "So... we''re giving up?"

    To be honest, she really did not want Kallum to win, but this was an impossible task and she should not push herself.

    "Of course we''re not giving up." Frank smiled and nodded at Helen. "I have an idea. Just head back to Lanecorp and wait." "Really?" Helen was skeptical, but since Frank had put it that way, she could only nod and tell Frank not to push his luck. After she drove away, Frank stretched his back. "Alright, now let''s go meet the richest man on the East Coast."

    He left the mansion and took a cab at the main street and told the cabbie, "Grand Coast Hotel."

    It was the same hotel where he and Helen were staying.

    "Hello?"

    The balding Gene Pearce answered the phone at the living area. He was wearing a bathrobe, and despite being the richest man of the East Coast, he was clearly in bad shape, with his face and lips showing ckness.

    "Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Pearce. There''s a young man named Mr. Lawrence who''s asking to see you."

    "See me?"

    Gene reclined against his arm chair, looking out through the window at the cityscape of Zamri and snickered, "So you''re saying anyone gets to see me just because they ask? Tell him that he''s lucky I''m not upset, and show him the door."

    With that, he hung up.

    However, the phone rang again in less than five seconds, leaving Gene scowling as he picked up the phone, "What the hell? I said I don''t want to see anyone! Do you-"

    "Haha, Mr. Pearce..." A young man''s voice spoke from the other end.

    Gene paused, somehow finding the voice familiar.

    Hence, he mustered what patience he had, asking with a frown, "You''re the one who asked for me? Who are you?"

    "Hehe. You don''t know me, but I can help you with my illness."

    viteve Gene scrambled off his chair at Frank''s offer, his eyes suddenly sharp. My illness is a well-kept secret, my friend. How did you find out?"

    "I have my sources, naturally," Frank replied, sitting down behind the front desk and ncing at the two receptionists he left unconscious on the floor. "Also, I''m aware that you''ve been buying manynd lots to build mansions where you could test and recover, or am I mistaken?

    Gene felt a drop of sweat trickling down his cheek as he listened.

    Who on earth was he?

    At the same time, Frank added, "I think I should say outright that bear willy na ill will, Mr. Pearce. I''vee to you offering a deal."

    "What deal?" Gene asked, hesitant.

    "I can cure your illness, and in return..."

    "What do you want?" Gene''s eyes widened, gulping.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1089

    After a moment of silence, Frank said, "Discussing it over the phone is a littlecking in sincerity. Why don''t we speak face to face?"

    "Sure," Gene answered briskly, despite having to wait for that response.

    He was thoughtful after hanging up-the man sounded young, but he was very confident.

    "Heh..." He chuckled self-deprecatingly.

    He had actually contracted the illness for over a year, even though he had kept it a well-guarded secret.

    At first, he only felt tired and thought his lover was just being cold, but soon felt his body wither.

    Then, even walking started to be taxing-and now, he could not walk unassisted, as the world would spin around him and his muscles would hurt terribly.

    Gene had certainly tried all he could, visiting every hospital and consulting every renowned doctor across Draconia.

    He also tried all kinds of medical equipment and medicine, but nothing worked- none of the doctors could give him a proper diagnosis, let alone help.

    Though Gene grew increasingly discouraged, he still did notck money as the richest man of the East Coast.

    He tried his luck abroad, but the results were the same.

    It was a mark of dishonor for any doctor to fail in diagnosing their patients. And since Gene was not an average Joe, none of them tried to throw him shoddy diagnoses, or things would end badly for them if they were caught.

    Hence, after a year of being tormented by his illness, Gene came to the despairing conclusion that no one could cure him-or diagnose him, to be precise.  Everything from his organs, blood, and brain were all normal, but he could feel himself growing weaker by the day.

    As such, he began to seek other unorthodox methods of healing, including shamanism.

    That was when even the fearless snake oil salesmen showed up, with one suggesting that his deceptional ways as a businessman required penance, by buying a ton ofnd and building fonts of cleansing Gene was certainly desperate and started to buynd everywhere on the East Coast just to try it out.

    After all, his life was at stake.

    In fact, he did not care if he was losing money, even spending billions to buy the fivend lots in Zamri.

    Naturally, his efforts went

    unimpeded even if Will had tried his best to help Frank stop his tender, he e was nothing more than a

    government official reviewing?

    tenders. The final decision was not up to him at all.

    As such, all fivend lots fell to Gene''s possession.

    Ding dong.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    The doorbell of the presidential suite jingled, and Gene coughed and m rasped at the direction of the door, "Rory..: Please answer the door..." "Okay," a cool feminine voice spoke.

    Thedy in a red dress soon strode up and opened the door, and shen froze when she saw who was at the door. "You''re... huh?!"

 Chapter 1090

    Frank was surprised too.

    After all, he did not expect to find Rory Thames, the top singer Draconia whom he had a small quarrel with during the opening ceremony of his farm resort, here.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Frank could remember that asion like it was just yesterday, so there was no mistaking it.

    Rory clearly recognized him, too, and promptly snapped at him, "Who told you toe? Get out!"

    She swung the door, ready to shut it in his face, but Frank caught it with one hand.

    He was not interested in Rory, but he was not about to let an opportunity slip through his fingers either.

    Smiling, he said, "Ms. Thames, I''m here to treat Mr. Pearce''s illness. Don''t you think it''s impolite to chase me away right now?"

    "Treat Mr. Pearce? Really?" Rory snorted but she gave up on shutting the door, seeing that Frank was holding firmly to it.

    Taking a couple steps back, she folded her arms before her chest as she huffed, "I know that you''re Grande Pharma''s consultant, but someone like you, giving my darling a house call?" "Of course "

    Before Frank could finish, a frail voice called out from the living area. "Do you know that young man, Rory?"

    "I guess," Rory pouted and snorted, clearly hostile towards Frank.

    "Oh, an acquaintance. Well then,e over... young man," Gene said, coughed intermittently.

    Frank could tell from his cough alone that Gene was utterly enfeebled and probably would notst more than a couple of days.

    "What, are you still going to stop me?" Frank chuckled, since Rory still stood in his way.

    Rory snorted again, but turned and left.

    Frank soon strode into the spacious living area, where Gene was reclining on an armchair by the curtain wall.

    Behind them, Rory stood silently at a corner, her fingers clenched as she stared fixedly at Frank, clearly a little nervous.

    It took Gene some effort to look up at Frank, and shook his head in disappointment. "Urgh... So young..."

    Frank walked up to him, smiling, "Hmm? Could you be doubting my ability to cure you because of my youth, Mr. Pearce?" Gene tried his best tough, and ended up coughing as well. "Haha... May I have the pleasure... your name?" "Frank Lawrence, at your service," Frank smiled.

    "Oh, Frank Lawrence... Wait, Frank Lawrence?!" Gene looked up at him in shock, suddenly spirited.

    "What, you''ve heard of me, Mr. Pearce?" Frank asked.

    "Certainly," Gene gulped and smiled.

    "I''ve consulted Abel Loggins of om Morhen, and he mentioned you. He thinks most highly of you, and ims that you''d definitely be able to cure this oddness guing me."

    Frank raised a brow. "Really? I didn''t know."

    Gene chuckled in turn. "Mr. Loggins said he troubled you plenty, and was therefore afraid to ask again. He e afraid suggested that I visit you in Riverton instead... I just didn''t expect to run into you here.

    Then, his tone became solemn as he continued, "Mr. Loggins told me not to underestimate you despite your youth. I thought it must be some

    joke, so I didn''t think that you''re actually this young. Oh, this must be fate!"

 Chapter 1091

    "It really is a coincidence." Frank sighed earnestly.

    ¡°Let''s pick up where we left off, Mr. Lawrence. What would you like as your reward?" Gene asked.

    He was certainly not worried that Frank would try to con him-he was worried about some unusual requests.

    It was known that specialists could be entric, asking for things that money could not buy.

    And if it was just money, Gene had plenty, or he would not have Draconia''s top songstress as a partner.

    ¡°Alright, then I''ll be frank." Frank smiled. "Earlier today, my wife and | made a bid for severalnd lots in South Zamri, but

    someone beat us to it."

    "Hmm?" Gene murmured, and quickly realized that Frank wanted thosend lots and chuckled, "Oh, it''s no big deal. I''ll ask Zorn

    Woss right now and see if he left the bid yet. If he is, I''ll tell him to handle the paperwork you can have all thend lots, Mr.

    Lawrence."

    "What?!" Rory Thames snapped right then, folding her arms before her chest and frowning. "We spent a fortune buying those!

    And he hasn''t even cured you. What if he runs away before he actually does it? What are we going to do then?!"

    "Shut up. Did anyone ask you?" Gene growled icily, shooting Rory a cool re and clearly not minding putting her in her ce.

    Rory snorted in frustration and stormed off.

    Gene then turned back to Frank and smiled faintly, "It''s alright, Mr. Lawrence don''t worry about her. A couple tracts ofnd really

    is nothing. I''ll have Zorn arrange the transfer when he returns."

    He did not hesitate to agree to Frank''s request, since a couple of plots ofnd really was nothing with his wealth.

    Moreover, Frank had Abel Loggins'' seal of approval, which was why Gene had even less reason to say no.

    Money really was not worth much in his eyes.

    To his surprise, Frank was smiling as he watched Rory storm off, shaking his head. "No, | think MS Thames is being reasonable.

    It''s unruly for a doctor to take payment

    before he cures his patient.

    He then paused before adding, "Moreover, | never had any intention to take thosend lots for free. Lanecorp will be paying for

    them."

    Gene did a double take, and soon

    laughed loudly, "Impressive! You have

    thoroughly amaze meyith your |

    i egritys Mp Weer Ce! It''s my honor

    to have met a friend like you today

    rest assured that you''t have those

    land lots whether you seed in

    curing me!" The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    "Hehe," Frank chuckled. "You really

    don''t have to go that fen Me O mCcontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    wrenge lease h d out your

    hand-let''s see what ails you." The

    content is on ! Read

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    "Alright. I''m counting on you now,"

    Gene said as he extended his-writ.

    His ski as qovelet eraee of

    puirple''and red, and Frank felta

    coolness as he touched it The

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    He frowned.

    ¡°What''s wrong, Mr. Lawrence? Can you tell what it is?" Gene panicked a little, seeing the hesitation on Frank''s face.

    He hade to Zamri under Abel''s suggestion, to consult the healer Abel rmended.

    If even Frank failed to diagnose him, he would really be helpless and could only prepare his own funeral already.

 Chapter 1092

    "Well..."

    Frank murmured awkwardly, shooting a nce at Rory as she stood in the distance.

    ¡°Hmm...2"

    Gene quickly caught his meaning and waved Rory off for her to leave.

    A hint of annoyance showed on Rory''s face for an instant, and she was staring thoughtfully at Frank even as she headed into her

    bedroom.

    With her gone, Gene asked, "Alright, you can speak freely now, Mr. Lawrence. Does my illness have something to do with

    Rory?"

    Frank nodded slightly. "Actually, | need you to stay calm and listen to what I have to say to you now, Mr. Pearce."

    "Tell me." Gene''s mood dampened even as he saw the scowl on Frank''s face.

    "Someone is growing Chestbursters inside you... Actually, there are three of them, each half a meter long. Once they mature,

    they will tear a hole out of your ribcage."

    Gene''s face fell even though Frank had warned him to stay calm.

    He started panicking even though he almost could not, and he seemed to see the worms squirming around even as nced at

    his abdomen.

    Still, he was already taking the news better than most, and the fault was not entirely on him-no one could have stayed calm if

    they knew they had something like them inside them.

    ¡°A-Are you sure?!" He grabbed Frank''s arm, his eyes widened in panic. "I''ve consulted so many doctors, even traditional

    healers... but none of them could tell! But you did so right away... Are you sure about this, Mr. Lawrence?!"

    "Calm down, Mr. Pearce." Frank patted his shoulder to calm him down but nodded in confidence. "This is curable, but..."

    ¡°But, what?!" Gene cried, sweating buckets.

    The fact that Frank was still keeping him on tenterhooks was really killing him!

    Frank sighed. "Even if | remove the Chestbursters, there''s a chance that more would be imnted into you. Moreover, it must be

    fed with a specific type of medicine, orGit won''t mature."

    "Are you saying that someone''s been trying to kill me?" Gene murmured, catching on.

    "Yes," Frank nodded in confirmation,

    sighing. "So, all | can say is that loan cure you this one time, but not every time. All you can do is be wary toward the people

    around you for your sake."

    ¡°Rory... Thames..." Gene growled the name through his teeth.

    Aside from Zorn Woss, Rory was the only person who could stay around him without arousing his suspicion.

    And as Zorn was Gene''s childhood

    friend who had n Ryotiye to hurtin,

    Rory was the \biily possibility. The

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    thetest chapter there!

    "But..." Gene was soon hesitant-Rory was a delicate maiden who did not know about medicine.

    How did she poison him, and without him or Zorn noticing?

    "Could it be Zorn?" he murmured to himself.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank chuckled. "Why don''t you

    consider this, Mr. Pearce? ounhave

    no heir. owhoetoBenefits most

    frond lyour death would be the most

    motivated." The content is on

    ! Read thetest

    chapter there!

    "Benefits most..."

    Gene did not even need to guess

    thanks to Frank''s Wee es a

    n

    regjumeeeser th efore when

    he-realized who the culprit was. The

    content is on ! Read

    thetest chapter there!

 Chapter 1093

    Gene had his hunches before, but all his doubts were erased thanks to Frank''s hint as he realized who the culprit was.

    He had no heirs, so he wrote a will early on, stating that both Zorn and Rory would jointly inherit his estate.

    "Rory Thames... Zorn Woss..." Gene''s face contorted in rage even as he clenched his fist.

    He already had the feeling that Zorn and Rory were more than ''close'', and if anything, they should be hostile against each other over his estate if he died.

    Weirdly however, they were even more friendly than before, showing no signs of discord.

    Gene thought that they were trying to keep things peaceful for his sake before his death, but now the whole thing was simply suspicious.

    He certainly did not want to admit it, but he was now dead sure that those two were working together to kill him for his money!

    Frank could see various expressions alternating over Gene''s face, and he could see that the man had realized who the culprit was.

    He certainly did not need to say anything else he had warned Gene so that he would not presume it was Frank''s fault if he suffered a rpse. "Alright, Mr. Pearce," he said. "Let''s put that thought aside for the moment I''ll get rid of the worms inside you now. Healthes first, no?" Gene nodded in exasperation.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    He was ready to call his men to restrain Rory and Zorn, but Frank brought him to his senses.

    Reaching out feebly, he grasped Frank''s hands gratefully and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. This is one debt that can''t be repaid."

    Frank shook his head and took out a jet-ck pill from his pocket, speaking quietly, "This is a bugkiller that I refined when I had free time. It''s risky, but you can take it so that I can tell which species this Chestburster is."

    "Okay." Gene took the pill without hesitation.

    Within minutes, he could feel a sharp agony from his stomach, as if he was going to be torn in half!

    "M-Mr. Lawrence! My stomach... hurts..." He gasped through the pain.

    Frank''s fingers were feeling Gene''s wrist artery, and he quickly identified the Chestburster from Gene''s pulse.

    "Ringeater, huh?" Frank''s eyes sharply, and whipped out a couple of needles. "You''re quite the bother, but you''ve run out of luck running into me!"

    He infused his pure vigor into the needles and ran them into Gene''s belly, forcing the Ringeaters to squirm and struggle.

    Their movement caused bulges to appear over Gene''s stomach, and it was a scene out of a horror movie!

    Zorn happened to return to the presidential suite just then, a smug look on his face apparent.

    That was when he saw Frank with

    Gene, but before he could ask anything, Rory pulled him over to a corner. "Over here! That brat is called Frank bawrence, and he''s treating Gene right now... I''m worried he''ll find out."

    "Really?" Zorn remained calm in contrast to Rory''s anxiety, even m shaking his head and chuckling. "Rest assured I spent a fortune buying those worms from Morhen''s invisible

    ck market. They are ne

    killers no one would find them, let alone remove them. They''ll eventually burst through their victim''s chest.

    When Genedies, people would be En.

    busy specting what taboo he''d broken, and we''d fuel those spections. No one would ever suspect us."

    "When the timees..."

    Zorn then pulled Rory towards himself, grinning. "No one would evere between the two of us."

 Chapter 1094

    Zorn then pulled Rory toward himself, grinning. "No one would evere between the two of us." "But... I''m worried."

    Rory frowned, ncing at the direction where Frank and Gene were. "Noel York worships Frank Lawrence. He''s not much of a looker, but I''ve been to his farm resort in Riverton. It''s really as amazing, and-" "That''s enough!"

    Zorn''s expression became stern, but he assured her, "Since you hate him that much, I''ll just have toe up with a subtle n to get rid of him. I''m Birthright rank, y''know-dealing with some brat couldn''t be easier!"

    Rory beamed right then. "Alright, you promised!"

    "Hehe, of course." Zorn smiled. "As long as it makes you happy, I''d brave hell and high water-"

    "Ahem!" Frank suddenly cleared his throat resoundingly.

    "Huh?!" Zorn promptly turned in Frank''s direction, at once wary.

    However, there was a wall between them, and Frank should be busy treating Gene, so Zorn was convinced that Frank could not hear him whispering with Rory.

    In reality, Frank had heard everything-trying to hide it from him was impractical, especially since Frank could eavesdrop on Will Zeller in the washroom from a hundred meters away.

    And now, they were all in the same presidential suite-they might as well have told Frank their dirty schemes directly.

    He was certainly scowling when he heard that Zorn and Rory were ready to kill him, but he had no time for those pigs.

    He was the final phase of Gene''s treatment, having forced the three Ringeaters into Gene''s lower.

    abdomen with his pure vigor.

    "Hup!"

    Then, raising his fingers as if ws, he struck the squirming bulges that were the ring eaters.

    Gene could feel as if something had screamed inside him just then!

    "Phew..." Frank then sighed in relief.

    Finding the precise location of the Ringeaters and killing them certainly took effort.

    Then, he lifted Gene''s foot and struck

    "highe acupoints repeatedly, stimting the meridians connected to his stomach.

    Soon, Gene''s face was contorting-but not from pain.

    He could feel like he was going to take the dump of his lifetime!Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    vel toe

    "The worms are killed." Frank smiled at Gene just then, standing up. "You just have to clear them out

    §ä§Ñ§Ý§Ñ

    now feel free to use the toilet yourself."

    Gene was certainly relieved. Nodding gratefully at Frank, he made a dash toward the toilet, clutching his toward stomach.

    And he moved at such speed one would almost forget he was just lying op an armchair, half-dead!

    Rory just happened to see that and froze, "H-He''s cured...?!"

 Chapter 1095

    Gene worked hard for over a dozen minutes and suddenly yelled, "Argh!!!"

    Rory and Zorn hurried toward the washroom, but Frank raised a hand, stopping them.

    He walked up and knocked on the door with a smile. "How did it go, Mr. Pearce?"Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Mr. Lawrence, it''s amazing! Y-You''re..."

    Gene had obviously seen what just came out of him and was left bbergasted.

    "Haha!" Frank chuckled. "I shall excuse myself now that you''re fine, Mr. Pearce... but may I ask when I could expect payment?"

    "Tomorrow-wait, argh!!! No!!!! Mr. Lawrence, help... it''s the pain again! It''s worse! Argh!!!"

    Frank had presumed that Gene was fine and was ready to leave, only for the man to start screaming again!

    "What?!" He eximed in shock-did he miss something?

    Without another word, he rushed into the washroom and found Gene leaning on the wall.

    Gene still appeared weak, but he did not appear to be in pain like his screams suggested.

    In fact, he had a finger on his lips-a gesture for Frank to stay silent.

    Frank understood Gene''s n right then, but one could expect nothing less from the richest man of the east coast.

    The man was certainly sharp and was already nning to keep the two culprits outside in the dark of his recovery.

    After all, they might start panicking and resort to desperate measures.

    Gene then coughed in pain again, before bellowin in rage, "The pill doesn''t work at all! Did you think somexative would do the trick?! A quack doctor, that''s what you are!"

    It was certainly a weird feeling, unable to argue when beingbeled a quack doctor.

    Still, Frank shook his head at Gene''s pointed stare and shouted out loud, "I did my best, but I guess you''ve run out of luck seeing that my pill doesn''t work too. You''ll be dead tomorrow."

    "What?!" Gene bellowed. "Get out of here!"

    "Hmph. Farewell!" Frank threw up his hands, confirming that the transfer was tomorrow with a look before kicking the door open and stormed out.

    Naturally, Zorn and Rory were eavesdropping, and both traded a smile of relief to see Frank being chased out so miserably.

    Clearly, Gene was not cured at all-he only stood up thanks to Frank''s medicine, but it was just a brief moment of respite.

    Feeling confident right then, Rory scoffed at Frank. "I always knew you were a quack doctor. Honestly, what did Noel York ever see in you that she''d worship you so much? It''s such a pity-turns out she''s abad judge of character."

    The two-faced Zorn also cheerfully chimed in, brougehe... You don''t have to feel bad, Mr. Lawrence. We''ve

    brought Gene to every doctor and healer in Draconia, but they can''t do a e

    thing, Your failure isn''t

    embarrassing at all."

    "Heh. Well, now that I''ve failed, he''ll be dead by tomorrow. You can start el preparing his funeral now."

    Frank nodded at Zorn and left ''impatiently''.

    Zorn watched as Frank left, his lips curling into a sneer. "Se So, he''s done for tomorrow? Fate is really on my side..."

 Chapter 1096

    Zorn watched as Frank left, his lips curling into a sneer. "So, he''s done for tomorrow? Fate is really on my side..." "Rory... Zorn..."

    Gene called out feebly from the toilet just then.

    Zorn and Rory traded a gleeful smile just then but quicklyposed themselves to look worried as usual.

    After Frank took a cab back to Lanecorp, he found Cindy throwing a major tantrum in one of the hallways.

    Picking up a vase, she threw it at Will and screamed, "You promised you''d help Helen get thosend lots! Well, look what you''ve done now, not getting even one after I bragged so much! Do you know how that makes me feel?! I can''t even bear to face Helen!"

    Her outburst was naturally drawing a crowd, even as Will dodge the oing vase.

    He hade to talk to Frank and exin himself, only to run into the crazy bitch who snapped at him before he could say a word.

    He really would have pped her twice if he did not have to keep pretending to be her boyfriend!

    "What''s happening here?" Frank arrived just then, feeling a headache when he saw the mess in the hallway, a seething Cindy and a hugely relieved Will.

    Cindy snapped right then, "Oh, there you are! Didn''t you promise that we''d get thend lots too? So where is it? You men are all the same, all talk and no action!" The stereotypicalment left the men present frowning right then-that was way out of line!

    Will hurried to Frank just then. "Mr. Lawrence I-"

    "It''s fine. It''s not your fault." Frank shrugged. "I have the full picture now. If anything, it''s our fault for having the bad luck ofing up against Gene Pearce."

    Around them, the Lanecorp staff was left gaping when they heard Frank mention Gene.

    Will was even gasping audibly. "Gene Pearce... As in the richest man on the east coast?"

    "The very same." Frank smiled exasperatedly and assured him, "He''s buyingnd on a nk check. It''s only natural that we would lose, and there''s no shame in it. S Most of the Lanecorp staff had been despondent for losing the bid, though they now felt resignation instead since Frank told them someone like Gene was involved.

    "I see..."

    That was when a rowdyughter resounded from one of the offices down the hallway.

    Frank strode up and opened the door to find that it was Kallum, who had been confined there for days.

    He wasughing even as he sat

    behind his chest, pointing at Frank and the others. "Where''s Helen Lane? O I I Well, I don''t see berX either way, I see that you''ve all failed! Three tand lots? You can''t even get one! Are you all really content

    working for garbage like Helen Lane? You''d better n your way out already! Lanecorp is as good as dead! Hahaha..."

    Kallum''sughter really stung, but no one present could argue against that.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    That was when Helen finally stepped out of her office, striding toward Frank''s side.

    Leveling a re at Kallum, she said coolly, "You heard the news yourself. Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast, took part in the bid."

 Chapter 1097

    Helen continued, "And Gene is buying all thosend lots on a nk check. Is Lanecorp supposed to spend everyst capital to outbid the richest man of the east coast? You might as well demand that we go bankrupt directly!"

    Every staff member of Lanecorp was nodding repeatedly. Helen was right-Gene had nothing but money, and it was suicidal topete against him in that front.

    "Hah! I don''t care!"

    Nheless, Kallum rolled his eyes andughed he could not care less about anything and was even more radical after his son''s death. "That still meant you failed to achieve the second task I asked, no?" Helen frowned. "It''s true, but-"

    "No buts." Kallum sneered. "All I care about is results. You failed, and that''s it. Hell, I don''t mind telling you how much money I''ve siphoned off thispany now... It''s twelve billion dors!" The Lanecorp staff around them gasped right then.

    They were aware that Kallum had been embezzlingpany money... But twelve billion was still a dizzying number!

    Helen remained clearly defiant, even clenching her knuckles as she said quietly, "There''s no guarantees when ites to corporate projects, and this is one such asion. Just tell me the third task."

    "No," Kallum sneered, shaking his head. "It doesn''t work that way, Helen Lane. I''ve only told you about the twelve billion just to see you squirm. If you want that money back, be a good girl and go to Gene Pearce, ask nicely and see if he''s willing to hand them over to you. Hell, I''d suggest batting your pretty eyshes at him, and he just might say yes..."

    "Fuck off!" Helen snapped, cursing for once as she mmed Kallum''s door shut.

    Even so, Kallum''sughter could still be heard.

    Either way, Helen was really furious.

    It was twelve billion dors they were talking about!

    If she could get that money back, it would really shut Fleur Lang up.

    After all, the Southstream Lanes had been yapping for a while over the past week.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    While Helen''s position as the head of the Lane family was beyond reproach, Fleur and her ilk would still ridicule her and be exceedingly vocal about their disappointment if she failed to produce results. In fact, that woman might even fully pin the me on Helen.

    That had already left Helen stressed, and it only exacerbated Cindy had to continue her maniacal tantrums, cursing Will and making a huge scene.

    Still, she could understand why-Cindy was only allowed to stay because of Will''s promise to deliver thend lots to Lanecorp.

    Now that Will had failed, she had zero cause to stay and was therefore hysterical.

    That was when Helen remembered

    Sheng and turned toward Ft of hope in her eyes k En Move

    said you had an idea, and..

    WI?I.PO You

    "Hehe..." Frank chuckled and nodded. "Gene may have bought thesend lots, but persuaded him to transfer the deed to us."

    When he finished, there was only silence.

 Chapter 1098

    "Pfft..."

    Cindy was the first to break the silence, sneering at Frank as she asked sarcastically, "Are you alright, Frank? Do you need to get your brain checked? The richest man on the east coast would just hand over tracts ofnd to a nobody like you, just because you asked... What, are you his son, grandson, or perhaps... lover?"

    Frank did not bother responding to her insults. Instead, he calmly turned toward Helen and said, "Don''t worry. The issue is settled-we just have to go to Drenam Limited tomorrow with the transfer agreement.'' "Really...?" Helen was caught off guard by the abrupt news and unsure how she should react.

    After all, she was despairing... only to feel hope now.

    It was certainly a rollercoaster of emotions, and she was certainly overwhelmed, pressing a hand over her chest.

    "Of course." Frank grinned. "When have I ever lied to you?"

    "Frank, y-you''re so... so..." Helen could not find the words to describe how she felt. Beaming in delight right then, she threw herself into Frank''s arms without a care!

    Frank patted her on the back, chuckling. "Just call me darling if you''re feeling grateful." "Darling! Darling! Darling!!!" Helen eximed on top of her lungs right then, euphoric.

    The Lanecorp staff were left trading nces around them.

    Though it had just been a few days since Helen started working for them, they had the impression that she was a sessful girlboss-an ice queen.

    But it turned out she could actually react like this, and to a man at that...

    All at once, most of the men could feel their hearts breaking and shot Frank''s re of jealousy.

    Naturally, jealousy soon turned into helplessness-the man could im tracts ofnd from Gene Pear richest man in the east swet Could they do the same? Certainly not.

    the On the other hand, the girls were as worshipful toward Frank as they were troubled.

    That was when Cindy swore under her breath, "Hah! You''re really one to talk. Let''s see what you''ll say when fuck up tomorrow!" Content Naturally, Frank heard that, and he had enough of Cindy since she had been causing trouble for a while now.

    And seeing that Helen still had a reputation to maintain, he turned to Will instead, whispering into his ear, "Don''t you think your girlfriend is out of Will did a double take, but he soon understood Frank''s meaning.

    He strode up to Cindy, grabbing her m

    by the cor and bellowed, Corazy e..

    bitch! I''m done with you!"

    Smack!

    Smack!

    Will pped her twice and left her floored, while she dropped on her e bottom, dumbfounded. Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Did her darling just p her?!

    "We''re done now, Cindy Zonda. Do whatever you like I''m not cleaning up after you!" Will bellowed and strode off.

    Cindy was left staring as he left, the words in her mind somehow noting to her mouth.

 Chapter 1099

    The next day, Frank and Helen were already prepared early in the morning and drove to Drenam Limited''s office.

    Cindy had insisted on following, throwing a tantrum as she imed she wanted to see what Frank could actually do to take thosend lots from Gene.

    To no surprise, Drenam Limited was just a small local constructionpany that Gene had bought out to be an intermediary. "Hello. Looking for someone?" Rob, a thuggish youth with a toothpick between his teeth, strode up to them, stopping them.

    He looked between them, not even stopping to take a second look at Cindy, as he soon gaped at Helen, dropping his toothpick. "Shit!" He cursed even as he spaced out.

    "What''s going on here?" Bob, a pudgy man strode up to them as well, frowning. "If you''re here to talk shop, I''m sorry, but we were just bought out and... Shit!"

    He reacted no different from Rob when he saw Helen and barked, "Quit gawking! Don''t just let her stand there-go get a chair and some tea!"

    "Oh, yeah, yeah," Rob turned and hurried off.

    Somehow, their enthusiasm left Frank upset.

    Helen noticed that and subtly leaned against him, puffing her chest and smiling.

    On the other hand, Cindy was scowling as Rob only brought one chair. "Hey, only one chair? What about me?"

    "You?" Rob looked at her pointedly from head to toe before chuckling. "Just sit anywhere you like. Nothing but broken desks around here."

    "What?!" Cindy snapped.

    On the other hand, Bob was rubbing.

    his hands and chuckling, wa to Helen as he asked eagerly, up

    "Ahem.... May I have the pleasure of your name?"Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "Helen Lane," Helen replied, leaning against Frank without sitting. "Chairwoman of Lanecorp.

    "Oh, Ms. Lane?" Bob did a double take, but soon scratched his head awkwardly. "I''m sorry to disappoint you, but if you''re here to discuss business, we were just-"

    "Bought out by Gene Pearce?" Frank chuckled.

    "How did you..."

    Bob got a little nervous but soon shrugged. "Whatever. Not interested how you found out... At least I know why you''re here now."

    "Oh, you do?" Frank was surprised-did Gene notify them already?

    "Of course." Bob sighed. "You just want to get thend lots that wen acquired from yesterday''s bid, don''t you? Plenty of others havee already."

    "Really?" Frank''s eyes widened, though he soon realized it was only natural that the bigwigs of Zamri would not just allow Drenam Limited acquire so muchnd without doing anything.

    Bob shrugged. "Yeah, and we told them it wasn''t us who bought thosend lots-it was our boss Gene Pearce.

 Chapter 1100

    Just as Bob finished, Rob, who had been staring at Helen for a while, eximed in surprise, "Hold on, didn''t they already know that Mr. Pearce owns us now? Then what are they doing here?" Bob frowned at Frank in turn. "Oh, right? What are you doing here? Is it not about thosend lots?"

    "It is," Frank nodded in confirmation.

    Bob clicked his tongue right then and sighed exasperatedly. "Then what are you doing here if you know that? What, are you going to buy them off Mr. Pearce?"

    "Exactly. Are you crazy?" Rob chimed in, sneering at Frank while twirling a finger over his temple.

    "See, Helen?" Cindy eximed gleefully. "They don''t even know about us-Frank was lying! And he''d even announce that Mr. Pearce willingly sold them... He must be crazy!"

    Rob did a double take and turned toward Frank. "That chick''s no looker, but she''s right. You''d have a better chance buying a pillow instead, so that you can get those pieces ofnds in your dreams." "Frank..." Helen turned toward him worriedly.

    "Don''t worry." Frank nodded at Helen, chuckling. "It doesn''t matter if you believe me. Mr. Pearce agreed to transfer the deed to us yesterday. You can call him to confirm if you want." Frank''s serious reaction actually left Rob and Bob puzzled.

    He was clearly not here to cause trouble, and he already knew that Gene had acquired theirpany.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Could what he said be true, and that Gene had really given up thosend lots?

    Still, they nodded at each other despite their confusion, with Bob whipping out his phone, "I''ll call Zorn Woss to check. He''s Mr. Pearce valet, just wait a moment..."

    Frank remained calm, positive that Gene would have settled the issue, though there was not telling if Bob''s call would reach him.

    However, Frank did not expect Bob''s call to actually get through, and Zorn''s phone was suddenly ringing behind them.

    "Huh? Aren''t you...?" Zorn murmured, frowning at Frank and the others while holding his phone without answering it.

    "Ah, Mr. Woss." Bob quickly hung up when he saw Zorn, walking up to him and pointed at Frank. "These people are from Lanecorp, and they''re saying O Mr. Pearce agreed to transfer all fivend deeds to them. "I never heard anything about that," Zorn said as he strode over, nting himself on the chair and staring suspiciously at Frank.

    "Hahaha! See, Helen?!" Cindy was m

    immediatelyughing, already imagining the look of Frank''s face just then. "I told you he''s lying! And now he''s exposed! Mr. Pearce''s valet himself says he doesn''t know!"

 Chapter 1101

    On the other hand, Frank was scowling when he saw Zorn.

    His first thought was that Gene had betrayed him, but he soon realized that it was impossible.

    After all, Gene knew that Rory and Zorn were conspiring to kill him. He would never betray Frank unless he was stupid, and he did not be the richest man on the east coast by being stupid.

    On the other hand, Zorn was glowering in realization and barked, "I get it now! You''re trying to take advantage of Mr. Pearce while he''s sick, aren''t you?!"

    "What?"

    Helen frowned alongside Frank.

    She trusted Frank, but the fact that Gene''s valet did not know about the deed transfer made Frank look like a liar, and now exposed. And now, Frank was even used of taking advantage of Gene''s illness... "Frank, why don''t we leave for now? We cane back againter," she said, tugging on Frank''s arm and offering him a way out.

    Frank had every intention to do so too, as he would like to ask Gene in person what the heck was going on.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Or maybe Zorn and Rory saw through his pretense and killed him directly? "Hahaha! Can''t say a word now, can you?" Cindy was still roaring withughter, clutching her belly. "You could say that you and Gene Pearce had a private agreement, but his valet doesn''t even know!" Frank certainly wanted to tell her that it was what happened, but he simply shook his head because Zorn was there.

    However, just as he was pulling Helen along to leave, Zorn suddenly strode up, standing in his way. "Hold it! Did you think you could pull a scam with Mr. Pearce''s name and leave unpunished?!" The air around Zorn seemed to stiffen, and Frank''s eyes narrowed.

    He looked like your typical middle-aged manservant, but was actually ya martial artist advanced Birthright rank at that!

    an  Still, Frank snorted as he shielded Helen behind himself and glowered. "So what? What are you going to do about that?"

    Bob strode up smugly right then.

    "We''ll break your arm as punishment. If you want to make this easy, do it yourself, then you can leave!" s

    "What if I refuse?" Frank stood his ground, his expression cool.

    "Then you''re asking for it!" Zornughed coldly, suddenly projecting his ck and white vigor before himself.

    "Hmm? The Dyadese form?" Frank was surprised by the pure vigor Zorn projected.

    "Oh, so you know what this is? I guess you''re not leaving now!"

    Zorn bellowed, and lunged at Frank while shouting at Rob and Bob, "Go! e Take those women!"

    "Yes, Mr. Woss!"

    Rob and Bob promptly charged toward Helen at Zorn''s orders.

    Pow!

    However, Frank easily parried Zorn''s om outstretched palm with his forearm.

    Then, instead of countering Zorn''s blow, he leapt toward Rob and Bob

    before they could reach Helen, pping them in the face and m e knocking them down. S

    "Fuck off!" he bellowed, leaving both men petrified.

 Chapter 1102

    "J-Just you wait!" Bob and Rob bellowed, but they quickly scrambled to flee the office building.

    On the other hand, Zorn felt a chill down his spine when Frank parried his blow.

    "He''s a martial artist too?" he murmured to himself. "Why didn''t I sense his vigor?"

    Moreover, he could see that Frank was used to fighting as he dispatched Rob and Bob in no time at all. He was certainly convinced earlier that Frank was just an average Joe, but he now actually sensed a formless pressure that Frank projected around him.

    The pressure left Zorn wary, and he was suddenly unsure if he could beat Frank.

    Such might despite his youth certainly left him wondering where he was from.

    Narrowing his eyes, Zorn backed down and asked, "May I ask what n or sect you''re from?"

    Frank, however, shook his head and said quietly, "I''m just a nobody. So? Are we going to continue? I''m not going to hold back if you do, and you''ll have to face the consequences of your own actions." Zorn stared at Frank warily but ultimately withdrew his vigor.

    He was inherently mistrustful and would avoid unnecessary confrontation if he could.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "I''ll let you go this one time," he bellowed. "But I won''t hold back if you try to pull another scam in Mr. Pearce''s name!"

    Frank snorted coolly and left Drenam Limited with Helen.

    Along the way, Cindy was yapping endlessly. "Tut, tut. It''s not like I want to tell you again, but if you keep Frank Lawrence around, you''ll eventually run out of luck. I me we weren''t rich before, but life was calm until that jinx came to our family, right? The way I see it, he''d really get us killed the next time this happens."

    "Cut it out already!" Helen snapped at her, frowning.

    "No, I have to keep telling you." Cindy even leveled a gloating look at Frank. "Kill me if you can. It''s not like my life has meaning, though you''d have trouble exining yourself to Aunt Gina." That was when Frank stopped in his tracks. "She''s right, Helen."

    Cindy was caught off guard, as she had expected an outburst from Frank, only for him to agree with her.

    Helen was even more shocked too!

    At the same time, Frank remained impassive as he continued, "You''d face even more danger if we stay together. Let''s just split up... okay?"

    Helen was taken aback but soon wrinkled her brow "If It''s about what happened today, 1-"

    "That''s not it." Frank sighed, his eyes

    earnest as he looked into hers. "There will be worse enemies if you stay with me, and things can''t handle. Let''s just part ways before you get in deeper, okay?" S

    "Alright!" Cindy was beaming, pulling Helen by the wrist in delight. "We wanted you gone for so long, Prank Lawrence Nt''s your fault Aunt Gina''s you always so worried about Helen that she can''t sleep at night. It''s good now that you found your

    conscience. I guess we did no something by letting you freeload off us for three years."

 Chapter 1103

    "Freeload off you for three years?"

    Frank was certainly amused by the idea, but he was not bothered to stoop to verbal fencing against Cindy.

    Instead, he turned to Helen with a serious look, intent on asking for her opinion.

    Helen was silent for a while, but she soon said quietly, "I don''t know what happened to you that you''d think that, Frank... But I''m telling you in no uncertainty not to think like that ever again! I''ll never leave you, and no one can stop me!"

    Then, shaking off Cindy''s hand, she snapped coldly, "This is an order, Cindy. Go back to Riverton and tell my mom not to worry about me. As for you, I know you''re upset about being dumped, but neither me nor Frank are your punching bag, and Lanecorp doesn''t need garbage like you who doesn''t know anything but struts around all high and mighty."

    "What?!" Cindy stumbled backward in shock. "What did you say, Helen...?"

    "I called you garbage!" Helen snapped. "You don''t get to criticize Frank, not when you lost the ruby his father gave me! And do you want me to list all the other things that you''ve done?!" Seeing that Helen was dead serious-even furious- Cindy was left shaking in frustration.

    ncing between Helen and Frank, she snapped, "Aunt Gina and I only want the best for you, but you''d rather stay with that jinx?! Aren''t you afraid of getting killed?!"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "I can die happy, as long as I''m with Frank!" Helen retorted proudly.

    "F-Fine! I get it now. You two are... Whatever!" Cindy stormed off, at a loss for words and unable to even manage a single expletive.

    It was only after watching Cindy leave that Frank came to his senses.

    However, Helen''s rage had yet to subside.

    Wheeling on Frank, she snapped menacingly, "Don''t you ever talk like that to me again, you hear me?!"

    Seeing that she was in her girlboss mode, Frank raised a brow and asked gingerly, "O-Or what?"

    "O-Or I''ll cut your wages!" Helen snorted and stormed off.

    "Ah, my wages..." Frank scratched his head, smiling in wry amusement.

    It seemed that Helen really loved her job, threatening Frank with his sry.

    Still, it was clear that Helen could not find a reason and came up with a ridiculous one instead, embarrassing herself even after she said it. After all, a wage cut was really no threat to Frank.

    As for the girlboss, she appeared more like a grumpy wife after her grumpy threat.

    "Pfft... So you''d die happy as long as you''re with me?" Frank smiled, feeling warmth unfurling within. nes as he came to understand Helen''s heart.

    UMS ket

    However, just as they got into the car and were ready to leave, Frank m suddenly saw several luxury cars speeding down the road and stopping near them. S

    He watched them warily but soon realized that they were not after him.

    In fact, Frank was at once alert when he spotted a familiar figure om alighting it was Gene Pearce.

    Just as he was going to get out and ask Gene what was happening, he watched as arge group of martial artists, ranging from vigor wielders to Birthright rank individuals alighted too.

    Remembering what had happened just now, Frank connected the dots and realized with a start.

    Gene did not betray him-something else was happening here.

 Chapter 1104

    Since Zorn was Birthright rank, Gene naturally had to be careful and gather enough men to deal with him.

    In short, Frank had run straight into a metaphorical wall.

    He hade to Drenam Limited too early, before Gene could deal with Zorn, which was why Zorn had misunderstood and thought that Frank came to pull a scam. "That''s Gene Pearce," he said, pointing at the frail man who needed help walking.

    "That''s him? He looks... sickly," Helen murmured, though anyone could see that Gene was in bad shape.

    "Yeah. Some people close to him poisoned him with a bug. I cured him yesterday, so he agreed to transfer thosend deeds to me."

    Helen was surprised. "Are you saying that Gene has broken his promise?"

    "No, he didn''t we came too early, before he could sort out his personal issues," Frank replied, watching as over a dozen men entered Drenam Limited with Gene.

    "This might get dangerous," he murmured with a frown, as none of the men Gene brought were Ascendant rank.

    "What?" Helen asked, puzzled.

    Frank remained silent and kept frowning in thought for a moment before turning to Helen. "Drive back to Lanecorp right now. Gene is going to attack Zorn, and it''s going to be a huge mess. You''ll be in danger i you stay."

    "What about you?" Helen asked worriedly.

    "They won''t even scratch me." Frank smiled. "Did you bring the transfer agreement?"

    "Yeah." Helen picked up a document folder from the backseat and passed it to Frank.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Okay." Frank nodded and got out of the car even as he urged Helen,

    "Now go back to Lanecorp

    .n for my word. I''ll be back at I''m done here."

    "Yeah, I''ll wait. Be safe, okay?" Helen told him seriously.

    "Yeah."

    In reality, they did not need words as they could both see the trust in each other''s eyes.

    Frank watched as Helen''s car disappeared from view before turning back to look at Drenam Limited''s office building.

    He scowled as he could see that Zorn was indeed Birthright rank from what he had done earlier.

    However, he also practiced the Dyadese form.

    It was a rare technique, and Frank

    read from Mystic Sky Sect''s archives that practitioners embody both anima and animus within them. Theybined stalwart masculine E strength with the delicacy of feminine vigor into a single discipline of great power that must never be underestimated.

    Naturally, the form had also a trump card-when pushed too far, they could briefly fuse both animus and anima within their bodies. In an

    instant, their pure vigor would bon et strengthened by a hundred fold

    Though that would cripple the individual''s meridian nexus afterward, thebat ability that they could unleash for a brief

    moment was devastating. Content Without that drawback, the Dyadese form would prove to be a match against the Death Eater-the Lawrences'' legacy.

    And Frank had gauged Zorn-the man just might really use that technique if pushed too far.

    When that happened, his strength would skyrocket past Birthright rank up to Ascendant rank.

 Chapter 1105

    While Gene had brought many martial artists with him, it would not be enough if Zorn was cornered he might even turn the tables and massacre them instead.

    That was why Frank decided to remain behind alone.

    He could not allow Gene to get killed, or acquiring thosend lots would be a pipe dream.

    Putting away his document folder, he quietly sneaked down the hallway.

    Unsurprisingly, he found Zorn and Gene in a standoff outside the office.

    Zorn could clearly sense the hostility against him but asked, "Mr. Pearce, you asked me to check Drenam Limited''s numbers, didn''t you? Why did youe here yourself and bring so many people?" On the other hand, Gene''s men were trained well.

    Even before Zorn noticed it, they had already moved to cut off all exits.

    "Heh... Now that things havee to this, I''ll just have to be frank with you, Zorn."

    Gene was smiling even as his men helped him walk toward Zorn, but there was rage and disappointment in his eyes. "When did you start hooking up with Rory Thames?"

    "What?! What are you talking about, Mr. Pearce?" Zorn eximed, clearly intent on denial even though his evasive gaze already sold him out.

    "Come on, Zorn!" Gene shook his head in anguish. "We''ve been brothers for years, weathering every kind of storm to reach where we are today. That''s why you know better than me what I''m like-I wouldn''t mind letting you have Rory if you wanted, so why would you do this?!"

    "What are you saying, Mr. Pearce?" Zorn took a step back, clearly guilty. "W- What did I do?"

    "Let''s drop all pretenses already, Novelet Sighed, his k d further."left just Zorn gradually calmed down.

    Briefly silent, he then asked, "It was Frank Lawrence, wasn''t it? The kid fromst night?"

    "Yes," Gene admitted. "He cured me, even suggesting that it''s those around me who poisoned me."

    "I see... So that''s why..." Gene murmured, remembering what Frank said as realization showed on his face.

    Gene sighed again and said solemnly, "Despite what you''ve done, Zorn, I still remember our friendship. Just confess ande quietly, and I''ll make things easier for you."

    "Or, what?" Zorn smiled icily, giving up on all pretenses. "Are you going to kill me?"

    "Do I have any other choice?" Gene retorted bluntly.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "I see..." Zorn actually appeared guilty for a moment, seemingly not prepared for his conspiracy to be exposed.

    However, On faded as he said quietly, I want to see Rory. I talk Swed to to her, and then I''lle quietly."

    "No chance," Gene said, shaking his herm head. "I''ve already dealt with when I sent you here."

    "What?!"

    Thunderstruck, Zorn could not stop himself from bellowing in rage ''She''s your woman! How could you go that far..."

    He soon trailed off, his voice losing strength as he realized what he Was ve saying.

 Chapter 1106

    To no surprise, Gene shook his head in disdain.

    "Yes," he said calmly. "She was my partner, but she was also ruthless... I mean, poisoning me and watching as my health deteriorated by the day until the bugs inside me burst out of my belly? Talk about heinous!"

    "I..."N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Zorn tried to argue but did not have anything at all.

    He hung his head in silence but soon looked up again, determined. "The n was mine all along. I''m at fault-now let Rory go. You can do anything you want with me as long as you spare her."

    "Toote," Gene said quietly. "Like I said, I''m done with her."

    "What... Are you serious?!" Zorn gaped, the light of hope in his eyes fading.

    Then, he startedughing maniacally and was getting louder by the moment until it became deafening.

    "You really are cold, Gene!" he bellowed.

    "I''m not the cold one here. It''s you and Rory." Gene remained impassive as he retorted.

    "Hahaha..." Zorn keptughing. "Yes, I was cold... Hahaha! But I didn''t think that you''d actually kill Rory!"

    "Zorn, I''ve long since grown past my naive childhood." Gene mustered himself as he bellowed, "Seeing that we were friends for so long, I''ll give you a chance if you just confess and ept your punishment!"

    "Hahaha... A chance?!" Zorn suddenly looked up, his eyes red. "If you can give me a chance, why can''t you do the same for Rory?!"

    Gene''s eyes narrowed as his tone turned icy. "Does that mean you''re not taking it?"

    "What do you think?" Zorn growled, stepping one foot forward, anima and animusbining as he unleashed his full power.

    "Oh, pathetic. Utterly pathetic..."

    Gene sighed, turning away after givingst look of disappointment at Zorn. "Going th farf for some woman... Kill With that quiet order to his men, the martial artists all bellowed, "Yes, sir!"

    Even as they charged their vigors and leapt toward Zorn, Zorn bellowed, "Gene Pearce! You will die for murdering Rory!"

    And with oia, he leapt towards the oing group of martial artists, and explosion thundered as he blew

    6 a hole into the wall.

    One of the martial artists screamed even as he was sent flying off the building-he could hot dodge in time, and Zorn''s palm struck him in the abdomen, splitting him in half.

    The remaining martial artists were stunned by Zorn''s brute power, but they had no reason to back down now.

    "Together!"

    "Skyarch Jab!"

    "Savage de!"

    "Hedgehog Poke!"

    They were not holding back, using their respective strongest techniques.

    Naturally, even Zorn had a hard time when attacked by so many martial elites at once.

    He was going to escape through the hole he sted into the wall, but they quickly moved to encircle him.

    Even as the martial arts kept pressing their attack and Zorn was about to crumble, he bellowed, "Well, you forced me! Charging his Dyadese technique, animus and anima fuse as his cultivation skyrocketed to Ascendant rank!

 Chapter 1107

    "What?!"

    The martial artist closest to Zorn could not react in time as Zorn''s fist struck him.

    His head exploded like a watermelon right then, leaving a gory sight of redness.

    "What?! He''s Ascendant rank?!"

    The other martial artist around Zorn could immediately sense that something was wrong.

    After all, Ascendant ranks were more than superior against Birthright ranks, with their highly condensed pure vigor that they wielded freely.

    Naturally, there were freaks such as Frank whom that rule did not apply to-he was only full-fledged Birthright rank, but most Ascendant ranks would have a hard time against him.

    Only peak Ascendant ranks would be able to force Frank to y his trump cards, and that was thanks to his regression three years ago. Thanks to improving up to full-fledged Birthright rank twice, Frank''s pure vigor was more abundant and more condensed that even some Ascendant ranks would notpare.

    And now, Frank himself was hidden on the other end of the hallway, quietly observing as Zorn fused animus and anima to go on a rampage.

    Frank actually frowned as he watched the man handily dispatch two Birthright ranks-the Dyadese form was really strong. None of the martial artists stood a chance against Zorn now, and if he was allowed free rein, he would kill Gene too.

    However, Frank had no intention to fight just yet, because he had his own ns in mind.

    It was true what they say about a friend in need, but meddling now would make him appear impetuous and impertinent, since he was not Gene''s subordinate.

    Nheless, Zorn killed two more martial artists in no time at all.

    He had a bleeding head in each hand as he strode toward Gene with a savage smile. "You will pay with your life, Gene!"

    "Stop him!"

    The martial artist all charged toward Zorn without an ounce of self-preservation, intent on taking him down by using numbers like they did earlier.

    To their dismay, Zorn was unstoppable and killed everyone in his way, unleashing sts of pure vigor from his palm. The entire building rumbled even as he killed any martial artist in front and behind.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    him. ? Screams resounded and gore ensued until he took out thest martial artist standing.

    Wiping the blood off his face, Zorn shed a barbaric grin at Gene. "You wanted to kill me, didn''t you? But it seems the men you''ve brought aren''t up to task!"

    "I was pressed for time-they were all I can bring," Gene said calmly even as he watched Zorn slowly approach him.

    In fact, he did not try to run or fight and actually stared at Zorn withposure before shaking his head in disappointment. "If I had more time, I''d bring more. What a pity..."

    "Pity? Not really?" Zorn kept grinning. "The same thing would happen even if you brought more."

    "You might be right. Anyway, I have onest thing to ask."

    Gene appeared hesitant but calmly spoke, "Mr. Lawrence might arrive soon, and he''d be asking for you to transfer thend deeds which you''ye won at that tender days ago. It''d be worth nothing in your hands anyway-it would be better to just selt it. It''s an agreement I had with him yesterday, so I''d ask that you

    transfer thosend deeds to Lanecorp even if you kill me.

    Consider it myst request."

    Zorn''s expression turned cool-even if it was ast request, the way Gene spoke to him was no different from the way he always ordered him around.

    "You still think I serve you? Even now?" Zorn asked icily.

    "Certainly." Gene shrugged. "I value honor above all else, and Pearcen Group will still be around even after I''m gone."

 Chapter 1108

    Zorn''s expression contorted as he saw that Gene could face death with such calmness, even treating Zorn as if he was still at his beck and call.

    He actually felt that he would be losing by killing Gene just like that!

    And seeing the solemness in Gene''s eyes, he actually hesitated.

    "Ah, I remember how you swore to follow me for the rest of your life over a decade ago..."

    Gene suddenly sighed as he reminisced, smiling as if he was reliving that very moment. "We were the best of friends as children, and though we parted ways for a while, you came to me in desperation... a hunted man. Even so, I trusted you unconditionally.

    "Every word you said back then was so earnest that they''re ingrained in my memory... I can remember them even now. You''re the one friend I trusted in this life, and yet¡ª"

    Chuckling bitterly, Gene finished, "Ah, how ironic fate can be."

    His recollection left Zorn taken aback, and guilt showed on his visage.

    It was true-Gene had helped him in his most depseprate hour, or he would have been killed by his enemies already.

    Even so...

    Banishing all the recollection Gene invoked from his mind, Zorn bellowed, "It''s pointless to say anything now! You will die, Gene Pearce!"

    Charging his pure vigor, he swung his palm straight at Gene.

    If it hits, Gene would not fare any better than the martial artist who had his head blown apart earlier.

    "Foolishness." Gene sighed, closing his eyes and clearly embracing death.

    Bang!

    But that was when Frank moved.

    Emerging out of hiding, he was suddenly in front of Gene, parrying his palm.

    "Ooooh..." He murmured as he nced at his smoking palm, once again surprised by the depth of Zorn''s strength.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "What?!"

    On the other hand, Zorn was sent stumbling backward just as he thought he had killed Gene.

    He could

    blooeel his meridians churning

    and almost coughed a coughed a mouthful of

    if he had not kept it in with all

    his strength. Content belon

    Then, as he looked up at the nonchnt Frank, his heart sank.

    Just from that one blow, he could already think that Frank was a more troublesome opponent than he expected.

    Gene, who thought he was dead, opened his eyes to find Frank standing in front of himself.

    "Mr. Lawrence?" he eximed in surprise but soon realized that Frank must havee here to discuss the handover of thend lots he asked for. s?novel

    However, he just happened to run into Gene cleaning house and saved him from Zorn before he could deal the killing blow.

    "Is this fate...?"

    It certainly was, from a point of view.

    But even as Gene was surprised that Frank was aplished as a healer and a martial artist, he could not

    help but wonder if Frank stood a chance against Zorn, after Zor had

    in so many martial artists in no time at all.

 Chapter 1109

    Gene calmly read the situation.

    Since Frank was young and an aplished healer, he would definitely not have time to study martial arts extensively.

    If anything, parrying Zorn''s blow earlier must have taken everything out of him-if he stayed any longer, he would die horribly like the martial artists Gene had brought.

    And since Frank had already saved his life, Gene was reluctant to see Frank throw away his life like this.

    As such, he said, "Mr. Lawrence, this is between me and Zorn. Please don''t interfere¡ªyou should leave when you can."

    "Hehe..." Frank chuckled instead of leaving, even turning to Gene to ask, "Are you sure I won''t win, Mr. Pearce?"

    "Oh..." Gene was left stumped by the question.

    He certainly could not say that he believed Frank, just as he did not want Frank to push himself.

    And after musing to himself for a long while, Gene shook his head in resignation. "Mr. Lawrence, Zorn and I have been friends since childhood-I won''t drag you into our fight. After all, I''m grateful that you saved my life before, and rest assured that you will be given thend lots you asked for."

    Turning toward Zorn, he asked, "Can you do that, Zorn?"

    Zorn did a double take and quickly counted the time he had left while gauging Frank''s strength, and he soon came to an awkward conclusion.

    He was not sure if he could win against the mysterious youth.

    After all, he could not gauge anything about Frank even now!

    After a moment of silence, he nodded and said, "You may leave, Mr. Lawrence. Once I''m done with Gene, Lanecorp will be given thend you''re asking for, and I promise not to cause you further trouble." "You heard him, Mr. Lawrence." Gene chuckled despite his cough. "You will get what you want. You should leave now."

    Frank nced between Gene and Zorn but eventually shook his head as both men watched.

    "Mr. Pearce," Frank said, "you''re stillPublished by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    my patient. And since you have y to make a full recovery, I''m obliged

    to protect and care foleat

    Then, turning toward Zorn, he growled, "Leave right now, and I won''t kill you."

    "What?"

    Zorn thought he had misheard for a moment, though he soon appeared amused and leaned his ear toward Frank. "I''m sorry, what was that again?"

    "Mr. Lawrence..." Gene tried to dissuade Frank again.

    Frank ignored him, however, and slowly strode up as he repeated quietly, "Leave right now, and I won''t kill you."

    "Heh... hehehe... Hahaha!!!" Zorn

    burst inughter, shaking his head. "I

    don''t know where you''re from, kid,

    but you know that I practice the Dyadese form. I''m sure you know the state I''m in?"

    "I do." Frank nodded earnestly. "In five minutes, your meridian nexus will be crippled, your meridians will be cut off, and you''ll be a cripple. At that point, no one needs to lift a finger to deal with you." S

    "Then what else is there to talk about?!"

    Zorn raised his palms and charged at Frank. "If you won''t back down, you will die with Gene!" "Then you''re delusional!"

    Frank watched as Zorn charged toward himself rapidly,pletely on his toes.

    Five-Peat Archaeus danced between his meridians, and abundant pure vigor erupted out of his body. Naturally, Zorn could see that immediately. "Hmm? You''vepleted Birthright rank? Impressive!"

 Chapter 1110

    Zorn had no idea how Frank had managed to elude his observation before, though he was still relieved after sensing the true extent of Frank''s strength. While a full-fledged Birthright rank was strong, Frank was still no match for him!

    "Die!!!" Zorn bellowed, putting all his strength behind his strongest strike and not wanting further trouble.

    Whether he killed Frank banked on this..

    Naturally, he was only doing this because he saw that Frank was really to die defending Gene.

    If Frank decided to dodge instead, Zorn''s strike would hit Gene instead, and he would definitely be a dead man.

    As such, if Frank wanted Gene to live, he must take the full brunt of his blow!

    ck and white pure vigor was projected out of thin air from Zorn''s palm, mixing into a grayness that ignited a storm.

    The entire building was shaking-such was the most powerful blow of an Ascendant rank.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hmph..."

    Frank had no intention of dodging anyway.

    He watched as Zorn approached with his violent strike, resolved to meet it with his own.

    After all, he would like to see how strong the Dyadese technique really was.

    Feeling the Five-Peat Archaeus running through the meridian cycles in his body, Frank took a deep breath and focused his pure vigor on his right hand. Soon, a bright glow appeared at the center of his palm, and one could seem to hear the flowing of a stream.

    "Mirages? His martial technique actually conjures mirages?!"

    Zorn was left staring in astonishment, but he could not back down now.

    Pushing his surging power, he directed every bit of energy he had into his outstretched palm, hoping that it would take Frank down instantly!

    "Cloud Valley."

    Frank finally looked up even as Zorn closed in, his expression impassive as he breathed the name of the technique.

    Zorn did a double take as he seemed to see a valley that stretched on for hundreds of miles, breathing out a tide of clouds toward him.

    His strike seemed to fade in the whiteness, crushed by the might of the valley.

    Soon, his palm, his arm, and then his entire body was pulverized even as he looked on in fear.

    "T-That''s Birthright rank...?!" That was all he could exim in shock as darkness overcame him, and he could no longer feel anything.

    Even Gene could see that Zorn did not evenst one turn against Frank.

    His full-power blow was no more than child''s y against the horrific shockwave left in the wake of Frank''s palm strike.

    As a matter of fact, he did not even

    have time to scream as Frank''s

    smack reduced him into a puff of bloody mist, scattered amid the hallway.

    In the distance, Bob and Rob returned, leading arge group of men, ready for revenge.

    Nheless, they dropped to

    knees audibly along with their

    strike, fear and confusion showing on their faces.

    weapons when they saw Frat

    Boom!

    The entire building seemed to lean to the side just then, with the rebar in the walls screaming with a horrible screech.

    "The whole building is copsing!" someone yelled, and everyone in the building scampered as they fled.

 Chapter 1111

    When Helen returned to Lanecorp, she found Cindy packing her things and ready to leave, but not before she yapped at every employee nearby.

    "Why don''t you take a guess what happened after my cousin listened to her dear husband and went to Drenam Limited? He said that Gene Pearce would yield the fivend lots he imed through the bid, but what happened? The man''s valet didn''t even know about it! Oh, it was such a p in the face when we got there!

    "Tut, tut... You should have seen Helen and Frank''s faces... Talk about a long face! Oh, it''s killing me! Think about it-Gene Pearce is the richest man on the east coast! Why would he even listen to Frank? Who does he think he is?"

    "Well I''m going now." Sheughed as she packed all her belongings and started to leave. "You can all stay here while Helen and her ex-husband run yourpany to the ground!"

    Nheless, she ran headlong into Helen, who heard everywhere she said.

    She remained impassive and silent, though her eyes were fixed on Cindy''s face.

    At the same time, every employee around them was sneaking peeks in their direction.

    Cindy''s conscience gnawed at her, but she puffed her chest while snapping, "W-What are you looking at? I was telling the truth! You didn''t listen to me, and Lanecorp will suffer because of you!" "Cindy..." Helen slowly walked up to Cindy, holding out a hand to touch her face.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "W-What are you doing?" Cindy felt ufortable right then, since Helen didn''t look angry.

    "I was just going to ask..." Helen began calmly. "What have you ever done for me since you became my secretary?"

    Cindy snorted right then, eximing loudly, "What?! There''s so many, like... uh..."

    She suddenly froze up awkwardly because she could not even think of one.

    At the same time, Helen continued calmly as if it was none of her

    business. "So there''s nothing you''ve done for me, while you keep

    messing up-from losing myptop

    and abusingpany fundstop

    ndering me and Frank."

    "So what? I-I''m your cousin!"

    "Indeed you are." Helen sighed and smiled as she turned toward the Lanecorp employees around them. "I''m sure you''re all not simpletons if you can make it into thispany, let alone be beguiled by this wretch''s nder. Tell me, how much of Cindy''s words can you really believe in?"

    Every employee hung their heads as soon as Helen''s gaze reached them they certainly did not want to get involved with the board chairwoman''s family dispute or say anything lightly.

    Even if they could say anything, they could certainly see that Cindy was a jinx. Not only was she inconsequential to thepany, but she would only ever bring them problems.

    Helen sighed in turn. "So I''m sure everyone would understand my reasoning for dismissing such an ipetent employee, right? I have every intention to rally Lanecorp and restore it to its former glory, and I''d never burden thepany with anything-not even family starting today."

    She then turned toward a seething Cindy, pping her on her shoulder. "You can leave now. Your departure will be the only good thing you''ve ever done for Lanecorp."

    "What..."

    Cindy was left watching as Helen returned to her office with her proud stride, her teeth gritting audibly but unable to do a thing.

    Still, she soon had an idea.

 Chapter 1112

    Helen was just about to open her own office door and enter when Cindy yelled, "Hah! Don''t get so full of yourself, Helen! All that grandstanding you did is just a distraction-I was right, wasn''t I? You and Frank couldn''t get thosend lots back from Gene Pearce, could you?"

    Helen stopped in her tracks and turned to level a cool look of contempt at Cindy. "You''re wrong. I believe Frank can definitely get thend Lanecorp needs. He promised me, and he won''t disappoint me." "Hah! You said it! Then I''m staying!" Cindy snapped stubbornly. "Let''s see what Frank can do... And what are you going to do if he can''t?"

    "Then I will step down as Lanecorp''s board chairwoman." Helen snorted and headed inside her office.

    "Hahaha! Fine... if you say so!" Cindyughed, having a rush of blood to the brain.

    Since Will dumped her, she believed that Helen was adding insult to injury by chasing her back to Riverton, and that she was heartless!

    It had never crossed Cindy''s mind that she had achieved nothing in Lanecorp-if anything, Helen''s personal reputation had taken a blow because of her.

    Half an hourter, a Rolls-Royce Phantom quietly arrived at Lanecorp''s basement parking lot.

    Then, Gene Pearce, the richest man of the east coast, alighted with Frank, quietly discussing what had just happened.

    Gene was utterly impressed by Frank. "I''m surprised by your strength, Mr. Lawrence. You killed the strongest martial artist I''ve known with just a blow!"

    Frank chuckled. "Haha... You tter me too much."

    "Quite the contrary!" Geneughed respectfully. You''re young, but a master in both medicine and the martial arts. You will be a force to reckon with soon... And I''d have to rely on you even more from now on! Still, I''d never repay you enough after you saved my life twice-if there''s anything you need, just ask!"

    Frank smiled, a little embarrassed by Gene''s enthusiasm. "Then I shall take you up on your offer."

    They proceeded up the esctor, with Gene observing thepany along the way.

    "Hehe... Lanecorp shows character

    It won''t be a waste giving off a few plots ofnd," he said, noddingan approval of thepany, with his acumen as a businessman. S

    Frank chuckled but said humbly, "We still have a lot to do before we can catch up to Pearce Group."N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Oh, that reminds me... a man as

    extraordinary as you would surely be the CEO, yes? Wait, you''re not28)

    Gene asked, and he was left stunned when he saw Frank shake his head.

    Frank''s response left Gene even more astounded.

    "I''m just the head of the health and safety department."

 Chapter 1113

    Gene was left smiling in wry amusement as he came to his senses. "Such raw talent like you... The head of the health and safety department? That''s so..."

    Reasonably speaking, someone with Frank''s abilities would at minimum be a board member, personally involved inpany policy.

    But head of the health and safety department? Basically a glorified security guard?

    That certainly caught Gene off guard!

    "Hehe..." Frank simply chuckled, neither upset nor borating.

    While a little emotional, Gene nced at Frank and made him an earnest offer. "Mr. Lawrence, why not join Pearce Group instead of ying security guard here? I will arrange for a position that suits you, along with a ce on the board as a policy maker in Pearce Group. Trust me-you have a brighter future to look forward to with me."

    Frank shook his head. "I love my freedom a little too much, and I especially dislike theplex internal workings of majorpanies." "Moreover..." He trailed off, chuckling as he finished, "Lanecorp''s current chairwoman is my woman."

    "I see!" Gene eximed in realization, though he could not quite hide his disappointment. "You''re certainly a man of sentiment."

    "Haha. I could say the same about you." Frank smiled as he turned toward Gene. "That''s obvious from the way you''ve dealt with Zorn Woss and Rory Thames. If I''m not mistaken, Rory Thames is alive, isn''t she?"

    Gene appeared taken aback, but he soon chuckled. "You really see everything, Mr. Lawrence."

    Frank shrugged. "You''ve never lost your sense of self despite your sess. I could tell from the way you kept offering Zorn Woss chances to turn back."

    "Yeah," Gene said with a wry chuckle and stopped talking at that.

    They were heading to Helen''s office when they ran into Cindy, who was using her phone as she sat and waited in the hallway.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Cindy was immediately energetic when she saw Frank.

    She naturally had no idea who the enfeebled middle-aged man beside Frank was, and considering that he did not have any bodyguards, he must be no one important. S

    Thinking that Gene must be one of Frank''s bootlickers, she promptly yelled, "Everyone, look! The great Frank Lawrence has returned with thend deed from Gene Pearce, the richest man of the east coast!"

    The Lanecorp employees could hear Cindy, and even if they were afraid of humoring her, they could not resist their curiosity.

    After all, Frank was back, and Helen had confidently dered that Drenam Limited would hand over thend lots without a fight. There was no way, right?

    On the other hand, Frank frowned and snapped coolly, "What are you doing here, Cindy? Helen told you to go back to Riverton, didn''t she?"

    "She did but I wouldn''t miss this for the world." Cindy winked at him.

    "Who''s this, Mr. Lawrence?" Gene asked just then.

    He could see the contempt in Cindy''s eyes as she looked at Frank, and it was ridiculous that anyone would behave like that toward Frank.

    Could the girl really believe that he was just a normal security guard?

    Still, while Gene was left at a loss, Frank appeared used to it as he stood beside Gene.

 Chapter 1114

    Still, while Gene was left at a loss, Frank appeared used to it as he stood beside Gene.

    "Don''t worry about her. She''s just a clown."

    Frank waved at Cindy dismissively, ready to sidestep her and head to Helen''s office with Gene.

    "Hey, hey, hey. Hold it."

    Cindy suddenly strode up, stepping in Gene''s path.

    "Is something the matter?" Gene asked, unsettled by the contempt in Cindy''s eyes.

    He was the richest man on the east coast-no one had ever treated him like that before!

    "Let me guess. Since Frank invited you, that would mean you''re Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast?"

    "Indeed, I am." Gene nodded calmly.

    Frank frowned right then and snapped at Cindy, "Watch yourself, Cindy! Stop causing trouble!"

    "No way! Me, causing trouble?"

    Cindy sneered, studying Gene pointedly while clicking her tongue. "Honestly, can''t you afford a professional? Your paid actor looks so pale like he could kick the bucket at any minute." "What?" Gene was left stunned when did he be a paid actor?

    Beside him, Frank quickly realized what Cindy was talking about and shoved her away, snapping, "Last warning-get out, or I''ll make you."

    "Go on, make me!" Cindy retorted defiantly, pointing at herself.

    She had seen the truth-that Frank and Helen really did not care about her now. But so what?! They

    kill her for all she cared, be could

    Gina Zonda would do her best to avenge her! None of them would get awayfortably if she could not!

    "Wait, there must be some misunderstanding here..."

    Gene said just then, smiling calmly, "Ms. Zonda? I am really Gene Pearce, and I''m here to discuss a coboration with Lanecorp."

    Cindy sneered in turn. "And yourpany is just giving off thend lots we asked for, right?"

    "Exactly."

    "Gene nodded and turned to sh a smile at the Lanecorp employees around them. "Mr. Lawrence and I hade to an agreement yesterday, and I''vee to oversee the handover."

    "Bullshit!" Cindy bellowed, leavingN?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Gene''s smile stiffening as she pointed him in the nose. "Stop giving me that crap! Gene Pearce is the richest man on the east coast. Why would someone like him visit a smallpany like ours?! Oh, and you somehow didn''t bring a single bodyguard with you?! Who would ever believe this?! Get yourself a better paid actor, Frank!"

    While Gene felt slighted by Cindy''s skeptical attitude, he replied politely, "Mr. Lawrence is the best bodyguard anyone can ask for, and he alone is enough...

    Cindy mimicked him right then. "Mr.

    Lawrence is the best bodyguard

    anyone can ask for, and he alone is

    enough... Yada yada! You''re

    sickening! Go on, prove that you''re really Gene Pearce if you can! will kowtow to you and Frank right now if you can! Otherwise, you will kowtow to me instead-how about that?!"

 Chapter 1115

    Gene was a patient, stoic man thanks to his years working as a businessman, and he would not really stoop to getting petty against Cindy.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    However, her words were a clear insult to Frank and his position.

    "Now, now, Mr. Lawrence. Allow me to prove myself."

    He held out a hand to stop Frank before he could interfere and whipped out a shy gold card from his pocket. In fact, it was so dazzling that several Lanecorp employees'' felt blinded for a moment. "What''s that?" Cindy frowned in turn, not recognizing it.

    "It''s a custom gold card made exclusively for executives of Pearce Group. Anyone carrying this can make purchases without needing to pay within any establishment owned under our banner." Smiling, Gene then pointed at the face imprinted on the gold card. "Ms. Zonda, don''t you think I resemble the person in this photo?"

    "Resemble?" Cindy took the gold card, her eyes darting between the gold card and Gene''s face repeatedly.

    She began to scowl and suddenly could not speak.

    Gene smiled faintly then, asking, "So? Does that prove who I am?"

    "N-No!" Cindy snapped stubbornly, but her evasive gaze already betrayed her thoughts.

    Could the man really be Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast?

    She started to panic, terrified by all the insults she spat at him earlier.

    While she did not fear Frank because her Aunt Gina had promised to go down swinging if he hurt her, Gene was another story entirely!

    Insulting the richest man on the east coast?! She was as good as dead!

    Her legs trembling right then, she had to lean against the wall just to stand!

    "Ah, you''re here, Mr. Lawrence! I was going to... Eh?"

    Will Zeller arrived at the hallway just then but paused when he saw Gene and hurried to greet him. "Mr. Pearce! What brings you here? Didn''t you already ept the deed of thend lots you acquired from the bid?"

    "Oh, Mr. Zeller," Gene replied affably. "Nothing much¡ªI''m just handing over said deeds to Lanecorp."

    "What?!" Cindy''sst hope was

    crushed when she saw Will''s reaction and fell on her bottom right then "Y-You''re really Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast...?!"

    "Guilty as charged." Gene chuckled.

    Cindy broke right then and dropped to her knees in front of Gene with audibly, wheezing and sweating buckets as she kowtowed. "I-I''m so sorry, Mr. Pearce... I made a mistake. I shouldn''t have said what I said. I mean no disrespect... Please forgive me..."

    "Ah, now you get it?" Gene was still smiling, but the coldness in his eyes were clear.

    He had no interest in someone as insignificant as Cindy, and her pleas certainly fell on deaf ears.

    Still, while Gene would have punished Cindy severely on any other asion, he was in Frank''s presence, and he owed Frank respect.

 Chapter 1116

    While Gene would have punished Cindy severely on any other asion, he was in Frank''s presence, and he owed Frank respect. As such, he asked, "What do you think we should do about this, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "-"

    Before Frank could speak, Helen''s door opened, and Helen herself hurried outside, having heard themotion in the hallway.

    She almost cked out from sheer frustration when she saw Cindy-how was she still there, causing her more trouble? Still, she must not allow herself to mess up in the presence of others, and she nodded at Frank. "Wee back."

    Then, turning toward Gene, she asked, "And who would this gentleman be?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Gene smiled in turn. "A paid actor hired by Frank to y Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast."

    The unusual introduction left Helen at a loss, but she was smart enough to connect the dots after another nce at Cindy. "Urgh, what a jinx..."

    She was left rubbing her temples, but she soon masterfully shed a smile, though a little awkwardly, greeting Gene, "Wee, Mr. Pearce. So sorry our hospitality iscking since we weren''t expecting you...'' Especially with Cindy causing a mess!

    The thought left Helen shooting Frank an using re for not calling beforehand to receive them, if only to stop Cindy from causing trouble.

    Frank simply shrugged as if he could not help her here.

    "Urgh..."

    Helen sighed, putting away her professional smile and giving Gene an earnest look. "I''m sorry, Mr. Pearce. Cindy is my cousin, and she''s been at odds with me and Frank over some personal issues. Please don''t me her too much..."

    She then strode up, nudging Cindy and snapping under her breath, "Stay on your knees and apologize!"

    "I''m so sorry I''ve disrespected you, Mr. Pearce. I won''t ever do it again."

    Cindy was always a coward in the face of death, and this asion was no exception.

    She certainly would not dare to argue now and was kowtowing repeatedly at Gene in apology.

    Gene nodded in turn. "Well, I can let this slide since you''re Ms. Lane''s cousin, but..."

    "But...?"

    Both Helen and Cindy could feel their hearts skipping a beat.

    Gene shed a smile. "I remember Ms. Zonda here betting that if she''s wrong, she would kowtow to me... and Mr. Lawrence."

    Both Helen and Cindy understood right then, though Cindy was ready to argue.

    Still, she reluctantly kneeled in front of Frank as Helen shot her a furious re. "S-Sorry, Frank."

    Gene shook his head in disappointment right then. "There''s no sincerity."

    Humiliation showed on Cindy''s face, but she remained unapologetic, as if apletely different Cindy was apologizing to Gene. "I''m sorry, alright, Frank? I won''t mess with you again. Just forgive me, okay?"

    "Mr. Lawrence?" Gene turned to Frank, asking his opinion.

    Frank shook his head in disdain-he did not even care that Cindy

    g to him, since she wa

    an insignificant clown to him.

    always an insignificant he

    "Heh," Gene said. "Since Mr. Lawrence has nothing to say, I will let this slide."

    Then, he suddenly narrowed his

    eyes warningly. "If I ever find out

    about you disrespecting Mr. Lawrence again or straying out of

    line, even Ms. Lane can''t protect you from me!"

 Chapter 1117

    Gene suddenly narrowed his eyes warningly. "If I ever find out about you disrespecting Mr. Lawrence again or straying out of line, even Ms. Lane can''t protect you from me!" With that, he snorted and left.

    Cindy breathed a sigh of relief after he was gone and turned toward Frank.

    She was ready to shoot Frank a look of defiance but quickly hung her head as she remembered Gene''s warning.

    "Just go already. Mypany has no ce for you, and no one can protect you if this happens again!"

    With those cool words, Helen hurried after Gene, leaving Frank with Will.

    Will appeared anxious, since he had been waiting to speak for a while. "There''s something urgent you must know, Mr. Lawrence."

    "Something urgent?" Frank''s heart skipped a beat, knowing that Sif Lionheart was on the move from Will''s expression alone.

    He gestured for Will to follow him into his office, and as soon as they sat down, Will eximed, "The Lionhearts have made their movest night, during theing-of-age ceremony for Denise Laine, who is Morhen''s mayor''s daughter. Both the Turnbulls and the Lionhearts were present..."

    "Morhen mayor''s daughter?" Frank did a double take.

    "Yes." Will nodded and continued, "I was only informed today that Walter Turnbull got drunk and molested Denise when everyone else wasn''t watching!"

    "What?!" Frank eximed as he sprang to his feet. "No way!"

    Walter was Vicky Turnbull''s father, and Frank remembered him to be someone always soft-spoken,cking gall, and easily swayed.

    Molesting the mayor''s daughter? Not even if he was drunk!

    "Yes, the Turnbulls doubted it too." Will nodded solemnly. "That''s why they''ve been demanding a thorough investigation and concrete evidence." Frank nodded in approval. "Good. Glen Turnbull has the right idea that this is a set up."

    "But..." Will sighed exasperatedly just then. "Morhen''s mayor couldn''t care less, and he controls every faction in Morhen, along with the Martial

    ???

    Alliance. The Turnbulls really pale inparison. Even as we speak, the

    Martial Alliance has Tu Estate

    surrounded, demanding that the Turnbulls hand over Walter!"

    "What a troublesome turn of events..." Frank could see howplicated things were.

    Even if Morhen''s mayor was not the

    ruler of all of Draconia, his power

    and influence did not pale in

    comparison, especially with the

    Martial Alliance answering directly to

    him.

    If the Turnbulls mishandled this incident, their reputation would be tarnished, and Morhen''s mayor could wellbel them as personae non grata.

    Turning toward Will, Frank asked, "And you think the Lionhearts were behind this?"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Will paused for a moment and chuckled bitterly. "Would you believe me if I said no?"

    "Nope," Frank replied and chuckled coolly. "It seems the Lionhearts are really bent on taking down the Turnbulls. Still, it''s a good move."

    Will grimaced. "Mr. Lawrence, what are you..."

    "Just leave it to me." Frank nodded.

    "Here''s my number. You stay in contact with Sif Lionheart and call

    me if anythinges up, so you don''t have toe to me each time something happens."

    Then, pausing in thought, he whipped out a pill as well.

 Chapter 1118

    Frank nodded at Will as he passed him the pill. "You did well-as promised, this is the antidote. It will cure the poison inside you." "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence," Will said as he took it respectfully.

    Frank then asked, "I can see that you''ve trained in martial arts too?"

    "Oh, uh..." Will scratched his head in embarrassment and shed a pained smile. "I did, but it''s just one basic style, so..."

    "Good." Frank passed him another pill. "This is an Ichor Pill, which strengthens the vigor. It''s nothing divine, but it''s arguably up there. Take it when you start training again, and you''ll be a vigor wielder at that." "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!" Will eximed as he epted the pill enthusiastically, gratitude showing in his eyes.

    Naturally, he had learned martial arts from Sif, who was nonchnt as he proved to be a slow learner.

    To add insult to injury, she told him that he could not me anyone for hisck of talent.

    On the other hand, Frank would assist him in oveing that shoring instead.

    There was no question that the pill Frank gave him was the real deal, as Frank had his life in his hands and had no reason to lie.

    It was certainly a far cry from the Lionhearts'' treatment, and the scales in Will''s mind leaned to Frank''s side right then.

    He waspelled to obey Frank because of the poison and threat of torture before. In fact, he hade to Lanecorp to ask for an antidote, only to get a solid reward instead.

    There was no question that Frank had given him more goodies and was serious about helping him develop. Having seen that, Will made up his mind.

    at

    He eagerly excused himself, ready test the effectiveness of the pill Frank gave him. Frank nodded Will''s delighted reaction-he bad truly brought Will over to his side.

    The carrot-and-stick approach was truly an unchanging rule!

    "I wonder how things are going with Helen," he muttered to himself just then and headed to Helen''s office.

    Helen was actually left dumbstruck as Gene had already signed the transfer agreement for thend deed.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    She could hardly believe it-how on earth did Frank get Gene to agree to his request?

    And to her delight, there was more.

    Aside from selling thend deeds at the basic price, Gene also signed another agreement to seal a long-term partnership with

    Lanecorp. Starting today, he al

    be the secondrgest shareholder of Lanecorp!

    His investment left Helen beaming, and she even pressed her advantage by taking Frank and Gene along to where Kallum Gaetz had been confined. Kallum was left deted as soon as he saw the agreements and could not say a word after Helen introduced Gene.

    He sighed, yielding to Helen right then.

    "What about the third task?" Helen asked.

    "That''s unnecessary." Kallum

    chuckled bitterly. "What would even qualify when you have someone like Gene Pearce investing in Lanecorp? Just go already. Don''t worry, I'' return everyst dime of thepany''s money."

 Chapter 1119

    Finally, Kallum yielded to Helen.

    While Gene''s investment was a huge factor in her triumph, Helen understood that Frank was the reason she could take over as Lanecorp''s board chairwoman easily and resolve all the difficulties they faced. Frank, however, did not linger at Lanecorp.

    Relieved to hear that Kallum had given up, he promptly left, jumping into his car and driving straight to Morhen.

    Susan Redford, Vicky''s mother, was on the verge of tears.

    "Frank... Vicky didn''t let me tell you because it''s...plicated. Walter''s been poisoned and remains unconscious, and we can''t question him even if we wanted to. And the Martial Alliance keeps hounding us to hand him over... The Turnbulls are going to cave soon..."

    "Calm down, Mrs. Turnbull," Frank said calmly, holding the steering wheel in one hand and his phone in the other. "Where''s Vicky? She''s in Morhen now, isn''t she?"

    "She..."

    Susan was hesitant and choking with tears. "She told me not to tell... Juste to Turnbull Estate, Frank. Let''s talk face to face."

    "Okay!" Frank said, putting down his phone and jamming his foot on the gas pedal.

    His Maybach roared as it sped down the highway.

    When Frank arrived at Turnbull Estate in Morhen, the front gates were surrounded by members of the Martial Alliance.

    A beautiful figure stood amongst them, and it was none other than Silverbell, the current chief of the Martial Alliance.

    She appeared hesitant, even as two of the Martial Alliance''s elders pestered her.

    "What are you waiting for, Lady Silverbell? Let''s just get inside and take the perp!" "Exactly! It''d be bad if this drags out and the mayor starts asking questions..."

    Silverbell bit her lip but never caved to their pressure, as if waiting.

    On the other hand, Frank quicklyExclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    stopped his Maybach outside the et

    gates. Not speaking even as he alighted, he strode straight toward Turnbull Estate.

    "Wait, who are you?!"

    "Hold it! You''re not allowed in here!"

    All the members of the Martial Alliance promptly strode up to s Frank when they saw him

    attempting to get past the bat

    "Donn..." Silverbell murmured when she saw Frank but quickly caught herself. "Frank Lawrence..."

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat when he heard her voice.

    He turned to find her dressed in white silk even as she carried a sword, looking like a picturesque goddess.

    "What? Do you know this man, Lady Silverbell?"

    Silverbell nodded silently at the elder''s question.

    Frank, however, said nothing to her.

    Instead, he turned back toward the members of the Martial Alliance, his expression cool as he barked, "Let me pass!"

    "Let him pass," Silverbell spoke clearly from a distance too.

    "What? But Lady Silverbell-"

    "No buts. Listen to me-let him pass!"

    As the two members of the Martial Alliance reluctantly cleared a path, Frank did not hesitate to dash inside.

    Still, he paused midway and turned,

    nodding ever so slightly at the

    troubled pair of eyes still staring at him before continuing toward Turnbull Hall.

 Chapter 1120

    "Phew..."

    Silverbell breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Frank''s nod, and her fingers eased around her sword''s hilt.

    "Lady Silverbell, that man..."

    "He''s my brother," she said and did not borate further.

    "Brother, huh... And hisst name is Lawrence... I think I understand," one of the elders beside Silverbell murmured thoughtfully.

    Silverbell nced at him but stayed silent.

    Bang!

    Frank kicked the door to the Turnbull Hall open, and everyone standing inside was clearly disapproving.

    Some were even ready to yell at him, but Glen Turnbull quickly gave everyone a warning re even though he was startled too.

    This incident was so grave that the family''s fate hung in the bnce-it was not the time for manners.

    Walking up to Frank with a nod, Glen said, "We meet again, Mr. Lawrence. I''m sure my sister-inw filled you in?"

    "Yeah." Frank nodded. "Where''s Mr. Walter? I''ll check on him now."

    "Sure." Glen did not dawdle, leading Frank out of the hall and straight to a dome car, taking Frank to one of the bungalows within Turnbull Estate. "Walter''s in there."

    "Frank Lawrence?"

    Susan hurried downstairs when she heard them, and her eyes lit up when she saw Frank despite her usual disapproving attitude toward him.

    Her eyes were red, and she was choking with tears. "Walter''s been unconscious ever since he came back and the doctors can''t do a thing..."

    "Let me see him," Frank said, quickly striding in the bedroom.

    Inside, Walter wasying in bed, his fingers stiff and his lips purple.

    Frank could see right away that he had been poisoned, but he still had to examine Walter to know what poison it was.

    Sitting beside Walter, he lifted an eyelid and saw many ck spots.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    He was shocked-this was the sign of a nerve agent.

    Then, as he felt Walter''s pulse, he noticed that despite a steady rhythm, there were brief hints of spasming.

    It was indeed poison-one that could confound the senses and acted very subtly.

    Not only did it cause hallucinations, but it was also lethal in a way as it would spur a person into doing what they usually would not.

    While Walter would regain consciousness on his own in a couple of days, time was of the essence.

    Blue pure vigor swirled around

    Frank''s finger, and he tapped several acupoints before jamming a thumb on Walter''s chest. Directing his pure vigor with Walter''s own vigor, he cleared away the clots in Walter''s

    head.

    Walter abruptly began to hack violently, clearing his lungs and slowly opening his eyes.

    "F-Frank Lawrence?" he murmured in confusion. "What are you doing here? Wait, where am I?!"

    "You really scared me, Walter!" Susan lunged at Walter, wrapping her arms around him and bawling deafeningly.

    Their marriage was clearly

    functional-even if she disrespected

    Walter for his ipetence, she

    was still worried when something

    this serious happened.

 Chapter 1121

    Nheless, Frank hesitated for a while before pping Susan on the shoulder. "I''m sorry, Mrs. Turnbull now isn''t the time. We need to find out what happened." "What happened...?" Walter murmured, confused even as he looked around at members of his extended family gathered around him.

    He then smacked his head and frowned as he recalled, "Hold on, shouldn''t I attend Denise Laine''sing-of-age ceremony? How did I get here?"

    "Jet brought you back." Glen turned toward a towering man with hardened facial features, looking around his thirties.

    "Jet...?" Walter was stunned, as Jet was leader of the Turnbulls'' ckguards and an adopted son of George Turnbull.

    If Walter''s family had to send the ckguards to bring him back, that meant things had gotten troublesome.

    "Do you remember what happened at the ceremony yesterday?"

    "Yesterday?"

    Walter grimaced as he worked hard to recall and shook his head in pain. "I remember Sif Lionheart offering me a toast, and then I got very sleepy... I don''t remember anything else."

    At those words, the Turnbulls realized immediately that the Lionhearts had done something.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Glen turned toward Frank right then. "Could you find out what happened to Walter?"

    Frank certainly did not need imagination to see what had happened to Walter.

    There must be a nerve agent that caused hallucinations in the wine Sif offered Walter. Once Walter drank it, it led to him molesting Denise.

    "I see..." Glen nodded and sighed in relief after Frank told him that. "I knew Walter would never do that! I mean, molesting the daughter of Morhen''s mayor? Really?"

    "Exactly." Susan was smiling too. "He''d never do that. He was set up!"

    "What?!" Walter was shocked. "You said I molested the daughter of Morhen''s mayor? Impossible!"

    "Like I said, it was a set up," Glen

    said, pping Walter on the shoulder but soon frowning.

    "However, we have no proof, and the Martiat Alliance wouldn''t believe our testimony and would simply

    categorize it as an excuse."

    Pausing, he shook his head and sighed. "If anything, I''m sure their patience would have run out, and they''ll be barging in soon enough."

    Just as Glen predicted, a member of the Martial Alliance arrived outside just then and presented Silverbell with a video camera.

    "Lady Silverbell," he eximed.

    "There''s now solid evidence that et

    Walter Turnbull molested the daughter of Morhen''s mayor Please take a look!"

    "Hmm?"

    One of the elders beside Silverbell nced at her just then. "So

    evidence, Lady Silverbell? It seems that wasn''t as prudent as you are."

    were waiting for decisive you

    "Uh-huh." Silverbell nodded and tapped on the screen.

    The video showed Walter indeed molesting Denise with a sleazy smile, and there was no mistaking him with the quality of the video. "Now that we have evidence, we don''t have reason to waste time."

    Silverbell drew her sword and pointed it at Turnbull Estate. "Go! Arrest Walter Turnbull for his crime. Kill any who stand in your way!" "Yes, Lady Silverbell!" the members of the Martial Alliance roared as they charged through the front door.

 Chapter 1122

    "Hold it! You''re not allowed in here!"

    The Turnbull bodyguards loyally stood their ground, holding the members of the Martial Alliance at the gates.

    In turn, Silverbell bellowed at them, "I have evidence of Walter Turnbull''s crimes! The mayor of Morhen has already issued a warrant! Stand in our way, and you will bebeled an enemy of the Martial Alliance and Draconia!"

    The Turnbull bodyguards traded nces, but they eventually gave in and cleared a path.

    Even if a decision would be made to war against the Martial Alliance, it was not up for them to call it.

    Moreover, they were not in the right-the Martial Alliance had evidence and were making a legal arrest. Resistance would be equal to harboring a fugitive.

    Obviously, Silverbell bade her time waiting for evidence to avoid bloodshed, since violence would ensue if they stormed Turnbull Estate with mere usations.

    "Go!"

    With Silvebell leading the members of the Martial Alliance, they soon arrived at the bungalow where Walter was.

    Storming into Walter''s room, she glowered as she snapped, "Walter Turnbull! You have been found guilty for molesting Denise Laine, daughter of Morhen''s mayor. We have a warrant too." Then, looking at the other Turnbulls, she continued, "Should this family continue to harbor this fugitive, that means you are going to war against the Martial Alliance. Make up your mind now!" "What evidence?! Impossible!" Walter eximed, leaping off his bed.

    He was dead sure he never did anything, even if what Frank and the others said left his heart pounding.

    "Hah! Then I shall prove it to you!" Silverbell snapped and held out the video camera.

    It was indeed Walter in the video, clearly intoxicating and wobbling under influence. He pretended to greet Denise, and while she was off guard, he lifted her gown. "What..."

    The Turnbulls were left staring agape, and disbelief showed on Walter''s face.

    "I-I didn''t do that! That''s impossible!" he cried.

    Even so, the footage

    continued Denise was screaming as she tried to flee, but Walter

    caught her,ughing as he toel?

    at

    her clothes...

    Then, the video ended.

    The Turnbulls were certainly caught off guard¡ªthere was no exining this, even if they suspected that Walter had been framed.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    The evidence was solid.

    They all turned toward Glen.

    "What should we do, Mr. Turnbull?"

    That was when Frank strode up, zing at Silverbell as he said, ¨¥ "Since the evidence is solid, we have no choice but to let them take Mr. Walter. Don''t worry, I''ll get him out soon-"

    The Turnbulls were snapping at him even before he could finish.

    "No! Absolutely not!"

    "You''re nobody! Who died and made you king?!"

    "Exactly! Why should we listen to you?!"

    "We''d may well be confessing our crimes if we handed Walter over!"

    Frank stared at them coolly in turn and snorted as he stopped himself.

    On the other hand, Glen nced at Frank and eventually spoke quietly, "We will do as Frank says. They can take Walter, after which we will work to clear our name."

 Chapter 1123

    "No way! We can''t let them take Walter!"

    "Exactly! We will go down swinging if pushes to shove!"

    "That''s right! We do not fear death!"

    Glen was left glowering as the rest of the Turnbulls argued in defiance.

    "Go down swinging?! Easy for you to say!" he bellowed. "Have none of you considered how serious a blow it would be to our family if we went to war against the mayor of Morhen?! It wouldn''t just be the Martial Alliance if the mayor sends the garrison, we''re really screwed!"

    Looking at everyone around him pointedly, he continued, "At that point, we''d be unable to clear our name while we leap into the pit our enemies dug for us! And that''s exactly what they want-for us to fight the Martial Alliance!"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    While most of the Turnbulls were stunned, some still argued defiantly.

    "What, are we supposed to just give up?"

    "Exactly. Even at best, we''d lose Walter... And our reputation is going down the drain..."

    Glen simply turned to Frank and said quietly, "Mr. Lawrence has already said it-we will let them take Walter while we investigate the incident. When we do, we will be able to save Walter, even turn the tables against our enemies. Mr. Lawrence has already seen that reality, but the rest of you are disappointingly ignorant."

    Even Susan quietly admitted to her shoring as Glen red sternly at everyone.

    And once they turned quiet, Silverbell strode up and asked, "So? Have youe to a decision?"

    "Lady Silverbell." Glen nodded politely. "We will surrender Walter, but will you listen to my one request?"

    "Speak," Silverbell replied, her expression remaining haughty and impassive.

    "Walter has been framed," Glen exined. "Someone is trying to drive a wedge between the mayor and our family. That is why I would ask that the Martial Alliance refrains from using violence against Walter, while we gather evidence as soon as possible to expose the real culprit!"

    Silverbell, however, shook her head. "I can''t offer any assurance... You know what the mayor is like, and nothing you say holds sway." "Hehe..."

    The bearded elder with Silverbell

    chuckled coolly. "You Turnbulls

    would harbor a criminal when

    he

    molested Ms. Laine in public. Talk

    about despicable."

    "Exactly." The other elder sneered. "I''d be skinning him if I were the mayor."

    Their attitude left the Turnbulls hesitant, especially Susan, who was shielding Walter behind herself, glowering.

    Judging from what they said, torture awaited her husband if the Martial Alliance took him away, and even if he returned, he would not be in one piece.

    As such, there was no chance she would let those savages take him!

    However, that was when Walter sighed and rose to his feet, then walked toward Silverbell and the members of the Martial Alliance.

    "Don''t bother," he said. "It''s my crime,

    and I will shoulder the

    consequences myself. It doesn''t

    matter if I was set up-it''s still eptable to me if I can save my family with my sacrifice."

    "Walter!" Susan was sobbing and barely herself.

    Glen sighed bitterly too. "It''s a treacherous path, but there''s nothing else we can do for now..."

    With that, the Turnbulls did not argue at all as the Martial Alliance took Walter away.

 Chapter 1124

    Even as the Turnbulls could only watch as two members of the Martial Alliance strode up and dragged Walter away, Susan started to chase after them, shouting, "Walter!!!" Glen stopped her, his expression exasperated and his words less than convincing, "I know it hurts, Susan... But you have to be strong. We will find evidence soon enough..." What the rest of the Turnbull did not notice, however, was Frank hurrying outside, shouting, "Silverbell!"

    Silverbell stopped in her tracks and smiled stiffly as she slowly turned around.

    She really did not want to see Frank in this situation, since it undoubtedly made her look cool. She certainly did not want to leave a bad impression after being apart for so long. "Frank... Lawrence. Is there something else?"

    "He''s been set up, and there''s no doubt about that." Frank pointed at Walter, his tone stern. "A nerve agent was used on him, and he couldn''t control himself-no, he doesn''t even know what he did yesterday." Silverbell frowned, her expression awkward. "You know that''s just your one-sided testimony..."

    She had to be fair as the chief of the Martial Alliance and show no personal bias.

    Frank paused in turn, ncing at Walter, and said with a determined tone, "I''m not giving you trouble, Silverbell. Give me two days, and I will find the evidence to prove Walter''s innocence. In that time, you must not hurt Walter at all. Can you do that?"

    Silverbell scowled despite his solemn gaze and shook her head. "I can''t..."

    "Even if you can''t!" Frank strode up, his presence murderous.

    "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    "What, are you dering war on us?!"

    "Insolence!"

    The members of the Martial Alliance all drew their weapons, bringing them to bear at Frank.

    "Frank..." Walter was stunned but soon sighed. "You don''t have to worry-"

    "Shut up!" Frank bellowed at him and strode toward Silverbell, slowly cornering her against the wall. "Say yes, or will fight the Martial Alliance right here and now, and none of you will leave alive!"

    His raspy rant left Silverbell shocked, and

    he She turned, frowning. "Who iExclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    do you have to go so far to protect him?!"

    "Don''t bother! What''s your answer-yes or no?!"

    Silverbell''s lips parted repeatedly, but she ultimately could not say no and gave in. "Alright, you have two days... But if you can''t present any new evidence by then, I''ll have to hand him over to the mayor of Morhen."

    "No, Lady Silverbell!"

    The other members of the Martial Alliance were left shocked as Silverbell caved.

 Chapter 1125

    The members of the Martial Alliance had no idea what Frank and Silverbell were talking about, but they heard thest part where Silverbell agreed to Frank''s request of protecting Walter for two days. That was virtually impossible with the power that the mayor of Morhenmanded.

    His daughter was molested in public, and he was not about to wait two days to retaliate!

    If anything, Walter would be killed no sooner after they delivered him to the mayor''s residence.

    Even if Silverbell''s position seemed tomand respect and authority, as a guardian of Morhen-the heart of Draconia-she was basically a glorified bodyguard. She would be punished all the same if she insulted the mayor of Morhen, which was why the members of the Martial Alliance quickly tried to stop her.

    "Absolutely not, Lady Silverbell!"

    "You''d be insulting the mayor of Morhen if you do that... It''ll ruin your future!"

    However, Silverbell knew better than anyone the price she would pay if she protected Walter.

    Even so, she could not refuse Frank''s request, and she was even blushing, her heart pounding when Frank inadvertently cornered her against the wall.

    "That''s enough. Stop trying to talk me out of this," Silverbell said solemnly and sighed. "I''m sure the mayor could afford me if it''s just two days."

    "Do you have to go that far, Lady Silverbell?"

    "For some brat... For Frank Lawrence?"

    Silverbell stayed silent.

    She could not answer the Martial Alliance elders'' questions, but she refused to turn against Frank too.

    "This is thest time," she told

    herself, though her heart was aflutter as she remembered Frank''s determined, unyielding gaze. "Donn, you''ve changed so much over the years..."

    Frank watched as the members of the Martial Alliance left before returning inside the bungalow.

    Since he had done what he could for now, he said, "Mrs. Turnbull, I''d like to know where Vicky is."

    Susan was crying herself hoarse, but she also knew that Walter''s safety depended on Frank.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ng

    Stopping don''t

    She received a

    er tears, she sobbed, "I and left. The letter''s over the t belongs to swn

    11

    Susan fumbled as she passed it to Frank, while Frank''s eyes narrowed when he read it.

    "What does it say?" Glen came up and asked.

    "She''s on Waver Street. Where''s that supposed to be?"

    "Let me see..."

    Glen took the letter and saw that there was a code, telling Vicky to meet on Waver Street.

    No longer hesitating, Glen turned toward Frank and exined, "It''sa quiet ce in Southwest Morhen, a red light district where various factions have partial influence. It''s a total mess..."

    "Who could have lured Vicky there?" Frank asked, ready for action.

    "Wait!" Glen stopped him. "My family''s future hangs in the bnce. We can''t let you go there alone."

 Chapter 1126

    With those words, Glen turned toward Jet and said, "Gather the ckguards and go to Waver Street with Frank. We need to be serious about this."

    Frank would rather work alone, but he was not familiar with Morhen and had to agree to Glen''s suggestion.

    Soon, the ckguards were sortied and departed.

    However, Waver Street was very far from Turnbull Estate, and it was night by the time they arrived.

    It was certainly a lively ce, where people freely mingled, even going at it in the alley.

    Curses, cheers, and jeers could be heard from any corner, and Frank actually stood out like a sore thumb.

    He split up with Jet before walking down the street as agreed.

    "Hey, handsome. Wanna hang out?" A mboyantly dressed woman stood out in the street, winking at Frank with a cigarette between fingers.

    "Come on in! Ourdies are the best!" A middle-aged woman beckoned at Frank.

    "Sorry, I''ll pass," Frank said, having no interest, and shook his head as he sidestepped them.

    At the same time, he was grumbling under his breath, "The perfume from the letter..."

    He thought that it would be easy to track down the sender with the distinct perfume on the letter, but the pungent scent of perfumes was everywhere along Waver Street.

    It also left him especially annoyed that Vicky would definitely be harassed if she showed up here.

    And he was not with her on top of that...

    "Hmm...?!"

    While the thought left him increasingly anxious, he paused, staring at a certain tavern.

    There was nothing innovative about the tavern, and the women were not particrly attractive.

    However, Frank could smell a scent identical to the perfume on the letter!

    He hurried inside without further ado, and soon, a woman in a belly dancer get-up and a veil started downstairs toward him.

    "Oh, where are you from, handsome?" She giggled and fanned herself, spreading the scent of her perfume even further.

    Frank became even more sure that she was the sender and reared his chin at her as he asked, "Who are you?"

    "Haha..." The woman giggled,

    walking toward him. "Now that''s a really strange question, handsome You''re the one who barged into my tavern, making no orders and

    tis

    questioning who I am. What is that if I not rude? Still... I don''t dislike that. I could even say that I like you a lot!"

    "Quit speaking in riddles," Frank said sternly, whipping out the letter between his fingers as he demanded coolly, "You wrote this letter, didn''t you? Come find me if you want to save your father."

    Even as Frank leveled an icy re at the woman, she simply held out a hand invitingly. "Hehe... You really have a sharp nose, handsome, tracking me down from so far away." Frank inadvertently nced at her cleavage just then-she seemed to be squeezing her breasts together deliberately as she bowed slightly forward while keeping her calm smile. Silent for a moment, Frank eventually sat down at one of the booth seats.

    "I''ll be frank. I''d rather not entertain you..."

    The woman brought a bottle of wine and sat nonchntly in front of Frank, pouring a full ss which she slid up to Frank. "But there''s no helping it. You''re just so adorable,

    like you''re tailor made for yours truly!

    I really can''t lie to you..."

    Despite being unable to see her face because of the white veil, Frank could imagine her mischievous smile beneath it.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1127

    Still, Frank had to concede that even though she hid her face, the woman''s figure was one that could give Helen and Vicky a run for their money.

    Her long, fair legs were crossed beneath the table, while her bare belly was t and her skin smooth. Even her gait alone would set a man''s loins on fire, and no average man could withstand her charms-they would fall for her in no time at all.

    However, while Frank liked women and did not shy from allowing his gaze to linger, he had no time to waste now, especially with Vicky''s safety uncertain.

    "Now, now. I know you have plenty of questions, but you must drink this or I won''t answer a thing."

    The woman nced pointedly at the ss of wine she slid to Frank, her eyes shing with dangerous desire.

    Suddenly, her voice seemed to boom with a mystical power as she repeated, "Drink."

    Frank unwittingly reached out, ready to pick up the ss.

    "Hmph!" He suddenly came to his senses and mmed his hand on the table instead as he snapped coldly, "I''m not here to drink. I don''t care who you are-tell me where Vicky is!" "Oh, you''re so tactless!"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    The woman shook her head in disappointment, but soon, her alluring gaze was sharp like a viper''s. "Like I said, Frank Lawrence... Oh, I mean, Donn Lawrence-I''m not telling you a thing if you don''t drink.''

    "What?!"

    Frank was taken aback-she knew who he really was?

    "Haha... Don''t look so surprised. Still, let''s put that thought aside while I deal with a small trifle."

    The woman smiled and turned toward the doorway. "Gentleman, there''s no reason to hide. Why don''t youe out here and announce why you''vee?"

    The men peeking in from the doorway were surprised, but they soon strode in, smiling as they did.

    They had over a dozen goons with them and immediately left the tavern congested.

    The man leading them said, "I''m surprised you noticed us, rity. But we''re here for Frank Lawrence-it''s none of your business."

    Another man added haughtily,

    "Exactly. We know about this ce,

    which is why we have no intention to cause a scene, let alone make

    enemies with you. Just give us

    Frank Lawrence so that we

    l.ne

    can do

    our jobs, and the status quo

    remains."

    They were clearly ready to restrain Frank, as every man was a martial artist-even the weakest was an intermediate Birthright rank.

    And to send so many of them... Whoever it was, was really going all out.

    rity, however, simply smiled. "You know the rules in my establishment, don''t you?"

    "Of course." The leader nodded,

    ncing at Frank as he said quietly.

    "No business may be conducted

    tavern grounds. But this is

    different-the Lionhearts want him dead, so your rule will have to be changed."

    "Really?" rity suddenly glowered andughed. "How amusing. Someone like Sif Lionheart has the gall to intrude on my ground? Whoever made her so daring, wonder?"

    "Sif Lionheart?" Frank murmured, though he had a hunch these men came under that woman''s orders anyway.

 Chapter 1128

    "Now, now. Watch your words now, rity," the leader said quietly. "Ms. Lionheart is an heiress of direct lineage. You will suffer reprisals for your impudent words if the Lionhearts hear what you said." To his surprise, rity seemed not to care at all.

    "Heh..." She scoffed, waving him off exasperatedly. "That''s enough from you. I''m in a good mood, so I won''t hold your intrusion against you just yet. However, I like this man, and I''ve decided no one gets toy a finger on him as long as he''s on Waver Street. Now get out."

    "What?"

    The leader was hesitant, clearly fearing rity.

    Why else would he and his men be trading nces, clearly hesitant about their next move?

    "Hah!"

    One of the goons-a peak Birthright rank- trode up, pointing at rity as he snapped, "You''re Talnamese, so don''t push it! We will have Frank Lawrence, and no one says no to the Lionhearts!" "Exactly! If you want to stay on Waver Street, move aside! Stay out of Lionheart business!"

    "We will have Frank Lawrence now!"

    rity glowered since they were ready for a fight and turned toward Frank with an using sigh. "Look what you''ve done, now, handsome. Oh, what should I do now? Hand you over as I''m told?" "Hmph." Frank snorted coldly and got up, ready to leave and not involve rity.

    However, rity caught his wrist before he could go, pouting, "Honestly, why are you so impatient? I never said I''m handing you over!"

    She stood up as well and narrowed

    her eyes at the Lionheart goons with a smile Gentleman, since you''re ready to get violent in my tavern, you''d have to adhere to one condition of mine." Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "What is it?" the leader asked in surprise.

    "Stay here forever."

    "What-"

    Even before the leader could react, rity had waved her hand, releasing a puff of pink powder.

    It spread against the air into a pink mist, quickly shrouding the dozen martial artists at the doorway. "Argh!!!"

    "Bonemelter?!"

    Frank''s eyes widened in shock and wariness, even as the Lionheart goons screamed hysterically. Soon, they were reduced to nothing but pus in just two minutes after they barged through the front door. Even as Frank nced at rity, he made a mental note that she would be a troublesome opponent.

    On the other hand, rity was her charming self when she turned back

    ??

    to Frank. "I''m afraid I can''t tell you I who I am What I can tell you that this ce is where ckrank missions and bounties are assigned, so you can say that I''m very

    well-informed."

    "As for your beloved... She should be arriving in Jundo Showtown soon, though Sif Lionheart has a whole trove of traps waiting for her."

    rity clicked her tongue as she

    sighed and smiled. "Tut, tut... the

    road ahead is treacherous for you, t

    but I like you, so you can have another piece of information for free You want evidence that the Lionhearts framed the Turnbulls, don''t you?"

 Chapter 1129

    rity then slid a note to Frank, and the little piece of paper carried her distinct perfume too.

    "Here''s the address," she said. "Go there and see for yourself, though it depends on your ability whether you find what you need."

    "Why are you helping me?" Frank asked, ring coldly and skeptical that she had really taken a liking to him.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Oh, why won''t you believe me? I''ve been in love with you for the longest time," rity giggled bewitchingly. "Naturally, I might have favors to ask in the future... So you can consider this my investment, Mr. Lawrence. Think of it as just owing me one."

    Frank stayed silent for a while before asking tly in return, "Are you so sure I''ll return the favor?"

    "Hehe. You''re a man of your word, handsome. I know that better than anyone."

    "Hmm. In that case..."

    Frank picked up the ss of wine and chugged it. "I''ll owe you a favor and return it some other day!"

    rity watched as he turned to leave, giggling. "Hehe... What a nice man. Be careful, Vicky Turnbull... I can barely stop myself now."

    As Frank left Waver Street, Jet and the other Turnbull ckguards rendezvoused with him.

    "Do you know where Ms. Turnbull is, Mr. Lawrence?" Jet asked.

    "Yeah." Frank nodded and passed Jet the note.

    "What''s this?" Jet recognized that the address was not far from where they were.

    Frank exined, "You will find evidence that the Lionhearts were framing Walter Turnbull there. Comb through it, and you''ll find something." Jet frowned. "What about you?"

    "I''ll save Vicky," Frank said. "She might already be in danger."

    "No, Mr. Lawrence." Jet refused, clearly concerned about Frank and volunteering himself instead. "The ckguards and myself will go instead."

    Frank frowned in turn. "What, do you think you''re stronger than I am? You have the numbers, so you''re better in a search, while I have the advantage of stealth since I''m going alone. That''s the ideal arrangement here."

    "Why should we listen to you?"

    "Yeah, Glen Turnbull never said we should follow your orders to the letter!"

    The other ckguards were quick to voice their discontent toward Frank.

    Even if they thought that Frank''s reasoning made sense, they simply did not like some nobody telling them what to do.

    In the end, they cared more about

    the who than the what, since most Turnbulls thought the worst of Frank. Most who were still in the dark even consider him the culprit for the current strained rtionship between the Turnbulls and the Lionhearts.

    After all, Vicky would have married into the Lionheart family if not for him, and all would have been well.

    There certainly would not be any trouble, let alone Walter being taken away by the Martial Alliance.

    Naturally, they were all unhappy with Frank, though the man was not concerned at all.

    Frowning, he snapped at them

    coolly, "You were sent here, so you should be doing the Turnbulls''

    bidding as told. I don''t care what et

    prejudice you hold against me, but my n is the best in this situation. So unless you have a better n, shut up and do as you''re told!"

 Chapter 1130

    Frank snapped at the Turnbull ckguards coolly, "You were sent here, so you should be doing the Turnbulls'' bidding as told. I don''t care what prejudice you hold against me, but my n is the best in this situation. So unless you have a better n, shut up and do as you''re told!"

    While Frank''s attitude drew much shouts of disapproval from the Turnbull ckguards, Jet was holding his gaze and said firmly, "I believe Mr. Lawrence''s n makes sense in this situation. We have the numbers, and splitting up makes searching easier."

    "But..."

    "No buts," Jet snapped, his brow easing as he said quietly, "This address is close from here. The sooner we secure evidence, the sooner we''ll be able to assist Mr. Lawrence."

    Turning to level an impassive stare at Frank, he asked, "Right?"

    "Right." Frank nodded.

    "Good. Let''s move!" Jet waved, and all the Turnbull ckguards hurried to the address Frank provided.

    Frank himself hurried to Jundo Showtown.

    Meanwhile, Vicky had arrived outside Jundo Showtown after rity told her to go there alone if she wanted to save her father.

    She never told Glen where she was going, only bringing five of the best Turnbull ckguards and heading to Jundo Showtown post haste.

    It was the Soranos'' turf, and a ce of vices.

    As soon as Vicky arrived, a waiter who appeared to have been waiting approached her, leading her to the elevator that took her down to the first basement level.

    Once the door opened, she was repulsed both physically and mentally as she found herself staring at a grand masquerade ball.

    Naturally, it was a ball only in name-in reality, it was an asion where the rich and powerful took off their clothes and usual facade, under the anonymity behind their masks.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    There was no sanity or morals to speak of here. Pink lights overhead illuminated the worst of humanity with crowds cheering the scantily dressed women dancing on the stage, all of them intoxicated with alcohol.

    Sif Lionheart had two handsome men in each arm, and her eyes lit up when she saw Vicky step out of the elevator.

    "Hahaha... You really came! Bring her to me!" she promptly bellowed at the Lionheart bodyguards around her.

    Even after Vicky was dragged there and forced to kneel, it took her some effort to recognize the person in the dimly lit room. "Sif?!"

    "Hahaha... Didn''t expect this, did

    you?!" Sifughed. "I spent a fortune

    just to have ckrock pass my message, and you had to fall for such a simple trick. Tut, tut... You really are the best daughter @father could ask for!"

    "What do you want?!" Vicky snapped indignantly.

    "What do I want?" Sif giggled, pushing off the men in her way and strode up to Vicky, brandishing a switchde around Vicky''s cheeks. "To repay your family''s kind

    hospitality, of course! I wonder what Frank Lawrence would think now that you''re in my hands."

    "Don''t get ahead of yourself, Sif!" Vicky snapped defiantly. "Our ckguards will be here soon!"

    "ckguards? Oh, right! I was told some maggots tried to sneak in, but my men dealt with them."

    Sif pped her hands, and several corpses were thrown out of the elevator.

    Vicky paled when she saw that they were the Turnbull ckguards she brought, only for Sif to notice them and dispose of them so quickly!

 Chapter 1131

    "Let her go." Sif waved, gesturing for the bodyguards to release Vicky.

    However, the advantage was all too clear, and Vicky would not resist unless she was stupid.

    And just as Sif had expected, Vicky did not push her luck and stared at Sif fixedly instead.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Don''t give me that look now, Vicky." Sif smiled in amusement. "I''m just repaying the humiliation I suffered at the hands of your family."

    "Humiliation? What humiliation could you be talking about?" Vickyughed coolly. "If I recall, aside from keeping you confined, we offered you the best hospitality and saw to your every need."

    "Exactly! You confined me, and that''s an insult to me and the Lionhearts!" Sif bellowed, though her expression quickly eased. "Things shouldn''t have gone this way, Vicky. You should''ve be my sister-in-w... We really had a good chance of bing family."

    "Forget it." Vicky snorted. "Titus is a wolf in sheep''s clothing, conspiring to have my whole family killed. Do you think I''m as stupid as you are, stooping to spouting such nonsense?"

    "Insolence!" The Lionheart bodyguard beside Vicky strode up and pped her across the face, knocking her to the floor and cracking her lip.

    "Now''s really not the time to be stubborn, Vicky."

    Sif slowly walked up to her, dropping to a crouch with a gleeful smile. "Go on, kneel before me and beg. If you''re sincere enough, I''ll tell you who''s the one who framed your father. Who knows, you might be able to bail him out."

    "Would you really tell the truth if I kneel?" Vicky struggled to look up, her eyes shing defiantly.

    "Tut, tut. You''re in no ce to argue, are you?"

    Sif clicked her tongue. "I heard that the Martial Alliance has already taken your father. Just take a moment and imagine what the mayor would do to your father once he has him... Urgh."

    Sif certainly did not need to borate, since Vicky tensed as if seeing the torment that awaited her father already.

    "Kneel!" Sif bellowed right then. "Get down on your knees, unless you want your father dead!"

    Silence ensued.

    Eventually Vicky dropped on her knees as everyone watched and- giggled, her forehead striking the floor so hard in her kowtow that she bled.

    She knew that Sif just wanted to humiliate her, but she had no choice

    because she wanted to save her

    father. All she could do was to

    ept whatever wasing to her.

    As for Sif, she was getting full of herself as the usually proud Vicky was bowing to her.

    "Hahaha... Well done, Vicky! I never thought that this would ever happen!"

    Sif snapped her fingers, and herckeys promptly bought her a couch.

    She sat and watched as Vicky remained on her knees, smiling in amusement, and suddenly said, "Now take off your clothes."

    "What?" Vicky looked up in confusion, thinking she had misheard.

    "You heard me!" Sif crossed her legs and sneered. "I said, take off your clothes!"

    "Watch yourself," Vicky snapped back.

    However, even as she looked around

    and saw the masked men leering

    at her, she unwittingly

    gightened her clothes, scowling.

 Chapter 1132

    Sif was clearly determined to humiliate Vicky. Even though Vicky did not move, she remained nonchnt. "It''s fine if you don''t do it yourself. I have all the time I need... but I wonder how many rounds of torture would your father survive?"

    Then, turning to one of her bodyguards, she asked, "Jimmy, is it true what they say, that the Martial Alliance are really good when ites to torture? Tearing off the nails is apparently basic... They''d pour wine down eye sockets and y their victims... Oh, the horror!"

    "Yes, Ms. Lionheart." Jimmy smiled. "With all the martial artists they have, they can make sure that the subject would keep breathing as long as they want. Talk about letting her father die by a thousand cuts¡ª" "Stop!" Vicky cried, overwhelmed.

    She could still see her father''s kind smile in her mind, and she knew her father he was never a pervert, and he had definitely been set up.

    And she certainly knew who did it too, but she just did not have proof.

    Even if she hated Sif to the bone, she knew that Sif was not exaggerating, and that her father was likely being put through the list of torture Sif mentioned.

    Sif shrugged. "I know you''re a proud woman, Vicky, but aren''t you going to be more serious if you want to save your father? Did you really think I''d happily let you have proof if you just kowtowed and apologized? That''s so naive of you."

    "No, Sif. You never were going to help me!" Vicky snapped. "You''re the one who framed my father!"

    "Oh, you finally guessed it?" Sif sneered gleefully. "Hahaha... You''re smart, Vicky, but only that smart. Yes, I was the one who framed your father, and it won''t just be you. I will bring down your entire family, and I will make sure Frank Lawrence suffers in eternal agony! Annulling my family''s engagement, stopping my brother''s master n, and stealing his woman? You all deserve to die! And I will watch as everyst Turnbull is crushed, while Frank screams on his knees in despair!"

    It was a sham from the very start tonight, Sif would torment Vicky as savagely as she could, or she would not rest easy!

    And Vicky was just the start... The Turnbulls, Frank, and even the South Sea Crow would not even know what wasing for them!

    They would all pay for their insolence!

    "You''ve gone too far, Sif!" Vicky bellowed icily. "Do you know what troubles await you and the Lionhearts once the mayor of Morhen finds out?!"

    "The mayor of Morhen?"

    Sif snorted in disdain. "He''s nothing more than a clown. No one could ever threaten the Lionhearts!"

    Then, folding her arms before her chest, Sif leveled a gleeful sneer at Vicky. "Now, what are you going to do? Are you going to undress on your own, or do these kind folks around you have to help? Just look at them... They can barely wait!"Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Off! Off! Off!"

    Sif''s call was like fuel to fire, and the masked figures around Vicky were all cheering in excitement even as they leered at her.

 Chapter 1133

    It was especially the case for the men. Intoxicated by alcohol, they were all leering at Vicky''s stunning figure, lust and libido ring all over their faces beneath the mask.

    Nheless, Vicky suddenly snapped at Sif, "Since you''re not interested in being reasonable, I''m not going to y along!"

    With that, she vaulted agilely, leaping into the crowd to flee.

    Though her cultivation was crippled due to poisoning before, Frank''s pill had helped restore her strength as a martial artist.

    And while her strength was nothing to brag about, she had the element of surprise.

    It was why she made herself look weak ever since she arrived-knowing that she was never getting anything out of Sif, she prepared herself to escape at a moment''s notice.

    "What?!"

    Sif slowly rose from the couch when Vicky suddenly leapt away.

    However, while she was surprised by Vicky''s move, she remained calm, even gloating, "Did you really think you could get away, Vicky?"

    And to no surprise, the Lionheart bodyguards who had blended into the crowd caught Vicky soon enough and brought her back to Sif.

    "Ms. Lionheart." One of them handed Sif a voice recorder. "She was carrying this."

    "A recorder?"

    Sif took it, shaking her head.

    "Hehehe... Oh Vicky... I really have to

    admit that you''re so smart that it scares me now. You first made yourself look weak, begging for me to spare your father while tricking me into admitting that it was all my doing before running away."

    Vicky glowered even as she stared at Vicky holding the recorder, as herst move was thwarted.

    She did not expect the Lionheart bodyguards to have the entire floor covered, and she could not make it out as she was now.

    Sif kept gloating, "So, do you have another move, Vicky? Go on, now''s the time to use it."

    Vicky leveled a cool re at her. "Do

    you understand what you''re doing? You''ve killed my family''s

    ckguards and framed a member of the main Turnbull family. This is no longer a provocation-the Turnbulls will go to war a

    the

    Lionhearts if they find out! Can the Lionhearts really bear theExclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    consequences?!"

    Sif waved her off nonchntly despite her threat, even sneering confidently. "Come on, quit acting like it''s a big deal. The geezers of the Turnbull family would never dare to

    turn against us Lionhearts dared

    I''ve

    looked into your family-none of them would even give a damn if you die here. All they care about is protecting their precious wealth, while living in fear of the day we Lionhearts woulde for them!"

    "In other words..."

    Smiling, Sif walked up to Vicky, caressing her cheeks. "You''re my toy from now on. You will suffer the worst humiliation and the most terrible agony, all for my amusement."

    She then leered at Vicky''s curvaceous body before leaning in to whisper into her ear, "Just think about it... I will keep you here, while you spread your legs for over a hundred men each day. What''s going to happen to you then?"

    "I wonder how mad Frank would be when he finally arrives and sees what bes of his beloved! Oh, all the photos and videos that would spread... What would the world think of the Turnbulls after this, Vicky?"

 Chapter 1134

    Sif pped her hand on Vicky''s shoulder, giggling. "Don''t worry. I''m not going to let you die... You''ll just be suffering a lot." Vicky''s eyes widened, as terror gripped her for the first time.

    Even with all her pride, charm, and elegance, this was the first time she had ever felt so helpless and so terrified that it hurt. "No... Stop..." she murmured in panic.

    "Still not taking them off? Let me help!" Sif bellowed right then, gesturing for her bodyguards to hold Vicky down by her arms.

    Then, whipping out her switchde, Sif sliced through her jacket, revealing the fair skin and white underwear underneath.

    "Oh?" Sif eximed in surprise. "I''m shocked, Vicky... You''re so bold and despicable on the surface, but you''re such a demure maiden underneath! Hell, you''d put a high school girl to shame with those underwear... Don''t tell me that you''re still a virgin?!"

    Vicky gritted her teeth but said nothing, while Sifughed in disbelief as if finding treasure.

    Looking at the masked figures around them, she shouted, "Everyone! Behold, the famous Vicky Turnbull is actually a virgin! Can you believe it?!"

    "Shit, for real?!"

    "That''s amazing!"

    "Hehehe..."

    Even as the crowd gasped in disbelief, Sif dramatically reached out to grope Vicky''s breasts, her eyes shing in jealousy right then.

    Was there a woman who was not vain? And not only did Sif lose to Vicky in looks, but she had to lose out in terms of her figure too! Before she realized it, Sif felt an indescribable gloom welling up in her gut at the sight of Vicky''s pretty face and perfect figure. "Hah!" She suddenlyughed. "You little maneater... Your tyranny ends today!"

    "What are you doing?!" Vicky panicked even as she watched Sif''s switchde inch closer to her face.

    "Don''t worry. I''m just making you

    prettier Sif sneered viciously andet

    suddenly

    shed het

    across Vicky''s fair cheek.

    SV

    "Argh!" Vicky screamed, even as she left with a deep, gruesome gash stretching down her cheek.

    At theOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lionbame time, Sif bellowed, "The

    xe

    gave you an opportunity,

    but you insist on annulling your engagement for that piece of shit!"

    Then, she shed at Vicky again, her switchde tearing through Vicky''s lips this time.

    The pain left Vicky flinching, but she held on, forcing back her tears.

    "Oh, tough, aren''t you?"

    Sifughed despite herself and started shing Vicky''s face repeatedly.

    As she did

    and

    if to

    she was cursing Vicky every perceived slight as and

    Vicky both pallet

    emotionally. Contents to

    And after over a dozen shes, Vicky was thoroughly disfigured and started bleeding rapidly. "Bring the medicine!" Sif bellowed at her bodyguards, seeing that Vicky could bleed out and die.

    The bodyguards quickly brought a bottle of kaolin and roughly wiped it all over Vicky''s face. She groaned from the stinging sensation of her wounds but still did not shed a tear. Though she would not bleed out now, her beautiful face was now thoroughly disfigured.

 Chapter 1135

    Thud.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Overwhelmed by sheer agony, Vicky copsed limply on the floor.

    Sif snorted. "Ah, what a delicate maiden, copsing even before I''m done. You''re not even going tost days, but that''s fine. I just wanted to see you crumble in regret."

    Dropping her blood-stained knife, she gestured at her bodyguards. "Go. Hang her on the stage-I''m going to pick the first lucky guest soon." "Yes, ma''am!"

    Two of Sif''s bodyguards picked Vicky up and dragged her to the stage illuminated with myriad colored bubbles, hanging her up by her wrists. "Wake her up," Sif added, reclining against her couch and lighting herself a cigarette, crossing her legs as she enjoyed the show. Ssh!

    A bodyguard sshed a bucket of water over Vicky, jolting her awake.

    Sif spread her arms right then. "Oh, Vicky... Where''s your pride now? You look so much like a pathetic wet hen now. I could reallyugh."

    Then, pointing at the crowd below the stage, she said, "You see these people? These are all your guests for tonight. They will all take turns to love you... and don''t worry, I will record everything and send it to Frank first thing. He will get to watch his woman having fun with so many men, so don''t forget to smile."

    "I''ll kill you!" Vicky bellowed with thest bit of strength she had, wincing in pain as she tore open the cuts across her face and started bleeding again.

    "Go on, yell all you want you''d lose the strength for that soon enough."

    Sif sneered, and pped her hands

    to draw the attention of the eager masked men standing nearby. "Everyone, I''m sure I don''t have to introduce Vicky Turnbull. I do

    et x

    apologize for ruining her face, but that body? Tut, tut... Few couldpare, don''t you agree?

    "What''s more, she''s a virgin!"

    The whole crowd cheered thunderously at that.

    "Me! Me! Me! Let me go first, Ms. Lionheart!"

    "Don''t even think about it! I''m first!"

    "I''ll pay! I''ll even pay!"

    "Shit, Vicky Turnbull''s first time? The very idea sounds thrilling!"

    The masked man all cheered so deafening they threatened to bring down the ceiling, enthusiasm showing all over their face.

    After all, few could match Vicky''s beauty across all of Draconia! She was a real goddess in the eyes of many, and it crushed the hearts of many when her engagement with Titus Lionheart was announced.

    But somehow, the same goddess was here right before them, ripe for the taking.

    How could they call themselves a man if they did not devour this feast served to them? The honor of deflowering her only sent them into further frenzy!

    "How long are we going to argue about this?!" rotund man barked just then. "Ms. Lionheart, let''s decide this with an auction! Whoever pays the first goes first, and the next highest bid goes second, and so forth. Naturally, the poor ones gost. How about that?"

    "Wonderful! Why did that never ur to me?" Sif eximed, smacking herself on the forehead before turning toward Vicky and guffawing.

    "Oh, Vicky, just look-you may be disfigured, but so many men still desire you! You are truly blessed!"

 Chapter 1136

    Sif eximed. "You''re truly blessed!"

    In spite of all the pain Sif put her through, Vicky never shed a tear.

    However, the sight of the men bidding fiercely to have her body was so humiliating her tears trickled down her cheeks silently.

    Naturally, no one noticed that amid the rowdiness.

    "A million dors! You hear me?! A million dors!" a man with a pig mask shouted.

    "Shit, are you stupid? A million for Vicky Turnbull''s first time?"N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    A man with a dog mask scoffed at him right then and shouted, "I bid five million dors!"

    A man with a chimp mask chuckled. "No way. That''s too high, and not with that scarred face. Hell, I''ll hold back and bid four million-I don''t mind going second." "Exactly. There''s no inting the price when there''s no beauty to speak of."

    "Your money would just go to waste!"

    "Shit, five million? That''s worth a night with Noel York!"

    "Bullshit. Noel wouldn''t even be interested in your fat ass!"

    Raucousughter ensued, though the man in the dog mask was snorting smugly. "None of you get it. It''s for the thrill, get it? I couldn''t care less about the money!" On the other hand, Vicky was left in despair.

    She was honored to be one of Draconia''s most beautiful women, but she was hung in such humiliating fashion on stage as if she was livestock.

    And the men bidding to have their way with her were actuallyining that they would be overpaying.

    The ignominy could kill her right then.

    Sif was on her feet just then, relishing the look on Vicky''s face.

    Meanwhile, since no one was raising the five million dor bid, the honor of deflowering Vicky went to the man in the dog mask.

    Nodding and smiling at the man, Sif said, "Go on, enjoy. Just remember to be gentle."

    Then, turning to the others, she said,

    "The rest of you shall stay in the queue. As agreed, you will take turns ording to the cement of your bid-even those who didn''t bid will have a turn for free, though you''d have to wait!"

    The whole crowd cheered, while the man in the dog mask hurried on stage, leering pervertedly at what''s left of Vicky''s clothes, and her fair skin underneath.

    "Hehehe... Five million is definitely worth it! Those fools would never understand how precious a woman''s first time is!"

    Vicky flinched and came to her senses right then. She watched as the man approached and shouted herself hoarse, saying, "Touch me, and the Turnbulls will make you pay!"

    "Oh, but how are you going to do

    that? You don''t even know who le am." The man in the dog mask shook his head in feigned sympathy. "I feel for you, Ms. Turnbull, eally do but I can''t back down now, can 1? sw?ovel

    The other masked men below stage were certainly impatient and started to shout at him.

    "Cut the chatter! Get a fucking move on!"

    "Yeah, we''re all waiting!"

    "Hold on, guys. He might be a quick shot, so he''s trying to drag it out to get his buck''s worth!"

    "Hahaha!!!"

    "Do it!"

    "Go!"

    "And you call yourself a man?!"

    As the rowdiness continued, the man in the dog mask shrugged at Vicky. "Sorry, Ms. Turnbull. As you can see, everyone''s telling me to get things started, and I have no choice but toply... Hehe. It''s really not my fault-you only have yourself to me for messing with the Lionhearts!"

 Chapter 1137

    The basement floor was a scene of depravity.

    Seeing that her threat failed, Vicky struggled against her restraints as hard as she could.

    It only loosened her blouse and bared more of her fair skin, stimting the lust of the masked men instead!

    The man in the dog mask chuckled sleazily. "Don''t worry, Ms. Turnbull. I''ll be gentle since it''s your first time... Hahaha!!!"

    With that, he lunged at Vicky.

    "Frank..." Vicky murmured helplessly just then.

    She was convinced she could resolve this issue without Frank''s help, but in her moment of need, she was yearning for that man to save her again.

    "Hahaha! I know you''re waiting for him to save you, but give up already!"

    Sifughed, as if hearing her feeble murmur. "My men are keeping an eye out for Frank, and they''re ready to jump him as soon as he gets near this ce! You''d never see him again! Hahaha..." Her taunt left Vicky closing her eyes, yielding to despair.

    For only a second.

    "Fuck off!"

    Bang!

    The elevator doors were suddenly kicked open, flying through the air along with the lifeless body of a Lionheart bodyguard.

    St!

    The corpsended like a rag doll, rolling several times beneath the stage lights.

    Naturally, the man in the dog mask froze as well, because the corpse ended up rolling just a few feet away from him, and it was headless.

    Silence ensued, and soon a dark figure vaulted out of the elevator too.

    "Where is Vicky Turnbull?!" Frank bellowed, and every masked figure backed away whenever he approached.

    After all, he was holding a bleeding head with his bare hand!

    "D-Darling..." Vicky called out when she heard the familiar voice, her nostrils suddenly watery and her tears unstoppable.

    The towering figure looked up, flinching as if jolted when he saw Vicky being strung up as if she was livestock.

    Then, the air in the basement floor seemed to turn colder by over a dozen degrees.

    A man in a rabbit mask was even

    watching as the champagne ss in his hand started to freeze up from

    within, before shattering witho

    ng.

    a loud

    Panic showed in his eyes beneath the mask, while a cold gale could vaguely be felt billowing through the air.

    In fact, the lively crowd suddenly seemed to freeze up at the same time.

    "You are all going to die..." Frank clenched his knuckle, growling murderously through his teeth.

    His fury was threatening to blow out of his ribs and massacre every lifeform before him, even as rage consumed his rational mind.

    The sight of a tearful, battered Vicky made him truly understand for the first time that he really, really loved her.

    "Hehehe.... I''m surprised you actually made it, Frank Lawrence!"

    On the other hand, Sif did not seem all by the silence, even

    as she strode up, with overPublished by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    twenty elite Lionheart bodyguards in

    tow.

    These bodyguards were all groomed from childhood, each of them Birthright rank or above.

    That was why Sif waspletely

    undaunted under their protection even provoking Frank endlessly. "See? Your woman is all tied up on a stage, Frank! How about that?"

 Chapter 1138

    Sif keptughing. "There''s so many men waiting for their turn with her too... Upsets you a lot, doesn''t it? Good! That''s the look I wanted to see on your face-but don''t worry, you''ll be making an even more amusing one soon enough, as you watch your woman being fucked from afar while you can do nothing! Oh, it''s killing me!"

    Then, she turned toward the man in the dog mask who had froze on stage, snapping, "Did I tell you to stop?! Get going! This is an order-you have the Lionhearts standing between you and Frank Lawrence, so you''re safe from him! Make him watch as you have your way with his woman!"

    While Sif turned back to Frank, rearing her chin gleefully, the man in the dog mask appeared taken aback but soonughed shrilly.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Hahaha! What a thrill! I like it!!!" he eximed, almost stuttering in his enthusiasm. "Don''t worry, Ms. Turnbull. I will show you such heavenly pleasure that you''ll forget about him soon enough!"

    After all, what did he have to fear with the Lionhearts backing him? That brat in the distance would end up watching as he did it... And the thought was even more exciting than just taking Vicky''s first time! "Move an inch, and you''ll regret it," Frank suddenly said.

    His tone was unexpectedly calm, but it was like the calm before the storm.

    "What?"

    The man in the dog mask did a double take but soon pointed at Frank as heughed. "Who do you think you are?! I have the Lionhearts'' protection! You need to get past them before you can threaten me! Don''t move, you say? Hell no! Not only will I move, but your girl will also break under my moves!"

    Laughing savagely, the man in the dog mask started to reach downward.

    That was when Frank looked up, his lips parting as he breathed, "Go."

    Bang!

    "Argh!!!"

    The man in the dog mask let out a blood-curdling scream, clutching his groin which suddenly exploded like a bomb, blowing his testicles into pieces.

    "I warned you," Frank growled icily, rearing his chin.

    "H-How dare you... I''ll kill you!" the man in the dog mask shrieked.

    However, the explosion had also loosen his mask, and everyone could see who he was-he was Leslie Kon, son of the Morhen garrison''s deputymander.

    "What?!"

    "Shit, it''s him..."

    "It''s the deputymander''s son!"

    Leslie could certainly hear them talking, but he could not care less as he turned towards Sif and bellowed, "He attacked me! What the fuck are you doing by just standing there?!"

    Sif was furious too. She flung her cigarette on the ground, pointing at Frank and snapping, "Hah! How dare you attack my guest when you''re surrounded! You''ve really done it now! Guards, take him and cut off his limbs! I want him to watch as the other guests have their w with his woman!"

    "Yes, ma''am!"

    At her orders, the Lionheart bodyguards drew their weapons and charged at Frank.

 Chapter 1139

    Frank reared his chin and bellowed, "Die!"

    It was only then that Sif noticed that Frank''s eyes had gone blood red.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    At the same time, the death aura around him was so condensed it could well be solid, and it swirled rapidly like an unfurling gale.

    "Come and get it!" he bellowed as he met the charging Lionheart bodyguards without flinching, even charging at them in turn and shattering a machete swung at his face.

    As the Lionheart bodyguard looked on in shock, Frank punched his face, rupturing it like a watermelon.

    "What?!"

    The other Lionheart bodyguards felt pangs of terror within them, as they could see that the machete could not even pierce Frank''s skin.

    They were Birthright rank, but their sword techniques required weapons to truly shine.

    And the man with blood red eyes who stood before them was immune to said weapons!

    What rank was he?! Peak Ascendant?!

    "Hyah¨D!"

    With a raging cry, Frank caught the sword another Lionheart bodyguard swung at him, snapping the de and shoving the fragment into the man''s eye.

    "Argh!!!" the Lionheart bodyguard screamed, clutching his face as he rolled around on the floor.

    "Come on, hit me, or I''m going to hit you instead!" Frank bellowed with a hint of sadism.

    He then pointed at another Lionheart bodyguard, shattering his heart into a dozen pieces.

    The man suddenly went limp even as his jaw dropped in shock and died in utter confusion. "What technique was that?!"

    "Let''s go together! Don''t give him any openings!"

    The other Lionheart bodyguards finally realized that things were dire, as Frank was far stronger than they expected. They charged at him all at once, but Frank stood his ground once more.

    With a raging cry, he unleashed the Death Eater and the Five-Peat Archaeus at the same time.

    He could well be the reaper himself, sending shockwaves with every punch and leaving the entire building shaking.

    In fact, all of South Morhen was left rumbling!

    "Roar!"

    As if unleashing his beastly side, Frank caught the neck of yet another Lionheart bodyguard and tore it from his shoulders. Then, holding up the corpse with one hand, he mmed it into the head of another Lionheart bodyguard.

    Within moments, the entire basement floor was a bloody scene of ughter.

    Guests screamed as they scampered across every direction, but Frank continued his massacre without mercy.

    Wherever he passed, death ensued-be it Lionheart bodyguards or guests who could not make it in time. "H-Help..."

    The masked guests who were losing themselves in debauchery moments ago were all left petrified, even as they watched Frank strode toward them, covered in blood.

    Some were even stammering nonsense about begging the reaper for mercy.

    Still, Sif was inevitably the most terrified person in the room.

    She panicked when she saw Frank cut down her bodyguards like they were straws effortlessly, and started to look around for a way out.

    However, Frank was already in front

    of her, while her bodyguards were all on the floor, killed in every manner gruesome and none of them in one piece.

    As Frank stood before her, silent, Sif started to shriek, "F-Frank Lawrence! How dare you kill my bodyguards... mutte their bodies... You''re dead... You''re a dead man, you hear?!"

 Chapter 1140

    "Heh."

    Frank snorted fearlessly despite Sif''s threat, even grabbing her thighs.

    "What are you doing-argh!!!"

    Sif actually thought for a moment that Frank would force himself on her, only for Frank to break her legs with rtive ease, leaving her with heartrending agony.

    "You''re not getting away now," Frank smiled sinisterly, shing his bright white teeth.

    Sif finally understood fear in that instant even as she was left sprawled on the floor.

    She watched as Frank left her and walked toward Vicky, intent on cursing him, but she was in too much pain to do so.

    All she could think just then was that Frank was far more powerful than she thought, and barely a handful of individuals in her family could take him down... And that she could not die here yet!

    Gritting her teeth, she started crawling toward the stairs with all her strength, bolstered by the thought that she must escape.

    And once she did...

    On the other hand, Frank had cut Vicky loose and relocated her arm.

    "Frank..." Vicky threw her arms around him, not bothered by the agony on her arm and face as she hugged the man she yearned for most. "I''m so sorry..."

    "It''s alright. Everything''s fine as long as you''re safe." Frank sighed as he returned her embrace.

    "Did Sif do this to you?" he then asked as he held her cheeks, pain showing all over his eyes.

    She was so beautiful!

    Even if Vicky would never see it, she was secretlypetitive with Helen as women often were.

    As such, the gruesome gashes over Vicky''s face left Frank''s repressed rage ring again.

    Being disfigured for a woman with Vicky''s pride could well be irreversible trauma, and his knuckles clenched at the very thought.

    "Frank..."

    Vicky, however, did not seem to care and actually tried to smile despite her gruesome face.

    Her effort only tore apart the scabs over her cheeks, and she started bleeding again.

    "Oh., don''t worry about it. Let''s just get out of here already," she said and ran to the couch to pick up her voice recorder, sighing in relief when she checked the contents and saw that Sif did not delete anything. N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    That was when she heard a sigh. "Hmm... I''d rather not meddle, but..."

    Suddenly, a man with a split mustache appeared beside Vicky, moving as fast as lightning.

    Frank did not even have time to

    react when he snatched the voice recorder out of Vicky''s hand and

    caught her by the neck with a single

    hand.

    "I''m afraid you can''t have that, or things would get troublesome if the mayor learns of our... ambition." Damon Lionheart chuckled.

    When Frank got a good look, his heart skipped a beat.

    The man was at peak Ascendant rank-a tried and true martial elite!

    "Frank Lawrence, was it?" Damon leveled a nonchnt look at Frank. "Why don''t we put this mess behind us? I will release Vicky Turnbull, but you must keep your nose out of Lionheart business and refrain from assisting the Turnbulls any further. How about that?"

 Chapter 1141

    Seeing that Damon had Vicky, Frank did not hesitate. "Deal."

    His quick response actually left Damon taken aback. "Are you sure, kid? Were you really listening to what I''m saying?"

    Despite his nonchnt expression, his eyes were glued to Frank, as if to read what was really on Frank''s mind.

    "I am, though I have a condition in return," Frank said and pointed at Vicky. "I''m not interested in the Turnbulls'' affairs, but the Lionhearts are not to bother Vicky''s immediate family in Riverton."

    "Sure." Damon nodded, but he soon snorted.

    Both his eyes and Frank''s narrowed, reading each other''s intentions right then.

    Damon was just using Vicky to divert Frank''s attention and find an opening, while Frank was just responding haphazardly in his attempt to get Vicky back.

    For Frank''s part, he could see that the old man was more than met the eye, and the fact that he easily agreed to Frank''s request meant he was at minimum a Lionheart executive. On the other hand, Damon was narrowing his eyes warily.

    He could see that while Frank merelypleted Birthright rank, his pure vigor was solid, even wless.

    Moreover, if Damon killed Vicky now, Frank would definitely tell the Turnbulls what had happened... and he was not a hundred percent assured that he could take Frank down.

    A minute of silence ensued between both men.

    In fact, it was not even them who stopped the stalemate-it was Vicky, whom Damon had caught in a restraining hold.

    Seeing that the old man and Frank''s attention was fixed on each other, she endured the pain to subtly pick up Sif''s switchde and stab Damon in the hip!

    It was sheer coincidence that Damon''s hip was wounded three years ago, during the siege of Mystic Sky Sect.

    That was the only weak point he had, and even the pure vigor protecting it was thin.

    To make things worse, Vicky sunk

    the switchde squarely on a

    meridian, causing him to flinchel

    release her neck.

    "What-"

    Bang!

    Even before Damon could react, Frank seized his chance, unleashing the Five-Peat Archaeus and the Death Eater simultaneously. He lunged at Damon, grabbing him and mming him into a wall in the distance!

    The entire building shook, and screams resounded all around as they thought an earthquake had struck.

    "Ahem..."

    As the dust settled, Damon slowly rose from the floor, wiping the blood off the corner of his lips.

    Behind him, a huge crater was left on the wall.

    "Darling!" Vicky shouted at Frank, who was still down on one knee.

    "I''m fine! Get out of here!" Frank shouted, his eyes still fixed on Damon as he wiped the blood from his mouth too. "Okay!" Vicky was smart enough to understand that she would burden Frank if she stayed, and she turned to run. "Death Eater, huh? I see... And I wondered why you kept messing with our ns."

    Damon spoke solemnly, his

    expression now serious and his

    gaze cool. "So you''re Donn Lawrence, the brat who fled the fall

    of Mystic Sky Sect, and the only son of the Lord of the Southern Woods!" N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Donn Lawrence is dead," Frank said, rising to his feet, his gaze impassive. "I''m now Frank Lawrence."

 Chapter 1142

    Damonughed. "Hah! Names are all the same. They''re all just sybles. But you are here now, a mere Birthright rank. Your abilities really leave much to be desired!"

    "That''s not up for you to decide." Frank sneered, his eyes red-he could not hold back against an opponent who was a full rank higher, or he would get killed.

    "Very well." Damon smiled. "It seems you''re ready to put your life on the line... Though you have been a constant thorn to the side for us Lionhearts, I shall be getting rid of you once and for all. Remember- when the reaper asks, it''s Damon Lionheart who sent you!"

    Suddenly, a gust of violent pure vigor erupted away from him, almost knocking Frank off his feet.

    "So this is the power of peak Ascendant ranks...?" Frank muttered to himself.

    While Ciril Janko was a peak Ascendant rank individual as well, Frank fought him under unusual circumstances, and Ciril was barely going all out.

    And now that Frank was facing one who was not holding back, he was certainly pressured.

    "Hyah!"

    Damon''s palm clenched into a fist as he unleashed a punch, sting visible shockwaves into the air.

    "Oof!"

    The shockwaves shot toward Frank so rapidly that he could not dodge in time. He raised his arms in an X to attempt blocking it, but was knocked back over ten meters away, tearing a ditch into the floor as he did.

    The power of a peak Ascendant rank was truly horrific-Frank was left staring at his ckened hands and could actually feel burns on his skin as if it really passed through the fire.

    And to make things worse, the burns would spread all over his skin if not cooled, eventually incinerating Frank entirely.

    "Hahaha! Is that all you''ve got, Donn Lawrence?!"

    Damon guffawed, seeing that Frank actually had trouble parrying a single punch.

    He did not give Frank the chance to catch his breath either-his foot mmed on the floor tiles, and he was in front of Frank the next instant.

    "Lionpaw!" he bellowed, and the image of a lunging lion was projected into the air, leaping toward Frank.

    Frank clenched his teeth-he had to take the brunt force of the blow again as there was nowhere to run. Bang!

    Once again overwhelmed, Frank was sent flying, rolling on the floor as more burns covered his skin. "Damn it, I can''t win at all... I just don''t have the time!"

    theOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank was certainly frustrated-if had two more years, he would r Ascendant rank too and

    lose that badly. Content h

    But if only that world existed.

    sto

    He could already feel his pure vigor fading while the burns on his skin kept eating his flesh, weakening him.

    "Heh. Do you understand now?"

    Damon gloated even as he looked

    down haughty at Frank. "You''re just a maggot in the eyes of us

    Lionhearts. The Lawrences are no

    more than a family of pawn r

    drawing itsst breath! How are you folks even one of the Four Families of Morhen, as if you deserve to be seen as our equals?"

    With that, he shoved his foot on

    Frank''s chest as hard as he could et

    him.

    es on humiliating Frank eve

    as

    "Well, I''ll see you around." He grinned and put more weight on his foot.

    "Fuck..." Frank could hear his own ribs breaking one after the other, and he could lose his mind right then.

    That was when an ancient voice spoke beside Frank.

    "Really? We Lawrences are a family of pawns?"

    "Who was that?!"

    The calm words somehow left Damon lifting his foot off Frank and leaping away, his gaze at once wary!

 Chapter 1143

    A old man in Draconia''s military uniform emerged from the darkness,ughing raspily. "Hehehe..." "What..." Frank struggled to get up despite the agony of his broken ribs, as he recognized the geezer right then.

    He was Frank''s father, worshiped and admired across Draconia, and the bane of Talnam¡ªthe Lord of the Southern Woods! "What are you doing here?!" Damon was actually panicking, even fearful as he stared at the rows of military medals adorning Godwin Lawrence''s jacket.

    It was certainly unusual for a peak Ascendant rank to react like that, especially when he was so nonchnt when he first showed up.

    And he was a man whose power was above question, too! "Hehe. I''m just taking a stroll before I kick the bucket," Godwin said calmly, a slight smile showing on his lips as if recounting the good old days with a friend.

    Damon kept backing away until he felt his back reach a wall.

    "Don''t you remember the agreement you signed three years ago?!" Damon snapped, but he was ring warily at Godwin, on the verge of appearing terrified just then.

    "Oh, the agreement?" Godwin smacked himself on the forehead, chuckling. "Ah, I''m really getting forgetful now that I''m old, but I can remember them againter... Oh, wait, which agreement are we talking about again?" Damon was left gritting his teeth. "You''d better think about this. If you attackhere¡ª" "And?" Godwin narrowed his eyes, still smiling.

    "The agreement will be null!" Damon bellowed. "You know what happens then-you won''t be able to protect your son!" Godwin''s smile faded at Damon''s threat, and his eyes widened.

    However, instead of continuing his argument with Damon, he lowered his gaze at his son instead.

    "Heh." He chuckled. "Not giving up yet, boy?" Frank had changed considerably over the years, but his sharp re that never warmed around his father remained.

    "Haha..." Godwin suddenlyughed and nodded, as if approving of his son. "I heard you massacred sTalnamese intruders. But that''s my son for you."  Frank remained impassive, but he also felt something... strange.

    After all, his father had always been the epitof coldness and apathy, let alone showed any sort of approval! Damon''s eyes widened. "What are you..." "All you have is decades worth of training more than my boy. But bullying young''uns? Do you even feel shame?" Godwin''s words were quiet and gentle, but it was a death sentence to Damon''s ears.

    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    He gritted his teeth and leapt forward, intent on seizing a shot of survival.

    Even as he bellowed, a scarlet silhouette of a lion shrouded himself, a projection of pure vigor but somehow roaring thunderously. "It''s been years, Damon Lionheart... but you''ve never improved!" Even as the scarlet lion streaked toward Godwin, his cape fluttered as he raised a shriveled hand into the air.

    Frank struggled to look up just as the scarlet lion shot past him, his pupils dting when he saw what happened.

 Chapter 1144

    Frank struggled to look up just as the scarlet lion shot past him, his pupils dting when he saw what happened.

    Damon, who thoroughly overwhelmed him and unleashed such a frightening technique at Godwin, was caught by the neck, his feet dangling and kicking in the air.

    It was such a in counter, as if Godwin did not use an ounce of pure vigor.

    "What the..." Frank was actually left murmuring out loud in disbelief.

    "Watch closely now, brat," Godwin said calmly. "This is called the Lioncrusher-your grandfather taughtthat, and it''s used specifically to crush Lionhearts." On the other hand, Damon''s eyes were starting to roll up into their sockets even as he iled around, his entire body feeling like it was being jolted persistently.

    "I know what you''re going to say." Godwin chuckled. "Why is it called the Lioncrusher, no?" Damon gasped. "You wouldn''t dare..." St! Suddenly, Damon''s body bloated like a balloon before blowing up in arge puff of bloody mist. His blood sttered all over the ceiling, trickling down as if it was really raining.

    "There. Crushed." Godwin smiled as he turned toward Frank.

    "What... No way..." Disbelief showed all over Frank''s face.

    Damon was of peak Ascendant rank, which made him one of the best martial artists in Draconia.

    But he could well be an ant against Frank''s father, pulverized in an instant even though he was still humiliating Frank a second ago.

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    ? The sheer difference in power left Frank dumbstruck, just as he directly witnessed the true strength of the Lord of the Southern Woodsy 1.9 first time.  the Even if both men were peak Ascendant rank, the difference was so vast that one could well beparing a vigor wielder to an Ascendant rank.

    It was not surprising now that Damon''s intention was to bluff his way out by attempting to intimidate Godwin-and with his full power at that.

    On the other hand, Godwin appeared to be taking in his son''s shocked stare with glee, and he suddenly said, "My days are numbered, Frank." "What? Why?" Frank asked, once again shocked even as he struggled to turn to look at his father.

    "Oh, that''s none of your concern," Godwin replied, turning his back to him. "Just chto seeonce you''re done cleaning up this mess have things to tell you. And you muste. Consider it your father''sst wish."  Even Godwin''s upright gait seemed to slump a little when he finished, and he slowly walked away, leaving Frank sitting limply on the floor.

    Frank remained silent for a long while, when he suddenly felt a pang of aching in his heart.

    He did not think that his father had this side to him.

    Still, he whipped out an antidote and applied it over his skin, then took an Ichor Pill while sealing two of his meridians.

    Once he was done tending to his injuries, he pushed himself to his feet despite the agony over his chest.

    The elevators jingled as he limped towards it, and he headed upstairs.

    Once he got out, he found Jet Turnbull and the Turnbull ckguards, standing off against several injured Lionheart bodyguards and Sif Lionhea herself.  The stairs were just behind her, covered in blood-she had clearly crawled up there.

    Jet was in turn shielding a disfigured Vicky Turnbull behind him, and neither side was making a move.

 Chapter 1145

    Vicky breathed a sigh of relief when Frank appeared, but Jet and the other Turnbull ckguards were immediately snapping at him. "What have you been doing, Frank Lawrence?!" "Why weren''t you protecting Ms. Turnbull?! What were you doing down there by yourself?!" Frank was so shocked by their usations that his vigor churned, aggravating his blood and causing him to cough out a mouthful of blood.

    "Are you alright, Frank?!" A petrified Vicky hurried to his side before wheeling on Jet and the other Turnbull ckguards with a furious re.

    "How many times do I have to tell you?!" she bellowed. "Frank was fighting one of the Lionhearts'' best, and none of you helped him! And you''re now snapping at him after he won?!" "Forgive me, Ms. Turnbull, but we''re supposed to prioritize your safety," Jet replied, frowning and clearly upset that Frank was alive. In fact, Frank vaguely sensed his look of disappointment when he stepped out of the elevator.

    "Heh. Well, that''s not important." Frank gestured at Vicky that he could stand on his own and strode up to Jet. "So? Did you find the evidence?" "Nope," Jet replied, as if it made perfect sense.

    Frank''s rage red again¡ªhe had the sense that rity''s information was on the money.

    The fact that Jet and the Turnbull ckguards could not find evidence was their own fault alone.

    Seemingly seeing Frank''s displeasure, Jet simply shrugged. "Someone took the witness hostage when my men arrived, but since we split up, we had to withdraw." Frank punched the wall even as he roared, "And where was the witness taken?!" "I don''t know." Jet shrugged again.

    "You don''t know?!" Frank''s eyes widened as he red at Jet in fury. "I told you to send everyone! Why did you split up again?!" Jet rolled his eyes. "We are under no obligation to follow your orders. In fact, we should be finding out what you were up to-which was what did. I followed you all the way here to Jundo Showtown, after which I rallied the ckguards. Our priority is for Ms. Turnbull to stay safe, as per the will of every Turnbull elder."  Vicky, however, was furious after she heard everything and seized Jet by the cor. "Why?! Why do you need to protectso badly?!" Jet remained impassive. "Because it''s impossible to save your father now. But if we save you, there''s still a chance to make peace with the Lionhearts." Vicky was left stumbling backward, smiling nkly and in disbelief. "So you''re saying that the Turnbulls should heel to the Lionhearts, and I must marry Titus Lionheart just to earn their forgiveness?"  S "You''re exaggerating, Ms. Turnbull." Jet shook his head. "We''re not dogs heeling to the Lionhearts. It''s a partnership-we Turnbulls have never been good at a fight, andcooperating with the Lionhearts is our only way to survive. More than half the elders are convinced of that."  Vicky snapped right then and startedughing out loud.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1146

    "Oh, what a pathetic bunch..." Vicky sighed as she suddenly remembered everything Sif said to her downstairs.

    N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "The geezers of the Turnbull family would never dare turn against us Lionhearts! I''ve looked into your family-none of them would even give a damn if you die here. All they care about is protecting their precious wealth, while living in fear of the day we Lionhearts would cfor them!" Vicky''s heart bled even as sheughed at the thought-how could her family be so short-sighted? Endlesspromising and never stepping up against their enemies, all in the nof self-gain. What was that if not handing their enemies rope to hang them with? They felt nothing even if Titus was exposed for his savage ambition, rather living one day at a time.

    Likewise, they never showed any gratitude, not even if Frank saved them from the literal lion''s jaws.

    "Mongrels," Vicky swore under her breath.

    "What was that?" Jet thought he misheard.

    "I called you a mongrel!" Vicky snapped at him in the face right then. "All of you! Mongrels! Ingrates who bite the hands that feed you! Go to hell!" "Jet..." Frank strode up to Jet, impassive as he pped the man at the shoulder and pointed at Sif in the distance, as well as the two injured bodyguards with her. "You still can do something here. Wipe out every Lionheart you see, or they will always remain a thorn in your side!" One of the other Turnbull ckguards was immediately scoffing. "You''re so full of it, Frank Lawrence. You''re no Turnbull-you don''t get to order us around!" "If we kill them like you say, can you bear the consequences?" "I can!" Frank bellowed, wheeling on him.

    However, he aggravated the wound on his chest again and coughed another mouthful of blood while more trickled down his nostrils.

    But he could not care less! Vicky hurried to Frank right then, helping him to his feet while snapping at Jet, "Frank can''t tell you what to do, but I can! Go! Kill Sif and her bodyguards now!"  The Turnbull ckguards turned toward Jet right then, waiting for orders, only for him to shake his head while Vicky looked on in disbelief.

    "I''m sorry, but I can''t do that," Jet et exined. "If we kill Ms. Lionheart here, there would truly be no way out for the family. This is for the good of the family."  "Jet..." Vicky choked right then and fell unconscious on the floor from sheer frustration.

    "Pick her up," Jet told the other Turnbull ckguards right then. "We''re leaving." .

 Chapter 1147

    Sif kept bellowing, "You, Vicky Turnbull... Everyone around you! None of them will be spared, I swear!" Her threat left Frank incensed, and he turned to bellow at Jet, "You heard that, didn''t you?! Aren''t you ckguards supposed to protect the Turnbull family?! Sif is threatening to hurt them, and you''re just standing there?! Is your brain smooth or something?!" Jet, however, remained unmoved. "That''s your personal grudge against Ms. Lionheart. I''m afraid you''ve made the wrong move if you''re nning to use us against her." "Shit!" Frank bellowed furiously, wanting nothing less to round up the Turnbull ckguards and burn them. "You''re not going to fight back even if your enemy has a de against your neck?! When are you going to do it-after they stab you half to death?!" His words did not sway Jet at all, and he even shook his head. "The ckguards carry out orders of the Turnbull family¡ªnot you, a person of no consequence. If I were you, I''d really stop iling around like you''re doing now. It''s just embarrassing." With that, Jet and the Turnbull ckguards left the building, while Frank remained alone, leaning against the wall. Crack.

    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    His fingers clenched, crushing a corner of the wall.

    "Hahaha!!!" Sif was stillughing, her voice especially stinging to Frank''s ears.

    That was when a familiar face appeared before Frank.

    It was the Sunzers'' Hux Darman, who was musing to himself, "What the hell? Y''all toldthere''s an earthquake, but everything''s fine!" Frank felt a wild pang of joy when he saw the man.

    Hux saw Frank too, and he hurried to him. "Oh, Mr. Lawrence! When did you cto Morhen? You really could''ve called..." Seeing that Hux was going to make small ta Frank held up a hand to S and pointed at Sif in the distance despite his pain. "Kill them!" WP  "What?!" Hux eximed. "Wait, they''re the ones who hurt you?! The inhumanity!" A mobster to thest, Hux quickly called in his men, and over a hundred goons charged into the room, surrounding it. "What''s up, boss?!" "Did someone just fuck around on the Sunzers'' turf?!" While Frank would usually be et snorting at these goons in disdain, he was grinning now as if they were the greatest Christmas present there ever was.  ?w"Go!" Hux bellowed.

    "Yes, boss!" "Take them down!" At Hux''s orders, the goons charged at Sif and her bodyguards without hesitation, machete and metal bats in hand.

    Seeing that Frank had suddenly called in the calvary, Sif''s bodyguards certainly did not drag their feet and did their best to flee.

    However, they were all too hurt to move quickly, and Sif was literally dead weight.

    As the Sunzers soon caught up, on''t one of the bodyguards stiffened himself and eximed, "This won''t do, Ms. Lionheart! I think I can make it out if I''m on my own¡ªI''ll inform your brother as soon as I can and ask him to send help! They would never dare to hurt you anyway!"  "Shut the fuck up!" Sif almost choked at the man''s suggestion.

 Chapter 1148

    "Shut the fuck up!" Sif almost choked at her bodyguard''s suggestion and pointed at the oing thugs. "Do they look like they wouldn''t hurt me?! You know what''s going to happen if you leave me!" The bodyguard scowled miserably at Sif''s threat.

    He really could have gotten away if not for the dead weight that was Sif.

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    Naturally, he would not dare to leave Sif either, because it was a death sentence even if the thugs somehow spared Sif.

    Even as the thugs charged toward them menacingly, he could see that he would not survive this either.

    He steeled himself and whipped out his weapon. It was death either way-so be it! Naturally, the thugs cut him into mincemeat in an instant.

    Just then, several cars screeched to a halt nearby, and Jet and the Turnbull ckguards leapt out, turning around when they saw themotion.

    "W-What''s going on here?!" Jet bellowed.

    "None of your business! Fuck off!" Frank bellowed at them right away, his heart almost caving when he saw that the Turnbull ckguards were ready to interfere.

    "Wait, are you trying to kill Ms. Lionheart?!" Still, Jet quickly saw what was happening and quickly turned to bellow at Hux, who clearly looked like the leader. "Are you suicidal?! I don''t know where you''re from, but that''s Sif Lionheart you''re attacking!" Frank quickly turned toward the dumbstruck Hux as well. "Listen to me. Don''t falter and don''t rescind your orders. Kill Sif now! You have my protection. The Sunzers will be fine!" Hux was hyperventting even as he stared at Frank in the face.

    Killing Sif was a cardinal sin to say the least. If the Lionhearts found out, a measly gang like the Sunzers would be crushed! However, seeing the look of determination in Frank''s eyes, Hux gritted his teeth and bellowed at his men, "Tigers! Turn around and stop those pricks trying to stop us! The rest of you-kill that woman and every man with her! Leave none alive!"  "Yes, sir!" the Sunzers bellowed thunderously, all of them obedient to Hux''s orders.

    As told, arge number of them turned and charged at the Turnbull ckguards instead, while the rest attacked Sif and her men with increased ferocity.

    Sif was even screaming at the top of 3.19 her lungs from the crowd, "No! Stop! You can''t kill me! I''m Sif Lionheart from the Lionheart family! They will kill you if you dare!" Content to englishbelongs "Kill her!" Hux bellowed as if in retort, leaving no room for argument.

    Shunk! Blood gushed, and Sif''s screams stopped abruptly.

    Every muscle in Frank''s body eased at the sight, while Hux copsed limply beside him, on the verge of tears.

    "W-What are we going to do now,Mr. Lawrence...?" he stammered, looking like he had wet his pants despite bellowing kill orders so ferociously moments ago.  Still, they did just kill a legitimate sessor to the Lionheart family, and there was no fooling around about that.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll do you justice," Frank said, pping Hux on the shoulder while all the gloom he felt was washed away. Killing Sif was certainly cathartic! "Yeah, I believe you..." Hux sighed miserably and beckoned at his men. "You can go now, boys. Be quick, and don''t forget to clean up after yourself..."

 Chapter 1149

    "Hux... Nevermind." Frank grinned he certainly could see that Hux was ready to flee. "You won''t regret this." "Oh, I hope so." Hux shed a terrible smile before fleeing with his men, leaving Jet and the Turnbull ckguards, and what remained of Sif and her bodyguards.

    Jet charged toward Frank right then and seized Frank by the cor as he bellowed, "Who were those people?! Tellright now!!!" He would not be surprised if the fallout of Sif''s death fell upon him and the Turnbull ckguards, since no one would believe sthugs passing by would suddenly murder a Lionheart.

    If anything, they would be further convinced it was the Turnbull ckguards, and Frank''s move had undoubtedlynded them in hot water. None of them could exin themselves, especially if the Turnbull elders questioned them! "Hahaha..." On the other hand, Frank wasughing gleefully at Jet''s flustered face, shaking his head. "Used to being a loser, aren''t you? Do you think everyone''s the sas you suckers? I''m sorry, but I don''t know who those guys were. Maybe they really were just passing by and offered a helping hand as they couldn''t live with the injustice." "Motherfucker-" Jet''s brow creased further even as Frank keptughing at him, and he raised a knuckle, ready to hit Frank.

    That was when Frank suddenly red at him sharply. "Hit me, and every Turnbull will die. Believe it!" Jet paused, having since learnt that Frank was an ally of the South Sea Crow.

    In fact, it was with the South Sea Crow''s help that Frank managed to abduct Sif before.

    That left Jet in a dilemma, and he could only have the ckguards restrain Frank and take him back to Turnbull Estate.

    Along the way, Frank keptughing, which almost popped a vein on Jet''s temples.

    Still, he was finally put through the sheer frustration Frank had to live with just earlier.

    l"You fucking prick!" Glen Turnbull bellowed, pping Jet across the face after Jet reported everything that had happened. "I told you ckguards to cooperate and assist Mr. Lawrence, not to obstruct him! You bunch of... mongrels!"  Incensed, Glen started to pace around behind his desk. "If things weren''t so bad at the moment, I would dismiss you and the rest of the ckguards!" "Sir..." Jet was himself indignant, barely keeping in his frustrations after suffering both Frank and Glen''s wrath. "We were acting under orders from the elders. They told us watch Frank Lawrence and to stop him if necessary should he act against the Lionhearts'' interest."  "Who gave those orders?!" Glen mmed his hand on the table, pointing at Jet in the nose.

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    "Herod Turnbull, Julian Turnbull, Third Elder..." The list of names Jet mentioned elwas long and included various Turnbull executives stationed elsewhere, elders based in Morhen, and Glen''s own cousins.  S Glen could suffer a stroke even as he listened.

 Chapter 1150

    As the head of the Turnbull family, Glen could certainly see through the agenda of the elders and executives in his family.

    Being businessmen through and through, they simply had no intention to go to war against the Lionhearts, if only to protect their precious money and estates.

    Even if war was inevitable, they would try to dy it as much as they could.

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    Unlike them, Glen had already cto understand that it was no more than a slow death, but those elders and executives were just that rotten.

    They would rather die than lose their money, and such was the corrupt nature of businessmen.

    "You can go," Glen said, waving Jet off. "I''ll see to it myself." Jet bowed and turned to leave, while Glen returned to his seat, taking a deep breath.

    The Lionhearts had more than overreached, but his family was still a mess. All of them were just too busy prioritizing their wealth that they could not stop for a moment to stand united against the Lionhearts.

    As a dynasty of business folks, the Turnbulls certainly had disposition and deserved their spot among the Four Families of Morhen. However, the way they expanded their influence was different too, as they stationed branch family members across different states or abroad to develop on their own.

    Even as they expanded further elsewhere, only the main family and their sessors like Glen himself stayed in Morhen to inherit the family''s seat of power in the capital.

    As such, the Turnbulls'' influence in Morhen was almost modest in contrast to the other three of the Four Families'', even if they would still eclipse the rest.

    That, however, was not the case if the branch families and the main rallied, uniting with determination to stand against the Lionhearts.

    Even the Lionhearts with all their wealth and estate would be maimed, and it was a price they could not afford to pay-especially when they had to sustain a major organization like Volsung Sect.

    With all the apprentices they were grooming, they had to spend astronomical figures on various natural wonders to maintain the system.

    On top of that, they only kept that system going while they had good rtions with the Turnbulls, a dynasty of specialists in trade andmerce.

    But with Titus'' conspiracy exposed and the Lionhearts'' reputation tarnished, their finances were inevitably caught in a crisis. It was a situation that even Simon Lionheart, the head of the Lionheart family, feared.

    After Jet brought Frank back to Turnbull Estate withoutying a finger on him, Glen was on hand to demand his release.

    After that, Frank hurried to the Turnbulls'' storehouse despite his injury, intent on concocting a medicinal paste.

    He crushed an Ichor Pill, mixing it with copious amounts of herbs delivered from Loggins Apothecary and a drop of Kat Yego''s blood.

    He brewed the healing paste soon enough and limped to Vicky''s room, carefully applying it to all her wounds.

    He sighed a relief when it was done-Vicky''s face would be as good as new in days.

    With that, he finally spared stto check his injuries.

    Then, early the next morning, he went to Glen and handed over Vicky''s voice recorder.

    It was evidence enough, as Sif had been gloating in no uncertain terms about how she had framed Walter Turnbull.

    Abel Loggins also issued a health decl that Walter was affected by a nerve agent and was ovels manipted into molesting Denise Laine against his will.  S The logic and evidence was impable, and even as Glen thanked Frank, he did not forget to curse Jet for his ipetence, along with the fools that were the other Turnbull elders and executives.  Jet''s face turned ashen even as he stood by and listened.

    On the other hand, Frank could not. as he had no intention care to geved with the internal strife of the Turnbull family.  S All he wanted was for Walter to be brought back, unharmed.

 Chapter 1151

    Meanwhile, at Lionheart Residence in Morhen, Titus was pacing around, holding a book and reciting the text.

    It was the punishment his father had sentenced him to¡ªhe had tomit to memory fifty tomes of ancient scriptures before leaving his room.

    And Titus epted the punishment withoutint.

    "Terrible news, Mr. Lionheart!" Just then, Luigi, one of the family''s stewards ran into his study, crying out panickedly.

    However, Titus only waited until he finished the verse he had been reciting before finally turning toward Luigi. "What is it?" In contrast to Luigi''s flustered reaction, Titus remained impassive, his thoughts inscrutable.

    "Sir, we''ve just received word from the Soranos," Luigi cried mournfully. "Lady Sif has been killed in Jundo Showtown!" "Killed?" Titus''s eyes shed coolly as he looked at Luigi. "Telleverything.'' "So, the Turnbulls conspired with Frank Lawrence and the South Sea Crow to abduct Lady Sif before, and she wanted revenge. She contacted ckrank..." Even as Luigi gave a summary of what had happened, he only spoke from the Lionhearts'' standpoint, ttering Sif''s actions thoroughly while disparaging Frank and the Turnbulls endlessly.

    Titus, however, was not so foolish that he would be confused by such simple verbal deception.

    In fact, he could tell immediately that Luigi and Sif were close, and that Luigi was trying to incite him into exacting revenge for Sif''s death.

    "I have two questions," Titus said calmly, holding up two fingers. "Firstly, who allowed her to make such a cheap move during Denise Laine''sing-of-age ceremony? And secondly, Sif has tarnished our family''s reputation on multiple asions. Should her actions have been exposed, the rest of Morhen would be wary of us, with even the mayor distancing himself from us."  Snorting, Titus kept his cool eyes leveled at the sweaty Luigi as he continued quietly, "So, you''ve cto tell of that, hoping that I''d stoop to Sif''s stupidity and go on an unnecessary vendetta against the Tumbulls?"  Luigi was taken aback by Titus'' murderous re, as if he was stabbed in the back.

    However, Titus'' first reaction to his sister being killed was to use her of stupidity instead of vowing to avenge her? Was his family dead to him? How cold was that? Luigi kept trying nheless. "Mr.

    Lionheart, Sit was trying to ease your burden with her retaliation. The family was humiliated with the Turnballs'' annulling your vel.n engagement, and then there was also the South Sea Crow belongs to englishContent Titus snickered and cut him off. "So you''re saying that I''m no different from Sif?" "No, sir. I''d never insult you so." Luigi promptly dropped to one knee.

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    "Then listen closely," Titus said quietly. "Do you know why my father returned? And while he criticized my conspiracy, why did he not actually punishor even forfeitas a potential sessor to the family?" Though it was a weird question, Luigi gingery made an attempt at ttery. "Because... you''ve proved your cunning, and Master Lionheart can''t bear to hurt you?" "Nope," Titus replied, chuckling coolly andpletely denying Luigi''s sycophancy. "That''s because I see further than Sif ever could."

 Chapter 1152

    Titus'' gaze was dark as he spoke coolly, "The worst thing to do in disputes between dynasties is to seek petty revenge. It ignores the big picture, causing more friction and obstructing any attempts at alliances." Snorting, Titus continued, "But I''m not the same. What I''m doing is to set my chess pieces in my ce and wait to make my move. As for Sif, even if she seeded, all she''d manage is to exile the Turnbulls from Morhen. And is that really a cause for worry for them?" Luigi the steward was actually confused. "But they''re one of the Four Families of Morhen now. If they''re exiled, wouldn''t they lose the title?" "Wrong." Titus smirked. "The strength of the Four Families of Morhen is more than what you see. Let''s take the Lawrences for instance¡ªtheir Morhen residence is dpidated and neglected, but you''d be naive if you im that they are not one of the four." Looking up, Titus'' gaze appeared distant. "Each of the Four Families embodies horrific strength, which not everyone can see. If anything, my father punishednot because I was wrong, but because I failed! The deed doesn''t matter-the outcis everything." "I''d taken everything about the Turnbulls into ount." Titus sighed. "But I failed to predict the variable that is Frank Lawrence. That is why I failed-do you understand now?" Even as Luigi cto realize the difference between Sif and Titus, he murmured, "B-But if you''d seeded..." "If I''d seeded, the Turnbulls would be leaderless, while us Lionhearts would form their core leadership after Glen Turnbull''s death. We would have total control over them!" Then, leveling an impassive look at Luigi, Titus asked, "Do you understand now? What Sif did was incurably stupid. She should have died sooner if only to serve the family''s interest.

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    Pausing, Titus then instructed Luigi, "Go. Issue a formal statement of apology directed to the mayor. Pin any blentirely on Sif, and deliver her corpse to the mayoral residence in exchange for Walter Turnbull''s release."  "What..." Luigi knew that it was the right move but could not do it out of sentiment. "That''s the body of a Lionheart..." "Go," Titus said bluntly, waving him off and returning his attention to his tome.

    "Yes, Mr. Lionheart," Luigi said, giving in with a bow and leaving somberly.

    Soon after, a puff of ck smoke popped inside the room, and a ck-d man appeared behind Titus. "Sir, Damon Lionheart is dead." "What?!" Titus, who had remained cid throughout his conversation with Luigi, wheeled on the man, disbelief showing in his widened eyes. Someone in Morhen was able to kill him?"  The ck-d man seemed undaunted despite the outrage in Titus'' eyes and calmly responded, "We looked into it. It turns out that the Lord of the Southern Woods has returned."  "The Lord of the Southern Woods..." Titus scowled at the name, muttering to himself, "What the hell is he ying it? He swore not to return! Doesn''t he understand the price of going back on his word... Hold on." Suddenly, Titus'' expression turned grim as a terrible thought urred to him. "Maybe he did so deliberately, even though he knew what would happen?"

 Chapter 1153

    The ck-d man then asked, "What should we do, Mr. Lionheart?" "Stay calm," Titus replied. "Just find out what he cback for, and tell my father about this-warn him to be careful." "Understood." The ck-d man nodded and disappeared with a puff of ck smoke.

    "The Lord of the Southern Woods..." Titus then murmured to himself, "Don''t tellhe''s dying soon? But it isn''t the tfor that yet..." Meanwhile, at Turnbull Estate, Vicky regained consciousness around noon, and Frank was checking on her facial injuries.

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    It went without saying that his medicinal paste was highly effective, as the cuts on Vicky''s face were already scabbing. At that rate, she would make a full recovery in this.

    "Frank, do you think I''d have to live with this?" Vicky asked as she kept looking at herself in the mirror.

    Though she sounded rxed, Frank could see the hint of worry in her eyes. "Maybe." Vicky flinched right then and turned to find his sly grin.

    "Hmph!" She snorted, throwing a punch at him as she realized he was toying with her.

    "Con, rx. Do you still doubt my abilities in medicine?" Frank chuckled. "Not only would there be no scars, but your skin would actually improve." "Hmm... It''s not like I don''t trust you," Vicky murmured solemnly, touching the gash on her face. "What if I really end up scarred and deformed? Would you still love me?" "Don''t be silly. Would you still loveif I ended up with a face full of scars too?" Frank shook his head, smiling as he understood Vicky''s concerns.

    Even if she maintained her cheerful self, was there a woman who did not care about her looks? "Yes," Vicky answered without hesitation.

    "Well that''s just it." Frank shrugged. "Don''t worry-I promise you won''t have any scars left on your race Even if you do, you''d still be gorgeous in my eyes!"  S "Urgh, easy for you to say." Vicky pouted, but Frank could hear from her tone that she was calming down.

    Soon, however, she winked at him and asked him a potentially lethal question, "By the way, who''s more beautifulor Helen?" "Oh, uh..." Frank scratched his head awkwardly.

    How should he even respond to this? It would sound insincere if he said Vicky, and Helen was going to get upset if she found out.

    On the other hand, he could not tell Vicky in the face that Helen was more beautiful either.

    It was certainly a question that left Frank stumped. But truth be told both Helen and Vicky had different things going for them, and they were both marvelous beauties with no clear winner between them.  S On the other hand, Vicky was giggling as she saw that Frank was stumped.

    She always liked to see Frank being left speechless, just as he had been at the farm resort. For sreason, bullying him always gave hera sense of aplishment.  S "Frank Lawrence! Who allowed you in Ms. Turnbull''s room?! Get out!" someone bellowed outside, and the servants screamed as the door was kicked wide open.

 Chapter 1154

    Naturally, it was none other than Jet, followed by many Turnbull elders and executives.

    "What do you think you''re doing, Jet?!" Vicky snapped furiously, while quickly picking up a veil to cover her face.

    This was her room-who would ever stay calm if they had their door kicked open?! It was fortunate she was wearing clothes. What if she and Frank were up to shanky panky instead?! Despite her fury, an old man nearly the age of Vicky''s grandfather strode up, barking, "We''re here because of that prick!" The man was Tamon Turnbull, brother to Vicky''s grandfather and whose branch family was assigned to Jarden.

    And despite his age, he was full of vigor-and spite for Frank.

    Both of Tamon''s sons strode up too, pointing at Frank and snapping, "How dare you kill Sif Lionheart?! Get down on your knees right now, and cwith us to apologize to the Lionhearts!" "Exactly! Prepare yourself!" As the other Turnbull elders and executives started yelling at Frank too, Vicky leapt in front of Frank, shielding her as she snapped, "Frank had to do it to save me! Do none of you see the vile nature of the Lionhearts?! They''re ready to take us all down!" "Stand back, Vicky! This is none of your business!" Tamon bellowed and gave Jet a look.

    Jet nodded, and he and the Turnbull ckguards strode up, ready to subdue Vicky.

    However, Vicky leapt backward, dodging while glowering. "Where''s Uncle Glen?! Did he put you up to this?!" "Your Uncle Glen?!" Tamon snorted in disdain "Glen has no right to be the head of the family! We''ve lost ten percent of our revenue over the past month because of him! Ten percent! Do you know how much that is?!"  Vicky glowered right then. "So you''re saying this is a coup?!" "So what if it is?!" Quentin Turnbull, Tamon''s eldest son, snorted. "Everything was going well when we were friends with the Lionhearts. Do you know how much we lost after you annulled your engagement?!" "Exactly!" Wes Turnbull, Tamon''s other son, smirked. "The way I see it, we should tie you up and deliver you and Frank to the Lionhearts just so that they''d see our sincerity and reforge our alliance!" "Bleurgh!" Vicky spat at them before wheeling at Jet and growling, "So these are your new patrons? You''re going to support these branch families with their rebellion instead of protecting the main family?"  Jet shrugged. "Just following orders." "Hah! Well said!" Vickyughed, and she red at the other Turnbull ckguards. "I don''t know what Tamon is paying you, but remember-this changes thingsWhat you''re doing is treason! If you keep being ignorant like Jet, Tamon, and the rest, don''t say I didn''t warn you when you face youreuppance!"  Many of the ckguards were certainly swayed by Vicky''s warning.

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    They were just following Jet''s orders-they had no idea that Jet and the Turnbull elders and executives were going to overthrow the head of the family.

    It was certainly a dilemma as the Turnbulls were on both sides. Who were they supposed to side with?

 Chapter 1155

    Seeing that sof the Turnbull ckguards were bing hesitant, Tamon quickly moved to seize the moral high ground

    instead.

    "Quit being stubborn, Vicky!" he bellowed. "Our family will fall if we don''t surrender Frank Lawrence! | don''t mind letting Glen keep

    his leadership, but | won''t forgive Frank! We can''t afford to bear the crof killing a direct heir of the Lionhearts! What are we

    going to do if Simon Lionheart storms our homes with his martial elites?! We''d all be dead, all because of that scumbag!"

    "No, we aren''t that weak," Vickly calmly retorted. "You''re human, Granduncle. Quit being an ingrate¡ªyou look worse than

    animals."

    Then, she whipped out a knife from under her bed, pressing it to her neck. "Frank has savedand our family repeatedly. If you

    want to take him, you''d have to do it over my dead body!"

    "Vicky!!!" Tamon was clenching his fists in rage at Vicky''s radical retort, especially when she called him less than an animal. "You''re

    beyond saving! Don''t you see what''s important here?! Are you sentencing all of us to death over smanwhore?!"

    "Exactly," Quentin reasoned as well. "There are plenty of fish in the sea, and you''ll find someone better given your disposition. |

    think Titus Lionheart is really great in that respect."

    "Why don''t you apologize and resyour engagement?" Wes added. "Everyone will be happy when that happens.¡±

    However, mentioning Titus only left Vicky smirking.

    "I guess none of you remember, so letrefresh your memory!" she snapped, turning and pointing at Frank. "Do none of you

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    remember who''s the one who saved everyst one of you during the annual dinner? Do you think you''d still be standing here to

    orderaround if not for Frank?!"

    Then, snorting and shaking her head, she chuckled coolly. "No, | guess you''ve forgotten everything. Three years¡ªfor three years,

    South Sea Crow kept murdering our own, while Lionhearts imed that they failed to stop her. You all know the truth about that

    now, and we would''ve been wiped out if not for Frank!

    "And now that Frank had to kill Sif to save me, forget not helping¡ªyou scumbag turned against Frank instead, ready to scapegoat

    your savior to curry our enemy''s favor! Do you know no shame?! | could feed a stray with scraps, and it''d show more gratitude

    than you lot!"

    Her metaphor left the Turnbull elders and executives scowling, and most of them turned toward Tamon, who was clearly their

    leader.

    But at his age, Tamon had long since given up on shand morals. And having worked as a businessman his whole life, he could

    not care less about Vicky''s insults.

    "Well, we have no choice since you''re not cooperating," he said quietly. "Die all you want¡ªit would make us even after the

    Lionhearts lost their heiress. Go, Jet. Subdue Frank and Vicky. Make them cooperate even if they refuse to."

    "What?!" Vicky almost thought she misheard, but Tamon clearly did not care if Vicky lived for the sake of his coffers!

    "Yes, sir," Jet replied, ever loyal to Tamon.

 Chapter 1156

    Having received Tamon''s orders, Jet gestured for the ckguards to advance, intent on subduing Frank and Vicky.

    "Stand back!"

    Vicky snarled viciously as they got closer and whipped out a ck handgun from under her bed, bringing it to bear at Jet. "I''ll shoot if you take another step!"

    She then wheeled on Tamon. "Starting with you, geezer!"

    "Are you challenging me?!" Tamon bellowed furiously.

    "Put down your gun!" Quentin snapped as well. "Don''t make a bigger mistake than you already did!"

    On the other hand, Wes wasughing as he strode toward Vicky. "Hah! Kill me if you can. I really doubt you''ll shoot!"

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    Everyone was left staring in shock as Vicky shot Wes squarely in the chest.

    The man did not even realize he was shot until he looked down and found a hole on his chest. He was bleeding straight from the heart.

    He copsed to the floor right then, shock still showing on his face as he died.

    "Are you crazy, Vicky?!"

    Tamon and Quentin were left gaping-Vicky had really shot Wes!

    Jet was stunned too. Not only would Vicky shoot, but she killed one of her family''s elders too!

    "Come on! Who''s next?!" Vicky''s hand was shaking even as she held her gun, but her voice was determined. "I would never have done this, but you forced my hand!"

    "You bitch Tamon almost lost his

    §Ö

    mind at the sight of his son''s corpse, reality barely sinking in. "Y-You killed

    your elder for some...illed

    You have no ce in this family!"

    "Oh, what a coincidence!"

    Vicky kept her gun trained at him while pulling Frank by the arm toward herself. "I have no intention to stay in a family full of bitches such as yourself. Why don''t you just roll over and wait until the

    Lionheartse to massacre you?"

    "She''s crazy!"

    "She''s insulting us!"

    "We are your family, Vicky! How could you do this?!"

    Vicky, however, could not care less about their shock and outrage. She kept pulling at Frank, ready to leave. "Go, Frank! Go!"

    Tamon''s eyes shed right then.

    "We raised you, Vicky! Not only are you ungrateful, but you''d turn against us and even kill one of your elders! There''s no ce for you now!"

    Turning toward Jet, he bellowed, "Go! Take down that traitor!"

    His order left Jet pursuing his lips-Vicky had a gun, and she had already shown that she would not hold back!

    Worst of all, Tamon would rather send him to die than do something about Vicky himself!

    Still, in spite of his misgivings, Jet led the ckguards and charged at Vicky.

    "Give up already, Vicky!"

    "How many bullets are there in your gun?! Do you have enough for all of us?!"

    "Why don''t you see for yourself?!" Vicky snapped back ruthlessly and pulled the trigger again.

 Chapter 1157

    Fortunately, Jet was prepared-projecting his pure vigor over himself as much as he could, he managed to stop Vicky''s bullet.

    However, it still struck him in the chest, shattering a rib and leaving him copsing miserably.

    Tamon finally saw that Vicky was not budging and decided to change tactics.

    Turning away from Vicky, he wheeled on Frank and bellowed, "Frank Lawrence! You murdered Sif Lionheart, heiress to the main Lionheart family! Are we Turnbulls supposed to bear that cross for you?!" "Enough already."

    Frank finally moved, though only to put a hand on Vicky''s gun and shake his head at her.

    If things continued like this, there would really be no turning back.

    He understood Vicky''s intentions too, but he would still rather she did not go on a killing spree.

    "I didn''t murder Sif Lionheart... But I can and am willing to take the me," he told the Turnbull elders and executives, holding up a hand and stopping Vicky before she could interrupt.

    "Since I''m taking the me," he then chuckled, "I will leave Turnbull Estate, while you can tell everyone about what I supposedly did. The Lionhearts wille after me if they want revenge, while you keep your hands clean."

    Tamon, however, was clearly skeptical. "Hah! You just want to run away! What if the Lionheartse to our doorstep after you are gone?"

    "So you''re saying that you insist on taking me to the Lionhearts to earn their favor?" Frank raised a brow, his expression suddenly hostile.

    "Hahaha!" Quentinughed coldly. "Why don''t you take a look around you? Where do you think you are? You''d better watch your next words carefully!"

    The other Turnbull elders and executives were shouting too.

    "Vicky will be punished ording to family rules for killing her elder!"

    "As for you, stay down while we take you to the Lionhearts to be judged!"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Do not resist, or it''d just hurt even more!"

    Frank suddenlyughed despite their taunts, and quietly held up his phone.

    He was actually in a call-and with Glen Turnbull at that.

    Even as Tamon''s eyes widened, Frank chuckled in amusement. "What''s wrong, cat got your tongue? Oh, and what was that you said about Glen Turnbull? That he doesn''t deserve to be the head of the family?"

    Smiling, he then spoke into the phone, "Did you hear that part, Mr. Turnbull?"

    Beep.

    "Eh?"

    The call was suddenly disconnected, leaving Frank taken aback.

    Tamon was surprised for a moment too, but he soonughed in realization. "I see now... It seems that brat sees what''s important too! He would never dare turn against me anyway... Your n to drive a wedge between us failed, you brat!"

    Even as Tamonughed gleefully, a sonorous voice thundered from the doorway. "No, I heard every word very clearly!"

    Bang!

    The door to Vicky''s room was once again kicked open, and arge group of Turnbull bodyguards and Turnbull ckguards charged in, encircling Tamon and his cronies. S

    "Ah..." Tamon caved as soon as he found himself staring at Glen''s icy re. "I was just joking, Glen. Just trying to give the kid a scare..."

    "And why would you scare the man whom our family is indebted to?" Glen pressed right then.

 Chapter 1158

    "Please, Glen..." Tamon reasoned. "He murdered Sif Lionheart, an heiress of the Lionhearts! They wille after us! You need to see the big picture here!" "The big picture..."N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    Glen paused, but he soon chuckled in disdain and passed Tamon an opened letter. "Why don''t you read this letter that the Martial Alliance just delivered?" "Please be informed that the mayor of Morhen sends his apologies for misming the Turnbull family..."

    As Tamon kept reading, his face stiffened, and he dropped limply to the floor when he saw the Morhen mayor''s personal signature at the bottom, dumbstruck. Quentin quickly asked, "Dad, who''s that letter from? What does it say?"

    "I-It''s from the mayor..."

    Tamon gulped. "He found out everything, and the Lionhearts admitted the truth, while putting the me entirely on Sif... They''re saying that Titus killed her to make amends, even delivering her body to the mayoral residence..."

    "Hmph. Stubborn fools." Glen snorted as he took back the letter. "The Lionhearts are perfectly willing to take the me, but you lot are busy worrying about surrendering to them. Talk about embarrassing!" Then, turning toward the family bodyguards and ckguards, he said coolly, "A branch family has been found guilty of leading a coup to overthrow the main family. Do I have to tell you what the family rules dictate in this situation?"

    Despite his age, Tamon dropped to his knees in front of Glen right then, crying, "Please, Glen! I-I didn''t mean it! We''d never stage a coup. I''m begging you¡ª"

    "Go. Get them out of here," Glen snapped, denying them even the time to beg for mercy.

    The ckguards and bodyguards quickly dragged Tamon and his cronies away, and their cries faded into the distance as well.

    Glen nced at Vicky, grimacing when he saw her facial scars.

    Then, turning to Frank with a nod, he said, "The Turnbull family owes you again, Frank."

    With that, he left.

    In the evening, Frank, Glen and the rest of the Turnbulls were waiting at the gates.

    Eventually a convoy of ck

    Rolls-Royces pulled up outside, and an unscathed Walter Turnbull alighted on his own without

    assistance, even thanking the other person inside the car before he left.

    Said person simply waved at him before ordering the chauffeur to drive away, and the convoy left as soon as they arrived.

    Glen walked up to Walter right then, eximing in relief, "Walter, you look well!"

    He had certainly been worried, as he was convinced that Walter would at least be given a vicious beating after he was taken to the mayor''s residence-if not outright yed.

    Somehow, Walter was unscathed, even appearing lively as if being offered a VIP''s hospitality.

    As a bawling Susan Redford threw

    herself into Walter''s arms, Walter found Frank standing quietly among the crowd, and he nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I don''t think I''d be alive if not for you."

 Chapter 1159

    Noticing Walter''s gratitude, Frank smiled but shook his head-it was nothing.

    Still, he felt a pang of guilt toward Silverbell.

    She would definitely have been made to pay for harboring Walter.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    On the other hand, the Turnbull elders and executives were quickly expressing their disapproval at Walter for thanking Frank.

    "Walter, it''s all thanks to Titus Lionheart that you''ve returned safely! He killed his own sister in the name of justice and exposed the truth. You would otherwise still be in custody!"

    "Exactly! Why would you thank Frank? If Titus didn''t clear this misunderstanding, you wouldn''t have made it back to us."

    "He must have gotten a good word from the mayor."

    "Tut, tut. It seems that Titus is serious about Vicky and our family. I mean, killing his own sister in the name of justice!" "Probably because Walter is Vicky''s father, don''t you think?"

    "Oh, such loyal devotion! What a shame, Vicky..."

    "Heh. Unlike a certain someone who''s nothing more than some doctor without practice."

    "Come now, he got that recording, didn''t he, and was bragging about how Walter would be fine?"

    "Heh. Talk about a lucky shot."

    "Would Walter really have been safe if not for Titus?"

    Both Glen and Walter were frowning, since they could hear every word their own family members were saying.

    Likewise, they knew that Frank''s involvement was the reason Walter was safe, and it certainly had nothing to do with Titus. The Lionhearts simply had enough influence with the Morhen mayor to frame the story the way they intended.

    And seeing that most of his extended family were gathered, Glen glowered as he barked, "There are two matters I will announce now that everyone is here. The first is a change in family policy-the rights of every enterprise and estate owned by the family outside of Morhen shall be relinquished back to the main family.

    "Of course, the main family will buy any shares with a price above market value, while the internal policies of every enterprise and

    estate remain the same. The o

    change is that the main family keeps the ownership, as it''s obvious now that our family is at a disadvantage should we start a war against the Lionhearts.

    "In fact, I predict chaos would soon before Draconia, which is why aside from any foreign branches, everyone in the family must stand together!"

    The Turnbulls nodded in agreement. They could understand Glen''s policy, and every preceding head of the family had that same right too, as indoctrinated by their predecessors.

    And with the main family buying their shares above the market price, they were really losing nothing.

    "As for the second matter..."

    Glen then turned to Frank with a smile. "Frank Lawrence is now formally a member of our family, as Vicky''s fiance."

    "What?!"

    While only a minority of Turnbulls disagreed with the first matter Glen announced, most were epting.

    The second matter, however, left them stunned.

    A Turnbull executive even strode up and eximed in disbelief, "Havez you gotten senile, Glen?! Titus Lionheart is willing to kill his own

    sister for Vicky''s sake! What you''re doing is really..."

    "Exactly! Frank may be an exceptional healer, but what else does he have going for him?!"

    "You should reconsider this!"

    Amid the protests, it was the usually cowardly Walter who strode up and took the stage.

    Looking around at everyone, he shouted, "Everyone, listen to me!"

    As the crowd turned silent, Walter took a deep breath before snapping coldly, "This is the truth-Frank was the one, who saved me, not Titus! He was the one who did everything in his power to protect me, including threatening the chief of the Martial Ance!"

    "What?!"

    All the Turnbulls turned toward Frank right then.

 Chapter 1160

    Walter then continued, "When the Martial Alliance took me, Mr. Lawrence was the one who stepped up. He threatened their chief Lady Silverbell, saying that he would fight them on the spot if she refused to protect me!"

    "And Lady Silverbell agreed to it, even though it meant braving the wrath of Morhen''s mayor. Hell, as she kept me in custody, she told me so much about Mr. Lawrence, and I''vee to realize that we''re the ones who don''t deserve him."

    Turning and leveling Frank a troubled look, Walter wiped a tear as he asked with a choking voice, "I''m sorry, but can I count on you to take care of Vicky from now on? Is that too much to ask for?" "Of course not." Frank smiled, nodding repeatedly.

    "Oh, thank you..." Walter sighed. "Whatever happens now, Frank... You will have a home wherever I may be."

    "Yeah," Frank nodded, feeling warmth in his heart thanks to Glen and Walter, even though it had recently grown cold toward the Turnbulls.

    "Last but not least..."

    Walter suddenly added quietly. "Lady Silverbell has a message for you."

    "A message...?" Frank was caught off guard.

    Walter nodded. "She says, e home''."

    The Turnbulls were left in an uproar right then.

    "What?! Frank Lawrence has that kind of rtionship with Lady Silverbell?!"

    "Shit, he''s actually that important?!"

    "That''s amazing..."

    There were no longer doubts or discontent, as every Turnbull was now looking at Frank in shock, even worshipfully.

    On the other hand, Frank was spacing out.

    "Donn, let''s go home."

    The young girl stood by the stream, watching in pain at the youth seated in a meditative pose under the waterfall.

    He was made to sit there, even having a boulder ced on top of his head as punishment.

    "No, I''m not going home," he said defiantly.

    "Just apologize to your father. We can go home..."

    "Go home..."

    The girl''s voice echoed repeatedly in Frank''s mind, as he seemed to

    forget everything else and returned to

    at moment, where it was sunset at the waterfall.

    Once he came to his senses, Frank felt a stinging sensation in his eyes and wiped them as he smiled at Walter. "Thank you, Mr. Turnbull. I understand."

    "Mr. Turnbull?" Walter suddenly scowled dramatically.

    Frank chuckled. "Thanks... Dad."

    "Yes!" Walter nodded,ughing.

    Frank turned toward Susan as well and greeted her quietly, "Mom."

    "Yeah." Susan smiled too, her gaze clearly showing appreciation for her son-inw.

    After what happened, Frank hadpletely changed the opinions of Susan and everyone else in the Turnbull family.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Glen spread his arms at the servants

    right then "Alright! We have two reasons to celebrate with a banquet tonight, and my nephew-inw is the main event!"

    "Yes, Mr. Turnbull!"

    The servants left and went to work, and it was certainly a night of dazzling celebrations at Turnbull House.

 Chapter 1161

    Frank left Turnbull Estate alone the next day.

    He never told anyone where he was going as he drove alone to a mansion in the outskirts of Morhen.

    The mansion was modest in size but stood in the middle of a small forest a quiet and clean environment far removed from the bustling city.

    Frank''s heart calmed considerably just from seeing it, and he stepped through the front door to find a faint tea fragrance wafting from the drawing room.

    An ancient, familiar voice spoke from the door. "Ah, you''re here."

    "Yeah," Frank replied as he strode in to see his father, the Lord of the Southern Woods, seated primly.

    He had an antique tea cup beside his fingers, and Frank had picked up its aroma earlier.

    "You should sit." A pretty silhouette appeared out of nowhere with another cup of tea, putting it respectfully on the opposite end where Godwin Lawrence was seated.

    Frank turned to see that it was none other than Silverbell, and he wanted to thank her for protecting Walter Turnbull but could not. All he did was nod and sit opposite his father.

    Godwin was blowing on his tea before taking a sip before leveling a troubled stare at him. "So, you''re done with the Turnbull affair?''N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "Turnbull affair?"

    Frank paused just as he was taking a sip of his tea, frowning at Godwin. "Are you saying you''re the one who protected Walter?"

    "Heh." Godown chuckled, but he could well have been admitting it.

    Then, he asked yet another unprecedented question. "What do you think about Draconia?"

    "What do I think?"

    Frank murmured in surprise but shook his head after some thought. "I was an apprentice at Mystic Sky Sect before hiding in Riverton to

    recover. I don''t know all about

    the factions and rules of theo country."

    Godwin nodded in silence at his honestly. "Alright. You can go after you finish your tea."

    "What?" Frank stared at him, incredulous.

    He thought his father would take the opportunity to tell him about the state

    fne

    the country, the yers, and

    the unwritten rules. Co

    Either that, or recounting the old days since Godwin had said his days were numbered.

    But he only summoned him so formally just for tea?

    Godwin smiled faintly in turn. "What, is the tea bad?"

    "No." Frank took another sip despite his confusion, relishing the sweet aftertaste that followed the bitter vor.

    His unease considerably from just a

    sip, and Gowin could see him calming down. He recounted with

    nostalgia and realization, "Y

    mother always made me that.

    and quote, ''it dispels the fire inside and clears the mind.""

    ng.

    Frank sprang to his feet at the mention of his mother, staring coldly at Godwin in long silence.

    "Frank..." Silverbell reached out to him.

    Gowin, however, waved her off. "It''s fine, Silverbell. He''s stubborn but not stupid..."

    Then, lowering his eyes, he growled, "You can go now, son."

    Frank finally gave in to his curiosity and frowned. "You called me here just for tea?!"

 Chapter 1162

    Frank finally gave in to his curiosity and frowned. "You called me here just for tea?!"

    He had thought a lot about his father along the way here, that pleading look in his eyes and iming that his days were numbered... "What, is there a problem?"

    Godwin smiled after having another sip of his tea. "Silverbell brews good tea. You can ask her to brew it for you from now on."

    "Whatever!" Frank sniffed and turned to leave.

    He really thought his father would at least exin himself, but he once again treated him like a child as he always did, saying nothing.

    Silverbell watched as she left and turned worriedly toward Godwin. "Is this really alright?"

    "What''s not alright?"

    Godwin smiled and took another sip of his tea. "Don''t worry-I''ve left everything to him that I should, and as they say, ignorance is bliss. If I tell him anything now, he''d be storming our enemy''s doorstep and just get himself killed."

    "Yeah." Silverbell nodded in agreement despite her conflict, since she knew very well what Frank''s temper was like. Godwin nodded too. "Good. Now tell me about your mission-what was the news from the Martial Alliance...?"

    Frank was a little upset as he left the mansion, when his phone started to ring.

    "Frank? Are you in Morhen?" Helen asked over the phone.

    "Yeah," Frank replied calmly afterposing himself.

    "What are you doing there? Did Vicky drag you over there?"

    Helen sounded a little jealous, which improved Frank''s mood considerably as he chuckled. "A friend had a little trouble, so I was helping out."

    "A friend? Let me guessst name Turnbull, nice body, and always calls you darling? So that''s why you were in such a hurry. Hmph!"

    Frank chuckled awkwardly, though it was good since Helen was in the mood for jokes. "Can''t get anything past you, huh?"

    "Of course, Helen replied smugly.

    "I''m the board chairwoman of Lanecorp, after all. Anyway, it''s good that you''re in Morhen-help me sign a contract."

    Frank saluted her. "Don''t worry, boss. I''ll do it as best as I can, no matter what difficult mission it is!"Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Quit being glib." Helen pouted and continued sternly, "This is serious. You''ll be meeting the client in South Morhen, and I know for a fact that she''s beautiful, so don''t get any ideas!"

    "What, are you doubting me?" Frank pped his chest audibly. "Don''t worry. I won''t fall for her no matter what she does."

    "Why does that sound so unreliable to me?" Helen asked suspiciously. "Whatever. I guess I''ll take the trip."

    "Ahem. Now that would be a

    bellis

    mistake, Helen," Frank said solemnly, "You can question my attitude, but you shouldn''t question my integrity. Just think about it-how many women in Draconia can match your beauty? And you think I''d give up on the one I have for some new me?"

    Helen finally giggled at that. "Nice words. I wonder who taught you to be so slick..."

 Chapter 1163

    Clearing her throat, Helen said, "I''ll send you the address. You can head over now. Remember, you''re signing the contract, but only after the video conference is over. Do you understand?" "Yep," Frank nodded, then turned to nce at the serene mansion and sighed.

    It turned out that he traveled all this way for tea...

    Still, he did not drag his feet and drove to the address Frank gave him in his Maybach.

    When he entered the designated cafe half an hourter, he found a familiar face right then and was stunned. "You''re the one from Waver Street..."

    It was indeed rity, wearing a tight ck skirt and a blouse with a low neckline and taking a sip of her coffee elegantly.

    Her red lips parted in a smile when she saw Frank, and she licked her finger as she breathed charmingly, "I''m surprised we meet again so soon, handsome." Frank was not flinching but was merely surprised.

    He looked around, but as she was the only customer, rity must be the client.

    As Frank walked over to her and sat down, rity smiled at herptop. "Fufu. He''s here... And it seems we''re acquainted."

    Helen was on screen, taking a sip of her coffee in her office, raising a brow at rity''s words.

    "That''s not all rity smiled

    teasingly, resting her chin on her hands while ncing at Frank. "We had a good night, and I don''t mind mentioning that your boyfriend is really strong, Ms. Lane. I was. satisfied."

    Frank blinked at rity''s ambiguous wording, but before he could exin, Helen was snorting and shaking.her head, know him better than

    everyone, Ms. rity. If you intend to drive us apart, it won''t work."

    "Really?" rity gasped in surprise since Helen did not fall for her ploy.

    Frank breathed a sigh of relief, praising Helen inwardly, though he expected nothing less from the woman who caught his eye.

    "Eh?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    That was when he felt something brushing against his leg and looked down to see rity''s ck thigh highs on his own leg. His eyes widened as he eximed, "What are you doing?!"

    rity simply calmly gave her a flirty gaze, and even Frank had to admit right then she did not lose out to Helen or Vicky.

    Even if she had a veil on that kept her appearance before, she was already a match for any goddess with her curvaceous figure.

    Now that her

    without perfect face was bare

    veil, Frank found her

    fair

    skin and dark hair a working contrast with her blouse and heels.

 Chapter 1164

    The beauty mark beneath rity''s eye only added to her charm. In fact, not many men would be able to resist her. "What''s wrong, Frank?" Helen seemed to sense that something was wrong on the screen and frowned slightly. "It''s nothing." Frank shook his head, reluctant to let it go or Helen would definitely get jealous and misunderstand.

    Still, despite his antsy attitude, he was not about to y along to rity''s tune.

    He understood that the more beautiful a woman was, the more dangerous they would be.

    Likewise, she was definitely up to something if she appeared very interested in someone.

    And the fact that rity came to him twice so enthusiastically made it clear it was no coincidence, and she was nning something.

    Meanwhile, Helen opened a presentation file on the other end, introducing her project with a professional script.

    "Ms. rity, we''ve drawn up ns and blueprints for the resort you asked for. Do take a look..."

    The exchange took less than ten minutes, and it was clear that Helen was a top-level professional.

    Still, while rity appeared to be satisfied, her feet continued to brush against Frank''s under the table, along his calves and up to his thigh.

    The delicate sensation left Frank flinching, and he leveled an angry re at her.

    rity, however, was not even

    looking at him she was watching the screen, smiling and pping. "Well done, Ms. Lane. Your ns are well written and detailed, so I''m really impressed. I''ll invest three billion dors in the project, with one to be wired tonight."

    "Eh?" Helen appeared surprised. "This is a major transaction, Ms. rity. Don''t you need time to sleep on it?"

    "Nope," rity replied, shing a professional smile at Helen even as she continued to y footsie with Frank. "Though to be honest, mainly trust Mr. Lawrence-his women won''t be pushovers."

    "I see..." Helen sighed in relief on the screen, though Frank could see the warning re and exasperation shing in Helen''s eyes.

    "By the way, Ms. Lane..." rity said, licking coffee off her lips as she winked at Frank. "I''d like to borrow Mr. Lawrence for half a day to satisfy my personal... interests."

    She was basically ignoring Helen''s presence now, even rubbing her feet on Frank''s thighs.

    Frank kept a straight face as he sighed and turned away, feigning ignorance to stop her ''assault''.

    However, rity did not give up, even brushing her feet on his groin now.

    "Hey!" Frank shot her a re, unable to avoid her.

    rity gave up on pretenses too, leaning forward so that her cleavage was bared in full, her gaze suddenly distant.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    She was breathing heavily even as she adjusted herself to an alluring pose, smiling bewitchingly, "Have you forgotten, Mr. Lawrence? I

    remembered going all the way

    ove

    Zam to see you, but you''ve forgotten me already... And you never came to the masquerade ball at Twin Lions Hotel..."

 Chapter 1165

    Helen, however, could hear rity''s immodest voice on the other end and snapped, "What?! What are you doing over there, Frank?" "Wait, that was you?!"

    Frank was flinching as he remembered so that was why he found rity so familiar. She was thepanion of one of the bigwigs attending the bid event in Zamri! She had invited him to a masquerade ball, but he thought nothing of it since he was not interested.

    And now, she actually showed up here in Morhen...

    "What do you want?" he snapped, ring sharply at rity even as he caught her foot.

    rity gasped. "Oh, you''re hurting me... I mean, it''s not like I hate it, but are we really doing this in front of so many people?"

    As she turned pointedly elsewhere, Frank turned to find that other guests had arrived at the cafe and were staring at them.

    It would certainly look like they were getting frisky, with Frank holding her leg.

    "Tut, tut... Men these days are real pigs..."

    "No way, doing it in public? How immodest..."

    "Mommy, what is that man doing?" a little girl asked innocently.

    "Don''t look," the mother said and shielded her eyes.

    "Frank, what''s going on over there?" Helen pressed anxiously on the other end.

    "I... It''s nothing." Frank sighed, having no choice but to turn to the screen while letting go of rity''s foot. "It''s just..."

    "H-He..."

    Before Frank could exin himself, however, rity was pouting miserably. "Ms. Lane, your boyfriend was ying footsie while we were talking, even catching my leg."

    "What?!" Helen''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    Frank did what?!Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank was dumbstruck too-how shameless could that woman get?! And she was clearly here to cause trouble!

    On the other hand, Helen calmly and seriously said, "No, Frank isn''t like that. You may be my client, Ms rity, but nder Frank and will be the first to side with him."

    "Oh, Helen! You''re the best!" Frank was on the verge of tears.

    vel

    "You''re doubting me? Alright. Waiter?" rity raised a hand, beckoning at a waiter so that he stood in front of theptop. "Go on. Tell her if that man was molesting me."

    "I..." The waiter was left stammering awkwardly.

    "Speak, or we will call the cops and check the cameras!" rity threatened.

    "Alright..." The waiter leveled an awkward look at Frank and told Helen meekly, "He was holding thedy''s leg..."

    "What?!" Disbelief showed on Helen''s face on the screen.

    The little girl from before pointed at Frank just then, "Mommy, is he what we call a pervert?"

    "Shush." The woman silenced her and pulled her along. "Let''s leave already. There''s a pervert here!"

    "Yeah, let''s just go!"

    As the cafe guests all hurried away, Frank was left petrified¡ªit was the first time a girl had ever called him a pervert!

 Chapter 1166

    Shutting theptop, Frank red at rity. "What the hell do you want?"

    "Nothing. I like you, that''s all!" rity beamed, leaving Frank even more frustrated.

    "Hmph."

    Frank ignored her and turned to leave.

    "Hey, wait!"

    rity caught his wrist and shed an apologetic smile. "Calm down. Don''t you want to know who I am, Donn Lawrence?"

    "What?!" Frank turned right then. "You know my name?! Speak! Who are you?!"

    "Well..."

    rity shook her head mysteriously. "I''m a disced vagabond like you."

    Frank charged his Five-Peat Archaeus right then, ready to attack-since she refused to go along when he was nice, he just had to get tough!

    But even as rity took a step back, she was beaming charmingly. "Oh, calm down! How impatient can you get? Well, since you''re so eager to find out, I guess I can tell you... I go by many names, so which should I tell you? Oh, right."

    Suddenly, the air around rity changed, and the bewitchingdy was an Ascendant rank with a death aura swirling around her, smiling faintly. "You can call me Juno Enigma."

    "Juno Enigma..." Frank repeated, before snapping, "Why do you keep approaching me?!"

    "Because lye taken an interest in you," Juno purred, suddenly that bewitching maiden again as she tapped her red lips. "I''m serious. I swear it."

    Her words left Frank taken aback, surprised that she was serious.

    Still, he soon snorted. "Did you think I''m stupid enough to buy your lies?"

    Juno was clearly upset this time, even shooting Frank an using look and snorting. "You''re such a terrible man. Rejecting a beauty like me, and worse of all, suspecting that I have ulterior motives? Don''t forget who gave you the information to save Vicky Turnbull-or should I borate on what would have happened to her if not for me?"

    Frank''s breath left his lungs, but he had to admit that Juno was right.

    "What''s in it for you?" he asked, calming down but still wary.

    "I just don''t want you to be upset." Juno grinned broadly. "As a new mistress, shouldn''t I appease the legal wives first?''

    "What? Hold on..." Frank held up aPublished by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    hand, caught off guard by Juno''s et

    weird logic, though a hunch soon came to mind. "You approached Helen with a proposition because..."

    "Of course." Juno shrugged innocently. "Just currying the favor of the most senior member of the harem."

    The death aura around Frank dispersed right then.

    He had no idea what Juno was nning, but he was sure that she had no ill will, or he would have been able to tell.

 Chapter 1167

    Frank was weary when he left the cafe and decided that he would absolutely refuse Helen if he had any other simr requests in the future.

    Still, he stared at the ck Maserati convertible parked outside, while Juno''s words echoed in his mind:

    "Being my enemy does you no good. ept me like a good boy, and I will provide you with Draconian information that you desire. Take this piece of information as a show of sincerity-there''s an unfinished construction project sitting in the outskirts of Zamri. However, you could ask Ms. Lane to pick it up, since the government would take it back for demotion in a few days. By then, the value would multiply tenfold!"

    "Where did you get that information from?" Frank asked right then.

    Juno simply shed him a mysterious smile. "That''s a secret, unless you say yes..."

    As such, once he left the cafe, Frank whipped out his phone to call Trevor Zurich.

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence?" Trevor answered right away, respectful as ever.

    "Help me look into this woman named Juno Enigma," Frank said.

    "Juno Enigma...?" Trevor sounded a little surprised.

    "What, you know her?"

    "Just bits and pieces," Trevor replied, uncertain. "She stands at the top of ckrank, though not by brute strength-she is the top information broker in Draconia. Her services are expensive but always urate, and her whereabouts are never certain. There have been bounties put on her head, but no one could really find her, which is how she earned her name."

    Pausing, Trevor asked tentatively, "Why ask about her, Mr. Lawrence? Could you have seen her in person?"

    "Yeah." Frank nodded.

    "That''s amazing!" Trevor eximed. "You have to understand that not

    everyone has the honor of seeing her face. Or after she reached Ascendant rank, at least. Some even questioned her gender, though Juno is obviously feminine so they went with that...."

    "Alright, got it." Frank hung up, and breathed a long sigh.

    It was now not surprising why Juno was so confident-she was both the top ckrank and the best information broker in Draconia.

    Even if Frank had no idea what she was up to, Frank was convinced that it would be no mistake to be wary of her.

    Meanwhile, inside the cafe, Juno had her legs crossed as she slowly put on a pair of shades.

    She finished her coffee and watched

    enigmatically. "We''re both

    vagabonds without a ce to call home... Donn."

    as Frank''s Maybach lene

    Frank stayed the night at Turnbull Estate, getting Vicky to remain there to rest and recover while giving her a box of ointment.

    The next day, he drove straight to

    Zamri, intent on clearing the misunderstanding with Helen since

    he could not reach her phone sincest night.

    He headed straight to Lanecorp, only to open Helen''s office door and find Peter Lane sitting on Helen''s armchair.

    He was busy using his phone and so engrossed that he was cursing unintelligibly from time to time.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

 Chapter 1168

    Frank barked, "Where''s your sister, Peter Lane?!"

    Flinching and almost dropping his phone, Peter scowled when he saw that it was Frank.

    "I don''t know! Don''t ask me!" Peter snapped impatiently and returned to his game.

    Frank was left annoyed as he watched, especially since Peter had his feet on Helen''s desk, his shoes leaving prints on the documents above it.

    "Mr. Lawrence?"

    Lily strode in just then and noticed Frank.

    She was Helen''s secretary who transferred from Riverton''s Lane Holdings, and she pulled Frank aside as she whispered, "Ms. Lane lost her phonest night, and we couldn''t find it at allst night. She just left for the hospital to visit her mother, and she told me to pass the message if youe back while she isn''t around."

    Frank listened, but noticed Peter peeking at him.

    When he turned toward Peter, Peter turned back to his phone, yapping away as if he had been engrossed.

    "And what is he doing here?" Frank pointed at Peter.

    "Oh... He came in yesterday, and Ms. Lane had him keep an eye on things while she''s away, though I''m supposed to call her right away if it''s a client."

    Lily appeared exasperated even as she nced at Peter-like Cindy, he was clearly the type you could not count on but could notin about either. "Which hospital did Helen go to? Is she still there? I''ll check on her," Frank said.

    That was when Peter suddenly leapt up, shing a smile at Frank. "Hey brother I recently got myself a girlfriend. Could you help be my wingman?"

    Brother? Girlfriend?

    Frank narrowed his eyes-Peter was behaving weirdly, and there was something fishy about the whole thing.

    "I''ll pass I need to talk to your sister about work. Which hospital did she go to?"

    "She''s, uh..."

    Peter blinked but soon smacked his head and chuckled. "It''s on the southern side. Come on, I''ll drive."

    Frank only became further suspicious since Peter seemed to have his act together but kept his praiseful smile. Soon, they were in a car heading to South Zamri.

    However, Peter did not slow down his car even as they sped down the highway, and Peter smacked his head and gasped guiltily, "Oh,

    bother I''m really not used to Zamri.

    We''ll have to take a detour toget back."

    "It''s fine."

    Frank smiled but was already wary inside as he prepared himself for whatever Peter cooked up.

    To no surprise, they only drove further away from the highway and the city and eventually arrived at an abandoned industrial area.

    Seeing that Peter was giving up on.

    pretenses, Frank followed suit andet

    "Weren''t we heading to a

    hospital? What is this ce?"

    Peter shed a savage smile right then. "Haha! I was staying at the office just to stop you! You''re dead meat, Frank Lawrence!"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

 Chapter 1169

    Peter jumped out of the car right then, yelling even as he ran into one of the abandoned factories. "Mr. Jameson! Mr. Jameson! I''ve lured Frank Lawrence here-tell your boys to kill him!"

    "Hehe..."

    A man around sixty strode out of the factory, holding a cigar between his lips and wearing a pinstripe suit.

    Frank quickly recognized him-it was Larry Jameson.

    He was chatting with Helen back at the Zamri lease bid, and Juno was with him back then. Frank also remembered Helen saying that he was one of Zamri''s Three Bears.

    And now, Larry breathed a puff of his cigar as he watched Frank alighted, chuckling. "So you''re Frank Lawrence, Helen Lane''s husband?"

    "That''s right." Frank strode up and stood before Larry, while shaking his head at Peter, who had quickly hidden himself behind Larry. "I thought you''d improve yourself after leaving Riverton for a while, but it turns out you remain ever despicable."

    "Despicable? That still depends on who it is!"

    Peter sneered. "There''s no reason to y nice with a piece of shit like you, and I will take over Lanecorp once Mr. Jameson is done with you!"

    Frank nodded that settled what Peter was nning, and he pointed at Larry. "So you think that he can handle me?"

    "Hehehe..." Larryughed, shaking his head. "Calm down, kid. I can admit that Helen Lane has skill, stealing so many projects from me in days after taking over Lanecorp. However, Zamri only needs Three Bears... there''s no reason for a fourth."

    He waved his hand, and the factory roller doors opened.

    Over fifty armed goons then charged

    in, surrounding Frank while Larry chuckled. "Word is that you''re a

    martial artist, so I''ve invited the

    Hansen brothers, the very best

    Zamr ''ll have you know that they stand at the top of Skyrank, and they are backed up by all my boys here. Make this easy for yourself and

    surrender now."

    At his orders, two martial artists-one scrawny and one rotund-leapt down the roof,nding in front of Frank with a loud brank.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Vin Hansen, the scrawny one, was already ring at Frank in contempt. "Hehe. We were paid twenty million for this brat?!"

    Mos Hansen, the scrawny, red at Frank in contempt.

    ?

    "True. Could you be mistaken, Mr. Jameson?" Mos Hansen, the rotund brother, asked suspiciously after studying Frank, as he could not sense any pure vigor from Frank.

    There were only two possibilities here.

    The first was that Frank was Ascendant rank, and his abilities outmatched the brothers'' senses.

    That was obviously impossible, as abilities went hand-in-hand with age for martial artists, which was why the Ascendant-rank retainers of the Four Families of Morhen were elderly.

    There was also no way Frank could be Ascendant rank when he was so young.

    As for the second... Frank was an average Joe, and not even a vigor wielder.

    And to the Hansen brothers, that seemed more likely.

    That was why they suspected Larry Jameson had the wrong guy, or the twenty million would almost be too good to be true!

 Chapter 1170

    The Hansen brothers'' question left Larry frowning in doubt too, and he turned to Peter. "Are you sure he''s Frank Lawrence, Helen Lane''s husband?"

    "Yes!"

    Peter''s eyes were glued to Frank as he sneered. "Don''t worry, Mr. Jameson. I''d recognize him anywhere."

    "You''d better, or you know what''s going to happen." Larry chuckled coolly.

    Peter flinched right then but quickly shed a fawning smile. "What are you saying, Mr. Jameson? Why would I lie to you? I mean, I still owe you ny million dors! I''d never lie to you even if it means giving up Lanecorp as coteral, right?"

    Frank could hear them despite being encircled-it seemed that Peter had betrayed him and Helen because of his debt to Larry.

    "Scumbag..." He glowered.

    It was as if Helen''s family was less than human, and they were intent on squeezing her dry.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Where''s Helen?" Frank demanded, turning toward Larry when he saw that the goons were closing in.

    "Oh, you''re still worried about your wife? How loving!" Larryughed sleazily. "Don''t worry-she''s safe, tied up to a bed in one of my suburban mansions. I''ll show her some proper hospitality once I''m done with you. Still, I must say that she''s so hot I almost can''t bear toy a finger on her! Tut, tut, I really wouldn''t have a taste if not for her good brother."

    While Frank scowled at the sixtyish man''s despicable attitude, he was still relieved.

    Then, he turned toward the Hansen

    ???

    brothers who were rubbing their palms as they strode up to him, saying quietly, "This might be pointless, but word of advice-run before get started. Training isn''t easy, and life is precious. But don''t t¨¦st me as you are now... that''s thest piece of advice I''ll give you."

    His threat left the Hansen brothers pausing and trading nces before bursting out inughter.

    Vin stared down Frank even as he stood with his face inches away, smirking. "Hahaha... Are you daydreaming or something, kid? Did you think we wouldn''t know if you can fight? You don''t think we can''t tell what level you are, do you? You''re bluffing the wrong people!"

    "Why don''t we give you a chance instead?" Mos cracked his neck audibly. "Kowtow to us ten times each, and we will kill you painlessly. How about that?" "Nah." Frank sighed, shaking his head. "You can''t read me because you''re that inferior. If you were even a bit better, you''d know well not to mess with me."

    Holding up his index finger, he said quietly, "Last chance."

    "You have some cheek, brat!" Vin punched out at Frank, seeing that he was still talking tough.

    It was supposed to crush his arm, so

    that he would writhe in agony and beg for mercy, while Vin and Mos would at least look like they earned their paychecks.

    Otherwise, Larry would most definitely not be paying the twenty million he promised in full if they killed Frank so easily.

 Chapter 1171

    "Well, you asked for it!"

    Frank''s eyes shed coldly as he retaliated with an outstretched palm, pulverizing Vin''s knuckle instantly.

    "Huh?!"

    Frank could clearly feel his bones shattering and stood staring nkly at his palm even as Vin screamed.

    He did not use that much strength, did he?

    He had intended to use his palm to deflect Vin''s oing fist, before he punched and pulverized Vin''s head with a punch, killing him.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Naturally, he did not expect his palm to pulverize Vin''s knuckles anyway, just like mincemeat!

    In fact, he was so shocked he stood, dumbstruck, forgetting to press his attack and unable to regain his senses. "My pure vigor is the same, so it''s only my body''s fortitude that has changed. What''s going on here?!"

    That was when Mos bellowed, "What the hell did you just do?!"

    His face fell when he saw Frank crushed his brother''s knuckle so easily and charged at him, ready for payback.

    "Heh..." Frank finally came to his senses at Vin''s outburst, and he felt the need to actually test what had just happened to his body.

    Without charging his pure vigor, he threw a light jab against Mos'' oing lunge, not even using much of his physical strength.

    In contrast, Mos'' punch was fully charged with terrible might, and one could almost hear the bellow of a raging beast.

    "You''ve asked for it, brat!" Mos bellowed, his face contorting with savagery and a hint of a sneer of contempt.

    He had no idea how Frank had managed to crunch his brother''s knuckles, but with him going all out, it was definitely overkill against Frank.

    And Frank was just holding out his arm for Mos to hit-not even Ascendant ranks would go for such a direct parry!

    "I''ll make you pay! Roaring Tiger Fist!" Mos bellowed, the trees around him rustling violently from the shockwave left in his wake, as if a roaring tiger was really descending upon Frank.

    Frank remained unmoved, however, throwing nothing but a light jab as if suicidal.

    Larry was narrowing his eyes and sneering, "Hehe. And I thought that the kid actually has a trick up his sleeve, but he''s resigning himself to his death already."

    Peter promptly ttered, "Of course! You''re so menacing he''d never dare resist!"

    Larry actually smiled smugly at that-even if Peter was a worthless idiot and a sycophant, no one disliked being ttered. In fact, even if he was already nning to vanish Peter once he took over Lanecorp, he still threw some crumbs for the time being anyway.

    "Don''t worry, Pete." He chuckled. "Once you take over Lanecorp and clear your debt, that bigpany is all yours."

    "Hehe... Thank you, Mr. Jameson! I''d never dream of taking over Lanecorp otherwise!" Peter quickly fawned over him, bowing repeatedly while rubbing his hands eagerly S

    "Heh..." Larry simply chuckled with a look of disdain.

    While both men were busy daydreaming, the dust kicked up from the shockwave of Mos'' punch was settling.

    At the same time, blood was raining from overhead with an audible ssh.

    "Hahaha! You''re dead now, Frank Lawrence! I''ve wanted to do this for so long!" Peterughed endlessly.

    Larry was nodding in satisfaction as he watched the blood flow freely along the ground too.

    His money''s worth aside, the most important thing was that his objective was achieved.

 Chapter 1172

    At that very moment, everyone was convinced that Frank was defeated and bleeding like a pig, until a frail cough could be heard amid the settling dust. "Guh... Run, Vin..."

    "What?!" Vin''s eyes widened even as he crouched on one knee, clutching the stump that was his wrist.

    Did he just hear his own brother telling him to run?Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    What was going on there?!

    In just a couple of seconds, the dustpletely settled and Vin finally saw what had happened: Frank was still quietly holding out his arm, with which he punched Mos through the chest!

    In fact, Mos'' corpse simply dangled over Frank''s wrist, his hands and head hanging limply as he breathed hisst.

    "What?!" Vin paled his brother was killed by such a simple punch?!

    "Huh?!" Peter was stunned too.

    He knew Frank was a martial artist, and he had been told by others that he was strong despite having left Riverton for a while.

    That was why he warned Larry, who heeded his warning and spent a fortune hiring the Hansen brothers of Zamri, who were both Skyranks.

    And yet, Frank was more powerful than they had imagined, killing one of said Skyranks with just a simple, ordinary punch.

    No, one would struggle to call it a punch... he was basically just holding up his hand!

    Thud.

    Larry''s cigar dropped on the floor, the smugness on his face gone as he gaped in sheer astonishment.

    The other goons he brought were reacting just like him, stunned by the unexpected oue!

    St.

    Frank pulled his hand out of Mos'' corpse, dumping it on the floor with

    a

    Own of distaste-the r

    blood

    that.

    "How fragile." Frank even snorted in contempt as he shook his head.

    After all, his light jab tore felt like a

    red-hot steel rod tearing through

    Mos, as if Mos'' body was paper, which felt as disgusting as it was mystifying.

    Their physical toughness were simply on different levels, after Frank''s physicality somehow altered.

    "What the hell?" Frank murmured as he stared at his hand again, still confused as to how his body had suddenly changed so drastically.

    Even if he could still kill the Hansen brothers effortlessly before this, it was not this effortless.

    "Hold on... Could it be?"

    Frank abruptly remembered the tea he drank with his old man at Morhen.

    But even as the thought came to

    mind, Vin''s eyes went red, and he suddenly lunged at Frank as he lost all sanity, bellowing, "You will die for what you did, you bastard! S

 Chapter 1173

    St!

    Once again, Frank did not charge his pure vigor.

    He merelyunched a kick, which tore Vin''s body in two.

    Larry, Peter, and everyone else turned pale as they stared at the chunks of flesh and blood sttering everywhere.

    "Is he... human?!" Larry murmured, before turning to re at Peter.

    He could p Peter twice right then-what reaper did Peter bring on his doorstep?

    No... Did Peter deliberately bring Frank over to kill him?!

    "I... That''s impossible..." Peter was on the verge of tears, and he dropped to the floor, trembling as if someone had drained him of all strength.

    If Frank chased him down, he would kill him right then!

    Considering what he did and all the insults he threw at Frank, he could p himself right then.

    "W-What should I do?" he murmured, desperately searching for ideas to survive despite his shock.

    That was when he found Larry ring at him furiously.

    Peter''s initial panic was suddenly gone, and like a cornered beast, he was glowering savagely at Larry too.

    "It''s all because of you! Fuck you!" he screamed, lunging maniacally at Larry and knocking him down, cursing even as he punched Larry repeatedly in the face.

    "What the fuck-you hit me?! I''ll kill you!" Larry yelled in pain even as Peter clobbered his face, leaving it bruised and battered.

    However, Larry''s outburst only spurred Peter to hit him harder. "Fuck you! You lured me into your casino and made me rack up a huge debt! You made me frame my sister! It''s all your fault! I''ll kill you!" Naturally, Larry could not defend himself against a young man at sixty, but he had his goons.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    As soon as Peter paused for a breather, he yelled at them, "What are you doing, just standing around?! Kill this prick!"

    The goons, who were left dumbstruck for a long while, all charged forward, ready to pull Peter away.

    Just as they reached Peter, however, a figure appeared out of nowhere and was standing beside Peter.

    "Eh?!"

    The goons at the front promptly stopped when they saw the figure-it was none other than Frank.

    Some of them dropped to the floor since they could not stop in time, while others were already scrambling to flee.

    In an instant, most of them tripped over each other and copsed into a big, miserable bundle.

    Through it all, Frank stood beside

    Peter, scaring the goons into running away or dropping to their knees in front of Frank, their trembling fingers crossed as they closed their eyes and pleaded.

    "Please... Don''t kill me... Don''t kill me..."

    "I''d never do it again... Just let me live, dear god..."

    These were all hired killers with blood on their hands and hardly feared anything.

    But they were still humans, and

    humans felt fear-none of them were interested in dying for nothing, especially against an enemy they could not beat.

    And what Frank had done was beyond what their senses could take, as if he was some divine being.

    That was why they were prostrating themselves before him, just like they would bow to a god.

    "Dear god..." Frank quietly repeated the goons'' prayer, understanding just then.

    There was no mistaking it¡ªhis body was almost divine. Forget kicking and punching-even the finest de would not pierce his skin.

 Chapter 1174

    Frank''s body was basically divine, but his pure vigor remained at Birthright rank.

    He mused to himself, his mind far away. "If I learned to ride a cloud and cast magic, would I really be divine? Or perhaps... Ascendant rank?"

    Could his physicality have surpassed Ascendant rank and reached Transcendent rank?

    And there were barely a handful Ascendant ranks across Draconia!

    Still, Frank soon came to his senses, cast a sweeping nce over the goons kowtowing to him, and sniffed. "Get out."

    "Yes, yes, yes... We will be gone right now..."

    "Come on, let''s go..."

    Frank stood, not chasing after the goons as they all fled.

    He was not that bloodthirsty. Even if those men more than deserved death, they had lost the will to fight and were no nuisance to Frank, so he was not bothered. "That''s enough." Frank grabbed Peter by the cor just then, pulling him off Larry as if he was a housecat.

    Larry was a bloody mess and half-dead-Peter really did not hold back for the sake of his survival.

    "Oh, my brother-inw! I was set up!" Peter was immediately bawling. "I was forced to say everything I did! Larry made me do it! I won''t do it ever again..."

    As Peter''s tears gushed, Frank threw him away in disdain, but the man crawled toward him stubbornly as soon as he dropped on the floor, grabbing him by the leg as he bawled.

    Frank was certainly annoyed by Peter''s hysterics and really wanted to stomp him to death just then.

    However, considering Peter was Helen''s brother, it was inappropriate to kill him just then even if he was scum.

    Shaking him off, he turned toward Larry. "I have a few questions for you. Answer me truthfully, and I can let you live."

    The idea that Frank would spare Larry left Peter absolutely petrified.

    If Larry was allowed to live and came to his senses, he would never spare him!

    He promptly yelled right then,

    "Please! Now''s not the time to

    niceOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen, you can''t let him¡ª" S

    He almost forced himse P

    "Shut up!" Frank wheeled on him bellowed. "Another word, and I will kill you where you stand!"

    Peter finally shut up at Frank''s

    threat, but his eyes were dartinget

    everywhere as he had not given up oning up with an exit n.

    On the other hand, Larry gave in for the sake of his survival.

    Naturally, he was cursing Peter a million times inwardly while resolving himself to punish Peter severely if he survived.

    Then, turning to level a feeble look

    Frank, be coughed blood as he rasped, "Just ask. I''ll tell you

    everything I know." Gove

    "Good." Frank nodded and asked quietly, "How did you meet that woman at thend lease bid?"

    "That woman?" Larry''s voice turned shrill at the mention of Juno Enigma, and his eyes red!

 Chapter 1175

    Still, Larry sighed feebly as he began, "I happen to meet that woman on a business trip in Talnam. S-She came on to me, goading me into investing into two pieces ofnd that she said would make a lot of money. I fell for it, and she bailed on me just a few days ago, while taking a huge chunk of mypany''s properties with her..."

    Larry coughed violently, clearly choking with rage even as he finished, "I-I wouldn''t have been worried about Lanecorp''s rise if not for that..."

    "I see." Frank nodded at Larry''s words, realizing with a start.

    Larry said he met Juno in Talnam... So she was Talnamese?N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    "B-By the way, Mr. Lawrence..."

    Seeing that Frank was interested in Juno, Larry, bent on survival, quickly added, "That woman is allergic to lilies... and severely, I might add."

    "Severely allergic to lilies?" Frank murmured as he made a mental note-it seemed that he was right, choosing to spare Larry and ask him about Juno. While Larry might be lying, it was pointless at this point, since Frank could easily verify his words.

    "Good. I will spare you since you''ve been honest." Frank snorted. "You just might survive if you can get yourself to a hospital in half an hour."

    As Frank turned to leave, Larry gritted his teeth as he pushed himself to his feet with considerable difficulty, even bowing gratefully at Frank.

    "Thank you for sparing my life... Argh!" He suddenly gasped as he felt a heartrending agony from the back and turned to find Peter ring viciously at him.

    It seemed Peter had picked up a knife one of Larry''s goons dropped when he fled and seized the right moment to stab Larry in the back, killing him.

    "Peter!" Frank was incensed when he turned and saw that.

    He actually had his reasons for sparing Larry, only for Peter to kill him with a literal backstab.

    Talk about heinous!

    Without another word, Frank strode up and broke one of Peter''s arms, bellowing furiously, "I spared you for your sister''s sake, only for you to do something so despicable! This s you I

    Weserve, and I will skin you if you stray out of line again!"

    "O-Okay!!!" Peter was sweating

    profusely in agony, but he did not et

    dare to

    argue since Frank could kill

    him with just a snap of his fingers.

    Still, he was grinning crazily when he saw that Larry was dead as a doornail¡ªan arm for his life? It was certainly a fair trade!

    And even as he watched Frank leave, there was a flicker of savageness despite his fawning expression...

    After that, Peter led Frank to the ce where Helen was abducted, and Frank rushed inside to free her of his restraints.

    Despite her initial panic, Helen did

    not

    time to ask after Franko

    what had happened during their business meeting with Juno.

    Instead, she leapt out of bed, pping Peter across the face audibly, sending him stumbling sideways.

    "You... despicable prick!" Helen snarled, shaking with rage.

 Chapter 1176

    Helen was clearly aware of who got her into this trouble.

    Just yesterday, when Peter returned, she thought for a moment that unlike Cindy, she could afford to arrange a job for him, only for him to sell her out in the blink of an eye.

    "I would have gutted you if you weren''t my brother!" Helen bellowed.

    Peter could only cringe into himself, hanging his head.

    Frank had never seen Helen being that upset, and was about to reach out tofort her... only for her to throw herself into his arms and bawling, "Why, Frank?! Why is my family like this...?"

    "It''s alright. I''m here." Frank patted her on the back, carefullyforting her.

    "I-I''m sorry, sis. I had no choice..." Peter stammered just then.

    "Forget it. I don''t need your exnation," Helen snapped, a girlboss as always as she quicklyposed herself, wiping away her tears.

    Waving Peter away, she sighed. "You can stay in Riverton like Cindy. Don''t evere to Zamri-I don''t want to see any of you here."

    "But..."

    Peter scratched his head as he stammered. "I wasn''t lying, sis. Mom dide to Zamri, and she''s hurt-"

    "What?!"

    Helen snapped. "Are you still trying to lie to me, Peter?!"

    "What''s going on here?" Frank asked, left confused by their exchange.

    "Urgh..."

    Helen sighed as she shot Peter a cold re before turning to Frank and exining, "I lost my phone night... but it turns out that Peter stole it. He gave it to Larry Jameson of Zomber Group, who nned to steal Lanecorp corporate secrets."

    Even as Peter lowered his head further, Helen could barely repress the rage in her voice as she rasped "Then, this morning, he came to me and said Gina was hurt and in the hospital. I didn''t think about it too much and rushed to the hospital immediately, but was intercepted and abducted by Larry."

    Laughing coolly, Helen continued, "I kept the car doors locked while urging Peter to call you... but as it turns out, he was with Larry! It was their conspiracy all along, meant to force me to sign over my shares." "Sis... Can we stop talking about it?"

    Peter smiled awkwardly. "I mean, Larry really forced me into this, but I got revenge for you¡ª"

    "Revenge?!"

    Helen was taken aback but quickly pressed, "What did you do to Larry?!"

    "I killed him!" Peter grinned viciously. "He set me up and kidnapped my sister! It''s only right that I killed him!"

    "You... You''re full of it!"

    Helen, however, was on the verge of

    tears. "Larry''s Zomber Group is a family business, and his younger

    brother just left. If he knew you killed Larry, he would attack Lanecorp, even if it means he goes down swinging!"

    "What?! He has a brother?!" Peter was dumbstruck.

    He thought he was safe after he killed Larry... But it turned out that Larry had a brother!N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

 Chapter 1177

    Worst of all, Larry''s brother was a part of it!

    Helen sighed. "Larry is really nothingpared to his brother-that man is the real heart of Zomber Group, lurking in the shadows. It was his n to use you, as he just told me that!"

    Peter dropped to his knees, petrified. If Larry''s brother found out that he was the one who killed Larry, someone as unprotected and as unimportant as him would definitely be destroyed! "W-What should I do?! Helen... Frank! Please, you have to help me!"

    Frank folded his arms before his chest and snorted, clearly not interested in getting involved. "I was going to spare Larry, but you insisted on killing him. You just have to live with the consequences now." "Frank''s right. You just have to live with it yourself," Helen agreed coolly. "Did you think I''d still help you after you set me up, not caring what would happen to Lanecorp or my modesty?!"

    While Peter''s soul seemed to be drained by Frank and Helen''s sentence, he was left kneeling limply on the floor while Helen turned to Frank. "Can you make a call, find out if Peter is lying about my mom too? don''t have my phone."

    "Okay." Frank nodded, and they both left the mansion.

    Peter remained where he was, silent for a long while.

    Then, his panicked gaze turned vicious as he made up his mind, and he got to his feet, ring at Frank and Helen.

    "You can''t me me now... You refused to save me!"

    Frank and Helen hurried to Zamri Hospital after calling to ask if they had a patient named Gina Zonda, and the answer was yes.

    When they eventually reached Gina''s ward, they found her clutching her bandaged head, groaning endlessly.

    Trickles of blood were still seeping out of the bandage, and it was clear that she was very hurt.

    And yet, Frank felt a sense of catharsis even as he watched-not only did he feel no sympathy, but he found it perfectly reasonable.

    A fishwife like Gina would prove to be a menace to society if she was not straightened out.

    "Mom, what happened?" Helen asked in concern, frowning.

    Gina was her mother, after all, and she was beaten up quite badly.

    "Oh, Helen What took you so long?!" Gina eximed, clutching her head and shedding a tear of misery. "They might have killed me if you were anyter. They dumped me by the road without anyoneing by to help..."

    "What are you talking about?" Helen asked wearily without mentioning that it was Peter''s fault that she did not arrive sooner.

    And considering Gina''s state, Helen avoided mentioning Peter or Gina might have a heart attack.

    Somehow Gina decided to mention

    her baby boy anyway, "It''s Potion That prick was why I was been?!"

    Have

    you seen him earlier,

    up!

    "Eh?" Helen was taken aback-what could have caused Gina to turn against her most treasured son?

    And Gina even said Peter was why she was beaten up... what could have happened?Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Oh? Helen, you''re here!" Cindy

    Zonda eximed as she strode in

    Gina''s ward just then, and she

    sighed when she saw Helen. "You

    really have to help Aunt Gina out this time."

 Chapter 1178

    "Oh? Helen, you''re here!" Cindy eximed as she strode in Gina''s ward just then, and sighed when she saw Helen. "You really have to help Aunt Gina out this time." "What is it?" Helen asked, despite already feeling impatient.

    "I''ll tell her," Gina said, her indignation suddenly gone as she tried to cry but could not even manage that.

    "Oh, Helen... I''m so sorry!" she eximed and looked ready to m her head into the wall, but Helen stopped her.

    "What''s going on, Mom?" Helen was certainly confused-what trouble did Gina cause for her this time?!

    "Helen, do you know Larry Jameson? One of Zamri''s Three Bears?" Cindy asked just then.

    "Larry Jameson?" Helen''s heart skipped a beat at the name. "I do. What''s up?"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Well, Peter returned to Riverton a few days ago and came straight to me, saying he had a serious business deal for me..." Gina trailed off, sobbing.

    Cindy quickly continued, "Peter asked us to buy and lot owned by Larry, saying that it would be used for future development and that we''d make big bucks with it."

    Sighing, Cindy nced at the

    inconsble Gina before continuing, "He said it was a friend rebate since he and Larry were close, and that it was a sure profit. Aunt Gina thought that her son had finally made it, even making friends with a Zamt bigwig When Larry himself showed up."

    Pursing her lips, Cindy then said, "She was so happy she bet everything on it, including Riverton Manor, but I thought it smelled fishy. However, Aunt Gina was

    determined, so nothing I said got through to her, and what do you think happened?"

    Cindyughed despite herself, clearly exasperated. "Now we''re officially homeless-we went to check out thatnd lot, but there

    was an unfinished building sitt

    top of it! There''s no value to it at all, and we couldn''t even get inside because it''s a nest for homeless

    folks and thugs.

    "Aunt Gina finally realized she was conned out of all her money and estate, while racking up a huge debt from a loan shark she had to borrow from. It''s not just a loss-she really has nothing left!" Naturtall, Gina was also fuming at her dear son, who had conned her and disappeared entirely, nowhere to be found.

    "Urgh..."

    Helen felt a terrible migraine after hearing what Cindy had to say.

    She turned to level an exasperated look at Frank before shing a pained smile. "Equality, I guess. Peter had to trick Mom out of every dime and almost sell off mypany." "What?! What did Peter do?!" Gina looked up in shock.

    Helen then told her everything that had happened today, after which Gina was left shaking with rage. "What a prick!!!"

 Chapter 1179

    After everyone cursed Peter out for a while, Helen brought the conversation back on track. "Mom, how did you get hurt?"

    Cindy shrugged and said quietly, "Aunt Gina couldn''t find Peter or Larry, so she went to Zomber Group to demand her money back. They refused since she had signed an agreement, so she started arguing, and there was a little scuffle and she hit her head on the wall."

    "Mom... You''ve really messed up big time!" Helen sighed, knowing that the fault was not entirely on Gina.

    Her baby boy was just too heinous, tricking his own mother and then doing the same to his sister, even selling off his own sister for money.

    One could only say that he was as brazen as he was heinous.

    Helen frowned. "Calm down, Mom. Just tell me how much money did you lose? I''ll see if I can help pay it off."

    Gina opened her mouth but turned to Cindy since she was too embarrassed to say it.

    "This much," Cindy said, spreading her palm.

    "Fifty million?"

    Helen was taken aback, but took a deep breath to repress her rage. "That''s a lot of money, but some ie from the resort farm and Lane Holdings would make up for it."

    Then, staring at Cindy, she added pointedly, "Take this as a lesson, Mom. Never trust anyone easily-especially family."

    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Cindy was upset with Helen''s stare. "Also, you have it wrong. It''s not fifty million-it''s 500 million. You hear? 500 million!"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "500 million?!" Helen froze at the number, and eximed in disbelief "Where did you get so much money, Mom?!"

    Gina cringed into herself as she muttered, "I-I had some savings, and I sold the manor and used Lane Holdings as coteral to take a loan..."

    "Mom!" Helen was incensed, shaking

    in rage. "H-How could you do this?! I

    have no problems with you selling the manor and using all your savings, but you used my position to take a loan, with Lane Holdings cottateral?! You just want to get me killed, don''t you?!"

    In the end, her family would make her take the fall for their sheer stupidity.

    Helen felt the world spinning around her and almost passed out.

    "It''s all my fault... I thought you should support your brother as an older sibling, but I thought you''d be too busy, so I made the call..."

    Gina trailed off and did not even dare to look at her daughter in the end.

    "You should at least ask!" Helen snapped, still trying her best to stay calm. "How could you borrow from loan sharks? What are you going to do if you can''t pay up?! Are we supposed to pay with our lives?!"

    "Why do you have to be so petty?" Gina grumbled. "Everyone knows Lanecorp is worth billions, and 500 million is just a small number."

    "Mom!"

    Helen could die from sheer

    frustration right then. "I only just

    reins

    if

    took the reins and there''s still a huge mess to be sorted out. And even if it''s worth billions, do you think we don''t have to pay our employees?! I''m the board chairwoman, not a god! The money didn''t fall out of the sky, but it''s pooled together by the board members! How could I take their money to cover your mess?! What would that make me?!"

 Chapter 1180

    Gina had noeback against Helen''s outburst and leapt out of bed, rushing to the wall and mming her head on it, howling as she did. "Oh, Helen! I''m so sorry... I had no choice... I''ll just die to make up to you-"

    In just a couple of bangs, she was bleeding freely into her bandages.

    However, Helen caught her and snapped, "Stop! I can''t pay up if you die here! You''d better think of something to get the money back! Call Peter and tell him toe over right now!"

    "O-Okay..." Gina picked up her phone and quickly called Peter''s number, only for Peter to hang up after it rang a little.

    "What? What''s going on?" Gina eximed in surprise.

    At the same time, Helen turned toward Frank-could Kit Jameson have taken Peter already?

    "I''ll call him." Frank went over to Gina, got Peter''s number from her, and called.

    Peter answered after two rings, his tone neutral. "Hello?"

    "Come to the hospital right now, Peter," Frank ordered.

    "Oh, that''s interesting. And why should I listen to you?"

    "Hmm?" Frank thought he had misheard for a moment was this the same Peter who was on his knees, begging Frank for mercy?

    While Helen appeared confused as well, Peter continued nonchntly, "Since you''re at the hospital, I''m sure Cindy and Mom told you about thend lot?"

    "What, do you have something to say?" Frank asked calmly, ncing at Gina''s scowl.

    "Oh, nothing, really..." Peter chuckled. "But I''d start worrying about myself if I were you now, Frank."

    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Frank frowned.

    "Nothing." Peter chuckled again. "You can figure it out for yourself. And pass a message to my mom, thanking her for paying my gambling debts It''s a shame I couldn''t take over Lanecorp, but I did manage to make a lot of money. Bye now, hahaha..."

    And with that mockingughter, Peter hung up.

    Everyone was left scowling as they listened to the static beeping from Frank''s phone.

    "That little prick!" Gina cursed as she mmed a ss on the floor.

    When that was done, she turned to level a miserable look at Helen. "What are we going to do now?"

    "What can we do?" Helen sighed. "We just have to take the bullet."

    "No, I have an idea." Cindy suddenly stood up, relishing the feeling as everyone stared at her, especially Gina with her pleading gaze.

    Then, smiling smugly, she said,

    "Since Peter tricked us into buying it,This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    why can''t we trick someone else into buying it from us? We''d get our money back as long as we get someone rich to buy it from us."

 Chapter 1181

    "That''s right!"

    Gina smacked herself on the forehead after hearing Cindy''s suggestion, eximing in realization, "Why didn''t I think of that? You''re so smart, Cindy!"

    "That''s for sure, but..."

    Cindy snorted, casting a brief nce at Helen while pouting. "Someone just doesn''t see it."

    Helen was certainly aware Cindy meant her but did not bother to get petty, saying solemnly, "It''s not going to work. Anyone who has that much money to waste would be smart-thend won''t be that appealing even as bait."

    Cindy simply giggled coolly, not bothered that she was causing trouble. "Oh, so you''re suggesting that Aunt Gina isn''t smart? Talk about being veiled insults!"

    Gina scowled at that even if she was wrong to believe Peter, it still upset her that her daughter would insult her like this.

    "That''s not what I mean, Mom..."

    Helen sighed, shaking her head as she found no strength to exin herself. "Whatever. Just do what you like, but I don''t think anyone would be willing to take thatnd off your hands." There was no denying that Helen had reason to say that anyone who made it rich would definitely have a brain made for business dealings and would not be easily tricked like Gina. Gina gave up on pretenses right then and leveled a hopeful look at Helen. "You''re right, but where should we get a fall guy to take it off our hands?"

    Helen shrugged, gesturing that she was helpless and refused to be the scapegoat. "Don''t give me that look. Lanecorp won''t take the fall-if we do, the board will remove me the next day." That was when Cindy snorted. "Why bother asking her, Aunt Gina? Herpany is more important to her than her family, and you''re still hoping for her to help? No way!"

    Helen scowled-Cindy''s words

    stung, but she said tly, "Don''t be glib, Cindy. You made me fire you because your behavior left thepany outraged, or do you not remember? Should I remind you?"

    §Õ§ï§ÝText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Refusing to cave, Helen''s words. were icy and direct, deting Cindy right then since she was indeed at fault. And if Helen revealed everything, everyone would lose face.

    "Hmph." Cindy snorted and said nothing.

    "Enough!" Gina intervened right then, shooting an using re at both Helen and Cindy. "We''re family so stop causing such a huge fuss. It wil ook bad to outsiders."

    "Outsiders?"

    Helen looked around but found no outsiders until her gaze lingered on Frank.

    Laughing despite herself, she snapped, "Did you just call Frank an outsider, Mom?" "What, are you saying he''s not?"

    Gina scowled, but her eyes shed slyly soon enough as an idea took hold.

    Turning toward Frank, she asked, "By the way, are you interested in thatnd?" She clearly wanted Frank to take the fall!

 Chapter 1182

    "Frank''s not interested."

    Helen immediately stood between Gina and Frank, staring fixedly at her mother as she snapped, "I know what you''re nning to do, but you made your bed, so sleep on it. Don''t think about dragging Frank int your mess!"

    "Why do you always side with others?!" Gina snapped at her in frustration. "I would be dead if I can''t sell thatnd! Shouldn''t Frank do something if he wants to marry my daughter?!"

    "Frank gave you a ruby, but you had to lose it!" Helen retorted, mentioning old grudges as she refused to let her family bother Frank.

    "That''s... different!" Gina retorted, clearlycking confidence but soon steeling herself and snapping, "We lost the ruby, but that''s in the past! You''re my daughter, and your position is different now as you contro both Lane Holdings and Lanecorp. That''s not to mention there''s that luxurious farm resort making you millions everyday! Shouldn''t Frank pay a dowry if he wants to marry my daughter?!"

    Despite Gina''s obvious intion of the price, Frank remained calm, even appearing to ept her unreasonable demands as he asked, "So you''re not going to bother Helen anymore if I buy thend?" "Stop it, Frank! Don''t y to their tune!" Helen held up a hand to stop him, reading his mind just from his tone.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Yes! I swear on my life!"

    On the other hand, Gina promised right then. "If you help us with this mess, I''ll formally acknowledge you as my son inw, and I won''t ever bother Helen! Cindy!"

    Then, she turned toward Cindy, giving her a look to show that she was telling the truth.

    Cindy snorted but understood her aunt''s intention and said half-heartedly, "I won''t bother you and Helen again if you help Aunt Gina..."

    "Good." Frank strode past Helen and walked up to Gina. "I''ll buy thend off your hands, but you must hold up your end of the bargain and stay in Riverton. Don''t try anything funny ever again."

    "Yes, yes, yes..." Gina nodded repeatedly in delight as Frank agreed to her request easily.

    Bothering Helen? They were already shocked that Frank would take the bullet for them!

    "Frank... urgh!"

    Helen understood that Frank was doing this for her sake, but the thought that the money would ultimately end up funding Peter''s gambling habits left her sick n the stomach.

    "Why can''t you just listen?! Whatever, I don''t care anymore!" she huffed, stamping her feet and turning to leave.

    Meanwhile, Gina was eagerly

    beckoning to Frank to speak, white

    shooting looks at Cindy. "Hehehe... Helen is always so petty, notdike you,

    Frank. Come, have ample..."

    Cindy caught her cue, but she did not have the skill to draft an agreement.

    Instead, she left the ward and asked Helen to do it.

    In less than half an hour, a piece of paper was brought to Frank, while Gina''s eyes were glued on Frank enthusiastically.

 Chapter 1183

    Gina was certainly worried that Frank would change his mind, and all her fawning smile and cajoling over the past half hour would end up pointless.

    However, she was obviously worried over nothing since Frank really would not care about a mere 500 million dors.

    In fact, he called Trevor Zurich right away, asking him to wire the money to Gina''s ount and sign his name on the agreement.

    Helen was scowling grumpily once he was done, while Gina beamed.

    "Oh, Frank," she chirped. "Why don''t you stay for the day? I''ll treat you and Helen to dinner."

    "That''s unnecessary," Frank replied quietly, shaking his head. "I''ll be surveying thend and see if there''s any use for it, so that I won''t lose too much money."

    Frank''s reply was sincere, just as Gina received a notification from the bank.

    Gina was hugely relieved to see that and was immediately less enthusiastic than before.

    In fact, she wasying down in bed and closing her eyes. "Alright, I won''t keep you since you want to survey thend."

    Helen was livid as she watched, but Helen pulled her along out of Gina''s ward. "It''s fine, as long as they don''t bother you."

    Once they left, Gina subtly opened one eye and clearly looked gleeful.

    "Did you get the money, Aunt Gina?" Cindy asked softly.

    "Yeah. And not one digit is missing. I''m surprised he''s that rich." Gina smiled slyly, holding her phone happily and counting the zeros in her ount repeatedly.

    "Heh. He''s just an idiot and a sucker." Cindy sneered, watching in contempt as Frank strode down the hallway.

    After all, he was in stupid to buy a plot ofnd with no potential for 500 million!

    "Why else would I ask him?" Gina

    laughed. "I''m sure he''d have nothing

    left after trying to show off. That''s my daughter for you-he paid

    through his nose just to make

    her

    happy! And the cheek to tell me not

    to go looking for Helen... that cheek

    of his, when he''s some outsider!"

    Obviously, Gina was not about to honor her agreement with Frank even if he just paid her 500 million!

    Still, she really thought it

    s game

    over for a moment, but things quickly changed as she had the luck of having Frank be her sucker, willingly taking the fall for her.

    There was certainly light at the end of the tunnel!N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    "Heh... Thank you so much, Frank!"

    Cindy was giggling gleefully too before remembering something and asking Gina; "Wait, didn''t we forget to tell him about the state of thend? Hehehe... And he''s going there right now. Those thugs are definitely going to show him a good time!"

    Gina did a double take, but her grin soon broadened in glee too. "Exactly. Let''s just watch him make a fool of himself!"

    Frank actually did not hear Cindy and Gina mocking him, since he had already headed downstairs and driven straight to thend lot with Helen.

    It was on the fringes of the city and was remote and barren.

 Chapter 1184

    Cold disappointment gripped Helen''s heart when she stood at the edge of thend lot, surveying it.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Forget an office building-even factories were impractical when thisnd lot is so far from the main road!

    While there were projects within the area, every block was starting to lean to one side. Cracks were showing on the walls too-they were obvious signs of disrepair. "Frank... 500 million... For thisnd! We''ve really taken the fall here." Helen sighed dejectedly-in her point of view, thend was worthless!

    The projects were mostly empty too, and most units were unupied.

    "Well, you''d never know." Frank smiled just then and headed toward the projects before Helen did.

    They did not make it too far when they found a group of thugs huddling together, ying poker at a rundown lobby.

    They all looked very young but were dressed ridiculously.

    One of them, who was facing the entrance, spotted Helen and Frank entering and was at once stunned.

    "Hey! It''s your call, ckie!"

    "What, did you see a ghost?!

    "The hell you gawking at, ckie?!"

    Seeing that ckie was staring fixedly behind them, the other thugs turned too, and over a dozen pairs of eyes were suddenly glued on Helen. "Shit..." one of them even swore, mesmerized.

    Naturally, they were all staring at Helen and ignoring Frank, although she was still in her usual ck business suit today.

    However, her tall and slender figure,

    beautiful face, and long legs covered <thigh highs left every thug

    stunned.

    "Shit, where did shee from..."

    "Is she an angel?"

    "Can you step on me, girl?" ckie inadvertently asked, drawing a loud chorus ofughter around him.

    "This ce..."

    Helen was getting ufortable from the thugs'' obvious leering and turned toward Frank. "There aren''t many residents left here, and the buildings are mostly abandoned... These thugs are the only people living here now."

    She sighed and shook her head-thisnd lot was really the worst.

    But it made sense, since Larry would not have told Peter to con her mother into buying it.

    If it was worth anything, what was stopping Larry from keeping thend and developing it?

    In fact, Helen hade mentally prepared, but thend lot still turned out to be worse than she thought. Forget selling it for 500 million dors-they could sell it for fifty grand and still no one would take it. And then there were the thugs squatting here... Helen could actually feel a migraine!

    "Hey, beautiful! Why don''t we go out for drinks?"

    "Fuck off. She''s taking me on a joyride!"

    "Shit, don''t even think about it. I have my eyes on her! Come on, girl. How about we catch a movie?"

    Seeing that the thugs were suddenly

    stopping their poker game and

    smiling ear-to-ear as they

    vel.ne

    approached Helen, she promptly tugged on Frank, sensing danger.

 Chapter 1185

    "Hahaha..."

    Frank was suddenlyughing out loud after looking around at the ce, which left the approached thugs stunned.

    "What''s wrong?" Helen turned worriedly toward Frank-did he snap mentally because he spent 500 million on a useless plot ofnd?

    As various possibilities came to mind, Helen was left staring as Frank turned to smile at her and winked. "If my hunch is right, your mom really dropped the ball here."

    "What?"

    Helen''s eyes widened in confusion, increasingly worried that Frank had really snapped.

    Frank, however, looked pointedly around him at thend. "This plot ofnd and everything built on it is due for demolition in two weeks. Zamri City Hall is ready to build a highway through thisnd."

    "Do you know what that means?" He grinned at Helen, and finished before she could answer. "The value of thisnd lot will increase more than tenfold! Hahaha... We''ve really hit the jackpot here, Helen!" Helen frowned suspiciously at his words. "How would you know? The city hall wouldn''t announce something like that ahead of schedule, would they?"

    "Eh...?"

    Frank''s smile turned rigid, and he scratched his head but ultimately came clean. "It''s your client from before..."

    "Cl?" Helen was thoughtful for a long while before she eximed, "You mean Ms. rity?!"

    "Uh... yeah," Frank replied awkwardly, worried that Helen would seize the moment to interrogate him about molesting Juno Enigma.

    And to no surprise, Helen was scowling, though one of the thugs nearby spoke before she could. "Hey, are you two developers?"

    "What?" Frank quickly replied, really grateful that the thug meddled just then, stopping Helen from asking her question.

    He hurried to the thug, calmly

    exining, "No, we''re not... If we

    have to put a finger on it, I''d sa

    we''re just owners who bought this

    land off someone else."

    Naturally, he could see that the thugs were suddenly ring at him coolly, even vaguely showing hostility. "Hey, kid..."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Terry Cotton-the thugs'' leader, who stood towering with a

    mohawk-cracked his neck audibly in front of Frank. "Don''t you know that this is the Blood Wolves'' turf?"

    "Blood Wolves?"

    Frank shook his head. "Nope. Never heard of you either."

    "What? Blood Wolves?!"

    On the other hand, Helen clearly knew them as she quickly turned pale, shock showing in her eyes. "Hehe... I think thedy knows. Why don''t you ask her?" Terry grinned at Frank, baring his sharp teeth. Frank shrugged and turned toward Helen. "So? What are the Blood Wolves?"

    "They are the biggest gang in Zamri," Helen replied gingerly, clearly afraid. "They have over a thousand men in their ranks, and they have over ten enforcers who are martial artists. That''s why they get to strut without a care, and things always end badly for anyone who gets on their wrong side."

    Tugging on Frank''s sleeve, she cried, "I think we should run, Frank!"

    "Are you trying to run? Well, toote!" Terryughed.

    Suddenly, more thugs emerged from the other units in the project.

 Chapter 1186

    The thugs were all clearly armed with baseball bats and machetes, cutting off Frank and Helen''s escape.

    In an instant, the quiet rundown building was suddenly lively.

    Vroom!

    Bike engines roared and catcalls followed as over a dozen biking thugs sped down the road, their tyres screeching as they came to a halt beside Frank and Helen.

    Now, they were really surrounded.

    "It''s toote to leave now!" Terry gloated andughed out loud.

    The other thugs startedughing too-with over a hundred of them doing it at the same time, one could almost feel the building rumble.

    "What do you want?!" Helen snapped, even as she realized in dismay that they had entered the literal wolves'' den.

    While she was absolutely confident in Frank''s abilities, she was still worried since there were too many of them in the Blood Wolves.

    "What do I want, you asked?!"

    Ted suddenly spat on the floor and red at Frank threateningly, sneering, "I should be the one asking what you want! Buying thisnd?! Did no one tell you that this is the Blood Wolves'' turf? Are you fucking with us by selling ournd?!"

    "Oh..." Helen blurted in realization.

    At first, she cursed Larry for despicably withholding that piece of information but soon realized that something was out of ce.

    Her mother Gina imed that she was hurt in a scuffle at Zomber Group''s offices after surveying this ce.

    But from the looks of things, Gina and Cindy obviously knew that this was gang territory. Worst of all, they said absolutely nothing as they sold it to Frank.

    It was simply heinous!

    Helen was certainly seething. In fact,

    if she was not surrounded by these thugs, she would have returned to the hospital to interrogate Gina and Cindy already!

    "Hehe..."

    That was when Frank strode up, shing a calm as he looked around at the thugs around him and then at Terry. "So what do they call you?"

    "Terry Cotton. My boys call me Ted!" The man in the mohawk sneered.

    "Ted, huh?" Frank nodded,

    maintaining his harmless smile as

    he continued, "It''s only natural we''re thinking about making money this plot ofnd. As for nonplying squatters... They will

    veline

    naturally be disposed of."

    While every thug was left stunned, Helen flinched and tugged on his sleeve, hissing, "Frank!!!"

    "It''s alright, don''t worry," Frank chuckled, confident with his Transcendent rank physique.

    He had a rough look at the thugs and counted over three hundred of them.

    But at his level, he could handle three thousand, let alone three hundred.

    "Are you fucking with me, son?!"

    Terry suddenly bellowed as he mmed his machete into a wooden stump, ring at Frank.

    "Oh, but I have no such intention."Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank chuckled. "I bought this plot of

    land, and as its owner, I have the right to tell you all to fuck

    off-unless you buy it off my hands. Surely you can understand that much?"

    His words only left the air tensing further, and the thugs raised their weapons, ready to kill.

    Most of them were moving ever closer to Frank and were just waiting for Ted''s orders.

 Chapter 1187

    At Terry ''Ted'' Cotton''s orders, the thugs would charge at Frank and cut him into pieces!

    Still, Ted was narrowing his eyes at the immeasurably arrogant man, feeling just a hint of wariness.

    Could he be a member of some important family or the apprentice of one of the South Sea Sects?

    "You have balls, kid," he said. "Where are you from?"

    "Nowhere. I''m just Frank Lawrence, head of Lanecorp''s health and security department," Frank replied confidently.

    Ted actually did a double take.

    Lanecorp? As in thepany?

    And the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department...

    It actually took Ted a while toe to a realization, though he felt humiliated when he understood what Frank was saying.

    Head of Lanecorp''s health and security department?! That just meant he was some glorified security guard!

    And a security guard had the balls to threaten him?!

    Incensed, Ted bellowed while pointing at Frank right then, "Go! Break every bone in his body! Spare that woman-I will have her warm my bed tonight!" His order sent the thugs around him into a frenzy, and they all charged toward Frank with a battlecry.

    "What, are you underestimating me now?"

    Frank scowled as he strode in front of Helen. Well, you were the ones who made the first move, so don''t me me for this... I''m sending you parasites packing right this instant!"

    "Just try, kid!" Ted actuallyughed at his face. "Still boasting when you''re a dead man-cut his mouth into pieces, boys!" "Sure thing, Ted!"

    Helen was left flustered as she watched the sea of thugs surge toward them-could Frank handle so many of them?!

    However, the answer was obviously yes.

    With a bulging burst of pure vigor Frank that swirled in a spiral around his arm, he bellowed as heunched a punch to unleash a cyclone!

    The ensuing windstorm left the

    entire block screaming shrilly like a banshee, stopping the oing thugs in their tracks. The thugs that were directly in front of Frank were the unluckiest as they were sent flying into the air like weightless leaves, screaming.

    Boom!

    Soon, the horrific gale brought down the already dpidated buildings around them, leaving everything in ruins in an instant!

    "Huh...?" Ted was dumbstruck, unaware of his snot trickling down to his chin.

    He was absolutely bewildered by Frank''s terrible punch-was it really possible for a man to bring down every building around him with a punch?

    Even if the projects were in disrepair and almost copsing, they were talking about a man''s single punch!Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Still, it quickly dawned on Ted that Frank was a martial artist... and a legendary one at that!

    Moreover, he had heard that martial artists above Ascendant rank could bend the world to their will with their pure vigor!

    With that in mind, he dropped to his

    knees at Frank''s feet. Then, ignoring his men''s looks of shock, he kowtowed to Frank even as he trembled, pleading, "I-I''m so sorry, sir. I''ve really belittled you... Please just let us go. We will fuck off right now..."

 Chapter 1188

    Seeing that the Blood Wolves were ready to run away, Frank moved to stop their leader, Terry ''Ted'' Cotton, from doing the same.

    He had to admit that he appreciated the man, especially since he had been overly dramatic with that punch earlier.

    And yet, Ted quickly recognized from that single strike that he and his gang would never win against Frank, and he surrendered unconditionally. That alone made him a decisive person.

    "Trying to run? Well, toote." Frank returned Terry''s threat word for word but soon smiled. "Anyway, this isn''t everyone in your gang, is it?"

    "What...?" Terry was sweating bullets at Frank''s question-was he going to attack the Blood Wolves now?!

    Still, he gulped and braced himself to answer. "You''re right, sir. We''re just a small cell of the Blood Wolves... there has been some disagreements in the gang, and I had no choice but to move here with my boys..."

    "Disagreements? Really?" Frank moved closer, rubbing his chin.

    Seeing that Frank was curious, Ted could not care less about spilling the beans in order to survive.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Well, see, the Blood Wolves are actually abination of three gangs: the Bleeders, the Wolvens, and the Blue Fangs. Of the three, the Bleeders are the strongest, and their two leaders are the overall bosses of the Blood Wolves. They are both Skyranks too!"

    Pausing to catch his breath, Ted then continued, "The Wolvens are the hired muscle, and there''s nock of martial artists among them, but they''re nothing to brag about and therefore below the Bleeders in pecking order."

    "As for us..." Ted scratched his head awkwardly. "We''re the weakest. We have the numbers, but we don''t have any martial artists among our ranks after all. That''s why the Bleeders and the Wolvens have always had the advantage over us."

    Ted then sighed. "Then years ago, having had enough bloodshed, me and the bosses of the other two gangs agreed to jointly establish the Blood Wolves, and things finally calmed down until days ago, when the Wolvens'' boss was assassinated under mysterious circumstances. With all three gangs suddenly at war again, I brought my boys and fled here since we still have no martial artists."

    Frank appeared thoughtful after hearing the full story. "So, are you Blue Fangs going solo from now on?"

    "That''s our only choice." Ted sighed in exasperation again. "Well, we can''t stay here now, and my boys have taken enough losses from martial artists already. We''re not about to return to the city and fight the other two gangs over turf, so that means we have to leave Zamri."

    Ted appeared miserable at that, just as Frank understood why they were petrified after he revealed that he was a martial artist.

    It made perfect sense, but they must have presumed that he and Helen were from rival gangs.

 Chapter 1189

    After some thought, Frank said "In that case, I have an offer if you''d like to hear me out."

    "An offer?" Ted did a double take, but his eyes showed hope as he looked at Frank.

    They certainly would not leave Zamri if they did not have to!

    Frank nodded. "I''ll help you bring down the other two gangs so that you can return to Zamri. The condition for that is that you serve Lanecorp. In other words..."

    Then, pointing at Helen with a smile, he finished, "You answer to her, Lanecorp''s board chairwoman."

    "What?!" Helen was left gaping.

    On the other hand, Frank deliberately scowled when he saw Ted and his thugs gaping at him too. "What, are you saying no?"

    "Of course not!" Ted eximed. "We''d never leave Zamri unless we really have to, since our friends and family are there. But..."

    As Ted trailed off awkwardly, Frank pressed, "But what?"

    "But..."

    Ted was left staring at Frank, unable to say it.

    After all, Frank was just one man. Could he really defeat the ten martial artists among the ranks of the Bleeders and the Wolvens? Those men used to be the Blood Wolves enforcers, and they were nothing to be scoffed at!

    Still, Frank could see that Ted was doubting him, and for some reason, he remembered the two Hansen brothers.

    What was it that Larry said? Those two were the strongest martial artists of Zamri!

    Chuckling, he shook his head and asked Ted, "In that case, have you heard of the Hansen brothers?"

    "The Hansen brothers?"

    Ted was taken aback-he certainly had, as those two were famous!

    Pausing for a beat, he shed a pained smile. "Actually, they are the Bleeders boss and underboss respectively! The average martial artist can''t even hope to match them!"

    "Oh, then that''s such a lucky coincidence!"

    Frank rubbed his chin andughed. "They''re dead. I killed them."

    "What?!"

    Ted flinched but quickly looked around before whispering to Frank under his breath, "M-Mr. Lawrence you can''t say something like that! They''re really elite and wouldn''tdie easily. We should have heard about it right away if they are..."

    "Uh, Ted...?"

    The thug they called ckie earlier strode up to Ted just then, casting a fearful nce at Frank before bowing at Ted. "I-I was just going to tell you... The Wolvens took down the Bleeders just this noon.

    "What?!" Ted gaped. "The Wolvens actually beat the Bleeders?!"

    Frank chuckled in turn. "Hehe. Do you believe me now?"

    "Yes, yes, yes..."

    Ted then sighed heavily as he kneeled before Frank. "I, Terry Cotton, will hence step down as leader of the Blue Fangs, while Mr. Lawrence takes my ce!" Then, turning toward his boys, he barked, "Pay your respects to Mr. Lawrence!"

    "Y-Yes, boss..."This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Some of the thugs were reluctant, but they had no choice but to salute Frank since Ted demanded it.

    "Wait, don''t pay your respects." Frank waved them off. "I''m not interested in bing a gang leader. Just watch yourselves and stay out of trouble."

 Chapter 1190

    "Wait, don''t pay your respects." Frank waved the Blue Fangs off. "I''m not interested in bing a gang leader. Just watch yourselves and stay out of trouble."

    Then, handily grabbing Ted''s mohawk and shaking it, Frank said, "Also, clean up your act. I will make arrangements for everyone to be given a set of uniform-starting today, you are all employees of Lanecorp''s health and security department!"

    "What?" Ted eximed, not quite understanding what was happening.

    "What do you mean, ''what''?! Do you have something to say about that?" Frank demanded, ring pointedly at the thugs.

    Most of them were quickly kneeling out of gratitude. The thug life was not at all their dream, since most of them were just scraping by. They simply had the poor fortune of an unfortunate birth,ck of education, and skill.

    As such, while some were resistant to the idea of being recruited by a majorpany, most of them appeared hopeful.

    One of them even mustered his courage and asked, "Excuse me, Mr. Lawrence... but do we get paid?"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Of course-what do you think?" Frank snorted. "You''re all covered for everything, there''ll be incentives, and your meals are covered. There''s maternity leave too, in case you''re thinking about having kids!" The thugs allughed at his joke, and the vibes were immediately cheerful.

    Frank then turned toward Ted. "So? What do you say?"

    Terry quickly nodded. "Of course. We''d never stay as the dregs of society if not forck of education and technical skill. Don''t worry-we will listen to everything you say."

    Frank was relieved to have Ted''s confident assurance. "Terry, was it?"

    "No, no, no..." Ted quickly shed an awkward grin. "Just call me Ted."

    Frank nodded silently, seeing that the man was around his age but already tactful and experienced. "Good. Then the Blue Fangs and whatnot are gone from now on There''s only Lanecorp''s health and chief,

    security department-I''m th1

    while you''re the captain! Captain Ted!"

    "Yes, sir!" Ted responded enthusiastically, though it still somehow sounded weird...

    Why did it sound like he would just be a glorified security guard?

    Frank then raised a brow at him, while pointing at Helen. "See, your pay and merits are all up to this beauty. So do you know what to do?!"

    "Ms. Lane! I apologize for my behavior before!" Ted promptly said. "The Blue Fangs... I mean, I will definitely serve you to my best!"

    "Ms. Lane!"

    "Ms. Lane!"

    The thugs salute actually left Helen in disbelief-these men were just leering at her earlier but were suddenly her subordinates.

    Still, while it was dramatic, Helen

    trusted Frank. He must have had

    reasons for recruiting them, and having such arge group of security forces for Lanecorp might

    not necessarily be a bad idea.

    "Alright, just get up. I''ll make arrangements so that you will get lodgings and a cafeteria..."

    Helen shook her head exasperatedly.

    There were hundreds of thugs here, and it would cost Lanecorp a lot!

    "Hehe. Don''t worry¡ªI''ll make the arrangements for them." Frank?

    leaned against Helen, winking at her. "And promised that your investments would soon be rewarded in spades." S

    "Oh, you..." Helen snickered despite her wry amusement-this man always surprised her.

 Chapter 1191

    After recruiting the Blue Fangs and arranging for them to keep watch over the projects just then, Frank had a weird troubled look on his face as soon as he got into his car. "What''s wrong, Frank?" Helen quickly asked.

    "No..." Frank leveled a conflicted look at her but eventually resigned himself and sighed. "Well, I''ll be frank-Your client Ms. rity is an assassin topping ckrank."

    "What?!"

    Helen was stunned-she could tell from rity''s presence that she was someone special, but a top assassin was still a stretch from what she expected.

    Stunned into silence, her throat was parched as she turned toward Frank, having trouble speaking. "Are you saying that Lanecorp should revoke her client status?" "No, I don''t mean that." Frank shook his head and exined thoughtfully, "She told me inly who she was and didn''t even hide her identity."

    "Well, what is she after?"

    Helen wheezed. "You?"

    "Maybe." Frank nodded in somber agreement.

    "Quit messing around, Frank!" Helen snorted. "I was just joking!"

    "No," Frank replied solemnly. "She told me that herself."

    "Huh?!"

    Helen was left gaping even as she

    felt

    sed-why did it set

    SO

    that anothent

    interested in her man?! belongs to

    It was true that she was tacitly Vicky Turnbull to flirt

    Fce she had been u

    Frank too many times berne WitherThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    However, she really had to be worried if rity joined the fray.

    "What are you thinking?"

    Frank suddenly chuckled. "She''s Talnamese, and I only suspected her even more after she told me she''s interested."

    "Oh. Phew..." Helen breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

    If Frank really ran away with another woman... No, she would not even entertain that thought.

    "So? Am I supposed to keep her as a client or not?" she asked.

    Frank thought about it and nodded. "No, it''s fine. Having her resources works in Lanecorp''s favor, and she could''ve abducted you already if she was after you. I just don''t want to let it on while I find out what she ns for me."

    "Then be safe," Helen said worriedly.

    If that woman could top ckrk, she must be something special-there was no telling if Frank could actually handle her. Frank nodded and said, "Well, now that we''re done with Ms. rity, let''s talk about the information she provided me." "She provided you with information? What''s it about?" Helen eximed in surprise.

    "These rundown projects, naturally." Frank shrugged exasperatedly the world really worked in mysterious ways.

 Chapter 1192

    It was certainly ironic that Gina had been conned into buying this exact plot ofnd that Juno Enigma had tipped Frank off on about its increase in value over tenfold. Even if Frank did buy it with 500 million dors, the value would skyrocket in two months over five billion!

    Gina and Cindy were stillughing at Frank for being a sucker, when they were the real suckers here.

    If they were to find out, they really would have a heart attack...

    In fact, even Helen was gaping in shock after Frank nonchntly told her about Juno Enigma''s tip.

    "For real?"

    Frank nodded. "There''s no mistaking it."

    Just to be sure, he called Will Zeller as Helen watched.

    Even if he was a bureaucrat reviewing lease bids, he was involved in Zamri''s urban development and would definitely have heard something about it.

    While he was puzzled by Frank''s question, he said, "I don''t know about the projects, Mr. Lawrence... but I do know about ns for a highway, and it definitely passes through that area. There''s a huge chance they''d demolish the projects for development."

    Hanging up, Frank turned toward a delighted Helen and shrugged.

    She was so excited that she could barely speak coherently. "T-That''s wonderful! You''re even more of a business person than I am... Holy... Ten times the value! If we build a business district or an industrial district... That would mean..."

    "Don''t celebrate just yet."

    Frank said quietly, suddenly raining on Helen''s parade. "The news will be announced in a few days. Can you guess how your mother and cousin would react to it?" "My mother?"

    Helen froze right then and grimaced as she could already imagine Gina making a scene, demanding Frank to return that plot ofnd to her. "Urgh..." She sighed in exasperation, shaking her head.

    In a way, it was only fair that she had the worst humans alive for family-it was as if she had all the brains her family was supposed to have. That was only the way this phenomenon made sense.

    "Well, what should we do? We''re not going to give it back to her, are we?" Helen asked.

    Seeing that she was finally on his side, Frank gunned cheerfully and whipped out his phone. "I got thend by chance anyway, and I''m really not worried about the money. I''ll call Gina right now-she''ll make big bucks if she believes me and takes it back. If she refuses-well, there''s nothing I can do."

    "Frank..."

    Helen certainly knew that Frank was doing it for her sake, or she would look bad when Gina stormed Lanecorp if Frank refused to hand it over. Gina was definitely the type of person to do it, and the employees would start to criticize her.

    Considering that, she did not hesitate to jam her sweet, soft lips on Frank''s.

    Frank froze for a couple of beats, feeling as if he was jolted inside before relishing the tenderness.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    He felt buoyed as Helen answered his enthusiasm despite her clear inexperience.

    However, the mood died-Frank

    barely enjoyed himself for

    when Gina was snorting in contempt

    on the other end. "What is it, Frank

    Lawrence?"

    Helen and Frank promptly pulled away, with Helen turning away to stare outside the window, blushing over her own boldness.

    On the other hand, Frank was cursing his own stupidity-he could have waited before calling Gina!

 Chapter 1193

    Still, the whole mood was ruined anyway, so Frank held his phone to his ear and said, "I''ve just checked. Thend is worth a lot of money."

    "Really? How so?" Gina snorted from the other end.

    Frank could actually hear Cindyughing gleefully too, even scoffing. "Aunt Gina, that sucker must have realized he just lost a fortune and wants to sell it back to you!"

    Frank did not get petty, however, and reasoned calmly, "I have a reliable source. The projects are due for demolition since they will be building a highway nearby, and the value will multiply by tenfold!" Cindy stoppedughing right then, and Gina turned quiet.

    Then, Gina asked tentatively, "So, you mean to ask me to buy thend back from you?"

    "That''s the idea." Frank nodded. "You''ll definitely make big bucks if you take ownership, and you won''t ever have to rely on Helen again."

    Silence ensued again before Gina and Cindy both burst out in rowdyughter.

    Helen could naturally hear them since Frank had put them on loudspeaker, and she scowled in disgust, shaking her head and really intent on disowning them.

    Her darling husband was so patiently and earnestly reasoning with those two, even giving them what he deserved.

    And yet, instead of showing gratitude, they were both mocking him.

    When Gina was doneughing, she scoffed. "Did you really think I''d believe you, Frank Lawrence?"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Did those thugs beat you up so badly that you lost your marbles?" Cindy chimed in. "Is that how you came up with this ruse? You bought thend, sucker, so did you really think we''d follow in your footsteps again? Don''t bother and just take the l¨¦ss. Who knows, you just might be friends with those thugs!"

    Helen had enough right then and snatched Frank''s phone and bellowed, "Mom! Cindy! You two. knew that ce was crawling with thugs! Why didn''t you warn us?! You almost got me killed!" S

    Cindyughed even harder in sheer schadenfreude.

    Gina actually showed a conscience in contrast and stammered, "I-It''s just a misunderstanding. I mean,

    Frank wouldn''t have bought that et

    land from us if we said... Who.

    want a barrennd crawliet

    thugs?"

    "Hahaha!!!" Cindy keptughing at herself silly.

    "That''s enough!" Gina snapped at her.

    However, Cindy only kept going, clearly very pleased. "Oh, you''re killing me... Aunt Gina, your dear Peter really gave Frank a nasty surprise!" Helen, however, was glowering, her hands shaking as she held the phone.

    "Frank had already signed the agreement!" Helen bellowed. "That means he already bought thatnd, and you could''ve told us then, but you didn''t!" "Well, I..." Gina stuttered but could not finish her sentence.

 Chapter 1194

    Cindy snapped with righteous indignation right then, "We did it to straighten out Frank! It''s his fault for always strutting around us! He should take the loss since he likes to show off so much!"

    "That''s enough," Frank said quietly as he took his phone back from Helen, concerned that she would get a stroke. "Gina, I will ask you again-believe me and take thend, and you''ll earn more than ten times what it cost you. If you don''t do it now, you don''t get to make a scene and demand I sell it back to youter."

    Gina snapped hostilely right then, "What''s that supposed to mean? Do I look like some fishwife to you?" "Exactly," Helen said, folding her arms before her chest as she was utterly disappointed in her own mother. Gina paused for a moment, clearly furious.

    "Helen Lane!" she snarled, burning bridges right then. "You''ve really done it now... All I''ve ever done was for your sake, and I was so worried you''d choose a poor husband... but you never cared for your own mother at all, siding with Frank every time! I regret giving birth to you-if only I knew this would happen!"

    However, Helen was just furious. "Both you and Cindy would be dead if not Frank, you hear me?! Those Talnamese would have killed you already! Frank is the one who''s really helping the family, even going as far as to let you make easy money! Forget not epting his kindness-you would spit in his face instead?! You certainly weren''t so high-and-mighty when you were begging Frank to bail you out!"

    "You brat! Did you just snap at me?! Hah! All daughters really are money wasted!" Gina retorted.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "That''s enough!" Frank snapped just then, stopping the argument since this was not what he wanted.

    Turning on his phone''s voice recording function, he said calmly, "Gina, what I''m telling you is fact. Thatnd''s value will definitely skyrocket, and that''s what Zamri''s urban developers are saying."

    "Hah! Zamri''s urban developers?" Gina snorted, clearly not believing

    Frank. "Who do you think you are, making friends with them? And you''d just get some paid actor

    con me if I ask for proof! I won''t fall

    for it!" .

    Frank simply smiled. "I guess you''re not going to believe me, Gina. But I will still ask onest time-do you want that plot ofnd?"

    "Let me tell you this, Frank

    Lawrence," Gina growled right then.

    "My dear son Peter was the one who conned me into buying thatnd,

    and I would never have done it for him!

    PED

    tif not

    You''re the sucker for buying from me now, so don''t

    can

    swindle me back. I''m onda,

    and I''m much smarter than you are!"

    "Exactly. Did you think there''s someone more stupid than you in existence, Frank?" Cindy gloated as well.

    Gina chuckled before continuing,

    "Now, listen closely, Frank. I don''t want that chunk of dirt even if it kills me-no, not even if you forced it on me! And right now, I disown Heten. I won''t ever ask either of you for anything from now on! You''re both pigs, and you both deserve to be conned! Now, fuck off!"

    And with that lengthy outburst, Gina hung up, while Frank was still holding up his phone.

    "Pigs?" Frankughed despite himself to think there was a mother in existence who would use that word on her own daughter and son-inw!

 Chapter 1195

    "Frank, take me back to my office."

    Helen was hugging her legs, her expression one of misery and disappointment.

    Frank began, "Helen, actually-"

    "Don''t say it, Frank. I get it," Helen murmured, turning to look outside the window so that he would not have to see her cry. "I regret nothing at all."

    After being silent for a while, Frank started the car as it drizzled.

    He drove in silence, feeling unsettled even as he took Helen back to Lanecorp''s offices.

    They got out, and Helen stopped outside the entrance. "I''m giving you two days'' leave, Mr. Lawrence. It''s been taxing... You should get some proper rest." Frank could hear the crack in her voice and saw that she was forcing herself to smile despite forcing back tears.

    "Yeah." He nodded and started to leave since he knew she needed time by herself.

    "Oh, and don''t mind what my mother said," Helen added. "Even if you were a pig, you''d still be the most amazing, most handsome boar there is."

    "Pfft..." Frank chuckled, amused. "And you''d be the most beautiful sow."

    "Quit being slick already." Helen smiled, holding a palm over her lips as she strode in the building.

    Frank''s smile faded in turn, standing silently outside as he looked up at the towering building.

    "Well, they''re the ones behaving despicably, so they can''t me me for anything..." he muttered and turned to leave.

    Frank was driving aimlessly along the streets of Zamri when he received a call from Winter Lawrence.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    "What have you been doing?" she asked. "It''s been so long since you''ve shown up in Riverton."

    "Uh, well..." Frank trailed off, but he

    really had his hands full over the past month or so helping Helen and Vicky, and he did not have the time return to Riverton.

    Winter ignored his half-response and asked tentatively just then, "Will you be free tomorrow? It''s my

    convocation ceremony tomorromet

    and you''re a lecturer at the

    university. Do you think you can make it?"

    Still, she was understanding as ever and quickly added, "But it''s fine if you can''t make it if you''re busy. Yeah, it''s definitely fine..."

    "Hmm..."

    Frank could hear the hope in her voice and decided right then that he should surprise her.

    Hence, he sighed and said, "Yeah, I''m sorry, Winter. I''m really busy so I can''t make it. Next time, maybe?"

    "Eh?" Winter was a little surprised,

    but giggled nheless. "You''re

    such a joker, Frank. There''s no next time for a convocation! Well, it''s fine if you''re busy. Just worry about yourself-I''m fine."

    They chatted a little longer to catch up before hanging up, and Frank breathed a sigh of relief after.

    He almost told Winter his ns right then... and he had free time anyway, so he could really spare some time to go back and check on Winter and Noel York. Moreover, he could show up at Winter''s graduation ceremony to surprise her.

    Making up his mind right then, Frank spun his steering wheel repeatedly, powersliding his Maybach as he U-turned into another road.

    It left the cars behind him eximing in shock endlessly.

    "That''s a Maybach! Shit, the guy''s rich and still that good a driver?!"

    "The tires have to be expensive too... Shit, the man is literally burning money!"

 Chapter 1196

    Many other drivers were gaping in envy.

    Meanwhile, Frank floored the gas pedal, and his Maybach bellowed as it disappeared from sight.

    At Riverton University the next day, Winter was seated below the stage, at once disappointed when she did not hear Frank''s name listed among the professors present.

    It seemed that she was hoping for too much, but it also made sense-what was she,pared to the people Frank mingled with these days?

    She really could not be more insignificant, and imposing on him over something as trivial as her convocation was simply tactless.

    Her fingers clenched on her robes at the thought, her eyes stinging as she thought to herself that she should apologize to Frankter.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "It''s alright, Winter." Jean Zims, her best friend, patted her hand to console her. "It''s fine if he doesn''te. You have all the time you need... Now,pose yourself-you have to give a speech soon, don''t you?"

    "Eh? I''m..." Winter stared at Jean in surprise.

    Jean, however, could see that Winter''s tears were gushing, but Winter was not even aware of it.

    She sighed, shaking her head. "Your brother is from a different world. It''s cruel, but I''m telling you, you shouldn''t overreach."

    "Yeah..." Winter nodded tamely.

    Her docile nature only left Jean feeling guilty, and she looked around whileining inwardly that Frank was such an unreliable brother.

    After all, Winter had to muster her courage to call Frank yesterday, but all that effort was for nothing just because he was busy.

    This was his sister''s convocation-even if they were not blood rted, could he not just make time for a brief stop?

    "What happened, Winter? Who upset

    you?" A bespectacled,

    mild-mannered boy sat down beside Winter, looking at her worriedly and even passing her a tissue, S

    "I''m fine. Thank you, Bill." Winter smiled awkwardly even as she wiped her face, but did not take the tissue.

    Bill did not appear embarrassed, even withdrawing his hand with a smile. "As long as you''re fine. Are you sad that your brother didn''te?"

    "I..." Winter nced at Jean, who nodded, encouraging her to tell Bill.

    However, Winter only pursed her lips in exasperation, but she answered Bill anyway. "It''s nothing to be sad about-it can''t be helped that he can''te if he''s busy."

    "I see." Bill nodded, seemingly disappointed before smiling, "Your brother aside, my father invited Dan Zimmer, the most famous healer in Riverton, as a guest to this ceremony. It''s a surprise for you."

    "What?" Winter eximed in bemusement, unsure as to what Bill was up to.

    Bill had recently returned to the country after studying abroad as an exchange student, where he broadened his horizons.

    In his year, he was the most talented medical student with the highest chance of furthering his studies.

    He was born in Zamri, and his family had been doctors for generations.

 Chapter 1197

    While Bill modestly attended Riverton University for its strong reputation, Winter had heard rumors that he was mentored by Dan as well.

    Being an apprentice of the owner of Flora Hall was certainly amazing, and judging from what Bill said, it was no rumor that Bill''s mentor was indeed Dan. In short, he had quite a bright future.

    Still, Bill has been a major headache for Winter, as he had been persistently her as soon as she returned.

    She did not hate him since he was always nice and polite, and even Jean encouraged her to get together with him.

    While it was obvious that Jean believed that Bill suited Winter better, Winter could not helpparing him to Frank on every other turn.

    And there certainly was nopetition, which was why Winter could not bring herself to ept Bill''s advances.

    However, even though she persistently used the excuse that they had only recently met, she and Jean knew all too well that she just could not let go of Frank.

    And since both of them were aware of that, it was natural that Bill realized that as well.

    In his mind, he was slowly getting irritated by Winter''s constant stalling-Draconia''s beauties were always troublesome, unlike thedies abroad who would jump in bed with you after just a couple of pretty words.

    That attitude made it obvious that Bill''s mild nature was a facade, having led a life of debauchery abroad despite his kind demeanor. He was an exchange student just for appearance''s sake, and he would achieve his objective and start a tutge under Dan for a few years once he got his degree.

    And with the legacy his father would pass down to him in Zamri, what was life if notfort? "Hmph... I''ll have her once the convocation is over!"

    Bill red darkly at Winter, having nned something sinister.

    Since she was always so cagey, he would help her with a little medication!

    With that in mind, he nced at a white tablet he held between his fingers Colorless and odorless, it would make a slut of a chaste maiden.

    kile

    Naturally, Bill needed Winter to take it without knowing it, just as he knew that the should bide his time and wait until after the convocation

    Hence, after greeting Winter, he did nothing but sit quietly beside her, waiting quietly for the convocation to be over. After giving her speech as the valedictorian of the medical faculty, Winter miserably returned to her seat.

    Since the certificates would be awarded soon, Winter surmised that Frank would not show up since he never came.

    She cursed herself for her silliness, because Frank had already told her he was busy.

    It was incorrigible for her to hold on to illusory hopes, and she knocked herself on the forehead just then.

    "Winter, look." Bill nudged her on the shoulder just then, pointing on the stage with a grin. "Your surprise ising." "Huh?" Winter looked up in confusion.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    On the stage, Mr. Zims, Jean''s uncle and one of the heads of department in Riverton University, chuckled as he announced, "Hehe... This year''s convocation ceremony will be a little different."

 Chapter 1198

    On the stage, Mr. Zims, Jean''s uncle and one of the heads of department in Riverton University, smiling as he announced, "This year''s convocation ceremony will be a little different. A VIP has invited many important guests to award the certificates. Now, let''s give a warm round of apuse to Dan Zimmer, chief of Flora Hall!"

    A smiling Dan stepped out from the back door at Mr. Zims'' invitation, waving at the students in greeting.

    "Eh?" Dan''s smile left Bill''s smile stiffening.

    In his mind, Dan was always stoic and solemn, persistently prim and proper.

    So why was he shing that ridiculous smile?!

    However, every other student was unaware of that and were apuding Dan so enthusiastically their hands had turned reddened.

    After all, in Riverton, the man was an authority in medicine! It was a great honor to have him award their certificates, and others might not necessarily believe them even if they broke the news! Moreover, they must havee because of one person.

    After staring at Dan for a while, the students were soon ncing at Bill, who still appeared surprised.

    Almost everyone knew that Bill was Dan''s student, which was why it went without saying who invited Dan toe.

    "Shit, Bill Jackson''s amazing... I mean, the chief of Flora Hall?"

    "Hah! Do you know what''s even more amazing? The man''s smiling!"

    "Do you think he''d be that pleased if he didn''t care about Bill?"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Honestly, I would have missed it if you didn''t tell me."

    "Bill''s so awesome..."

    Hearing the students'' whispers, Bill quicklyposed himself, putting on a look of confidence as if Dan''s presence was his aplishment.

    In reality, when Bill asked his father to invite Dan, Dan''s response was an uninterested ''busy''.

    In other words, it depended on his mood.

    And now, he was this pleased?

    Bill was certainly left bemused about what could have pleased Dan that much. Still, after boasting so much

    in front of Winter all proven

    himself, he was quite gleeful about it. sw?ovel

    "See, Winter? Bill''s not bad, isn''t he?"

    Jean giggled into Winter''s ear. "He could actually invite Dan Zimmer over, and you still think he doesn''tpare to your brother?" "Yeah." Winter sniffed, still keeping her head lowered.

    She almost did not seem surprised about Dan''s presence.

    "Urgh..." Jean sighed in disappointment.

    Bill smiled just then, his facade so perfectly executed that even Jean could not discern his true nature. "Hehe... Having Mr. Zimmer handing you your certificate would make you a more desirable recruit."

    "Yeah," Winter replied distractedly.

    Bill narrowed his eyes-she was still missing her brother now? He would make her understand the pleasures of a woman tonight!

    While he quickly hid the look on face, Mr. Zims then announced, "Calm down, everyone. Let''s invite our second VIP now... Mr. Gerald Simmons, Senator of Riverton!"

    "What?!"

    The announcement left every student dumbstruck.

 Chapter 1199

    It was a medical school''s convocation, so it made sense that an authority like Dan Zimmer would be invited as a guest.

    But Senator of Riverton? This convocation ceremony is out of this world!

    Even as the students stared in bewilderment as a smiling Gerald Simmons stepped out from backstage, waving at them, they pped as hard as they could when they came to their senses.

    "Did Bill invite him too?" someone murmured just then, leaving everyone in an uproar and turning toward a dumbfounded Bill.

    "What? Oh, yeah... There''s nothing to be surprised about, hehe..."

    Bill quickly raised his hands, gesturing for calm and basically admitting to it.

    "Whoa..."

    Many students gasped-it was already unbelievable that Bill could invite Dan, but the senator too?! That was out of this world!

    What connections did Bill have, really?

    Even as the students spected, thedies'' eyes were twinkling as they looked at Bill, surprised that he kept his family''s connections hidden so well.

    If they could marry him...

    Thedies were immediately obsessed, and even Winter nced at Bill in surprise that he could invite Riverton''s senator.

    He was far more important than she thought, and he might even be a match against Frank.

    However, she still felt repulsed toward Bill-what she admired was not family connections or influence, but the person and their virtues alone. And Bill made her feel insecure.

    That was when Jean nudged her on the shoulder, urging, "What are y hesitating for? Can''t you see what Bill did? He invited Riverton''s senator too!"

    "But it''s not just worldly possessions..." Winter frowned at her bestie, her tone uncertain.

    On the other hand, Bill had recovered from his initial panic, and decided to keep pretending to the end.

    Even if he had no idea why Dan and Gerald came, both of them smiling cheerfully, he would properly seize this opportunity.

    In that case, he probably would not even need the pill in his pocket!

    "That''s right," he said

    magnanimously. "Family

    connections and influence are

    nothing but worldly possessions. I''ve simply invited these bigwigs so that my fellow students would have better opportunities."

    "Shit, you''re amazing, Bill!"

    "Yeah. With the bigwigs giving us our certificates, we just have to go out and brag a little to get better jobs!"

    Bill puffed his chest, relishing the sensation of being fawned over.

    Even Winter could not help nodding in agreement, her expression turning mild.

    Bill certainly was ideal, showing humility despite having such influence, and was also considerate to his fellow students.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    In that sense, she was out of line.

    "I''m sorry, Bill. I shouldn''t be so cold to you," she apologized.

    Bill appeared stunned but quickly smiled. "Don''t worry about it, Winter. You''re my friend even if you reject me."

    While Bill''s humblebragging earned

    him further appreciation from

    Winter, Mr. Zims announced on stage just then, "Hahaha... I''m sure everyone is surprised by how

    important our VIPs are. But the barty

    is just getting started! Now, let''s

    invite our third VIP-Mr. Tim Yates, chief of the Rivertonmerce guild!"

 Chapter 1200

    "What?!"

    The students were gaping when they heard that they were more VIPS, and they all turned to Bill again.

    The man felt his conscience gnawing but forced a smile and pped while acting like he knew.

    Even as it drew yet another round of gasps and worshipful stares from the other students, things were far from over.

    "Now, let''s invite Robert Quill, the policemissioner of Riverton!"

    "Noel York, Draconia''s top actress!"

    "Kim White, head of White Enterprises!"

    "Mr. Turnbull of Grande Pharma..."

    As Mr. Zims continued to list the bigwigs who came, it seemed that every bigwig of any importance in Riverton was here. They were all individuals representing various industries in Riverton, high-ranking government officials, or key members of important families. Each of them could leave Riverton shaking if they stomped their feet!Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    In short, the convocation ceremony was basically a gathering for the rich and important!

    "Shit, what the hell?!"

    "Hot damn... I''ve never seen anything this impressive!"

    "Who is Bill, really?"

    "The president''s son, maybe?"

    "It''s ridiculous!"

    Even as the other students kept yapping, Bill was panicking.

    His family held some degree of

    importance in Riverton, but there et

    was no way theymanded this much respect, and from these bigwigs at that!

    Forget anyone else he could not believe it himself!

    "Shit, you invited all those people? You''re amazing, Bill!" Jean eximed, disbelief showing all over her face.

    If he really got all of them toe, he was definitely a big deal even on a national level!

    On the other hand, Winter appeared

    bewildered by the sight of so many bigwigs sitting on stage and was actually concerned. "Wouldn''t you be imposing, Bill?"

    "Haha... Not really." Bill smiled awkwardly.

    vel

    That was when a brightughter echoed behind Winter. "Sorry, Winter was a littlete since preparations were a handfuld didn''t miss anything important, did I?"

    Winter turned to find the man she missed so dearly standing there, smiling at her.

    "Frank!" she eximed, not caring about her seat or her appearance as she lunged into his arms with a blissful smile.

    "Hmph." Bill snorted, immediately disgruntled by the sight.

    He hadid out a path just to have a shot... but the man had to show up and ruin everything!

    Talk about frustratingpetition!

    "You didn''t have to prepare anything, Frank." Winter beamed. "I''m happy that you''vee!"

    "Now, that won''t do. This is my only sister''s convocation ceremony. It has to be a grand one."

    Frank winked and pointed at the Riverton bigwigs seated on the stage. "How about that for a surprise? Impressive, right?"

    "Huh?" Winter was left stunned for a moment and turned toward Bill in confusion.

    Even Jean was frowning too.

 Chapter 1201

    Bill was stumped, but he racked his brains rapidly as everyone watched and decided to keep pretending after half a beat.

    Otherwise, not only would he be embarrassing himself in front of Winter, but he would also be the joke of every student in this university and a subject of ridicule across all of Riverton.

    At that point, there was no hope for him to get a job in the Draconia''s medical field, even if there were generations of doctors from his family.

    Hell, it would deal a lethal blow to his father''s business, as no one would even care to visit his hospital.

    Hence, he swiftly changed his look of surprise into anger and promptly snapped at Frank, intent on chasing him out. "Who are you? Who allowed you into this hall?! No outsiders are allowed here!" Winter promptly sided with Frank, "He''s my brother, Bill. He''s not an outsider."

    The other students nodded in agreement.

    "Yeah, Bill. You wouldn''t know him since you''re always abroad."

    "He''s not an outsider-he''s a lecturer in this university, and he''s very popr at that."

    "He''s just usually away."

    "What?! Oh, haha..." Bill eximed in shock and realization, but quickly switched gears and shed Frank an insincere smile. "I see. Apologies, Professor Lawrence, but I''ve been abroad and only returned for my convocation."

    However, his eyes shed as he saw that Winter was still hugging Frank, and he snapped, "Even if you''re a head of Grande Pharma pharmaceutical research and a consultant, you should really watch yourself. These Riverton bigwigs are attending this convocation out of respect for my father, so don''t think you can im credit as an excuseText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    for beingte."

    "If I were you, I''d be truthful and apologize to my sister instead of trying to look important. Don''t you feel ashamed now that I''ve exposed you?"

    Even as he finished, Bill was

    sweating bullets. He had no idea who invited those bigwigs, but he had tricked Jean into telling him about Frank

    beforehand-specifically the pa

    where Frank was the head of Grande Pharma pharmaceutical research, but he was very close with Vicky Turnbull and the rumors that she was his sugar mommy.

    As such, Bill was dead sure some gigolo living off a woman would never have the influence to call up so many Riverton bigwigs.

    It was why Bill was dead set on bracing himself and riding his high horse!

    Regrettably, Frank''s influence was more than what he could imagine.

    He stared speechlessly at Bill trying his best to look calm-he was the one who called all the bigwigs here, so what the hell did it have to be with that brat?

    Was it possible that he had connections and influence too? Some kid from an important family, perhaps?

    While he was left at a loss, Winter saw that things were getting awkwardly and quickly introduced, "That''s Bill Jackson. He has just returned from abroad as an exchange student in our medical faculty."

 Chapter 1202

    "Exactly!" Bill mistook Frank''s confusion for guilt and was convinced he saw through Frank, rearing his chin as he gloated, "My father is the chief of Zamri''s Uke Hospital, and it''s a subsidiary owned by Gene Pearce, the richest man of the east coast."

    "What?!"

    The students turned toward Bill in shock once he mentioned Gene.

    Scary! His father was actually a subordinate of the richest man of the east coast!

    It was now obvious that he had the influence to invite all those bigwigs...

    However, Bill was himself all too aware that Gene owned hundreds of other hospitals, and his father only owned one of a modest scale.

    It sounded amazing, but his father was no more than Gene''spdog, to be kicked to the curb with just a word from the man.

    And for Riverton bigwigs sitting on the stage at the moment, they were all too used topdogs barking up the pecking order. The son of a hospital chief? What even gave him the right to even talk to Riverton''s senator?

    Even if Bill''s father had some influence in Zamri, it was not the case statewide in Riverton.

    However, even if it was no special privilege, anyone would be intimidated by the mere mention of Gene''s name.

    As such, Bill''s name-dropping proved effective, with the naive students all suddenly worshiping Bill as if he were Gene''s son.

    Frank, however, saw through Bill''s ruse. It was no different from a rat bragging to a lion that it was friends with a dog, even demanding the lion to bend over when it was overreaching all the time.

    "Really? You know Gene Pearce?" Frank smiled in amusement.

    Vol

    "Of course Who do you think you are, lying that you called these people here?" Bill snorted, before turning to Winter. "Your brother''s really not that impressive, girl."

    As most of the med students turned to Winter, she felt like she was sitting on a carpet of needles.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    She always hated standing out, and her ss presentations were basically murder to her.

    And now that her fellow students were mocking her and leering at her in disdain on top of that, she was ashen pale.

    "Tut, tut. Did you hear that? Professor Lawrence is actually saying that he invited those bigwigs."

    "Come on, be understanding. Who wouldn''t want to show off in front of their baby sister?"

    "Well, he''s unlucky that he ran into

    the actual bigwig. Bill obviously invited them over, and he ended up exposing Professor Lawrence

    because he sat right beside Winter... Oh this is killing me."

    "I didn''t think Professor Lawrence was that vain. I''m really not a fan now."

    Winter was left gripping her robes even as she listened to the other students debating and mocking.

    She wanted to defend Frank, but no words wereing out.

    In her desperation, she shot Frank an using look and huffed. "It''s fine if you''re busy and can''t make it, but you shouldn''t lie. Now everyone hears you..."

    Frank''s expression turned icy when he saw Winter''s desperation.

    He was going to see how shameless Bill can be just to mess with him more. But since he would incite the mob and harass Winter, Frank had no reason to back. He would expose this lying prick right now!

 Chapter 1203

    Leaning beside Winter, Frank smiled and asked, "You don''t believe me, Winter?"

    Winter did a double take but soon nodded. "Of course I do. Why wouldn''t I believe you?"

    Frank kept smiling at her and continued, "Well, I''m saying that I''m the one who invited those bigwigs and that brat is lying. Do you believe me?"

    Before Winter could speak, Bill snorted in disdain. "The Turnbulls must have spent a fortune on you so that you can be a professor here, especially when you''re so young. So, word of advice: quit getting yourself into trouble, because we all know how you got the job. If we have to say it out loud, you''d be humiliated. I mean, you obviously have no problem with that, but what about Winter? How bad would it be for a future doctor to have her future ruined by her brother who lives off women?"

    Winter was at once furious and sprang to her feet, ring at Bill as she snapped, "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Nothing!"

    Bill shrugged, staring her straight in the eyes. "Everything I do, I do it for you, Winter! You really should cut ties with your brother-just look, lying right in front of so many bigwigs, and you? I certainly have no idea how far he goes from here, and you might even get caught in his mess. You have to see the truth, Winter!"

    "Bravo!" Frank was pping andughing. "See the truth? Well said, Bill Jackson."

    "Silence!"

    Mr. Zims barked from the stage, not oblivious to themotion urring among the students. "Who''s the impudent wretch messing around when there are so many bigwigs attending your convocation?! How unruly!"

    Bill''s eyes lit up at Mr. Zims'' outburst and shed a poisonous smile at Frank.

    He would im that he invited

    yet

    Wigs? Well, he could give him t ¨¨ to show off... and make

    a

    fool of himself in front of everyone!

    He would see if Frank would try to flex on him from now on!

    With that in mind, Bil sprang to his feet, pointing at Frank and shouting, "Mr. Zims, it was him! He disrupted the ceremony and lied that he invited the VIPS sitting onstage!"

    "Shit, that''s cold!"

    "Yeah. The man was just talking big-did he have to go to the authorities?"

    "Bill really wants Professor Lawrence dead, huh?"

    "Hey, why do I get the feeling that Professor Lawrence is still totally calm?"

    While the students were left in an uproar again, Frank heard every word and calmly stood up.

    As everyone looked on, he was staring calmly at all the bigwigs sitting onstage.

    "What are you doing, Frank?" Winter promptly pulled on his sleeve. "Say something! Or just apologize and it''ll be fine!"

    Jean was also frowning. "Just

    apologize to Bill and everything.

    beContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    be fine, Professor Lawrence. !

    sincere if you''ve overreached..."

 Chapter 1204

    "Uh-huh," Frank nodded at the two girls before looking up at the bigwigs onstage with a faint smile.

    "Heh. Long time no see, everyone." He chuckled.

    The entire hall froze at his words, with Jean and Winter gaping in shock.

    What was that supposed to mean? Did Frank know them... or was he just pretending?

    But pretending to be their acquaintances... Was he not overreaching just to look good?!

    Nearby, Bill was still sneering, but he was frozen stiff like a statue as a foreboding sensation chewed him in the gut.

    Could those bigwigs have reallye under the manwhore''s invitation? That was impossible! What gave him the right?!

    Naturally, hisst hopes that it was not true was soon crushed, as the ever stoic Riverton senator Gerald Simmons smiled and stood up, nodding at Frank. "Long time no see, Mr. Lawrence. You look as sharp as ever!"

    "What?!"

    Gerald''s greeting left everyone in the hall turning toward Frank, staring in disbelief.

    A senator was actually that respectful to their professor... even almost showing deference?! Who on earth was he?!

    "Frank, what..."

    Even before Frank and the other students came to their senses, Commissioner Robert Quill also stood up and smiled. "You look vibrant as ever. I heard over the grapevine that you''ve caused quite the stir in Morhen, and it''s humbling that you would still remember little Riverton."

    "What?!"

    The students were left staring at Frank again, their mouths gaping so wide it could fit an apple.

    It was not entirely their fault either. Riverton was actually secluded, and Riverton University was about the only thing they had going for them.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Naturally, a ce like Morhen could well be the promisednd for them, and they were even more thrilled to hear that Frank had caused a stir there.

    Their Professor Lawrence was certainly more than what they gave him credit for!

    Tim Yates, chief of the Riverton

    commerce guild, also nodded and smiled at Frank. "Haha! I must thank you for your farm resort, Mr. Lawrence. It has now be local heritage site, with so many people traveling to Riverton for it. You have certainly done us a great service!"

    "What?! Frank had a hand in Lane Holdings'' farm resort too?!"

    The bombshell left the students stiff as statues, since they had been to the farm resort themselves on a field trip.

    However, it cost them a fortune just to get a tiny bottle of the bathwater from the farm resort for research purposes... but it turned out that the owner was here all along! S

    That was not all either, as Kim White leveled Frank an using look and snorted. "You never came to visit me after so long, leaving me all by myself to clean up the messin my family. You''re such a..."

    Bastard.

    For some reason, everyone thought that word, just as they were once again shocked by Professor Lawrence''s enormous influence... and history with women! "Tut, tut, Mr. Lawrence. You''re so..."

    Noel York sighed, shaking her head-obviously, even the top actress of Draconia knew Frank!

 Chapter 1205

    "That''s enough now," Dan Zimmer called out just then, stopping the exchange..

    At the same time, the chief of Flora Hall shot the ashen-faced Bill a vicious re. "Let''s save the catching up forter. We should continue the ceremony for now."

    With that, the rowdy hall quieted down, and everyone watched as Frank walked onstage and sat down beside the other bigwigs.

    "Hehe." He chuckled and winked at Winter.

    On the verge of tears earlier, she was hiding a smile under her palm-her dear brother never lied, and the bigwigs were here at his invitation!

    She earnestly felt blissful to see the surprise that Frank prepared for her!

    On the other hand, Bill was murmuring to himself, "H-How is this possible? How..."

    He was deathly pale even as he copsed limply on his chair, staring nkly at Frank as he chatted with the other bigwigs around him.

    Around him, the convocation ceremony remained lively-Winter was especially brimming with confidence as she went on stage to give her speech.

    Through it all, her eyes were glued to Frank as if to report all her aplishments, and Frank was nodding in satisfaction.

    He was relieved-not only did Winter always behave, but she also excelled in her studies and showed great talent for medicine.

    Frank made up his mind, and was determined to groom her along with Kat Yego, who was innately gifted in martial arts.

    Even as he vowed to realize both girls'' potential, the ceremony moved on, with the bigwigs now presenting the graduates with their certificates.

    "Hehe." Gerald smiled as he shook the hand of one of the students. "Congrattions on your graduation. As an alumnus of Riverton University, I''m sure you will be a pir of Draconia''s medicine field."

    It was a line for formalites, but it was a lifetime honor for the students.

    Each of them were encouraged zealously and vowed right then to do their best in service of the country.

    When it was Bill''s turn, however, he found Frank standing between him and Dan Zimmer, grinning ear to ear. "So, Mr. Jackson... I heard you said something about your father inviting the VIPS here?"

    Bill flinched but promptly forced an awkward smile on his pale face. "Of course not, Professor Lawrence. It doesn''t sound like me, for I''d never have the influence to invite so many VIPS. I''m sorry, I was blind and ignorant. Forgive me!"

    Hearing his please, Frank had no intention to get petty with a mere student and waved him off. "Well, since you''ve confessed, I won''t press the issue." This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Thank you... Thank you, Professor Lawrence!"

    Bill was bowing so low and humbly he could well kneel.

    Seeing that, the other students were chuckling in contempt.

    "He really knew how to put on a show, saying that his father knew Gene Pearce and invited the VIPs..."

    "Oh, just drop it. He only overreached."

    "I mean, did you see how confident he was, puffing his chest and making himself out for someone important?" "Well, he''s basically kneeling to Professor Lawrence now."

    "I heard he''s chasing after Professor Lawrence''s sister too... The sheer audacity!"

    "I''d be hiding in a hole somewhere if I were him, instead of being an eyesore." "Shush. He''s Dan Zimmer''s student. It''s really harsh to speak too much here."

 Chapter 1206

    "Hah! So what? He wouldn''tpare to Professor Lawrence''s hair!"

    "Now, now. That''d be an insult to Professor Lawrence''s hair."

    "What? You have Professor Lawrence''s hair? How much? I''m buying!"

    The barenaked mockery and contempt from fellow students left Bill hanging his head and gritting his teeth so hard that they could break.

    "Fuck..." he cursed under his breath.

    Winter was right behind him, watching him as he was humiliated from start to finish.

    Forget wooing Winter-Bill was now a social pariah, his reputation thoroughly smeared.

    If news of this reached his father in Zamri, he would not just be scolded, but his father would definitely be giving him a major spanking while cutting him off too. After all, it was inevitable that his father''s reputation would be ruined too, and anyone would beughing at his father''s face because of him!

    "Frank Lawrence... Winter Lawrence... Jean Zims... Just you wait! I''ll get you back for this-"

    Smack!

    Even as Bill kept his head lowered while scheming his revenge against Frank, he was jolted to his senses as he was pped across his face, his sses dropping off right then!

    He clutched his cheek and looked up into the eyes of Dan, whose face was contorted in fury as he shook in rage.

    "Mr. Zimmer, what..." Bill was certainly bewildered that his mentor would be so furious that he pped him in public! "You little prick!" Dan bellowed. "How dare you nder Mr. Lawrence?! Who do you think you are, insulting him?!"

    Frank strode up right then, smiling as he tried to calm Dan. "It''s alright. He''s already apologized and cleared in the past now-there''s no need to punish fe."

    up the misunderstandingred

    "That won''t do!"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Dan snorted coldly. "I am more or less his mentor, but he proved that he doesn''t deserve to be a doctor when he did something so heinous!"

    Then, as Bill looked on in shock, Dan

    tore his certificate in two and

    snapped coldly, "You are no longer my student, no matter how your father would beg me! Hmph! If you really are repentant, stay in Riverton University to study another year. It seems that going abroad has really corrupted you!"

    With that, Dan snorted coldly and returned to his seat, while the entire hall was left silent.

    Frank turned to smile at Bill. "Don''t worry, Mr. Zimmer is just a little upset at the moment. Just do as he tell you and study another year¡ª" "Save it!" Bill bellowed, shaking with rage.

    He had to be humiliated in front of everyone not once, but twice! He was so furious he could set fire to the convocation right then!

    pping Frank''s palm away, he

    red coldly at everyone around him, before stopping at Dan as he bellowed, "Fuck off, geezer! Did you think I''d die without a piece of paper?! I''m done ying to your tune! Farewell!"

    With that, he kicked aside the podium as he stormed off.

 Chapter 1207

    After Bill stormed out of the convocation hall, the ceremony was as somber as it was silent-one could even hear a pin drop just then.

    "Urgh... Such stubbornness. What a waste of his father''s effort." Dan sighed inwardly as he watched.

    Bill had talent and he had been willing to take him in as a student. In fact, Dan did what he did so as to nurture Bill''s mentality so that he truly learned humility and honesty.

    Naturally, he also intended to show Frank his stance on the matter, and who knew if Frank might even let Bill''s transgression slide and give a couple of pointers.

    The brat, however, did not ept any of it, even storming out right then and leaving Dan disappointed.

    Dan hade around too. "He left, and so be it. No disappointments there he clearly has a warped mind despite his talents."

    What Dan did not know, however, was that Bill''s father had given him clear orders to get his Riverton University graduation certificate.

    After all, there was no reason Bill would want to return when he was living the good life abroad just to attend some measly convocation ceremony in the country.

    And he certainly refused to wait another year of studying monotonous medical ethics. He would really rather get his certificate sooner to inherit his father''s hospital, after which he would resume his life of debauchery.

    Why bother studying medicine at all? If anything, he never intended to save lives-he just wanted to take over his father''s business and rise to the peak of his career.

    That was why he could not care less about Dan''s advice, and his spite only grew after Dan tore up his certificate.

    He cursed their names endlessly even as he stormed out, spitting at the campus signboard as he left through the gates, preparing himself for revenge.

    "Y''all did this to me, so you have no one to me!" he bellowed. "You are all going to die!!!"

    Back at the convocation ceremony, Dan proved that wisdom came with age.

    Seeing that things had gotten

    awkward, he stood up again and spoke up to calm things down. The ceremony should continue.

    §ÖN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Apologies, but that brat really made me lose my temper here."

    Mr. Zims quickly joined in. "Hahaha... So Mr. Zimmer would still be honoring us? That is truly a privilege..."

    With that, the atmosphere in the hall was cheerful once more.

    "Congrattions." Frank nodded and smiled at Winter as he handed her her certificate. "You are now eligible to further your studies in Draconian traditional medicine. What do you say to that?"

    "Yes!" Winter quickly agreed to it, as if afraid Frank would change his mind if she was a moment too slow.

    "Well, that''s a promise." Frank smiled and tenderly patted her head.

    Winter pouted. "I''m not a kid, Frank. I''m just a few years younger than you."

    "Oh, haha... Sorry about that."

    Winter quickly shook her head. "No, Frank. You know what I mean-"

    "That''s enough, Winter. The one behind you is getting impatient," Frank interrupted, pointing at Jean, who was standing behind Winter and waiting for her turn.

    Jean urged Winter too, "Oh, Winter-you can catch up some other time. Make way for me! I want my certificate!"

    "Ugh! Fine, Jean." Winter pouted.

 Chapter 1208

    Winter obviously had more to say, but she had no choice but to leave the stage.

    After her, even as Jean epted her certificate, she asked under her breath, "Mr. Lawrence, tell me what do you think of Winter?" "Winter?" Frank smiled with aplomb. "She''s a little sister whom my mentor entrusted into my care for life."

    "Ah, I get it now."

    Jean nodded, bowing at Frank before leaving the stage with her certificate.

    Frank watched as she left, thinking that she was clearly more mature than her peers.

    There was an aftershow after the convocation ceremony, with Noel taking the stage to sing for the crowd.

    She was certainly a top star, leaving everyone mesmerized with her song even though her speciality was acting. After she left the stage, a surprising face showed up.

    "Hey, Master Lawrence! I passed the entrance exams for Riverton University! Didn''t expect that, did you?"

    Kat Yego had her silver wig on and was dressed fancily as usual, winking at Frank as she performed with her band on her guitar.

    "What?" Frank frowned-Kat consistently got bad grades, and she still made it into Riverton University? Were they that desperate for new students?

    Seeing Frank''s skeptical look, Noel cleared her throat nearby. "It''s a special admission... as an arts student."

    "Oh..." Frank nodded.

    After that, Kat and her band started a rock tune and howled their hearts out... that was, from Frank''s

    perspective as a person with a

    understanding of music. Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The graduates, however, were thrilled and engrossed, and the hall was soon a concert hall.

    "Urgh, what a shame... Why do we have to graduate now? If we weren''t, I''d have that rocker chick in a jiffy!"

    "No way that''s happening, bro."

    "Come on, I mean a proper rtionship!"

    There were other performances, with Winter herself dancing a number.

    By the time the events concluded, the skies were dark.

    The Riverton bigwigs also bade Frank farewell after jovial small talk and catching up, with Frank escorting them out.

    As he left the hall, he found Jean sitting by the steps. "There''s a ball too. Aren''t you going to attend?"

    "Nope. Never liked such asions." Frank shook his head and sat down too.

    In fact, he would not have stayed at all if

    Co not for Winter. The time wase

    even unwinding at a bar. belongs to  S

    better spent tram ols

    After a moment of silence, Jean said quietly, "just saw Bill Jackson. He brought arge group and charged straight to the rear entrance of the convocation hall. Didn''t look too friendly."

    "Hmph."

    Frank simply snorted coldly. "Doesn''t matter how many men he brought."

    "Confident, aren''t you?" Jean snickered. "Then do you know that Winter is into you, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "She''s still young." Frank shrugged. "She''ll eventually find someone better."

 Chapter 1209

    "Better than you?"

    Jean raised her brow andughed out loud. "You''re really funny, Mr. Lawrence-you''re even more of a gaslighter than those business owners. You make it sound nice, but how many people are there in this world who are really better than you?"

    "Ahem. I''d say... there are way too many." Frank rubbed his nose. "You really know how to tter a man, Jean, but I''m just a man who married into his wife''s family and was then chased away."

    "Fine, no more joking around." Jean''s expression turned solemn as she stared fixedly at him. "I''ve probed Winter enough to see that she''s serious about you. But if you care about Winter, you shouldn''t have shown up today or unted yourself so much. Now that you''ve done it, you have to take responsibility-do you understand that, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Frank was left embarrassed, however.

    Winter was so much younger, and his mentor entrusted her to his care.

    If he got any funny ideas, his mentor would definitely give him a thorough beating when it was his time.

    Shaking his head, he said, "You''re not making sense. Winter is no ignorant child-she knows what''s right and what isn''t. How am I supposed to face her mother and my mentor if our rtionship goes further?" That was when Frank scowled, as he remembered that Carol Zims was clearly supportive of him having a rtionship with Winter after learning that they were not biologically rted.

    "Ahhh !!!"

    A scream suddenly echoed from the hall-it was Winter!

    Frank leapt to his feet and charged inside.

    Jean watched as he left, shaking her head and smiling, "It''s exactly because Winter knows that you shouldn''t make her sad. You should''ve been ready for that when you sought her out." Sighing, she pursed her lips and muttered under her breath, "That''s all I can help you with, Winter. The rest is up to you."

    Bang!

    Frank kicked open the doors of the hall to find Bill standing in the ground, grabbing Winter by the hair as he forced her to drink a ss of wine.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Winter struggled, sshing the wine all over herself.

    The other students were kept at bay

    by the thugs Bill brought. Those men carried machetes, all of them obviously hired muscle who had

    spilled blood.

    Mere students like them would certainly never be brave enough to stand against them, and hence, they stood in silence. "Stop!"

    Frank bellowed as he strode into the hall just then, Jean''s words ringing in his head again when he saw Bill holding Winter, who struggled miserably.

    "If you cared about Winter, you shouldn''t have shown up today or unted yourself so much."

    Frank med himself even as the thought crossed his mind-Jean had warned him, but he behaved carelessly anyway.

    He thought that Bill would need time

    to cross into the hall from the rear entrance, and he would not be brave enough to attack Winter while in public.

    But as it turned out, Bill was simply desperate enough.

    Striding one step forward, Frank''s expression contorted in fury. "Bill Jackson! Let go of Winter right now!"

 Chapter 1210

    "Don''t worry about me, Frank! Just go!"

    Winter cried out, even as she struggled against Bill''s grip, a nice girl to thest.

    She was certainly convinced Frank stood no chance against the fiftyish menacing looking goons!

    "Hah!" Bill snorted in turn. "It''s your fault for humiliating me, but don''t worry-once I''m done with you, I''ll give your sister a proper loving."

    Pulling Winter by the hair, he brushed his nose against her cheek and inhaled deeply, before moaning, "Oh, Draconian women. They just smell so sweet, don''t they? Tut, tut... Your sister is just so amazing! Hahaha!"

    Even as Billughed, Winter''s tears gushed from the pain on her scalp, but she kept struggling anyway.

    "Run, Frank!" she cried. "I''m so sorry... I shouldn''t have asked you toe..."

    Frank merely stood his ground, closing his eyes and exhaling lengthily.

    When he opened his eyes again, his gaze was ice-cold. "You have one chance, Bill Jackson. Get your stinking paws off her, or die!" Freezing death aura unfurled away from Frank, shattering the champagne flutes that were just put in ce and causing the girls to scream. "What the hell?!"

    Bill was clearly spooked, as were the other students who never saw that look on Frank''s face.

    Still, Bill soon realized he had let go

    of Winter''s hair, and felt humiliated right then-Frank was in the

    distance, and he had hostage but was still spooked somehow.

    "D-Did I pay you to just stand around and watch?!" he bellowed at his goons. "Get him! Kill that fucker! Consequences be damned!"

    At his order, the hired muscle charged at Frank, one of them swinging his machete and ready to kill.

    "Frank!" Winter paled as she watched the goons lunge at Frank from every direction.

    On the other hand, Bill was smiling gleefully.

    So what if Frank was a big shot?! He would be killed with all those men attacking him all at once!

    It did not matter what connections Frank had-they could not save him if he had Frank killed right now!

    Bill reared his head andughed haughtily and gleefully, eager to see Frankying in a puddle of blood on the floor. "Hahaha... You''re a dead man, Frank!"

    However, just as Bill and most of the students thought Frank was going to die, Frank simply sneered as heunched a punch to the side knocking off one of the thug''s arms.

    "Argh!" The thug screamed even as his machete dropped to the floor with a ng.

    Picking up the machete, Frank kicked another goon in the kneecap.

    "Oof..."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Everyone cringed when they heard the crunch, and as they were mostly medical students, they could tell just from the crunch that the kneecap was shattered and beyond saving. The goon would have to live with a limp for the rest of his life!

 Chapter 1211

    Whoosh!

    Frank swung the machete downward but stopped sharply just in front of the goon''s face.

    The goon was immediately terrified and wet himself right then.

    "Get out!" Frank then bellowed, looking around-he only stopped because there were plenty of students around, and he would traumatize them if he went on a killing spree. And having seen what happened, the goons understood that Frank could fight and could even be a martial artist.

    Small fries like them would never pose a threat to him and would only get crippled for life.

    With that in mind, every hired goon began to flee, not bothered by Bill screaming at the top of his lungs, "Stop, you pricks! I didn''t pay you to be cowards! Get him!"

    He even caught one of the fleeing goons, clenching on his sleeve and refusing to let him run.

    The goon was left staring as Frank started toward him and glowered viciously.

    "I can''t beat him, but I can beat you!" he bellowed and swung his machete at Bill, leaving a bloody gash.

    Bill screamed and dropped to the floor, grabbing his arm, while the goon seized the opening and fled without turning back.

    The scene left the students in shock.

    A minute ago, the goons were swarming at Frank, looking like they would cut him into pieces.

    Now, they were fleeing for their lives, with one cutting their employer just to get away.

    As for Bill, he was on the floor, clutching his bleeding arm while cursing the bastards who ran away even though they were paid.

    "I''d be worrying about myself if I were you," Frank growled coolly as he plucked Bill off the floor.

    He was already incensed to see Bill grabbing Winter''s hair as soon as he came in, and he only held back because of the students.

    However, he would not forgive Bill whatever happened today-he had given Bill more than one chance, but Bill refused to take it. Worse of all Bill even tried to hurt Frank''s family to make him submit, and that really pushed Frank''s buttons.

    And nothing ended well for anyone who did that.

    As Frank seized him by the neck and clenched, Bill realized right away that Frank was going to strangle him.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "N-No! Stop! Don''t kill me!" He

    choked as his breathing becamebored, struggling violently as he begged. "M-Mr. Lawrence, it''s my fault won''t do it again! Please, I''m begging you!!!"

    "Argh!!!" Bill iled like a fish onnd,

    g under pressure. "It''s l

    ing as he felt his bones

    you!!!"

    fault! Please, I''m begging.

    "You hurt my family... now, die!" Frank growled.

    Bill despaired right then-he did not expect Frank to dare to kill him with so many watching.

    Somehow, he forgot that he had brought arge gang of thugs, ready to kill Frank in public while he defiled Winter!

 Chapter 1212

    "Frank..."

    Winter suddenly wobbled to Frank, leaning against him and clenching on his arm as she panted and pleaded, "C-Calm down, Frank... You will get into trouble... if you kill him¡ª"

    Even before she could finish, her eyes closed, and she dropped to the floor, unconscious.

    "Winter!"

    Seeing Winter fainting, Frank certainly had no time for Bill-throwing him aside, he picked up Winter and closed his eyes to feel her.

    Soon, he felt the fire ring up inside her body and was at first puzzled.

    Still, he soon remembered Bill forcing her to drink that wine, which must have been drugged with something that excited the body. "You bastard!"

    Frank could certainly tell what Bill was up to and was at once incensed.

    But with so many eyes watching, he could not cure Winter on the spot and was forced to spare Bill''s life.

    Still, even as he carried Winter out of the hall, he stomped Bill in the groin.

    Bill screamed deafeningly like a gutted pig and bled profusely into his pants. Either way, he could not mess around even if he wanted to.

    The boys were all cringing as if they were hurting too when they saw what Frank did. It also enlightened them about what the usually mild-mannered professor could do when he was furious he was simply unstoppable!

    "So cool..."

    The girls were in turn starry-eyed as

    theyContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    awa Frank carry Winter

    away, Since he looked like a

    modernized version of a whiteline

    prince.

    The boys certainly could not be jealous even if they wanted to-the gap between them and Frank insurmountable, and all they could do was to worship and admire.

    do was to worship and she

    Good looks, connections with so many bigwigs in Riverton, and individually powerful-the man was outrageous.

    One of them was even staring nkly as Frank left, murmuring, "Shit, talk about driving a guy against the wall..." Another was looking around to find the starry-eyed stares the girls were giving Frank as he left, as if he was a star celebrity.

    Vroom!

    Frank stuffed Winter into the car and floored the gas pedal as he rushed to Skywater Bay.

    He was halfway there when he sensed that the dainty figure beside him had woken up, and more importantly, was clinging to him.

    He gritted his teeth as he drove, while she moaned and rubbed herself on him endlessly like a kitten.

    Surprisingly, she was so innocent that it was all she did, as if oblivious carnally.

    "Frank... I''m so... hot..." she wheezed, drifting in and out of consciousness.

    ?

    Her gaze was unfocused and her cheeks were flushed, but she could only lean against Frank clumsily. She had no idea what she should do, let alone what was happening to her.

 Chapter 1213

    "You were drugged. Just bear with it-I''ll help you once we get home."

    Frank gritted his teeth to resist the softness while keeping his eyes on the road.

    "Oh... Okay..." Winter moaned as she nodded tamely.

    When they finally made it back to Skywater Bay, he carried Winter to her room.

    Thankfully, there was no one else in the mansion.

    Carol Zims was busy at her snackbar, while Noel York and Kat Yego had headed back to Noel''s office after their performance at the convocation and were not back yet.

    It was a rare opportunity...

    Frank pped himself and chuckled bitterly-rare opportunity?! What was that?!

    He prepared a bath, dissolving an antidote into it and charging the solution with his pure vigor.

    Soon, a fresh aroma wafted from the bathtub.

    "Alright, Winter. Now-"

    Frank turned to find that Winter only had her underwear on and was shing a silly drunken smile at him when she saw him appearing so shocked. "It''s too hot, so I took them off. It''s fine if you look anyway, right?"

    "Yeah," Frank replied but averted his gaze to try his best not to look.

    Though Winter did not boast a stunning figure like Noel or Winter and was no natural beauty like Helen, her looks were suitably perfect and her figure was just right.

    "Hehe..." she giggled. "You''re staring. Do I look good?"

    "Yeah... Oh." Frank then caught himself turning back toward Winter and felt a strange guilt just then.

    Still, he beckoned. "Come on, take a dip in the bath to clear the drug."

    "Hmm... I''m fine, I think? It''s hot, but it feels good."

    Winter shed a silly smile. "I''m dizzy, but I could do things I wouldn''t normally dare to do, like..."

    She was suddenly beside him, her warm lips brushing against his cheek.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "What..." Frank clutched his cheek, dumbstruck.

    "Shush..." .." look at

    Vickter giggled. "You never

    You

    ... Only at Winter and

    you too... I want to be

    bride..."

    "That''s enough," Frank quickly stopped her, knowing that things would really get out of hand if this continued.

    "No way... Let me talk... You have to listen to my worries..."

    "Okay, okay... just get into the tub and talk. I listen." Frank felt exasperated as Winter seemed no different from a child and coaxed her as if she were a child.

    Surprisingly, it worked-Winter happily leapt into her bathtub while talking about everything and everything.

    "Frank, did you know? Life was so tough for Mom, Fred, and me..."

    Frank yed along to her whims while doing his best to put out the mes within her. It took around half an hour until Winter fell asleep after rambling on endlessly.

    Frank confirmed that the drug effect had passed right then.

 Chapter 1214

    Frank then scooped Winter out of the bathtub and ced her on the bed.

    He would have left her just like that, but seeing that she was sound asleep and thoroughly soaked, he gave in after a long while of hesitation.

    She would definitely catch a cold if she kept sleeping like this, and she would not know anything as she was asleep.

    Wiping her down, Frank took her clothes from her wardrobe and helped her get changed.

    He did his best not to look, but he saw anyway.

    It was awkward, but he got it done in the end and breathed a sigh of relief as he fled Winter''s room.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Frank was afraid to stay at Skywater Bay too, since things would get awkward when Winter woke up, which was why he fled Riverton in the night.

    The next day, he showed up at Lanecorp''s offices in Zamri, punctually reporting in to work.

    Still, as the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department, he basically had nothing to do.

    All of Lanecorp''s operations were on the right track, and Helen''s safety was assured, so his work right now was to arrange for patrols. Thereafter, he would stay in the office, sipping tea and reading the papers. Helen was busy in her office, and Frank would not impose unless it was necessary. She was the board chairwoman and a girlboss, but he might inadvertently distract her and inflict losses upon Lanecorp.

    Having no interest in causing unnecessary trouble, he would simply stay where she was and wait until Helen came to him if she needed him.

    At the moment, Frank was also in a good mood as he took a sip of his tea-he had just spoken with Vicky and learned that she was recovering well.

    He picked up his phone again, ready to call Winter, but he soon put it down.

    He was not sure if Winter remembered what had happenedst night-especially the fact that he had changed her clothes.

    In the past, he could just tell himself that he was a brother to Winter, butst night made it clear that his intentions were not that innocent.

    Lacking confidence, he gave up on the idea and turned back to the papers.

    "Eh? Zamri City Hall has officially announced a highway project connecting Riverton to Morhen..."

    The article left Frank delighted, as his gambit had paid off-Juno Enigma was not lying!

    A highway connecting Riverton to Morhen would definitely pass through that plot ofnd he bought from Gina.

    One could expect the value of that plot ofnd to skyrocket over ten times with this announcement!

    At Zomber Group''s offices, Peter Lane was seated gingerly on an armchair, with shock and disbelief showing all over his face as he stared at the morning paper he was holding.

    "You little... I told you and Larry that we could never ever sell thatnd!"

    Kit Jameson barked furiously, his face which resembled his brother Larry''s contorting as he mmed his hand on his desk, "But you two had to sell it off behind my back!"

    Peter pursed his lips miserably. "Who could''ve known it would happen? It was kept confidential among the Zamri executives we couldn''t have known!"

 Chapter 1215

    Peter was clearly trying to shirk responsibility.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    However, Kit sprang to his feet, striding up to Peter and seizing him by the cor as he spat, "It was all your idea! Swindling your mommy with thatnd to get her money-well, shit! All you''ve done now is to throw them money!"

    Flinging Peter on the couch, he bellowed, "You have three days. Get thatnd back at the price you sold it, or your head will roll!"

    "Security!"

    As Kit mmed his hand on his desk again, the doors of his office opened.

    Two muscr bodyguards who stood over two meters strode in, as Kit pointed at Peter and snapped, "Throw him out of here!"

    "Yes, Mr. Jameson," the bodyguards replied, then picked Peter up as if he were a cat and flung him out on the street.

    "That''s out of line!"

    Peter snapped even as he pushed himself to his feet, dusting his clothes and yelled at Zomber Group''s office building, "How could I have known that Zamri would build a highway that just happens to pass through that area?! It''s all just a coincidence, but you''re ming it on me?! You dressed it up pretty, but all you want is to use me to buy thatnd back!"

    "Peter Lane." One of the bodyguards strode up to him, folding his arms before his chest as he snapped coldly, "Mr. Jameson says you have three days. If you can''t get every inch of thatnd back, you''ll be dead by then!"

    "Hah!" The other bodyguard chuckled. "A loser like you is telling Mr. Jameson what to do?! He hasn''t even punished you for his brother''s death! Now, get out!"

    The bodyguard''s outburst left Peter cringing just like a whipped dog, mumbling under his breath but not actually daring to fight back.

    After all, his life was in Kit''s hands, just as everyst dime he conned from Gina fell into Kit''s hands.

    In a nutshell, he was nothing more than Kit''spdog.

    "Shit, so this is what they call an expendable asset?" Peter huffed as he trudged along the street, getting grumpier the more he thought about it.

    Ultimately, he turned his crosshairs

    on Frank there would not have

    been so much mess if not for Frank, and he would have made his grand debut as Lanecorp''s new boss.

    At the very least, he would not be bullied even by Kit''s underlings, living just like a dog.

    "Urgh..." Peter ultimately sighed as he resigned himself to his fate.

    He did not want to die so soon, just as he never thought about running away.

    Forget the fact that Zomber Group was one of Zamri''s Three Bears-even he refused to run away, because he could see that he would earn big bucks if he could get that plot ofnd back.

    Even if kit would be taking most of the profits, getting just a sliver was still plenty.

    Making up his mind right then, he

    hailed a cab, then bought a couple of bouquets pretentiously before heading to the hospital where Gina was admitted.

    "Mom." He smiled as he opened the door and entered Gina''s ward.

 Chapter 1216

    Gina''s face fell as soon as she saw Peter, and she bellowed, "You prick! The audacity you have to show your face here!"

    Peter had certainly taken her for a ride. Indeed, it would have been very terrible if Frank did not end up as the sucker buying that rotten plot ofnd off Gina''s hands in the end. Being chased around by loan sharks and losing Lane Manor? The very thought left Gina cringing.

    She was certainly shaking with rage even as she red at the culprit and pointed at Peter''s nose as she snapped, "You despicable sack of shit! Were you trying to get your own mom killed?! And you still have the cheek toe here?!"

    "Come on, Mom. That''s too much." Peter scratched his head and smiled apologetically.

    He tried to put the bouquets he bought on Gina''s overbed table, but she swiped them away, sending everything to the floor as she bellowed, "Get out! I don''t want to see you! I have no son-not one who tries to screw over his own mother!"

    Peter''s face fell, but remembering how much thatnd was worth now, he repressed his rage and put on a smile. "What are you saying, Mom? I came to apologize, didn''t I? I''m sorry just calm down and forgive me for this once!"

    As Peter tugged on her, pleading endlessly, Gina snorted but she clearly calmed down.

    Peter was her son in the end-blood did run thicker than water even if he had indeed screwed her over.

    When everything was said and done, disowning him was still difficult.

    "What?" She huffed. "Are you trying to screw me over again? I''m telling you-I don''t even have a penny to my name, so give it up!"

    Despite her blunt outburst, Peter

    was smiling even as he threw his hands up. "What are you saying? I admit I did lie to you before, but that''s because it was urgent! See? I''ve now been acknowledged by Jameson Group''s deputy CEO and I can turn things around!"

    "Turn things around?" Gina looked at him sideways-how was he going to do that?

    Peter continued, "Mom, the first reason I came is to apologize. I''m sorry for lying to you, and I hope you can forgive me."

    "As for the second reason... It''s because I want to make amends and buy back that plot ofnd. Don''t worry I''ll pay you the exact amount you paid to buy it. You won''t lose anything." Gina appeared delighted right then, though she snorted. "Hmph. I guess you still have a conscience."

    Peter was delighted as well. However, he was only celebrating his mother''sck of instincts andpetence for business, as she was somehowpletely oblivious. to the vital news of Zamri''s new highway project and the revised projected value of that plot ofnd.

    Either way, thend was as good as rebought, and he would not return to Kit empty handed.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Even as he reeled in delight, he decided to seal the deal as soon as possible and quickly asked, "Then, shall we sign an agreement now?"

    Seeing that her son was finally shaping up, Gina''s gloom was vaporized into bliss.

    However, there was a skepticism in her expression despite her mild manners as she asked, "Wait, Peter. I''d like to know what your position is at the moment?"

    It was clear that she was worried

    about being conned again, but Peter

    put a hand on his chest and

    disarmed her right then, "I''m now the secretary of Zomber Group''s CEO, and I draw a decent sry. You won''t lose anything if you stick with me-I''ll foot your bills, and you won''t have to suffer Helen''s attitude anymore!"

 Chapter 1217

    Peter continued gloating, "Just let her stick with Frank all she wants. They''ll fuck up eventually ande crying to us, begging!" "Well said! My son is finally shaping up!"

    Gina was certainly relieved to hear such words, though her face soon fell awkwardly. "That said... I''ve already sold thatnd."

    "What?!"

    Peter jumped like a cat having its tail stepped on. "Mom... What? You''ve sold it already?! Who could have bought it from you?!"

    Gina scratched her head awkwardly, feeling her conscience gnawing because of her son''s overreaction. "I was a little worried after we couldn''t reach you on the phone, so I sold it to Frank."

    "Frank?! You sold it to Frank?!"

    Peter could blow up right then.

    Still, he clung on to hisst hopes and forced a smile while asking calmly, "How much did you sell it to him?"

    "Five hundred million." Gina was grinning smugly even as she held up her fingers. "It''s fine, Peter. He wants to be a sucker, so let him be. His money would go to waste anyway-when Cindy and I went over to check it out, it turned out to be far flung and infested by thugs! Frank won''t be able to use it, let alone sell it!"

    "Stop it, Mom! Just stop!" Peter eximed as he fell on his bottom, wing on his own hair miserably.

    "What''s wrong, Peter?" Gina was stunned to see such a reaction from her son. "What, aren''t you pleased that a rotten plot ofnd was sold to Frank? He ended up a big sucker..."

    "Big sucker?" Peter was on the verge of tears. "You shouldn''t have sold thend to him!"

    "What? Why?" Gina was utterly dumbfounded, unsure as to what had gotten into her son who reacted as if the world had copsed on him.

    "Oh, Aunt Gina. There''s something you have to know!"

    Cindy Zonda strode in excitedly just

    then.

    her

    she scowled and

    e when she saw pokedet

    t are you doing here content

    "It''s alright, don''t worry about Peter. What is it?" Gina asked, turning toward Cindy.

    Cindy was quiet, clearly wary of Peter.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Still, seeing that Gina was not concerned, she spoke albeit reluctantly, "Do you remember thend you sold to Frank?"

    Gina nced at Peter, and then at Cindy even as a foreboding sensation started to gnaw on her. "Of course. What about it?"

    "Zamri is building a highway, and it''ll be passing near that very same plot ofnd!" Cindy eximed.

    "So?" Gina remained confused, having zero experience in business.

    "So?!"

    set

    Cindy smacked herself in the forehead at her aunt''s slowness the uptake and shouted at the top of her lungs, "It means that plot ofnd

    would rise in value!"

    "Really? By how much?"

    Gina remained unconcerned. In her mind, property values rose and fell all the time, and there was nothing surprising.

    "You don''t get it, Aunt Gina." Cindy gulped as she exined excitedly "This fundamentally changes thend''s value! Now it''s worth over ten times its previous value!"

    "Oh, and here I thought... Wait, what did you say?!

    Gina gaped fixedly at Cindy, thinking that she had just misheard.

 Chapter 1218

    Cindy raised all her fingers as she cried, "Ten times, Aunt Gina! No, it might even be more than that! We sold it at 500 million, but it''s now worth five billion dors! Five billion, Aunt Gina!" Hearing the number, Gina froze even as she sat up on her bed, unable to manage words.

    "Quick... Quick!" she cried after spacing out for a long while, holding out a hand at Cindy. "Bring me my phone. I''ll call Frank!"

    "Alright!"

    Cindy was certainly enthusiastic-she would definitely get a cut if Gina took back thatnd lot.

    However, even as Gina got her phone and scrolled through her contact list to Frank''s name, she froze before she could dial his number.

    "What''s wrong, Aunt Gina? Call him!" Cindy cried, clearly more anxious than Gina.

    Peter was the same as well, urging Gina right then, "Call him, Mom. Why are you hesitating?"

    "..."

    Gina was stumped even as she turned awkwardly toward Peter and Cindy, stammering, "A-Actually, Frank did call me previously..."

    "He did?" Peter was taken aback.

    Cindy''s face darkened as she remembered too.

    Frank and Helen had called Gina, advising her to buy back thend.

    Not only did Gina refuse at the time,

    but she even mocked Frank endlessly and called her own daughte names. She expressed in no uncertain terms her refusal to take back thatnd, whether she

    was threatened or afforded a better

    price.

    To make things worse, she had cut ties with Frank and Helen, vowing that she would never go to them again.

    With that in mind, Gina felt as if the button was welded tight and she could not press it down.

    If she called and Frank answered, what was she supposed to say?

    Apologize, saying that she was just upset and beg for him to sell back thatnd?

    She could not manage that, no matter how thick-skinned she was not after Frank had repeatedly exined that it would make her a

    ton of

    money, swearing on his

    honor. Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    And what did Gina do?

    Not only did she doubt him, but she also ridiculed him in every possible way, even calling him and Helen pigs.

    It was a clear cut case of looking a gift horse in the mouth, and after all that grandstanding, was she going to change her mind and beg for that piece ofnd?

    She would be mocked for the rest of her life if news spread.

    She quietly put away her phone. She wanted money, but she could not abandon her dignity.

    In retrospect, Frank was well aware

    of what thatnd was worth. Would

    he give it up now just because Gina

    understood her mistake and

    because she was thick-skinned

    enough to demand it back?

    After all that ridicule, it was obvious that Gina would not get it back unless Frank was really stupid.

    In fact, she would be ridiculed in return without getting hernd back, which meant that she would lose more than what she bargained for.

 Chapter 1219

    Even as Peter looked on expectantly, Gina put down her phone and sighed. "Forget it. I sold thatnd, and I don''t want it back, since "

    "We''re talking about five billion here, Aunt Gina!" Cindy shouted right then, aware of what had happened, but she was just that thick-skinned. "With five billion, we will be so rich we can do whatever we want for the rest of our lives! Just ask Frank for it-he''ll give it to you for Helen''s sake anyway. You know how much he likes to show off in front of her."

    Gina started to budge right then.

    Like Cindy said, it was five billion-what else could she want in life after that?Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    On the other hand, Peter threw himself on Gina''s bed right then and started bawling, "Mom, you have to get thatnd back from Frank, or I''m going to die!"

    Gina flinched in shock. "What? You''re going to die?"

    Cindy, who had already seen through Peter''s facade, snorted coolly. "You still haven''t pieced it together, have you, Aunt Gina? Don''t you know why your darling boy came to apologize properly, calling you mommy and prostrating himself to you? Did you really think he only came to apologize?"

    Gina realized with a start at Cindy''s quiet hint right then.

    It was true-it was obvious that Peter hade for thatnd lot, iming he was making amends by buying it back.

    In reality, it was only because the value of thatnd lot had increased tenfold, and he returned to apologize enthusiastically.

    Gina''s face turned cold right then, and she turned away from Peter. "Hmph!"

    Seeing that Cindy had convinced Gina, Peter''s face fell as he snapped at Cindy, "Stop messing around! I''m seriously apologizing to Mom!"

    "Really? Seriously apologizing?"

    Cindy retorted coolly, folding her arms before her chest. "You could have done that way earlier, but you''re doing it now after it was announced that thend lot''s value would skyrocket? Well, if you''re really sincere about making amends, you can take thatnd back for Aunt Gina and sell it for five billion, and you don''t get to take a single dime!"

    Laughing coolly, she gloated. "How''s that suggestion? If you do it, I''ll

    apple and acknowledge that you

    ¨¨ indeed sincere." Cont''s

    "You bitch!" Peter red furiously at Cindy, ready to hit her.

    "Urgh..." Gina sighed lengthily at the pair ready to eat each other alive.

    In the end, both of them wanted something from her, while it was her daughter Helen who had never asked for anything.

    In fact, every coin she spent was given to her by Helen.

    The contrast between her daughter and the pair with her now was all too clear.

    However, Gina could not bear to see her own son getting killed too.

    Turning toward Peter, she asked, "Zomber Group''s Kit Jameson sent you, didn''t he? He has threatened to kill you if you can''t get thatnd lot back, hasn''t he?"

    Peter wanted to argue, but he knew doing that at this point was pointless.

    Hanging his head, he sobbed. "Yeah Mom, I didn''t want to do it... How is it my fault? I just want to survive..."

    Her son''s miserable tears left Gina sighing and shaking her head.

 Chapter 1220

    Gina then said, "You''reing with me to Lanecorp. We''ll beg on our knees for her to help you. Just don''t mention thatnd lot..." "That''s not happening!" Peter was suddenly bellowing maniacally. "You can just kill me instead! I''d rather die than beg Frank!" "But..." Gina was left hesitating by her son''s stubbornness.

    Cindy spoke up just then. "Come on, Aunt Gina. in the end, all Kit Jameson wants is money. You shoulde up with a n to get thatnd lot back from Frank and Helen, and then we''ll pay Mr. Jameson to bail out Peter. After that, we can split the money-that''s all there is to it!"

    Peter quickly agreed, suddenly not crying as he grinned. "That''s Cindy for you! She''s smart!"

    Cindy rolled her eyes right then. "Heh. Says the one who was ready to hit me."

    "Thend? But..." Gina was clearly hesitant.

    "Think about it, Aunt Gina." Cindy continued to tempt her. "We''re talking about five billion dors! Even if we pay Mr. Jameson two billion, we''d still have three billion! We can spend it for the rest of our lives!" Then, smirking smugly, she suggested, "If you''re worried you won''t get it back, we can just make a scene at Lanecorp. We''ll say that Helen forced us to sell thend to her-she''ll definitely be afraid of letting things get out of hand and affecting thepany, and she''ll surrender without a fight and tell Frank to give it back to us. Trust me on this. I know the office from top to bottom, so I know where to do it to be mos effective. Just make a scene, and Helen will yield right away."

    "That''s a good idea!" Peter gave Cindy a thumbs up, utterly impressed.

    Gina, however, was hesitant. "But, Helen''s your sister... If you do it..."

    Peter scoffed right then. "Don''t you see, Mom? She has everything now, and she''s the board chairwoman of Lanecorp ¨¢ billion dorpany! Why are you worried about this? And we''re not asking her for money anyway-we just want what''s ours back! Thatnd was yours before you sold it to Frank! It''s rightfully ours!"

    Peter had a look of utter confidence even as he spouted those utterly despicable words.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Alright!"

    Gina gritted her teeth in

    determination. "We''ll make Helemet

    resell thatnd back to us, or I''

    make a scene in her office. Who cares about dignity?!"

    "Exactly, Aunt Gina! Dignity doesn''t make money!" Cindy eximed in delight.

    She then reminded Gina,

    "Remember, tell everyone that Helen and Frank were working together to force you to sell thend. You had no choice, and this is the only way you can get it back."

    "Alright!" Gina gritted her teeth, her eyes shing viciously.

    Helen was doing great for herself anyway-as Peter''s sister, she just had to take that loss to save him!

    It was not as if Gina had a choice.

    Moreover, they were family, and Helen could not do anything to them no matter how upset she got.

 Chapter 1221

    Around noon, Helen finished her work and stepped out of her office at Lanecorp.

    She immediately found Frank lounging around and sighed in exasperation. "I''ve been working overtime, but you''re goofing around!"

    Her using re sent Frank flinching, and he promptly got to his feet, smiling apologetically. "I have no idea what your work entails, but I guess the best bees are always busy bees. That''s my girl for you¡ª she''s just amazing."

    "Heh. You''re slick, I''ll give you that."

    Helen snorted but showed no inclination to me Frank, even linking arms with him and smiling. "There''s a nice restaurant nearby. Let''s go."

    "Really? To have the honor of Ms. Lane''s interest? I really need to try the menu now." Frank smiled, and they left the office together.

    Many Lanecorp employees were watching, and since Frank and Helen had started work for a while, it was clear to them that those two were in a rtionship.

    Still, many of the male employees were indignant-Helen was the board chairwoman and had immeasurably good looks! Why would she fall for the head of their health and security department?

    If they were being mean, Frank was just a glorified security guard. Hell, even if they were being nice, all he had was a sinecure!

    It was certainly a conundrum for everyone else, but Frank particrly relished in their stares of confusion-it just went to show how great his woman was.

    If anything, he was a little smug about it.

    Nheless, a fortyish man scoffed from the elevator. "Urgh, how brazen. Literally a piece of shit on the Mona Lisa."

    The man was clearly being mean toward Frank and was obviously not a board member. Otherwise, he would know that the shitstain was the reason Helen took over as chairwoman without issue. Still, while Helen chose to ignore the man, Frank stopped and studied the scowling man.

    "Mr. Hinds, was it?" He smiled. "You''re the head of finance, right?"

    "What''s it to you?" Marco Hinds sneered.

    "Well, it sounds like you''re prejudiced against me." Frank kept smiling. "I won''t deny that my woman is the Mona Lisa, but isn''t calling me a piece of shit out of line?"

    His blunt question only left Marco smirking in defiance. "Oh, I''m sorry-you''re right. Shit can at least be used as fertilizer, while you''re just a useless maggot."

    "Watch your mouth, Mr. Hinds." Helen scowled right then.

    Marco, however, was not stopping.

    Clearly having beef against Frank, he snorted and said, "You onlye in every other day, and even then, you don''t work at all, thanks to you backing. I honestly don''t know what Ms. Lane sees in you, Frank."

    "Mr. Hinds, Helen snapped sternly. "You can talk to me in private if you''re unhappy with this arrangement. But publicly insulting the head of our health and security department will affect teamwork."

    "Hmph!" Marco snorted again. "Did I say anything wrong, Ms. Lane? All he does is goof around and tell

    everyone else to do his work. Is

    Lanecorp really amoda&amp?

    aContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    man like him?! This is too much, even if he''s your boyfriend!

    "That''s enough!" Helen''s expression cooled. "Mr. Hinds, if you¡ª"

 Chapter 1222

    "Ah, ah, ah. It''s alright."

    Frank raised a hand to stop Helen, smiling calmly despite the looks from the Lanecorp employees around them. "It seems like Mr. Hinds is upset, but he is right to prioritize thepany''s interest. However, while I have been cking off, that doesn''t mean I''ve done nothing."

    Wagging a finger, Frank chuckled as he finished, "After all, I did just bring in a major business deal for Lanecorp."

    "A major business deal? You?" Marco snorted, clearly skeptical. "You''re the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department, but you''re nothing more than a glorified security guard. And you''re saying you''ve been representing thepany? Hell, I''ll go down on my knees and apologize if you can even earn a hundred grand for thepany!"

    "You''d better not regret it now." Frank chuckled as he picked up the morning paper from a nearby shelf and passed it to Marco, pointing at the announcement of Zamri''s highway project, "Check this out. There''s and lot where this highway would pass through, which I''ve bought. The value would inte over ten times the cost I bought it with, and I will be giving the saidnd lot to Lanecorp. Is that enough?"

    As Frank smiled and stared at Marco, the man finished reading the article, pondered, and looked at Frank differently.

    Even his tone changed drastically, as he was now quite humble. "How much did you pay for thatnd, Mr. Lawrence?" "Heh. Just 500 million dors," Frank said, holding up his fingers.

    "Five hundred million? It''s that cheap?!"

    Marco did a double take, his eyes widening as he wheezed. "500 million dors, times ten... That''s five billion!"

    "Tut, tut." Frank clicked his tongue audibly. "But someone had to call me a piece of shit... so I''m in a bad mood now. Should I really give Lanecorp thatnd?" "I''m so sorry!"

    Marco was on his knees right then.

    sweating all over his face as he

    vel.ne

    cried, "I was ignorant and self-important! Please sell thatnd to Lanecorp, Mr. Lawrence! Please!"

    After all, if the higher-ups knew that Marco was the one who upset Frank and allowed such a lucrative deal to slip through their fingers, he would be fired!

    ton

    And as nothing was more horrific than losing one''s job while middle-aged, Marco truly came around right then.

    Sinecure? More like a bigwig no one should ever mess with!

    He might be the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department, but he wielded true authority and ability!Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    That changed everything!

    "That''s enough, Frank."

    Helen intervened with perfect timing, gesturing for Marco to get on his feet while leveling an exasperated look at Frank. "You can stop messing with Mr. Hinds now-he''s famous in thepany for being impartial, and he must be criticizing you because he saw you goofing off too much."

    "No, no, no... Ms. Lane, I definitely insulted Mr. Lawrence here, not knowing that he''s a man of excellence."

    Marco shed an awkward smile as he kept apologizing to Frank.

 Chapter 1223

    Marco had certainly seen through everything.

    The fact that Frank could ess insider information from Zamri City Hall and buy thatnd ahead of time meant he was someone special.

    While Marco finally acknowledged Frank''s abilities, Frank chuckled and pped him on the shoulder. "Alright, alright, I was just messing with you. Your board chairwoman is my wife anyway-mynd is basically hers, see?"

    "Aha... Hahaha... Of course..." Marcoughed along awkwardly.

    By the time Frank and Helen left, his eyes showed profound respect for Frank as he realized Frank was no freeloader.

    Still, it made sense-would Helen really fall for some good-for-nothing?

    Waving away the other employees who had gathered around him to watch, he barked, "What are you looking at?! Well, now you know better than toin about Mr. Lawrence not deserving Ms. Lane during your lunchtime gossip!"

    "Oh, I didn''t expect that... Mr. Lawrence is actually that amazing!"

    "I guess it''s only right, since I don''t think Ms. Lane would just choose some average Joe."

    Even as the voices of disapproval subsided, no one in Lanecorp ever doubted Frank again.

    At the restaurant a block away, Helen was staring fixedly at Frank, giving him the creeps.

    Smiling, he said, "What''s with that look? Just say what''s on your mind already."

    "A-Are you really giving away thatnd to Lanecorp?"

    Was that it?

    Frank smiled in wry amusement, since Helen had been staring at him since they left the office.

    He actually thought for a moment that Winter Lawrence had ratted him out and felt his conscience gnawing.

    Seeing that it was about that plot of

    cheerfully. "Of course! Whet

    land, however, he patted his

    MS

    is yours-you can have it!" belongs to

    "But..." Helen murmured, lowering her head as she blushed, "I called you stupid and whatnot and tried to talk you out of it..." "Don''t worry about it."

    Frank chuckled, shrugging

    innocently. "It''s fate that thend fell into my hands. I asked your mom repeatedly, but she refused to take it. Can''t refuse money falling out of the sky, can I?"

    "Oh, you..."

    Amused, Helen''s lips curled into a bright smile, shaking her head.

    That was when two desk jockeys strode through the front door.

    They immediately saw Helen beaming, and their eyes were glued to her.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Oof!"

    "Ow!"

    Both of them mmed into a table since they were too busy admiring Helen''s smile and dropped to the floor right then.

    "Heh..." Frank shook his head and snickered as he watched. "Ms. Lane, you beauty is so devastating that I think you should stay home from now on."

    "What are you saying?" Helen pouted.

    "I mean eh?"

    Before Frank could finish, both his and Helen''s phone rang at the same time.

    Helen had a call from her secretary Lily, while one of Frank''s security team leaders called him.

 Chapter 1224

    "Hello... What?! Come again?!"

    Helen and Frank both answered their calls at the same time, and their reactions were also identical.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence, but there''s this group who came to the lobby and made a scene, refusing to leave. They im you and Ms. Lane stole theirnd!"

    "I''m sorry, Ms. Lane... But your mother, brother and cousin are here. I''m keeping them at bay, but they keep demanding something about returning theirnd?"

    The reports they received were basically the same, and both of them were gloomy when they realized that it was Gina.

    The fact that Gina chose toe now made her goal very clear-she found out that the value of thatnd lot she sold had skyrocketed.

    "How could she..."

    Helen actually wanted to say out loud how Gina had the cheek to mention thatnd lot, but remembered that it was her mother. Her face flushed right then, and she was speechless even as she quaked with rage.

    "It''s alright, just calm down. We''re heading back right now!" Frank said as he hung up and pulled Helen along.

    "Hey! Your orders!" a waitress shouted at them.

    "Oh, just give it to the two gentlemen over there. I''ve already paid," Helen said brusquely.

    Even before the two desk jockeys could say a thing, the waitress put down the pasta in front of them.

    "Compliments from the beautifuldy just now," she said exasperatedly.

    Both desk jockeys were left gaping and immediately fantasizing.

    "She''s buying us food?"

    "Does that mean she''s in love with me?"

    "Tch..." The waitress who saw everything rolled her eyes, clicked her tongue, and turned to leave.

    To no surprise, when Frank and Helen returned to Lanecorp, they found Gina sitting on the floor, making a scene.

    Helen knew this could happen but could not help feeling a migraine and a stifling sensation in her chest when she actually saw it.

    She almost choked and cked out, but Frank caught her quickly even as she wobbled and infused a gentle sliver of pure vigor into her back.

    It calmed and stilled Helen''s spirits so that she did not loseposure right then.

    Meanwhile, business partners and Lanecorp employees were flocking around Gina at the lobby.

    Some were sneering and shaking

    their heads, while others were juset

    watching keenly to see how things would develop, as if it was not a

    huge mess already.

    "You need to leave right now, Frank," Helen told Frank after quickly doing the math. "They will definitely demand thatnd lot from you if you show up. I know you''re not bothered, but we''ve been tolerating them enough times to see that they will

    never be satisfied. As oneContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    as you''re not around, I can use that as an excuse to tell them to leave."

    "Okay." Frank frowned.

    He was going to suggest letting Gina have thatnd lot, but he soon noticed that Cindy and Peter were in the crowd around Gina too.

    He therefore gave up on that

    idea-even if he was willing to give

    up thend lot for nothing, he still would not sell it to Peter as he remembered how Peter had mocked him over the phone just recently.

 Chapter 1225

    Gina was sitting on the floor, lying through her teeth without end. "Oh, the injustice! Not only did my daughter refuse to help me after I raised her, but she even forced me to give up mynd!" "That''s right! She''s now the board chairwoman of a majorpany, but shepletely abandoned family now that she''s made it! She even coborated with people outside the family to beat up her own mother!"

    Peter joined in brazenly as well, pointing at the bandages on Gina''s head.

    It was Zomber Group''s bodyguards who actually hurt Gina, and Peter himself was the one who told them to do it. He clearly was doing anything he could just to get thatnd back, even if it meant pinning the me on Frank and Helen!

    "Come and see! This is what Ms. Lane the girlboss and her boyfriend did!"

    Cindy was shouting as well. "How despicable! Liars, both of them! Buyingnd from Gene Pearce?! Lies, all of it!"

    Obviously, Cindy still bore a grudge over Helen firing here.

    It was lunch hour, and many Lanecorp employees were passing through. As such, arge group of people gathered around Gina, Cindy, and Peter in no time at all.

    Initially, Gina, Cindy, and Peter tried to barge into Helen''s office directly, but security guards and Helen''s secretary managed to stop them.

    As such, they started to make a scene at the lobby instead.

    And their one-sided ramblings left the Lanecorp employees all wondering if their new boss could really be really such a subhuman piece of shit?

    Abandoning family and even working with someone outside the family to stealnd from her own mother... It certainly stoked the mob''s righteous indignation!

    It never crossed their mind that it could be nder, since no mother would lie about their own daughter, no? That was just ridiculous.

    Still, one of the Lanecorp employees was frowning. "Ms. Lane isn''t like that, is she?"

    He wanted to garner support from

    those around him, since he had witnessed firsthand that Helen treated her employees well, even she was stiff and stern when it came to work. She certainly did not appear as despicable as Gina, Cindy, and Peter were making her look.

    However, the other employee beside him already picked the other side "Hah! What would you know? You never know a person''s true nature, and the way I see it, she''s definitely a rotten apple."

    "She must have done a lot of unseemly things on her way to be board chairwoman too."

    "You''re kidding. She''s shown that she''s plenty capable..."

    "That''s just it. Most people as capable as her are those heartless businessmen types."

    "I just think..."

    "You''re thinking her good looks make everything right?"

    "People say the more beautiful a woman is, the worse they are!"

    "That''s not what I mean-"

    "There, just look. Her own mother came demanding justice out of desperation. Just think-would a mother nder her own daughter?"

    "That''s true..."

    Soon, the voices of disapproval toward Helen took over.

    None of the employees knew the truth and were simply going with the notion that a mother would not nder Ker daughter. They presumed that Gina was telling the truth, while their outwardly kind girlboss chairwoman was actually vife and cunning.

    Even as the voices got louder, Gina actually felt terrible.

    But since she had started it, she would see it to the end! There was nothing to fear since she had burned bridges anyway!Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

 Chapter 1226

    Even as Gina thought to herself that anything could wait until after she took back hernd, someone shouted, "Shush, be quiet! Ms. Lane is back!" "Heh. Pretentious as always."

    "She calls herself a daughter? I would have quit already if this job didn''t pay well."

    "Talk about moral degradation."

    "I''d disown her if she were my daughter!"

    On the other hand, Helen''s stilettos clicked as she strode in, with her secretary Lily rushing to her with a pained look. "I tried to stop them, Ms. Lane, but..."Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen understood-Lily and the security guards could not use force since Gina, Cindy, and Peter were her family, and they could only allow the trio free rein. "Don''t worry. Just leave this to me." Helen pped Lily on the shoulder, nodding at the security guards before making her way through the crowd.

    Even as she did, she could hear the words her own employees were saying, and her blood pressure shot up.

    Gina and Cindy''s money over the years all came from her, and yet Gina willingly led a witch hunt against her, not caring that she was her own daughter.

    "Mom! What are you doing?!" she shouted as she stood, her knuckles clenched and her eyes welling up with tears.

    Her rage was as real as her misery, or she would not be losing herposure with all her employees watching. "I... Uh..."

    Seeing Helen''s reaction, Gina''s conscience ate at her.

    However, Cindy strode up and stood between Gina and Helen, snapping coldly, "Don''t think you can get away just by giving us your usual haughty attitude! Return thend you ook from Aunt Gina, or we''re not leaving!"

    "That''s right!"

    tel

    Peter strode up and snapped in righteous indignation as well, "You''ve gone too far, sis! You lost the family fortune because you were hooking up with Frank, and you even forced Mom to give up hernd and attacked her when she refused!"

    Dramatically gesturing at the bloodied bandages on Gina''s head, he shouted, "Where''s the justice here?!"

    "Justice?!"

    Helen wheezed, closing her eyes-she did not faint from sheer agitation thanks to Frank''s assistance, but her chest still hurt. When she opened her eyes again, she took a deep breath, her eyes once again cold and unppable. "Move aside, Peter," She strode up, ready to make Gina look her in the eye as she spoke.

    However, Cindy and Peter were not about to afford her the chance-they quickly stepped between her and Gina, with Cindy bellowing, "What? Are you going to threaten Aunt Gina in front of everyone now?!"

    "That''s right!" Peter shouted as well. "Are you forgetting your roots just because you''ve be the boss of a bigpany? Mom brought you into this world-how could you be so ungrateful?!"

 Chapter 1227

    Cindy and Peter''s outburst left the Lanecorp employees pointing and gesturing at Helen.

    "That''s so true. Urgh, I never knew she''s really like that."

    "You don''t really know a person, I guess!"

    "Whatever. I''m resigningter-it''s embarrassing to work for someone like her."

    "Yeah. I''d be too ashamed to face anyone once news spreads."

    "I''m writing my letter right now."

    "Me too."

    Helen could certainly hear their vocal scorn and disapproval. She suddenly yelled, "Gina Zonda!"

    Gina actually flinched, while the Lanecorp employees were stunned as Helen cried, "What have I done to you?! Why do you have to do this to me?!"

    She then pointed between Peter and Cindy, shouting, "Who nned this? I''ve been working so hard for years, and you''ve been living like kings thanks to that! Why do you have to keep putting me and Frank through so much crap?!"

    Though Helen was biting her lip and her expression appeared almost impassive, tears were gushing down her cheeks. "I''ve finally gotten where I am today, and you have to do this to me?!

    Unable to stop her flood of

    emotions, she hid her face as she

    sobbed. "I''m your daughter! Are you being fair to me?! Ask your own

    conscience and tell me! You''re my

    mother... How could you do theThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    me? Money, the manor''s

    O

    renovations, and furnishings... I gave you everything you asked for! How could you do this to me?!"

    Helen''s heart-wrenching tears left Gina stumped-she did not expect that she would hurt Helen so much, just as she never thought her daughter would get so disappointed in her.

    Before she could speak, however, Peter strode up and pointed at Helen as he bellowed, "Really, sis?! Trying to trick so many people with your tears?! You''re just afraid we''d hurt your reputation in the end!"

    He could see that Gina was giving up on thend, and it would be game over for him if she did.

    As such, he turned to the Lanecorp employees. "You should all just think about it-would we havee here demanding justice if we weren''t desperate?!"

    His grandstanding quickly rallied the Lanecorp employees once more, and now, Helen''s tears merely looked like an act.

    One of them even murmured, "Yeah... What mother would nder her own daughter anyway?"

    "Well said, brother!" Peter eximed and walked up to Gina, taking off her bandages. "Now, take a good look everyone! See what Helen''s people did to my mom!"

    All the Lanecorp employees gasped on the spot-they could all see the gruesome bruise on Gina''s head, clearly left by a bludgeoning.

    While there was a chance that this might have been nder before, it was not possible now with that gaping wound as proof.

    And the criminal was undoubtedly Helen, while her mother only came demanding justice out of desperation.

    "Ms. Lane... or perhaps I should call you only Helen now." An employee named Bob strode up, ring at her coldly as he took off his employee ID.

 Chapter 1228

    Bob snorted. "I really thought you were a strong, independent woman and admired you. I didn''t think you were that despicable!"

    "Exactly. Beating up your own mother with someone outside your own family?! You''re worse than an animal!"

    "No you''re worse than Kallum Gaetz!"

    "Hah! I refuse to let myself be lumped together with the likes of you. People would think that we''re the same if they find out that I work for an ingrate like you!"

    "I quit!"

    "Me too!"

    "What future is there working for someone so heinous?!"

    Other more excitable employees strode up and took off their employee IDs like Bob did, distancing themselves from Lanecorp right then.

    To make things worse, Lily, Helen''s secretary, ran up to Helen. "Ms. Lane, the board is calling for an emergency meeting..."

    The purpose of said meeting was simply obvious-the board was ready to vote her out.

    "No, listen to me. That''s not it..." Helen argued feebly, but she was alone.

    What strength did she have to stand against the angry mob? She could well be shouting futilely in the wind.

    Nearby, Cindy was giggling smugly under her breath. "That''s for messing with me, Helen!"

    After all, Helen ended up far worse than she thought-she had only intended to force Helen to give up, thatnd without a fight. Getting payback for what happened before as well only made it all the more cathartic!

    That was when a glowering Marco strode up and barked, "Shut up, all of you!"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    As the lobby turned silent, he

    continued, "How dare you insult Ms. Lane without caring to find out the truth!+ can vouch for Ms. Lane and Mr. Lawrence''s characters-they are not what these three im them to be!"

    However, that only left the other employees scoffing.

    "Come on, Mr. Hinds. Just tell us when you and that woman had a deal."

    "Exactly. Or maybe it''s that kind of a deal?"

    "Hah! All the evidence is right here, and you''d still side with that demon. To think I thought you were just, Mr. Hinds! You''re no different in the end!"

    While the employees'' insults left Marco fuming, he had to admit that he could not produce evidence.

    And it would definitely be difficult to use his honor to bail out Helen....

    "Forget it. Just give us thend,

    Helen, and we can let it slide!" Gina

    shouted at Helen just then,

    distancing herself from Peter

    because she had enough.

    She actually did not want to see her daughter so miserably, being yed alive publicly and possibly losing her job.

    "I-I can''t." Helen did a double take but shook her head. "Frank owns it. I can''t decide for him."

    "Well, where is he?!" Peter yelled, at once anxious.

 Chapter 1229

    Peter was the most anxious person present.

    After all, if he could not get that plot ofnd back, he would be dead even if Helen was toppled and was left homeless.

    "Frank is..."

    Helen was cut off even before she coulde up with an excuse, as a thundering bellow resounded from the distance. "That''s enough!"

    The towering man strode up to stand beside Helen, putting an arm around her shoulder while ring at everyone else.

    Naturally, it was none other than Frank himself.

    "You fools!" he snapped icily. "You can''t even tell when you''ve been manipted! Do you even know what really happened? Scorning and condemning your superior just because you were given a one-sided testimony-the way I see it, you''re all trash! Lanecorp won''t stop you if you want to leave! Go on, the door''s right there!"

    While his stern words silence everyone in the lobby, there were naturally those who were defiant.

    "Hah!" Bob snorted. "Our head of the health and security department is just as coercive and unreasonable as described. You called us trash and said we''re manipted?! Show us evidence to back up your ims!"This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Exactly! They have evidence and testimony, and you think we''d believe just because you said so?"

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    Peter strode up, but he saw Frank''s murderous re even as he pointed at Frank.

    His heart skipped a beat, and even his tone softened as he said, "Y-You should watch yourself! You''d better return thatnd to us soon... Or you''ll see!"

    Frank actually wanted tough at Peter''s threat, even as Helen leaned against Frank.

    "I told you to leave... Why did youe back?" she asked usingly as her eyes welled up with tears.

    Frank chuckled and patted her head.

    "Oh, silly. You''d be eaten alive if I didn''t. Also..."

    He looked around as more Lanecorp employees gathered around them, and he growled icily, "I''ll make them pay for insulting my woman!"

    "Calm down!"

    Helen flinched, presuming that Frank was about to get physical.

    She did not want to impose a dictatorship in Lanecorp-her employees were simply manipted by Gina, Cindy, and Peter.

    In a way, they were on the side of justice but simply manipted against her.

    "Don''t worry. I won''t eveny a finger on them," Frank assured Helen, and he whipped out his phone, bringing up the recording that he prepared. "You wanted evidence?" He sneered. "Now listen closely. Is the daughter at fault, or have you all been listening to a maniptive hag?"

    "Watch your mouth!" Gina was ready to fly into a rage, only to see Frank holding up his phone into the air as he yed the recording.

    It was clearly Frank''s voice, asking, guess you''re not going to believe me, Gina. But I''ll still ask one

    ofnd?"

    time-do you want that

    "Let me tell you this, Frank Lawrence," Gina''s voice could then be heard saying. "My dear son Peter was the one who conned me into buying thatnd, and I would never have done it if not for him! You''re the sucker for buying from me now, so don''t think you can swindle me back. I''m Gina Zonda, and I''m much

    smarter than you are!"

    "Exactly. Did you think there''s someone more stupid than you in existence, Frank?" Cindy gloated over the recording as well.

    Gina then chuckled audibly before

    continuing, "Now, listen closely,

    contdon''t want that chunk

    Frank,

    even if it kills me-no, not even if you forced it on me!"

 Chapter 1230

    "And right now, I disown Helen. I won''t ever ask either of you for anything from now on! You''re both pigs who deserve to be conned! Now, fuck off!"

    The recording ended there, and the room was silent as Frank slowly returned his phone into his pocket.

    At the same time, every Lanecorp employee was scowling awkwardly or in guilt.

    The voice recording made it evident enough that Gina had been lying to them.

    She imed that Frank and Helen were working together to steal thatnd from her. However, the recording proved that she had sold it to Frank, while treating him like a sucker and subjecting him to every form of ridicule.

    Frank, however, remained calm and reasonable, only for Gina to snap at him, calling him and her own daughter pigs.

    And the evidence was solid-the recording remained proof no matter how much anyone would argue against it. With a thud, Bob was on his knees right then, his lips shuddering as he turned toward Helen. "Ms. Lane, we..." "It''s alright, I understand you mean no harm. You''ve just been manipted." Helen smiled despite her tears.

    It was like a ray of sunshine after the rain-every Lanecorp employee felt both guilt and warmth at once.

    They had been way out of line, but their boss forgave them anyway.

    Talk about magnanimity!

    And once they were done apologizing to Helen, the hundred over employees of Lanecorp trained their hostile res at Gina, Cindy, and Peter.

    "You gave us all that crap, but you were ndering Ms. Lane all along!"

    Marco pointed at Gina''s nose as he snapped, "You''re her mother, and you''d stoop that low?! Ruining your daughter''s future?! Don''t you feel shame?!"

    "You''re animals! All of you!"

    "That''s right! Ms. Lane and Mr. Lawrence treated you well, and how did you treat them in return?!"

    "They both had to suffer your ridicule. Forget scoffing at your own son-inw for being a sucker-you called him and your own daughter pigs?!" "And you call yourself a mother?!"

    The angry shouts were all stakes that stabbed deep into Gina''s heart, and she buried her face in her palms, unable to look anyone in the eye. She had never expected Frank to record everything she said in that call and pick this time to reveal it.

    She literally could not face anyone else now!

    If people were convinced before that there were no parents who would besmirch their children''s honor, Gina had now shown them a whole new world.

    And she was standing right there,

    manipting their sense of righteousness. To call her

    vel

    despicable was putting it lightly-it

    "Round them up! Punish them by thew!"

    "Yes! Round them up!"

    Gina, Cindy, and Peter turned pale as the shouts for their arrest resounded deafeningly.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Still, seeing that things were really

    bad, Cindy quickly switched sides and tried to bail herself out. "They

    nned all of this! I have nothing to do with it!"

 Chapter 1231

    "Why are you pretending, Cindy? You''re the one who thought of this whole thing! If you weren''t so greedy and intent on getting payback on Helen all at once, you''d never be here! And now you''re trying to run?! Well, it''s toote!"

    As soon Peter saw that Cindy was ready to flee, he caught her immediately and bellowed furiously, "Look at this one, everyone! She''s the mastermind-we were all gaslighted into doing this!" Seeing that everyone''s frag was directed toward her right then, Cindy was flustered and turned to p Peter right then.

    "You prick!" she snapped. "You ran away as soon as you conned Aunt Gina, and you would never havee back if thatnd lot''s value didn''t skyrocket and Kit Jameson didn''t force you! Well, understand this -we lose nothing even if we gave up on thatnd, but you''d be dead if you don''t get it back soon!"

    "You pped me?!" Peter bellowed back and wrestled Cindy as everyone watched, chivalry hardly a concern to him just then.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    In turn, Cindy wed at his face with her long nails, leaving bleeding scratches all over his face.

    "That''s enough!" Helen bellowed, having had enough of her own family beating each other up and making a scene as her employees watched. "Get them out of here, Frank!"

    Peter flinched at Helen''s outburst but quickly scrambled to his feet, grabbing Helen''s leg as he pleaded, "Please, sis! I''m your brother! You have to save me! You can''t just do nothing-Kit Jameson will kill me if I don''t take back thatnd lot! I''m begging you!"

    "It''s your own mistake, and you should face the consequences. My charity has run its course for you a lot," Helen snapped coldly and shook off Peter as she left. "Get them out of here."

    Even as Peter was knocked down on all fours, he howled at the top of his lungs, "Sis! Please! You have to save me!"

    At the next instant, Frank grabbed him by the cor and dragged him out of the lobby.

    Gina was dragged out too, while Cindy walked out on her own.

    "This will be thest time. If it happens again..." Frank glowered, threatening Gina and Cindy directly and clenching his fists murderously.

    He was incensed to see Helen

    caught in the middle of the mob so

    helplessly, and he might really kill them instantly if this happened again, even if they were Helen''s family.

    Seeing the look on Frank''s face, Cindy kept her mouth shut tactfully since she knew that Frank was really furious.

    Another word, and she would be silenced mercilessly.

    On the other hand, Gina was not causing a scene for once.

    Instead, she hung her head, her tone clearly remorseful as she spoke. "Frank Lawrence... Please apologize to my daughter on my behalf Even as her mother... I can''t bear to face her."

    Frank paused and sighed lengthily. "Let''s hope this will be thest time."

    "Don''t worry, I won''t bother Helen anymore."

    She then looked up and said quietly, "I still can''t say that I''m happy to have you as my son-inw, but Helen love''s you, and I can only.

    ept that. I hope you will getel

    proper job instead of relying on Helen for everything."

    Frank pursed his lips-was he really that unseemly in Gina''s perspective?!

    Still, he found relief, as it seemed Gina was finally acknowledging him.

 Chapter 1232

    Still, Frank could only hope that Gina would turn over a new leaf.

    He would not expect Gina to be a saintess, but she could at least stop causing trouble for Helen and leaving her hurt.

    Nodding, he sighed exasperatedly. "I will."

    "Hmph."

    On the other hand, Cindy said nothing, merely snorting with a look of disappointment before turning to leave with Gina.

    Peter tried to do the same, but Frank caught him by the back of his cor. "Did I tell you to leave?"

    His icy, murderous tone left Peter''s expression alternating from surprise to terror, until he finally tried to force a smile. "Bro¡ª"

    Frank pped him across the face even before he could finish, leaving him seeing stars even as he was sent flying and rolling across the floor.

    His cheek swelled with deep bruising right then, and he sat up when he came to his senses.

    "No, wait... Frank, please don''t-"

    Still, fear showed in his eyes again as Frank advanced on him and tried to flee, but only for Frank to catch him again.

    "You''ve been out of touch, Peter." Frank grinned. "And here I thought you''d wisened up and left to build something for yourself, but you prove to be the same piece of shit as you''ve always been."

    Frank pped him again, leaving Peter with a cracked, bleeding lip amid the crisp p and knocking several of his teeth out.

    Holding up his hand to shield his face, Peter howled and sobbed, "Please, brother! I didn''t want to do this! It was Larry Jameson who set me up, making me rack up a 200 million dor debt at his illegal casino. I don''t have the money! It''s the truth! It''s all Larry and his brother''s fault!"

    Seeing that Peter was finally begging, Frank flung him to the floor and snapped coldly. "Go. Take me to Kit Jameson."

    "What? Why?!" Peter eximed even as he clutched his face, wondering for a moment if he had misheard.

    Even Frank''s security team were trying to dissuade him, having heard of Zomber Group''s notorious name before. "Please, Mr. Lawrence! Calm down!"

    "Yeah, we should n this carefully. We could ask Ms. Lane."

    "What, is Zomber Group that well-connected?" Frank asked, frowning slightly.

    "Exactly." One of the security guards hurried to him.

    He had knowledge of the factions that ruled Zamri, having been in the city for a while.

    "The Three Bears of Zamri are the

    major yers in the city," he told Frank quietly. "One of them is Zomber Group''s Larry Jameson, who is well-connected and has the Blood Wolves'' support, meaning that he controls both legitimate and illegitimate businesses."

    "On the surface, Zomber Group owns establishments like hotels and karaoke bars, but they also control illegal casinos and other illicit

    businesses, including

    killing! You''d be walking straight into

    a literal wolves'' den!"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Clearly, the security guard only knew about Zomber Group and tried to dissuade Frank because he had no idea what Frank was capable of. "Hmm... The Blood Wolves, you say?"

    Frank rubbed his chin, realizing with a start and kicking Peter on the rump right then. "Move. Take me to Kit Jameson right away."

 Chapter 1233

    On the other hand, Peter was at once petrified.

    He knew that Frank was a terrific martial artist, but Zomber Tower-Zomber Group''s office building-was a nest of vipers... it was the Blood Wolves'' gang base before they split up!

    Even if there were no one stronger than the Hansen brothers among their ranks, they still had a ton of martial artists.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Coupled with the other goons and guts, they numbered up to a thousand strong-they could simply overwhelm Frank with their ranks!

    Still, Peter gulped as he was afraid to speak up and directly refuse Frank, instead sitting on the floor and shaking his head, making it clear that he did not have the balls. "Fine, then fuck off. I don''t have to do anything here." Frank chuckled as he turned to leave. "They''lle for you anyway if you don''t get thatnd back for them."

    Peter was left staring nkly at that and shuddered as he suddenly remembered Kit''s savage re.

    Frank was right-Peter could even imagine his death if Kit did not get thatnd lot.

    He did not hesitate to scramble up to Frank, nodding repeatedly. "Okay, okay! I''ll take you to Kit right now! As long as you help me, you can be my daddy!" Frank felt sick to his stomach even as he narrowed his eyes at Peter''s insipid words-if he became Peter''s dad, Gina would be his...

    Glowering right then, he snapped, "Shut it! Don''t say a word-don''t do anything other than lead the way, or I''m tearing your head off. Do you understand?!" "Okay, okay..." Peter nodded in fear and said nothing else.

    On the other hand, the Lanecorp security guards around them were worried. "Mr. Lawrence, are you really going to Zomber Tower? You could bring more men..." Frank waved them off. "It''s fine. I can handle this myself-oh, and tell Helen that I''m going out on an errand, and I''ll be right back."

    "Oh, okay!"

    The

    where

    guards had no idea

    henk got his confidence, but

    s their boss, so they cou t up and follow his order

    only

    With everything settled, Frank had Peter drive, while he whipped out his phone to call Terry Cotton.

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence? What are our orders?" Terry asked enthusiastically.

    Even if he and his fellow gang members were not particrly civilized, they were a grateful bunch and keen to repay Frank.

    His call certainly sent them abuzz, as they were basically waiting for his orders.

    Frank was in turn ncing at Peter

    as the man stayed focused on

    driving, while asking quietlyer

    A

    Cotton, do you know where Zomber Tower is?"

    "T-Terry Cotton?!"

    The car skidded as Peter flinched at the name and lost his grip on the steering wheel.

    "Eyes on the road!" Frank shot him a cold re.

    Peter quickly nodded and shed an awkward smile, but he subtly craned his neck to eavesdrop on Frank''s call.

    "Oh, Mr. Lawrence! That''s about the only thing I''d know, as a member-I mean, a former member of the Blood Wolves!!"

    On the other end, Terry was yapping

    endlessly "Zomber Tower had been the gang''s base, although the Bleeders remain the biggest subset of the gang."

    Frank remembered at Terry''s mentioning.

 Chapter 1234

    Frank remembered Terry telling him that the Bleeders had the least members, but they also had the strongest martial artists in Zamri among their ranks. That included the Hansen brothers... although Frank eliminated that pair.

    "What is it, Mr. Lawrence? Are you going to war against the Bleeders?" Terry asked over the phone tentatively.

    "Uh-huh," Frank replied. "I''m heading to Zomber Tower to meet Kit Jameson. You said it''s the Bleeders'' territory, yes? You can bring some boys over!"

    "Alright!" Terry nodded without hesitation, and Frank could hear him barking over the phone, "Time to earn your paycheck, boys! Mr. Lawrence is kicking down Zomber Tower-if you can move, you''reing along!"

    "Wait, don''t bring everyone." Frank quickly stopped Terry. "Just bring a handful."

    "What? A handful?"

    Terry was perplexed. "But, sir... They''ll eat us alive with so few of us!"

    "Don''t worry," Frank replied calmly. "I''m more than enough against the Bleeders. You and your boys are justing over to clean up the mess."

    "Wait, what...?"

    Terry was dumbstruck to hear that Frank was going solo.

    While he had seen Frank demonstrate his power and knew that Frank was not joking, he still said gingerly, "If you say so, sir. But I insist on bringing some of our boys-we could at least do something if things go bad."

    Frank rolled his eyes. "Fine. Just don''t bring too many-we don''t want to draw attention."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence!"

    With that, Frank hung up and folded his arms before his chest while he rode shotgun.

    Peter was immediately fawning over him again. "I didn''t know you were acquainted with the Blue Fangs gang boss! It''s like I can finally see the depth of your power!"

    "Eyes on the road. And shut up." Frank frowned, while Peter quickly turned silent.

    Soon, they arrived at Zomber Tower.

    The ce was certainly grand, with over a dozen security guards stationed around the lobby.

    Still, one could barely call them security guards when they were all really menacing-looking goons who were clearly not to be messed with.

    It would only make sense if one

    understood that this was the

    Bleeders gang base, and that one of

    Zamri''s Three Bears was really one of the three major underworld factions of the city. Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Still, it was impressive that they had their hands on every cookie jar.

    Frank was leading Peter inside when one of the burly security guards shoved him.

    "Who are you?! Looking for someone?!" he asked bluntly.

    Before Frank could speak, Peter was rubbing his hands and shing a humble smile. "It''s me, Peter Lane. What, you don''t remember me?"

    The security guard certainly could-his question was just to belittle Peter, just as he was wary since he did not recognize Frank.

    "Oh, if it isn''t the mutt." He smirked. "Sorry, but we usually allow humans and not dogs in here, so forgive me for not recognizing you."

    It was a clear insult, and Peter was almost ready to snap.

    However, he restrained himself as he remembered his ce and forced a smile. "Hehehe... I''ve brought what Mr. Jameson asked for. Can you let us in?"

 Chapter 1235

    "Is that so?"

    The security guard appeared stunned and nced at his partner, surprise showing on both men''s eyes.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "I didn''t think you''d be thatpetent for a mutt!"

    Then, the security guard actually praised Peter. "Impressive! Just so you know, Mr. Jameson told us to kick your ass when the deadline arrived. You''ve really spared us the effort now." "Hehe... Just doing my job." Peter nodded repeatedly in eptance.

    "Alright, you can go in now." The security guard then stepped aside and pointed at the golden elevator at the corner of the lobby.

    "Thanks, brother... Thank you very much." Peter kept nodding and bowing humbly in gratitude.

    "Who the fuck is your brother?" The security guard snorted, not ying along at all. "You''re just apdog Mr. Jameson keeps around, and you''re calling me your brother?" "Oh, right. Sorry..." Peter kept nodding and smiling without an ounce of dignity.

    Still, just as Frank was about to follow Peter inside, both security guards stopped him with each hand to his chest, growling coolly, "Who the hell do you think you are?!"

    Frank was ready to snap because of the security guards'' attitude, but Peter quickly stepped between them, smiling. "He''s the buyer of thatnd lot which Mr. Jameson wants. He came to return it."

    "Is that so?"

    The security guard frowned and studied Frank from head to toe. "Who are you to him, son?"

    "He''s my brother-inw," Peter answered before Frank could once more. "I tricked my mom into buying it, and she then tricked him into buying it."

    The two security guards traded nces beforeughing out loud.

    "Hahaha! Your family''s a real treat, Peter!"

    "Ya think?! They actually take turns conning each other... talk about heartless pricks!"

    When they were doneughing, the security guard pointed at Frank and sneered. "Alright, you can go in now... How was that roller coaster ride for you? Thrilling, right?" "Roller coaster?" Frank frowned slightly.

    "That''s right." The other security guard chuckled. "You were tricked into buying that piece ofnd, and even though you found out that its value skyrocketed, you still have no choice but to return it to our boss. Hahaha... You''re killing me here!"

    "Watch your "

    Frank was ready to speak up, but Peter had already started to drag him to the elevator.

    "Over here. I know the way." He smiled apologetically as he urged Frank to leave.

    Still, once the elevator doors closed, Peter scowled in silence, watching as the elevator indicator went up.

    Eventually, he said, "I always thought you were trash, Frank, that you were living off my family... but now, I''m really nothing whenpared to you. I''m worse than trash..." Frank was actually at a loss of words as he watched Peter speak so humbly.

    Then, after a long silence, Peter continued, "You asked to see Kit, but it''s not to save me, right? I know that much... and even if I don''t know the reason, he will make me pay for

    bringing you here."

    Sighing, he said, "Still, I''ve made up my mind now. I will bring him down with me, just so that my life would mean something."

    As the elevator reached its

    destination and jingled, Peter

    clenched his knuckles as he growled

    viciously under his breath, "At the

    very least, I will die a man, and not a dog."

 Chapter 1236

    As the elevator reached its destination and jingled, Peter clenched his knuckles as he growled viciously under his breath, "At the very least, I will die a man, and not a dog." Frank did a double take even as he stared at the man.

    Soon, Peter and Frank were striding down a hallway.

    When they opened the huge doors of Kit''s office, they found over twenty burly bodyguards standing on either side of the desk in the middle of the office, as if they had been waiting.

    Behind the desk sat a man who resembled Larry Jameson but was clearly a few years younger.

    "Hehehe..." He chuckled with a pipe between his lips, watching Peter and Frank coolly. "Wee, head of Lanecorp''s health and security department, was it? I heard you wereing to see me?" "You''re Kit Jameson?" Frank remained undaunted despite the towering, menacing security guards around them, even slowly walking up to Kit''s desk.

    "Indeed, I am." Kit nodded.

    "I''vee to tell you two things."

    "Really? Do tell," Kit replied, lowering his pipe and appearing to be listening attentively.

    "Firstly, I''vee to thank you."

    "Thank me? For what?" Kit was actually puzzled.

    "Heh..."

    Frank nced nonchntly behind to look at Peter, who was panting from the tension in the room, before turning back to look Kit in the eye and chuckling. "For giving thatnd lot to Peter, which then fell into my hands. It''s really valuable now, so I have you to thank for that."

    As soon as Frank finished, all the bodyguards took one step forward toward them, each of them ring hostilely as if ready to attack in an instant.

    On the other hand, Kit did a double take before roaring withughter, pping his thigh.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    "Hahaha! You''re a riot, Mr.

    Lawrence. Though you must know

    that humor is one thing, and you should look at the time and ce too One should know when they shouldn''t push their luck..."

    His tone became colder as he trailed off and tapped his pipe on his ashtray.

    Frank, however,pletely ignored him and continued, "Secondly, I''vee to inform you that there''s going to be a new boss in Zomber Tower." Bang!

    Kit was at once incensed, mming his hand violently on the table.

    He sprang to his feet, glowering and bellowing, "Do you know what you''re saying, Mr. Lawrence?! Do you want to get yourself killed?!"

    All at once, the security guards around him were bellowing.

    "Don''t waste your breath with him, Mr. Jameson! He obviously came to mess around!"

    "I''ll take him down right now, sir! Let''s cut off his arms and talkter!"

    Nheless, Kit stood, sping his hands behind his back, restraining himself as he growled, "I''ve looked into you, Frank Lawrence. You suddenly showed up in Riverton and married Helen Lane, and you were chased out when her family hit it rich. Somehow, you ended up hooking up with Vicky Turnbull-so you''re nothing but a manwhore?!"

    With that, Kit started to bellow every word. "Who has your back now?! The Turnbulls?! Are the Turnbulls expanding into Zamri now?!"

    Frank was taken aback by Kit''s outburst, surprised that Kit would do a background check on him.

    Fortunately, however, Kit never found out who he really was, instead presuming that he was Vicky''s sugar baby.

 Chapter 1237

    Frank shook his head. "No, this has nothing to do with the Turnbulls. I''m simply a man who always pays his debts. Your brother was conspiring with Peter here to hurt me, and your brother almost defiled my woman. That''s why I''m here now to settle this grudge!"

    "Impressive!" Kitughed despite himself. "I know you''re a martial artist, and that you''re better than the Hansen brothers... but it''s not just the Blood Wolves here. Our friends are here too!"

    He pointed at a well-concealed trap door just then, which quietly opened to reveal another room.

    A burly man in shades strode up, followed by eight martial artists with tattoos of different designs.

    Two of them were Ascendant ranks, while the rest were Birthright ranks!

    "Hah! Some manwhore actually came to challenge us!"

    The man in shades chuckled. "You''re really trying to get yourself killed!"

    Frank was surprised for a moment, but he instantly did the math. "So, the Bleeders and the Wolvens made up?"

    "I guess there''s a thing or three I should tell you..."

    Kit sneered viciously at Frank. "I should thank you for killing my brother, or I wouldn''t have taken over so easily. And now, you''ve walked into our trap on your own, so I have to apologize. I have to do something to avenge my brother-going through the motions and all that, y''know?"

    "Hahah!" The man in shadesughed. "Easy for you to say, when I''m the one who has to dirty my hands."

    "Hmm...?"

    Despite his surprise, Frank quickly read the situation-these two men were the reason the Blood Wolves fell apart!

    They were clearly not content with the leaders, and the Wolvens must have killed their boss for the man in shades to take over.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    As for Kit, he would have killed his brother Larry to take over as well, but Frank had beaten him to it, eliminating both Larry and the Hansen brothers.

    Kit''s authority was therefore

    unchallenged, and it was not

    surprising that he was not hostile to even friendly. From a point of

    view, Kit owed Frank after all.

    And now that the two usurpers had achieved their goal, they made up while the Blue Fangs remained in the dark. Moreover, they went into exile since they had no intention of getting involved in another turf war.

    "Heh, I see how it is..."

    Frank shook his head, chuckling coolly. "And here I was wondering why you never came after me... I just happened to do your dirty work."

    "Exactly." Kit admitted to it openly,

    laughing. "We were going to work together to assimte the trash called Blue Fangs before taking down banecorp, but you came to us anyway. In that case, we''ll just have to kill you right now! Get him, boys!"

    At Kit''s bellow, the twentyish towering security guards charged toward Frank.

    "Go with them! Don''t hold back. He''s good for a martial artist!" The leader of the Wolvens also barked at his men to charge at Frank.

    Even as chaos ensued, Frank did not hold back.

    Both gangs were after him, and he came to Zomber Tower to root out Kit anyway.

 Chapter 1238

    In fact, Frank had already decided that he needed to strike first when he heard that Larry had a younger brother.

    As for the Blood Wolves'' infighting? It was none of his business.

    "Boltshredder!" One of the tattooed martial artist whipped out a machete and swung it at Frank''s face.

    Even as Peter looked on in shock, Frank calmly reached out, as if to catch the razor-sharp de that was augmented by pure vigor.

    He felt a chill down his spine right then. "Shit... His hand would be cut in two!"

    After all, it wasmon sense that flesh would never stop a steel de swung so violently!

    Peter thought Frank''s hand was definitelying off, until he saw Frank catching it between his thumb and index finger.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    In fact, the tattooed martial artist was using both hands and pushing the machete so hard that his face flushed, but it was just not cutting into Frank''s hand.

    "What...?"

    Even as Peter gaped, Frank turned his wrist, and the shiny steel machete snapped into two like a cookie!

    "What?!"

    Everyone from Kit to the Wolvens'' boss was gaping.

    "That''s just... wrong!"

    "Get off!"

    Frank huffed as he kicked the tattooed martial artist, his foot tearing into his chest, killing him silently even as he was sent flying. "Shit!"

    Peter''s jaw dropped so wide it could fit an apple, once again reevaluating his opinion of Frank.

    Impervious to des, and tougher than steel?! The man was a monster! Was there anyone who stood a chance?!

    "Argh!!!"

    With a battlecry, the other tattooed martial artists and Kit''s security guards charged.

    They were trained well enough to not falter just because one of them was beaten-swarming Frank, intent on overwhelming him with numbers.

    However, Frank''s Transcendent rank physique was basically divine, even if he was technically Birthright rank.

    He stood his ground, punching through a tattooed martial artist''s polearm and his head, sttering brain matter on a nearby wall.

    Then, his right hand wed into a machete and tore into a security guard''s throat.

    It was a one-man massacre the usually proud tattooed martial artists were all falling before Frank without really putting out a fight.

    As for Frank, he got even quicker

    and more brutal with each strike et

    None of his opponents could keep up as he massacred them like a general of old.

    In a couple of minutes, a pile of corpses that were the Wolvens''

    tattooed martial artist and Kial

    security guardsy beneath Frank''s

    feet.

    "Is that all you have?" Frankughed coldly and advanced toward the Wolvens'' boss and Kit.

    "You''ve really done it now!" Kit snapped, pressing a button beneath his desk at the same time.

    Sirens red within Zomber Tower all at once.

    Upon hearing that, the other goons who were goofing around in the building promptly picked up their weapons and started running.

    "You''re a dead man, Frank

    Lawrence Kit bellowed viciously

    "Don''t think you can do whatever you want just because you''re strong. You''re all going to die here!"

 Chapter 1239

    "Hmm?"

    Frank frowned slightly as he watched Kit quickly take out what looked like a vest from under his desk and put it on.

    de, the Wolvens'' boss, was immediately flustered. "What are you doing, Kit?!"

    "What, you ask?"

    Kit sneered even as he walked backward toward the curtain wall. "Did you really think this partnership is the real thing, de?"

    "What?!"

    de froze, but quickly understood-Kit nned to kill him too!

    As things developed, Kit''s n was to work together with de to neutralize the Blue Fangs before dealing with Lanecorp, andstly, de himself!

    "The Blood Wolves don''t need two bosses, get it?" Kit said coolly before turning andughing at Frank. "I set up this trap for him, but since you''re here anyway, you can all die with him!" And with that, he jumped, crashing through the curtain wall and out of Zomber Tower.

    The forty-story building stood over 200 meters, but Kit had also arranged for a special material on the curtain wall of his office so that he could easily break it without getting hurt. "Get back here, you bastard!"

    de leapt toward Kit and tried to catch him, but Kit had already jumped off beyond his reach.

    "Hahaha! You can all huddle up and die, so that you''d at least havepany!" Kitughed, opening his parachute and slowly floating away.

    At Kit''s voice, a timer appeared on his desktopputer, with the red numbers counting down from a minute.

    Frank nced at it and understood in just a second.

    Kit escaped with one of the most

    was

    ridiculous methods because he going to blow up the entire building, killing him and de.

    The man was certainly cunning enough to give Frank the creeps, though it also made Frank even more determined to kill him. After all, if Kit were to find out that

    somehow survived, heeThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    somehow survived, he w

    for revenge.

    That would definitely be troublesome, as Frank''s whereabouts were always known while Kit lurked in the shadows.

    "He''s fucking crazy!" de bellowed, and rushed towards the door at top speed.

    It might be futile, but he wanted to use the one minute he had to flee the building. No one wants to die, after all.

    Frank then turned to see that Peter''s face no

    deathly pale-there

    wayne

    would not know what was

    happening.

    Frank would leave him, but remembering what Peter said in the elevator made him stay.

    "Are you afraid to die?" Frank asked.

    "Of course I am! Why wouldn''t I be?!" Peter yelled, honest for once.

    There was no way they could flee the building in one minute, unless they had a parachute too!

    "Isn''t it toote?!" Peter kept ranting. "We''re both going to die here!"

 Chapter 1240

    "Isn''t it toote?!" Peter kept ranting. "We''re both going to die here!"

    "That might not be the case." Frank chuckled coolly.

    With his Transcendent rank physique, he would not even fear a missile, let alone a bomb.

    That was why he was calm, even intent on testing whether Peter had the resolve to be true to his word.

    Lifting him by the cor with one hand, Frank brought him to the broken ss, asking, "Tell me, Peter-are you afraid?"

    "What?! Of course I am!" Peter shrieked, since Frank looked like he was ready to throw him off the building.

    Frank continued, "Then do you want revenge against the man who treated you like a dog?!"

    "Of course! Even in my dreams!"

    Peter bellowed, clenching his knuckles. "It''s those brothers who set me up and made me like this! My life would mean something if I could kill Kit Jameson!"

    "Alright, you said it!" Frankughed and kicked Peter out of the fortyish floor.

    "Wooooahhh!!! Fuck!!! Frank Lawrence-!!!!"

    Peter screamed hysterically even as he fell, just as the timer on Kit''s desktopputer counted down to zero.

    Bang!

    A deafening explosion resounded.

    The bombs ced at the basement parking lot of Zomber Tower exploded, and the entire building was suddenly leaning to one side.

    And the explosions continued upwards like dominos, blowing up every curtain wall and every floor.

    As debris and concrete flew, Frank

    leapt out the window, his feet

    "Argh!!!"

    Meanwhile, Peter was still screaming, but he did not crash straight into the earth. Instead, hended squarely on Kit''s parachute, as Frank had calcted his kick.

    Downstairs, Terry was wearing a ck suit and standing outside Zomber Tower. Before him were dozens of his grunts, each wearing the same suit.

    "Brothers," Terry spoke, giving a speech before the uing battle. "Mr. Lawrence told us that we''re only here to clean up the mess, but we shouldn''t lower our guard. Be. prepared to charge inside ata moment''s notice!" Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "We don''t have the numbers, but we will join Mr. Lawrence and take over Zomber Tower! Once we do, the Blue Fangs I mean, Lanecorp''s health and security department will be the biggest gang-I mean, the greatest health and security department in Zamri! When Lanecorps propers, we shall too! So..."

    "Boss... they''reing for us!" a keen-eyed thug suddenly cried out before Terry could finish his speech.

    Terry turned and found arge group of people charging toward them, including employees and goons.

    "What? They saw us?" Terry did a double take but did not hesitate to whip out his stun baton. "Well, there''s no helping it now, brothers. Let''s go!"

    At Terry''s battlecry, his thugs charged toward the oing crowd... only to realize something was amiss.

    Those people were noting at them at all!

 Chapter 1241

    Terry and his boys quickly knocked several men to their feet.

    Curiously, they were not hostile-instead, they were intent on fleeing, as if the devil himself was on their heels.

    "Stop!" Terry barked at his boys. "What the hell is going on here...?!"

    He looked at the people in confusion-they were all from the Bleeders or Zomber Group.

    For some reason, they were not rallying for a fight, despite Terry and his boys showing up. Instead, they were fleeing for their lives!

    "Bro, maybe your Haki scared them off?" one of his men ttered.

    "Shut up!" Terry snapped angrily and nced at a square in the distance. "They were fleeing the building... if they were scared, they should be running in all directions. But they are all heading in a single direction-they had clearly nned this!"

    "Well, what should we do? Go in?" the thugs asked Terry.

    "Urgh, fine!"

    Terry bellowed after some thought. "Mr. Lawrence is inside, and we are his backup. Let''s go!"

    Still, just as Terry was about to lead the charge, Terry and his men were sent flying as the ground shook, while a shockwave blew out of the front entrance.

    "Shit, what was that?!"

    "Run, boss! It''s an explosion!"

    "What?!"

    Even as Terry''s boys helped him to his feet, he looked up to see a sight he would never forget for the rest of his life every floor of the Zomber Tower, which stood over 200meters tall, blew up.

    Amid the ss crashing down and mes rushing into the air, the entire building leaned to one side.

    "Shit! Run!"

    Terry finally realized why those people were fleeing Zomber Tower just then-the building was going to blow up! Even as he fled with his boys, he swore under his breath. "Could it be Mr. Lawrence?! That''s fucking terrifying!"

    When they finally fled somewhere

    safe, a keen-eyed thug was pping Terry on the shoulder and pointing at the building, eximing, "Look, boss! It''s Mr. Lawrence!"

    "What?!" Terry turned, his jaw dropping in shock when he saw the figure sliding down the ss walls of Zomber Tower.

    "Shit, are we on the film set of some action movie?" one of the thugs murmured, and it was a sentiment every other thug shared.

    There was no doubt that Frank

    looked just like one of those action

    lovelet

    stars, sliding rapidly down the

    copsing building even as

    explosions erupted all around him.

    The people who fled Zomber Tower earlier also saw that figure and were shocked too. Some were even whipping out their phones to take a video. "Shit, what the fuck is he?"

    "Can a person really do that?"

    "That''s just awesome!"

    Then, as Frank sled to the edge of the copsing building, he vaulted over ten meters into the air.

    Catching hold of another figure holding on to a parachute, he thennded with the other man!N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

 Chapter 1242

    "Bravo!"

    "Amazing!"

    Even the people from Zomber Group were pping in excitement when they saw what happened.

    Terry''s men did the same too with worshipful looks in their eyes but stopped awkwardly when Terry red at them.

    "Quit pping already. We''re going to meet Mr. Lawrence!" he yelled and led his men toward the two figures who had justnded and were caught under the parachute.

    "Frank Lawrence?!"

    Kit was terrified even as he crawled out from underneath the parachute.

    As he jumped off the building, he watched as Frank did the same, sliding down along the crumbling walls.

    Was that possible for a human?!

    Kit was certainly skeptical. He doubted that even the Hansen brothers could do it, and they were once the strongest duo in Zamri!

    Was Frank really just a martial artist, and not some supernatural entity?!

    Even as the curious thought gued him, he started running.

    "As long as I can reach them..."

    He could see the hundreds of Zomber Group employees and Bleeders gang members who fled Zomber Tower, and he would be safe as long as he could get to them! Be that as it may...

    "Heh. Where do you think you''re going?"

    The icyugh almost stopped Kit''s heart right then. "Frank Lawrence¡ª"

    Bang!

    The superstructure of Zomber Tower crumbled entirely just then, kicking up a storm of debris and shockwave that sent people flying.

    However, Kit did not budge at all because a single palm was on his shoulder, holding him in ce and keeping him from moving.

    As the shockwave subsided, a

    miserable figure caked in mud was spitting out the dirt in his mouth repeatedly, even as he limped toward Frank.

    It was none other than Peter himself, who managed to survive.

    After all, Frank had pushed him so

    that he wouldnd on top of Kit''s et

    parachute before rebounding into a fountain at the square near Zomber Tower.

    He survived since the pool under the fountain was quite deep, but his right leg was broken anyway.

    It took him great effort to climb out, only for the shockwave of the copsing Zomber Tower to blow him away.

    Already thoroughly soaked, the shockwave sent him rolling away, gathering dirt and caking him with mud from head to toe.

    Even as Peter limped toward Frank, he saw Kit trying to run away from Frank.

    "Kit Jameson!" he bellowed and picked up a brick from the ground as he limped as fast as he could.

    "Peter Lane?! What do you think you''re doing, you piece of shit?!"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Kit fell on his bottom even as he tried to back away from Frank.

    He rejoiced when he saw that Frank was not chasing after him, only to see Peter limping toward him before he got to his feet.

    "What am I doing?!" Peter stood before Kit,ughing despite his rage. "Do you still think I''m a piece of shit?!"

    "Then what are you?!" Kit bellowed back.

    He then nced at Frank

    momentarily out of fear. However, seeing that Frank was just standing there and doing nothing, heposed himself and pointed at Peter''s nose as snapped, "You''re a piece of shit! Even a dog is better than you! Have you forgotten the hand that feeds you?! You''re nothing without me! Now stop that monster so that I can get out of here!"

 Chapter 1243

    Seeing that Kit was still ordering him around, Peter''s expression contorted viciously.

    Raising the brick he was holding, he smashed it violently on Kit''s head!

    "Fuck you! I''m not a piece of shit nor a dog!" Peter bellowed as he did so. "It''s all you and Larry''s fault that I ended up like this! Well, I''ve killed Larry, and you''re going to die now too!" "Fucking Peter Lane! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!"

    Kit''s vision actually cked out for a moment, and was incensed when he reached up and felt blood on his head.

    This mutt who was always beneath him had just hit him!

    And what was it that he said... that he was the one who killed his brother Larry?!

    Still, Kit growled, "Hit me again, and I''ll make your life a living hell¡ª"

    Thump!

    Peter said nothing as he hit Kit in the head again with all his strength, leaving Kitpletely stunned.

    "Argh...!!!"

    It took the man around ten seconds to regain his senses, and he let out a blood-curdling scream when he felt the blood on his head!

    "I''ve had enough of you! I''m a dog to you, huh?! This dog will kill you now, fucker!"

    Peter charged up and knocked down Kit, once again hitting his face with the brick with all his strength.

    Crack!

    "Argh!!!"Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Even as the brick shattered, Kit struggled violently.

    Even if Peter''s physique was not particrly impressive, he was a young man, and his crazed bludgeoning overwhelmed the fiftyish Kit.

    Moreover, Frank had subtly injected a small iota of pure vigor into Kit''s body, which spread throughout every corner of his body.

    While it would not hurt Kit, it ensured

    line

    that his muscles were aching so much that he would not even be able to raise his arm-and he would fall over every other step.

    "Help me... Help..."

    Even as kit was breathing hisst, he somehow found the strength to crawl away.

    Arge group of men rushed to the scene just then.

    However, they were not from the Bleeders gang, but from the Blue Fangs instead.

    "Shit, isn''t that Kit Jameson?!" Terry eximed before turning

    and

    der who was covered in b

    "And who are you?" belongs to

    "And who are ye

    "He''s Ms. Lane''s younger brother," Frank replied as he made his way to them.

    He nced at Peter, who had dropped to the ground as if fatigued.

    Then, he turned toward Kit, who was wheezing even as hey sprawled on the ground.

    Crack!

    Kit stared at Frank, wide-eyed even as Frank broke his neck with his foot.

    He did not get it¡ªhis n was wless, so how could Frank and Peter have made it out?!

    And Frank especially... he was a monster!

    The bomb could not kill him, and he could stay unscathed even as he leapt off Zomber Tower!

    "T-This isn''t right..." Kit croaked even as he died, his eyes wide open.

    ent

    Peter then pushed himself to his feet and walked up to spit on Kit''s corpse. "Hahaha! I''m just a dog, huh?! Just piece of shit, huh?!"

    He copsed from exhaustion again, and Frank nodded ever so slightly even as he watched.

    The brat had done a fair bit of harm, but he had at least kept his promise this time.

    From that alone, Frank believed that he held up his end of the bargain.

 Chapter 1244

    Most of all, Frank did not want Helen''s family to fall apart.

    With that in mind, he turned toward Terry. "The Bleeders'' leaders and their martial artists have all been wiped out. The same goes for the Wolvens too-I don''t have to tell you what you should do from now on, do I?"

    Terry''s jaw dropped so low that his mouth could fit an egg. "The Wolvens too? For real, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "I won''t lie to you. I''ve dealt with them already." Frank nodded. "Take Peter to the hospital, and he''ll be working as a security guard. The rest is up to you."

    Pausing, he then added, "From now on, there shall be no more gangs in Zamri."

    With that, he turned to leave, while Terry nodded solemnly.

    "Yes, sir!" he eximed before turning to one of his men. "ckie, take Ms. Lane''s brother to the hospital. The rest of you, we''re taking over the Bleeders!"

    "Yeah!!!"

    Terry''s men had been excited for a while now.

    They did not expect their new boss to be this frightening, taking down every martial artist of the two biggest gangs in Zamri.

    From now on, they would be the only major gang in Zamri-and the very thought was a thrill!

    On the other hand, Frank was going to get his car when everything was done but decided against it after a nce at the ruins that was once Zomber Tower.

    His Maybach would definitely be crushed underneath the rubble after the first rounds of explosions anyway.

    It actually hurt, though Frank told himself, "Out with the old, in with the new."

    With that, he stopped a cab and left.

    At Lanecorp the next day, Frank was summoned to Helen''s office.

    Bang!

    Helen mmed a photo on her desk, folding her arms before her chest

    and at Frank like a

    disciplinarian would a student. "Care to exin what this is?!"

    "What?" Frank asked innocently, and smiled when he saw that he was in the photo, looking just like some superhero as he slid down Zomber Tower as it copsed.

    Talk about looking sublime.

    "So? Your darling looks good, doesn''t he?" He chuckled as he rubbed his chin.

    "Shut it!"

    Frank''s cheeky remark left Helenughing despite herself, but she soon mmed her hand off the table and demanded, "Spit! Where have you been yesterday?" "I... Uh, had an appointment with Zomber Group," Frank replied, averting his eyes.

    "And...?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Helen felt a headache from that alone-Zomber Tower''s copse certainly made the news, with Frank treated like some superhero.

    "Well, Zomber Tower copsed. Earthquake, probably? Talk about shaky."

    Frank made a traumatized face even

    as he continued, "Thank goodness I''m fleet-footed, or you won''t be seeing me today. Wouldn''t you be sad if that happens? Well, I couldn''t bear to let that happen, so I did my best to escape. I just didn''t think someone would photograph me... Things have really gotten out of hand now."

 Chapter 1245

    Helen''s eyes narrowed, clearly skeptical.

    "See for yourself!" she snapped as she opened herptop, put it in front of Frank, and yed an on-scene interview.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "This is Piers Hershey, reporting live from the scene. I''m with Mr. Terry Cotton, a kind soul who has been helping victims of the Zomber Tower copse. What do you think about this incident, Mr. Cotton?" "Oh, it''s a tragedy. We''re just passing by, but it''s only right to help..."

    Piers nodded approvingly. "You really are a model citizen of Zamri, Mr. Cotton."

    Terry''s dramatically tearful reaction left Helen furming. "So what have you been up to again, Frank?!"

    "Uh... We were just having tea with Kit Jameson, over a bar grill and stuff-"

    Lily the secretary entered just then. "Ms. Lane? A board member of Zomber Group is asking to see you."

    Frank sighed in relief and was ready to bail, only for Helen to catch him, snorting. "Don''t think you''re getting away. You either confess, or this won''t be over!"

    Seeing Helen''s hostile re, Frank threw his hands up in defeat.

    "Ms. Lane, Zomber Group has decided to join Lanecorp as a subsidiary, with yourpany taking over fifty-one percent of ourpany shares. The agreement drafted by the board members is right here- please take a look."

    Helen was sipping tea in an effort to calm down but spat it out straight at the balding man''s face when she heard what he said.

    Helen quickly apologized. "A-Ahem... I''m really sorry about that..."

    "Oh, it''s alright" The old man smiled politely and took out a handkerchief to wipe his face. "I know this muste as a surprise, but it''s a unanimous decision. With Zomber Tower copsing, we have to consolidate what we have as our stock price plummets..."

    Soon, Helen and the Zomber Group board member signed the agreement and shook hands, after which the old man left contentedly.

    As soon as he closed the door after him, Helen wheeled on Frank with yet another hostile re. "What did you do, Frank?!"

    "Alright, I give!"

    Frank threw up his hands. "I went to Zomber Tower yesterday, but I ran into both the Wolvens and the Bleeders at the same time. They were ready to attack the Blue Fangs, so I intervened-it''s just that no one expected Larry Jameson''s brother was crazy enough to blow up the whole building just to kill us. And you know the rest."

    As Frank shrugged innocently, Helen had the picture and gave up on trying to ask for details although she wanted to. Frank would not harm her, after all.

    And yet...

    Staring at Frank, she asked, "Do you know why I''m upset?"

    Frank asked in surprise, "Why?"

    Helen sighed in exasperation. "I''ve heard that Zomber Tower was the Bleeders'' turf. Don''t you think it''d worry me if you went there, when we''re in the middle of a blood feud with Zomber Group? I''m worried

    61?

    about your safety."

    "Hehe..."

    Frank chuckled, scratching his head. "It just happened out of the blue! And don''t you have any confidence in your darling? I got you a subsidiarypany out of nowhere too!"

 Chapter 1246

    "Urgh..."

    Helen had calmed down but snorted as Frank was shing her a cheeky smile. "Yeah, yeah. You did good, getting us anotherpany. But you''re the one who just threw it at us without needing to do anything while any problems would fall back on me! Do you think I can deal with two majorpanies at the same time?"

    "Well, you know what they say-those who can are always busy. That''s my girl for you-she''s always amazing." Frank shrugged, confirming that he would be goofing off.

    Helen rolled her eyes at him, exasperated.

    Vicky Turnbull called in the afternoon, teasing, "Did you know that you''re on the news? Sliding down a falling building... That''s so cool. Still, something''scking-you should''ve been holding a babe like Helen in your arms while you did so."

    "Ahem..." Frank rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Stop teasing me. Why did you call me?"

    "Oh, it''s nothing important." Vicky smiled. "I heard you''re acquainted with Gene Pearce?"

    "I guess. What, is something up?" Frank raised a brow.

    "Yeah. He''s organizing a charity auction after recovering from his illness, inviting many bigwigs of the east coast, and it will be held in Zamri."

    "A charity auction?"

    Frank did a double take. "I wasn''t aware."

    "We were just informed too. It''s next week, so I guess he didn''t have time to inform you."

    Pausing, Vicky giggled. "Since you know Gene Pearce, that makes things simple-send my best regards to him. He helped my parents establish a foothold in Riverton years ago." "Alright, I will." Frank nodded.

    They spent time catching upter-Vicky''s face had mostly healed, and Frank was relieved.

    Fortunately, her facial injury was not that serious, or it would take months for him to recover. "Charity auction?"

    Frank tapped his fingers repeatedly on the table thoughtfully.

    Since it was a charity auction, he should bring something worth bidding for, if only for Vicky''s sake.

    With that in mind, he told Helen that he would be going out.

    There was a street in West Zamri called Blooming Junction, where various antiques ranging from paintings to porcin objects were sold.

    Frank decided he would buy some quality antiques to represent Vicky.

    Blooming Junction was bustling and lively-there were plenty of antique collectors and sellers flocking together unboxing items and bargaining, and it was more lively than Riverton''s Square Street.

    However, there was another rule that Frank was aware of: on this street, the identification of an item''s

    authenticity depended entirely on

    one''s own ability.

    If one bought a counterfeit item, they just had to ept the defeat-there was a no refund policy here.

    In fact, Frank could already see

    several disgruntled customers whoThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    had bought counterfeit items being

    dragged away by the security guards.

    "Sir, have youe to check out our wares?"

    Just as Frank strode in, an old gray-haired man appeared out of nowhere, baring his yellow teeth in a grin as he tugged on Frank''s sleeve.

 Chapter 1247

    The old man then held out a vase covered in oil paper. "If you''re interested, I have a jade vase here for just 500 grand-how about it?" "A jade vase?"

    Frank took the jade vase and shook his head after a brief nce, returning it.

    "It''s clearly a modern object. 500 grand? I''d refuse even if it''s just five bucks." He snorted and turned to leave.

    Two porty goons suddenly showed up, cutting off his path.

    "Heh, kid. But you touched the vase, so you have to buy it now. If you don''t..." The old manughed coolly behind Frank, clearly threatening him.

    It was clearly a con, and Frank knew that they thought he would be an easy mark since he was alone and new to this ce.

    "Do I look like I''d be easily bullied?" Frank remained calm, even sneering at the old man. "Get your boys out of my face if you''re smart, or I won''t y nice anymore." "Oh, feisty!"

    The old man showed no intention of backing down, however. "But I''ve seen many kids who talk tough. The question is, are your bones just as tough?"

    The two goons strode up, even putting a hand on Frank''s shoulder.

    "Stop!"

    A pale-faced youth strode up just then, bellowing at the old man.

    He had two towering bodyguards, and the old man did a double take when he saw the youth, and promptly bowed his head respectfully. "Wee, Mr. Turnbull... Could it be that you know this man?"

    Hugh Turnbull nced at Frank at

    the old man''s question and said coolly, "The head of the Turnbull family has spoken-this man will marry into our family. And what''s with that terrible acting of yours? Are you trying to insult us?"

    "What?!"

    The old man turned toward Frank in shock-some brat he targeted on the street turned out to be the son-inw Glen Turnbull had chosen?!

    He bowed right then, apologizing,

    "No, I''d never dare do somethingdike that! As just thought it''s a rare chance to encounter someone like this gentleman, I was simply about to give him a present."

    With that, he shoved the jade vase into Frank''s hands before hurrying off with his two portly goons.

    "Heh..."

    Frank watched as the old man fled while weighing the vase in his hands and threw it into a nearby trash can.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Hey, kid."

    One of Hugh''s bodyguards red sharply at Frank as he snapped, "Know your ce! Mr. Turnbull just saved your life. Now bow in gratitude!" "Bow in gratitude?"

    Frank nced at the haughty Hugh,

    frowning and shaking his head.

    P.el

    "First of all, I never asked for help. Second, some small fry pulling a con like that is really no threat to me. Why should I thank you when you decided on your own to intervene?"

    The bodyguard glowered at Frank''s retort. "Watch your tone, brat!"

    "You''re the one who should watch your tone." Frank chuckled. "If you''re walking and I happened to crush an ant in your way, would you kowtow to me in gratitude too?" "You little "

    "That''s enough." Hugh held up a hand, stopping the argument between his bodyguard and Frank.

 Chapter 1248

    Hugh sneered. "I heard that Vicky''s husband is an indomitable spirit who''d even toppled Sif Lionheart''s eldest brother. Your reputation is not undeserved, now that I''ve seen you." "And who are you?" Frank asked impassively.

    "Hugh Turnbull, heir of the Norsedam Turnbulls."

    "Watch how you speak with Mr. Turnbull!" Hugh''s bodyguard snapped at Frank threateningly right after Hugh finished.

    "Norsedam..." Frank murmured, remembering just then.

    Norsedam and Riverton were just a bridge apart, but Norsedam was far more prosperous than Riverton.

    And the first time he met Sif Lionheart was at an auction in Norsedam, though he was unaware that a branch family of the Turnbulls was based in Norsedam too.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Nodding, Frank asked quietly, "Then to what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Turnbull?"

    "Nothing," Hugh said icily. "I just happened to run into you, but I should remind you that as a son-inw of the Turnbull family, you should maintain an ounce of dignity instead of getting caught by some street thug''s ploy. It doesn''t matter to me if you live or die, but the Turnbulls have a reputation to maintain. Do you understand?"

    "I see. Thank you so much for your concern," Frank replied before chuckling coolly. "And I have a piece of advice in return-keep a leash on your dog. Letting it yap at anyone will hurt the Turnbulls'' reputation too."

    With that, Frank turned to leave.

    "You bastard!"

    The bodyguard who snapped Frank knew that Frank was mocking him and was ready to attack out when Hugh stopped him.

    "Calm down," Hugh said as he watched Frank leave, murmuring, "We have plenty of opportunities to deal with him. He killed Sif Lionheart-and I will have my revenge."

    Frank was chuckling under his breath, sensing the obvious hostile res from his back.

    Heir of the Norsedam Turnbulls? Who cared-mess with Frank, and he would regret it.

    For Frank''s part, he was not ying nice with Hugh because he was prying, and that he could sense Hugh''s enmity early on. Shaking his head and forgetting the distraction, Frank trudged along with the crowd, looking around at the stalls for antiques. Still, he had walked ap around Blooming Junction, but none of the antiques were catching his eye.

    Nine out of ten were counterfeit items, and the remaining genuine item was still nothing impressive.

    Just as Frank felt bored and was about to leave, a store clerk who had been following Frank for around ten minutes approached him.

    "Sir," he whispered into Frank''s ear, "I

    can see that you have a sharp eye with the way you picked up genuine antiques, only to shake your head in disappointment. I''m guessing you want the real deal-something that really stands out?"

    "Hmm...?"

    Frank turned to nce at the man wearing a vest and shook his head. "Well, you''re right that I''m disappointed. They call this street the Blooming Junction, but there''s nothing exciting here at all

    "Oh, that''s not quite right..."

    The store clerk chuckled. "What respectable businessman would bring out their treasures for all the world to see? Just think about it. If some humble stall owner somehow had a real gem among their wares, what would happen to him?

 Chapter 1249

    The store clerk''s words reminded Frank of the geezer earlier with the yellowed teeth, and he nodded in agreement. This ce was awless mess, and he had seen at least three victims getting conned or robbed in broad daylight.

    If anyone really pulled out a real treasure, they would be eaten alive.

    Seeing Frank''s realization, the store clerk smiled. "It seems that you understand, sir. The waters of Blooming Junction run deep-the real treasures are always stored within the century-old shops instead of being put on disy."

    "Really? And why are you telling me that?" Frank nced at the store clerk sideways curiously.

    The man spread his hands and admitted, "I''ll be frank, sir. I work at Jade Dragon-it''s that shop over there. My job is to keep an eye out for customers with potential wandering around Blooming Junction and bring them over.

    "I can see that you have high standards and carry yourself differently from the rest. That''s why I''m rmending our establishment, while I earn amission with this. It''s a win-win situation, don''t you agree?"

    "Jade Dragon?" Frank appeared taken aback. "I''ve been there there''s really nothing that valuable aside from some old porcin tools. The most valuable item is worth 300 grand at best." "Hehe..." The store clerk shed an enigmatic smile. "Like I said, real treasures are never put on disy..."

    Then, leaning toward Frank, he added under his breath, "Our manager also owes a huge debt at the moment and needs money urgently. I heard that he''s bringing out all the treasures we have!" "I see." Frank nodded. "In that case, I shall check out the ce again."

    "Hehe. Then take this token and go straight up to the second floor. Someone will be there to receive you."

    Taking the token, Frank nodded at the store clerk before heading straight to Jade Dragon.

    To no surprise, the store clerks were at once polite when they saw the token Frank had and invited him up to the second floor.

    It turned out that he was not alone-five other guests were there, each seated on antique armchairs arranged in a single row. Each of them were making lively small talk as prettydies served them tea. Frank just so happened to recognize a familiar face-it was Hugh Turnbull, the heir of the Norsedam Turnbulls.

    Hugh was chatting with an old man, and frowned when he turned and saw Frank. "Hmm..?"

    "Frank Lawrence?! Who let you in here?!" the bodyguard standing behind Hugh snapped hostilely.

    "None of your business," Frank retorted bluntly and took the remaining seat.

    The bodyguard glowered furiously while Hugh was taken aback.

    The old man beside Hugh certainly noticed that things were hostile between Frank and Hugh, and be asked quietly, "Who is he, Mro Turnbull?"

    "Oh, just some manwhore my family picked for my cousin Vicky to reject the Lionhearts'' engagement."

    Hugh''s tone was filled withN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    contempt, but Frank simply kept his

    eyes closed, not interested

    n talking

    to anyone.

    No one else showed up after a long while, until an elderly hunchbacked man appeared from behind a folding screen.

    He nodded at everyone and smiled. "Wee to Jade Dragon, esteemed guests."

    The other guests nodded politely in return as a gesture of respect toward the manager.

    Only Frank kept his eyes closed and did not move.

    The old man appeared puzzled. "Who-"

    Hugh snorted. "He''s just somewless, pompous prick. Don''t bother."

    Seeing that Frank was not greeting him anyway, the old man ignored him and forced a smile. "I''m sure everyone here is aware that I, Travis Dali, have recently made a poor judgment, buying a fake jade fox Sculpture that cost me over a billion dors."

 Chapter 1250

    Seeing that Frank was not greeting him anyway, the old man ignored him and forced a smile. "I''m sure everyone here is aware that I, Travis Dali, have recently made a poor judgment, buying a fake jade fox sculpture that cost me over a billion dors."

    Pausing, he sighed. "That means I have yet to clear my 600 million dor debt. And to make up for that, I am now bringing out the treasures in my collection. I hope everyone here would be willing to buy them at generous prices-you have my gratitude already."

    Hugh was the first to get to his feet, spreading his hands and smiling. "Haha... you''re exaggerating, Mr. Dali-everyone knows that you''re the dealer with the best eyes in Blooming Junction, and your treasures are most extraordinary. We''ll definitely buy what you have at the right price."

    "Exactly."

    "Your debt will be cleared with no problem!"

    The other guests agreed.

    "Alright." Travis'' hunched back seemed to straighten as he smiled. "Since everyone is so appreciative, let''s cut to the chase. Here''s my first treasure!"

    He waved, and two beautiful women carefully carried out a canvas, slowly spreading it to reveal a masterpiece of a painting.

    It was so well-preserved that everyone was gasping in awe, even as Travis stared into the air, reminiscing.

    "This is a Rivaldi piece called the Transience, dating back to almost 800 years ago, and one of the gems of my collections. I got it from an auction at Morhen back then for 500 million, and the transaction records are avable for review."

    Then, his tone changed sharply. "However, as I need money urgently at the moment, I''m selling it for only 400 million. Naturally, it only goes to the highest bidder."

    Hearing that, Mr. Richton, the old man beside Hugh, held up a hand and smiled. "A genuine Rivaldi? It certainly costs a fortune... In that case, I will take it for 400 million. Are there any other bidders?" Everyone knew very well that 400 million was a modest bid-not only were Rivaldi''s works exceedingly rare, but they were also treasures for collectors.

    Travis had already gotten it for a

    bargain after acquiring it at just 500 million at an auction, and it was now avable at a starting bid of 400 million.

    no

    Whoever bought it in this auction could just resell it at another auction at a starting bid of 600 million.

    It was exactly why Travis decided to

    sell it so quickly-he needed to pay off his debt, and who would not be interested in making a couple hundred million dors with Zero effort?

    Hence, the other guests made their bids too.

    "420 million dors."

    "450 million dors."

    "500 million!"

    The price shot up to 590 million dors as the fivepeted.

    After making thest bid, Mr. Richton looked around with a smile. "This is all I can put on this bid. I''d have to give up if anyone outbids me."

    Everyone became thoughtful-theContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    painting''s value was probably

    around six million. If they raised it from here, it was not necessarily a profit even if they won.

    That was why they gave up with that thought.

 Chapter 1251

    The only guest who never said a word is Frank.

    However, as everyone else turned toward Frank, Hugh spoke before he could. "Hah! What would some ignorant manwhore know about art? Even if he knows a thing or two, he still wouldn''t be able to afford it." Hugh''s scoffing drew several chuckles in the room, since ''manwhore'' made the insult all too obvious.

    However, Frank remained calm as he looked at the other guests and asked quietly, "Are you doneughing? If you are, I will share my opinion."

    "Of course, young sir. You may speak freely."

    Travis was surprised that Frank did not make a bid, and instead spoke up to share his opinion.

    Was he going to use him of selling a fake?Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    As if on cue, Frank turned toward the painting beside Travis as everyone looked on, nodding as he said, "That painting isn''t genuine... Or it''s half-genuine, to be precise."

    "Hahaha!!!" Hugh wasughing first and very loudly.

    The other guests were chuckling too, while Travis appeared shocked for a moment before frowning in annoyance.

    Did that kide to smear Jade Dragon''s good name?

    "Frank Lawrence."

    That was when Hugh stood up, leering at Frank haughtily, "I mean no disrespect, but everyone here is a collector or an appraiser of Zamri. In fact, Mr. Richton, the gentleman beside me here, is the most famous appraiser in the East Coast. And if they can''t see that it''s a fake while you can, don''t you think you''re stretching it?! Don''t you find your behavior embarrassing?!"

    The other guests nodded in agreement, with Travis'' frown easing.

    If his painting was fake, that would mean he was a sucker who had been taken for a ride.

    He would not just be losing money at that point-even Jade Dragon''s reputation would be taken for a ride, if it stayed open for business at all.

    In fact, Travis almost had a heart

    elet

    attack when Frank questioned painting, and he calmed

    considerably because Hugh bane

    him out with perfect timing.

    "Who let him in here? How degrading."

    "Yeah. Just get him out of here already, acting all impressive when he doesn''t know a thing. He doesn''t deserve to be here!"

    "Get that insolent rat out of here already!"

    Travis nodded even as everyone including Hugh became vocally disapproval.

    After all, Frank had been disrespectful from the start, behaving pretentiously while insulting everyone''s reputation.

    Turning toward Frank, Travis said

    coolly, "Sir, if you

    can really see that

    ????

    it''s not genuine, please point out how-I''m not so prideful that I''d refuse to admit a loss. But if you''re just here to cause trouble for Jade Dragon, I have no choice but to ask you to leave."

    "Heh..."

    Frank rose to his feet, shaking his head as he sneered. "How amusing. I was told that there were treasures to be found here, but it turns out that you''re just selling your reputation. In that case, you don''t have to chase me out-I will leave on my.

    Qwn. I

    won''t stoop to staying here."

    With that, he turned and started to leave, only to be stopped by two burly bodyguards at the doorway.

    Frank turned toward Travis right then. "What, feeling angry because I exposed your lies? Itching for a fight now?" "Hmph!" Travis snorted coldly.

 Chapter 1252

    "Hmph!" Travis snorted coldly.

    If he allowed Frank to leave after what he said, that would just prove what Frank said that he was selling his reputation, not treasures.

    And having been appraised antiques all his life, he certainly could not take that insult!

    Growling hostilely, he demanded, "Your words will ruin the reputation of my establishment sir, and you expect to leave peacefully?" "Really? And your reputation can''t be ruined?"

    Frank sneered in contempt. "Worshiping counterfeits like it''s the real deal, using your reputation formodities and getting hostile if anyone says otherwise... Shame-your reputation just isn''t worth anything to me, nor am I afraid of your aggression."

    Travis did a double take-even after all that, Frank was still using him of selling counterfeits?!

    Feeling a little petty just then, he slowly walked up to Frank and growled solemnly, "I sell real treasures, young man, not my reputation. So you don''t have to worry about pointing out how my painting is fake, and I''ll burn it if what you said is proven true. How about that?!"

    "Good!"

    Travis'' confident challenge drew shouts of approval-everyone was certainly impressed with his attitude.

    After all, it was a part of the business to pass off counterfeits as the real deal. Even if it would never be as valuable as the genuine, they would easily make a few hundred grand with it.

    As such, Travis was basically cornering himself by issuing such a challenge to Frank.

    "Heh. Forget it..."

    Frank did not ept Travis'' challenge right away, however, instead waiving him off andughing. "I''m worried your heart will break."

    "Hahaha!" Hugh wasughing once

    again and pping. "You''re such a wily bastard, Frank! Who do you think Mr. Dali is, some three-year old kid? Everything he has is a treasure worth millions, and you had to try to get everyone''s attention by iming that the painting is a fake, And now that Mr. Dali''s asking you to prove it, you''re just running around in circles, iming he only sells reputation."

    "Now, Mr. Dal even promised to burn it, and you''re saying that he can''t bear it? You''re just feeling

    AContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    caught! Point out how the painting is fake if you can, or you will kowtow to everyone here ten times and take back your insolent insults!"

    "Exactly! Insulting us for not knowing our antiques, and leaving without a care?! Do you really think we''d let that happen?!"

    "It''s either that, or we''ll break every bone in your body before Jade Dragon throws you out!"

    "In that case, let me show you a whole new world." Frank chuckled before ncing at Travis pointedly. "However... I''m afraid that Jade Dragon will be closing down soon."

    Travis snorted. "Don''t worry. I would like to see what profound opinion you hold, even if it sends Jade Dragon out of business!"

    Seeing that Travis was dead set, Frank smiled coolly and nodded.

    Since the old man was being so stubborn, he just had to teach him a lesson!

    Even if Frank was no patron of the arts, he had seen plenty back at Mystic Sky Sect.

    Being up close and personal allowed him to scrutinize the details, and he could at least tell if a piece was a fake from just one nce.

 Chapter 1253

    Frank turned, then walked up to the painting and immediately spotted several ws with a single nce.

    "Heh. So, have you thought about your tricks this time, Frank?" Hugh sneered in contempt, hostile as he had been from the start for some reason.

    Frankpletely ignored him and nodded confidently as he pointed at the signature at the corner.

    "Take a look at the signature," he said. "Even if made to look like it''s old, it clearly does not match the age of the canvas. In fact, the painting was signed muchter-which begs the question, what painting would be signed hundreds of years after itspletion and long after the artist is dead?"

    "What?!"

    Everyone was immediately restless, especially Travis.

    He whipped out a magnifying ss and dropped to his knees as he scrutinized the painting.

    Then, as he was looking closely, Frank pointed at the brush strokes and added quietly, "I''ve seen my shares of oil paintings to identify each style. People of Rivaldi''s era-let alone Rivaldi himself¡ªare not known to use the impasto in their time. Only the artists of northwest Draconia would."

    As he finished, Frank turned toward Travis and chuckled. "With that in mind, may I ask where the previous owner of this painting came from...?" "Gitra. It''s in the northwest... Oh." Travis'' eyes widened, and his magnifying ss slipped off his fingers, dropping on the floor with a thud.

    As soon as realization caught him, so did the authenticity of the painting.

    "Now, to avoid confusion, let me make it simple for you!"

    Frank pointed at the painting. "The canvas is real, but the painting isn''t the signature especially can be identified at first nce."

    Snorting and shaking his head, Frank then returned to his seat, picking up his cup of tea and taking a sip.

    The room was silent for a long while, until Hugh leapt to his feet. "No... That''s impossible!"

    He strode over, picking up the magnifying ss Travis dropped and

    finalinized every inch, untithe

    finally noticed the inconsistency on the signature that Frank pointed out.

    It really proved that the stamp was rtively recent.

    "H-How is that possible?!"

    Hugh turned toward Frank in astonishment-it was such a small w!

    Not even the best appraiser in Draconia would be able to tell, let alone them!

    And yet, Frank did so immediately...

    What did he even do for a living?!

    "Urgh..."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Travis breathed a deep sigh just then-to think that the painting he treasured so much was a fake!

    He almost choked and fainted right then but ultimately caught himself.

    Gritting his teeth, he barked at the stewardess still standing beside the painting, "Go buy me some matches! I''m burning this fake!"

    "No!"

    The guests were anxious right then, with the elderly Mr. Richton actually leaping to his feet. "Please, Mr. Dali. It may be fake, but it would still fetch a couple hundred grand! You''d have nothing if you burned it!"

    "Exactly! You should reconsider!"

    "Well..." Travis was hesitant and slid an ufortable nce at Frank.

    Frank simply smiled and shook his

    head. "See? said you''re selling reputation and not treasures. You refused to admit it, even spouting pretty promises... and now, when proven wrong, you refuse to stay true to your word."

 Chapter 1254

    Various expressions alternated over Travis'' face, and he bellowed at the stewardesses again, "Go, buy me a box of matches!"

    "Yes, Mr. Dali..." The stewardesses flinched and hurried away.

    Hugh was ring furiously at Frank. "Frank, haven''t you heard the saying ''live and let live''?"

    "Live and let live, really?"

    Frank chuckled in turn. "Did you listen to me when I tried to dissuade you from having me appraise that painting? You presumed I was trying to bail, even demanding that I kowtow to everyone." Hugh was stumped. He could only snort and clench his jaw.

    Soon, the stewardesses returned with matches.

    Travis'' hands were shaking, but he ultimately burned the painting as everyone watched.

    Even as the canvas was reduced to ashes, Travis'' cheek clenched in heartache.

    But there was no helping it-he had made a promise, and he must see it through.

    Such was the unspoken irond rule when it came to antique appraisal.

    "Alright, it''s just a fake painting. I''ll be leaving now."

    Seeing that everyone else was scowling, Frank tactfully turned to leave, positive that there were no treasures here.

    However, Travis stopped Frank. "Sir, you''d be mistaken if you believe that I''m that petty."

    Travis understood that Frank was leaving because his presence would be an insult to him, and hence, he said firmly, "I have collected and appraised antiques and other rarities all my life. They can''t all be fake -even if there''s one in my collection that proves to be fake, I will readily admit it."

    "As such, I invite you to look through them as a favor for me! If there are more fakes, I will destroy them like that painting!"

    "That''s no good, is it?" Frank smiled hesitantly.

    "What''s not good about that?!"

    Travis sighed. "Don''t worry, I won''t insult you. In fact, I will pay you a fee for every time you appraise. If it''s a fake, then you will be paid ten percent of what that item was

    worth. How about that?"

    "What?!"

    The guests were all stunned by Travis'' offer the man was really staking his coffers!

    Ten percent of what that a

    counterfeit item was worth... It was not just confidence in his coffers, but it was also confidence in the authenticity of his collection.

    Frank thought about it and decided to agree to it.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Seeing how confident Travis was, the man just might really have something impressive.

    And he would be paid for it as well... who knew if he could get what he needed without spending a dime, which was not necessarily bad for him. "Alright. I''ll stay," Frank said and returned to his seat.

    Around him, the other guests and Hugh were suddenly afraid to look at Frank.

    Despite his youth, he had a sharp eye for appraising.

    The other guests certainly did not

    believe that he was some sugar baby of the Turnbulls now. Even as they quietly wondered where Frank

    came from, they were doubting what Hugh said about Frank.

    After all, would a manwhore really be so skilled?

    "Hmph. I guess he has a couple of tricks up his sleeve, or Sif Lionheart wouldn''t have fallen to him."

    Even as Hugh thought he was in a pickle, he knew that he needed to be careful against Frank.

    Meanwhile, Travis presented the next item to be auctioned.

    It was a vivid wooden sculpture, and Frank did not show interest after just one nce, although he did not find any inconsistencies.

 Chapter 1255

    To no surprise, the wooden sculpture was not particrly valuable, and it was purchased for a modest 400 grand.

    After that, Travis presented a set of porcin tableware.

    Frank nodded, seeing no ws-even if nothing was catching his eye, the tableware was not fake, and it was sold for 150 million.

    Up front, Travis breathed a sigh of relief since Frank was not speaking up it seemed that the painting was the exception.

    As his mind was set at ease, he presented another item from his collection: a red coral crystal.

    "Everyone, this red coral crystal is plucked from the South Sea," he said proudly. "It''s a true rarity and worth a king''s ransom, and I would never have sold it if not for extenuating circumstances.

    "It is said to carry an aura and imbued with spiritrons-just keep it at your house, and it''ll bring good fortune and promote longevity. And now, I will sell it for a billion dors!"

    "A billion dors?!"

    Travis'' starting bid left the guests trading nces-it must be something special if the starting bid was already that high.

    On the other hand, anger was showing in Frank''s eyes, but he quickly hid it.

    "Promoting longevity... It''s great, and I can even smell a whiff of sweetness that clears the mind from over here."

    One of the guests nodded in approval but soon frowned. "But... a billion?"

    Indeed.

    Despite the red coral crystal being clearly valuable and despite Travis'' mystical description, everyone knew that it was only a treasure if someone was interested. Otherwise, it was just a rock.

    As for the mystical properties Travis described, it really was not worth the money to the guests present. The rock has its worth, but it was not worth a billion dors. What they wanted was something that was worth the investment, and not mystical half-truths.

    Naturally, Travis was a little anxious

    as he saw that his guests were skeptical. "This rock is definitely harvested from the South Sea, and it cost me 600 millions. I''ve kept it with me for years, so I''d know its effects better than anyone. I swear it''s something special, and definitely worth over a billion!"

    Seeing that the others were not acknowledging the value of the red

    coral crystal, Travis turned toward t

    Frank. After all, Frank has the

    sharpest eyes among them-if Frank sees the value and vouched dfor

    Travis, Travis would certainly feel

    more confident.

    Noticing Travis stare, the other guests turned toward Frank too.

    Frank mused to himself for a while and shook his head. "It''s no gem-it''s just a normal aquascape rock."

    "What?!"

    Travis gaped at Frank''sment, pointing a trembling finger at the

    rock as he asked, "Please, Mr.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    Lawrence... look again! It''s crystalline and has a bright, reflective luster! How is it not a gem?"

    Travis was right, and everyone was puzzled-it was a gem and would fetch over millions even if sold on that alone.

    Why would it not be?

    "Calm down," Frank said, silent for a moment and sighing. "It''s no gem, but I''ll take it. One billion."

    "What?!"

    Frank''s words left everyone puzzled.

    He first imed that it was just a normal rock... but now he was taking it for a billion?

 Chapter 1256

    Could the rock actually be a treasure, but Frank was just trying to y down its value so that the other guests would notpete?

    With that in mind, everyone was suddenly interested, while Travis was delighted.

    Frank''s move was basically promoting the rock!

    Beaming, he asked, "Forgive my ignorance, Mr. Lawrence, but I''ve always treated it as a red gemstone. Would you mind telling me what it is, if it''s not a gemstone?"

    "It really is just a normal rock," Frank said calmly, despite the troubled look in his eyes. "However, it holds a special meaning to me, which is why I will buy it."

    "Pfft."

    Hugh was snickering-did Frank really take them for fools?Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Whether it was really a gemstone or not, the fact that Frank tried to disparage it while trying to buy it meant there was something fishy going on.

    He must be worried that the others wouldpete with him.

    With that, Hugh looked up and grinned. "Since Mr. Lawrence is interested, there has to be something special about it, and I''ll buy it for the sake of research. I bid 1.1 billion." "Two billion," Frank said quietly even before the others could react. "Like I said, it''s pointless for the rest of you. Don''t screw over yourself."

    "And why would you think that?" Hugh retorted, sneering. "Three billion!"

    "Four billion," Frank said calmly. "I can keep going if you want."

    "4.5 billion!" Hugh smirked. "It''s not an issue, Frank. I have all the money I need."

    "Uh-huh. Five billion."

    Frank raised, still impassive. "This is my final raise. If you raise it again, I''d have to concede."

    Hugh snorted but considered Frank''s threat.

    If he raised again and Frank really gave up, he would end up having to buy that rock.

    And to be honest, he just wanted to

    mess

    that

    Frank-he did not

    I which was not wow water

    dors, let alone five,

    Sneering in contempt, he decided that since he had managed to mess with Frank anyway, there was no reason to go that far.

    Smiling, he returned to his armchair and smiled. "In that case, you can have it."

    Frank snorted.

    It was ridiculous that the rock which was not even worth a billion was sold for five billion.

    Even if Hugh did raise the bid

    ovel

    because he wanted to be mean, Frank must have had a brainfact, willingly buying a rock at the astronomical value of five billion.

    While Frank could definitely get

    the

    Whim Trevor Zurich, Helemet

    money

    and

    Vicky, he refused to tell anyone about the rock.

    He was not lying when he said that it held special meaning to him.

    It was a perfectly ordinary rock, and the reason it was red was because it was covered in blood.

 Chapter 1257

    And the blood on that rock was the essence of Mystic Sky Sect''s chief, failing his transcendence as mobs of martial artists attacked him.

    Despite his failure, the chief of Mystic Sky Sect-Frank''s mentor-had vaguely cultivated a strand of sage aura.

    And the blood on that rock contained it.

    Be it from a standpoint of principle or sentiment, Frank refused to let the rock fall into anyone else''s hands.

    The blood on that rock was a representation of his mentor''s resentment.

    A representation of the tragedy that was the fall of Mystic Sky Sect.

    A representation of the three years Frank spent adrift.

    Therefore, that rock was priceless for Frank-he would even buy it for a trillion, let alone five billion.

    Once Frank made payment, he was given the stone as he wished.

    It felt warm in his hand, as if the blood on it had yet to dry.

    Frank almost could not stop his tears just then, but he ultimately did.

    "Just watch, master," he vowed in his mind to the rock. "One day, I will restore Mystic Sky Sect... and all our enemies will pay." The rock seemed to resonate right then, and it seemed to flicker in Frank''s arms.

    "What?! Why..."

    Everyone could see the rock glowing in Frank''s arms, and were all gaping silently in astonishment.

    A glowing rock? What on earth was it?!

    The rock then started to expand twice its size, and...

    Crack!

    It shattered into pieces as everyone watched.

    "Hmm?!"

    Even so, Frank could feel it profoundly.

    As if the essence on the rock was alive, and subtly seeping into his open palm, fusing with the pure vigor within his body.

    Frank could feel the pure vigor in him condensing into liquid, trickling and extending across every meridian in his body.

    He ascended!

    His cultivation skyrocketed without anyone noticing, rising from full-fledged Birthright rank up to Ascendant pinnacle.

    "What..."

    "Hahahaha..."

    While Frank stared at his palms in disbelief, Hugh wasughing deafeningly in the distance, unaware of Frank''s ascendance.

    All he saw was Frank holding that red coral crystal, which shattered into dust all over the floor in an instant.

    Seeing the shock on Frank''s face, Hugh quickly came to his sensesz and scoffed. "What the heck, Frank? You bought that useless rock for five billion... Tut, tut, what keen eyes you have!"

    The other guests were amused too-even if Frank did show that he had an outstanding eye for appraisal, he had spent billions for a useless rock. Sucheuppance could not have been quicker!

    Frank, however, said nothing.

    He was quietly relishing the change in his meridians and pure vigor and repressing the omen of his ascension.

    If he did not and allowed his pure

    vigor to explode, Jade Dragon would

    be reduced to rubble, while Hugh

    and the other people in the room would be vaporized. Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    As Frank stayed silent, Hugh narrowed his eyes and gestured at the stewardesses. "Go and pick up every fast shard for Mr. Lawrence here. Don''t miss anything-those shards are worth five billion!"

 Chapter 1258

    "Oh, right..."

    The stewardess appeared troubled, but since Frank said nothing, they had no choice but to pick up the shards around him, putting everything in a bag before giving it to him. "Thank you." Frank thanked them.

    The stewardesses were flustered, since they presumed Frank would be angry, only for him to thank them instead.

    "Alright, I''m sure Mr. Lawrence has his own considerations, and it won''t matter even if it''s just shards." Travis quickly tried to make an excuse for Frank, considering the awkwardness. The rock shattered in Frank''s hands, after all-that was enough for him to defend himself if Frank pressed the issue.

    Still, he had to be considerate for Frank, and he quickly presented the next item in his collection.

    On the other hand, Frank was focusedpletely in his own body,pletely uninterested in anything Travis had to show from that point on.

    The skies were dark by the time Travis presented everything he had, with Hugh buying a vase of purest jade for 500 million dors.

    The other guests were impressed since that vase could be worth up to a billion, which was why Hugh was immensely pleased with himself.

    In contrast, Frank did not make another bid after his five billion dor rock shattered.

    Still, he did point out signs of forgery in another two items, which Travis happily destroyed.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.

    He had more than made up for his misfortunes with Frank''s five billion anyway, covering both his losses today and his debt.

    As such, he was plenty cheerful and hardly moping, even stopping Frank after the other guests left.

    "I can''t take me for what happened, Mr. Lawrence, but I still feel guilty since you''vee as a guest only to leave empty-handed."

    Pulling him behind the folded screen, Travis passed Frank a palm-sized jade fox sculpture and said, "That''s the relic I bought for three billionst week-I only saw the many ws afterward, but I still think it''s good value, worth around a couple hundred million. It''s now my gift to you, to let things end on a cheerful note on our first meeting."

    The man was certainly a shrewd

    businessman. He understood that Frank was given grief and offered a gift in return even if it was wed.

    It was no skin off Travis'' back, while Frank would at least have something.

    "Hmm...?"

    Still, Frank paused after ncing at the jade fox sculpture but quickly hid his reaction.

    epting the gift right then, he thanked Frank and left.

    "Well, what a shame..."

    Travis sighed hesitantly as he watched Frank leave-he was certainly eager to befriend Frank but was uncertain after what happened with the red coral crystal.

    Did the man really have talent, or did he really just make it up?

    Nheless, soon after Frank left Jade Dragon, thunder and long-awaited rain arrived.

    The red clouds of dusk were also

    mehow

    refracting a rainbow

    , while the thunder a

    d for less than ten minutes.

    Travis was certainly left perplexed by the odd weather.

    rain

    Meanwhile, in distant Southdam, an elderly man in a military uniform paused as if sensing something.

    Then, heughed heartily and gleefully as his elderly valet looked on.

    "Brat... You really didn''t disappoint! Ahahaha..."

    His valet was smiling too, clearly delighted.

 Chapter 1259

    Frank was idling over the following week, guiding Terry Cotton from his Lanecorp office to assimte what remained of the Blood Wolves.

    At the same time, he was training diligently, limating to his changing physique.

    He was now an equal of the martial elites across Draconia. While the Lionhearts'' retainers and stewards were a threat to Frank before, they were now simply insignificant.

    Now, only the Transcendent ranks who stood at the pinnacle of the country-Simon Lionheart, the head of the Lionheart household, and Frank''s own father, the Lord of the Southern Woods-would stand a chance against FrankContent property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    And as his strength improved, the air around him changed too.

    While he was vaguely mesmerizing before, he also carried the presence of a maestro, as if he had transcended beyond worldly matters.

    It was certainly unprecedented for anyone this young to carry such a powerful presence.

    It also took a while for Frank to realize that his almost frightening ascension was because he absorbed his mentor''s essence from the red coral crystal.

    The unique essence resonated with Frank''s Five-Peat Archaeus, making it easy for the fusion.

    Anyone else in his ce would implode instead.

    Feeling the lightness of his body, Frank wondered if he should take things to the next level and levitate by manipting his pure vigor.

    It was a technique of the immortals, and one above transcendence.

    Frank certainly felt anticipation at that thought-who in Draconia could stop him if he reached the mythical realm of immortality?

    Who could stop him from avenging his mother and rebuilding Mystic Sky Sect?

    Nheless, he got a call from

    Vicky one morning, while he was et

    busy training and dutifully serving as

    the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department.

    "Frank, Gene Pearce is hosting his charity auction today. Please don''t tell me you forgot."

    Vicky''s reminder left Frank taken aback-he actually forgot!

    The only thing on his mind since he left Blooming Junction was his ascension, and he had been busy training since!

    "I told you to prepare, didn''t I?"

    Vicky growled through her teeth over the phone and sounded ready to storm Zamri just then. "Busy hooking up with Helen, were you?" "No, of course not." Frank quickly shook his head.

    Ever since Zomber Group merged with Lanecorp, Helen had been busy as a bee-forget hooking up, as Frank had not even seen her days.

    "You''d better not." Vicky snorted.

    "Well, I knew this was going to happen, so I prepared an item beforehand. It will be delivered to Lanecorp about now..."

    Just as Vicky finished, someone knocked on Frank''s door.

    "Mr. Lawrence? Someone sent this for you."

    A security guard came in and put a beautifully wrapped gift box on Frank''s desk-it was a painting, from the looks of it.

    "Okay. You can go."

    Frank waved off the security guard, just as Vicky threatened him over the phone, "I can''t meet Mr. Pearce right now, but don''t forget to send him my regards, or I''m murdering you!"

    "Okay, got it." Frank smiled in wry amusement and asked seriously, "So, have you fully recovered?"

 Chapter 1260

    "Okay, got it." Frank smiled in wry amusement and asked seriously, "So? Have you fully recovered?"

    "Yeah, but there are traces." Vicky snorted. "I refuse to let Helen see it. So if you miss me, you''d just have to wait another few days." "Okay," Frank said and hung up in thought.

    He would go with Helen but decided not to impose since she was so busy.

    He then called Trevor Zurich. "Get me a car."

    Trevor appeared at a loss for once. "I don''t have a branch in Zamri, Mr. Lawrence. I don''t think I have anything that suits you-"

    "It''s just so that I don''t have to walk. Just get me one soon."

    "Alright..." Trevor replied, and soon, an Audi arrived downstairs.

    Frank did not mind the modest vehicle.

    After bringing along the present Vicky sent, he thought about it and brought the jade fox he received from Travis too.

    It was a wed sculpture, but after detailed observation, Frank discovered its true worth-a thumb-sized jade marrow inside the sculpture.

    The jade marrow was a unique natural wonder that developed over a thousand years. It could be used to refine pills which promoted longevity, and even wearing it as a cosmetic eased the spirit and dispelled bad fortune.

    It was worth almost three billion in the ck market¡ªa treasure beyond mary value.

    However, it was always well-concealed, and it was not surprising that Travis did not notice it.

    Acquiring it was more than a bargain for Frank. If Travis were to find out that the counterfeit item he bought for billions was a treasure and that he had given it away to Frank for free, the man would probably be choking. This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Frank was going to refine pills with the jade marrow and split it with Helen and everyone else, but he decided that it was not that big of a deal.

    Moreover, he still had half a vial of Kat Yego''s blood, so he could have as many higher quality jade marrows as he wanted.

    After much thought, he decided to give off the jade marrow for charity instead. He got it for free anyway, and it did not hurt to get nothing in

    turn for it.

    With that in mind, he took the jade fox and the painting Vicky delivered to Grand Coast Hotel.

    Grand Coast Hotel was Zamri''s best five-star hotel. Everything from its restaurants and banquet halls to its conference rooms were top-of-the line.

    Aside from those, they also had helipads, beauty parlors, boutiques, and bars catering to every need of their guests. Naturally, everything there cost an astronomical number, but Gene had booked it for half a year.

    It was extravagant beyondpare, but one expected nothing less of the richest man of the east coast.

    By the time Frank hurried there, various prestigious cars and exotic sports cars were parked outside.

    Frank''s Audi was therefore a duck standing among swans, and everyone was shooting it looks of disdain.

    That was when Frank realized what Trevor was hesitant about.

    Still, it was of no concern to him as he parked his car and entered the hotel lobby with his present.

 Chapter 1261

    Gene was assuredly above the rest, but one could expect nothing less of the richest man of the east coast.

    The bigwigs who attended the charity auction were authorities in politics, business, or even the military. They were either rich or powerful, their authority extending over the country.

    Frank also spotted representatives from illustrious families such as the Soranos, the Lionhearts, and the Jankos. They were all mingling cordially in the lobby, and the vibes were cheerful with endlessughter.

    Still, Frank did not get involved and started looking for a ce to sit and wait for Gene, when a security guard intercepted him. "Greetings, sir. Would you mind showing your invitation?" "Invitation?" Frank did a double take, only to remember that he had left in a hurry since Vicky was urging him.

    The invitation was left in his desk drawer because of that.

    What should he do now? He would not make it back in time if he returned now.

    After musing to himself for a while, he looked up at the security guard. "I have the invitation, but I left in a hurry and forgot to bring it. Would you mind letting me through?" However, the security guard''s smile stiffened, and he frowned. "In that case, would you mind telling me whichpany or family you represent? We can ask for you."

    "I see. I''m from Lanecorp." Frank nodded, thinking for a moment that Gene''s people were nice enough.

    "Lanecorp?"

    The security guard frowned again, and his expression cooled after he confirmed it through his headset. "I''m sorry, but we never invited Lanecorp. I''m afraid you have to leave the door''s that way." Frank did a double take as the security guard was already chasing him off.

    Moreover, the invitation was sent to Lanecorp. Why would they not be on the list?

    Sighing, he said, "If Lanecorp''s not on the list, what about Vicky Turnbull?"

    "Sir, please be reasonable." The security guard glowered.

    In his mind, Frank was obviously an interloper trying to sneak into the auction.

    First naming some unknownpany and then name-dropping the Turnbulls? He was certainly bold.

    He beckoned, and three other security guards strode up to them, ready to chase Frank away.

    Themotion quickly drew much

    attention at the hall, with Hugh

    Turnbull himselfing uch

    dressed in a fancy suit and having a prettydy in one arm.

    "Heh¡ªand here I wondered who was name-dropping my family to sneak in here. Color me surprised, Frank Lawrence."

    He sneered, not holding back as soon as he saw Frank.

    Frank simply snorted and ignored him.

    "Mr. Lawrence? What brings you here?" another voice asked just then.

    Frank turned and saw that it was Ned Janko, grinning in surprise when he saw Frank.

    Seeing the bodyguards surrounding Frank, Ned scowled and snapped coolly, "Step aside. Mr. Lawrence here is my friend."

    "I''m sorry, sir, but we have orders...

    He

    imed

    have an invitation and

    he was fromet

    first,

    and then the Turnbulls-"

    The security guard then realized with a start-there was a Turnbull right there with them!

    Turning toward Hugh-who was simply

    asked, "Mr. Turnbull, does this man represent your family?"

    Ching in amusement-heOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1262

    Hugh certainly would not give up on a chance to add insult to injury, and he chuckled coolly. "Heh. Never heard anything about that¡ªhe''s just Vicky Turnbull''s sugar baby. Someone like him attending a charity auction of such prestige?"

    "If I were you, Frank, I''d be hiding my face and running away instead of standing here and being stubborn. What an embarrassment to my family."

    The crowd turned toward Frank at that,ughing in disdain when they noticed that Frank''s suit was just barely worth a few grand.

    "No way... Someone name-dropped the Turnublls?"

    "Didn''t you hear what Mr. Turnbull said? He''s Vicky Turnbull''s sugar baby."

    "Tut, tut... No wonder."

    Ned was quickly glowering darkly when he heard them and stood in front of Frank as he snapped, "Mr. Lawrence is my friend. Anyone who messes with him, messes with me!"

    Theughter subsided a little, but the crowd was soon talking about something else.

    "No way! Standing up for a sugar baby?! The rumors about Ned Janko must be true!"

    "Shit, the Jankos even made a statement. Guess it''s just bullshit."

    "Disgusting..."

    Ned flushed from frustration when he heard, but just as he was about to snap, Hugh strode up.

    "Mr. Janko, I understand that you are different from the rest," he said, deliberately pausing for a moment while letting the othersugh. "But Frank is supposedly our live-in son-inw. Could it be possible that you are both involved? As for you, Frank... I wonder what Vicky would do to you if I informed her and Uncle Glen."

    It was clear that Hugh meant to drive a wedge between Frank and his family, so that they would chase him away or at least start an argument between him and Vicky.

    That way, the Turnbulls would not me him when he avenged Sif Lionheart.

    He kept insisting that everything he did was for the sake of the family, while making it look like Frank was embarrassing them.

    As such, he would have every reason to do whatever he wanted with Frank-by saying he had to deal with him for constantly embarrassing the Turnbull family. Even Glen Turnbull could not me him at that point, while he avenged Sif and earned the Lionhearts'' favor.

    Talk about killing three birds with one stone.

    Naturally, Frank was not aware about such convoluted schemes, though he would not be bothered even if he were aware.

    All he knew was that Hugh was an annoying insect buzzing around his ears-he would not mind letting it slide a couple of times, but more than that meant death.

    But considering that this was Gene''s turf and it was a charity auction to celebrate his recovery, Frank ultimately restrained his temper.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Studying Hugh from head to toe, he

    sneered as he suddenly had an idea. "You really care a lot about the private lives of others, Mr. Turnbull, though think you should be more worried about yourself. After all, you might already have caught what yourdy has."

 Chapter 1263

    "What?!"

    Hugh turned in shock toward Amber, the woman at his side.

    He found her at a nightclub, and she said she needed the job and had no choice. The reason was that her family circumstances were tragic-her father was a gambler, her mother walked out on them, and she had two brothers who were still in school

    Naturally, Hugh did not believe Amber, but he still did not mind keeping her around for his amusement over a few days with her pretty face. It naturally shocked him that Frank said she was sick, and he was at once unsettled.

    Amber was panicking after what Frank said too, as everyone was now watching her and Hugh after what Frank said.

    Still, her first response was to snap at Frank. "That''s bullshit! You''re the one who''s sick!"

    Frank simply chuckled coolly. "Hehe, I can tell right away if there''s something wrong with you I''m the one who cured Gene Pearce, after all. You really don''t have to question my abilities."

    The hall was left in an uproar right then.

    "What?! He cured Gene Pearce?!"

    "Wait, he''s the one who saved Gene Pearce? The one Gene Pearce himself spoke of?"

    "No way, he''s too young. And Gene said that man practices Draconia traditional Medicine."

    The crowd remained skeptical, since Frank was just too young.

    Hugh was in turn scowling as he shouted, "Don''t believe him, everyone. He''s just a sugar baby of my family and spewing nonsense. He doesn''t know medicine at all! Even if he did and saved Gene Pearce, why wouldn''t he have an invitation, and why were the security guards ready to chase him away?!"

    Everyone nodded-if Frank did save Gene, why would he not have an invitation, and why were the security guards ready to chase him away?!

    Was that not just bullshit?

    "I left the invitation in my office because I came in a hurry," Frank said just then.

    "Hah! Did you think anyone would believe such a childish lie?!"

    vol

    Hughughed coolly as he kept yelling at Frank, "If you really did save Gene Pearce, I''ll kowtow to you three-no, ten times! You''ll do that if you didn''t, how about that?

    "Why not?" Frank smiled-Hugh wanted a p in the face, and there was no reason for him to refuse.

    Still, he

    d his lips wryly. "Still, a

    word of advice-consult a

    I soon and you just ne

    might be able to save yourself.

    Otherwise, you''ll be a eunuch."

    Hugh cringed at Frank''s words, but he snapped, "Shut up! You''ll pay for your insolence if you keep talking."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Frank shrugged innocently. "Why don''t you ask your girl and see? You must already be feeling tired and a sinking pain in your groin." "Pfft..."

    Ned chuckled audibly nearby, already able to tell from Hugh''s reaction that Frank had hit him where it hurt.

    Hugh wheeled on Amber right then with a furious re.

    Though feeling guilty, Amber refused to admit it and braced Hugh''s angry re as she quickly said, "Why would lie to you, Mr. Turnbull? That prick is just bullshiting to mess with you. Don''t fall for his ploy!"

 Chapter 1264

    Though feeling guilty, Amber refused to admit it and braced Hugh''s angry re as she quickly said, "Why would I lie to you, Mr. Turnbull? That prick is just bullshiting to mess with you. Don''t fall for his ploy!" Nheless, Hugh was wary even though Amber''s take was reasonable, as Frank was right about his condition.

    He quietly sneaked away, finding a man with a square jaw in the crowd and asking under his breath, "Dr. Jackson, could you take a look at me, and see if there''s really something wrong?" The man with a square jaw, Dennis Jackson, was the chief of Zamri Hospital and one of Zamri''s Three Bears.

    However, he was only allowed to attend the charity auction because it happened to be held in Zamri. Even though Gene owned his hospital, he was the lowest in pecking order among the guests present. However, he still had some degree of authority in Zamri, and seeing that a Turnbull heir was approaching him, he smiled as he took Hugh''s pulse.

    He then checked Hugh''s tongue and other vitals, thinking to himself for a moment before saying softly, "You''re fine, Mr. Turnbull-you''re just a little weak in the kidneys. With a little supplementation, you''ll be good as new."

    Hugh was immediately relieved, and red hostilely at Frank, who was having a chat with Ned.

    How dare he mess with him with such lies! That only added to the list of grievances Hugh held against Frank, and he vowed to bury him!

    On the other hand, Frank vaguely sensed someone watching him.

    He turned to find Hugh glowering at him, as well as the middle-aged doctor who took his pulse.

    He chuckled, shaking his head-Hugh would be lucky if the doctor was skilled and diagnosed him properly.

    If the doctor was not, well...

    Chuckling and shaking his head, Frank dismissed them from their thoughts.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    However, he found Dennis somewhat familiar, seemingly having met him somece else.

    The doctor noticed Frank looking at him too and was frowning after a brief exchange with Hugh.

    He suddenly turned toward Frank, ring hostilely and leaving Frank a little puzzled.

    Nheless, the other guests were still busy socializing, and Gene had yet to show up.

    It seems that social mingling was an

    rule for polite society, and

    starting to get impatient

    from waiting.

    He headed to the men''s room, but just as

    ¨¨ was about to leav eral security guardse

    standing at the doorway, stopping him.

    Their leader was Birthright rank, and he was clenching his knuckles while glowering viciously, "Kid, I don''t

    know who you are to Mr. Janko, but someone paid for your balls."

    "My balls?" Frank remained calm despite being encircled, even asking in return in amusement, "Who did? Hugh Turnbull?!"

    "Hah! He wouldn''t have to stoop that low. Now give me your nose!"

    With that, the security guard swung his fist squarely at Frank''s face.

    Frank simply remained where he was, making no effort to block or dodge.

    Seeing that, the security guard was convinced he was just too quick for Frank and was grinning with savage confidence.

    After all, his client paid to have Frank''s balls and leave him with scars to remember.

 Chapter 1265

    And nothing was more memorable than disfigurement.

    Even as savagery filled the Birthright rank security guard''s thoughts, Frank stayed where he was, remaining impressive as he stood, watching as the man''s fistnded squarely on his face. He did not even bother to use pure vigor to shield himself.

    Crunch!

    Even as the security guard grinned gleefully as he heard bones break audibly, thinking that he had broken Frank''s nose, his face soon fell.

    He could feel the heartrending pain from his knuckles and looked down to see that it was his fingers that had broken, not Frank''s nose!

    "Argh!" A blood-curdling scream resounded in the men''s room, and the security guard dropped on his rear, clutching his arm while sweating all over his brow.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Since he had put all his strength into his punch, the recoil shattered every bone from his fingers up to his arm, and it was left dangling limply like mush.

    Naturally, not everyone could withstand the agony of an entire broken arm.

    "W-What''s going on here?"

    The two other security guards were left trading nces.

    They presumed that their leader would assert himself with that punch and even had a script ready to tter him, only to watch as he fell to the floor, clutching his arm and screaming.

    The security guard leader was at once frustrated seeing his men standing there stupidly and bellowed, "What are you waiting for?! Fuck him up!"

    "Oh? Okay!"

    The two security guards were taken aback but quickly charged at Frank.

    Bang!

    Crash!

    It took two seconds, and there was a loud noise as water gushed from somewhere.

    The security guard leader was left stunned for a moment. He turned to find that one of his men was on his knees, his head shoved into the toilet bowl.

    The other had his head smashed into a urinal. Hey limply on the floor, twitching, and his fate unknown. Frank remained where he was as if he never moved, and there was not even a drop of water on his clothes. "Shit!"

    The security guard leader was petrified right then-those two men were vigorous wielders, and they should not have problems dealing with some average Joe!

    And yet, they were dealt with in under two seconds, and so crisply!

    It was simply unbelievable!

    There was only one reason that could have happened this man was much stronger than they thought!

    "Ascendant rank?!"

    The security guard leader paled even as he clutched his limp arm, still on his knees.

    It was no surprise why Frank did not bother to defend himself¡ªit was not as if he was too slow.

    It was simply unnecessary, as the security guard leader would not even break his skin!

    Naturally, the security guard leader was petrified as he realized that Frank could kill him with just a punch if he wanted to!

    Just then, Frank dropped to a crouch beside him and asked quietly, "So, who sent you? If it wasn''t Hugh, it still had to be someone, right?"

    "Yes... Yes..."

    The security guard almost wet himself when he felt Frank''s aura but he braced against it for the sake of survival. "I-It was Dennis Jackson. He paid us each five million to castrate you..."

    "Dennis Jackson?"

    Frank frowned and rubbed his chin as he recalled. "As in that middle-aged doctor chatting with Hugh Turnbull earlier?"

 Chapter 1266

    "Dennis Jackson?"

    Frank frowned and rubbed his chin as he recalled. "As in that middle-aged doctor chatting with Hugh Turnbull earlier?"

    The one who looked a little familiar before?

    The security guard nodded and quickly added, "Yes. Square jaw, ck pinstripe suit..."

    That left Frank surprised, and he pressed, "Why would he want to attack me? Did I upset him or something?"

    The security guard spilled the beans immediately-anything to survive. "He snapped once Mr. Turnbull told him that you are Frank Lawrence. He said that you castrated his boy and sent us after you..." "Don''t you work for Gene Pearce? Why would you follow his orders?" Frank asked in curiosity.

    "Well, yeah... we are security guards working for Mr. Pearce, but Dennis Jackson works for him. So..."

    After the security guard exined the connection between Dennis and Gene, Frank finally understood.

    Bill Jackson was Dennis'' son, and Frank had basically castrated him.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    And having learned what he did, Dennis was now after him.

    "I see..." Frank nodded and spared the security guard''s life.

    After all, they were merely following orders-Dennis was the one who was behind this.

    With that, Frank briskly left the men''s room.

    To no surprise, Dennis was watching the door in the distance. As such, he was left stunned with disbelief to see Franking out alone and unscathed.

    Beside Dennis, Hugh was frowning

    three security guards sent

    20-thenk were handpicked by

    Dennis and were all martial artists.

    So why did they not leave him a bloody pulp?

    On the other hand, Frank was not taking it lying down.

    Smiling faintly, he headed to where Hugh and Dennis were sitting, pulling out a chair for himself to sit beside Dennis.

    Pretending not to know Dennis, he smiled at Hugh. "Brother, why don''t you introduce me to this man?"

    "Who do you think you''re calling brother?" Hugh snorted while shooting Frank a re of contempt, refusing to y along.

    Dennis, however, was staring fixedly

    at Frank. Nice to meet you, Mr. Lawrence. I''m Dennis Jackson the chief of Zamri Hospital. I''ve heard a lot about you."

    "Hehe... Likewise." Frank smiled and e pped Dennis on the shoulder as he asked, "I heard your son had his balls smashed because he messed with someone he shouldn''t have?"

    Frank clearly felt Dennis flinch, and he was glowering obviously.

    It was a clear provocation-Frank was even rubbing salt into his wound! "What''s that supposed to mean, Mr. Lawrence? Do you mean to harass me?!"

    Dennis growled as his eyes shed viciously, ready to kill Frank right then.

    Frank was unmoved, even smiling. "But I''d like to ask you-do you know why that happened to your son?"

    "Why?" Dennis growled, repressing his rage just then.

    "Because he asked for it!" Frank sighed, shaking his head.

    "You prick!" Dennis mmed his hands on the table, ready to spring to his feet and tear Frank a new one.

 Chapter 1267

    However, Frank kept his hand on Dennis'' shoulder, holding him in his seat.

    Dennis could actually feel his bones ready to crack from the pressure.

    "Argh!!!" he growled, his fury akin to an erupting mountain. His face flushed so hard that he could bleed from his pores, while Frank restrained him.

    "Calm down." Frank smiled as he pped him on the shoulder. "You can get upset after I tell you what your son did."

    Dennis could not even speak just then and red fixedly at Frank to see what else Frank had to say.

    "Your son... Well, he''s quite something." Frank clicked his tongue and told Dennis everything Bill did at Riverton University.

    First, he put the moves on Winter Lawrence and ndered Frank in front of the graduates while lying that he invited all the bigwigs attending the convocation.

    Then, getting upset after Dan Zimmer pped him while everyone watched, he stormed off and returned with arge group of goons. He was intent on inflicting violence on Frank and Winter, even drugging Winter.

    After Frank calmly told Dennis every atrocity his sonmitted, he added, "You can ask Dan Zimmer yourself to confirm it. I wouldn''t stoop to lying to you."

    Dennis'' temper actually eased slightly, as Frank told him apletely different story from what his son said.

    ording to Bill, he and Winter were in love, but Frank refused to ept him and made a scene to embarrass Bill in front of everyone.

    As Bill got upset and was going to give Frank a piece of his mind, Frank manipted Dan into cutting ties with Bill. He then called in thugs to beat up Bill, effectively castrating him.

    That was why Dennis held a bitter grudge against Frank-even if he was not particrly influential, he had to do something after his son was humiliated.

    However, he was also too busy running errands for Gely to make time for his personal vendetta against Frank.

    Now that he had run into Frank by

    chance, he naturally seized the

    opportunity, bribing some of the

    security guards to give Franka beating.

    Svon

    Still, Frank''spletely different ount of what happened left Dennis hesitating.

    There was no doubting that Frank

    was a nobody, and Hugh even imed that Frank was endlessly insolent and not worth trusting. And yet, Dennis could tell that there was something fishy about his son''s ount of what happened.

    However, Dennis was left in a dilemma, Hugh was shaking his head and sneering, having heard everything.

    "Hmph. I get it now, Frank. Leaving aside what Dr. Jackson''s son did, it''s the truth that you crippled Dennis'' son, no?"

    "It is." Frank nodded.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "And were you hurt at all?"

    "Nope," Frank admitted.

    "Well, that settles it!" Hugh chuckled coolly, turning toward the hesitant Dennis. "The truth of Frank''s words notwithstanding, he did cripple your son and left him bedridden-that''s a fact And it''s a fact too that Frank is alive and kicking. I''m sure you know what you should be doing now?"

    Dennis glowered at Hugh''s goading.

    That was true-regardless of his son''s mistake, or if Frank was telling the truth, it was reality that his son was a cripple.

    And when the culprit was strutting in his face, did it matter who was in the right?

    With that in mind, Dennis snorted coldly and red hatefully at Frank.

 Chapter 1268

    Dennis snapped, "I did not ask if you or my son is at fault, Frank! I''m Bill''s father, and I won''t just y nice to the man who crippled him-even if I can''t beat you now, someone else will!" "I will tell Gene Pearce about this!" He snorted coldly. "We''ve been friends for years, so if you want to live, break your own balls ande to my house to apologize to my son... or else!" "Exactly. Once Mr. Pearce takes action, you will suddenly realize who''s right." Hugh sneered beside Dennis.

    It was obvious that Hugh was using Dennis'' connection to Gene to get rid of Frank, as he was convinced Frank was a dead man if Gene made his move.

    After all, the man had both the money and connections, while Hugh did not have to do a thing to kill Frank and avenge Sif Lionheart.

    Nothing was more ideal since the Turnbulls could not turn against Gene.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    However, Frank remained undaunted. In fact, he was puzzled. "Dennis, may I just ask if you''re actually close with Gene Pearce?"

    Dennis stiffened at Frank''s question, feeling caught just then.

    Still, he was

    not

    about to show

    weakness in front of his enemy and

    sneered. Of course I am. I''ve worked under him for years and served him loyally. A request for him to crush an insect like you is no request at all, so you''d better-"

    "Alright, alright." Frank waved him off, pursing his lips wryly. "After all that, you''re just saying you''re hispdog, and now, you have to wag your tail just to get him to do anything to me."

    Even as Frank sighed, Dennis realized that Frank was right, but nheless, he snapped, "Shut up! Mr. Pearce respects me. He doesn''t treat me like a ve!"

    "That''s not the point." Frank chuckled shaking his head. "You have one chance, Dennis. Listen to me and let it go-don''t ask Gene toe after me, or you''ll have bitten off more than what you can chew."

    With that, he left nonchntly, while his contemptible words left Dennis mming his knuckle on the table violently.

    "What a prick!" he growled. "He crippled my stand and still struts around! I''m not going to let this slide!"

    "Exactly. You shouldn''t." Hugh

    nodded and assured Dennis, "You

    have nothing to worry about. Just ask Mr. Rearce for help-when the timees, I will liaise with my family. No one, be it Glen or Vicky, would hold a grudge or seek reprisals."

    Feeling Hugh''s sincerity, Dennis nodded gratefully. "In that case, I have nothing more to worry about. Thank you, Mr. Turnbull!" "Hehe..." Hugh''s grin broadened.

 Chapter 1269

    Soon, Gene himself appeared on the second floornding.

    His cheeks were flushed. He had a fineplexion, and he did not need help walking, not to mention that his back was sharply upright.

    "Everyone, wee to my charity auction. You may consider it a gesture of gratitude to all who showed concern while I was taken ill."

    "Hehe." He chuckled as he headed downstairs. "So many havee to visit me, bringing all kinds of presents, which is why it urred to me that we should just put together a charity auction.

    "On one hand, we''d all be contributing to phnthropy, which is a good deed. On the other hand, I can hold an event where everyone can gather-who knows, new partnerships might be forged, and there''s money to be made."

    The hall apuded as Gene finished-the man could certainly give a speech.

    Moreover, he gave the perfect excuse for everyone giving him gifts, making a killing while using the auction to announce his grand return.

    Not only would he lose nothing, but he would also be improving his reputation-the richest man of the east coast certainly earned his title for his cunning.

    Still, looking around the lobby, Gene sighed. "I was going to introduce my guardian angel to everyone, but it seems that he couldn''t make it because he''s busy. What a pity."

    "Guardian angel?"

    Everyone''s heart skipped a beat.

    Gene''s guardian angel? Was he referring to the man who saved his life?

    And he did note?

    Still, Gene nodded. "Alright, anyway, I''m grateful that everyone could make it Let''s get down to business-present your gifts for the auction! Naturally, I would buy it myself should it suit me."

    As the hall broke into apuse again, Hugh was sneering.

    Frank had just said that he saved Gene''s life-why was he not saying anything?

    He looked around, and chuckled coldly when he found Frank sitting in a corner, resting his eyes.

    "Heh. I guess he was lying after all!" Dennisughed coolly and got to his feet, ready to ask Gene to kill Frank.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    However, Hugh stood up and caught Dennis'' arm too, whispering, "Calm down, Dr. Jackson. Now''s not a good time."

    "Not a good time?" Dennis did a double take and stared at Hugh in confusion.

    Hugh sneered darkly as he pointed at the object in Frank''sp.

    Dennis looked closely and saw it too-Frank must be taking part in the auction as well.

    "Mr. Turnbull, you''re mean..." Dennis did a double take, but soon shed a thumbs up, impressed as he realized what Hugh was nning.

    "Hehe. Just look at the thing on hisp-he''s taking part in the auction too, so all we have to do is wait Once he does, we will expose his lies in front of the guests and M Pearce!"

    Hugh smiled savagely, as he seemed to imagine the panic showing on Frank''s face upon being exposed. "When that happens, you can tell Mr. Pearce about how he crippled your son."

 Chapter 1270

    Hugh chuckled. "Since so many are watching, it''s impossible for Mr. Pearce to stay his hand-not when he''s suffering such tant nder while one from his subordinate''s family has been assaulted! When that happens..."

    Dennis was pping andughing even before Hugh finished. "Frank is a dead man, and my son will be avenged!"

    "Exactly!" Hugh nodded smugly-Frank would never weasel his way out of this one.

    No matter how strong he was, did he stand a chance against the richest man of the east coast?

    Gene had all the money and connections he needed. He just had to hire a couple of guys, and Frank would be dead as a doornail.

    Even as Hugh and Dennis hatched their n, they were leering at Frank sinisterly.

    Frank sensed it too, but he could not care less since he was preupied his jade fox sculpture was broken.

    It was likely that there was contact when he fought the security guards earlier in the men''s room, and the sculpture was slowly cracking.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    If the jade marrow was extracted prematurely, the effect would diminish greatly-if it did not vaporize right away.

    Having no choice, he took out the jade marrow, holding it on his palm, and mixed it with the herbs he brought, refining them into pills using his pure vigor.

    That was why he was hiding there, his eyes closed.

    And since he did not bring his invitation and Gene did not see him, Gene presumed he never came.

    Meanwhile, the hall was at once lively as one item was auctioned after another.

    The rich and the powerful were all making bidspetitively, with the Jankos, Soranos, and Lionhearts all getting absorbed.

    On the other hand, Frank remained in his corner for half an hour and sighed in relief.

    Fortunately and despite refining the

    pill with his bare hand under the dire circumstances without

    equipment-he refined five Jade

    Marrow Pills with an emerald hue.

    It was an incredible pill. In a tome from Mystic Sky Sect, it only had one line describing its property: extends lifespan by twenty years.

    Even if Frank had refined it in a hurry and it was hardly perfect, its effect would still extend a person''s lifespan by a decade.

    Naturally, extending one''s lifespan sounded mystical, but the one who ate it would feel it, with their white hairs turning ck, and their teeth regrowing, while their wrinkles smoothed out.

    Frank then ced the pills into a small box, ready to auction one, while saving the rest for Helen, Vicky, and the others.

    After all, living for another decade would certainly appeal to anyone, which was why Frank believed it would definitely work as an auction item.

    When he was done preparing, Frank did not wait thest item was an antique porcin tableware set sold for 200 million.

    Everyone in the lobby was looking forward to the next auction item, as the excitement in the hall reached a climax.

    Frank stood up, but before he could announce his item, Hugh saw that and beat him to it.

    It was exactly what he was waiting

    for, carrying the vase he brought as

    he strode up on stage. "Everyone, I''m auctioning this pure jade vase-a relic of an ancient civilization."

 Chapter 1271

    "What? A pure jade vase from ancient times?!"

    "The Turnbulls really are rich!"

    "That has to be worth billions..."

    As the guests went abuzz, Hugh announced, "With this gift, on behalf of the Norsedam Turnbulls, I wish Mr. Pearce good health and prosperity."

    "How kind of you! Thank you very much." Gene smiled and nodded.

    He was close with the Turnbulls, and they were tight as business partners.

    Although the main family did note, a branch family was here and brought such a precious present, so it counted.

    And it was a grace to be remembered.

    "That pure jade vase dates back to an ancient civilization? That''s why the Turnbulls are the top phnthropists of the country, willingly donating such a treasure." "They really are generous!"

    Hugh was smiling smugly as he basked in the praise, feeling immeasurably smug.

    It did hurt spending so much money on the vase, but being praised and making a good impression on Gene made up for it.

    Moreover, getting into Gene''s good graces and getting a chance to work with him was definitely worth the millions of dors in investment.

    Convinced that he would soon get a return for his investment, he could not wipe the smirk off his face.

    However, he suddenly felt upset when he nced at Frank and found no reaction from him at all, let alone jealousy.

    Still, he calmed down soon enough-he would have Frank resting in pieces eventually!

    "Alright, let''s start the bidding now!"

    "50 million!"

    "60 million!"

    "100 million!"

    Hugh''s grin broadened as many among the guests began to make their bids.

    However, just as someone made the 100 million dor bid, a cold voice shouted from the distance, "Wait!"

    "What?"

    The voice drew every attention, and everyone turned to see the man in the corner, slowly making his way through the crowd and up to the stage.

    Naturally, it was Frank.

    Before he could speak, however, Hugh

    do youwered and snapped, "What

    < you are doing?! Are you

    trying to cause a disturbance in Mr. Pearce''s charity auction?!"

    "Frank!"

    Gene''s eyes lit up, but Frank shot him a look to stop him from speaking.

    Now was not the time for nostalgia, as Frank noticed an issue with the pure jade vase.

    And being as shrewd as Gene, he could tell from Frank''s gesture that he had something important to say.

    He could wait until Frank was done to announce their connection anyway.

    At the same time, Frank walked onstage, studying the pure jade vase that sat on the table covered in velvet cloth.

    It was counterfeit, just as he thought!

    A week ago, he did not look at it closely and did not notice the miniscule signs of alterations at the vase pedestal.

    A weekter, after he stabilized his cultivation, his sight was naturally much better than a week ago.

    That was why he could spot it immediately now.

    "This vase is a counterfeit," he announced tly in front of all the guests after a brief silence.

    "What?!"

    Hugh flew into a rage right then.

    His heart was thumping as he sensed danger, but he certainly could not expose himself when so many people were watching,deast of to

    all Gene! Content etOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1272

    Hugh pointed at Frank as he snapped, "Who do you think you are, Frank?! Every item presented here would''ve been appraised by a specialist. There is no way my vase is a fake! Or perhaps you think you''re better than the appraiser Mr. Pearce invited?!"

    "Hmph."

    An elderly white haired man snorted audibly from the front row.

    He was the appraiser Gene invited and a famous magister on the east coast.

    Since he appraised every auction item before it was brought on stage while he stated an estimated value, Frank''s loud protest was undoubtedly a p to his face.

    "Son, I''m Tet Boran of Ysalin, and everyone addresses me as a magister. I have seen that pure jade vase with my own eyes-there''s no faking it! If you''re trying to cause trouble, you''ve picked the wrong opponent!"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "What?! That''s Magister Boran?!"

    "That''s Gene Pearce for you. He invited a magister!"

    The man in white''s words left everyone in shock-the man knew his antiques and modern articles, and was himself an elite martial artist well-versed in mysticism.

    It was said that a businessman who had suffered endless losses made some changes to his ancestral graves at Tet''s suggestion, and hit it rich by the next year.

    No one could say what principles were at work, but the rich tended to get superstitious. That was how Tet secured a strong reputation and earned the good graces of many.

    In fact, it was under Tet''s advice that Gene had bought plenty of property all the way in Zamri and brought him to Frank by chance.

    It counted as another feather on Tet''s cap, which was why Gene held him in such high esteem.

    Naturally, it was an awkward situation for Gene when Frank suddenly questioned Tet''s ability in appraisal.

    On one side was a magister he could not afford to insult, while the other man was his guardian angel.

    If he spoke up just then and messed up, it would leave a bad impression either way.

    Fortunately for him, Frank kept

    things short and pointed at a small crack at the vase pedestal, asking quietly, "Since you call yourself an appraiser, why don''t you look closely at this crack?"

    "Hmph!"

    Tet chuckled coldly. "I''ve seen it. It''s absolutelymon for a vase as old as this one to have cracks."

    "True." Frank nodded but soon

    added, "But if you look at it with a magnifying ss, you will notice a little inconsistency within that half millimeter crack. It''s clearly a counterfeit, forged with grafting!"

    "What?!"

    Tet sprang to his feet at Frank''s words, staring at Frank in disbelief.

    Frank''s tone was confident and showed no hints of indecision.

    In fact, Tet was narrowing his eyes as he noticed that Frank was different just then.

    As a martial artist himself, he could not sense Frank''s pure vigor, but there was just something fundamentally different about the kid.

    He appeared as if he had

    transcended beyond earthliness. It

    was as if Tet was looking at one of

    the best of Draconia, feeling the

    f.n

    same unstoppable presence they seemed to carry with their

    O

    boundless vigor.

    All Frank did was stand there, but anyone closing their eyes to feel him could sense the danger he embodied.

 Chapter 1273

    Could the young man have created new heights with his martial arts and already risen among the best of Draconia?!

    Tet was shocked by his own hunch, especially by the half-millimeter crack Frank mentioned.

    No average Joe could have peered into it and would struggle even with a magnifying ss!

    "Grafting, huh..." Tet murmured as he beckoned at his apprentice to bring a high magnification magnifying ss.

    On the stage, Hugh started to panic a little as he saw Tet about to appraise his vase again.

    Frank might be his enemy and Sif Lionheart''s murderer, but Hugh still had to admit that Frank was skilled when it came to appraisal.

    He already proved himself back at Jade Dragon, noticing ws that even collectors could not see.

    "Bastard..."

    At that moment, Hugh realized that Frank must have kept quiet when he bought the vase and waited until he presented it to point out the w, just to humiliate him! There was no doubt about it-the man''s cunning was sinister!

    However, his me was misced.

    First of all, when Frank touched his master''s essence at Jade Dragon, he was busy repressing the omen of his ascension to scrutinize every item.

    As for the pure jade vase''s defect, he only noticed it by chance after he ascended.

    He certainly could have chosen to be silent-if even an appraiser of Tet''s standard could not notice that w, none would be the wiser if Frank did not mention it.

    It was therefore Hugh''s mistake for upsetting Frank and continuously insulting him.

    For that, Frank decided to show him, by embarrassing him in front of everyone.

    "Don''t listen to him, magister," Hugh told Tet right then. "He has a grudge against me, and he''s always known for seeking attention. He''s stepping forward now just to steal the spotlight-"

    "Silence!" Tet snapped at him right then.

    Naturally, Hugh kept his mouth shut right then.

    Tet was a

    important of Draconia would insult, while Hugh was just

    branch of the Turnbuet

    All he could do was re spitefully at Frank, while he added another item on the list of grudges he bore against Frank. Meanwhile, after Tet and his apprentices studied the pure jade vase closely, Tet sighed exasperatedly and nodded at Frank. "This young gentleman is right, and I missed it... the pure jade vase is counterfeit."

    The hall was left in an uproar right then.

    Leaving aside the fact that the pure

    jade vase is counterfeit, a man of Tet''s standing was deferring to some unknown youth and admitting that he was wrong?!

    It was simply unimaginable!

    Naturally, only insiders like Tet could see the existence of the defect Frank mentioned, and it was so miniscule that it was negligible.

    It was also precisely why Tet was further astonished-he saw where Frank was earlier, a far corner in the hall, away from the crowd.

    And from that position, Frank could see what Tet needed a magnifying ss to see.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    That sight was not just outrageous, but it also proved beyond any doubt that Frank was a martial elite.

    Tet himself was trained, but he had just reached Transcendent rank himself.

    To Frank, he did not even amount to an insect!

 Chapter 1274

    That was why Tet had been exceedingly humble.

    For someone like Frank to be so aplished at his age, Tet scarcely dared to imagine the influence that backed him.

    Bowing his head to Frank, he said earnestly, "Apologies for trying to pull rank earlier, Mr. Lawrence. Please forgive my indiscretion."

    He had his dignity too, which was why he did not kneel and beg.

    For Frank''s part, he was no bully-he nodded as Tet apologized, epting the apology.

    Around them, the guests'' jaws dropped as they looked on. Many of them could still remember Hugh iming that Frank was just Vicky''s sugar baby!

    "Is that man really just some manwhore? How could he be so knowledgeable?"

    "Yeah... Could Hugh Turnbull have been lying?"

    "Hah! The magister himself confirmed that the pure jade vase is fake. Isn''t that a p to Mr. Pearce''s face?"

    "The way I see it, Hugh is just some frivolous character who yaps a lot to make himself look important."

    "He''s just a member of the Turnbulls'' branch family."

    "Branch family? The balls he had to strut..."

    The guests'' vocal disapproval left Hugh''s face ashen, and he could blow up right then.

    He was going to steal Frank''s thunder in the name of the Turnbulls, only for Frank to humiliate him instead!

    Just then, a mild-mannered middle-aged man with gold-framed sses quickly asked, "Ahem... Since the vase is proven to be a counterfeit, Mr. Pearce, the bids made earlier don''t count, right?"

    He was the one who made the hundred million dor bid, but at his question, the other bidders also started asking questions.

    "That''s right! We made our bids too, but we thought it was genuine. This makes it forfeit, right?"

    "Huh..."

    Gene made an awkward face and turned toward the silent Hugh beforeughing, "Of course it doesn''t. Let''s start over."

    He then turned toward Tet, intending

    for him to give a starting bid, but

    only for Tet to shake his head and turn toward Frank instead, clearly to push the task to Frank.

    Frank did not excuse himself. ncing at the ring Hugh on stage, he smiled. "Bid starts at one dor."

    The hall was left in an uproar-even if it was counterfeit, it was definitely worth more than one dor!

    Some were even holding back their

    as it was definitely

    to see an article being sold forious

    dor at Gene''s charity auction.

    "You mean to insult me, don''t you?!"

    Hugh snapped, finally having had enough. "The vase is worth a million even if it''s a fake! There''s no way it''s worth just one dor!" "Oh, but it is."

    Frank chuckled and pointed at the guests. "Everyone gathered here is either rich of important, and word would soon spread that they bought a counterfeit item at Gene Pearce''s charity auction. It begs the question-would anyone really willing spend millions on a vase

    everyone knows to be a counterfeit?"

    Hugh was left stumped by Frank''s question, though the ensuingughter from the guests basically answered his question.

    Frank was right¡ªeveryone here was either rich or important, so why would any of them willingly buy a fake?Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Forget one million-none of them would even buy it for a hundred bucks!

 Chapter 1275

    The people who had the social standing to be invited by Gene certainly would not care about money.

    The way they saw it was that the vase was proven to be a fake, and everyone in the hall knew it.

    In that case, this was no longer a question about money, but a question of whether they could afford the embarrassment.

    If word got out that one of them bought that fake vase, they would be made aughing stock. Forget selling it off to someone else no one would buy it unless they had brain damage.

    That, or they would get off on being mocked and a willing clown. Otherwise, no one else would willingly buy that fake vase.

    Even Frank was shaking his head in disappointment. "You could use it as a cup to drink from, but its value..."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    The vase was now a poisoned chalice no one would touch, as anyone who would willingly do it was basically a sucker.

    And since every guest present had a reputation to maintain, they would certainly not buy the fake vase willingly.

    Hugh himself understood Frank right then and tried to argue, only to realize in dismay that Frank was right.

    Seeing that everyone else was leering at him in contempt, Hugh could not manage a word.

    Grabbing the fake vase, he left the stage, ashen-faced.

    "Pfft..."

    "Ahaha..."

    "It''s killing me... A present valued at one dor..."

    "Don''tugh. Would you even buy it for a dor?"

    "No way. I don''t want to be mocked."

    "The one who buys it would be a clown! Hell, it''s not a question of money."

    "Just look at Hugh Turnbull''s face..."

    "It''s like he ate dung!"

    "The Turnbulls actually sent such a treat. What an embarrassment!"

    The chorus ofughter left Hugh''s head throbbing.

    He really thought he could beat Frank to the spotlight while bullying him a little, only for Frank to catch him off guard and make him a clown.

    And he had spent 500 million dors to buy a fake vase on top of that, earning him everyone''s disdain as well as embarrassing his family.

    His father would definitely me him when he got home-talk about losing more than what he bargained for!

    Hugh certainly would like to leave

    right then. However, considering that

    Frank was still taking part in the auction, he braved the

    §Ö

    embarrassment, just to see Frank humiliated!

    He called him out for bringing a counterfeit, did he? Dennis would show him!

    Even as Hugh sneered savagely, he watched as Frank went on stage as he expected after the crowd was doneughing.

    "I''vee bearing Mr. Pearce two presents," Frank said as he slowly spread the canvas he brought.

    It was the painting of a gigantic sandworm by Salvador White, who lived over a hundred years ago. Frank himself appraised it beforeing over too-it was genuine.

    "Not bad!" Tet nodded in approval

    after Frank disyed the painting, "It

    is indeed the work of Salvador

    White, and I rmend bidsto

    start at 200 million dors.

    "Woah... 200 million dors?!"

    It was another hundred million dor item, this time presented by the mysterious young man.

    Moreover, he had pointed out that Hugh''s present was a counterfeit and now confidently presented his own, so it definitely would not be a mistake, especially with Tet O appraising it so closely this time.

 Chapter 1276

    Frank then turned to Gene. "I present this painting to Mr. Pearce on behalf of Vicky Turnbull and the main Turnbull family. Vicky especially sends her thanks for helping her immediate family establish a foothold in Riverton."

    Gene appeared surprised but soon smiled and shook his head. "Oh, that littledy. Why didn''t shee by herself?"

    "She has taken ill and couldn''t make it, so she asked me to help."

    "Well, I''m most grateful for her present."

    Gene and Frank''s exchange left the guests puzzled-why did it feel like both men were close in private?

    Dennis was watching from a distance.

    He frowned as he remembered what Frank told him before-that he should not set Gene against him, or he would bite off more than he could chew.

    Turning pensive just then, Dennis mused, "Could it be...?"

    Hugh noticed that and could tell what he was thinking, and so quickly said, "Don''t worry about it, Dr. Jackson. Frank Lawrence had brought two presents that looked valuable, but it just means the Turnbulls are really invested in this auction. Moreover, if they really were acquainted before, they would be chatting as soon as they met, instead of speaking so formally like they are now."

    Dennis nodded he had to admit that Hugh had a point.

    Still, he had a vague sense of unease that he could not quite describe.

    "400 million!"

    "I bid 500 million!"

    As the guests allpeted, the painting was ultimately sold at 500 million dors.

    Then, to everyone''s surprise, Gene madeThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    it''s you other bid too. "Hehe... since

    it''s young Vicky who bought it, & should at least make a bid. 800

    million!"

    The hall was left silent at that this was Gene''s event, and the subtext in his bid was basically: I want that painting.

    Everyone present was no fool-as soon they heard Gene was making such a huge bid, they immediately gave up on the idea ofpeting.

    All they could do was to sigh at Gene''s deep pockets, bidding 800 million dors without batting an eye.

    At the same time, Frank quickly

    handed the portrait to Gene''s new valet, as he knew that Gene was being nice to him by making that 800 million dor bid.

    "Now, for my second present," he said, taking out a modest red wooden chest from his pocket. "This one is my personal gift to Mr. Pearce a Jade Marrow Pill that I''ve refined personally. It will extend a person''s lifespan by ten years, if I really had to say."

    There were some murmurs earlier, but Frank''s announcement left the hall dead silent.

    "Hahaha..."

    Someone startedughing, and soon, everyone else did the same.

    "Is he crazy?"

    "Yeah... Maybe he has some delusional disorder?"

    "Extending one''s lifespan by ten years... who would believe that?!"

    Frank did not argue despite the vocal disapproval around him and instead kept holding on to his wooden chest as he watched the guests calmly.

    To no surprise, Hugh strode out from the crowd, shouting, "You''re crazy, Frank Lawrence!"

 Chapter 1277

    Hugh twirled a finger around his temple, sneering. "Are you some sort of demigod? The Jade Marrow Pill, you say? You could just call it the god pill if you like!"

    "Hahaha!"

    Many of the guests presentughed at the moniker.

    The god pill? It sounded like something a street con man would call their merchandise, iming their pills granted superstrength, immortality, and immunity to poison. In reality, it was just vitamin pills.

    Obviously, no one believed what Frank was saying about his Jade Marrow Pill, as they were all experienced-trying to trick them was just asking to be humiliated.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Shit, and here I thought we peaked with Hugh Turnbull''s fake vase."

    "Yeah... And now we have a snake oil salesman. This charity auction is killing me."

    "Come on. Maybe the pill actually works?"

    "Hahaha... You almost got me right there!"

    While all the guests doubted and scoffed, Frank waited for a long while before saying quietly, "I''m not lying-I refined this pill with a jade marrow. As for the effect, only the buyer who uses it would know. And since no one believes me, I''ll just sell it at the price of the fake vase before: one dor."

    Despite Frank calmly stating the starting bid price, the guests became even more reluctant.

    Like with the fake vase before, anyone who bought Frank''s pill would end up a sucker and beughed at.

    "Come on, Frank!" Hugh shouted just then. "Don''t set the price yourself-let an expert, like Magister Boran right over there, do it!"

    "Exactly. The magister would be able to offer something persuasive."

    "If it is a god pill, then you mean to insult us!"

    "Exactly! I remember your name now!"

    "If you''re proven to have wasted my time, I will show you!"

    Dennis and Hugh traded grateful nces just then.

    To think that Frank would sell such a ridiculous pill.

    It was fine if it was the real deal. But a fake, some of the less

    if it was

    calm bigwigs present would definitely want to have a word with

    Frank.

    And he even announced so confidently that it would extend

    one''s lifespan by ten years... it was a lie no matter how one looked at it! There was definitely no such pill in existence!

    It was certainly convenient-they did not have to do a thing, while Frank dug a pit and jumped into it himself!

    Still, just as everyone appeared to be dismissive of Frank, Tet actually walked on stage, carefully taking the small wooden chest from Frank.

    He opened the chest, carefully sniffed it, and began to hyperventte as he turned toward Frank, his eyes widened in disbelief.

    "The pill..." His voice quivered even as his whole body shuddered.

    Seeing Tet trembling, Hugh was convinced that Frank''s pill had left him ill.

    "Frank!" Hugh eximed, feeling that the time was right just then, quickly hurrying on the stage while snapping at Frank, "What did you make the magister smell?!"

    sn''e

 Chapter 1278

    "That''s right!" Dennis was snapping at Frank too.

    "Hmph..."

    Frank did not argue, as he was keen to find out what those two were up to.

    "Mr. Pearce!" Hugh strode past Frank toward Gene as everyone watched, pointing at Frank as he shouted, "My family took in Frank, but he''s a gigolo and a liar!"

    "Really?" Gene quietly nced at Frank, and nodded at Hugh for him to continue.

    Seeing Gene''s impassive reaction, both Dennis and Hugh were delighted.

    "This man is so full of himself," Hugh quickly continued. "He got Sif Lionheart killed and drove a wedge between my family and the Lionhearts! And he knows no shame, iming to have saved your life, Mr. Pearce! It''s a tant insult to your name, not to mention he came without an invitation and basically barged in here!"

    "He didn''t have an invitation?" Gene turned toward Frank in surprise.

    Frank shrugged noncable. "I forgot to bring it."

    "You forgot?" Gene was taken aback but also quickly realized why he was not notified of Frank''s arrival-he would have immediately received Frank otherwise.

    "Hah! You''re still lying through your teeth right in front of Mr. Pearce?!" Hughughed coolly.

    "Mr. Pearce!"

    Dennis suddenly dropped to his knees in front of Gene, sobbing in front of the guests as he pointed at Frank and cried, "He hurt my son saying he flirted with his sister when they were in love with each other! He crippled my son... you have to help me! Punish him for his misdeeds!"

    "That''s right!" Hugh shouted, pointing at Tet, who remained frozen. "He''s also pulling a con at your charity auction, selling some bullshit god pill. He clearly doesn''t respect you, and only wants to cause trouble and drive a wedge between you and the Turnbull family!"

    The crowd was in an uproar once more, barely able to digest the info dump that Hugh and Dennis just threw their way.

    But in a nutshell, both men had endless usations against Frank, and they were begging Gene to take action against Frank.

    Naturally, Gene was left perplexed just like them.

    Before he could say a word, however, Tet came to his senses.

    He waspletely oblivious to Hugh and Dennis'' usations against Frank, as all he felt was his

    body changing after just was his

    the

    Jade Marrow Pill.

    He zoned out as he stared at the pill, his expression alternating between disbelief and delight and shock.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    His fingers trembling, he carefully closed the wooden chest and carefully returned it to Frank.

    "Everyone..." he began, hesitating for a long while as if it took him great effort to speak.

    Eventually, he gritted his teeth and bellowed, "The pill... is real!"

    The bombshell left the guests in the hall stunned, and it was none other than Hugh who first eximed, "What?!"

    He was dead sure that Frank was a liar, only for Tet to announce that Frank''s ''god pill'' was real?!

 Chapter 1279

    Even if the guests refused to believe Frank, a man from nowhere, Tet had a reputation to protect and had no reason to lie.

    Even if he conspired with Frank and defended him, once the pill was sold and proved ineffective, his reputation as a magister would go up in smoke-it was simply not worth it.

    As such, the only exnation for that was that he was speaking the truth.

    But even as everyone was left gaping and speechless, Gene took the stage with perfect timing.

    He walked up to Frank, pping him on the shoulder as everyone looked on in shock, speaking quietly, "By the way, I forgot to mention something-this man, Frank Lawrence, is a healer who practices Draconian traditional medicine. He also saved me from the brink, curing me from my sickly self and allowing me to strut once more!"

    "What?!"

    Both Hugh and Dennis were dumbstruck, with Dennis still on his knees.

    Their faces turned pale even as they stared at Frank and Gene, while Gene continued, "As such, I swear by my honor as I vouch for Mr. Lawrence''s pill! Anyone else could be lying if they imed their pill extends your lifespan by ten years, but if Mr. Lawrence says it, I believe him beyond the shadow of a doubt!"

    "Yes! The pill is real-there''s no mistaking it!"

    Tet agreed excitedly. "I once read about the recipe in an old text on Draconian traditional medicine-the hue is emerald as the pill in that chest, and it is also called the Jade Marrow Pill. I thought it was a fantasy, but now it turns out to be real. It is real!"

    With both Tet and Gene vouching for the Jade Marrow Pill, the guests were suddenly less skeptical than shocked.

    If the pill was real, its value would be...

    "Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Lawrence... To think that you''d give me such a precious pill for a present! Gene said, before turning to re at Hugh. "I will never believe that you are what Hugh Turnbull says you are!"

    "Heh, a bunch of thugs trying to nder a true gentleman," Tet added, "oblivious to the fact that he could crush you with his boot."

    Tet was utterly impressed with

    Frank as well-a man this younge was able to produce such a pill? He was definitely something special! Who would believe him if he said that he did not have connections?

    "What... How could this be?!"

    Hugh felt as if the world was spinning around him as he dropped to the floor with a thud.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    He finally realized why Frank was not even bothered to respond to his endless provocations, because he was really nothing to Frank.

    Avenging Sif was nothing more than a fantasy!

    On the other hand, Dennis was trembling in terror.

    He knew how hopeless Gene had felt back when he was ill-he was one of the doctors who tried to help him. He just proved to becking in skill, unable to diagnose Gene, let alone cure him. And now, when the man who cured Gene stood before him, he actually demanded Gene to exact vengeance on his behalf despite his irrelevance.

    Dennis could certainly tell what awaited him now.

    "Guards!"

    Gene beckoned impassively, and over a dozen security guards quickly surrounded Hugh and Dennis. "Break Hugh Turnbull''s legs, and throw what''s left of him to his family. Tell his father everything-about how he ndered my friend and gave me a counterfeit for a present!

 Chapter 1280

    The security guards all nodded in response. "Yes, sir!"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Hugh''s face fell right then, and he promptly turned toward Gene to beg, "Please, Mr. Pearce! I''m sorry... Please forgive me! I''ll apologize, alright?! I didn''t mean to bring a fake vase! I never mean to insult you, and I shouldn''t have bad-mouthed you... Please, for the sake of the Turnbull family..."

    His undignified please only left Gene frowning, and he sneered at Hugh as everyone watched. "The Turnbulls? Really? You still have the cheek to mention them?! You''ve already humiliated them more than enough times! This is just a minor punishment-even Glen Turnbull himself can''t argue against that if he was here!"

    Then, looking up at the security guards, he barked coldly, "Do it!"

    There was an audible crunch from the stage as Hugh''s bones were broken, leaving the crowd cringing.

    At that moment, they came to understand the savagery thaty beneath Gene''s usually mild-mannered appearance.

    In the end, Gene did not get where he was today with calm negotiations-he would use force when necessary, something which Dennis knew all too well.

    "Mr. Pearce, please! Hugh goaded me into this. It was him, not me! Please forgive me!"

    Dennis was absolutely horrified and was kowtowing endlessly to Frank and Gene.

    Frank sighed, watching Dennis as he begged. "Don''t you think it''s toote for regrets? I told you that your son had done things that were beyond forgiveness-not killing him was already mercy on my part. But you refused to let it rest andpletely ignored my advice... Well, there''s no other choice now."

    Dennis was left dumbfounded by Frank''s words, realizing immediately that it was over for him.

    "Take him away," Gene said shortly, waving his hand.

    Understanding Gene''s intention, the security guards nodded and dragged Dennis away like they would an animal.

    Though deted, Dennis'' face contorted with spite as he watched Hugh being dragged away too.

    "It''s all because you talked me into this! I''ll haunt you even if I die, Hugh Turnbull!"

    Dennis'' curse left Hugh flinching, and suddenly, even his legs did not hurt that much inparison.

    And having dealt with the two

    annoying insects, Gene was once et

    again mild-mannered and smiling as he stood on the second-floornding.

    But now, the guests knew for sure that Gene could be more brutal than he appeared to be, and most them were suddenly a lot more tame. .

    Swre velikos

    As the vibes turned solemn, Gene chuckled, as if he did not just sentence Hugh and Dennis to a terrible fate.

    "Alright," he said. "Let''s continue the

    auction I''ll make a five hu

    billion dor bid for the Jade Pill Do I hear any other bids?"

    was

    Though Gene was smiling as he looked around the hall, anyone could hear the threat in his tone.

 Chapter 1281

    Gene was quite the sly old fox, quickly inting the price up to five billion before anyone could react.

    However, while Tet had confirmed that the Jade Marrow Pill was real, they doubted that it could really extend one''s lifespan.

    As such, with Gene going all out from the start with a five billion bid, the hall was left silent.

    Gene was exceedingly pleased to see that, but before he could announce that he won the bid, Tet strode up despite his hesitation.

    "Apologies, Mr. Pearce, but I need this because it''s more than just a pill to me," he said and raised his hand. "I''m making a bid with everything I have-thirty billion."

    "What?!"

    "Thirty billion?!"

    All the guests in the hall gasped at the number.

    They were all individuals who were not in need of money, but it was still too much for them to pay thirty billion dors to bet on a tiny pill with uncertain effects.

    Gene was scowling right then, but considering that it was Tet, he sighed. "Do you mean to mess with me, magister?"

    "No, that''s not my intention." Tet shook his head. "There''s just a lot on the line-I need to show this to my mentor and have him decide."

    "Magister Boran''s... mentor?"

    "He has one? Never heard of it..."

    Tet could certainly hear the people around him talking, and he had been warned not to reveal anything about his mentor.

    However, he gritted his teeth for the sake of his pill as he admitted, "My mentor is an immortal who lives in seclusion at the South Sea. I''ve been his apprentice for over fifty years, but I had nothing to show for for it and was exiled. But with this pill, Pcan go back to see him. As such, I''m apologizing to you beforehand, Mr. Pearce."

    "An immortal at the South Sea..."

    Frank naturally heard what Tet said and wondered who the immortal was.

    Gene and the other guests were all shocked, as Tet was a master of mysticism and an Ascendant rank martial artist.

    In that case, his mentor would definitely be someone profound, and that left Gene hesitating.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    That was when Frank turned toward

    Gene, leaning in to speak under his breath, You shouldn''tpete with the magister here, or things would get out of hand if you provoke the immortal backing him."

    Gene was naturally worried about that too and nodded.

    Still, he was a little reluctant to give up, and Frank could tell that he was.

    Chuckling, he added, "I have another such pill, and it''s avable at the Lane Holdings'' farm resort in Riverton. You just need to make a trip to get it." "Okay!"

    Gene cheered up right then, feeling

    no qualms as he spread his hands and announced generously, "In that case, the Jade Marrow Pill is sold to Magister Boran! He had been there to offer guidance in my hour of need, and he saved my life too!"

    Tet breathed a sigh of relief and nodded at Gene in gratitude.

    He was old, but he could read the room enough to see that Frank had helped him, since he had been whispering to Gene earlier.

    Otherwise, he would never beat Gene in a bidding war.

    With that in mind, he nodded at Frank too.

 Chapter 1282

    "Heh..."

    Frank smiled and held up a hand-it really was nothing, though Frank did earn himself a favor.

    "Sold! The Jade Marrow Pill goes to Magister Boran for thirty billion dors!" Gene announced.

    Even as the guest pped, they were left a loss-thirty billion, gone just like that!

    And for a tiny pill... It was just ridiculous!

    Nheless, with the pill sold, the charity auction continued.

    However, the guests were not particrly interested in anything else after Frank''s pill was sold for an astronomical price.

    And with that, the charity auction ended.

    It waste by the time Frank left the hotel.

    Gene tried to ask him to stay for dinner, but Frank did not want to stay since he wanted to return to condition himself.

    Seeing that he was in a hurry, Gene caught his wrist and asked, "Mr. Lawrence, we''re basically brothers-your enemies are mine, and I will be there to back you up no matter what happens. Just name-drop me if anyone''s being rude to you, and you can avoid what happened today."

    Frank could see the determined look in Gene''s eyes and that he was being sincere, and having Gene as a front also meant not having to worry about money.

    Nodding, he also joked, "People always think of me as a trouble maker, so I''ll be imposing plenty from now on."

    "Not a problem-impose all you want! Hahaha..." Geneughed heartily. Having a friend as wise and as strong as Frank was certainly a boost to his already considerable influence!

    "By the way, Mr. Lawrence!"

    Gene then remembered. "I''ve dealt with Dennis Jackson and his family, and that means Zamri Hospitalis leaderless. Would you happen to have anyone in mind?" Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "What?" Frank was puzzled-why would Gene ask him?

    Still, he noticed the look in Gene''s eyes and realized that Gene meant to let him take over leadership of Zamri Hospital.

    And since Dennis was one of Zamri''s Three Bears, the hospital would have a good reputation.

    Moreover, it had branches in various regions around the city, and yearly revenue reached up to a billion each year.

    Gene was certainly generous, giving.

    away leadership of such a hospital

    to Frank just like that-he certainly was the richest man of the east coast.

    However, a hospital would not do any good for Frank-he was not the type who could sit still in an office.

    If anything, he could settle down at Lanecorp before he just happened to get a quiet ce to himself to train.

    Moreover, being the chief of Lanecorp''s health and security department was an idle job, unlike the chief of a hospital.

    Still, before he could refuse Gene, he remembered another person-Winter Lawrence.

    She had just graduated and was looking for an internship-why not let her be chief?

    It was actually a little hrious when Frank thought about it.

    Still, he had every intention to groom

    Winter and teach her Draconian traditional medicine, which Frank himself had learned from Sect.

    Swtic Sky

    That was why the arrangement was as suitable as it was hrious.

 Chapter 1283

    With that in mind, Frank turned toward Gene. "Sorry, I can''t sit still and I hate troublesome work, so I can''t be a hospital chief." "Really? Then there''s no helping it..."

    Disappointment showed in Gene''s eyes, but he did not press Frank.

    That was when Frank smiled as his tone changed sharply. "But I have a person in mind."

    "Who?" Gene eximed in surprise.

    "My sister, Winter Lawrence."

    "Winter Lawrence?"

    Gene murmured the name, and frowned. "Well, she would have to prove herself with her abilities..."

    "Don''t worry-she graduated from Riverton University, and I''ll be teaching her personally too. She''d definitely be up for it."

    Gene''s frown eased with Frank''s assurance, and he nodded, satisfied. "In that case, the new chief of Zamri Hospital is decided. When can your sister take the job?"

    "In a month," Frank said after some thought.

    "Alright." Gene smiled, agreeing to it right away. "Since she''s your sister, I trust you, though I must give you a head''s up-the head of departments in the hospital can be a little proud. Your sister should be careful about that."

    "Understood."Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Frank nodded and left the hotel, getting his Audi and driving off.

    Gene watched as he did, unable to hide his delight.

    He always had a sharp perspective, and he could see that Frank was the real deal despite his subtle nature.

    And as Frank took to the skies in the future, Gene would definitely enjoy a share of the spoils too.

    Frank returned to the top floor guest rooms of Lanecorp, where he and Helen usually stayed.

    They had yet to get a house in Zamri, so they just had to make do.

    In fact, Frank only remembered about needing a house when he returned he really should have asked Gene.

    While he was not concerned where he stayed, Helen was always busy and it hurt him to see her not sleeping well. "Alright, I''ll check out a ce tomorrow," Frank muttered to himself.

    Since Winter would be moving to Zamri

    soon

    as well, buying a mansion like the one he h

    Skywater Bay was define ad al

    must.

    He also had the gold card that Gene gave him before, so he was not worried about money.

    With that in mind, he whipped out his phone to call Winter.

    He had not been in touch ever since the awkwardness from before, when he had to change Winter''s clothes.

    Winter seemed to understand that tacitly and did not contact Frank too.

    "Hello, Winter?" Frank asked gingerly once Winter answered.

    "F-Frank? Is something the matter?" Winter stammered a little.

    "I have something to tell you face-to-face. Are you free right now?"

    "Y-Yes! Wait..." Winter flinched as

    she realized that she was getting too thrilled and quickly changed the subject. "Aren''t you in Zamri right now?"

    "Yeah. And I''m going to bring you over."

    "What?!"

    Winter was changing shoes and almost slipped, her cheeks flushing beet red.

    She still remembered the

    awkwardness between herself and Frank that day, when she woke up and saw that her clothes were changed... including her underwear.

 Chapter 1284

    Winter asked her mother Carol Zims too, but Carol had no idea what had happened too.

    The only possibility was that Frank had changed her clothes, which means he would have seen her body...

    That was why Winter had been at once embarrassed and scared, picking up her phone endless times but unable to call Frank.

    And now, Frank was saying that he was taking her to Zamri... did that mean he was taking responsibility?

    She stood, one hand holding her shoe and the other holding her phone, her cheeks flushed as she froze in ce.

    "Winter?! Winter!"

    Frank had to shout over the phone to bring Winter to her senses, just as she noticed that she was smiling blissfully for some reason. "Oh, I''m here. Frank. You''re taking me to Zamri, right? I''ll be there right now -wait..."

    Hearing Winter fumble on the other end, Frank asked in concern, "Are you alright?"

    "I''m fine! I''m fine!" Winter quickly said. "I''m heading to a gathering with my ssmates right now. Can youe to White Court Hotel if you can make it?"

    "White Court Hotel? Got it." Frank agreed to it briskly and hung up.

    Winter kept holding her phone for a long while as her heart raced and thumped, feeling dizzy and hardly believing that it was real.

    Carol just so happened to return home to find Winter with that silly grin on her face and went over to pat her on the head. "What''s gotten into you now, girlie?" "Hehehe... I''m going to Zamri, Mommy!" Winter twirled happily.

    "What''s so great about that?" Carol smiled wryly.

    "Oh, you won''t get it!" Winter huffed and returned to her room to pick a new dress.

    She naturally had to wear her best dress to see Frank.

    Carol looked on, feeling slightly pleased since only Frank would make Winter that happy.

    And he had gone out of touch for a while after going to Zamri for some reason...

    Soon, a beautifully dressed Winter left, taking a cab to White Court Hotel.

    However, her smile froze awkwardly after she arrived and was led by a bellboy to arge private room.

    It was not just her

    ssmates-there were several men she did not recognize, lecturing her ssmates with an air of seniority even though they were barely any older.

    "Uh... What?"

    Before one of

    ssmates giggled. "Qh,

    looker could ask questions,

    look! The belle of Riverton UniversityContent property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Sarrived!"

    Everyone else turned towards Winter as well, and the men''s eyes lit up as Winter really made an effort to look pretty.

    One of them even pulled out a chair for her. "Come over here, you can sit beside me."

    "Oh... Haha, I''m fine." Winter waved him off awkwardly and quietly sat down beside Jean Zims.

    Staring at the unfamiliar man, she asked under her breath, "Who are e

    these people, Jean? I though are et

    just our ssmates?"

    MS

 Chapter 1285

    "Oh, them?"

    Jean pursed her lips in disdain, exasperated. "They''re our seniors by a few years, and Yew Daley was the one who called them here, saying that they can help us with our internship issues."

    "I see." Winter nodded, but before she could say more, a man with stubble all over his cheeks and who clearly meant business sat down right beside Winter.

    "What''s your name?" he asked, while looking Winter from head to toe pointedly as he inched closer.

    "I-I''m Winter Lawrence," she replied, frowning while keeping her distance.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Oh, Winter? Such a nice name..."

    The man chuckled and pointed at himself. "I''m Dean Summer. I''m your senior by a year, and I''m a physiologist at the Riverton Hospital subsidiary."

    "Over there is Sunny Cabat, an ophthalmologist at Riverton Hospital."

    "And over there is Jarek Wilk, who owns a small hospital in Norsedam."

    The men Dean introduced all smiled and nodded at Winter, but they were looking at her sinisterly.

    Sensing their intention, Winter sprang to her feet and pulled Jean along. "Then Jean and I won''t impose. We have something else to do, so we will be going now."

    "Wait, wait, wait..."

    Seeing that such delicious prey was fleeing, Dean quickly got up and stood in their way, grinning, "Ladies, I''m guessing you don''t know the rules of medical internship since you''ve just graduated?" "What rules?" Jean asked coolly.

    "Oh, there are just the two, and they''re the same every year."

    Dean nced at his two friends, and they all traded smiles. "Since you''re getting an internship, you''ll have work at a better hospital, which means you''ll need a

    rmendation.... You understand that rule, don''t you?"

    Winter scowled and asked coolly, "What are you trying to say?"

    "Patience. Like I said, there are two rules."

    Dean grinned, shaking his head. "We''re your seniors, and we have every reason to give you a rmendation. But..."

    Pausing, Dean leered at Winter''s

    body, lust almost showed on his

    face even as he chuckled. "But we don''t exactly have a lot of free So if you want our

    vele

    rmendation... don''t you think you should sweeten our pot?"

    "So you''re asking us to prostitute ourselves, in exchange for your rmendation letter?''

    Jean was blunt as always, barely hiding her thoughts with her cold smile.

    Dean was taken aback but soon

    smiled and sighed, clicking his tongue. "Come on, Jean. Do you have to make it sound so bad? Don''t you know how much longer it''ll take toplete a full internship? That''s over three to five years learning from doctors, and you only get personally meet the patients after that. Even then, there are still more assessments and reviews you have to go through... all in all, you''re looking at ten years."

 Chapter 1286

    Dean sneered. "But that''s not the case if you have a referral letter. With that, you''ll just have to work as an intern for a couple of months before you receive cases directly. In a few years, you will be promoted. Remember I sacrificed myself to get you this opportunity. How could you call this prostitution?"

    "That''s right, Jean."

    Yew sprang to her feet as she added coolly, "Our senior worked hard for this opportunity for our sake-we must seize it. And it''s no big deal anyway-what''s the difference between doing it with a boyfriend and our senior?"

    "Shut up!"Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Jean snapped at her, "Do you think everyone''s just like you? Does your boyfriend know what you''ve been doing while he''s working to pay for your tuition?! You''re cheating on him and prostituting yourself, so don''t think you can tell us what to do here!"

    "Shut up!"

    Yew bellowed, springing to her feet like a cat that had its tail stomped on. "He may have funded my studies, but our social standing is different now! He''s just a wage ve, while I''m going to be a chief of the department in a hospital! What I do is none of your business!"

    Jeanughed despite herself and pulled Winter along as they headed for the door. "Come on. I thought they''re just some friends Yew brought along, but turns out it''s just her bringing her shady dealing to us. The thought that she''s been our ssmate for years disgusts me."

    "Yeah." Winter nodded, feeling contempt toward Yew just then.

    Even now, she remembered that man of their age, who always had a kind smile and came to visit Yew whenever he had a holiday.

    She certainly felt sorry for him-he would definitely despair if he knew what Yew was doing now.

    However, before Winter and Jean could leave, Dean, Jarek, and Sunny stopped them.

    "Hmph. It was already toote when you came in here!" Dean sneered.

    "Exactly." Sunny chuckled coolly. "Did you think we''d let you leave and rat us out?"

    "You''ll take our rmendation letter, even if you don''t want it!" Jarek snapped.

    They were all supposedly practicing medicine, but there was not an ounce of conscience to be found in their behavior.

    Jarek seized Jean''s wrist and

    shoved her against the wall right then, licking his lips as he chuckled coldly. "Love wildcats like you the most! The look on your face when you finally cry and beg for me to let you go... Hehehe!"

    "Fuck you!" Jean snapped.

    The other girls panicked right then.

    They were aware of the purpose of this gathering and silently consented.

    They just did not expect their upperssman to go for it directly!

    However, none of them dared to say

    a

    ven as they watched\

    and

    n being molested, a Wint

    they

    y lowered their heads.

    belongs to swnover

    That was when the door was suddenly kicked open, knocking Sunny to the floor since he was blocking it.

    "Shit, who the fuck...?!" Sunny cursed as he pushed himself off the floor, dusting his clothes while ring furiously at the figure that had just entered.

 Chapter 1287

    "Frank..."

    Even as the men tore at Winter''s clothes, her eyes lit up in excitement as she watched the door being kicked wide open.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    But it was a tanned man with a mean re, looking around in his thirties, who stood there.

    There were more men behind him filing into the room, clearly having helped the man kick the door open.

    "Hmph." Ivor Bearson snorted. "You scumbags couldn''t wait for the rest of us?"

    "Oh... I''m so sorry, Mr. Bearson!"

    Sunny promptly shed a fawning smile, at once standing at attention.

    Dean let go of Winter too and moved to stand alongside Jarek like obedient children.

    "It''s not Frank..."

    Winter felt gnawing disappointment inside her, but she soon realized that she always thought of Frank whenever she was in danger.

    Was she getting too dependent on him?

    Before Winter came to her senses, however, Ivor was in front of him, grinning sleazily as he lifted her chin with a finger.

    "Tut, tut... the girls these years really look good. I''ll have this one!"

    "Haha! That''s Ivor for you, picking Riverton University''s most beautiful face at once."

    "Hahaha..."

    Ivorughed as everyone around him ttered him, while he was clearly gleeful about his judgment.

    "I''m warning you!" Jean snapped coldly as she strode up, shielding Winter behind her. "Winter''s brother is a friend of the Turnbulls. He invited every bigwig in Riverton during our convocation! He''ll show you if youy a finger on Winter!"

    Jean''s outburst left the room silent, with Dean, Jarek, and Sunny a little wary.

    However, Ivor was soonughing loudly. "Riverton bigwigs? Well, I''m not from Riverton-and Riverton bigwigs are nothing in Zamri!"

    "Don''t worry," he assured Dean, Jarek, and Sunny, "you''ll be fine as long as I''m around!"

    The three menughed in relief at that while Ivor sneered at Winter. "So, your brother''s a big deal? Haha... Why don''t you call him toe over right now?"

    "J-Just you wait! His name is Frank Lawrence, and he will be here soon!" Winter shouted even as she hid in a corner.

    "Hahaha... Frank Lawrence? Never even heard of him!"

    Ivor lifted Winter''s chin and chuckled nonchntly "But I don''t like using force. So submit to me, and I''ll spare you and your stupid brother after have my fun. Naturally, I can stil rmend you for an internship at Zamri Hospital, or even a promotion to be an assistant chief of a department. But if you resist me..."

    Ivor suddenly glowered as he grabbed Winter''s neck, choking her as heughed. "I don''t mind letting you watch while I kill him and do you over his corpse. You''ll get nothing even after that, understand?"

    Winter turned to look outside and found over twenty ck-d bodyguards standing there.

    Winter despaired right then-those burly men were all clearly not to be trifled with, and even Frank would not win against them if he came!

 Chapter 1288

    Despite her pain and struggling herself, Winter nodded.

    "Hahaha... Now that''s a smart girl!"

    Ivorughed and waved. "Go on, you can each pick one-but don''t you dare take mine!"

    The other men filed into the room, and chaos ensued as they started to do whatever they wanted with Winter''s ssmates, with some already taking their pick to the hotel room.

    Even as Winter closed her eyes, another woman covered in bandages arrived outside and stood with the bodyguards.

    It was none other than Aria Lond, Winter''s ex-best friend.

    She was still nursing a bitter grudge against the White family and Frank, after Jorg Zayas of Sage Lake Sect maimed her at White Hall.

    Even after two months of rehabilitation, she was only able to walk, which made her spite toward Frank even worse.

    Nheless, she happened to be aware of the casting couch rule for Riverton University medical students.

    Each year, many girls would spread their legs just to secure that rmendation letter for the sake of their internships.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    As such, Aria sought out Yew and told her about that while pulling strings to contact Ivor, whose father was Troy Bearson, one of Zamri''s Three Bears.

    She convinced Ivor to help, so that Frank would show up when Winter got into trouble, since Frank would definitelye to her aid.

    When he did, Aria would just have to watch as the men went at each other''s throats.

    Aria certainly had the right idea, but she underestimated Frank''s abilities.

    After all, Frank was no longer his injured self she saw back at Riverton, when Sage Lake Sect managed to give him a hard time.

    Now, Frank just had to lift a finger

    vaporize some mook like

    Ivor hoping for a pyrrhic victory

    was

    just futile. Content Victool ne

    At the same time, Frank happened to arrive at White Court Hotel.

    He was familiar with the ce, as the White family owned it, and he was close to Kim White.

    However, when he arrived outside

    the private room Winter told him about, he saw over twenty bodyguards standing outside, while all kinds of screams were resounding from inside the room.

    Frank frowned right then.

    However, just as he was about to strode past the bodyguards to enter and see what was happening, a bald bodyguard shoved him by the chest, keeping him at bay.

    "Stop! What do you think you''re doing?!" he snapped.

    "I''m looking for someone," Frank replied impassively.

    "Looking for someone?" Confusion showed in the bald bodyguard''s eyes behind his shades. "Who are you looking for?" "Winter Lawrence, my sister," Frank replied tly.

    He refrained from attacking, because he did not hear Winter''s voice from the room.

    "Winter Lawrence?" The bald bodyguard was confused, since he had no idea who the girls in the room were anyway.

    He gave the bodyguards standing at the back a look, who nodded and entered the room.

    It took two minutes for the bodyguard to return, just as Winter shouted from inside, "Frank! Run!!!"

    "Take him down!" the bodyguard who had just stepped out shouted, rying Ivor''s order at the same time.

 Chapter 1289

    "What?!"

    Frank came to his senses as soon as he heard Winter''s voice-she was being held against her will!

    Just as the bodyguards lunged at Frank as they were told, Frank heard someone curse and p Winter viciously.

    And how did Frank know that?Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Because he could hear Winter groaning after being hit.

    "You''re all going to die!" Frank bellowed furiously as his eyes turned red right then, and he leapt up to seize the bodyguard by the neck, crushing it like jelly.

    Kicking away the other bodyguards who rushed him, Frank shoved a burst of pure vigor into the lifeless corpse of the bodyguard, and...

    Bang!

    The body erupted violently, sshing blood everywhere.

    The bodyguards closest to Frank were screaming as they copsed to the floor, and the bones in the exploding body pierced their bodies.

    "What?!"

    The other bodyguards turned pale when they saw the horrors Frank inflicted, and all of them tried to flee.

    Frank was not about to give these abettors the chance.

    He charged after them with a battlecry and punched into the chest of a bodyguard who tried to parry his fist, leaving him croaking as he dropped to his floor. "Please! Mercy!"

    Another bodyguard was on his knees, pleading for mercy-he certainly had no intention to fight back when Frank was basically the reaper incarnate! "Fuck off!" Frank bellowed and sent the bodyguard flying with a kick.

    The bodyguard mmed into the door of the private room, knocking it open.

    "What the f-"

    Even before someone could finish that sentence, screams ensued-Frank''s kick had blown the pleading bodyguard in two!

    Shocked and furious, Ivor came

    charging out of the private room to see what had happened outside, only to find a man glowering as he stood, surrounded by a pile of corpses.

    His twentyish bodyguards were resting in pieces, all their bodies mangled.

    "Bleurgh..."

    Ivor had certainly never seen such savagery, and he dropped to his knees in terror as he started puking.

    Frank strode up, pulling him up by the hair as he growled icily, "You''re the one who hit my sister?"

    "Y-You''re Frank Lawrence...?!"

    Vol

    Ivor was trembling in terror-he thought Frank was just some frivolous character, only to discover that he was a merciless incarnation of terror!

    Even as he saw the murderous re in Frank''s eyes, terror overwhelmed him, leaving him speechless.

    "Hmph. So it was you." Frank snorted and knocked Ivor to the floor like an upturned tortoise before raising his foot and stomping on Ivor''s wrist. "Argh!!!"

    Ivor screamed as his wrist and palm were crushed, but Frank did not stop there.

    With another stomp, he reduced Ivor''s other arm into mush.

    The agony seemed to jolt Ivor to his senses, and he bellowed at Frank "You''re a dead man, you hear me?! My father is Troy Bearson, and he''s one of Zamri''s Three Bears! You-"

    Crunch!

 Chapter 1290

    Even before Ivor could finish his maniacal ravings, Frank crushed his ankles under his foot.

    "Argh!!!" Even as Ivor screamed hysterically, he finally felt fear.

    After all, there could only be two reasons Frank would keep going despite Ivor name-dropping his own father-the first being that Frank''s connections were far more powerful, and the second, that Frank did no have connections but was dead set on killing him.

    Whatever reason it might be, things would not end well for him.

    As such, despite the agony, he started to plead endlessly to Frank, "Please, I surrender, I surrender! Please don''t kill me!"

    Terror showed in his eyes even as he felt Frank''s foot near his nape-he would really die if Frank shoved his foot down!

    "Hmph..."

    Feeling Frank taking his foot away from his nape, Ivor breathed a sigh of relief, only for him to feel the heartrending pain from his hand and leg again. ''Motherfucker! Messing with me just because you''re a martial artist?! Once I return to Zamri alive... I will send the Blood Wolves after you!''

    Ivor''s eyes shed viciously even as he thought that, when he felt himself rise into the air.

    Before he realized it, he was mmed violently into the floor.

    The agony left Ivor tearing up in agony, and he cursed even as he struggled.

    "Now, apologize..." Frank growled as he ced his foot on Ivor''s neck.

    Ivor could not care less about the pain when he felt the fear of death so profoundly, and he used all his strength to look up at a shocked Winter. "I told you to apologize, didn''t you hear?"

    Frank pressed his foot down just then, and Ivor immediately struggled to breathe.

    He quickly apologized to Winter. "Sorry! I''m so sorry, ma''am... I''m scum, I shouldn''t have done this..."

    Winter came to her senses at Ivor''s apology, and she certainly did not care about the crimson palm print on her cheek when she saw the man who was always on her mind.

    She held a hand over her mouth as her tears rained down.

    Thinking that Winter had suffered because of that and did not forgive Ivor, Frank pressed his foot down further. "That''s insincere! Kowtow!" "Okay, okay!"

    Ivor cried as he dropped on all fours like a tortoise and kowtowed repeatedly.

    Blood started to seep out of his forehead soon enough.

    "Stop! Stop! I''m fine, Frank!"

    Realizing that Frank misunderstood, Winter ran up and wrapped her arms around Frank, her tears turning to a smile. "You''ve alwayse to save me... I''m so... so..."

    "Alright." Frank calmed down and moved his foot away from Ivor.

    He turned to see the other men who were all staring at him in fear and was suddenly confused.

    As such, he asked Winter in his arms. "I thought this was a gathering of your ssmates? What''s going on here?"

    Nearby, Jean shook his head

    exasperatedly-Frank really had a serious case of sisterplex, going on a horrific killing spree even when he had no idea what was going on. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    She strode up and told Frank about everything that had happened, and Frank glowered even as he listened. Eventually, Dean, Jarek, and Sunny all sumbed to pressure and dropped to their knees in front of Frank.

 Chapter 1291

    Seeing Ivor''s tragic state, Dean certainly did not dare to act tough and kowtowed to Frank as he begged, "I-I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence! It''s all because we listened to that woman''s goading... That''s why we tried to attack Winter! We didn''t want to do this!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes and asked coolly, "Woman? What woman?"

    "She called herself Aria Lond... said she''s acquainted with Winter," Dean said, quick to shift me.

    Frank''s expression contorted in rage when he heard that name, while anger and disappointment showed in Winter''s eyes.

    "Hah! So it was Aria... That''s why this whole thing felt like it was arranged!" Jean snapped, furious towards her ex-best friend.

    "And I thought sparing her life was being magnanimous... Can''t do a thing now that she''s asking for it," Frank growled sinisterly, scowling. He naturally knew that Aria held a bitter grudge against him, but he did not think she was so vile that she wouldsh out at her own friend. Leaving her atrge would only cause more problems!

    Winter pursed her lips as if reluctant, but before she could say a word, she sighed exasperatedly when she noticed Frank''s furious look. Aria had undoubtedly once been her best friend, and everyone had been fair to Aria, but she was so vile that she tried to kill Frank.

    At this point, Winter could note up with any cause to beg Frank-Aria was really asking for it.

    Lifting Dean off the floor, Frank bellowed, "Speak! Where is Aria?!"

    Surprisingly, it was the dying Ivor who answered from the floor, "S-She''s upstairs... Room 904..."

    It seemed that Ivor had a bone to pick with Aria too.

    He was the son of one of Zamri''s Three Bears! If that woman never tricked him into getting involved, he would not be begging on all fours like a dog, humiliated throughout! As such, he decided that he would make Aria pay too!

    Seeing that Ivor understood, Frank nodded, feeling less murderous about the brat.

    It seemed that Aria was using him, and she was the one who masterminded this entire gathering.

    Frank waved them off at the thought. "Get out of here. Remember if this ever happens again, I will kill you on the spot!"

    Dean, Jarek, and Sunny nodded repeatedly at Frank''s bellow.

    Would they even dare argue, when a big shot like Ivor was reduced to a cripple?!Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    They all began to flee, with some even leaping over Ivor as they did.

    Seeing that, Ivor bellowed from the floor, "You pricks! Don''t just run away on your own! Help me!"

    "Oh right, Mr. Bearson."

    It was only then that Dean, Jarek,

    and Sunny quickly turned around et of the private room. Contenut

    picked up Ivor, and carried

    belongs

    "Argh! Shit, take it slow!" he yelled in pain as someone touched his wrist and foot halfway.

    Still, as they finally made it out of the hotel, Dean turned hesitantly toward Ivor. "Mr. Bearson, about what happened..." "What?! Of course I''m fucking him up!"

    Ivor

    "He

    ed through gritted teeth.

    Marks

    that just because he''s et

    artist, he can... Argh! Slow

    goddamn it!"

    Then, turning toward his expensive car in the distance, he growled venomously, "I''m a bigwig in Zamri! I will definitely tell my father about this, and he will punish Frank Lawrence for this!"

    "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

    Dean, Jarek, and Sunny were at once delighted.

 Chapter 1292

    Dean, Jarek, and Sunny were certainly pathetic, kowtowing to Frank as everyone watched.

    It was a dark page in their history, and they had to get even!

    That was the case especially for Ivor, who had to suffer utter humiliation just to survive.

    If he could, he would call his father right now and have him send his men over.

    However, he also knew very well that his father was a busy man and did not have time for his nonsense, not to mention that a call was not convincing.

    Instead, he must let his father see his tragic state and get his father to do something.

    Strengthening his resolve, Ivor snapped coolly, "Go, get my car and take me to my dad''s office in Bearson Group right now. I will let him see how I suffered! It''ll be a p to his face!"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Alright!"

    Dean, Jarek, and Sunny Cabat traded nces, gleeful right then.

    After all, Bearson Group was secretly backed by the Lionhearts of Morhen!

    If the Lionhearts helped, Frank was as good as dead!

    The men''s footsteps quickened at the thought.

    After the scumbags left, Frank turned toward the girls in the room, who were left in shock. "Alright, just calm down. But you''d have to stay in here for a while while I get someone to clean up the hallway." With that, Frank whipped out his phone and called Kim, who was in faraway White Hall.

    "Hehe... Why the sudden call, Frank? Did you miss me?" Her voice was ethereal and tugged at the heartstrings as always.

    Winter was closest to Frank and shot him a puzzled look-why did

    her always seem to have

    girlfriends everywhere?

    "Ahem..." Frank cleared his throat awkwardly, rubbing his nose. "Ms. White, I have a favor to ask."

    "Really?" Kim replied calmly, even giggling a little as she took a sip of her tea.

    "I left some bodies at White Court Hotel. Please send some cleaners over."

    Kim spat out tea just as Frank finished, choking just then. She had to cough for a while to catch her breath.

    "Honestly. you''ve only called after

    so long, and it had to be something

    like

    "She sighed. "Fine. I''ll make

    the call."

    SWOO

    "Okay," Frank replied, pausing for a moment before continuing, "Also send someone up to Room 904 Bring the woman in there down to Private Room 5."

    "Okay, okay... Anything else, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Uh..." Frank chuckled awkwardly, feeling thick-skinned as he added, "That''s it. I''ll ask again when I need more favors."

    "You little-!"

    Kim was left speechless but soonposed herself and giggled. "Alright, then you owe me for this."

    "Sure," Frank replied briskly.

 Chapter 1293

    Winter, who had been craning her neck to listen in on the call, quickly turned away when Frank hung up, feigning ignorance. Naturally, she could not fool Frank-he did not me her, however, and instead patted her head and chuckled.

    She would be his apprentice from now on.

    It was a little ridiculous in a way, seeing that his mentor''s daughter would be his apprentice instead of bing her fellow.

    "Hmph. How meddlesome..."

    Hearing the tactless grumble, Frank turned to see a long-haired girl wearing thick-makeup.

    Though she was basically a four, she was a seven thanks to her borate makeup.

    On the other hand, Winter just needed basic makeup to reach eight point five, even nine.

    Nheless, Frank was frowning when he heard theint.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Jean heard it too. Being blunt as she always was, she promptly snapped, "What''s that supposed to mean, Yew?"

    "Nothing. Tch." Yew clicked her tongue, sarcastic even as she folded her arms before her chest. "All thanks to Winter''s amazing brother, our hopes for a rmendation letter went up in smoke. And for that,dies, you''d have to work for years, even a decade more to be an actual doctor. Why don''t we apud our hero for that?!"

    She stood up, pping her hands at Frank and barely hiding her contempt.

    Winter had enough-she could stand anyone insulting her, but not anyone insulting Frank.

    "Do you think we''re all like you?!" she snapped. "Giving up on our morals and dignity just for a rmendation letter?"

    "Right, right. You have nothing to worry about because you have a nice brother, Winter, but we have nothing!"

    Yew retorted jealously, "Do you know

    how long it''ll take normal people like

    us to make it? Candies like us afford to waste our youth that onlysts a few years?!"

    "That''s enough!"

    Frank stood up, stopping Winter from arguing further with Yew.

    He could see that most of the girls felt conflicted because of his interference, and Yew made sense in a few.

    How manydies could afford to squander their youth?

    That was why the rmendation letter was so important to them, and why none of them screamed for help ever as those upperssmen molested them.

    It was not their fault, and Frank''s heart sank to see it.

    "Alright, let''s stop the argument here."

    He said solemnly, leveling a sharp look at the girls around the room, "To be a proper doctor and save lives means going through trials and tribtions. Years of experience and discipline is

    necessary, but so is morals

    never make it far cutting corners. As for the rmendation letter, I can write one for you as a professor of Riverton University, ensuring that you would get an internship in Zamri Hospital. I hope each of you will remember what I said."

    The girls all looked up at Frank in shock.

    He had the influence to ensure that they could get an internship at Zamri Hospital?!

 Chapter 1294

    After all, Zamri Hospital was one of the best hospitals in the East Coast, and its previous chief, Dennis Jackson, was one of Zamri''s Three Bears! They were on apletely different level from Riverton Hospital!

    "Are you messing with us, Professor Lawrence?"

    Yew snorted skeptically. "Even Ivor Bearson only promised a rmendation letter and not an internship. Do you even have the connections for this?" "Oh, but don''t worry I do."

    Frank nodded to assure everyone, even smiling and pointing at Winter, "And the next chief of Zamri Hospital is standing right there. She''s your friend, after all-would an internship be really a problem?" "What?! The chief of Zamri Hospital?!"

    Everyone stared nkly at the equally confused Winter, who could barely speak.

    As everyone looked on, she shook her head repeatedly, her hair flowing in waves.

    "F-Frank... Me, the chief?" she stammered. "No way! What are you talking about?! I just graduated, and I''m going to be chief? That absolutely won''t work. I don''t have the skill or the experience!"

    Seeing that Winter shook her head as if it was really going to happen, Yewughed in disdain. "Come on, Professor Lawrence. Don''t you think you should at least make your lies believable? I have no argument if Winter is going to be the chief of a hospital, but Zamri Hospital? That''s beyond her. If anything, she can be the chief of an asylum!"

    "And you can be her first patient," Frank retorted calmly.

    The clear insult left Yew seething.

    She actually thought that Frank was being serious and was looking forward to an internship.

    But Frank also said that Winter would be chief? What a joke!

    They were all fools for actually feeling hopeful for a moment!

    The other girls were scowling as well, all of them upset at Frank.

    "What, don''t you believe me?" Frank smiled as he looked around at them.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    That certainly went without saying they all doubted him, who turned out to be a jester after all that fuss.

    To think that they believed for a moment that Frank was being considerate for the sake of their futures, but only for him to boast about appointing Winter as chief of Zamri Hospital. Howughable!

    "What, you really want us to believe you?"

    Yew sneered, crossing her legs and folding her arms before her chest. "Do you even know what Zamri Hospital is like? I heard that Gene Pearce owns it, and the chief is Bill Jackson''s father. And I saw with my own eyes how you beat up Bilt to a pulp. Now you''re telling me that you''re recing his father with Winter, while offering us internships there? Do you think we''re stupid enough to believe your bullshit?"

    Frank simply shrugged at her question, and smiled at the dumbfounded Winter. "Yes, Bill is son, but Dennis is

    Dennis Jackson''s son, bis 1.

    no longer the chief. Since his

    departure left a vacancy, and after some discussion with Gene Pearce, I rmended Winter to be the next

    chief."

 Chapter 1295

    The private room turnedpletely silent.

    Earlier, the girls were slightly convinced that Frank could write a rmendation letter so that they would have a shot at getting an internship at Zamri Hospital. But now, he was also saying that he would help Winter get appointed as the chief of that hospital, and that he and Gene Pearce agreed to that?

    Everyone knew that Gene was the richest man of the east coast, and Frank would say that he and that man discussed and agreed to let Winter be chief?!

    Who did he think he was, swaying Gene''s decisions?!

    It was no longer a joke at that point-just fiction.

    Yew did not even bother mocking Frank at that point. Keeping a straight face, she picked up her handbag and got to her feet, "Keep listening to him brag all you want. I''m leaving-I don''t have the time to waste here."

    Two other girls followed suit, holding no hopes toward Frank at all.

    In their mind, Frank must be crazy for saying something like that, and anything else would just be a waste of time like Yew said.

    Frank nodded and smiled as he watched them leave-it made sense for them to think of it that way, especially when he was just wearing an ordinary suit that was at best worth a few grand.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    There was nothing about him that screamed money or showed his social standing, not to mention that he came alone.

    And without any bodyguards or other bigwigs nking him, Frank certainly did not sound convincing.

    Still, he did not stop Yew and the

    two girls since he had no sinister et

    intentions with them-they could leave all they wanted since they did

    not believe him.

    Watching as they left, Winter quickly asked, "Are you being serious, Frank? Even if you are, I''m....."

    "Oh, silly Winter..."

    Tina, who was usually friendly with Winter, got to her feet as well, shaking her head in exasperation. "It''s not like we refuse to believe Professor Lawrence, but what he said is just ridiculous, and

    Tina could not find other words to say and merely turned to nod politely at Frank, sighing. "Thanks for saving us, Professor Lawrence, but I''ve decided to rely on myselfand start from the bottom."

    And with a bow, she left with her friends.

    "Hehe..."

    Frank could tell that Tina and her friends were not like Yew''s clique, who were ready to trade favors with their upperssmen. Tina and her friends actually found it uneptable, even deciding to start from the bottom.

    And Frank appreciated that attitude.

    As he watched them leave, he said quietly, "Stay in touch with Winter. She can arrange an internship for you at Zamri Hospital."

    Tina said nothing. She simply waved at Frank in acknowledgment, but she obviously did not hold out hope.

 Chapter 1296

    ?

    With that, only Jean and Winter were left in the room with Frank.

    Smiling at Winter, he said, "I''m going to teach you the precepts of Draconian

    traditional medicine over a month, while you study the rest from there. How about that?""

    Winter''s eyes lit up-she had seen Frank''s skill in medicine, and she would be a great help to him if she could inherit his skills.

    She nodded repeatedly at that thought.

    "Good." Frank was pleased to see her agree to it. "With this, you''ll be even more qualified as hospital chief."

    "Why are you still going on about that..." Winter pouted, clearly doubting Frank.

    Frank was not concemed, however, even smiling as he patted her head and told her to study well while he made the arrangements.

    Jean stood up just then-she was not convinced Frank could get someone like Gene to agree to his request, but Frank had already achieved the impossible one too many times.

    At this point, she was just used to Frank achieving wonders, which was why she was the only one most convinced that Frank was telling the truth in that room.

    Though hesitant, she asked Frank to train her with Winter, and Frank agreed to it after some thought.

    After all, acupuncture was a necessary part of Draconian traditional medicine. If he was training Winter alone, that meant he had to strip down for her practical sessions -it was just too embarrassing.

    That was why Frank was keen for the girls to practice with each other.

    He was not a hoarder anyway, and he was perfectly weing to anyone who was interested in learning Draconian traditional medicine.

    With that, they agreed on a date, with Jean and Winter traveling to Zamri in two days. That also meant Frank had the pressing task of finding a mansion, ideally close to Lanecorp, that could amodate everyone by tomorrow.

    As Jean and Winter happily left, Frank remained alone on the private room couch, waiting until around ten minutester, and someone knocked on the broken door. "Mr. Lawrence? Is now a convenient time for you? We''ve brought her here."

    "Yeah, bring her in," he replied.

    The broken door creaked open, and a familiar figure with a bandaged face was flung to Frank''s feet.

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    Naturally, it was none other than Aria Lond, ring viciously and spitefully at Frank. That did not escape Frank''s notice, and he sighed, shaking his head. "Heh. I''ve done right by you, asking Kim White to spare your life. She even arranged for you to receive the best medical treatment, so why would you seek revenge against me? And not just me... You''d go against your besties too? What did they do to you?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Frank''s cool question left Aria snorting. ''Quit the holier art thou act, Frank! Sage Lake Sect and the White family are all yourpdogs! And you set Jorg Zayas after me, didn''t you?!"

 Chapter 1297

    ?

    "Me?" Frank shook his head. "That wasn''t me. Sage Lake Sect didn''t want witnesses, and it''s not my fault."

    "You''re lying!" Aria bellowed. "I wouldn''t be at White Hall if not for you, and I wouldn''t end up like this!"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Shut up!"

    Frank turned furious as well at her outburst. "You''re the one who set me up in the first ce! Would I have needed to travel to White Hall to find proof otherwise? None of it would have happened if you had just confessed from the start! And when we got to White Hall, you hooked up with Kim''s father-which of those are not your fault? What part did I y in any of that?!"

    Aria hung her head at Frank''s bellow, but the spite in her re never faded.

    Seeing that, Frank knew that there was no saving her now-hate hadpletely clouded her mind, and she remained unrepentant even after he had been as lenient as he could.

    Moreover, he was not one who hesitated... and he was not about to keep a ticking time bomb around.

    Since Aria refused to see reason, Frank had no choice.

    Waving at the bodyguards who brought Aria there, he said quietly, ''Process her." "Frank Lawrence! I''ll haunt you even after I die!"

    Aria shrieked even as she was dragged away, while Frank sighed as he watched. However, he felt no sympathy for Aria-he was sighing in disappointment at himself.

    There were those who would simply ignore any kindness you showed them and hurt you instead.

    At that moment, Frank decided that he would never forgive anyone who threatened those around him!

    Meanwhile, at Bearon Complex in Zamri, Troy Bearon, CEO and one of Zamri''s Three Bears, was seated in his office with a middle-aged man in a dapper suit.

    Despite being fifty and having specks of white hair, Troy was not losing hair and stood with an upright gait.

    He was smiling fawningly, docile even as he poured the other man tea.

    "It must have been a long trip all the way from the South Sea." He chuckled. "Sorry you had toe all the way here for such a trifle."

    "Heh." Kilian Lionheart smiled stiffly, clearly not used to diplomacy. "Even Volsung Sect only recently caught on to the spiritron vein hidden beneath Zamri.

    Despite wearing a suit, it was clear he was a martial elite, with his bulging shoulders and fist that looked hard as stone, and especially his sharp gaze.

    As Kilian tapped his fingers on the desk while taking a sip of his tea, he said," Anyway, you''ve been informed of the location beforehand. Have you acquired that plot ofnd?"

    "Don''t worry, Mr. Lionheart." Troy smiled, putting a hand on his chest. ''Zomber Group owned it before but sold it to some unknown character afterward for some reason, and it eventually ended up in Lanecorp''s hands."

 Chapter 1298

    "What?"

    Kilian scowled in annoyance right then. "I informed you beforehand and even pulled strings so that Zamri City Hall covered it up as a highway project, and you still haven''t acquired that plot ofnd?"

    Killian''s usation left Troy sweating buckets, and he pursed his lips awkwardly. "It''s not like we''re refusing, Mr. Lionheart, but Lanecorp just isn''t giving up thatnd lot. Everyone we sent was turned down, not to mention that Zamri is a mess at the moment."

    "Really? You can''t deal with somepany? And what mess are you talking about?" Kilian asked, but he was convinced Troy was deliberately stalling to get more goodies from the Lionhearts.

    "Well, sir, Lanecorp has recently seen progress," Troy replied. "They are gaining ground across various fields in Zamri. In contrast, Zomber Group, formerly one of the city''s Three Bears, is declining. Their two leaders died under mysterious circumstances, and thepany is now acquired by Lanecorp as a subsidiary."Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    Seeing the look of impatience on Kilian''s face, Troy quickly added, "And the Blood Wolves, Zamri''s biggest gang, was also taken over by the Blue Fangs... But they don''t seem to go by that name now, as they are now Lanecorp''s health and security department."

    Chuckling bitterly at that, Troy sighed. "I mean, what health and security department would number over a thousand strong?"

    Kilian''s expression turned somber-it seemed that Troy was not ipetent.

    If Lanecorp was really gaining ground in Zamri rapidly, bing a behemoth that could match Bearson United in such a short time, it was not surprising that Troy was troubled.

    "What''s going on in Lanecorp? Have you found out?" Kilian asked quietly.

    "Yes, I have." Troy nodded. "They have a new board chairwoman named Helen Lane. She''s the head of an important family in Riverton and curiously, she''s quite beautiful. She''s also the one who yed a key part in Lanecorp''s resurgence, but we also found out that she''s a

    normal human and no martial artist."

    "A normal human, and a woman?"

    21 13

    Kilian did a double take and frowned in thought. "Something''s not right. Someone has to be supporting her-she wouldn''t be able to get far otherwise, let alone convince Zomber Group''s board to give up their shares. Also, unifying the city''s underbelly under herpany''s health and security department... That''s a little..."

    Kilian''s eyes lit up right then. "That''s it! Find out who''s the head of

    Lanecorp''s health and security, nes

    department. I just have this feeling that they are the key here!"

    Troy smacked himself on the forehead-merging the entire Blue Gang into Lanecorp''s health and security department?! That person had to be someone outstanding!

    Even if they could not reach them, they just had to follow the trail to find the real power behind Lanecorp.

    With that in mind, Troy eximed, "You''re incredible, Mr. Lionheart! Why didn''t I think of that?!"

    "Quit licking my boots and find them!"

    Kilian snapped coolly. "We have to secure the spiritron vein in time, or the chief of Volsung Sect will punish us!"

    "Yes, yes, yes!" Troy promptly called his men to find out who the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department was.

 Chapter 1299

    Just then, amotion could be heard from the hallway outside. "Please, Mr. Bearson! You can''t go in your father is meeting an important guest, and he said no one is to disturb him!" Before Troy could react, his office doors opened.

    Then, he watched as his son, bleeding all over and bawling, was carried inside on a stretcher by Dean, Jarek, and Sunny.

    Troy''s secretary and security guards were still trying to talk them out of it. "Please just step outside for a moment..."

    However, Ivor could not care less as he ordered Dean and the others to barge inside.

    As soon as he saw his father, he was shouting tearfully on top of his lungs.

    "Dad! Dad!" he cried shrilly, trembling even as he kept howling, "Someone beat me up, and broke my hands and legs! I''m a cripple now... You have to avenge me"!

    Troy was about to scold his son for being tactless, but the gruesome sight of his injuries left his rage vaporizing.

    He strode up, his eyes shing viciously as he barked, "Who did this to you?! How dare they cripple my son. I''ll kill them!"

    He was incensed at the sight of his son''s misery-Ivor was his only son and his heir.

    How could he do nothing when his son was beaten to that state?!

    Dean, Jarek, and Sunny quickly leapt to question.

    "Mr. Bearson, it''s this man named Frank Lawrence!"

    "Yeah, that''s the one!"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "The graduates of Riverton

    University were having a gathering, so we and your son joined them as we always do. We talked about

    job

    opportunities, even offering to write them rmendation letters..."

    Dean actually shed a tear as if he really felt hurt. "But Frank Lawrence barged into our room, beat up your son just because he''s a martial artist, and he forced your son to kowtow to him..."

    Troy was bristling at the information,

    furious. "Who is this Frank Lawrence?! Why would he beat up my son for no reason?! Martial artist, huh? Does he think I don''t have a martial artist under mymand?"!

    "Mr. Bearson." Jarek sighed, hanging his head. "Frank is a professor at Riverton University. He beat up your son just because he got too close to his sister."

    "Yeah! He didn''t listen to reason and started beating us up as soon as he barged in!"

    "We had to yield to him, or we''d all be dead and unable to tell you what happened!"

    Troy shook with rage-someone from a backwater ce like Riverton actually attacked his son?!

    He turned to bark outside his office, "Go! Summon our four Birthright rank martial elites! I want Frank Lawrence''s corpse in my office tomorrow, or their heads wil roll! And bring me his sister tool

    "Yes, sir!" His secretary nodded and quickly turned to leave.

    Soon, another secretary ran inside and was caught stunned for a moment when he saw the mess inside Troy''s office.

    Still, she soon recovered and reported, "Sir, we have the name of the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department." "Already? Who is it?" Troy asked.

    He then nced at Kilian, who sat there nonchntly.

    Troy waved off Ivor and his friends right then, gesturing for them to leave.

 Chapter 1300

    Even if Troy was furious to see his son being maimed, he obviously had more important things to do.

    "Dad! You have to avenge me!" Ivor kept bawling.

    "Got it. Now go, and get some proper rest." Troy nodded.

    After Ivor and his friends were gone and closed the door behind them, Troy''s secretary reported, "Sir, the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department is Frank Lawrence, a male in his twenties."

    "Frank Lawrence?!"

    Troy''s eyes widened-that was the name of the man who hurt his son!

    Could it be two different Frank Lawrences? Though that would be unlikely...

    Troy nced at Kilian, who remained calm as a cucumber and nodded when he heard the name. "If that''s really him, then it makes sense. Frank Lawrence must be the one masterminding Lanecorp''s resurgence."

    "Do you know him, Mr. Lionheart?" Troy asked nkly.

    "I don''t."

    Kilian shook his head and exined quietly, "I''ve only heard that this man had been at odds with the Lionhearts, robbing Titus Lionheart off his fiancee and killing Sif Lionheart. One of the Volsung Sect elders has also gone missing, and we suspect he has something to do with it."

    "What?!" Troy was left dumbfounded and started sweating all over his face. "That same man who crippled my son? If it''s really him..."

    After all, that man stole the fiancee of the Lionheart''s heir apparent, killed a legitimate heiress of their family, and vanished an elder of Volsung Sect.

    No matter how one looked at it, that man was way above Troy''s pay grade.

    If Troy attacked him, he would get himself killed!

    Troy''s legs turned to jelly at the thought, and he med Kilian for that.

    Why did Kilian not stop him when he told his people to capture Frank?! If Frank decided that he was an enemy...

    Troy quickly picked up his phone, ready to tell his secretary to recall the four Birthright rank martial elites so that they did not go to their deaths.

    However, that was when Kilian held up his hand, stopping Troy.

    While Troy appeared taken aback, he was

    did not care about his son, as he wasonly concerned about Volsung Sect''s interest.

    are inwardly-Kilian clearly

    Moreover, Kilian stayed silent when Ivor named Frank as his assant only telling Troy about Frank after his secretary told him that Frank was the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department.

    Kilian was clearly treating him as cannon fodder!

    Troy could swear out loud right then, but he could not afford to insult a Lionheart either.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Still, Kilian seemed to see that Troy was worried and said quietly, "Don''t worry. I know for a fact that Frank Lawrencepleted Birthright rank at best, Have your men probe, him you''re safe as long as I''m around anyway."

 Chapter 1301

    Getting the idea just then, Troy asked tentatively, "Then, if my men die because of Frank..." "I will get involved."

    Kilian seemed to see through Troy, but he did not care and stared at Troy as he continued quietly, "A full-fledged Birthright rank may be able to strut across the east coast, but they would be insignificant in the South Sea."

    "Great!" Troy was delighted with an elder of Volsung Sect like Kilian, even all of Zamri did not stand a chance against them.

    Seeing Troy''s delight, Kilian snorted and remained impassive. "I''vee under orders to supervise the excavation of the spiritron vein. For that, I will eliminate those in your way, but don''t think I''m taking orders from you."

    Troy was cursing in his head, but he kept smiling and nodded repeatedly.

    After Frank returned to Zamri, he called Gene, whoughed heartily when Frank told him he wanted a mansion near the city.

    "I''ve just noticed one in South Zamri," he said. "I heard it belonged to the Bearsons, and I think it suits your needs. It just happens that the owner is selling it tomorrow-just head over there with my gold card. You have a nk check for your purchase."

    Frank felt a little conscientious despite Gene''s generosity but nodded. "In that case, I''ll take you up on your offer. Also, I''ve made arrangements for the farm resort-you can enjoy our premium service as soon as you arrive."

    Gene was delighted, since Frank had promised him a Jade Marrow Pill and quickly made the arrangements. "Let''s not get so formal, and it''s just a mansion... Haha!" They hung up after a little small talk after that.

    Early the next day, Frank woke up when he noticed a sneaky presence and smiled after he extended his senses.

    Creak...

    The door opened as a figure tiptoed inside, quietly getting on the bed and straddling the bulge under the nket.

    "Darling!" Vicky Turnbull eximedThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    as she

    expreted the nket, but her

    expression soon stiffened as she found herself staring at a couple of pillows instead of her ''darling''. en.swhovels

    "Heh. So you''re feeling better now?" Frank chuckled behind Vicky, causing her to flinch and fall on the

    at her

    bed, and heughed out lothe

    reaction.

    "Hey! You scared me!" She patted her chest to calm down with an using re, but she was clearly pleased to see him.

    "Come on. That''s your fault for trying to scare me in the first ce." Frank smiled, folding his arms before his chest.

    "I just wanted to surprise you!" Vicky pouted, sitting on the bed and pretending to look angry.

    They said nothing as they stood off against each other, though Vicky was soonughing and leapt off the bed and into Frank''s arms. Her long white legs wrapped around his waist, clinging firmly to him like gum.

 Chapter 1302

    "It''s been so long, darling!" Vicky eximed. "I missed you!"

    "It''s just been a week." Frank sighed exasperatedly and tucked her hair behind her ear, studying her cheek. Vicky''s gruesome red scars were already gone from her face his ointment worked so well that no trace was left. In fact, Vicky''s skin was fair, even bright and flushed like a baby''s, her lips red without needing lipstick.

    Even barefaced, she would beat ny percent of the rest of Draconia''s beauties.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    In fact, Vicky had a slight advantage over Helen now.

    "Heh. You''re even more beautiful now, Ms. Turnbull," Frank praised after studying her face.

    Vicky was naturally unable to contain her delight. "Is that because I have a wonderful husband? So, shall we...?"

    She nced pointedly at the bed, her gaze bewitching and her breath tender as she offered Frank a suggestion. Frank zoned out for a moment, feeling the softness in his palm and almost went to work right then.

    That was when someone knocked on the door, causing the vibes to stiffen.

    A voice that was clearly Helen''s snapped, "Come out, Vicky. I want to talk to you."

    "Tch. That woman is such a killjoy." Vicky pouted unhappily, displeased that a rare opportunity was interrupted.

    But despite her mood ruined, she felt

    petty enough to moan loudly,

    Ah... AK... You can just... Say it,

    What?

    loud Ahhhh! I''m busy... I can''t open the door right now!"

    Frank''s eyes widened at her sensual moans, but before he could say anything, Vicky sped a hand over his mouth, while continuing smugly, "H-Helen? Just stay there... Ah... Wait for half an hour or an hour, okay?''

    Even as Vicky kept moaning at the direction of the door, Frank could imagine the look on Helen''s face just then.

    "What are you doing, Vicky?!" Helen kept hammering on the door, her tone at once angry and embarrassed even as she demanded, "Frank! D-Don''t move, you hear me?!"

    "Don''t move?!" Frank was left dumbstruck.

    It took him five seconds to realize what Helen meant, and he rolled his eyes right then.

    He did not think that the ice queen would say something so awkward-she really was hard-pressed!

    And hearing that Helen was

    flustered, Vicky went even further,

    pressing her fiery body on Frank and

    humping him provocatively while eximing smugly at the door, "What, just because you said no? Go on, darling! Move harder!"

    "Vicky... Frank!"

    Helen was clearly furious, but her heels clicked audibly as she fled.

    "Pfft..." Seeing that Helen ran away, Vicky puffed her prided chest triumphantly to dere her victory.

 Chapter 1303

    "You''re such a..."

    Frank was well aware of the weird rivalry between Helen and Vicky.

    He reached out, smacking Vicky''s rear even as she clung to him like an octopus.

    He wanted to punish her for using him to mess with Helen without his consent, but the bounciness almost left his resistance crumbling.

    Still, he quickly said, "Vicky, Helen must have something important to tell you. You''d best go talk to her."

    "Hmph."

    Vicky released him grumpily but winked at him as she opened the door. "Harder next time, daddy."

    "Ahem..."

    Frank gulped even as he stared at Vicky''s butt and started coughing violently.

    Naturally, it was not over just then.

    Just as Helen was about to leave the hallway, Vicky opened the door and poked her head out, beckoning, "Wait, Helen. Don''t run off so soon! Why don''t you join us?"

    "Ahem!!!"

    Frank coughed so violently he almost hacked out his lungs.

    On the other hand, Helen wheeled on Vicky, flushing in embarrassment amid the five minute silence.

    "Y-You''re shameless!" she snapped through gritted teeth.

    "Hey, what''s that look for? And you call me shameless when you actually hesitated for a moment? Perhaps you want it, but you''re just too shy?"

    Even as Vicky kept teasing Helen, Helen did not argue and fled instead.

    Vicky looked on,ughing so hard her shoulders were shaking.

    "That''s enough," Frank said exasperatedly. "Quit teasing her."

    Vicky was really mean and naturally had the upper hand with someone serious like Helen.

    "What,

    Vicky s it hurt you so much?"

    to sh a sly smile.

    maybe you''ve been cheating.

    while I was away?" Content t

    "No way."

    Frank threw his hands up. "We''ve been sorting one mess out after another. We don''t have time¡ª"

    Vicky raised a brow. "Really? Are you saying that you''d cheat if you have the time?"

    "What is that logic?" Frank smiled in wry amusement.

    Vicky closed the door, staring fixedly

    atContent property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    and smiling as she

    d him like a stalkingel

    "Then show me."

    "Show you what?" Frank backed away even as she kept approaching.

    "Show me if you''ve been cheating on me! Now,e on!"

    "No!" Frank kept backing away and resisting.

    "Let me see!"

    "No..." Frank ran out of space to withdraw and had to run past Vicky right then.

    "Oh, you!" Vicky stood akimbo and pouted grumpily.

    Still, she had an idea... they had all

    the time they

    in the world, so

    y not just bring Helen a Could''

    time?

    Helen was always shy anyway and fickle anyway, so if Vicky pressured her a little, she would definitely cave.

 Chapter 1304

    Vicky giggled at the thought.

    Ten minutester, and after washing up, Frank appeared in Helen''s office punctually to give his usual daily report.

    However, Helen kept staring distractedly at Frank''s crotch, which Vicky noticed to her amusement, hiding a giggle.

    Even Frank was getting the creeps from Helen''s stare, but he dutifully finished his report. "Our health and security department now hasplete control over Zamri''s underbelly, so you don''t have to worry about safety. Our people will update us on anything that happens."

    "Oh..."

    Helen came to her senses a long while after Frank finished, nodding. "In that case, your safe period... Wait, I mean your health and security department..."

    However, Helen''s mistake clearly revealed her thoughts, and Vicky wasughing so hard that she teared up.

    Even Frank had to step back awkwardly.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    As for Helen, her usual ice-queen demeanor was nowhere to be seen as she flushed andy sprawled over her desk, murmuring, "Just kill me already..."

    "Alright, alright." Vicky stopped giggling, pping her on the shoulder since she looked like she was keen to continue working. "Don''t worry. Nothing happened between us." "Really?"

    Seeing Helen look up hopefully, Vicky smiled mischievously as she breathed lengthily. "Just kidding."

    As Helen''s expression stiffened, Frank snapped in wry amusement. "Vicky."

    Vicky pouted and shrugged. "Fine, I was just messing with you, Ms. Lane. I was in Frank''s room for only ten minutes-nothing happened in that time."

    However, Helen nced at Frank and then at the smiling Vicky, clearly skeptical.

    "Ten minutes..." Frank pursed his lips, but he could not feign ignorance when his masculine dignity was on the line.

    Looking around and ensuring that it was just him, Helen and Vicky in the office, he cleared his throat and said, "That''s right, Helen. After all is said and done, I think I''dst an hour. You can doubt my character, but can''t doubt my ability..."

    "Fine, fine! I get it! Let''s just stop talking about this!"

    Helen flushed up to her ears and shook her head repeatedly as if to clear her head, muttering to herself "Whatever happened happened, it''s not like I would mind if it

    avnd

    happened. Whoes first orst is all the same..."

    Vicky''s mischievous nature spiked as Helen muttered to herself as if chanting a mantra, and she leaned in to breathe into Helen''s ear, "Well, that''s agreed then. When the

    opportunity arises, let''s testel?

    him and

    see if hests an hour..."

    "Hngh..."

    Utterly deted, Helen buried her face in her hands as she leaned on her desk and whimpered like a little girl.

    "Huh..." Frank was about to say something but ultimately shook his head he would be putting himself in her crosshairs if he said anything now.

    As such, he quietly backed out and closed the door behind him as he left Helen''s office when he felt someone crashing on his back.

    "Eh? Ah, Mr. Lawrence! I was just looking for you!"

    Lily the secretary adjusted her sses, carrying stacks of documents in her arms. "Ms. Lane''s brother is downstairs. He''s not in a good shape, but he insisted on meeting you."

    "Helen''s brother? Peter?" Frank was taken aback.

 Chapter 1305

    Frank appeared perplexed-why would Petere to him?

    A while ago, Peter was appointed as deputy to Terry Cotton, who worked as a team captain in Lanecorp''s health and security department.

    Under usual circumstances, Peter had Frank''s number and could just call him if anything happened.

    But he did not and came to Frank personally? And he was in bad shape?

    Sensing something ominous, Frank left Lily the secretary and dashed downstairs.

    At the first-floor lobby, Frank found Peter bleeding from the gut as he sat by the entrance.

    He was bleeding all over, causing amotion in the lobby.

    "What happened, Peter?!" Frank eximed as he squeezed his way through the crowd and rushed to Peter''s side.

    "Brother... Chief..."

    Peter was barely breathing, choking even as he struggled to lift his bloodstained hands. "Four men attacked the bar we gathered in... They had big guns, and they killed so many of us..."

    "What?! Guns?!" Frank was at once furious.

    After all, Draconia enforced strict gun control-only select individuals or leaders of illustrious families were given licenses to carry one. Others would need to get them from the ck market or to pull the strings and even those were other handguns or pistols.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    But these four had guns that could inflict devastation, meaning that they were clearly a big deal and really meant to hurt Terry and his men.

    Most martial artists could not stop bullets unless they reached Birthright rank, and even then, they could only stop that many bullets.

    In other words, this was premeditated.

    While Frank did the math within

    seconds, he held up his fingers, projecting a spiraling burst of pure vigo to seal Peter''s acupoints, stopping his bleeding.

    belongs to en.swnovel tent

    Although he was shot four times on the abdomen, the bullets missed his vitals.

    "Do you know where theye from? What about Terry? What''s he doing?" Frank asked Peter even as he worked.

    "Mr. Cotton made it out, but he was shot too and fell unconscious... They rushed him to the hospital already. I can''t find my phone, so I rushed here to warn you-they''reing after Lanecorp!" Peter eximed.

    Frank became quiet, scowling as he watched Peter cough blood miserably.

    After stopping Peter''s bleeding, he shoved an Ichor Pill into Peter''s mouth and pped him on the shoulder. "Don''t worry. I''ll make whoever did this pay."

    "Oh... Okay!" Peter''s tenseness eased with Frank''s promise, and he went limp as he passed out.

    "Peter!" Helen cried as she ran up to them.

    It seemed that her secretary Lily had told her.

    Even if Peter had not really exactly shaped up, he more or less changed his ways after Frank disciplined him. In fact, he was flourishing in the health and security department''s fixer division, and everyone was perfectly cordial and respectful thanks to his brother-inw.

    That was why he was very reverent toward Frank now and no longer up to his little schemes.

    And as soon as the fixer division was in trouble, Peter came to inform Frank immediately despite his terrible pain and the possibility of death.

 Chapter 1306

    And as soon as the fixer division was in trouble, Peter came to inform Frank immediately despite his terrible pain and the possibility of death.

    Even if Peter had been a real bastard before, he had truly turned around, and Helen willingly epted him as her brother again.

    Naturally, seeing him lying in a pool of his own blood left her tearing up in panic.

    "Calm down. I''ve stopped his bleeding-he''s safe for now," Frank said.

    At the same time, he thrusted a needle into Peter''s bullet wounds and extracted the bullets with his pure vigor, letting them drop loudly with a metallic clink. "What?! Are those... bullet holes?!"

    It was only then that Helen noticed Peter''s injury.

    Frank nodded, picking up the bullets and turning toward the security guards nearby. "Let him rest at the Lanecorp dorms. He''s mostly fine now."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence," the security guards replied and brought out a stretch to carry Peter away.

    "Helen!" Frank caught her since she was about to follow, looking her solemnly in the eye and saying, "Someone in Zamri is targeting Lanecorp. You''d best be careful-don''t meet strangers if you can." "Okay!" Helen nodded repeatedly, sping a hand over her mouth.

    Seeing the look in her eyes, Frank released her, allowing her to chase after Peter.

    "Carrying guns? They must be a big deal, with links to the ck market-even ckrank," Vicky said as she took the bullets Frank passed her.

    Despite having a tendency to fool around all the time, Vicky was reliable as always in times of trouble.

    After studying the bullets Frank passed her, she nodded and said, "It''s the caliber usually used for a Mac-10. If I''m not mistaken, it''s exclusive to ckrank and the ck market."Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "ckrank and the ck market...?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes, a woman''s face suddenly appearing in his mind.

    Juno Enigma.

    He was ignorant of ckrank and the ck market, but she knew it best.

    He whipped out his phone without hesitation, taking a seat in a corner to call her. "Umph... It''s very early, darling... What''s the matter?"

    Juno''s voice was especially enthralling as she stretched, having just woken up.

    Vicky frowned when she heard the voice, and not because Frank met yet another woman, but rather because she had the feeling that the woman was dangerous.

    "I have a question," Frank said bluntly.

    Juno seemed to pout right then.

    "You never called, and I thought you''d forgotten about me. Hehehe..."

    She purred, and her tone changed sharply as she giggled coquettishly. "Alright, let''s put that aside for a moment you must have called to ask who bought the Mac-10s, right? That would be the Bearon family of Zamr. Just yesterday, their four stewards took delivery... I think they were called Galen, ze, Thunder, and Bolt. They''ve all reached the pinnacle of Birthright rank, but I''m sure they''re no issue for you, right, darling?"

    Frank was even more wary of Juno as she almost seemed irvoyant,

    but he nodded and said, "Thank

    I

    owe you one-I''ll make sure to repay

    the favor."

    "Now, now." Juno giggled even more. "Why get so formal? We''d never owe each other anything, and I''m actually grateful you''d ask for my help..."

    Frank could not help frowning at that. "Either way, I owe you a favor. If there''s nothing else..."

 Chapter 1307

    Frank could not help frowning at that. "Either way, I owe you a favor. And if there''s nothing else..."

    "By the way, darling..."

    Juno''s giggle faded as her tone turned serious once again. "One of Volsung Sect''s best recently touched down in Zamri, and he''s with the Bearons right now. He seemed to be plotting something, but I couldn''t get any details about his abilities and connections. The only thing I know for sure is that he''s beneath Ascendant rank, so watch out, darling."

    While Frank was surprised by Juno''s advice, he said, "Understood. Thank you, rity."

    "Um-hmm."

    As Frank hung up and mused to himself, Vicky asked, "Is her information reliable, Frank?"

    She did not seem worried that another woman called Frank darling, as he was clearly formal and deliberately distant.

    "Ny percent," Frank replied, nodding. "Thest time we met, she told me that a certainnd lot''s value would suddenly skyrocket, and it did."Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "In that case, we have a name. The Bearons of Zamri... have you done anything to upset them?"

    "The Bearons...?" Frank mused to himself, and suddenly remembered the rich kid who tried to molest Winter Lawrence just yesterday.

    Hisst name was Bearon, and he was bragging about his father being one of Zamri''s Three Bears.

    It certainly connected the dots, but while Frank nodded, he was soon puzzled.

    If they were after him, the Bearons should go after him personally-why mess with some fringe Lanecorp personnel?

    That was unless they were after Lanecorp in the first ce.

    Also, there was the additional information Juno just provided-the Lionhearts sending a mysterious elite to the Bearons'' residence. That only confused Frank further.

    "What are we going to do?" Vicky asked. "Swift vengeance like right now?"

    "Nope." Frank waved her off. "We don''t know what they want. Firing blindly would only startle them and make them wary-I''ll be bait instead."

    He met Vicky''s worried look and smiled. "Also just happened to agree with Gene Pearce to purchase one of the Bearons'' properties. It''s not far from here, and I was going to meet up with the owner. If they''re after me, they would show up there When I do. But if they ignore me..."

    "That means they''re after Lanecorp instead," Vicky finished, but she sighed worriedly. "Aren''t you putting yourself in harm''s way, though?"

    "Don''t worry." Frank grinned. "I''ve improved again, and now, I might even say that there''s not many in Draconia who can defeat me, unless Simon Lionheart himself is waiting in the Bearons'' residence."

    Vicky giggled at that. "No way! But you have to be careful, Frank."

    She remained worried, but she understood that the women behind a man should not stop him when he was working.

    Understanding that, and seeing that Frank was determined, she did not try to talk him out of it.

    "Yeah!"

    Frank nodded and added, "I''ll have everyone from the health and security departmente over and protect Lanecorp. This ce would be fine if they''re after me, but they''lle if they''re after Lanecorp in the first ce once I leave."

 Chapter 1308

    Frank nodded and added, "I''ll have everyone from the health and security departmente over and protect Lanecorp. This ce will be fine if they''re after me, but once I leave, they''lle if they''re after Lanecorp in the first ce."

    Vicky nodded. "Yeah. I''ll have my family''s ckguards help too."

    "ckguards?"

    Frank remembered the Turnbull ckguards.

    He did not hold up much hope-those men had ability, but they also had serious attitude problems.

    Still, anything worked, and the more the merrier.

    Nodding, Frank wasted no time and took the elevator down to the basement parking lot, when his phone rang just as he got into his car.

    At a nearby tower, a masked middle-aged man was sitting in a distant skyscraper, concealed behind a one-way tinted ss curtain.

    He lowered his binocrs as an Audi left Lanecorp, and he whipped out his walkie-talkie to call his friends on an encrypted channel. "Frank Lawrence has just left Lanecorp. Repeat, Frank Lawrence has just left Lanecorp."

    "Roger," his friend replied over the walkie-talkie. "You and ze stick to the n and ambush the target. Bolt and I will nt explosives around Lanecorp-that building will be wiped off the face of Zamri." "Roger!"

    "Execute."

    "Hehehe..."

    "Hmph. Remember, don''t fuck this up-it''s an opportunity to prove ourselves to the Lionhearts. Remember, Frank Lawrence and Lanecorp''s Helen Lane must die!"

    "Roger!"

    With that, the four stewards went to work, with the masked middle-aged man sneering as he rose to his feet.

    In terms of brute strength, there might be nothing to brag about against Frank.

    But they were ckrank, and they had a million different ways to take him down!

    "Hmm?!"

    Meanwhile, Frank had the feeling that something was amiss as he drove, and the feeling peaked when he made a turn.

    His fingers soon clenched around the steering wheel as he realized what was wrong. There were no pedestrians nor a single car along the street, which was dead silent.

    "That was quick." Frank narrowed his eyes and chuckled but calmly drove along.

    He was about to leave the street and enter a three-way junction when a fuel truck suddenly came bounding down the road.

    Frank did not even have time to react-he only had a glimpse of the masked man in the driver''s seat narrowing his eyes at him.

    "Hehehe!!!"

    A shrill, maniacalughter could be heard as Frank promptly turned and saw the other masked man, driving another fuel truck straight at him from the other side.

    Within half a beat, both fuel trucks mmed into each other resoundingly.

    There was just no time for Frank to get his Audi out of the way, and the car was instantly pounded t.

    But that

    ensued

    was not all-the sparks that

    the collision i

    the

    fuel in the trucks, triggering a terrible to

    explosion. Content bible

    me rushed into the air while the shockwave shattered every window nearby In fact, all of Zamri could see the mushroom cloud rising from the southern side as the whole city quaked.

    "Got him, boss."

    "Hehehe... How horrible. He must be resting in pieces now..."Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 1309

    Thunder, who was the boss among the four, nodded after hearing the report. "Good work. We''d still need to check-Frank Lawrence is strong, and he might really make it out." "Don''t worry, boss. Even if he survived, the shockwave would have neutralized him."

    Galen was calmer inparison. "ze and I will stay here to check for a body."

    "Good." Thunder nodded-that was the only way to be sure. "Bolt, how''s the explosives going?!"

    "Shit, boss! I''ve been made!" Bolt was wheezing, and clearly running even as he shouted into the walkie-talkie.

    "You''ve been made?! Where?! I''ll extract you!"

    "The fountain downstairs of Lanecorp... this freaky woman keeps chasing me, and I can''t shake her off!"

    "Freaky woman?!" Thunder did a double take.

    His quartet were all Birthright rank individuals-in fact, Thunder himself had justpleted Birthright rank.

    But to chase one of them that far, even terrorizing Bolt enough to make him scream ''freaky'', that woman had to be something else.

    "If you''re chased, that means the explosives-"

    "She found me even before I nted them!" Bolt yelled in frustration. "She''s dressed in all white, and she seemed to see through me right away, demanding I hand over the explosives."

    "Just calm down. I''ming for you," Thunder replied as he rappelled down the skyscraper.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    However, he was just halfway down when he heard screams over his walkie-talkie.

    "What?!"

    He turned pale in shock and held the walkie-talkie with one hand and the rope w the other as he barked,

    "What''s going on over there, Galen?! Galen?! Answer me!"

    Galen did not answer, however, as it was another quiet voice that spoke instead "So you''re their boss? Would you mind telling me what you''re up to? Payback for Ivor Bearson, perhaps?"

    Thunder flinched at the voice, but he realized that things bode ill for Galen and ze when he heard Frank''s voice.

    He simply could not understand.

    Even Ascendant ranks could not remain unscathed from such an explosion. Moreover, even if they did, they would be maimed, and Galen and ze would easily take him down.

    As such, how did Frank escape under such circumstances, even turning the tables against his men in half a minute, taking their walkie-talkie?!

    "How did you escape!?" Thunder eximed, losingposure right then.

    He was actually curious how Frank survived because he just could not understand and even forgot about his situation.

    To his surprise, Frank snorted and asked in return, "Escape? Why should I? Is there a reason I should?"

    "What?!"

    Frank''s response left Thunder dumbstruck, still holding his walkie-talkie even as his feet touched ground.

    He knew better than anyone that his quartet''s assassination techniques-no one would be quick enough to respond in time and get out of the way.

    That was the case even for Ascendant ranks-even Ciril Janko, a peak Ascendant rank, would get hit and be maimed in turn.

    In fact, Thunder''s quartet had worked together to assassinate an Ascendant rank in the exact same way.

 Chapter 1310

    Having that as precedent gave Thunder''s quartet the confidence to attack Frank.

    But to Thunder''s shock, Frank''s breathing was regr and his speechposed.

    Forget being hurt-he was not even breathing heavily, while Galen and ze were killed.

    "Boss, you''re finally here... H-Help!"

    In the distance, Bolt was panting even as he dashed toward Thunder, still carrying his explosives with him.

    Thedy in white silk continued chasing after him and stopped to level a cool re at Thunder. "Hmm. So you''re his boss?" "I..."

    Thunder''s mouth hung open, unable to manage a word.

    Frank''s abilities left him devastated.

    If they could not hurt him even after what they did, it must mean...

    "Transcendent rank..." Thunder murmured to himself.

    "Now''s not the time, boss! You have to stop her!" Bolt almost swore out loud, seeing his own boss freezing up.

    "I mean... Frank Lawrence is Transcendent rank." Thunder turned toward Bolt with a smile so terrible he could well be crying.

    "What?! Transcendent rank...?!" Bolt was left gaping at that piece of information too.

    If they had known that Frank was Transcendent-rank, they would rather die than mess with the man. After all, those were the strongest individuals of Draconia, the paragon that all martial artists sought!

    At that level, they were immune to everything-they were that frightening!

    While Ascendant ranks could liquefy their pure vigor to enhance its release and effect, at Transcendent rank, said liquid vigor was one with their physical flesh. Every blow of theirs was lethal, making them walking epitomes of destruction.

    For Thunder''s quartet, who had yet to reach Ascendent rank, they were no different from ants.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Thunder dropped to his knees before the woman in white, his hands in the air as he surrendered, no longer daring to challenge Frank.

    After all, doing so was courting death-they were hired mercenaries, not servants of the Bearson family Once they run into someone they could not beat, they would prioritize their lives over the Bearsonso interests.

    Getting paid was good, but what good was money if they were not alive to spend it?

    Seeing that the person on the other end did not deny that he was Ascendant rank, Thunder dropped to his knees and begged loudly over the walkie-talkie, "I surrender to you, and to the Lane family! Don''t kill me! I can tell you about the Bearsons''

    ns-please just let me tive!"

    Deted, Bolt followed suit, which left thedy in white doing a double take.

    Frank then snorted coldly over the walkie-talkie. "In that case, I can spare you¡ªbut tell me your location right now."

    "Yes, yes, of course!" Thunder and Bolt certainly did not dare to refuse and were sighing in relief to hear that Frank was sparing them. After all, staying alive was more important than anything else!

 Chapter 1311

    Dropping the walkie-talkie and crushing it under his foot, Frank stared thoughtfully at the zing inferno behind himself.

    The woman in white who had just shown up at Lanecorp was none other than Silverbell, chief of Morhen''s Martial Alliance.

    Silverbell and Juno Enigma just so happened to be acquainted, and Juno called her when she learned that Troy Bearson was after Frank.

    Like Kilian Lionheart, Silverbell was also in Zamri for the spiritron vein and headed toward Lanecorp post-haste when she heard there was danger. Before she arrived, she called Frank when he reached the basement parking lot.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Wary of the threat, he arranged for Silverbell to hurry over and defend Lanecorp, while he would use himself as bait to see who the Bearsons were after. And the result was surprising-the Bearsons wanted to take down both Lanecorp and himself.

    That certainly made things intriguing.

    Frank did not spare Bolt and Thunder out of kindness either he wanted them to spill the beans on the Bearsons.

    Soon, a subtle ck local sedan arrived at the edge of the road and stopped beside Frank.

    Frank nced inside to see two middle-aged men who looked like mob characters seated up front.

    In the backseat was a woman in white, fair-skinned and her presence haughty and ethereal.

    "Frank." She smiled faintly, the coldness in her eyes melting when she looked at him.

    Frank nodded and got in the backseat, knowing that Thunder and Bolt were seated up front.

    And the woman in white was naturally Silverbell.

    "W-Where are we going now? Back to Lanecorp?" Thunder asked, terrified even as he held the steering wheel, his voice shaking. "Has Bearson Group sent others after me or Lanecorp?" Frank asked coolly, not answering his question.

    "N-Not at the moment," Thunder replied, wiping the sweat off his brow.

    He could feel the suffocating pressure emanating from behind. As he tentatively probed, he felt as if there were no depths to the man''s vigor as if it was the ocean, and he could not sink to the bottom even if he were a rock.

    He only felt more reverence and fear at that..

    Beside him, Bolt''s whole body was stiff in the shotgun seat, afraid that Frank would get a little annoyed and kill them.

    "In that case..."

    Frank paused and turned toward Silverbell. "Head to this ce. I have other things to do today."

    Thunder flinched when he received Frank''s note that was the address to Troy''s siblings!

    "Is he starting with them?"

    Even as the thought crossed Thunder''s mind, he promptly started the car and took Frank and Silverbell to the address.

    "Since you''d rather live, you''d better

    spit out everything you know. Why are the Bearsons after me? And who is the Lionheart family member supporting them?"

    Frank suddenly asked as they drove, while Silverbell''s ears pricked up, intent on finding out who the Lionhearts sent as well.

    "I-I''m not sure," Thunder said

    awkwardly. "I only know his

    name Kilian Lionheart, and that Troy Bearson wants revenge against you because of his son."

 Chapter 1312

    Thunder continued, "Most importantly, they are nning something. It''s about and lot that Lanecorp recently acquired, and the Bearson Group tried but repeatedly failed to buy it off their hands, so..."

    At that point, Frank vaguely realized that Kilian Lionheart must want the same thing as Silverbell.

    Turning toward her with a frown, he asked, "What''s this about the spiritron vein over the phone?"

    "Spiritron vein?"

    Thunder and Bolt were immediately at attention, while Silverbell immediately fidgeted and appeared anxious.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Silverbell?"

    Frank had to say her name again to bring her to her senses, but she said, "I''m sorry, I think we should stay away from the Bearsons for now."

    While Frank was surprised that Silverbell was immediately asking him to give up, he asked, "Why?"

    "Kilian Lionheart." Silverbell sighed, her eyes shing coldly. "That man is trouble-he''s one of Volsung Sect''s best and the elder of their Order of Talons. Moreover, he advanced well into Ascendant rank, and we''d never win in a direct confrontation. It seems that we need to retreat for now and think about this."

    "No, we don''t." Frank smiled confidently despite Silverbell''s suggestion. "So what if he''s that strong? He won''t stand a chance against me even if he''s reached the peak of Ascendant rank."

    "What? Does that mean..."

    Silverbell nced at Frank in surprise before she sighed in relief and realization. "Well, if you''re not worried, then I have no reason to argue."

    "You didn''t answer my question. What''s a spiritron vein?"

    "Spiritron vein..."

    Silverbell nced at Thunder and Bolt up front but decided not to worry after some thought. "It''s the channels where the spiritual

    energies in the country flow. I heard from my father that the one who takes control over all eight will be King Dragon, and no one will oppose his rule"

    "King Dragon?"

    Frank rubbed his chin in thought.

    Silverbell sighed and leveled a troubled look at Frank. "Four

    spiritron, veins have been found in Draconia, but their existence is kept secret. Each of the Four Families of Morhen control one."

    Frank did not seem to get it, however, as he was quickly doing the math. "Thend we recently acquired, but Lanecorp refused to sell despite the Bearsons'' offers..."

    Whipping out his phone right then, Frank dialed a number. "I have a question, Helen."

    "Yeah?" Helen appeared calmer, seemingly relieved that her brother was safe.

    "Have the Bearsons made offers to buy one of ournd lots?"

    "The Bearsons?"

    Helen did a double take and replied confidently, "Yes, and I remember it well, because they were asking to buy thatnd you bought from Zomber Group, and on more than

    asion."

 Chapter 1313

    Helen then continued, "But since we have ns for thatnd lot, we didn''t take the Bearsons'' offer. They kept suggesting partnerships to develop it together, which I refused too." "Okay, got it."

    Frank was sneering even as he hung up.

    There was little wonder, as thend that he bought off Gina proved to be a treasure, where a spiritron vein had been embedded.

    He certainly had no reason to give it up now that he had it-no, he would rather destroy it than let Kilian acquire it!Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Soon, their ck car stopped by the curb.

    They had arrived before a pair of towering steel gates, behind which stood arge mansion surrounded by gardens.

    It had everything, from parking lots to gardens and the like. It would not measure up to the estates of the Four Families of Morhen, but it had the advantage of being in a quiet location. Moreover, it was not too far from the city, taking just half an hour of travel to reach Lanecorp Tower.

    Frank was satisfied after just one nce, while Thunder and Bolt alighted and opened the doors for him and Silverbell.

    "Um... May I ask why you came here?" Thunder asked tentatively and respectfully.

    Silverbell turned quizzically toward Frank too-even if he wanted payback against the Bearsons, this was not the ce as Troy did not live here.

    "Just wanted new digs." Frank walked up to the gates and pressed the doorbell.

    Both Thunder and Bolt traded nces, surprised that Frank would be so polite instead of kicking down the door.

    "Yes? How can I help you?" an elderly voice spoke from the other end of the inte.

    "Gene Pearce sent me to discuss the sales of this mansion," Frank replied.

    "I see. Just a moment, I-"

    "Who''s that, garcon?" a younger man''s voice asked, clearly annoyed.

    "It''s the buyer," the elderly man replied respectfully. "Mr. Pearce made an appointment for him."

    "What?!"

    There were footsteps, as the

    younger man soon bellowed into the inte, "I don''t know where you''re

    from, kid, but this mansion is not for sale! You hear me?! Now get out of here!"

    Thunder and Bolt were narrowing their eyes as they watched the youth barely in his twenties snap at Frank.

    What the hell was wrong with that boy? Snapping at a Transcendent rank?

    Even Frank was scowling after being snapped at. He replied coolly, "I''vee under Gene Pearce''s request. He agreed to let me have this mansion-"

    "I don''t know any Gene Pearce, so fuck off! If you don''t... Well, I guess my bodyguards will teach you some respect!"

    Once he finished, the youth turned off the inte.

    Soon, the steel gates slowly opened and over a dozen bodyguards strode out, surrounding Frank and the others.

    Their leader wasughing even as

    he said, "Did you hear that? Mr.

    Bearson, is telling you to fuck off! I''ll spare you since we''re in a good mood, but give me crap and ''ll break your legs!"

    Thunder and Bolt had enough right then and snickered as they strode up.

 Chapter 1314

    "What are youughing at?!"

    The bodyguard up front red at Thunder and Bolt.

    Both men quickly stopped smiling and shook their heads. "Nothing."

    Still, they could barely contain themselves the four people standing in front of the haughty bodyguards were all martial artists, each more ridiculous than the other. That was why the bodyguards'' threat was hrious, and they just could not stop themselves fromughing at the thought.

    On the other hand, Frank did not argue, since he would rather not fight if he could.

    All he wanted to do was buy the mansion without fuss instead of spilling blood, especially when Helen, Winter, and everyone else would be moving in tomorrow.

    Waving, he led the others away from the steel gates back to the car and called Gene Pearce as the bodyguards leered at them haughty.

    By the time he was done telling his story, Gene was incensed. "That brat''s name is Gerry Bearson. I''m the one who cleared his gambling debts because even his father can''t afford it, and he turned over the mansion to me in return.

    "Don''t bother holding back, Mr. Lawrence-if that brat keeps fucking around, just beat him up! I''ll take responsibility even if you kill him, and I''m sending my men over to clean up the house!"

    As he hung up, Frank understood-Gerry was just copping out on his debt.

    Striding up and leveling an impassive look at the bodyguard in the lead, he said quietly, "Gerry Bearson incurred a gambling debt that he couldn''t cover. Gene Pearce helped him and had an agreement with his father that he could take the mansion. So,st warning-don''t try to stop me."

    "Hah!" The bodyguard snorted and spat at Frank''s face. "I don''t give a shit! Who do you think you are, messing about on Bearson family turf?!"

    Frank sidestepped the spit, glowering-it was not his fault that they were not listening.

    He turned silently toward Thunder and Bolt, and both men promptly understood the look.

    Crack!

    In a split second and without saying a word, Thunder and Bolt leapt forward, with screams and broken bones ensuing.

    Those bodyguards stood no chance against both Birthright ranks and were floored in five minutes.

    "Bleh!"

    Bolt spat at the face of the bodyguard leader who tried to spit at Frank, as if venting. "Getting alle cocky without even taking a a good look at who you''re messing with..."

    PA

    That was when he caught himself before he could finish, and both him and Thunder were suddenly trading looks of embarrassment.

    They could not be med-they were hired muscle of the Bearsons, and even if it was just Troy Bearson''s brother who owned the mansion, it still counted as Bearson turf.

    And yet, the fact that they had turned against the Bearsons left them feeling awkward.

    Even if they werepelled to do so, they really were getting a little too into it.

    Frank naturally noticed theirOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.

    awkward reactions and snorted coolly. "Dowell and behave, and you can work under me at Lanecorp after you leave the Bearsons. Money, martial arts, instructions-I will make it worth your while."

    Hearing that a Transcendent rank was offering such a promise, and most importantly, martial arts and instruction, Thunder and Bolt fraded gazes and dropped to their knees in front of Frank.

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence! We will serve you and Lanecorp with undying loyalty!"

 Chapter 1315

    Frank could tell that he could not take Thunder and Bolt''s oath of undying loyalty at face value.

    However, they had nowhere else to go.

    Not only had they failed to carry out their mission, but they had leaked the Bearson''s secrets. Forget taking them back-it would be mercy if the Bearsons did not send killers after Thunder and Bolt.

    And someone like Kilian had even less reason to take them back in.

    In contrast, the olive branch Frank was offering was simply bewitching.

    For the average martial artist, trying to develop without any heirloom meant training in sub-par martial arts they would obtain from the ck market¡ªand at astronomical prices.

    As for anything advanced, they were either hoarded within various sects as treasures. None of those would ever fall to the ck market-even if some would, Thunder and Bolt would never be able to afford them.

    But things were different now-if they took Frank''s offer, any martial arts form a Transcendent rank like him could teach was far above any of the trash avable at the ck market.

    For their own sake, sucking up to Frank was their ultimate ambition.

    There were no martial artists who would not want to get stronger. And even if Thunder and Bolt were ckrank, they were still martial artists.

    If anything, the only reason they wanted money so badly and epted the Bearsons'' payroll was just to buy those ridiculously priced martial arts manuals.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    That was why they were dead set on working for Frank now.

    "Hmph."

    Seeing how delighted they were, Frank tapped his finger on their forehead, directing his pure vigor into their bodies.

    As he let his pure vigor flowed throughout their meridians, he said, "Remember the paths my pure vigor flowed. This is called Two Lives One Face-you can project abat ward with this once you''ve mastered it. You could defeat even the average Ascendant

    kiire

    fighting together."

    Two Lives One Face was an above average martial arts form even back in Mystic Sky Sect, and it was very fitting for these two to cultivate it.

    Even as Frank withdrew his pure vigor, Thunder and Bolt repeated the flow movement and quickly realized the key to it, and how powerful it was.

    Delighted, they were ready to

    kowtow to Frank, but he held up a

    hand to stop them. "Save it-just assist Terry Cotton in Lanecorp''s health and safety department after joining us. If you get any funny ideas..."

    "That would never happen!" Thunder promptly held up his fingers to swear an oath. "If we do, may lightning strike us where we stand!"

    Funny ideas? No way!

    Just one casting is enough for them to see how profound the technique Frank taught them was-it certainly eclipsed anything they had learned over the four decades! Compared to Two Lives One Face, they could even use those expensive martial arts manuals they bought as toilet paper

    At this point, they would never leave even if Frank told them too.

    Frank was relieved to see that Thunder and Bolt were so sincere too. Though Terry had a legion of mobsters working for him, they did not have enough martial artists.

    With Thunder and Bolt joining, they could avoid the situation before.

    Frank then pointed at the front door of the mansion. "Go. Bring Gerry Bearson to me I need to discuss the ownership of the mansion with him." "Yes, sir!"

    Thunder and Bolt, born again now, charged into the mansion, ready to take down anything standing in Frank''s way.

    Soon, they dragged a panicking Gerry, who kept cursing and struggling, and flung him down before Frank''s feet.

 Chapter 1316

    Despite being thrown to the floor, Gerry was still cursing. "Fuck! You''ve got balls toy a finger on me! Do you know who my uncle is?! The Lionhearts have his back, and if you touch me again¡ª" Seeing that he was still threatening them, Thunder strode up and stomped his foot, breaking one of Gerry''s fingers with an audible crack.

    "Argh!!!"

    The heartrending agony was real-Gerry was left clutching his hand as hey sprawled on the ground, screaming hysterically.

    "Are you going to be reasonable now, Mr. Bearson?" Frank asked, impassive even as he arched his back.

    "F-Fuck you! Just you wait... Just you wait!" Gerry cursed as he gasped in pain.

    "Watch your mouth!" Thunder snapped and crushed Gerry''s palm under his foot this time.

    Even as Gerry shrieked, rolling around the ground, he was finally relenting, his tone actually tearful. "W-What do you want?! How dare you mess with me on my family''s turf. Are you so bored?" Frank shook his head. "Like I said, we''re here in peace. We just want to buy the house, but we have to take some necessary action since you''re not cooperating. So? Are you willing to cooperate now?" Knowing that resisting would bring more pain, Gerry turned and found in shock that all his bodyguards were floored beyond the gates.

    Even as hisst shred of hope was crushed, he growled through his teeth, "F-Fine, I''ll leave! You can have the house!"

    "Heh..."

    Frank chuckled, shaking his head. "Don''t take us for robbers. Give me your bank ount number-I''ll wire the money to you."

    Soon, Gerry was taken away by Gene Pearce''s people after leaving his bank number, while Frank was satisfied after checking out the mansion.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    It was necessary for repainting and renovations, and that was a task for Gene, who had already anticipated that.

    Over hundreds of contractors were soon in the mansion, seizing every moment to revamp the mansion.

    Since Frank and the others had no reason to stay, they returned to Lanecorp.

    After getting Thunder and Bolt settled in on their new roles, Frank and Silverbell quickly had a meeting with Helen and Vicky.

    He told both women about the spiritron vein.

    Vicky nodded, not particrly surprised, while Helen was shocked.

    She was at a loss, since she did not §Ö expect thend lot that the Bearsons were obsessing over to embody such a treasure. "What should we do. Frank?"

    "I think..."

    Frank nced between Vicky and Helen, frowning. "Silverbell will protect both of you, while your people start excavating thatnd in secret l''ll continue to run

    interference against Kilian Lionheart and the Bearsons."

    "Are you sure? The Bearsons are quite powerful." Helen frowned slightly, a little worried.

    "Don''t worry. I''m plenty confident." Frank nodded.

    Someone knocked on the conference room door just then.

    "Come in," Helen said and turned.

    It was Lily, her secretary, who was leveling an awkward look at Frank. "We have a problem, Ms. Lane. Arge group of people just rushed into our building and started to beat up everyone they could reach They''re demanding to see Mr. Lawrence..."

 Chapter 1317

    After Gene''s men gave Gerry a stern warning, they left him at one of his family''s hotels.

    But that was exactly what Gerry wanted-ignoring the looks of shock from the front desk receptionists, he limped over to the counter and called his girlfriend, Ste Favoni.

    The Favonis of Norsedam were a family of famed martial artists. As such, their main business was security services, along with other gray to illegal businesses, which was why they basically ruled Norsedam.

    Ste was the second daughter of the main family and had always been close with Gerry. Naturally, Ste certainly would not just idle away upon seeing Gerry given such a thorough beating and having his mansion stolen.

    She immediately led a group of her family''s martial artists to Zamri, storming the Lanecorp Towers lobby.

    They were unstoppable, beating and leaving the security guards bleeding all over the floor.

    "Bring me Frank Lawrence!" Ste bellowed viciously, stomped a foot on a chair.

    She was no looker, but she was quite the loudmouth like most martial artists, not afraid to make a scene despite so many others watching in the lobby.

    "Yeah! Bring us Frank Lawrence!" Gerry was snapping too.

    He did not ask his uncle or father for help this time because Gene was a big deal, and he was at fault in the first ce.

    However, while his family might not support him, that was not the case for his girlfriend.

    Moreover, the Favonis would not fear Gene!

    As Gerry watched a silhouette slowly emerge from the stairs, he wasughing as he gloated, "Frank Lawrence! You didn''t expect me to be back so soon, did you?! Don''t think you''re the only martial artist around I have some myself!"

    While he was waiting for Ste, he also did a background check on Frank.

    He found out that Frank was the head of Lanecorp''s health and safety department soon enough, and that Lanecorp was at odds with Bearson Group.

    In fact, Frank left his cousin Ivor Bearson disabled for life!

    And now, he and his girlfriend would take down Frank and Lanecorp with him.

    What was that if not killing two birds with one stone? And when it was done, his cousin Ivor would have to suck up to him!

    It was simply marvelous!

    Hence, after nning everything with his girlfriend, they brought over thirty martial artists as they stormed Lanecorp Tower, leading to the present situation.

    "Heh..."

    Frank could see that Gerry was getting cocky because of the feisty woman with him, and said quietly.

    the yes, you''re back earlier than I

    I really should reflect on it."

    Gerryughed as every Lanecorp employee watched. "Hah! Then kneel before me right now!"

    Ste was in turn pointing at Frank and snapping, "Frank Lawrence! don''t care who has your back. You will bow before my boyfriend and apologize for hurting him, or Lanecorp will go down now!"

    "No, you''re mistaken..." Frank shook his head, smiling at their rehearsed duet.

    Then, turning toward Gerry and

    shing his white teeth in a grin, heThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    said, "I''m just reflecting on why on

    earth I spared your life earlier. But since you''vee to me on your own can just tie up this loose end without fuss."

    Gerry''s whole body flinched from Frank''s murderous re.

 Chapter 1318

    Gerry felt terror from the bottom of his heart.

    Frank was not joking-he would really kill him!

    "How dare you, Frank!"

    Ste strode up between her boyfriend and Frank, smirking. "You sure talk big, but look around-my family''s martial artists are standing all around you! You''re the one who''s going down!" "Oh, really?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Frank chuckled sinisterly. "Care to test that theory?"

    "You prick! You really won''t give up, huh?! Go, take him down and skin him!"

    At Ste''s bellow, the martial artists around Frank leaped toward Frank, ready to attack him with their martial techniques.

    Terrified, the Lanecorp employees fled the lobby.

    "It''s your fault for messing with Ms. Favoni, brat! Now, you can watch while we skin you!"

    The Favonis'' martial artists actually proved to be skilled-unlike other martial artists Frank encountered before, the Favoni were serious about grooming them with their resources.

    Every individual movement and positioning was nned and executed perfectly, and they quickly cut off all escape for Frank.

    "Mr. Lawrence! Run! They are all martial artists!" one of the maimed security guards shouted at Frank from the floor.

    Steughed coldly in turn. "Run? Toote!"

    The martial artists she brought were all Birthright rank or vigor wielders trained by her family, and even an Ascendant rank would have trouble against them.

    However, Frank simply watched as the men closed in with their martial techniques, showing no intention to run.

    They would take down Lanecorp

    he did, bathing the building in

    blood the Favoni martial artist

    were the type who could kill without batting an eye.

    "Five-Peat Archaeus!" he barked, pure vigor flowing throughout his body as he projected a subtle circle of protective vigor. ng!

    The machete of one of the Favoni martial artists struck Frank''s neck with an audible metallic ng.

    "What?!" he eximed, disbelief showing all over his face.

    After all, he had expected to spill blood, and he had even held back just to keep Frank alive long enough to skin him!

    Naturally, the other Favoni martial

    artists ran into the same problem

    too, their fists and whatever weapons they wielded proving ineffective even as they struck Frank.

    Even as a foreboding sensation gripped them, they mustard themselves, ready to go all out...

    "Hah!!!"

    But at the next instant, Frank bellowed so loudly a shockwave erupted, knocking the Favoni martial artists away.

    "What?!"

    They had certainly never

    encountered such a sight beforeet

    and they could actually see the contempt in Frank''s eyes even as they were sent flying.

    "Is that all you have?"

    Even as everyone heard that scoff of disdain, the leader of the Favoni martial artists stuttered, "I..."

    Still, before he could catch his bnce and strike Frank with everything he had, Frank was suddenly in front of him like a ghost!

 Chapter 1319

    "No, w¨D"

    Even as the Favoni martial artist''s eyes widened, Frank exploded his head with a punch before he could finish.

    A gruesome grail of blood and pure vigor continued past his body, shattering the curtain wall and killing six other Favoni martial artists.

    And before the other Favoni martial artists had time to react, Frank was already onto them. Though he only used conventional moves with his kicks and punches this time, the Favoni martial artists could not withstand the pure vigor he unleashed.

    Thud.

    Soon after the first body dropped, the rest of the thirtyish Favoni martial artists were dead, as if frozen in the moment Frank sent them flying.

    It did not even take a single second.

    "What..."

    Ste was left dumbstruck, standing and frozen in ce.

    She was staring at the mangled bodies of her family''s martial artists, alive and kicking just a moment ago and ready to take down Frank.

    Who on earth was Frank?! They could not evenst one blow!

    As she stared nkly at Frank, he started toward her.

    She flinched two steps backward but gritted her teeth for the sake of her boyfriend and assumed a fighting stance.

    Her lips were trembling-her brother and father would avenge her even if she died here!

    But that was when doubt gnawed at her.

    Would they really win against the man before her?

    No.

    Ste found the answer soon enough-no one in the Favoni family would win against Frank.

    Even Ste''s own father needed over

    dozens of blows to subdue their

    martial a

    artists, while Frank

    destroyed them with a single strike!

    "S-Stay away!" Ste cried, saying words

    e would never expect f

    velost

    herself-words that were the furthest from her mind!

    After all, she was shaking in sheer terror as a predator who ran into a much more fearsome predator than herself. Thud, thud, thud...

    Frank''s footsteps never stopped despite Ste''s cries.

    Even as he reached her and looked her in the eye, she copsed on the floor with a thud, actually unable to look up.

    At that very moment, she realized

    why certain preypletelyPublished by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    when arge predator seize 20%!

    its talons.

    Like those poor prey, she felt despair and only eptance for her fate even as she cringed on the floor, trembling. But the footsteps never stopped.

    Ste looked up right then and saw that Frank had strode past her-his target was always Gerry, who was behind her.

    Even as she rejoiced in her good fortune, she was soon caught in thorough humiliation.

    "Ste! Help! Help me!" Gerry kept begging even as he stumbled backward. "P-Please don''t kill me!"

    However, Ste''s legs could well be jelly just then.

    Help? She could not even stand!

 Chapter 1320

    "Please, Frank... I get it now! It''s all my fault, and I won''t ever do it again... Please, just let me live-"

    Crunch!

    As Gerry''s neck snapped audibly, his pleas stopped instantly.

    Ste''s breath was caught in her lungs and she almost fainted.

    Who was this war deity that they had just provoked? Could Frank actually be Transcendent rank?!

    Her family''s martial artists were tried and true elites too-not many across the East Coast could win against them, let alone in Norsedam!

    But Frank massacred them without even really making an effort!Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    As the lobby of Lanecorp Tower became eerily silent for a long while, Frank quietly spoke, "I will give you one chance-go home, and don''t mess with me ever again." Ste promptly turned in disbelief he was sparing her?

    Frank seemed to read her mind from her expression alone and waved her off.

    "I have no reason to kill you. Though I don''t mind ying along if you have a death wish. Oh, and another thing...''

    Frank shot her a cool look. "You have to pay the medical fees for hurting Lanecorp employees."

    With that, he strode away, while Ste was left smiling bitterly.

    She did not expect Frank to be so outrageously strong.

    Still, it begged the question-what would she tell her family after losing so many of their family''s martial artists?

    Soon, she left Lanecorp Tower, feelingpletely muddled and disembodied. It was a stark contrast from her haughty attitude when she first strode through those front doors.

    Just two days after the incident, the Favonis and the Bearsons received word of what happened, and the Favonis were livid.

    However, they did not me Ste

    for losing so many good men-they insisted Frank was using some dirty move to massacre their men. How else would they be wiped outso easily?!

    It was a clear act of provocation.

    Despite Ste talking herself hoarse trying to dissuade her father and brother from messing with Frank, they stubbornly held on to their opinion.

    With the Bearsons inciting them endlessly, the Favonis absolutely loathed Frank.

    All eyes were on Jaden Faovni. He was not even thirty, but he was one of the best among all East Coast youths, and an Ascendant rank second only to Ehud Lionheart.

    Being a rare martial arts prodigy and

    reaching second in Skyrank, he sent all of the East Coast into a frenzy after announcing that he woulde to Zamri and take down

    Frank.

    On one hand was a mysterious martial elite who killed over thirty Favoni martial artists, while on the other was a famed martial elite who came second in Skyrank. Many had rushed to Zamri, intent on watching the fight.

    And with the Bearsons and Favonis directing sentiment, Frank became subject to endless nder.

    At first, he was a mysterious martial

    elite who yed thirty Favoni martial elites, but eventually, he became a poisoner who ensnared those

    martial elites, having no sense of shame or honor.

    Either way, no one believed that Frank killed those men through sheer power, and the duel turned from a fair fight between champions to Jaden''s campaign of righteousness. The hype was absolutely tangible.

 Chapter 1321

    It was a terrible storm that kept gaining momentum, but things were surprisingly quiet at Lanecorp despite them being the center of attention. ording to information Thunder and Bolt had gathered, many factions were extending into Zamri, and the Favonis were no exception.

    On the surface, they imed the duel was just and to eliminate Frank-a disgrace to his fellow martial artists.

    In reality, they simply saw the signs of a major reshuffling among the underbelly of Zamri.

    As such, they wanted to get their hands on Zamri and get themselves a cut, so Ste''s words fell on deaf ears.

    Meanwhile, Frank had Winter Lawrence and her best friend Jean Zims move to Zamri, while Mona Fairfax left the East Coast under orders from Haply Hall.

    It was just a day before the duel against Jaden, but Frank was leisurely lounging in the renovated mansion, instructing Winter and Jean on Draconian traditional medicine.

    It was a profound subject, and even someone as smart as Winter had trouble grasping it despite her own medical knowledge.

    She would mediate on the text Frank wrote for her nomittally, exchanging impressions with Jean to facilitate their learning.

    Frank watched them, his thoughts a thousand miles away.

    Neither Helen nor Vicky were working.

    They were outsourcing personnel for Lanecorp''s health and safety department, with both girlbosses personally overseeing the excavation of that rundown project.

    Progress was slow since they had no reference for what the spiritron vein actually looked like, but Frank was in no hurry.

    He owned thend he could take his time as she searched, and it was really the Bearsons who were getting impatient.

    As he pointed out an intersection

    between several meridians, ckie entered and announced, "Bossel mean, Mr. Lawrence-there''s this woman who''sing to see you."

    "Hmm...?" Winter was immediately staring at Frank warily.

    After all, both Vicky and Helen had tasked her with watching Frank in their absence.

    For his part, Frank had no words to defend himself.

    Rubbing his nose, he chuckled awkwardly and asked ckie, "Is she beautiful?"

    "Nope." ckie shook his head but thought about it and added doubtfully, "But... maybe?"

    "Frank."

    Winter certainly heard that and looked up to level a re of grief at Frank.

    "Ahem."

    Frank cleared his throat as he disguised his embarrassment. "It''s not what you think. I just wanted to have an idea who it would be."

    "You''re slick." Winter pouted. "But how would you tell who it is only from how pretty she is?"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Heh." Frank chuckled confidently.

    "Most

    adies I know are beaut

    then it''s someone

    so I would be more wary..."

    He trailed off, as he saw Winter''s look of exasperation and Jean hiding a smile and realized he had misspoken.

    He threw his hands up. "Alright, you

    girls keep

    studying. I''ll go see who it

    is. You''re staying here until

    all the acupoints on the arm."

    learn

    After pulling rank as their mentor and tapping Winter on her smooth forehead, he left the study.

 Chapter 1322

    Arriving at the drawing room, Frank saw a familiar face that he had just met recently.

    "Oh, it''s you?"

    Ste was seated primly on the couch, scowling even as a servant brought her tea.

    "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

    Frank asked as he sat downfortably on the couch, leveling an interested look at the woman who was somehowpletely different than when he saw her days ago.

    If she had been haughty and endlessly confident about being an heiress of the Favonis, she was now the image of someone beaten.

    Her eyes were bloodshot even as she looked up, rasping, "F-Frank Lawrence, I''vee to apologize."

    "Apologize?"

    Frank was left dumbstruck by her words, not expecting Ste toe all this way to apologize.

    Still, he shook his head andughed. "Well, you don''t like you''re really apologizing! The public really have a lot to say about me these days, about me being a disgrace to all martial artists and whatnot." "It''s my family and my brother''s excuse."

    Ste apologized anxiously, apologizing and quickly leveling Frank a pleading look. "It was all Gerry''s fault, and you''ve avenged yourself after killing him. But I came to apologize for no other reason than to ask that you spare my brother''s life..."

    "Spare your brother''s life?"

    Frank snorted and asked coolly, "Why should I? He''s getting quite full of himself, bragging to everyone that he would make despicable me pay... And I wonder, even if I let him live, would you do the same to me?"

    Frank''s retort left Ste flinching, and she bit her own lips so hard that she could bleed.

    "Just go." Frank waved her off, feeling a little exasperated. "Your family is bent on taking me down in the name of justice, and so be it. I don''t care how others see me anyway, but they must be ready to pay since they are the ones who started down this path."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "N-No!"

    Ste sprang to her feet and stopped Frank from leaving.

    She struggled with herself and finally told him why she had to stop him.

    The Favonis were divided into two factions.

    Ste''s brother and father were leading the independent faction,

    which had taken the difficult path of striving to make something for themselves in Draconia.

    The other faction-consisting of Ste''s uncles and the rest-opted to ally themselves to one of the major sects in the South Sea.

    And one such offer came to them from none other than Hundred Bane Sect.

    To entice that Favoni faction, Hundred Bane Sect provided them with many Blood Centipede Pills.

    The pill enhanced a person''s attributes and cultivation, and many Favoni martial artists took it.

    But as it turned out, nothing really came for free the Favonis who dissected and studied the pill in secret found miniscule blood centipedervae residing in the pill. Once the pill was consumed, therva wouldtch on to the host''s

    meridian nexus.

    It would provide substantial pure vigor to the host for a while, helping them ascend, but no one could tell what adverse effects it would bring.

    As such, the Favonis were now in a dilemma.

    If Frank defeated-or worse, killed Jaden the independent faction

    would fall and the entire famil

    would be reduced to vassals of Hundred Bane Sect.

    When that happened...

    The very thought gave Ste the creeps. She would rather die than allow her body to be a breeding ce for vermin!

 Chapter 1323

    Frank remained impassive despite Ste''s tearful pleas, snorting. "So? What business of mine is your family''s troubles?"

    He was not about to change his mind... or he could not, to be precise.

    The Favonis were determined to kill him, so he could not just y saint just because Ste was begging him through tears and let Jaden kill him.

    Moreover, Ste really was not a looker andcked charm-even if she did, Frank was not about to fall for it.

    "You should save your breath for your father and brother," Frank said shortly.

    His principles were always simple-he would keep out of anyone''s way, as long as they kept out of his.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    However, that only left Ste further pained.

    She had already told her father and brother a hundred times over that Frank was above them and was not to be messed with, but they were too prideful to listen.

    They even believed that Frank bewitched her.

    Moreover, some twentyish youth massacred over thirty Favoni martial artists? If word of that got out, they would beughed at!

    And being a family whose main business is outsourcing security personnel, who would ever trust them again after they found out the truth? Let alone hire their martial artists or bodyguards?

    They had to maintain their reputation or their family would be in trouble-even if it meant ndering Frank for being a despicable piece of shit.

    Ste could see that much, which was why she was here to beg Frank to spare her brother.

    Just then, ckie returned and reported, "Boss-ahem, I mean, Mr. Lawrence-two other women just arrived!"

    "Hmm?" Frank raised a brow.

    Before he could ask, ckie was eximing excitedly, "Both of them are beautiful. One''s voluptuous, while the other is a feisty maiden."

    "Show them in..." Frank waved exasperatedly.

    The exchange left Ste doing a double take.

    So after all that fuss, Frank turned out to be all about the looks? Was he refusing her because she was not a looker?

    "Tut, tut, tut..."

    Even as Ste reached up to touch her own cheeks in reflex, someone clicked her tongue audibly beforeing to view.

    It was a woman in a red dress that

    ened her stunning figure a

    long legs, which i

    and

    were covered in fiss.

    As she looked around, shaking her head, another girl who had juste of age but was wearing a school uniform appeared beside her.

    She glowered and snapped at Ste as soon as she saw her. "Sis?!"

    "Hmm."

    Frank was frowning.

    Even if the pair were easy on the

    eyes, he knew right then that then et

    were

    onis, given that they e had just called Ste

    Rubbing his temples, he sighed exasperatedly, "What''s going on today? Are the Favonis holding a family conference in my mansion?"

    On the other hand, Ste was clearly surprised by their presence. "Chelly? Aunt Tara? What are you doing here?"

    "Hehe. Our family would be humiliated if we never came." Tara Sachs gloated and pointed at Ste''s sleeve with her hand fan.

    Ste looked down, and her face fell when she found the bug on her sleeve button!

    "We heard everything you said!" Chelly Favoni glowered, pointing at Frank and snapping, "What''s your rtionship with him?! Why are you betraying our family?!"

    "I-I''m not!" Ste grimaced in pain at her own sister''s usation.

 Chapter 1324

    Ste sighed. "Everything I do is for the family''s survival-"

    "Survival?!"

    Chellyughed.

    It was clear she was short-tempered too, as she suddenly lunged at Frank, bellowing, "Let''s see if he can even size up to Jaden!"

    Even as Chelly extended her hand as she jumped at Frank, Frank simply stood his ground, his eyes turning cool.

    Despite all her hollering, she was just a vigor wielder-if she insisted on attacking Frank, the recoil would cripple her on the spot.

    "Stop!" Ste snapped angrily as she strode between Chelly and Frank. "Stop listening to your aunt''s poisonous words. You shouldn''t be attacking Mr. Lawrence!" "Mr. Lawrence?!"

    Chelly could tell from the title alone how much respect her sister had for Frank, and her rage red as she swung her palm at her own sister instead.

    Pow!

    Ste stumbled a couple steps backward as she took the blow for Frank.

    "Oh, taking the blow for our enemy? Let''s see how you''ll exin that to your father, Ste." Tara gloated.

    "Shut up!" Ste red at her before turning to her sister with a look of disappointment. "Calm down, Chelly!" "You''re telling me to calm down after you took my blow for our enemy?!" Chelly bellowed back.

    "Hmph..."

    Frank snorted in annoyance of the three women''s squabbling. "Your arm would be broken if not for your sister."

    Chelly pointed at Frank and snapped right then, "Shut up, cheater!"

    "Cheater?"

    Frankughed despite himself. "Well, this

    thinion is still this cheater''s e belongs to en.swnot

    turf, and not the Favonis'', so take this somece else!"

    Turning toward ckie, he barked, "Get them out of here!"

    ckie hurried toward them, gesturing at the door. "If you''d please,dies."

    "What?!" Chelly reared her chin

    fearlessly at Frank. "Getting upsetet

    because I called you a cheater? What, are we wrong?!"

    belongs to en.swno ret

    "Chelly!"

    Ste paled as Chelly was ready to stand her ground and keep snapping Frank getting Frank upset wash joke as he was not that much of a gentleman!

    However, even as Ste tried to drag her sister away, Chelly refused to leave, ring definitely at Frank in the eyes.

    She was bent on showing him the strength of the Favonis, unlike her weak sister.

    But while she thought she was showing strength, she was just being tactless in Frank''s eyes.

    "Heh..."

    Frank chuckled darkly, raising a hand, ready to straighten Chelly out.

    ckie was trembling even as he watched!

    "Frank? Are you having a fight?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Just then, Winter poked her head out of the study to look down the hallway.

    Seeing her, Frank''s killing intent vaporized instantly, since he did not want to hit a woman while Winter was watching.

 Chapter 1325

    Winter came over, tugging on Frank''s sleeve and asking, "What happened here?"

    "Nothing." Frank shook his head and deliberately made a face. "Didn''t I tell you to study? What are you doing here?"

    "I-I was worried," Winter murmured guiltily.

    Frank patted her head, his grief fading at her docile murmur.

    Then, turning back toward Ste and the others, he waved them off. "Alright, you can all go now. We will see the truthe tomorrow."

    Chelly, however, still refused. "Hah! I''m not scared of you! My brother will kick your ass tomorrow-he is Skyrank''s second and a top martial artist! A loser and a cheater like you can''t even hope to touch his sleeve! You should be kneeling and begging me for mercy if you have any brains! I just might ask my brother to spare your life!"

    And before Frank could speak, Tara wasughing as she threatened, "Exactly. If you get down on your knees and beg and have your lover surrender her Lanecorp shares, the Favonis just might let you live. You''d better watch yourself, or our forces would instantly wipe out everything-you, your lover, and even Lanecorp! There won''t be anything left of any of you!"

    "You''re... out of line!"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Winter strode up just then, clenching her little knuckles as she snapped at the three Favonis, "Frank never did anything wrong! You''re the ones who went to Lanecorp Tower and made a mess, and he had every reason to defend himself! And now you''re threatening to kill us?! You''re allwless thugs!"

    "What..."

    Winter''s retort actually caught Chelly off guard, but she gritted her teeth and shouted back, "He was cheating! He used some dirty move to kill our men!"

    "Frank has always been fair and just!" Winter snapped back. "If he''s a bad man, he would be taking you three hostage right now, instead of letting you badmouth him!"

    "..."

    Chelly tried to argue again, but Winter was right-if Frank was a loser and a cheater like her father and brother insisted and bewitched Ste, why was he not taking them hostage?

    Why would he stoop to arguing with some girl who was barely an adult?

    And seeing that Chelly was

    stumped, Winter shook her head and sighed. "You started a fight and ndered Frank when you lost. Frank never argued and even yed nice, but what did you do? Youe to his doorstep and start another fight-who on earth behaves like you?"

    Chelly actually felt her conscience gnawing at that, as Winter was so right that she could not argue.

    Still, she snorted and snapped

    stubbornly, "It doesn''t matter. We have a grudge to settle, and my brother Jaden will show him! He will answer for the lives of our thirty martial artists!"

    With that, Chelly turned and basically fled the mansion.

    Ste sighed and followed.

    Tara remained, however, narrowing her eyes at Frank as she smiled. "Excuses, excuses... all that reasoning only works on naive little girls. In the end, there is only one rule whoever carries the bigger stick wins!"

    UM

 Chapter 1326

    Tara finished, "I hope you''re ready to die."

    With that, she turned to leave.

    Frank did not stop her but instead remained where he was, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

    "They''re so despicable!" Winter huffed just then.

    Frank smiled. "That is true, but the fact that they came gave me an idea."

    "What idea?" Winter asked, turning toward him.

    "The Favonis are notpletely stiff as a rock. They just might prove useful."

    Frank smiled, patting her head. "But that''s none of your business. You should be properly studying the medicinal text I gave you and take over as Zamri Hospital''s chief sooner."

    "Yeah..." Winter nodded, giving him a wistful look before returning to the study.

    Still, Frank could soon hear the girls giggling in the room and chuckled exasperatedly.

    As for the Favonis, he already had a n.

    Meanwhile, at the Favonis'' dojo in Norsedam, over twenty martial artists had a youth surrounded as they attacked him with staffs and machetes.

    The youth was even blindfolded, but his chiseled jawline and long hair made his good looks obvious.

    He could hear the faintest movement of the martial artists around him, picking out the trail of their movement.

    He would then dance around them, instantly dodging the trajectory of their assault.

    Anyone looking closely would also see the lead and sandbags tied to his leg.

    Carrying such loads would leave the average martial artists wheezing and immobile before long.

    And yet, the youth moved swiftly, staying well beyond the reach of the Favoni martial artists.

    Naturally, the youth was none other than Jaden Favoni, second of Skyrank.

    An hourter, one of the Favoni martial artists finally stopped as he became exhausted, and eximed in awe, "Your movement is getting even better. You''ve really takent the teachings of the South

    Sea even Ascendant ranks can''t reach you, let alone hurt you!"

    The other Favoni martial artists stopped too, genuinely in

    the

    further.

    e heir to the family Ssed as

    SWO

    They even believed that he might not necessarily lose against Ehud Lionheart, Volsung Sect''s young genius.

    "It''s still far from enough," Jaden muttered to himself, pausing for a moment before barking, "Continue!"

    "I''m sorry, sir, but we really can''t."

    "Yeah... We''ve been doing this for over an hour, but we couldn''t even reach you!"

    The twentyish Favoni martial artists present were all panting, sweating buckets as they sat on the floor.

    They were the very best of the

    muscle, and even the

    Kil

    of them had peaked.

    Birthright rank.

    That made them true elites anywhere else, but they could not even reach Jaden after trying for so long.

    "That''s it? How ipetent." Jaden scowled in displeasure.

    "It''s not us, sir, but you''re just improving too quickly for us to catch up!"Original from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1327

    "Exactly, Mr. Bearson. You''re a genius-don''tpare yourself to mooks like us!"

    "In a few years, you''ll surpass the Demon of Volsung Sect."

    "Ya think?"

    "And with Mr Bearson leading us, we will im a ce in Morhen and rise as the Fifth Family!"

    Even as the Favoni martial artists joked around and ttered Jaden, he snorted, taking off his blindfold and kicking away the sandbags and lead weights on his feet. Still, he was not quite taken by the ttery.

    Instead, he looked up towards the sky, determination ring inside him.

    It really seemed that Ehud Lionheart was the only one who could prove a match against him on the East Coast.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    However, Volsung Sect had always kept Ehud sheltered no one ever heard from him, let alone saw him.

    When they met two years ago, Jaden had been younger and was getting full of himself, as he could not find any worthy opponents.

    As such, Ehud could well be a god amongst men when he showed up, crushing Jaden''s ego after they exchanged ten blows.

    But even though Ehud topped Skyrank like it was an afterthought back then, Jaden was a changed man now-he was no longer the same from two years ago. And now, he yearned to have a rematch against Ehud.

    "Jaden!"

    Just then, a tearful Chelly ran up to Jaden and threw herself in Jaden''s arms, sobbing, "Daddy scolded me!"

    "What? Why?" Jaden always doted on his sister, and he frowned when he found her crying.

    "You have to hear me out..."

    Chelly immediately enthusiastically told Jaden everything, especially about how their sister Ste begged Frank to go easy on Jaden.

    After that, their father still scolded Chelly anyway for putting herself in danger by tailing Ste.

    Jaden was left staring at Chelly in disbelief before grabbing her shoulders.

    "What did you say?!" he demanded coldly, grabbing Chelly''s shoulder "Ste apologized to our enemy, begging him to hold back me?!"

    Swainst

    "Yes!" Chelly eximed even as she winced in pain. "You''re hurting me, Jaden..."

    Jaden realized just then he had grabbed Chelly so hard that he actually left a bruise, even as Chelly continued, "Ste insisted you won''t win against him and had to beg so that you won''t get killed-"

    "That bitch!"

    Jaden was left incensed by his sister''s words.

    He had never considered any of his peers his equal, save for Ehud.

    In fact, he could actually almost stay content losing to Ehud, since that man was the sessor of Volsung Sect.

    But Frank Lawrence?! Some brat who appeared out of nowhere?!

    Jaden absolutely could not care less!

    Even if Ste repeatedly insisted that Frank ughtered over thirty of their family''s martial elites in an instant, he simply presumed that they had fallen for some sort of trap

    After all, he came second in Skyrank-if anyone had such power, why did they not challenge him before, or Ehud?

    There was only one reason that Frank must have used some dirty move.

    Ste was just not able to see it and believed that Frank killed those martial elites.

    But tomorrow, Jaden would see through whatever cheap trick Frank was using in their duel!

    And Ste would beg Frank for mercy for his sake?!

    Hah! Why bother?!

 Chapter 1328

    Jaden almost imploded at the thought-he would be theughing stock of all martial artists if they heard that his family went begging for his sake! "Where''s Ste now?" Jaden leveled a cold look at Chelly.

    Seeing that he was really furious, Chelly quickly said, "Dad had her restrained. She will be whipped fifty times per family rules."

    "Hah!" Jaden snorted. "That can wait after tomorrow!"

    "What? Why?" Chelly was taken aback-she actually believed fiftyshes was enough for Ste''s betrayal!

    "I will let Ste watch as I crush that cheating loser under my foot, so she''ll suffer hershes willingly!"

    With that, Jaden strode off to meet their father.

    Chelly actually zoned out just then.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Having met Frank, she could see howposed Frank waspared to her brother-it was almost unusual. "Could Ste be actually right?" she murmured, but she shook her head as soon as the thought crossed her mind. No way! Her brother was second in Skyrank.

    Barring the Martial Alliance and those who stayed in seclusion, was there another youth who could beat her brother? "Wait for me, Jaden..." Chelly called out, chasing after Jaden even as she banished the thought.

    As always, Kilian Lionheart was seated on the couch in Troy Bearson''s office, still as a statue.

    Troy was pacing around endlessly before him, his expression clearly anxious.

    "Mr. Lionheart, it''s been days..." he muttered. "Don''t you think Lanecorp has caught on? They''ve been keeping all our informants out of the loop too..."

    "So what if they did?"

    Kilian snorted coldly and nonchntly. "Do you think the spiritron vein is so easily found? Even Volsung Sect had to ask the old fortune-tellers of Haply Hallfor their help pinpointing it. They''d never find it so soon."

    Troy was slightly relieved by Kilian''s assurance-Volsung Sect woulde after him if someone else reached the spiritron vein before they did.

    No one would do a thing to Kilian

    since he was a sect elder, while Troy

    himself would be scapegoated

    dying in one piece would actually be

    a dream at that point.

    Rubbing his hands and smiling, Troy then asked, "By the way, can I just ask... what is the spiritron vein? Why does it sound so... mystical?"

    Kilian red at him coldly right then. "Don''t ask questions you shouldn''t be asking!"

    Troy''s heart actually stopped for a beat, and he almost dropped on his rear right then.

    "Right, right, of course..." he nodded and bowed apologetically, though he was cursing Kilian inwardly.

    He did not have to tell him if he did not want to-did he have to scare him like that?

    Moreover, Kilian treated him like a dog, keeping him in the dark of vital information and was clearly denying him a cut!

    Nheless, Kilian scowled and changed the subject. "By the way, how are the arrangements for tomorrow?"

 Chapter 1329

    "Hehe. Don''t worry..."

    Troy sneered savagely. "I won''t make a mistake, for the sake of my son and nephew''s revenge."

    Pausing, he then sighed. "Shame that I lost Thunder, Bolt, Galen, and ze to Frank. He''s more impressive than I thought."

    "Indeed." Kilian nodded as well.

    He was sure that Frank hadpleted Birthright rank at best, but he was now wary after Troy''s men and his nephew were all killed.

    It was clear that he had underestimated Frank, and in that case, he needed to make some ns.

    It just happened that the Favonis were now after Frank, and he just had to throw some fuel to the fire.

    He had since found out that Jaden Favoni''s father had advanced well into Ascendant rank.

    If he was to find out that Frank killed his son with a dirty trick such as poison, he would definitely be going all out for blood.

    As the Favonis went after Frank and Lanecorp, all they had to do was wait and gather all the spoils after the dust settled.

    Chuckling darkly, Troy said, "I''ve agreed with the Favonis to receive Jaden Favoni once he arrives. I will then poison him with wine, but the poison is only set to kick in at noon during his duel against Frank. It would look like Frank did it with that timing, and there''s no way he can argue his way out of this one-not when the entire public watches Jaden suddenly die of mysterious circumstances!"

    Kilian nodded in satisfaction-Troy was really good when it came to conspiracies.

    Everything turned out just as Troy had expected.

    Early next morning, Jaden and his procession including Chelly and Ste arrived at Zamri by ne.

    Troy was waiting at the airport by then, and Kilian naturally did not show up.

    "Wee to Zamri," Troy greeted Jaden as soon as he saw him. "I''ve put together a banquet at my hotel. It wouldn''t be a dy to send the challengeter after you''ve taken a break there." His smile was so obvious and fawning that Jaden snorted after ncing at him. "May I ask why the Bearsons are so sycophantic to us Favonis now?"

    "Uh..."

    Troy did a double take, but quickly

    put on an unhappy scowl. "Well, like I

    said, we have amon enemy. Even putting aside my son and nephew''s grudges, there''s something else even morePublished by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    worrying."

    "Really?"

    Seeing the skeptical look on Jaden''s face, Troy sighed wryly. "Frank Lawrence has been ambitious, using his influence to acquire Zomber Group previously owned by one Zamr''s Three Bears-before unifying Zamri''s underbelly under one banner.

    "I can''t say I''ve been close with Zomber Group myself, but it''s my interest to keep the status quo. I''m worried mypany will suffer the same fate as Zomber Group, so I''mpletely supportive if you can

    properly punish that viin

    He quickly added when he saw the look of disdain on Jaden''s face, "Naturally, if the Favonis are keen to establish a foothold in Zamri, you will have the support of us Bearsons." Jaden finally smiled faintly at that.

    It seemed that Troy really hated Frank and wanted him dead even if it meant involving a third party.

    As such, Jaden really believed that Frank really was nothing to brag about, not to mention that his father had tasked him with establishing a foothold in Zamri''s underbelly. Troy''s favor was certainly a port in a storm.

 Chapter 1330

    Jaden nodded. "Very well. Now that I''m here, Frank Lawrence will be resting in pieces. I hope you won''t forget your end of the bargain, Mr. Bearson."

    "Absolutely." Troy nodded and gestured. "In that case, shall we get going?"

    "Hehe. Of course it''s only right that I ept your goodwill." Jaden smiled.

    As everyone got in the car Troy prepared, they could not see the cold, vile smile on his face from within.

    "How dare you get insolent with me, brat," he muttered. "You will get it soon enough!"

    Soon, the luxury car took them to one of Bearson Group''s grandest hotels, and Troy''s grin broadened as he watched Jaden defenselessly drink a ss of fine wine that was spiked.

    Ste, who had been quietly as she stayed beside Jaden, appeared suspicious as she felt the nagging feeling that something was out of ce.

    That feeling actually peaked when she watched Troy send his people to deliver a letter of challenge to Frank.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    "Heh, finally."

    Frank was lounging on the couch, sneering as he nced at the letter on the coffee table.

    "Frank..." Winter was visibly worried.

    She was confident about Frank''s abilities, but concern had a way of messing with the mind, and she was certainly worried that Frank would get hurt.

    Even Vicky and Helen were not working today.

    "I should send my people to capture every Favoni!" Vicky sneered, seated opposite Frank and crossing her legs. "I really doubt some measly family from Norsedam would mess with us Turnbulls!" "Calm down, Vicky," Helen reasoned.

    "Calm down?"

    Vicky appeared speechless. "Who was it who suggested justst night that we should just blow up Zamri Square? You''re a lot less calm than I am

    "I-I was just worried..." Helen muttered, sliding a peek at Frank.

    "That''s enough," Frank stood up, rolling his eyes at both women. are you

    I''m

    d to death? Don''t y

    making this out I

    you have

    any confidence in your darling?"

    "Nope." Both women shook their heads.

    "What..." Frank almost passed out from sheer frustration.

    "Look, Vicky looked into Jaden just yesterday, and it proved absolutely horrific."

    Helen sighed awkwardly. "I don''t know anything about martial arts, but Vicky said he''s amazing, something about Skyrank''s second..."

    "Exactly! He''s ranked second among the youths of the east coast!"

    Vicky nodded in agreement. "Why don''t we just let them take Helen as a hostage, while we bail?"

    "Why me?" Helen snapped in annoyance.

    "Because you''re the board

    chairwoman of Lanecorp!" Vicky smiled gleefully. "To catch thieves, you must first take out their king! They won''te up after us if they have you."

    "You''re the king of thieves here!" Helen retorted.

    Frank only felt a migraine as the women suddenly started an argument over nothing.

 Chapter 1331

    Just then, Winter gave a differing opinion. "I trust Frank. He has never lied to me if he says he can beat Jaden Favoni, then he definitely can!"

    Frank wasforted by her words-at least someone believed him.

    "Exactly, but I''ll say it again: I''m not going to lose. The only thing we have to worry about is the Bearsonsing to cause trouble, so youdies have to watch out," Frank told them before picking up the challenge letter and his suit as he left the mansion.

    Seeing that Frank was so confident, Helen and Vicky could not say anything else.

    They wanted to follow him, but that was when Silverbell entered.

    The chief of the Martial Alliance stretched out her hands, stopping them. "Frank asked me to protect you."

    "Silverbell, do you think that Frank can defeat Jaden Favoni?"

    "Yeah... I heard he''s second in Skyrank."

    They had gotten familiar with each other after spending time together over thest few days.

    Seeing the worry in both women''s eyes, Silverbell''s gaze flickered as she smiled. "You two shouldn''t underestimate Frank now. Forget Jaden Favoni-there really aren''t that many who can defeat him, even across all of Draconia."

    "Wonderful."

    Both women breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Silvebell''s assurance.

    Even Winter, who was staying in her corner and reading a medical text, did the same while patting her rtively modest chest.

    Frank had a chauffeur take him to Zamri Square.

    It was at the center of the city, the liveliest point of Zamri.

    Traffic congestion was normal, just like the endless scores of pedestrians.

    Somehow, it was even more congested with the crowdsing from all corners of the east coast, intent on witnessing the fight. Every inch of the square which was usually spacious was now filled with people, and the vehicles outside were basically stuck. Only the center of the square, where the fighting ring was set up, was orderly.

    The Favonis and Bearsons were all present to maintain order, but they already had a hard time preventing any chaos from ensuing.

    Such was the grandness of the asion, as the peopleing from all corners of the east coast came to see Jaden Favoni in all his glory.

    Naturally, there were those who wanted to see if some mysterious martial elite really managed to take down thirty Favoni martial artists in an instant as well, but they were mostly here for Jaden.

    The Favoni family had even invited their partner business owners, so that Jaden could show the true extent of his strength and clear any doubts they may have.

    Among them was Gavin Lane, Helen''s uncle.

    In fact, he had brought his whole family along.

    Still, Roth Lane was frowning worriedly beside Gavin. "Dad, do you think that Frank Lawrence can beat Jaden Favnoni? That man is second in Skyrank, and I''m really afraid for him now..."

    "Heh. He wouldn''t evenst two hits." Luna Lane sneered darkly.

    "Shut it!"

    Mark Lane snapped at his granddaughter immediately. "He''s family! How could you badmouth him like that?!"This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Exactly. Would our family have seen such a meteoric rise in Zamri if not for Frank?"

    Gavin was glowering at his own daughter too. "If I hear more nonsense from you again, I will show you!"

    Luna snorted and pouted grumpily after her father and grandfather both snapped at her.

    Beside her, her mother Jade Zahn quickly tried to calm things down.

 Chapter 1332

    "It''s alright," Jade reasoned. "Luna has cause to say it-Jaden is the second best martial artist across the east coast. Frank might not stand a chance no matter how good he is."

    "We''ll never know," Gavin countered, rearing his chin proudly. "Helen''s husband has always performed miracles, and we should back him up as family. Even if he loses, we should do our best to protect him too."

    "Indeed..."

    Mark nodded and smiled, stroking his beard. "He already honors our family by stepping into that ring.

    Aside from the Southstream Lanes, Walter Turnbull and his wife had arrived too.

    Susan Redford looked around for her daughter but could not see any sign of her. "Walter, why isn''t Vicky here yet?"

    "What are you getting excited about? Even Frank isn''t here."

    Walter was calm, but there was a flicker of anxiety in his eyes.

    Despite his unease, he assured his wife nheless, "Don''t worry-I have orders from Glen. We don''t have to do a thing if the duel goes fairly, but we will step up if Jaden Fairfax insists on killing Frank. He''d never dare challenge us Turnbulls."

    Susan snorted. "I just don''t want my daughter''s fiance to die before she gets married."

    The worry in her eyes showed despite her sarcasm, and she was even more upset as she watched the crowd below jostling around to make bets.

    "It''s the fight of the century!" a bookie was shouting. "Taking odds right now, for Jaden Favoni to y the mysterious martial elite who took down thirty Favoni martial artists in an instant!"

    "What the hell?" Susan grumbled. "Forget selling tickets for seats in a public space-they''re now taking bets?"

    Walter sighed "The Favonis aren''t

    about to let stip a chance to hype up the fight. If I''m not mistaken, if they

    would

    win this duel, their reputation t

    rise to the next level, and they might even extend their influence into Zamri."

    "Why, sir! You certainly have great insight!"

    One of the bookies just happened to overhear Walter and could tell right away from his and Susan''s tailored clothes that they would not miss the money.

    Getting an idea right then, he asked charmingly, "Well, why don''t you make a bet too? You''d make a fortune betting on the mysterious martial elite!" Susan snorted and ignored the bookie.

    On the other hand, Walter thought about it and whipped out a check book from his chest pocket. Writing down two million dors on it nonchntly, he passed it to the bookie and said, "I''m bettingon the mysterious martial elite."

    "What?"

    It was not just the bookie-even the spectators sitting around them were shocked.

    "Pfft.."

    After a rather long period of stunned silence, someone snickered before bursting intoughter, with others quickly doing the same. "Oh... Hehe..."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    The bookie appeared embarrassed and quickly exined, "Sir, the three most popr bets are Jaden Favoni winning in ten strikes, fifty strikes, or a hundred strikes... No one is betting on the mysterious martial elite at all

    Walter was left stumped-so not only was no one betting on Frank at all, they were betting on how quick he would go down?!

    Even the bets were such a clear attempt at bullying!

 Chapter 1333

    It was frustrating, but Walter could understand.

    Jaden''s fame hadsted for quite a while, as he had been a young prodigy who had been fawned over since a child.

    As the heir to the Favonis, his innate talent for martial arts had shone, and he was once picked as the chief of the Martial Alliance provisionally.

    His fame alone was enough to intimidate anyone-who would ever dare stand against such a man?

    If the Ehud Lionheart, the Demon of Volsung Sect, never came to prominence seemingly out of nowhere, Jaden would definitely be the youngest Ascendant rank in Draconia''s history.

    Anyone privy to such information and aware of Jaden''s background would definitely not favor Frank.

    Even those around him think it would be forcing it, since Jaden was on apletely different level.

    After all, Frank had always kept a low profile and had not much fame to speak of.

    And following days of the Favonis and the Bearsons hyping up Jaden while ndering Frank as a cheater, no one was supporting Frank at all.

    That was why even the on-site bookies were not offering bets on Frank-it was as humiliating as it was reality.

    Even among the three most popr bets, the odds of Frank going down in ten strikes was the lowest, while the odds of him going down in a hundred was the highest. Basically no one was betting that Frank would win.

    After some thought, Walter cleared his throat. "Well, since no one is making that bet, I shall be the first. Five million on the mysterious martial elite to win!"

    Hearing him, the other spectators and bigwigs turned toward him, staring nkly in shock before whispering among themselves.

    "Does he suffer from some sort of brain damage?"

    "Yeah... Five million going to waste, just like that."

    "Hmph. At least our odds have improved with his bet. It''s good for us."

    "Yes, yes, exactly."

    Susan heard them and threw a punch on her husband''s chest in embarrassment. "What are you doing, Walter?! That''s not how you waste money even if you have plenty of it!"

    Walter pursed his lips and shook his head. "We''re with Frank. Who would

    believe in him if not us? Eve would

    if he loses and I lose my five mil,

    gesture to show where I stand."

    Susan sighed at his words. "Let''s hope that brat understands your sincerity!"

    "Hehe... Come on now. What if he wins?"

    Walter put a hand around her shoulder. "Wouldn''t we be making a killing if Frank wins?"

    "Bullshit."Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Susan snorted, but it was clear that even they did not expect Frank to win-the money was basically spent as a gesture of loyalty.

    "Hmmm? Is that you, Walter Turnbull?"

    A balding middle-aged man arrived just then, surrounded by bodyguards and eximing in surprise when he saw Walter. "Oh, Mr. Pearce!"

    Walter turned and promptly got up to greet the man. "What brings you here?"

    "Haha!" Geneughed. "The whole

    world knows that someone threw

    down the gauntlet to my brother

    from another mother. I have to

    Susan and Walter were left trading nces. "Your brother...? Do you mean...?"

    "Hehe. It hasn''t been that long since I''ve met Mr. Lawrence, and rtively speaking, you''d both have seniority over me!" Gene joked.

 Chapter 1334

    Gene''s joke left Walter pursing his lips.

    Staring at the streaks of white hair above Gene''s sideburns, he threw up his hands. "Surely you''re joking, Mr. Pearce? We''ve yet to repay your grace for establishing ourselves in Riverton." "Oh, it''s really nothing."

    Gene smiled, waving him off as he sat down beside Walter. "So, how is Vicky doing? Has she recovered?"

    "Yes, she has." Walter quickly nodded.

    Gene nodded and sighed in admiration. "Well, Mr. Lawrence really excels in both martial arts and medicine¡ªthere''s no mdy he can''t cure. The man even snatched my dying self away from the reaper''s grasp."

    The bookie nearby seized his opportunity right then, asking, "Sir, may I interest you in a bet? The most favorable odds are how many strikes that mysterious martial elite wouldst against Jaden Favoni."

    The bookie was certainly sharply-knowing that those seated in the front row were all rich or powerful, it was the right choice to ask them to make bets. They would make a fortune either way!

    However, one of Gene''s bodyguards strode up, shoving the peddling bookie backward. "Stand back! Don''t you see you''re talking to Mr. Gene Pearce?!"

    "W-What?!"

    The bookie almost wet himself right then-that kindly balding middle-aged man was actually Gene Pearce, the richest man on the East Coast?!

    The spectators around them were at once thrilled.

    "Shit, even Gene Pearce himself is here to watch the fight!"

    "I thought he said in a TV interview that he despised the physical disputes of martial artists and preferred reasoning things out?"

    "You''re dumb. Did you think he became the richest man on the East Coast by avoiding bloodshed?"

    Still, everyone''s words did not seem to affect Gene.

    He was even beckoning at the bookie, asking interestingly, "What''s this about the bets you mentioned?"

    "O-Oh! Well, you see, Mr. Pearce..."

    The bookie actually flinched in

    surprise after all, this was Geneet

    Pearce, the richest man on the East Coast, and a man some people

    could only dream of meeting!

    Stammering a little, he said, "Well, you see, the Favonis are coborating with our modest enterprise to set up these bets."

    "The three most popr ones... I mean, four," the bookie corrected himself as he nced at Walter nearby, "are for Jaden Favoni to win in ten strikes, fifty strikes, ora hundred strikes."

    The bookie was so nervous hepletely forgot about the fourth bet started by Walter with a whopping five million dors, even though he just mentioned it.

    "Hmm...?"

    Gene scowled to no surprise, his reaction no different from Walter''s. "What about the fourth?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Oh, right! The fourth!"

    The bookie was taken aback and quickly stammered, "W-Well, the gentleman beside you started a fourth bet for the mysterious martial elite to win. He''s the only one who made that bet so far..."

    An awkward look showed on the bookie''s face the bet would not exist at all if not for Walter.

    Still, Gene was sharp enough to tell what everyone else was thinking.

    No one believed Frank could win, and the odds were stacked to an impossible height against him.

    And anyone who bet on him was basically suffering brain damage in their eyes!

 Chapter 1335

    As everyone looked on in confusion, Gene snorted, whipped out his checkbook, and wrote a dazzling number.

    "Hmph. In that case-I''m betting a hundred million on the mysterious martial elite to win."

    Though Gene stated that number very calmly, the bookie dropped on his rear in shock.

    But that was Gene Pearce for you-he really went all out from the first stroke.

    In fact, the total bets at the moment totaled up to just 500 million, which means Gene bet made up a fifth of it!

    Everyone around him gasped, but they soon came to their senses.

    "Wait... Which bet did he make?"

    "The fourth!"

    "What? Has he gone senile?"

    "Yeah, how could he believe that Jaden Favoni would lose?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "You don''t get it. The man doesn''t care who wins-the money spent is just to flex."

    "Flex? Really? Throwing away all that money would only convince everyone that he''s stupid."

    While everyone kept yapping around him, Gene remained nonchnt as he continued his jovial chat with Walter.

    The vibes around them were certainly cheerful.

    Backstage, a servant of the Favoni family reported to Titus, "Sir, Gene Pearce has arrived and just made a hundred million bet."

    "Gene Pearce? Really?" Jaden appeared surprised andughed coolly, "Now that''s a big bet. So which bet did he take?"

    "He, uh..." The servant was actually afraid to answer.

    "What? Are you saying he didn''t take the ten strikes bet?" Jaden was at once shocked and annoyed. "Hmph. It seems he really has no faith in us!" "Sir, actually..."

    "What, are you saying he took the hundred strikes bet?"

    Jaden was furious even before the servant could finish, eximing in disbelief, "What''s Gene Pearce''s problem?! This is an insult to us Favonis!"

    "No, sir!" the servant quickly butted in, pursing his parched lips as he braced himself and said, "He didn''t bet on you... He''s betting on the other side!" "What?!" Jaden''s eyes went wide in sheer fury.

    He could ept that Gene was not confident about him winning... but this was way worse!

    He kicked the stool beside him, reducing it to dust and bellowed even as the servant was trembling, "He thinks I would lose to some mysterious man?! He''s way out of line!"

    While Ste sat quietly in a corner, hanging her head, her sister Chelly was scowling just like Jaden. "Gene Pearce has always been our partner, outsourcing his bodyguards and martial artists from us. Is he making a statement here, that he''s cutting us out?"

    "Hmph!"

    Jaden snorted and barked at the servant, "Go make an

    announcement-I''m taking a bet too, that I will take down that cheating loser in ten strikes! I will show Gene Pearce that us Favonis won''t take insults lying down!"

    "How much are you betting, Mr. Favoni?" the servant asked, shuddering.

    "500 million!"

    "500 million?!" The servant was dumbstruck. That was all the money they brought to establish a foothold in Zamri!

 Chapter 1336

    If they lost all that money and Jaden''s father pressed the issue...

    Jaden, however, could not care less. He was even sneering darkly, "Don''t worry. Just get it done! I will show the city of Zamri that the Favonis are the strongest martial arts n on the East Coast!" The servant quickly left, afraid to disobey.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Still, seeing that her brother was getting impulsive, Ste quickly reasoned, "Please calm down for a moment, Jaden. Frank Lawrence really isn''t someone to be trifled with! You need to really think about this!" Chelly red at her in annoyance right then. "Whose side are you on, Ste?! Do you still consider yourself our family?!"

    "But..." Ste murmured.

    "No buts!"

    Jaden stopped Ste coolly, clenching his knuckles as he bellowed, "Everyone on the East Coast believes that I, Jaden Favoni, will win, but my own sister thinks that Frank Lawrence will crush me?! People would beughing if they knew! Just watch, Ste-I will destroy that prick in ten blows, so you don''t get to say anything when we head home, and you suffer your fiftyshes!"

    "Exactly!" Chelly chirped. "Jaden is invincible! No youth in Draconia-barring Ehud Lionheart-would beat him!"

    "Hmph!"

    Jaden snorted at Chelly''s words. "No, even the Demon of Volsung Sect would eventually fall to me! And I will top Skyrank once more!"

    "Yes! You will definitely seed!"

    While Chelly worshiped Jaden endlessly, Ste quietly left, knowing that Jaden would not listen to a word she said now.

    After all, Jaden''s ego went frenzy ever since Ehud Lionheart defeated him two years ago.

    Since then, he obsessively trained every day in his quest to reim the top spot in Skyrank.

    And now, the appearance of a mysterious challenger and what he perceived as Gene''s insult left him even more obstinate.

    All he cared about right now was to defeat Frank in ten moves.

    Even so, and even though Ste had no idea how much Jaden had improved, the terror Frank made her felt was ingrained deeply in her bones.

    He was a nightmare that none-not even Jaden-would triumph over, and that was Ste''s conviction.

    In fact, her brother''s obstinance was

    exactly why he did not embody the same indomitable might Frank embodied. If anything, Ste felt that anything Jaden did would be futile in Frank''s presence.

    There was just no winning against Frank, and Ste could see who among the two men was superior.

    That was why she did everything she could to stop this duel, but no one in her family cared to listen, evenbeling her a traitor.

    Shaking her head, she sighed

    bitterly. "can only hope that Frank will hold back... or the Favonis will be reduced to puppets of Hundred Bane Sect."

    The only thing she could do now was to pray.

    Gong!

    The ring of the noontime bell in Zamri Square was long and deafening.

    "It''s time to rumble!"

    The emcee hired by the Bearsons stood in the ring with his mike, announcing to the bustling crowd below. "Let''s hear it for the man-Jaden Favoni of Norsedam, Skyrank''s second and once the favorite to be chief of the Martial Alliance!"

 Chapter 1337

    The emcee breathed his vowels long and hard the way Michael Buffer would hype up his ring announcements. Jaden soon emerged from backstage, his form straight and towering, his expression cold and his re sharp. He was the image of an heir to a n of martial artists, his long hair the picture of the graceful martial artists of old.

    Many a maiden were screaming in excitement as if seeing their idol, and some even fainted and were quickly carted off to waiting ambnces. "This gentleman of impable appearance is the second in Skyrank and the great heir to the illustrious Favoni family of martial artists!"

    The emcee was absolutely generous with his praise, and Jaden certainly measured up.

    He stood, his expression sharp and his posture elegant, and the spectators could actually feel the palpable sense of superiority he carried himself with.

    And when the emcee was done introducing Jaden, he turned to the other side and paused awkwardly. "Um... it seems that Mr. Favoni''s challenger has yet to show up. I wonder if he''s afraid of Mr. Favoni''s mighty presence or his terrific vengeance?"

    "Either way, if he doesn''t arrive in ten minutes, Mr. Favoni will win by default-and as agreed in the letter of challenge, Lanecorp shall apologize to the Favonis in public and leave the city of Zamri!"

    The audience became even more excited at the announcement.

    "Hey, don''t you think the prick bailed?"

    "Ya think? Wouldn''t you be running too if you were in his ce?"

    "If he turns up, he won''t be able to pull any dirty tricks with so many people watching. Mr. Bearson would definitely give him a spanking."

    "Yeah. Running at least spares him that pain."

    Hearing the voices of disapproval, Jaden''s look of contempt became even more obvious.

    Not only was that brat a cheater, but he was also a coward who would not show up to answer a challenge!

    How boring!

    At the same time, a youth sitting on a wheelchair at a corner was glowering viciously.

    It was none other than Hugh Turnbull himself, who had received word about the duel as well since his immediate family was based in Norsedam.

    He had sent his informants out to ask around, who found out that it was none other than Frank who provoked Jaden''s wrath!

    "Even the gods are on my side! Messing with Jaden Favoni?! Not even Gene Pearce can save you now!"

    Hughughed savagely. "Why don''t

    you take up Jaden Favoni''s

    challenge and let him beat you into a

    pulp? That would make the twenty million I bet on your defeat worthwhile!"

    On the other hand, Troy Bearson was fidgeting restlessly in his special guest seat.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    "Shit! What a coward!" he growled,

    shifting his weight endlessly as heet

    as the hands on the giant

    of Zamri Square kept thinking.

    It would be game over for him if Frank did not show up before the appointed time, because he had poisoned Jaden beforehand.

    He timed it perfectly so that Jaden would be afflicted during the fight.

    If Frank never showed up and Jaden went down because of the poison, everything Troy did was futile.

    That was not all either he would have to exin himself to the Favonis and maintain his innocence!

    Talk about losing more than what he bargained for... everything he did would be pointless!

    That was why right now, Troy was the one person wishing the hardest that Frank would show up.

    It would be really troublesome if he was not here to be here to be scapegoated.

    "Hmph. He''s finally here." The

    middle-aged man beside Troy

    chuckled coolly, seemingly star

    into the air above the spectator seats opposite.

    Naturally, the man was none other than Kilian Lionheart himself.

 Chapter 1338

    "Eh?"

    Troy turned to find a figure vaulting over the shoulders of the spectators toward the ring.

    "Hahaha! He really came!" he eximed in surprise and delighted-more delighted than seeing his own family, in fact.

    Thud!

    As Franknded steadily in the ring, everyone turned toward the giant clock in Zamri Square.

    Ten minutes as the emcee announced, no more, no less-Frank arrived just in time.

    Jaden''s eyes narrowed, as he could at least see Frank was skilled.

    "What, finally made up your mind? And here I thought you bailed," Jaden said with a scoff.

    Frank simply beamed, shing his bright white teeth. "Heh. Just had to make a detour and wasted some time. Thankfully, I made it." "Hmph!"

    Jaden snorted and said nothing else.

    Meanwhile, Frank turned towards the emcee and asked quietly, "So, shall we get started?"

    "Oh, uh..."

    The emcee looked between Frank, Jaden, and the clearly relieved Troy below stage.

    Seein Tory nod at him, he said, "Since you''re both here, let''s get ready to¡ª"

    "Wait!"

    Frank stopped him, holding up a hand.

    On the other end, Jaden had already assumed a fighting stance and lunged at Frank as soon as the emcee called for the duel to start. Frank''s sudden interference left his insides churning, and he almost coughed blood right then.

    "What now?!" Jaden growled through gritted teeth.

    "Well, it''s quite important."

    Frank waved him off and pointed at a board raised in the middle of the crowd, listing the bets for the fight. "What is that?"

    Jaden almost hit Frank for his

    digression, while the emcee

    exined patiently, "That''s the odds

    for this fight. At the moment, the odds are lowest for Jaden defeating you in ten blows, so most bets are ced on that..." Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Fuck!"

    Below stage, Troy was already cursing at Frank for dragging his feet, spitting in rage, "What is he doing?! Is he dragging this out on purpose?!"

    "Dragging this out on purpose?"

    Beside him, Kilian considered the possibility, and his heart almost stopped as a foreboding sensation gripped him. "Are you sure you didn''t leave any loose ends when you did it, Troy?"

    Troy did a double take butughed

    as he pped his chest and whispered into Kilian''s ear, "Don''t worry, Mr. Lionheart! Only my most trusted servant-who has served the longest, I might add-knows about this.

    "The poison was itself expressly obtained from the ck market through personal contacts of my former retainers, Thunder, Bolt, Galen, and ze. Even Ascendant ranks would be brought down by that poison, so unless Frank somehow resurrected my four retainers, no one would be the wiser."

    Though Kilian nodded in relief after Troy exined everything, he still felt a gnawing sense of foreboding-it was a sixth sense exclusive to Ascendant ranks.

 Chapter 1339

    "Hey, that''s too much!"

    Frank was protesting at the emcee. "Why are all the bets predicting my defeat? Can''t I bet on myself beating Jaden Favoni in ten strikes?"

    The emcee was taken aback, as was Jaden despite his impatience.

    Still, Jaden soon snorted and stared Frank pointedly from head to toe. "Who do you think you are, brat?! You, defeating me in ten strikes?! I could let you have them for free, and you still wouldn''t reach my sleeve!"

    "Now, now. That might not prove to be the case." Frank wagged his finger, grinning in amusement.

    Then, shouting below the stage, he said, "Anyway, I bet 500 million that I''m winning!"

    The hall was sent into a frenzy, even as Frank''s bet was shown on the electronic board as he announced it.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Nodding in approval, Frank eximed, "Now, that''s fairness!"

    On the other hand, Jaden had lost all patience watching as Frank kept wasting time and snapped icily, "Are you going to fight or not?!"

    "Yeah! Start the fight!"

    The spectators were getting upset too-they wanted the thrill of watching fist striking flesh, not Frank''s stand-upedy routine!

    "Alright, alright, let''s fight. But before that, we need to set the rules, that is..."

    Frank kept yapping and nced sideways at Jaden.

    Seeing that the other man was glowering so hard he could bleed, Frank''s jovial expression abruptly turned serious. "Well, let''s get started." Jaden almost choked and coughed blood as Frank threw yet another curveball, and his rage toward him boiled over just then.

    He wheeled on the emcee right then and barked, "Start the fight!"

    "Yeah! Start the fucking fight already!" Troy shouted anxiously from below stage.

    If Jaden went down even before the fight, his n would go up in smoke!

    "Alright! Ready... fight!" the emcee announced, and he abruptly felt a dark blur shooting past him as he watched.

    Naturally, it was none other than Jaden, who had lost all patience.

    Pow!

    Even so, despite Jaden dishing out. the punch without waiting a

    Frank caught his fistare econd,

    palm.

    his

    "Huh?!"

    He looked up right then.

    He was always confident in his speed, so how did the brat stop his lightning-quick blow?!

    Outside the ring, however, all the

    spectators saw were a blur, and they

    cheered as Jaden was suddenly in

    front of Frank.

    The man''s reputation was definitely deserved, as he was so quick that the average Joe could not keep up at all!

    Meanwhile, Frank was smiling.

    "That''s

    ¨¨ first strike, Mr. Pa

    Do

    you believe me when I say you''d fall

    by

    e third?"

    His words left Jaden glowering.

    Arrogant brat! Getting smug just because he caught his punch?! Well, he asked for this!

    Vaulting off the floor, Jaden poised his foot for a Hillsplitter!

    This kick would strike Frank in the head and keep going.

    Even the audience could see that if the blow struck true, Frank''s head would burst apart like a watermelon.

    "Yes! Yes! Kill him!!! Kill that bastard!!!" Hugh shouted excitedly, almost falling off his wheelchair.

    "Watch out!"

    Susan sped a hand over her mouth, while Walter appeared clearly worried too.

    Frank, however, simply chuckled. "Heh."

 Chapter 1340

    Frank could certainly block Jaden''s kick directly and counter by breaking his leg right then, but he did not do it because he had his ns. Jaden was strong, and Frank could see he was halfway into Ascendant rank.

    But that still meant he was no threat to Frank.

    Moreover, Frank did not ept the challenge because of Jaden-his real targets were Troy and Kilian with him.

    Pow!

    As Frank shimmied to the side, Jaden''s foot struck the floor, sending half the ring crumbling, making his sheer power all too evident.

    "What?!"

    Jaden, however, was taken aback.

    Was Frank actually that good, easily dodging the signature techniques of his family?!

    His scowl soon turned savage, as he was reminded of that fight two years ago when he thought the world of himself.

    That was when Ehud Lionheart showed up, and the Demon of Volsung Sect kept dodging his blows like Frank was doing now, treating Jaden as if he amounted to nothing!

    "Argh!!! Boulderbreaker!" Jaden bellowed even as he felt humiliated, unleashing a horrific st of pure vigor from his palm.

    The projection quickly manifested into the silhouette of a palmrger than Jaden himself, devouring everything in its way as it shot toward Frank.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    While the average Joes were just entertained watching the action unfold, the martial artists were on their feet, gaping at the sight.

    Such terrible and concentrated pure vigor was a rarity in the world over.

    Even a body of steel would be reduced to dust if struck by that, let alone a human.

    "Urgh..."

    Frank, however, was merely sighing exasperatedly as the st of pure vigor streaked toward him.

    Seizing the right timing, he charged his palm with Five-Peat Archaeus and met Jaden''s strike!

    Boom!

    The ensuing crack was deafening, and the ring crumbled instantly as the shockwave of pure vigor

    velvet

    unfurled into a violent gale, knocking the audience off their feet.

    "Shit, that mysterious martial elite is actually that good?"

    "Right? He''s actually evenly matched against Jaden Favoni! Jaden Favoni! Second in Skyrank!"

    "Shit, that''s three strikes. Jaden really might not win in ten now."

    "We''ll never know. Maybe that''s all the other guy can take..."

    Even as the audience pushed themselves off the floor with considerable difficulty, they started arguing again.

    Still, suffocating silence ensued as no one talked when the dust from the crumbling ring settled.

    One could even hear a pin drop.

    After all, Jaden, whom everyone

    believed would defeat Frank in few strikes, was left on one

    front of Frank! Content belovee in

    As he coughed blood, shock and disbelief showed on his face, as well as the audiences''.

    Just then, Jaden raised a trembling finger at Frank, his mouth hanging open as if to speak. "rgh!"

    However, a jet of dark blood shot out through his mouth and nostrils before he could speak!

    "What?! Jaden Favoni lost?!"

    "I-Impossible!"

    "Go! Find out the name of that mysterious martial elite! He''s now second in Skyrank! Second, I''m telling you!"

    "Skyrank''s order shifts again!"

    None of them expected Jaden to lose at all!

    However, even as the spectators erupted into chaos and confusion Jaden looked up, using everyst bit of strength he had to bellow into the air, You cheater! You poisoned me

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 Chapter 1341

    While the crowd was still left shocked by Jaden''s defeat, his raging below left them silent again.

    "What? Jaden was poisoned?"

    "No way... When?"

    "So that brat really is a cheater, poisoning Mr. Favoni while we weren''t watching!"

    However, Frank seemed to expect the audience''s outrage and simply shrugged at Jaden and smiled. "Don''t try to nder me now. I really don''t need poison to beat you."

    "Bullshit!" Jaden bellowed furiously. "How else would you know I''d be beaten even before the fight?!"

    Then, as his agitation overwhelmed his nerves and with the poison kicking in as well, he coughed another pool of ck blood and passed out.

    "Jaden!"

    Chelly leapt on stage right then, shaking Jaden while snapping at Frank, "I knew it! You''re a cheater, poisoning my brother!"

    "How dare you, Frank Lawrence!" Troy Bearson shouted below stage before Frank could argue, pointing at Frank and snapping, "Poisoning the heir of the Favoni family? The Bearsons will not let this rest!" With Troy taking the lead, the rest of the crowd erupted into a mob outrage.

    "That''s right! How dare you pull such a dirty move on Mr. Favoni!"

    "Talk about a disgrace to martial artists. The Favonis were right about him."

    "Heh, and Gene Pearce even bet on him? He must be involved too."

    "To think the richest man on the east coast is in league with such a vile spawnling. How disappointing."

    Even as everyone criticized Frank and Gene with him, even Walter became coteral for betting on Frank earlier.

    From the crowd''s perspective, they were all working together to poison Jaden and make a fortune with their rigged bets when Frank beat Jaden.

    "Hmph. The East Coast has no ce for such loathsome people!"

    "Exactly! Poisoning Jaden Favoni?! There''s no bottom too low for them!"

    "I''m calling my family right now. We''re severing our partnership contract with Lanecorp!"

    A gleeful smile showed on Troy''s face as various bigwigs were yelling at Frank in outrage.

    However, when he turned to see how Frank was reacting, there was none of the panic or rage he expected.

    Instead, Frank was clearly smirking at Troy himself!Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Troy did a double take, his conscience eating him just then.

    He was well aware of how powerful Frank was and really would not dare push Frank too far.

    After all, if Frank really charged at him right now, ready to kill, there was no telling if Kilian would actually stop him, even if he was sitting right beside him.

    Still, considering that Frank''s reputation had already hit the dirt, he was a lot less afraid.

    If Frank attacked Troy now, the man

    would only be provoking public outrage. At that point, forget

    Zamri there was no ce for Frank on the East Coast, and he and Lanecorp were going down!

    "Frank Lawrence, what happened here?!"

    Just then, Ste came running out from the backstage.

    She certainly did not believe that Frank would poison her brother while everyone watched. It was simply unnecessary and no different from pping himself in the face! en.swhovels

    ncing at Ste, Frank said earnestly, "Someone poisoned your brother, and it''s a poison that only takes effect after a precise period of time. In other words, someone is trying to scapegoat me and incite a war between your family and myself."

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 Chapter 1342

    ncing at Ste, Frank said earnestly, "Someone poisoned your brother, and it''s a poison that only takes effect after a precise period of time. In other words, someone is trying to scapegoat me and incite a war between your family and myself."

    Ste, seeing Frank''s vague smile and the way he was staring at Troy, turned toward Troy too.

    She realized right then that Troy must have nned all this!

    She was already suspicious when Troy was on hand to receive them at the airport, and that premonition came true!

    "You''re lying!"

    That was when a tearful Chelly shrieked hysterically at Frank, "You poisoned my brother, and you''re still dressing it up with pretty words?! You''re lower than scum! I''m telling my dad about this, and he''ll bring all his men to kill you and everyone around you!"

    "Calm down, Chelly!"

    Ste ran up, intent on stopping Chelly''s irrational ravings-but it was already toote.

    She could feel the air stirring around Frank, and his smile turned into a re.

    "What was that... you''ll kill everyone around me? Care to say that again?"

    Frank stepped forward once, and a strong gale abruptly unfurled away from him. The air around the ring rustled, as if some behemoth had stirred from its slumber. The bloodlust was palpable, and both Chelly and Ste''s face fell.

    Ste especially was well aware that Frank was furious, and she felt a crushing sense of defeat and helplessness-the same feeling he had when he first met Frank! She was begging right then, "No... Mr. Lawrence! My sister is just upset-she doesn''t mean it!"

    However, Frank seemed to ignore

    her as he growled, "I was going to save my strength and let bygones be bygones but you Favonis prove to be as ignorant as you are loathsome. Forget not seeing the

    truth, but you even had to push my

    buttons!"

    His voice could well be the devil himself in Ste''s ears, conjuring the image of death and bloodlust, leaving her shaking in fear.

    Chelly was terrified too, but she

    remained feisty, snapping, "Don''t beg, Ste-you''d be humiliating our family! That bastard must have used some sleight of hand to poison Jaden!"

    Then, shrugging free of Ste''s grasp, she bellowed at Frank, "Come on, scumbag! Kill us if you can! My father wille after you for this!"

    "Very well! I feelpassion for the weak, but that doesn''t mean I will suffer fools!"

    Frankughed coldly, extending his palm and charging it with abundant pure vigor.

    However, before he couldnd his blow, Ste leapt toward him, dropped to her knees in front of him as everyone watched.

    Thud! Thud! Thud!

    As everyone looked on in shock, the sister of Laden Favoni, second in Skyrank and the heir to Norsedam''s undisputed top dogs... kowtowed to their enemy so violently her O forehead started to bleed freely!

    "Please, Mr. Lawrence! Chelly has always been stubborn and never listens. Don''t stoop to getting petty with a brat like her!"

    "Ste, what are you doing?!"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Chelly was dumbfounded too.

    A member of their great Favoni dynasty was kowtowing to some despicable poisoner?!

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 Chapter 1343

    For Chelly, it was a humiliation worse than death!

    Being already raised in an ivory tower and spoiled by her father and siblings, her family''s influence only further encouraged her to treat everyone else as if they were beneath her.

    She also earnestly believed that her brother Jaden was invincible, and that the Favonis would eventually rise as the Fifth Family in Morhen, even rising as the undisputed rulers of Draconia! As such, she was crumbling inwardly from sheer humiliation, seeing her own sister kowtowing to some unknown man who poisoned her brother in public!

    "Y-You traitor! Traitor!"

    Suddenly not remembering every moment her sister protected her, Chelly branded her own sister a traitor.

    Raising her palm, she aimed her strike at Ste even as she remained kneeling on the floor, ready to kill!

    "I will protect our family''s honor! Die, traitor!"

    Ste remained on the floor even as she watched Chelly''s strike approached, but she did not dodge.

    Her gaze was determined-she was ready to die as she understood Frank. She could not change anything because words were cheap, and dying to her own sister was ideal at this point. "Fool!" Frank snorted, and knocked Chelly away with a burst of pure vigor, saving Ste right then.

    "Chelly!" Ste cried when she opened her eyes again, her heart torn when she saw her sister coughing blood.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Traitor..." Chelly muttered even as her consciousness slipped, not knowing that her sister had done everything to save her.

    Meanwhile, the crowd around them saw everything. However, while Frank was really stopping Chelly from attacking Ste, in their eyes, Frank was attacking Chelly instead.

    As such, they only felt even more contempt for Frank-not only did he poison Jaden, but he also attacked his sister?!

    "Scumbag! Get out of Zamri already!"

    "Leave the East Coast now!"

    "I hope it hurts a lot when you die!"

    The crowd began pelting Frank with everything-bottles, fruits, and even menstrual pads.

    They were obviously convinced that Frank was cheating, and showed no senses of honor.

    He must be lusting after Jaden''s sister for her pretty face too, which was why he attacked her! "That''s enough!"

    Frank bellowed, glowering at the crowd around him. "Did any of you ever see me poison Jaden?!"

    "Hah! Jaden himself said it, and

    you''re still trying to argue?!"

    calmly incited the hatefulTrovet

    against him, not worried about causing more trouble.

    belongs to FindNovel ent

    "That''s right! You''re a cheater and a loser!"

    "You must have poisoned Jaden when we weren''t looking!"

    "You don''t care what you did, as long as you get famous and get yourself into Skyrank!"

    "Lusting after the man''s sisters too... How despicable!"

    Troy looked around himself and could see that the ones who were condemning Frank the worst were his hired provocateurs.

    Incited, now everyone in Zamri Square was condemning Frank vocally.

    "You-"

    Just as Frank furiously tried to

    argue,

    be

    suddenly coughed a

    mouthful of ck blood just

    wool

    Jaden did and dropped to one knee!

    "Frank!" Walter Turnbull yelled.

    He had remained ashen faced and was

    Feng for Frank to turn t

    t cried out anxious teet

    appeared to be poisoned too!

    "Frank?! Quick! Call in our boys-stop this madness!"

    Gene panicked when he saw Frank turn pale and start to wobble, and he sent in his people to help. "What? What just happened?" Troy was actually shocked and turned toward Kilian in confusion. Kilian appeared nonplussed as well but was suddenly chuckling coolly after some thought.

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 Chapter 1344

    Still, Kilian''s chuckle soon turned into roaring, gleefulughter. "Hahaha! I get it now!"

    "What happened to him, Mr. Lionheart?" Troy asked anxiously, since Kilian was too busyughing to answer his question.

    "Hehe... The brat was trying to be smart, but he ended up screwing himself over!"

    Kilian smiled even as he watched Frank wheeze. "His vigor collided with Jaden''s when he blocked Jaden''s blow, and the poison that was already kicking in inside Jaden''s body affected him too! The poison you used is tailored against martial elites who wield pure vigor, no?"

    "Yeah, exactly." Troy nodded, still at a loss.

    "Well, that fits the bill." Kilian sneered viciously. "Frank did not realize that he too would be affected if Jaden''s poisoned vigor reached him!"

    "Hahaha! That''s amazing!" Troy''s eyes lit up.

    He had no idea what Kilian was talking about, but he understood thest part and that was enough too.

    Frank was poisoned too!

    "Well, Mr. Lionheart, now''s your chance to eliminate him once and for all!"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Troy urged eagerly. "We just need an excuse to kill him now!"

    "Hehe. An excuse? We don''t need one now."

    Kilian chuckled and stepped on Troy''s shoulder as he vaulted down toward Frank.

    Then, as everyone watched, he barked at the top of his lungs, "Frank Lawrence, you are a disgrace to martial artists everywhere, and a menace to society! In the name of Troy Bearson, the head of the Bearson family, I will get rid of you for good, for the sake of this city and this country!"

    "Huh?"

    Kilian''s deration left Troy doing a double take, and he almost sprang to his feet when he realized what had just happened.

    Kilian was certainly cunning, only stepping up when Frank was going to die!

    The man''s wit was really withoutparison, but it was fine by Troy.

    If anything, he wasughing

    too-once Frank died, Lanecorp

    would crumble with him, and the

    of Zamri would fall to Bearson Group!

    That meant he sessfully aplished the mission that Volsung Sect had tasked him with, while he received plenty of goodies on the side.

    And that was plenty enough.

    "Bearson Group is really amazing, standing up against injustice! That''s why they''rerades of the Favonis!"

    "Mr. Troy Bearson is more than a CEO. He''s also a man of principles, haven''t you heard?"

    "He will see to it that Jaden Favoni finds justice!"

    "It''s a major feat, ridding the city of Zmmri of such a menace!''

    While Bearson''s hired provocateurs enthusiastically bootlicked him, Troy certainly felt buoyed as everyone gazed upon him with worshipful reverence. ¨¦n.swnovels

    "Pfft..."

    However, while Kilian turned serious and was ready to deal the killing blow on Frank, he snickered even as the crowd was not watching.

    "Kilian Lionheart of Volsung Sect," he said, his face pale even as he remained on one knee. "It really wasn''t easy luring you out."

    "What?!" Kilian watched in shock as Frank slowly stood up-what was going on here?!<nfafc5>

    S?a?*?h the Find?ovel.?et website on G??gl? to ess chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    </nfafc5>

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 Chapter 1345

    "It''s the Soulbleeder-a specialty of Hundred Bane Sect avable from the ck market."

    Frank looked up, his eyes shing as he wiped the smudge of blood from the corner of his lips.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Kilian''s face fell right then-how could Frank have known the name of the poison?!

    It was a well-kept secret even in the ck market, and hardly anyone knew of it. Even Kilian himself found out about it through Troy!

    "Hehe... rgh!"

    Frank smirked even as he vomited another mouthful of blood. "Are you surprised why I would know? Well, that''s a question you''d have to ask a certain traitor to Hundred Bane Sect whom I had in. He left behind a copy of the Hundred Bane Anthology, which is why nothing in Hundred Bane Sect''s inventory will work against me."

    "Really?"

    Kilian sneaked a look around himself and smirked at Frank in turn when he sensed Frank''s vigor churning chaotically in his body. "You really wouldn''t be hurting that badly if it doesn''t work on you." "You''re right." Frank nodded. "I''ve been poisoned and I can''t clear it away right now... but it still won''t stop me from killing you!"

    And with those words, Frank suddenly leapt to his feet and charged straight at Kilian!

    Kilian appeared taken aback but soonughed coldly.

    "I have no idea what you''re ying at, but do you really think you can beat me while poisoned?!"

    With a restrained bellow, he projected his pure vigor, casting it into the shape of a body armor with a golden-red sheen.

    The crowd around him was left gaping in shock-Troy actually had such a powerful champion under hismand?!

    "Haha! This is a secret technique of Volsung Sect-the Golden Dragon Carapace! With this, I won''t fear even peak Ascendant ranks!" Kilian sneered as he watched Frank charged at him, clearly overestimating himself.

    Given Frank''s condition, the recoil alone would pulverize his body and kill him instantly.

    Troy''s eyes had lit up when he saw the majestic armor covering Kilian too.

    Even he had to admit that Kilian was strong, despite being loathsome and despicable.

    He chose to fight Frank only after he was poisoned-not because he did not stand a chance, but because he was that prudent.

    He would take the stage, but only at the veryst juncture.

    "Hmph. At this rate, that loser would definitely be dead!"

    "Yeah! Troy''s champion is going to butcher him now!" "Justice for the people!"

    The crowd roared with approval and as Frank''s very mundane

    ach struck the golden-red.

    carapace armor around and

    And that was when the unexpected happened.

    Boom!

    With a thundering crash, Kilian-who had been smirking throughout and clearly protected by his carapace armor-was screaming as he was set flying.

    "What?!"

    Troy was rubbing his eyes in disbelief, while his hired provocateurs turned pale as well.

    What was going on here?!

    They kept insisting Frank was a

    cheater without actual ability and et

    always relying on underhanded tricks, but that punch had just

    ttered Kilian''s strongest armor!

    How was that possible?!

    That was Kilian Lionheart, an elder of Volsung Sect!

    He had advanced well into Ascendant rank, but Frank sent him flying with a punch?! Obviously, no one watching could believe it at all.

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 Chapter 1346

    "Oof!"

    Kilian was no longerughing.

    He could not feel any hint of pure vigor projecting from Frank''s fist-that meant that Frank was using sheer physical strength to destroy his carapace armor, while sending him flying like a ragdoll! "I-Impossible! How could a Birthright rank do this... no, could he have improved? But this shouldn''t be happening even if he did-"

    Even before Kilian came to his senses, he felt arge hand seizing him by the throat, choking him.

    Across his meridians, his pure vigor stalled in an instant.

    It hurt terribly, but he could not direct his pure vigor to fight back even if he wanted to.

    Even as the world started to spin around him, he realized he could not beat Frank in pure physical strength too, as he could not loosen Frank''s vice-like grip around his neck at all!

    And at that very moment, every spectator could see Frank lifting Kilian, who was iling around like an animal but unable to free himself.

    Chelly Favoni, who had just regained consciousness thanks to her sister, was left stiffening as she saw what happened.

    After everything was said and done, she was still a martial artist, and she could tell that Kilian carapace armor manifested out of condensed pure vigor.

    Only individuals who advanced well into Ascendant rank could manage that, but Frank''s single punch shattered it.

    Various expressions alternated over Chelly''s face.

    It was not just Kilian whom Frank had punched to his senses-it was the same for her, and after all the mockery she dished out on Frank.

    She turned toward her sister, who nodded wryly, and truly realized then that Frank was superior to their brother, Jaden.

    Her sister was never ating-Frank was just that powerful!

    Moreover, blood was seeping out

    the corner of Frank''s lips as he lifted Kilian into the air-he was clearly afflicted by the same poison that got Jaden, which further proved that Frank did not poison Jaden Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    At that point, even Chelly realized the only possible culprits were the Bearsons! "rgh..."

    Frank coughed out another mouthful of blood, but kept smiling at Kilian "You have one chance. Tell me what''s this spiritron vein thing hidden beneath Zamri."

    "What?! How did you know?!"

    Kilian was bewildered-how could Frank have found out about that?! Only Troy and his four retainers Thunder, Bolt, Galen, and ze had heard about it.

    But even as Frank smirked, Kilian understood-so after everything was said and done, those retainers were never killed.

    They had jumped ship to Frank''s side!

    There was no way Frank would have found out about the Soulbleeder, let alone the spiritron vein!

    "Piece of shit!" Kilian''s eyes could firesers even as he turned to re at Troy with what strength he had.

    However, Troy had absolutely no idea what Frank and Troy were discussing.

    He was scowling, and terror showed in his eyes. Kilian, his trump card, had clearly lost to Frank.

    Not only did he have nothing to fall back on, Frank clearly knew that he had orchestrated this entire situation.

    And when Frank was done with Kilian, he woulde for him next!

    Nheless, Kilian rasped coolly just then, won''t lie to you, Frank-you''re not going to keep the spiritron vein to yourself, even if you know what it really is, because it rightfully belongs to the Lionhearts!"

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 Chapter 1347

    "Did you think that you can stand up to the Lionhearts and Volsung Sect all on your own?!"

    Kilian Lionheart rasped coolly, "Give up already! The might of Simon Lionheart rules thisnd, and you will rest in pieces if he personally gets involved!"

    "You have ten seconds," Frank simply muttered, impassive as he wiped the blood off the corner of his lips.

    However, Kilian was obviously not worried about Frank''s threat and continued to persuade him, "You should be kneeling to me, Frank Lawrence! I admit you''re outstanding, and I just might forgive your transgressions, even rmend a ce for you in Volsung Sect!

    "Volsung Sect would eventuallye to rule Draconia and the rest of the world! The path of martial arts is just the beginning... You have no idea where this path really leads! Now let me down and bow to me, and I''ll tell you the greatest secret never told¡ª"

    "Time''s up."

    Frank shook his head in disappointment.

    "What are you are you going to kill me, Frank?! Don''t you dare! Volsung Sect will-"

    Crunch!

    Frank snapped Kilian''s neck even before he could finish, and the man''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    Even as his corpse was dropped unceremoniously on the floor, he never thought that Frank would dare to kill him.

    Naturally, he had underestimated Frank-if he had thoroughly investigated Frank and piece together who he really was from all the subtle clues, he would not even dream of recruiting Frank.

    Frank was snorting in turn. "I will crush your pathetic Volsung Sect eventually, and you''re just the second Lionheart who has fallen to me. I have no reason to keep you alive since you refused to tell me what the spiritron vein is."

    After killing Kilian, he looked around.

    The crowd around him was silent, staring at him in fear.

    Even if they were convinced Frank defeated Jaden with poison earlier, they all saw him take down a real martial elite with his bare hands.

    With that, all the skepticism about

    Frank crumbled, as the crowd

    realized that Frank was not some

    loathsome poisoner, but a genuine martial elite instead.

    "Everyone..."

    And knowing that arguing would still work against his favor, Frank searched Kilian''s corpse and pulled out a letter seemingly out of nowhere.

    Then, sticking to the script he

    rehearsed, he announced, "Everyone, this letter is written by Troy Bearson, intended for his men! It has orders to purchase the poison called

    Soulbleeder, which was used

    against myself and Jaden Fe

    Troy was also the one who incited this confrontation between Lanecorp and the Favonis ofOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Norsedam, so that he can sit back and enjoy the spoils when the dust settles."

    Coughing blood again, he then continued, "Now, you have both material proof and witnesses! Citizens of Zamri and illustrious guests, do not be fooled by Troy Bearson-he is a wolf in sheepskin, and those men with him are provocateurs, working under his payroll!"

    As Frank pointed at the men who kept inciting the crowd against himself, the men dropped limply to the floor in fear.

    Their reaction only further proved Frank''s point, leaving the crowd in an uproar.

    The tales were turned so quickly!

    And seeing that things did not look good for him, Troy quickly led his men to turn and run.

    Frank was not bothered, however-in a way, Troy had indirectly caused Kilian''s death, and someone would deal with him anyway.

    He continued, "As for Lanecorp and the Favonis..."

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 Chapter 1348

    Frank turned toward Chelly, who was hanging her head, and Ste, who was giving him an earnest pleading look.

    Pausing, he shook his head and announced, "This entire conflict between us was incited by the Bearsons!"

    With that, he left the stage even as he coughed blood, ending the high noon duel in Zamri Square with an extraordinary plot twist. The crowd was certainly dissatisfied with the mediocre ending, especially after the fight was hyped up with such pompous publicity! It was not a fight between martial elites, but a bizarre stage production.

    However, said production still brought upon terrible consequences.

    For the Favonis, Jaden remained unconscious, his fate unknown as his sister Ste and the others carted him back to Norsedam.

    While he still retained his ce as Skyrank''s second, his reputation had taken a nosedive, just as many others became disappointed in the Favonis'' actions.

    On the other hand, Frank''s reputation was skyrocketing. The Lane family gathered favorable attention thanks to that, and business boomed for Lanecorp in turn.

    After all, things were getting even livelier in Zamri instead of calming down, and there were signs of impending chaos.

    As for Bearson group, their reputation hit rock-bottom, with Troy and his cronies were found dead in his own mansion.

    Troy''s death was eventually ruled as a suicide, and the rest of the Bearson family soon fell apart.

    As the key factions within Bearson Group fought among each other over whatever was left, thepany eventually splintered from the conflict. With that, the Three Bearspany was reduced to a second- rate business, with many otherpanies acquiring the remaining scraps.

    As for Frank, he had been hiding in his mansion, rejecting the media keen for an interview, with the excuse of recovery and rehabilitation.

    At the moment, he was lounging on the couchfortably, bliss showing on his face as Winter massaged his shoulders.

    "Frank, don''t you think the Favonis would bother us again?" she suddenly asked.

    "They''d know not to mess with me if they''re smart," Frank replied as he ate some grapes. "But if they''re not..."

    Frank chuckled coolly, trailing off.

    Just then, ckie-now basically the

    mansion''s doorman, entered and

    esitantly, "Mr.

    someone''s asking to see

    you.."

    "I told you I''m avoiding the public''s eye at the moment, didn''t I?" Frank asked usingly.

    "B-But she''s really beautiful..."

    As ckie gestured animatedly, Frank frowned as he sat up.

    "Show her in," he said after some thought.

    After all, Frank was surrounded by beautiful people.

    As such, this stranger whom ckie

    did not recognize but whose beaut

    he still acknowledged meant that she was a sight to behold,

    Still, Winter snorted as Frank allowed that woman in when he heard she was a beauty and stormed off grumpily.

    Frank quickly called out to her, "Hey,

    where are you going? You haven''t

    learn

    the key to this massageOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    technique yet."

    Winter pouted. "Why, so that I can third-wheel while you meet some pretty face?"

    Frank smiled in wry amusement-when did she get so jealous?

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 Chapter 1349

    Winter grumpily sat down beside Frank after he exined himself, and she folded her arms before her chest as she waited to see who the arriving beauty was. "Greetings, Mr. Lawrence."

    Ady dressed primly in a conservative dress entered, greeting Frank with a brow.

    Frank zoned out a little-her face was gorgeous, her mannerisms were mild and elegant, and there was a birthmark on her face that altogether made her appear picturesque.

    On top of her soft appearance, no man could tear their eyes away from her pronounced cleavage.

    "Wow... you''re so beautiful..."

    Even Winter was gaping and gasping in awe despite her jealousy earlier.

    "Hehe. Thank you." The woman nodded before turning toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, I''m Sienna Noirot, second elder of the Hall of Flowers, a denomination of Cloudnine Sect. Having heard of your recent feats, I''vee to visit and witness your splendor."

    "Cloudnine Sect?"

    Frank searched his mind, and quickly remembered-were they not one of the major sects in the South Sea and a supporter of the Sorano family?

    Why on earth were they visiting him?

    Narrowing his eyes, he asked evenly, "To what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Noirot?"Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Still, he would not deny her hospitality and gestured for her to sit.

    "Hehe," Sienna smiled. "I havee to gauge your intentions, Mr. Lawrence."

    "My intentions?" Frank frowned.

    "Yes." Sienna nodded. "With the spiritron veining to prominence, chaos looms for Draconia as the status quo shifts. Every faction and family across thend will bepeting to gather individuals with potential, and you are the potential I have my eyes on."

    "Heh..."

    Frank did not refute her insight and asked in return, "If you''re from Cloudnine Sect, you''d be aware of who I really am. Are you not afraid of my vendetta?"

    "Of course not. That''s why I''m here." Sienna giggled, "The Four Sects of the South Sea are more than what you believe them to be. Forgive me for not divulging our most well kept secret, but I can tell you this much-not everything is as they seem in Draconia. The sects, the political figures, the military, even foreign powers... everything hangs together by a threat, and it''s never as simple as you''d like to think."

    Frank waved her off dismissively. "So? What do I get if I join you?"

    "With Cloudnine Sect vouching for you, the yers behind the major factions will not have an easy timeing after you."

    "And what do I have to give in return?"

    Sienna simply beamed in response, and it was such an enchanting smile that Winter could not help zoning out.

    "The spiritron vein."

    Still, as her lips moved, parting ever so slightly without actually speaking, her lip movement revealed her intentions.

    She came for the spiritron vein too?

    Frank thought to himself just

    then-if Silverbell represented the

    Morhen mayor and the Martial

    Alliance''s interest in the Spiritron Vein, then Kilian represented Volsung Sect''s interests.

    And Sienna was most definitely representing Cloudnine Sect too.

    How much power did the spiritron vein hold over them that they would go through such lengths to acquire it?

    Still, Frank did not dwell on it.

    "I have no intention of joining anyone," he said quietly while gesturing for ckie to escort Sienna outside. "I love my freedom, and I won''t go out of my way to cause trouble for others if they don''t mess with me."

    "I understand." Sienna did not appear surprised by Frank''s response.

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 Chapter 1350

    If anything, Sienna seemed to have expected that response from Frank, and she smiled. "In that case, I shall excuse myself."

    "Yeah."

    Frank watched as Sienna left, pensive since she reminded Frank of plenty of matters.

    There were plenty of dangers lurking in Draconia, and he would have drawn considerable attention after he killed Kilian Lionheart.

    And Sienna was even hinting that the major yers were ready to move against him.

    While Frank was not afraid, he was still worried that they would move against those around him.

    Even as the thought crossed his mind, his phone started ringing.

    He answered it to Kat Yego yelling, "Master Lawrence! This is terrible... My dad and Madam Zims have been kidnapped!"

    "What?!"

    Beside her, Winter leapt to her feet in panic, as Madam Zims was her adopted mother, Carol.

    They were aware that Carol and Kat''s father Nash Yego had grown close recently. One was a widow and the other a widower, and with not much of an age difference between them, it was nothing surprising. If anything, their respective daughters were keen for them to get together.

    While Nash was hospitalized, Carol had visited frequently, bringing him food and helping his recovery.

    Then, days after Nash was discharged, they were kidnapped!

    "Calm down. Take your time!" Frank told Kat, scowling-talk about his worst fearsing true!"

    "Noel York and I have been working a lot, so we tend to stayte at the office... but when I came home today, both my dad and Madam

    Zims were nowhere to be seen

    There''s also this note on the table, and there''s an address to a temple in the outskirts of Zamri-they want you to go there alone."

    Frank felt gloomy hearing Kat''s anxious voice-both Nash and Carol were important to him, and he would never forgive himself if they got hurt.

    "Kat," he told her sternly, "go back to the office with Noel, and stay out of this. I''m going to the temple right now!"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Frank!"

    Beside Frank, Winter''s eyes were welling up with tears.

    "Stay put, Winter. You''ll be safe with the security team here-just wait for me toe back!"

    "Yeah." Winter nodded tamely.

    She would follow Frank given the urgentness of the situation, but she soon remembered that she was no martial artist, and she would just be a burden for Frank.

    Hence, she kept her anxiety bottled and watched as Frank drove off.

    On the way to the temple, Frank got a call from Helen.

    "We found the spiritron vein!" she eximed in excitement.

    However, that only left Frank''s heart sinking-the timing of the discovery was simply terrible.

    "Helen!" he barked right then. "Take

    the spiritron vein, and get

    somece safe with Vicky now! Don''t

    ''t fet anyone else see it,

    understand? I''m busy right now, but

    I''ll be right over when I''m done!"

    "Okay!" Helen agreed to it briskly.

    And right after she hung up, Helen got a call from her mother Gina Zonda...

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 Chapter 1351

    Frank''s car quickly arrived in the outskirts of Zamri, and it did not take him long to find the rundown temple.

    Still, he had yet to step inside when he sensed the grim presence of death, setting off every rm bell in his mind.

    If his hunch was right, the people who kidnapped Nash and Carol were after him from the start... Or the spiritron vein, to be precise.

    Frank felt regret at the thought-the spiritron vein was such a big deal that various major factions in the country were on the move.

    Martial elites who cultivated in seclusion, major sects... even government officials like the mayor of Morhen were getting involved in this battle royale. And if Cloudnine Sect could reach him, others could.

    As Frank and Lanecorp be the heart of the storm, even the ones in the shadows woulde or keep an eye to see how things panned out. Possessing the spiritron vein might sound amazing, but Frank was on his own and did not have what it took to hold on to it.

    With that thought, he gradually found it in him to give up on the spiritron vein-for him, it was expendable, but his friends and family were not.

    He was more sentimental about his bonds than worldly possessions, and the thought relieved him.

    Striding into the rundown temple, he immediately felt someone spying on him.

    The air was cold and gloomy, and Frank actually got goosebumps.

    Naturally, Frank was shocked by his premonition-he was now Ascendant rank, and the fact that he felt this way meant the presence inside the temple was a threat to him just by being there. "Kid... I''m sure you know what I want, unless you''re a moron?"

    A voice resounded, seemingly booming from every direction, preventing Frank from pinpointing it.

    "I do." Frank nodded, standing at the center of the rundown temple, before the broken shrine. "The spiritron vein."

    "Hehehe..."

    The elderlyugh was sinister,

    though there was soon a tone of acknowledgment. "You''re truly Godwin Lawrence''s son. So? Are you going to choose the spiritron vein, or this couple who are irrelevant to you?"

    "They are not irrelevant. You want the spiritron vein? You can have it."

    Frank looked around and spoke quietly, "know that I can''t hold on to the spiritron vein as I am no, so t should just hand it over. You can all fight for it all you want-don''thurt my family!"

    "Hahaha!!!"

    The old manughed delightedly and was suddenly approving of Frank. "I thought I mustpel you to see reason, so I''m surprised you''re so tactful... Very well! Hand over the spiritron vein, and I will refease your family!" Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "I don''t have it." Frank shook his head. "It''s-"

    Frank then did a double take, his face falling. "Shit!"

    The elderly man here was clearly a martial elite, but if more like him were after spirtron vein, Helen was in danger!

    While Frank knew that Silverbell was strong, could she handle the champions sent from every other faction across the nation?!

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 Chapter 1352

    With that in mind, Frank looked up and shouted, "Sir, I don''t have the spiritron vein with me, but I know where it is. I appeal to your forbearance as my senior to grant me the favor of releasing my family, and I will take you to it!"

    Silence ensued across the rundown temple at Frank''s words, as the person lurking in the shadows pondered.

    Soon, his elderly voice spoke again. "Very well. Since you''re a man of principles, you have my trust."

    He then emerged from the shadows, an elderly man with gray hair and a steel mask covering half his face strode out. His expression was cold, and he carried a string of prayer beads in one hand.

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat when he saw him-the terrible pressure that man projected made it clear he was Transcendentrank!

    He could not help remembering what Sienna Noirot of Cloudnine Sect told him... that dangers lurked everywhere across Draconia.

    And now, it was clear that hecked vital knowledge on the martial elites in y.

    Still, he did not flinch and walked past the elderly man with a steel mask, heading deeper into the temple.

    There, he found both Nash and Carol, bound and gagged.

    "Frank, what is going on here...?"

    Carol appeared confused as Frank took off her gag.

    Frank put a finger on his lips, shushing her. "We can talkter after we get home."

    Both Nash and Carol nodded and tamely did as told.

    "Thank you, sir." Frank thanked the elder, who stood with his hands sped behind his back, waiting as Frank led Carol and Nash outside.

    "Don''t thank me yet." The elderContent property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Love

    sneered when he saw the trio. "You promised to take me to the spicitron vein so don''t try to trick me, else..."

    "I''m a man of my word," Frank said.

    Even as he, Carol, and Nash got into his car, the elderly man with the steel mask was already riding shotgun and smiling at Frank.

    Frank did not dare say a word and quickly started the car and drove to Lanecorp Tower.

    As he did, he called Kat and Winter, telling them that Carol and Nash were safe.

    And just in case, he added that if anyone came asking for him, they should just point them in the

    direction of Lanecorp Tower, telling them that the spiritron vein was there.

    "Master Lawrence, what''s the spiritron vein?" Kat asked in curiosity.

    "Ignorance is bliss!" Frank snapped and hung up.

    When he did, he remembered what his father, the Lord of the Southern Woods, had told him.

    "The less you know, the better... and one day, when you have to face it all alone, you will understand that I have not been weak."

    A troubled look appeared on Frank''s face.

    He had been relishing in the delight

    of rising to the ranks of the strongest individuals of Draconia.

    He even believed that his revenge.

    was in sight, and he would be able to rebuild Mystic Sky Sect.

    Now, however, just encountering one of the champions who had cultivated in seclusion made him understood.

    It was a situation where even his father must yield.

    And realizing that, Frank understood why his father chose silence like a coward following the death of his wife, quietly allowing it to happen.

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 Chapter 1353

    Meanwhile, in a conference room on top of Lanecorp Tower, Vicky and Helen were scowling.

    After all, they both had swords pressed against their fair necks.

    "What are you doing, Silverbell?!" Helen demanded loudly.

    "Heh. I''m surprised... someone so close managed to blindside me." Vicky wasughing, but her eyes were shing coldly.

    "Apologies,dies," Silverbell was dressed in white as usual, her sword in one hand and a glowing trinket resembling a talisman in her other.

    That was the spiritron vein that Helen had mentioned over the phone.

    When she, Vicky, and Silverbell returned to Lanecorp Tower, a group of ck-d men lying in wait jumped them.

    And when the ck-d men took the spiritron vein and handed it to Silverbell, Vicky and Helen realized they were betrayed.

    Even though she was Frank''s childhood friend and was utterly intimate, she always had a different n in mind.

    In fact, she had protected Vicky and Helen for the spiritron vein!

    "Do you think Frank would forgive you for this?!" Helen snapped, her knuckles clenching.

    It was infuriating to be betrayed by someone she really trusted.

    After spending a while together, the cold, demure beauty somehow got Helen and Vicky to let down their guard around her... But it was all just an act!

    "You can hate me all you want." Silverbell''s gaze remained haughty as she grasped the spiritron vein. "It''s been a pleasure spending time with you, but the spiritron vein is beyond any of you."

    That was when a group of ck-d men materialized into the room, and one dropped to one knee in front of Silverbell.

    "Lady Silverbell, we need to go," he said.

    turn Yes have already

    d

    turned this direction, and if we drag

    our feet, those geezers will catch up

    to us." up

    "Let''s go!"

    Silverbell did not hesitate to leave with the ck-d men.

    When they were all gone, Helen copsed limply in her chair in silence.

    "Oh, you. You always look so lofty and keep people at arm''s reach, but you''re ridiculously naive."

    Vicky lectured her, though she was scowling too.

    "Let''s just wait for Frank to arrive and decide from there."

    With that, both women sat in silence, until Frank and an elderly man with a steel mask covering half his face entered the conference room.

    As they told Frank about Silverbell stealing the spiritron vein, the elderly

    eximed in surprise, "

    f of the Martial Allian herly

    He snorted and turned to leap out of the window, leaving Frank and the women behind.

    While Vicky and Helen appeared shocked, Frank waved them off. "Don''t worry about them."

    He had a hunch that Silverbell would turn against him, but he scowled nheless.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    "But, Frank! The spiritron vein is..."

    "Greed consumes when you overreach." Frank sighed. "The spiritron vein has already started a conflict between every major power in Draconia. It''s trouble even f we keep it, so leave it be."

    Both women sighed at the same time, hearing that Frank was giving up.

 Chapter 1354

    Both Vicky and Helen had more or less realized that keeping the spiritron vein was not necessarily good for them, especially as it brought them endless troubles. Losing it in time was, from a point of view, the smart move.

    Frank understood what Silverbell was thinking.

    Only a major organization like the Martial Alliance and their supporters had the strength to keep it-giving to Frank as he was now would harm him instead. "What should we do now, Frank?" Vicky asked worriedly.

    "Sit back and do nothing," Frank said after thinking a long while about it, ncing between Vicky and Helen. "If someone can track the precise location of the spiritron vein, that makes it their problem and not ours. The city of Zamri is already a mess because of the spiritron vein, so it''s not time for us to take the stage just yet. At this point, the ideal move is to take the loss and pretend nothing happened, and carry on as usual."

    Both women nodded at Frank''s words.

    Over the next month, Frank had surmised from various information gathered by Lanecorp''s health and safety department that the battle for the spiritron vein got way worse.

    There were countless martial artists dying under inexplicable circumstances every day, with fresh corpses found everywhere.

    Even elders of major sects like Cloudnine Sect and Hundred Bane Sect had fallen, their corpses dumped unceremoniously by the curb.

    And now, hearing that foreign elites were showing up too, Frank felt lucky.

    If he did not give up and took part in thepetition, it would not just be him-everyone around him would end up coteral.

    Treasures were nice, but what was not his, was not his.

    Meanwhile, after over a month of training, Winter Lawrence was formally appointed as chief of Zamri Hospital.

    On the first day, she was immediately harassed by Dennis Jackson''s former subordinates.

    "Hehe... You''re really young and

    talented, chief." Paco Nellis, a balding man in a white coat stared fixedly at her as she stood outside the operating room, contempt showing in her eyes behind his sses.

    "Now, listen," he sneered, pointing at the man bleeding all over on the surgical table and barely breathing "This man is a very important

    man-he''s a retainer of Morb

    Sorane family. I''m afraid Ick the I experience and skill to treat him, so I''m referring his case to you. May I ask if you''re going to take it?"

    Winter gulped at Paco''s challenge, remembering what Frank had told her at the mansion.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Dennis Jackson has worked at

    Zamri Hospital for a long time," he said. "The remnants of his faction

    are too deeply rooted to be nex

    Frank took a deep breath and nodded repeatedly at the thought.

    "I''ll get it done since you can''t, Dr. Nellis," she said withposure, showing no nerves despite taking the scalpel for the first time.

    After over a month of intensive training under Frank, she had plenty of training and improved greatly as she had plenty of wounded to practice on, with the chaos in Zamri.

    Her only shoring was being unable to hone her vigor since she had no potential as a martial artist.

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 Chapter 1355

    While that meant Winter could not handleplicated cases and could not refine pills, her knowledge of acupoints, massaging, and skill with acupuncture could handle most of everything, albeit less effective than Frank could.

    After all, people like Frank who mastered both martial arts and medicine were a rarity.

    On the other hand, Paco was taken aback that Winter ignorantly took the scalpel, though he was soonughing along with his assistants.

    The surgical wing was a ce of solemnity, and they were ruining it.

    "Wait, chief." Paco smirked even as he walked up to Winter. "It''s not like I''m belittling you, but you just graduated from university and did not go through your internship. This is your first time taking the scalpel, right?"

    Winter nodded tamely and did not argue.

    "Pfft..."

    Paco stifled augh, while his assistantsughed out loud.

    They were all elites here in Zamri Hospital, and all the qualified doctors were getting swamped with the sharp increase of patients.

    It was how he had an excuse to have Winter take the scalpel.

    "Look, chief¡ªI don''t know what your connection to Gene Pearce is, but this surgery isn''t your typical case!"

    Paco winked at Winter pointedly-from his point of view, a child like her who had just graduated was appointed chief? Who would believe her if she said she did not have an affair with Gene Pearce? Everyone else thought so too, and it was a deliberate attempt of harassment when they had her take the case.

    They would make an example of her, so that Gene would see reality and take her away already.

    This was Zamri Hospital, where individual ability mattered, especially if one wanted to be chief.

    Still, it was now an entirely different matter since Winter took the case without flinching.

    It would be a major feat if she seeded, and the Soranos of Morhen would be grateful to their hospital.

    And the Soranos of Morhen''s gratitude would certainly be worth a lot of money!

    On the other hand, if Winter failed, Zamri Hospital would be at fault.

    While there was no guarantees when it came to saving lives, the Soranosmanded great influence.

    Even if they would not press

    charges, they would be

    prejudiced against them, and th

    presiding surgeon would have to

    give up their career in medicine.

    That was why Paco shadily lured Winter into taking the scalpel.

    Even if she refused to take the case, he could go public, making it known across Zamri that Gene had

    installed his lover as the chief of

    Zamri Hospital. ¨¦n.swnovels

    It was a sacred ce, and the news would undoubtedly invoke unrest.

    Eventually, Gene would be overwhelmed by pressure to find another chief.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    And being the most respected doctor in the building and being the most senior, it was the perfect opportunity for Paco to take over.

    He was also positive that if Winter

    proved to be stupid enough to take the case, she had no chance of saving Gus Zeller since she had just graduated.

    Soon, the Soranos would definitelye after Gene.

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 Chapter 1356

    And if the Soranos knew that it was Gene Pearce''s lover who operated on their retainer, Winter was going down even quicker.

    Such was the trap Paco set for Winter-damned if you do, damned if you don''t.

    He sneered, as he believed it was impossible for Winter to save Gus Zeller.

    Before Winter arrived, he had examined Gus-the man''s bones were broken all over and he had lost one arm, while his organs were bleeding. Even his heart rate was dangerously low.

    To Paco, experienced as he may be, Gus could well have been run over by a train.

    He was a dead man walking, and things would get very bad for anyone who takes his case.

    And it just so happened that Paco could use it against his new chief, who was just starting her first day.

    "No matter how unusual the circumstances are, saving the patient is top priority," Winter said, clearly more determined than Paco expected.

    She pushed Paco out of the way and led her bestie Jean Zims toward the surgical table.

    Even if she spent days practicing with many patients thanks to Frank, she was still left gasping at the patient on the table.

    Jean appeared at a loss beside her too-modern techniques like stitching wounds together might work, but there was barely a one percent chance of survival for this man. "Hehe... So? Are you sure about this, chief?"

    Paco and his assistants entered just then, grinning at Winter as she spaced out.

    "My thoughts don''t matter. I''m a doctor, and I will do my best."

    Winter wheeled on Paco, shooting him a stern look and pointed at the door. "Since you''re not helping,

    please leave this room, Dr. Nellis et

    Jean, bring me the needles Frank gave me, and ask for an anesthetist for the patient."

    She issued her instructions with smooth precision, leaving Paco so stunned it showed on his face even as he stepped outside and took off his mask.

    Still, one of his assistants was soonughing. "Hah! That brat has really overestimated herself!"

    "Yeah. Letting her take the scalpel? The Sorano retainer is as good as dead!"

    "We just have to wait anyway. The Soranos are going toe calling."

    Their scoffing left Paco sighing in relief.

    He had been a doctor for doctors-how could he be intimidated by some recent graduate?!

    "Dr. Nellis, were you listening? She was asking her assistant to bring acupoint needles!"

    "Yeah! Oh, it''s killing me... The man is half-dead, and she''s still ying around with Draconian traditional medicine!"

    "Like he''s not dying any quicker now."

    "Alright, shut up."

    Paco scowled in annoyance, looking at his assistant and snapping coldly, "Don''t you have work to do?! We will soonsee what that brat could do, but go about your business for now!" Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    The assistants had their orders, and tactfully left instead getting yelled at even more.

    Paco remained, staring at the doors of the operating room for a while.

    Soon, he snorted. "Hmph. What can some brat do anyway?"

    Shaking his head, he left as well.

 Chapter 1357

    "Phew..."

    After over four long hours of surgery, Winter copsed on a chair, her hands covered in blood.

    "Are you alright, Winter?" Jean asked as she wiped Winter''s sweaty forehead.

    Winter shook her head. "I feel so disappointed..."

    "Yeah..." Jean sighed, shaking her head as she and Winter turned toward the man on the surgical table, who was just stitched up. "It''s alright-you did your best." "I know." Winter sighed unhappily.

    Soon, Gus Zeller was moved to a wheel bed and wheeled out of the surgery room.

    "Hahaha! It''s killing me... Just look at her face, it''s almost like she''s disappointed."

    "Hehe. Brats putting on airs, I tell you. Well done, a retainer of the Soranos ended up dead on their surgical table... the Soranos are really going to be pissed."

    "Well, it''s not our fault. Let''s just watch how this turns out."

    Winter frowned when she heard those people, but Paco was already striding toward her before she could say a word.

    "Hah! And here I actually thought for a moment there''s hope for you."

    Heughed coldly as he nced at Gus, whose eyes were firmly shut, and waved off Winter and Jean before they could argue, "Now get out of this hospital, brats. Quit putting on airs when you''re just Gene Pearce''s lover. If he wants this hospital to stay reputable, he should understand he can''t just appoint anyone he likes as chief."

    "Winter..."

    Just then, Winter''s ssmates appeared at the hallway too, ring at Winter and Jean in contempt and exasperation.

    They came when they heard that Winter was appointed chief of Zamri Hospital as Frank had told them.

    After all, they wanted Winter to pull strings for them to secure an internship in Zamri Hospital.

    They did not expect to run into this situation as soon as they arrived and they could certainly hear Paco, who insisted endlessly that Winter only got the job because she was Gene''s lover.

    "Winter..."

    One of the girls strode up, sighing lengthy.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She thought for a moment that Frank had such a profound influence that he could arrange for a fresh graduate like Winter to be a hospital chief.

    Now, however, it turned out that Winter was just doing what Yew Daley did-sleeping with a man to get her job.

    They had walked out on their

    gathering because they refused to

    take such humiliation. Now, they were surprised to find that Winter was corrupted as well, despite her usual sense of integrity.

    "We were wrong about you, Winter!"

    "And here we thought that we could rely on you... Forget it."

    "You''re no different from Yew Daley!"

    Hearing their vocal disappointment, Winter quickly exined, "No, it''s not what you think¡ª"

    "Then what is it?"

    Tina, the girl leading them, snorted and shook her head. "Your brother is indeed amazing, helping you hook up with Gene Pearce. You must have worked very hard for this, huh?"

    Then, turning to Jean who stood

    beside Winter, she continued, "That goes for you too, Jean. Acting like you have integrity... Turns out it was all just an act. Well, we won''t be bothering you now."

    As Tina strode off, the other girls followed, refusing to sleep with a man to get the job.

    "Who are they?" Paco asked his assistant, frowning as he stared at the group of young women.

 Chapter 1358

    "Oh! They came looking for Winter." The assistant grinned. "They must be nning to ask her for an internship, seeing that she''s just been appointed our hospital chief and all." "Hmph!"

    Paco wheeled on Winter right then, his re cold as he snapped coldly, "What do you take our hospital for?! This isn''t a ce for brats to sleep your way to the top. Get out of here!" "What? Are we asking to stay?" Tina sneered in contempt and turned to leave again after shooting a cold re at Winter.

    "Wait..."

    Winter tried to speak, but she was so exhausted from the surgery that she could barely manage a syble.

    Paco continued to snap at her right then, "I say, chief, you''ve already given me enough trouble for one day, so get it in your head-this is a hospital, not a ce for Gene Pearce to keep lovers!"

    Then, pointing at Gus Zeller on the trolley bed, Paco bellowed, "Look what you''ve done! Do you know who that is? He''s a retainer of the Sorano family! You let him die in surgery-do you really know what trouble you just brought to this hospital?!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Exactly." His assistant chuckled in disdain. "Just ask Gene for a mansion and stay there. Stop being an insult to your fellow doctors!"

    "Putting on airs when you have no skill... Haha! What good is that pretty face? That doesn''t bring the dead back to life!"

    Winter and Jean were just too tired to argue against their users, even as they tried to speak many times.

    That was when a voice spoke from the trolley bed, "Hey... who are you calling a dead man?"

    "Huh?!"

    "What?!"

    Paco and his assistants turned toward the trolley bed as the body lying on it spoke, albeit raspily.

    They almost dropped on the floor right then, thunderstruck!

    "A-Are you really alive?!"

    "Impossible!"

    Hearing their panic, Jean finally had time to lower the nket almost covering Gus'' face.

    It turned out that Gus'' condition was stable, and he was very much conscious.

    The only issue was that his lost arm

    could not

    be reattached, and that

    and

    was the reason why Winter a

    Jean looked so disappointed.

    "What..."

    Paco''s jaw dropped, unable to believe what he was seeing.

    The patient whom he was so sure would not live... survived?

    Those two fresh graduates actually saved him?!

    No, forget saving him-they were actually disappointed because they could not reattach his arm?!

    "Shit!"

    Paco could not help cursing out

    had been a doctor for

    decades, and he could discernel

    patient''s condition from

    nce.

    And coupled with the medical equipment, he was already being optimistic about Gus'' odds when he said Gus had a one percent chance Of Survival!

 Chapter 1359

    Gus only had a one percent chance of survival, but some fresh graduate who was thought to be Gene''s lover managed to seed with that chance?!

    Hell, the man could even talk now!

    Paco felt as if his world was crumbling around him, as if the decades of medical knowledge he had did not amount to a couple brats.

    Around him, his assistants were gaping in shock.

    Paco could not do it! What gave those two the right to seed?

    Was it even possible that their medical skills were superior to Paco''s despite being less experienced?

    "Do you know the name Frank Lawrence?"

    Gus rasped at Winter and Jean Zims, though his eyes were still closed.

    "Frank Lawrence?"

    Winter and Jean traded nces.

    "He''s my brother," Winter replied.

    "He''s my mentor," Jean said at the same time.

    Gus nodded and sighed in turn. "So it really was him... He saved my life again."

    Then, turning toward Paco and his assistants, he said quietly, "Frank Lawrence is mentor to Kenny Loggins of Morhen. That makes these girls Kenny''s peers."

    At those words, Paco lost his bnce as his knees buckled, and he dropped to his knees in front of Winter.

    Kenny Loggins was the owner of Morhen''s Loggins Apothecary, and his name was known throughout Draconia!

    On top of that, he was an undisputed miracle worker in Draconia!

    Forget Paco no one working in Zamri Hospital was even qualified to invite Kenny over for a seminar.

    And yet, Paco was mocking Kenny''s peers?!

    Who did he think he was?!

    Moreover, he had heard Gus mention Frank Lawrence, and it just so happened that the person who famously saved Gene''s life was also a youth named Frank Lawrence!

    Everything became clear as day, as

    Paco realized instantly that Winter was appointed chief not because she was Gene''s lover, but rather, her very presence was an honor to Zamri Hospital!

    "I-I''m so sorry, chief! I was ignorant and spoke with insolence... I''m sorry!"

    Seeing Paco kowtow to her, Winter quickly pulled him to his feet.

    "Please stop this, Dr. Nellis! You''re right-I got this job thanks to my brother and Gene Pearce''s influence, and I''m still young and

    inexperienced. I still need your help and guidance from now on..."

    Her humility left Paco awash with emotion.

    His assistants had heard the rumors as well and were terrified when they found out that Winter was Frank''s sister.

    They went down on their knees and apologized too.

    "Hey... Are you guys just hanging me out to dry here?"

    Gus wasying on the trolley bedThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    with an awkward look on his face as he did his best to turn his head, finding only chaos as people were wiping tears, kowtowing,

    apologizing, or shing bitter smiles.

    "Huh? What''s going on? Aren''t they..."

    Just then, Frank was leading Winter''s ssmates as they strode down the hallway.

    He was worried and came over to check on how Winter was doing on her first day as hospital chief.

    As soon as he arrived at the entrance, he found the young women storming out.

 Chapter 1360

    The girls felt contempt toward Winter while being left at a loss as to where they should undergo their internships.

    Just as Frank overheard their conversation, Jessica spotted him and did a double take. "Hey, isn''t that Winter''s brother?" Still, she soon scoffed. "You''ve really gone all out just to get your sister a job!"

    "Yeah, sending her giftwrapped to some geezer''s bed... No onees close to matching your tenacity."

    The mockery left Frank confused, though he soon realized that they had misunderstood as they kept yapping away.

    Winter actually had the disposition to be the chief of Zamri Hospital-in fact, her skill in medicine was plenty sufficient, and she did not have to resort to any unsavory means.

    While the girls remained skeptical despite Frank''s words, Frank simply dragged them along to see Winter so Winter could tell them herself.

    Still, when they arrived, they found Paco with a group of doctors and nurses, all on their knees as they apologized to Winter.

    "What..." One of the girls behind Frank was stunned.

    "Don''t tell me that Gene Pearce pressured them?" one of the girls suggested.

    "Watch your mouth!" Frank snapped and hurried over.

    Before he reached them, however, Paco and the others were kowtowing and pleading for mercy from Frank after finding out the truth and whatnot

    After learning the full story, even Frank could not help chuckling in wry amusement.

    As Winter''s ssmates apologized to Winter too, everyone saw Frank differently now.

    And the reason? The young and handsome Riverton University professor was mentor to Kenny Loggins, whose apothecary was the leading authority in Draconian

    traditional medicine!

    In other words, Frank''s presence in this hospital was already an honor for the hospital!

    "Alright, alright, let''s wrap it up." Frank waved off Paco and the others for them to go back to work and turned toward Winter with a doting smile.

    She had certainly done well today, and she did not let him down after that month-long intensive training he gave her-she really had the talent for medicine.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    "Go back to your office and get

    some rest, Winter. I brought you some pills-these are for anemia, and these are to get you recharged. The patients will physically heal quicker after they take it as well..."

    Seeing Frank rambling on endlessly and whipping out every type of pill, Winter nodded tamely and epted them.

    Jean was in turn smiling wryly-Frank''s sisterplex showed as it always did, be it in the past or the present.

    Soon, as everyone dispersed, Winter''s ssmates were delighted to receive the notification they were epted as interns at Zamri Hospital.

    "By the way, your brother isn''t married yet, right?" one of them asked Winter. "Care to introduce us?"

    "Exactly! Winter, you mustn''t keep all the nice things to yourself! Look, I''m not asking much¡ªI would never demand your brother to marry me... I just want a baby with him

    "Shit, you can''t be more direct than that!"

    "Hah! Talk about calcting."

    Even as they chattered away in the hallway, Gus struggled to open his eyes, still on the transport trolley.

    "Um... Is anyone going to help me out here?"

 Chapter 1361

    Frank and Lanecorp kept a low profile as they waited out the storm.

    As two months passed, Zamri more or less calmed down as the spiritron vein left the city, evident from theck of martial elites being admitted to Zamri Hospital. Still, the spiritron vein was not Frank''s concern-instead, it was Silverbell.

    She was the chief of the Martial Alliance, individually powerful and with plenty of martial artists under hermand.

    And yet, Frank was worried as he heard that the spiritron vein was no longer in the Martial Alliance''s possession.

    Even as the thought bugged him, Frank eventually got a call from Fenton-Silverbell''s father-one afternoon.

    "Master Frank." Fenton spoke calmly as usual, but Frank was sharp enough to notice a hint of worry.

    "Tell me," Frank replied, much calmer and a lot less angsty.

    After all, he had truly learned that there were people much stronger than him all over Draconia.

    "Silverbell and I lost touch, and it''s been a week. Have you been in touch with her? She wasst seen with the Favonis in Norsedam."

    Fenton''s information surprised Frank. "The Favonis?"

    "Yes."

    Fenton sighed. "The Favonis answer to the Martial Alliance. With Silverbell keeping them in line, they never made a move against you after you dealt against Jaden Favoni." "Didn''t I clear my name already? It was the Bearsons who¡ª"

    "Master Frank," Fenton stopped him, his tone stern. "Not everything is ck and white for ns of martial artists. What they value above all is reputation-do you understand that?"

    "I-I do..."

    Frank sighed. "Alright, I''ll visit the Favonis right now."

    He naturally understood that Fenton called him because he wanted someone he could trust to go looking for Silverbell.

    She was his only daughter, and he would never wish for harm toe to her.

    "Master Frank."

    Instead of thanking Frank, Fenton

    for a moment and

    "Everything Silverbell does is

    . Don''t let her down aid et

    your

    "I know."

    Frank paused and nodded firmly.

    As he hung up, Carol called out as sheid out the dishes, "Dinner''s ready!"

    She and Nash had moved to Frank''s mansion in Zamri, Cologne Court.

    It was more spacious here than the Skywater Bay hilltop mansion, was roomy even with plenty

    people staying there. Context

    "I''m skipping dinner, Madam Zims," Frank told her as he put on his coat. "I have an errand to run." "Oh, what''s the hurry? You can go after dinner!" Carol rebuked him, as if she was Frank''s mother.

    Life had changed for her and Nash ever since Frank saved them and moved them to Zamri.

    Helen had rented a stall in Lanecorp Tower''s cafeteria, selling meals for five dors without charging profit.

    The food was good too, and Helen, Vicky, and everyone else often bought from them.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    As Lanecorp staff were widely

    praising them, Nash and Carol

    earned everyone''s respect-there were even staff from other

    have their lunch in the Lanecorp cafeteria.

 Chapter 1362

    Carol was definitely content with life-her daughter was now the chief of Zamri Hospital, her son was safe abroad, and she found herself a new partner despite being well advanced in years. Nash was content just like Carol, though he only had one cause to worry in his untameable daughter Kat.

    At the moment, she was staying in Riverton with Noel York and was involved in the production of a film.

    While Nash wouldin that it was not a stable job, he would be grinning ear-to-ear even as he said that.

    Naturally, both him and Carol had Frank to thank for all of that. From a certain point of view, he was now their adopted son.

    "Yeah, where do you have to go thiste at night, Frank?" Nash asked as he brought kitchen utensils.

    "Hehe... Just a small trip to Norsedam," Frank did not provide details to spare them from worrying.

    Still, just as he was about to leave, he ran headlong into Helen and an exhausted Vicky, thetter who immediatelyined, "I can''t do this darling. Helen''s such a workaholic... I can''t work with her anymore..."

    "That''s because you''re cking off."

    It was the sameint every day, so Helen kept a straight face and left to wash her hands for dinner.

    "Haha..."

    Frank smiled in wry amusement, but one would expect nothing less from a girlboss like Helen.

    Not only was she terrifyingly efficient, but she also demanded perfection. In fact, she would not being home if Cologne Court was not so close to Lanecorp Tower.

    "Help me, darling!" Vicky cried as she threw herself miserably into Frank''s arms. "You''re not just going to watch while that cow works me like a ve, are you?"

    "Cow...?!"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Helen was stumped and shot Frank a sharp look right then.

    "Uh..."

    Frank trailed off and pped Vicky on the back as he said awkwardly "Being busy is normal now that Lanecorp is gaining mo

    You''ll only be busy for a white...

    "That''s what you saidst week!" Vicky pouted as she looked up at him. "No, I want a kiss! I quit otherwise! I wouldn''t have the strength to go on!"

    Watching as Vicky threw a tantrum

    like a little girl, Frank sighed

    exasperatedly and brushed his

    gently against Vicky''s forehead as Helen looked on.

    While Vicky rubbed her forehead, clearly dissatisfied, Helen came over and dragged her to the dining table. "That''s enough. The food will furn cold soon, and Madam Zims had to work for this."

    "I''m going out now, I have something to do." Frank promptly seized the moment to make his escape. Helen did a double take but soon gave chase, shouting, "Frank!"

    "Hmm?"

    Frank stopped and turned in surprise toward Helen. "What''s wrong? Was there something else?"

    "..."

    Helen blushed, her eyes darting everywhere as she rubbed her hands and breathed meekly, "I-I''m actually feeling tired too..."

    "Oh. Well, you''ve done good work," Frank assured her, nodding nkly.

    Helen did a double take, embarrassment and annoyance showing on her face at once.

    Was he doing this on purpose? Did he not catch her hint?

 Chapter 1363

    After fidgeting restlessly for a while, Helen finally looked up at Frank, her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "D-Darling... I want what Vicky had, too..."

    "Hahaha! I knew it!"

    Vicky eximed as she suddenly appeared behind Helen, grinning gleefully as she folded her arms before her chest. "Just spit it out already. Don''t you feel embarrassed, fidgeting about at your age, Ms. Lane?"

    "You stay out of this!" Helen wheeled on Vicky and snapped.

    When Helen turned, she saw that Frank was in front of her, leaning down to give her a warm kiss on the forehead.

    As she reached up nkly to touch her forehead, she looked up to see Frank''s smile.

    Flushing in embarrassment, she turned and left, snorting. "Alright, that''s enough already! It''s time for dinner!"

    Even as she chased a giggling Vicky inside, Vicky turned to look at Frank. "Come home soon."

    "Yeah." Frank nodded, smiling.

    Later, even as Helen picked up a bowl on the table, she stared nkly at the dishes around the table as she heard a car engine igniting outside. "Should I be more... proactive next time?''

    At Favoni House in Norsedam, one of the family''s sentries rushed into a traditionally decorated courtyard, where a graying middle-aged man was meditating.

    He was none other than Chet Favoni, the head of the Favoni family who progressed well into Ascendant rank.

    Dropping to one knee, the Favoni sentry reported, "Sir, I don''t think your son is going to make it."

    Even as Chet slowly opened his eyes, his eyes flickering in indescribable pain, another Favoni sentry rushed inside. Dropping to one knee as well, he reported, "Sir, your second brother has returned and is asking to see you."

    A loud ruckus could be heard outside even before Chet could respond.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Sir, you can''t go in! Master Favoni is training in seclusion-no one is allowed in!"

    "We''d be punished if you do! Please!"

    Chet could certainly hear the pleas and understood what was happening.

    He waved off the two Favoni

    sentries, dismissing them just as et

    another burly man with a Van Dyke beard stormed in through the doorway.

    As soon as he got in, he wheeled on the Favoni sentries and bellowed, "Out!"

    The Favoni sentries were immediately deted and turned toward Chet with a pleading look.

    Chet, however, knew his second brother Edon Favoni all too well.

    He did not me the Favoni sentries and waved them off too.

    As they ran away as if saved, Edon bellowed at Chet usingly, "What do you think you are doing, brother?!"

    "What are you talking about?" Chet asked calmly, looking up.

    "Quit ying senile with me!"

    Edon growled as he nted himself opposite Chet. "I''ve heard all about it-Jaden was poisoned in a duel and carried back miserably, his fate unknown!" ¨¦n.swnovels

    "That''s because he came up short," Chet replied, shaking his head. Edon did a double take-he did not expect that from his own brother.

    After all, Chet used to prioritize the family''s

    did he be such a coward?!

    When more than his et

 Chapter 1364

    Edon was ready to point at Chet''s nose and snap, but he froze as his brother calmly said, "The chief of the Martial Alliance is here in our residence."

    "What? The chief of the Martial Alliance?! You mean..."

    "Yeah." Chet nodded somberly, looking at his brother''s shocked reaction before adding, "She has been maimed, her cultivation almost lost."

    "Then, the spiritron vein..."

    "She doesn''t have it," Chet replied.

    As disappointment showed on Edon''s face, Chet continued calmly, "I know what you''re thinking-in fact, I was thinking it when I received her. However, she gave it up before she arrived, and the Martial Alliance lost over a hundred martial artists in the battle. There was no shortage of Ascendant ranks, and only she managed to escape, barely alive."

    Sighing somberly, Chet concluded, "For me, it''s clear from this that the spiritron vein is too important for our family to even touch. Too much greed really consumes you."

    Edon lowered his head, clearly doing the math.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    When he looked up again, he asked quietly, "What about Jaden? How is he?"

    Chet shook his head. "Troy Bearson really did a number on him. No healer in Norsedam could do anything about the poison-we''re basically throwing every natural wonder together to brew elixirs just to keep him alive. He''s really faring no better than the chief of the Martial Alliance."

    Edon was left silent again, and after some thought, he looked up with a frown. "Well, you can''t let this go on for Jaden''s sake. You should contact Lubor-ask him to get help from Hundred Bane Sect!"

    "I already did," Chet chuckled bitterly,

    shaking his head. "Lubor in turn

    ryed a message from them they

    would send their people over to save Jaden, but on two conditions."

    Edon did a double take. "What are they?"

    "First, our entire family will hence be a vassal of Hundred Bane Sect, with every member taking their Blood Centipede Pills."

    "As for the second... We will secretly hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to them."

    "Fuck!" Edon smacked himself on thep. "They''re out of line!"

    Chet remained impassive. "That''s true, but Hundred Bane Sect made it very clear that the Soulbleeder is one of their finest poisons, and a novelty no one will be able to neutralize. It also spreads through pure vigor, infecting and killing anyone who tries to use pure vigor to move the

    molecules."

    "That''s outrageous!" Edon cried, but he smacked himself on thep as he came to a realization. "Shit, I get it

    now! There''s no way the Sons of Zamri could have bought such a poison... Hundred Bane Sect had it in for us in the first ce!"

    "Hmph. Even an idiot could tell that much." Chet sneered.

    "Well, what should we do?" Edon felt a migraine at the thought. "I refuse to put bugs in my own body!"

    "There''s nothing we can do," Chet replied, shaking his head. "Like I said... All we can do is me Jaden foring up short and ying into the hands of those viins."

    "Shit!" Edon leapt to his feet, pacing around as he huffed in rage and annoyance. "Are we supposed to just watch as Jaden dies so miserably?!"

 Chapter 1365

    "Jaden is second in Skyrank!" Edon eximed anxiously at Chet. "And he''s your son! Just think about it¡ªif the boy grows further, we won''t just be one of the strongest dynasties on the East Coast... We might even establish ourselves in Morhen!"

    "I know." Chet sighed, leveling a cool stare at his brother. "But who aside from Hundred Bane Sect can save Jaden now? However, if we agreed to their demands, our family''s cultivation and hard work that spanned over a hundred years would be for naught.

    "Unlike the Martial Alliance, Hundred Bane Sect would haveplete control over our family. Where the Martial Alliance is a loose organization, we would be reduced to theirb rats. Even if you were in my shoes, would you be able to sacrifice so many of us for Jaden''s sake?"

    "That''s true, but..."

    Edon wanted to argue but scowled as he had no retort and sat down again.

    "Hehe... Chet, Edon."

    Just then, a pale man wearing sses and a white suit entered.

    Edon was immediately ring at him. "You have the cheek toe back, Lubor?!"

    "Now you''re just being mean, Edon." Lubor Favoni smiled. "Why wouldn''t Ie back? This is Favoni House, and it''s my home too."

    "What do you want, Lubor? Out with it already," Chet said, his expression cold even though he was not snapping at Lubor like Edon.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Brother." Lubor nodded politely at him and smiled. "I''vee back bringing good news."

    "What good news would you bring?" Edon snorted, sarcastic.

    "Tell us." Chet waved, stopping Edon and gesturing for Lubor to continue.

    "Oh, it''s simply wonderful..."

    Lubor smiled faintly. "Jaden is my nephew and my dear brother''s son, which is why I sympathize despite my allegiance to Hundred Bane Sect. That''s why I asked the elders for help to save him... and I managed to convince them.

    "Now, they only ask for one thing-just hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to them, and they won''t demand our family to take the Blood Centipede Pills or serve them as a vassal. I think it''s basically a luxury, don''t you agree?"

    "What?"

    Edon did a double take but remained skeptical. "Did you grow a conscience or something?"

    "Hehe..."

    Lubor chuckled. "Come on, Edon-I''m family too. How could I do nothing while my nephew is in danger?"

    Chet remained silent as they watched the exchange between his brothers.

    Chet was the strongest, which was why he was the head of the family.

    Edon was just slightly weaker in

    Con and was in charge

    loret

    businesses and other

    administrative affairs.

    As for Lubor, their third brother, he left years ago to join Hundred Bane Sect.

    He persistently yearned to topple Chet, as he was always dissatisfied with his eldest brother and wanted to usurp him.

    He worked very hard for it too, even getting Hundred Bane Sect involved.

 Chapter 1366

    That was why Edon despised Lubor.

    Moreover, if Lubor took over, their family wouldpletely fall under the control of Hundred Bane Sect and be reduced tob rats.

    That was why Chet never let down his guard despite Lubor seeminglypromising.

    "Chet, why don''t we just take them up on their offer?"

    Edon turned toward his eldest brother anxiously. "As long as we''re not reduced to vassals of Hundred Bane Sect, anything else can wait after they cure Jaden." "You''re being naive."

    Chet shook his head, smirking at Edon. "Do you really think Lubor is sincere about helping us? Just think about it-what would the Martial Alliance do if they found out we handed their chief over to Hundred Bane Sect?"

    "Oh!"

    Edon smacked himself on thep for the umpteenth time and wheeled on Lubor furiously. "I knew you were up to no good!"

    "Now, now. You''ve got it all wrong." Lubor smiled, shaking his head. "The elders of Hundred Bane Sect have spoken. The chief of the Martial Alliance is actually loyal to the Lord of the Southern Woods, and he''s ready to cut her loose after she failed to obtain the spiritron vein.

    "In other words, you lose nothing even if you hand her over to me, and it goes without saying that we''re not going to tell anyone about this. It''s no loss to the Martial Alliance anyway, so they won''te to bother you."

    Chet frowned. "Really?"

    "Of course I won''t lie to you."

    Lubor smiled. "It''s a win-win for the family, earning a favor from Hundred Bane Sect while getting Jaden cured."

    Still, Chet pressed, "And what do you want the chief of the Martial Alliance for?"

    "Oh, there are plenty of reasons! Let''s just say that Hundred Bane Sect won''t make a deal unless there''s something in it for them."

    Luborughed. "For example, she started her training as a child, and her body is honed to perfection-it'' be the perfect breeding ground for various toxic scarabs. And she has intimate details about the Lord of the Southern Woods..."

    Chet was left thoughtful.

    He knew that his family would be held responsible if they gave the chief of the Martial Alliance over to Hundred Bane Sect.

    However, Hundred Bane Sect was

    not stupid enough to tell everyoneet

    that, and none would be the

    as long as they kept quiet.

    Who knew? When Jaden recovered, he might even be the next chief of the Martial Alliance.

    With that in mind, the Favonis would lose nothing while gaining everything.

    It was a win for everyone save for the chief of the Martial Alliance, who was barely alive now.

    But now was not the time forpassion.

    Chet was just about to say yes when a servant came rushing in, crying panickedly, "Master Favoni... We have a visitor!"

    Chet was left frowning. "What? That''s perfectly normal-why are you panicking?"

    "Well, sir... It''s that man from Zamri who dueled Master Jaden!"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Edon flew into a rage right then. "What is he doing here?! Did hee here to mock us?!"

    "Wait!"

    Seeing that Edon was ready to go after Frank, Chet stopped him, his expression shocked in realization. "Wasn''t he poisoned too when he fought Jaden? Why is he stilDalive, evening to pay us a visit?"

    Edon did a double take in realization as well¡ªhis brother was right! Why did he not think of that?!

 Chapter 1367

    It was veryte into the night Frank arrived at Favoni House in Norsedam.

    He actually found the ancient furnishings around the residence curious as a servant led him inside.

    The Favonis really were a martial arts n, with everything from the architecture, gardens, to fountains decorated in traditional styles.

    He was brought to a drawing room and served a ss of expensive tea.

    Frank did not expect such a polite gesture-he even thought the Favonis would want revenge.

    Nheless, he soon found a familiar face.

    It was Ste Favoni, wearing form-fitting training robes and appearing shocked to see him there. "It really is you... W-What are you doing here? Wait, don''t tell me..." Ste''s face paled as she thought Frank came for revenge.

    Even from her perspective, Frank was the one who was attacked for no reason at Lanecorp, ndered by her family and the Bearsons before being coerced into that duel. They had insulted Frank profoundly, and it was only natural for him toe for revenge now.

    Seeing that Ste was anxious, Frank lowered his teacup and shook his head, smiling. "I''m not here for revenge-I''m not that petty."

    "No?" Ste blinked and pressed, "Then, you came because..."

    "I''m searching for someone."

    "Searching for someone?"

    "Yes." Frank nodded and said quietly, "I''m looking for the chief of the Martial Alliance. I''m hoping that someone here would know."

    "The chief of the Martial Alliance?!"

    Ste''s gaze flickered even as she heard the title and she quickly said, "I-I wouldn''t know, so you should ask my father. He''s already been

    ove

    notified, and he will be here soon."

    Her flustered reaction naturally did not escape Frank''s notice. However, he simply made a mental note, nodding quietly and refrained from pressing her.

    He just had to wait and see what her father had to say.

    Soon, the man in question arrived in dramatic fashion.

    Chet strode toward Frank, nked by his servants and the Favoni martial artists.

    He had a stoic expression and the air of a man who made difficult decisions-clearly the head of the family whom Ste mentioned.

    On his left was Edon, who had a strut in his gait and was already ring at Frank hostilely.

    On his right was a pale,

    bespectacled man in a white suit. He

    was the youngest of the three

    brothers, but his eyes were like.

    vipers, and he was constantly, sneering, as if he did that all the

    time.

    "I''ve been looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Favoni." Frank stood up, nodding at Chet.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Formalities were necessary, even before he decided if Chet was friend or foe.

    Seeing that Frank was being polite, Chet nodded in turn, his expression calm but stern. "To what do we owe the pleasure, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "I won''t call it pleasure." Frank smiled as he sat down. "I''ve merely been asked to find the chief of the Martial Alliance."

    "What?"

    Chet did a double take and nced at Lubor in reflex-which Frank immediately noted and asked, "Would you happen to have a clue, Mr. Favoni?"

    Chet did not directly answer Frank''s

    question, instead asking quietly, "May I ask who''s asked you, and why you''re looking for the chief of the Martial Alliance?"

 Chapter 1368

    Chet did not directly answer Frank''s question, instead asking quietly, "May I ask who''s asked you and why you''re looking for the chief of the Martial Alliance?" He simply answered a question with another question, passing the buck back to Frank.

    "It''s her father''s asking, and as for why..."

    Frank paused, quickly smiling as he came up with an idea. "She and I were engaged as children, and I''m fulfilling that promise."

    "What?"

    Chet did a double take, narrowing his eyes in thought.

    The chief of the Martial Alliance was engaged?! He had no idea... No, no one in the Martial Alliance even mentioned anything about that!

    Was Frank bullshitting?!

    For Frank''s part, he needed a reasonable excuse for his search for the chief of the Martial Alliance, or he would look like he had no business getting involved.

    Still, he had one-even if Silverbell was the chief of the Martial Alliance, was there a problem with him looking for his own fiancee?

    Naturally, the engagement was bullshit, though Frank could argue it was an innocent vow he and Silverbell made while they were children, and it did not count. However, he mentioned it righteously now just to shut these people up.

    If they wanted proof, they would have to ask Silverbell herself, and Frank would naturally find her that way.

    Chet was left at a loss by Frank''s almost unscrupulous ploy.

    However, he had already decided to hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Bane Sect, so he was not about to tell Frank she was right here in this residence. Shaking his head after some thought, he said, "I have no idea where she is."

    "Really? You don''t?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes, noticing that the Favonis were behaving strangely... And everything seemed to revolve around the man in the white suit.

    "Oh, quit it with the dilly-dallying!"

    Edon had had enough right then, striding up impatiently and barking at Frank, "I have a question for you, brat!"

    "Ask away." Frank smiled and nodded instead of getting standoffish.

    "You fought Jaden, didn''t you?" Edon demanded. "And the audience told me that you were poisoned too, just like him!"

    Chet stood by, not stopping Edon since he was curious too.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "Indeed." Frank nodded.

    "Then why are you standing here like you''re perfectly fine, talking to us?" Edon asked impatiently.

    Frank chuckled and shot back in amusement, "Why should I tell you?"

    "Guh..." Edon was actually left stumped.

    ret

    Frank simply shrugged. "The Bearsons poisoned Jaden, even if your boy insisted I did it. Shouldn''t you be asking them instead of me? Or perhaps you think I did it?" en.swhovels

    "Shut up!"

    Edon''s cheeks flushed even as he neeks

    l.ne

    barked, "We''ve already interrogated the Bearsons, but they don''t have the antidote! But you? You''re

    standing here like it''s none of your business! So tell us-what did you do?!"

    Frank''s expression cooled as Edon was basically forcing him to answer.

    Looking around at everyone present, he asked icily, "So, you''re threatening me?"

 Chapter 1369

    "You can think of it that way!"

    Edon dispensed with disguises right then, whipping out a gleaming machete from behind himself and thrusting it into the table before him.

    ring at Frank, he barked, "You''d better tell the truth, or you''re not leaving this house!"

    "Pfft..." Lubor snickered even as the air in the room tensed.

    "What are youughing at?!" Edon snapped in annoyance.

    He threatened Frank exactly because he did not want Lubor to win.

    If they could save Jaden by doing whatever Frank did, they would not have to give up the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Bane Sect.

    They would not wrong the Martial Alliance and certainly would not give Hundred Bane Sect leverage against themselves.

    However, if Edon thought of that, Lubor certainly could.

    "Like I said, Edon, the Soulbleeder is a novelty of Hundred Bane Sect. No one can neutralize it aside from the elders of Hundred Bane Sect."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    He scoffed, ncing at Frank in disdain. "Obviously, that brat is fine because he was never poisoned in the first ce-he was just pretending to be poisoned in that duel."

    "What..."

    Edon was left scowling at Lubor''s quip, but it made sense.

    They had spent a fortune hiring every healer from Norsedam and the east coast to save Jaden. Even so, they could not fully cure him and could only keep him in a state of suspended animation with copious amounts of natural wonders, just to stop the poison from spreading.

    What could Frank do anyway?

    And with Lubor speaking against Frank, it meant that Frank was not a member of Hundred Bane Sect.

    Considering that and realizing that he must have been getting overwrought with worry, Edon sighed exasperatedly and sheathed his machete.

    "Heh..." Frank suddenly chuckled. "And whoever said I was pretending? The fact is I''ve not just been poisoned, but I was the one who neutralized the poison myself."

    Everyone was left stunned by his bombshell, especially Lubor.

    Still, Lubor soon came to his senses and clutched his stomach as heughed. "You can really talk, brat! Someone like you, beating the Hundred Bane Sect''s Soulbleeder? Try harder next time!"

    Chet also shook his head and started to turn and leave. "Mr. Lawrence, we don''t have any information on the chief of the Martial Alliance for you. Feel free to see yourself out."

    He did not believe in Frank and dismissed everything he said as nonsense.

    After all, who talked like that?

    And if Frank really was poisoned, someone else had to have cured him.

    Chet might even have believed Frank if he said someone amazing did it, but the fact that Frank said he did it himself made it clear it was all bullshit.

    In his mind, Frank could study poison for a lifetime but still fail to counteract the poison, and that went without saying when he was this young.

    While the elders of Hundred Bane

    §Ö

    Sect had Chet''s confidence, those were all geezers well advanced in years. And a youth was supposed to defeat their decades worth of refinement in their specialty? Who would ever believe that?

    On the other hand, Frank was now dead sure from Chet''s subtle reactions that he had information on Silverbell and did not want to tell him for some reason.

    With that in mind, Frank chuckled. "Patience, Mr. Favoni. Why don''t we make a deal?"

    Chet stopped and turned to level a cool look at Frank. "A deal? What deal?"

 Chapter 1370

    Frank puffed his chest confidently. "It''s simple-I will cure Jaden, while you tell me where the chief of the Martial Alliance is. How about that?" "Pfft."

    Lubor wasughing as soon as Frank finished, watching him in glee. "Mr. Lawrence, do you think we are as stupid as you are? Who would believe your bullshit? I''ve said many times-the Soulbleeder is a novelty Hundred Bane Sect created, and only our elders can stop it. Watch out, or you''d bite your tongue if you keep making shit up."

    Frank remained calm despite Lubor''s scorn, shaking his head as he said, "I can see that you are caught in a dilemma, Mr. Favoni. So how about this? Take me to your son, and you tell me where the chief of the Martial Alliance is if I seed. If I don''t, I will take responsibility... though I''d be infected too and die for my lies anyway. How about that?"

    Chet paused at Frank''s confident offer.

    It was only natural that he did not want to hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Bane Sect. After all, that would just be handing over leverage against them.

    Moreover, it was ideal for Chet if Frank really cured Jaden, as he would not be ruffling any feathers while his son was saved.

    Frank''s offer was therefore no loss to him, just as it would not be toote to take up Hundred Bane Sect''s offer if Frank failed.

    However, just as he turned toward Frank, a Favoni sentry rushed inside, delight all over his face as he dropped to one knee and reported, "Master Favoni! Abel Loggins of Morhen has arrived!" "What?! Able Loggins?!"

    Chet appeared shocked, but delight soon showed on his face.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Abel was the most famous healer there is, and an authority of medicine in the East Coast-even

    the Four Families of Morhen went to him when one of theirs suffered

    someplicated condition.

    "Hurry, bring him in!" Chet eximed as he hurried to the front door to receive Abel, Frank''s offer being thest thing on his mind just then.

    On the other hand, Frank was unmoved despite Abel''s name being mentioned and was even smiling.

    After all, Lubor was right that Abel would never cure the Soulbleeder, as it was one of Hundred Bane Sect''s finest works.

    If one had no idea what the poison contained and tried to counteract it recklessly, they would only get poisoned in turn.

    That was why most people would refuse to get involved, and Frank knew that Abel would not seed.

    With that in mind, Frank followed the others, intending on seeing Abel and convincing him not to be reckless and get infected himself.

    However, that was when two Favoni sentries drew their swords and stopped Frank.

    "This is Favoni House, Mr. Lawrence. You don''t get to go whatever you want!"

    Frank remained calm as he looked between them, and smiled faintly, "I''m sure you heard that Abel Loggins is here, and there''s no telling if he would actually save

    Jaden, whereas I''m confident

    can.

    I''ll just wait outside, and it''s fine if Abel can cure Jaden-I won''t press the issue if so. But if he fails, isn''t it time I step up?"

    While the two sentries hesitated from Frank''s smile, Lubor turned toward Frank and sneered. "Let him through."

    He certainly would like to see what

    Frank could do, when Frank imed he could beat the poison that only

    the elders of Hundred Bane Sect could hope to stop!

 Chapter 1371

    Frank followed the Favonis to a smaller building to the back, and he could see Abel being surrounded by everyone even before he entered. He stood on the edge of the group, refraining from greeting Abel since the two Favoni sentries before were watching him.

    They only allowed Frank to wait instead of meddling.

    After all, they were told that Jaden Favoni, the star of the family''s younger generation, was now half-dead because of Frank.

    Even if Frank had cleared his name and proved he was not some despicable poisoner, the Favonis still extended the me to him.

    And whatever the higher-ups said was naturally taken way more seriously by the minions, which was why these sentries were hostile toward Frank.

    There were even Favoni martial artists who came, sizing up Frank to see if he really was that good. If anything, a fight would have started if those two sentries did not stop them.

    As such, in contrast to the respect and humility afforded to Abel, Frank was kept on a tight leash, not even allowed to meet Abel directly.

    "Frank Lawrence! Come fight me if you have the balls!" a bald Favoni martial artist bellowed at Frank just then.

    "That''s right! You''re the reason Master Jaden is suffering! How do you sleep at night?!"

    "Hah! Just look at that coward. He''d never ept our challenge!"

    Frank was at first impassive despite the Favoni martial artists'' yapping, but there was only that much a man could take.

    As their insults got worse and resorted to personal attacks, he wheeled on them and bellowed, "Listen here! It''s Ste Favoni''s fault for attacking Lanecorp Tower at the Bearsons'' goading in the first ce! And then you people distorted the truth and ndered me, even challenging me to a duel!

    "I epted the challenge and proved my innocence, while exposing the Bearsons'' conspiracy for all to see! And yet all you lowlives remained willingly ignorant and continued circle jerking! Challenge me?! Hah! Who do you think you are?!"

    Suddenly stomping one foot forward, Frank bellowed thunderously, "Get out of my sight before I start throwing punches!"

    His bellow erupted into a shockwave

    of pure vigor, knocking down the Favoni martial artists who were hounding him, flooring him right then!

    "Argh!"

    Still, most of the Favoni martial artists soon got on their feet, their expression furious.

    On one hand, they were enraged that Frank was so insolent, even when he was in their turf.

    On the other hand, Frank''s menacing presence left them terrified, even more than Chet Favoni ever did.

    And Chet was the head of the family!This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Could Frank really be stronger than Chet? How was that possible?!

    Beside Frank, the two Favoni

    sentries nking him were left stunned when they saw how the Favoni martial artists were knocked down just from Frank''s bellow.

    Despite their shock, they drew their swords at Frank. "This is Favoni House! Watch yourself!"

    "Hah! You''re actually aware of that?!"

    Frank snorted in disdain as he

    looked around at everyone. "Is this how you Favonis treat your guests?! I was told you are a n of martial artists and expected dignity, but all of you merely proved to be

    Love

    disrespectful thugs. Did your parents teach you to treat your guests like this?!"

    Hearing that Frank was lecturing his family''s martial artists, Edon frowned as he strode toward them.

    "What''s going on here?!" he barked, looking between everyone.

 Chapter 1372

    "Master Edon! He''s causing trouble on our turf!"

    "Yeah! He''s out of line!"

    "We don''t have to tell anyone. Let''s teach him a lesson to remember!"

    "Silence!"

    Edon could certainly tell what happened but did not apologize to Frank.

    Instead, he snapped coolly at the Favoni martial artists, "Every guest deserves a proper respect, or people wouldugh at us. Now, leave!"

    "But, sir..."

    "What?!" Edon red at the Favoni martial artist furiously. "Are you disobeying my orders?!"

    Seeing that Edon was not giving ground, the Favoni martial artists could only leave, though not without shooting dirty looks at Frank while they did. Then, Edon turned toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, please understand this no matter how you see us, it''s still not up to you to lecture our apprentices." And with that, he turned to leave.

    Frank could certainly see that Edon did not think highly of him too.

    And now that Abel was here, Frank''s offer to cure Jaden Favoni was inconsequential. After all, the Favonis certainly would not believe that Frank was better than Abel, and Frank woulde up short anyway if Abel failed too.

    Nheless, Frank called out to Edon before he could leave, "A moment, please."

    Even if he was annoyed with the Favonis, he bottled it for the sake of Abel, his apprentice.

    "Tell Abel Loggins not to touch the needles directly," he told Edon quietly. "That poison can quickly transmit through skin contact too."

    Thud.

    Edon stopped in his tracks, and wheeled on Frank with a look of disdain "Does Abel Loggins need you to tell him what to do? Who do you think you are, ordering him around?"

    As he strode off, Frank''s gaze turned.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    The

    the really had it out for him,

    out

    would really have struck if he did not want

    information on Silverbell urvelo

    "Hehe... Don''t tell me you don''t know who Abel Loggins is?"

    The two Favoni sentries were scoffing at Frank just then. "That man is the best healer in Morhen, even the East Coast. He''s cured more@nusual illnesses than you could imagine, so why don''t you take a walk already?"

    "Exactly. We''d be throwing you out if not for Master Edon and Master Lubor."

    "Just keep your mouth shut already."

    Frank listened to their quips andughed despite himself.

    The likes of them, mocking him?

    With that in mind, he asked quietly, "Then why don''t we make a bet?"

    "A bet? What bet?" Both Favoni sentries were immediately wary.

    "I bet that Abel Loggins would fail to cure Jaden Favoni, and he''d be on his knees, begging me to save Jaden."

    Frank''s bet left the two Favoni sentries stunned for a long while.

    When they came to their senses, they traded nces andughed so hard that they were tearing up.

 Chapter 1373

    The two Favoni sentries wereughing so hard at Frank''s boasting that their stomachs hurt. "Come on, kid. Are you right in the head?"

    "Shush, just give it up. Let him live in his own world. Abel Loggins kneeling to him? Pfft..."

    After all, Abel Loggins, kneeling to some unknown kid who was merely unusually pompous?

    However, Frank was dead serious, smiling as he continued, "If I''m wrong, I will kowtow to you, and you can do anything to me as you see fit."

    Then, ncing between them, he added, "But if I''m right... You will both go down on all fours and crawl from here to the front doors of this residence while barking like dogs do. How about that?"

    Both Favoni sentries spaced out for a moment, seeing that Frank was serious.

    They could actually feel butterflies in their stomach when they saw Frank''s vague smile-he was clearly luring them into a trap.

    However, the bet was ridiculous in itself too.

    After all, Abel Loggins, the most famous healer in Morhen, kneeling to Frank and asking for his help?N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Who would believe that? In fact, there could not be that many people across Draconia who could even demand such a thing from Abel!

    So... Maybe the brat was just pulling their leg?

    As both Favoni sentries traded looks for a long while, one of them eventually gritted his teeth and bellowed, "Fine, we''ll take that bet! However, we won''t kill you if you lose... Instead, you''ll crawl out of Favoni House and bark like a dog!"

    "No problem." Frank agreed to it right then.

    His quick response left the two Favoni sentries feeling the creeps, a foreboding sensation seizing their stomach.

    However, there was no backing down now, and they braced themselves as they smirked.

    "Keep talking, brat! We will tell Abel Logginster, and see what he will do to you!"

    "Heh..." Frank smiled silently.

    After all, it was more than about

    humiliating the two Favoni

    sentries-the Favonis pride would be

    crushed too, and they would pay for insulting him like this.

    Meanwhile, Abel was frowning at Edon as he returned, asking, "What was going on out there?"

    "Nothing." Edon shrugged. "Just some brat from Zamri city who''s really fult of himself, lecturing our apprentices in our own house. Don''t worry-just treat my nephew as soon as possible."

    To no surprise, Edon did not ry Frank''s message to Abel.

    From Edon''s point of view, Frank was really overestimating himself, giving such unsolicited advice.

    In fact, even if Edon did, he might upset Abel.

    Abel was a famous healer who was regrly consulted by the Four Families of Morhen! They were already profoundly lucky that he came upon their request!

    In fact, any healer would be really upset if they were told what to do even before they saw the patient, especially after they had traveled all this way.

 Chapter 1374

    Considering Abel''s importance, the Favonis would just be getting themselves into trouble if they upset him.

    What if Abel simply up and left? Who would they go to at that point-Frank Lawrence?

    Nheless, Abel zoned out for a moment. "Zamri, you say?"

    He was naturally aware that Frank had been staying in Zamri recently but was afraid to confirm it as he could see the Favonis'' attitude.

    He nodded, putting aside the questions he had as he remained curious-there were plenty of people in Zamri but not that many who could strut in the Favonis'' own turf.

    "Hehe. This way please, Mr. Loggins." Chet Favoni led Abel through into a traditionally decorated cottage.

    As soon as the doors opened, the oing scent of medicinal herbs was so strong that Abel''s nostrils twitched.

    "Hmm? Drakedrool, cranepore..."

    As Abel quickly identified over ten natural wonders urately, Chet and Edon''s smiles visibly broadened.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    One could really easily tell if a person was an expert-the man certainly inspired confidence, identifying the herbs just from the scent.

    "Your reputation is deserved, Mr. Loggins," Chet promptly praised. "We''ve spent a fortune buying those herbs to brew an elixir to keep Jaden alive."

    On the other hand, Lubor remained perfectly calm.

    Being a member of Hundred Bane Sect, he knew better than anyone how terrible the Soulbleeder could be.

    Forget Abel-even the best healers of Draconia could not save Jaden even if they were all here.

    As such, he strode in, folded his arms before his chest as he leaned against the doorway, watching gleefully as events unfolded.

    "Don''t pin all your hopes on me just yet," Abel said humbly just then. "There are people who are better than me across Draconia, and I can only do my best." In fact, he never came specifically to help Jaden.

    He simply encountered a handful of unusual illnesses that he could not handle and wanted to consult Frank.

    However, going to him directly was a little impolite, and after asking around, he found out about the duel between Jaden and Frank.

    And since he had some time on his

    hands, he would like to use the

    Favonis as a springboard to me

    Frank in Zamri, by getting the

    ??

    Favonis to owe Frank a favor. en.swhovels

    Frank was way above the Favonis'' weight ss anyway.

    Meanwhile, the Favonis were all shaking their heads.

    "Oh, you''re being too humble now, Mr. Loggins."

    "We know that you''re the most illustrious healer in Draconia, and even the Four Families of Morhen regrly consult you."

    "If you can''t save Jaden, no one in Draconia can," Chet added.

    Abel listened to the praise, stroking his beard and shook his beard too.

    "You tter me Mr. Favoni, but that really isn''t the case." He smiled at Chet. "Not many are aware, but I

    have a mentor, and my skills and et

    knowledge in medicine pale inparison to his. If you''d ask him, I''m sure he''d save your son with no uncertainty."

    He kept things mysterious, just to get the Favonis'' interest in Frank.

    "What? There''s such a miracle

    worker in Draconia too?!" Chet eximed in astonishment, but he immediately presumed Abel''s mentor to be some reclusive hermit. en.swhovels

    And if Abel failed, they might really have to consult him.

    "Well, let me see the patient for now..." Abel said.

    He was just mentioning the possibility of consulting Frank, but he knew he should not get ahead of himself either.

    Walking up, he found Jaden being soaked in a bathtub filled with a pale green elixir.

    The elixir was keeping Jade alive, but ck fluid was still seeping out of his lips and nostrils.

 Chapter 1375

    It was a gruesome sight that left Abel''s heart skipping a beat.

    He could tell just from Jaden''s face that he would die soon, what with the necrosis setting in and the ckness all over his brow.

    What on earth was he poisoned with? He was clearly a dead man walking and just might breathe hisst breath at the very next instant!

    "Mr. Loggins, what do you think?" Chet asked urgently.

    Jaden was his son and the hope of his family, and his heart could break seeing Jaden like that.

    "Patience, Mr. Favoni," Abel said, but sweat was seeping over his brow.

    While he thought there was hope before, it had certainly vaporized as his heart sank to rock bottom now.

    Just from Jaden''s face, even his mentor might not be able to help here, let alone himself.

    "Urgh..."

    Abel sighed as everyone looked on. "The poison has already reached his organs, probably perforating his stomach. He''s now breathing hisst breath, and all I can do is try to keep him alive. As for his cultivation..."

    His diagnosis left the Favonis thunderstruck, with Chet especially freezing up. "What...?"

    That was when Lubor snickered, "Chet, you should know that there are specialties when ites to medicine. There is no doubt that Abel here is a miracle worker, but his specialty is illnesses, whereas Jaden was poisoned, and poisons are only cured with antidotes. Hehe..."

    He trailed off, but his meaning was clear.

    If they want Jaden to make a full recovery while retaining his cultivation, they must take Lubor''s deal-hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance to Hundred Ba?e their

    Sect and let one are.

    Jaden.

    cureOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    And Lubor clearly did not care that he was causing further trouble, chuckling sarcastically. "The more or you drag this out, Chet, the less

    chance Jaden would have to survive this!"

    "Fuck you!"

    Enraged, Edon flung his machete at Lubor, which stabbed into the door just beside Lubor while he bellowed, "You did this, didn''t you?!" "Watch your mouth, Edon!" Lubor snapped back, but he was still traumatized as he watched the machete shoot toward himself just now.

    While the machete fortunately

    missed him, he glowered and

    snapped, Jaden is my nephew, and

    I have no reason to hurt him when he''s destined for greatness! In the end, only my way can save him, so make up your mind already, Chet!"

    Chet gritted his teeth in silence, but he eventually turned toward Abel. "Please, Mr. Loggins. Just keep Jaden alive for now-we wille up with something elseter." "Sure," Abel nodded. "I have an acupuncture technique that could stabilize his vitals for a while. It won''t save him, but it would at least improve his current condition." "Of course! Please do it right away!" Chet nodded eagerly.

    "Alright."

    Abel took out a box of needles from his briefcase, disinfecting them before dabbing them into a bottle of dark yellow fluid.

    Then, he inserted the needles into Jaden''s forehead, arms, and palms.

 Chapter 1376

    Every needle Abel inserted was focused and precise.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    As he inserted thest one through Jaden''s chest, the ckness around his cheeks miraculously diminished, and his breathing stabilized considerably as well.

    "Huh?"

    Surprised showed on Lubor''s face as he watched from the distance.

    At the same time, Abel took out a yellow pill the size of a grape and inserted it into Jaden''s mouth. "This is an antidote pill-it won''t be as effective as the ones my mentor cooked, since it''s just a duplicate that Loggins Apothecary developed by imitating a sample."

    And soon after Abel helped Jaden take that pill, it quickly vaporized into a yellow puff of smoke as everyone looked on and flowed down Jaden''s throat.

    Despite being unconscious, Jaden coughed twice, and his cheeks flushed.

    "It works! You''re amazing, Mr. Loggins! You were just being humble before!"

    Seeing that his son was recovering, Chet was beside himself with excitement. In fact, he was ready to prostrate himself before Abel in gratitude and presumed that his son was saved while everything Abel said was out of humility.

    Abel was himself impressed-the technique he used was learned from Frank and only had a sliver of its effectiveness, as it was far from Frank''s level.

    However, that was already enough to improve Jaden''s condition, which left Abel feeling even more reverence toward Frank.

    Smiling and nodding, he exined, "Oh, you''re exaggerating. These are just the basics I''ve learnt from my mentor, and it''d take him way less effort to cure your son."

    Seeing how worshipful Abel was toward his mentor, Chet quickly asked, "Well, may I ask for your mentor''s name?"

    After all, if they knew the man, they would have someone to turn to if something like this happened again.

    On the other hand, Lubor was scowling when he saw that Jaden was showing signs of recovery.

    In the first ce, it was his machinations that led to Jaden being poisoned.

    But if Jaden recovered, how would he aplish the task Hundred Bane Sect entrusted him with, let alone bing the next head of the Favoni family?

    With that in mind, he sneakily took out a nail-sized pill from his pocket.

    Since everyone was too busy praising Abel to notice what Lubor was doing, he flicked the pill, sending it flying into the elixir Jaden was soaked in.

    Meanwhile, Abel was stroking his

    beard and smiling. "Hehe... Please don''t be surprised, Mr. Favoni, and it''s definitely no joke. My mentor is actually-"

    "M-Master Favoni! Look... Your son is..."

    Before Abel could mention Frank''s name, however, a servant was left utterly horrified as he inadvertently saw Jaden''s condition just then!

    Earlier, ck blood was just trickling out of Jaden''s lips, and while his vitals were erratic he was still hanging on for dear life.

    Now, however, he was clutching his throat as he spasmed repeatedly and coughed mouthfuls of blood!

    "What?!"

    Even as Chet turned to find that the

    elixir his son was bathing in had turnedGet-ck, he was at once flustered. "Please, Mr. Loggins! Y-You have to do something!"

    "Calm down!"

    Abel had rushed up to hold down Jaden as soon as he saw that and thrusted it into the main meridian in his throat.

    Jaden instantly quieted down...

 Chapter 1377

    However, even as Jaden turned quiet, his skinplexion was a terrible ck and his breathing much weaker.

    In fact, he was only exhaling without breathing in.

    "Mr. Loggins, what''s happening here?!"

    Chet was utterly confused-how did his son''s condition deteriorate so soon after showing signs of recovery?!

    "Let me see!"

    Abel pulled out the needle he just inserted into Jaden''s throat, his face falling as he weighed the needle between his palms.

    "What''s wrong, Mr. Loggins?!" Chet asked, hurrying to his side.

    Some distance away, Edon was zoning out, as he remembered Frank warning him not to let Abel touch the needles he inserted into Jaden directly.

    That skin contact was enough to transmit the poison.

    "Mr. Loggins!" Edon could not help shouting just then.

    "Huh?!"

    Both Abel and Chet turned to find Edon standing there, holding out his hand toward them.

    However, even as Edon was going to ry Frank''s warning, he suddenly changed his mind-would Abel really be unaware of the nature of the poison and need that warning?

    His lips parting for just a moment, he eventually stopped himself and shook his head. "Oh, it''s nothing." Nheless, Chet was furious-they were busy trying to save Jaden''s life, only for Edon to mess about! "Get out of here if you''re not helping!" he snapped at Edon, taking out his frustrations on him.

    Edon was taken aback but did not argue, scratching his head as he turned to leave. Before he did, he pulled his machete out of the doorframe near Lubor, snorting coldly. Lubor merely shot him an innocent look in return, but he wasughing inwardly.

    now!

    e That''s twice the dosage

    see if the geezer can miracle now! I''ll en literally

    eat my shoes if Jaden survives this!"

    "rgh!"

    And even as Lubor looked on with inward glee, Abel suddenly dropped to his knees and coughed out a mouthful of clotted blood. "What?!" Edon eximed in shock as he turned and saw what happened to Abel, and he was once again reminded of Frank''s warning. "W-What?! Mr. Loggins?! What''s wrong?! Please, you''re scaring me!" Chet was absolutely terrified just then.

    It was merely his family''s loss if Abel failed to save Jaden, and it was nothing too terrible for the Favonis as they are now.

    On the other hand, if Abel died here, their family would be in deep trouble!

    Hell, forget Loggins Apothecary-the

    Four Families of Morhen would

    crush them if they even sneezed their way! After all, those families all owed Abel favors, and his death here in Favoni House would definitely beg questions!

    Nothing would go well for the Favonis at that point!

    "Are you alright, Mr. Loggins?!" Chet tried to help Abel to his feet.

    However, Abel was groaning even as he bellowed, "Stay back!"

    "What?" Chet''s hands were left hanging in the air.

    "Go... This poison is too potent for my skills... G-Get my mentor... He''s in-"

    Even before he could mention Frank, Abel coughed out another mouthful of clotted blood and dropped to the floor, unconscious.

    "Mr. Loggins!"

    The sight left Chet numb with fear.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Forget curing his son-Abel had

    gone down from the same poison too! Would Morhen and Loggins Apothecary let them live if they knew?! ¨¦n.swnovels

 Chapter 1378

    Chet turned toward his brother Edon right then. "Don''t just stand there! Go, bring in Mr. Loggins'' mentor!"

    "But who is he?!" Edon was equally bewildered, still standing by the doorway. "How am I supposed to know when he never mentioned his name?"

    Still, Edon knew that things would be terrible for the family if Abel died in Favoni House.

    That was when Lubor seized the moment and said, "Chet, at this point, you should just give up the chief of the Martial Alliance. That way, I can ask the elder of Hundred Bane Sect to bring the cure... or it would really be toote!"

    "Alright... alright!" Chet eximed in panic.

    If it was just his son, he could calmly take the loss while rearranging his ns for the family''s future appropriately.

    Abel, however, was not a part of the bargain-if he died, it was over for the Favonis!

    "Hehe... Don''t worry, brother. As long as I''m here, Abel Loggins and my dear nephew will be safe."

    Lubor grinned gleefully right then.

    After all, his n finally worked, and he was now the new head of the Favoni family!

    It was a new chapter for them from here on out!

    At the same time, an exasperated Chet told Lubor, "She''s in the rear courtyard. You can find her there."

    Lubor was rubbing his palms andughing in turn, "Don''t worry, Chet-I''ll take her to Hundred Bane Sect right now, and an elder would be here in under two hours! Both Jaden and Abel Loggins will be safe!" However, Chet only felt misery as he watched Luborugh as he left.

    How could he not know what Lubor was scheming?

    Not only was his tenure as the head of the Favoni family over, but Hundred Bane Sect now had full leverage against the Favonis.

    After all, the Favoni were the ones who gave them the chief of the Martial Alliance, and their doom was just a matter of time.

    "Fuck! I knew Lubor had nned this all along!"

    Edon cursed, but his eyes soon lit up. "Chet... Why don''t we let that brat Frank Lawrence take a shot at this?"

    "Shut up!"

    Chet was shaking with rage at Edon''s suggestion. "Even Abel Loggins can''t do a thing! What can that brat do except add to the body count? We''re already caught in a crisis here, and we''re supposed to add Zamri''s Lanecorp into our list of enemies?!" Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Seeing that Chet was determined to hand over the chief of the Martial Alliance, Edon sighed and came clean.

    After he told Chet about Frank''s

    warning, Edon held his brother''s gaze and concluded, "Frank Lawrence really might pull

    ???

    something here. And like he said, we don''t have to take responsibility if he messes up. It works for us if he bails us out... and if he doesn''t, we have security footage and witnesses to prove this was all on him, not us."

    At those words, Chet gradually calmed down.

    He nced at Abel, who was on the floor, unconscious.

    Then, he nced at Jaden, who was still spasming.

    Gritting his teeth, he barked, "Fine, it''s hopeless anyway! Bring him in and let him try!"

    "Alright!" Edon nodded and left, returning with Frank within minutes.

    Frank sighed softly when he saw the mess in the room, as Abel was poisoned just as he expected.

    He shot Edon an using re-he

    had warned Edon beforehand, but the moron still refused to warn Abel, allowing Abel to get caught in this

    mess. no

 Chapter 1379

    At Abel''s age, the Favonis'' mess would at least knock a couple of years off his natural lifespan.

    Nheless, Chet was glowering at Frank and snapping, "I hope you know what you''re doing. Even Abel Loggins was poisoned because of a moment of negligence, so you''d better watch yourself." "You refused to listen to me before, and you''re on your high horse now?"

    Frank snorted he did not think highly of Chet at all and was only here for his own reasons. "You''ll tell me where Silverbell is once I save Jaden Favoni, won''t you?" "Silverbell?" Chet did a double take.

    "That''s the name of the chief of the Martial Alliance," Edon quickly exined beside him.

    Chet scowled ufortably right then, since he had just told Lubor that Silverbell was in their rear courtyard.

    Lubor would have taken her with him by now to hand her over to Hundred Bane Sect.

    Be that as it may, Chet nodded. "Yes, but you''ll have to save Abel too. You can save him since you''ve promised to save my son anyway, right?"

    Frank snorted as he strode into the room. "Hmph. It''s only natural that I save Abel when he''s my apprentice."

    "What?!"

    Both Chet and Edon were left stunned, and Chet was glowering as he snapped, "Watch your mouth, kid! Who do you think Abel is, and you''re saying you''re his mentor?!" "Believe whatever you want." Frank shrugged, not bothered to exin himself.

    He took out a needle and dipped it in the ckened elixir Jaden was soaked in before pulling it out and sniffing it.

    "Hey!"

    Edon leapt toward Frank, ready to stop him, but Frank held up a hand, gesturing that he was fine.

    Then, looking up at Chet, he said, "Well, your son''s been poisoned..."

    "You think?!"

    Chet almost snapped right then.

    His son was lying in that bathtub, his cheeks ck and lips purple-any fool could see that he was poisoned.

    At the same time, the two Favoni sentries eavesdropping outside were snickering as they traded nces.

    They were really worried for a moment that Frank could pull something right there... but it

    out that he was a useless b

    "No, what I mean to say is..."

    Frank paused, scooping a handful of

    the ckened elixir, allowing it to

    seep out between his fingers while

    ·É

    leaving his palm ckened. "Your

    son''s been poisoned twice.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Chet asked right then.

    "The first time was during our duel, when the Bearsons did it. As for the second instance..."

    Frank showed Chet the ckened elixir which was crawling upward over his wrist, saying quietly, "This is the poison used just now."

    "What?!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Both Edon and Chet were dumbstruck-did Abel just poison Jaden?!

    Noting their confusion, Frank smiled. "No, this poison isn''t ingested. Instead, it''s a solute that dissolves in the elixir Jaden was soaked in, and it doubles the potency of the Soulbleeder. I remember the scent too, and if my hunch is right, it''s identical to the scent I smelled from that man in a white suit the one who walked past me earlier."

 Chapter 1380

    Edon and Chet were both gaping after Frank told them his theory, with Edon eximing, "Lubor did this?!"

    If that prick poisoned Jaden a second time while they were not watching... That exined why Jaden''s condition deteriorated so soon after Abel''s treatment started to work!

    "That bastard... I''m bringing him back here! We definitely have questions for him!" Edon bellowed furiously, hot-headed as ever.

    "Stop!"

    Chet bellowed as he shot Edon a deadly re. "Are you so eager to doom us all? Forget buying the kid''s words at face value-are we really going to turn against Lubor right now even if he''s right? What are we going to do if the kid can''t cure Jaden and Mr. Loggins?!"

    Edon was left stumped for a long while and eventually dropped on his rear. "Fuck, I can''t do this, and I can''t do that either... This is killing me!"

    Chet could see that his brother was frustrated, but was also convinced of Frank''s ability.

    "Frank Lawrence," he quickly said, "if you can save both Jaden and Mr. Loggins, I will tell you where the chief of the Martial Alliance... and our family will owe you our gratitude!"

    "Oh, I don''t deserve such an honor." Frank chuckled coolly, as he did not care about befriending Chet.

    He whipped out a genuine antidote pill right then and spread a small bag of acupoint needles on the table.

    He was now familiar with the Soulbleeder, having studied its blend from the Hundred Bane Anthology, which thete Jaud White carried around before Frank killed him.

    In fact, Frank cured himself in under half an hour after leaving Zamri Square and was once again fighting fit thanks to that.

    "Go!"

    Frank threw the acupoint needles as if he was sprinkling petals into the air.

    Whoosh...

    There was an audible rush of air, and as if bing sentient, the acupoint needles shot out.

    Each needle then thrusted

    themselves where they should be and in just a couple of seconds. It made it apparent how superior andplex Frank''s acupuncture technique waspared to Abel''s.

    Chet and Lubor were stunned as they looked on, realizing right then that Frank was not a manwhore or an average Joe-there was no doubt that he was much superior to Abel! en.swhovelsN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Could it be..." Chet''s heart pounded even as he wondered if Frank was really Abel''s mentor.

    As soon as he thought that, he felt like he was just pped in the cheek, leaving his face burning.

    Suddenly, even looking up at Frank was immeasurably difficult.

    "Hmph... It seems like the poisoner really wanted Jaden to suffer!"

    Frankughed coolly and spread his arms.

    On each of his fingers were a translucent thread of pure vigor, directing the acupoint needles on Jaden''s body. Each needle moved in a variety of ways, with some rotating while others moving up and down under Frank''s control.

    Chet could see it most clearly, and he pursed his lips in realization.

    Frank was no mere Ascendant rank... He had progressed well to the peak of Ascendant rank!

    In other words, Chet himself was no match for Frank, let alone his own son!

    Just then, he remembered how his

    own daughter Ste Favoni begged

    on her knees to call off the duel against Frank... everything she said was the truth! Frank really was someone they should not mess with!

 Chapter 1381

    "72 Needles of Banishment!"

    At Frank''s thought, all the acupoint needles inserted into Jaden shot out and dropped to the floor with an audible nging.

    And even as the needles left him, Jaden steamed shrilly, leaving Chet sweating down his cheeks as he stood aside. However, he was afraid to bother Frank as he looked on helplessly.

    To his surprise, Frank was done with Jaden right then, ignoring him right then as he turned toward the unconscious Abel.

    It took time to deal with Jaden''s situation, since the Soulbleeder had permeated into Jaden''s marrow, and curing Abel was much easier.

    Putting his palm on Abel''s scalp, he infused a strand of pure vigor into the man before feeding him a yellow pill.

    "Come. Carry him somewhere cool to rest-he''ll regain consciousness soon enough."

    Frank was clearly referring to Edon, but the man was left pointing at himself. "Wait, are you talking to me?"

    "Go! Do as Mr. Lawrence says!" Chet barked at his brother right then.

    However, Edon appeared afraid to touch Abel.

    Seeing that he was worried about getting infected, Frank snorted coolly, shaking his head. "I''ve already cleared the poison, so it won''t transmit to anyone. Just do it." "Oh... Okay!"

    Relieved, Edon gingerly picked up Abel and carried him outside.

    As it was just them left, Chet asked eagerly, "Mr. Lawrence, my son''s condition="

    Frank waved him off impatiently. "He''s stable, so keep him soaked in the elixir you were using before to help him recover his essence. As for his meridian nexus..."

    He could see Chet clenching his

    knuckle, but he continued

    nheles

    "It''s safe, but he lost

    lot of vigor because of the poison''s corrosion. He would lose strength to some extent, but just give it a few months, and he''ll make a futt recovery."

    Chet was overwhelmed right then and dropped to his knees right in front of Frank.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    "T-Thank you, Mr. Lawrence!" he cried. "My family owes you a great debt!"

    "Save it." Frank waved him off, chuckling coolly. "I really don''t

    deserve your debt, not after I''ve seen the attitude your whole family took up with me. Even now, your entire n still sees me as some despicable coward."

    Then, before Chet could say a word, Frank pressed, "Now tell me where Silverbell is, and we''re even."

    Nheless, Chet kept yapping, "Mr. Lawrence... We''ve just been blind! You have to understand! I-I will issue the order right now-if anyone in this house disrespects you again, they will be put to death!" "Are you listening to what I''m saying?!"

    Frank realized right then that the geezer was stalling, and there must be some reason Chet was avoiding mentioning Silverbell.

    His tone turning sinister considerably, he bellowed, "Now tell me where Silverbell is! Lie to me, and you only have yourself to me for what happens!"

    The air seemed to ze violently around Frank at the same time, leaving Chet flinching and stammering, "A-Ascendant rank...?"

    "Tell me!" Frank bellowed, losing all patience.

    "S-She was here, but Hundred Bane Sect offered us a deal..."

    Knowing that he could not hide anything right then, Chet shuddered as he told Frank everything.

    "You bastard!"

    Frank was left incensed right then and was pointing at Chet''s nose as he snapped, "I told you I would put myself on the line to save your son, in spite of all our past grievances! Forget not trusting me-you gave Silverbell to those vermin behind my back?!"

 Chapter 1382

    "Grr..."

    Frank was so furious that he could kill Chet right then.

    Still, he soon calmed down, and flicked his fingers,unching an invisible burst of pure vigor into Jaden''s body.

    As he strode off, he growled coldly, "Your son won''t wake up before I return, and you will all die with Silverbell if anything happens to her! You hear me?!"

    Chet flinched right then-even if he thought nothing of Frank before, he felt Frank''s threat now in his very bones.

    After all, Frank excelled in both martial arts and medicine despite being young. He was definitely supported by some hidden faction in Draconia, and not just a modestpany like Lanecorp! And they had to be a force to be reckoned with!

    Even as Chet watched Frank leave, many thoughts crossed his mind all at once.

    He could cry right then, even if he were the head of the Favoni family.

    He ended up on the wrong side of Hundred Bane Sect for the sake of saving his son, and then Abel got hurt when they brought him in to help.

    And in the end, they ended up provoking an existence they must never mess with under any circumstances.

    What on earth was happening? What was this series of unfortunate events?!

    But even as he thought about it, he realized that the root of all those problems was his own stubbornness.

    He refused to heed his daughter''s warning, even having her whipped fifty times for her troubles.

    "Right, Ste!"

    Chet sprant to his feet at the thought, running outside as he called out to his men, "Send everyone we have to stop Lubor, and rescue the hostage he''s holding! And send for Ste-tell her to see me right now!"

    "Yes, Master Favoni!"

    All of Favoni House was at once lively after the head of the family issued his orders.

    Meanwhile, an oblivious Lubor just shoved Silverbell into the car.

    They were naturally heading to Norsedam City, where he would hand her over to Hundred Bane Sect.

    It was half an hour drive from Favoni House, which was situated in the fringes of the city.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Where are you taking me?"

    Silverbell was curled up in the backseat, finally regaining consciousness.

    Her meridian nexus was struck, and she was losing pure vigor on top of the wounds she sustained all over her body.

    Just moving left her sweating in pain, let alone fighting back.

    "Hehe... Patience, mdy. I''m just bringing you to a very nice ce."

    Since there was no reason to pretend now, Lubor was riding shotgunfortably, grinning as he nced at the rearview mirror. "Hundred Bane Sect loves special martial artists like you... They''ve been urging me to hurry, and repeatedly at that."

    Hundred Bane Sect?!

    Silverbell''s eyes widened as soon as she heard the name.

    After all, only the people involved

    were aware why the Martial

    Alliance

    always seemed to be at peace with

    the South Sea sects

    In the first ce, the Martial Alliance was founded to stop the South Sea sects from reaching their ws into the country.

    Now, she the chief of the Martial

    Hundred Bane Sect, the worst and

    ce would fall into the hands of

    A

    the most barbaric South Sea sect there was.

    Even though there was no question that she would face a living hell, Silverbell remained impassive.

    However, there was a flicker of worry that showed in her eyes.

 Chapter 1383

    Most of all, Silverbell carried a secret with her-one she pulled off by swindling every champion of Draconia.

    If she fell to the hands of Hundred Bane Sect now, they would easily be the ones who won big.

    And Silverbell would rather die than see that happen.

    Just then, Lubor smiled as he threatened, "Hehe... You''d better not get any funny ideas. I''ve already imnted a blood centipede in you, and you''ll die if I get upset."

    He then lifted her chin, clicking his tongue and sighing. "You''re so beautiful... You''re setting me on fire even if it''s our first time meeting!"

    Silvebell remained silent despite his provocation, leveling him a look of contempt while avoiding his touch.

    "Huh?!"

    Lubor glowered as Silverbell stayed defiant against him.

    He would have no hope of even reaching her level on any other day, but she waspletely under his control now.

    It certainly left him buoyed, but he immediately felt humiliated as Silverbell was still ring at him as if he were trash!

    "Bitch!"

    Incensed, he pped Silverbell across the face so violently blood seeped out of her lips.

    Even so, Silverbell looked up and leveled the same re of contempt at him again without saying a word.

    "You bitch! I have you exactly where I want you!" Lubor screamed, his sadismpletely bared. "You''ll die if I feel like it! You should be on your knees, begging me for mercy! Don''t you dare defy me!"

    He had already been scorned

    endlessly by his own family because hecked potential in martial arts. He eventually left looking around for opportunities and ended up joining Hundred Bane Sect. Even so, he still could not tolerate anyone''s

    contempt now, as he never did from

    the start.

    And now, the tables had finally turned-even if he resorted to despicable means, he would have everyone kneel before him!

    Even so, Silverbell''s attitude left him feeling the same contempt and disrespect he experienced as a child. His ego and inferiorityplex gnawing, he flew into a rage and bellowed at his chauffeur, "Stop the car!"

    Then, turning back to Silverbell, he yelled, "Fucking bitch! I''ll show you who''s boss right now!"

    After all, he was perfectly aware that he would not see Silverbell again once he took her to Norsedam City and gave her to Hundred Bane Sect. That was why he would seize this chance to show her right now the consequences of messing with him, even if she was the chief of the Martial Alliance, reaching the peak as a martial artist!

    "Get out of the car!" Lubor bellowed, dragging Silverbell by the hair as he pulled her out of the backseat and flung her by the curb.

    "Sir? Hundred Bane Sect is waiting. This is a little..."

    The chauffeur had always been Lubor''s confidant. Seeing that the man was losing his mind from rage, stopping the car just to punish the chief of the Martial Alliance, he could not help but worry a little.

    "What?! Are you turning against me too?!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Lubor would not hear a word of it and red viciously at the chauffeur.

    The chauffeur cringed, naturally afraid to breathe another word at that.

    "On your knees, bitch!" Lubor snapped, kicking Silverbell in the belly.

    She clutched her stomach and grunted in pain but soon looked up at Lubor, her contempt even more apparent.

    "I will remember what the Favonis

    did today," she said quietly and spat bloody drool before she continued "As for you... you''re just a rat who thinks he''s won. But rats would always be rats-you will never be afforded any respect."

 Chapter 1384

    "I will remember what the Favonis did today," Silverbell said quietly and spat bloody drool before she continued. "As for you... you''re just a rat who thinks he''s won. But rats would always be rats-you will never be afforded any respect."

    "Fuck!"

    Lubor was left shaking his rage, shoving Silverbell into the dirt with one hand while he fumbled to loosen his belt with the other. "I will do you right here, in the middle of the road! Let''s see how you''d mock me after this!"

    "Hehehe..."

    Silverbell was giggling coolly despite being subdued. "And you think you''d make me cave? All it does is prove your impotence and treachery further... The Martial Alliance wille for you when they realize what happened, and you''ll suddenly find yourself abandoned by Hundred Bane Sect. Oh, poor you..."

    "Fuck!

    Silverbell''s gloating only left Lubor further incensed, causing him to fumble further.

    Turning toward his chauffeur, he bellowed, "Get over here! Hold her down!"

    "But, sir..."

    The chauffeur wanted to talk him out of it onest time.

    However, Lubor was basically deaf just then, and his bloodshot re stopped chauffeur from speaking up.

    Sighing exasperatedly, he lightly held Silverbell against the car hood and muttered under his breath, "Sorry about this..."

    Lubor wasughing maniacally in turn. "You bitch! Nothing will stop me from having you now, and I will keep bragging around it even in the depths of hell!"

    "Hmph...."

    Silverbell snorted in cold disdain, but there was just a hint of misery in her dull gaze. "I''m sorry, Frank... I won''t be seeing you again. I ended up not being helpful at all..."

    But even as she despaired, an Audi suddenly came bounding down the usually quiet road, shooting toward them at top speed.

    "What the hell...?"

    The shrill honking caught Lubor surprised even as he whipped out his junk. But even before he realized what was happening, the Audi crashed toward him without a hint of self-preservation, its horn still ring.

    "You motherfucker!!!" A thunderous roar left Lubor freezing up.

    However, his chauffeur reacted just in time, pushing him out of the way and saving his life.

    The Audi caught the chauffeur and

    mmed into the railing behind, and

    it soared through the air until it

    struck a towering tree, knock

    off its roots.

    Bang!

    it

    The Audi instantly erupted into a ball of mes, with dark smoke billowing high into the air.

    "What..." Lubor dropped limply on his rear even as he looked on.

    "F-Frank..."Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    On the other hand, a freed Silverbell was coughing as she leaned against the car door.

    "What?!"

    She stared worriedly at the mes as she vaguely heard the voice of the man he cared about most.

    Lubor was stupefied when he heard the name

    and quick

    the boasting lowlife he in Favoni House.

    Was that lowlife the one who crashed his car into them with such suicidal determination?!

    As if on cue, a silhouette slowly emerged from the smoke and mes.

    The car had crashed and even blew up, but he remained unscathed.

    His eyes were red like a demon, and the ground seemed to shake with every step he took. Lubor''s heart actually skipped a beat.

 Chapter 1385

    "Fuck! Shit!"

    Lubor turned pale, breathing every expletive even as he stumbled backward.

    The man striding toward him was an incarnation of terror, almost as if he was not human, like some ancient god whose very cries would leave the world shaking.

    As for Frank, he could see that Silverbell''s dress was almost torn off, and he certainly knew what Lubor was up to.

    Making sure to walk close enough to Lubor, he suddenly bellowed with a roar.

    "Argh!!!"

    Lubor''s adrenaline kicked in right then, and he suddenly found the strength to turn and bolt.

    "Are you really trying to run?! Hah!" Frank snorted and simply waved his hand.

    Then, even as Lubor ran, he suddenly found himself unable to feel his legs and fell, unable to catch his bnce at all.

    "W-What?! Argh!!!" Lubor let out a blood-curdling scream even as he looked down.

    His legs were severed cleanly from his knees with pure vigor, and he could see that they were still standing further behind him when he turned.

    The sight of his dismembered legs

    and Frank, who was slowly closing in, Lubor kept screaming as he crawled away from Frank with both hands, spurred by his survival instincts. As he did, bawling through tears and spit, a sight of utter misery as he bled freely from his thighs.

    On top of that he was raving endlessly at the horrific youth who stood like a reaper, "No, don''t kill me! Don''t kill me! I''m a member of Hundred Bane Sect and the third heir of the Favoni family! Apologize to me, right now! On your knees! Everyone always disrespects me... One day, I''ll show you..."

    Frank watched as the vermin clearly lost his mind but refrained from killing him.

    Instead, he wanted Lubor to despair and kept following him, imposing a menacing presence upon Lubor.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    That in turn sent Lubor''s survival instincts into overdrive, and he kept crawling forward over three hundred meters, leaving a long trail of blood across the road.

    Screech!

    Soon, a group of cars came to a screeching halt right in front of Lubor, and he looked up, delighted when he saw the tes.

    Mustering strength he did not know

    he had, he pulled himself up to the car hood as he turned andughed at Frank Hahaha! You''re a dead man! These cars are my family''s, and the people inside are ou family''s martial elites!"

    Frank stopped too, watching as Lubor continued raving.

    In fact, the car Lubor crawled onto was Edon''s car.

    He had rushed here with the Favonis'' elites under orders from Chet, and he was glowering as he alighted and saw Lubor''s tragic state.

 Chapter 1386

    "Edon! Edon! Save me!" Lubor cried out as he threw himself to his brother, thrilled as if finding salvation while pointing a trembling finger at Frank. "H-He took my legs! I want revenge right now... Kill him, no, I want him cut into little pieces very slowly! He will wish he was dead!"

    Edon did not acknowledge Lubor''s ravings, while all the Favoni martial artists who alighted behind him were outraged and ring furiously at Frank.

    "Frank Lawrence! How dare you hurt Master Lubor!"

    "Yeah! You''re not getting away in one piece now!"

    "The Favoni n will not tolerate this!"

    It seemed that Chet had only sent them to stop Lubor without telling them that Frank was much superior to them.

    Still, even if they were, they would probably still hold Frank in contempt since they had never seen what Frank was capable of.

    At the same time, Lubor was urging Edon loudly, "What are you spacing out for, brother? Avenge me! Avenge me! Take him down,\ now!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The Favoni martial artists turned to Edon and urged him too, saying, "Yeah, just give us the order, Master Edon! We will cut that brat into pieces at your orders and avenge Master Jaden and Master Lubor!"

    Edon remained silent despite their urging, even pushing Lubor aside and striding past the Favoni martial artists.

    Then, as they all looked on in shock, he walked up to Frank and fell to his knees with a thud!

    In fact, he put his hands on the ground and kowtowed somberly to Frank nine times!

    As he did, he eximed, "Mr.

    Lawrence! The Favonis have been ignorant and did not see who you really are beg for your forgiveness for our many transgressions against you, including from myself, for speaking so rudely to you many times!"

    "What?!"

    Forget Lubor even the hundreds of the elite Favoni martial artists behind Edon were all left staring in shock and disbelief. "Favonis apprentices! Heed my order!"

    On the other hand, Edon did not wait

    for Frank to say anything. He wheeled on the Favoni martial

    artists who were staring nkly

    kowtow to Mr. Lawrence right not

    him and bellowed, "All of you,

    Pelet

    Do it until he forgives us for our disrespect and mistrust! Do it right

    now!"

    At Edon''s call, the Favoni martial artists went down on their knees despite their confusion and kowtowed to Frank.

    They simply could not

    understand they were the top dogs

    of Norsedam and had a ce

    among the dynasties of the East

    Coast, so why were they kowtowing and apologizing to such an insolent youth?!

    Naturally, shock appeared all over Lubor''s face as he looked on.

    He crazily tugged on the Favoni martial artists around him, shrieking, "Who told you to kneel?! Get up! Don''t kneel! Get up, all of you!"

    Then, doing all he could to crawl to Edon, Lubor tugged on his clothes and demanded, "Edon! Why are we kowtowing to some brat from Zamri?! Why?!" "Because he''s someone beyond us!"

    Edon looked around, his furious response an answer to everyone''s confusion. "Anyone who insults Mr. Lawrence and those around him will be executed summarily!" The menacing deration left Lubor despairing, and he fell to the ground with a thud, unable to get up again.

 Chapter 1387

    Still, astonishment appeared on Lubor''s face as he came to a realization. "Edon... Is Chet reneging on the deal? Is he bent on turning against Hundred Bane Sect?! Then Jaden is definitely going to die!" The fact that Lubor mentioned Jaden only left Edon incensed, and he wheeled on Lubor, pping him viciously across the face!

    "You bastard!" he bellowed. "That cheek of yours to mention Jaden! None of this would''ve happened if you didn''t poison him a second time!"

    "W-What?! How did you find out?!"

    Lubor was dumbfounded even as he pushed himself off the ground. How could they know?! He knew he had covered his tracks perfectly!

    "So it really was you!"

    Edon merely spoke without proof and was actually surprised that Lubor admitted to it himself.

    That only further proved that Frank was a miracle healer!

    Laughing despite himself as Lubor''s heinous nature was exposed, he turned toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, what are we going to do with this one?"

    As Edon was clearly leaving Lubor''s fate in Frank''s hands, Frank finally spoke quietly, "I''ve sealed his arteries. Hang him at the gates of Favoni House and wait for my return-I''m taking a trip to Norsedam City."N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    With that, he turned to leave, not bothered that the Favonis were still on their knees.

    That left Edon at a loss, but he soon saw the trail of blood along Frank''s feet and shuddered unwittingly.

    As Chet said, Frank really was someone they could not afford to insult.

    He was a prodigy in martial arts and medicine, and that meant he could kill you whenever he wanted-or deny you death if he wished.

    The sheer torment one would suffer...

    Edon felt a chill shooting from his soles all the way to his scalp.

    "Master Edon..."

    One of the Favoni martial artists walked up and pped Edon on the shoulder, jolting him to his senses.

    "We''re going back." Edon waved and turned toward a pale-faced Lubor in disdain.

    So the reason Lubor crawled for so long but was still alive was because Frank stopped him from dying.

    "Master Edon...?"

    "Do I have to tell you what to do?!" Edon shot the Favoni martial artist who asked a vicious re. "Oh, right, of course!"

    The Favoni martial artists smiled and nodded. "We will hide Master Lubor somece secure, and when Frank Lawrence returns, we will tell him that Master Lubor killed himself..."

    "Shit!"

    Edon was sweating just from the idea and wheeled on the Favoni martirtist, pping him across the face. "You do exactly as Mr. Lawrence says!" ¨¦n.swnovels

    "W-What?!"

    The Favoni martial artist was dumbfounded-was there a reason for Edon to be that ruthless with his own brother?

    "What would you know?"

    Edon looked around and sighed as he could see that the other Favoni martial artists had no idea. "Mr.

    Lawrence is not an enemy our family can afford to have. If we really anger

    him..."

    Shuddering, Edon looked up to the skies and sighed. "The Favonis would be wiped off the face of the earth."

    "What?!"

    "No way!"

    The Favoni martial artists were all clearly dissatisfied and questioned Edon right then.

    "Chet even said..."

    Seeing that they were skeptical, Edon quoted what Chet had told him earlier that Frank Lawrence could kill him in ten strikes.

 Chapter 1388

    Name-dropping Chet proved very effective, as terror quickly showed on the faces of the Favoni martial artists.

    They knew very well what the head of the family was like, and if Chet would say something like that, Frank was far more powerful than what they imagined. Considering how they were circling around Frank and challenging him so childishly, many of them were sweating all over their brow.

    "Go. We''re taking Lubor back to Favoni House," Edon said.

    "Yes, sir."

    The Favoni martial artists finally gave in as they realized what Frank really meant to their n.

    Meanwhile, Frank could not care less about what the Favoni martial artists thought, as Silverbell was his only concern. "Are you alright?" Silverbell only appeared troubled that Frank came back for her. "Aren''t you upset with me for stealing Helen and Vicky''s spiritron vein?"

    "What are you saying?"

    Frank chuckled, speaking softly as he gathered her in his arms. "Did you think I wouldn''t know what you''re thinking? You were creating a diversion to keep me safe from the champions of Draconiaing after the spiritron vein. At the moment, I don''t have the strength to hold on to it, and overreaching would only paint a target on our heads."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Even as she felt his warm touch and picked up hisforting scent, Silverbell could not stop her tears.

    She did not even shed a teardrop when Lubor was ready to force himself on her, but she was crying now...

    "I was so scared, Frank..."

    "It''s alright," Frank said, patting her on the back tofort her. "I''m here now. I won''t let something like this happen to you again."

    "Yeah..."

    Silverbell nodded despite her pain and pulled away, painstakingly pointing at her own chest. "I have something for you."

    "Eh?"

    Frank nced at the inconspicuous ne over Silverbell''s chest with a white nail-sized bone attached.

    It looked like a bone from some animal, and it was hidden so well that Frank would never have noticed it if Silverbell never pointed it out. "What''s that...?" he murmured.

    Silverbell looked up just then,

    appearing at once troubled and

    delighted. "It''s the spiritron v

    Kept it, and almost died

    trying."

    "The spiritron vein?"

    Frank felt as if a scorpion just stung him-having the spiritron vein was no different from carrying a time bomb!

    As if sensing his misgivings, a sly smile showed on Silverbell''s pale face. "Kswitched the spiritron vein with a fake... This is the real one, and I lost all my men because of that." en.swhovels

    Smiling at Frank, she then murmured, "Take it."

    "What?"

    Frank was left staring at her awkwardly at her request, since he would have to reach under her clothes...

    "Pfft..."

    Silverbell giggled when she saw his embarrassment. "Back at Sage Lake Sect, didn''t you already-" Silverbell stopped herself abruptly, and she could feel her cheeks burning from exposing herself. "Sage Lake Sect?!"

    Frank almost jumped.

    They met for the first time in many years back then, and to cure her poisoning, Frank had to...

    And she knew?!

    Noticing his shock and

    embarrassment, Silverbell leaned on Frank as she murmured softly,I''m already yours, Frank... That''s why it''s fine."

 Chapter 1389

    Frank was driving Lubor''s luxury sedan, and the surprise of finding out that Silverbell remembered what had happened at Sage Lake Sect left him utterly embarrassed.

    Silverbell remained silent as she rode shotgun, smiling faintly and nonchntly as she twirled her hair around her finger.

    "I know you love Helen and Vicky-I can see that much," she said softly. "That''s why I have no intention of getting involved from the start. I''ve also tried to keep myself preupied with Martial Alliance business so that I don''t have time for silly thoughts, but every time I see you..."

    She trailed off, lowering her head as she murmured, "My mind would always be a mess, even after I painstakinglyposed myself.

    "But don''t worry, Frank. I''ll do my best to stay away, so you don''t have to worry, but you must be more careful from now on.

    "The powers that be in Draconia exist in a convoluted mess, and a single mistake leads to hell. Even if you''re strong enough, there''s just too many of them..."

    Frank listened as Silverbell continued at length about anything and everything, feeling a mess of emotions.

    She was younger than her, but she showed more maturity and experience in the face of crisis.

    Reality must have done a serious number of things for her to really understand the game, especially since she was now the chief of the Martial Alliance.

    And the thought left Frank feeling exceedingly guilty.

    Cutting Silverbell short right then, he said, "You can keep the spiritron vein. You don''t have to give it to me."

    Silverbell did a double take and frowned. "But I went through great lengths to keep it. It''s all... it''s all for..."

    Trailing off, she sighed and stared at the little piece of bone she hung on the rearview mirror as she kept her thoughts to herself.

    It was all for Frank''s sake that she kept the spiritron vein. She knew he always lived burdened by his own rage, his vow to avenge his mother, as well as the desire to find out what happened to Mystic Sky Sect. But how was he going to do that without power?

    And the spiritron vein was the best path to power...

    On the other hand, while Frank had no idea what Silverbelll was thinking, he knew what she had in mind.

    He also remembered what Fenton told him over the phone: "Everything Silverbell does is for your sake. Don''t let her down now."

    "Don''t let her down..."

    Frank thought about it before looking up with a smile. "I''ve made up my mind, Silverbell."

    "Eh?" Silverbell curled up in her seat, hugging her fair legs while looking at Frank in uncertainty.

    "I won''t take the spiritron vein," Frank said just then.

    Silverbell immediately looked

    flustered just then, but Frank held up a hand to stop her, smiling. "You almost died for it, and I''ve done

    nothing to deserve it. And don''t

    think you need to improve yourself

    as the chief of the Martial Alliance too?"

    Frank turned his eyes back on the road as they arrived at Norsedam, still smiling.

    "When I get back, I''ll have Lanecorp form an alliance with the Martial Alliance..."

    Pausing, he then chuckled, "And if

    you don''t mind, Silverbell, I will

    formally announce that our

    engagement is still in effect."

    vel

    "What..."

    Silverbell was left gaping, at a loss for words. "Are you serious...?"

    "Hah! I''m not some irresponsible scumbag." Frank snorted, his cheeks flushing. "I did it, and I''ll admit to it."N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Silverbell certainly knew what Frank

    was referring to, and she blushed as

    she lowered her head, giggling blissfully. "But what if Helen and Vicky had something to say about that?" en swnovels

    "Huh..." Frank scratched his head awkwardly.

 Chapter 1390

    "Huh..." Frank scratched his head awkwardly. "But we are engaged. We can''t annul that, right?"

    "Hehe," Silverbell giggled. "Can a childish engagement be taken seriously? You''re being sly now, Frank."

    "Of course it can. I''m a man of my word!"

    Soon, Frank was driving back to Favoni House, where he gave Lubor-who was being hung at the gates-a surprise of the lifetime.

    It was the severed head of one of Hundred Bane Sect''s elders.

    And when the bleeding head was flung on the ground, Lubor actually forgot his pain as he stared at the head for a moment and shrieked, "You''re a dead man, Frank Lawrence! Murdering an elder of Hundred Bane Sect?! No one can save you now! I''ve already triggered the blood centipede as well-that bitch is going to die right now!"

    "Hmph."

    Frank was not worried at all, as Lubor was only raving and rambling because he knew he was a dead man walking.

    Lubor''s threat waspletely futile too, since Frank had already extracted the blood centipede from Silverbell''s body.

    Silverbell appeared just then, shooting Lubor the look of contempt she gave him before. "Pathetic."

    Even as Lubor despaired, Chet appeared with everyone in his n to receive Frank.

    "We''re d to have you back, Mr. Lawrence," he greeted Frank, only for Frank to kick the head of that Hundred Bane Sect elder to his feet.

    While Chet was left astonished,

    Frank said, "Let''s hope the Favoni family will serve the Martial Alliance

    loyally this time, or it''d just be a matter of time before Hundred Bane Seetes calling."

    Then, ignoring the troubled look on Chet''s face, Frank smiled faintly and led Silverbell inside Favoni House.

    "Master Lawrence." Abel Loggins was kneeling in front of Frank reverently, having regained consciousness.

    "Eh?"

    Silverbell appeared utterly surprised-was Abel not a famous healer in Morhen? When did he be Frank''s apprentice?N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Frank, however, was waving Abel off, gesturing for him to get up.

    But being old as Abel was, he was naturally quite stubborn. "No, I will stay like this. I have been an embarrassment,ing up short and needing my mentor to save my skin."

    While he learned some pill

    refinement and acupuncture

    §ï§è

    techniques from Frank, he med

    himself for failing to save Jaden Favoni and troubling Frank toe over to save him too. He had certainly embarrassed his mentor here!

    Still, Frank shook his head and sighed. "Are you trying to die sooner, kneeling in front of me at your age? Just get up¡ªI don''t me you at all."

    As Abel got up awkwardly, Frank

    told him under his breath, "I''ve

    taught my sister Winter everything in Draconian traditional medicine that a non-martial artist could learn. She''s the chief of Zamri Hospital, so you can go there and share some knowledge and experience with her. You can call me in case you have something you don''t get."

    Abel''s eyes lit up at Frank''s words. He certainly knew Frank meant to have him groom Winter, while he would get to learn much in turn. "Great!" he eximed in delight. "I will go to Zmari Hospital to see my fellow apprentice right now! If you''d excuse me, mentor..." "Fellow apprentice..." Frank pursed his lips even as he watched Abel leave eagerly.

    He really wondered what Winter would think, seeing a geezer like Abel approaching her and greeting her enthusiastically as an equal.

 Chapter 1391

    Frank did not stay too long at Favoni House.

    He waited until Silverbell recovered enough and left her with all the Ichor Pills she had, reminding her to be careful before leaving. Still, before he left, he got to enjoy watching the two Favoni sentries from before squatting at the gates and barking like dogs.

    Even Jaden was on hand to send him off, having woken up but needing a cane for the time being.

    "I''ve been told the truth of everything now. Both your magnanimity and strength is above mine..."

    Disappointment showed on his face, and his cheeks were pale and his eyes bloodshot-Frank could not tell if it was from the psychological blow or his drained vigor after staying unconscious for over a month. "You''re the first person I earnestly respect, and not even the Demon of Volsung Sect gets that honor. When I recover, I will definitely visit and ask for your guidance."

    Jaden proved right then that he could lose with dignity.

    After all, he did not think that the rival he belittled and ndered would put the past behind them to save him.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Even if the chief of the Martial Alliance had a part to y, there was still no doubt that the Favoni n had been spared destruction because Frank stepped up.

    And now, knowing that Frank was not someone they could mess with, he and the rest of his family were on hand to see him off.

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence." Ste Favoni was there too.

    At the same time, she nudged her younger sister Chelly, who hung her head awkwardly after spacing out for a moment.

    After all, she was strongly prejudiced against Frank even among the Favonis and had hidden in her room, afraid to show her face when she was told that Frank came.

    Still, knowing that she could not hide as everyone was there to see off Frank, she kept her head lowered as she murmured, "I''m sorry for the misunderstandings, Mr. Lawrence..." "That''s enough."

    Frank frowned, not keen for the

    Favonis'' grand reception but appreciating Jaden''s attitude nheless. "You are gifted, and if you''re willing,e to Zamri after you fully recover. I can take you in as my apprentice if you''re earnest and loyal."

    He meant that for Jaden specifically, and while Jaden was surprised, he did not hold back, shaking off the servant holding him up and falling to his knees. "Master Lawrence I am your faithful apprentice henceforth!"

    "Good." Frank nodded, satisfied. "I''m letting bygones be bygones since things did not get out of hand this time. I hope you will all serve the Martial Alliance loyally, especially Silverbell. Farewell." With that, he drove away with the sports car he appropriated from Lubor.

    "Farewell, master!" Jaden eximed even as he kowtowed thrice, and Frank was gone by the time he got up.

    "Hehe..."

    Silverbell watched as Frank left too.

    All her doubts were gone, and she smiled in satisfaction, touching the spiritron vein on her chest.

    Ring...

    On the way back to Zamri, Frank received a call from Mona Fairfax.

    It had been a while, and he was chuckling even as he snapped at her, "Where have you been, silly brat?"

    Mona was quite the glutton but was a fine martial artist, and Frank had her y the role of Winter''s personal bodyguard. Winter had exined that Mona left some time ago to save her grandfather, who seemed to be in trouble.

    Frank had been left speechless back then-not only did the brat not call him despite being in trouble, but she was nowhere to be found when he tried to look, and he had to be extra protective of Winter in her absence.

    Still, Mona was as cheeky as she always was, giggling. "Hehehe... Sorry about that, Master Lawrence. But I''m calling you now, aren''t I?"

 Chapter 1392

    Mona was as cheeky as she always was, giggling, "Hehehe... Sorry about that, Master Lawrence. But I''m calling you now, aren''t I?"

    Frank snorted, but he did like the lively brat. "Hmph. Quit trying to distract me, and tell me already... I take it that you couldn''t solve your little problem, could you?"

    "Oh, that''s amazing, Master Lawrence!"

    Mona giggled but soon added mischievously, "Well, you know my stupid grandpa was captured, right?"

    Frank was left blue with shock at Mona calling her own grandfather stupid, but Mona continued excitedly anyway. "Well, I looked around and finally found out where he was held, and after borate ns and preparations, I made it into the enemy''s base!"

    "And? Did you get your grandfather out?" Frank quickly asked.

    "Nope." Mona cleared her throat awkwardly, even adding as if it was natural, "And they caught me too."

    "What..."

    Frank wasughing despite himself, though that was when someone snatched Mona''s phone away.

    "Yo, are you this brat''s mentor?" It was a man, speaking with all the tone and mannerisms of a thug. "I''m telling you, we have your girl and your gramps. You know the rules right? Pay up, and we''ll let them go."

    "How much?" Frank asked.

    But he could already tell from the thug''s voice alone that he was no martial artist, so how did they manage to kidnap Aion Fairfax and Mona?

    "Five mil per head. Pay up, and you might see them again."

    "Okay." Frank agreed to it right away.

    His quick response left the thug taken aback, "Wait, shouldn''t you haggle?"

    "Why should I?"

    Frank was taken aback-who the hell is that thug? He was such an unprofessional kidnapper!

    "Shit! But don''t family members always haggle with the kidnappers in those police movies? To buy time and whatnot..."

    Frank was speechless-the thug''s IQ was no higher than Mona''s.

    That was when someone who sounded like the boss came over and barked deafeningly, "Are you fucking stupid?!"

    There was a yelp, as the thug earlier was obviously given a beating.

    "Hey, brat. You''d beste to the rundown temple in Zamri''s outskirts by nightfall, or we''re gutting your girl and your old man!" And with that, the call was disconnected.

    Frank was left narrowing his eyes as he listened to the static beeping, not

    ofOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    just because of theedic da. B

    Mona and the thug, but also the location the thug boss mentioned. en.swhovels

    The rundown temple in the outskirts of Zamri? Frank had a really bad memory of that ce.

    Just over a month ago, an elderly man with a steel mask covering half his face called to meet Frank there too.

    If Silverbell did not take the spiritron

    vein away beforehand, Frank

    really have to fight him, and it fight Frank was not sure he could win.

    swnov

    a

    And now that he was going on a trip down memoryne, he could not help getting wary just then.

    To no surprise, when he soon

    arrived outside the rundown temple

    again, he found the thugs standing guard outside... and a familiar suffocating presence.

    The elderly man with a steel mask covering half his face was right there, right now!

 Chapter 1393

    Seeing the oing ck Mercedes, a thug in a singlet quickly turned and ran inside the temple to report, "Boss, he''s here!"

    "Shit, so that''s why he''s not haggling-he''s filthy rich!"

    There were over a dozen thugs, but they were the least important thugs there ever were. Even the boss was only in his twenties, and his hair was dyed in a variety of colors.

    As Frank alighted and was heading towards them, he raised his metal bat and pointed at Frank pompously. "Stop right there! Not one step closer!"

    "Okay, okay..."

    Frank threw up his hands and surrendered while subtly looking around for the elderly man with a steel mask covering half his face.

    "Where''s the money?"

    The thug boss frowned as he studied Frank just then.

    "There''s no briefcase in the car, boss!"

    A thug had rushed over to rummage through the ck Mercedes and did not find any briefcase containing money.

    "Shit, you''re fucking with us?!"

    The thug boss was at once furious, raising his baseball bat and ready to enforce violence.

    Still, Frank could tell by then that every thug present was within sight, while Aion and Mona were left unattended in the temple.

    How unprofessional...

    With that thought, he punched away the thug boss''s metal bat, leaving it dented by his knuckles.

    As the thugs looked on, dumbstruck, Frank sneered as he strode up and dislocated the thug boss''s wrist, leaving the man screaming like a gutted pig and weating buckets. "Shit! How dare you fuck with the boss?!''

    The other thugs were scared but lunged at Frank anyway, ready to beat him up... but they were really far beneath him.

    And he would at least have been

    wary if they had someone watching Aion and Mona, but they were irregrs, not even bothered to

    watch their hostages.

    early

    As such, Frank stood where he was, swinging his palm and dislocating the shoulders of the dozen thugs.

    They all dropped to the floor screaming, powerless and helpless.

    "Honestly..."

    Frank shook his head.

    Why were these thugs even here? For augh?

    Forget looking for a briefcase containing money-they did not even know enough to guard their hostages!

    The whole thing was just ridiculous!

    Nheless, it was after Frank

    the rundown temple t

    why the thugs were not

    keeping watch over their hostages.

    When he found Mona, smiling awkwardly at him, he also found a familiar face seated meditatively beside her.

    It was the elderly man with a steelContent property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    mask covering half his face, hiding

    his presence to elude Frank''s dinget

    senses.

    As he slowly looked up, he asked, "You have the spiritron vein, don''t you, kid?"

    "What?"

    Frank was taken aback, as sweat seeped out over his brow.

    Thank goodness he did not take the spiritron vein from Silverbell!

    That elder was waiting right here, prepared to take it from him!

    "Wait, you don''t have it?"

    Still, surprise showed on the elder''s face after he narrowed his eyes and studied Frank.

    His fingers danced as he made a divination, and he eventually frowned.

 Chapter 1394

    "I made a mistake?! Impossible!" The elderly man with a steel mask covering half his face eximed in shock.

    At the same time, a hint of impatience showed on Frank''s face. "Sir, didn''t I already give up on the spiritron vein a month ago? Was that the reason why you kidnapped my people to lure me here again?" "Your people?"

    The elder snorted and snapped quietly, "They are members of Haply Hall. Whenever did they be your people?"

    "That''s bullshit, Great Gramps!"

    Mona yelled despite being tied up, "I told you before I''m leaving Haply Hall! I''m no longer a part of your cabal!" "Hmph!" The elder snorted. "Did you think that Haply Hall is a ce you cane and go as you please?"

    "Yes! Bleh!" Mona retorted, even sticking her tongue out at him.

    The air around the elder stirred restlessly, and Frank could actually see him blinking.

    "Oh, Grand Elder, you shouldn''t stoop to the brat''s level."

    Aion smiled awkwardly before turning toward Frank. "Uh... Long time no see, kid."

    "What is thisedic routine for, really?" Frank sighed, rubbing his temples.

    Aion promptly rambled, "Hehe... So you see, kid, we heard that a spiritron vein fell into your hands, and we at Haply Hall were the first to know. That''s why, to protect you-" Frank frowned. "Stop being condescending. I''m not a child."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Huh..."

    Aion nced awkwardly at the elder, clearing his throat before saying shortly, "Yeah, Haply Hall wants the spiritron vein too. That''s about it."

    "That geezer is a real seer, Master Lawrence!"

    Mona eximed right then, while wiggling all over the floor like a caterpir. He foresaw when the spiritron vein would be uncovered and that it would fall into your hands

    That''s why he kidnapped

    Madam Zims and Mr. Yego beforehand, so that he can take it from you!"

    "Brat!"

    The steel-masked elder shot a vicious re at Mona. "Just look at the child you raised, Aion!"

    "Huh?" Aion did a double take-how did this end up his fault?!

    "As for you, kid..."

    The steel-masked elder eventually turned to Frank. "You may not have a spiritron vein, but its fortunes revolve around you. And though can''t put a finger on it, I can see that

    there''s something different about you."

    Then, pointing at Mona, he added, "That brat is really unseemly, but she will be the next chief of Haply Hall. If you want to live, you must think about multiplying in the name of our fraternity. Do you understand?"

    Frank was left utterly bbergasted by the elder''s words.

    He turned toward Mona and then Aion, both of whom were equally dumbstruck.

    "Objection!"

    Mona snapped as soon as she came to her senses. "As the next chief of Haply Hall, I refuse to have my marriage arranged!"

    "I second that!" Frank joined in, frowning-the brat was just some freeloader, and he had no other thoughts about him!

    "Overruled!"

    The steel-masked elderughed coolly. "You have a year. If you two don''t produce a progeny by then... Hah!"

    With that, the steel-masked elder turned to leave, leaving Frank standing there, speechless.

    He could hear the threat in the man''s tone and could see that he clearly had no choice in the matter which pained him greatly.

    "Get back here, geezer! Geezer!!!"

    On the other hand, Mona was yelling at the top of her lungs, "I''m ordering you to get back here, or I will pry open your casket even after you croak, you hear me?!"

 Chapter 1395

    Obviously, no matter what insolence and insults Mona dished out, the steel-masked elder was not changing his mind.

    That left Frank in a dilemma, as the steel-masked elder was powerful.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    And judging from what Mona said, he had some divination technique that made him even more terrifying.

    Frank really did not want to get involved with the likes of that elder-what could he do, really? Even if Frank might be evenly matched against him in martial arts, that man would just move against the people around him even before he expected it.

    But was he supposed to just obey the man''s orders, and...

    Frank turned toward Mona just then, blinking.

    The brat might be ranting endlessly after the steel-masked elder, but she was also shing a sinister smile.

    Turning toward Frank, she asked tentatively to probe Frank, "Well, you heard the man... Master Lawrence, why don''t we just..."

    She almost sounded eager!

    "Stop!"

    Frank held up a hand. "Don''t worry. I''lle up with something in a year to change your great gramps'' mind."

    "Tch."

    His dense reaction left Mona rolling her eyes, since she was only protesting against the arranged marriage-not him.

    If anything, she was actually looking forward to it.

    "Alright, I''m going now. You guys help yourself," Frank said, eager to leave right then.

    Mona was left gaping. "Hey! At least free us! How irresponsible could you get?!"

    "I..."

    Frank almost cked out from frustration but turned back in exasperation.

    "Hehe... Thank you." Aion nodded at Frank after he was freed before whispering into his ear, "Now, don''t underestimate the silly brat. I can admit that she''s a little nutty at

    times, but she holds the great

    potential that Haply Hall has seen for centuries. Her ability in geomantics is starting to show, and

    you won''t regret marrying her."

    With those words, Aion pped Frank on the shoulder,ughing as he left.

    Frank was blue with shock and was left staring at Mona on the floor, still bound.

    "Uh, when is this staring contest ending?"

    Mona pouted, just as her stomach growled audibly. "It''s been days sincest ate, but I promise to beat

    up my great gramps once I eat. I

    won''t be a burden."

    "That''s enough already, kiddo." Frank chuckled exasperatedly and patted her head.

    There was just so much information to digest, and he was still left stunned.

    Moreover, he had heard of geomantics back at Mystic Sky Sect.

    It was abination of Draconian traditional divination arts and geomancy, and masters of geomantics were all formidable individuals.

    And this silly brat might be a grandmaster of that discipline?!

    Mona winked at Frank just then. "Oh, Master Lawrence, patting my head like that... Made up your mind already?" "Urgh..."

    Frank withdrew his hand as if

    burned, but he smiled in wry amusement. "Don''t mention that ever again. And let''s get you some food now."

    "Alright!" Mona''s eyes lit up instantly at the mention of food, unable to care about anything else right then.

 Chapter 1396

    -

    Frank could not help sighing as he watched Mona-did she really have the potential to seed at geomantics?

    "Oh, it''s killing me. Those two geezers are so despicable! I swear I will dig them out of their graves after they die and dump their corpses down the drain..."

    Even Frank and a hangry Mona left the rundown temple, they saw that the two geezers had left in the car Frank brought.

    While Mona was stamping her feet and cursing out loud, Frank sighed exasperatedly and had to walk with her to Zamri.

    The journey took them half a day, and by the time they reached a dealership, the journey left them filthy from head to toe.

    Meanwhile, in said dealership, a middle-aged man was seated in a sandsted ss room, pointing at a sales girl''s face as he bellowed, "Your sales figures are in the red again, Lydia Kinley! Quit ying chaste maiden, or you can leave! I don''t want you here ever again!"

    Lydia in turnined miserably, "I don''t get it, Mr. Swain! Why do I have to prostitute myself just to sell cars?!"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    "Hehe..."

    A woman wearing thick makeup sitting on a nearby couch and appearing busy painting her nails giggled coolly.

    "Some people really overestimate their worth," she quipped. "ude Dresden had his eyes on that car earlier, and all she had to do was smile and spend the night with him, and that''s several hundred grand in the bag. But what did she do? She pped and snapped at him, and poof went the biggest sale we could have had this month. Tut, tut..."

    Jane Liston was clearly jealous and also throwing fuel to fire.

    "Really? That actually happened?"

    Bode Swain was furious and mmed his hand on his desk, leaving Lydia flinching.

    "I... You... Urgh!!!"

    Bode strode up to Lydia, walking circles around Lydia before

    eximing in disappointment, "What do I ever say about you now?! Could you stop thinking that you''re

    special? Everyone''s done it, so just let loose!"

    "Like this..."

    Even as Lydia screamed and struggled, Bode reached out and unbuttoned her blouse, baring her, cleavage. "What''s the problem this? You''re a woman and working in

    retail, so y to you to th

    it?

    Get

    "No, I don''t!" Lydia was crying as she ran out, clutching her blouse.

    "Hey, what''s going on here? Who bullied our dear Lydia now?"

    A goofyugh could be heard outside the ss room.

    While Bode was caught by surprise, Jane''s eyes lit up and hurried outside. "Oh, and I wondered whose regal voice it would be. So it''s you, Mr. Dresden!"

    It was the most apparent ttery,

    but ude appeared oblivious, catching Lydia by the wrist and chuckling. "Come on. Tell me, Lydia-who bullied you? I''ll punish them."

    "Please just let me go. I''ve made up my mind... I''m resigning," Lydia pleaded even as she struggled to free herself from ude''s grip. "Really?"

    ude glowered right then. "What, do you think I don''t deserve you? Are you spurning my kindness, Lydia?"

    "Oh, that''s not it, Mr. Dresden!" Bode hurried up to them to calm things down.

 Chapter 1397

    Even as Bode spoke, he was winking repeatedly at Lydia. "Everyone knows that ude Dresden is the king of West Zamri. No one would ever disrespect you¡ª"

    "Fuck off!"

    ude kicked Bode away right then and pped Lydia violently across the face.

    Even as Lydia screamed and dropped limply to the floor, clutching her cheek, ude spat on the floor.

    "Fuck..." he growled coolly, his face contorted with rage as he grabbed Lydia by the hair. "I''m a customer! And I bought million dor cars! Yourmission would be worth tens of thousands, if not more, right?! And you''re telling me that''s not worth your first time?!

    "I thought you were just ying hard to get, but you''re mming uppletely! What''s your problem? And you know what? I will send my boys to Zamri Hospital right now and drag your father out of his ward! You''d better believe it!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Lydia''s face turned pale, and she kept pleading repeatedly, "No... No! Please, don''t do this!"

    He did not think that ude would go so far as to investigate her family, even finding out that her father was hospitalized after a serious injury.

    It was her measly sry that was keeping her father alive, and she had yet to enough to pay the hospital next week.

    If her father was thrown out, he would definitely die.

    There was no way Lydia would abandon him, as he had single-handedly raised her after her mother left.

    "Do you get it now?!" ude snapped, throwing a room card at her face. "If you do,e to my room at Grand Coast Hotel tonight, clean up, and wait! Otherwise, your father is a dead man, you hear?!"

    Bode was soon on his face, smiling as he asked, "M-Mr. Dresden? About that car you were interested in before..."

    "That depends if she makes me feel good tonight. I''ll buy it in cash tomorrow if she does, but if not..."

    ude trailed off, snorting coldly.

    Jane and Bode promptly leapt into action.

    "You heard him, Lydia! That''s yourst chance, so take it!"

    "Exactly! There''s so many other girls who want to sleep with ude! He''s the heir of the Dresden family, y''know!"

    Lydia hung her head as she listened

    to her supervisor and colleague harangue her. Eventually and after some thought, she picked up the room card from the floor with shaking fingers.

    "Hmph. I guess you understand." ude snorted coldly.

    Meanwhile, Frank and Mona, covered from head to toe in dirt, strode into the elegant dealership just then.

    Jane spotted them and promptly stopped them.

    "Hey, hey, hey! Stop right there! You''re not wee here!" Jane snapped at them, venting her jealousy toward Lydia at Frank and Mona.

    Pointing at the distance, she

    shouted, "This is a dealership for

    luxury cars, not some ce for bumpkin''s like you! Now, leave! Security! Where''s security?! Are you paid to do nothing?! Can''t you see that there are two savages here?!"

    Hearing Jane''s rant, the two security guards who wereughing in the distance over their poker game promptly put on their caps and jogged toward them.

 Chapter 1398

    Hearing Jane''s rant, the two security guards who wereughing in the distance over their poker game promptly put on their caps and jogged toward her, Frank, and Mona. "Ahem... Sorry about that, Ms. Liston."

    They smiled awkwardly at Jane before wheeling on Frank and Mona.

    Suddenly, their expressions were haughty and contemptible.

    "Where did youe from, bumpkins?! Get out of here we just cleaned the floor, so don''t dirty it!"

    "Shoo, shoo!"

    Even as the two security guards were busy driving them away, Mona was gulping as she stared at the snacks on the table.

    Turning toward Frank miserably, she groaned, "I''m hungry, Master Lawrence..."

    The two security guardsughed right then.

    What beggars would go to a luxury car dealership to beg for food?

    Did they not see the cars on disy before deciding if they were allowed to set foot in here?

    Frank was in turn scowling as he demanded, "We''re customers here to buy a car. Why are you chasing us away?"

    He could understand that he looked bad after trekking down the hills to return to the city, but they were not even letting them in?! "Buy a car?"

    The two security guards traded nces but soonughed.

    "Come on, man..."

    One of them poked Frank in the chest with his stun baton before pointing at the car in the middle of the bright, clean showroom. "That''s a Bugatti Veyron. Have you heard of it? Nope, I guess not. The point is, I know it''s right there, but do you know how much it''s worth? Thirty million dors for the top model! Do you even understand how much money that is?"

    The security guard was convinced that Frank was just a bumpkin, emphasizing on the number when he and his colleague''s sriesbined were worth less than four grand a month. They were no more than guard dogs, getting delusional that they were important just because what they were guarding was important.

    They did not understand that they were still dogs and could be reced at any moment.

    "What, are you belittling me now?" Frank''s tone turned hostile.

    He was not in a good mood and was not interested in wasting his breath with these security guards.

    In the distance, Jane was gloweringN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    when she saw that the two bodyguards never chased Frank and Mona away. "What?! You haven''t thrown them out yet?! Get them out of here, or you''d be ruining our reputation!"

    The security guardughed just then. "Wait, Jane-get a load of this. They''re saying they''re here to buy a car. It''s hrious!"

    Jane turned to look at Frank but was

    soon rolling her eyes and snorting. "These two beggars buying a car? More like a donkey cart! Just leave already! Beat them up if they still refuse!"

    The two security guards shrugged, sneering and mocking Frank endlessly. "You heard her. It''s not like we''re stopping you-she doesn''t want you buying anything here." "Bullshit!" Jane snapped at them. "Every car in here is worth millions. They wouldn''t see that much money in their lifetime."

    "Come on, we''re just a little bored and ying with them."

    Frank glowered in turn and punched the door deafeningly.

    As everyone turned to him, he snapped, "You arrogant pricks! I''m buying this car right now, you hear me?! And I''m paying for it in full!"

 Chapter 1399

    After a moment of silence, rowdyughter soon ensued.

    And when she was doneughing, Jane glowered. "Do you even know what you are buying?! It''s a Bugatti Veyron, and it''s the only one we have in this dealership. It''s worth over thirty million dors! Are you sure you have that much money? Obviously not-you''re just here to cause us trouble!"

    Then, turning to the two security guards, she said, "Get these tramps out of here already!"

    "Yes, ma''am!"

    The two security guards nodded, knowing that they had their fun.

    They had an important customer inside, and it was bad for them if he was affected.

    Pressing the button on their stun batons and triggering sparks, they threatened Frank. "You heard thedy. Get out, or we''d have to make you."

    Meanwhile, Mona was still staring at the packets of potato chips on the table and gulping endlessly. "I''m very hungry, Master Lawrence."

    It had been days since shest ate, and her eyes were red.

    On the other hand, Frank was scowling coldly, seeing that Jane and the two security guards refused to listen.

    He checked the sign outside the dealership beforeing in, and this business was owned by Gene Pearce as a subsidiary of Pearce Group.

    That was why he strode in fearlessly-he did not have money, but he had a gold card Gene gave him.

    The gold card was basically a nk check that waived any purchases, as long as it was a business under Pearce Group.

    As such, even a Bugatti Veyron was not an issue... though Frank could afford hundreds with his own money anyway.

    On the other hand, the employees at this dealership denied him entry just because of his appearance, their disrespect and arrogance evident.

    Just as Frank was about to whip out his gold card and reveal his identity, a blond man grinning in disdain came over, chuckling after just a look at Frank. "Where did this beggare from? Coming all the way here to beg for alms?"

    Naturally, the blond man was none other than ude, and he shot Frank and Mona a look of disdain while scoffing. "Get out of here, you hear? Urgh, what a killjoy... You''ve really degraded the prestige of this ce just being here."

    "Haha... Apologies for causing you such

    was bowing in apology,

    gesturing at the two shit Bodel

    Jess, Mr. Dresden..."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    guards.

    Both men caught their cue right then-they were to remove Frank from the premises no matter what it took.

    "Well, you had your chance!"

    The two security guards were at

    once savage after receiving their et

    orders, and activated their stun

    batons as they shoved it on Frank''s

    §Ú§Þ

    chest.

    Cackle!

    Electric current sparked audibly.

    But even as the two security guards smiled savagely, Frank remained standing.

    Forget passing out he did not even bat an eye!

    "Huh?!"

    The two security guards'' smiles stiffened, and they immediately suspected that their stun batons were broken.

    But Frank soon demonstrated otherwise-snatching both stun batons, he shoved the batons back at the two security guards.

    They yelped and spasmed before dropping to the floor, their eyes rolling up their sockets while their tongues poked out. "Hmph."

    Frank snorted as he threw aside the stun baton and strode into the dealership. "Fucking mooks!"

    Bode saw everything that happened, and thought that the two security guards were so ipetent that they did not turn on the stun baton when they struck Frank.

    He strode up, ready to drive away Frank himself, when Lydia gasped.

 Chapter 1400

    "Hmm?"

    Frank noticed Lydia just then too, as her face lit up with delight. "Y-You''re..."

    "What are you doing here? Don''t you work in Riverton?" Frank asked, since she was the salesgirl who filed the paperwork when he bought his Maybach before.

    It must be fate to meet her here in Zamri too!

    Wiping away her tears, Lydia forced a smile. "Hehe... I was working in Riverton, Mr. Lawrence, but thepany transferred me here after you bought that Maybach." "Master Lawrence, can I eat those?" Mona asked with a scowl, clutching her stomach.

    "Oh, right! Of course!" Lydia hurried over, opening both packs of potato chips and passing them to Mona.

    Mona quickly grabbed the chips by the handfuls, shoving them into her mouth, and she was so busy chewing that she did not even have time to thank Lydia.

    Seeing that she was really making a mess, Lydia quickly brought her a ss of water. "Here, have a drink. Don''t choke."

    "T-Thank you!"

    Mona finally spared time to thank Lydia, chugging the ss of water instantly.

    Frank calmed down in turn thanks to Lydia''s hospitality.

    ude strode up to them, putting a hand on Lydia''s shoulder while ring at Mona and Frank in contempt. "Who are these beggars? Don''t tell me they''re your friends?!"

    "They''re..."

    Lydia paused before forcing a smile. "They are my clients, Mr. Dresden. I was an agent assisting his purchase before."

    "Really?" ude asked in curiosity. "And what car did he buy?"

    "A Maybach," Lydia replied and turned to smile at Frank. "Does the car still suit your needs now, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Oh, uh..." Frank rubbed his nose awkwardly. "It broke."

    "It broke?"

    Lydia was taken aback and frowned. "Well, you can return it to the dealership where you bought it. They provide repair services, and I remember that your car was insured-"

    "Nah, there''s no saving it." Frank chuckled awkwardly. "That''s why I came here today to buy a new one."

    Lydia pursed her lips. "T-That''s too

    wasteful, Mr. Lawrence. The manufacturing costs of Maybachs are quite high, and you really should consider repairing it¡ª"

    "Stop that nonsense, Lydia!"

    Bode was close enough to hear everything and finally realized that Frank was a big shot!

    It was hardly surprising why Frank was so unhappy too-he had bought a Maybach with Lydia, only for them to judge him by his appearance and mistreat him! "Go, Jane! Make some tea!"

    Bode hurried to Frank eagerly, while shoving Lydia a way and snapping, "Mr. Lawrence is buying a car! You''re not here to tell him what to do!"

    Then, rubbing his hands as he

    turned back to Frank, he beamed. "Mr. Lawrence, cars are just like clothes you change them once it gets old! Even if you patch up the holes, others can see it and would think less of you for it. Don''t you agree?" N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

 Chapter 1401

    Frank scowled at the fawning Bode, snorting coldly.

    "I want thisdy as my agent," he said, pointing at Lydia. "Everyone else can stay away."

    "Oh..."

    While Bode was taken aback that all his sycophancy fell on deaf ears, he remained unfettered.

    They handle plenty of bigwigs in this line of business, and they would usually prove entric or bad-tempered.

    Still, they would not upset them for the sake of sales-in fact, Bode was still smiling even as Frank chased him away, "Sure, of course. Since you and Lydia are already acquainted, she will be ideal to assist you."

    Then, he shot Lydia a look, who nodded in acknowledgement.

    Having received Frank as a client before, she knew that he was countless times more reliable than ude.

    Still, before she could reach Frank, ude, who had been standing aside and studying Frank suddenly strode up between her and Frank.

    "Hey, kid... tell me, is there something going on between you and Lydia?" he demanded.

    Everyone in the room was left dumbfounded, aside from Mona, who was still wolfing down potato chips.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?!" Lydia frowned.

    She never even had a boyfriend ever since she graduated college and had always stayed on her best behavior.

    In fact, she only gave in because ude was threatening her father, and what ude said was clearly an insult!

    "Come on, kid. Your acting is just so lousy."

    ude str?de up, looking Frank from head to toe, even flicking his cor in disdain as he clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Why don''t you put on better clothes before you try to y the sympathy card?"

    "y the sympathy card?"

    Bode was taken aback. "What are you talking about, Mr. Dresden?"

    "Yeah. Don''t keep us on tenterhooks," Jane said, putting down the tea she just brought.

    "Hmph."

    ude calmly took the tea and had a sip before saying quietly, "He''s obviously Lydia''s simp."

    "What?!" Bode and Jane were both left stunned.

    Lydia was left staring at Frank nkly too-whenever did she get a simp?

    Also, how could Frank be a simp when he could afford two Maybachs at once?!

    While Lydia believed she had the

    looks and stood out in a crowd, was not

    at the level where bigwigs

    would break the bank forbishe

    At best, she had a slight advantage as her good looks were more natural But even now, she could see that the girl beside Frank right now was prettier once she cleaned herself up.

    While she did have admirers, many presumed that she had loose morals when they found out about her job and gave up.

    There were also the rich kids or sleazy geezers, though she was naturally not interested in them.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Naturally, they were not interested either and just wanted some fun at most.

    Lydia knew all of that, but there was nothing she could do about it either.

 Chapter 1402

    While Lydia was left spacing out, ude walked up, putting a hand around her waist while grinning at Frank. "I''ve seen many idiots like you trying to act like the hero, swooping in to save a beauty. Did you think you and Lydia''s double act could trick me or anyone around here? Hah! Save your breath!"

    "Double act?!"

    Bode was left hesitant, but after looking at Frank''s tattered clothes, he came to his senses and was instantly furious from being tricked!

    "How dare you! You were tricking me, and you have the balls to snap at me?!" he bellowed.

    In the end, Frank was not someone who bought a Maybach. He was just Lydia''s simp, and he came not to buy a car, but to save Lydia from ude.

    Buying a Maybach?! The likes of him?!

    Nearby, Jane''s face fell in humiliation as she realized she had been tricked too.

    Just then, ude smirked as he continued, "You really know how to talk big, brat! Bullshiting with giving up on a million-dor Maybach just because it broke? Buying a new car instead of getting it repaired?! And now you''re buying a Veyron?! Even my dad can''t afford it!

    "And you lied without ever blinking an eye-I have to give it to you that you have talent for acting. Hell, I almost fell for it!"

    ude actually felt his gut gnawing even as he prattled on, since there was no way he could afford a Veyron either.

    Still, he presumed from Frank''s clothes that he was no rich kid, let alone a business executive.

    As such, there was only one possibility-Frank came for Lydia.

    ude believed Lydia must have called her earlier to bail her out, which led to this.

    If anything, ude''s theory was

    wless it would take someone et

    ungodly rich to give up on a Maybach on a whim, and then

    limited sports car soon after.

    buy a

    And was there any rich kid of this caliber in Zamri? Evidently not.

    Bode realized that too, especially since he had the photos and phone numbers of every rich and powerful individual in Zamri, and Frank was not among them.

    As everything lined up with ude''s theory, Bode abandoned all pretext, whipped out his phone, and dialed a number.

    "Bring all your man, Quill!" he barked. "We have a turd in the punch bowl!!"

    Once he hung up, he wheeled on Frank with a savage re as he growled, "You''re a dead man now! How dare you fuck with me... You really should''ve asked around to find out who I am first!"

    "Fuck!"

    Jane in turn sshed the boiling tea at Lydia, shrieking, "You bitch! How dare you spurn Mr. Dresden and put up some stupid act with your simp!"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Then, she lunged at Lydia, tearing at her hair and face while screaming, "Acting like a chaste maiden, huh?! Let me tear your face into pieces right now-let''s see how you can keep doing it now!"

    ude simply stood by, looking on in amusement and showing no intention to intervene.

 Chapter 1403

    "No..."

    Lydia was clutching her head even as Jane stomped on her and kicked her viciously in the stomach.

    All Lydia could do was cry in frustration, not even understanding how things turned out like this.

    Frank looked on, his re icy.

    "Stop," he growled, but Jane was not showing any sign of stopping.

    Frank strode up right then, catching her by the wrist and snapping, "I told you to stop, you hear?!"

    "Fuck you! I still had yet to get you back for fucking with us, and you''re already messing with us again?!"

    Laughing coolly, Jane swung her other hand at Frank to p him.

    Frank was incensed right then.

    Instead of dodging, he caught Jane''s wrist and squeezed.

    There was a vague crunch of bones, and Jane dropped to the floor, her arms suddenly limp as she screamed like a gutted pig. "Fucking brat! How dare you mess up my turf!"

    Bode was incensed seeing his lover being hurt by Frank.

    Nheless, that was when arge group of goons came charging into the entrance, led by a thug sporting a mohawk.

    He was chewing on bubble gum and had a look as if he was above everyone else.

    "Which one''s the troublemaker, boss?" he asked Bode.

    "That one!" Bode bellowed furiously, pointing at Frank.

    "Alright. Let''s get to work, boys!" The goon leader beckoned at his men with his steel pipe.

    They wasted no breath andughed savagely as they surrounded Frank.

    Frank simply looked on, perfectly calm.

    Lydia came to her senses just then

    and

    The Run, Mr. Lawrence!

    are Mr. Swain''s

    goons... they are all murderers!" al

    "Run? Hah, toote!"

    Bodeughed viciously. "You will pay for ying me like a fiddle, you prick! You can afford a Veyron? Holde yourself in a fight? Why don''t you beat up all my men too?!"

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted coolly. "Against small fries like you? That''s beneath me."

    He was going to whip out the gold card that Gene gave him to reveal who he was.

    But seeing how conceited Bode was, ready to attack him, he decided to teach these people a lesson to remember. pping his hand on Mona''s shoulder, he chuckled. "Time to work."

    "Mmm..." Mona''s cheeks were stuffed with potato chips.

    Still, she nodded in acknowledgement of her mission, assuming a fighting stance as the goons closed in menacingly.

    "Come at me if you''re not afraid of dying," she said, but she was still munching so much that she was unintelligible.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The goons'' eyes lit up, seeing that they were up against a young girl.

    And she had quite the pretty face!

    The goon leader barked right then, "Remember, beat up that man, break all his bones, and feed him to the dogs! As for the gal, tie her up, clean her up... and then we''ll have some fun"

    MS

 Chapter 1404

    "Yes, boss!" The goonsughed savagely even as they charged at Mona.

    Finally munching on thest chip, Monaughed coolly. "Well, you asked for it!"

    With those words, she raised her foot into the air and brought it down on the scalp of a goon''s head... and left it dented.

    Then, sheunched a punch against a smirking goon reaching out to grab her.

    "She''s a martial-"

    Panic showed on the goon''s face, and he was sent flying even before he could finish, a knuckle print on his chest as he crashed through the ss wall nearby.

    "Shit!"

    The other goons around them were stunned by the sight-none of them expected a young girl to be that strong!

    "What, didn''t you want to have fun?"

    Monaughed coolly and lunged at the goons even as they hesitated. "Since you''re not moving, you can''t me me for this!"

    Pow!

    With an upper hook, Mona sent another screaming goon flying, his head crashing into the ceiling.

    Then, moving like a gale, she grabbed the goon leader by his mohawk and threw him.

    "Argh!!!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Arge chunk of the goon leader''s hair was ripped off, and he squealed even as he bled profusely from the scalp.

    "Watch it."

    Frank was frowning, since Mona threw that goon leader very near the Veyron he wanted to buy.

    And with a kick, Frank sent the goon leader flying like a ser ball toward the employee lounge, crashing through the ss wall and shattering it. All his ribs were left broken as he bled from his nose and mouth, while his head drooped to the side as he fainted.

    Bode, standing by the lounge, was left utterly dumbstruck.

    He really thought that Frank and Mona hade under Lydia''s request to put together a staged act... but it turned out they were martial artists!

    They could take over ten men alone.

    and were frighteningly

    powerful-especially that gluttonous girl, who took down Bode''s dozen goons within minutes.

    No goon was left standing now, and even the lightest injury they sustained were broken ribs.

    Seeing that the goons were rolling around the floor and screaming, Mona dusted her hands as if cleaning up.

    Then, without another word, she headed to the pantry and continued to pig out.

    "What..."

    Beside Bode, ude was dumbstruck as well.

    Her family was a modest one even in Zamri, but he knew enough to see that Frank and Mona were martial artists!

    They were superior to the average person, who were defenseless against their traditional Draconian martial techniques. They would not stand a chance against them!

    ude zoned out as he remembered something else.

    The martial artist who stood at the center of Zamri Square, against Jaden Favoni, who came second in Skyrank...

    He turned stiffly, and it took some considerable effort for him to see Frank''s face.

    In a split second, he was left stupefied as he realized Frank and that mysterious martial artist were one and the same, aside from his tattered clothes!

    And a man who could stand against Skyrank''s second was someone ude must never mess with!

    As fear seized ude, he dropped to his knees with a thud even as everyone looked on!

 Chapter 1405

    ude finally realized who Frank was and that he could not afford to upset a man who could fight Jaden Favoni as an equal!

    Hence, as everyone watched, he fell to his knees with a thud, kowtowing to Frank repeatedly as he bawled and begged, "I-It''s really you! I remember now... I''m sorry for being ignorant! Please forgive me!" ude was certainly terrified!

    Forget Bode''s goons-Frank was said to have killed over thirty Favoni martial artists in an instant.

    And seeing that he was alive and kicking right now, the Favonis clearly could not do anything about him... and that made him superior to the Favonis!

    The more ude thought about it, the more memories surfaced as he realized how terrible Frank really was.

    That was why he was on his knees begging, leaving Bode staring speechlessly.

    "What the fuck..."

    Bode turned, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the mangled bodies of his goons strewn all over the showroom.

    He could really strode over and crush ude''s head like a grape.

    He was the one who said Frank was Lydia''s simp, and that Frank came to bail her out!

    That was why Bode called in his goons, only for ude to suddenly switch gears and beg Frank for mercy!

    What the fuck?! Did ude just use him as a cannon fodder?!

    Hell, the man could win the best actor award from this performance alone!

    Still, while Bode realized from ude''s attitude that Frank was really a big deal, he still had no idea who he really was.

    "Heh..."

    While Frank was going to punish ude for his conceit, his undignified pleas for mercy dampened his interest.

    "Just fuck off already," he growled, waving ude off.

    ude was awash with gratitude, thanking Frank endlessly as he scrambled on all fours to fuck off.

    Bode was left seething as he watched ude flee, just as he felt Frank''s icy re turning toward him.

    He flinched, but he could not even begin to describe the pain he felt just then.

    He was way beyond forgiveness, since he was the one who called his in goons to ''punish'' Frank.

    On the other hand, all ude did was to insult and incite.

    Considering the grievousness of Bode''s misdeed inparison, Frank would not be nice to him at all.

    Various thoughts crossed his mind

    as he

    ondered which knee he

    should kThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    should

    kneel on first, and what he say when he did.

    Thud.

    Frank suddenly flung a golden card, which shot into the wall near Bode''s face, slicing a small gash over his cheek.

    Even as Bode yelped and bled

    profusely, clutching his cheek, heet

    saw that there was an impression of Gene Pearce''s face on the gold card.

    "What?!"

    Bode''s face fell, bewildered-he knew enough about that gold card that he did not need anyone else telling him.

    That card basically meant that Gene

    was there personally. Anyone carrying that card would be offered the same hospitality Gene would be given in any business under Pearce Group.

    In short, all charges would be waived, and the person would be afforded VVIP hospitality.

 Chapter 1406

    One might even say the gold card holder was omnipotent, as they had the authority to make changes to the staff in Pearce Group business! Bode stammered just then. "O-Oh, I didn''t realize it''s you, Mr. Lawrence..."

    Frank was the holder of that one and only Pearce Group gold card, and it was given to him by Gene after Frank saved his life.

    Everyone working for Pearce Group knew that, though Bode never had time to read Frank''s file to recognize him.

    And seeing that card now, he realized that the man he thought to be Lydia''s simp was actually the man who saved Gene''s life.

    Bode''s legs turned to jelly right then, and he dropped to the floor, too afraid to do anything.

    He had to put considerable effort into pushing himself off the floor to pull the gold card out of the wall.

    He passed it back to Frank with two trembling hands before dropping before his feet, trembling in fear. "Mr. Lawrence... I have been misled and ignorant! I deserve to die!"

    Nearby, Jane seemed to forget the agony in her hands.

    She heard of Frank too and was therefore on her knees, keeping her head down and afraid to look at him.

    If Frank really took offense with everything she said earlier, she would not survive even with nine lives.

    Lydia Kinley was staring at Frank in disbelief too, murmuring in shock, "M-Mr. Lawrence... Are you..."

    "Yes, I''m Frank Lawrence," Frank nodded at Lydia before turning to level a cold look at Bode. "You and that woman are to leave and never return. Lydia here will be the supervisor of this dealership, and if I find out that either of you are up to no good, I will send my people to cut you into tiny pieces!"

    "Eh?!"

    Bode''s heart skipped a beat-he went through great lengths to get this job, sucking up to countless bigwigs.

    And now, he messed uppletely, and there was no hope for him to turn things around now either.

    On the other hand, Jane was quick to respond, "Thank you for being so merciful, Mr. Lawrence. Thank you... I will ely repay you for your favor..."

    As

    s was raving and rambling in

    her

    Sp Panic, Frank waved her off,

    coldly. "Get lost, and don''t

    e see either of you ever again!"

    "Yes, yes, yes!"

    With that, Jane and Bode fled without looking back, thetter clearly reluctant.

    But feelings aside, staying alive was more important than a job.

    Between money and life? He chose life without hesitation and fled miserably with Jane.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Meanwhile, Frank''s gaze calmed considerably as he watched them leave.

    He really wanted to give everyone a lesson to remember.

    But seeing that they were earnestly apologizing, Frank was not bothered to stoop to their level.

    "You hear? You''re the supervisor of this dealership from now on."

    l.ne

    Frank turned toward a dumbstruck Lydia, pointing at the red-ck Bugatti Veyron in the showroom. "Alright, now get the paperwork done. I want that car right now." en.swhovels

    "That car...?"

    Lydia murmured awkwardly. "Can I ask for instructions before that? I just got the job, and there''s a lot of stuff I''m not sure about..."

 Chapter 1407

    Frank nodded. "Go on."

    After five minutes, Lydia quickly returned, and passed a car key to Frank. "You can drive away with the car-we wille to your house to handle the paperworkter."

    She was endlessly respectful. After all, she called the general manager of Pearce Group, who hurried off like the devil was on his heels, to ask Gene for instructions. Gene''s response was short but clear. "Absolute satisfaction, whatever it takes."

    And having received his orders, the general manager promptly cut short the entire process, and told Lydia to give the keys to Frank directly.

    The speed and attitude of the entire process left Lydia in endless disbelief.

    "Well, thank you very much," Frank said as he got into the car and started the simplistic but actuallyplex vehicle.

    The moment the W16 engine of the red-ck Bugatti Veyron ignited was almost no different from its coronation-every other car in the showroom dulled inparison in its presence.

    The car itself could well be a red-ck dragon descending to the mortal realm, with even fearsome tigers and lions prostrating themselves before its glory.

    "This car is so cool, Master Lawrence!"

    Even Mona appeared astonished as she leaned against the car door, and she knew nothing about cars.

    "What are you spacing out for? It''s just a car-get in." Frank chuckled, shaking his head.

    But to be honest, he was quite satisfied with the Veyron.

    After his Maybach was totaled, he had been driving the Audi that Trevor Zurich gave him, which earned him the disdain of bigwigs wherever he went.

    Now that he had a better car, he would at least get some respect.

    Seeing that Frank was satisfied, Lydia breathed a sigh of relief.

    She bowed respectfully and earnestly to Frank. "Thank you so much for today, Mr. Lawrence."

    Their fates must be intertwined, as he had saved her twice when she was caught in desperate situations.

    A man that was cool and embodying such a profound sense of justice was certainly rare.

    "Hey, girl, you''re blushing."

    Mona giggled as she rode shotgun just then. "Master Lawrence, I think she''s probably interested in you."

    "Shut it."

    Frank smacked Mona on the head and took one of his business cards from his pocket.

    Passing it to Lydia, he said, "Call meOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    if your

    blondomer supervisor and that

    You

    again. I''ll see you around."

    The Veyron''s engine thundered, and Frank and Mona were soon gone from sight.

    Lydia stood, her fingers clenching on Frank''s business card, hope showing in her eyes. Eventually, she breathed a long sigh.

    After all, would a in sales girl like her really deserve a man like Frank?

    Returning to Cologne Court, Mona and Frank took a bath, finally cleaning themselves up.

    When Vicky and Helen asked, both of them tacitly avoided mentioning that they were threatened into having a kid in a year.

    Then, when Winter arrived home and saw Mona, the girls happily shared a hug¡ªthey really were close.

    Carol Zims tried to anticipate the

    amount of food she had to cook for

    Mona''s return too. However, it

    turned out that she had

    underestimated Mona anyway, who finished an entire bucket of rice on her own.

    The glutton demon could leap up the table and steal everyone else''s food.

    set

    Frank was left starting impassively more or less understanding why the geezers of Haply Hall were duraning that brat at him in his care.

    At the rate Mona was eating, Aion Fairfax would not need divination to see that it was impossible for them to afford her food bills.

 Chapter 1408

    At the rate Mona was eating, Aion Fairfax would not need divination to see that it was impossible for them to afford her food bills.

    "Haha, it''s fine¡ªIt''s fine." Carol was most pleased to see Mona eat so much and quickly cooked more food, with Nash Yego helping.

    As everyone slid their food to Mona, she epted allers, wolfing down everything blissfully.

    One really had to wonder how she fit all that food in her tiny body. It was as if her stomach was a ck hole, and no bucket of rice made a single difference.

    "Wait, she is going to be the next chief of the Haply Hall, and her geomantics skills are slowly awakening..."

    Frank frowned in thought, vaguely realizing then why Mona was such a glutton.

    At Zamri Hospital two dayster, an elderly man with white sideburns was staring at his daughter worriedly in the ICU.

    "You don''t have to worry about the money, Dad," Lydia assured her father, Aaron Kinley, holding his hand and pursing her lips as she held back tears. "I had the luck to meet a great man... he promoted me to be supervisor of the dealership, and my sry now is enough to cover your medical bills. So you don''t have to worry about the money at all now."

    "Oh, Lydia!" Aaron, however, was hanging his head and sighing lengthily instead of smiling.

    Shaking his head in tearful disappointment, he cried, "I told you... we must live upstanding lives no matter how tough it gets! Morals and dignity are above all else... but you''ve lost everything because of me!"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    In Aaron''s mind, his daughter must have offered that man her body in exchange, and she was now sullied.

    "It''s not like that, Dad!" Lydia quickly

    shook her head. "It''s Frank Lawrence, and he''s a really good man, don''t you remember? He bought two Maybachs with me before."

    "Frank Lawrence..." Aaron was surprised as he heard the name.

    "Yeah, the very same."

    Lydia said, her tears turning to a smile. "I ran into him again, and he chased away a customer who was stalking me, promoted me to

    supervisor, and bought a sportol

    with me as his sales representative. Themission alone is enough to cover your medical fees!

    Aaron calmed down at her words as long as she was not led astray. "And? Have you thanked him?"

    "No." Lydia paused, shaking her head. "But I''m going to his ce soon to finish up on the paperwork for the sale, so I will do that then."

    "Alright, alright. Remember, you have to be sincere," Aaron told her repeatedly. "He really did you a huge favor. You have to do your job well and not slip up at all.

    "I know, Dad." Lydia smiled nodding.

    "Then..."

    Holding Lydia''s hand, Aaron then asked hesitantly, "Is that gentleman married? Try to win him over if possible-I can already tell that he''s a good man from what you said." en.swhovels

 Chapter 1409

    "Dad..."

    Lydia did a double take but hung her head and sighed. "He''s someone from apletely different world. He saved Gene Pearce and is a martial artist, while I''m just a car sales girl. I''m not the right girl for him."

    "Hehe..." Aaron chuckled. "But you ran into each other by chance, twice. What is that if not fate? And if fate is on your side, you should at least give it a try... Whether it works is another thing entirely." "Okay," Lydia nodded at her father''s words, before checking her watch. "I need to get back to work, dad. I''ll be going to Mr. Lawrence''s house to finalize the paperwork."

    "Good. Run along now." Aaron smiled, adding, "And don''t forget what I told you."

    "Yeah." Lydia smiled in wry amusement, taking the note with Frank''s address out of her briefcase.

    Mncholy showed on her face-she would certainly like to get to know Frank better, but cruel reality made it clear that she did not deserve him.

    After asking around, she learned that Lanecorp''s chairwoman and the heiress of the Turnbulls were close with Frank.

    She really had no chance at all.

    Sighing, she put aside those thoughts and drove thepany car to Cologne Court.

    It just so happened that Frank was not home, and Lydia was at once disappointed and sighed in relief.

    There were no problems with the paperwork, so the formalities were fine even in Frank''s absence.

    Two hourster and everything was done, Lydia sighed in relief as the paperwork for the Bugatti Veyron wasplete.

    However, just as she was about to return to the dealership, her phone started ringing.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She picked it up and saw that it was her father.

    Lydia smiled exasperatedly, presuming that it was her father asking if things went well with Frank.

    However, even before she could say a word and answer the call, the familiar voice of a younger man spoke from the other end. "Hey, Lydia. Missed me?" "Who are..." Lydia did a double take, but her eyes soon widened. "ude?!"

    "Yeah, it''s me. Hehehe..."

    ude chuckled on the other end. "I''m in Zamri Hospital right now... in your father''s ward, to be specific. Unfortunately for you, I know Dr. Quill from administration, and he said that since the hospital is short on beds, your father would soon be moved-oh wait, I mean, thrown out."

    "Stop it!" Lydia snapped, but her voice was shaking, and she already picked up her handbag to rush to Zamri Hospital.

    "Oh, but I''m not doing anything-it''s what Dr. Quill told me."

    ude''s annoyingughter finally stopped, and he cleared his throat, his usual tone returning as he said quietly, "Kwarned you, Lydia. But what did you do? You never showed up, even though I waited an entire night for you. And there''s a limit to my patience!"

    ude''s voice turned sinisterly cold, and he punched the wall as he chuckled coolly. "You have half an hour, Lydia. If you don''t show up at Zamri Hospital, your father and his hospital bed will be thrown out. Just watch!"

 Chapter 1410

    ude''s voice turned sinisterly cold, and he punched the wall as he chuckled coolly. "You have half an hour, Lydia. If you don''t show up at Zamri Hospital, your father and his hospital bed would be thrown out. Just watch!"

    Beep...

    Lydia was at once terrified and anxious as ude hung up on her.

    If she really did not go to the hospital, ude might reallye good on his threat!

    Still, just as Lydia rushed to the hospital, Frank was just stepping out of Winter''s office.

    He hade to check up on her, as well as offering her and Abel Loggins some insight on unusual medical cases and atypical illness.

    Staying holed up at Zamri Hospital had been rewarding for Abel, and he was once again rejoicing that he was right in choosing Frank as his mentor.

    The man was young, but his knowledge, skill, and experience were far beyond his years.

    In fact, he was even brazenly asking Frank if he could practice martial arts despite his age.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    After all, most of the advanced medical skills require abination of pure vigor, honed through practicing martial arts.

    Naturally, Frank merely nced at him before shaking his head.

    Letting Abel train in martial arts would just kill him-the man was so old he could break his hip throwing a punch!

    Frank''s response left Abel disappointed, but he was not deterred.

    As he continued hovering around Frank, intending to ask another question, Frank suddenly stopped in his tracks.

    "Frank?"

    "Master Lawrence?"

    Both Winter and Abel stared at Frank in curiosity, and followed his gaze to find a young woman in a business suit running down the hallway.

    "Frank, do you know her?" Winter quickly asked.

    "I guess." Frank rubbed his chin, suspicious.

    She said that she would being to help him with the follow-up paperwork. What was she doing here, looking so flustered and not noticing that she had brokencher heels?

    "Let''s take a look," Frank led Abel and Winter over.

    They soon stopped outside a ward, and Frank scowled as soon as he heard a familiarughter before he went in.

    It was none other than ude, whom he met at the car dealership before.

    In the ward, he had a finger under Lydia''s chin and smiled smugly. "Hehe... what a good daughter you are, Lydia!"

    "What do you want, ude?!" Lydia snapped angrily, cringing as she wobbled backward.

    "What do I want?!"

    udeughed, shaking his head. "Don''t you know very well what I want?"

    "You bastard... I''ll kill you!"

    Lydia''s father suddenly bellowed as he picked up a vase off the bedside drawer, intent on taking down ude.

    However, ude''s bodyguard had

    already

    ticed and snatched the

    f Lydia''s father beet

    punching him down to the

    "Dad!"

    Lydia screamed even as she watched.

    "Oh, you''re actually fighting back,

    ou''re brave, but..." ude

    u''re brave, but..." ude

    I viciously, and shoved his

    We

    foot down on Aaron''s leg.

    Lydia''s father screamed, while blood flowed profusely from his recently stitched leg along the tiled floor.

 Chapter 1411

    "But what you did is really asking for it." udeughed even as shoved his ankle harder on Aaron''s leg.

    The old man screamed even more loudly and sweated buckets all over his face.

    Even so, he showed grit as he never once begged for mercy.

    "That''s enough!"

    Winter had had enough as she looked on, striding into the ICU and glowering as she snapped, "What do you think you''re doing here? Is the hospital a ce where you bully women?!" "Oh?"

    While ude was surprised by the door suddenly opening, his eyes lit up when he turned and came to his senses.

    The girl standing there was wearing a clean white coat over a ck shirt and a pair of slim cut pants. Though she appeared angry, her righteous indignation appeared to brighten her expression.

    In fact, ude almost started drooling when he saw Winter-she was no national beauty like Helen and the others, but she was still the most beautiful in her university.

    Her face was the type one would not forget, and a pervert like ude immediately forgot all about Lydia when he saw Winter.

    "What are you looking at me for?! Get off the patient right now!" Winter snapped again just then.

    She had really shed off her inexperience after taking over as Zamri Hospital''s chief for a while, unfazed even as she snapped at the thugs in front of her.

    And there were two reasons for that, the first being her personal code as a doctor forbidding her from letting a patient suffer harm.

    The other was her personal bodyguard, who could deal with these thugs if they strayed out of line

    "Oh? Hehe..."

    However, her warning only gave ude a different idea.

    He could tell from Winter''s clothes that she was a doctor here at Zamri Hospital, While he was puzzled as to how someone so young could already be a full-fledged doctor, it did not discourage him.

    "You want me to get off this geezer? Easy." ude chuckled and winked at Winter. "Come out for some drinks with me. Say yes, and I will get off him right now-how about that?"

    "I won''t go with you." Winter refused

    the ominous invitation without hesitation, snapping coldly, "And you should release that patient if you know what''s good for you, ofyou''ll regret it!"

    ude did not expect that reaction from Winter at all and pursed his lips, presuming that he was being belittled because he did not introduce himself.

    "Kid, I am ude Dresden," he said

    smugly. "Don''t you know that my brother-inw is the head of the inpatient department? I don''t know what your specialty is, but since you''re here, you must be working under Dr. Quaid, right? You''d best do what I tell you if you don''t want to lose your job ande with me, or you''re fired right now!"

    "Dr. Quaid?"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    The image of a bespectacled middle-aged man appeared in Winter''s mind just then, always smiling and fawning over her.

    After all, he used to be one of Dennis Jackson''s cronies and was worried about keeping his job after Dennis was removed as chief of hospital.

    If anything, the man was simply unlucky for getting caught in this mess.

    ude had no idea how much trouble he had brought upon his brother-inw''s head for name-dropping him just yet.

    In fact, he became even more smug when he saw that Winter was quiet, even rearing himself as if lecturing Winter. "See, beautiful?"

 Chapter 1412

    ude continued gloating. "You don''t know the unwritten rules in this hospital since you just started out, right? Just ask my brother-inw-he earns millions just by bringing in every medical machinery here. "And what can you earn as a doctor inparison? Join me, and once I rmend you to him, you''ll soon be driving a BMW once you get in on the action."

    However, that only struck Winter with realization, and she lowered her head as she muttered to herself, "So that''s why the numbers and prices of thetest batch of machines purchased by the inpatient department just didn''t fit!"

    If Jet Quaid were there and heard his brother-inw bringing to light everything he did, he would p ude twice in fury!

    Talk about family misfortune!

    "Well, thank you for providing that information."

    ude was once again surprised that Winter was not caving, even pointing at him and snapping, "Now I''m warning you twice-get off that patient, or I''m calling security!"

    "Huh?!"

    ude got impatient to see such an impudent whelp, and he frowned as he roared, "You brat! Don''t you know who I am?! Everyone out there would tell you how important I am! Who do you think you are, thinking you''re a big deal just because I was ying nice?! No, I refuse to get off the geezer, so live with it!"

    Then, whipping out his phone dramatically, he held it close to his lips as he bellowed, "Jet! Are you done with my dad''s checkup yet? There''s a situation here you need to look at!"

    Hanging up, he wheeled on Winter and sneered. "You thought I was joking, didn''t you?! I already yed nice, so just wait-once my brother-inw gets here, you''re losing your job even after going through so much to get it!"

    "Oh... And what do I have to do for you to forgive me?" Winter was looking at ude sideways, her reaction calm and showing none of the panic or restlessness he expected.

    "You will take off all your clothes in

    public, prostrate yourself, and beg udeughed darkly, seemingly

    already thinking of it bo

    At the same time, he lifted his foot off Aaron, who stopped screaming for a while.

    The geezer was useless as a hostage now anyway, and it was taxing for ude to keep stamping on him.

    "Dad!" Lydia quickly ran up, but her father was already unconscious and bleeding profusely after all his surgical stitches were torn wide open.

    "Doctor, please help my father!" She turned toward Winter and begged.

    "Don''t worry," Winter said, nodding as she rang the buzzer by the hospital bed.

    Soon, a group of nurses rushed in and put him on a stretcher as they rushed him to the operating room.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Hey, beautiful-I think I should warn you now..."

    ude simply stood there despite being the culprit, folding his arms before his chest as he scoffed, "Lydia Kinley here probably doesn''t have the money for another O surgery."

    "I..."

    Lydia was taken aback, the light in her eyes dimming as she murmured, "Mr. Dresden is right, doctor. Could I owe the money for now..."

    She trailed off, herck of

    confidence leaving her even

    panicked, as she feared Winter ret

    would deny her father treatment

    because she had no money.

 Chapter 1413

    Seeing that Lydia was panicking, Winter assured her, "You don''t have to worry about the cost."

    Then, turning toward ude, she continued, "The one who hurt the patient will pay, along with additional damages." ude''s smirk stiffened, and he soon scowled hostilely. "You brat! Are you saying I''ll be paying?!"

    "Are you refusing?" Winter shot back coolly and bluntly.

    "Hehe... Don''t you think you''re pushing your luck, kiddo?"

    ude was really angered as Winter was not listening at all, leaving him embarrassed.

    Forget Lydia-even his bodyguards were here, and he had never embarrassed himself like this before!

    That was when Winter continued impassively, "Trust me, you''ll be on your knees, begging me to let you pay."

    ude was taken aback. He flew into a rage as he hollered, "What, just because you asked?! Dream on! Go get her right now, boys-me, going down on my knees?! I''ll show her!"

    At ude''s orders, the bodyguards'' eyes shed dangerously as they charged at Winter.

    "Mona!" Winter snapped.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Coming!" A lively voice suddenly resounded from a corner of the ward, as Mona Fairfax-wearing a suit and shades-was suddenly in front of Winter.

    "Huh?!"

    ude was clearly surprised to see Mona, as she visibly emerged from the shadows of the ICU ward... but when did she get there?

    He had no idea, just as he did not know why she looked a little familiar.

    But that was just a thought, and he could not quite ce her.

    "Want some, Winter?" Mona said just then, passing her a bag of chips.

    Winter was left rubbing her temples. and shaking her head. "I''m going to check on the patient now. Keep these people here, and I''ll deal with them when I get back."

    "Got it," Mona replied even as ude''s bodyguards rushed toward them, only reaching Mona after Winter nodded and left. "Heh..." ude was grinning sleazily.

    Since he could not see Mona''s face clearly behind her shades, and despite finding her familiar, she was beautiful just like Winter.

    "I guess they would pass off as twins," he murmured to himself, licking his lips as he smiled lustfully, intent on taking both girls today.

    However...

    Bang!

    There was a loud crash, and

    ude''s smile stiffened as one of his bodyguards was sent flying back at him like a missile. He crashed into a pile of equipment, which erupted in a burst of sparks.

    Get

    The other bodyguards were left staring nkly as their colleagueday among damaged circuits, his eyes rolling up in their sockets as be spasmed endlessly.

    Mona did not let up, however.

    With a battlecry, she pressed her attack, though she did so fairly by kicking each of the bodyguards once.

 Chapter 1414

    And within a minute, the bodyguards were all floored and unconscious.

    Naturally, the equipment around the ICU ward was all broken.

    Smack!

    Monaughed coolly in turn, walking up to ude and pped him across the face without a word. "You were going to make Winter kneel naked, right?" ude was left staggered from the p.

    He was at first panicking from Mona''s show of strength, but the p sent his rage and humiliation into overdrive.

    Clenching his fists, he bellowed furiously, "You! How dare you hit me! Don''t you know who I am?!"

    "Does that matter to me?"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Monaughed nonchntly and pped him resoundingly again. "Do you know who owns this ce, messing around here?!"

    "Shit!"

    ude felt his cheeks burning from the second p, feeling not just pain but also humiliation.

    As he leapt toward Mona maniacally, her single kick left him dropping to his knees, clutching his groin.

    Various vibrant colors alternated over his face, as he was totally emascted.

    He was trembling even as he looked downward to see his bleeding groin, unable to speak from sheer agony.

    Still, that was when ude heard a familiar voice outside the ward, and hearing the voice, ude mustered his strength out of nowhere and cried at the top of his lungs, "Dad!!! Help me!!!"

    Naturally, it was Liev Dresden and the inpatient department chief Jet Quaid, who was also ude''s brother-inw.

    Liev had found out that the new chief was an amazing doctor who also knew Draconian traditional medicine and had cured many unusual illnesses.

    Liev hade to ask Jet to

    potential

    rmend his son as a potential suitor and see if the new chief could treathis chronic hip condition back when he started his business. en.swhovels

    However, ude had other ideas foring.

    He knew that Lydia''s father was admitted to Zamri Hospital and was keen to seize the opportunity to punish her.

    After all, he did not think Frank had gone to that dealership to save Lydia, since the man was too important to be interested in some in Jane like Lydia.

    Since that asion was a coincidence, that was why he was not worried about Frank interfering now.

    However, he left too early to see Frank leave his business card with Lydia, as he would rather die than bother her again if he knew.

    And now, on top of that, he did not recognize Mona, who was now a far cry from her shabby appearance a few days before.

    Earlier, Jet had his hand on his chest

    and confidently assured his father-inw Liev, "Don''t worry. I''m more or less a head of department here, so the chief would show me due respect. She may be young, but she''s quite the impressive, character!"

    "Alright!" Liev was nodding happily too. "Since you''re so confident in her,

    I would see the end of this hip, which has been bothering me for over twenty years!" ¨¦n.swnovels

    Still, just as they were chatting excitedly, they heard the blood-curdling scream from the ICU ward, "Dad!!! Help me!!!"

    "W-Wasn''t that ude?!"

    Both ude and Liev paused and dashed into the ward right then.

 Chapter 1415

    By the time Jet and Liev rushed into the ICU ward, they were left stunned by the sight before them.

    The room was a mess, with several Dresden family bodyguards strewn around on top of broken medical equipment.

    ude was himself on his knees, sobbing as he clutched his bleeding groin.

    "W-What''s going on here?!"

    While Liev was stunned to see his son''s condition, Jet wheeled on Mona who stood nearby, striding up to her and bellowing, "Who are you?! Who let you in here?!"

    Mona pursed her lips. "Am I obliged to answer your question?!"

    "You little...!" Jet growled, but he quickly repressed his rage to help ude in his feet, only to be left shocked by what he saw.

    After all ude''s groin was a mess of mush and blood, clearly castrated-it was clear that the brat standing nearby must be the cause.

    "W-What happened to my son?!" Liev demanded anxiously, still sane and trying to find out what happened.

    "I castrated him," Mona admitted, shrugging since she would not stoop to lying.

    "What?!" Liev thought for a moment that he had misheard.

    "How dare you!" Jet sprang to his feet, pointing at Mona and snapping, "Do you know who this man is?! Do you know what you''ve done?! He''s the sole heir to the Dresden family!"

    "It''s none of my business." Monaughed in disdain. "He insulted my friend, but we''re even now that I castrated him."

    "And you two..."

    Mona adjusting her shades as she nced between Jet and Liev. "You shouldn''t say anything you regret."

    "What..."

    Jet was ready to snap, but tactfully shut up when he saw the Dresden family bodyguards lying around unconscious. "Who are you?! How dare you castrate my son?!"

    Liev sprang to his feet, ring at Mona viciously. "I guess you''re my enemy now!"

    He whipped out his phone, and bellowed, "Percy! Get every able-bodied man and send them to Zamri Hospital right now!"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    As he hung up, he sneered, "You don''t know who I am, huh?! I am Liev Dresden of West Zamri, and I will show you now!" "Heh," Mona simply snorted in disdain.

    On the other hand, Jet quickly said, "Let''s get ude to the operating room over there. With me operating on him, he just might have ao chance..."

    "Really?" Liev eximed in delight.

    "Wait." Mona stopped them before they could carry ude away, raising a brow as she said quietly, "Did I say you can leave? Also, that operating room over there is being used at the moment."

    "What?!" Liev had enough right then.

    Thankfully, Jet reacted quickly to stop him and looked around

    pointedly at the Dresden famil

    bodyguards lying around, unconscious. ¨¦n.swnovels

    The brat was likely a martial artist. If Liev acted impulsively, he would end up just like ude did. "Name your price!" Liev barked, having gone through plenty in his years building a legacy in Zamri.

 Chapter 1416

    "Name your price!" Liev barked, having gone through plenty in his years building a legacy in Zamri.

    When he realized that brute strength would not work, he must negotiate a way out.

    Whatever happened, he must not lose his son or his lineage ended here.

    "Nope."

    But contrary to Liev''s expectations, Mona had no intentions to negotiate and shook her head. "Someone told me to watch ude and keep him here until she gets back."

    "So this is not up for negotiation?" Liev growled, incensed.

    "That''s right," Mona replied nonchntly and got herself a chair to sit on.

    Live turned toward Jet in turn and asked, "How long does ude have?"

    "How long...?"

    Jet did a double take and quickly ran over to check ude.

    It took quite a while until ude looked up nkly at Liev, and said, "He''s safe... He''s not going to die."

    "What?!" Liev eximed in disbelief.

    "It''s true." Jet sighed exasperatedly. "I''ve checked-he had his balls kicked off, but the brat did so with precision, avoiding any major arteries. His veins and tissues are a jumbled mess, but he''s not going to bleed out. So..."

    Jet trailed off, gulping as abject horror seized him.

    Being able to do so with such uracy meant that the brat could hold her own, even among martial elites.

    That was when Liev remembered, "Jet, do you think the hospital chief can save ude?"

    Jet had been praising the new Zamri

    Hospital chief endlessly, that shez was an impressive doctor who also

    knew Draconian traditional medicine-that meant she could save his son!

    "P-Probably?" Jet replied in uncertainty, but he did praise her to kingdome.

    She did save a man with a copsed heart, and it was not impossible for her to save ude.

    Liev breathed a sigh of relief at that and wheeted on Mona, growling viciously, "Don''t think you can get away with this just because you''re a martial artist! I''ll show you when my boyse here!"

    "Don''t worry, I''m not going anywhere," Mona replied nomittally, sneering ever so slightly.

    Over a dozen minutester, Liev''s phone finally rang.

    "Hey, Mr. Dresden? We''re here! Where are you right now?"

    Both Liev and Jet were smiling at the same time-Percy certainly came quick!

    "We''re in the ICU ward!" Liev quickly replied and asked tentatively, "How many men did you bring?"

    "Over two hundred people..." Percy replied smugly. "I''m bringing fifty along with me up here, while the others wait outside. We don''t want to draw too much attention..."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    "Fifty probably won''t be enough..." Liev frowned at Mona, who remained nonchnt.

    "Don''t worry, Mr. Dresden!" Percy

    assured him. "A cousin just

    happened to be in town with

    something to do, and he''s a proper martial artist himself! He also

    brought some strong friends!"

    Jet and Liev''s eyes lit up right then, and they smiled smugly.

    They even shot Mona a look of pity-the brat''s luck had really run out now!

 Chapter 1417

    While the Dresdens would be helpless against Mona any other day, she was not in luck today-Percy just happened to have a cousin visiting and brought along several martial arts friends! "Alright, we''ll be waiting!" Liev quickly said. "Tell your cousin that he will be rewarded handsomely once he gets this done!"

    Hanging up, he turned toward Mona and sneered viciously. "I''d be thinking about how to escape if I were you, brat."

    "Heh." Mona snorted and said nothing else.

    Her cool reaction left Liev uncertain, and he wondered if Mona was well-connected.

    However, he had no choice but to wait, since his son was in dire condition while he still had no idea who the brat was.

    Soon, there was a rush of footsteps down the hallway, and a blond kicked open the door, striding in with a metal bat in hand. Naturally, the blond was Percy, and his mannerisms were your run-of-the-mill street thug''s.

    Beside him were four burly men, wearing sleeveless shirts and having bulging muscles, clearly not your average Joes.

    The normal folks whom their sharp res swept over all could not help feeling an inward chill.

    "We''re here, Mr. Dresden! Who dared mess with-holy shit, what happened to ude?!"

    Percy was ready to fly into action, only to find udeying limply on the floor.

    "That brat castrated him," Liev growled, unable to repress his rage at the mere mention of the matter.

    He never expected to be so frustrated, unable to leave because a brat had something to say otherwise.

    Percy nced between Mona and ude.

    As realization struck him, he led his cousin to surround Mona. "You brat! How dare you hurt ude! Don''t you know who he is to me?"

    Mona said nothing and merely stared at them in exasperation.

    "ude is my sworn brother!"

    Percy continued,ughing coldly, "You hurting him is an insult to me!

    I''ll straighten you out, and before

    the

    day ends, you''ll be on your knees begging us, naked!"

    "Hmmm?"

    Thest part finally caught Mona''s attention.

    Percy, however, mistook that as fear, only for Mona to sigh, shaking her head. "believe you. You really are brothers-both of you are blond, and even the crap you spout are the same." N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "So-"

    While Percy was ready to demand

    ?

    Mona to Surrender, he did not expect

    Mona to leap to her feet, turning into a blur

    as she moved at

    speed and kicking Percy in the balls.

    Percy squealed like a gutted pig so loudly that the whole floor heard him as he clutched his bleeding groin, rolling all over the floor.

    "In that case, you and your brother can both be eunuchs," Mona finished tly.

    That was when the burly men with Percy finally came to their senses, but none of them even saw Mona moved!

    "Fuck... Why are you just standing around?! Get her!" Percy screamed, pointing at Mona.

    The burly man traded nces and finally lunged at Mona with a battlecry.

 Chapter 1418

    However, even if those burly men were considered martial artists, they barely reached Birthright rank.

    Against Mona, who was almost reaching Transcendent rank, they simply stood no chance.

    With a soft cry, Mona vaulted from the windowsill as she leapt into the air like a bird.

    She threw a seemingly light jab, but it caught one of the burly men off guard and sent him flying.

    It was certainly a visual bombshell that left Liev and Jet''s jaws dropping.

    Mona had to weigh less than a hundred pounds, but she could send a man who stood head and shoulders above her flying, mming into a wall. There was no telling if the man was dead or alive, but Percy''s cousin attacked Mona anyway.

    "Hillbreaker!" he bellowed, his voice so thunderous it could shatter mountains.

    Still, Mona merely held out a finger and sent him stumbling backward, screaming as he touched his knuckle. "Y-You''re Transcendent rank?!"

    While theyman had no idea what Percy''s cousin was saying, Mona certainly did.

    Martial artists could go lifetimes without reaching Transcendent rank, but this brat already did?!

    "Heh..." Mona simply smiled without answering Percy''s cousin''s question.

    The smile instantly drained the man of all strength, and he turned to run even as Percy snapped and yelled after him.

    "Fuck..." Percy cursed as he clutched his groin and sat limply on the floor, his entire body shaking from either frustration or rage.

    "The brat is that amazing?!"

    Both Liev and Jet were speechless by what they saw.

    The seemingly delicate brat had really just defeated several burly men in the blink of an eye, and they were all martial artists at that!

    Finally, they could see that ude was not being bullied-he had messed with the wrong bigwig here!

    Just then, a young but confused woman''s voice asked, "What''s going on here? Why are there so many people around here?!"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Jet froze as soon as the young woman entered, because it was none other than Winter Lawrence, the new chief of Zamri Hospital!

    "Ms. Lawrence!"

    Seeing Winter, Jet was sobbing through tears and snot as he pointed at Mona andined, "She''s causing trouble at our hospital!"

    Winter

    I would not listen to

    but she was

    Jet''s nonsense, but she was staring at ude in confusion since he almost appeared lifeless.

    "I castrated him," Mona said, shrugging. "He''s a pervert."

    "Castrate...?" Winter pursed her lips and turned to look at Percy, who was clutching his groin too. "What about him?"

    "Turns out they''re sworn brothers, and he spouts the same crap that his brother did. It''s just fair, seeing that they''re family." Hearing ''family'' left Liev immediately feeling a breeze between his legs, and he instinctively closed his thighs.

    "Do you know her, Ms. Lawrence?" Jet was left stunned in turn, sensing danger as soon as he heard Winter talk to Mona.

    "Hehe..." Winter chuckled as she

    stared at det in turn without

    Vol

    answering his question. "Dr. Quaid, I''ve learnt some secrets you''ve been keeping from one of these men!" en.swhovels

    "S-Secrets?" Jet felt a chill down his spine right then and threw his hands up whileughing awkwardly. "What are you saying? I''m not keeping secrets..."

 Chapter 1419

    That was when ude regained consciousness.

    He jolted into his senses as he saw Winter as soon as he opened his eyes and pointed at Winter as he screamed wildly at the top of his lungs, "Dad, Jet, it''s her! She told the other woman to hurt me! You have to help me!"

    Liev was only left even more stunned.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    He already realized from Jet''s exchange with Winter that Winter was the chief of Zamri Hospital. He hade with a request, only for his son to end up insulting the person in question.

    Not only was she young, but she was a woman too!

    "What are you spacing out for?! Help me!" ude was still hollering on top of his lungs.

    Liev finally had enough and frowned as he told his son who Winter really was.

    "What?!"

    ude was left thunderstruck-as a member of the Dresden family, he certainly knew who owned the hospital.

    It was Gene Pearce, the richest man of the East Coast!

    And what could the rtionship be between Gene and Winter for her to be the chief?

    Anyone could tell right away, and ude''s face paled as his lips trembled.

    However, he did not dare to snap at Winter because his family was really nothingpared to Gene. If they upset the man, they would be dead without knowing what hit them.

    Nheless, Winter was staring at Jet in amusement. "Dr. Quaid, this man is the one who told me your secrets."

    "What?!" Jet eximed in shock, while ude''s whole body stiffened as he remembered what he had told Winter before.

    Winter was clicking her tongue even as she continued, "ording to him, each medical equipment that you purchased would earn you millions. Color me impressed!"

    Jet dropped limply to the floor as if he lost all his bones, staring nkly at ude in the realization that his

    own

    brother-inw had t

    out.

    "What..." Liev was dumbstruck too-how did his son get Jet caught in his mess too?!

    Still, after Jet spaced out for a moment, he promptly said, "Wait, chief! ude Dresden is ndering me! I-I''d never do something like that!"

    He had already erased all the evidence so that they would not trace it back to him.

    The only thing he could do now was to insist that it was all ude''s bullshit, or all his work all these years would go down the drain.

    Not only would he lose his job and connections, but he would be spending the rest of his life in jail.

    Just then, a smiling Frank Lawrence entered the ward, handing a sheet to Winter. "Here''s the price list from Vicky."

    Liev froze when he saw Frank, while

    ude was so terrified he kowtowed repeatedly before Frank''s feet despite the agony in his groin. "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence, I''m o sorry..."

    "Hehe." Frank smiled, but it was horribly menacing. "I remember giving you a chance before, Mr. Dresden... But it seems like you refused to take it." Forget ude-even Liev''s legs turned to jelly.

    He had bribed many people just to get himself into Gene''s charity auction months ago, and he had met Frank there.

 Chapter 1420

    Gene Pearce''s savior, a healer who sold a pill worth billions, and the man whom magister Tet Boran fawned over... Everything about Frank made him above Lieve''s pay grade! And on top of that, he was a martial artist even stronger than Jaden Favoni.

    After all, Jaden himself had announced to everyone that he lost that duel against the mysterious martial artist and regrettably had to demote himself to third in Skyrank.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    In other words, that mysterious martial artist was now second in Skyrank!

    And even if the others did not know who that mysterious martial artist was, would Liev really not?

    It was Frank!

    Lieve was utterly dumbstruck at the thought-what monster did his son just mess with?! Did he intend to have his own family buried with him?!

    "Thank you, dear brother," Winter said as she took the sheet from Frank.

    When she said ''dear brother'', ude went limp as he realized it was all over for him.

    Liev was left watching as his own son cked out in sheer terror, but he could not cry even if he had plenty to say.

    It was the fall of his family as he knew it! How the hell did this happen?! He only came looking for his son-inw, intending to get Jet to pull strings for a consultation with the hospital chief! "Tut, tut. I really prefer it when you''re all running your mouths."

    Mona shook his head and pointed at the Dresden family bodyguards,ughing. "What was it you said? That you''d show me when your men arrive? What, cat got your tongue?"

    "Guh..."

    Liev was stumped, but having gone through so much, he did not value his pride above his life.

    He knew that it was not the time to fight, or he would not survive even if he had nine lives.

    "Hehe..."

    Lievughed dryly. "It was all just misunderstanding. My son got the wrong person, so there was a little argument... but see? My son has

    already been beaten to a pulp, and it''s the same for my godson Bercy. So

    Throwing himself on his knees in front of Frank, he pleaded, "So please, just spare our family. I promise I never get into another fight with your friends and family again. This was all just an O ident..."

    "Oh, but it isn''t."

    Frank beckoned for Lydia Kinley, who had been waiting outside, into the room. "Your son was after her. To force her intopliance, he was conspiring with your son-inw and

    d threatening to have her father thrown out of the hospital. Isn''t that

    the truth?"

    Jet could barely breathe as Frank stared at him, but he remained prostrated on the floor and trembled as he nodded.

    "What..." Liev looked between Jet and his son, almost getting a heart attack right then.

    He gave his son plenty of pocket money! Why would he keep stalking that woman?!

    And now he ended up messing with Frank! What, did he really want to die so soon?!

    Still, ude could not be med entirely as he did not expect Frank to care so much about Lydia.

    "Why don''t we just let this go, Mr. Lawrence?" Lydia asked just then.

    Even as she stood in a corner, she could see everyone''s fear and panic in their eyes and once again felt the magnitude of Frank''s power.

 Chapter 1421

    "No can do," Winter said, scowling even before Frank could answer. "I still have plenty of matters to take up with these people!" "Wake him up," Frank said, pointing at ude and clearly intending for his father Liev to do it.

    "ude? ude?" Liev quickly shook ude.

    However, ude was not waking up, and Liev felt as if a de was hanging over his head, seeing the darkening gaze in Frank''s eyes.

    Clenching his jaw, he raised his wrist and pped his son across the face!

    Smack!

    The p finally woke ude, and he immediately realized what had happened. He clutched his face and stared at his father in disbelief.

    "Dad... You pped me?!"

    In his memory, his dad had constantly spoiled him and never so much asid a finger on him.

    It naturally left him bbergasted to see his father p him as so many others watched now!

    "I..."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Liev could certainly see how miserable his son was, but his rage red again as he remembered that ude was the reason he got caught in this hot pile of mess.

    Smack!

    pping ude viciously again, he bellowed, "Yes, I pped you, you little prick! Do you think we''d be in this situation if not for you?!"

    "Enough."

    Winter strode up just then, stopping the altercation between father and son.

    ncing at the trembling Jet, she folded her arms before her chest as she looked at ude, "So? Are you going to kneel and beg to pay for Lydia''s father''s medical bills along with the equipment you damaged in this hospital?"

    "I..."

    ude felt endless humiliation as Winter''s came good on her threat-all he could do now was to obey, paying the medical bill and any damages he caused to the hospital.

    It certainly hurt him more than killing him.

    "What are you hesitating for, you little wretch?!"

    Liev smacked his son on the back of the head, seeing that he was actually hesitating. "You''re the one who caused trouble here! Don''t you think you should pay?!"

    Then, shing a fawning smile at

    Winter, Liev assured her, "Don''t worry, Dr. Lawrence. Our family will pay for any damages caused to Zamri Hospital tenfold! If you

    can

    just be understanding and forgive us this one time..."

    When he finished, Liev wheeled on his son and snapped, "Apologize already, you prick!"

    ''I''m... sorry, Dr. Lawrence... Please forgive me. I will pay ten times the damages..." ude pleaded, his entire body stiff as wood as he kowtowed to Winter while feeling like his soul was drained. "Hmph. I warned you, but you refused to listen-you only have yourself to me!"

    Winter actually felt a little sorry seeing ude''s miserable state. However, she also knew that being nice to vite people like him was an insult to good people, and she definitely must not let these people off lightly.

    "Also," she added, "your family has ruined our hospital''s reputation, calling in so many thugs here. You''re blocking the hallways and affecting our work here, and you have to pay us damages for that too!" "Yes, yes, of course." Liev nodded repeatedly.

    Winter nodded. "And you, Jet Quaid..."

    Jet''s whole body flinched when Winter mentioned his name and watched as she flung the sheet Frank brought at his face.

 Chapter 1422

    Winter snapped coldly at Jet, "Take a look at this invoice before you want to argue your case."

    "Eh?"

    Jet''s fingers trembled even as he picked up the invoice, and he was left stunned as soon as he saw it.

    The invoice was a price list for all medicine and medical equipment that the Turnbulls were selling to the Draconia market.

    It was definitely insider information, and it was added that everything would be sold to Jet after substantial rebates.

    Reasonably speaking, Winter should not get her hands on this list, though Jet could feel himself dying inside even as he nced at Frank.

    Not only did Winter have Gene''s backing, but even Lanecorp and the Turnbulls of Morhen were her allies.

    It was simply horrific!

    Jet certainly could not argue after seeing the list and hung his head as he silently admitted to embezzling hospital funds through rebates.

    Somehow, ude could feel the murderous re Jet was shooting at him and could not help feeling that his brother-inw would kill him if he got the chance. Naturally, he was right about that-in fact, Jet could kill him on the spot, because he would not be exposed so soon if not for ude!

    And now, not only was Jet''s whole life ruined, but he would be spending the rest of it behind bars.

    Liev''s mouth hung open as he looked on, but he could not plead Jet''s case at all.

    Jet deserved what wasing to him, not to mention that Liev was himself under the crosshairs at the moment.

    He would definitely get destroyed if he stood up for Jet now, and though it was a pity, he just had to let his daughter take the bullet for this want.

    If she had to hate someone, she could hate her brother for not keeping his mouth in check.

    That was when Winter glowered at ude and snapped, "And now, I want you to kneel to Ms. Kinley, and apologize to her and her father."

    "Go on..."

    Liev nudged his son, seeing that he was not moving-it sucked to be a eunuch for the rest of his life, but it was still much better than dying! "I''m sorry, Ms. Kinley."

    For his part, ude no longer had the will to fight back, and he kowtowed thrice in front of Lydia as everyone watched.

    "No, it''s alright..."

    Lydia was flustered-she was just anThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    ordinary salesgirl who certainly did

    not deserve such humble

    prostrating from the heir to an

    important family.

    "Don''t pity that bastard," Frank suddenly said nearby. "What do you think would happen to you and your father if we didn''t happen to be here?"

    Lydia flinched and clenched her

    knuckles she certainly knew that she and her father would be dead if she did not run into Winter and Frank by chance. ¨¦n.swnovels

    There really was no reason to sympathize with a scumbag like ude!

    And seeing that Lydia was silent, Frank waved. "You''re not done. Go apologize to Mr. Kinley too!"

    With that, ude was pulled to his feet and brought to the next ward.

    He did not struggle and stared stiffly at the unconscious Aaron Kinley, kowtowing ten times until his skull cracked and blood covered half his face.

    "Alright, you can leave now," Frank

    said, waving him off. "And you Dresdens had better be gone from Zamri by the end of today. If you stray out of line again, I''ll personally pay your home a visit!"

 Chapter 1423

    As Liev and his men left Zamri Hospital defeated, they ran into the rest of their men at the entrance.

    "What happened here, Mr. Dresden?!"

    The bodyguards at the front were left stunned, especially when they saw Percy and ude bleeding all over.

    "Save it. Let''s just get out of here." Liev waved them off feebly, as it was really the worst day since he came to Zamri, bar none.

    "Please, Mr. Dresden! We will restore your honor even if it kills us!"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    The bodyguards were clenching their knuckles when they heard how discouraged Liev was.

    They were bent on getting even for the sake of the Dresdens, and Liev could not talk them out as some of them started toward the building.

    Smack!

    Having had enough right then, Liev pped the one leading them and screamed, "Are you fucking listening?! We''re leaving Zamri now! It''s over! You can either go in or die, or fuck off!"

    With that, he kicked the bodyguard away while he strode into his own car and drove off without so much as looking back. He did not even care that his godson and son were left sitting limply on the ground! Meanwhile, ude was left sitting there and spacing out.

    He started chuckling after a while beforeughing out loud, drawing sideway nces from many pedestrians and security guards.

    Soon, ude was crying even as heughed, clearly having lost his mind.

    Meanwhile, Winter was staring at the entrance from her office and sighed quietly. "I think I really overdid it... I was really cold there."

    "You''re really being naive now, my fellow apprentice." Abel Logginsughed, stroking his beard as he sat on the couch. "I''m sure you

    understand that being nice to your enemies means you''re being cruel to yourself."

    Winter nodded but sighed exasperatedly as she turned to him. "Just Winter will do. There''s no reason to be so formal, Mr. Loggins."

    "Oh, but that won''t do." Abel was suddenly dead serious. "Rules and respect are integral in Draconian traditional medicine, and I''ve myself looked past my age to address you in respect. Or perhaps I don''t deserve yours?"

    "That''s not what I mean..."

    Winter sighed, rubbing her brow in exasperation.

    Abel''s presence here at Zamri Hospital was already bing a popr topic of conversation. And on top of that, people were starting to give Winter weird looks and talk about her in private as Abel kept calling her his fellow apprentice.

    All she could do was shake her head, exasperated at the codger''s stubbornness. "Wait, where''s Frank?"

    "Oh, our dear mentor?" Abel chuckled. "He just flew off on a chopper. Said something about a situation in Morhen and having to check it out himself."

    "What could it be?" Winter murmured, feeling disappointed.

    Frank would never give her a head''s up before going anywhere and always left at a moment''s notice.

    Seemingly reading her mind, Abel chuckled. "It''s alright. He''ll just be there for a few days..."

 Chapter 1424

    Pausing, Abel then added, "He''s also asked me to inform you that he''s satisfied with what you did today."

    "Oh..."

    Winter blushed at Frank''spliment, since that was the first.

    Even as the helicopter''s rotor whirled overhead, Kat Yego was shouting from the other end of Frank''s headset, "When are you arriving, Master Lawrence?!"

    "Give me another half an hour," Frank replied calmly.

    "Hurry up! They''re chasing us off already-"

    There was a yelp from Kat''s end before she could finish, as a group of men shouted and cursed.

    Kat then yelled, "Urgh, whatever! I can''t wait-I have to do this right now, or my house will be gone!"

    With that, she hung up.

    Frank was left doing a double take and scowled as he pocketed his phone.

    He had received a call from Kat earlier, who traveled to Morhen with Noel York for filming on location.

    Kat spared some time to return to the cottage while she did, yearning for nostalgia of her delinquent days.

    However, she barely had any time to enjoy herself when she heard the rumble of an excavator and hurried out to see a huge gang of thugs tearing down the houses with their heavy machinery.

    They were led by a middle-aged man wearing a suit, who was sternly snapping at Kat''s neighbors for them to leave, saying that they would be building new houses here.

    Naturally, many of Kat''s neighbors were incensed-they had lived there for years, and they had nowhere else to go!

    However, there was no reasoningThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    with the thugs, who had clearly embezzled the residents'' resettlement payments too. Even the senior citizens were given just around four grand to have their houses demolished.

    What was that if not daylight robbery?!

    "Calm down already," the middle-aged man in question said.

    He had a split mustache and wore shades, while his hair was slick with hair gel.

    Even as he looked at the residents ring at him, he chuckled coolly. "Demolishing this neighborhood is the will of the Lionhearts. If any of you have any protests, you can take it up with them right now, though I certainly don''t-I''m just a contractor paid to do a job."

    "The Lionhearts?!"

    "What?! The Lionhearts are behind this?!"

    While the residents were fiercely resistant earlier, just the mention of the Lionhearts left their faces turning pale.

    Even as they traded nces, they were suddenly a lot less vocal.

    "B-But this is out of line!"

    "Exactly, telling us to leave our houses for just a couple grand?! What do we even do with that money?"

    "We''d be just giving away our homes for free!"

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man pretended as if he was really listening patiently, even nodding thoughtfully when the residents were finished.

    "It seems like everyone''sining that you''re not paid enough to leave... So how about this?"

    He paused and smirked viciously.

    "I''ve made up my mind. You mooks won''t be paid at all! Since you''re protesting so much, we just have to make you leave by force!"

    The residents were left dumbstruck.

    This was Morhen, but this middle-aged man they had never even heard of was doing this right under the mayor''s nose?!

 Chapter 1425

    The residents had really underestimated how despicable that greasy-haired middle-aged man could be.

    The man then snapped his fingers as he ordered the thugs who had been waiting impatiently for a while now. "Get them out of here!" he barked. "Kill any you can''t chase away. Just start tearing down houses!"

    "Yes, boss!"

    The thugs menacingly started forward, metal bats and machetes in hand, ready to chase away the residents.

    That was when Kat put away her phone and strode up from the back of the crowd.

    "Stop!" she snapped, having her old white wig on while carrying a metal bat covered in stickers, stopping the thugs just in front of the panicking residents.

    "Oh... It''s Nash''s girl!"

    "What is she doing?! Does she want to die?!"

    "Run, Kat! These men would really kill you!"

    While surprised that the delinquent they always gossiped about stood before them like a heroine now, Kat''s neighbors wasted no time telling her to run.

    Kat did not listen, however, even shoving her metal bat heavily on the ground while ring at the greasy-haired middle-aged man, pointing at him and snapping, "Where did you evene from? Why are you tearing down our homes?"

    "Oh, we have a brat over here..." The greasy-haired middle-aged man simply chuckled, while his thugs promptly turned their sights and advanced on Kat.

    "Don''t you know that the Lionhearts own this ce, brat?!"

    "They told you to leave, so leave!"

    One of the thugs grinned as he strode up to Kat, smiling in contempt and even reaching out to touch her face.

    "The Lionhearts who?!"

    With a bellow that left her neighbors stunned, Kat suddenly grabbed the thug by his hand and broke it.

    "Argh!!!"

    The thug screamed from the sheer agony, not expecting the brat to be that strong!Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Fuck off!" Kat snapped and kicked the thug away.

    "Shit, is she really fucking with the Lioneharts?!"

    "She''s asking for it!"

    Even the greasy-haired middle-aged man was glowering. "Brat, get down on your knees and apologize for speaking rudely... or you''d wish you

    were dead!" Content bet

    "Calm down, kiddo!"

    "Yeah, Nash''s girlie. We should just leave."

    "Being alive is much better than being dead!"

    The neighbors were scrambling to dissuade Kat.

    However, she only wheeled on them and bellowed, "Shut up!"

    While her neighbors were left

    stunned, she turned back toward her cottage and said quietly, "I never

    liked my house, but it is my house the ce where my parents had me. That''s why I''m not leaving! I''m not afraid of the Lionhearts

    either, but the rest of you can run all you want!"

    With that, she raised her metal bat and pointed at the greasy-haired middle-aged man as she bellowed loudly, "Hey, bitch!"

    "Bitch...?!"

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man

    did a double take, clearly feel

    by

    ¨¤ moniker for him, and els

    WY

    wasted no breath right then.

 Chapter 1426

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man growled through his teeth, "Kill her!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    The thugs all leapt toward Kat at the middle-aged man''s orders, while Kat''s neighbors remained still and silent.

    They watched as Kat stood alone, unsure if they should flee or stay.

    "Hyah!!!"

    Kat, however, did not stand idly and wait for her doom.

    She leapt to action right then, charging straight toward the greasy-haired middle-aged man.

    In her way was a grinning thug, who swung his metal bat straight at her head.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    If it struck true, it would at least be a concussion-even Kat''s neighbors were closing their eyes, unable to look.

    "That brat''s so... Urgh!"

    "She has passion, but that''s too reckless!"

    Even as everyone sighed in resignation and were dead sure Kat would get hit, Kat suddenly stopped in her tracks at an impossible speed.

    The metal bat missed her right then and struck the thug on the cheek.

    The thug yelped even as two rows of his teeth on that side of his face shot out, while he spun in the air for several circles before dropping to the ground.

    "What?!"

    It was not just the neighbors-the thugs were left staring nkly too.

    Even Sil was frowning. "A martial artist?"

    "Gah!"

    Another thug who charged at Kat just then was struck in the chest, leaving a dent as he coughed blood.

    Nheless, Kat was wiping the

    sweat off her brow and panting.

    "Huff, huff I''ve been cking on my training since I''ve been busy filming and singing... Hurry up, Master Lawrence, or you''d be seeing my corpse when you finally get here!"

    Sil was in turn furious and bellowed at the thugs, "Get her already! Aren''t you supposed to be the Fire Snakes?! Can''t you take down a single brat with so many of you?!" en.swhovels

    At first surprised, the thugs'' eyes soon went red with rage.

    That was true! If a gang of their size were sent packing by a brat, would they not be theughing stock of everyone?!

    With that, all fortyish of them bellowed as they charged toward Kat from every direction.

    "Tch..."

    Kat clicked her tongue-she was a martial artist under Frank''s tutge, but she only learnt the most basic phase of the Five-Peat Archaeus.

    She was really hard-pressed going up against so many people, but she did not have anywhere to run unless she wanted to watch as these people demolished her home. "Hmph. Five-Peat Archaeus!" she cried.

    A burst of vigor permeated her meridian nexus and extended throughout her body, and she instantly felt herself getting stronger.

    As the thugs charged at her, she

    breathed a battlecry and punched a

    metal bat that another thug swung at her. Then, snatching it out of his grasp, she smashed it on another thug''s head.

    "What..."

    Her neighbors were left staring nkly as she fought against all those men alone. But soon, one of them picked up a metal bat from the ground and joined the fray. Another soon followed suit, and eventually, most of the youths were fighting too.

    Pandemonium ensued, and the youths'' involvement considerably eased the pressure on Kat.

    Still, she was struck in the head and back several times, and blood trickled out of her lips and forehead.

 Chapter 1427

    Eventually, as over a dozen youths from Kat''s neighborhood joined the fray, she took down over twenty thugs.

    Still, some of them carried machetes and knives, and Kat ended up getting cut in the forearm when one of them caught her off guard.

    At her limit, she was panting heavily as she looked around, but the thugs were all down.

    "Well done, kiddo!"

    "I didn''t think old Nash''s kid was this good!"

    "Your hands''s bleeding... Quick, get it bandaged!"

    Kat felt warmth unfurling in her heart from all the praise showered her way and puffed her chest as she turned toward the greasy-haired middle-aged man.

    "Is that it? Hehehe..."

    Somehow, the greasy-haired middle-aged man was not upset or ming the thugs'' ipetence, but was insteadughing... even pping.

    "So that''s why you''re so full of yourself, kid! You''re actually a martial artist-half-baked, but I guess it counts!"

    Kat glowered in turn and snapped, "If you get it, then leave!"

    "Leave?"

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man paused for a moment andughed even more loudly. "Kiddo, I could already see you''re at your limit! I almost wanted to stop myself, but..."

    He waved, and more thugs leapt out from the heavy construction machinery... and there were over two hundred of them!

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man smiled at Kat in turn. "I didn''t bring much, but I brought all the men I could spare. Did you really think you could chase away the Lionhearts all on your own? You''re kidding, right?"

    Kat''s expression certainly darkened as she watched the thugs charged toward them.

    Around her, her neighbors who were so vocally approving of her were suddenly deted and panicking again.

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man

    was spreading his hands andughing even as he slowly walked toward them. "I was being nice, but since none of you knows what''s good for you, you can all stay We just happen to need extra pites, and you all fit the bill." This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    The residents all turned pale and started backing away, while Kat was left puzzled. "Piles? What''s that supposed to mean?"

    One of the youths behind her tugged on her arm. "He means to drive us into the dirt, like piles. Run, kiddo these people are crazy!"

    "What?!"

    Kat was left incensed, but she saw that the greasy-haired middle-aged man was within her range of attack just then.

    She leapt toward him instantly, her vigor unfurling as she yelled, "Skyrush Jab!"

    It was her strongest move and a Mystic Sky Sect technique she learnt from Frank.

    "Ignorant fool." The greasy-haired middle-aged man snorted.

    Instead of dodging Kat''s full power

    blow, he moved as fast as I

    hisrge hand seizing Kat bing,

    neck and lifting her into the air!

    "Oof..."

    Her attack foiled, Kat suddenly found herself struggling.

    But the greasy-haired middle-aged man''s hand was holding her neck with a vice-like grip, and she not free herself no matter did.

    "Heh. Allow me to introduce myself..."

    she

    Swould

    The greasy-haired middle-aged man sneered as he took off his sses. "Sil Lionheart, vice-chief of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall."

 Chapter 1428

    "Did you think I''m the easier target here, brat? How naive."

    As he finished, Sil''s fingers slowly clenched around Kat''s neck, and heughed viciously as he did. "Go on, let me see how you will struggle before you die. It''s a shame to just kill you right here, but it''s really your fault for getting ahead of yourself!"

    "No!"

    "Please, we will leave! Just let the kid go!"

    "She just got a little upset... She''d never mess with the Lionhearts!"

    The residents panicked even as they watched Kat start to drain of strength, and some who were close with Nash were even tearing up.

    "Hey, where the hell are you, Nash?!" One even called Kat''s father. "Your daughter''s going to die! Why would I lie to you?! Oh, she''s just trying to stand up for us, but... Just get over here! Wait, you''re in Zamri?!"

    Amid the hollering, the light in Kat''s eyes were dimming and she was almost turning still.

    Sil just had to squeeze a little to snap her neck, but he did not do it.

    After all, he loved seeing a person, alive and kicking, slowly die in his grasp and before his eyes.

    However, that was when he suddenly heard a whirling rotor overhead.

    "Hmmm?"

    Sil looked up to find a helicopter streaking toward them from a distance, with a man standing on thending skid, a hand holding on to the fusge.

    "What...?" Sil murmured, since it was quite far for him to make out everything.

    Onboard the helicopter, the pilot was shouting behind him, "I''m descending right now, Mr. Lawrence!"

    "No, it''s fine!" Frank replied, his eyes rapidly searching and quickly finding Kat, whose neck was held up by a man while she barely breathed.

    "Mr. Lawrence?!" the pilot eximed, as he almost had a heart attack as he watched Frank leap off the helicopter while leaving his parachute in the backseat!

    Down below, the residents could all hear the raging bellow, "Let her go!"

    Then, a man shot downward like a

    into

    before mming violent/et

    ground, leaving a

    crater and kicking a wave

    ve of dust.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Wo

    Boom!

    "Shit, what the fuck?!"

    The thugs had never seen anything like that-an actual person leaping from over three thousand meters in the air without a parachute! What was that if not suicidal?!

    Even as the shockwave from thending subsided, Sil felt the chill of danger creeping down his spine.

    Almost purely by instinct, he flung Kat into the distance, while he leapt backward in evasion as a silhouette shot past him.

    Without hesitation, the man stopped attacking him and leapt into the distance, catching Kat in his arms.

    "Cough, cough..."

    Kat was almost drifting out of consciousness and would really be dead if Frank had not made it in time.

 Chapter 1429

    "Master... Lawrence?" Kat coughed violently as she regained consciousness.

    "Yeah," Frank replied as he tousled her hair, his gaze at once scolding, exasperated, and pained. "Hahaha... I knew it! You''re the only one I know who could leap off a helicopter..."

    Frank scowled as Kat could joke even in this situation.

    "You brat!" he snapped, though not without worry. "You''d be dead if I were a moment toote!"

    Kat shrugged. "I really can''t worry about that right now... They''re ready to demolish the cottage, and I can''t just do nothing. It was my parents'' home..."

    Frank sighed exasperatedly, seeing the stubborn determination in Kat''s eyes.

    "I''ll teach you other techniquester," he said shortly as he put her down.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Kat coughed. "Have you finally grown a conscience, Master Lawrence?"

    "No, I just don''t want to clean up your mess every time!" Frank tapped her on the head, sending several bursts of pure vigor into her acupoints and rapidly invigorating her oxygen-deprived lungs.

    Within seconds, Kat was steadily standing at Frank''s side like she was perfectly fine. "Watch out, Mr. Lawrence. That bastard called himself Sil Lionheart and said he''s the vice-chief of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall."

    "Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall?" Frank frowned, and slowly nodded.

    "What the..."

    At the same time, the dust around them was finally settling down, and the residents and thugs who were more keen-eyed noticed the man who was suddenly standing with Kat.

    In fact, one of the residents quickly remembered Frank and was pointing at him and eximing in delight, "I remember now! That boy is the Yego girl''s boyfriend!"

    "What?!"

    Even before the other thugs and residents understood, Frank stumbled and almost fell.

    Confusion showed all over his face-when did he be Kat''s boyfriend?!

    "Oh, so he''s Nash''s son-inw!"

    "Tut, tut. A proper young man like him must be one of them martial artists, right?"

    While Frank felt a little overwhelmed by the gossiping, he turned toward Sil, who appeared wary.

    "Who are you?!" Sil demanded.

    As the vice-chief of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall, Sil was naturally strong.

    But even though he was an early

    saw the other man le

    o gundent rank individual, h

    off that helicopter.

    While Sil himself could hardly be certain that he would not break something, the other man appeared to be made of steel and was totally fine despite leaping down from so high.

    And that naturally left Sil doubtful.

    "You want to tear down these houses?" Frank said coolly instead of answering Sil''s question. "You have one chance. Break one of your arms and leave with your men, and I just might spare you... Or die!"

    The residents were all holding their thumbs up, quietly approving of Frank''s menacing threat!

    "The kid looks like a big deal!"

    "Yeah. He must be a rich kid too, daring to stand against the Lionhearts!"

    "Old Nash is such a lucky man, having a daughter who could marry rich."

 Chapter 1430

    "Hehe... The cottage is going to be their love nest! It''s not up to the Lionhearts to demolish it!"

    Frank frowned as Kat''s neighbors'' gossiping went way worse, and he turned to find Kat giggling as she wrapped her hands around his arm, seemingly enjoying the misunderstanding.

    Screech-!

    A red sports car came bounding down the road, and a youth in red sses leapt off as soon as it came to a screeching halt.

    He bowed at Sil. "Mr. Lionheart, they havee to an agreement, but you still need to oversee the meeting..."

    That was all Frank heard as his ears pricked up and listened.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Sil held up a hand just then and stopped the youth from continuing, and he nodded in understanding.

    With another nce at Frank, he warily got in the red sports car and sped off, leaving the youth in charge.

    Frank did not stop Sil from leaving, since he could hear that Sil ordered the youth to retreat with their thugs.

    Moreover, he also heard something else in their exchange.

    "Letting on too much''...?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes in thought.

    Was it possible that there was a spiritron vein right here?

    If anything, Frank was still feeling scared after one was found in Zamri, and he would take Kat and leave this ce as soon as possible if there was one here too.

    The youth in sses nced at Frank and Kat too, before beckoning to the thugs. "Come on. We''re leaving."

    Soon, the heavy construction machinery all drove off, and the residents breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Thank you so much! May we have the pleasure of your name, sir?"

    "Yeah! It''s all thanks to you that our homes are saved!"

    "Oh, Yego girl. Which family is your boyfriend from?"

    "Do you n on having children?"

    Frank felt a headache as he watched the residents mobbed him and Kat, who stayed silent while shing a look of embarrassment.

    "Oh, Mr. Lawrence. Thank goodness you''re fine-you really scared mez there!" the helicopter pilot eximed, having run over afternding and taking off his headset and other equipment.

    Still, he was left dumbstruck for a while when he saw that Frank was not only fine but also left a huge crater on the ground.

    "Alright, everyone. Return to your homes-be here if those peoplee again," Frank reasoned, finally getting the enthusiastic residents to leave even as some asked about the wedding and promised to attend it.

    When they all finally left, Frank got a cab and took Kat with her to Waver Street, a famous red-light district in Morhen.

    "Why are you taking me here, Master Lawrence?"

    Kat was looking around warily. "You''re not going to sell me off to very, are you?"

    "Not if you behave," Frank said as he alighted and headed straight to Juno Enigma''s tavern to wait.

    Soon, he picked up the scent of the familiar perfume and a melodious voice speaking from on top of the stairs. "Oh, my dear husband is finally here to see me. I''m truly awash with emotion..."

    Juno herself then appeared, her appearance so stunning despite her veiled face that even Kat was left staring nkly at her.

 Chapter 1431

    "Master Lawrence, yourdy friends are really each more beautiful than the next!"

    Kat was eximing in disbelief. "Your luck with women is extraordinary!"

    Frank rubbed his nose and sighed exasperatedly. "Another word from you and I''m selling you off to very."

    "Bleh." Kat poked out her tongue, shaking in fear.

    On the other hand, Juno was beaming from Kat''s praise and came over to pat her head. "You''re adorable too, Kat. So, how have you been? Have things been pleasant with Kelly Handel on set?"

    "Pleasant?! That woman is "

    Kat was ready to rant her guts out like a broken dam, only to suddenly realize what she was doing and gape at Juno. "Wait, you know me? And that I..."

    "That''s enough. We''re not here to chit chat."

    Frank stopped her, and turned towards Juno with a serious look. "I have a question. Sil Lionheart, vice-chief of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall had brought a gang with him to demolish a suburban vige. Are you aware of that?"

    "I am." Juno nodded calmly.

    "What do they want?"

    "What, you ask..."

    Juno smiled so widely her eyes were narrowing. "I''m sure you already know, husband, though their efforts would only ever prove futile."

    Frank rubbed his chin in thought. "Futile? You mean, someone took it without them knowing it?"

    Juno remained silent, smiling as she patted Kat''s head.

    It was an unusually peaceful scene, and Frank suddenly looked up into Juno''s eyes before turning toward Kat, his eyes narrowing. "You mean..." "Hehe. It seems you''ve realized, husband."

    "What? What have you been talking about?" Kat asked, ncing between them and feeling the creeps.

    "Well, it seems like I do." Frank ignored her and sighed, leveling a troubled look at the dumbstruck Kat before telling her bluntly, "From now on, you don''t have to work with Noel

    York anymore. Give up on there

    movie project. Just return to Cologne Court in Zamri, and don''t leave unless it''s absolutely

    necessary."

    "Hehe..." Juno giggled but otherwise did not interrupt Frank''s solemn orders.

    "What?!"

    Kat, however, was at once defiant, pulling Juno''s hand off herself while ring at Frank. "Did my dad possess you, Master Lawrence?! I''m halfway through filming, and it''s my shot at stardom-I''ll be a top star inThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Draconia eventually!" in

    "No, you must not get famous," Frank said, his expression calm and offering no grounds for argument.

    Kat mmed her hand on the table

    ???

    and sprang to her feet right then snapping, "I thought you were different from my dad, but it seems you''re all the same! You hav@no right to confine me!"

    As she turned and strode off, she added coldly, "I don''t need any of you meddling in my business from now on!"

    With that, she mmed the door with a loud bang on her way out.

    "Hehe... What a lively kid. You really should leave her be." Juno smiled, a look that somewhat calmed Frank down.

 Chapter 1432

    At the same time, Kat ran out onto the street and hailed a cab.

    Before she got in, she did not forget to turn toward Frank and stick her tongue out at him before leaving.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank was left frowning, while Juno hid a smile behind her palm. "She''s more interesting than I thought."

    "Urgh..." Frank sighed lengthily, speechless.

    Thanks to his exchange with Juno, he hade to realize that Sil and his group did not go to Kat''s vige to demolish it, but to gather information instead.

    Naturally, they wanted the spiritron vein, having somehow learned that it was around that location.

    What they did not expect, however, was that the spiritron vein was no object this time, but a person.

    In other words, Kat was the one they were looking for.

    Everything made sense now, especially why Kat''s blood was so effective as a catalyst for pill refinement, allowing him to cook even Jade Marrow Pills.

    She was a walking spiritron vein, and she was not even aware of that!

    Frank did not want her to get famous to protect her, just like how Nash lived in anonymity to hide her.

    It was likely that Sil and his friends noticed the signs when they left but were not paying it too much heed.

    But if they locked on to Kat, what awaited her...

    Frank did not even want to imagine it and was at once exasperated and worried. "That brat..."

    Why did the kid have to be so rebellious? Could she not just behave like Winter?

    Seemingly seeing Frank''s dilemma, Juno sat down, resting her chin on her hands as she smiled. "She''s

    quite the escapist, but isn''t that the

    liveliness that girls her age should have? She certainly had it good-at my age, I was wondering how I could kill my husband ander whatever he had left..."

    While her words left Frank doing a double take, She put her hands together nonchntly. "Anyway, husband you should visit Morhen Studios tomorrow, and see how much the kid is striving for her dreams. Only then should you consider telling her to give up."

    Frank thought about it and nodded wryly. "Fine."

    "Then... Why don''t we take a break now?" Juno purred, pressing her ample bosom against him.

    Her skin was smooth and a bewitching fragrance swirled around Frank''s nostrils, and his heart skipped a beat as he nced sideways and saw her bottomless cleavage.

    He promptly got up. "Sorry, but I won''t impose since I''m busy."

    "That won''t do," Juno said, narrowing her coquettish eyes that were suddenly icy. "I''ve helped you so much, and you''re just going to pull up your pants and leave? Talk about a heartless bastard..."

    "Ahem¡ªI''ll pass on the break. But if you have anything you need my help with, I definitely won''t refuse."

    Frank naturally would not deny that he owed her plenty of favors. "Urgh..."

    Juno sighed at Frank''s tactlessness, though her coquettish expression returned as she extended a long,

    bare leg to brush against his calves. "Well, won''t force you since you''re reluctant... In that case, can you kill a man for me?"

 Chapter 1433

    "Who is it?"

    Frank frowned, instinctively distancing himself from Juno, only for her to press herself on him relentlessly.

    "Now, now. This man is quite amazing... I''m worried you can''t do it, husband." Juno smiled, her eyes narrowing. She looked just like one of the vixens in folklore, born charming and able to send any man into a frenzy.

    However, Frank remained perfectly calm as he repeated, "Who is it?"

    Juno paused for a moment as Frank was not falling for her tricks, surprised that Frank was so determined.

    Hence, she leaned in, her red lips parting as she smiled and breathed into his ear, "Silverbell, chief of the Martial Alliance."

    "What?!"

    Frank''s face fell right then, and he leveled a cold-even murderous-re at Juno, ready to attack even as he rasped, "Do you want to die?"

    "Oh,e on. I was just yanking your chains." Juno giggled to y it off, knowing right then that she had pushed one of Frank''s buttons from the way he threatened her.

    "Then who is it?" Frank growled impatiently, ready to leave.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hehe. It''s Rambada, Talnam''s general-in-chief."

    Juno smiled but was no longer holding back. "He''s not an easy opponent, as he''s Talnam''s strongest man and a genuine Ascendant rank. How about that, husband? Are you sure you can do this?" "A Talnam general?"

    Frank shelved his impatience, but was still frowning as he asked, "What happened between you two?"

    "Hehe. It''s a long story... Also, I won''t

    §Ö

    ask that you go looking for him now. Your paths would cross eventually, and when they do, you must kill him for me."

    Frank

    Juno''s eyes just then and mused to himself for a while before nodding.

    s need the murderous glint in

    I have my word." Conte ding.

    "Hehehe..." Juno''s smile brightened further at Frank''s promise.

    Frank sighed lengthily as he left Waver Street.

    ncing at the brightly lit street behind d him, he chuckled

    was

    So bewitching he almst

    temptation. t ¨¦n.swnovels

    fell to

    What a dangerous woman, though that was why she was top in ckrank.

    Moreover, it had not been a fruitless visit for him as he found out why Sil showed up at that suburb vige.

    And Kat...

    It was a headache as soon as Frank thought of her, but he had no better n anyway.

    Lodging at a hotel, he did his usual training routine the next morning and had breakfast before heading off.

    As Juno suggested, he drove to Morhen Studios and found Kat''s production crew.

    Still, before he could get in, several security guards intercepted him.

    "Hold it. This is the production set for Academy in Bloom! Looking for someone? Where''s your work pass?'' "Work pass?"

    Frank was left confused but soon realized that the security guards were right.

 Chapter 1434

    This was a production crew for a major film, and it was not possible for unauthorized personnel like Frank to simply enter.

    After some thought, he looked up with a smile. "I''m Noel York''s friend. I''vee to visit her."

    The three security guards stopping Frank stared nkly at him for a moment before bursting intoughter.

    They wereughing so loud even the pedestrians nearby were turning to look at them in confusion.

    "Hey, hey, hey, get a load of this."

    One of the security guards was pointing at Frank''s face with his baton even as he keptughing. "This dumbass says he''s Noel''s friend, and he wants to meet her on set!"

    "Hahaha! Do you even know how important Ms. York is? Who do you think you are, trying to get cozy with her?"

    "Use a better excuse, like you''re a scout or something."

    "Yeah, that would at least be more believable."

    The pedestrians wereughing from the security guards'' mocking too-Noel York was the best actress in Draconia, and that brat imed he knew her?

    Who was he kidding?

    "Shoo. Get out of here while we''re being nice, quit being an eyesore."

    "Roman Xinder is not as nice as us, you know."

    "Wait, Roman ising?!"

    "Alright! He''s my idol!"

    "Yeah, and I didn''t sleepst night just to see him today! I know for a fact that his schedule is full!"

    Many of the women around them had a twinkle in their eyes and were squealing when the security guards mentioned Roman Xinder. Frank even noticed some were enthusiastically pulling out banners and posters.

    "Roman Xinder?" Frank did a double take-Roman who?

    Seeing Frank''s confused reaction, one of the excited fangirls red at him in contempt.

    "Are you stupid?"

    "You don''t even know who Roman is? He''s our prince charming!"

    While Frank still had no idea who Roman was, the women were getting on his nerves with their outbursts.

    "Alright,dies. Break it up, stand aside."

    Before he could speak, the security guards came up, even shoving Frank aside. "You too. Move aside."

    Frank scowled, "I''m the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department, and Noel''spany is a subsidiary of Lanecorp."

    "Lanecorp?"

    The security guards paused before snorting. Never heard of it. And head of the health and security department? That just means you''re a security guard leader. What are you trying to prove here?"

    Everyoneughed at that.

    "Get out of here, you hear?"

    "Or we''ll start using force!"

    Frank was going to argue even as the security guards brandished their stun batons at his face, though amotion soon ensued with a chorus of squeals.

    Frank turned to see a procession of over five cars arriving, with a ck convertible in the middle as they stopped by the curb.

    Soon, a handsome youth with ear

    piercings and dyed silver hair

    alighted from the convertible, and the girls around him were screaming right away.

    "Roman!"

    "Ahh!!! It''s really Roman! He''s really here!"

    "I love you!"

    While the fangirls screamed and chanted, Romanpletely ignored the fangirls.

    He strode into the film set, with the security guards nking him in escort.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1435

    Roman never once looked in the direction of his fangirls, waved, or smiled at them.

    In fact, he was scowling and clearly grumpy, even as the fangirls kept screaming.

    "Oh, he just looked at me! He did!"

    "Shut up! He was looking at me!"

    "Say that again, I double dare you!"

    The scene copsed into pandemonium, and some of the fangirls were even tussling because of that.

    Frank stood in the distance, shocked.

    If Kat became a star someday, with fanboys chanting like that...

    He felt a chill down his spine and decided once again to kill the idea in its crib.

    Getting to a quiet ce, he called Noel.

    "Hello."

    Noel''s voice wasnguid, seemingly having just gotten out of bed. "Where are you, Ms. York?"

    "Me?"

    Noel was at a loss but soon came to her senses and giggled. "I''m in Riverton."

    "What? Aren''t you in Morhen for filming?"

    "Oh. I finished my partsst night, so I left. Kat has some parts left, but she''ll be done in the afternoon."

    "Oh."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Frank nodded and chuckled. "I''d like to see her work. How do I get in?"

    "Easy. I''ll call the production crew," Noel replied cheerfully.

    Soon after Frank hung up, the security guards who had just chased him away were running toward him panic showing on his face as eximed, "I''m so sorry, Mr.

    Lawrence! We didn''t know verine

    Noel York''s friend. Doe in."

    were

    While the security guards were endlessly humble as if they werepletely different people, they were also inwardlyining.

    Why could these big shots not give a heads-up beforeing over? And this one had to dress so casually and not bring a single bodyguard... it was just ridiculous.

    Moreover, Noel said over the phone that Frank was her friend and boss, thetter which was a position the security guards did not dare imagine.

    They could only apologize, hoping that Frank would not press the issue.

    Frank, however, took no notice.

    He looked around, and found the pedestrians and the fangirls who just insulted him were all staring at him in shock.

    He really was Noel York''s friend?

    Soon, embarrassment showed on their faces, and some were even afraid to look Frank in the eye.

    Meanwhile, as the security guards lead Frank into the film set, they had not ventured that far when he heard a bellow. "Where''s Noel York?! Why isn''t she here?!"

    Frank did a double take, and turned to see that it was Roman Xinder, the handsome youth from before, shouting.

    His face was flushed, and he was ring fiercely at the director, who appeared helpless. "She has already finished her parts, Mr. Xinder, and we have a binding contract. We can''t make her stay!"

    "And I told you to add more parts for her!" Roman bellowed, mming his hand on the table. "She left before it''s done?!"

    "Well..." Alfred Moran, the director, could only murmur awkwardly.

 Chapter 1436

    "Well..." Alfred Moran, the director, could only murmur awkwardly.

    Jeff Bale, the bald scriptwriter, strode up with an apologetic smile. "Actually, Ms. York rejected the parts. And she''s one of the sponsors for the production, so we can''t just force her.

    "Yeah, Mr. Xinder," Alfred reasoned. "Just calm down, and get ready for your part today."

    "Fuck off!"

    Roman refused to hear a word of it, however and flung the script an assistant brought him straight at Alfred''s face. "I wouldn''t have taken this role if Noel wasn''t involved! And now you''re telling me that we don''t have intimate scenes?! What am I even doing here?!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes at Roman''s outburst, his impression of the man hitting rock-bottom instantly.

    However, Roman just happened to be seeing red and needed more people to vent.

    As the production crew was busy with their respective tasks and kept their heads down so that they did not get caught, only Frank was staring his way.

    Roman abruptly realized that Frank was staring his way. He strode toward Frank, pointing at Frank and snapping, "Who is he?! Who let him in here?! Who''s going to take responsibility if my public image gets affected?!"

    "Oh, calm down, Mr. Xinder." His manager quickly tried to reason with him, smiling apologetically.

    The entire production crew seemed to revolve around him, and no one dared to mess with him.

    And yet, that was when Frank spoke tly, "Your public image? It''s really not a loss."

    The production crew was suddenly still and silent.

    "What did you just say?" Roman demanded in disbelief, as if he did not hear Frank.

    However, Frankpletely ignored the looks others gave him and chuckled coolly. "I said, how is your public image going to be affected when it''s this bad?"

    Roman''s cheeks flushed as he flew into a rage and leapt at Frank, ready to get physical. "How dare you!"

    Frank naturally was not going to let him, pping him resoundingly and sending him stumbling to the floor while leaving a red mark on his cheek. ¨¦n.swnovels

    "What?!"

    "How dare you!"

    "You''ve asked for it!"

    His rtion left the production crew. and the security guards all turning pale, and some quickly helped Roman to his feet while others snapped at Frank.

    Alfred''s face was virtually ck. "Who are you?! Who allowed you in here?!"

    After all, Roman was Draconia''s rising star and the face of one of the Soranos'' productionpanies!

    pping Roman in Morhen was basically a p to the Soranos'' face!

    Does this brat have a death wish, or did he have no idea who Roman was?!

    In fact, Alfred was shuddering when he saw the bruise on Roman''s face.

    An actor''s face was his life, and they were really screwed here!

    "Who let him in here?!" Alfred shrieked madly.

    The Soranos would be after him if anything happened to Roman!

    At the same time, the security guards had encircled Frank, but he remained calm.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    The security guards who brought him in were petrified and on their knees as they exined, "He''s Noel York''s friend, sir. She just called to let him in." ¨¦n.swnovels

 Chapter 1437

    Alfred was utterly dumbstruck. "What?! Noel York''s friend?!"

    What the hell was going on here?!

    On one side were Roman Xinders and the Soranos, while Noel was on the other.

    What was he going to do, caught in the middle?!

    While Alfred was left in a dilemma and unsure what to say, the rest of the production crew helped Roman to his feet.

    He was left seeing stars for a while before he finally came to his senses and saw the people around him clearly.

    He also felt the stinging sensation on his cheek right then, almost screaming out loud.

    He promptly told his assistants to bring him a mirror, and when they did and he saw the palm print on his cheek, he was mad with rage.

    The darkened bruise could well be struck on his heart!

    And no one had ever hit him ever since he was born... this was the first time he was pped, and so viciously at that!

    "What the fuck?! How dare you p me!" he hollered.

    And yet, the culprit remained unpunished, even standing his ground and saying tly, "Why wouldn''t I? What, did you think you were above the rest?"

    "I had no quarrel with you-in fact, I was just walking past, and you were already insulting me, even ready to hit me. It''s a mercy I haven''t killed you already, so don''t press your luck."

    Watching as Frank was ready to leave, Roman bellowed maniacally, "Get him! I''ll cut him into little pieces!"

    Despite his orders, the security guards nced at Alfred instead, since it was his orders they had to listen to.

    And Alfred made up his mind.

    Noel was Draconia''s top actress and naturally untouchable, but her influence was stillckingpared to the Soranos.

    Having decided to side with Roman right then, he red at the security guards and snapped, "What are you looking at me for?! You heard Mr. Xinder! Get him, and let Mr. Xinder punish him as he sees fit!" "Yes, sir!"

    The security guards were confident now, and they all whipped out their stun battens as they approached Frank.

    Some were even intimidating him verbally.

    "Do you know what you did, kid?"

    "Messing with Mr. Xinder is no different from messing with the Soranos!"

    "Word of advice-drop down on your knees and beg Mr. Xinder, and he just might let you live!"

    "Yeah. Don''t even think about resisting!"

    Frank scowled, having had to deal with something so ridiculous as soon as he came to the film set.

    He was in

    good mood before he

    took a at Kat filming, only

    everything to be ruined for somet

    brat.

    rich

    Frank''s murderous intent erupted too-who did these people think they were?!

    Even the Soranos would never dare to mess with him!

    Laughing coolly, he sent one of the security guards flying with a kick.

    "Shit!"

    Alfred was left dumbstruck as he

    loon-having directed plenty of

    he could tell from the kick

    alone that Frank was strong.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Argh!"

    Nheless, the other security guards were yelling battlecries as they charged at Frank.

    Still, Frank just had to raise his hand

    and

    the dozen of them flying

    likek, flooring them and el

    leaving them screaming.

    Some were even left with broken limbs or bleeding gruesomely.

    "What..."

    Everyone was left stupefied by the scene.

    "He''s a martial artist!" one of the more knowledgeable members of the production crew yelled.

 Chapter 1438

    One of the more knowledgeable members of the production crew yelled, "He''s a martial artist!"

    "What?!"

    The production crew was left stunned once more.

    "Hmph."

    Frank was in turn watching as Roman backed down, his eyes filled with fear.

    Seizing him by the cor, Frank demanded, "You''re working for the Soranos, huh?"

    "Y-Yes!"

    Roman zoned out for a moment when he was reminded of the Soranos.

    Right, he had connections to the Soranos!

    Even if the man before him was a martial artist, he would never dare stray out of line in the face of the Soranos!

    Laughing coldly at the thought, Roman growled, "Since you know that, you''d better get down on your knees and beg. I just might="

    Smack!

    There was another audible p, and Roman was seeing stars again, the dizziness and agony leaving himpletely dumbstruck.

    At that moment, the only thought he had was a question.

    Did Frank just hit him despite knowing that the Soranos had his back?!

    Soon, Frank answered said question.

    "Hmph. Who do you think you are?!" He snorted. "Even Emilio Sorano himself had to apologize to me personally!"

    "What?!"

    Roman felt like his mind blew up.

    Was he hearing this right?!

    Emilio Sorano was the eldest son of the family head and heir apparent to the Sorano family!

    And this brat is saying that even Emilio was beneath him?!

    It was only then that Roman started panicking.

    He might have said that he was backed by the Soranos, but he was just a starlet one of their showbizpanies were grooming.

    If they wanted, he would disappear the next day!This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    And he had just insulted someone whom even Emilio Sorano feared?!

    Roman''s legs turned to jelly right then, and he could not even stand.

    When Frank released him, he dropped to his knees with a thud in front of Frank, staring at him in panic.

    It was not just Roman.

    There were few people in the production crew who had never heard of Emilio, what with his constant TV appearances and him being a bigwig among the Four Families of Morhen.

    The average Joe would not even have the chance to meet him, but this man was saying unabashedly that even Emilio had to apologize to him personally?!

    Even if he was lying, it was clear he was quite the character who did not fear the Soranos!

    But even as the entire production crew was left in suffocating silence, a man with dyed gray hair and an expensive suit entered.

    "Yo, I could hear things getting lively

    in here even all the way outside. What''s happening?" the man spoke, and even the way he carried himself was different.

    The thirtyish men-in-ck bodyguards certainly helped.

    "What... Willy Sorano?!"

    Alfred was shaking as soon as he saw who he was.

    Willy Sorano was Emilio''s son and a proper bigwig of Morhen!

    One word, and it was over for everyone in here!

    "Mr. Sorano?!"

    Roman did a double take but soon shed a sickly smile of delight.

    Scrambling to Willy''s side, he pointed at Frank as he snapped, "Mr. Sorano! That thug barged into our production set and hit me! See what he did to my face! And he said that ever your father had to apologize to him personally... You have to punish him!"

 Chapter 1439

    "Really? That happened?!"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Willy did double take, abruptly incensed.

    How bold of that person... there were not that many people across Morhen who could get his father to personally apologize!

    However, before he could flip out, a foreboding sensation seized him.

    "Hehehe..."

    Willy flinched when he heard theughter of his nightmares and found thatughing man standing where Roman was pointing.

    Frank Lawrence!

    Willy dropped his hand fan right then while sweating bullets down his cheeks.

    He had PTSD after what Frank did to him, and the man''s voice almost left him dropping to his knees.

    But even as he caught his bnce with considerable difficulty, Roman was yapping away at Frank relentlessly. "What did you say, brat?! That you don''t fear the Soranos?! Well, Willy Sorano is right here! Let''s see what you have to say now!"

    "Mr. Sorano, don''t y nice with him. He was disrespecting your family, you have to "

    "Shut up."

    "Huh?"

    Roman was left stunned.

    It was only then that he noticed the sweat all over Willy''s face, as well as the fear and panic in Willy''s eyes as he looked at Frank.

    "I told you to shut up!" Willy snapped and pped Roman twice.

    The whole production crew were left dumbfounded as they looked on.

    Then, they all turned toward Frank, who was smiling in amusement. "Mr. Willy Sorano. How have you been? Are you in good health?"

    That smile could well be the reaper''s smile in Willy''s eyes.

    He certainly did not want to be put through the agony Frank put him through before.

    His lips parted as he tried his best to put up a smile. "I-I''m alright."

    "Oh, that''s good." Frank nodded and pointed at Roman, "You should really discipline your starlets. I was just walking by, and he leapt at me, pointing at and snapping at me, and he was even ready to hit me. He even threatened the directoro repeatedly to add intimate scenes for him and Noel York, and refused to work if he didn''t. Talk about a bad temper..."

    "Shit..."

    Willy could kill Roman right then.

    That brat could do anything he wanted, but he had to mess with a reaper like Frank today.

    And Willy had to be dragged into it!

    ring at Roman viciously, he then

    shed an apologetic smile at Frank. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. Ourpany has been neglecting personat etiquette, and I apologize for one

    of them souring your mood.

    Don''t worry-I''ll sort it out

    personally."

    "Good."

    Frank nodded and smiled, seeing that Willy was sincere. "And what brings you here today?"

    Willy could snap at Frank right then-for fuck''s sake, his actors were involved in this production! Why could he note to take a look?!

    Naturally, despite those thoughts, he put up a smile for Frank. "Hahaha... Well, the family business is showbiz, so I''ll be visiting film sets across the country from time to time, scouting out young, talented stars."

    "Oh..."

    Frank realized with a start, and his expression suddenly turned cold. "And are you done?"

    "What? Oh, right... I''m done," Willy quickly replied.

    "Then fuck off." Frank waved him off dismissively, showing no politeness since he had a really bad impression of Willy.

 Chapter 1440

    "F-Fuck off?!"

    Willy almost flew into a rage but was afraid of flipping out.

    He nodded politely at Frank and nced at Roman once before fleeing.

    And fled he did, like a rat who saw a cat, showing no intention to fight back at all.

    It was frustrating, but there was nothing he could do as he cursed inwardly.

    Meanwhile, the production crew was left shaking in their boots, afraid to breathe as they watched Willy leave fearfully.

    Who on earth was Frank to be able to tell Willy to fuck off?! One of Morhen''s most famous bigwigs?!

    On top of that, Willy was afraid to even retort. In fact, he did not dare say a word and fucked off as he was told.

    Alfred Moran the director and Jeff Bale the screenwriter were both gasping.

    It was the case especially for Alfred, as he remembered how he ordered the security guards to help Roman attack Frank, he could p himself twice right now.

    Dropping to his knees in front of Frank, Alfred pleaded, "S-Sir, I was just..."

    "Don''t bother."

    Frank said bluntly, "My sister has a role in this production, and I was visiting incognito with no intention to meddle. I just didn''t expect Roman Xinder to behave so rudely-I''m not imposing, am I?" Frank''s question left Alfred sweating all over his face-one of the actresses in his production was this big shot''s sister?!

    Still, he quickly shed an apologetic smile. "No, of course not. Your visit honors us."

    "Honor, huh?"

    Frank nced at one of the security guards standing at a corner, shaking his head and chuckling, "I was stopped from entering earlier." "Uh..."

    Alfred could not evenin-would anyone have insulted Frank if they knew who he was? Could he not just say who he was?!

    Still, Frank waved him off since he didn''t mean anything by it. "Keep filming. Just pretend I don''t exist."

    "O-Okay..."

    Jeff and Alfred traded nces, sighing in relief and wiping the sweat off their brow.

    It seemed that Frank can be reasonable

    In hindsight, his appearance here was helpful to them too.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    If Frank never showed up, things would be way worse, as Roman would still be throwing a hissy fit and refusing to cooperate, while Willy would be there to order them around.

    "M-Mr. Lawrence, may I ask who your sister is...?"

    Alfred smiled fawningly, clearly intending to sweeten rtions with Frank through his sister.

    Still, Frank could read their

    intentions and shook his head. "Lake I said, carry on as if I''m not around. I''m just here to visit, not interfere. Everything else should continue as usual."

    "O-Okay!"

    While Alfred and Jeff were a little disappointed by Frank''s response, they still felt respect for the fact that Frank turned down special treatment.

    Still, despite what he said, they still had to cover all the bases.

    Calling in Bobo, his assistant, Alfred instructed quietly, "Look for any actresses who are around Mr. Lawrence''s age and give her extra scenes!"

    "Yes, director." Bobo quickly headed to the changing room with a new script in hand.

 Chapter 1441

    Meanwhile, in the dressing room...

    "Can''t you put up a more natural expression, Kat?"

    A mboyantly dressed woman was staring at a girl dressed in a school uniform, lecturing her endlessly by banking on her seniority.

    "Haven''t you had enough, Kelly?!"

    Furious, Kat wheeled on the woman and snapped, "If you think I stole your role but have poor acting, you can take it up with the director instead of rambling at me endlessly. Do you think I''m some pushover?"

    Kat was already annoyed after what happened yesterday, no longer ying nice and snapping back at Kelly Handel.

    "Watch your attitude!" Kelly snapped back shrilly, thought she was surprised that Kat would retort so openly. "I''m criticizing you to point out your mistakes, so that you''ll get into character sooner-it''s for your own good! You don''t know the rules, do you? Do you think that the rules don''t apply to you just because Noel York has your back?!"

    "Funny how I could say the same thing about you, Kelly."

    Kat shot her a look of disdain. "Do you think you''re so important just because you joined showbiz a couple of years before I did? You should already be reflecting on the fact that I was chosen as the lead, not you, instead of acting like you shit gold. Do you think you''re really my teacher just because of your role as a teacher?"

    "Watch it!" Kelly snapped, shaking with rage.

    Kat red at her in turn, even brandishing her knuckle. "Watch what? I''m telling you don''t order me around. I''ll hit you if you push me too far!"

    "Insolent brat!"

    Unable toe up with a retort, Kelly started to storm off.

    However, just as she reached the door,

    ened, and Bobo the

    t belongs to ent

    S entered with a t

    She paused, ncing between Kelly and Kat with an awkward look.

    script.

    Eventually, she asked Kat tentatively, "Excuse me, Ms. Yego... Do you have a brother?"

    "Nope." Kat turned away as she denied it.

    She actually thought of Frank for a moment but was still too upset with him.

    Bobo then turned to Kelly. "What about you, Ms. Handel?"

    Kelly nodded. "I do, and he said he''lle visit today. What''s wrong?

    "Ah, I get it now." Bobo''s eyes lit especially since Kelly was cleThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    around Frank''s age, which made her more likely to be his sister.

    With that, she flipped through her folder and whipped out a script that was going to be removed. "Hehe. You have a great brother, Ms. Handel." Bobo shed a meaningful smile and turned to leave. Kelly was left staring at the script in confusion before gasping in delight.

    "Hehehe..." She waved it smugly in Kat''s face. "Luck is really on my side! The director is giving me

    Aren''t you jealous, Katarts.

 Chapter 1442

    Kat snorted. "What''s there to be jealous about?"

    However, Bobo left and soon returned with an apologetic smile.

    "I''m sorry, Ms. Yego," she said. "But we''ve already spoken to Ms. York. You''re up in ten minutes, and once we''re done with that scene, your parts will be finished." "What?" Kat frowned in confusion. "I thought there''d be five more scenes-"

    "Haha! How stupid can you get, Kat?"

    Kellyughed gleefully in her face. "The timetable for filming is fixed, and your scenes are over because the director decided to give them to me. Do you understand that?"

    Kat stayed silent as she realized something was wrong, as the director would suddenly marginalize her while giving Kelly all the important parts.

    Still, she took a deep breath since throwing a fit did not work here. All she could do was to y the parts she was given, as she was trained to do so by Noel.

    To be a famous star required that much discipline, bearing against such injustice.

    Hence, she sat on the couch without retorting against Kelly''s scoffing and closed her eyes meditatively, rehearsing her lines.

    -

    Soon, filming began, and Kat was standing and staring exasperatedly in front of an actor she did not recognize.

    Roman Xinder was supposed to be ying that role, but he refused to stoop to their level, which was why they were always using a double. Still, Kat was used to it.

    pping her cheeks, she quickly got herself into character and began the emotional scene.

    Frank was standing behind Alfred, quietly watching Kat work in surprise.

    He did not expect the brat to show such talent.

    Still, she had always been a rebellious brat, so she easily understood her role and basically did not need direction.

    She portrayed everything from bodynguage to expression vividly, be it anger or misery.

    It was almost no surprise that Noel took such a liking to her, just as Frank could not help remembering Juno Enigma suggesting that he shoulde take a peek while she was in action.

    It seemed that the kid really loved her job too, or she would not put up such an amazing performance.

    In fact, all her scenes were done in one take.

    Even Alfred was giving her a huge thumbs up in satisfaction andThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    the

    next Noel York, kid! You''ll be the best actress in just a few years.

    Frank was satisfied too and thought to himself that he might not get too restrictive with her.

    However, while he was spacing out, there was an audible smack.

    Frank looked up in surprise to find that a woman he did not recognize had pped Kat squarely across the face.

    It was just acting, but the p was real.

    Both Alfred and Kat were left stunned.

    However, even though Alfred

    thought Kelly was out of line, Frank was right behind him. Unable to say anything, he did not call cut to stop the scene. ¨¦n.swnovels

    Frank was stunned too and was at once angry.

 Chapter 1443

    It was just acting-was there a need to get physical?!

    Kat was clearly shaking with rage, but she continued to stay in character and finished her scene perfectly.

    When Alfred called cut, Kat exploded and red at Kelly furiously as she snapped, "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    "What? What did I do?" Kelly shrugged gleefully. "It''s called acting, so you have to show more dedication. And your dedication iscking, Kat!"

    Kat, however, could see that Kelly had pped her on purpose and pped her right then.

    The audible smack sent the production crew into an uproar.

    "What do you think you''re doing, Kat Yego?!"

    "Are you crazy?! How could you behave like this?!"

    Even as everyone from assistants to the director snapped at her, Kat was pointing at Kelly and snapping, "Are all of you deaf, or could you not hear how loudly she pped me?! She''s the one misbehaving here!" "That''s enough!"

    Alfred mmed his hand on the table and snapped. "You aren''t the same as Ms. Handel! Don''t you know who she is?! Even Noel York can''t protect you now!"

    "Apologize now!"

    "Yeah, apologize already!"

    The criticisms thrown at her from every direction left Kat''s chest heaving, and she bellowed, "Why should I apologize?! She should be the one apologizing here! She hit me first!"

    "Well, you should apologize too!" Albert eximed, ncing at Frank who was clearly glowering now. "If you don''t, you can forget your showbiz career... hell, you might not leave this ce alive!"

    "I refuse!" Kat retorted, kicking away a nearby loudspeaker angrily.

    "What a brat!"

    Everyone else was left frustrated, still oblivious to the fact that Frank''s sister was Kat and not Kelly.

    Albert felt like he had a knife on his back even as he saw Frank''s hostile re, and he could leap up to stap Kat twice to make her apologize to Kelly.

    On the

    @and, Kelly was making

    a huge fuss, dropping to the floore and sobbing loudly, "Oh,

    brother?! Someone just hitsContent is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Everyone was left even more panicked at that.

    What the hell! How were they going to survive this if they upset that bigwig who could lord over the Soranos?! They were really fucked!

    Even Albert was throwing aside his

    headsets and megaphone and calling in the security guards to restrain Kat, shoving him to the ground and making her kneeto Kelly in apology.

    Kat was furious too. She was not about to take this lying down, and she fought against the security guards.

    She was the one wronged here-Kelly had clearly pped her on purpose!

    "That''s enough!" Frank suddenly bellowed amid the pandemonium and strode to the center of the film set. "M-Mr. Lawrence..."

    Every member of the production crew were all petrified into silence, not daring to say a word at Frank''s outburst.

    They looked on as Kelly continued to sob and throw a fuss, while Frank strode up to Kat.

    "Oh, why is that brat so tactless?!"

    "Yeah. She''s definitely dead now that she''s upset that bigwig."

    "Ugh, I can''t look."

 Chapter 1444

    As everyone watched Frank walk toward Kat, they could already see what was going to happen.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    He would either hand her a violent beating to defend Kelly''s honor, or he would just kill her on the spot. Everyone held their breaths, and the security guards especially were making way for Frank.

    "What..."

    Kat was shocked, as she could certainly see Frank.

    Still, realization showed on her face before she snapped angrily, "It''s all your fault, isn''t it?!"

    Frank paused, caught off guard by the usation that came out of nowhere.

    He just did not want Kat to get hurt, so what fault was she talking about?

    "Kat Yego! You''d better watch how you''re talking to Mr. Lawrence!"

    Alfred quickly leapt in, snapping. "Now kowtow to Mr. Lawrence and apologize!"

    At the same time, he kept shooting Kat''s looks-it was the best he could do, as he was reluctant to see a good talent like Kat die here. "Why should I?!" Kat bellowed, pointing at Frank as her eyes widened in rage and misery.

    "You. Shut up."

    Frank held up his hand to stop Alfred just then before turning calmly toward Kat. "What else do you want to say?"

    "Well, since you asked!"

    Kat cried, wiping away tears. "There''s plenty! You had my parts cut off, didn''t you?!"

    "What?!" Frank frowned-he did not do anything.

    "What are you talking about?!"

    Alfred was snapping, ncing guiltily at Frank before turning to Kat, "We trimmed your parts out of consideration of the overall

    er

    production. It has nothing to do with Mr Lawrence!"

    At the same time, Jeff Bale the screenwriter was with Kelly, helping her to her feet and coaxing, "Please, Ms. Handel. You should reason with your brother-if he hurts Kat now, our month-long work will all go to waste!"

    "Yeah, Ms. Handel. You should talk to your brother!"

    "Just tell him to punish Kat, but don''t let things get out of hand or this production is kaput."

    "Forget hitting cinemas... We''d have to pay our investors damages!"

    Kelly was left confused by the production crew''s reasoning, since her brother never showed up.

    Then, seeing Frank and realizing what was going on, she wiped her eyes and snapped, "That''s not my brother!"

    Everyone was left stunned right then, and Jeff''s heart almost stopped right then. "What? You''re saying Mr. Lawrence isn''t your brother?"

    "Of course not." Kelly sneered even

    as she shot Frank a look of contempt. "What, do you think my brother is some small fry like him?! It''s Willy Sorano, and he promised to visit today!"

    "What?!"

    The whole production crew was left dumbstruck, freezing up like statues right then.

    Kelly took their reactions as pure shock from Willy Sorano''s importance. Naturally, Willy was not really her brother-they simply fraternized at a hotelst night.

 Chapter 1445

    And now, everyone realized why Willy came earlier to visit-it was for Kelly!

    Moreover, since Frank was not Kelly''s sister, the only possibility was... her?! Everyone including Alfred turned toward Kat just then.

    Then, Alfred started to copse, passing out.

    "Oh, director!"

    The production crew rushed up to catch him so that he did not fall to the ground.

    As Alfred wheezed to catch his breath, he yelled for his assistant Bobo.

    "W-What..." He pointed a trembling finger at the petrified Bobo, unable to say anything coherent aside from ''what''.

    It was Bobo who was supposed to find out who Frank''s sister was, and when she returned, she said in no uncertain terms that Kelly was Frank''s sister.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    And now that the truth was out, Alfred could strangle Bobo on the spot.

    He had cut down Kat''s parts and even snapped at Kat in front of Frank and so many others.

    Eventually, Alfred choked again and passed out.

    Everyone else was left trading nces of confusion, while Bobo burst out in tears as she exined hysterically, "I-It''s not my fault! I asked Ms. Yego, but she said she didn''t have a brother... How was I supposed to know?!" "What the hell is this?!" Kelly snapped just then.

    She was still feeling gleeful until she saw the production crew panicking around her.

    It was certainly weird, as the production crew were not afraid of Willy for some reason, but of the youth confronting Kat instead.

    "Who is he,paring himself to Willy?"

    Still, her gnawing pride spurred her into action, and she strode up as everyone watched, shooting Frank a lookof contempt as she demanded, "Brat, are you Kat Yego''s brother?"

    "Do you have a problem?"

    Frank was just thinking that the entire misunderstanding was Alfred''s fault, only for Kelly to suddenlye snapping in his face. "Well, this makes things simpler."

    Kellyughed coolly, folding her arms before her chest as she came up with a way to get back at Kat.

    And that was by insulting Kat''s brother in public.

    She was convinced that Willy was the reason why Alfred suddenly changed his mind and increased her scenes while cutting Kat''s.

    Even if Willy was not here, he had definitely made his orders clear-the brother she metst night at the hotel was really working in his favor!

    It had never crossed her mind that there was a case of mistaken identity.

    As such, Kelly remained buoyed even as she walked up to Frank, pointing at Kat and snapping, "Your sister pped me, on top of getting into fights with me so many times recently. Honestly, was there anyone who taught her manners? Did she even have an education?

    Frank was incensed right then-what was that supposed to mean?!

    "Ms. Handel!"

    Jeff turned pale as she saw that Kelly was harassing Frank and quickly tried to stop her.

    Kelly refused to hear a word of it and shoved him out of the way while snapping, "This isn''t over! And if anyone tries to talk me out of it again, you will find Willy Soranoing after you!"

    The entire production turned silent right then.

    After all, while they could not afford to mess with Frank, the same could be said for Willy too.

 Chapter 1446

    After all, while the production crew could not afford to mess with Frank, the same could be said for Willy too.

    As such, they were left watching hesitantly, as they could neither discourage Kelly because of her threat, nor encourage her since Frank was right there. "Hmph. Who cares? Let her die all she wants-we can''t stop her anyway," a woman said quietly in a corner just then.

    "What?! Who said that?!"

    Kelly frowned furiously when she heard those words but could not find the one who said them.

    On the other hand, Frank was silent for a while before shing his bright white teeth in a smile. "So, Ms. Handel, was it? What are you going to do?"

    It was a dangerous smile that sent the production crew retreating, knowing that Frank was furious just then, and keeping it bottled at that.

    Some were even shooting Kelly looks of sympathy.

    It seemed that she really still thought herself invincible, having Willy as her patron, and not knowing that said patron was sent packing just because Frank told him to fuck off. "Oh, nothing much..."

    Kelly turned her attention back to Frank, giving him a dramatic look of disdain before snorting. "It seems the apple really doesn''t fall far from the tree... Now kowtow to me three times, and that would make up for your sister''s misdeed. Or you and her are going to die!" Hearing Kelly''s haughty threat, Frankughed despite himself.

    The production crew was retreating further away in panic, leaving Kelly further perplexed.

    What the hell were they doing over there?

    "Kelly Handel! If you have a death wish, you just have to say it!"

    Kat glowered even as she strode up and grabbed Kelly by the cor, growling furiously, "I will grant you your wish right now!"

    Fear showed on Kelly''s face when she saw that the brat was ready to hit her, though that fear soon faded in ce of glee.

    She even puffed her chest and

    goaded, "Why don''t try hitting meet

    again? Willy Sorano will be here soon, and when he''s here, both of

    you would-"

    Smack!

    Kat pped her audibly across the face before she could finish, leaving her stupefied.

    "Y-You hit me again?!"

    Kelly clutched her swollen cheek as she cried out in disbelief.

    Smack!

    Kat was certainly sticking true to her guns, pping Kelly again without another word. "Argh!"

    Kelly shrieked even as she shrugged free from Kat''s grip, clutched her swollen cheekThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    production and ring at the

    crew in disbelief. "What

    are you mooks doing?! Are you just going to watch while that brat hits me?! Don''t you know that my brother is Willy Sorano?!"

    She thought someone would finallye to stop Kat, but no one wasing forward no matter how she bellowed.

    If anything, they were moving further away.

    "F-Fine! You wretches are conspiring to bully me! I''ll call my brother from now on... You''re all dead! You will all pay!"

    Kelly cried even as she whipped out

    els

    her phone and called a number, even putting the call on speaker on purpose and holding her phone straight at Frank.

 Chapter 1447

    Kelly, almost driven mad from sheer frustration, wasughing maniacally. "It''s over for the lot of you, bullying me like that! Once my brother brings his men, you''re all going to die without exception!"

    "Hmph..."

    Surprisingly, Frank remained undaunted, even chuckling coolly as he caught Kat before she could leap at Kelly, while telling Kelly calmly, "Then you''d best hurry. He might still be nearby and have yet to get far." "What, you can''t wait for him to kill you sooner?!" Kellyughed. "Fine, then have it your way!"

    Soon, Kelly''s call was answered, and a voice askednguidly from the other end, "Hey, Kelly. What''s up?"

    "Oh, Willy." Kelly was suddenly purring instead of yelling. "S-Someone just hurt me. Can you help me?"

    Her tone shift was so quick everyone was left raging their brows, just as they noticed that Willy was not your usual brother to her.

    Willy actually sounded puzzled from the other end. "What, someone hurt you? Didn''t you tell them that Willy Sorano has your back?"

    "I did, but it''s like the production crew doesn''t care! No one''s helping me... No, they''re basically ignoring me!"

    "What?! Who is it?!" Willy was bellowing right then. "How dare they disrespect me!"

    "Willy..."

    Kelly sneered viciously at Frank and Kat. "It''s this brat called Kat Yego and her brother... he''s..."

    Seeing that Kelly did not know his name, Frank smirked and kind-heartedly offered, "Frank Lawrence." "Hmph!"

    Kelly snorted coolly, seeing that

    Frank was that pompous. "Right, Kat Yego and her brother Frank Lawrence. These two are so full of themselves and disrespecting me, and they pped me so many times! My face hurts so much, Willy... You have to bring as many men as you can and defend my honor... Willy? Willy?"

    Kelly trailed off, confused that there was only silence from the other end. "What''s wrong, Willy? Are you listening?!"

    "Fuck you!"

    Even as Kelly flinched from Willy''sThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    sudden expletive, Willy kept snapping, "You bitch! You could''ve

    messed with anyone else, but

    had to mess with those two

    instead?! Let me make it very

    clear we don''t know each other, do you understand?! You''re the one who came on to mest night, and stop calling me Willy-I don''t know who you are!"

    Kelly was left dumbstruck right then. "Wait, Willy! Didn''t you say no one in Morhen would dare disrespect you? And it''s just these two... Just get more people, and they''d be destroyed where they

    there are a lot of people

    Jeline

    watching-you''d be embarrassing

    your family if you acted like this..."

    "Fuck off!" Willy yelled at her, clearly agitated. "Go die all you want. It was just a fling anyway-what, do you really think you''re Mrs. Sorano now?! I''m telling you, fuck off right now, and don''t ever let me see you again!" His unreserved outburst left Kelly really speechless right then.

 Chapter 1448

    As Kelly turned in disbelief toward Frank and Kat, her eyes were showing fear and panic.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Suddenly, her haughty attitude was gone, and she genuinely felt fear.

    She did not know that there was a man whom even Willy would be afraid of! How scary was that?!

    So that was why the production crew were giving her looks of sympathy when she insulted Frank endlessly, and someone even said she was suicidal.

    As reality sank in, Kelly held up her phone with trembling fingers, her voice shaking as she begged, "Please, Willy... you have to help me! Didn''t you call the director to add more scenes for me? That means you like me, right?" "What director? What scenes? Shut the fuck up. I don''t know shit!"

    Willy snapped in utter annoyance, "Don''t ever call me ever again. It''s over between us-hell, we never even met, you hear?!"

    "What?!"

    Kelly despaired even as she heard how scared but determined Willy was, and her phone slid off her fingers right then.

    Still, Frank caught it with his quick reflexes before it hit ground and chuckled in amusement. "Come on, Mr. Sorano. Don''t you think it''s a little cold, pumping and dumping a girl like that?"

    Willy was silent for a moment before quietly saying, "Just tell me what you want inpensation."

    "Compensation?!"

    The production crew around them all gasped, as they could hear how submissive Willy was... and that he was even offering Frankpensation!

    Frank did not y guessing games either, ncing at Kelly once and saying quietly, "You haven''t gone far, have you? Why don''t youe back and see for yourself?"

    Willy was silent for a while and hung up.

    Half an hourter, he returned to the film set, still in his white suit.

    His twentyish burly bodyguards

    were still with him, and the

    production crew were all

    say a word when they saw them in fear of incurring Willy''s wrath.

    After all, the look on Willy''s face was something to marvel at.

    As soon as he strode in and nodded at Frank, he then pped Kelly viciously across the face before kicking her down to the ground.

    "You bitch! You slut! All you do is

    cause me trouble!" he growled through gritted teeth before pointing at Frank and Kat. "Get down on your knees and apologize right now!"

    "Willy, I..."

    "Apologize!"

    Willy kicked Kelly in the stomach this time, and she grunted in pain as she dropped to her knees.

    "I''m sorry... Mr. Lawrence, Ms. Yego..." She sobbed, fighting against the pain.

    "Bow your head!" Willy bellowed, stamping his foot on Kelly''s head and making her kowtow three times audibly.

    "Are you satisfied, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Willy then leveled a smile at Frank that did not quite reach his eyes.

    Frank turned toward Kat in turn, who pursed her lips. "Passable." "Passable..."

    Willy pursed his lips, unsure if they were satisfied or not.

    "It''s alright, Mr. Sorano. That''s all for today."

    Frank waved him off, seeing that it was good enough. "Just keep your people in check from now on. Getting too self-important is going to hurt others and most importantly themselves."

 Chapter 1449

    "Y-Yes, of course..."

    Willy pursed his lips but shot a vicious re at Kelly before he left, as she dropped to her knees in fear. As he snorted coolly and strode off, the production crew was left whispering among each other again. "What the hell? Mr. Lawrence really has Willy Sorano at his beck and call!"

    "I''ve never seen Willy being that humble..."

    "Didn''t you hear? He was literally lecturing Willy!"

    "Ya think?! And Willy didn''t even dare to argue!"

    "It''s outrageous!"

    "Hmph!"

    On the other hand, even as Kat watched as Willy left, she was clenching her knuckle and huffing pompously. "That prick really mellowed down, huh? And here I was going toe up with some excuse to beat him up violently again." Her huffing left the production crew petrified right then.

    "Again?"

    Was Kat saying that she had already beaten up Willy violently before?!

    Jeff Bale the screenwriter felt like his heart could stop right then-who on earth was this brat doing in his production?!

    Still, it was not surprising that she was so confident. If anything, it made her the perfect choice to y a rebellious brat who did not fear bigwig bullies, even snapping at an heir of a major corporation.

    Hell, she was even more amazing in reality, as she got physical instead of just using words!

    Jeff had to beckon repeatedly for

    assistant to bring him a puffs for his heart to cane''s

    and

    had to take several

    That was when Frank turned toward him. "Are her scenes done? I''m taking her if it is."

    Since Alfred Moran the director had fainted and had to be stretchered off, Jeff was now the leading authority at the production set.

    "Yes, yes..." Jeff nodded apparently, afraid to say anything else.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Good." Frank nodded and went up to take Kat''s hand, ready to leave.

    "Wait," she suddenly said and walked up to shove Kelly, who was sitting limply on the ground.

    Dropping to a crouch to level a look of annoyance straight at Kelly, she said, "I''ll be honest-I''m really upset that you stole my parts, but just remember not to mess it up. Get it? I don''t want my debut to flop."

    And as Kelly looked on, Kat waved at her as she strode out of the film set with Frank.

    Her face covered in blood and bruises, Kelly could only murmur unintelligibly and in quiet disbelief, "S-She''s not going to kill me..."

    -

    After leaving the film set, Kat rode shotgun in Frank''s car, leaning against the window.

    "Uh... sorry for putting the me on you, Master Lawrence," she said.

    After all, she had realized that her scenes were cut down because of Alfred, who mistook Kelly for Frank''s sister, and it was not Frank''s fault at all

    While that meant Kat could have more scenes before, she did not really care about that now.

    She then added, "I understand now, Master Lawrence. I was out of line... You and dad were both just worried about my safety."

 Chapter 1450

    Even as Kat continued, she kept her eyes outside the window, as she was obviously embarrassed. "I even ran away without a care, as I''ve always done... Sorry. I''ll listen from now on and stay home, alright?" Frank was actually unustomed to her being so well-behaved.

    Moreover, her nature as the spiritron vein was more or less well-hidden. Even if most martial elites had her, they would not really see it unless they were as knowledgeable as Frank in medicine.

    After some thought, Frank said, "When you get back to Zamri, go to Vicky and Helen and get some paperwork done to move the showbizpany in Riverton to Zamri. I''ll be investing in equipment and human resources-we won''t just be a talent managementpany, but we''ll also be a producer of motion pictures and music albums."

    Seeing Kat''s jaw dropping, he chuckled, "What are you looking at me for? I have that much influence anyway. Also, you and Noel York will be jointly managing thepany together-just remember my cut when you start turning a profit." "Okay! I love you, Master Lawrence"

    Kat eximed excitedly, leaning in to give Frank a firm smooch on the cheek.

    She was certainly surprised that Frank would approve of her ambition now, and even getting actively involved!

    "Impudent brat," Frank snapped as he wiped the drool off his cheek, though he was happy to fulfill Kat''s ambition too.

    At present, his goal was to establish a base in Zamri, and he was not about to allow a rival faction to have their fingers in the pie.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    That was also how he could protect Helen and the others as much as possible.

    But even as he thought that, he suddenly felt his car lurch.

    Kat, riding shotgun, almost hit her head on the windshield.

    "What the hell?!" she eximed in shock as she nced at the rearview mirror and saw that a blue Lamborghini had collided squarely on the back of Frank''s rented BMW.

    And Frank had properly parked the car, meaning that it was the Lamborghini that rear-ended them.

    Nheless, a man whose clothes were a mess and with stubble all over his face alighted.

    He stank of alcohol and was kicking the BMW''s door while mumbling and cursing, "Fucking... Blind fool... Parking car here! Get down!" Seeing how rude he was, Frank remained impassive as he alighted.

    He stood before the drunkard, staring him in the eye as he spoke quietly, "You''re drunk driving and rear-ended my car, and you''re ming me?"

    The man grabbed Frank by the cor right then. "Who do you think you are?! This is a highway! You can''t stop here!"

    "Open your eyes," Frank snapped, shoving him away. "This is a parking spot, and you''re attacking me when you crashed into me drunk?!" "Hey! What do you think you''re doing?!"

    A woman whose clothes were

    equally messy like the men''s got out of the Lamborghini too, rushing at, Frank and pointing at him and snapping, "Do you know who he is?!

    This is Joven Loom, the heir

    rof

    Crown Company! How dare you

    push him around!"

    Her outburst left Frankughing despite himself.

    Get

    "Do your eyes grow on your ass?!" he snapped coldly. "I don''t care about Crown Company or whoever you are. Wait here while the authoritiese do you really think you have the right of reason, rear-ending another car while drunk driving?"

 Chapter 1451

    The woman was furious that Frank was not afraid of Joven Loom or Crown Company.

    "I warned you, brat!" she snapped. "Even the Four Families of Morhen have to show the Crown Company some respect! Kneel and apologize, or you could get yourself killed!" "Wow, that''s so scary," Frank replied,pletely immune to her threats, even turning to level a look of contempt at Joven.

    The rich kid was so drunk he was sitting limply on the road-he was exactly the type Frank despised.

    At the same time, Joven was bragging, "D-Don''t you know who my brother is?! He''s Kain Loom, the Wild de of Cloudnine Sect. If you leave... I''ll show you..."

    Frank already had enough of the name-dropping and whipped out his phone.

    He quickly called Trevor Zurich to send his people to handle the incident, while he left right away with Kat.

    Even as he did, Joven was still snapping intermittently, "Get back here... Don''t leave if you have the balls... Fuck..."

    "Oh, calm down, Mr. Loom..." His girlfriend had to stay and take care of him since he was drunk all over the ce and only snapped at Frank without really giving chase. "Are we just going to let that slide, Master Lawrence?!"

    Kat was pouting unhappily, having restrained herself through the whole thing.

    "It''s Morhen. Still waters run deep here, and one less problem helps," Frank said, though he basically avoided a confrontation because of Kat''s presence.

    Kat could tell that much and nodded tamely withoutining.

    They soon got to a restaurant for dinner, after which a call from Vicky Turnbull came.

    "Where are you, darling?" she asked, her tone stern and devoid of her usual jovialness.

    Frank was frowning in turn. "I''m with Kat in Morhen. What''s up?"

    "Well, I have bad news. The South Sea Crow has returned."

    "What?!" Frank eximed so loudly he started everyone else in the restaurant.

    Noticing the looks, he bowed his head in apology before quickly leaving with Kat and heading to a quiet alley.

    His brow creasing, he asked, "The South Sea Crow has returned, you say?"

    How was that possible? He had an agreement with his fellow apprentice Ciaran Zobel, who

    disappeared after she exacteel

    revenge on Zac Turnbull.

    Frank had been vaguely worried about that, but he was sure that Ciaran would not go back on her word.

    If anything, this return of the South Sea Crow had to be something else entirely!

    And noticing Frank''s surprise and confusion, Vicky became suspicious too.

    "I get it," she exined. "But I''m not lying here she sent a deration of war to Turnbull Estate a few days ago, stating that she wille to wipe us all out. And the handwriting is identical from before." This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    "Weird..."

    Frank rubbed his chin, but he was sure that Ciaran would not lie to him since it did not work in her favor.

    He then had an idea. "Could the Lionhearts be behind this?"

    "I''m worried about that too." Vicky

    sighed. "They might be conjuring up another South Sea Crow here, but either way, it means trouble. On top of that, rumors are circting

    84120

    around my extended family that you

    and the South Sea Crow were in league, and what happened before was a staged act to keep us distracted."

 Chapter 1452

    Vicky sighed. "And they''re saying that you will work with the South Sea Crow to wipe us all out while we have our attention elsewhere." "You''re kidding!"

    Frank was left a little annoyed-those ingrates!

    If Frank was determined to wipe out the Turnbulls, they would already be dead! Why would he wait until now?!

    Nheless, it seemed that the internal discord among the Turnbulls was still rife.

    After Glen Turnbull announced that the main family would be absorbing the businesses of the branch families and assimting arge portion of human resources, the main family''s authority also thinned considerably.

    As more voices now had a say, that also meant more voices of dissent.

    Even if Turnbulls'' strength grew exponentially, the cost was all too clear.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Still, Vicky asked tentatively, "Darling, why don''t you stay at Turnbull Estate for a while since you''re in Morhen anyway? My uncle''s been recruiting martial artists and other specialists in preparation against the South Sea Crow anyway." She was not sure if Frank was still willing to deal with the Turnbulls'' mess, especially since her family could note to an agreement among themselves.

    In fact, some were even proposing to restore Vicky''s engagement with Titus Lionheart.

    Nheless, Frank replied without hesitation, "Sure."

    Be it for Vicky, showing Glen his sincerity, or for Ciaran Zobel-his fellow apprentice he decided that he had to go to Turnbull Estate and find out what this return of the South Sea Crow was all about.

    Not only was he bolder now with his improved abilities, but it was a good idea to have Kat stay at the Turnbull Estate, so that he could better protect her.

    "Alright, I''ming over to pick you up."

    Soon after Vicky hung up, she showed up with a fiery-red sports car and took Frank and Kat to Turnbull Estate.

    Having been notified earlier, Glen was on hand to receive Frank.

    With him were three men and one woman, whose faces he did not recognize.

    The woman was snorting in disdain

    as soon as she saw Frank, clearly belittling him. "That''s Frank Lawrence? He doesn''t have the looks and I can''t sense a whiff of pure vigor from him... Is he really a martial elite?"

    "Watch your manners, Kiki." The man who was clearly the group''s leader rebuked her.

    He had a handsome face and long hair, and carried himself with an air of superiority.

    After Glen greeted Frank, he walked up and nodded politely at Frank. "Greetings, Mr. Lawrence. Til Tomek of Proud Sword Sect, at your service."

    "Proud Sword Sect?"

    Frank was frowning slightly despite the man''s polite greeting.

    He had never heard of that sect at all, so they must not be one of the South Sea''s major yers.

    Beside Til, Kiki was already annoyed with Frank not responding. "Hey! Til is greeting you-what are you spacing out for?! And where are your manners? You''re not returning his greeting?!"

    "It''s fine, it''s fine." Glen was

    chuckling as he quickly pacified the tense mood, and introduced them to Frank, "These are martial elites

    whom I''ve invited from the S

    Sea to fight against the South Sea Crow. Young Til here is a prodigy, reaching Ascendant rank in his twenties and reaching the top ten in Skyrank. He really is extraordinary."

    "For sure. There''s no reason to doubt Til''s abilities."

    Kiki snorted proudly, clearly very confident in her fellow apprentice while casting Frank a look of contempt. "The South Sea Crow clearly just some despicable character. You don''t need anyone else-Til alone would be enough."

 Chapter 1453

    The other two male apprentices were praising Til worshipfully too.

    "Exactly. We know our senior apprentice the best."

    "The South Sea Crow? Even the East Sea Crow would fall under his sword."

    Frank despised such obvious sycophancy, but he kept smiling for Glen and Vicky''s sake.

    Shaking Til''s hand, he said, "Frank Lawrence... Unaffiliated at the moment."

    "Oh, just look at how fake that smile is. Anyone could tell that you''re nothing good already," Kiki muttered nearby.

    "Are you done?!"

    Kat was ring at Kiki right then, having had enough of her constantly disparaging Frank.

    "What, are you upset? Why don''t we have a duel?" Kiki was certainly not afraid, even whipping out his sword while brandishing it at Kat''s face.

    "That''s enough, Kiki!" Til snapped as he frowned and stepped between Kat and Kiki. "Watch your manners!"

    Frank patted Kat''s head too and smiled.

    "Haha..." Glen chuckled just then. "Everyone''s here under my invitation to fight against the South Sea Crow. Let''s not quarrel among ourselves even before the enemy is here, shall we?" Despite his mild expression, Glen was projecting his usual air of superiority and seniority, stumping Kiki just then.

    She turned away and snorted but otherwise stayed silent.

    "Come on in. I''ve prepared dinner for everyone, and let''s have a drink or two while we''re at it."

    While Glen ushered everyone into Turnbull Estate with a cheerfulugh, and there were no more quarrels since, Frank noticed Til sliding peeks at Vicky constantly.

    As a man himself, Til''s intentions were all too clear to Frank.

    His expression was cool right then-it seemed that Til had other ns in mind!

    To no surprise, halfway through the dinner and after offering Glen a toast, Til smiled and asked, "Mr. Turnbull, I''ve heard that Ms.

    v

    Turnbull''s engagement with Titus

    Lionheart has recently been

    annulled. May I ask if it''s true as they say?"

    "Hehe, indeed it is." Glen smiled and stiffened.

    "Then..."

    Til was hesitant, but yearning showed in his eyes as he nced at Vicky who sat beside Frank. "In that case, may I ask if she''s currently still engaged? If not, may I ask for an opportunity, with my mentoras my referee?''

    Glen stiffened right then and turned awkwardly towards Frank.

    For his part, Frank did not hold back, and rose to his feet as he spoke quietly, "I''m sorry to tell you this, but I am currently engaged to Ms. Turnbull."

    As he spoke, he sneakily caressed Vicky''s thighs just to show Til.

    Vicky purred softly and rolled her eyes flirtatiously at him.

    Her coquettish reaction left Til gulping on the spot.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    She was a testament to womankind, be it in looks and body figure, and virtually no man could withstand such temptation.

    For Til, having trained for over twenty years and keeping thedies at arm''s reach, he really could not resist his inner urges after meeting Vicky.

    "Oh, I see..." He turned away reluctantly, feeling a little disappointed that he stood no chance with such an enrapturing beauty.

    Beside him, Kiki had to see her senior apprentice being humbled so profoundly for the first time and could not help shooting Vicky stares of jealousy. Either way, the dinner ended with that awkward vibe, after which Glen called Frank to his study.

    "The South Sea Crow''s deration of war is no trifling matter," he said solemnly "Frank, you said that you both came to an agreement, and y third brother is left permanently disabled as a part of that

    ¦«¦¯

    agreement. So, why would she break her promise and return now?"

 Chapter 1454

    "The South Sea Crow''s deration of war is no trifling matter," Glen said solemnly. "Frank, you said that you both came to an agreement, and my third brother is left permanently disabled as a part of that agreement. So, why would she break her promise and return now?" He could not ask those questions in the open, but he certainly sounded concerned as he questioned Frank urgently now.

    "I''m not sure," Frank admitted his fellow apprentice had promised him and had no reason to go back on her word.

    "Are you sure?" Glen pressed.

    Frank could see the suspicion in his eyes but nodded in exasperation.

    It was in a businessman''s nature to be suspicious, and the Turnbulls were Draconia''s most sessful family in trade andmerce. Words alone would never have been enough to convince Glen-the leader of said family-but Frank had nothing else to offer anyway. If anything, it was normal for Glen to be suspicious, even if he had no idea why Ciaran would resume her vendetta against the Turnbulls.

    Coerced by the Lionhearts, perhaps?

    Still, Glen could see that Frank was as in the dark as he was and sighed lengthily. "To be honest, I''d be relieved if it''s the real South Sea Crow."Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "How so?" Frank looked at him, puzzled.

    Glen was briefly silent and exined, "You might not be aware, but Simon Lionheart-the current head of the Lionheart family and the chief of Volsung Sect-has reached a bottleneck in cultivation. He is in urgent need of a catalyst to improve further." "A catalyst..."

    Frank mused to himself and soon realized it. "You''re worried they would go all out ande for your families'' spiritron vein by using the South Sea Crow as an excuse?" "Exactly."

    Seeing that Frank was aware about the spiritron vein, Glen nodded and spoke inly, "I would be less

    worried if it''s really just the South et

    19

    Sea Crowing at us for revenge. If it''s the Lionhearts using her as an excuse to invade us-even butcher our family instead-that would be really troublesome for us."

    we a

    "Right now, we are in a delicate period as we rein in various branch families and assimte their assets. There''s dearly internal discord, and the South Sea Crow showing up right now is just too much of a coincidence."

    Then, looking at Frank, he said, "And the way she issued a deration of war so publicly... it''s like she wants everyone to know that she wants revenge against us."

    "And what''s the Lionhearts'' stance on the matter?" Frank asked, tapping his fingers on the table.

    "They''ve been keeping quiet, though they''ve been keeping a low profile with their movementstely anyway... as if preparing for something. Glen appeared unsettled, and both men fell silent just then.

    "Don''t worry."

    Frank looked up after a while, his eyes shing. "With me standing watch here, I''ll do something, whether the South Sea Crow''s challenge is real or fake." "What if Simon Lionheart personally got involved?" Glen quickly asked a pressing question.

    Frank turned silent again and frowned. "I''m sorry to say this, but I don''t think I can beat Simon Lionheart as I am now."

    Glen looked at him in shock. "What?! You don''t think...?"

    "Yes. I might have a chance at escaping, but defeating him is-"

    Before he could finish, Glen had grasped his hands, his eyes widening. "No, that''s not what I''m saying! You''ve already improved so much...?!"

 Chapter 1455

    Glen was scowling a little less the next day, as he received all the martial artists who were arriving at the conference hall.

    Frank, Vicky, Til, and everyone else were there, just as a retainer hurried inside and announced, "We have visitors from Cloud Nine Sect asking to see you, Mr. Turnbull." "Cloudnine Sect? Already?!"

    Glen eximed in delight. "The branch families really have some decent connections! Quick, show them in!"

    "Yes, Mr. Turnbull," the retainer replied and turned to leave.

    Soon, a sonorousughter echoed from a door, as a bearded man with bulging muscles and stood over two meters tall strode in.

    He was wearing shades, and he had a giant machete slung over his back, with severalckeys in tow.

    The man must at least weigh over two hundred pounds, and the ground almost seemed to shake with every step he took.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    In fact, the faces of many other martial artists fell when they saw that burly man.

    "Wait, isn''t that Kain the Wild de?! What''s he doing here?!"

    "Shit, talk about a real rogue. The man doesn''t care about friend or foe when he starts getting physical!"

    "Why would the Turnbulls bring in a jinx like him?!"

    The martial artists''ments left Glen''s smile stiffening-even he had heard of Kain Loom''s reputation.

    The man was known for his savagery, as he butchered people without an afterthought.

    In fact, when someone from a

    rivaling sect insulted his brothe

    Kain charged alone into that sect''s enve and bathed it in blood,

    leaving none alive.

    While he was known to be a berserker, he really was a madman who murdered without blinking an eye.

    Not only was he a member of Cloudnine Sect, he was individually strong and was halfway through Ascendant rank in his thirties, making him untouchable.

    And Glen did not think that Cloudnine Sect would send Kain.

    Still, he was smiling in greeting despite his panic and dissatisfaction.

    Thud!

    As Kain nted himself on an armchair, he kept his huge machete by his feet.

    Even though he was in Glen''s presence, he showed no inclination to exchange greetings.

    fet

    Instead, his eyes shed as heughed, baring his fangs. "Mr. Turnbull, I''m under orders of Cloudnine Sect to help your family eliminate the South Sea Crow or whatever her name is. I hope have your permission for a delightful kill, ahahaha..."

    Glen nodded and smiled politely despite his exasperation.

    Kain then spotted Vicky, his eyes lighting up and widening.

    Vicky was dressed in a form-fitting dress entuating her stunning figure and with a side slit that bared her beautiful legs.

    "Hey, you! Get over here and serve me tea!" He beckoned at Vicky just then, licking his lips eagerly while feeling a fire igniting in his loins.

    "What magnificence!" he eximed with his eyes fixed on Vicky, already envisioning having her pinned beneath himself.

    "Ah, apologies, Mr. Loom." Glen

    quickly jumped in, tensing up as he noticed Kain''s feral stare at Vicky.

    "This is Vicky, my niece. We

    have

    stewards on hand to serve your tea."

 Chapter 1456

    Kain was never known for his restraint.

    And if he caused trouble because of Vicky, Frank would not just sit by and do nothing.

    At that point, there would be a bloodbath in Turnbull Estate even before the South Sea Crow showed up.

    But to no surprise, Glen''s voice of reason was shown no respect at all.

    In fact, Kain mmed his hand on the table and red viciously at him as he bellowed, "Mr. Turnbull! I came out of the goodness of my heart to save your family, but you would spit on my grace with such terrible hospitality?! Are you belittling Cloudnine Sect or me here?!" He then stomped his foot. A chair around ten meters away exploded into countless splinters, and the other martial artists had to leap out of the way.

    "Shit, Kain Loom is really as crazy as they say, causing such a mess in the Turnbulls'' own home!"

    "Hehe. You don''t get it, do you? That guy is banking on the fact that the Turnbulls don''t have martial elites to pressure Glen Turnbull."

    "How despicable."

    Theirments did not deter Kain, however, as he continued to stare at Vicky, his eyes studying every inch of her body without a care. The sleazy smile on his face left Vicky scowling.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Hmph..."

    Frank was naturally not about to sit by and watch while his woman was being ogled and snapped at.

    However, Til Tomek of Proud Sword

    Sect strode out before he could, standing between Kain and Vicky with an impassive look. "My friend this is Turnbull Estate, and they are one of the Four Families of Morhen. Don''t you think your behavior is disrespectful?!"

    While Kain was surprised, he soon red in rage. "Who do you think you are?! What''s it to you?!"

    "Til Tomek of Proud Sword Sect, at your service," Til replied, introducing

    himself politely as he held Kains?

    re "Your reputation precedes you, Kain the Wild de."

    "If you know me, then fuck off and stop being an eyesore!" Kain snorted impatiently. "Another word from you, and I will kill you where you stand!"

    "Hmph. I''m afraid I won''t, not when you''re behaving so insolently and treating Ms. Turnbull with such disrespect... And you''re wee to try and see if you could actually kill me"

    With that, Til drew his sword, and a dark rift suddenly tore across the floor of the conference hall.

    A streak of pure vigor shot away from the tip of Til''s sword across the rift, slicing Kain''s table in two.

    The martial artists sitting around and watching were certainly impressed, especially with how condensed the pure vigor Til released was.

    Slicing furniture ten meters away from Kain, and with such precision without hurting anyone... one would really expect nothing less from the top ten of Skyrank! "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

    Some of the less tactful martial artists were even goading Til and Kain into starting a fight, just to see who was superior!

 Chapter 1457

    Nheless, Til spoke with strength and determination, "The fight against the South Sea Crow is no trifling matter. In days, my mentor and his peers will be arriving as agreed-if you still insist on impudence, friend, you''ll find us less than amodating!"

    Kain was actually scowling when Til mentioned his mentor.

    If he were to be honest, there was no one present whom he feared, but he was still wary of Til''s mentor.

    After all, every South Sea Sect would have their fair share of martial elites.

    If Kain really got on Til''s nerves here, he would really get into trouble when Til''s mentor and his peers arrived.

    No matter how he thought about it, Kain realized that he must not push Til too far.

    Hence, he spread his arms as his re abruptly turned into a hearty grin. "Hahaha! You''re too serious, my friend. I''ve been sent by Cloudnine Sect to assist Glen Turnbull in defeating the South Sea Crow, not to start pointless fights."This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Then, turning towards Glen, he said, "And I apologize for misbehaving, Mr. Turnbull."

    "Oh, you don''t have to." Glen threw up his hands, quick to ept the olive branch.

    "Tut, tut... I really didn''t expect to see this!"

    "Exactly. Compelling an animal like Kain to concede? That''s just amazing."

    "Til Tomek must be really something..."

    In the distance, Kiki, Til''s junior fellow apprentice, was puffing her chest in pride amid thements.

    After all, she felt honored by extension when Til was being showered with such praise.

    Then, she nced at Frank, who was standing beside Vicky, her eyes showing disdain.

    What was his problem? His woman was being teased and humiliated, but he never did a thing.

    Martial elite? More like a coward!

    On the other hand, Frank could certainly see what Kiki was thinking from her look but left her be she could think whatever she wanted.

    However, just as things were

    starting to calm down, Kain

    chuckled and pointed at Vicky as he

    spoke to Glen, "Mr. Turnbull, your

    §Ö

    niece''s reputation of unmatched

    beauty and an enticing figure

    certainly precedes her. And I''ve even heard she even annulled her engagement with Titus Lionheart?!"

    "Huh?!"

    Glen was left frowning with a foreboding sensation again-that lunatic was interested in his niece now?!

    Just then, Kain shed another sleazy smile as he continued,

    "Hahaha.. I feel my heart itching for her so much now that I''ve seen her. So, allow me to ask for her hand on this auspicious day-just one day would do, or half a day, though that''s my lower limit."

    Behind Kain, his henchmen were guffawing, trading looks of ''if-you-know-you-know''.

    Glen was left scowling in turn-what was Kain''s problem?! Was he not going to give up on Vicky? Also, marrying for half a day?! What the hell?!

    Til was scowling too, but before he could speak, Kain held up a hand to stop him. "This is a proper proposal to the Turnbull family, my friend. You have no reason to interfere, do you, unless you''re someone of

    importance to Ms. Turnbull?"

    Til was left stumped-even if Kain behaved despicably with his proposal, Til was not a Turnbull and had no reason to get involved.

 Chapter 1458

    And seeing that Til had no rebuttal, Kain smugly turned toward Glen. "Hahaha... Mr. Turnbull, if you''d let the babe-I mean, Ms. Turnbull-marry me, we''d be family! That means all your troubles are mine and Cloudnine Sect''s. Just think about it-you really lose nothing here."

    While Kain kept yapping, Vicky strode out even before Glen could speak, snapping shortly, "Fuck off!"

    The air in the room seemed to turn still at her outburst.

    "Huh..."

    Kain chuckled awkwardly and leaned his ears forward as if to listen closely. "I think I missed that, Ms. Turnbull. Could you repeat that?"

    "I said, fuck off!" Vicky repeated bluntly, folding her arms before her chest. "Who do you think you are, some uncivilized boor asking me to marry you?!"

    The conference hall was left in an uproar as Kain''s face darkened, and he wheeled on Glen, "I was being sincere with my proposal, Mr. Turnbull. Don''t you think that your niece is out of line?!"

    "Vicky."

    Glen was frowning, not keen to let Kain''s antics cause further discord.

    "Where did you even find that thing, Uncle Glen?"

    Vicky, however, did not y along, pointing at Kain as she snapped furiously, "A piece of shit like him, stepping through our front doors, and we still have to suck up to him?! The way I see it, he should be sent back where he came from. The Turnbulls shouldn''t wee animals like him!"

    "How dare you!"

    A drunken man stood up behind Kain, pointing at Vicky and snapping, "Y-You bitch! Who do you think you are, snapping at my brother?! The Turnbulls are nothing! If my brother gets upset, we will kill everyst one of you!"

    Glen glowered right then.

    While Vicky was just snapping at Kain and wanting him gone for his insolence, Kain''s brother was way out of line. This was his house, and not only was Joven Loom insulting Vicky, but he was threatening to kill all of them too.

    No one could tolerate that, and Glen was furious despite his usually mild temper.

    That was not all either, as Glen was furious with Kain''s reaction-orck thereof.

    The man was just sitting there, leering pompously at those around him without reprimanding his brother.

    He clearly did not think there was anything wrong with what Joven said, and it left Glen''s blood boiling.

    It was not easy to reach out to the branch families and ask them to bring help, only for them to calkin'' Kain Loom, the Wild de of

    Cloudnine Sect.

    As soon as he stepped through that front door, he demanded Vicky to marry him and threw a hissy fit when she refused.

    And then there was Kain''s brother

    bet

    Joven acting as his herald, insulting Vicky and threatening to

    the Turnbulls. Content cre

    "That''s enough!" Til snapped, having seen enough and ready to get physical with Kain.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

 Chapter 1459

    "Don''t think for a second that I''m scared of you, Til Tomek," Kain retorted coolly. "If you really upset me, none of you will make up for it-hell, forget your mentor. No person alive can save you from me!"

    "And you, Mr. Turnbull." Kain wheeled on Glen as he gloated, "I''m here under Cloudnine Sect''s orders to aid you against the South Sea Crow. But if certain people push me too far, I''ll side with her to wipe you all out instead. You''d best think about that." Kain''s tone left Glen shaking with rage, and he was ready to call in his ckguards to take down that smug prick right then.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Kainughed brazenly right then. "Calm down, Mr. Turnbull! Like I said, just let me have your nice for half a day, and I''ll do my best to take down the South Sea Crow. It''s not like you lose nothing, and there might even be a new addition to your family ten minutester! Hahaha..."

    "That''s enough!" Til bellowed, pointing at Vicky as he continued, "Ms. Vicky is engaged! Give up already!"

    "Really?"

    Kain was only further amused. "If she is, her fiance never leapt to her defense despite everything I said, so what are you getting all uppity about? Why do you sound more concerned than him? Don''t tell me that you like to watch while he gets busy? Hahaha..." Til was left with his cheeks flushed, his knuckles clenched but unable to fire a retort.

    "That''s enough!"

    Kiki, Til''s junior apprentice, leapt to her feet, wheeling on Frank while ring at him with anger and disdain. "Frank Lawrence, was it?! That man has been insulting your fiancee to this extent, but you''re just there and keeping quiet?! Can you call yourself a man when it''s Til defending her honor? Go fight Kain if you can, or give her up if you don''t have the balls to! Stop making Til take your fights for you! "

    As everyone turned toward Frank, Frank certainly realized that his time as a mere spectator was over.

    He slowly strode up, stood in front of Til, and cleared his throat.

    Looking Kiki in the eye, he said, "First of all, I never asked your fellow to help me. Moreover, I couldn''t get a word in when you were all so busy yapping away."

    "Also..."

    Frank turned toward Kain with a

    dark look. "I''ve always prioritized the big picture, and I''d rather not kill since everyone came to fight against the South Sea Crow, or it''d greatly affect morale. Don''t you think she''d bughing if we''re at each other''s throats even before she came?"

    His reasoning fell to deaf ears, however, as Kiki scoffed. "The big picture? Pretty words, but you should just admit you don''t have the balls! I really thought for a moment that you amounted to something, but it''s now clear that you''re just a liar running your mouth and a coward. Do you think someone like you deserves Ms. Turnbull?!"

    Til did not stop Kiki from mocking Frank this time, since he had been feeling indignant himself.

 Chapter 1460

    For all intents and purposes, Til should not be the one defending Vicky.

    It should have been Frank, which was why Til was all the more disappointed in him-what man would allow another man to insult his woman... or not react at all?

    And he certainly dressed his inaction pretty by saying that he was prioritizing the big picture, when in reality he was just afraid to fight Kain! Honestly, what did Vicky see in him?!

    That was when Kain''s brother Joven noticed Frank and pointed at him as he yelled, "Wait, it''s you?! The one who crashed into my car?!" "Crashed into your car?"

    Frank did a double take, but he soon remembered a closer look at Joven''s face.

    It was the drunkard who tailgated himst night after he and Kat Yego left the film set, and he was now using him of crashing into his car?! It was really a little ridiculous.

    "What? Do you know him, Joven?" Kain asked, turning toward his brother.

    "Yeah, it''s him! He refused to apologize after he ran into my car and used his connections to get me fined, and he ran away before I knew it!"

    Joven was furious right then, as he would never have allowed Frank to leave if Kain had not been busy yesterday.

    "Really?" Kain growled.

    He was always protective of his

    own, and he was at once

    incensed standing up and

    brandishing his huge machete, he strode up to Frank as he growled,

    "You''ve got balls, kid. Hitting my brother''s car and running away without apologizing?" All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Running away?"

    Kiki thought even more lowly of Frank right then-not only was he a coward, but he was also irresponsible!

    Til thought the same too if what Joven said was true, Frank was simply despicable, and he loathed people like him the most. "What''s this, Frank?"

    On the other hand, Vicky was watching Frank with genuine concern.

    She knew better than anyone that Frank would not use his influence to bully anyone.

    "How despicable. Since you all want to know what happened, I don''t mind telling you."

    Frank chuckled, shaking his head as he pointed at Joven. "This man rear-ended my car yesterday, after parked itsegally. He got out, refusing to apologize and demanded that I apologize instead, and he now neglects to mention that he and his girl were drunk driving."

    "Hell, he was so drunk he couldn''t even stand, and I yed everything by the book, only getting him fined and letting go of the fact that he threatened me... And he''s now saying that I ran into him instead? Talk about being shameless and despicable."

    However, his words only sent Kain flying into a rage, and he seized Frank by the cor right then. "How dare you insult my brother! I''ll cut you into little pieces, believe it!" "Oh, so you''re refusing to see reason?"

    Contrary to everyone''s expectations, Frank was smirking despite Kain''s hollering and threat, not showing fear or pleading for mercy. "Did you think I was joking just now?"

 Chapter 1461

    "What did you say?!"

    Kain was shocked, but he ignored what Frank was saying and only cared that he insulted his brother.

    "I''ll repeat myself since you missed it, just because I''m nice."

    Frank looked around, glowering as he said, "You''re all invited by the Turnbulls to fight against the South Sea Crow. I don''t want to affect morale by killing anyone here." "What?! Hahaha!!!"

    Kain was surprised Frank actually repeated himself and roared with thunderousughter.

    On the other hand, everyone around them was pursing their lips and shooting Frank awkward looks.

    Sure, everyone invited here were martial elites from across the country. Most of them Birthright rank, none of them including Til or Kain could sense Frank''s vigor.

    That meant he was not a martial artist, and such a martial artist was threatening Kain-and by extension everyone else as they watched.

    He was not just suicidal-the man was a joke!

    Did he think they would not see through him? What, was he so strong that even Kain could not tell?All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Till was glowering nearby too-even if Glen Turnbull repeatedly insisted Frank was a powerful martial artist, reality would always beat hearsay, and he certainly did not sense anything of the like from him. That was why Frank''s words left him at once exasperated, humiliated, and even annoyed.

    Why would Vicky fall for such a joke?

    And the more Til thought about, the more he felt indignant for her sake.

    At the same time, Joven was snarling through his teeth, "That brat is too much, Kain! He was shooting me the same look when I ran into him yesterday. You have to

    straighten him out!"

    "Oh, don''t worry. When haven''t I stood up for you?"

    Kainughed savagely and grinned as he turned toward Vicky. "B-I mean, Ms. Turnbull-that''s the manwhore you picked? Why don''t you juste quietly with me, rx in a room for half a day, and

    #just demand one arm of your fiance but spare his life? How about that?"

    While Vicky glowered at his words, she still did not look his way and snapped, "Fuck off."

    Kain remained unperturbed, chuckling coolly, "Well, since you refuse, your manwhore will be resting... in pieces! Why don''t you sleep on it?" "Insolence!"

    Glen sprang to his feet, glowering as he bellowed, "What do you take my family and my niece for?! This is our house, not Cloudnine Sect!" "Really? So what? I''m talking terms calmly here, but if you push me too far..."

    Kain shot Glen with an unconcerned look, but his gaze turned murderous as he bared his fangs in a sneer. "I don''t mind killing you right here and now, Mr. Turnbull."

    "What?!" Glen was left shaking with rage.

 Chapter 1462

    Kain was truly a mad dog who would keep chasing and biting anything in sight without regard for rules or obligations. "Stand back, Mr. Turnbull."

    Frank strode between Glen and Kain, staring fixedly at the burly man as he knew there was no chance for negotiations now. "Misbehaving in Turnbull Estate and insulting my woman more than once? It seems that you really want to die."

    He once again caught Kain by surprise, but he was soonughing loudly and savagely. "You really can talk tough, kid! Did you think your bluff would work?! You''re obviously just a normal person! We''re all martial artists here, and we could tell right away you''re just bluffing like a clown. I guess the Turnbulls really have no one else to turn too, huh?"

    His words sent the crowd abuzz, most of them agreeing with Kain as they saw that Frank had no training and was just bluffing.

    "Don''t overreach," Til said as he strode over. "Kain has gained notoriety over the years for his savagery, and you won''t survive if you piss him off."

    "Why bother, Til?" Kiki snorted as she stood in the distance. "He''s standing up for his fiancee-just let him put up a proper showing for his beloved. It''s not we know for sure what''s going to happen anyway... I mean, he could actually be a martial elite!"

    Til did not argue, instead pping Frank on the shoulder and sighing. "I know it hurts for a man, but you''d have nothing if you''re dead. Word of advice-apologize properly to Kain, and he won''t overstep once my mentor arrives."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    While it sounded like Til was being nice, he was also clearly telling Frank to save himself by giving up on Vicky, and let Kain have her.

    Before Frank could speak, Kainughed. "Hahaha! Frank Lawrence,

    was it? At least Til can see things as

    §Ö they are... So let me have your

    l.ne

    woman for half a day, and I will forget your misdeeds. How about that?" .

    "No," Frank replied, sighing and shaking his head as everyone looked on in silence. "I didn''t want to kill as

    everyone looked, but there''s

    no

    helping it when you''re suicidal."

    "What..."

    Til was stumped, sighing lengthily as Frank refused to listen to him.

    Frank then turned to level his eyes square on him, speaking quietly, It''s just a difference in opinion. You might be able to let another man defile your woman just to survive, but I refuse to do it."

    However, even as he spoke, Kain seized the moment, bellowing as he raised his gigantic machete on high, poised to strike while leaping toward Frank from the back. If the de struck, Frank would be cut in two.

    The women present were screaming as they watched, and even Vicky was clenching her knuckles in the distance.

    She believed in Frank''s strength, but Kain was infamous as the Wild de, and she could not help getting nervous.

 Chapter 1463

    "Watch out!" Til shouted when he saw that Kain was brazen enough to blindside Frank, but instead of stopping Kain, his first reaction was to leap away. After all he had a cunning idea right then-if Kain killed Frank, did that not mean that he had a shot with Vicky?

    And to be honest, he was not confident he could stop a full-power strike.

    However, Frank never panicked-he was even watching Til as he leapt away with aplomb, immediately reading his mind.

    If Kain was despicable, Til was himself a hypocrite.

    People like him never did anything unless there was something in it for him. In fact, he was confronting Kain earlier just to score brownie points with Vicky. Now, as soon as he saw Kain was bent on killing Frank, he backed away.

    "How disappointing," Frank said, shaking his head just as Kain''s machete was inches away from his own scalp.

    The shockwave from the clean-white de was billowing over Frank''s hair, and Kain could imagine seeing Frank''s split in two from his machete.

    He even licked his lips in excitement-even if he had killed countless others, he could not resist shouting in the thrill of the deed.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    The crowd around them scampered in panic, none of them convinced Frank would survive the tragic deathing for him.

    "Stop!" Glen was shouting and wringing his hands, but Kain was locked on, ready to kill Frank.

    And yet...

    ng!

    A ringing ensued as if from a collision of metals, but Frank did even turn, along his pure vigor to take the blow. belongs to

    along his protest

    In fact, Kain felt as if he had just

    tong a machete against a

    hunk of metal, and

    hel

    recoil almost split his palm open.

    en.

    "What?!" he eximed as he stumbled b stumbled backward, almost

    hel

    dropping his trademark machete to

    finally stabilize his chur

    As he looked up at Frank in disbelief, the same went for everyone else too.

    They thought it would be another headcount for Kain the Wild de, but he missed?!

    "How?!" Til was freezing up as well, unable to believe what he was seeing.

    Frank was supposed to have no training-even now, he could not sense pure vigor from Frank. Could it really be as Kiki said, that they were too weak to see the depth of Frank''s power?! "Blindsiding, huh?"

    Frank slowly turned, leaving an impassive look at Kain.

    Kain''s eyes widened in turn, as he felt the pressure Frank was projecting on him.

 Chapter 1464

    Everyone else could not feel the pressure Frank was projecting at all, only that he was only asking Kain a question coolly.

    But in Kain''s eyes, Frank was now a hundred-meter blood-soaked behemoth, bellowing at him and leaving him pale.

    "Shit, what is he?! The pressure he projects is on the level of the chief of our Cloudnine Sect! A Transcendent rank, perhaps? Like one of those ancient monsters who gained immortality?!" While Kain was dumbfounded in fear, his brother Joven never realized his brother was behaving strangely.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Go, Kain! Gut him!" he eximed excitedly. "That brat is asking for it-when you''re done with his girl, let me have a turn-"

    Bang!

    Even before Joven could finish the thought, his head blew up like a watermelon.

    Seeing the red and white matter that erupted away, Kain stared nkly at Frank.

    He did not even have any idea when Frank moved, but his brother was already dead, and he knew that Frank did it.

    "Shit!!!"

    "Argh! What the hell?!"

    The entire conference hall was sent into pandemonium as Kain''s brother was suddenly killed, and none of them even saw how he was killed. "What..."

    Til turned in astonishment toward Frank, who remained nonchnt.

    And the calmer Frank was, the more shocked and terrified Til was, just as he finally understood why Glen thought so highly of Frank.

    The man was a martial elite in the most genuine sense of the word!

    The rest of them were not even fit to lick his shoes!

    In fact, Til had the feeling that Frank''s presence, even as he stood there, could match his mentor

    ap

    his mentor''s fellow apprentices.

    And they were all peak Transcendent ranks!

    "What, are you scared now, Kain of the Wild de?"

    Frank calmly tilted his head and he kept his eyes locked on Kain. "Weren''t you getting cocky, demanding my woman and standing up for your brother? Well, he''s dead now shouldn''t you fly into a rage and attack me for revenge?

    Frank''s eerily silent words left Kain cringing.

    He gulped, his entire body shuddering-he could wild de all he wanted, but that still depended on who he was up against.

    He had looked into the Turnbulls earlier and found out that they did not have any martial elites, which was why he decided to strut.

    He just did not expect that Vicky''s manwhore sh fiance was the Turnbulls'' trump card, and even his moves were an enigma to him.

    As such, Kain had no intention for revenge even after seeing his own brother die before his eyes.

    After all, he knew that if he breathed so much as another word, he would not fare any better than his brother.

    The one who knew his ce would always survive, and Kain certainly did.

    Seeing that he stood no chance, he threw his machete on the floor and dropped to his knees, prostrating himself before Frank.

    "I''m sorry, sir! was out of line... Please forgive me! I''m here under orders of Cloudnine Sect, and I won''t do anything other than help the Turnbulls against the... the... right, the South Sea Crow! If you kill me, Cloudnine Sect wille after you!"

 Chapter 1465

    "Cloudnine Sect?"

    Frank simply regarded Kain with amusement, chuckling coolly. "Did you think I''d be afraid of Cloudnine Sect? Hahaha... You''re really underestimating me now, huh?" "I''d never!"

    Kain certainly did not dare argue, profoundly afraid of Frank''s displeasure as it was his life on the line.

    What could he do if Frank killed him right now? Even if Cloudnine Sect might avenge him, what was the point if he was dead?

    Seeing Kain''s humbled pleas for mercy, everyone including Til and Kiki were left gaping, unable to believe what they were seeing.

    The infamous Kain Loom was kowtowing and pleading to Frank like some wretched dog, afraid to speak rudely even after his own brother was killed.

    The thought left Til scowling-he was just persuading Frank to give up on Vicky just to get on Kain''s good graces.

    It turned out that he was the clown all along!Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Kiki certainly changed the way she saw Frank too, just as she heard everything Til said.

    She was already embarrassed at how her fellow apprentice was so meek against Kain and the shocking reveal Frank gave them.

    That alone made Frank so much better-he would stand fast when the going got tough instead of backing down.

    In fact, all Til did was use his connections to intimidate Kain.

    As soon as he saw that Kain was getting serious, he gave up on his own desires just to survive.

    It undoubtedly left Kiki ufortable.

    In fact, she was suddenly not so sure about trusting the man-if Til faced danger in the future, would he not use her as a meat shield?

    "I''ll spare your wretched life for now." Frank snorted just then and finally withdrew the pressure he projected on Kain.

    Then, looking around at the other martial elites the Turnbulls brought in, he said, "You''ve all been asked to fight against the South Sea Crow, and not against yourselves. I''ve said from the start that I didn''t want to affect morale, so I hope everyone can work as one over the next few days, instead of having something like this repeat itself."

    With that, and ignoring everyone''s silence, Frank took Vicky by the hand and led her out of the conference hall.

    Along the way, Vicky was sighing exasperatedly. "Urgh, I really don''t know what Uncle Glen is thinking. It feels like we''ve led an entire pack of foxes into the henhouse..."

    Frank shrugged and replied vaguely,

    "I''m sure your uncle is not at ease to

    vel

    turn them down since most would be connections of the branch families. Also, numbers have advantages despite the disadvantages-it would at least keep the South Sea Crow wary. Either way, we just have to see how

    things develop."

    Vicky then wrapped her hands around his arm, leaning against his shoulder as she giggled coquettishly, "My darling is the strongest, bringing in line all those unruly fellows. Tonight, shall we..."

    Frank gulped, noticing Vicky''s hint

    and deliberately exposed cleavage, clearing his throat awkwardly. "It''s a vital moment to prepare against the Sea Crow, and she said she''sing in a couple of dayster. Let''s not get distracted in the

    South Sea

    meantime."

    However, Vicky could see through Frank''s motives right then. "Tch. In the end, you just can''t push Helen aside."

 Chapter 1466

    However, Vicky could see through Frank''s motives right then. "Tch. In the end, you just can''t push Helen aside."

    Frank simply shed an awkward smile, not daring to retort.

    He had reached a critical moment in his training and became increasingly aware of the importance of retaining his body''s essence.

    If he stayed a virgin, his Five-Peat Archaeus would improve even more rapidly.

    His abstinence was for the sake of his training. Once he truly reached Ascendant rank and became one of Draconia''s strongest individuals-when even Simon Lionheart was helpless against him he would truly be relieved. As his Five-Peat Archaeus would no longer be affected, there was no reason for him to stay a virgin.

    But right now, he could sense Draconia''s storm and waspletely focused on training, refusing to be distracted by anything else.

    It was also so that he could protect Vicky, Helen, and the rest.

    Naturally, it was pointless for Frank to say it anyway, so he would just throw some excuse for them for the time being.

    That being said, it would still take great determination to resist a beauty''s intimate flirting, though it could count as training.

    Still, soon after Frank could feel relief after managing to turn down Vicky''s offer with considerable difficulty, he ran into Kat Yego as he returned alone to the luxury guest room Glen arranged for him. She was wearing a small bikini and soaked from head to toe.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    She was young, but she was developed where she should be and beat Winter in certain departments.

    Most importantly, she was not worried about Frank, even leaping straight toward him and tugging on his arm, asking for him to teach her martial arts.

    Frank was a normal, functioning man, and his restraint almost crumbled from the intimate gesture.

    He had just escaped Vicky''s temptation, and now this brat was following up?

    Without another word, he strode into his room and mmed the door shut.

    "Hmph!

    want to could''ve said you don''t

    upset

    it. Did you have to

    Kat huffed as she

    miserably outside Frank''s

    Still, just as she was moping, Frank suddenly spoke from inside, "Wear some proper clothes before that."

    Kat did a double take and giggled quietly and mischievously as if he could see the awkward look on Frank''s face. "Master Lawrence, don''t tell me... Hehe!"

    "Brat."

    Frank rubbed his temples inside his room.

    Just as Frank opened his windows. for a

    a breather, he inadvertently savet

    a stunning figure getting figure getting changed behind the opposite window

    He froze right then, and the person seemingly intent on ensuring that Frank was watching-turned and wink at him.

    Naturally, said person was Vicky.

    Frank himself requested that she stay in the room beside him, for the sake of her safety.

    After all, the South Sea Crow might attack at any moment.

    And with this new South Sea Crow, whose identity was unknown, she could gain full leverage against Frank by taking Vicky hostage.

    He just did not expect Vicky to be such a schemer, seducing him like this when she could not break Frank earlier.

    Whoosh!

    Frank promptly drew up the curtains, but he could vaguely hear the bell-likeughter from the other side of the window.

 Chapter 1467

    Frank was staying at Turnbull Estate over the next couple days.

    He taught Kat martial arts whenever he had the time, basically treating her as his apprentice, even teaching her the full version of the Five-Peat Archaeus.

    It was only by bing stronger that she would be able to protect herself, or even help Frank protect the others.

    Kat did not let him down either-the spiritron vein she embodied was really powerful, skyrocketing from a mere initiate to a peak vigor wielder in a day.

    Being up against the thugs before would be less taxing now-she was even formidable thanks to Frank''s training and the Five-Peat Archaeus.

    Naturally, aside from training, Frank did not forget to take Vicky out for walks, admiring the scenery.

    Vicky even called Helen just to brag, brazenly describing in vivid detail a blow-by-blow ount of the fictional romp she had with Frankst night, that even Frank had to stop himself from lying. Helen was left stammering, "A-Are you just messing with me, Vicky?"

    "Who knows?" Vicky shed a mischievous smile, clearly allowing Helen''s imagination to run wild.

    While Helen stubbornly refused to believe Vicky, Helen sneakily called Frank at two in the morning the next day.

    "What are you doing?" she demanded as soon as he answered.

    "Uh... Sleeping?"

    Frank was puzzled, since he was just training. "What are you doing up thiste?"

    "I... ahem."

    Helen was suddenly stuttering, even changing the subject. "Where''s Vicky? Is she there with you?"

    The question reminded Frank about Vicky''s cunning smile earlier in the day after calling Helen and her warning. "Darling, if Helen calls tonight to ask if I''m with you tell him I am and just fall asleep."

    Frank was puzzled at that time, but he wasughing now as he realized what was happening instantly.

    Thesedies'' rivalry was getting so fierce that Vicky could now anticipate Helen''s moves!

    "O-Oh, her...?"

    Frank deliberately pretended to stammer, since he wanted to tease Helen just to see how she reacts. "She just fell asleep." "What..."

    Frank could hear the phone

    dropping on the other end, but it was

    quickly picked up as Helen asked

    urgently, "But nothing happened, right?"

    "Uhhhh..." Frank deliberately trailed off.

    Helen was immediately panicking, even breathing heavily right then.

    "I''ming over right now!" she snapped, hanging up and clearly determined to travel to Morhen in the middle of the night.

    Knowing that the joke got out of hand, Frank quickly called Helen again and exined everything Vicky did.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Helen was stumped and speechless.

    "I-I hate you all!" she snapped as she hung up spitefully, leaving Frank holding his phone alone in confusion.

    To think the great girlboss of

    Lanecorp and an ice queen at that was left sleepless just from something Vicky said, even calling to verify it.

 Chapter 1468

    -

    Ultimately, Helen even threw a girly tantrum that left Frank rubbing his temples.

    Vicky really was Helen''s worst enemy, and she was evenughing herself silly for a long while after Frank told her what had happened the next day.

    She even called Helen just to tease her, though this time Frank did not stay and listen to their subsequent discussion, not interested in getting involved in thedies'' rivalry.

    Two dayster, a grand banquet was held in one of the ballroom of Turnbull Estate.

    While Glen Turnbull was present as head of the Turnbull family, even his father George Turnbull made a rare appearance.

    He was healthily flushed and energetic thanks to Frank''s previous treatment and even drank a lot.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Almost all Turnbull executives, key members, and branch family leaders were gathered there too.

    At the main table, Frank and Vicky were sitting on Glen''s left, while on his right was a young man with an upright gait, wearing a military uniform.

    He was around Frank''s age, and there was an edge that gives the impression that he was military-trained.

    "Haha... Allow me to introduce you, Frank."

    Glen was smiling as he pointed at the youth and told Frank, "This is Rob, my eldest son. He''s a lieutenant-general and secretary to General Jan Lionheart." "General Jan Lionheart?"

    Thest name left Frank''s heart skipping a beat, and to no surprise, Rob did not take his offered handshake.

    Instead, he turned toward Glen and said, "Dad, you said the South Sea

    Crow issued a challenge, vowing a

    wipe us out even if it kills her Why hasn''t she shown up now?

    Others were frowning at that, even asking out loud, "Yes, Mr. Turnbull. Could you have been misinformed?" "Ahem...."

    Glen felt a little awkward seeing how disrespectful his son was toward Frank and quickly changed the subject.

    "The challenge is real," he said

    solemnly. "The letter in question is sitting in my study right now-you can all confirm it yourself. Either way, the South Sea Crow is cunning and she might be lurking among us already. That''s why we must be exceedingly careful."

    "Hmph."

    While the Turnbulls were all abuzz, Rob stood up as everyone looked on, snorting coldly while shooting Frank a look of contempt. "In that case, I have a question. I''ve been busy with my work in the military and missed what''s happening to the family, but I''ve heard many reports that Frank Lawrence here pacified the South Sea Crow. So why has she returned? Don''t you think you should exin yourself?"

    "Yeah, we''ve been meaning to ask..."

    "Why has the South Sea Crow returned?"

    "You said she won''t bother us anymore, didn''t you?"

    "While we''re not going to take her word at face value, it''s suspicious how quickly she turned against us again!"

    The branch families all quickly piled on Rob''s direction to question Frank, many of them whispering to each other that Frank was conspiring with the South Sea Crow.

    After all, she always seemed to be on hand to threaten the Turnbulls whenever Frank needed it, which would in turn make Frank the real enemy.

    As such messy spection was heard endlessly, Vicky bellowed, "Enough!"

    The entire ballroom turned silent right then.

 Chapter 1469

    "The main family has already investigated the South Sea Crow, and the truth is out!"

    Vicky continued, "She had been attacking us for years not because of Frank, but because she was conspiring with the Lionhearts! I remember informing everyone about that, so why are you still specting pointlessly?" In fact, she had already heard of the spections before this and knew that the branch families did not trust Frank.

    That was why they joined in on Rob''s questioning of Frank, and Vicky had to state concrete proof to maintain Frank''s innocence so that he would not get upset.

    But even as the ballroom turned silent, Rob asked quietly, "Dear cousin, weren''t you originally supposed to marry Titus Lionheart, if I recall correctly?" "Yes. What about it?" Vicky replied.

    She was never close with Rob since he had been away from home for years, but she could still clearly sense that Rob was prejudiced against Frank. "Well..."

    Rob slowly returned to his seat, tapping his fingers on the table as he said coolly, "Perhaps you didn''t want to marry Titus, so you''re ndering the Lionhearts just so you could marry that manwhore instead?" "What?!" Vicky was incensed, but the sudden usation still caught her off guard.

    "Watch your mouth, Rob!"

    Glen glowered as he snapped, having had enough too.

    "No, Dad. Listen..."

    Rob, however, did not stop, even picking up a ss of red wine and turned to Frank, asking coolly, "I was not a witness to the incident, but I have the right to question the facts, don''t I? Don''t you agree?" "Of course." Frank smiled in return, his conscience clear.

    "Good."

    Rob chugged his red wine and

    stepped one foot on his chair as he kept his hawkish re on Frank. "I heard you saved the Turnbulls, when the South Sea Crow first showed up to poison the family. So tell us... why did the South Sea Crow change her mind right after you chased after her?"

    While everyone else was still stumped, Robughed coolly.

    "Here''s a hint you all imed afterward that the South Sea Crow is conspiring with the Lionhearts, but I''m curious. What power do you have that you couldpel the South Sea Crow to turn against the Lionhearts and listen to some nameless pawn like you? Because of your silver tongue?" This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Everyone else realized with a start-it was indeed suspicious.

    Why was Frank so sure back then that the South Sea Crow would never threaten the Turnbulls again? And how did he uncover the connection between the South Sea Crow and the Lionhearts? There was no way she would just choose Frank, thereby taking up the risk of being hunted by the Lionhearts by turning against them.

    How did Frank achieve that?

    Even Glen was faintly puzzled at that, as that would make Frank appear suspicious.

    "And now, to my second point."

    Rob held up another finger. "Frank Lawrence has conspired with the South Sea Crow to kidnap Sif Lionheart, which makes it clear they were close... and then Sif was killed by Frank''s people, silencing her-" "Wait."

    Glen raised a hand, stopping his son.

 Chapter 1470

    Frowning, Glen snapped, "The Lionhearts will not let it slide if our family was indirectly culpable for Sif''s death. But the fact of the matter is that they never showed discontent about the matter, and it''s clear that they are guilty."

    "You''re being naive, Dad." Rob snorted, waving him off. "General Lionheart informed me that the Lionhearts simply can''t afford any mishaps at the moment, as they are in a critical juncture with Simon Lionheart on the verge of ascension. That is why Titus wasn''t punished for masterminding a conspiracy, and they didn''t even bother investigating Sif''s death. They just can''t be bothered."

    Then, sighing in disappointment, he continued, "And once Simon ascends, I''m sure they woulde for us Turnbulls first thing. We have been preupied by our infighting because of certain rogues, even losing our greatest allies over a woman, and finding our former allies now our enemies.''

    Rob was not hiding his usation against Frank and Vicky at all, and thetter mmed her hand on the table as she sprang to her feet.

    "Watch your mouth!" she snapped. "How dare you beguile everyone here we''ve long since seen through the Lionhearts'' ambitions, and Titus'' silence could well be an admission of his guilt. Even if he wanted to marry me, it was just to get his hand on our family''s fortune, but you''d distort the truth with your nonsense?!"

    "Who''s distorting the truth here?!"

    Rob stood up, rising to his feet and meeting Vicky''s re. "Now that I''m here, our family won''t be intimidated, let alone by some wretch like the South Sea Crow!" Then, turning and waving, he barked, "Come in!"

    At his bellow, the ballroom doors were immediately kicked open, and dozens of fully-armed soldiers strode in-all of them men Rob brought back home. Click!

    Every soldier turned the safety of their rifles, each of them clearly seasoned and trained.

    Even as the Turnbulls were left shocked, Rob was speaking smugly, "General Lionheart loaned these soldiers to me, and there are over 300 others outside. What other protection do us Turnbulls need? I alone am enough!" The soldiers all shouldered arms and saluted Rob in turn.

    "Haha... Rob Turnbull really deserves to be the next head of the Turnbull family!"

    "Tut, tut... Just look at the man''s charisman

    a lot of

    We really would be spared

    f trouble if we informed ed

    way earlier.

    On the other hand, Vicky was scowling-if Rob won here, she would bebeled a gue to the Turnbulls.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    That was when Frank strode out,

    asking, "Did you really think guns and bullets would neutralize the threat that the South Sea Crow poses?"

    "Hmmm?"

    Rob shed him a sneer of disdain. "What, are you, belittling my guns and bullets now? Draconia''s traditional martial arts are just

    cheap tricks, and its practitionexon et

    are chatans-they are all useless against real firepower. If you''re that confident, why not test yourself against it personally? I heard you''re a martial elite, no?"

    Frank chuckled coolly despite Rob''s provocation and strode straight to the middle of the ballroom. "Darling..."

    Vicky tugged on his shoulder right then, looking at him worriedly.

    "Don''t worry."

    Frank pped a hand on hers to reassure her.

    Forget guns and bullets-even bombs and artillery would not hurt him now.

 Chapter 1471

    Rob sneered icily even as he watched Frank walk confidently toward his fully-armed soldiers.

    He had served in the military for years-even if he had met many martial artists whose abilities the average Joe could not hope to reach, he had never met anyone who did not fear guns and bullets until now.

    That applied even to hismanding officer, General Jan Lionheart, which was why he quickly presumed that martial artists were no different from the average person.

    They were just better in a fight at best, aside from the tricks they used to deceive the masses.

    He simply was not aware that starting at Ascendant ranks, martial artists could cast protective pure vigor to repel physical attacks.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    And guns and bullets were no threat to martial artists with abundant pure vigor-in fact, it was pointless against Ascendant ranks.

    Even if Frank had yet to reach Ascendant rank now, he could cast a dense protective pure vigor around himself with Five-Peat Archaeus.

    Forget guns and bullets-even explosives could not pierce it.

    And seeing Frank confidently stride toward his men, Rob did not hesitate to raise his arm and bark, "Take aim!"

    The Turnbulls all turned shocked as the soldiers all trained their rifles at Frank, and Glen was on his feet right then, snapping, "Rob! We are here to discuss what we are doing against the South Sea Crow, not to argue among ourselves!"

    Robpletely ignored him, evenughing coolly. "Dad, forget the fact that he''s conspiring against the South Sea Crow-the way he boasted earlier is repulsive. Well, we shall see how he''s going to stop my men''s bullets, and he can''t me anyone for dying for his lies!" "But..."

    "Don''t worry, Mr. Turnbull," Frank said quietly in turn. "I''m standing here, and that means I''m confident in proving that guns and bullets are pointless against real martial elites-and it serves as a reminder to your family too."

    With that, he spread his arms in the face of the many barrels. "Shoot!"

    "On my order!" Rob sneered savagely, seeing that Frank was so suicidal.

    Frank narrowed his eyes right then when he saw that sneer, more or less sensing something unusual about the guy.

    Still, even as the air in the room

    tensed and most of the Turnbulls

    were moving out of harm''s way, a flustered Turnbull sentry ran inside, eximing, "Mr. Turnbull! Mr. Turnbull! It''s terrible... They''re fighting!"

    "They''re fighting?!"

    Glen''s eyes widened, and he mmed his hand on the table. "Has the South Sea Crowe?!"

    Rob was at once at attention and smashed the wine ss he was holding.

    "Shoulder arms!" he barked at his men right then, leaving Frank and leading his men out of the ballroom. "Don''t waste your bullets. We''re going to eliminate the South Sea Crow!"

    "The boy is simply inspiring!"

    "In the end, us Turnbulls have to count on him. He''s just so cool!"

    "As expected of the next head of the Turnbull family!"

    The other Turnbulls were on their feet and apuding, shouting in approval of Rob''s fearless response. "N-No! That''s not it!"

    That was when the Turnbull sentry wiped the sweat off his face and quickly exined, "It''s not the South Sea Crow it''s the martial elites and

    specialists that we''ve invited! Than

    are fighting, and Ballroom Three is now in chaos!"

 Chapter 1472

    "Many others are getting caught in the fight too!" The Turnbull sentry then finished.

    "What?!"

    All the Turnbulls present were frowning at the report, each of them annoyed.

    If they had known those rogues were so unmanageable, they would not have called for them at all.

    After all, Rob was here, with hundreds of soldiers all armed to the teeth.

    With these trained military men, getting rid of the South Sea Crow was as good as done.

    In contrast, the martial artists were not necessary, and each day they stayed added further problems for the Turnbulls-like they were doing now, fighting among themselves, with many Turnbull servants getting caught in it. What a waste of time and resources.

    Rob spoke up then, saying, "Dad, those trash would only cause further disharmony in this house, while being totally useless. I''ll chase them all away right now, so that the family''s reputation won''t be tarnished." With that, he rallied his men to head to Ballroom Three, when Frank stood up.

    "Rob Turnbull," he said. "Those men are unruly, but they aren''t useless. We just have to find out what''s causing the confrontation and make the troublemakers leave, instead of chasing them away. Their skill would definitely prove useful in the future." "Useful, my ass!"

    Rob snapped at Frank right then, giving up all pretenses of civility. "I am the next head of the Turnbull family! Who do you think you are, telling me what to do and obstructing me at every turn?! I said I can handle this myself, and I will!"

    "As for you..." He red at Frank pointedly from head to toe, growling coldly, "You''re as insolent as you are self-important. Once I''m done with that trash, you''re next!"

    With that, he put on his beret and strode off with his men without looking back.

    "Darling..."

    Vicky appeared out of nowhere, tugging on Frank''s hand, worried that he would get upset since he was here to help.

    If anything, Rob was behaving like an ingrate.

    "I''m fine," Frank said, nodding.

    Glen came up to keep the peace too. "Please don''t take offense, Frank. The boy never believed in martial arts since a child, and he''s always been so stubborn. I''m sure he''ll change his mind once he sees the true strength of martial artists."

    Frank, however, disagreed-from where he was standing, Rob clearly never came back to eliminate the South Sea Crow.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    And he knew that there were many powerful martial artists in the military, such as Hans Schnee, basemander of the East Coast, and Frank''s own father, the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    On the other hand, Rob clearly had beef with Frank and those martial artists, which made Frank suspect his motives.

    "Come on, let''s go see," Frank said, squeezing Vicky''s hand.

    Glen beckoned for the Turnbull sentries to follow as well, and everyone rushed out of the central ballroom straight to ballroom three.

    Earlier in Ballroom Three, where all

    the martial elites invited by the Turnbulls were gathered, it was a rowdy affair with every type of martial elite present-proud apprentices of various sect, elderly men with dark looks on their faces, fearsome burly brawlers, and even elegantly dresseddies.

 Chapter 1473

    The martial artists were mingling, ying drinking games, and recounting the old days, while others drunkenly headed to open spaces to spar. Many were cheering them on, and while it was a restless sight, there was no sign of quarrel, let alone destruction of property.

    If anything, it was within the epted limit.

    However, just as they were busy ying around, the doors to the ballroom were kicked open, and a man in an ink-green military coat strode in.

    Themotion left the hall silent, as everyone turned to look at the military man.

    However, even before any of the martial artists could ask where he came from, he chuckled coolly and ruthlessly mocked everyone on the spot. "Heh. What a bunch of trash." Bang!

    Kain Loom the Wild de mmed his hand on the table, springing to his feet.

    He might have conceded to Frank days earlier, but that did not mean that just anyone was allowed to insult him!

    Shoving away the people in his way, he strode up to the military man, cracking his neck audibly while brandishing his machete.

    "Why don''t you take a look at this before you repeat that?" He sneered viciously.

    In fact, everyone else in the ballroom was ring coolly at the military man, but he simply smiled and continued without a care. "You want me to repeat that? Alright, have it your way." The man ced a cigarette between his lips, and his man quickly brought out a lighter and lit it up.

    He took a light puff at Kain''s face and sneered. "I said you''re all trash."

    "Shit, you asked for it!"

    Kain certainly could not abide with such an insult, and he raised his machete, swinging it down on the military man''s head.

    He was so quick that most of the other martial artists did not even see him move.

    "Hmph. He''s really asking for it, insulting Kain Loom in his face. He almost seems important, but regrettably for him, Kain wouldn''t care!"

    "Tut, tut. What a shame that such a handsome man like him is going to die."

    "Hah! So be it. He''s paying the price for his insult."

    Just as all the martial artists were

    convinced the military man was going to die, he snorted and moved, catching Kain''s horrific machete at lightning speed.

    "Huh?!"

    Kain''s eyes widened in disbelief as he saw his machete being caught.

    However, he did not give up with a thunderous bellow, his temple veins bulging as he tried to cut the man''s hand in two. However, he could not.

    Forget cutting through the man''s

    palm-Kain was using all his

    strength, but even the shockwal

    ensuing from his pure vigor did notThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    budge his machete.

    And even as Kain put his entire back into it, the military man did not even appear to be exerting himself, even sneering as Kain''s face flushed. "Like I said, you''re all trash."

    ng!

    The military man snapped Kain''s machete in two right then, and while Kain was too stunned to react, he leapt to the air andunched a kick at him.

    And the single kick sent Kain screaming as he flew, crashing through several tables as fell unconscious, blood spilling out from his mouth. "What?!"

    It was a sight that left all the other martial artists astonished.

 Chapter 1474

    "What?!"

    It was a sight that left all the other martial artists astonished.

    After all, Kain Loom the Wild de was the best among them, reaching the middle of Ascendant rank and almost peerless. However, he was still no different from a chick to the military man, and the sheer difference left everyone agape.

    "From now on, you are all under mymand... Naturally, those who have something to say about it cane forward."

    The military man smirked at the martial artists as he breathed out a smoke ring.

    Obviously, the martial artists present were not spineless, with an elderly man already glowering as he strode out.

    "We''re under yourmand? Who do you think you are?" he demanded.

    "Exactly!" A youth who clearly belonged to a sect joined in. "You''re strong, but don''t you think you''re overreaching, telling everyone to serve you?!"

    The military man simply smiled at them before whipping out a handgun and shooting the old man between the eyes.

    The bullet whistled through the air, catching the man off guard and punching a hole between his brows.

    He wobbled before dropping to the floor, dead.

    "Uncle!"

    The youth who snapped earlier did a double take before lunging at the military man.

    The other martial artists could certainly see that the military man was powerful, but they all charged at him with a battlecry after they saw what had happened.

    With that, all of Ballroom Three descended into chaos, with one of the Turnbull sentries fleeing without looking back to report it to Glen.

    By the time Frank, Vicky, and the others arrived, the entire ballroom was already bathed in blood.

    Rob was also kneeling on one knee before the military man, zeal written all over his face as if the military man was his everything.

    The military man threw away his blood-soaked white gloves and slowly turned to find Glen utterly bbergasted.

    Glen''s pupils dted even as he recognized the military man. "General Lionheart...?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Oh, hello, Mr. Turnbull."

    Jan Lionheart smiled. "I''ve been invited to help the Turnbulls fight against the South Sea Crow, but the mooks ruined my mood as soon as I stepped inside, so I quickly dealt with them. You won''t me me, right?"

    Glen certainly could not say anything against him despite his pompous attitude.

    All the martial artists present were invited by the Turnbulls'' main family and branch families, and it was already clear from a single look that the casualties here were terrible.

    Would their respective sects and organizations let it slide if they find out? And the me would be on the Turnbulls!

    But what infuriated Glen even more was his own son Rob-not only was he kneeling to Jan, but his men were scouring the ballroom, shooting dead every martial artist Jan did not kill on the spot. en

    Eventually, almost no martial artists survived the ughter, save for Proud Sword Sect and Kain Loom, sitting in a corner and clutching his chest.

    Glen almost cked out, as he realized right then that Rob was now Jan''spdog.

    And Jan hade to wipe out all the martial artists invited, in his son''s name.

 Chapter 1475

    Just from that fact, it was unnecessary to guess why the South Sea Crow returned. "Oh, by the way..."

    Jan did not afford Glen time to think, however, shing a gentle smile as he said, "Mr. Turnbull, I heard you''ve been exhausted in integrating the Turnbull branch families back to the main family, and your health has been affected.

    "Rob had been telling me that for a while, so I was thinking-why don''t you take this opportunity to step down? Let Rob here take over as head of the Turnbull family while you enjoy the easy life of retirement."

    "How dare you!"

    Vicky snapped right then, having had enough just as Jan finished, clenching her knuckles. "This is our family matter, and not up to the Lionhearts to meddle! You leave Turnbull Estate right now!"

    "Shut up!"

    Rob sprang to his feet right then, ring at Vicky as he bellowed, "Jan is a brother to me! And as the next head of the Turnbull family, he naturally has the right to speak! You, on the other hand, are a woman who behaves so insolently-how dare you snap at my brother!" Gesturing at his men, he barked, "Go! Give her twenty ps for her impudence!"

    "Yes, sir!" the soldiers replied.

    Seeing that the soldiers were ready to hurt Vicky, Glen strode up, ring at Rob even as he shook with rage. "Vicky is your cousin! Are you hurting your own family for a Lionheart?!" "Hmph."

    Rob snorted arrogantly, not worried about his father at all as he looked up and sneered. "Cousin? If not her and that manwhore with her would our family have fallen to this state? If my brother Jan didn''t help me would I have been able to keep my position in the military?!"

    No longer hiding his contempt, Rob started bellowing at Glen in the face. "He''s like my parent, while that bitch repeatedly drives a rift between our family and the Lionhearts'' close alliance for that manwhore!

    ndering and shifting

    ve

    me

    just to drive a wedge between us! A witch like her? It''s no loss even if

    she''s put to death!" Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Y-You wretch!"

    Glen never thought that his son had fallen so far that he would be a traitor for the Lionhearts, and he raised a shaking finger even as he pointed at Rob and demanded, "And what if your brother Jan demanded that you kill me right now?! Are you going to do that too?!"

    "If you keep behaving so stubbornly, I don''t mind punishing my own family in the name of justice!"

    "Well said, well said... rgh!"

    Glen was left seething and suddenly coughed out a mouthful of blood, and his breath weakened right then.

    He was clearly given a heart attack by his own son, and Vicky hurried up to catch him while leveling Rob a furious re. "Are you crazy, Rob Turnbull?! Are you so bent on betraying us for the Lionhearts?!"

    There was no hint of remorse on

    Rob''s face, however, as he spoke quietly. "Like my brother Jan said, you and your manwhore are the cause of all our family problems! That''s why I''vee back to rid

    ???

    both of you and bring the family back on the right track so that we''re friends with the Lionhearts forever! My dad will eventually understand that!"

    There was really no saving that man.

 Chapter 1476

    Frank stood at a corner, his eyes growing cold as he stared at Rob''s conceited expression.

    "Frank Lawrence, was it?"

    Jan Lionheart strode over, folding his arms before his chest as he sneered at Frank. "I heard you''ve been messing with my family a lot ofte."

    "So?" Frank replied as he strode up, shielding Vicky and the others behind him.

    "Don''t get so nervous. I''m not interested in you... for now."

    Jan grinned as he flicked his ink-green military coat. "But you should strut while the Lord of the Southern Woods is still alive... You will pay your debts when he''s gone."

    Frank''s expression stiffened, and he quickly demanded, "Debts? What debts?"

    "Heh-I''m not obliged to tell you," Jan shrugged. "If you know what''s good for you now, you will take your girl with you and get out of the Turnbull Estate right now. That way, you''d at least live a little longer."

    He was not hiding his threat at all, while Frank shed his teeth in a grin after a brief silence. "Jan Lionheart, was it? Do you really have what it takes to make me leave? The way I see it, you''re the one who should be leaving!"

    "You bastard! How dare a manwhore like you speak in that manner to General Lionheart! Do you want to die?!"

    Even as Rob bellowed once Frank was finished, the dozens of soldiers armed to the teeth trained their guns on Frank as well.

    "Frank... Don''t fight him..."

    Glen rasped feebly as he regained consciousness, "Among the younger Lionhearts, Jan is only next to the Demon of Volsung Sect. He advanced well into Transcendent rank at a young age-you can''t beat him! And he has considerable influence in the military on top of that... he can make life very difficult for you once you mess with him!"

    Frank remained undaunted despite

    Glen telling him everything about

    Glen, and he started straight towards the line of fire of those

    dozens of guns.

    "Advanced well into Transcendent rank? I can''t beat him?"

    Frank spoke quietly. "I am a son-inw of the Trunbull family. I won''t stand by and watch when the family is in trouble!"Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Even as he spoke, Til Tomek flinched as he hid in a corner, hanging his head guilty.

    He had yielded to Jan earlier just to stay alive.

    Naturally, he already saw through who Jan was, which was why he had no qualms about surrendering.

    "Vicky, take your uncle and the others, and go!"

    Frank said just then, before turning toward Til, you still have a spine and remember the debt that Proud Sword Sect owes the Turnbulls, then escort Vicky and the others out of here. Don''t make me regard you with contempt!"

    Til flushed at Frank''s words.

    After a while-and as his fellow apprentice Kiki looked on-he walked up to Vicky''s side, sword in hand, and escorted Vicky and the other Turnbulls away.

    As the others cleared out, Frank breathed a sigh of relief as Jan did not try to pursue Vicky and the others.

    Whether he was just too proud or convinced that Frank was no threat to him, he allowed Til and the others to leave.

    Rob then began, "Brother, just leave that manwhore to me¡ª"

    Jan held up a hand, stopping him.

 Chapter 1477

    Jan smiled faintly, "He''s arrogant, but he''s strong. Right now, your objective is to save your strength and subjugate every Turnbull at the central ballroom, and rise as the new head of the Turnbull family. No loose ends." "Yes, sir." Rob Turnbull nodded, saluting Jan in turn before leading his men away.

    Before he did, he leveled a cold, murderous look at Frank as if his fate was sealed.

    Soon, the doors of ballroom three closed with a loud bang, leaving just Frank and Jan.

    And seeing that there was no one else around, Frank looked up and asked, "So, the challenge issued by the South Sea Crow-that was you?"

    "Indeed." Jan nodded and grinned. "You need an appropriate excuse if you want to im control over a big cake like the Turnbulls, don''t you agree?"

    "Where is she?" Frank demanded, narrowing his eyes.

    Glen had told him the challenge was the South Sea Crow''s own writing, meaning that it was definitely Ciaran Zobel.

    And Jan had her.

    "I''ve dealt with her."

    Jan said calmly just then, "Since she no longer holds any worth to us, us Lionhearts have no reason to keep her."

    Frank''s fury went aze right then-so that was why he never heard anything from his fellow apprentice for so long, and why she never rendezvoused with him at Riverton.

    The Lionhearts had captured her, once again proving how powerful they were.

    "Heh. Did you think us Lionhearts could abide by the existence of any traitors?"

    Jan shrugged just then. "We''ve found out a lot about you after working on her... Donn Lawrence."

    "You asked for this!"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat when he heard that name, and he no longer held back, his Five-Peat Archaeus erupting resoundingly right then.

    His pure vigor unfurled, taking the shape of a warrior wearing silver scale armor, carrying a sharp sword as he lunged toward Jan.

    Jan was not surprised that Frank was attacking and smiled as he leapt two paces backward.

    At the same time, a ck shield materialized in front of him, repelling Frank''s sword as he swung his arm.

    "Although I can''t kill you as per the agreement, no one said we can''t dismember your limbs and cripple you!"

    At Jan''s growl, the ck shield that repelled Frank''s blow assumed the form of a ck lion, over a hundred meters in length and breaking through the roof of ballroom three.

    "Dark Lion of Decimation!" Jan roared, and the ck lion did the same, breathing ck pure vigor that incinerated all of Ballroom Three. "My god... What is that?!"

    Even in the distance, Kiki could see the ck lion that appeared behind them and turned pale in fear.

    "Save your breath. Let''s get out of here!"

    Til was pale as he certainly saw the ck lion too.

    It certainly went without saying that it was Jan''s martial technique.

    nee

    And to condense pure vigor into form of such a fearsome fist required both mass reserves of pure vigo in the body and a frightening level of control over it.

    Til certainly could admit that he would not be able to survive that blow.

    If he were Frank and he was up against the ck pure vigor that swirled over the skies, he would just be reduced to cinders in justa couple of seconds.

    "Death Eater!" Frank bellowed.

 Chapter 1478

    With a resounding bellow, Frank''s pure vigor projected away from him, condensed and solid, red and ck.

    It assumed the form of a gigantic arm in the air, seizing the ck lion by the neck.

    "Die!" Frank growled, and pulverized the ck lion with a p, with the ensuing shockwave of pure vigor destroying the entire ballroom too. "Hehe... So you are at least worth something!"

    Jan wasughing amid the buffeting winds.

    He threw away his ink-green coat and whipped out a machete gleaming red, then vaulted over the debris as he leapt toward Frank. "That de..."

    Frank could tell immediately that the machete Jan whipped out was not your ordinary de.

    At once wary, he projected a spiraling burst of pure vigor around his hand and punched it.

    ng!

    There was a ring sh of metals as the blood machete withstood Frank''s punch.

    Frank''s physicality was now at Ascendant rank, and that meant that the machete was not forged from ordinary metals.

    "Hahaha... not bad! It''s impressive that you have such strength!"

    Jan swung his machete in a circr motion around himself, parrying each of Frank''s blows.

    One might even argue that he was the toughest opponent Frank had in recent times, just as one expected nothing less of the second best among the younger Lionhearts. However...

    "I''m done warming up now. It''s time for you to die!" Frank growled, bolstered by his will to avenge his fellow apprentice.

    His vigor erupted, and he was suddenly over ten times quicker.

    Even as Jan looked on in shock, he shrouded himself in blood-red pure vigor as he descended from on high like a falling star.

    His almighty punch seemed to be charged with monumental

    power from up close, Jan could even see a titanic ape from ancient times, pounding its own chest as it roared.

    "What?!"

    Frank''s punch struck him in the stomach, even he could bring the eerie blood de in hand to bear.

    "Mystic Sky Sect pinnacle technique: Demon Ape Fist!"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Frank certainly put his weight in this punch, and coupled with his Ascendant rank physicality, Jan was screaming even as he was struck.

    To no surprise, his protective pure-vigor was shattered, while Frank''s knuckle grinded his insides into mush.

    Blood and flesh sttered all over, and the very ground of Morehn shook.

    Hiss...

    Sweltering air unfurled, and Frank slowly stood up from a crater over ten minutes deep.

    And at his feety a man, whose body was vaporized chest-down, yet the expression of shock was still clear on his face.

    Jan was dead... and no one could have expected that!

    He was the second strongest Lionheart, only next in potential to the Demon of Volsung Sect.

    He was also a young general with a bright future, but he was killed with rtive ease here in Turnbull Estate!

    Frank did not hold back at all, killing him with a single punch!

    "Oof..."

    In the distance, Kain Loom-who was hiding beneath a chunk of debris and clutching his stomach-gasped.

    With that-shaking punch and

    the sight of Jan lying dead at the

    bottom of the crater with his eyes wide-open, Kain had witnessed the true depths of Frank''s powe

    He looked at Frank as if he were a monster-the man had just punched dead a martial elite, who was alive and kicking a moment ago... and was also a martial elite who

    advanced well into Tramet

    rank!

    Whoever could have imagined that would happen?

    MS

 Chapter 1479

    "Stop."

    Even as Til was about to escort Vicky and the others away, Rob and his men intercepted them.

    Vicky scowled even as she stared at the barrels aimed at them from every direction. "Are you really so bent on bing the next head of the Turnbull family right now?! You''d rather believe the nder someone outside your family tells you and kill your own father for it?!" "Save your breath."

    Rob met Glen and Vicky''s re without flinching, even dering proudly, "Everything I do is for the sake of this family''s future! As the head of the Turnbull family, I will integrate the branch families with the main family, and only then do we have a chance to get out of this mess! You''re old now, Dad-time to give it up!"

    "Rob..."

    Glen murmured feebly even as Vicky kept him on his feet. "Do you really think Jan Lionheart is sincerely helping you and our family? Hasn''t it crossed your mind that he would turn on us once you unified the family, using you as his puppet to indirectly control our family?" Glen''s son''s stupidity was literally killing him, but he repressed his rage and exasperation to reason with Rob, in hopes that he woulde to his senses.

    Rob, however, remained adamant, evenughing coldly. "Don''t think you can drive a wedge between me and my brother Jan. The man''s loyalty weighs more than gold, and he considers me one of his own-he''d never do that."

    Glen could only look up at the ceiling and sigh at that. "What the hell. How did Ie to have such a son..."

    Still, it soon became clear.

    His eldest son did not have the talent for business, not to mention that he was straightced, stubborn, and simple-minded.

    That was why Glen sent him to the military to train him, only for Rob''s naivete to be exploited by the Lionherats.

    If anything, Jan must have had a hand in the South Sea Crow''s return, not to mention that the Lionhearts'' n here was awfully simple.

    Since they were unable to take down the Turnbulls anytime soon, they decided to groom a puppet instead-which obviously was Rob.

    After all, the martial artists whom

    Jan massacred would definitely be asking questions with the Turnbulls after this When that happened, Rob would definitely fumble and fail to keep the peace, and that was where the Lionhearts woulde in.

    Talk about a well-calcted move!

    And if Glen could reach that conclusion, Vicky could too.

    In fact, she was leveling a saddened look at Rob and sighed. "The Lionhearts'' ambition knows no bounds, and their conspiracy is there for all all to see-and yet here you are, calling them your brothers when you''re just a dog to them! See theThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    truth already, Rob!"

    "Hah! More of your lies!"

    Rob remained unmoved, even gesturing for his men to cock their guns, ready to riddle everyone with bullet holes at his order.

    "Til Tomek, was it?"

    He turned toward Til and Kiki just

    then, growling threatening, "You have one chance. Leave Turnbull Estate right this instant-my family don''t need your protection. Or you''ll be next, right after my brother Jan kills that manwhore!"

    "Don''t listen to him!" Kiki eximed, bracing herself despite her obvious fear towards the guns leveled at them. "Our mentor will be furious if we abandon Mr. Turnbull, and Proud Sword Sect would have to live in shame!" "I''m counting down from three."

    Rob held up three fingers, however, and Til immediately hung his head, sweating all over his brow.

    To be honest, he had reached the early phase of Ascendant rank. As such, guns and bullets would not hurt him much, and he could even attack and defeat Rob and his men...

 Chapter 1480

    But what came after that?

    Jan''s little disy of power in ballroom three had certainly left Til terrified.

    The man did not even flinch as dozens of martial artists attacked him, instead going on to massacre them, bathing the ballroom in blood.

    No one could even reach that man, while Til watched as everything unfolded, his moralepletely crushed by his fear of the man''s power.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    After all, Jan had reached a pinnacle in strength Til could not even hope to reach in life, and worse of all was that ck lion conjured with pure vigor.

    It blocked out the sky and incinerated the ballroom in an instant.

    Your average martial artist simply could not hope to reach that level. Til already regretted listening to Frank earlier and fleeing with Glen, Vicky, and the rest.

    This was thest chance he was given, and he gave in to his fear after a brief silence.

    He quietly backed away, pulling Kiki along and letting Rob take Glen, Vicky, and the other Turnbulls.

    Seeing that, Kiki finally showed a look of disappointment to her fellow apprentice.

    Their mentor had told them how the Turnbulls once saved Proud Sword Sect in the past-Glen Turnbull himself had loaned them money when they needed it the most, or they would have scattered into the wind otherwise by now. That was why Proud Sword Sect sent everyone here to repay that debt, only for Til to abandon the Turnbulls when it mattered just to save his own skin.

    Kiki was certainly disappointed, though she also remembered Frank for some reason just then.

    She turned toward Ballroom Three, which had copsed into ruins, and Frank''s fate now unknown.

    However, even as Kiki mused to herself that Frank could stand up against adversity, she could retch as she remembered how her fellow apprentice used to strut in front of Frank.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Turnbull."

    On the other hand, Til knew that words were meaningless now.

    His mentor and the others could not make it in time, and he alone could not stop Jan.

    That was why he decided to give up on them for the sake of his survival.

    "Hehe... Hehehe..."

    Vicky said nothing, but her coolughter was all she needed to express her contempt for Til.

    Rob strode up, ordering his men to nk Glen and Vicky, while telling Glen quietly; "Don''t worry, Dad. I

    won''t do anything to you-but I need you to announce that you''re

    stepping down as head of the

    Tumbull family."

    "What about Vicky?" Glen leveled a sharp re at him, causing Rob to avert his eyes in reflex.

    "Her?" Robughed coolly. "That

    woman is a gue to our

    family she will suffer the same fate as his manwhore! I will punish my own family as justice demands and per family rules!"

    Glen closed his eyes in despair.

    What misfortune! How did hee to bring such a fool to this world?!

    Still, Vicky remained exceedingly calm, pping her uncle on the shoulder and saying solemnly, "Don''t worry. He''ll definitelye back for us."

 Chapter 1481

    However, Rob heard Vicky too.

    "Come back for you? Frank Lawrence?"

    He sneered, heartlessly crushing Vicky and the others'' fantasies. "Jan isn''t just the best soldier in Draconia-he''s the best across Draconia! He alone suppressed the northern savages, and that makes him no different from the Lord of the Southern Woods to an extent. He could handle those maggot martial artists by himself, and that manwhore you''re pinning your hopes on is no match for him."

    Rob felt smug even as Vicky and Glen turned pale, though he was also feeling curious about what was taking Jan so long.

    Still, he had his orders and he knew this could not drag on-he had to seal the deal before the Turnbull branch families caught on.

    Hence, he ordered his men to escort Glen and Vicky to the biggest ballroom in Turnbull Estate.

    Naturally, his men already had the ce under control-hundreds of soldiers were congesting the ballroom and around it. Every Turnbull executive and the branch families who were here were all not allowed to escape.

    "Dad, if you don''t want the family to suffer any casualties, you will do as you''re told-step down as head of the Turnbull family, while I take your ce."

    Rob spoke coolly as he led his father to his seat, before turning toward the silent Vicky and sneering. "Whether the Turnbull Estate would see a bloodbath today depends entirely on your choice."

    Glen was already feeling despair, his thought a mess as he seemed to age decades, while his son ''helped'' him back to the main seat of the grand ballroom.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    Everyone in the ballroom was restless and whispering among themselves because of the soldiers locking down the ce.

    As most of the people present were key members of the Turnbull family, they were all shrewd business folk.

    In fact, most had already realized the truth-Rob and his men did not leave to investigate the chaos in the other ballroom because they were the instigators in the first ce.

    A gnawing sense of foreboding crept inside them, as things could change dramatically in the family soon.

    "Ahem. Everyone..."

    At the same time, Rob strode past

    his own father to take the main seat, speaking quietly into the mike, "Following our investigation, it turns out that the South Sea Crow incited the martial artists in Ballroom Three to fight among themselves.

    Pausing to see everyone''s reaction, he chuckled coolly before continuing, "My father is worse for wear from the shock, but fortunately, my brother Jan and I worked

    together to pacify the situation and

    yed the South Sea Crow

    We

    won''t have to worry about her

    causing us problems anymore now!

    Let''s hear a cheer for our victory!"

    However, there were a lot less cheers than what Rob expected-only sporadic ps were heard.

    The members of the Turnbull family

    present were no fools. They could already see that something was wrong from Glen and Vicky''s expressions, as well as the soldiers confining them to this

    ve

    ballroom-there was something most definitely suspicious about this ''return'' of the South Sea Crow.

    Some even started asking questions.

    "Where''s Frank Lawrence, Rob?"

    Rob was actually surprised that the Turnbulls thought so highly of Frank and frowned slightly in displeasure.

    "Yeah, didn''t he go with you earlier?"

 Chapter 1482

    Shrugging, Rob said, "Frank Lawrence... died in the fight against the South Sea Crow."

    The members of the Turnbull family, however, appeared suspicious toward his nomittal response. Some even saw through him right then and were quietly considering how to make their exit. "Ahem..."

    Rob cleared his throat to draw everyone''s attention back to him, and smiled, "Since I''ve aplished the feat of ying the South Sea Crow, while my father suffered quite the shock, we''ve agreed that I will take over as the head of the Turnbull family. Right, Father?"

    All Glen felt was a bitterness in his throat as he looked at the threatening smile Rob shot at him and turned toward the members of the Turnbull branch families.

    They were all waiting for his answer, just as Glen came to realize what Rob meant earlier when he mentioned a bloodbath.

    If he refused Rob, the soldiers waiting outside would charge in with their guns and massacre everyone in this ballroom, leaving none alive.

    After that, he would subjugate every branch family across Draconia with the Lionhearts'' help, either using violence or just bribery.

    While it would prove a hassle for Rob, it was not impossible and if he went through with it, the ranks of the Turnbulls would really be shredded.

    However, if he acknowledged Rob''s statement, he would be stepping down as head of the Turnbull family. And just like the other option, there was no assurance that anyone here would survive.

    "How devious!"

    Glen certainly hated the Lionhearts to the bone just then-that bunch really would not rest unless his family fell!

    But even as he looked at everyone else along with Rob, who was still waiting for his response, he knew that there was no backing out now.

    After a brief silence, he nodded ever so slightly.

    "Hehehe..."

    Rob was immediately smiling smugly when he saw his father nod, as he had expected that.

    He always knew that his father was weak and would not destroy half of the Turnbulls'' expansive business empire by his own hand.

    However, the members of the Turnbull branch families could see through Rob''s mad ambitions, and promptly tried to reason with him.

    "Mr. Turnbull, are you really stepping down now?"

    "Yeah. Everything is going well-why now?"

    However, it was simply not up to Glen, and he nced at his son exasperatedly as he rasped, "Well... From this day forth, I will no longer be in charge of family matters."

    "No way!"

    "Exactly! You''re still young, Mr. Turnbull! Why would you¡ª"

    "Shut up!"

    Even as the members of the

    Turnbull branch families relentlessly tried to talk Glen out of it, Rob sprang this feet and snapped, "What would any of you know? My father is in shock and not fing mentally. Are you trying to push him to his death here?!"

    The members of the Turnbull family tactfully turned silent right then, as even the dumbest among them could see that Glen was now Rob''s hostage. And right now, everything Rob said was absolute.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    As For Rob, seeing them hang their

    heads instead of protesting, he smugly announced, "Very well. I, Rob Turnbull, shall officially take over as the head of the Turnbull family And with the powers vested in me..."

    swn@

 Chapter 1483

    "I have three announcements to make."

    Rob held up three fingers as he looked around at the members of the Turnbull branch families and spoke coolly, "The first: Turnbull businesses will no longer impose a embargo against the Lionhearts, and the Lionhearts must be given a thirty percent rebate in any trade deal."

    "What?!"

    All the members of the Turnbull branch families turned pale in shock.

    They were the top in Draconia in business, and they used to offer the Lionhearts the best rebates they could. It was only because the Lionhearts repeatedly tried to usurp or bring down their family that Glen imposed the embargo and ceased any partnership or trade with them.

    While the Turnbulls suffered losses over that, it was eptable especially in contrast to the massive losses the Lionhearts had to deal with.

    But now, Rob was demanding the restoration of trade rtions with the Lionheart as soon as he became head of the Turnbull family, even giving them thirty percent rebates for everything?

    Not only would they make no profit from the Lionhearts, but they would be basically offering the Lionhearts tributes instead.

    And it waspletely uneptable for a businessman!

    One of the the members of the Turnbull branch families began, "Rob, there needs to be a procedure before we lift the embargo-"

    "Hmm?!"

    Rob was suddenly ring at him, his eyes narrowing as he asked icily, "What did you just call me?!"

    "M-Mr. Turnbull..."

    "Hmph."

    Rob snorted coldly. "I''m the head of the Turnbull family now, and every policy I make ensures the future prosperity of the family. Don''t think prosperity of

    for a moment that you''re losing anything here once the Lionhearts prosper, we will ride on their

    sess!"

    "Ride on their sess...?"

    The members of the Turnbull branch families were all scowling at that their family was one of the Four Families of Morhen too!

    There was no question they were no match against the Lionhearts in actual firepower. That certainly was the case with Volsung Sect protecting the Lionhearts, and no amount of money possibly affording the Turnbulls that many martial elites. However, the Lionhearts could not hope to catch up to the Turnbulls when it came to financial wealth either. As one of the Four Families of Morhen, the Turnbulls had their own pride and strength too.

    What they did not expect was for Rob to give them up to the Lionhearts, gift-wrapped as soon as he became head of the Turnbull family, even telling them to ride on the Lionhearts'' sess. Who could bear such humiliation?

    In reality, the Turnbulls did not fear the Lionhearts-if they were really bent on taking down the Lionhearts, they were willing to take the burden of getting nothing in return. They would go down swinging even if O

    they had to, just to deny the

    Lionhearts any control

    Draconia.

    Be it through banking, F&B, medicine, or entrepreneurship, the Turnbulls could inflict major damage

    on the Lionhearts within any ofContent is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    those fields. If anything, the

    embargo Glen imposed was just a

    reversion to standard prices

    denying the Lionhearts any rebates.

    If the Turnbulls really wanted to, they couldpletely stop the Lionhearts from trading or buying anything within Draconia''s borders and drive all Lionheart businesses into bankruptcy.

    It was a fallout the Lionhears could not afford, but such was the strength of the Turnbulls, Draconia''s strongest business dynasty.

    If anything, they appeared weak before as part of their strategy with assets and members of the branch families now being reintegrated back to the main family, their strength were growing by the day.

    The Lionhearts could naturally see where the tide was turning, and deeming it uneptable, they sent in Jan Lionheart to kickstart a major reshuffling.

    Naturally, Rob''s unreasonable request left the members of the Turnbull branch families fuming.

    No one said a word, however, as it meant death.

 Chapter 1484

    In all likelihood, Rob would not even waste his breath with them.

    Seeing that no one present dared to protest, Rob nodded in satisfaction and held up two fingers. "As for the second announcement, I am hereby rescinding all the privileges of the branch families." "What?!"

    The outrageous demand left all the members of the Turnbull branch families dumbfounded.

    Even Glen was staring at his own son, bbergasted.

    After all, Glen''s own effort to reintegrate the branch families adhered to tradition, as he was slowly purchasing branch families shares or assimting their shares through various agreements. It was the method any business folk would apply, drawing the branch families back to the main family.

    Rob''s demand to rescind their privileges was ridiculous in contrast.

    The Turnbull branch families had worked for decades-even generations to establish their businesses and enterprises, but all of that would be given to Rob just because he demanded it?! Even frauds would not go that far!

    "I protest!"

    An elderly member of the Turnbull branch families rose to his feet, bellowing in rage, "You have crossed the line, Rob Turnbull-not even the head of the Turnbull family has such a right!" "Exactly! This is extortion... No, it''s worse! It''s robbery!"

    "We will never agree to this!"

    Even as the other members of the Turnbull branch families protested in righteous indignation, Rob remained calm, and even smiled.

    "I expected none of you to give up so easily, so I will make my third announcement now."

    Rob held up three fingers, narrowing his eyes as he growled coolly. "I will eliminate all dissenters, as the Turnbull family will be reunited as one!"

    Then, he pointed at the elderly man who led the protests. "Charwick Turnbull, from the branch family of Braxton, yes? You''re guilty of conspiring with Frank Lawrence and Vicky Turnbull against the current head of the Turnbull family, and that means death."

    At Rob''s orders, his men who were standing at the edge of the hallway all trained their guns, and pressed their triggers even as Charwick looked on in shock. Rat-tat-tat-tat!!!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    mes red from the barrels as

    bullets riddled the old man''s bodies with dozens of bloody holes, and he fell heavily amidst deafening screams, his eyes wide open and blood foaming out of his mouth as

    he died. fond

    "Argh!!!"

    Many women shrieked, shocked that Rob was really going through with murder.

    Even the men were scowling in sheer trauma.

    "Any other traitors? Who else has anything to protest?"

    Rob smiled smugly at the other members of the Turnbull branch families and stayed utterly silent after being shown an example.

    None of them would dare stand up to Rob when he clearly did not care about family, even murdering them!

    But amid the silence, a woman''s voice rang sharply, "I object!"

    Everyone looked up in shock, because the one who stood up was none other than Vicky.

    Her face was pale, but her eyes were ring in rage as she red at Rob beside herself, snapping coldly, "Rob Turnbull, you are now no more than apdog of the Lionhearts, and the Turnbull family would not sumb to the threats of a bastard like you! If all you can do is kill, then do it-kill everyone in this room, and let''s see how you are going to face the wrath of the Turnbulls!"

 Chapter 1485

    "Well said!"

    "That''s the missy for you!"

    "I''ve always thought highly of her since she was a kid. Such spirit!"

    Everyone was pping excitedly at Vicky''s determined outburst.

    And with her taking the lead, the members of the Turnbull branch families were on their feet, all of them protesting against Rob Turnbull''s despotic demands. But even as Rob''s scowl turned even more obvious, Glen felt a foreboding sensation.

    "Hahaha... I see, I see!"

    Even as everyone criticized him, Rob, who had been restraining himself for a while, reared his head andughed loudly and insolently.

    When he looked down at the members of the Turnbull branch families and ultimately Vicky, his eyes shed with spite and murderous intent.

    He suddenly leapt toward Vicky, grabbing her and mming her on the table, while whipping out the handgun from his hip holster and pressed it against her head.

    "Like I said... this witch brainwashed the entire Turnbull family!" he bellowed resoundingly, leaving the entire ballroom stunned as he shed an eerie smile. "And you still dare brainwash the branch families right in my face! It seems that this family must be broken before it can be fixed!"

    Vicky felt danger at Rob''s outburst and eximed in panic, "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    "What am I doing?! This miserable state of the Turnbull family ends today! From now on, everyone will obey only me and me alone!"

    Robughed maniacally as he looked towards all the members of the Turnbull branch families. "Ready, take aim! At my order, kill everyone in this ballroom!" "What?!"

    Glen knew his son was naive but did not expect him to get that far.

    If the members of the Turnbull branch families were killed, not only was hispromising futile, but the entire family would ultimately sumb to infighting! "Are you crazy, Rob?!"

    "Are you killing all of us?!"

    The members of the Turnbull branch families were all gaping in fear.

    "Yes!" Rob bellowed andughed. "Why would keep anyone here alive when none of you are cooperating? I''ll just kill everyone here, and then ask my brother Jan for help and gather everyst bit of wealth you have!" Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "You''re a madman!"

    The members of the Turnbull branch families were all left in dismay.

    Such cruelty... Rob was no longer human!

    "Take aim! F-"

    Just as Rob raised his hand,

    the room opened. Contouret

    sneering savagely and was about fo give the order to fire, the doors to

    "Oh! Are you done now, brother?"

    Rob was surprised, but quickly lowered his hand while delight showed on his face.

    However, the man who came soon left Rob staring nkly in shock before doubt showed and his face turned pale.

    "Frank Lawrence?!" he cried out without knowing it.

    "What?! Frank Lawrence?!"

    The members of the Turnbull branch

    families who thought they were going to die turned as well, delight showing on their

    when

    they saw that it was Frant

    After all, the man was eponymous with might in their name.

    And as Vicky''s man, he would never allow Rob to do as he liked!

    "H-How is this possible?!"

    On the other hand, disappointment showed on Rob''s face even as he stared at Frank. "How did you escape my brother Jan?!"

 Chapter 1486

    "Hmph."

    Frank strode in, looked around, and quickly saw that the ballroom was filled with fully-armed soldiers.

    He could certainly see right then that Rob was threatening them into submission.

    "Darling!"

    Vicky''s face lit up in delight when she saw that Frank had arrived he really did not disappoint her!

    He nodded at her before turning to level an icy re at Rob. "You have one chance to leave with your men, and kneel in apology while you await your punishment." "Kneel in apology?!"

    Rob tilted his head, thinking that he was hearing things, before bursting out inughter. "Did you take your meds, Frank Lawrence? Did you really think you could order me around just because you escaped my brother, General Jan Lionheart?! Once he catches up, you wouldn''t even know what hit you!"

    The Turnbulls all turned worriedly toward Frank at Rob''s outburst, since it was only then that Rob mentioned General Jan Lionheart.

    "General Jan Lionheart... as in the general stationed at northern Draconia?!"

    "I heard he aplished many feats and was promoted to general despite his young age, and a man even the Lionhearts are proud of." "And Rob brought him here...?"

    Many of them could not help eximing in shock, as they realized why Rob was so full of himself.

    It turned out that he had General Jan Lionheart''s support! It was all over for them now!Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    In their minds, Frank may be a powerful martial artist, but he paled inparison to an aplished, famous general.

    Still, Frank''s next words left everyone stiffening in shock.

    "Jan Lionheart?" He chuckled in disdain. "I killed him."

    "What..."

    Rob''s eyes widened, his cheeks clenching. "No... That''s impossible! General Jan Lionheart is my brother! He would never die to the likes of a piece of shit manwhore like you!"

    "Yeah..."

    The members of the Turnbull branch families were all skeptical too-was Frank not exaggerating too much there?

    They are talking about Jan

    Lionheart, the second strongest

    among the Lionhearts'' younger

    generation! A man honored with the

    title of general despite his young

    age! en

    How could Frank be able to kill him just like that?! "You''re lying!"

    Rob continued ranting furiously even as he pointed at Frank, "You little manwhore! You will pay for your nder of my brother. You will die in pieces once hees and finds out what you said about him! It''s over for you!" ,

    Won

    Despite his endless yapping, there were doubts at the bottom of his heart, since there had not been any response from Jan after all this time. There was no reason Jan should be dragging his feet-he would definitelye here once he eliminated Frank.

    Was it possible that Frank really killed him?!

    No, that was impossible!

    Rob refused to entertain the possibility-in his mind, Jan was the greatest martial artist across all Draconia, while the rest were liars and mooks. That was why he so willingly submitted to Jan-he believed that Jan was the real deal.

 Chapter 1487

    But now, Rob was told that the almighty General Jan Lionheart was in by the manwhore before him?

    He certainly would not believe it, as it would destroy his world!

    "Hehe. It''s not necessary for me to believe you."

    Frank could not care less that he was not convincing Rob.

    Pure vigor converged over his palm, and dozens of transparent needles materialized.

    Frank waved,unching the needles, and Rob''s soldiers all froze instantly, their expression stiff like statues.

    "What?!"

    Rob was left dumbstruck when he saw what Frank did and narrowed his eyes.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    That was when he saw the needle that pierced the neck of the soldier nearest to him. In fact, the soldier''s eyes were pleading for help, as the pure vigor needle kept him utterly immobile. "What else do you have up your sleeve now, Rob Turnbull?"

    Frank glowered even as he strode towards Rob.

    "I... Don''t get so full of yourself, Frank Lawrence! Vicky... Right! I have her. Another step, and I will-"

    Rob then came to his senses and tried to use Vicky as a hostage to threaten Frank, until he looked down and saw that his trigger finger was already on the floor, lying in a puddle of blood. "Argh!!!"

    Rob squealed like a gutted pig even as he stumbled backward, dropping his gun with a thud.

    "Hmph!"

    Rob only got the better of Vicky earlier because she was surprised.

    And though she was not particrly strong, she was at least a vigor wielder.

    She wasted no breath spinning around and kicking Rob to the floor, and stamping her foot on his back. "What else do you have to say now, Rob?!" she snapped coolly through her teeth.

    "I... I..."

    Rob sobbed even as he struggled to look up and red viciously at Vicky, and then at Frank when he reached them. "M-My brother Jan will make you pay! You''re all going to die! You hear me?! You''re all going to die!"

    Seeing that Rob was still struggling defiantly, Frank did not bother to argue.

    He whipped out the blood-soaked epaulet he tore off Jan''s coat and threw it in front of Rob.

    "You''re really still hoping for your dear brother to save you?"

    He chuckled, shaking his head and sighing. "What an idiot."

    "What?!"

    Rob was left bbergasted even as he picked

    up the epaulet. you manwhore! H

    dare you... You yed

    "That''s not all."

    As everyone looked on, Frank snatched the epaulet out of Rob''s grasp and tore it open to reveal a tiny listening device.

    "What..."

    Rob''s eyes widened, unsure what it was.

    "It''s a bug, idiot."

    Frank chuckled coolly, and tore off

    listening device. "Here, et

    Paulet to extract another

    Rob''s

    one

    coat too."

    Rob was stumped. "What... when... Why would my brother bug me..." "Hehe." Frank shrugged. "Why don''t you use your tiny brain to think?"

 Chapter 1488

    Frank then picked up the listening device he took from Jan, speaking quietly, "This bug is different from the one nted on you. It records conversations, but you can also converse through it-so why don''t I show you what your dear brother was hiding from you?" Frank then pressed a button on the listening device, broadcasting throughout the ballroom with the microphone.

    "Don''t worry, Mr. Lionheart. Rob Turnbull is a total idiot-just a little push, and he''s beside himself with tearful gratitude and unable to wait to kill his own father for my sake."

    "Hehe... Don''t worry. The n is wless this time, but I just need that woman to write a challenge letter, just so that Glen Turnbull doesn''t see through this n."

    "Yes, don''t worry... I will definitely bring down the Turnbulls this time and deliver their spiritron vein to you."

    As the recording ended, Rob and the rest of the Turnbulls in the ballroom were gaping in rage and disbelief. "B-Brother Jan... was using me?"

    Rob was trembling all over even as hey sprawled on the floor, his gaze nk as his convictions vaporized. "Still going to be stubborn, Rob?" Vicky demanded icily.

    "I..."

    Rob''s jaw hung open, unable to speak.

    Still, he was eventually hiding his face in his palm as he bawled, "H-How did this happen?! I treated him like my brother! How could he do this?!"

    Frank looked on in contempt at Rob''s miserable breakdown.

    Forget being stupid-he was supposed to be the heir to one of the Four Families of Morhen, and he was crying?!

    The future of the Turnbulls was really grim...

    Naturally, Frank had his own rewards from helping the Turnbulls.

    His fellow apprentice, Ciaran Zobel, who was otherwise known as the South Sea Crow, was not executed as Jan had imed.

    The Lionhearts had her but were keeping her alive.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    While that thoughtforted Frank, it still hurt toe up with a rescue n.

    Unlike with the Soranos, if Frank went to Lionheart Estate demanding Ciaran back, what awaited him was not acalm negotiation but ao bloodbath.

    And if he were to be honest, he was not confident about beating Simon Lionheart or getting Ciaran out of the Lionheart Estate alive. That was why he must not act reckless for now.

    But just as Frank thought about his next step, Glen returned to the mike.

    ncing at Vicky and Frank, he sighed heavily before speaking quietly, "It seems that Rob really took us for a ride this time... It was never the South Sea Crow but a conspiracy of the Lionhearts that Rob fell for, and he was in turn used like a tool against us. It is as frustrating as it is disappointing."

    Rob flinched at Glen''s words and looked up miserably at his father. "Dad, I¡ª" "Don''t call me dad. I don''t have a wretched son like you."

    Glen shook his head. "I''ve always thought you were simple-minded and would have trouble bing the head of the family. That''s why sent you to military training, so that you could see the world and

    understand the dark side of people... I just didn''t think that you were so stupid, and you are now both a disappointment and embarrassment to us all."

    Clearing his throat, Glen cleared his throat as his eyes shed coldly. "Rob Turnbull is no longer my sessor!"

 Chapter 1489

    Rob cringed when he heard about his removal from the line of session.

    However, he hung his head as he epted reality, since he knew he had grounds to argue.

    And after a brief silence, Glen continued.

    "Still, I still need a sessor."

    This time, he nced at Frank, his tone changing sharply, "As a son-inw of this family, Frank has already saved us from several crises, not to mention he saved all our lives today. If not for him, Rob would''ve killed us all." Pausing, Glen looked at all the members of the Turnbull branch families and asked loudly, "As such, I propose to have Frank Lawrence be my sessor. What do you think?!" "Huh?!"

    "What?!"

    Everyone in the ballroom was left dumbstruck.

    Letting an outsider be the next head of the Turnbull family?! Was Glen kidding?!

    They owed the man a lot, but this was still ridiculous!

    "Hoho, I''m just kidding."

    Glen waved them off, chuckling amid the stunned silence. "I''m actually nominating my niece Vicky to be my sessor. How about that?" "Oh, I see..."

    The members of the Turnbull branch families sighed in relief from their earlier shock, though someone noticed something unusual just then.

    "Hold on the family head has always been a man., but it''s a woman now?" one of them asked.

    The other members of the Turnbull branch families turned in confusion toward Glen right then as well, but Glen simply nced at Frank with a quiet smile. They all got it right then-in the end, Glen wanted Frank to be his sessor anyway!

    However, considering that they had a proper heiress in Vicky as a buffer, the members of the Turnbull branch families all nodded in agreement after some thought. After all, they sorelycked firepower if they were to fight against martial elites of the Lionhearts.

    And right now, Frank had proven himself to be stronger than Jan.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    That meant if they could bring Frank over to their side, the Lionhearts would not go down the route of a direct conflict.

    And it would really have been the end of the Turnbulls if not for Frank being here today.

    Not only would they be reduced to vassals of the Lionhearts, but they probably would not remain as one of the Four Families of Morhen.

    That was why the members of the

    Turnbull family present did not hesitate for long and almost

    unanimously voted in agreement for Vicky to be the next head of the

    Turnbull family.

    And despite being a woman, she had earned the respect of the members of the Turnbull branch families when she bravely stood up to Rob.

    It was enough for them.

    And seeing that no one was protesting, Glen announced cheerfully, "Very well. Then I''m hereby announcing that my niece Vicky will be the next head of the

    Turnbull family!"

    A thunderous apuse ensued all around them, apletely different reaction to when Rob dered himself the head of the Turnbull family. Even as the man in question got up and moved to hide in a corner, he red at Vicky in spite and jealousy as she basked in her moment. "And now, as for Rob..."

    After that announcement, Glen

    turned coldly toward Rob, and snapped coldly, "He will be punished per familyw! His kneecaps will be removed and his tongue cut off! And he will not be allowed to take a single step out of Turnbull Estate!"

    "What?!"

    Rob panicked at his sentence and rushed to kowtow repeatedly at Glen, begging, "Please, Dad! I''m your son!"

 Chapter 1490

    "You can''t do this, Dad!" Rob cried. "No father should outlive his son are you really going to watch me live the rest of my life a cripple?!" However, Glen had long since resolved himself, especially when he saw the spiteful red Rob shot at Vicky earlier.

    He must not allow Rob any chance to hurt the family again and must pay for his crimes, even if Rob was his own son! "Mr. Turnbull, isn''t that a little too much..."

    Still, even the members of the Turnbull branch families were not sure about Glen''s judgment, as it was worse than killing Rob.

    Rob quickly jumped in. "Y-Yeah, Dad! You can''t do this to me?!"

    "I said, he will be punished ording to family rules!" Glen barked before turning towards the two sentries nearby. "Do you not understand me?! Get him out of here!" "Yes, Mr. Turnbull!"

    The two sentries did a double take but quickly dragged Rob out of the ballroom even as he cried and pleaded.

    "Dad!!!"

    Rob''s scream was shrill and harrowing, but Glen glowered, not shying from enforcing family rules.

    Still, he was grimacing, his cheeks visibly twitching and pain showing in his eyes.

    He must go through with it for the sake of the Turnbull family, even if it meant punishing his own son.

    "Well then. Now it''s time we have a proper discussion about what we should do, since the Lionhearts are really breathing down our necks..."

    Glen smiled coolly as he looked upon the members of the Turnbull branch families, all of whom were glowering as well.

    The Lionhearts werepletely out of line this time and basically shitting on their faces!

    If the Turnbulls did not do something here, others would really see them as weak!

    A dayter at Lionheart Estate, a white-haired middle-aged man was seated meditatively on a round cushion in a wooden cabin beside a quiet stream, his eyes closed as he rested. en

    The scent of mahogany swirled in the air, giving it a less than mundane vibe.

    "Master Lionheart." A Lionheart sentry rushed into the cabin just then.

    "What''s the hurry?" The white-haired middle-aged man asked calmly without looking up. "It''s Jan Lionheart. He''s... He''s..."

    "Dead?"

    The white-haired middle-aged man finished the sentry''s sentence while slowly opening his eyes... both of which were eerily white,cking any pupils.

    "Yes, he is." The sentry flinched when he saw him open his eyes, and promptly dropped to his knees to avoid the white-haired middle-aged man''s gaze.

    "Heh. That''s what happens when you get too eager for quick sess."

    The white-haired middle-aged man chuckled, as if Jan''s death was frivolous to him, and closed his eyes again. "You may leave."

    Still, the sentry began, "Sir, the Turnbulls..."

    "They''re not going to just let it slide now that the cat is out of the bag. Let them be."

    The white-haired middle-aged man said calmly, but then asked quietly, "By the way, how has Titus been?"

    The sentry replied respectfully, "He''s been meditating recently as he was told to and refrained from getting involved in any family matters."

    "Hehe... Not bad, not bad." The

    white-haired middle-aged man "It seems that he''s really getting his act together... Well, tell him toe see me."

    "Yes, Master Lionheart," the sentry replied and left.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1491

    Simon Lionheart, the head of the Lionheart family, had grounded Titus Lionheart for his previous slip-up.

    Titus neverined as he meditated and studied, keeping his nose out of worldly matters.

    Even as he received Simon''s summon, he merely nodded, as if he had already expected it.

    While he did not appear particrly thrilled, the two sentries with him were.

    "Congrattions, Master Titus! Master Lionheart must have a task for you. It seems that your days in confinement are over."

    "Exactly, Master Titus. Master Lionheart is wise he would never neglect you forever. And today is the day your fortunes will change!"

    Despite their sycophancy, Titus'' expression remained cid, and he did not even lift a brow as he spoke quietly, "My father must have something in mind when he called for me, and I''m not particrly affected by my punishment. Why celebrate?" With that, he strode off, leaving the two sentries trading nces.

    -

    Soon, Titus arrived at the streamside wooden cabin.

    He did not appear too humble in the presence of the white-haired Simon and simply bowed his head in greeting. "Father."

    Seeing his calm attitude, Simon nodded in satisfaction. "Do you know why I asked for you, Titus?"Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    "The Turnbulls?" Titus replied without hesitation-it really was a no-brainer.

    "Yes," Simon replied, opening his eyes.

    He admired his eldest son, especially his attitude-even if hecked raw talent, he made up for it with his shrewd mind and attitude. Calm and calcting, it was an attribute he inherited from himself.

    His other son, Ehud Lionheart, inherited his prodigious talent for martial arts and overwhelming physical power.

    Both of them were hopes for the family''s future.

    "Jan Lionheart has been killed at Turnbull Estate," Simon said calmly just then. "I''m hoping to hear your thoughts on the matter."

    "Jan is dead?"

    Titus did a double take-he only found out about that now.

    Narrowing his eyes in thought, he said uncertainly, "Did the Turnbulls find a new supporter, or..."

    "It''s the Lawrence brat," Simon replied before he could mention the possibility.

    "Frank Lawrence?" Titus appeared slightly surprised, and soon frowned. "He''s growing even quicker than expected. If he killed Jan by himself, then..."

    Titus turned toward Simon, his eyes shing coolly. "Are you going to do it yourself?"

    "I can''t."

    ver

    Simon shook his head, sighing in disappointment. "I''d like to do it, but we have an agreement with the Lord of the Southern Woods-none of us elders and secluded martial elites are toy a finger on his son. Otherwise, that geezer might really go full scorched earth, and no one will get off scot-free at that point."

    "Then how are we dealing with him?"

    Titus frowned, his tone cool. "Tell Ehud to return? But-"

    "No." Simon looked up, leveling his eerie eyes at Titus. "He has just received a spiritron vein, and he must not be disturbed in his training. So I''m leaving it to you, Titus have a feeling that the brat would cause us some serious problems, and we need to eliminate him as soon as possible."

    "Good. You may go," Simon said calmly. "The inner sect elders of Volsung Sect will offer assistance and remember, no loose ends."

    "I understand, Father." Titus nodded after a brief silence.

 Chapter 1492

    "Yes, Father," Titus replied, and he turned to leave.

    Simon watched as his son left and murmured to himself, "We have three spiritron veins now... As for the rest, each of the other three families have one, one was lost in Zamri, and the lost one disappeared without a trace." Still, even as he mused to himself, a servant entered and announced, "Sir, someone from Hundred Bane Sect is asking to see you."

    "Hundred Bane Sect?"

    Simon snorted as he closed his eyes. "Whatever for?"

    "I''m not sure. But the bald elder ims he knows about the whereabouts of one of the spiritron veins."

    "Really?"

    Simon''s eyes opened abruptly, his fully-white eyes somehow shing. "Show him in."

    -

    Meanwhile, Frank was driving back to Zamri with Kat Yego riding shotgun, while Vicky was staying in Morhen for a while as she seeded as head of the Turnbull family.

    Along the way, Kat suddenly smacked herself on the forehead and shot Frank a wide puppy-dog eyes look. "Master Lawrence, can you turn back? I have a little something to do before we leave Morhen." "What is it now?"

    "Hehe. You''ll know it when we get there," Kat said mysteriously and gave directions as Frank, who yed along exasperatedly, drove.

    They left the inner district of Morhen, heading to a mansion park at the other western reaches.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "What? What are you going to be doing here?" Frank asked.

    It was a beautiful spot with picturesquendscapes, and the people staying there were either rich or important.

    Given Kat''s modest roots, she should not have anything to do with the people around here.

    "We''re there!"

    Kat excitedly alighted when Frank stopped the car and pressed the doorbell outside the gates.

    Soon, a middle-aged woman''s cold tone spoke from the inte, "Who is it?"

    Kat cleared her throat and spoke politely, "I''m Lauren Floss'' friend. I''d like to see him." "Lauren Floss?" Frank had never heard of the name.

    Seeing the confused look on Frank''s face, Kat quickly exined, "Lauren was my childhood friend, although he''s two years older than me. We''ve always been neighbors, and it''s been a few years since we''ve met. And I just remembered him, so I thought I could visit him."

    Frank nodded in understanding, but soon frowned again.

    If Lauren was Kat''s childhood''s friend, why would he be staying in such an affluent district, while Kat and her father Nash Yego remained in that modest vige? That was quite a massive social disparity...

    Soon, the middle-aged woman''s

    cold tone spoke from the inte

    again, "Lauren Floss can''t see

    anyone right now... And he doesn''t have any friends. Go back to wherever you came from!"

    "What?!"

    Kat''s smile stiffened, and she ignored Frank''s confused stare and snapped urgently, "Excuse me...

    ma''am, Im Kat Yego. Just tell Lauren my name, he''ll know! And we''re childhood friends, so there''s no way he doesn''t have friends!"

    The middle-aged woman snapped impatiently from the inte right then, "Urgh, you''re such an annoying brat!"

 Chapter 1493

    The middle-aged woman snapped coldly, "I''m saying it again-Lauren Floss doesn''t want to see anyone, including childhood friends! Get out, or I''m calling security!"

    Her politenesspletely rebuffed, Kat scowled too, rolling up her sleeves as she snapped from the other end of the inte, "Lauren Floss! Get out here, you little shit! How dare you forget your childhood friend just because you married rich?! And you, rude bitch! Who are you to Lauren?! How dare you tell me to leave?!"

    Obviously, Kat''s outburst caught the middle-aged woman off guard, but she soon retorted coolly, "I''m a maid of the Sturgeon household! You better leave, brat! Be rude to me again, and you will pay when Mr. Sturgeon and his wife return!" "Oh, so you''re just a maid!"

    Katughed despite herself-the woman was just a maid, but she dared to yell at her and chase her away? Who did she think she was?!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Get Lauren!" Kat snapped. "I''ll talk to him myself how dare he forget me after it''s just been a few years? I''ve decided toe visit, and this is how he treats me?!"

    "Are you deaf?!"

    The maid shrieked, "I said Lauren Floss can''t see anyone right now!"

    "I want him to tell me that personally!"

    Kat reared her chin stubbornly, and Frank could not help chuckling as he looked on.

    It seemed that the brat was really upset now-her childhood friend managed to marry rich but was suddenly giving her the cold shoulder, even sending a maid to chase her away?! Someone as blunt as Kat certainly would not take this lying down.

    "You''re... unbelievable!" the maid snapped and turned off the inte from the other end.

    Kat was stamping her feet in frustration too and turned to Frank. "What''s his problem, Master Lawrence?! was being nice,ing to visit and all! How dare that ingrate turn me down! No, I will see Lauren even if I have to demolish that mansion! I have to beat him up just to quell this seething fury I''m feeling!"

    "That''s enough." Frank strode up, catching her by the wrist while chuckling exasperatedly. "Never the twain shall meet-don''t get so clingy when he doesn''t want to see you." "I''m clingy?!"

    Frank''s words only left Kat bristling like a cat having its tail stepped on, hopping about as she snapped, "I''m not going to be clingy with scum like that! cut off all contact from him! Hmph! All my sincerity has gone to waste. I''m leaving!"

    With those words, Kat stormed off.

    Truth be told, Frank could understand Kat''s frustration-it made sense, when her former childhood friend cut off all contact after marrying rich, refusing to see her.

    Anyone would feel upset.

    Still, just as Frank shook his head and started to follow Kat, a ck Benz just happened to drive past them.

    The driver was clearly a chauffeur, and in the backseat was a young, pretty wife and a smirking youth.

    The window was half open, and Frank could bear the youth scoffing, "That piece of shit is paralyzed now, but my dear sister is getting him a doctor The way I see it, we should just throw him out of our house..."

    the mansion where Lauren supposedly lived.

    Frank paused and watched as the car drove into the garage of "What are you spacing out for, Master Lawrence?" Kat asked just then.

 Chapter 1494

    Kat was standing akimbo beside Frank''s sports car, staring at him grumpily, clearly intent for him to leave soon.

    Frank hesitated for a moment but shook his head. "I''m afraid it''s not your childhood friend who''s refusing to see you."

    "What?" Kat''s eyes widened, but she snorted. "Then why didn''t he answer the inte? I know you''re trying to soften the blow, but you don''t have to-" "I''m serious."

    Frank stood still, rubbing his chin as the ck Benz disappeared into the mansion garage. "Lauren Floss isn''t refusing to see you-he can''t. Did you forget what that maid said?" "What?"

    Confusion showed on Kat''s face.

    The whole thing was fishy in itself and she had questions, but her rage affected her judgment, just as she did not want to waste Frank''s time.

    Still, Frank said, "That maid said he can''t see anyone, not that he won''t. Do you get it now?"

    Frank''s hint left Kat pping her hands in realization. "I see! So he''s bathing at the moment? Or he''s... doing it with his wife?!" "Ahem..."

    Kat''s guesses almost left Frank choking, and he had to clear his throat and snap, "I mean your childhood friend is probably sick!" "Sick?!"

    Kat was taken aback but shook her head in uncertainty. "That''s not possible. He''s always been healthy since we were kids, never catching cold or falling sick. And why won''t he see me just because he''s sick?"

    swne

    "My hunch is that it''s not amon cold,"

    smk said quietly. "It''s paralyzed and bedridden exep

    so serious that he''s left

    "What?!"

    Kat was at once flustered. "That''s not right, Master Lawrence! I know Lauren, and we used to go

    swimming all the time... But there''s this one time when we got caught in the rain when we were heading home. He gave me his umbre while he''s soaked through, but he was still healthy as a horse the next day, and we still hung out. What would leave him paralyzed?" All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Then, turning toward Frank with a look of disbelief, she asked, "And how would you know that?"

    "It''s a hunch, but I''m most likely on the money."

    Frank nced at the mansion garage, frowning. "I overhead the mother and son in that ck Benz earlier. And..." "And what?"

    Kat tugged on his arm, clearly concerned for her childhood friend.

    Frank replied, "And the son was ready to throw out that patient. I''m sure he''s referring to your childhood friend."

    "This is outrageous!"

    Incensed, Kat strode up toward the steel mansion gates and kicked it right then. "Lauren Floss! Get out here right this instant!"

    "It might be a little difficult for him at this moment," Frank reminded her exasperatedly.

    How was the man going to get out here when he was paralyzed?

 Chapter 1495

    "Oh, right... Haha!"

    Kat scratched her head awkwardly, realizing she was speaking from blinding rage.

    Still, she soon snapped and kicked the steel gates again. "That witch who just chased me out-get out here!"

    "Watch it!"

    Just as Kat was yelling and kicking the gates, a white Lincoln stopped beside Kat

    A middle-aged man with a square jawline alighted from the backseat and barked at Kat right then, "This is Sturgeon family property! Who do you think you are, messing around here?!"

    "And who are you?" Kat snorted even as she stopped kicking the gates and red at the man in contempt.

    The man''s chauffeur alighted as well, rushing to shield his boss behind himself while bellowing at Kat and Frank, "This is Mr. Wilk Sturgeon, CEO of Wilktrade! And who are you, messing around in Mr. Wilk''s turf?!" Kat simply shrugged. "Wilk Sturgeon? Who?"

    Her words left Wilk seething-he founded Wilktrade from the ground up and led them to Draconia''s top 500 businesses.

    As such, a brat daring to show him such contempt left him with seething rage!

    "Listen here. I''m Kat Yego!" Kat announced herself before turning to Frank. "This is my mentor, and we''vee to visit my friend Lauren Floss. If you know what''s good for you, let us in to see him."

    Even Kat could see that Wilk was the owner of the mansion, so instead of telling Lauren toe out, she switched to demanding to be let in instead.

    "Really?"

    Wilk was surprised that the pair were there to see Lauren and held

    up a hand to stop his chaandAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    security guards who were ready to chase Frank and Kat away

    Taking a moment to calm down, he said quietly, Since you''re Lauren''s

    friend, I won''t lie to you-he''s recently been taken ill and

    bedridden. My daughter has been consulting doctors everywhere, but most of them were unhelpful."

    Pausing for a moment, he then continued, "Lauren''s a good kid, but circumstances now don''t allow for a visit. Come again when he''s better." With that, Wilk returned inside his car and beckoned for the chauffeur.

    "Hmph. Watch yourself!"

    The chauffeur brandished his knuckle at Kat and Frank before returning inside the car and driving Wilk into the mansion garage.

    Kat stared nkly in turn, frowning.

    She sighed ever so quietly, "Well, I guess we should go, Master Lawrence."

    Seeing that Kat was giving up, Frank nodded, unable to say anything.

    However, just as they were about to leave, they saw a woman driving a red convertible toward them.

    "Hey, you!" Kat yelled at her, recognizing her.

    The woman stopped her car and took off her shades.

    "And you are...?"

    The woman had long dyed blonde hair and was not ugly despite not being particrly striking.

    She was puzzled when Kat yelled at

    her, but itsted for a couple of

    seconds as she came to a realization and shed a weary smile. "Oh... Kat Yego, was it? Lauren

    talks a lot about you."

 Chapter 1496

    "That''s right!"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Kat nodded repeatedly, putting both hands on the woman''s car door as she frowned. "You''re Kali Sturgeon, right? I heard Lauren fell sick-what''s wrong? Is it serious?" "He..."

    Kali trailed off, her expression hesitant.

    Hesitating for a while, he squeezed a smile and said, "He''s fine. It''s just a cold that''s keeping him bedridden and unable to see anyone."

    "I see..."

    Kat appeared disappointed and pressed, "Well, when will he recover?"

    "When..."

    Kali stammered, when Frank strode up.

    He picked up the pack of medicine she kept beside her seat, exposing her lies right then, "These Draconian traditional medicines are supplements that reinvigorate and stimte red blood cell production. Hardly cold medicine." "What?!"

    The woman paled when she realized that Frank was a specialist and promptly threw up her hands defensively. "No, please... These are for me, I''m getting sick, so-" "You don''t have to exin yourself."

    Frank said quietly, leaning against the car door. "I overhead the mother and son in the ck Benz that returned into the mansion earlier. They were talking about throwing out a bedridden patient from this mansion... could that be under your orders?" "What?!"

    Kali was even more shocked than Frank when she heard that, and she hung her head, zoning out for a while while she murmured, "How could they do this... How could they be so heartless?!" FindNovel

    "So, Kali. Why don''t you tell us what''s happening to Lauren?" Frank asked in amusement, not forgetting to add, "I know a thing or two about medicine, and I might be able to if you don''t want your husband to leave."

    "Yes! Master Lawrence is amazing in medicine!" Kat added anxiously.

    Seeing their attitude, Kali knew that she could not hide it now.

    help

    She did not want her husband to be thrown out of the mansion, and since

    e young man here we

    a

    doctor, he just might be able to help.

    After thinking about it, Kali sighed quietly.

    "Alright, you cane in with me and I''ll tell you everything... But please don''t get upset. I-I''ve done everything I can."

    "Then lead the way!" Kat urged, sensing something foreboding from Kali''s words alone.

    With that, the three of them drove to the garage and took an elevator to the mansion drawing room.

    They just did not expect that the rest of the Sturgeons were watching Kali too.

    As soon as Kat and Frank set foot in the drawing room, a middle-aged woman with a mole on top of her lips intercepted them.

    She was dressed like a maid, her expression exceedingly pompous.

    "Who let you in here?!" she bellowed as she pointed at the door. "Visitors are not wee here. Get out!"

    Kat recognized her immediately-she was the pompous maid who was snapping at her over the inte earlier!

 Chapter 1497

    Just as Kat was about to retort, Kali took off her coat and strode over, frowning as she snapped, "Mrs. Zeig, these people are my guests. Don''t you think you''re being impolite?!" "No, Kali. You''re out of line," Mrs. Zeig snapped back, showing Kali no respect at all despite just being a maid, even lecturing her, "If your father and brother knew, you will be punished!" "I know," Kali replied.

    She was scowling and clearly unhappy with Mrs. Zeig''s attitude, but she had to keep it bottled since Mrs. Zeig had backing. "Forget deciding my marriage on their own-I can''t even bring my friends into my own house? What next-will my personal freedom be restricted too?"

    Seeing that Kali was really angry, Mrs. Zeig quickly hung her head.

    "You''re exaggerating-I''m just doing as Mr. Sturgeon tells me to. It''s to avoid..."

    Mrs. Zeig sneaked a look upstairs, clearing her throat. "To avoid any messy rumors about the family."

    "Hmph. You don''t have to worry about that."

    Kali snorted coolly. "Go rat me out all you want-none of you are getting what you want. This man is a doctor I asked for, and he just might cure Lauren!"

    "Who, him?"

    Mrs. Zeig nced at Frank and chuckled in disdain. "All the professors and specialists Mr. Sturgeon brought in couldn''t cure him, and some in brat can do it? You''re a poor liar, Kali."

    "I don''t need you meddling. Get off!"

    Kali snapped and pushed Mrs. Zeig away, leading Kat and Frank upstairs.

    "She''s really getting worse by the day," Mrs. Zeig glowered as she watched them leave, and whipped out her phone to call Wilk Sturgeon in his study.

    Meanwhile, Kat and Frank followed

    Kali into a spacious room, wherea young man whose hair had fallen off entirely wasying sickly on a bed.

    Forget getting out of bed he could not even move.

    "Lauren!" Kat cried out right then.

    The youth, who was spacing out, was yanked to his senses from Kat''s sharp yell.

    He turned his head with great difficulty toward her voice and forced a smile. "O-Oh, Kat. You''re here..."

    "What is going on here, Lauren?! How could this happen to you?! What?!"

    Kat rushed to the bed, grabbing Lauren''s hand as tears welled in her eyes.

    They were close, or Kat would not be that devastated.

    "Hehe... I-I wanted this..."

    It was taxing for Lauren to even speak.

    He then turned toward a quiet Kali, shing a pained smile when he saw the bag of medicine she was

    holding. "S-Sorry, Kali... you had to waste more of your money again..."

    UM

    "No. I owe you way more than that," Kali replied, her expression troubled. "There''s no owing between us. Like I said, I wanted this..." Lauren rasped.

    Seeing how

    cereble Lauren was, withThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    his lips turning purple, Frank could

    tell he was not suffering

    from a cold or paralysis.

 Chapter 1498

    In reality, Lauren was suffering from excessive buildup of body toxins that his body could not remove.

    "Move aside, Kat. Let me have a look."

    Frank came over and took Lauren''s hand in his, infusing his pure vigor into his body to examine his physical condition.

    Seeing that, Kat quickly backed away in fear of affecting Frank, while Lauren leveled a quizzical look between Kat and Kali. "Who is this man?" "Oh, him..."

    Kat smiled, wiping away her tears. "He''s Master Lawrence, my mentor. He''s really amazing he can cure some minor illness like yours in an instant!" "Hehe..." Lauren smiled exasperatedly in turn and turned toward Frank.

    "Sir, you don''t have to bother... I know my body-I''m not going tost more than a few days."

    Even as he spoke, Lauren kept smiling, his expression serene. "I was just wondering how I could see Kat onest time... and here she is today." Turning toward Kat, he chuckled. "I''m satisfied now."

    "Where are your parents? Haven''t they visited?" Kat sobbed, wiping her tears as even she could see that Lauren was so weak that he could die just then. "They''re..."

    Lauren shook his head, smiling feebly. "They are abroad with my brother. He started apany, and I heard they''re making a lot of money. But they''re busy so they couldn''t make it back." "What?!"

    Kat was furious-she never had high

    expectations of Lauren''s parents but it turned out that they were enjoying themselves abroad while their son was in this state?! Did they even care?!

    While she appeared livid, Lauren sighed. "Oh, don''t me them, Kat. I''m already grateful they raised me.... the only regret I have now is that I''ll be dragging Kali''s name through the mud when I die..." FindNovel

    With that, Lauren trailed off, his lips twitching but no words were leaving his mouth.

    Seeing that, Kat eximed in shock, "That''s enough! Don''t talk, Lauren. Just wait for Master Lawrence to treat you. You''d definitely feel better!"

    Then, turning impatient toward Frank, she asked, "How is he, Master Lawrence?!"This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    For the first time in Kat''s memory, she saw that Frank appeared troubled, even dismayed. "Kat, he-"

    "He can''t be saved?!"

    "No."

    Frank stood up, giving Kat a tired look. "One of his kidneys has been taken away. He has one left, but it''s shutting down due to infection, so he can''t clear his body of any toxins."

    He turned, leveling a hostile re at Kali. "Can you exin what happened to Lauren here?"

    "H-He''s..."

    Kali was ready to exin despite Lauren shooting her pleading looks, when the door behind them was kicked open. "Tut, tut. What''s this? How did two rats manage to sneak into our grand mansion?"

 Chapter 1499

    The person who kicked open the door was a pale young man appearing around seventeen-the same youth Frank saw earlier in the backseat of the ck Benz.

    He strode in, ncing between the half-dead Lauren in bed, and then at the medicine his sister was carrying.

    His face fell right then, and he strode up to p his sister across the face!

    "You bitch!" he bellowed. "I told you not to waste money on that piece of shit! So why did you buy more medicine, huh?!"

    As Kali clutched her cheek and fell, the youth snatched the medicine from Kali''s grasp. He flung it on the floor and crushed it repeatedly under his foot before clobbering Kali. "Fuck you! Do you think it''s easy for dad to make money?! And you''re still wasting money on that dying piece of shit?! Do you think we''re that rich?!"

    Despite being snapped at and struck, all Kali did was clutched her cheeks and hung her head, trying her best to dodge and not saying anything in return.

    "Patek... Stop... Don''t hurt your sister... Do it to me..." Lauren cried out from the bed, flustered and struggling to get out of bed.

    However, he only ended up panting heavily, as he did not have the strength to do so.

    "Do it to you?!"

    Patek Sturgeon turned toward Lauren andughed loudly even as he stopped hitting Kali. "You''re basically dead, but you keep lying there and refusing to die for two years! Did you know how much that''s costing our family?! Why do you think you were able to marry into our family?! If you weren''t a donor match for me, we couldn''t even care less about some trash like you!"

    "What?!"

    Even as Kat stood nearby, she hade to realize everything that had happened.

    She used to believe that Lauren could marry rich because his

    down-to-earth nature won Kali''

    heart, but now, it turned out it was all

    a lie!

    What the Sturgeons wanted was nothing more than Lauren''s kidney to save their son who was now standing in front of them!

    In all likelihood, Lauren''s parents

    were also aware of that fact-they

    headed abroad with Lauren''s

    younger brother as soon as Lauren married Kali, leading carefree lives. ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    They must have beenpensated generously, or they would not be staying abroad all this while!

    At this point, Kali did not even need to exin anything for Kat and Frank to understand everything that had happened right then.

    It turned out that after all this time... Kat''s childhood friend was sold off like merchandise!

    And now he was bedridden,

    half-dead because he had served his purpose and because the Sturgeons could not care less about what happened to him.

    If there was one person who did care in this entire mansion, it was Kali.

    "You prick..."

    Kat clenched her jaw, and without another word, she strode toward Patek.

    "What, are you going to stop me? If youy a finger on me "

    Even before Patek could finish, Kat moved as quick as lightning, punching him squarely in the face.

    She was no longer the old Kat, as she was now basically a vigor wielder.

 Chapter 1500

    Kat did not use her full strength, but she pulverized the cartge in Patek''s nose anyway, along with half his teeth that he had inadvertently gulped into his own stomach. "Argh!!!"

    Patek never expected such a dainty brat to have such terrible strength and screamed as her knuckle struck him squarely in the face.

    Even as he dropped to the ground, writhing as he clutched his face, a livid Kat was ready to beat him to death right then.

    "Despicable pricks... You and your whole family!"

    Still, just as Kat strode toward Patek, a middle-aged man with a square jaw charged inside.

    "Stop!" he bellowed, picking his son off the floor while ring furiously at Kat and Frank before wheeling on Kali.

    "What''s going on here, Kali?!" he demanded.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "I... I..."

    Kali did not expect Kat to actually get physical, and it had to be Patek, whom every member of the Sturgeon family spoiled to bits, at that.

    She was shaking in fear. Even though she was clobbered until her eyes and face were swollen, she did not dare exin what had happened. "No!!!"

    A shriek resounded as a rather youthful middle-aged woman rushed in and saw her son''s face covered in blood.

    "Oh, my boy! My poor boy! What happened?!" she eximed, her refined demeanor melting away as she started yelling like a fishwife. "Who hurt him?! I''ll kill them!" "I did!"

    Seeing that things were getting out

    of hand, Kat strode up, puffing her chest as she snapped, "Your son is a heinous bastard! He deserves it!"

    "Insolence!"

    "I''ll kill you!"

    Both Wilk and his wife snapped at the same time-it was the first time they had ever met such an impudent brat! Assaulting a member of their family in their house and their most treasured son at that?!

    Talk about pulling out a lion''s mane!

    Mrs. Sturgeon shrieked right then, "Go, Mrs. Zeig! Summon all the security guards-I''ll tear this brat''s mouth off!" "Yes, ma''am!" the maid behind her replied and left, but not before shooting Kat a gleeful look.

    Soon, a rush of footsteps could be heard as over twenty security guards crowded the room. Lauren could die from a heart attack just then.

    However, he seemed to get a

    second wind as he pushed himself out of bed through sheer

    determination, crawling over the

    floor to Wilk''s feet, tugging on hi

    trousers as he pleaded, "Mr. Sturgeon... It''s my fault... Please don''t me Kali and Kat... I''ll take their punishment in their stead..."

    "Fuck off!"

    Wilk was bristling at the sight of his son''s injury-his boy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He had neverid a finger on him, let alone anyone else!

    And now, some outsider barged into their house and hurt him?!

    He certainly would not let this slide!

 Chapter 1501

    The Sturgeons seemed to give up on any pretense right then, with Wilk kicking Lauren away, pointing at him and snapping even as the many prone on the floor.

    "It''s all your fault! You refused to die for two years, wasting everyone''s time! Would my daughter have to keep suffering if you didn''t hang on so stubbornly?! She''d be marrying again, and marrying rich!" "Dad!"

    Kali had enough then and sobbed even as she rose to her feet. "This happened to Lauren because of us! Patek would be dead if he didn''t donate his kidney! How could you do this to him?!" "What did we do to him?!"

    Mrs. Sturgeon leapt up, grabbing Kali and pping her twice as she screamed, "Did we ever mistreat him?! We had him marry you so that he could donate his kidney! And we paid his family 500 grand! Isn''t that enough?! Why should we bother when his own family doesn''t care?!

    "You, on the other hand, are a wastrel and a traitor! Did you think we don''t know?! He survived this long because you sneaked him out to get treatment! Your dad got you your job, and you should be giving us some money in return, but you waste it on that piece of shit! Do you even know what the other families are saying?! You''ve thoroughly humiliated us!"

    Despite the chaos in the room, Lauren still pushed himself to tug on Wilk''s trousers, pleading, "Please, it''s not Kali''s fault! Put the me on me... I shouldn''t have stayed alive..."

    "Fuck off! Die as far as you can. Don''t jinx our house!"

    Wilk kicked Lauren squarely in the face right then, knocking him out.

    Turning toward the security guards, he bellowed, "Carry this piece of shit out of here! Dump him in the garbage disposal area far away!"

    While two security guards moved

    up, he pointed at Kat and Frank.

    "And kill these two wretches! My son

    will have his vengeance, and no one will ever find out something so scandalous happened in our house!"

    "Yes, Mr. Sturgeon!"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    The security guards around them nodded, ring hostilely as they encircled Frank and Kat.

    Kat had long since been furious as he looked on.

    Even before Frank said a word, he rushed up to Lauren, kicking and punching the two seasoned burly security guards to the floor. "Try andy a finger on Lauren! I dare you!" she snarled.

    "What?! That brat is a martial artist?!"

    All the Sturgeons were stunned, and before they could recover, Frank strode up and bellowed, "Enough!"

    He had been watching coolly earlier, but he now understood what was going on between Lauren and the Sturgeons.

    It turned out that Lauren marrying

    nothe el:

    into the Sturgeon family was more than a deal between the

    Sturgeons and Lauren''s parents.

    Wilk''s son Patek had kidney issues, and following a search, he found that Lauren was a suitable donor. That was how the deal came to be, and while it looked like the Sturgeons would take responsibility for the man, only Kali showed pity on him, even after she was forced to marry him.

 Chapter 1502

    The rest of the Sturgeons wanted Lauren to die as soon as possible because he had lost his worth. Lauren''s parents were well aware, but they allowed the Sturgeons to do whatever they liked with Lauren. They simply watched as their son was used like a tool and dumped like garbage.

    One must say that both Kali and Lauren deserved sympathy.

    And while Wilk Sturgeon and the rest of his family were animals, Lauren''s parents were no angels either.

    Striding forward, Frank red coldly at Wilk as he growled, "Lauren is the man who saved your son Patek, but you''re allowing that brat to abuse Lauren and his own sister like this? Do you know no shame?" "Who do you think you are, using me in my own house?!"

    Wilk was further infuriated-how dare Frank insult him while his security guards had him surrounded?!

    He was as insolent and disrespectful as the brat with him!

    "Why are you wasting your breath with them after what they did to Patek?!"

    Beside Wilk, his wife was even more furious and was ring at Kat as if she could skin her right then.

    Wilk nodded right then and barked at his men, "What are you spacing out for?! Go! Break their limbs-I''ll follow up from there!"

    He could not care less about property damage he would avenge his son even if he had to demolish the entire mansion!

    "Hmph. Despicable savages!"

    Frank did not y nice either.

    He was furious with the torment Lauren was put through, especially when Wilk kicked him away when he crawled to Wilk to beg for mercy. He made up his mind right then. "Have it your way!"

    Kali tried to step in between when she saw the security guards charging toward Kat and Frank, only for her mother to pull her aside.

    "You ungrateful brat!" she snapped, pping Kali twice and sending her tumbling to the floor. "Once we''re

    done with those two, it''s your turn! And you''re not getting away!

    Even as her own mother snapped at her so hysterically, Kali felt endless misery and grief.

    How could her family be so callous? Did they not have a heart?!

    Poof!

    Even as Kali clutched her cheek and started into thin air, she heard dull thuds, followed by the Sturgeon security guards screams. "Argh!!!" "Eh?!"

    §á§à

    Kali looked up, and saw that the two security guards closest to Frank were clutching their arms that were bentin awkward angles, screaming like stuck pigs.

    "Scumbags, all of you!""

    Frank was not even using pure vigor, since he did not have to get serious with mooks like these.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    He moved like a storm, knocking any security guard in his way and shifted so quickly the average Joe could not hope to follow.

    And in just half a minute, the

    Sturgeon security guards who were just flexing around the room wereying limply on the floor, some

    screaming horrifically while t

    others were silent and unconscious.

 Chapter 1503

    "What..."

    Wilk looked on, finallying to his senses.

    Both the brat and the man with her were martial artists, and the security guards he spent so much on did not evenst a blow!

    "W-Who are you?!"

    Fear seizing him right then, Wilk kept his arms around his son as he stumbled backward.

    "Who am I?"

    Frank sneered. "You don''t deserve to know!"

    Projecting two strands of pure vigor at his fingertips, heunched both with a flick.

    Wilk lost his bnce and dropped to his knees right then, as overwhelming agony erupted from his kneecaps.

    His son, still in his arms, grunted as they both copsed.

    Wilk then looked up to see that he was kneeling in front of the unconscious Lauren. A sense of humiliation seized him, causing his insides to churn and his cheeks to flush.

    "You bastard! Do you know who I am?!" he bellowed. "I''m the CEO of Wilktrade! The Jankos and the Sunzers have my back! Now get down on your knees and beg, and I just might let you keep a pretty corpse-" Smack!

    Kat strode up and pped him across the face before he could finish, snorting. "You talk too much!"

    Wilk shook with fury to see that the brat was still strutting in his face, raising a shaking finger at her as he bellowed, "Fine... You''re both dead! You will both rest in pieces!"

    Then, he raised his head and yelled, "Mrs. Zeigt Call the Sunzers and the Jankos right now! Tell them that I, Wilk Sturgeon, have been attacked in my own house by two martial artists!"

    "O-Okay!"

    Mrs. Zeig, who had been hiding outside, fled without even looking back.

    Kat was going to chase after her, but Frank remained impassive, raising a hand to stop her. "Let her go."

    ve?

    "Hahaha!" Wilkughed maniacally in turn. "You really don''t know anything, do you?! Barring the Four Families of Morhen, the Jankos are the strongest n in Morhen! You''re dead, I tell you! Dead!"

    Frank did not appear surprised or panicked despite Wilk''s hysterics.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    He simply waved his hand, piercing Mrs. Sturgeon''s kneecaps, and she fell to her knees with a thud just like her husband. However, she was far less calm, clutching her knees and howling hysterically while cursing Frank with every expletive there was.

    "Since you''re all here now..."

    Frank slowly walked up and lifted Patek by the corner and flung him beside the unconscious Lauren like a chick.

    "Since you bought one of Lauren''s kidneys for 500 grand, I''m buying it back at the same price."

    As Wilk, his wife, Kali, and Patek looked on in shock, Frank whipped out a checkbook from his chest pocket, wrote the number, and flung it at Wilk''s feet.

    "W-What are you doing?!" Wilk demanded, even as rm bells rang in his head.

    He saw that the amount on the white check was indeed 500 thousand dors and realized right away that Frank was not joking around.

    "What am I doing?" Frank nced at Wilk, actually feeling puzzled.

 Chapter 1504

    "What am I doing?" Frank nced at Wilk, actually feeling puzzled.

    "Didn''t I tell you already? I''m buying back Lauren Floss'' kidney for 500 grand."

    As he spoke, he pressed Patek on the floor, while drawing a long silver needle from the cloth satchel he always carried around.

    Seeing Frank''s calm stare and feeling the sharpness of his needle, Patek was struggling in terror and screamed, "D-Dad!!! Help me!!!"

    Wilk was petrified-Frank was really going to take away his son''s kidney?!? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "Y-You animal! Let go of my son!" he bellowed.

    In contrast to Wilk''s fury, his wife was utterly horrified.

    "Please stop!!!" she begged. "Kill me if you want to! Please don''t hurt my son!"

    Her boy was everything to him, and she could not live if anything happened to him. In fact, she even stopped cursing Frank, and withstood the pain in her kneecaps as she kowtowed to Frank repeatedly. "Mom!!! Dad!!! Help!!!"

    Patek was still screaming even as she watched the needle close in. He was trembling all over in fear while at once wetting and soiling his pants, a far cry from the brat who had bullied his own sister earlier. Even Kali was horrified, and she pleaded, "K-Kat, please! Talk to your mentor... He can''t do this!"

    Kat, however, said nothing.

    In her eyes, everything her mentor was doing right now was the right thing to do and worthy of her respect. There was pain in her eyes even as she turned toward Lauren, her childhood friend.

    She remembered how he used to take her everywhere for adventures when they were children... but here he was now, lying there, nothing more than skin and bones, and

    barely alive.

    In many ways, she was a free spirit because of Lauren, which was why she was so disappointed earlier when she was not allowed to see him.

    Now that she saw the torment the Sturgeons put Lauren through, she was not about to let it slide!

    They could all go to hell-they deserved it anyway!

    As Frank had put it, since they had bought Lauren''s kidney for 500 grand, Frank would now buy it back at the same price!

    And seeing that Frank was really going through with it, Wilk''sst shred of pride vaporized.

    He kowtowed repeatedly, smashing his head audibly on the floor even as he pleaded, "N-No, you can''t do this... No..."

    "Please, don''t kill my son! I''m begging you..." Mrs. Sturgeon was still begging miserably as well. "He''s our hope! Please! Don''t kill him!"

    "How much do you want?! Just say it! We''ll pay you!"

    "You can have anything you want too! Just tell us, and we''ll give it to you!"

    As the Sturgeons both looked on, Frank suddenly paused.

    Convinced that Frank was being swayed, Wilk promptly pressed, "You want money, right? Here, I''ll give you five million.... No, you can have fifty million! How about that?! That''s all the money I have!" FindNovel

    Frank looked between him and his wife and sneered. "I think there''s a misunderstanding here-I''ve already said it twice, but I''ll say it a third time just so we''re clear: I''m buying back Lauren Floss'' kidney for 500 grand, and I won''t kill your son. Get it? I just want that kidney."

 Chapter 1505

    "What?"

    Wilk and his wife simply could not understand what Frank was saying, but even as they zoned out, Frank thrusted his needles viciously into Patek''s back. "Argh!!!"

    Patek howled in agony right then. "Mom! Dad! Save me! It hurts!!!!"N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Wilk''s eyes were wide and bloodshot at his son''s cries, and he lunged maniacally at Frank. "Let go of my son, you animal!"

    "I''ll kill you!" Mrs. Sturgeon followed suit.

    However, Kat kicked both of them to the floor, and Mrs. Sturgeon passed out from sheer agitation as she copsed.

    Kat nted herself on top of Wilk in turn, grabbing him by the hair to lift his head, while shoving Frank''s 500 grand check into his mouth.

    "You think your son''s life is precious, but Lauren''s is expendable? Take your 500 grand and look closely! Your son will return what he stole from Lauren now!" "Umph..." Wilk kept iling but simply could not free himself¡ªit was as if Kat was a thousand ton boulder, crushing him beneath her weight.

    "Oh, don''t worry." Kat chuckled. "Master Lawrence is very good-your son won''t die so soon. He''ll just recover enough to be the way he should be!"

    Wilk shook his head repeatedly, but Kat grabbed his head, forcing him to watch as Frank cut his son open with silver needles and without giving any anesthetic. Directing his pure vigor through Patek''s body, he sealed his arteries and extracted a blood-soaked kidney with an incision over his back.

    Seeing that, Wilk''s eyes rolled up as he passed out.

    Patek was hysterical too as he could feel his body being sliced open, though he was also in too much pain to faint.

    He watched as Frank took the kidney transnted to him from Lauren and returned it to Lauren''s body.

    "Argh..."

    It was the worst pain Patek ever felt

    in his life. But because his arteries were sealed, he could only manage a quiet whimper while every fiber of his being red in terrible torment.

    "Hmph. This is letting you off easy, ingrate."

    Frank chuckled icily as he directed the needles with his pure vigor, stitching up the incision on Patek''s body.

    Then, he took out an Ichor Pill and fed it to Lauren after clearing his body of toxins and stitching up his injuries.

    While Lauren was still unconscious, hisplexion was improving visibly, with healthy redness showing on his cheeks. "What..."

    Kali, who was cowering in a corner, was stunned speechless as she watched Frank work with divine precision.

    Who on earth was Kat''s mentor?!

    She had never even heard of such methods... he was almost divine!

    With that done, Frank flicked off the blood on his hands and whipped out his phone to make a call.

    "It''s me. Send someone over to

    them

    transport two patients... Yes, they just had invasive surgeries, but you just have to move them and rest. "

    As Frank hung up, he saw Kat''s puzzled look and nodded. "It''s Loggins Apothecary. I told them to

    send someone over to move them."

    Kat was finally relieved-Frank had never disappointed her and always got the job done.

    Nearby, Kali''s mouth was hanging open when Frank mentioned Loggins Apothecary so nonchntly, too shocked to even say a word.

 Chapter 1506

    While the average Joe could get a consultation at Loggins Apothecary too, they were just so famous that it was full house for them all day every day.

    Even appointments had a two-month queue. House calls? It was a privilege only the Four Families of Morhen had!

    Kali had tried to get one through the official channels, but Loggins Apothecary could not be bothered. Instead, they kept insisting that they should bring the patient over to them, unless they could afford the astronomical fees they demand for house calls. In the end, Kali could only give up.

    But now, Frank just had to make a call to have someone from the Loggins Apothecarye over? And it was without an appointment, not to mention the way he spoke to them-he was basically ordering them around!

    The confidence alone left Kali feeling the creeps.

    Who on earth was Kat''s mentor?! Where did hee from?!

    -

    Soon, Wilk was stirring.

    He immediately saw his son Patek groaning as hey in bed, and only his wife as well as the floored bodyguards were there.

    Frank, Kat and even his own daughter Kali were nowhere to be seen!

    Wilk leapt toward his son, and saw that despite bleeding all over, he was not dying.

    He was even rasping softly, pleading for help, "D-Dad... Help me... It hurts... So much..."

    "Bleurgh..."

    Wilk spat out the check in his mouth, holding his son as heforted-

    him. "Don''t worry! Daddy''s horne

    You''t be fine! I will avenge you!"

    Ding!

    Wilk''s phone rang just then, and he.

    SPped him out, and he wasN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    despite his despair when he

    saw the number.

    "It''s the Sunzers!"

    He showed his son his phone as assured him, "Don''t worry, son! The Sunzers are here, and that man who hurt you, and that brat... they are all going to die!"

    "Urgh... Dad, I want to skin them..." Patek growled through his teeth, even as his face contorted in agony. "Not a problem! They''re not getting away!" Wilk nodded and answered the call.

    "Hey. I heard you had a problem over there? Me and my brothers just arrived. Open the gates and let us in."

    It was a familiar voice, and Wilk''s face lit up in delight when he heard the man.

    After all, it was Cid Darman, underboss of the Sunzers and younger brother of the boss Hux Darman.

    He was clearly showing a lot of respect to Wilk,ing personally.

    Hence, he scrambled downstairs... only to run into the man who almost killed his son and that rude brat.

    Both of them were sitting on the drawing room couch, calmly sipping tea as if they did not sense any danger at all.

 Chapter 1507

    "What..."

    Wilk thought that Kat and Frank had already fled and was surprised they were sitting there, waiting.

    They could not have been more pompous-it was as if they had shat on Wilk''s face and then demanded toilet paper from him!

    Wilk almost choked and fainted.

    Nearby, Mrs. Zeig was gingerly serving Kat and Frank tea while shooting Wilk looks, pleading for help.

    "H-How dare you!"

    Even as Wilk pointed at Kat and Frank, he was shaking with rage and had to lean on the stairs handrail to keep himself standing. "You''re sitting around, sipping tea after your... atrocity?!"

    "It''s none of your business," Kat pursed her lips, rolling her eyes at Wilk. "Also, atrocity? We''re just buying back what you brought."

    "You little..."

    Wilk was speechless from frustration but soonughed savagely. "Fine! Let''s see how long you can strut now! My men are already here!"

    Then, turning toward Mrs. Zeig, he barked, "Go! Open the gates and let the Sunzers in! Let''s see if these wretches would strut when they face the Sunzers!" "Wait."

    Just as Mrs. Zeig was about to do as she was told, Frank suddenly held up a hand, stopping her.

    "What, are you scared now?!"

    Wilkughed viciously. "Well, toote! You barge into my house, and hurt my son! You''re all going to die!"

    "That''s not what I mean," Frank waved him off with a mysterious smile. "You just said the Sunzers areing, right?"

    "Yes!"

    Wilk puffed his chest proudly. "It''s

    only natural have some

    connections in Morhen after I established myself here! How dare

    the

    you wreak havoc in my house- Sunzers will never forgive you! Get down on your knees and apologize, and I just might tell them to leave a pretty corpse!" N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    It was only when Wilk finished that he realized Frank was staring at him in wry amusement.

    "Mr. Sturgeon, I don''t know why you''re so confident about the Sunzers, but here''s some earnest advice..."

    Pausing, Frank chuckled coolly. "Don''t try to set the Sunzers against me, or you''ll definitely regret it." "Fuck you!"

    Wilk had long since lost his rationality to rage.

    elget

    His son was dying, but the culprit was sitting around in his house and sipping tea... and the most

    expensive tea that he had kept in his

    collection for years!

    If anything, Frank''s words were a bluff in Wilk''s mind.

    After all, the Sunzers serve the Jankos-even if the Sunzers could not beat Frank, the Jankos would definitely get involved.

    As such, Wilk was not about to be

    intimidated by Frank''s advice, evenpletely ignoring him as he bellowed, "Open the gates, Mrs. Zeig!" , FindNovel

    "O-Okay!" Mrs. Zeig eximed.

 Chapter 1508

    Mrs. Zeig was terrified too-she had never seen such savagery on Wilk''s face.

    Naturally, she was not about to refuse her boss, and she pressed the button in the drawing room to open the steel gates.

    A rowdy ruckus ensued, and Wilk smiled even as the ruckus closed in.

    Wheeling on Frank, he bellowed ferociously, "Trying to scare me, huh?! Who do you think you are?! If you mess with me, then you''re messing with the Sunzers and the Jankos! Let''s see what connections you have to protect you now!" Frank simply shook his head in disappointment, even throwing Wilk a sympathetic look.

    Bang!

    The front doors of the mansion were opened just then, and a youth in a suit led arge gang.

    He wore shades, had a cigarette between his lips while carrying a metal bat, clearly the pompous type.

    "Wilk Sturgeon. Did you have to take that long to open the gates? Also, who dares to mess around in your house?"

    Even as the youth in the suit asked his question, over twenty goons with shades strode in as well.

    They were all very tall and brimming with vigor and were either martial artists or well-trained-no average Joe could handle them.

    Wilk''s eyes lit up when he saw the youth. He promptly pointed at Frank and Kat and snapped, "It''s those two brats! They barged into my house, beat me up, and cut my son open alive to take his kidney!"

    "Shit, cut him open to take his kidney?!"

    The youth flinched-that was ridiculous!

    Still, he was confused and asked Wilk, "Wait, didn''t you tell them that you are under Sunzers protection?"

    "I did!" Wilk quickly answered. "But they are so pompous they didn''t care at all! That bastard even threatened me to not call you for help!?''This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "What?!"

    Cid Darman took off his shades, incensed-who had the gall to belittle the Sunzers?

    Still, he froze when he turned and saw Frank and Kat as they sat on the drawing room couch.

    "Are those..." he murmured.

    Wilk did not notice Cid''s reaction,

    however, and kept rambling endlessly, "Oh, they were so disrespectful... disrespecting the Sunzers and the Jankos! Everything I said fell to deaf ears! Cid, brother-you have to avenge my son! He might be reduced to a cripple now..."

    The more Wilk rambled, the mournful he appeared, even shedding manly tears.

    However, even as Wilk wiped his sses and was patting himself on the back for his performance, he seemed to hear Cid say, "You deserved it."

    "Wait, what?"

    Wilk looked up nkly at Cid.

    "I said..."

    Cid''s cheeks were clenching, his cigarette dropping out of his mouth as red downwards at Wilk and snarled viciously, "I said you fucking deserved it! You hear?! You deserved it!"

    Smack!

    Rage red on Cid''s face, and he raised his hand, pping Wilk viciously across the face!

    Wilk was left seeing stars, the p sending him crashing to the ground.

 Chapter 1509

    Wilk was left clutching his face and staring at Cid in disbelief. "What? Cid...? Why did you hit me?"

    "Hit you?! I was nning to kill you!"

    Bang!

    Cid leapt up, seizing Wilk by the cor and mming him into his oak dining table!

    It was such a terrible blow that Wilk was coughing blood, his vision blurring.

    Still, even as he pushed himself off the ground, he was left staring forward in shock before he could say a word.

    Cid was beckoning at the Sunzers, and they were all soon kneeling in front of Frank.

    "Greetings, Mr. Lawrence!"

    As they all greeted him deafeningly, Wilk, who just got to his feet, dropped limply to the floor again, all his strength drained. "Mr. Lawrence? What..."

    He stared in shock at the scene before him-who on earth was that pompous bastard?!

    Why would the Sunzers who always carried themselves above the rest-be on their knees, greeting that man with pure reverence?!

    That was when Wilk remembered Frank looking at him with gleeful sympathy and reasoned with him not to open the gates.

    But Wilk was stubborn, his fury consuming his rationality... and now he reaped the fruits of his stupidity.

    "Get up. Spare me those formalities." Frank waved off the Sunzers just then and asked Cid, "So, how''s the gang?"

    "Everything''s fine, Mr. Lawrence. Not many in West Morhen are a match for us."

    Cid stood up but remained utterly respectful toward Frank.

    He was aware that Frank was someone amazing.

    Thanks to Ned Janko''s hints, Cid and his

    was the other had realized that he

    was the only son of the famous Lord of the Southern Woods, who stood guard over Southdam!

    Even someone like Ned would have to show Frank due respect in his presence!

    As such, a humble gang like the Sunzers could not afford to get on the wrong side of Frank.

    On the other hand, they could ride on his sess just by staying connected with him, which was why Cid was basically worshiping Frank. "Good."

    Frank nodded, not particrly interested in Cid''s sycophancy.

    He was just about to ask if the Sunzers had any information on the Lionhearts'' movements when a scream echoed upstairs.

    Then, they watched as Mrs. Sturgeon scrambled downstairs, her eyes glowing when she saw Cid.

    "Cid, you have to help me!" she bawled, throwing herself into his arms.

    "Eh?"

    Frank was left stunned as he looked on, while an awkward look appeared on Cid''s face.

    In the distance, Wilk was even more confused-when did his wife get so close with Cid?!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Sturgeon was sobbing hysterically, as if she was about to fall apart. "T-That''s him,

    Cid. He hurt my husband and my san-"

    "Shut up!"

    Cid snapped at Mrs. Sturgeon despite his awkward reaction. "Get out! This is none of your business.

    "What?!"

    Cid''s attitude teft Mrs. Sturgeon sobbing even harder. "Y-You

    scoundrel! You told me you could help me I''m in trouble! But now that my son and I are being bullied, you''re snapping at me instead of helping?!"

 Chapter 1510

    Mrs. Sturgeon could not care less as she blurted at Cid, "You weren''t like that when you were in my bed!"

    "What?!"

    Wilk was left thunderstruck at those words-his wife did what?!

    His vision darkened right then, and he almost fainted.

    He finally realized why the Sunzers were so enthusiastically protecting them before... because his wife is cheating on him with their underboss!

    Even as Mrs. Sturgeon continued to hound Cid, Cid was ncing at Frank awkwardly.

    He was no fool-there was no need to hesitate when it came to picking between Frank and his lover.

    Who was he kidding? If he helped that woman against Frank, he would die a million times over!

    Even if he managed to escape with Mrs. Sturgeon now by some stroke of luck, his own brother Hux Darman would punish him when he returned to the Sunbalzers.

    In fact, while he appeared to be choosing between his lover and Frank Lawrence, he was really choosing between life and death.

    One could have all the lovers they wanted, but they certainly would not be loving if he was dead.

    That was why Cid made up his mind immediately, knocking Mrs. Sturgeon to the floor and kicking her repeatedly. "You bitch! I don''t mind protecting your family, but don''t you see who you''re messing with?! You''re really getting bored, huh?! You could mess with anyone else, but you had to mess with Mr. Lawrence?! Hell, you could die a million times over, but you still wouldn''t make up for offending Mr. Lawrence!"

    "What?!"

    It was only then that Mrs. Sturgeon realized what was happening.

    Even as she turned toward Frank in panic, she realized that Cid was hovering around him like apdog.

    In fact, Frank was seated while Cid and the rest of the Sunzers

    standing around Frank, their de  ent

    undoubtedly respectful.

    Frank was way above their pay grade!

    "Urgh..." Frank was rubbing his brow even as he watched the convoluted drama unfold.

    He was speechless too-how did Cid even start this affair with Wilk''s wife?

    She was a little attractive, carrying the air of a trophy wife.

    But cheating on her husband...

    Frank sneaked a nce at Wilk, who stood in the distance.

    His face was green as he stood stiff like a statue.

    His gaze was nk and he did not even have the strength to speak, and Frank somehow could vaguely hear his mind breaking.

    ''Shit... could Wilk''s children be actually Cid''s? Well, that''s going to be a bother..."

    That was then a thought urred to Frank, but he soon rejected the idea since it was simply ridiculous.

    After all, Cid looked like he was only in his thirties, while Wilk''s eldest daughter Kali was already twentyish... "Ahem..."

    Cid cleared his throat just then,

    making a face as he turned toward

    Frank. "You don''t have to worry about me sir. The Sturgeons have incurred your wrath, so my business is inconsequential inparison. Just say the word, and I wil

    massacre this house!"

    Frank was at once amused and annoyed when he saw the look of righteous indignation on Cid''s face.

    Still, he waved Cid off after a brief

    silence. "Forget it¡ªthat''s all for today. Lauren Floss'' debt is paid,

    and I''ve paid Sturgeons their 500 et

    grand. From now on, Patek will be wheelchair bound, and that counts for the Sturgeons''euppance." ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 1511

    Cid naturally had no argument since Frank had put it that way.

    Now that the truth was out anyway, he was not getting back together with Mrs. Sturgeon, which meant her family and his Sunzers were going their separate ways now. Even as his lover begged her relentlessly, all Cid had to tell her was, "Get out of here!"

    Seeing that pleading would not work with Cid, and since she was afraid to ask Frank, Mrs. Sturgeron turned toward Kat. "Please, girlie... It was all just a mistake. Could you please ask your mentor to return my son''s kidney? I can give him anything in exchange!" She had no idea Kat was the one person who hated the Sturgeons the most in the room.

    With a re of contempt, Kat chuckled coolly. "Your son''s kidney? We made it very clear to you that it''s Lauren''s kidney. He donated it to your son out of kindness, but what did you Sturgeons do? Have you shown him an ounce of respect? Well, Master Lawrence and I are reasonable people, so we returned your 500 grand. Don''t even think about taking back Lauren''s kidney!"

    Mrs. Sturgeon''s mouth hung open at Kat''s outburst, and after a while, she dropped to her knees, burying her face in her palms out of regret.

    Would they have dared to abuse Lauren like that if they had known he had such powerful backing?

    It was all Wilk Sturgeon''s fault!

    He decided that he would leave Lauren for dead, and thereafter, they would marry their daughter off to some rich kid, with which they would elevate their family''s position.

    But it was all a pipe dream now, even if their son Patek lived. It was a living hell for the boy now, spending what remained of his life on a wheelchair and weekly dialysis sessions. And how long would Patekst in that life?

    And while Mrs. Sturgeon was busy begging Kat, Frank gave the confused Cid a quick rundown of what had happened to Lauren.

    "Is that something a human does? Treating the man who saved his son like that..."

    Cid narrowed his eyes, almost flipping out right then. "Listen here, you scum! I will be keeping a close eye on you from now on-if you hurt anyone else or Lauren, I will kill you all where you stand!"

    Cid''s roar left the Sturgeons turning pale.

    Mrs. Sturgeon especially fainted with a whimper, hisst hope crushed.

    "Do you have anything else to say now, Mr. Sturgeon?" Frank asked Wilk just then, his re sharp but his tone not quite cold.

    The man just found out that he was cucked, after all.

    Wilkughed dryly, hist

    "I... Hehe, what can I even say now?"

    slumped as he dropped

    floor, as if losing his soul. belongs to FindNovel

    Frank actually felt a rare hint of sympathy seeing him like that-it

    the

    was a little too much for a man to be put through such devastation

    However, Frank was no matchmaker or judge he felt sympathy, but he was not about to spare these people.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    That was when a twentyish bespectacled youth who appeared mild-mannered entered, bowing politely when he saw Frank. "Grandmaster." "Grandmaster?!"

    Cid was caught off guard by the way the young man addressed Frank and was further shocked when he saw who he was.

    That was Jim Loggins from the Loggins Apothecary, the most famous clinic in Morhen!

 Chapter 1512

    Jim Loggins'' grandfather was the famous Abel Loggins, but Jim was addressing Frank as grandmaster?!

    Cid rubbed his temples as he felt thoroughly astonished by Frank''s status.

    "Get to the room down the hallway and the room upstairs."

    Frank was pointing Jim where to go. "I stitched them up with pure vigor, and that takes centuries-old natural wonders to maintain it. The one in the room down the hallway is named Lauren Floss-I''ll foot the bill for any medical fees, but the Sturgeons will pay for the patient upstairs."

    Jim flinched at the way Frank described something so horrific and appeared even more humble just then.

    At the same time, his imagination was running wild.

    First and foremost, he had definitely heard Frank saying that he had stitched up incisions with pure vigor. Was that really possible? Did that not make Draconian traditional medicine even more ridiculous?

    And to maintain the pure vigor with century-old herbs and have the incisions heal in a week?

    It was simply ridiculous and unheard of!

    Still, Frank was frowning at Jim as he stood there, spacing out. "Hey, what are you spacing out for?"

    "Huh? Oh, right. I''ll get it done right away."

    As he spoke, Jim beckoned at the Loggins Apothecary staff he brought along, carefully carrying both patients out of the mansion.

    "You''re the head of the Sturgeon family, I presume?" Jim asked, whipping out a bill on all charges and flinging it at Wilk.

    Even if hecked insight, he could at least see that the Sturgeons had a fight against Frank.

    "This is the bill for everything Loggins Apothecary will charge for this in-house call, though this is the initial payment. Subsequent charges will be billed ordingly at ater date." And with a polite nod, Jim gestured at his staff to leave.

    Wilk reached down nkly to pick up the bill and flinched when he saw the charges that amounted to over ten million.

    "W-What..."

    He stared at Frank, speechless.

    Frank did not shy away, even shrugging nonchntly. "Five hundred grand covers the kidney, but doesn''t include the fee that I''m owed for saving your son. Naturally, you can watch him die instead if you refuse to pay up."

    "O-Okay..."

    Wilk could not argue as his nk gaze turned troubled.

    Loggins Apothecary had always charged the rich and the powerful astronomical amounts, but what choice did Wilk have?

    This was his son they were talking about, and he must save his son even if it meant paying everyst dime he had. However, going through with this meant selling off everything from his mansion to his expensive cars, and even shares.

    "Let''s go." Frank beckoned Kat and Cid toContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    pe, since there was no point in them staying after the patients. Content took

    away

    "Wait."

    Kat turned to level a guilty look at Kali Sturgeon, who was trembling even as she looked at Kat in tum. "Master Lawrence, Lauren owes Ms. Sturgeon. If not for her..."

    Frank remembered at Kat''s request and chuckled since it really was no big deal for him.

    Turning toward Cid, he said, "Remember to help Ms. Sturgeon out... just don''t let it get personal."

 Chapter 1513

    "What? Oh, I understand."

    Cid quickly patted himself on the chest, assuring Frank that it was as good as done.

    Kat was relieved to have the Sunzers'' underboss assurance too.

    After Cid escorted them away, he turned toward Kali with an awkward smile. "Shall we go, Ms. Sturgeon?"

    "Go? Where to?"

    Kali had been peeking at the drawing room from the kitchen, and her soul almost left her when she saw Cid turning his attention to her.

    After all, the Sunzers were killers! Anyone who fell to his hand would never cheat death.

    "Let''s just get you out of here for now," Cid replied. "Oh, and Mr. Lawrence said that I should help you, so you''ll be an underboss of the Sunzers now." "Eh? What? Why?!"

    Kali flinched at Cid''s words-she was going to be an underboss to these murderers?!

    "What? Do you have a problem with that, Ms. Sturgeon?"

    Cid was smiling, but from Kali''s panicked perspective, he could well be threatening her!

    "Oh, no, of course not." Kali shook her head repeatedly to save her skin.

    "Hehe, as long as you agreed to it." Cid nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. "And here I was wondering what I should tell Mr. Lawrence if you refuse."

    Kali was smiling, though it appeared an even more awkward expression than crying.

    However, while she was at first resistant to her new position, she got used to it in just a week, even enjoying the privileges it afforded her.

    After all, it turned out that the Sunzers were not just gangsters, but they also owned substantial estate.

    In fact, most members were not just goons and thugs, including Kali. While working as an underboss, she was also one of the executives of an insurancepany, a far cry from the work she had under her father.

    At the very least, she had more time and freedom, which was why she was deeply grateful to Frank and Kat, who got her out of the prison that was her family. On the other hand, the Sturgeons were on the verge of falling apart.

    Wilk was now more suspicious even after spending millions just to keep his son Patek alive, taking samples of his blood for a paternity test.

    The results were shocking, to say the least, because neither Patek nor Kali were biologically rted to Wilk! To make things worse, neither of those children shared the same father! en FindNovel

    Wilk suffered a breakdown from the bombshell.

    On the other hand, with Frank''s influence, the best treatment and the most advanced equipment that

    Loggins Apothecary had to offeret?

    Lauren was healthy and could get out of bed by himself in a week.

    Kali often visited, and they were now both truly free from the Sturgeons and led a happy life together.

    Naturally, Lauren did not forget Kat, his childhood friend-he owed her for a second shot at life.

    And Kat, who returned to Zamri, was in turn aware that it was all only thanks to Frank.

    As such, she behaved less childishly toward him now and was religiously devoted.

    Still, she had no idea how to repay him.

    After pondering for a few days, she eventually raised her ss to Frank during dinner at Cologne Court, even as Helen and the others looked on.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1514

    With a solemn tone, Kat announced, "Master Lawrence, I am thoroughly indebted to you. And since I have no way of repaying you, you can have my body in return." "Hmm...?"Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Thedies around the dining table-Helen, Winter, and Mona Fairfax-were quickly leveling her hostile res.

    "W-What are you staring at me for?"

    Kat scratched her head, getting ufortable from the stares. "Aren''t teacher-student rtionships allowed here?"

    "Teacher-student rtionships... What are you even talking about?!"

    Frank choked and red viciously at Kat before turning toward her father Nash. "You should straighten your daughter out, sir."

    "What?" Nash simply chuckled. "She''s grown up now, and she can make her own decisions. I''ve made up my mind now-as her father, I should be supportive of her choices." "Dad!" Kat eximed, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at Nash.

    "Hehe..." Nash gave her a happy look in turn, clearly not repulsed by the idea of her hooking up with Frank.

    While he was wary before, he could not wait to have Frank be his son-inw.

    On the other hand, Helen and Winter were ring at Frank.

    While Mona did not appear to be reacting to the news much, she was really eating a lot today.

    Either way, it was a long and tormenting dinner for Frank.

    Fortunately, the awkwardness did notst long, for Noel York came over the next day and took Kat away to further train her newbie.

    As things calmed down around Cologne Court, Frank had more time on his hands... which did notst long until Noel called him.

    "We have a problem," she said tiredly, getting worn out as her showbizpany was expanding.

    "What? What is it?" Frank was outside sipping tea, a pastime he took up after that tea Silverbell made him.

    It nurtured temperament, clearing his mind of frivolous matters, while he slowly understood why the best martial artists secluded themselves.

    Noel exined exasperatedly, "Well,

    Lanecorp and the Turnbulls have

    been working together to import a lot of equipment... But the trucks transporting the equipment were intercepted and either stolen or sabotaged by unknown assants. We couldn''t salvage a thing."

    Frank frowned in turn. "How much do the losses amount to?"

    "Around two billion dors," Noel growled, clearly furious.

    "Two billion?"

    Frank tapped his fingers on the table.

    It was not as if he could not afford two billion, but it was clear that someone was messing with thepany''s operations. Naturally, no one would like it at all in their ce.

    "Their goal is clear-they were after

    the imported goods, and their leader was also threatening Lanecorp,

    warning us to give up on the idea of starting a showbizpany, o they''de after us when we

    purchase equipment again."

    Noel was clearly holding back her rage-she really could not take it lying down, being attacked and

    having to lose so much allsve

    equipment.

    That was why she called Frank.

 Chapter 1515

    "Just calm down for now..."

    Frank mentioned his suspicions after thinking about it. "How did those saboteurs know the time and location where the equipment would be moved? Have you considered that?" "I did!"

    Noel was certainly sharp after working in showbiz for years and caught on to Frank''s hint in an instant.

    After all, the only reason this could have happened was that there was a mole, who leaked when and where the imported equipment would be transported, or those saboteurs would never have reached them so easily. "But..." Noel soon trailed off awkwardly. "Since thepany is expanding rapidly, we''ve had to recruit plenty of new personnel, and there''s no eliminating the fact that there are moles already on the inside."

    "I''ming over. Let''s talk when I get there," Frank said, hanging up and driving straight to a spacious park district.

    Lanecorp had purchased the entire district and were in the midst of building various facilities.

    There were studios for filming and audio recordings, as well as lounges. Landscaping had begun in the surrounding areas as well, as it was Frank''s original intention to build an entire showbiz district there or a franchise out of it. While Frank''s red-ck Veyron drove considerable attention when he arrived, it drew considerable attention in an instant. "Frank."

    Noel personally received him.

    Her figure was as stunning as ever, her slightly curled hair spread over her red gown, baring her unbeatable cleavage that not even Vicky Turnbull could hope to beat. She really was the top actress of Draconia and the goddess of men''s wildest fantasies.

    But though she was smiling, she could not hide the annoyance in her gaze.

    This was a vital period for the construction of the studio park, but the sabotage on their imported equipment stagnated many projects.

    As long as they had not resolved this issue, they would not be getting their equipment and their losses would pile up.

    "Let''s talk in my car." Frank beckoned Noel to get in, and they left the studio park.

    "Aren''t we going to find the mole? Why are we leaving the studio park?" Noel asked in confusion even as Frank drove straight out of Zamri. "We''re investigating the crime scene to see if our saboteurs left us clues," Frank answered shortly.

    Noel sighed. "That''s unnecessary. I''ve already called in the health and safety department-they found nothing."

    "Hehe. They couldn''t, but that doesn''t mean that I can''t either." Frank smiled confidently.

    Seeing that, Noel could not help

    smiling in assurance as well, andet

    she somehow had the curious thought that it felt good to have a dependable man.

    Soon, the Veyron shot to a highway far outside Zamri-the air was still rife with the scent of gasoline, and debris that had yet to burn off.

    Frank was clicking his tongue,

    impressed. The saboteurs wereN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    good at their job, burning down over

    a dozen delivery trucks and

    destroying all the equipment transported.

    Bold, even.

 Chapter 1516

    As Frank got out of the car, he inspected all the truck wreckages left after the fire.

    "Eh?" he murmured, as he discovered a button lying on a patch of grass that no one would have noticed.

    "What..."

    Noel was gaping in astonishment-how did Frank notice the tiny button lying there so inconspicuously?

    As she looked on, Frank studied the buttons and their surroundings. "Let me guess-judging from the make, I''d say it was torn off when the saboteurs were dragging the truck drivers out here." However, the saboteurs proved to be really careful, as there were no other traces left aside from that button.

    Still, that was enough-with that button, Frank quickly took Noel back to Zamri and headed to a major fashion designpany.

    And with mary persuasion, a female supervisor eventually spoke, "It''s a unique sleeve button used specifically for suits, and it fits the style of Longham Garments, a local manufacturer here in Zamri." "Thank you," Frank said and turned to leave with Noel.

    The woman held out her hand, clearly having more to say, but she eventually sighed and only watched with a troubled look as Frank and Noel vanished from sight.

    -This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Meanwhile, at Longham Garments, Urian Reno, the pudgy owner of the factory, was pouring tea for a guest in his office. "Thank you so much for your generous deal, Mr. Jonas. Hahaha..." "Hmph."

    Mr. Jonas was scowling, his tone t. "Your gratitude is really half-hearted, don''t you think?"

    "Oh... Haha."

    Catching his cue right then, Urian put down the teapot and pped his hands.

    A young woman entered with a red tray right then, carrying a tray covered in red cloth and cing it gently on Urian''s desk.

    "I''d never get stingy with you, Mr.

    Jonas!" Urian chuckled as he lifted the cloth, revealing a golden lion statuette that looked like it was worth several kilos.

    And seeing the statuette finally took the scowl out of Chet''s face as he nodded in approval.

    "Hehe... this is just a tip, Mr. Jonas. I''m offering you a little token of blessing."

    Urian shed a mysterious smile, tapping on the envelope under the statuette. "This is the real present.

    "Is that so?" Chet appeared

    surprised but soon smiled. "I guess

    you have a conscience. I gues et

    running around for your sake didn''t go to waste."

    Rising to his feet, he took a stack of documents from his briefcase and slid it in front of Urian, continuing tly, "These are thetest demands most of the big families have for uniforms. If you''re sharp, you could

    make Zamri the best clo for ?

    manufacturer despitecking in other departments."

    "T-Thank you, Mr. Jonas!"

    Urian picked up the documents as if they were treasure, though he was cursing Chet inside despite appearing to be grateful.

    All Chet had was insider information on some of the important families requirements for their staff uniforms.

    Not only did Urian have to bleed money for that information, but there was no telling if he would really be chosen as the manufacturer.

 Chapter 1517

    Chet Jonas was a total bloodsucker, and if not for his connections to the Lionhearts, Urian would have had his men dismember him.

    Still, before Chet left, Urian''s assistant knocked on the door and announced, "Mr. Reno, there''s a man and a woman outside, asking to see you." "Asking to see me?"

    Urian did a double take but soon pursed his lips and huffed. "Tell them to leave! Do I look like I''d meet just anyone?"

    "But, sir..."

    The assistant appeared awkward. "I don''t recognize the man, but the woman is Noel York."

    "Noel York..."

    Various looks alternated over Urian''s face.

    After all, Noel was the top actress of Draconia, and her name was a bombshell to every Draconian citizen.

    No man could resist like her-even Urian was gulping unwittingly even as he thought of her face.

    ncing at Chet, he shed an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it seems that Ms. York must be here to talk business, like ordering some clothing. I won''t bug you to stay in that case." "What are you saying?"

    Chet, however, was licking his lips and shing a sleazy smile. "You shouldn''t keep everything to yourself. I''m a Lionheart, but I''m a fan of Ms. York too-I have to see her since she''s so close, right? It''s been my wish for years, unless you''re denying me that chance, Mr. Reno."

    Urian was smiling, but he was cursing Chet''s very existence inwardly.

    A fan?! That despicable prick was clearly lusting after Noel! That was why he was so thick-skinned and demanded to stay, just to see if he had a shot!

    That man''s shame knew no bounds!

    Naturally, Urian was in no ce to mock Chet either, since his lust kicked in as soon as he heard Noel was here.

    What man could resist Draconia''s top actress, really?

    Sighing inwardly, Urian had no choice but to tell his assistant to lead Noel inside.

    While he already had high expectations of Draconia''s top actress, he could not help freezing up and gaping when Noel actually entered his office, stopping short of drooling.

    With her curls spread over her snow white skin, it was a perfect match with her red gown that entuated her stunning figure on top of that.

    Urian and Chet''s libido went into overdrive right then, even though Noel was not even wearing makeup. They froze up, forgetting to greet them. . FindNovel

    While Noel took no offense since she was used to others looking at her like that, Frank was frowning because it was a ugly look for both men. Anyone could tell right away what those two men were thinking, though they could not be med-not everyone was as determined as Frank. One could only acknowledge Noel''s charm as Draconia''s top actress, and only Frank could resist it.

    Eventually, Frank cleared his throat audibly since both men had been staring at Noel for over twenty seconds.

    "Ahem."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

 Chapter 1518

    Although Frank tried to get the men''s attention, they were still transfixed on Noel and ignored Frank''s voice.

    Having no choice, Frank barked so loud that the golden lion on the desk shook. "Gentlemen!"

    "Huh? What?!"

    The two men finally came to their senses, and Frank looked between them. "This is Longham Garments, correct? Who''s the owner?"

    Urian promptly raised a hand and smiled. "That''s me I''m the owner. Just call me Mr. Reno."

    Frank then turned toward Chet. "And you are...?"

    Chet cleared his throat. "Oh, right. I''m... ahem. I''m Chet Jonas... A fashion designer, I guess."

    His words left Urian cursing inwardly at him again-designer? More like apdog of the Lionhearts, conning everyone everywhere with their influence. "Ahem..."

    Urian then smiled at Noel. "Wee, Ms. York! It''s an honor of a lifetime that you would visit my humble factory."

    While Urian was stunned by Noel''s looks and figure, he knew his ce.

    Such a well-billed star celebrity most certainly had backing-whoever it was, it was someone he could not afford to insult.

    Instead of fantasizing about her, Urian decided he should only content himself with sealing some business deals with Noel. At that point, his factory would get popr.

    It was certainly a good day today, and Urian was feeling buoyed with cheer.

    However, before Noel could speak, Chet strode up, stopping her with a smile. "Ms. York, I heard that you left Dn Hood before but did not join the Soranoster either. So, ma I

    ask who you''re working for these days?"

    "What?" Urian eximed in surprise-why did Chet know such details?

    Noel was taken aback too but smiled politely. "I''m starting my own entertainment agency without relying on others anymore."

    "Oh, but that won''t do, Ms. York."

    ???%

    Chet shed a very broad grin in aver response. "As the saying goes, there''s a man behind every sessful woman. How coulddy as young, beautiful, and famous as you go without a patron

    Swno

    Noel frowned slightly-the distorted proverb was a little insulting.

    Her smile fading slightly, she said quietly, "You don''t have to worry about that."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    At the same time, Urian was staring at Chet, feeling danger-was he trying to exploit this vacancy?!

    Even if Noel had no one rich or important backing him nowadays, she was not that weak-over the years, she had gathered decent enough connections. But Chet was going for it anyway?!

    "Hehe."

    As if on cue, Chet strode up to Noel, grinning. "Now that I''ve witnessed your beauty; Ms. York, I understand that you''re a hundred times more beautiful than you look on the silver screen. That''s Draconia''s top actress for you!"

 Chapter 1519

    "What do you want?"

    Noel frowned as she backed away, surprised that Chet was so bold that he was ready to make a move in public.

    "Oh, don''t misunderstand."

    Chet stopped and smiled smugly. "I don''t mind telling you that I''m assistant to Sil Lionheart, vice chief of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall. It must therefore be fate that brings us together, Ms. York... Why don''t you consider a partnership with Lionhearts?" "Sure, the Lionhearts do not have a monopoly on showbiz like the Soranos, but with me here, you will have protection. Just join us Lionhearts, and I''ll ask Sil to invest in you, elevating you to unprecedented heights. How about that?" Chet thought that his offer was very attractive, since people were always terrified and respectful every time he mentioned the Lionhearts.

    As such, even Noel-who was famous throughout Draconia-was just another girl in Chet''s eyes.

    After all, would she dare go against the Lionhearts?

    That was when Frank strode up, staring at Chet in amusement as he asked, "And what do you get in return?"

    "Nothing."

    Chet had quickly presumed that Frank was Noel''s personal bodyguard and did not show Frank much respect.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    In fact, he never bothered to look his way, as his eyes were fixed on Noel as he gulped and did his best to control his libido. "All I hope is for Ms. York to go out with me for drinks, after which I''ll give her a full-body check up. After all..." Chet nced at Noel''s bulging breasts, no longer hiding his lust. "Someone should find out if those are natural or manmade, don''t you think?"

    At that point, even Noel was scowling.

    She was no fool, as she understood that Chet was using the Lionhearts'' influence to call for sexual favors.

    That was why she did not hesitate to

    refuse. "Mr. Jonas, I always wear a wire. Everything you said is

    I

    recorded, so I hope you''ll way e

    yourself."

    "Recorded?"

    Chet was surprised Noel would do something like that, though it made sense when he thought about it.

    She was Draconia''s top actress-why would she not have a backup n?

    However, Chet''s eyes remained fixed on Noel''s face, the fire in his loins spreading throughout his body.

    He almost lost all his cool right then, though he soon had an idea.

    "Haha." He chuckled. "I wouldn''t push my luck since you''ve refused."

    Nearby, Urian was wiping the sweat off his brow.

    Knowing Chet, things were not going to end nicely, as the bloodsucker was a mad dog who never gave up once the chase started.

    While Urian thought this was a rare exception, and just as he was about to rx and actually discuss business with Noel, Chet suddenly walked up to him.

    veli

    higet

    Throwing his arm around Urian''s pudgy neck, he whispered into his ear, "Keep them here. Remember, I''ll show you if Noel leaves!"

    With that, Chet shed a sinister smile at Urian before leaving the office.

    Urian was once again sweating all over his head when he heard Chet''s threat.

    He knew it-Chet was never a gentleman or someone who backed down when the going got tough!

    He clearly had his sights on Noel and would bend her to his will, even if it meant making enemies!

    And unsurprisingly, as soon as Chet left Urian''s office, he whipped out his phone and called Sil Lionheart.

 Chapter 1520

    Chet spoke politely, "Mr. Lionheart, we have a situation here, and I need some assistance from Caudal Hall."

    "That dozenish men in Zamri are all we can spare there," Sil growled unhappily from the other end. "They are martial elites, but you know why they are important. We can''tpromise the operation." "I know."

    Chet smiled viciously. "Don''t worry, sir, I''m just resolving a little personal issue. I promise we won''t be exposed."

    Silence ensued for a while, until Sil sighed from the other end. "Fine. Remember-those men are there to deal with Lanecorp and sabotage their operations. Do not let Lanecorp see them. Do you understand?"

    "Don''t worry, sir!" Chet said as he hung up and smiled viciously while ncing at the office door behind him. "Oh Noel... Don''t me me for trying when you showed up here. me your pretty cheek and body of yours for being so tempting!" Even as Chet sneered, he remained oblivious.

    After all, the martial elites of Caudal Hall were exactly the saboteurs Frank and Noel were pursuing, after they destroyed all the expensive equipment Noel bought.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Sending them over was no different from exposing their own crimes, but Chet had no idea Noel was working with Lanecorp.

    What was more, Chet had no idea that the in, even discreet man beside Noel was not her personal bodyguard, but the current head of Lanecorp''s health and security department.

    Everything Chet was doing was no different from ying straight into Frank''s hands, while sending those Volsung Sect martial elites to their deaths.

    If Sil was aware, he would be coughing blood on the spot.

    Meanwhile, in the office, Frank took

    out the suit sleeve button and cedit in front of Urian. "Mr. Reno, may ask if you recognize this?"

    Urian was fidgeting restlessly-talking business was certainly thest thing on his mind.

    On one side was Noel York, while Chet Jonas was on the other.

    He did not want to upset anyone, but reality was cruel-he had to make a choice.

    And while his unease gnawed, he saw the button Frank passed him and gaped.

    "I-Isn''t that..." Urian looked up at Frank in shock, his heart almost leaping out of his throat.

    He had no idea where Frank got the button, but it was top secret!

    He had orders from Chet recently to make

    orderozen suits in short

    type that would keep a

    man''s identity hidden.

    And this button was exactly the type used.

    Chet did not hide what the suits would be used for either-justst night, he was leading the saboteurs who wore those suits when they

    wore

    intercepted the Lanecorp trucks.

    In fact, Chet was even bragging about doing such a clean job, leaving no traces!

 Chapter 1521

    Stilling his pounding heart, Urian did his best to look calm. "Where did you get this button?"

    However, he had no idea that Frank''s sharp eye noticed the flicker of panic he showed for a second.

    He had a hunch right then that Urian was connected to the saboteurs who attacked Lanecorp''s transport trucks.

    In fact, he was in the loop and not just a supplier of clothes, or he would not panic like that.

    It was just an instant, but Frank could see through Urian.

    Bang!

    Frank mmed his palm on Urian''s desk, projecting an invisible pressure as he leaned close to Urian''s pudgy face. "Mr. Reno, I''m asking you a question! Now, tell me did you manufacture this button?!" While Urian flinched from Frank''s threat, he gulped.

    Still, he came to his senses before he said anything this was not right!

    This was Longham Garments, his turf!

    And since this ce was his turf, why would he allow anyone to threaten him here?!

    Even if he was up against Noel, Chet had already said it-Noel did not have any backing now.

    What was he even afraid of?

    With that in mind, his flustered reaction turned calm, and he nced at Noel as he growled coolly, "Ms. York, you really should discipline your boy. This is my turf! Is this how you approach me with a request?" Noel frowned a little when she saw that Urian was so calm. "You misunderstand, Mr. Reno. This gentleman isn''t my bodyguard, he''s-"

    Frank turned to wink at Noel. "Actually, Ms. York is exaggerating-I am Ms. York''s bodyguard at this moment."

    It was clear that Urian knew something, and it was best not to reveal themselves at the moment the priority was to probe him.

    Noel was certainly sharp too and

    nodded at Frank''s cue. "Alright, let''s put aside the issue of

    bodyguards-what I''d like to ask, Mr. Reno, is whether your factory produced this button."

    Urian, however, was wary now that he saw that neither Frank nor Noel were there to talk business. "No." He denied it bluntly.

    Who were they kidding? If he had no brains, how would he have survived in this business for years?

    He could tell right away that the pair did not have simple intentions, not to mention that they had produced evidence of a very delicate issue.

    Even if Urian had no idea where they

    got the button, telling them that he knew would be admitting that he was an aplice when Lanecorp found the saboteurs.

    He was just paid to make those suits-he was not about to take the me.

    However, while Urian was musing to himself, Noel caught a cue from Frank and sighed softly, shing a look of disappointment. "Oh, it''s not from here?" "Eh?"Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Urian was puzzled to see Noel disappointed.

    "Hehe. You see, I met this gentleman just today..."

    Noel winked as she put to use her

    acting skills, @ursing her lips in dismay. "I found this button dropped from his suit sleeve, and I like it a lot since it''s very unique. I traced it all the way here, intending to have this button used for the costumes of my next production. What a shame...."

 Chapter 1522

    Noel carefully tucked the button into her pocket, patting it. "And since you''re not the manufacturer, I shall excuse myself."

    One could expect nothing less from her, getting into character even when she was not filming at the moment.

    There was a mix of sadness and disappointment on her face, and it was almost not an act the way she looked at the button-she looked just like a maiden who had just found an object of affection. And now, she appeared in a dilemma but nodded at Frank to leave Urian''s office together.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    At the same time, Frank had a hunch that Urian would stop them when they reached the door.

    After all, Frank had observed that Urian was fickle, and it would take an idiot not to take an opportunity to make money.

    There was no way he could resist that, just as it was such a major bragging point that his factory would not even need any other publicity efforts after this.

    The influence of Draconia''s top actress was no joke it was very likely that he would receive orders from every corner of Draconiae tomorrow.

    In fact, it was thanks to Noel''s endorsement of and celebrity influence on Frank''s farm resort that Riverton was made famous throughout the country. Tourists from every corner of the country traveled miles to visit, and there were even groupies who came to drink the hot spring water Noel dipped in... ording to them, one sip extended one''s lifespan, and two made one immortal.

    It was obviously exaggerated, but that went to show that Noel''s poprity was in a ss of its own in Draconia.

    Even if she had been staying out of the public spotlight, her poprity never diminished.

    Moreover, she was very smart and knew

    even using it to appeal

    to apply her influence-

    to Urian''s greed. Content greed.

    There was no need to worry about the man not falling for it.

    And to no surprise, as soon as Frank and Noel turned and walked a couple of steps, Urian ran toward them, wheezing.

    He held out his short, pudgy arms to stop them from leaving, while heughed so much his pudgy cheeks were shaking.

    He clearly fully bought Noel''s act, though it made sense when Frank thought about it.

    After all, Frank himself almost believed it-Urian certainly would.

    Still, he was chuckling under his breath, as Urian was a lot more fickle than he thought.

    "Hehe... Please, wait a moment, Ms. York." He smiled, since he had every reason to not let Noel leave.

    Noel''s

    lit up in turn. "What''s

    wronguld there have been a

    mistake, and your factory made this button after all?"

    "Uh..."

    Urian''s sweet trickled off his cheek, unsure how to respond.

    While he was stammering for a moment, his eyes lit up as he had an idea.

    "No, Ms. York... that''s a misunderstanding. The button wasn''t made here..."

    Urian noticed the disappointment on Noel''s face and quickly threw up his hands. "But even if it wasn''t made here, we can make an imitation! If you really like it, it''s not a

    elet

    problem-we could make as many as you want... So, how many do you like? And how much would you like to pay?"

 Chapter 1523

    Seeing Urian''s earnest, fawning smile, Noel smiled too.

    Her expression almost drained Noel of his soul, like he was suddenly taken to paradise.

    However, that all came to a screeching halt as Noel said, "Well, I''m afraid I''d have to say no."

    Urian flinched and came to his senses, and asked in confusion, "But why? Don''t you like that button, Ms. York?"

    Noel shook her head.

    "I know a thing or two about fashion, Mr. Reno-I''ve designed clothing myself."

    Pausing, Noel then smiled. "I know that buttons appear to be a simple part of clothing, but everything from the manufacturing process and materials matter, so most factories can''t perfectly imitate any button theye across. Even if they do, it''d be second best... and I need the original manufacturer urgently, so I must apologize, Mr. Reno."

    Urian panicked as Noel strode around him toward the door.

    "One day!"

    He cried as he pressed his weight against the door. "I swear by my name, Ms. York. If your price is right and you believe me, I will provide you with a piece of insider information on top of that! You won''t regret it!"

    Noel was actually surprised to see that Urian was looking like he was putting everything on the line.

    Was he really going to betray the saboteurs just for a business deal?

    It was not just Noel either-Frank was stunned too.

    If this was Urian''s earnest reaction, he was really unsure about him now.

    "Alright, I''ll ept your suggestion. But I''m curious-what''s this information you''ll offer me?"

    Urian''s cheeks flushed at Noel''s question, clearly caught in internal turmoil.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Still, his gaze soon turned

    determined as he looked Noel in the eye and said, "It''s important

    information that might concern your survival. That''s why I''m hoping for a reasonable price from you.

    "My survival?"

    Noel was left uncertain at that.

    Was it possible that the saboteurs who attacked Lanecorp''s transport trucks were after her and did not just wantto destroy Lanecorp''s venture into showbiz?

    However, she never went public with her connection to Lanecorp, and just a handful of people were aware of it.

    Still, Noel quickly repressed her fears as she urgently wanted the information from Urian. "In that case, you can name your price, Mr. Reno."

    Urian finally smiled. "If we''re talking about a gown for a film production, counting in everything from buttons

    to hair ornaments... that woons

    five million deposit."

    "What? Five million?!" Noel eximed, stunned by the number.

    be a

 Chapter 1524

    "What? Five million?!" Noel eximed, stunned by the number.

    As Draconia''s top actress, while she could be nitpicky when it came to her clothes'' designs, it was still ridiculous that a modest manufacturer would demand five million dors from her. While it was not that much money to her, giving it to a man like Urian left her more or less sick.

    And seeing that Noel was shocked, Urian quickly came clean and added seriously, "Trust me, Ms. York. You don''t have much time-just take my deal, and you''d be dodging a bullet." "I..."

    While Noel remained hesitant about paying Urian, Frank strode up.

    "I''ll take the deal in her stead," Frank said as he whipped out a checkbook from his coat pocket, taking a pen from Urian''s desk and writing five million dors on it. "Okay... Good, good."

    As Urian took the offered check and saw that it was no fake, his face lit up in greed.

    "So? Can you tell us what danger awaits her?"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank''s question left Urian hesitant, but he soon made up his mind.

    Sliding the check into his pocket, heposed himself and looked at Noel solemnly, "Take note, Ms. York-this is just the deposit. There''s still another payment due worth five million. Surely you wouldn''t miss this pocket change as Draconia''s top actress, would you?" "Of course I''d miss the money!"

    Noel was left bbergasted by Urian''s greed and almost called him a pig right then.

    After all, she had just lost two billion dors worth in equipmentst night, and she was supposed to pay this pig ten million dors just for information?!

    Despite her usual ir, her rage almost spilled as she barely stayed in control. "Hehe..."

    That was when Frank strode out, and he whipped out his checkbook again. It''s just ten million. Ms, York isn''t stingy if you could do her wardrobe justice."

    Urian''s eyes lit up at the sight of Frank''s check book.

    He basically did nothing and was already raking in ten million.

    It was certainly no different from a treasure chest dropping from the skies, though he knew the risk.

    After all, if he wanted the follow-up payment, he would have to renege on his deal with Chet and allow Noel to leave.

    But he made up his mind-why not take a chance, when he could get so much money in return?

    In fact, it was not just about letting Noel go-he wanted to mess with Chet just by telling Noel all the sleazy deeds Chet had in mind.

    At that point, he just had to let them go for each other''s necks, while he made money with little effort.

    He had countless excuses in mind in case Chet med him too, for example...

    Urian nced at Frank with a cunning smile, intending to use the excuse that Frank was a marital elite knocking him out before he realized it.

    In fact, he was content with that excuse-it made sense, since Noel would not travel anywhere without solid protection.

    And since Urian himself was no martial artist, Noel escaping would not be his fault, would it?

 Chapter 1525

    Having formted his n to rat out Chet, Urian smiled ever so slightly. "Do you remember that man just now, Ms. York?" "Chet Jonas?"

    Noel nodded.

    Chet was definitely no angel-she could tell that much from the way he was so transfixed on herself.

    In fact, he was very blunt about wanting her, saying stuff like a full-body checkup to find out if her goods were real.

    Just thinking about the man sickened Noel-how could such someone so despicable exist?N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Still, Noel bottled her repulsion and asked, "What is it, Mr. Reno? Does he intend to hurt me?"

    "Exactly." Urian sighed softly. "I''lle clean right now-Chet Jonas is a Lionheart, but he''s no more than apdog who runs errands. But this time, he has brought over a dozen Lionheart martial elites and infiltrated Zamri for unknown reasons." Seeing that both Frank and Noel were staring at him, Urian measured his words before he continued, "I''ll admit that the button you brought was made in this factory, but that''s a deal that Chet told me to keep secret from everyone else... "And just now, he threatened me to keep you both here while he called for backup. I''m guessing that would be the Lionheart martial elites he brought, as he''s ready to capture and hurt you, Ms. York."

    Urian certainly let loose as he bbed everything in one swift stroke.

    He had decided to double-cross Chet anyway, so he was simply being thorough.

    He did not like Chet either, who exploited his intentions to get more business for his factory, as well as his tendency to cut corners.

    After all, Chet''s greed did not pale inparison to Urian''s, and he was a pervert on top of that, making up his mind in an instant that he would force himself on Noel.

    Urian certainly had to consider his

    options at that point-if he kept helping Chet, Chet would just continue to squeeze him for money. No matter what Urian did or paid to appease him, Chet might eventually deny him the business deals he

    promised him too.

    That meant less chances to make money, if not suffering major losses.

    But if he chose to help Noel, forget the goodies he would be getting up front-he might establish himself firmly in Zamri with Noel''s fame. Losses? Not a chance!

    Judging from those oues, it went without saying who Urian would side with.

    "That bastard is so... heinous!"

    Noel was snapping despite her refined mannerisms too, hearing that Chet was already summoning his men to force her toply. The man was so full of himself!

    While Frank remained silent and frowned in thought, Urian added urgently, "That''s what I''ve been

    saying, Ms. York-I''m selling your et

    that information so that you can escape in time. Chet''s boys are Lionheart martial elites, and I''ve met them personally."

    "They are each individually powerful, and not someone we should mess with. They''d capture you if you stay, and..." Urian simply trailed off, as it went without saying what would happen to Noel if the Lionhearts got their hands on her. "Before we run, I have another question for you, Mr. Reno."

    Frank looked up at Urian just then, asking quietly, "Aren''t you worried that Chet would make life hard for you

    after you betray him and let us leave?"

    "Hah! I''m sick of him myself too!" Urian chuckled coolly.

 Chapter 1526

    "Chet Jonas has been ckmailing me plentytely."

    As Urian continued, his cool smile turned into a look of exasperation. "I''d have my men gut him already if he wasn''t connected to the Lionhearts!" "I see."

    Frank nodded but soon remembered something else. "And you said the button was manufactured here?"

    "Y-Yes?''

    Urian did a double take, confused just then.

    Why were Frank and Noel not panicking after he told them about the imminent threat they faced, even staying ever so calm?

    Still, he urged, "Don''t worry about the button now-you don''t have time. Chet will soon be back with his men, and you won''t make it out when they do."

    After all, he wanted Noel to escape and pay him the other five million dor check! Who would he get money from if Chet captured her?

    That was why Urian was the most worried here.

    "Hehe. Well, everything is clear now that we''ve got that fact straight."

    Frank turned to smile at Noel before striding up to Urian, pointing at himself with a grin. "Allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Reno. I''m Frank Lawrence, the current head of Lanecorp''s health and safety department." "Oh, I see, I see, Frank Lawrence of Laneocorp! Now''s really not the time for introductions, sir! I¡ª"

    Urian suddenly stopped, as he froze up despite his anxiety, his mouth hanging open but speechless.

    As he turned and saw Frank smiling

    at him

    as

    ar-to-ear, he seemed to turn

    Stiff as stone. "Y-You said yContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    were..."

    "Yes, I am Frank Lawrence."

    Frank beamed, even pping Urian on the shoulder in approval. "And you might not know me, Mr. Reno but you should understand what I''m getting at now, if I tell you that Ms. York is now affiliated with Lanecorp."

    "You''re... She''s... Lanecorp?! What?!"

    Uriran stared at Noel''s face in disbelief even as he realized what was happening.

    So it was all an act?!

    All those things Noel said-liking that button, wanting clothes made in his factory... it was all just bait?! "Mr. Reno..."

    Noel''s smile was as gentle as it was beautiful, but Urian no longer had any fantasies at this point.

    That was the smile which deceived him! How could she lie so naturally?!

    Oh wait, she was the nation''s top actress!

    It was only then that Urian truly realized what had happened and almost hammered his own chest to kill himself.

    It was truly over-he did not expect these two to be working for Lanecorp! And he just spilled all the beans!

    "Word of advice, you should see the light and reveal the entire conspiracy. Noel continued smiling, whipping out the recorder from her pocket as she narrowed her eyes: "That, or I will let Mr. Jonas listen to everything you just said. If he finds out that you were going to backstab him, hehe..."

    Suddenly, Urian no longer found paradise in Noel''s smile, only a fiery hell.

 Chapter 1527

    "What the hell is going on here?!" Urian cried miserably.

    He was just the owner of a modest clothing factory. Though he had some connections, one could quickly tell that he was a nobody. After all, what could a business named Longham Garments amount to? All the money he made was just enough to feed his men.

    First, it was Chet Jonas and the Lionhearts, coercing him into making over a dozen uniforms within days to keep their martial elites incognito.

    He yielded, giving in to both profit and threat as he made those uniforms... only for Chet toe in the next day to brag about his achievement, that his group had destroyed over two billion dors worth of Lanecorp equipment! That was two billion dors they were talking about!

    Urian was certainly scared shitless when he found out. After all, if Lanecorp managed to trace it to them, Chet might be able to escape unscathed, while he would be screwed!

    And now, Noel was herself visiting with a button he used.

    He was panicking further, but because Noel put up an act while tempting him with orders and money, Urian got duped.

    Never did it cross his mind that Noel was from Lanecorp, and the man beside her was the head of Lanecorp''s health and security department too!

    And right now, everyone in the city of Zamri knew about Lanecorp''s health and safety department. Despite their name, they were a massive organization consisting of all of Zamri''s gangs! Who would ever dare mess with them?! One false move, Urian''s modest factory would be razed to the ground!

    It was certainly a dilemma for Urian even as the thought crossed his mind, especially now that Noel was threatening him to betray Chet right now.

    What should he do-yield to Lanecorp, or keep the Lionhearts'' secret?? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Choosing was so much more difficult now, and Urian''s face turned green.

    If he refused to sell out Chet and insisted he knew nothing, Lanecorp would not y nice.

    But if he yielded to Lanecorp, would the Lionhearts really just let it slide?

    Once Chet returns with his men, they would just-wait!

    Urian''s eyes lit up at that thought. Why did he not think of that before?

    In just a moment, Chet would be back with the Lionheart martial elites!

    He had met those Lionheart martial elites himself.

    And on the Lanecorp''s side was just Frank and a nobatant in Noel.

    Would they even stand a chance against Chet''s martial elites?

    Moreover, he had over a hundred men right outside his office-even if the head of Lanecorp''s health and safety department could grow extra limbs would he really be able to handle so many martial elites at

    once?

    As Urian quietly did the math, he eventually realized that this was his only way out. After all, Lanecorp really was not all that threateningpared to the Lionhearts.

    Hence, looking between Frank and Noel, Urianposed himself and snapped, "What are you talking about? Mr. Jonas and I haven''t done anything! You two, on the other hand, barged into my factory ndered, and even threatened me. Do you know what you''ve done?!"

    "Mr. Jonas, you say?"

    Seeing Urian''s sudden change of attitude, Frank certainly knew that Urian had switched sides again.

 Chapter 1528

    Frank did not y nice, seizing Urian by the cor right then and mming him against the wall.

    "Argh!" Urian cried out in pain as the back of this head struck the wall.

    Frank was sneering in turn and reached out to pull out the five million dor check from Urian''s pocket. "You really failed to understand your situation, Mr. Reno! I''m giving you onest chance. You can stay as the Lionhearts''pdog and I will strangle you right here, or you can tell me everything you know."

    Urian''s face contorted in heartache as he watched Frank tear the check into pieces and drop it on the floor.

    "I... I..." Urian stammered repeatedly, still caught in a dilemma.

    "Can''t decide, huh? Well, let me help you." Frank chuckled coolly andunched a spiraling burst of pure vigor straight out of his meridian nexus.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    The pure vigor shot into Urian''s body instantly, expanding and whirling endlessly, hitting his insides and leaving him screaming.

    He dropped to the floor and convulsed endlessly, his eyes rolling up their sockets.

    "Frank, what..."

    Noel frowned worriedly, assuming that Frank had killed Urian since it was a horrific reaction.

    "Don''t worry. I know what I''m doing."

    Frank smiled and smacked his palm on Urian''s chest, dispersing the pure vigor.

    It still took Urian a while to gather himself, and Frank asked, "So, Mr. Reno-shall we continue?"

    Urian stared at Frank as if he was the devil himself, his cheeks drained of color.

    He shook his head repeatedly, as it felt like someone had sawn off his insides, inch by inch.

    No person could endure it, let alone Urian, who barely had any strength of will.

    As hey limply and stared at Frank in fear, Frank poked him on the hip, and suddenly, all the pain faded from his body.

    "So? Are you going to talk now?" Frank asked.

    It was such a bizarre technique that Urian was left dumbstruck.

    He heaved for a while and eventually breathed an exasperated sigh.

    "A-Alright... I don''t want to die yet, and since you''ve asked "

    Before he finished, Urian suddenly leapt to his feet and dashed at top speed out of his own office,

    screaming even as he did, "Boys, get your weapons! We have troublemakers here!"

    Noel was at once flustered when she realized what Urian just did.

    On the other hand, Frank remained smiling coolly. "Mr. Reno, since you refused to see reason, you have no one else to me now!" "Fuck you!"

    Urian shouted at his general

    direction even as he scrambled

    away. "You bastard! I thought I could

    make money with you, but you''re

    just here to trick me?! You''re done!"

    Then, as his goons rushed over with metal bats and machetes, Urian stopped running and stood in the

    distance as he gloated at Frank et

    "Once Chet returns, you are both resting in pieces! No one would even show up at your funeral!"

 Chapter 1529

    Then, when Urian was done snapping at Frank, he turned toward his men and yelled, "Boys! Just keep that prick there Mr. Jonas will soon be back with the Lionheart martial elites, and they''ll kill him on the spot. All we have to do is just enjoy the show!" "Alright!" The goons cheered.

    One had to give it to Urian, holding such sway over his men that they quickly surrounded his office and Frank and Noel who were inside.

    They were clearly not intending to hurt Frank, only to keep him there.

    Noel frowned as she could see what Urian was nning and pointed at Urian as she snapped, "You''re despicable!"

    "Despicable?!" Urian snorted. "Hah! Don''t think that you''re untouchable just because you''re Draconia''s top actress! How naive, trying to build something for yourself when you have no patron!" "Damn it!"

    Noel clenched her fist, but Urian was right.

    She had wanted to build something for herself in Draconia''s showbiz with the sweat of her brow, only for the advanced equipment she pinned her hopes on to be destroyed.

    Not only did that inflict terrible losses for Lanecorp, but she also got Frank involved, and they were now surrounded.

    But while she was caught in anger and guilt, Frank read her mind and shed an assuring smile. "Don''t worry-we didn''t fall for anything here. In fact, someone even went out of their way to serve us dinner. From a certain point of view, it''s all thanks to you." "What? Thanks to me?" Noel was left at a loss.

    Frank smiled and nodded without

    offering further exnation, instead turning toward the gloating Urian. have a question-so it was Chet Jonas men who sabotaged

    Lanecorp''s transport towel.ne

    "Yes!"

    Urian gave up on pretenses, seeing that he had Noel and Frank surrounded,ughing viciously as he came clean. "And I provided their suits and a safe house here in Zamri, hidden from Lanecorp''s eyes. I''ve really put in considerable effort

    here!"

    Frankughed, hearing how smug Urian was. "Mr. Reno, did you really think your pawns could stop me?"

    Urianughed coldly back despite Frank''s re of contempt. "Oh, I just need them to keep you here for five minutes. Mr. Jonas and his men will be back soon enough, and you''re not getting away!" However, Frank''s smile broadened at his gloating, and he even started pping.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Eh?"

    Urian was left staring nkly at Frank''sx attitude and smile, feeling that something was wrong

    n¨§t

    just then "What are you smiling t

    about? We have you exactly where we want you, and you''re going to die?! Is your brain malfunctioning?"

    Frank kept smiling despite Noel''s confused stare. "Where you want me? What are you talking about?"

    "You''ve really lost your mind, huh?!"

    Urian leveled a sneer of contempt at Frank as if he was an idiot and pointed at his hundred over goons. "We have you surrounded! How dare you threaten me... You''re never leaving now!" "Hehe..."

    Frank simply smiled at Urian in amusement, even wagging his finger at him.

 Chapter 1530

    "You''re wrong, Mr. Reno. I have you exactly where I want you, and...''

    Frank''s smile broadened. "You''ve really spared me the trouble of searching everywhere for the saboteurs of Lanecorp''s transport trucks. How convenient." "What? What the hell are you saying? You have "

    Even before Urian finished, his triumphant expression turned to shock and then panic.

    After all, Frank just leapt out of his office so quickly that he was a blur and boldlynded into the center of the hundreds of goons.

    "Argh!!!"

    "Oof!"

    "My arm! My arm!"

    The goons were screaming every exmation possible as Frank changed among their ranks like a wolf among sheep.

    He was unstoppable, hitting the goons even before they realized what happened with ease as if on a garden stroll.

    He would break arms or legs without a thought, while all the goons could see was a shadow shing before their eyes. Terrible pain would soon ensue as they looked down to find a disjointed limb or wrists that were twisted in a circle.

    Even as most of the others screamed in pain, one of the goons finally zeroed in on Frank.

    But when he raised his steel bat, poised to strike, Frank disappeared in an instant like a ghost and reappeared behind him.

    Bones crunched audibly, and the goon did not even have time to glimpse Frank''s shadow when he looked down to find his ankles crushed.

    He screamed hysterically as he dropped to the floor, clutching his legs.

    The same thing continued for over a minute.

    By the time Frank dusted his hands in front of a rigid Urian, his lively goons that numbered up to a hundred were now all lying prone on the ground, some screaming while others unconscious from sheer agony.

    Either way, none of them were getting out.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Urian gasped as he looked on, dumbstruck.

    There was no question that he had met martial artists before-that was, the Lionheart martial elites whom Chet Jonas had brought with him.

    The way they moved was mysterious and their strength immense, but Urian could least size them up.

    While his goons would never beat

    any of them in a one-on-one fight the Lionheart martial elites would not win when his goons had

    numbers on their side.

    It was why he was confident enough to insult Frank-he only stopped his boys from attacking because he would rather spare himself any casualties. After all, while the Lionheart martial elites might not necessarily beat his men, Frank was somehow gloating that they were where he wanted them to be?

    That only made Urian further confident, unaware that the Lionhearts were intent on keeping a low profile.

    That was why they sent in novices

    who were vigor wielders at best,

    which

    turn gave Urian the wrong

    idea that this was all those martial

    artists could do.

    However, there was noparing Frank to those Lionheart rats, just as the martial art novices would notpare to his power.

    He could floor over a hundred average Joes, even if he had to stay physical without using his pure vigor.

    If he did use his pure vigor, they would all be dead.

    "Oh... Haha..."

    Urian shed an awkward smile at Frank, even as he trembled in fear. "Mr. Lawrence... would you believe me if I told you that I was just joking?"

 Chapter 1531

    -

    Frank did not answer Urian''s awkward question and instead smiled and asked his own. "Mr. Reno, would you believe me if I said I''m affable and don''t like resolving problems with violence?" Urian could only scowl, and he almost rolled his eyes at Frank.

    Fuck! This man floored all of his men instantly, even gloating that he had all of them where he wanted them to be... and then said he was affable?

    Still,e to think of it, the same applied to him.

    He nced at Frank and saw the smirk of contempt Frank shot his way.

    It was clear that his question was rhetorical and a jibe at Urian, who was left troubled as he came to his senses.

    He was always on his toes as he made a living in Zamri and did his best to make the best choices.

    However, all of those jumping back and forth failed terribly today because he did not understand martial artists.

    Hepletely failed to see what Frank was capable of it was even more ridiculous than the stuff in action movies!

    As he understood his position right then, he no longer felt burdened to drop to his knees in front of Frank with a thud.

    "I made a mistake, Mr. Lawrence!" he eximed, squeezing tears out of his eyes and rubbing them dramatically. "P-Please don''t kill me... I had no choice! You know that I''m just the owner of a small factory, how could I go against the Lionhearts? So, I''ll join Lanecorp right now and help you against Chet Jonas-how about that? I won''t ask for anything, just that you let this slide..."

    Frank was smiling as he watched Urian beg on his knees without reservation and felt utter contempt toward the man.

    He certainly would not want to take him under his wing, as double-crossing was basically his talent.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    If Frank did bring him in their fold and they were up against some important family like the Lionhearts, he would backstab Frank again.

    While Frank would not stoop to such stupidity, that did not mean he would not use Urian like a tool.

    Pretending to be in though, he then shed a smile at Urian. "I can let it slide, Mr. Reno, but you have to help me take down every single saboteur who attacked Lanecorp''s transport trucks. How about that?"

    "No problem!" Urian nodded repeatedly.

    Noel had to look away-not only was the man a greedy pig, but he had no principles either!

    Meanwhile, a group of men in ck uniforms had gathered outside Longham Garments. Naturally, they were the Volsung Sect apprentices sent to Zamri.

    Chet smiled as he looked around at them and whistled. "Boys, I''ve you in for a private matter-

    "Chet Jonas."

    A youth with a cool demeanor stopped him before he could finish. "You know why we''re here in Zamri, and we are supposed to stay under the radaf Lanecorp finds us, we''d never survive with just this many of us. Even if they were just wary of us, it''d make any efforts to sabotage their operations difficult. When that happens do you think you can exin that to Sil Lionheart?"

    "Of course."

    Chet reared his chin confidently. "Don''t worry-I''ve only called you in to capture a woman."

    "A woman?!"

    All the ck-d men did a double take.

 Chapter 1532

    Grom Santi, the ck-d youth, scowled. "Is that part of Mr. Lionheart''s ns?"

    "Uh... Of course!" Chet quickly replied.

    In reality, he was no more than Sil Lionheart''spdog-he was no martial artist and did not have many connections.

    That was why Sil sent him to Zamri to lead the ck-d men.

    However, they were Lionheart martial elites and naturally did not think highly of Chet, what with his insatiable greed and lust.

    Even them being there was out of respect to Sil-they would not be following his orders anytime soon.

    Chet knew that very well, which was why he name-dropped Sil, or the ck-d men would just up and leave.

    "Fine, let''s make this quick, or it''d be troublesome if Lanecorp finds out."

    "Don''t worry-Lanecorp would never know." Chet sneered.

    He was presuming that he was perfectly discreet and remained oblivious that Noel was working with Lanecorp. And on top of that, the man with her was not some bodyguard, but the one man in Lanecorp they should not mess with. One might say that Chet was throwing caution to win because of his libido, thus sending the Lionheart martial elites straight to their deaths.

    If these men knew who the people in the factory were, they would be killing Chet on the spot.

    But sadly for them, they did not.

    "Let''s just hope that piece of shit won''t cause us trouble." Grom sighed exasperatedly.

    He had only recently joined Caudal Hall, but he was still the strongest in this squad infiltrating Zamri, having advanced far as a vigor wielder.

    He was more or less privy to some insider information as well-their objective here was specifically

    Lanecorp''s venture into showbis et

    and it was rumored to be spurred Sil''s recently budding rtionship with a woman.

    Still, Grom only had the general idea.

    by

    Right now all he wanted was for his men to finish this errand Chet threw their way and return to hiding. That would at least make it difficult for Lanecorp to find them.

    "Let''s go, boys!" Chet eximed confidently as he strode into Longham Garments.

    However, Grom sensed something unusual from the curiously quiet factory floor. "Why isn''t there any security in such a huge factory?"

    Chet narrowed his eyes. "I''ve already

    told the owner about my ns. He? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    must have called in security to encircle our target-we just need to charge in and take her."

    Grom did not argue, but his brow remained furrowed.

    Still, before they reached Urian''s office, Urian himself was calling. "Hello, Mr. Jonas? Have your men arrived?"

    Hearing the anxiety in Urian''s voice, Grom actually found patience, even slowly down as he chuckled. "What''s wrong? Are they trying to leave?"

 Chapter 1533

    "Exactly!" Urian cried anxiously. "Y-You and your men should hurry... I''m barely holding on here!"

    "You''re barely holding on?"

    Chet was taken aback-was that man with Noel that amazing?

    Urian had over a hundred goons too, but that man could handle them all by himself?!

    Chet certainly did not believe it, and it also soon urred to him that Urian was exaggerating just to get more goodies from him.

    "Sly old fox," he snorted, though he had no choice but to hurry with his men.

    Still, it was curiously quiet, and there were no security guards in sight at all.

    "Wait!"

    Grom suddenly held up a hand to stop the others, frowning despite Chet''s re of impatience. "Chet-I mean, Mr. Jonas-don''t you see that something is strange here?" "What''s strange?!" Chet snorted.

    All he could think about was Noel''s devastating figure and ravishing smile.

    In fact, the closer he was, the less he was able to stop the fire zing in his loins. And he actually thought he could smell Noel''s perfume in the air just then!

    Grom''s interference was hence being interrupted while he was pulling down his pants, leaving Chet glowering.

    This was his once-in-a-lifetime shot for getting it on with Draconia''s top actress! If he messed this up, he would most likely not have a chance like this!

    That was why Chet''s voice was at once hostile as he snapped through gritted teeth, "Listen here-I''m the leader of this operation, not you, Grom! If you mess this up for me, I will tell Sil Lionheart. Surely I don''t have to tell you what awaits trash like you, do I?!"

    The Lionheart martial elites all scowled at Chet''s threat-they might have no respect for garbage like Chet, but they feared Sil.

    And the worst of all was that Chet was right-if heined to Sil, everyone here would not be spared punishment.

    "Chet... I mean, Mr. Jonas," Grom reasoned. "I''m just trying to say that you have to be careful. The vibes here is just wrong, and-" "Do I need you to tell me what to do?!"

    t

    Chet red coldly at Grom. "We''re all in the same boat and basically brothers, but don''t think that we''re the same Sil Lionheart is the one who ordered this operation, so if you refuse to listen to my orders, you just have to imagine what awaits you after."

    And with those words, Chet smacked away Grom''s outstretched palm and strode straight toward Urian''s office. "Fuck!"

    The Lionheart martial elites wereThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    frustrated by Chet''s pompous

    attitude, but the man was still

    right they could not go against his orders.

    They turned toward Grom, who was seething in rage but could only sigh. "Let''s go. Just make this quick." "Yeah."

    With that, the other Lionheart martial elites followed Chet, who sneered as he nced behind at them.

    Martial artists? So what? They were nothing inparison to the Lionhearts'' authority!

    Even as Chet relished in his triumph, he was fantasizing how Noel would be lying limply in his bed, ring at him but helpless.

 Chapter 1534

    "Fuck! I can''t take it anymore!"

    Chet huffed as he kicked open Urian''s office door.

    He immediately saw Urian standing inside motionlessly, sweating all over his brow, as well as the eternally bewitching Noel on the couch.

    "Hehehe..."

    Chet licked his lips and shed a sleazy smile, Urian''s earlier words instantly forgotten as he stared fixedly at Noel''s cleavage. "Ms. York, I''m here for you." "Is that so?"

    Somehow, Noel was neither panicking nor hesitant despite Chet''s sleazy smile, even smiling at him in turn. "You''ve really kept me waiting."

    "Kept you waiting?"

    Chet did a double take and soonughed. "So you were interested in me too... I guess I shouldn''t have bothered preparing!"

    While heughed maniacally, Grom entered and saw Noel immediately and was taken aback.

    Behind him, one of the other Lionheart martial elites saw his strange reaction and quickly asked, "What''s wrong, Grom?"

    Grom ignored him, however, and strode up to grab Chet by the arm, eximing in shock, "That''s why you called us here? Noel York, Draconia''s top actress?" Chet rolled his eyes at him. "Why else would I bring garbage like you?"

    "She... She''s..."

    Grom was left grimacing.

    He was aware of some insider information, including the fact that Noel was working closely with Lanecorp recently!

    Moreover...

    Grom nced at the smiling man, seated on the office armchair, finding him familiar by the second.

    "Fuck off! I wouldn''t have called you here if I knew Ms. York was interested-what a waste of my time."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Chet bellowed just then, shaking off Grom and str?de toward Noel, rubbing his hands and smiling as he reached her, "Well then... Ms. York, shall we talk somece else? Let''s go to Moonview Hotel-it''s a nice ce, and we could take a break there..."

    "Hehe..."

    Noel said nothing and simply turned toward Frank with a smile. "Eh?"

    It was only then that Chet noticed the strange vibe in the room.

    After all, Urian-the owner of this ce was standing tamely at a corner like ackey.

    On the other hand, the man who was supposedly just Noel''s bodyguard sat behind Urian''s desk with his legs resting on it nonchntly, even smiling at Chet.

    "W-What''s going on here?"

    The weird situation in the office left Chet confused despite his ring libido.

    When he turned to get answers from Urian, however, the man kept his head down, ying dumb and refused to look up at him.

    "Speak up! I''m asking you a question here!"

    Incensed, Chet pped Urian across the face.

    However, even as the man stumbled backward, he still kept his head down as he shrunk to a corner, afraid to breathe a word.

    Even as Chet realized that something was really wrong here, Frank was pping from the armchair before he could say a word.

    "Hahaha..." Heughed as he

    pped. You''re so kind, Mr. Jonas!

    You knew we''re looking evere

    for you, but you''ve brought our suspects straight to me!"

 Chapter 1535

    "What..."

    Chet naturally had no idea what Frank was talking about.

    After all, he brought Grom and the other Lionheart martial elites to capture Noel, since he could see that Frank was a martial artist and could cause him trouble. But what did Frank mean by bringing his suspects straight to him?? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    That was when Grom bellowed in the distance, "I-I recognize you! You''re Frank Lawrence... From Lanecorp! You''re the head of Lanecorp''s health and safety department!'' "What?!"

    Chet turned towards Frank in disbelief right then, because Sil had mentioned Frank''s name to him before.

    In fact, Sil made it clear that Frank was the one man they must be wary of, and that the one thing they must never do during this operation was run into that jinx. And somehow, things took quite a surprising turn...

    "Oh, it seems you know me?"

    Frank smiled as he stood up, slowly projecting a menacing presence as the office''s temperature dropped.

    The steaming tea on the desk actually froze right then, while Chet murmured, "What... What is this..."

    "You idiot! Fuck! Fuck!!!"

    Grom hated Chet to the bone right then.

    In the end, the reason Chet called all of them here was to abduct Noel?

    No, forget abducting Noel-they had to run into the one man they must avoid at all costs!

    While Grom felt the impulse to kill Chet, Chet somehow recovered despite his initial panic.

    "What are you afraid of?!" he bellowed savagely as he red at the cowering Lionheart martial elites, who were sweating all over his brow.

    While he could feel danger himself,

    he was still pointing at Frank as he bellowed, "There are so many of you, and you''re afraid of one other martial artist?! Sil Lionheart told to sabotage Lanecorp''s Vento showbiz-is it not an

    us

    aplishment if we took down

    their strongest supporter?! Stop shaking in your boots and attack!"

    The Lionheart martial elites traded nces just then-they had to admit that Chet was somehow making sense.

    On the other hand, Grom almost passed out on the spot.

    Chet was basically telling them to die! To draw Frank''s attention away while he bailed!

    He certainly saw through Grom like a book, just as he had heard how Frank yed Jan Lionheart, chief of Volsung Sect''s Talon Hall.

    It certainly went without saying that mooks like them did not stand a chance against Frank, and killing him was no more than a pipe dream!

    "Chet Jonas, you filthy mongrel!"

    Grom bellowed even as he thought he could ck out right then. "It''s all your fault for being a lustful pig! Sil Lionheart''s n is now a failure because of you!" Then, wheeling on his men, he cried, "At my orders, scatter and flee! Do whatever you can to survive!"

    But even as the other Lionheart

    martial elites were ready to bail, Chet

    shook even as he yelled, "D-Don''t you fucking dare! If you run... will tell Mr. Lionheart, and deserters will be executed!"

    "Are you crazy?!" Grom could p the pig to death right then.

    "You''re the crazy one here!" Chet snapped furiously. "This is your chance to make history, boys!

    Go-kill Frank Lawrence and capture Noel York! Sil Lionheart will reward

    YON

    for your efforts!"

 Chapter 1536

    Chet continued, "Do it, and we don''t have to keep hiding in Zamri! Now go! That''s an order!"

    His order clearly carried more weight than Grom''s. Moreover, the aplishment was especially tempting since the other Lionheart martial elites had no idea what Frank was capable of. On top of that, it was a fact that they had the advantage in numbers, whereas Frank''s abilities remained to be seen.

    And with Chet name-dropping Sil Lionheart, after hesitating for a while, the Lionheart martial elites except Grom made up their mind and encircled Frank.

    They should just give it a try now-if they failed, so be it!

    "Chet Jonas, you prick!" Grom bellowed.

    He loathed Chet so much he could kill him right then, as only he knew that this was undoubtedly suicide.

    Chet simply sneered at him in turn and growled coldly, "Quit trying to y up your importance, Grom. I will be telling you once this operation is over! Just you wait!" "You''re going to tell on me?!"

    Chet''s unbelievable attitude left Gromughing despite himself, and he turned to leave right then. "Tell all you want-I''m not ying your game! See you around!"

    Chet simply looked on, not stopping him and only snorting. "What a coward!"

    That was when a quietughter echoed. "You''re leaving? Have you asked for my permission?"

    Grom flinched even as he was just about to strode off, his whole body stiffened as he felt the violent death aura surging toward him from the back.

    He knew right then that he would die on the spot if he moved.

    It was an instinct, but as the strongest Lionheart martial elite in the room, he could clearly feel that none of them could stop Frank if he unleashed even a single iota of his vigor. As such, he paused and eventually unturned stiffly.

    "M-Mr. Lawrence, I apologize-"

    Before Grom finished, his head blew up like a watermelon.

    Red and white sshed across the room, while the rest of Grom''s body wobbled before copsing to the floor.

    "What?!"

    "Gasp...."

    All the Lionheart martial elites and

    Chet were left dumbstruck at the

    sight Grom was the strongest among them, having advanced far as a vigor wielder. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    And he was dead, just like that?!

    Everyone looked at Frank in fear, while he kept smiling and watching them in turn, never lifting a finger.

    The Lionheart martial elites felt a

    chill extending from their scalp down to their soles right then, and no one dared move an inch now.

    "Fuck! Chet Jonas really killed us all!"

    swne

    Nearby, a bundle of flesh, blood and eyeballs that stuck to the wall from the force of Grom''s exploding head fell off. It dropped near Urian''s feet with an audible ssh.

    The man trembled endlessly as he watched, his soul leaving his body right then. "Argh!!!"

    Chet was screaming as white brain matter rained down andnded in front of him, and he dropped on his rear with a loud thud.

 Chapter 1537

    "Now, I have questions, and you will all answer," Frank said as he walked slowly toward Chet as he sat limply on the floor, his face drained of all color.

    "P-Please ask... I''ll tell you everything..." Chet was so petrified in fear that he had no idea what he was saying.

    "Yesterday, the expensive equipment Lanecorp was transporting had been stolen or sabotaged mid-transit-" "That was us!"

    Chet admitted to it immediately, tears flowing down his cheeks as he kowtowed to Frank endlessly. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence... We did it, but we were just following orders! It was Sil Lionheart who put us up to it-we don''t dare to go against him!" Chet''s pleading cries left Urian snorting coolly.

    Just earlier, the man was looking all smug, bragging about how beautiful a job he did and how brightly their fires burnt.

    He certainly did not look like he was forced to do it!

    Still, Urian did not say a word, in case he would blow up like Grom did.

    It was such a horrific way to go, and he had not even heard of it!

    Urian scowled as he suddenly remembered what Frank said earlier, that he was affable and did not like to resolve problems with violence...

    Meanwhile, Chet saw that Frank remained impassive and promptly shifted the me on the Lionheart martial elites behind him. "They were the ones who did it-them, the Lionheart martial elites! I was just watching... I''m just an errand boy forced into this!" The Lionheart martial elites were left staring, dumbstruck.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    What the hell?! Chet had just said earlier that they were all in the same boat, and he was now scapegoating them?!

    That was not all either-in the first ce, he called them here today to help with a personal issue, did he not?!

    Thinking about it, the fact that Lanecorp now had them was all Chet''s fault, was it now?!

    And here he was, despicable shifting me...

    If there was a ranking of how despicable a person could be, Chet would certainly top it.

    In fact, it was not just the Lionheart martial elites who were left dumbstruck, as Frank was speechless too.

    Chet was beyond salvation, and Frank was actually impressed how far gone he was.

    Naturally, he had no intention of sparing any of them.

    Smiling, he dropped to a crouch in front of Chet and said, "Since you admitted to destroying the equipment, shouldn''t you be doing something about it?"

    "What?!"

    Chet looked up right then and came to his senses when he saw Frank smiling. "O-Okay! I''ll pay! I''ll pay!"

    Seeing that Frank was being agreeable, Chet actually felt glee inside.

    After all, that meant he most likely would survive this.

    And as long as he survived, he would return to Sil, and whatever he said would be the truth!

    Little details, such as how the Lionheart martial elites were all killed because he tried to abduct Noel York, or how he led the Lionheart martial elites straight to Lanecorp?

    There was certainly no way he would let Sil find out.

    If Sil did, he would definitely skin Chet.

    That was why Chet was determined to shift the me to the deceased Grom.

    He just had to say that Grom double-crossed them to defect to Lanecorp and set him up... and he barety managed to escape alive.

 Chapter 1538

    Chet believed his excuse was wless.

    However, even as he was busy fantasizing, Frank held out his palm and waved in front of his eyes. "Your sabotaging efforts had destroyed five billion dors worth of Lanecorp property. Pay up, and we will let bygones be bygones." "Five billion...?"

    Even Noel''s lips parted when she heard the number, though she soon shook her head in exasperation.

    Frank was clearly ripping Chet off!

    "Impossible!"

    Chet was clearly shocked by the astronomical number too.

    Forget five billion-he did not even have one billion to pay Frank, as he was definitely overreaching here.

    "Naturally, the money is no skin off Lanecorp''s back. What I want is to see your sincerity. So? How about it?"

    Frank kept staring at Chet in amusement, intent on seeing how much Chet would pay just to survive.

    After all, Frank had plenty of other options if he wanted the two billion dors lost.

    "O-Okay!"

    Chet knew right then that he was in no ce to bargain against Frank, and he could not argue at all, or he might end up just like Grom.

    But as he whipped out his phone while Frank watched, pooling everything he owned and calling favors, all he could gather was around 700 million dors.

    It was certainly a far cry from the five billion Frank demanded.

    "Shit..."

    Theck of money could kill Chet right then.

    However, he certainly did not dare to

    tell Frank that he did not have the money either, and he turned stiffly

    toward the Lionheart ma

    elites.

    "Boys..." he murmured. "Anyone here have some money to spare? Let''s pool it together to pay Lanecorp, and they might spare your lives..."

    The Lionheart martial elites could die from sheer rage right then, but they had no choice but to y along as it meant their lives.

    But they were mere footsoldiers, and

    only had 800 million dors after pooling everything they had-which still made them 4.2 billion dors short of the five million Frank was asking for. en FindNovel

    "It seems like you don''t have the money?" Frank asked calmly nearby.

    "Uh..."

    Chet grimaced as his heart sank to rock bottom-Frank would definitely kill them if they could not pay up!

    But at that decisive moment an idea came to him.

    Even if he did not have the money, he could ask someone else for it!

    As the vice-chief of Caudal Hall, surely five million was a trifle to Sil Lionheart?!

    Chet put thoughts to action right then and called Sil.

    "Is it done?" Sil asked as soon as he answered, clearly unaware about anything that had happened on Chet''s end. "Ahem..."

    Chet cleared his throat awkwardly as Frank looked on and thought of an idea soon enough. "Mr. Lionheart, I just met Noel York..." "Noel York?!"

    Sil sounded clearly surprised.

    Soon, a female voice snapped from the other end too. "You saw her?!"

    "Yes," Chet replied, turning to slide a guilty look at Noel, who remained on the couch "So, Mr. Lionheart... After some persuasion, Ms. York said that she''s willing to switch sides from Lanecorp to join the Lionhearts." ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 1539

    "Hmm? So it seems that you''ve really met Noel York," Sil said quietly from the other end of the call. "It slipped my mind, but she''s working with Lanecorp now. But you''re saying she''s willing to switch sides?" Sil''s words left Chet flinching, his heart almost caving.

    He finally knew how it felt to be duped.

    If Sil had told him about Noel before this, would he have brought the Lionheart martial elites here to attempt capturing Noel, hence leading them straight to a trap?

    Well, even as rage welled inside Chet, it was toote for regrets now.

    While he felt stressed just from lying to Sil earlier, he now felt free and unburdened, since Sil neglected to tell him about Noel.

    If only Sil had told him, would they have yed straight into Frank''s hands?!

    As Chet found his resolve, his eloquence returned. "Yes, that''s what Ms. York told me personally. Also..."

    "What is it?" Sil frowned on the other end.

    "But Ms. York said she has a contract with Lanecorp," Chet exined. "If she were to switch sides, she says she needs five billion dors to pay Lanecorp for the contract severance fee. That''s what I''m calling to ask..." While Sil was silent, the woman beside him was exceedingly thrilled.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hahaha!"

    Sheughed. "Noel York is actually defecting to our side! It seems that she''s realized that she can''t depend on Lanecorp now! Sil, you have to take her in-I''ll pay however much you need. Let''s see her despair when she realizes I''m her boss once she switches sides!" "That will show her for constantly one-upping me... And working with Lanecorp''s venture into showbiz?! I refuse to let her seed!"

    The woman had no idea that Chet had his phone''s loudspeaker turned on, and that Frank and Noel were hearing her rave.

    In fact, Noel had sprung from the couch, shock showing on her face. "Rory Thames?!"

    What was Rory doing with Sil Lionheart?! And judging from Rory''s words, it was her idea to have the Lionhearts sabotage Lanecorp''s venture into showbiz.

    Frank was sighing in turn. "I didn''t think that she would join the Lionhearts."

    Gene Pearce, the richest man on the East Coast, used to be Rory''s patron, having groomed her to sess in showbiz.

    And yet, she cheated on him with one of Gene''s subordinates and tried to kill him.

    While Gene spared Rory out of sentiment, Rory had now joined the Lionhearts and was in cahoots with Volsung Sect''s Sil Lionheart at that.

    What was worse, she was not content with joining the Lionhearts, and she was nowing after Frank and Noel.

    Frank was certainly aware that Rory

    hated him for saving

    Gene-otherwise, Gene would be dead, Rory and her lover would have everything Gene owned for O themselves.

    Be that as it may, everything was clear as day now.

    So Rory was the one who goaded Sil into sending the saboteurs after Frank''s interest. "Alright."

    Sil did not hesitate on the other end of the call either and said quietly, "I''ll wire five billion dors to your ount right now, Chet. You''d best get Noel to leave Lanecorp soon, and have her meet me in Morhen."

    swne

 Chapter 1540

    "Alright."

    Sil did not hesitate on the other end of the call either and said quietly, "I''ll wire five billion dors to your ount right now, Chet. You''d best get Noel to leave Lanecorp soon, and have her meet me in Morhen." "Hahaha..."

    Rory continued tough at the top of her lungs from the other end. "I''ll have her kneel before my feet... And Frank Lawrence too! He and Lanecorp will pay!"

    And with that, Sil hung up, while Chet was soon notified of a transfer of five billion dors to his bank ount.

    He was panting heavily even as he stared at the notification he had never seen that much money in his life!

    Still, he died inside when he looked up and saw Frank looking at him, realizing that the money was never his.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    After all, Noel defecting to the Lionhearts was a lie-Chet was just using that as a ploy to dupe Sil for his money, just to save his own skin.

    "Now transfer that money to Lanecorp''s ount," Frank said bluntly,pelling Chet to get to work right then.

    Soon enough, another notification came informing them that the wire transfer was a sess, with the bank even calling Chet just for confirmation.

    However, Chet was too concerned about staying alive to answer their call. "You see, Mr. Lawrence... I''ve paid up. Would you mind sparing me-"

    Frank narrowed his eyes just then, and Chet promptly threw up his hands, chuckling miserably. "Don''t worry, Mr. Lawrence! I won''t ever mess with you after leaving Zamri... And I''m never going back to the Lionhearts after duping Sil, so I''ll be fleeing abroad..." The Lionheart martial elites behind him almost snapped at him right then.

    What would happen to them if he fled? And he still had their money!

    Frank, however, ignored the conflict brewing in the room and rose to his feet with a smile as an idea urred to him. "Since you''re sopliant, I''ll spare your life."

    "Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. Thank you..."

    The Lionheart martial elites watched nkly as Chet kowtowed repeatedly.

    Frank had no intention to spare them, however, since someone had to pay.

    They hurt Frank''s interest even if they were just working for the Lionhearts, and he would be naive to let them go.

    With a nonchnt wave, he released

    over a

    dozen pure vigor needles that Sward the foreheads of the  ent

    Lionheart martial elites.

    They did not even have time to beg as they all dropped to the floor, instantly dead. "Wait, what?"

    Chet paled even as he watched Frank kill those Lionheart martial elites with almost no effort. Even if they were not that strong, they were still martial artists working for the Lionhearts. Was Frank not afraid of reprisals, killing them so brutally?!

    Chet turned nkly toward Frank and realized that he was smiling at him.

    It left him flinching-that smile was so scary!

    "Mr. Jonas, I have a favor to ask. What do you say?"

    Frank kept smiling as he asked, and Chet nodded repeatedly.

    He was on the verge of tears,

    terrified that if he was a moment toote, Frank would shoot him in the forehead like the others.

    "You will take Ms. York with you, as you promised the Lionhearts," Frank said, clearly hatching a n despite his smile.

    "Huh?!"

    And to no surprise, both Chet and Noel reacted the same way.

 Chapter 1541

    Meanwhile, at the Pearce Group headquarters in Morhen, Gene Pearce was seated at the main chair with a cigarette between his lips, listening as his executives argued in the meeting. While he kept a straight face, frustration was ring within him-the only thing these pieces of trash ever did was shift me, putting their self-gain above all else.

    He was actually wondering if he should just tell them to fuck off while he hired new blood.

    Still, even as the thought crossed his mind, his phone rang, and the conference room turned quiet instantly.

    "It''s Mr. Lawrence, sir," his assistant said as she handed his phone over respectfully.

    Gene cheered up right away, as he had to admit that Frank''s Jade Marrow Pill was incredibly effective.

    And with the hot springs at Frank''s Riverton farm resort, he felt younger and brimming with energy-even his new girlfriend could not keep up with him.

    He was even wondering if he should get another couple more to produce some heirs, something which he would never dare imagine just two months ago. "Hey brother. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Gene remained seated as he answered Frank''s call cheerfully.

    "Do you know where Rory Thames went?" Frank asked right then.

    The question left Gene frowning ufortably in turn, "Why would you ask about that woman?"

    He might have groomed Rory to sess, but all he felt toward her now was endless disgust, and he would have her dealt with if he was not that sentimental.

    "It seems that she has jumped ship to the Lionhearts and is sending them after me," Frank replied.

    Gene was at once incensed, mming his hand on the table as he sprang to his feet.

    "That bitch! How dare she?!" he bellowed.

    "Well, she did, and that''s a fact."

    Frank then paused and sighed. "She''s working with Sil Lionheart of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall, sending saboteurs who attack Lanecorp''s transport trucks delivering

    equipment worth billions."

    "Fuck!"

    Anyone could see how highly Gene thought of Frank, and he felt regret allowing his ex-wife to inflict such devastating losses to Frank.

    "I warned her I can spare her life, but she''s not to mess with you and I... But she ignored that anyway!"

    Huffing, Gene returned to his

    het

    armchair and continued, "Tell me,

    Frank, How much did you lose? l''il

    have my staffpensate you right away."

    "Calm down." Frank chuckled, knowing that Gene felt guilty since he offered to pay him back. "I''m just calling to see where you stand. You know i''m no pushover-I''ll definitely fight back. As for Rory Thames..."

    swne

    "Don''t worry. She broke the rules-I don''t care even if she gets killed." Gene chuckled coolly.

    To think that woman would cause trouble behind his back despite his warning.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Gene could turn a blind eye to her sucking up to the Lionhearts, only for her to break their promise ande after Frank.

    That was entirely on her being suicidal.

    "Alright. That''s what I wanted to hear," Frank said, hanging up with satisfaction.

    Gene remained silent for a while but eventually mmed his hand on the table again.

    "Fuck, I won''t take this lying down! Call Frank again-I''m getting involved too!"

 Chapter 1542

    Gene remained silent for a while but eventually mmed his hand on the table again.

    "Fuck, I won''t take this lying down! Call Frank again I''m getting involved too!"

    -

    A dayter, at a basement bar in South Morhen, Chet and Noel-who was disguising herself with a face mask and a cap-arrived at the meeting point chosen by Sil.

    They strode down the corridor, past the crowd dancing to a thumping tune, and found Sil smoking a cigarette at a booth seat.

    Sil''s eyes lit up when he saw that Noel was really there and unwittingly dropped the cigarette on the floor.

    "Shit, that''s the top actress of Draconia for you!"

    He could not helpparing her to Rory Thames, but they were inpletely different sses!

    Rory was the top singer of Draconia and had the looks, but she was more than a ss beneath Noel, a goddess of the silver screen.

    Her pure, noble presence alone far eclipsed Rory''s-even though her body figure was unbelievably tempting, the face when she took off her mask was angelically innocent. The gap almost certainly stirred Sil''s juices...

    Still, seeing that Sil was freezing up, Chet hurried toward them and introduced, "Mr. Lionheart, this is Ms. York."

    "Oh... Right."

    Sil came to his senses then and quickly shook Noel''s hand, feeling her fair skin and breathing in her fragrance.

    Even someone as experienced and knowledgeable as him started fantasizing right then, and Rory suddenly seemed a lot less attractive.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Sil''s purpose in calling Noel here, after which Rory revealed herself, was for revenge against Rory''s two enemies-Frank and Noel.

    With her newfound authority, Rory would coerce Noel into doing porn to crush her reputation, which in turn would destroy Lanecorp''s reputation too.

    But now, Sit was hesitant because

    Noel was more beautiful than he thought, and he almost could not bear forcing her to do porn... Or if they had to, he could be the male lead.

    Even as those thoughts crossed

    mind, Noel asked, "Mr. L...

    you''ve spent a fortune to

    Is your family dead set on a venture into showbiz?"

    Her melodious voice left Sil even more swayed.

    Did he really have to go with Rory''s n and defile such magnificence?

    "Hehe... You didn''t expect this, did you?"

    Just then, a woman wearing a mboyant red gown strode over, sneering at Noel in contempt.

    "Rory Thames?! What are you doing here?!" Noel eximed, once again putting her wless acting skills to use.

    No one would be able to tell at all that Noel was pretending to look shocked, and Chet was scowling nearby.

    He sighed inwardly-one really expected nothing less of Draconia''s top actress, and even he was endlessly impressed.

    To no surprise, Rory never saw through Noel.

    She smirked as she strode up, lifting

    Noel''s chin with a finger and giggling. "Noel York, did you know

    that when you signed the agreement to join Lionheart Entertainment you also became my subordinate?"

 Chapter 1543

    "I''m your subordinate?"

    Noel turned and frowned at Sil. "What''s going on here, Mr. Lionheart? I don''t remember such a use in our agreement."

    Sil stayed silent, as he was caught in a dilemma.

    Rory giggled in turn, shaking her head. "You''re so naive, Noel. Did you think the Lionhearts were really taking you in for your skills or your reputation? They wouldn''t bother if not for me... Oh, and we weren''t lying, it''s just that I''m the head of Lionheart Entertainment." "So, you''re going to do everything to tell you from now on, including whatever projects I assign you."

    "Wait."

    Noel held up a hand, frowning. "You''re overstepping, Rory, and I don''t remember ever insulting you. Why are you so bent on hurting me, even spending five billion dors to poach me from Lanecorp?" "Tut, tut..."

    Rory stood, folding her arms before her chest as she clicked her tongue. "Important people are really forgetful, huh? Do you think you''d be Draconia''s top actress if you didn''t seduce the judges?"

    With that, Rory started bellowing viciously, "All those awards you won should be mine! I was about to be the top actress and the top singer, only for you to show up at the veryst moment with some trash indie film to take what was mine! You stole the spotlight from me and stole most of my sponsors, and so many of my partnership deals fell out! And you don''t think you''ve insulted me?!"

    While Noel appeared shocked by

    Rory''s usations, she shook her head exasperatedly. "I had no thoughts of stealing the limelight and those awards only appeal to vanity Listen to me-don''t overreach for something so frivolous, or you''ll pay dearly for it."

    "I''ll pay dearly?!"

    Rory simplyughed and leaned

    close to Noel''s face as she sneered. "Easy for you to say. Soon after you stole everything from me, Gene Pearce dumped me, while you joined forces with my enemy... Birds of the same feather, huh?!"

    "You know what I''m thinking? I could kill you where you stand-you and that manwhore from Lanecorp. It''s your fault that this happened to me! But I''ve thought of a n that''s much better than killing you. u two."

    She smiled sinisterly, clearly having a terrible n in mind.

    Nearby, Sil was going to speak up, but he merely frowned and shook his head when he saw Rory''s crazed visage.

    He was only helping her closely because it was what Titus Lionheart had tasked him with.

    Titus''s orders were for him to investigate and run interference against Frank, with the ones around him being the priority targets.

    After all, Titus hinted that the spiritron vein, which Simon Lionheart needed dearly right now, was hidden around Frank.

    And they had a hunch that it was hidden in Lanecorp''s studio park, which they were recently developing.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 1544

    Sil''s goal was therefore to search and recover the spiritron vein near Frank, and only then could Titus really go all out against that man.

    That was why the partnership with Rory against Noel and Frank was just secondary in importance.

    No one else knew about that, however. It was a detail privy only to Sil himself and Grom Santi-the strongest of the Lionheart martial elites sent to infiltrate the city of Zamri. However, what Sil did not know was that Grom and the rest of those Lionheart martial elites were killed, thanks to Chet Jonas working so hard to screw things up for Sil. Only Chet was left alive, though he was now a turncoat.

    If Sil knew, he would p Chet to death on the spot instead of being so approving of drawing Noel to their cause.

    "That''s enough."

    Sil stood up, waving Noel off with an impassive look. "I''ve prepared the crew and the equipment. You can prepare at the sub-basement, Rory-I''ll send Ms. York over after a few questions." Hearing what Sil had prepared, Roryughed wildly as she left, "I''ll be waiting downstairs, Noel. Remember, you have to make your debut for Lionheart Entertainment exciting."

    Seeing how Rory was behaving, Noel quickly realized what Sil meant with ''crew and equipment-she would soon be forced into some horrific, humiliating film.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Still, she was not worried.

    After all, Frank and Gene were here, with the former hiding in the basement bar, while Gene and his men had the whole ce surrounded. Rory and Sil should be the ones worried instead.

    Meanwhile, Sil waited until Rory was gone until he turned toward Noek with a remorseful look. "Ms. York, I must say I find your position unfortunate, but I can''t do anything about it..."

    "You must have something to tell me, Mr. Lionheart," Noel replied. "That''s while you waited until Rory was gone. Please speak freely."

    Sil was surprised by Noel''s bluntness and realized that she was no mere bimbo and actually quite sharp.

    "Alright."

    Seeing that the timing was right, Sil gave up on all pretense.

    ???

    Smacking hisp, he got up and strode close to Noel as he spoke, "Since you''re so honest, Ms. York, don''t have to hide anything from you. Just tell me about Frank Lawrence''s spiritron vein, and I will let you free-I promise Rory won''t get toy a finger on you*

    "Frank Lawrence''s spiritron vein...?

    Noel appeared dumbfounded, as she never heard of the spiritron vein.

    Still, Sil was not surprised to see Noel reacting like that and calmly exined, "The spiritron veines in different forms-it could be a tiny trinket oka huge object. The

    bottom line is... Frank Lawrence had been carrying it around with him a while ago in Morhen, and then hid it at your studio park which Theard was under development. If you can think of anything, just tell me, and I will set you free."

    "The spiritron vein..."

    Noel could tell from Sil''s tone that the spiritron vein was important, both to Frank and the Lionhearts.

    He frowned slightly in thought, and soon came to a realization.

    There really was something that Frank had been carrying around in Morhen, after which he entrusted to Noel-it was Kat Yego!

 Chapter 1545

    Could Kat be the spiritron vein?!? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    While Noel was shocked and confused on how Kat might be the spiritron vein, it was clear that the Lionhearts really wanted the spiritron vein.

    In fact, even Sil''s objective in helping Rory was clear-they wanted the spiritron vein Frank had!

    And having understood, Noelposed herself.

    Instead of looking thoughtful, she asked Sil nkly, "Mr. Lionheart... What is the spiritron vein, really?''

    "It''s..."

    Sil would rather not answer, but seeing that she was confused, he shrugged and exined, "It''s Draconia''s destiny manifested. The one who gathers all eight spiritron veins will be the Dragon King, which is how the name Draconia came to be. It has always been the birthright of us Lionhearts, see? All we''re doing is retrieving what''s rightfully ours."

    Even as Sil spoke, his eyes were fixed on Noel''s face, intent on catching any twitch or unusual reactions.

    However, he was left disappointed soon enough, as Noel had really earned her title as Draconia''s top actress.

    All Sil saw was Noel looking up to face him and shaking her head feebly. "I''ve thought about it, but I really don''t know anything that fits the description. Sorry..."

    "Do you not know, or are you refusing to tell me?" Sil growled threateningly, striding closer to Noel.

    Noel backed down in turn, looking troubled. "I-I really don''t know, Mr. Lionheart! I''ve never heard Mr. Lawrence mention anything about that..."

    Sil stared at Noel for ten whole seconds, but there was nothing unusual about Noel''s reaction at all, let alone guilt.

    He eventually sighed in disappointment. "It seems that I''ve made a mistake-you really don''t know anything."

    "Then... Can I go now?" Noel asked gingerly.

    "Go? Where would you go?"

    Sil waved her off dismissively. "Someone get in here, and bring her to Rory at the sub-basement."

    Then, he wheeled on Chet,

    B

    narrowing his eyes. "As for you... You''re going back to Zamri and keeping watch on Frank Lawrence''s every move."

    "Yes, Mr. Lionheart."

    Chet shot Noel a look wishing her good luck before tamely leaving the basement bar.

    "Hmph. What a waste of time."

    Sil snorted and started to leave as he was not interested in watching how the filming would go.

    However, his head started spinning just as he got to his feet, and his legs felt like they were made of lead.

    No!

    Even as Sil''s danger sense tingled and he tried to do something about it, he was left staring as Chet had returned, although he should be long gone by now.

    "What are you... Wait!"

    Sil''s eyes widened as he saw the other man, smirking and standing with his arms folded beside Chet.

    After all, he knew that man''s face all too well!

    "Frank Lawrence!" Sil growled through his teeth, instantly realizing that he had been duped.

    But just as he was about to raise his hand and retaliate with his pure vigor, a sinister fire ignited in his meridian nexus, and numbing bolts seemed to spread throughout his body right then.

    "W-What did you do to me?!"

    Sil red at Frank viciously even as he leaned against the table for support.

 Chapter 1546

    Frank stared at the greasy-haired man in a pink suit with an earnest smile. "I''ve merely drugged you, Sil, to see if you have the vigor of a man." "What..."

    "Alright, I know it hurts-don''t worry, I''ll do right by you." Frank chuckled and snapped his fingers.

    Two men-in-ck appeared behind Frank right then and carried Sil down to the sub-basement.

    They were Gene''s men, while Gene himself had already headed down to the sub-basement with a handful of other men.

    He sat on the huge pink couch in the room filled with filming equipment, where two naked meny in pools of their own blood. Rory strode in, smiling gleefully at the thought of revenge.

    When she saw Gene, however, her smile stiffened as panic quickly seized her.

    "Got a new backer so soon already, Rory?" Gene asked as he took a puff on his cigar, ncing her way nonchntly. "..."

    Rory was dumbstruck-what was Gene doing there?!

    Could it be...Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    She was shocked, but was Geneing back for her because he still had feelings for her?

    Her panic faded right then, and she shed a chagrined smile. "Gene, I¡ª"

    "Hmph."

    Gene snorted coldly, crushing her fantasies right then as he flicked his cigar. "Don''t you think that I don''t know what you''re doing with

    Lionhearts. Did you really think

    you''re so smart, that you could keep everything from me?"

    Rory''s pale right then and panickedly tried to exin. "Gene, I wasn''t¡ª" "You weren''t what?!"

    Gene bellowed furiously as he mmed his palm on the table, leaving Rory flinching. "What did I say?! I was nice enough to not punish you out of sentiment, but what did you do?! You''re just so vile! And what would you do after you had your revenge against Frank and Ms. York? Are you going toe after me as well once you''re strong enough?! Don''t forget who helped you to your sess in the first ce!"

    "I... I..."

    Rory hung her head but could not say a word since she was really afraid of Gene.

    She had no idea how he found out either, until she looked on, gaping as two men carried Sil into the room. And before them were the two people she loathed most-Frank and Noel.

    "You..."

    No matter how foolish she was, Rory finally realized that Chet had betrayed Sil when he brought Noel here.

    In fact, this was all part of Noel and Frank''s n, and Noel was never helpless.

    It was her, Rory Thames, who was helpless!

    As Frank walked past Rory, he even pped a hand on her shoulder and chuckled. "Hehe... Thank you so much for your generous donation of five billion dors, Ms. Thames. It''d makeup for the losses you caused for Lanecorp.... To be fair, there''s an extra three billion, but I guess that ounts for non-material

    damages."

    On the other hand, Noel actually felt sympathy. "I told you, Rory. But you had to... well."

    "Ha... Hahaha..."

    Rory watched Sil, who did not even have the strength to fight, drop to her knees,ughing in despair.

 Chapter 1547

    Rory wasughing at herself too, as she was biding her time for her revenge, sending the Lionhearts after Frank and Noel... only for things to end up like this.

    Even Sil, who bragged endlessly about his own strength, could not fight back as Gene''s men tossed him on the floor like a rag doll

    What Rory did not know, however, was that as the vice-chief of Volsung Sect''s Caudal Hall, Sil was a really formidable individual-it was just that he really fell shortpared to Frank.

    It was also Sil''s fault for being so arrogant he did not bring anyone else for the meeting with Noel. That allowed Frank to catch him off guard easily, spiking him with a drug that would be triggered when Sil used his pure vigor.

    While Sil could use his will and pure vigor to curb the effects early on, the drug would slowly spread throughout Sil''s body until he lost all rationality to lust.

    Then, once he ejacted, he would expire on the spot.

    Frank was certainly not holding back when Sil would pull such a dirty move against him-did he really think only he was capable of that?

    "I''m done here," Frank said. "Anything else to add, Gene?"

    Gene slowly rose to his feet at Frank''s question, shaking his head despite Rory''s earnest plea mercilessly. "I was the one who gave the order for Noel to be awarded the best actress award. Because I wanted you to suffer a setback, so that you''ll learn some humility. "And not only did you refuse to learn, but you also held a grudge against me and Ms. York. I''ve given you a chance, but you''ve really let me down."

    And with those words, Gene turned and left without an ounce of regret, not hesitating even as Rory cried and begged on her knees.

    He had really given up on her and only felt disgust and repulsion.

    After Gene left, Frank turned toward Gene''s two men and said, "I need you to film what happens, and then publicize the video. Give the Lionhearts a proper p in the face."

    After the men nodded, Frank turned to level an impassive look at the panicking Rory.

    "Hehe... Now you can have a taste of the trap you set for Ms. York, Ms. Thames," he said and turned to leave.

    At that point, Rory finally realized

    what would happen and lunged at Frank, grabbing his leg and bawling, "I-I''m so sorry, Fra¡ªI mean, Mr. Lawrence! Please, I''m Draconia''s top singer! I can''t do this... I''ll join Lanecorp! I''ll work for you! Rlease!"

    Still, seeing that Frank was unmoved, Rory turned to Noel. "Please, Noel! I know I made a. mistake... Can''t you let this slide? I won''t ever do it again. Never ever..."

    Noel actually felt for Rory, though that wen Frank asked quietly, "Ms. York, if Rory was in your ce, do

    you think she would hold back?"

    And with those words, he turned and left.

    Noel appeared troubled, but Frank''s question crushed thest ounce of sympathy she felt for Rory.

    With a lengthy sigh, she left with Frank.

    Soon, Sil''s bestial bellows could be heard from the room, followed by Rory''s screams.

    -

    Later, in Titus'' study at Lionheart Estate...

    "Fuck!" Titus Lionheart bellowed as he punched the wall.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Around him, Lionheart sentries stood in silence, afraid to breathe a word.

    They certainly would not dare get caught in whatever infuriated Titus enough for such an unseemly outburst.

 Chapter 1548

    -

    Still, after a brief silence, Titus'' fury melted away as he smiled, albeit very sinisterly.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "Frank Lawrence..." he growled. "I''ll admit you have a couple of tricks up your sleeves, humiliating me like this" On his desk was a tablet ying the day''s news.

    And on the screen was Sil, his privates censored with mosaic, thrusting himself violently between Rory''s legs.

    Even as Draconia''s top singer kept screaming, Titus wheeled on the Lionheart sentries, his expression cold. "Where are they now?! Bring them to me!"

    "Actually..."

    One of the sentries began awkwardly and hesitantly, "We sent our people to look even before it hit the news, but they''re both dead at the basement bar Sil frequents..."

    Titus'' sinister smile broadened at that, and he growled, "Frank Lawrence! So you''re dering war on me?! You''ve now in Sil and Sif and humiliated my family... I will remember this! You will eventually fall before me, and when you do, I''ll make you wish you were dead!!!" The rest of the Lionhearts remained silent as he rambled on.

    Meanwhile, at Helen Lane''s office in. Zamri, Helen was staring worriedly at Frank. "You''ve really insulted the Lionhearts now. Aren''t you worried that they''lle for you?"

    "I have to agree. This feels like way too much," Noel added hesitantly as she sat on the couch.

    Frank, however, remained nonchnt as he twirled his teacup. "Too much? I actually think it''s not enough." "Urgh..."

    Helen certainly knew that Frank was rational and that he had his own ns for doing this.

    Hence, she gave up on asking. Instead, she frowned and said, "My mom''s former ssmate''s son is getting married in a couple of days. You''re attending it with me if you''re free."

    Frank paused and turned toward her in surprise. "How is that our business?"

    Helen sighed exasperatedly, but she also leveled Frank a pleading look. "My mom and I have been talking about it for days. Her other ssmate''s would be bringing their children too, and they''re all quite sessful. That''s why she asked me-she thinks that going alone is embarrassing. I know she''s wronged you a lot, but she''s changed and was asking for you specifically..."

    "Alright, alright." Frank smiled feebly, putting down his teacup. "Mother-inw''s request aside, when have I ever said no to you, beautiful?" "You''re slick-I''ll give you that." Helen giggled and winked flirtatiously at him. "But you know how many times you''ve said no to me."

    "Hey, I''m right here. You two should really get a room." Noel scowled exasperatedly and got up, ready to leave.

 Chapter 1549

    "Oh!"

    Helen flushed, finally remembering that Noel was in the room too.

    She quickly got up and caught Noel. "Ms. York... Could you join us too? There might be a performance session, and you could do a song number or something..."

    Helen soon trailed off, blushing as she realized that her request was ridiculous.

    Given Noel''s status, she would charge millions for a single number at a wedding.

    But since it felt a little strange to pay Noel for something like that, Helen felt embarrassed to have asked at all.

    "Oh..."

    Noel felt awkward too, since it was not a question of money.

    She would never turn down Helen''s request, but it felt strange singing at the wedding of somebody she did not know.

    That was when Frank yawned, folding his arms before his chest as he shed a vague smile at Noel. "Ms. York, you can have the five billion we got from Rory Thames. Would that be enough for a performance?" "Eh?"

    Noel did a double take, seriously enticed just then.

    Five billion was no small number even to her, as it was enough to spare her a lot of budgeting that she nned before.

    As such, she agreed to it without hesitation while smiling at Frank. "In that case, when will I be paid, Mr. Lawrence?" "That depends on your performance."

    Frank chuckled and shrugged. "What if your performance drops because you were paid before and not after?" "You little..."? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Noel stared daggers at him, biting her lip, though she soon shed her signature smile again and nodded. "In that case, let''s put it in writing."

    "Sure." Frank got right on it and gestured at Helen to get a ck and white agreement.

    Helen chuckled exasperatedly as she looked between the twoedians.. Still, she knew that it was basically a joint performance between the both of them to ease the earlier awkwardness, and so that Noel had a proper excuse to help.

    "Now that I have it in writing... No regrets, Mr. Lawrence."

    Noel smiled as she left with the written agreement in hand.

    Frank watched as she left, before turning toward Helen and rolling bis eyes. "Let me guess. Your mom''s been bragging to her friends that she would bring Noel York, hasn''t she?"

    "Ah... Hahaha...." Helen giggled awkwardly.

    "Never a dull moment." Frank sighed, rubbing his brow.

    -

    That being said, Frank took Helen to the wedding hall in Norsedam the next day in his Bugatti Veyron.

    As for Noel, she had her own chauffeur and assistant, so she did not need a ride.

    Norsedam was not too far from Zamri, and Helen and Frank arrived at a rented mansion where the wedding was held.

    Frank even noticed the sign at the gates and muttered to himself, "The Favonis own this ce?''

    Who could Gina''s old ssmate be?

    Many other luxury cards were heading into the mansionpound, though Frank''s red-ck Veyron still stood out in their midst.

    In fact, plenty of other guests were staring at it with jealousy.

 Chapter 1550

    "Hey, handsome. Mind if I take a picture?"

    A flock of borately-dressed young women mobbed Frank as soon as he alighted, having taken out their phones. "Feel free to."

    Frank''s affable reaction drew a chorus of squeals.

    "Do you have a girlfriend, handsome?"? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "How old are you? Would you like to go out for drinkster?"

    Frank merely smiled politely at the enthusiastic women and walked around the car to open the other door.

    An ice queen dressed in white, projecting a strong presence and a cool demeanor alighted.

    In fact, as soon as Helen made her appearance, the other guests passing by were all staring and gaping at her, with many men staring daggers at Frank jealously. "Shit, such a beauty walks the streets of Norsedam?"

    "Maybe? I''ve never seen her around..."

    "So cold, so beautiful! I''d like her to step on me with those heels..."

    "What the hell? Get a hold of yourself, man!"

    Despite the endlessments and remarks, Helen was used to it and remained her cool,posed self as she wrapped a hand around Frank''s arm.

    She had prettied up exquisitely today, and the women who flirted with Frank earlier could not even hope to match that and hung their heads just then.

    Still, Helen leaned in and asked under her breath, "What were you talking about with thosedies?"

    Frank reared his chin and said solemnly, "They''re inviting me to a hotelter tonight."

    "Bleurgh."

    Helen snorted and threw a soft jab on his shoulder. It was such a girly contrast to her ice queen demeanor that the men around them were left gaping again.

    In the distance, Gina Zonda was waving at them. "Helen, over here!"

    She had been chatting with a group of middle-aged folks and was endlessly proud to see her daughter stealing the spotlight like a gem. "Mom."

    Frank and Helen slowly headed over to join Gina as the crowd cleared a path for them.

    The middle-aged folks chatting with Gina all turned toward Helen too, their eyes twinkling as they praised her endlessly.

    "Is that your daughter, Gina? She''s a work of art!"

    "Exactly. I thought for a moment that she''s a goddess gracing us mortals with her presence."

    "Oh, you''re exaggerating." Gina smiled, rearing her chin proudly.

    Despite her humble reaction, she was endlessly buoyed by the ttery showered her daughter''s way.

    And her daughter was a natural beauty who absolutely deserved all the praise.

    Helen was gracious too and openly carried herself with poise-as the girlboss of a major enterprise, a scene like this was only appropriate for her to unt herself.

    It was Frank who felt a little out of ce.

    "Oh, Gina? Is that your son-inw?"

    Just as everyone was hovering around Helen a

    mboyantly-dressed middle-aged woman spotted Frank and hid a smile of disdain as she continued. "Tut, tut. Where did you get him from? And that suit... Don''t tell me it''s a bargain item from one of our stores? Come on, Gina... Don''t you have standards?"

    Gina''s face fell at the middle-aged woman''s scoffing.

 Chapter 1551

    Although Gina shot Frank an usingly look, she still puffed herself up and retorted, "Yes, he''s my son-inw. Don''t you know the saying that goes ''the nail that sticks out gets hammered down''? That''s my son-inw-don''t get jealous of me now.'' Both Helen and Frank were left gaping, bbergasted.

    Still, Helen only stared at Frank nkly for a moment beforeing to her senses and beaming at him.

    Her smile left all the younger men staring fixedly at her right then.

    While there was no telling if Gina was just trying to save face or just being tactful, she was more or less acknowledging Frank as her son-inw. If anything, it was a massive improvement from her unbudging refusal to approve him before. Even Frank was caught off guard.

    He was ready for Gina to get on his nerves again, and this felt... different.

    "Hahaha... Quoting such nonsense? You''re so amusing, Gina."

    However, the mboyantly dressed middle-aged woman simplyughed audibly at Gina. "Don''t bother pretending to be humble now-I know for a fact that your daughter is a bigwig in Zamri right now, as both the board chairwoman and CEO of Lanecorp.

    "And now, you''re saying that such an incredible daughter would get herself such an unassuming husband? The way I see it, you''re just trying to cover for him when he''s just a manwhore. Can''t even admit that much, huh?"

    The middle-aged woman clearly had beef with Gina and was insulting Frank just to embarrass her.

    "Ilsa Mendy, quit your yapping-you''re just trying to mislead everyone!"

    Gina stood akimbo in turn and retorted, "It''s Harley Fuch''s son''s wedding day, so I won''t argue or it''d ruin the asion. But I don''t mind settling this in private!"

    However, Gina''s attempt at changing the subject made Ilsa even more sure that she was right on the money.

    "Don''t think you can run away, Gina. I''ll show you right now!"

    Clicking her tongue audibly, she? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    walked up and grabbed Frank''s suit, pointed at the sleeve andughed, "Everyone, look closely. This design is from our boutique-it''s a suit weaved from wool and silk and sold for around eight hundred grand."

    "Eight hundred grand?"

    "Wait, isn''t that very expensive?"

    However, those remarks were ying right into Ilsa''s hands, as she turned and sneered at Gina.

    "But this suit isn''t actually in our catalog, because it''s bootleg!"

    As Ilsa spoke, she dramatically raised Frank''s sleeve to show it to the crowd. The needlework on the sleeve is a messpared to our boutique''s, and the brand tag had clearly been messed with! I can see that right away, because my daughter works exclusively in that section.

    "You''re obviously just trying to pass this man off as someone important. Even if others would think that suit is worth something, it''s actually not

    ¤½¤·¤¿

    even worth two grand!"

    The revtion left the crowd in an uproar.

 Chapter 1552

    After all, everyone invited here were ssmates of their families who had been doing well for themselves.

    Forget a two grand suit-even wearing a twenty grand suit would be embarrassing here and an insult to the hosts.

    "Tut, tut... I didn''t think that someone as bright and beautiful as Gina''s daughter would get herself such a cheap husband." "Yeah, and she''s so sessful, but she had to get herself a gigolo!"

    Gina turned pale right then, while Helen was embarrassed too.

    Walking up to Frank, she asked under her breath, "I told you to get a better suit, Frank. You know my mom, and... Urgh..."

    Frank was frustrated when he saw Helen''s disappointment too.

    He certainly would not try to embarrass Gina and Helen given the asion and had ordered a tailored suit at one of Gene Pearce''s expensive boutiques.

    If anything, this was the most expensive suit he had ever worn, and it cost 800 grand just as Ilsa said earlier. He even paid an additional 200 grand as a tip to have it delivered early, meaning it was a full million dor suit.

    He thought that with this, he would not embarrass Gina and Helen, only for someone to expose him on the spot.

    Come to think of it, the young salesgirl who was assisting him must have seen that he did not know his suits and decided to dupe him.

    Frank was naturally furious that he spent a million dors on a bootleg and guilty with so many people watching.

    While he was not concerned with

    how others see him, he was incensed that he had embarrassed Helen in public, especially since she was the head of Lanecorp now.

    And seeing that things were getting awkward, Frank whipped out his phone and called Trevor Zurich, growling

    "Go to that boutique where? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    I got that suit, and bring that

    ver

    salesgirl who rmended it to me right now!"

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence!" Trevor did not hesitate to follow his orders.

    "What''s wrong, Frank?" Helen quickly asked, seeing that he was not his usual self.

    Gina leaned closer to listen too, as she was curious as well.

    She did tell her daughter toe well-dressed and not make her lose face.

    The fact that Frank did it anyway almost left her thinking that Frank was deliberately messing with her. "I''m sorry, Helen-I was conned."

    Frank exined apologetically right then. "I didn''t mean to embarrass you, but I did spend a million dors on this suit. But as it turns out, the salesgirl tricked me because ske saw that I don''t know my suits."

    "I see..." Helen sighed quietly in relief, as she thought for a second that Frank was deliberately harassing Gina.

    If he really did after how Gina defended him earlier, there really was no clearing the air between them now.

 Chapter 1553

    Even after Frank exined himself, Ilsa Mendy wasughing loudly from the crowd, even pping. "Amazing! That''s a gigolo for you... how quick he is, crafting a lie out of nowhere!"

    "Hahaha..."

    While Gina and Helen were left taken aback, a greasy-haired youth strode out of the crowd and snorted at Frank.

    He had the look of a sessful businessman and scoffed at Frank. "I''ve seen many gigolos like you. You obviously squandered Ms. Lane''s money elsewhere while spending two grand on some cheap suit just to go through the motions." "Who are you?" Frank frowned at the man.

    "Theo Whiteson. I''m the deputy CEO of Pearson Group after graduating with two PhDs."

    Theo raised his chin further even as he sneered at Frank. "I''ve always despised deceitful men like you, and now you''ve even embarrassed Ms. Lane. Honestly, why are you still here?"

    The women around were all looking at Theo worshipfully after he stepped out.

    "It''s Mr. Whiteson!"

    "Yeah, I didn''t expect him to show up here!"

    "He''s the most famous man here in Norsedam. Pearson Group spent over a billion to recruit him!"

    "Gosh, just look at how handsome he is... He must have plenty of suitors, right?"

    "No, I heard that he''s still single at the moment!"

    Thedies went wild as the news of Theo being single was spoken out loud, with some bridesmaids even joining the mob.

    "Hmph."

    Meanwhile, Theo was still ring at Frank haughtily, even though he was endlessly buoyed by thedies'' sycophancy while feeling even more contempt toward Frank just then.

    "Just look at Mr. Whiteson and the cut of his suit. There''s just noparison!"

    "Oh, don''t even start. On one hand is

    a hunk with double PhDs,

    §Ö

    other is ¨¤ leech and a gigolo. Comparing them is just insulting to Mr. Whiteson."

    "He''s just so handsome... I wonder when I can meet Mr. Whiteson in private..." "You''re dreaming, aren''t you?"

    Gina could certainly hear those remarks and turned to find Ilsa smiling smugly at her. Theo was clearly her son, and he hade forward clearly to add insult to injury.

    But it was all Frank''s fault-he had to embarrass her so thoroughly in public!

    While Gina almost snapped on the spot, she instead quietly said, "Helen, why don''t you head home with Frank?"

    And with that, she turned to leave, refusing to look Frank''s way again.

    She had already acknowledged him,

    only for him to humiliate her-how

    ??

    velis

    would she hold her head high

    among her ssmates from now? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    on?

    If anything, word would spread of her son-inw''s tragic state among her gossiping friends, and she would be made aughing stock.

    The thought certainly infuriated Gina-she would havee alone if she knew this would happen!

    "Mom... Mom!"

    Caught in the middle, Helen felt frustrated as she watched Gina storm off.

 Chapter 1554

    It was supposed to be an asion for Frank and Gina to mend things, only for it to turn out like this. "You heard your mother-inw, brat. Quit hanging around and embarrassing her further already."

    Theo sneered at Frank in contempt before turning toward Helen with a twinkle of obsession in his eyes. "Ms. Lane, you''re as beautiful as you are sessful, owning a bigpany like Lanecorp. You can have any man you like, so why would you pick someone like him?" "Just give up on him already-he''s not just going to embarrass you, but he''d soon be dragging down Lanecorp''s progress and reputation with him."

    Then, whipping out a business card and shoving it into Helen''s hand, Theo shed a gentlemanly smile as he continued, "You can call me anytime if you need me, Ms. Lane. I''d even consider the possibility of jumping ship to work for someone as talented and as sessful as you."

    And with that, Theo and his mother Ilsa Mendy strode off triumphantly, leaving Helen standing there holding his business card awkwardly.

    Frank nced at the looks of contempt thrown his way in turn and waved Helen off. "Just go ahead and join your mother, Helen. I''ll be there once I''m done here."

    "Okay."

    Helen nodded, and hesitated for a while before giving him an apologetic look. "I''m sorry, Frank-I was too busy to go with you. This wouldn''t have happened if I were there... You should bring Vicky or Noel along next time." "Yeah."

    Frank nodded but soon paused in realization.

    He could understand bringing Vicky along... But Noel?

    Still, Helen already headed inside the wedding hall before Frank could say a word, leaving him sighing as he looked on.

    He messed up.

    He really thought that things would go well today, but as it turned out, he proved to be the problem here.

    While he felt regret, he also came to realize that while this was a wedding, it was also an asion for the parents to brag.

    And Frank had certainly embarrassed Gina, and she could not be med for being so furious.

    However, he was not the type who took things lying down-especially since he did not want things to go this way.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    "Theo Whiteson, Ilsa Mendy..."

    Frank repeated the names as hemitted them to memory.

    It was obvious that Ilsa had beef with Gina and went out of her way to nitpick any issue she could find.

    And Frank would turn things around if he could, just so that Gina would stop staring daggers at him or say stuff like Frank embarrassed her...

    That was when a ruckus ensued behind him, and he turned to see a man grimacing with a pale face whilemobbed by a legion of fangirls.

    "Wait, isn''t that...?"

    Frank appeared surprised as he recognized the man.

    And since he was standing near the entrance to the wedding hall, the man saw him in turn. His impatience melted away right then, reced by delight.

    "Mister... I mean, Master Lawrence!"

 Chapter 1555

    The man quickly let the fangirls and his family clients who were surrounding him, leaving them hanging as he hurried to Frank and dropped on one knee. "What brings you here to Norsedam, Master Lawrence? Why didn''t you call?" Naturally, the man was none other than Jaden Favoni, heir to the Favoni family of Norsedam who had just recovered from a terrible case of poisoning.

    The bigwigs around him were certainly astonished as they looked on.

    After all, Jaden had always carried himself with pride, but he was now kneeling to some unknown character with such zeal?!

    Still, only a handful of people were aware that Jaden had recognized Frank as his mentor, and it certainly was no public matter.

    Therefore, they were all gaping as they watched Jaden address such a young man as his mentor.

    And their shock only doubled when Jaden''s sisters-Chelly Favoni and Ste Favoni-bowed their heads when they saw Frank too. "Greetings, Mr. Lawrence."

    While the girls were not kneeling like Jaden, the crowd was stunned into silence as the Favoni daughters and their young prodigy were all greeting Frank with reverence. "Wait, what?"

    "Who''s that brat?"? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "Why are the Favonis basically worshiping him?"

    "Wait, wasn''t that the gigolo exposed for wearing a cheap suit just now?"

    The crowd around them were certainly dumbfounded, as most of them were there when Frank was mocked so publicly earlier.

    They were all just waiting and watching for the hosts to kick Frank out of the mansionpound!

    That was certainly the case for the security guards nearby, who had already received orders from the host to eject Frank.

    They stood stupefied-what was going on here?

    "Oh, it''s really nothing... I''m just somebody''s plus one at this wedding."

    Frank smiled as if it was only natural and turned toward Jaden. "So, it''s been a while-have you been resting well? Has your condition improved?" "Yes, I''m feeling better," Jaden answered politely without looking up. "Thank you for your concern."

    "Here."

    Frank suddenly tossed a Jade

    Marrow Rill at him, adding calmly, "I can see that your meridian nexus is still dry and your vigorcking. Take the pill-it''ll clear the stuffiness in your chest."

    Jaden studied the pearl green pill for a moment before looking up in shock.

    The pill was definitely not your ordinary pill, as it carried the breath of life itself despite its tiny size, and it was obviously a ss above the supplements Jaden took from time to time.

    He actually felt flustered as he murmured, "Sir, this is too much¡ª" "Nonsense."

    ???

    Frank waved him off nonchntly. "What mentor would not help his apprentice when he sees his suffering And a tiny pill like that really isn''t much to me. Just heal quicker soon and resume your journey as a martial artist. This is the way."

    And Frank was right-Jade Marrow Pills were now easily avable to him thanks to Kat Yego.

    His words left Jaden at once emotional too, and he felt endlessly guilty as he remembered how his family used to treat Frank.

 Chapter 1556

    Hence, as everyone looked on, Jaden audibly kowtowed thrice before Frank and took the Jade Marrow Pill with a look of gratitude.

    As soon as it went down his throat, it turned into pure life essence flowing down Jaden''s gullet.

    Jaden''s pupils dted even as he felt the life essence of the body unfurling in his body, and his body cracked audibly even before he cultivated it.

    It was a sound that delighted Jaden instead of causing a panic, as it was the sound of his meridians remodeling themselves, while his meridian nexus regenerated and expanded.

    In fact, he seemed to hear sshing as if from a waterfall, and his withered meridian nexus was suddenly filled with liquid pure vigor.

    It soon flowed throughout his meridians, repairing his wounded body and organs.

    "What is this pill..."

    Jaden was astounded his cheeks were pale and he felt exceedingly tired earlier, but his body was suddenly light and his cheeks were a healthy red.

    He stared nkly at his hands just then, euphoric as he felt a strength greater than what he had before.

    He could leap several meters up the air right then!

    "It''s a Jade Marrow Pill," Frank calmly exined. "Normal people who take it would gain longevity, while martial artists would have their vigor and life essence restored."

    He was impressed by how Jaden made a full recovery so quickly too-the Jade Marrow Pill worked better than he thought.

    Still, making more would mean troubling Kat.

    "Thank you for this, Master Lawrence!"

    Thrilled, Jaden went down on his knees once again, his gaze worshipful and reverent toward his mentor.

    The man must be a miracle worker to be able to make such pills!

    "It''s fine. You really don''t have to go that far."

    Frank waved Jaden off and pulled him to his feet with pure vigor, smiling. "By the way, you didn''t tell me why you''re here." "Me?"

    Jaden did a double take and sighed exasperatedly. "My father sent me here... I really don''t like social events

    like this one, but the host se

    rke and a major client of

    family. I had to make an appearance since his family was insistent."

    "I see." Frank nodded, while quickly catching on that Eddie must have invited the Favonis to look good.

    In contrast, being unknown as he was, his presence was really embarrassing for Gina.

    "That reminds me..."

    After greeting Frank, Jaden nced at the two security guards standing behind Frank and asked, "What''s your business here?"

    The two security guards were clearlying after Frank, or they would not be standing that close otherwise they only stopped because Jaden was there. "M-Mr. Favoni..."

    As one of the two security guards noticed Jaden ring at them, he braced himself and exined, "Mr. rke told us to eject this man, saying that he is an? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    embarrassment." FindNovel

    "What?!"

    Disbelief showed on Jaden''s face, and he was shaking with rage as he pointed at Frank. "You''re saying that my mentor is an embarrassment to

    thong

 Chapter 1557

    The security guard quickly exined, "We didn''t say that, Mr. Favoni! It was Mr. rke, and-"

    Smack!

    Jaden pped the security guard across the face even before he could finish, sending him tumbling on his rear, cracking a lip. "You wretches!"

    Jaden clenched his fist as he bellowed, "My mentor graces the rkes with his presence, but those pompous pricks don''t even know who he is?! You''re all nothingpared to my mentor, and you''re going to chase him away?!" Laughing despite himself, he threatened, "The Favonis wille and take all of your heads, believe it!"N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    It was not just the security guard-all of Norsedam''s rich and important individuals standing nearby were left astonished.

    As they turned to nce at Frank, they were left wondering who he really was to be able to spur the Favonis into going on a ughter?!

    "Go, bring me Eddie rke! I must properly interrogate that pompous scum this instant!"

    While Jaden was going on a rampage and drawing everyone''s attention, Frank held up a hand, stopping him.

    "It''s alright let''s not make a scene."

    Frank smiled, shaking his head. "It''s always in bad taste to interrupt a wedding, and the rkes are your family''s client. Your family will suffer losses if this gets out of hand too, and it''s my mistake in the first ce..."

    He then told Jaden about being duped for a million dors for a cheap suit, leaving Jaden dumbfounded and unsure how to react.

    His mentor was quite the interesting character-despite being a peerless martial artist, some unassuming salesgirl managed to get the better of him.

    While it was something Jaden would

    scarcely imagine, he also realized that he too, was always focused on his training and cared little about anything else.

    If he had to go shopping for clothes, he definitely would not fare better than Frank-if anything, he would be duped even harder. With that, he calmed down on the spot.

    Behind Jaden, his sisters Chelly and Ste heard the whole scandal too, and shared a hidden smile after hearing the whole story.

    It seemed that Frank was not wless despite his might!

    Jaden shot them a re just then,

    before

    ng back to Frank and

    ¨¦t

    asked in frustration, "But Master Lawrence, are you just going to let them nder you like this?"

    "It''s fine." Frank shrugged. "I''ve sent someone to bring that salesgirl over-they''ll be here soon enough."

    The sisters giggled even harder at Frank''s words, as they were really surprised that Frank would try to clear his name in such a clumsy way.

    Chelly then asked gingerly, "Mr. Lawrence, I could ask someone to send a new suit over right now, if that''s alright with you?"

    "Sure." Frank nodded. "Thanks. Don''t forget to pass me the receiptter. I''ll pay for it."

    "In that case, if I have your leave..."

    Ste strode up, helping Frank out of his suit while using her fingers to size him up. Having got the numbers, the sisters left with the suit, giggling as they went.

    "You should go in," Frank said as he turned to Jaden, ncing pointedly at all the people around him. "It''s still early I''ll just wait here for my new suit."

    swn y

 Chapter 1558

    With his suit taken away, Frank only had a white shirt on, which was quite an awkward sight.

    Jaden saw that too and nodded. "In that case, I''ll be inside, Master Lawrence. Just give me a shout if the rkes bother you again." "Sure." Frank nodded.

    He watched as Jaden strode into the wedding hall spiritedly, with the rich and important individuals of Norsedam in tow.

    When they were gone, he breathed a sigh of relief.

    Noticing that there were less stares fixed on him, he headed to the buffet outside the wedding hall, picking up some delicacies and began eating at a corner.

    All he had to do now was to wait for Trevor Zurich and his new suit.

    -

    Meanwhile, within the enormous wedding hall, the rich and important individuals of Norsedam were standing around, mingling in groups since the wedding ceremony had yet to begin. Someone eximed just then, "Oh, that dress is just so beautiful! It matches Helen perfectly!"

    "Exactly. If only my daughter was that beautiful..."

    Helen was staring fixedly at the doors of the wedding hall, champagne ss in hand, when the people nearby yanked her attention back.

    She turned to see that it was another one of Gina''s old ssmates.

    Although it was a man, he was also obviously an old pervert at that, as his eyes were fixed on Helen''s cleavage the whole time.

    "Come now, Mr. Xinder. Also, it''s been so long... You''ve really done well for yourself!"

    Gina was smiling as she clink sses with the middle-aged man. "Come over, Helen-this is Mr. Hardy Xinder. He used to chase me around!" "Oh,e on." Hardy chuckled. "You really don''t have to mention such ancient history."

    "Mr. Xinder." Helen greeted him tamely and clinked sses with him too.

    His eyes narrowed at her as he asked, "What''s wrong? You seem so distracted."

    "Oh, what else could it be?"

    Gina quickly butted in. "It''s my dear son-inw. Never liked him, and he just embarrassed me too...""

    "Mom." Helen frowned at her.

    "What, am I wrong?"

    Gina scowled and snorted. "It''s not my fault now, is it? I''ve been nice enough, acknowledging him and everything... But what did he do? He went out of his way to embarrass me" en FindNovel

    "He didn''t mean it, Mom." Helen sighed.

    "Hmph. I really doubt it-the way I see it, he came specifically to ruin things for me."

    Hardy narrowed his eyes as he listened to mother and daughter squabble and eventually turned toward Helen. "I have to agree. Young uns shouldn''t embarrass their elders in public, and it sounds like your husband reallycks tact."

    "What husband?" Gina rolled her eyes. "Helen divorced him ages ago, and they have yet to remarry!" "Really?"

    Hardy''s eyes lit up right then. "So what do you think of me, Helen?"Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "You?!"

    Helen was stunned-what was this geezer talking about?!

    "Watch it, geezer!"

    Gina was at once furious too when she heard that. "I''m warning you. Try anything funny with my daughter, and I have someone destroy you right now!"

 Chapter 1559

    "Wait, no, you misunderstand!"

    Hardy promptly threw up his hands. "I mean, my son who''s around Helen''s age. He''s working at a majorpany and has a bright future ahead of him."

    Even as he spoke, Hardy was left dismayed inside.

    If Helen and Gina were not so radically opposed to him, he certainly would like to give it a shot.

    After all, Helen''s beauty ranked her at the pinnacle of Draconia.

    On top of that, her status and ice queen demeanor made her a target every man would want to conquer.

    Even a geezer like Hardy was certainly scheming despite the age gap.

    Nheless, Gina calmed down once Hardy exined himself, though Helen refused even before Gina could speak. "Thanks for the offer, Mr. Xinder, but Frank and I are close even though we''re divorced. In fact, we''ll remarry soon enough." Her refusal left Hardy making a face of disappointment.

    That was when a handsome youth made their way toward them.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    He was clearly popr among Gina''s middle-aged girlfriends, and he flicked his bangs proudly as he turned toward Gina and Helen.

    Naturally, he stiffenedpletely when he saw Helen, his gaze staying glued to her for a while.

    "What are you looking at, brat?"

    Hardy smacked his son''s shoulder jokingly. "Don''t tell me it''s love at first sight? Give up already. Helen here is divorced, but she''s close with her ex-husband and they''ll remarry soon. You have no chance, kiddo."

    Getting the hint from his father right then, the youth came to his senses and shot an using look at his father.

    Still, he politely offered Helen a handshake. "Hello. I''m Jackie Xinder-don''t listen to my dad''s nonsense. I''m only admiring your beauty and nothing else."

    "Hello, Mr. Xinder." Helen epted his handshake, seeing that he was down-to-earth and therefore was not repulsed.

    In truth, Jackie was simply smarter than his father. "Your reputation precedes you, Ms. Lane. You''re basically one of the east coast''s finest, with the way you led Lanecorp to new heights by yourself.

    "I''ve always admired girlbosses like

    you, Ms. Lane," he continued, even formally taking out a business card and passing it to Helen. "Here''s my

    vo dray

    You cane hang out at my anytime you like..."

    Winking at Helen, he finished, "It''s all on the house."

    "All on the house?" Helen was hesitant, since the business card indicated it was a nightclub franchise.

    "Hehe... Yes, everything''s free. We usually don''t charge beautiful women anything..."

    Jackie chuckled and turned to smile at Gina too. "And that naturally applies to you as well, Madam Zonda." Gina giggled. "Oh, does that make me beautiful too?"

    "That''s for sure!"

    Jackieughed. "I mean, you

    managed to get a flirt like my dad to change his ways and chase after you so relentlessly. How could you not be beautiful? Hell, forget that it happened twenty years ago you''re stiff beautiful now!"

    As his ttery struck a chord with Gina wlessly, she immediately had an overwhelmingly positive impression of the kid.

 Chapter 1560

    "Jackie! Over here!"Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Before Gina could say a word, several middle-aged women were calling out to Jackie.

    "Calm down, Jess. I''ll be right there. Excuse me,dies," Jackie replied, nodding at Gina and Helen with a smile as he left, not before whistling at Helen.

    Gina watched as he left, not forgetting to tease Jackie''s father. "Hehe, Hardy. Your son is such a good kid."

    "Hehe. He really has nothing going out for him aside from his silver tongue."

    Hardy chuckled before turning toward Helen and asking tentatively, "So? What do you think, Helen? My son is something of a regional manager. I know you''re still close with your ex-husband, but the way your mom puts it... he doesn''t sound all that reliable." "Exactly, Helen," Gina chimed in. "Just see how eloquent Jackie is, unlike Frank, who''s always giving me a hard time."

    "Stop it, Mom."

    Helen shook her head exasperatedly. "Like I said, Frank is my husband, and I have no interest in other men."

    "Oh, what a pity." Hardy sighed in obvious disappointment.

    After all, if his son managed to tap into Helen''s deep pockets, would he and his son not be enjoying all the luxuries life had to offer?

    Moreover, even if Helen made herself very clear, they had plenty of chances to turn things around.

    If anything, he and his son were very good at this.

    As Hardy turned and winked at his son from a distance, Jackie caught his cue and nodded with a smile.

    "No way, Jess!" he eximed just then. "Helen Lane''s husband did what?! Tut, tut! How embarrassing! Pfft... It seems that this Frank Lawrence is just a gigolo, and a lousy one at that."

    Jackie was really popr with middle-aged women-he had the looks, was lively, and knew how to tter them. As such, he effortlessly found out from them what had happened to Helen and Frank before they entered the wedding hall.

    He turned and stared at Helen from a distance, his eyes shing with desire as he decided that he wanted her no matter what it took.

    It was not just for the sake of Helen either-he would properly educate Frank on how to be a better gigolo.

    Making up his mind right then, he excused himself and made a beeline out of the wedding hall, immediately finding a man sitting in a quiet corner, nonchntly eating his te of buffet food. en FindNovel

    "That''s Frank Lawrence?"

    Jackie grinned as he strode over and sat down in front of Frank unceremoniously. "Hello. Frank Lawrence, was it?"

    "Yes. Who are you?" Frank asked uncertainty.

    Jackie picked up the ss of water and sshed it on Frank''s face, baring his true colors as he red at Frank''s surprised and pathetic face. "Hmph!"

    He snorted in disdain, rearing his chin proudly. "You have one chance! Cut off all contact with Helen Lane, because she''s now my target. Do you get it?!"

 Chapter 1561

    Caught off guard, Frank was at first confused as to why he was sshed in the face but was quickly incensed at Jackie''s tone.

    "Do you want to die?" Frank growled as he slowly looked up, his re murderous.

    Jackie flinched in surprise, though he soon calmed down and scoffed. "Oh, my-color me surprised, you really know how to look scary! Go on, tell me... which gang are you from?" "Gang?"

    Frank, who was not having it, seized Jackie by the cor and mmed him on the table.

    It shattered with a loud crash, drawing everyone''s attention right then.

    "What? What happened?"

    "Hey, isn''t that Jackie Xinder? Shit, someone''s got him!"

    As everyone looked on, Jackie was left stupefied even as he copsed on his knees before Frank, his face covered in blood.

    What? The bastard started getting physical at a moment''s notice?!

    "I''m giving you one chance. Get out of my sight," Frank snapped at Jackie just then.

    He did not go further with the blind fool, as he had noticed the looks of panic around them. He certainly had no intention of killing in public since he needed to be considerate toward Helen. "You bastard..."

    Nheless, Jackie was snarling.

    He had been strutting in Norsedam for years he was naturally no greenhorn, being able to be the manager of a nightclub franchise. Aside from above average affinity for the service industry, he naturally had the assistance of certain gang elements as well. Naturally, he was not about to let it slide.... not when some gigolo who had juste to town hurt him!

    "Just you wait! My people will be here soon-don''t run if you have pair!" ¨¨ bellowed, clutching his? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    bleeding mouth and nose as his face

    contorted in fury.

    Still, it was upon closer inspection that Frank noticed Jackie''s face was ruined more than he had expected.

    He was just wondering how did Jackie''s entire nose skew to the side when he had only hit him once and realized then that Jackie had stic surgery.

    Naturally, Frank was not afraid of

    Jackie''s threat either, even pulling

    off Jackie''s suit as he returned to his seat and used the suit as a

    wipe his wet face and hair

    "Go on, I''ll be waiting right here. But you best be sure-like I said, this is yourst chance. I''d advise you not to mess with me!" Frank sneered even as he threatened Jackie before adding, "Oh, and Helen Lane is mine. A mook like you would never deserve her." "Whatever you say!"

    Jackie was further incensed by Frank''s threat and was left watching as Frank threw his suit which was worth several hundred grand.

    A rich woman bought it for him, and not only was Frank using it like a towel, but he even stamped his feet on it!

    He certainly hated Frank''s gut right then-a mere gigoloying a finger on him? Even the top gangs in Norsedam had to show him respect! "Just you wait!" Jackie bellowed and stormed off.

    After all, he could see that while Frank was a gigolo like him, Frank knew real martial arts.

    And having the experience of dealing

    with crises over the years, Jackie refrained from confronting Frank directly in case he was really a martial artist. After all, one should always know when to back down.

    Hence, even as the crowd outside the wedding hall looked on, he grumpily held his bleeding nose as he strode off to make a few calls.

    "Hey, Plum. It''s me, Jackie... Yeah, I got beaten up at..."

    "Hey, Scorpion. I''m in a pinch here. Could you send your boys over...?"

 Chapter 1562

    In no time at all, over a dozen vans came to a screeching halt outside the mansion, and members of two different factions quickly assembled.

    On one hand were men in ck, while the other were wearing an assortment of colors and sported ridiculous hairstyles-obviouslymon street thugs.

    "Whoid a finger on my darling Jackie?!" a woman bellowed as she got out of a luxurious car just then.

    She wore a diamond-encrusted ck dress under her leopard skin patterned vest. However, she was so morbidly obese that she looked no different from a hippo, and any normal person would feel at once ufortable at the way her clothes were strained because of her size.

    On the other hand, the leader of the street sported a ridiculous haircut just like his men and was brandishing a metal bat while yapping, "Whoid a finger on our manager?"

    "It was him!" Jackie eximed as he hurried to receive them before pointing at Frank, who was sitting nonchntly in the distance.

    He was certainly delighted to see Plum and Scorpioning so quickly and bringing so many goons.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hmm...?"

    Plum''s eyes lit up after studying Frank-he was not at all handsome, but there was an air to him that one could not quite describe.

    Frank was simply sitting there, but he seemed to appear split from the worldliness around him.

    In fact, the more Plum looked, the more handsome she found him.

    However, while Plum was busy staring, Scorpion and his twentyish thugs had strode up to Frank.

    Holding his metal bat just inches away from Frank''s face, he barked, "You brat! So you were the one who hit our manager? You''re quite the cocky little shit... No one in Norsedam gets away from hitting my boys, you hear?!"

    "And do you know what happens to people who threaten me?" Frank growled as he looked up slowly with a murderous re.

    The death aura that spilled away from him just then left Scorpion flinching, even though he was a seasoned gangster, and he could not help asking, "What?"

    "Hmph." Frank snorted coolly. "Unseemly, everyst one of you."

    Nheless, Jackie strode up just then, still clutching his face as he snapped, "You fool! You''ll pay for

    causing trouble here in Norsedamet

    This man here is Scorpion, a member of the Airbreakers, the biggest gang here in this city! Get down on your knees and lick my shoes, or I''m killing you!"

    "You heard him-on your knees, lick his shoes!"

    Scorpion came to his senses and glowered at Frank threateningly, stomping one foot on the chair beside Frank while brandishing his metal bat. The wedding guests outside the wedding hall tensed up as they looked on, feeling concerned for Frank just then.

    However, there were also those who saw Jaden Favoni prostrating himself before Frank earlier and were now watching in amusement.

    The Airbreakers were a big deal, but they were really nothingpared to the Favonis.

    And these thugs most definitely had no idea that the man they were threatening was Jaden''s mentor!

    "Heh." Frank snorted despite their threat. "I hate violence-especially when there''s a wedding going on. So allow me to appeal to your tact..."

    Still, as he looked up fixedly at

    Scorpion, growling icily, "I''m

    Vol

    counting down from three. Get out of my sight, or you''ll get what''s

    "Sheesh." Scorpion blew a raspberry at Frank''s words.

 Chapter 1563

    Poking at Frank''s cheek with his metal bat at Frank''s face, he then turned toward his men andughed. "Look, boys. I haven''t done anything, and this brat is putting on airs to scare me off! You have some sort of death wish, don''t you?" "He''s a pompous prick, Scorpion!" Jackieughed savagely, still clutching his face. "Just beat him to death with the boys. I''ll take responsibility!"

    "Alright!" Scorpion nodded, but just as he raised his metal bat, the two security guards from earlier rushed up to them.

    "Hold on, hold on, brother. It''s the rke family''s big day... There''s no reason to spill blood now!" one of them pleaded. "Yeah, exactly! It''s bad luck for blood to be spilled at a wedding!" The other nodded repeatedly.

    That was when Frank suddenly counted behind the two security guards. "Three."

    Both of the two security guards were sweating down their forehead right then.

    After all, they were well aware that Frank was Jaden Favoni''s mentor-Jaden himself had even pped them for a perceived slight!

    If these thugs really started to get violent, Jaden was not going to y nice, and the wedding might even turn into a funeral!

    And if the rkes wanted someone to me, it would be these two security guards!

    "Sir, just listen. Mr. Lawrence is actually-"

    Before the security guard could finish, Jackie leapt up and kicked him to the ground. "Fuck you! None of you stepped in when he hurt me, but you''re getting involved when I sick my boys on him?! Are you belittling me, Jackie Xinders, and the Airbreakers?!" "W-We''re not!"

    Both of the two security guards could cry right then.

    After all, they could not react in time to stop Frank earlier when he mmed Jackie''s face on the table, because it all happened in a split second.

    Moreover, Frank was Jaden''s mentor-even if they could stop him, they did not have the balls to do it!

    Still, even as the two security guards tried to reason with Jackie, Frank slowly lowered another finger and counted down. "Two."

    "Wait, you''re still going on about that?"

    Scorpion actuallyughed at Frank and grabbed his necktie, shaking him as he growled, "Go on, count down to three! I dare you!"

    The two security guards promptly leapt up, intent on stopping Scorpion. "Please, sir! You shouldn''t provoke this gentleman. And it''s Mr. rke''s wedding day-could you just let this slide for his family sake?"

    However, Scorpion''s thugs were not having it-they immediately leapt up, dragging the two security guards over to a corner and started kicking and punching them. "Tch."

    Scorpion clicked his tongue in

    disdain. "The rkes? They are just some rich businessmen at best, and if we Airbreakers want them dead, they would have to drop dead, no questions asked. Why should I y nice? Who are they to me belongs to FindNovel

    "One."

    Before Scorpion could finish, a cool voice counted down to one.

    He smirked and turned to find Frank lowering his finger, snorting. "Sheesh, you''ve finally counted down from three? So, are you going to do anything? Come on, show me what you''ve got."

    "Urgh."

    Frank sighed, shaking his head.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 1564

    "Ugh."

    Frank sighed, shaking his head.

    He lowered his palm, ncing at the two security guards who were being clobbered, as well as the crowd who were simply watching in amusement.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    "Well," Frank said, "you didn''t give me a choice."

    "What the hell are you-"

    Before Scorpion could finish, he felt a gut-wrenching pain just beneath his chin, while his mind seemed to go nk.

    All he could vaguely feel was that he was suddenly free from gravity''s constraint, and everything seemed to float.

    "Eh?"

    It took Scorpion a long while toe to his senses, and he finally realized from the crunching crack from his spine that the rest of his body was stuck on the wall of the mansion. Even before he could think anything else, his vision faded and he lost all senses.

    "Argh!!!"

    A woman in the crowd of bystanders screamed shrilly-a headless corpse was stuck overhead on the fifth floor wall!

    Worst of all, the head exploded into a rain of blood and brains half a second earlier and was pouring down on the guests overhead.

    Even as the women screamed, some of them felt chunks of fleshnding squarely into their mouths and dropped to their knees, retching violently.

    Meanwhile, Jackie was left staring at Scorpion''s headless corpse sticking out of the wall, too terrified to say a word.

    "I gave you a chance," Frank said coolly behind him just then, leaving him flinching and turning around stiffly.

    He found himself staring into

    Frank''s murderous eyes-everything else seemed to fade away right and he was just a pathetic rat standing in front of a hundred-f behemoth staring fixedly at him.

    "Argh! Argh! Argh!!! Help me, Plum! Plum...!!!"

    He screamed even as he copsed to the floor and turned as he scrambled to flee on all fours away from Frank.

    On the other hand, Plum had turned pale even as she heard Jackie''s horrific screams, theyers of fat around her sides trembling endlessly. "I... Run! Run!!!"

    When she came to her senses, she quickly yelled at her men while she turned and fled herself.

    After all, she finally understood the man Jackie had beef with was no gigolo, but a monster way above their pay grade!

    When she finally squeezed herself into her car, Jackie reached her as well, dropping to his knees and clinging to her leg. "Plum! Save me! Please, you have to save me!" he begged loudly through snot and tears.

    "Eh?!"

    Plum looked up, only to find Frank slowly closing in, and she was almost left petrified by his murderous presence.

    She gritted her teeth and kicked

    Jackie to the ground right then, not

    caring that she had dropped her

    shoe as she shrieked at her

    fov

    chauffeur, "Go! Go! Go!"

    The car tires screeched against the dirt as it quickly sped off, abandoning Jackie without a care.

    "Plum... Help..."

    Jackie sat limply on the ground, thest flicker of hope in his eyes fading.

    Then, sensing death gradually closing in Jackie forced a smile that

    looked uglier than a crying face.. "Heh, hehe... Mr. Lawrence, I''ll admit that I''ve been overstepping alittle, so"

 Chapter 1565

    Before Jackie could finish, his head exploded instantly like a watermelon, sttering blood and brains across the floor and drawing another chorus of screams.

    "I gave you a chance," Frank said tly before withdrawing his earth aura and calmly returned to his seat.

    Around his table, the thugs with colorfully dyed hair whom Scorpion brought remained where they stood rigidly.

    None of them were begging for their lives or attacking Frank in a fit of rage, as they simply stood there in silence.

    It was only when the two security guards from earlier got up and stared fearfully at the thugs that they finally noticed the thugs'' pupils were dted.

    And none of them were breathing, as they were dead as a doornail, bleeding down from a subtle hole on their foreheads.

    It was only then that the two security guards realized why Jackie was fleeing like the devil was on his heels-he was closest to those thugs and knew that Frank had killed them all in a split second.

    With that, the two security guards turned back toward Frank, feeling a chill from their heads running down to their heels even as they looked at his calm visage.

    They traded nces and saw the look of relief in each other''s eyes-if Jaden had not pped them earlier, they would be the ones standing there like statues, literally dead. "Boys..."

    Frank suddenly spoke, his tone calm.

    To the two security guards, however, it could well be the devil himself speaking.

    They tried to smile too, but they simply could not hide the gripping terror they felt.

    "Y-Yes, Mr. Lawrence? How can we help?"N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    "Get someone to clean up this mess," Frank said casually. "I apologize for causing trouble, especially since it''s a wedding day in the rke family."

    "What..."

    His words left the two security guards stumped, and they stared at him in disbelief.

    The man had gone on a killing spree just seconds ago like the devil himself but was now apologizing to them?

    The huge contrast left the two security guards dumbfounded, and even the fleeing crowd stopped and turned to look at Frank after his calm apology.

    "Is there a problem?" Frank added

    just then. Don''t worry-I will pay for any damaged physical items, and you shall both bepensated as well since you were assaulted for no reason."

    The two security guards came to their senses right then and eximed, "Y-You''re exaggerating, sir! It''s really nothing!"

    At the same time, they realized that Frank was not lying when he said that he was no cold-blooded murderer.

    Jackie was the one who provoked Frank first and even called in his gangster friends to hurt him.

    For Frank''s part, he repeatedly insisted

    violentat he did not want to get

    violent at a wedding and only took

    action when Jackie and his friends stubbornly pestered him.

    In that sense, Frank was no mindless butcher, but a man with tact and manners.

    But while he was a reasonable man, the fact that he could butcher dozens in an instant left everyone trembling in fear.

 Chapter 1566

    "O-Okay! Just wait here, Mr. Lawrence. We will get someone to clean up this mess right away!" However, things were far from over.

    After the two security guards left and everyone was left standing, afraid to make a sound, a furious bellow resounded from the entrance of the wedding hall. "Who?! Who has the balls tomit murder on my wedding day?!" Frank turned at the voice to find a man in a white tuxedo and a flower brooch striding outside.

    It was the bridegroom Eddie rke, and he was shaking with rage when he saw Jackie''s headless corpse in the distance and Scorpion''s body that was practically glued to the wall. "Who did this?! Step forward!" he bellowed, ring furiously at everyone outside the wedding hall.

    Eventually, as he followed everyone else''s stares, he found Frank sitting in a corner.

    And seeing that Eddie was ring at him, Frank nodded and admitted, "It was me."

    At the same time, wedding guests were filing out of the hall after hearing themotion outside. Most of thedies especially gasped and turned pale when they saw the scene of bloodbath.

    Meanwhile, Eddie red fixedly at Frank as he stood in front of the crowd, huffing as he snapped, "How dare you! Committing a murder on my wedding day?! Are you dead set on ruining this for me?!" "Yeah, that''s way out of line."

    "Blood spilled on a wedding day... Tut, tut. The rkes are really shit out of luck!"

    "Who brought him here?"

    "Shesh! Don''t you know? It''s that man wearing a knockoff suit... Right, Helen Lane''s husband."

    "Gosh. How unruly can he be?"

    "Unruly? That''s an understatement for a murder. The way I see it, he came to deliberately ruin things for the rkes!"

    As the wedding guests were buzzing as they talked about what had happened, Eddie red at Frank as he realized with a start. "You''re that prick who sneaked in here wearing some@heap knockoff suit! Where''s security? I told them to chase you out, but here you are, butchering people! How dare you disrespect my family!"

    "Frank."

    Helen had enough of the crowd''s criticism just then and lifted her dress as she ran over, frowning "What happened here? Shouldn''t you be waiting outside while.."

    She trailed off, almost fainting when she took a good look-the thugs with colorful dyed hair were standing around Frank, but they were not breathing too! "D-Did you kill these people?" she stammered.

    "Yes." Frank scowled as he nodded, not wanting to hide anything from her.

    Nearby, Ilsa Mendy promptly seized the chance to diss Gina. "That''s your son-inw, Gina? A murderer who goes on a massacre in broad daylight?"

    Her mouth hanging open, GinaN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    certainly could not argue with all her

    old ssmates staring at her, and she eventually had to wheel on Frank and snap, "What do you want, Frank?! Are you really so bent on souring things for me and did this just to get on my nerves?! What did I do..."

    Gina dropped on her rear, clutching her chest as she howled and sobbed-Frank had really thoroughly humiliated her here!

    All she wanted was to bring Helen along to show off a little, even try to make things work with Frank... only for things to turn out like this! "Mom!"

    Helen could not stay with Frank just then and promptly ran over, squeezing Gina''s hand and rubbing her chest to calm her down.

 Chapter 1567

    Gina''s reaction actually left Frank feeling guilty.

    He threw up his hands and tried to exin. "That''s not it. I¡ª"

    Before he could finish, however, a middle-aged man came running to Jackie''s headless corpse, dropping to his knees in front of it before clinging to it and bawling.

    In fact, he cried so loudly that even Gina was left distracted. "Eh?"

    Still, she froze when she abruptly saw the ring that the headless corpse was wearing was exactly the ring that Hardy Xinder''s son was wearing. "Hardy..."

    Wiping her tears, Gina stared in disbelief at Hardy as he continued to howl and cling to the corpse as she realized who the corpse was. "I''ll kill you, Gina Zonda!"

    Hardy wheeled on her right then and screamed maniacally, "Jackie''s my only son, but your son-inw killed him! What did he even do..."

    His hysterics left the wedding guests heartbroken too-nothing was more tragic than a father having to bury his son.

    "Frank!"

    Seeing that, even Helen had enough.

    Clenching her knuckles, she wheeled on Frank with reddened eyes as she snapped, "What happened here?! What did Mr. Xinder''s son do to you? He was very nice when I met him in the hall earlier, even having a sense of humor! So why did you have to kill him?!" Her outburst left Frank silent for a while, until he slowly looked up with a hint of misery in his eyes. "You don''t trust me, do you?"

    "I..."

    Helen''s mouth hung open.

    Yes, she trusted Frank, but how could he exin this mess?

    Jackie was alive and kicking just now, having a pleasant chat with her, and she actually had a good impression of the man.

    But now-in under half an hour at that-Frank had killed him and in such brutal fashion at that.

    How could Helen trust him, given what happened?N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Tugging on Frank''s sleeve, Helen

    asked as everyone watched, "I trust you, Frank, but could you tell us everything that happened here? What did Jackie do that forced you to kill him?"

    Frank sighed in turn before nodding and

    saving quietly, "I was just s d eating, waiting for sitti

    suit to be delivered..."

    new

    The wedding guests all scowled in disdain at the mention of Frank''s suit, but he continued anyway, pointing at Jackie and said, "And then he came out of nowhere, asked who was, and sshed a ss of water in my face."

    "Bullshit!" Hardy howled through his tears. "My son was always polite. He''d never do something like that!"

    Ilsa quickly seized the moment to throw shade at Gina. "Hehehe... Your son-inw really can''t stand for any slight!"

    Beside her, Ilsa''s son Theo Whiteson snorted. "Such a petty man. Honestly, what does Ms. Lane see in him?" "Frank, isn''t that a little too much...?"

    Even Helen was frowning after Frank''s story, feeling disappointed at him for overreacting over something so frivolous

 Chapter 1568

    Gina''s face turned pale at the crowd''s contempt, and she wobbled like she could pass out in an instant.

    Meanwhile, her old ssmates were still pestering her.

    "Gina, word of advice since we go way back-does your daughter really have trouble finding a better man, being as rich and sessful as she is?" "But she had to pick him. Goodness..."

    "Old ssmates? Stop it already. Rub her son-inw the wrong way once and you''re dead."

    "Sheesh, that''s just brutal."

    "Yeah. Let''s not keep in touch, Gina-never, ever."

    "Exactly. You stay in yourne from now on, Gina. We''re afraid of you now."

    Ilsa quickly added fuel to the fire as well. "Oh, Gina... I know we have our disagreements, but Theo''s my only son. I''d rather not have you send your son-inw after him."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Beside her, Theo chuckled coolly. "Well, I wouldn''t mind letting him take a shot if he thinks he can do it."

    Their endless mockery left Gina cking out and copsing right then.

    "Mom!" Helen hurried to her, resuscitating her.

    As Gina stirred, she slowly wobbled toward Frank with Helen''s assistance and dropped to her knees in front of him.

    She was ready to kowtow to Frank, but Helen quickly stopped her, crying, "What are you doing, Mom?! There are people watching!"

    However, Gina squeezed her hand and pleaded, "Just listen to me, okay? Give up on him already, please?"

    "I..." Helen did not know what to say, caught in a dilemma just then.

    "Enough!"

    Frank suddenly bellowed coldly as everyone looked on just then. "I''m not a sadistic, bloodthirsty killing machine who would murder someone just because he threw a ss of water at my face!"

    Pointing at Jackie''s corpse, he

    continued furiously, "He was threatening me to dump Helen, spouting bullshit like she was his target! held back against him and warned him not to harass me, but what did he do? He called in his gangster friends, vowing to kill me right then!"

    As the crowd turned silent, Frank looked around and took a moment to breathe, chuckling bitterly, "I never fought back, because it''s in bad taste to spill blood on

    day

    a wedde

    know that much! Or at least,

    that''s what I thought, but he and his me and were

    friends kept pestering and his

    insistent on getting violent.

    "I kept putting up with it-there were even two security guards who tried to talk them out of it, only to get beaten up. So you''re saying I should just stand there and let them kill me?!"

    Just as Frank finished, Hardy fired

    back despite his tears, "You''re lying! Everything you said is nder, and an excuse you''re giving for murdering my son! And there''s no way my son can defend himself now that he''s dead... Moreover, my son was always so kind and virtuous! How could he call up gangster friends?! You''re lying through your teeth!"

 Chapter 1569

    "Kind, virtuous?"

    Frank almostughed from sheer frustration-someone like Jackie, the manager of seedy joints, was kind and virtuous?!

    "It doesn''t matter! Jackie was killed, and that''s a fact!"

    A middle-aged woman strode up just then, choking with tears as she snapped, "He was such a good boy, but he''s now dead because of that heinous prick!" "Exactly! Jackie''s always been our little angel. How could he have attempted murder? It must be nder!"

    "We can''t believe him at all. And wasn''t he the one who wore a knockoff suit?"

    "Exactly. You can''t trust a word he says!"

    "Come to think of it, Lanecorp''s probably nothing good. Helen Lane must be despicable just like him, which exins why they''re a couple."

    "Hah! I already knew that their entire family is a nest of vipers."

    With the other women who knew Jackie jumping in to defend his honor, sentiment quickly turned one-sided.

    Frank certainly would not sit by and watch them nder Helen, but before he could speak up, the crowd flinched dramatically as soon as he moved.

    "Look! What''s he doing now!"

    "Don''t tell me that he''s going to start killing us now that we''ve exposed him?!"

    "I knew it! Like we said you can see right away that he''s nothing good!"

    Frank was left frustrated right then, as he could neither speak up nor stay silent.

    Even Helen-who was helping her mother to her feet-was left wondering if Frank was really trying to humiliate Gina after everything that had happened today, despite believing that Frank was not lying.

    That was when Timothy rke, a rotund white-haired old man, limped toward the crowd, nked by arge group of security guards.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    He was the current head of the rke family, and by his side was Harley Fuch, his wife and Gina''s old ssmate.

    "Dad, it''s-"

    Before the white-suited bridegroom

    Eddie rke could speak, Timothy held up a hand, stopping him. "I heard everything. Someone''s

    causing havoc at this wedding

    there''s even been a murder. Am I correct?"

    "Yeah..." Eddie nodded.

    "Hmph!"

    ve

    Timothy thumped his cane on the ground, wheeling on Frank and growling coolly, "It''s taboo to spill blood on a man''s wedding day, but there''s also this tradition to drain all the killer''s blood to purify the asion. As the murderer dies in anguish, the wedding would be blessed with prosperity."

    Turning away, he bellowed, "Guards! Seize that murderer and drain his blood. It shall purify my son''s wedding!" "Yes, sir!"

    The security guards promptly rushed forward to subdue Frank, who merely stared fixedly at Timothy without resisting.

    Meanwhile, even Harley Fuch was turning against Gina, ring at her in disappointment. "I invited you to my son''s wedding since we''re former ssmates, but you had to bring a jinx... Let''s just stay away from each other from now on. Thank goodness your daughter rejected my son back then, or he''d be dead instead."

    Gina almost choked as she watched her ssmates all leaving her out in the cold. "This isn''t my fault, Harley. It''s Frank himself who..."

    "Haha! Your son-inw is such a treat!" Ilsaughed just then. "He''s really stealing the spotlight, getting a cheap knock-off suit and then killing Hardy''s son. Tut, tut..."

 Chapter 1570

    "Haha! Your son-inw is such a treat!" Ilsaughed just then. "He''s really stealing the spotlight, getting a cheap knock-off suit and then killing Hardy''s son. Tut, tut..." Before she could continue, however, a violent gust of wind kicked in from overhead, knocking manydies and furniture over.

    "What the hell?!"

    Everyone looked up to find a dark object slowly descending from the skies, and many soon saw what it was.

    "A helicopter? What''s it doing here?" a woman with a child in her arms cried out, pointing at the letters on the side of the helicopter and reading them. "Trevor... International?!" "Trevor International? That chopper belongs to Trevor Zurich?"

    Most of the wedding guests were knowledgeable and naturally knew Trevor International.

    After all, a vast business empire that stretched across the globe suddenly ceasing operations abroad to focus locally would certainly make headlines.

    It was no different from shooting oneself in the foot as a handicap in sports, and many other business folks believed that it was no different from giving up entirely.

    Still, it begged the question-what was Trevor International doing here? Were they the rke family''s partners?

    Many turned toward Timothy and his family, hoping for answers, only to see that they were just as confused as they were.

    After all, Trevor International was still a big deal, and the rkes were not important enough to be their partners.

    But if Trevor International was not here for the rkes, who did theye for?

    Still, just as the wedding guests continued their aimless spection, the helicopter doors opened.

    Then, a screaming woman tied up in a body bag was lowered to the center of the crowd, and the helicopter sped off after touching down.

    It left the wedding guests further

    confused what was Trevor

    International ying at? Did they goOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    through all that trouble just to

    transport one person to this ce?

    And it was clear that they were not being friendly to the woman. After all, she clearly looked like a captive in every way, with only her panicked face poking out of the body bag.

    Ilsa, who was smirking and watching in amusement earlier, could no longer smile when she saw the woman''s face.

    Her eyes widened in disbelief right then, and she eximed, "A-Ashley? What''s going on here? Why is my daughter..."

    She looked up at the departing helicopter in confusion-should her daughter Ashley not be working in the family luxury boutique at Zamri? Why was she taken here?

    In fact, it was only Frank who was not surprised to see Ashely Whiteson brought here in such fashion, since he was the one who gave the order.

    He freed himself from the security guards'' restraint effortlessly and walked toward Ashley as everyone looked on in confusion.

    Dropping to a crouch, Frank smiled at Ashley, "Greetings. Remember me?"

    Seeing that Frank was getting too close to her daughter, Ilsa regained her senses despite her shock and confusion, shrieking maniacally, "W-What are you doing to my daughter?!" en FindNovel

 Chapter 1571

    "Stop!"

    Frank wheeled on Ilsa with a sharp re, leaving Ilsa pale in fear.

    He was clearly ready to hurt her daughter Ashley!N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    As such, she wheeled on Gina and snarled, "Look, Gina! Your son-inw is hurting my daughter... I-I''ll kill you!"

    However, Gina was utterly confused too.

    What the devil was Frank up to?! Was he so bent on turning her old ssmates against her?!

    "Frank!"

    Feeling butterflies in her stomach, Helen was shooting Frank with looks to try to stop him as well.

    While Frank certainly would not ignore her, he merely gave her an assurring nod before turning back to Ashley, who was still kept tied up in that body bag.

    Pointing at his own face, he stared at Ashley''s face as he asked, "Do you remember? You sold me a suit yesterday."

    While Ashley appeared flustered, she slowly calmed down at Frank''s words. "A-A suit?"

    She stared nkly at Frank for a while before realization showed on her face, and she nodded repeatedly. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Mr. Lawrence, was it? I received you when you came to our boutique yesterday!"

    She paused and looked around, not noticing her own mother in the crowd and only seeing unfamiliar faces in the confusion of her abduction.

    As such, she pinned all her hopes on Frank, the only person with whom he had any interaction. "I don''t know what happened, Mr. Lawrence, but someone suddenly knocked me out and brought me here! Please, you have to help me!" "Shush. Calm down."

    Frank put a finger on his lips as everyone watched, and Ashley calmed down again, seeing that he was being agreeable.

    Ilsa calmed down as well, since it seemed that Frank did not look like he would hurt Ashley and just wanted to talk.

    That was when Frank smiled and asked, "So, how much did I pay you for that suit you sold me?"

    "The suit?"

    Ashley did a double take, and her expression became visibly ufortable.

    She quickly turned away while forcing a smile. "Can''t that wait, Mr. Lawrence? We can talk after you free me..." "No can do."

    Frank smiled, shaking his head as his eyes shed hostilely-only. Ashley could see that since Frank

    had his back to the crowd t

    belongs to en.FindNovel

    "I hope you will show honesty and respect when you answer my questions," Frank continued, "and then I''ll free you."

    Ashley''s heart skipped a beat Frank''s words, and she finally realized what was happening.

    It was Frank who ordered her to be

    taken here against her will in a

    , and no average Joaret

    be capable of that!  FindNovel

    Even as he blinked, she obviously realized that her deceit had been exposed.

    "So? Are you going to be honest now?" Frank growled just then.

    It left Ashley flustered even as she looked around.

    She knew her suits, and judging by the suits that most of the guests were wearing, they were all pretty important people.

    It left her in a dilemma.

    If she admitted to what she did, she would

    We admitting to swindling

    Frank, and her family''s boutique

    I suffer as a result.

    On the other hand...

 Chapter 1572

    On the other hand, if Ashley decided to lie, she would have to suffer Frank''s wrath.

    And that meant...

    Ashely flinched even as she saw the headless corpse in the distance talk about a terrifying precedent!

    She threw all caution into the wind right then. The family business was important, but not as important as her life!

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lawrence!" she yelled as the crowd looked on. "I brought you the wrong suit-"

    "Hmm? The wrong suit, you say?" Frank''s eyes turned cool. "I told you to be honest, didn''t I?"

    Ashley flinched from Frank''s looming presence and quickly corrected herself. "No, no, no... It was all me... I wanted to make a quick buck, so I brought you a cheap knock-off suit! It''s all on me, and I regret my actions!" With that, she started begging panickedly, "I was blind and ignorant! Please, just let me go I''ll return your money!"

    Frank was relieved to hear that, and stood up, looking down at Ashley as he asked, "And how much did I pay you?"

    "O-One million! That''s how much you paid me... I''ll wire it back to you right now! I''m so sorry, I deserve this..."

    With that, Ashley burst into tears, leaving the crowd silent-especially Ilsa, who stood just outside the circle around Frank and his daughter.

    She was staring nkly at Ashley, as it turned out the knockoff suit she mocked Frank for was sold by her own daughter.

    Earlier, she was flustered, worried that Frank was going to kill her daughter, ready to rush up to fight Frank even if it meant dying.

    Now, however, she was only profoundly worried that the crowd would realize that Ashley was her daughter.

    After all, they were all there when Ilsa mocked Frank so harshly.

    And now, her daughter was exposed for being the one who sold Frank that knock-off suit, which he only found out because Ilsa herself had openly exposed Frank.

    Everyone would beughing if word of this got out, and it was toote for Ilsa to run away now.

    On the other hand, Gina was now at once lively.

    She was scowling earlier, worried because she thought for a moment that Frank was going to hurt Ilsa''s daughter. Now, she had certainly connected the dots!

    After all, Frank had brought Ashley here in dramatic fashion to clear his name for Gina''s benefit and to prove that he did not buy a knock-off suit just to embarrass Gina.

    In fact, not only was he conned, but the culprit was Ilsa''s daughter!

    And to add insult to injury, it almost looked like Ilsa was conspiring with

    her der to stage this entire

    incident just to disparage Gina and Frank!

    It was certainly not in Gina''s nature to let something like that slide.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Springing to her feet right then, she seized Ilsa by the wrist, firmly pulling her through the crowd and shoving her to stand beside her daughter. "Mom?!"

    Ashley was delighted to see Ilsa even though she was still caught in the body bag. "Mom! Help me, quick!" "What..."

    Ilsa was utterly embarrassed, ncing between her daughter and Frank, with thetter looking at her in amusement.

    "So she''s your daughter too?" He chuckled. "Is that what your boutique does? Swindling customers for profit?"

 Chapter 1573

    Ilsa could not say a word despite Frank''s gleeful reaction and bit her lip as she red at her daughter Ashley, who was still left on the floor. She was utterly humiliated now and had no way to argue her case.

    "W-What''s going on here?"

    Ashley was bewildered seeing the awkward look on her mother''s face, even though she could not quite understand what was happening. "Hehe..."

    Gina strode over just then, patting Ashely''s head before sneering at Ilsa. "The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree! Dear girl, so you''re the one who sold that knockoff suit to my son-inw, and now your mother''s being exposed!"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Tut, tut... and your mother was even using that to mock us, calling my son-inw a fraud who could only afford a cheap knock-off suit. Oh! You and your mother are just so amusing."

    At that point, even Ashley understood in the end, Frank never realized that the suit was a knock-off until Ashley''s own mother made a show of it.

    A million dors was lost just like that!

    Though troubled, Ashley was certainly ready to me her mother but could not say it out loud as so many watched.

    All she could do was quietly bite the bullet, closing her eyes in pain.

    Ilsa certainly shared her pain-she had just wanted to mock Frank for being too poor to afford an expensive suit, but it turned out that it was her own daughter who pulled the con. Talk about shooting herself in the foot! Not only did she fail to get anything out of this, but she was now the subject of scorn.

    As she looked around, she saw many of the wedding guests pointing at them andughing.

    It was clear that her reputation was in tatters now.

    However, even as she started to despair, her son Theo strode out.

    "Lies!" he eximed, pointing and snapping at Frank. "I have no idea what''s the connection between you and Trevor International, but you must answer for your crimes! Not only did you kidnap my sister from Zamri, but you''re coercing her into lying for you!"

    With a single outburst, he switched defense to attack as he used Frank of staging the kidnapping and forcing his sister into testifying against her own family. Talk about devious!

    "What?!"

    Theo''s barefaced lie left Frank

    stunned, and he raised a brow as he said quietly, "You''re supposed to be a professor with two doctorates. Do I need to go through such lengths to insult you? Why don''t you use your brains for once?"

    "Hah! No, you wouldn''t!"

    Ilsa came to her senses as well and quickly built on his son''s

    usations by pointing at Gina. "It was definitely your despicable mother-inw! It has to be her! Your entire family is a bunch of devious snakes!"

    "What?! I''m despicable?!" Gina was left bristling. "Look who''s talking, Ilsa!"

    However, Frank had a foreboding feeling as he looked around.

    The crowd was staring at him and Gina suspiciously, as they were opinionated against him for killing Jackie Xinder.

    And with Theo misleading them, they were now ming him for everything.

    Hence, he quickly picked up Ashley and asked as everyone watched, "Have I ever coerced you?"

    "I... I..." Ashley was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 1574

    "... ..."

    Ashley was at a loss for words as her brother and mother kept shooting her looks. She eventually closed her eyes and decided to lie. "Yes! The people who kidnapped me coerced me and told me to stick to the script..." "What?!"

    Frank was incensed-how brazen could Ashley get?! To think she and her entire family could spout such bare-faced lies!

    "See?!"

    Theo promptly leapt up, yelling, "My sister was innocent! It''s all Frank Lawrence''s doing! He was conspiring with Gina, who wanted to nder our family and our business because of her long-standing feud with my mother!" "nder?!"

    Many wedding guests nodded in understanding when they heard the word that certainly made sense.

    "What..."

    At the same time, Gina finally understood how one could never win against the mob.

    Even as she turned to shoot a pleading look at her daughter, Helen was already being targeted too.

    "Tut, tut... I guess Lanecorp must be behind this! They intend to harass the Whitesons'' business and tarnish their reputation..." "Despicable!"

    "Yeah. Helen Lane may be a beauty on the outside, but she''s venomous on the inside. Never judge a book by its appearance!" "Let''s just stay away from Lanecorp from now on!"

    "Yeah, exactly..."

    Helen was left flustered by the buzzing crowd.

    She was not worried about her personal reputation, because she prioritized Lanecorp''s reputation over it.

    But given this situation, Lanecorp would suffer a blow to its reputation.

    And like any otherpany and organization, reputation matters most. Not only would losing it reduce thepany''s growth

    potential, it would lose the partners they needed for any form of development.

    Worst of all, closure was inevitable in the absence of partners.

    On the other hand, Frank''s rage red inwardly as he saw the crowd once again turning their scorn on Helen and the helpless look on her face.

    He glowered as he took one step forward, which left Ashley flinching and struggling to get away from him.

    Theo promptly seized the

    opportunity to add insult to injury "Watch out! He''s upset now that I''ve exposed him-he would start getting violent at any moment!"

    The wedding guests all took a step back at his warning, staring at Frank warily.

    In the distance, Timothy bellowed, "Don''t panic, everyone! That prick won''t get what he wants as long as I''m here! No one gets to spill blood under my watch!"

    At his order, over a dozen security guards surrounded Frank!

    "Hehehe..."

    Seeing that, Ilsa-who was just terrified a moment ago-turned toward her son with a look of pride.

    She really owed her son here. Thanks to his silver tongue, he managed to turn the tables in an instant!

    Their eyes met, and they shared a smug smile right then-there was no chance for Gina and her family to turn things around now!

    And just as Isa expected, Eddie wasOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    glowering as he barked at his

    family''s security guards, "Go! Throw Gina Zonda, Helen Lane, and

    everyone rted to them outof my wedding!" en FindNovel

 Chapter 1575

    "Yes, sir!"

    Just as the security guards strode up, ready to get violent against Helen, Gina, and Frank, thetter suddenlyughed out loud, leaving everyone present stunned. "Why is heughing? Could he have snapped from the pressure?"

    "Hmph! The way I see it, he was crazy in the first ce, but he''s exposed now."

    "Poor Helen. She has the looks, but she ended up with a nutjob!"

    "Hey, watch it. Don''t just judge a book by its cover-Helen''s more venomous than she looks!"

    "True. Urgh, why can''t beautiful women be more down-to-earth?"

    The wedding guests''ments never stopped Frank fromughing, however, and Timothy finally realized that something was wrong.

    ring furiously at Frank, he thumped his cane on the floor and barked, "What are youughing at, brat?!"

    "Who, me?"

    Frank finally stoppedughing as he slowly looked up at Timothy and everyone else and grinned. "I''m justughing at myself." "Laughing at yourself?"

    While everyone else was dumbstruck, Theo started pping. "Well done! You''ve finally realized that you''re a clown, huh?"

    Ilsaughed coolly beside him. "Hmph. More like Gina''s whole family are clowns."

    Gina was seething as she listened to all the mockery but was unable to argue.

    She turned toward her daughter, only to find Helen looking worriedly at Frank and asking, "Are you alright, Frank?"

    Frank waved her off to gesture that he was fine. "I just remembered something funny, Helen. I was being stupid why should I try so hard to prove that I was telling the truth?"

    "Eh?" Helen was left stupefied but soon had a foreboding feeling. "Frank, are you going to¡ª"

    Frank waved her off dismissively, chuckling. "Don''t worry, Helen. I have no intention of getting violent."

    To further reassure her, Frank whipped out his phone and dialed a number.

    Turning to Ashley, who was still restrained and left on the floor, he asked, "You said your boutique is a subsidiary of Pearce Group, right? And the owner is Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast?"

    Ashley was confused but nodded nkly.

    "Well, that makes things simple."

    Frank smiled faintly. "Since you''re et

    basically working for Gene''s

    Your lies."

    Frank''s call was soon answered, and Gene spoke from the other end. "Frank, my brother! What''s up?"

    "Oh, nothing much, Gene..." Frank chuckled.

    "Gene...?"

    Everyone around him was stunned-did Frank just call Gene Pearce?!Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Impossible! Some average Joe calling on a big-shot like Gene on a whim?

    "Pfft..."

    Just as everyone was left stunned and unsure what to say, Theo stepped forward again.

 Chapter 1576

    Theo folded his arms before his chest and shot Frank a look of disdain. "I know you''re doing your best to keep up appearances, but now you''re just insulting our intelligence."

    Noticing that the wedding guests were all looking at him just then, he continued confidently, "Everyone, why don''t you consider who Gene Pearce is? He''s the richest man on the east coast! And hispany, Pearce Group, has countless smaller businesses and enterprises under its name!

    "Even my father''s high-end boutique and Pearson Group where I work is basically owned by Gene Pearce! Considering how important he is, would he be reachable by a simple phone call?! Do you think we''re as stupid as you are, brat?!"

    Nheless, Frank had turned on the speaker on his phone, allowing Gene to hear everything Theo had just said.

    "Frank, who''s that talking over there?" he asked, his tone at once sinister.

    "Hehe. Just some blind fool-"

    Before Frank could finish, Theo smirked at him and strode over, snatching his phone off his hands as he snapped over the phone, "Hey, so you''re Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast?" Theo''s blunt question left Gene annoyed. "I am. Who are you?"

    "Tut, tut... So you''re really keeping this up?"

    The contempt on Theo''s face became even more clear as Gene said yes, and he shrugged dramatically at the wedding guests around him, leaving most of them hiding a smile.

    After all, they were all positive that Gene was too important to be reached by a simple phone call.

    Even Ilsa was leveling Gina a mocking smile. "Oh, Gina... Your son-inw is the real deal! How scary, reaching Gene Pearce with just a phone call!"

    Gina pursed her lips in silence, but her clenched knuckles were a clear sign of how she felt.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    What was Frank doing?! Had he not embarrassed her enough?!

    However, while Gina had no idea that it was the real Gene on the phone, Helen did.

    Seeing that Theo was being really rude toward Gene, she quickly reasoned, "Mr. Whiteson, you really should stop, because it''s¡ª" "Tut, tut..."

    Theo grinned and pointed at Helen as heughed, shaking his head. "Just look at this, everyone! What an amazing couple act, getting into character so tacitly! You really disappoint me, Helen Lane-l thought you were smart and sessful, only for you to y along with this prick''s crude acting. How embarrassing."

    While Theo''s mocking drew another chorus ofughter from the crowd, Gene snapped furiously over Frank''sphone again.

    "Who am I?"

    Theo leered at Frank with a provoking smile. "I am Theo Whiteson, deputy CEO of Pearson Group! If you really are Gene Pearce, you''d remember my father Monrad Whiteson... Oh, wait, you wouldn''t because you''re just impersonating the man!"

    "Ahahaha... If you''re Gene Pearce, then I''m Gene Pearce''s daddy!"

    Despite the crowd''sughter of utter contempt, Frank watched as Theo continued his clownlike antics and suddenly started pping.

    And there was no other emotion other than joy in hisugh. "Congrattions, Mr. Whiteson."

    On the other hand, Theo nced at the phone for a moment before throwing it back to Frank, smirking in contempt.

    "Congrattions? For what? Wait, don''t tell me for exposing your lies?"

 Chapter 1577

    ?

    Theo snorted. "Oh, please. Anyone with a working brain can see through your stupid act already. There''s no need to congratte me."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Frank, however, simply kept smiling. "No, I''m congratting you for something else entirely."

    "Something else?"

    Even before Theo could understand what Frank was talking about, his mother''s phone started ringing.

    While Ilsa was still sneering in contempt as she picked up, her face turned pale in an instant.

    Her cheeks were drained of all color as if she had just fallen from heaven to hell, while her phone slipped from her fingers and dropped on the floor with a thud.

    And over the phone, a man was roaring furiously, "You bitch! I''ll kill you! I''ll kill everyst one of you!!!"

    The people around could more or less hear him, even though Ilsa never turned on her phone''s speaker.

    "What?"

    It was not just those around Ilsa either-Gina, Theo and everyone else could see Ilsa''s nk expression.

    Only Frank was smiling and shaking his head. "Huh. That''s quicker than I thought... I guess he''s really furious this time."

    Theo looked at him in confusion when his phone started ringing too.

    The screen showed that it was a call from his father Monrad Whiteson, so he answered, "Hello?"

    "You bastard!" Monrad was screaming at once. "What the hell did you say to Mr. Gene Pearce?! He''s threatening to kill us all! It''s you and your mother''s fault, isn''t it?! Stop involving me in your problems!"

    "What?!"

    While Theo was stunned that his own father was howling at him in rage and despair, Frank kindly turned on the speakers for Theo so that everyone could hear Monrad.

    "I''m warning you, Theo!" Monrad was still ranting just then. "I don''t care who you upset or how you insulted Mr. Pearce-you will call Mr. Pearce right now and beg for mercy on your knees!"

    "Fucking het... You just killed your own family, do you understand?! was nning on living a couple of years more, so why the fuck would you insult Mr. Pearce out of the blue?!"

    The mansion courtyard was at once silent as Monrad kept yelling over the phone in rage and fear.

    "H-How...?"

    Even Timothy rke and his family had presumed that Frank''s call was just an act, and their minds were thus blown from Monrad''s call. "That phone call... It''s real..."

    Eddie rke, the bridegroom, gulped as he stared at Frank in disbelief.

    "It really is Gene Pearce..."

    Timothy was ashen-faced too,

    feeling his blood rushing up his brain while the world started to spin

    around him. "If he can call Gene directly... Then he must be Gene''s equal, and that means..."

    Timothy''s breathing turned rushed even as he remembered everything that happened and started to shake uncontrobly. "Hehe... Calm down, Mr. Whiteson."

    Frank was the only one who was still smiling, and he even walked over to p Theo on the shoulder.

 Chapter 1578

    ?

    Frank winked at Theo even as he chuckled, "Actually, I called your father without you noticing earlier and threatened him into putting up an act with me. So, were you shocked or surprised?"

    Theo could die right then, finally realizing why Frank wasughing the whole time, even pping and congratting him.

    After all, he was congratting him for sending his whole family to their deaths!

    Judging from Gene''s outburst earlier, he was not sparing a single person in his family.

    "Ah..."

    In the distance, Ilsa was the first to copse on the floor, unconscious.

    Seeing that, Theo quickly rushed over to resuscitate her and help her up.

    Even as she stirred, she realized in shock that everything that happened to Gina was now happening to her-albeit a lot worse.

    While they were not really working directly for Pearce Group, their family worked for one of their subsidiaries. As such, they would pay for their rudeness toward Gene just now.

    "Oh, Theo... My son! It''s all over for us!" Ilsa howled and bawled after she came to her senses.

    It was only that she realized that Frank was way above them and never name-dropped his connections to argue with them because he felt pity for them.

    However, they insisted on ndering and distorting the truth, leaving Frank no choice but to show his hand.

    No, it would not be this bad if he only

    showed his hand-Theo had to mock Frank, iming that his phone call to Gene was just an act and driving them past the point of no return.

    "No... No, Mom! It''s not over yet!"

    Theo''s face was white as a sheet, but he rushed to Frank, dropping to his knees and begging, "Please, ME Lawrence! Could you please forgive me?! Just let me live, and I will serve you willingly! My parents have some savings, too...

    "Oh, right! It''s my sister who swindled you into buying that knock-off suit! You don''t have to hold back with her! And my mother... She and Madam Zonda have been at it for years, and she was the one who goaded me into stepping up against you! Please, Mr. Lawrence! Just let me live... I''ll do anything!"

    Around them, the guests all looked away-the unseemly manner in which Theo begged for his life was too much for them.

    The smug returnee with double PhDs and a bright future ahead of him was now a spineless worm, crawling at Frank''s feet and begging for mercy, even abandoning his sister and mother.

    He was certainly the embodiment of humankind''s wickedness-even Helen looked away in anger.

    "How despicable..." Frank breathed as he watched Theo prostrate himself at his feet, a look that left him with indescribable disgust.

    "Yes, yes, yes... I''m despicable, I really am..."

    Theo remained unfettered, shing a fawning smile and continued to beg Frank just to stay alive.

    As everyone was left shocked by Frank''s connections and Theo''s despicable behavior, a cool voice spoke from the wedding hall.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "What''s going on here? What''s everyone doing out here? The wedding hasn''t even started."

    A young man with a cold visage strode out just then, and it was none other than Jaden Favoni, who had gotten impatient from waiting in the VIP

    room.

 Chapter 1579

    ?

    "Mr. Favoni!"

    Timothy rke quickly went to greet Jaden when he stepped out, bowing his head respectfully. "Apologies, but there''s been a little incident out here ¡ªbut don''t worry, we''ll settle it soon enough..."

    However, Jadenpletely ignored Timothy and headed straight toward Frank, who stood in the center of the crowd.

    He nced at the prostrate Theo in confusion for a moment before bowing his head at Frank. "Master Lawrence, Ste and Chelly just called-they will soon return with your new suit."

    "Huh? So soon?" Frank eximed in surprise.

    "Hehe. Of course, sir¡ªwe naturally have to do our best since your reputation is on the line."

    The guests were all left petrified by that exchange between Frank and Jaden-the rkes were especially gaping on the spot.

    "Master... Lawrence? Mr. Favoni, this man¡ª"

    "Hmph!"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Jaden snorted coldly despite Timothy''s respectful attitude and growled hostilely, "I''ve just heard that your son was ready to throw out my mentor, saying that he has no right being here or something?"

    "What?!"

    Timothy was sweating buckets down his face at Jaden''s outburst, almost suffering a heart attack right then.

    Who on earth was Frank?!

    Not only was he chummy with Gene Pearce, the richest man on the east coast, but he was also Jaden Favoni''s mentor?

    Timothy quickly turned toward his son Eddie, who had no choice but to strode up, bowing at Frank in apology. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. I hope you

    can understand that I was tricked by some mook because of that misunderstanding about your suit and almost threw you out..."

    Even as he spoke, Eddie was trembling all over, his brow''s sweat trickling and dropping to the ground.

    "As long as we have that cleared up." Frank simply shrugged.

    Eddie sighed in relief, actually surprised that Frank was so magnanimous that he did not press the issue.

    "However..."

    Frank suddenly continued, and the rke''s felt their hearts leaping up their throats as he smiled. "You''re not going to need my blood to purify the wedding ceremony now,@ight?"

    Timothy could only smile miserably as he threw up his hands. "Oh, you''re such a tease, Mr. Lawrence! I was

    just saying that as a joke... We don''t have such a tradition!"

    "Good," Frank replied, just as a procession of Favoni cars drove into the mansion.

    Ste and Chelly Favoni quickly alighted with an expensive suit and helped Frank get changed as everyone watched.

    He certainly looked like a different man with that suit-where everyone was giving him the stink eye, thedies were now staring at him with starry eyes.

    Seeing that everyone including

    Timothy were busy bowing their

    heads as if awaiting his instructions, Frank could not help chuckling. "Come on. Is the wedding canceled or something?"

    "What? Right... Of course!"

    Timothy came to his senses and promptly ushered Frank into the wedding hall.

    "Please, Mr. Lawrence... Spare my life..."

    Behind Frank, Theo was still begging endlessly, but no one seemed to care.

    By the time Frank and everyone else were inside the wedding hall, only Theo, Ilsa, and Ashley were kept outside by the security guards. "Theo... Urgh."

    Ilsa certainly had nothing to say and sat feebly on the ground in utter disappointment.

    She simply could not understand!

 Chapter 1580

    ?

    Helen was as beautiful as she was sessful, but Gina had no right to a son-inw with such horrific connections!

    Even so, the whole thing started because Ilsa''s greedy daughter Ashley wanted Frank''s million dors for herself and sold him a cheap knock-off suit.

    In fact, the only one innocent person in their family was Monrad, throwing a hissy fit even as the rest of them dragged him into their mess. Ashley, who was untied, was left staring nkly as she sat beside Ilsa, murmuring to herself repeatedly, "I should''ve been honest and respectful to Mr. Lawrence... This wouldn''t happen to us otherwise... I should''ve been honest and respectful to Mr. Lawrence..."

    "Shut up!"

    Theo almost snapped at his sister''s chanting, springing to his feet as he bellowed, "I knew it! You''re just going to me me but who could have known that he was really a wolf in sheep''s skin?! Why can''t he just tell us directly that he''s such a big deal?! He did it on purpose, just so that we''d look like clowns..."

    Even as Theo buried his face in his palms and bawled hysterically, Ashley turned stiffly toward him, her lips pursing miserably, "Do you think it''s possible that he didn''t want to resort to name-dropping to bully us? That he really just wanted to be reasonable?"

    Ilsa flinched at those words as she came to a realization too.

    Frank had been persistently trying to be reasonable, but what did they do?

    They persistently distorted the facts and forced Frank to call upon his connections, to fight fire with fire.

    If they had just given in earlier and admitted to their mistake, they at least would not have provoked Gene, even if that meant suffering a blow to their reputation.

    In hindsight, they had really brought this down upon themselves...

    But even as despair overwhelmed them, a ck Lincoln arrived at the mansion.

    Over a dozen bodyguards in ck suits and shades soon alighted.

    "Take him," the bodyguard leader said quietly, after taking out a photo from his pocket and confirming Theo''s face.

    "No... wait! Where are you taking me?!"

    Theo started to struggle violently and even turned to run. "No... I''m not going out like this!!!"

    Bang!Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    However, he had barely made a few feet when one of the bodyguards whipped out his handgun and shot him in the leg. "Argh!!!"

    Theo screamed in pain as he copsed on the ground, after which the bodyguards carried him away.

    "Wait, what...?" I and Ashley were

    staring as everything unfolded in surprise, confused because the bodyguards only took Theo and not

    them.

    "Mr. Lawrence was very clear. He will spare your lives out of respect for Madam Zonda," the bodyguard leader said as he put away his handgun and pointed at Ashley "As for you... you''d better return Mr. Lawrence''s money soon or else!"

    And while that, the ck Lincoln sped off, taking Theo''s screams with it.

    Ilsa Wa Diankly as her son was

    renken away, all her life draining

    out of her as she copsed on her rear.

    swno

    Beside her, Ashley was smiling miserably. "Mom, it seems that we''re really nothing to Mr. Lawrence..."

 Chapter 1581

    ?

    Eddie''s wedding was a sess, and everyone was happy despite the little mishaps that urred halfway.

    On top of that, Gina stole the limelight in this gathering of old ssmates, and it was naturally thanks to Frank. Many of her old ssmates were envious that she got herself such an amazing son-inw, but the praise only left Gina at once proud, guilty, and embarrassed.

    After all, it was understatement to say that she used to treat Frank terribly¡ªshe was basically hostile, which was why she appeared troubled whenever she nced at Frank while her old ssmates praised him.

    If anything, it was because he was so amazing that someone as short-sighted as Gina herself could not understand her own daughter''s choice. On the other hand, the worst loser in said wedding was undoubtedly Hardy Xinder.

    It was tragic to lose a son at his age, and worst of all, he had noeback when security brought up footage of his son Jackie Xinder''s altercation with Frank.

    Just as Frank had said, Jackie was the one who threw a ss of water at Frank''s face unprovoked before calling up his gangster friends to attack Frank.

    In the end, he could only leave, frustrated and seething.

    While Hardy was actually a good-for-nothing, he had hooked up with many rich women.

    As he was not about to let this grudge against Frank slide, he left the wedding halfway, going straight to a former me and asking her to do a background check on Frank.

    "Old-timer..."

    In the luxurious residence, the elderly woman shook her head exasperatedly at Hardy even as she sat on the couch. "Frank Lawrence is more than what you''d think. If you''re going against him, you have to be ready to make sacrifices."

    Opposite her, Hardy''s hair had turned gray, and his eyes were bloodshot.

    It had been three days since the wedding where his son died, but his rage never subsided.

    And with his son dead, Hardy had nothing to lose he would make Frank and Gina pay!

    "I have nothing now," he wheezed, "aside from the hundred million dors in assets and my son''s mansion. Those are all expendable as long as Frank Lawrence is made to pay."

    "Ugh..."

    The woman opposite him sighed lengthily, realizing that words were pointless now that Hardy had gone amok.

    Even if she refused him, he would keep squeezing all his other connections to find someone who would.

    Relenting, she rubbed her chin in

    thought. "Well, since even Jaden Favoni couldn''t beat him, going straight for his throat will prove difficult it''s more ideal to find targets near him and let him have a taste of losing those dearest to him... and ideally shifting the me on him, destroying his reputation."

    "How do we do that?" Hardy asked, his knuckles clenching.

    "I heard that while Helen Lane is currently in control of Lanecorp, things are not really amicable between her and her extended

    family. For example, Fleur LangThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Mark Lane''s second wife, has been unhappy with Helen''s group f for a while. And if we exploit that fact..."

    The woman narrowed her eyes as she told Hardy her n.

    His eyes lit up right then, and he eximed, "Very good. Let''s go with that!"

 Chapter 1582

    The next day, the board chairwoman''s office at Lanecorp received two nitpicking guests in the form of Jade Zahn and Luna Lane, both from Helen''s extended family from Laneville.

    They were touching and poking everything, repeatedlymenting Helen''s tragic excuse for an office. Not only was there only one tea table for guests while everything else was expressly for work, but there was also a noticeableck of antiques.

    Seated on the couch, Frank frowned at Jade and Luna as they continued to throw shade at everything. "That''s how Helen always keeps her office. She''s here to work, not to y. Did youe all the way to Zamri just to lecture her?"

    Luna pouted right then. "Tch. Who do you think you are? We''re just dropping by for a visit."

    Jade added coolly in turn, "A friend of mine is setting up a blind dare for Luna. A young entrepreneur working here in Zamri, I heard... that already makes him more reliable than some good-for-nothing living off a woman."

    Everyone could tell that Jade was naturally throwing shade at Frank, but he remained unaffected as he simply watched the women in turn.

    Helen had left them in his care since she had to leave on a business trip for a few days.

    Before she left, she told him to try his best not to upset them and to satisfy their demands where possible.

    That meant Frank was now their bodyguard sh chaperone.

    It was only natural that Frank suggested having someone else to do that instead. But Helen was worried and insisted that Frank do it, since she was concerned Jade and Luna would somehow cause trouble.

    Sighing, Frank asked Luna, "Alright, now that you''ve had your tour of Lanecorp Tower, why don''t you head over to meet your new boyfriend?" "What boyfriend?" Luna snapped, at once disgruntled. "I haven''t even met the guy. Who knows if I''d be interested?''

    "Luna."

    Jade showed a rare moment of disapproval toward her daughter. "He''s an entrepreneur with a reputation-he''s sessful in his own right even if he''s nothing to brag aboutpared to our family. You should only decide after you meet him."

    Frank smiled in turn. "Actually, it''s good to be prudent. After all, things didn''t work out for you before being too trusting isn''t necessarily good." "What''s that supposed to mean?!"

    Both Jade and Luna wheeled on Frank, ring at him viciously.

    However, it was a dark page in Luna''s history when it turned out that the boyfriend she met online was conning her all along.

    It took her ages to get over it, so while Frank appeared to be advising her to be prudent, it sounded to Luna like Frank was mocking her for it.

    On the other hand, Jade had the impression that Frank was mocking her connections.

    Seeing that both mother and

    e

    daughter were so unreasonable, Frank threw his hands up in surrender. "Alright, fine. I was out of line you can arrange your itinerary yourself."

    "Now that''s better."

    Seeing that Frank conceded, Luna smiled smugly, leaving him pursing his lips.

    These two were really nothing more than overgrown infants, were they?Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Still, remembering the troubled look

    Helen gave him before she left,

    e

    Frank sighed at the immense difficulty of his task. To him, dealing with Luna and Jade was really no

    different from going straightd.?

    Lionheart Estate to challenge Simon Lionheart himself.

    And it was just the first day-the worst had yet toe.

 Chapter 1583

    ?

    Frank raised his fingers to do the math-there were three days until Helen returned, but that also meant that he would y bodyguard for a pair of overgrown infants.

    And before Frank could say a word, Luna nted herself on Helen''s office armchair as if she was in her own house, tapping the desk while speaking to Frank with amanding tone, "Go on. Bring my blind date over here. We will meet right here."

    "Here?"

    Frank frowned. "This is an office. Surely a solemn ce like this isn''t somewhere you have a date? I can make reservations if you want to have it elsewhere..."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "No, I''m doing it right here."

    Luna snorted, folding her arms before her chest. "I''ll have here understand my family''s power and put him in his ce. It''d be toote for regrets if he gets stubbornter on."

    Frank could snap right then-did she think Lanecorp was hers?

    In fact, did Lanecorp''s present aplishments have anything to do with Luna''s immediate family?! Just months ago, it was literally rotten from the inside! If Helen never came and oversaw a grand reshuffling, the entirepany would have fallen apart by now!

    To make things worse, Jade was nodding approvingly at her daughter''s n. "Exactly. It''s a good idea to bring him here and domesticate him. He''ll tame up once he witnesses the greatness of a business dynasty."

    Frank found himselfcking the strength to muster a retort.

    Were they here for a blind date or to get a puppy?

    Also, putting the poor man in his ce did Jade even really see Luna for what she was? It was amazing if someone was even interested!

    And worse of all, they were even using Lanecorp Tower like they owned the ce... Did they consider themselves the greatest in the world, and that everyone must bow to them?

    Despite those thoughts, Frank was really not interested in arguing with those two and called the team leader of the security guards on duty today. "Chief."

    Surprisingly, it was Peter Lane, who looked sharp in his uniform.

    He was certainly a far cry from how he was just months ago, and Frank even heard that he settled down. with his new girlfriend and were discussing the prospect of marriage.

    Still, there was work to do, and he told Peter, "Bring some of the boys along with you. You''re receiving Luna''s blind date and bringing him here" "Luna''s blind date? Here?"

    Peter was dumbstruck too-what were Luna and Jade up to this time?

    Frank waved him off, not bothered to exin. "Don''t worry about it. Just go."

    Right now, his only wish was for Jade and Luna to leave Zamri as soon as they finished their business here.

    That way, he could enjoy his days idling before long.

    "Well... alright." Peter frowned but turned to leave.

    However, just as Peter stepped outside, Luna suddenly stretched her arms and said, "I''m bored. I want to go shopping."

    Frank actually snapped right then,

    ?

    and his tone was harsh as he asked, "Aren''t you going to meet your blind date here? And you''re leaving now? What the hell do you want?"

    Luna, however, was unbothered, even shooting Frank a look of disdain. "Who do you think I am? I am a direct heiress of

    I

    Lanecorp-who cares about the

    blind date? I''m giving him a chance to woo me, y''know?"

 Chapter 1584

    ?

    Frank eximed in disbelief, "Wait, you''re doing this on purpose?"

    "Exactly." Luna shrugged. "I''d rather not cheapen myself-he has to live by my rules if he wants to get into our family."

    While Frank actually felt sympathy for the blind date, Jade was pping in approval. "That''s our Luna for you! You''re exactly right-we have to whip him into shape so that he won''t cause trouble."

    Frank certainly had no interest in going after those two as he watched them leave.

    He simply could not stomach what those two considered normal and simply sent two of his security guards to escort them as they went shopping. And around half an hour after those two left, a youth who was dressed formally and quite good looking followed Peter into Helen''s office. Frank felt tired seeing him and wondered why he would agree to such an invitation but still exined, "If you''re looking for Luna Lane, she and her mother just left."

    "Just left?"

    The youth did a double take, though anyone in his ce would have been shocked.

    After all, inviting someone over and then ghosting them was something only Luna and her mother was capable of.

    Frank would not be surprised if the youth snapped and just turned and left, because he would definitely have done that in his ce.

    To Frank''s disbelief, however, the youth simply asked for a seat while he waited.

    "You''re not upset...?" Frank asked, taken aback.

    "Nope."

    The youth even smiled. "Luna is a direct heiress to the illustrious Lane family. It''s my honor to be her blind

    date Waiting for a while is read

    issue."

    "Shit..."

    BUContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    no

    Frank was left rubbing his brows-he had never met another man like this one, and he was actually at a loss.

    However, since he was not a member of the Lane family, he had no reason to tell the youth what to do.

    Calling up Peter and leaving him with such instructions, Frank then left Lanecorp Tower alone and returned to Cologne Court.

    Right now, he had more than enough on his te and did not want to meddle in that pair''s affair.

    And for some reason, Frank had this

    curious feeling that the boy and Luna Would definitely geler, so he really had no reason

    involved any further. Contem belongs to

    However, when it waste into the night and Frank was about to go to bed, Peter called him, crying urgently, "Frank! You need toe here right now. We''re in trouble!"

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat, and he promptly scrambled out of bed, getting dressed as he asked. "What trouble?"

    "Luna Lane... is dead!

    "What?!" Frank flinched at the news and moved even quicker, putting on anything within reach before racing to the car. "Where?!" "Grand Coast Hotel!" Peter reported right away.

    "Alright¡ªjust keep the scene under control, I''ll be right there. By the way, is there any chance of saving Luna?"

    "No... Her head was lobbed off," Peter said with a shaky voice, while Frank''s heart sank to rock-bottom.

 Chapter 1585

    ?

    By the time Frank reached the hotel, Jade was leaning against the hallway wall outside and squealing like a gutted pig. "Luna... My poor Luna... why did this happen to you...?"

    Themotion was drawing curious onlookers out of their rooms, so when Frank raced to the scene, he immediately told Peter and the others to lock down the scene while he entered the hotel room.

    "You! It was you!"

    That was when Jade, seeing Frank, leapt toward him maniacally, biting and scratching as she bawled, "It''s all your fault! My daughter died because of you, demon!"

    Frank had to calm himself as Jade med him for some reason, leaving her with the security guards while he strode into the hotel room.

    It was horrific, as Frank immediately saw Luna''s dismembered corpse on top of the hotel bed''s white sheets, the pungent scent of her blood filling the

    room.

    It was not just her head that had been separated-her entire body had been sliced apart, and there was a sentence written on the clean wall behind her in blood: This is my gift to you, Frank Lawrence.

    Frank stood near the wall text, stony faced as he finally realized why Jade med him as soon as she saw him he was implicated in Luna''s death! Still, the whole thing smelled fishy, and Frank started to recall the list of enemies he made recently.

    If it were the Lionhearts, they had absolute power and would not stoop this low just to get back at him. In fact, the one asion where they behaved deviously was when they were working with someone else-Rory York.

    In that case, who else was there?

    Frank''s eyes narrowed as an answer soon presented itself Hardy Xinder, Gina''s old ssmate.

    After Frank killed Hardy''s son Jackie,

    he

    en the overflowing h

    in Hardy''s eyes, but he did r

    anything aside from sententOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    t

    Frank suspected that Hardy had a hand in Luna''s death, killing her and shifting the me on him.

    With an answer in mind, he nced at the pieces that were Luna, shaking his head and sighing.

    His skill in medicine was miraculous, but no one could piece that back together.

    "Don''t worry you''ve messed up plenty of times in life, but this involves me too. I''ll find justice so you can rest in peace." And with that, Frank glowered as he strode out of the hotel room.

    "Frank Lawrence!!!"

    Jade remained hysterical, only struggling even more violently when she saw Franking close.

    "Let her go."

    Once Frank gestured for the security guards to free Jade, she leaped at him maniacally, only for him to catch her by the neck.

    He held her against the wall with a vice-like grip, and Jade could not free herself at all.

    "Jade Zahn!" he snapped. "What you

    must do right now is tell me what happened to her and who your daughter''s been with when she''s still alive! That''s the only way to catch the killer... unless you want them to run free-then by all means, keep throwing your tantrum!"

    Jade, however, was stubbornly defiant despite Frank''s outburst.

    "You... You''re the killer! Bleur

    You bastard... you killed my daughter... I''ll kill you..."

 Chapter 1586

    ?

    Jade''s hysterics left Frank impatient, and he raised his other hand to p her across the face, snapping, "Listen closely! I didn''t kill your daughter- someone''s trying to frame me! Now tell me what happened before Luna died, and I might catch the killer sooner!"

    "I..."

    The p actually knocked some sense into Jade, and she wheezed, "Luna... was with that boy named Borc Zomer. After that, she called me for help, and... And..."

    Frank released Jade right then and wheeled on Peter, who flinched right then, with a sharp re.

    "We tried to stay with her, but Luna refused to let use along, and she..."

    He trailed off, sighing in frustration. "She snapped at me and the rest of my boys, calling us ves and bitches, even Helen..."

    "I can vouch for Mr. Lane''s testimony."

    Another security guard scowled as he strode up, growling through clenched teeth, "That woman really doesn''t know what''s good for her! We reasoned with her, telling her not to go anywhere alone with that man, but she called us names and told us we had no right to meddle, including you..."

    The security trailed off, though Frank could tell what he meant from his hesitation and anger.

    "Well, that''s the long and short of it." Peter sighed exasperatedly. "We had no choice but to wait in the hallway, and by the time we heard her screaming and crying for help, it was toote."

    Pointing at the open window with pping curtains, Peter added, "The brat bailed by the time we kicked down the door. There''s only voice recordings of Luna''s scream, but we never even heard him torturing her or anything..."

    Frank nced at the window.

    This was the second floor, and it was obvious the murder was premeditated, though Luna''s death clearly was also her own fault.

    pping Peter on the shoulder, he said, "I understand. This isn''t your fault-go home and get some rest after you cleaned this ce up. And remember, be safe."

    "Yeah." Peter nodded, feeling emotional over Frank''s concern.

    Frank watched as the security guards worked for a moment before walking up to Jade and crouching in front of her.

    "Tell me who this Borc Zomer is?" he asked solemnly.

    "Borc Zomer? Oh..."

    Jade was spacing out as she was on the floor but came to her senses when she heard the name. "That boy... he''s one of Mommy''s contacts."

    "Mommy? As in Fleur Lang?"

    Frank did a double take the only person whom Jade would call ''Mommy'' was Mark Lane''s second wife.

    "Yes, yes!"

    Jade was sobbing as she nodded, all the light in her eyes fading. "Mommy introduced her to me, saying that Borc is Sohil Zomer''s son... who is a friend and supposedly sells medicine."

    "Sohil Zomer?"

    Frank immediately sensed that there was more to this-he always knew that Fleur hated Helen and tried to nder her or get her killed on multiple asions. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1587

    ?

    Naturally, Fleur Lang had been hugely dissatisfied that Helen was appointed as the head of the family and head of Lanecorp. And given that Luna was now found dead in one of Helen''s hotels, Fleur woulde to make a big fuss about it soon enough.

    The very thought gave Frank a headache, not to mention that Jade was suddenly struggling to get up to her feet. "No... I must return to Laneville at Once! I will ask Mommy... What''s going on here?!"

    Frank held up a hand to stop her, and she immediately snapped, "What are you doing?! Are you trying to stop me?!"

    Then, she came to a realization and pointed at Frank''s face as she bellowed, "Hehehe... I get it! You''re worried about letting the family find out that Luna died under your watch! You don''t want Helen to lose her ce as the head of the family, or you''d be losing your status too!"

    "Shut up!" Frank bellowed.

    While his outburst sent Jade stumbling a couple steps backward, a maniacal smile soon appeared on her face. "What, are you going to silence me too? Go on, kill me if you dare! I''ll haunt you for the rest of your days!"

    Seeing that she was suicidal and ready to die trying to take him down, Frank had to push her away and growled coolly, "Calm down! I''m not stopping you!"

    Pausing for a moment, he asked quietly, "Or are you not interested in finding out how your daughter died?"

    "My daughter... Luna..." Jade burst into tears again right then.

    Frank pursed his lips and stared fixedly at Jade as he exined, "Look. I''m going to maintain a media ckout so that no one would know about Luna''s death no one, except the murderer.

    "Also, I''m offering a suggestion¡ªbut if Fleur says something weird on that matter, you''d probably have an idea who ordered Luna''s death. Don''t you agree?"

    Jade was left trembling at Frank''s suggestion. "Did Mom... No, that''s impossible! She never liked Luna, but she''d never¡ª"

    Frank scowled in turn. "Madam Lang is most definitely plotting against Helen."

    "Well... What should I do now?" Jade murmured, at a loss.

    "I''ll have someone perform an autopsy on Luna over the next few days, and then I will find the Zomers and have a proper talk with them Don''t worry-Luna may have died under my nose, I will not allow her death to go unanswered." This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Jade actually feltfort in Frank''s sinister vow.

    Once she was sent away, Frank made sure to enforce a media ckout and cleaned up the scene before driving home to Cologne Court.

    As soon as he strode in, he called

    Trevor Zurich. "Please look into the Zomers especially Borc Zomer and

    Smer. Find where they are...

    to meet them."

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence." Trevor agreed to it without hesitation before hanging up.

    As Frank closed his eyes to rest, he was at once irritated as he could see the words written in blood on that wall.

    An unstoppable air of death spilled from him he had done his best as the head of Lanecorp''s health and safety department, but someone had worked their way past him anyway.

    And if it really was Fleur, Frank did not mind seizing the opportunity to assassinate her!

 Chapter 1588

    ?

    Though It would be an insult to Helen''s uncle and granduncle, Frank had to do it to ensure that the Lane family stayed safe!

    Nheless, the night passed uneventfully, until the next morning when Peter ryed Luna''s autopsy report over the phone. "She was roofied so that she couldn''t resist, after which the suspect sliced her across the throat. It''s obviously not their first time it was a very clean job."

    "Got it," Frank replied, not surprised to hear that it was a repeat offender

    Soon, Trevor called him as well. "Mr. Lawrence, Sohil Zomer and Borc Zomer are both members of Corpsedale."

    "Corpsedale...?" Frank had never heard of the name.

    "Their biggest supporter is Hundred Bane Sect, and they are involved in human trafficking, collecting corpses as well as selling various unusual poisons that Hundred Bane Sect makes. One might say that they''re one the worst groups in Draconia and have no principles to speak of at all." While Frank was solemn as he listened to Trevor''s summary, he was still left wondering how Fleur could have reached out to an outfit like that.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    What channels would she even use?

    "Also, Mr. Lawrence, Corpsedale''s contact with Hundred Bane Sect on the east coast is an elderly woman called the Baba Yaga. She''s pretty formidable and adept at poisoning-you must be careful."

    "Got it," Frank said and hung up.

    Soon, Trevor sent the specific location where Sohil and his son were, and Frank changed right away and headed out.

    It was still morning, but there were signs of life in a basement bar in Zamri although it was supposedly closed.

    A man with an empty sleeve and limping because he had one prosthetic leg was being led to Sohil.

    Sohil''s facial hair virtually covered

    his cheeks, making his very

    presence menacing even though he

    was just sipping on alcohol while admiring the exotic dance of the

    ladies on stage.

    Still, his vicious visage gave way to a smile when he saw the other man limping inside. "Haha! What the hell happened to you, my friend?"

    "Hmph." The man snorted. "Courtesy of that piece of shit named Frank Lawrence."

    He was none other than Gable Lane, who was supposed to be confined in Laneville after he had an arm and a leg removed.

    Nheless, he was now here

    outside Laneville to meet Sohil, and theck of formalities between them made it obvious that they were old friends.

    "So, I guess the hag''s addiction is hurting, and she wants more?"

    Sohil chuckled even as he scoffed at Gable. "You''re really horrible-Fleur Lang is your mom, and you''re still feeding her that?"

    "Hah! I''d still be confined if not for that!"

    Gable snorted coolly. "It''s supposed to be poison, but she''s happily taking it since it invigorates her and keeps other symptoms in check!"

    "You''re a real piece of shit!" Sohil eximed as heughed.

    "And you''re not?" Gable grinned as he shot back.

    "Hahaha!!!"

    Sohilughed even harder and whipped out an ubeled bottle from his pocket, which he threw at Gable. "There¡ªa month''s worth of prescription. Do remember to tell her to take it easy, or she''d die if she takes everything at once.

    Gable responded quickly in turn, whipping out a check from his pocket and sliding it up to Sohil.

    Sohil nodded at the number written on it and smiled in satisfaction. "So, here''s to a pleasant partnership... brother?"

 Chapter 1589

    ?

    "Who''s your brother? Just fuck off."

    Gable picked up a cigarette off the table, breathing out a puff as he stared at the pretty faces on stage with a look of lust.

    He leered at them for a while and eventually blurted, "Your gals are nice."

    Sohil chuckled. "You can have one if you like, how about that?"

    Gable sighed disinterestedly. "Ugh, forget it-I don''t have much time, I have to get back soon."

    "Oh,e on!" Sohilughed. "I have a room waiting right in the back-you''dst just two minutes anyway, so don''t make it sound like you''d take a while."

    "Fuck off." Gableughed as Sohil threw a jab at him before his tone changed sharply. "So, how did your boy do with that task our great leader sent him on? The madam is still waiting!"

    "Urgh, don''t mention it," Sohil groaned as he smacked hisp. "If something like thises up again, you pricks have to handle it yourselves. Did you know what my son told me when he came backst night?"

    "What?" Gable asked, mystified.

    Sohil put down his cigarette, mimicking his son''s miserable rantst night, "Dad! Could you choose your targets better next time you ask me to roofie someone?! That woman must be a literal pig-I used the whole bottle on her, but she just kept going... I ended up having to stick it in her for ten minutes before she finally copsed!"

    As Sohil went on to mimic how his son dropped on all floors and retched for a long while, Gable was leftughing himself silly.

    "Anyway, the boy''s not going to want to have anything to do with women for a while." Sohil shrugged as he returned to his seat. "And you''re gonna pay for his PTSD treatment."

    "No problem," Gable agreed

    cheerfully. "Anyway, the hag''s

    already poisoned the old man, and

    she will be banishing Hel

    and

    Frank Lawrence in a few days.

    At that point, I''ll be the sole heir of the family, and you can ask for anypensation you like!"

    As Gable puffed himself up proudly and pped his own chest, Sohil nodded repeatedly in approval and held a ss of whisky by Gable''s lips Go on. A toast-to the new head of the Lane family!"

    Gable chugged it without hesitation and wobbled as he rose to his feet. "Well, I''m not going to stay-I need to check in with the hag, though it''s only a matter of time before Helen Lane and Frank Lawrence will be gone."

    "And I will wait here for the good news." Sohil smiled.

    "Yeah, yeah..." Gable said as he reached for the doorknob, only for the door to suddenly be kicked wide open.

    Gable had to raise his hand to block out the light that suddenly spilled in the room."Huh?! What the heck-" Even before he could finish, he felt himself being kicked in the stomach!

    He screamed as he was sent flying, eventually crashing into the ss table in front of Sohil and leaving it in pieces.

    "Shit, who the fuck is messing up my joint?!"

    Sohil was at once furious by the intrusion, though his face dropped by the time his eyes got ustomed to the light and saw the man standing impassively at the doorway.

    It was none other than Frank, and around him were over a dozen thugs,ying on the floor and groaning.

    Sohil awas certainly shocked. "Wait, none of them could make it back inside to warn us?!"

    After all of them were Sohil''s men, and it left him even more afraid of Frank''s strength as Baba Yaga had warned him about Frank before.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 1590

    ?

    Baba Yaga had said that Frank was a real pickle, and they must never face him directly.

    After all, the depths of Frank''s strength was unfathomable, and many big shots had already died by his hand.

    As such, they should avoid him whenever they could.

    In fact, even though Sohil immediately recognized Frank, Sohil pretended he did not because he must not do that in order to avoid rousing Frank''s suspicion.

    "Who are you?!" he snapped. "Why did you barge into my turf and hurt my men?"

    Frank snorted at Sohil''s pointless pretension-he never intended to talk things out peacefully when he came.

    Still, it surprised Frank to hear Gable''s voice from within, and he therefore leaned against the door to eavesdrop on Gable and Sohil.

    He was at once furious when he found out about their ns.

    Lowering his head to look at the panicking Gable, he growled icily, "I knew sparing your life was a mistake."

    "W-What are you talking about?" Gable eximed despite his terror. "I just came to buy medicine for my mother. What are you doing?!" "Buy medicine?"

    Frank reached out to snatch the bottle of pills out of Gable''s pocket right then and sniffed it. "This is... Mildron Balm?!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He was shocked, as despite having medicinal value, Mildron Balm could be refined into mildronate through a special process.

    And mildronate was absolutely nothing good-though it could suppress various aches and difort of the body, it was highly addictive and aggravated the previous symptoms of the patients endlessly.

    Eventually, as the patient kept wanting to consume more, they would die from overdose.

    And the thought that Gable was feeding his own mother almost spurred Frank into killing him on the spot.

    Calling him an animal would be an insult to animals!

    Naturally, both Gable and Sohil were stunned that Frank recognized the medicine.

    After all, it was a unique substance-even Hundred Bane Sect did not have much in stock.

    The fact that Frank could recognize it meant he was really something else entirely!

    Still, Frank turned coolly toward Sohil just then. "Sohil Zomer, was it? Where''s your son Borc? I have questions."

    Even so, Sohil stubbornly continued to stall, "Isn''t this too much, my friend? I have no idea how you met my son, but¡ª" "Cut the crap!"

    As Frank''s eyes narrowed in a re, an invisible burst of pure vigor shot past Sohil''s cheek, slicing off his left ear in a split second.

    His blood gushing, Sohil was left clutching what remained as he screamed.

    "Last chance. Bring him here!" Frank bellowed right then.

    "O-Okay, okay..."

    Sohil was certainly terrified.

    He was a martial artist himself, and a Birthright rank at that!

    And yet, he was absolutely defenseless even as Frank cut off his ear in an instant.

    That was enough to show that Frank was not just strong, but he was also a monster no different from those ancient terrors of major sects, all of whom were way above his pay grade!

    Not daring to stall any further, Sohil clutched his bleeding wound as he ran to the back of the bar, yelling, "Borc? Borc? What did you do this time?! There''s this man looking for you. Where are you?!"

 Chapter 1591

    ?

    Either Borc heard themotion outside or sensed danger, for he never appeared even though his father Sohil called out to him for a while.

    "Move!"

    Frank quickly pushed Sohil out of the way and strode over, brushing through the curtains to find a burning cigarette on a table and a TV that was still

    on.

    He looked around and spotted the window that was wide open, its curtains pping against the wind.

    It went without saying that Borc was here a second ago and fled without cleaning up after him after hearing Sohil''s call.

    It might even have been a signal between father and son.

    Frank was already fuming, even as he looked outside the window to find a blue convertible speeding away.

    His sharp eyesight picked up the youth who only wore boxers and had panic written all over his face, and he immediately recognized him as Luna''s blind date from the other day.

    However, the car had gone too far for Frank to chase down, so he promptly turned back, restraining Sohil and Gable before they could flee. Sohil was still keeping up his ignorant act in hopes it would work. "Sir, I don''t know what you want, and I didn''t do anything to offend you!" Frank was certainly not bothered to y along. Charging his pure vigor over his fingers, he growled viciously, "What''s the connection between Corpsedale, the Lane family, and Hardy Xinder? Tell me!"

    "What?!"

    Sohil turned pale in fear when Frank mentioned Corpsedale-how could he have known?!

    After all, Corpsedale was a secret organization, but if Frank knew about them anyway, that meant that he was aware of other insider information. And Sohil''s ignorant act was pointless in the first ce.

    Frank strode up to Sohil right then, seizing him by the cor and lifting him off the floor. "Tell me if you want to live." "O-Okay! I''ll talk!"

    Sohil certainly did not even want to die, sensing the death aura spilling from Frank. "It''s Baba Yaga!"

    "Baba Yaga?"

    Frank had heard the name from Trevor Zurich and knew that she was the group''s leader in the east coast region.

    "Yes! Baby Yaga and Hardy Xinder are close, and she ordered our group to make contact with the Lanes and try tomess them up from the inside."

    Sohil paused and quickly shifted the me on Gable, pointing at Gable even as he sat limply on the floor. "But it turns out that there are plenty of Lane family members who want you gone. Hell, he''s the one who nned this entire mess, sending my son to hook up with that pig of a woman! And there''s his mother too-she''s also one of the

    masterminds..."

    He trailed off, and suddenly started begging Frank, "Please, Mr.

    Lawrence, I had no choice! I''m just a pawn who has to follow orders-"

    Crack!

    Frank crushed Sohil''s throat even before he could finish.

    Sohil stared at him in disbelief, rasping as blood foamed out of his mouth.

    He certainly could not believe that Frank was so ruthless that he killed him without a thought.

    Nheless, Frank threw Sohil''s corpse aside and turned toward Gable, who had already turned pale from seeing Sohil''s death.

    Even as he remained on his rear, he could only back away as Frank approached. "S-Stay away! Don''te here!"Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Eventually, he felt his back against the wall and realized he had no way to go.

 Chapter 1592

    Frank stomped on Gable''s only leg, narrowing his eyes as he growled coolly, "You really don''t know when to give up, huh? Not content with killing your father, you''d try to kill your mother too?! You''re a real animal! It''d dirty my hands to kill you!"

    Though Gable flinched at Frank''s outburst, he did his best to force a smile as he pleaded, "You won''t kill me, right? I-I had no choice! I racked up a huge debt and they''ve beening after me, so if I don''t pay up¡ª"

    "That''s not my problem." Frank chuckled coolly and pressed his foot down.

    Crack.

    As Gable''s joints cracked audibly from overwhelming pressure, he cried, "Wait! Wait! I can tell you everything! Just spare my life... I''ll return to Laneville with you and confess everything! If you kill me, my mother will hate you even more! You have to let me live!"

    It was actually a smart move by Gable to save his own skin despite the direness of his situation.

    After all, he knew that his mother just might be able to keep him alive if he was allowed to return to Laneville, while he basically stood no chance of survival with Frank.

    Sohil''s corpse nearby was a clear proof of that.

    "Hmph."

    Even Frank had to admit that Gable''s offer to confess was exactly what he wanted.

    Snorting coolly, he said, "In that case, I can spare you for now."

    Hearing that, Gable wiped the sweat off his brow and sighed in relief when Frank glowered and shoved his foot down before he realized it.

    Crack.

    Argh!

    Gable was screaming hysterically¡ªFrank had broken his ankle, and he could only crawl for the rest of his life. "Fuck! Fuck!"

    Even as Gable cursed on top of his lungs to express his rage and agony, he did not dare to curse Frank directly.

    And with that done, Frank made aOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    call, and Peter Lane and members of

    Lanecorp''s health and safety

    department soon rushed to the scene.

    They dismantled the entire basement bar and took the now crippled Gable back to Lanecorp Tower.

    "Search all of Zamri for any signs of

    Borc Zomer," Frank told Terry

    , and he called Trevor Zel

    the search too.

    He also told Trevor to look for traces of Baba Yaga and Hardy Xinder, just to get rid of those annoyances once and for all.

    As night arrived at Laneville, Fleur found herself tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep.

    Eventually, she called for a maid to turn on the lights, scowling as she asked, "Where''s Gable? Why isn''t he back yet?"

    "I-I don''t know." The maid hung her. head as she replied. "Mr. Lane early in the morning, so he should

    have been back by now..." et

    We

    Fleur was at once annoyed. "Did that brat bail on me?!"

 Chapter 1593

    ?

    The medicine Gable recently rmended to Fleur was divine, reinvigorating her and clearing any minor diforts or illnesses she suffered. However, it had a side effect-Fleur must consume one pill per day, or she would end up stressed and lose sleep.

    Like now.

    In fact, Fleur waspletely incapable of recovering from her addiction now she had to take the pill everyday. Otherwise, she would not be able to calm down at all, as she would feel like ants were crawling all over his skin constantly.

    "Send someone to look for him!" she snapped furiously.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Her conspiracy with Gable was wless for all intents and purposes, and with Mark Lane dying soon enough, Gable would seed him as head of the family.

    He had no reason to bail... unless something unexpected had happened.

    "Yes, Madam Lang," the maid replied.

    Soon after she left, a manservant hurried inside, "It''s terrible, Madam Lang! Sources from Lanecorp are saying Gable has been taken to Lanecorp Tower!"

    "What?!"

    Fleur scrambled to her feet right then, her eyes widened in disbelief. "Could it be Frank Lawrence?! How could he have found out?!"

    "What should we do now, Madam Lang?" the servants all standing nearby quickly asked, seeing that Fleur was shocked.

    After all, they were all her aplices, as they were all involved in poisoning Mark, freeing Gable, and murdering Luna.

    If the truth got out, none of them were getting away!

    "Calm down."

    Fleur sneered after some thought. "It doesn''t matter what Frank does now-he''s not changing anything. Hell, I will go to see him tomorrow... If he dares to argue against me, I have more cause to banish him from the family!"

    Naturally, her priority was to get her medicine from Gable.

    She had to get it no matter what it would take!

    The next day, a beady-eyed Fleur arrived at Lanecorp Tower personally.

    It was not just her either an older woman who projected authority with her very presence walked alongside her, escorted by an entourage.

    Somehow, Fleur was clearly more confident with the woman''spany.

    In fact, when one of the security guards asked, Fleur was pointing at his face as she bellowed, "Are you blind?! Don''t you know who I am or my friend here?"

    "What? Who is she?"

    Fleur''s outburst left the security guards stunned.

    They all stared at the elderly woman who carried herself with authority as she stood at the center of the entourage. But since none of them could confirm her identity, they had no choice but to send someone to ask

    Meanwhile, Helen Lane had returned to her office in Lanecorp Tower.

    There was no way she could stay on her business trip after such a serious matter urred, and she returned to Zamri after concluding her business talks early in the morning haphazardly.

    In fact, Frank had just exined to her how Luna was murdered when her desk phone rang, with a security guard reporting Fleur''s arrival.

    She turned toward Frank. "Madam Lang is involved in this too?"

 Chapter 1594

    Seeing Helen''s look of confusion, Frank nodded calmly. "Though I wouldn''t say Fleur Lang''s merely involved... The whole thing was nned up by her and Gable Lane."

    "What...?!"

    Helen was stunned speechless and was left further shocked to learn that Frank kept Gable confined here in Lanecorp Tower.

    How could she have known that so much could happen in the Lane family in the brief few days she was gone?

    Frank then took a recording device from his pocket and put it on Helen''s desk, chuckling coolly as he told the security guards, "Go. Bring Jade Zahn and Gable Lane here. Also, let Fleur Lang and her friends in I will interrogate them directly."

    However, as soon as Fleur and her group entered Helen''s office, they did not expect Fleur to seize the initiative right away.

    "Frank Lawrence!" She pointed at Frank''s face as she bellowed, "You are an enemy! You''re not a member of our family-you have no right abducting my son! He just went out to buy me medicine, so you better have an exnation or I will make you pay!"

    Helen was left a little confused by Fleur''s outburst but frowned as she quickly reasoned, "Please calm down, Madam Lang. Let''s sit down and properly talk about this."

    "Calm down?!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Fleur wheeled on Helen right then,ughing coolly. "How are you leading our family when you''re so stupid?! Don''t you know that while you''re gone, Frank Lawrence set the stage to frame our entire family, ready to take everything from us?! It doesn''t matter what Gable has to say-Frank must have tortured him to confess!"

    Helen was actually surprised Fleur was so cunning she threw the me on Frank as soon as she arrived.

    Though she doubted that Frank would actually do something like that, Fleur still held authority in the Lane family, and criticism was inevitable if this was mishandled.

    As Helen quickly turned toward Frank, she found him folding his arms before his chest as he watched Fleur in amusement.

    He even shrugged and smiled, "You can''t beat the truth, old-timer. Why don''t we let your son and the recently bereaved Jade testify? See if I tortured anyone to confess."

    Just as Fleur was about to speak, Helen''s office door opened again.

    A mournful Jade shambled inside, followed by Gable, basically dragged inside like a dog.

    "Go on, tell us."

    Frank watched Gable in amusement, folding his arms before his chest. "Tell us how you became friends with Corpsedale, and why Luna is dead."

    "Luna... My baby girl..." Jade was suddenly alert when she heard Luna''s name mentioned.

    It was only then that she noticed

    Fleur standing at a corner and started bawling immediately, "Madam Lang! Why did you have to kill my daughter?! That blind date you introduced Luna butchered her and tried to shift the me on Frank! If you refuse to exin yourself... I-I''|| kill you!"

    Seeing Jade''s crazed re, Fleur quickly retreated behind her bodyguards while snapping vindictively, "Calm down, Jade! What''s wrong with you?! I introduced a blind date for Luna out of the goodness of my heart, but you''re joining Frank in ndering me?!

    "I''m devastated about Luna''s death too! We are family, and she''s my granddaughter-am I so cold that I''d just let her die?! And the crime scene wasn''t owned by us Southstream Lanes! Family would never hurt family... don''t you see who are the real culprits here?!"

 Chapter 1595

    ?

    "Who''s the real culprits?"

    Even as Jade wiped her tears, she was ncing between Frank and Helen behind her desk.

    "Exactly!"

    Seeing that Jade had turned her attention to Helen and Frank, Fleur promptly pressed her advantage. "What do I stand to gain if Luna''s dead? Nothing! Doesn''t everything make sense if they''re the ones who killed Luna?!"

    "Make... sense?"

    Jade was quickly being misled, as she was so obsessed with avenging her daughter that she could not think straight.

    "Think!"

    Fleur kept snapping as she walked up to Jade while pointing at Frank. "Haven''t things always been difficult between you, your daughter, and him? Now that he''s killed Luna and shifted the me on us Southstream Lanes, Helen would have the perfect excuses to bring us all down! It''s killing two birds with one stone!

    "And if Helen ousts us, all the hard work and sess our family aplished over the years would fall into the hands of outsiders! So use your pig brain and think-who really stands to gain from Luna''s death?!"

    Fleur''s grandstanding left Jade wheeling on Frank in shock, as Fleur''s words made a lot of sense.

    Her daughter was killed, and then shifting the me on the Southstream Lanes... did Frank not stand to gain the most?!

    p, p, p...

    Still just as Jade was left confused, Frank strode up, chuckling as he pped his hands.

    Sneering at Fleur, he said, "I''m actually surprised that you''re cunning enough to distort the truth so maliciously, hag."

    Then, turning toward Gable, who had been cringing in a corner, he smiled. "So, Gable. Are you going to retract your testimony too?"

    Gritting his teeth, he snapped,

    "You''re way out of line, Frank! I was

    I

    just meeting a friend to get my mother''s medicine, but you stormed the ce, killing my friend and forcing me into confessing tha had Luna killed! And you nned this with Helen too, you viins!"

    "Me?"

    Helen was left dumbfounded as she was suddenly dragged into the mess for no reason.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    "Haha! What else do you have to say now, Frank?!"

    Fleur reared her chin triumphantly.

    She had already thought of her excusest night, though her son''s assistance was necessary too.

    Seeing that the n

    me was suddenly

    thrown on him, Frank smiled faintly at Gable.remember that you §Ö§ä offered to confess everything when you begged me for your life. Why

    should I keep you around now that I

    you''ve turned against tent

    Hearing that, Fleur promptly yelled, "What are you doing, Frank?!"

    "No! Stop!"

    On the other hand, Gable was terrified and trembling rapidly

    saw

    as he

    eyes.

    one murderous intent in t

    swno

    He could hardly believe it was Frank really going to kill him in broad daylight?!

    "Just fuck off already."

    Frank was suddenly a blur and appeared the next instant right in front of Gable. "You-argh!!!"

    Even before anyone else could react, Frank had kicked Gable in the face!

 Chapter 1596

    As his blood-curdling scream rang, Gable Lane was sent flying crashing through the ss wall and down Lanecorp Tower.

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    Fleur was furious to see Frank would actually kill in broad daylight, but before she could say another word, Frank wheeled on her with a sinister re, leaving her flinching.

    "Insolence!"

    That was when the elderly woman who had been standing by Fleur all this while strode up.

    While she had been calm andposed before, she was now ring coldly at Frank as she snapped, "How dare you murder a member of the Lane family right in front of me!"

    "And who are you?" Frank asked, though he had an idea given how the woman carried with authority, as if she was above the rest.

    Fleur quickly snapped at Frank, "She''s Yora Yimmel, my dear sister and the matriarch of the Lane family!"

    "Yora Yimmel?"

    Frank did a double take-he had never heard that name before, but ''matriarch of the Lane family'' was not really hard to ce.

    Helen flinched in turn, because Yora was Mark Lane''s wife and Helen''s granduncle.

    She was also the direct heiress of the Yimmels of Bralog, and even Mark himself had to show her due deference.

    In recent years, she had been staying with her birth family in Bralog due to unmentioned circumstances, but she grew in power and became their de facto matriarch.

    One could certainly say that she was untouchable in the Lane family-even Mark could not pull rank against her, since the Yimmels were more than powerful in contrast to the Lane family.

    Moreover, Mark owed his sesses

    to the Yimmels'' support when he

    started his career in business. It would be apt to liken Yora to a princess marrying a humble merchant, and it was why no one in

    the Lane family would dare incur her Wrath.

    Her authority as matriarch certainly carried weight, and it was not surprising that Fleur was not really worried about anything. "Madam Yimmer? What brings you here? You could have informed me ahead of time..."

    Helen quickly walked up to Yora with

    §×

    an apologetic smile, but at the very next instant, Yora swung her palm, pping her violently across the face!

    Everyone in the office was left stunned right then.

    "Madam Yimmer...?"

    Helen was clutching her cheek-Yora had struck her so hard she was left leaning against her desk, dumbstruck.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    She had never disrespected the matriarch, even sending gifts back when she was appointed head of the Lane family.

    And now, when she finally showed up, she immediately pped her in the face?!

    "Get away from her!"

    Frank glowered when he saw that Helen was attacked, glowering as he leapt up to shield Helen behind himself.

    "Watch yourself! How dare you treat the matriarch with such insolence!" a man with a split-mustache barked as he strode in.

    Mr. Noon had been keeping his presence hidden, but Frank immediately noticed that he was Ascendant rank as soon as he appeared!

    That was when the conference room

    doors opened again, and a scowling

    Gina hurried inside, rambling as

    soon as she stepped in, "I heard that Luna''s dead. Helen, did you

    Before she finished, she saw the others inside and dropped to her knees audibly when she saw Yora.

 Chapter 1597

    ?

    "M-Madam Yimmel?" Gina gasped.

    She hade to ask how Luna died in fear that Frank did something rash again, thus causing Helen to drift further apart from the Southstream Lanes.

    Helen''s ce as the head of the Lane family was not solid in the first ce, and if more issues popped up right now, Fleur and her ilk would definitely seize the opportunity to ask questions.

    That was why Gina was endlessly concerned and rushed to Lanecorp Tower as soon as she found out about Luna''s death.

    She just did not expect even Yora Yimmel, matriarch of the Lane family, to be here too.

    Things would definitely not end well now...

    "Just look at your daughter and her husband, Gina Zonda!"

    At the same time, Fleur glowered as soon as she saw Gina enter, pointing at Frank as she bellowed, "He kicked my son out of that window, while Madam Yimmel and I watched! What do you have to say about that?!"

    Gina was sweating buckets at Fleur''s threat.

    If anything, making enemies of Fleur was eptable-she was just Mark Lane''s second wife, and her birth family did not carry much authority. But things werepletely different if Yora was involved!

    She was the matriarch of both the Lane family and the Yimmels of Bralog. And with the numerous martial artists known to dwell around Bralog, the fact that the Yimmels still flourished made their power apparent.

    Yora just had to lift her finger to crush Helen-or even the Lane family, for that matter!

    With that in mind, Gina rushed over to Helen, pulling her down to kneel with her, apologizing humbly, "Madam Yimmel! I don''t know the whole story yet, but please don''t get upset!"

    Gina then shot a look at Frank, intent on making him follow suit.

    She almost had a heart attack as he did not seem to notice it and was instead standing his ground, folding his arms before his chest.

    While Gina knew that Frank was formidable, he could not just do whatever he wanted against the Yimmels of Bralog!

    Yora might perhaps just forgive Frank if he went down on his knees and begged...

    But just as Frank remained motionless and Gina was utterly anxious, her dear daughter looked up, her expression impassive as she spoke, "Madam Yimmel, Frank had his reason for killing Uncle Gable. And may I ask what did I do to provoke you into pping me?" Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Gina did a double take when she heard the displeasure in her daughter''s voice, while Yora snorted in response.

    "What, do you have a problem with that? Shouldn''t I be straightening out a child like you?"

    Pointing at Frank, Yora snapped coolly, "The truth has yet to be revealed, but your husband is in a hurry to kill the witness and bury evidence! It''s clear as day, and I pped you so that you would actually see!

    "Moreover, Gable is a member of us Southstream Lanes! And yet, as a member of the Northstream Lanes Helen, you are tolerating your

    husband''s murder of one

    So

    I''m asking you here-what is it you''re scheming?!"

    Helen''s brow furrowed-Yora was clearly not backing down, even starting to threaten them.

    However, she rose to her feet and

    was clearly intent to stick to her guns as she argued, "Madam Yimmel, Eve told you that Frank had his reasons to do it. He''s not unreasonable, and you should be properly investigating what Gable had done instead."

 Chapter 1598

    "It doesn''t matter what Gable did," Yora retorted coolly. "Your husband doesn''t get to kill him under my watch. And I''ll have you know that the family has beenining a lottely, and some of thoseints even reached me all the way in Bralog.

    "And I just happened to be dropping by for a visit today. I actually thought that a brat like you would be actuallypetent, given how you''re able to lead a major enterprise... But it''s as frustrating as it is disappointing, because as it turns out, you have no conscience, allowing your husband to kill a member of the Lane family in front of me!"

    Then, pointing at Frank, she finished, "I will now have him restrained and punished per family rules. If you refuse me, we will have to make you!"

    Yora''s rant was not just unreasonable, but she clearly held no respect for Helen as the head of the Lane family.

    "Family rules?"

    Frank strode up just then, leveling Yora an icy re. "We can afford you some respect as a matriarch of the Lane family, but don''t think you can abuse your seniority and connections to do whatever you like. Understand that Helen is the head of the Lane family, not you!"

    "Head of the family?"

    Surprisingly, Yora merelyughed coolly at Yora''s words. "I don''t care. The way I see it, Mark simply got so senile that he would let some brat take over. That''s why I''ve returned to shake things up, clear up this mess, and bring the family back on the right track!"

    "So, you''re saying you don''t care what Gable actually did?"

    Frank scowled as he demanded, "All you want is to force Helen to step down as head of the family just because you don''t like her?"

    "Like I said!"

    Yora snapped coolly. "I''vee to see how Helen was doing as head of the family, but all I see is her tolerating her husband''s vile behavior! That''s why she doesn''t deserve to lead the family!"

    "Fine!"

    Frank strode over, picking up the voice recorder from the table and smirked. You want to know why I killed Gable? Then listen to this! It''s the conversation he had with his so-called friend while buying his

    mother''s medicine!"

    to Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He pressed the y button, and soon staticky voices could be heard, but there was no doubt that it was Gable and Sohil Zomer.

    "So, I guess the hag''s addiction is

    ?

    hurting, and she wants more? You''re really horrible-Fleur Lang is your mom, and you''re still feeding her that?"

    BAUMS

    "Hah! I''d still be confined if not for

    that! It''s supposed to be poison bet

    she''s happily taking it since it invigorates her and keeps other symptoms in check!"

    "You''re a real piece of shit!"

    Fleur turned pale even as Sohil and Gable burst out inughter in the recording.

    Frank was sneering at her, and then at Yora whose scowl was growing apparent. "Patience. This isn''t the best part yet."

    At the same time, he was thanking Noel York inwardly.

    It was Noel who taught him to always carry a recorder around, to avoid problems he otherwise could not talk his way out of. "Anyway, the hag''s already poisoned the old man..."

    As Gable''s voice yed on the recording once again, panic showed on Fleur''s face, while Yora turned toward her with a look of surprise.

 Chapter 1599

    Meanwhile, Gable''s smug voice was still ying. "She will be banishing Helen Lane and Frank Lawrence in a few days. At that point, I''ll be the sole heir of the family, and you can ask for anypensation you like!"

    "Go on. A toast-to the new head of the Lane family!" Sohil then cheered.

    The clink of sses could be heard, and soon Gable added, "Well, I''m not going to stay-I need to check in with the hag, though it''s only a matter of time before Helen Lane and Frank Lawrence will be gone."

    "And I will wait here for the good news," Sohil replied.

    And with that, the recording ended.

    Putting away the recorder, Frank leveled Fleur Lang a look of amusement, "Confession under torture, you say? ''The hag''s already poisoned the old man''... Shouldn''t you be exining what Gable said in recording instead, Madam Lang?"

    Frank''s question left Fleur''s lips pursed.

    She stood stiffly, intent on defending herself but unable to manage a single word.

    Frank then turned toward Yora. "Now, Madam Yimmel. Is Gable Lane''s death still unjustified?"

    Yora appeared troubled, though she soon appeared determined as she looked at Frank.

    Holding out her hand, she said, "That recorder is important evidence. Give it to me I''ll talk to the old-timer myself."

    Frank suspected nothing and passed it to her, only for Yora to suddenly smirk as she suddenly flung the recorder on the floor and stamped it into pieces!

    "What...?!"

    Everyone was dumbstruck even as they looked on¡ªeven Frank was caught off guard!

    "What are you doing, Madam Yimmel?!"

    Gina was shocked but quickly threw herself on the floor to pick up the pieces.

    However, there was no saving the device, and Frank''s evidence was effectively destroyed.

    Frank glowered at Yora in turn. "What''s the meaning of this?"

    Yora dropped all pretenses right then, her expression impassive even as she spoke calmly, "Helen Lane has no right to be the head of the

    family. I said so, and no one gets to argue against that.

    Everyone scowled at her words, and even the usually calm Helen wasz furious Are you really harboring a criminal?! You''re just going to sit by and watch Fleur murder

    Granduncle?"

    Yora simply shrugged. "That''s my business. I don''t need to tell you what to do."

    Nearby, Jade Zahn finally understood that Fleur and her ilk were the ones who had her daughter killed.

    And now, Yora was going to protect them?!

    "I-I''ll kill you all!" she bellowed as she lunged at Fleur.

    Fleur quickly leapt aside, while Mr. Noon-who had been standing beside Yora all this while-moved and kicked Jade squarely in the stomach. Jade was sent tumbling to the floor, clutching her stomach.

    She coughed a mouthful of blood and soon copsed, unconscious.

    Helen felt a chill running down her spine even as she looked on.

    After all, it was clear that Yora was dead set on protecting Fleur.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "T-This is an outrage!" Gina cried even as she tried to pick up the

    pieces of the recorder. "Destroying

    evidence in broad

    ! Madam

    Yimmel, you''re¡ª"

 Chapter 1600

    Yora shot Gina a cool re right then. "What? Do you have anything to say about that?"

    While Gina quickly stopped herself, Helen snapped, "I will tell Granduncle everything, Madam Yimmel! He will see to this!" "Pfft..."

    Yora merely snickered at Helen''s threat. "What, did you think name-dropping Mark would work on me?"

    "Why not?!" Helen retorted with righteous indignation. "I''m the head of the Lane family, appointed by Mark himself!"

    "No, no, no..."

    Yora shook her head,ughing. "You misunderstand. What I mean to say is that the old-timer can''t go against me now. Hell, why do you think that he can still hear you?"

    "What?!"

    Helen was stunned. "Are you saying..."

    "That''s right."

    Fleur strode up with a sinister sneer. "Just this morning, our dear husband suddenly suffered a heart attack and has since been rushed to an ICU, where he slipped into aa."

    "What?!"

    At that point, there was no way Helen could not catch on.

    Even as a chill ran down her spine, she shook with rage, "You... All of you... nned this..."

    Mark had done his best to support Helen emotionally ever since the death of Helen''s grandfather, Henry Lane.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Moreover, Mark genuinely liked Helen, and they would often stay in touch.

    It was already suspicious that Mark would suddenly suffer a heart attack when he was always so healthy, even going hunting on horseback on asion.

    And with the voice recording that was now destroyed, Fleur and Yora''s conspiracy has now trulye to light.

    "That''s one of the reasons why I''ve returned."

    Yora said coolly then, "I formally

    announce that Helen Lane will no longer be the head of the Lane family, as every family matter wille under my control from now on! As for your position in Lanecorp, you only have three days to delegate any tasks and responsibilities you had and go back to where you came from! Every single Northstream Lane will no longer be a part of the Lane family once more!"

    "What?!"

    Helen was left gaping, while Gina stood, rigid and ashen-faced.

    "Let''s go!"

    Yora beckoned at her entourage right then, not inclined to waste her breath.

    Fleur, however, loitered and started mocking everyone in the conference room. "You thought you could shut me down with just some shitty recorder? Spare me you''re all trash, and it was just a matter of time before you were all chased out of the Lane family!

    "Tut, tut... Word has it that you were

    very sessful with Lanecorp, Helen Lane. Did very well, didn''t you? But it''s not yours now, and all of your aplishments will be mine You''re nothing but a ved, used and disposed of just like that. Hahaha! Does that upset you? Doesn''t it hurt you?"

    Done with Helen just then, Fleur wheeled on Frank andughed. "You didn''t expect me to have Madam Yimmel''s backing, did you? Oh, it''s such a shame, Frank. You thought you''d be turning the tables against me, but... Tut, tut..."

    Smiling gleefully, she even tried to

    comfort him sarcastically, "Oh, and if you have nowhere else to go, LanevilleGust happened to be short on cleaners-to be specific, toilet cleaners. You''d be paid five hundred bucks each month, how about that? Hahahaha!"

    With that, she burst outughing with endless conceit.

 Chapter 1601

    ?

    Just as Fleur wasughing gleefully, Frank raised a brow, and a subtle strand of pure vigor shot out of his finger. It shot straight toward Fleur along the lining of the tile floor, and it was toote by the time Mr. Noon noticed. Smack!

    The pure vigor materialized into palm, pping Fleur across the face so viciously several of her teeth flew out, and she dropped limply on the floor, seeing stars.

    Yora promptly wheeled on Frank and snapped, "Insolence! How dare you, Frank Lawrence!"

    Beside her, Mr. Noon only moved closer to her without going to help Fleur.

    Nheless, Frank shrugged. "What?"

    On the other hand, Fleur was finally helped to her feet, and her eyes red even as she pointed a trembling finger at Frank. "You brat... How dare you..."

    "Why is everyone looking at me here? Someone simply got hereuppance for running her mouth-it''s not my fault," Frank said, ncing at Helen. Helen was surprised too but soon shed a wry smile.

    She knew that it was Frank, and while she was concerned, the p was still cathartic.

    Fleur groaned, "Madam Yimmel, they''re..."

    "We''re leaving!" Yora snapped and red at Fleur right then, clearly telling her that she was pped because she deserved it.

    Still, she added, "You have three days, Frank Lawrence. Keep strutting while you can."

    And with those words, she left with her entourage.

    Fleur remained seething but did not dare breathe another word and clutched her cheek as she fled behind Yora.

    Still, her eyes shed with spite before she left, making it clear that she would not let this slide.

    Nheless, silence ensued in the room after she and Yora''s entourage left.

    Even so, Gina''s eyes still carried hope as she held what remained of the recorder in her palm. "Helen, do you think we can fix this? I picked up all the pieces, and..."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Helen pped everything off her hands, shaking her head. "Just stay out of this, Mom. Frank and I will handle this."

    "Handle this?! How?!"

    Gina broke down right then, burying her face in her palms as she sobbed, "I thought things would get better for us after you became the head of the family. But Madam Yimmel is just savage! I know Frank is amazing, but the Yimmels are no slouches themselves!

    "I''ve even heard that there are monsters among the ranks of their retainers... We should just give up and return to Riverton! Being alive beats everything else!"

    Gina''s pessimistic rant left Helen frowned.

    She had been working herself to the bone for Lanecorp over thest few months and had no time for herself, while even back at Riverton, she could at least spend time cooking for Frank.

    Moreover, aside from Frank''s immense influence, Helen was the mainstay in Lanecorp''s current sesses.

    As such, giving up on Lanecorp would hurt her more than cutting her open.

    After some thought, Helen found her determination and clenched her knuckles. "I''m going to Laneville. Grandunele''s health is more

    important than Lanecorp. I''d nal ne

    forgive myself if anything happens to him because of me."

 Chapter 1602

    ?

    "No!"

    Gina''s face fell at Helen''s word. "Going back to Laneville now? You''d be going straight into the lion''s den-you''re never making it out! Do you think that Fleur Lang would just let you go?"

    Helen sighed. "But if I don''t, they will kill Granduncle "

    "Enough."

    Frank strode up just as mother and daughter argued, ncing between them. "I caused this in the first ce-Hardy Xinder reached out to Corpsedale to get back at me, and Corpsedale reached out to Southstream Lanes. That said, I already have an idea how to resolve this issue. Both of you just have to y along..."

    "Frank..."

    Helen''s eyes flickered at him.

    He pulled her into his arms, chuckling as he understood what she was thinking. "I''m your darling, so there''s no need to stand on ceremony. And I''ve put in blood and sweat for Lanecorp too-we''re never giving it up willingly to Fleur Lang, don''t you think?"

    Helen finallyughed after scowling for a while, while Gina sighed emotionally as she watched them, feeling troubled as she once again remembered her prejudices against Frank.

    Still, she could not help adding, "Madam Yimmel is not one to be trifled with, Frank. You must be careful."

    Frank was actually surprised by Gina''s concern but soon smiled confidently. "Don''t worry, I won''t let harme to either of you as long as I''m around."

    Then, turning to the unconscious Jade Zahn, he said quietly, "She''s in your care now. I need to leave for a while, so just make sure that she doesn''t do anything drastic."

    "Yeah." Helen nodded firmly.

    Fleur''s cheek was still hurting as she stepped outside Lanecorp Tower''s main entrance, and she beckoned for one of her bodyguards. "Yes, Madam Lang?"

    While the bodyguard was Fleur''sThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    close ally, he was too afraid to even snap at Frank when Frank attacked Fleur something which left Fleur seething.

    And knowing that he messed up, he was utterly respectful.

    "Go search Gable''s body and see if he has the medicine with him," Fleur growled, clutching her cheek.

    "Yes, ma''am!"

    The bodyguard hurried away immediately, fighting against his heaving stomach to search the mess of blood and guts that was Gable Lane.

    After all, Gable was no martial artist, and that was the only oue possible when Frank kicked him out from so many floors above.

    Still, when the bodyguard eventually returned to Fleur, he reported, "He didn''t have it with him, Madam Lang."

    "Damn it!" Fleur cursed, not

    heartbroken at all that her own son

    was dead, only that he was so

    ipetent that he could not even

    bring her the medicine.

    "Frank Lawrence most likely took it," the bodyguard suggested hesitantly.

    "Mooks! Pricks!"

    Fleur sobbed into her palms, before looking up, her eyes shing viciously. "You will pay for this, Frank Lawrence!"

    That was when a Lincoln limousine stopped by the curb.

    Jon Lane Gavin Lane''s second son-alighted. "Madam Lang? What are you doing out here? Dad''s saying that Grandfather fell sick, and he''s

    asking you to head back right away."

 Chapter 1603

    Jon Lane-Gavin Lane''s second son-alighted. "Madam Lang? What are you doing out here? Dad''s saying that Grandfather fell sick, and he''s asking you to head back right away."

    He was very respectful, since he had no idea why his grandfather was sick in the first ce.

    As he finished and turned to see the imposing woman beside Fleur, he stiffened right then. "Madam Yimmel? W-What are you doing here? My dad just sent someone to Bralog="

    Yora snorted coolly. "Hmph! It would be the end of the world if I had to wait that long!"

    Jon quickly hung his head, sweating all over his brow in silence.

    After all, Yora held a special ce in the family¡ªnot only was she Mark Lane''s first wife, but she was also the foundation which Mark built his sess in business upon.

    One might say that the Lane family would not enjoy their current status without the Yimmels'' help-even Mark usually had to defer to her.

    And since Yora was as unreasonable as she was assertive, the Lane were all terrified of her.

    Even as Yora stared at Jon, he felt goosebumps, his throat suddenly parched as he did not know what to say.

    And after much staring, Yora asked quietly, "Jon, right?"

    "Y-Yes, Madam Yimmel. It''s Jon," Jon quickly replied, wiping the sweat off his brow at the same time.

    Yora nodded. "Good. You will be the next head of the Lane family."

    "What?!"

    Jon looked up at Yora''s sudden bombshell, his whole body stiffening.

    Eventually, he mustered an awkward smile even as he stammered, "Y-You''re kidding, right, Madam Yimmel? Grandfather has already appointed Helen Lane as the next head of the family, and I have no right to evenpete¨D"

    "Hmph. How unseemly."

    Yora snorted coolly and haughtily. "I''ve met Helen myself-she has no business leading the family. Just so you know, I''ve formally announced that she must step down as both the head of the family and the chairwoman of Lanecorp."

    "What?!"

    Jon was left gaping.

    So that was why Yora and Fleur would show up here they were forcing Helen to step down!

    Even so, Jon was left hesitant.

    After all, ever since Helen became head, things became stable within the family, while Lanecorp have been developing like clockwork.

    Thanks to that, even Jon himself got a share of the sizable spoils.

    And to be honest, Jon earnestly respected his cousin.

    If he were to take her ce, forget about doing better-Lanecorp would be lucky if he did not run them into the ground. That was why Jon turned pale when Yora told him that he would be appointed the new head of the Lane family.

    Be it inpetence or experience, Jon could not fill Helen''s shoes!This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    However, Yora seemed to read his mind and asked coolly, "You don''t think you can do it, do you?"

    "You''re right, Madam Yimmel. I have no right, and I''m not aspetent as Helen to lead the family. It''s just..."

    Jon was terrified, and bing

    head of the family was a burden to him and would not do him any good.

    As such, he definitely did not want to get involved.

 Chapter 1604

    Yora, however, sneered. "You don''t worry about that. While you''re head of the family, you''re no more than a figurehead¡ªevery family matter will instead fall under my control."

    "What?!"

    Jon almost tripped-so he was only supposed to be a puppet?

    What did Yora want? To take over the family?

    "That''s a big deal, Madam Yimmel. It''s not toote-we can go back and discuss this with Grandfather..."""

    Resistant to the idea, Jon decided to name-drop Mark, but Yora did not even flinch.

    Shaking her head in disdain, she scoffed. "You said it, didn''t you? The old man''s dying and can''t decide on anything. As the most senior member of the family, I''m the only one who can make the call."

    "No, no, no..."

    Jon protested. "Grandfather is just sick. It''s not so serious that he must leave a will already... and Dad''s already sent for the best doctors. He''ll regain consciousness soon enough."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Seeing that Jon was still not ying along, Yora turned toward Fleur, who flinched but said coolly, "Your grandfather''s not going to wake up anytime soon, Jon."

    Her confidence left Jon at once suspicious. "What? Why?"

    Fleur sighed but exined, "Because your grandfather''s been poisoned with the Lifecutter. It''s a poison unique to Hundred Bane Sect-it would look like the patient has suffered a heart attack, but in reality it paralyzes a person''s limbs and sensespletely. Your grandfather ispletely bedridden from now on."

    "W-What?! Madam Lang, did you... But why? Why would you do that?!"

    Jon was left trembling even as he stared at Fleur in disbelief-despite being as dense as he was, he could understand what was happening. Even as he nced between the two elderly women standing before him, he felt a chill running down his neck all the way to his feet.

    These women were his grandfather''s wives, and his grandfather had always treated them fairly.

    So why would they do that?!

    Most importantly, an attempt on one husband''s life meant death in Lane family rules! What did they have against Mark that they would poison him?! "Fine, then I will be frank."

    e

    Folding her arms before her chest, Yora sneered as she began. "Your grandfather is old, Jon... and elderly people always lose their sight. Forget-taking back the Northstream Lanes which, I must add, was done

    without my permission-was?

    appointed Helen Lane as head of the family behind my back!

    "On top of that, he is well aware of the feud between myself and Henry Lane! Helen''s dear grandfather was the one who mocked me right in front of the whole family, and I can''t forget it even after all these years!

    swne

    "I wouldn''t mind it that much if Helen proved tactful, but she has only ever treated me with insolence, and that is absolutely uneptable! Hell, I tried to reason with your grandfather after everything he did, but he remained stubborn as if possessed and stuck to his guns. Even your father only gave me a half-hearted response when I approached him!

    "So, since none of you are going to do a thing, I will do it myself and bring the Lane family back on the right track soon enough!"

    The vindictive tone in which Yora spoke made her appear as if she was the heroine rescuing her family from disaster.

    However, even Jon could tell that in reality, it was all because Yora hated Henry Lane and his heirs to the bone.

 Chapter 1605

    ?

    "B-But even if Grandfather wouldn''t listen, you didn''t have to go that far. He''s your husband, and..."

    Jon trailed off feebly as fear seized him.

    If Yora could go that far, it made sense that she could eliminate him for her own ends.

    And to no surprise, Yora narrowed her eyes dangerously at him as she snorted. "Hmph. I guess I can make it simple for you-go back to Laneville and take your ce as the new head of the Lane family... Or I''d just have to pick someone else."

    Jon gulped, as his worst fear hade true.

    If he refused Yora, he would not fare any better than his grandfather.

    What choice did he have if he wanted to stay alive?

    Hence, after some thought, Jon quietly nodded.

    However, his face was ashen, and he certainly did not appear pleased or thrilled to be the new head of the Lane family.

    "Very good."

    Yora pped him on the shoulder with a smile. "Though you might be head of the family in name only, you stand to gain much. Just stick to being a figurehead-don''t worry about the details."

    "Thank you, Madam Yimmel." Jon gritted his teeth but forced a smile that looked uglier than a crying face.

    He had no choice but to ept reality since he took the deal.

    Even if this was exactly what he did not want, he had no way out anyway.

    "Cough, cough, cough..."

    Fleur suddenly started hacking violently, and Jon turned to find her sweating all over her brow, heaving as her whole body shook uncontrobly. "Madam Lang? What''s wrong?"

    Jon was shocked to see what was happening to Fleur, whereas Yora merely cast her a brief nce and turned away nonchntly. "It''s just a cold." However, Fleur coughed even more violently right then.

    She was clearly at her limit-her

    body temperature was alternating between extreme heat and cold, and

    she could feel a stabbing pain

    spreading throughout her organs.

    Even as she copsed on the floor, she mustered all her strength to reach out to Yora. "Please... Help... Help me..."

    Jon was left bbergasted. "Madam Yimmel? What''s happening to Madam Lang...?"

    Yora simply shook her head and

    shoved a note into his hand, and said bluntly, "Get her into your car, and call this number-ask them to deliver Madam Lang''s medicine. Remember, don''t let anyone find out."

    And with those words, Yora and her entourage got into another car and left right away.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    "O-Okay..."

    Jon watched as she left, feeling the creeps even as he turned back and saw Fleur groaning in agony.

    He more or less had the feeling that this was the matriarch''s doing but decided to bring Fleur home anyway.

    However, he had barely helped Fleur walk a few steps when she gasped. She was clearly struggling to breathe and copsed on the floor, convulsing all over as she foamed from the mouth.

    "Madam Lang!"

    Jon panicked, as he could see Fleur''s breathing turn weaker by the second. Eventually, he gritted his teeth and decided to send her to the hospital for now.

 Chapter 1606

    Fleur''s vitals finally stabilized after the doctors operated on her, but things did not look well despite her survival. Jon quickly stopped one of the doctors after the surgery and asked, "Is she going to be alright?"

    The doctor sighed. "Her condition is terrible, Mr. Lane. Most of her organs are failing given her old age, and..."

    "And what?!"

    Jon was very irritable just then.

    Yora suddenly appointed him head of the Lane family and then left Fleur in his care.

    It certainly went without saying that this was a test assigned by the matriarch, and Jon would be punished if Fleur died under his care.

    The doctor continued just then, "It seems that the patient has been routinely consuming a certain substance. While it improves her health for periods of time, it''s also highly addictive and umtes in the body over time, building up toxicity."

    After a moment of hesitation, the doctor shook his head. "I''m sorry, Mr. Lane, but there''s really nothing we can do here."

    "What?!" Jon bellowed. "Isn''t this hospital the best in Zamri? Isn''t there anything else you can do?!"Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    The doctor could only shake his head despite Jon''s outburst. "Calm down, Mr. Lane... At this point, the patient''s only option is to keep taking whatever she was taking before this. Even if it inevitably drives her to her death, it would at least keep her alive for some time. Deny her, and she wouldn''tst five days."

    "What..."

    John was troubled even as he watched the doctor leave.

    Then, remembering the note Yora gave him, he opened it to find a phone number.

    "Damn it!"

    Jon gritted his teeth in frustration.

    He never wanted status or power and would not even entertain the thought of bing the head of the family.

    All he wanted was to live out his days as one of the Lane family''s rich kids, but now he had no choice after getting caught in this feud for some

    reason.

    Yora would me him if Fleur died, and then...

    "Jon..."

    Fleur called out feebly from her ward just then.

    Jon hurried inside to find that Fleur was awake, but she looked like she

    peat any moment.

    Nheless, she rasped, "Go... get Baba Yaga."

    Jon did a double-take-it was the first time he heard the name. "Baba Yaga?"

    "Go!"

    Fleur''s fingers tightened around Jon''s hand, her eyes ring with the desire to survive.

    "Alright, I''ll make the call right now," Jon promised.

    A proud smile showed on Fleur''s lips, while Jon hurried off to the

    staircase to call the name on tol

    swno in

    note.

    "Hello?" An elderly woman''s voice spoke from the other end.

    "Hello, is this Baba Yaga? I need your... medicine."

    Jon had no idea what medicine Fleur needed but had no choice other than to stick to Yora''s script. Silence ensued before Baba Yaga said, "But I remember delivering a prescription earlier this week." "What?"

    Jon was dumbstruck-if that was the case, why was Fleur in so much pain?

    "Hehe... Hold that thought. I need to ask my men for some rification."

    The elderly woman giggled and hung up just then, but she called back after just a couple of minutes "Alright. Head over to ck Mist Bar down Hale Street. Wait at the bar, and someone will make the drop."

    Jon nodded. "Okay, got it."

 Chapter 1607

    ?

    While Jon was really not bothered by the details, something urred to him and he asked gingerly, "By the way, how much is the medicine?"

    "How much...?

    The elderly woman suddenly breathed a gratingugh that Jon had to hold his handset away from his ear.

    And when she was doneughing, the elderly woman rasped, "It''s a favor to an old friend. Money can wait."

    And with that, she hung up.

    "Huh..."

    Jon shook his head exasperatedly as he put away his phone. "That''s just freaky...''

    After he sighed and opened the staircase door, he found a familiar face leaning against the wall and smiling at him.

    "Y-You''re... Frank Lawrence?!"

    Jon was shocked his voice quivered.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hehe. Long time no see, Jon..."

    Frank strode over, pping him on the shoulder, but suddenly narrowing his eyes. "Or is it Master Lane now?"

    Hearing Frank say ''Master Lane'' almost left Jon with a heart attack, and he promptly shed an apologetic smile. "What are you saying, Mr. Lawrence? I have no intention to take over as family head... Even if I would, that''s only because I''ve been forced to do so against my will!"

    That was certainly true, as Frank knew Jon well enough.

    The kid only ever seemed to spend time with the ck hunting hounds he reared and was as unambitious as he was a hedonist.

    While he certainly could see that Jon was being forced to rece Helen, he was also the key, and Frank had to assert his authority over the boy.

    "ck Mist Bar down Hale Lane?"

    Frank took the note from Jon and grinned. "Why don''t I help you with that instead, Master Lane?"

    "What? But..."

    Jon panicked at the prospect of Frank doing anything, but Frank threw a friendly arm over his shoulder and smiled. "Right now, you will head back to Laneville and do everything Yora Yimmel tells you to... You''d rather not end up a puppet like Fleur Lang, who''s now wishing she was dead, would you?"

    As Jon nodded repeatedly, Frank patted his shoulder, "Then be a good

    boy and listen to me. In just a couple

    of days, ora would be toppled again, and you wouldn''t have to do anything but watch. If Yora asks, you just tell her that you send someone to get the medicine."

    "O-Okay."

    Jon found Frank more reliable after considering his options.

    After all, he had seen the depth of Frank''s strength and knew that he''d be killed where he stood if he did not do as he was told. And if Frank failed, he could just shift the me anyway.

    Most importantly, he really did not want to end up like Fleur-a mere puppet doing Yora''s bidding.

    "Alright, now give me your suit." Frank held out his hand and put it on after Jon gave it to him.

    With that, he took the note and watched as Jon left with a sneer.

    He knew enough about Mildron Balm, that he had the only bottle within miles.

    And earlier at Lanecorp, he could see that Fleur was barely keeping it together because she was denied her previous dosage.

    ?

    ¨¥

    Frank certainly could tell that the hag would notst long without the Mildron Balm, and that she would contact Corpsedale again since she did not get herst dose.

    It went without saying who would be doing the delivery either-it was Borc Zomer, Sohil''s son who was on the run.

 Chapter 1608

    ?

    Knowing that he just had to wait for Borc to run straight into him, Frank quickly drove to ck Mist Bar down at Hale Lane. The ce was exceedingly lively despite it being noon, the bustling crowds giving Frank the perfect cover.

    He just had two drinks by the bar when he sensed a familiar presence approaching.

    Naturally, it was none other than Borc, who was at once wary and annoyed.

    He had already been told of his father''s death and felt both immense hatred and terror toward Frank.

    He wanted to leave town right away, only for Baba Yaga to assign him another task-to deliver Fleur Lang''s Mildron Balm.

    Borc almost snapped right then but he had no choice but to carry out his superior''s orders, or things would end terribly for him.

    Arriving at the appointed location as Baba Yaga had told him to, he immediately found the figure by the bar, wearing that silver suit with his back to him.

    Borc did not hesitate to head over to the bar. There''s plenty of people watching, and all he wanted was to get this final task done and leave Zamri.

    However, when he pped the person on the shoulder, the face he saw was one deeply etched into his memory.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "What a coincidence. You came to have a drink too?"

    The man''s faint smile left Borc''s face contorted in fear and disbelief.

    "You..."

    Coming to a realization right then, Borc turned and tried to run, but Frank merelyughed and pointed with a finger.

    There was an audible, horrible crack from Borc''s kneecaps, and he lost his bnce, copsing on the floor. "Argh!!!"

    Borc sweated buckets over his brow as he looked at his misshapen knee in disbelief, wheezing as he turned to Frank. "H-How could it be you?! You''re supposed to be..."

    "What, are you that surprised?"

    Frank chuckled in feigned shock. "What do you think is the fate of a pawn after it serves its purpose?"

    "What...?"

    Borc was left taken aback, but soon hung his head and murmured, "How... How could I be dumped just like that? It''s¡ª" "It''s not impossible."

    Frank finished his sentence, picking him up and taking him out of the noisy bar to the quiet alley behind.

    "I''ll be frank. You''re not going tost another day, but..."

    Frank smiled. "You can tell me where your boss is."

    Seeing Borc''s face pale, he leaned in to whisper into his ear, "If you do, I''ll kill the one who betrayed you, and k could let you die painlessly... Naturally, you could refuse to sell

    ???:

    out your boss. Actually, I''d like you to choose that option, since it''s my specialty to make people talk."

    With that, Frank shot a burst of pure vigor into Borc''s body, which crashed around Borc''s internal organs. "Would you spare me if I tell you?"

    Even as he was sweating all over his brow in terror, Borc somehow still clung to hisst hope of surviving. However, Frank was shaking his head and smiling, clearly denying him that.

    "Shit!"

    Knowing that death was inevitable, Borc clenched his knuckles, intent on struggling but unable to.

    e

    Eventually he gritted his teeth and snapped, "Norsedam! Baba Yaga is in Lake Cove of Norsesdam. Where, specifically, I have no idea... Hell, no one knows!"

 Chapter 1609

    "Lake Cove, huh?"

    Frank nodded in disappointment, but it made sense that a secret outfit like Corpsedale would maintain secret between hierarchies.

    If anything, it was amazing that a pawn had a general idea of where his boss was.

    "Go on, make it quick!"

    Borc clenched his teeth just then, clearly ready to die.

    "Oh, hahaha..." Frank suddenlyughed. "But I wasn''t going to. There''s someone else who''s really interested in meeting you."

    And as Borc looked on in shock, Frank struck him on the back of his head with the side of his palm, knocking him out.

    Then, after feeding Borc atent poison pill, he called for members of Lanecorp''s health and safety department. He instructed them to take Borc to Jade Zahn, so she could have her revenge against her daughter''s killer.

    After dealing with Borc, Frank threw Jon''s suit in a garbage can and called Helen. "Prepare a share transfer agreement."

    "A share transfer agreement...?"

    Helen was exceedingly surprised-she was being forced to leave Lanecorp, but she was now forced to give up her shares on top of that?!

    Still, something was not quite right-Frank said that the agreement was to transfer her shares, not to liquidate it.

    So Helen would transfer hers to someone else?

    Before Helen could make sense of any of it, Gina was already snapping angrily from the other end, "What''s that supposed to mean, Frank? Isn''t it enough that Helen is removed as board chairwoman? Now you''re telling her to give up her shares too? Don''t you understand that she would really have nothing?!"

    "Mom."

    Helen was calm in contrast, and after a moment of indecision, she said determinedly, "Frank must have his reasons for doing this. I''ll get an agreement drafted right now."

    "Wait."

    Frank realized that they misunderstood and chuckled as he exined, "You''re missing something here. I''m not asking Helen to transfer her shares to someone else¡ªI''m asking someone to transfer their shares to Helen."Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    "What?" Gina was dumbstruck.

    At the moment, Helen had a significant stake in Lanecorp shares, which solidified her ce as Lanecorp''s board chair.

    However, that majority would only be maintained if she remained the head of the Lane family. After all, arge chunk belonged to her granduncle Mark Lane, followed by Fleur Lang, Gavin Lane, and others had their own stakes too.

    In contrast, it was Yora who had no shares, which in turn prevented her from meddling into Lanecorp''s affairs. It was why she had given Helen three days for her to hand over Lanecorp-if she was actually the majority shareholder, she would definitely have asked Helen to leave on the spot instead.

    At the moment, Mark held about thirty percent shares of thepany, Helen had twenty, and Fleur''s shares were around that too.

    Hence, if Helen''s shares surpassed Mark''s, no one would have the authority to demand Helen''s departure.

    Frank was merely resolving the issue at its root.

    "What are you up to, Frank?"

    While Gina and Helen were left perplexed, Frank chuckled, not wanting to keep them on tenterhooks.

 Chapter 1610

    Frank exined, "Once you have the share transfer agreement printed, go straight to Zamri Hospital. I''ll have Fleur Lang transfer all the shares she owns that way, Lanecorp''s majority shareholder will be Helen, and even Yora Yimmel would have no right to demand her departure."

    "Eh?"

    Gina did a double take but was soon delighted.

    She really thought for a moment that her daughter would have to step down from Lanecorp''s board chair, and that they had to return to humble little Riverton.

    They certainly did not expect that they would have a way out in Fleur... To think that Frank could produce such a splendid idea so soon! However, Helen quickly snuffed out Gina''s delight.

    "Don''t celebrate just yet, Mom," she told Gina and turned to Frank. "I don''t think Madam Lang would happily hand her shares over to me." "Right..."

    Gina flinched in realization-asking that hag for something like that was a pipe dream, no?

    "Don''t worry. I have an idea," Frank said confidently.

    "Are you going to... force her?"

    Helen frowned, finding such an option uneptable.

    How was that any different from daylight robbery?

    Still, Frank shrugged. "Don''t worry I won''t do that. I''ll get Fleur to willingly transfer her shares to you."

    "Ah. Oh, okay..."

    Gina sighed in relief too.

    She was worried that Frank would get violent as well, in which case Yora and her cronies woulde after them.

    "I''ll be waiting at Zamri Hospital," Frank said then and hung up.

    While Gina was jubnt at Frank''s ability to turn things around, Helen was frowning.

    After all, she understood the many stakes involved.

    As Mark''s proxy, Yora would basically own the thirty percent shares of Lanecorp he had and could therefore demand Helen''s departure.

    On the other hand, if Helen were to

    receive Fleur''s shares, her

    shareholding would hence reach forty percent. At that point, Yora would have no right to meddle with Lanecorp as Helen would be Lanecorp''s majority

    shareholder-individually, without any ties to the rest of the Lane family.

    "Urgh..."

    She exhaled lengthily, since she was really nervous-she had been working so hard for Lanecorp over thest few months and refused to let her effort fall into someone else''s possession.

    Moreover, there was the showbiz division led by Noel York and the ns she had for thepany''s future...Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    That was when Lily, Helen''s personal secretary, arrived and handed her a document."Ms. Lane, I''ve printed the share transfer agreement." "Thanks." Helen nodded and slid the agreement into her briefcase.

    As she pulled Gina along to leave, however, Lily suddenly stepped in front of her.

    "Are you really leaving, as in leaving Lanecorp Ms. Lane?" she asked, a wistful look on her face. "Actually, we had an internal discussion earlier... If you''re really leaving, we''ll go wherever you go."

    As Helen''s secretary, Lily had clearly seen how hard Helen worked, raking in so many partnerships and businesses for Lanecorp. No one in Lanecorp knew better than Lily how hard she worked.

    Helen felt warmth in her heart as Lily conveyed her true feelings, and she pped Lily''s shoulder assuringly. "Don''t worry. There''s no chance I''m leaving!"

 Chapter 1611

    ?

    Frank was already waiting at the entrance of Zamri Hospital by the time Helen and Gina arrived.

    Seeing them, Frank nodded and did not waste his breath exining. "Come with me."

    Gina remained skeptical despite his confident expression and asked as she followed, "Are you sure Fleur would sign over her shares to Helen? We''ve talked about it on the way here, but we had to agree Fleur wants Helen gone at all costs. Why would she give up anything to Helen?"

    "That''s right, Frank. It''s just..." Helen trailed off, eventually sighing after holding her breath for a while. "Unthinkable."

    "It''s fine."

    Frank grinned as he produced two bottles of pills from his pocket, waving it at them. "Right now, Fleur needs these two bottles of pills just to stay alive. She would definitely cave."

    Helen gaped. "You''re using those pills... to ckmail her?"

    "Why''d you have to word it so harshly?"

    Frank chuckled. "No, she''s going to buy these pills from me... Although it''s entirely up to me to decide what I''m charging her."

    Both Helen and Gina were certainly assured at that point. Still, Gina was also very curious as to what pill would drive Fleur to such desperation, that she would abandon her Lanecorp shares just to get them.

    As Frank was very familiar with theyout inside Zamri Hospital, he led Helen and Gina inside, and they were soon outside Fleur''s ICU ward.

    One of the two nurses inside immediately frowned when she saw them. "Good afternoon, but this is the ICU. If you''re not family¡ª"

    "Shush."

    The other nurse, who was a little older, stopped her and whispered, "Are you crazy? Don''t you recognize him?" "Huh?"

    It was at her colleague''s prompt that the younger Rurses flushed in

    realization and appeared

    el.ne

    right the "I-I''m sorry. I didn''t recognize you immediately, Professor Lawrence... I was busy helping the patient take her medicine..."

    Gina was left spacing out by how much respect the nurses were showing Frank.

    Seeing that, Frank smiled. "You don''t have to be so shocked, Mom. Frank''s sister is the hospital chief here." "What?! But isn''t this the best hospital in Zamri...?"

    While Gina was left stunned, Frank opened the door and strode inside Fleur''s ward.

    It was not his first time meeting Fleur either, but he was still stunned by the sight of her bedridden self now.

    That certainly applied to Helen and Gina, both of whom were gaping and almost unable to recognize Fleur.

    After all, the woman on the bed had an ashen-face, her body seemingly drying up as she appeared barely alive.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    No one would think for a moment

    alive if not for the rhythmic

    PS dried corpse lying there was

    of

    e venttor. Content becks

    to

    "F-Frank... Lawrence..."

    Nheless, while Fleur was motionless a second ago, the sight of Frank, Helen, and Gina entering left her heaving, but she was so frail it only looked like impotent deathbed tantrum.

    Helen could not help walking closer to ask, "Are you alright, Madam Lang?"

    "Out... Out..." Fleur wheezed, her lifeless eyes somehow conveying her spite.

 Chapter 1612

    ?

    After all, Helen and Frank were undoubtedly the two people Fleur did not want to see at this very moment.

    However, Frank did not seem to care, walking up to pick an apple from the bedside table and biting a chunk as he chuckled. "Hehe... I know what you''re waiting for, Fleur Lang."

    Fleur could not say a word aside from ring at him, as if it might kill him-it was a pity for her that she did not have such power.

    Unperturbed, Frank continued, "You sent Jon Lane to get your pills, didn''t you?"

    Fleur''s whole body flinched, clearly giving her away right then.

    Frank sat on the edge of her bed in turn, smiling. "In that case, I will be frank-the pills Jon was supposed to fetch are beyond your reach... because I''ve killed the courier."

    Beep! Beep! Beep!

    Every piece of machinery began to beep all at once, indicating Fleur''s agitation and rage.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "But..."

    That was when Frank''s tone changed, and he produced two pill bottles out of his pocket, waving them in front of Fleur. "They''re right here. I can''t say that taking these pills will keep you alive... but it''d at least alleviate your pain."

    Fleur was staring fixedly at the bottles right then, her mouth hanging open with anticipation.

    However, Frank suddenly put the bottles back in his pocket. "But considering how things are between us, do you think I''d give it to you unconditionally, out of the goodness of my heart?"

    "Hngh..."

    Fleur started shaking repeatedly, groaning a plea to Frank.

    "Frank, please....." Helen said, finding it a bit too much.

    After all, Fleur''s current condition was terrible as she was now bare bones and barely had the strength to speak.

    Turning to Fleur, she said, "Madam

    Lang, Frank will give you the

    §Ö§ä

    medicine as long as you help me. Don''t worry-with me here, Frank will do his best to treat you too. You''ve heard about his skill in medicine, haven''t you?"

    While Frank was slightlymenting that Helen was too soft, he nodded. "That''s just it. With me here, you''d live another few years."

    At Frank and Helen''s assurance, Fleur did not hesitate to nod.

    After all, the pain she was going through right now was unthinkable.

    Her whole body was basically withering and melting, while her organs felt like they were being constantly stabbed, and she was in so much pain she could not think at all

    She would die willingly just to be free of this pain. In fact, she would not go as far as to ask a past enemy like Frank to save her-she would do anything just to have another

    Mildron Balm.

    While Helen was surprised that Fleur agreed to their deal so quickly, Frank smiled and shook his head.

    "You''d understand if you''re experiencing the pain she''s suffering now."

    And with those words, Frank gestured for Helen to take out the share transfer agreement and read it out in front of an impatient Fleur.

    When he was finally done, Fleur used all her strength to nod and pressed a trembling finger to sign it.

    With the agreement sealed, Helen was individually Lanecorp''s top shareholder.

    Even Yora Yimmel had no authority to demand her departure now.

 Chapter 1613

    "Frank."

    With the document signed, Helen quickly turned toward him-Fleur''s eager, miserable look actually left her feeling a pang of guilt.

    They were definitely exploiting Fleur''s vulnerability here, but Helen had to do it to protect Lanecorp.

    And as soon as the agreement was signed, she gave Frank a pointed look, clearly gesturing for him to save Fleur.

    "Alright."

    Frank did not drag his feet either.

    Naturally, he was not going to let her take more Mildron Balm since it was basically poison-it would keep her alive for a month at best.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    He fed her an Ichor Pill instead and infused pure vigor into her body with his finger, helping her body absorb the essence of the pill. Soon, color returned to Fleur''s face, and she was not grimacing in pain-in fact, she appeared veryfortable.

    And with the Ichor Pill replenishing her vigor, Fleur would survive.

    "T-Thank you..." Fleur thanked Helen earnestly, while showing no simr sentiment to Frank.

    After all, she would not be in this state if not for Frank, and she only wanted Frank to save her from the pain and nothing else.

    For his part, Frank knew that very well, and he chuckled coolly as he threw the two bottles of Mildron Balm to Fleur. "Those two bottles are thest ones avable. I''d tell you not to take it, but no one would stop you if you insist. Oh, and you''d still have to pay for conspiring to murder Mark Lane." Fleur said nothing, only ring viciously as Frank and the others left her room, and she promptly pressed the buzzer once they were gone.

    "Nurse! Nurse!!!"

    Two nurses rushed inside right away and were left gaping when they saw Fleur alive and kicking.

    "Gosh, Professor Lawrence is amazing! There''s actually a way to save someone in her condition?!"

    "He really wasn''t lying!"

    Fleur, however, could not be bothered to listen.

    Picking up one of the bottles of Mildron Balm and taking one, her cheeks flushed a furious red as she yelled, "Get me a phone right now! I need to make a call!"

    After all, she finally understood what Frank and Helen were up to, what with them forcing her to sign over all her shares to Helen.

    As such, to stall them, Fleur must

    now put her shares on ice before Helen finalized the paperwork for the transfer Even with that agreement, which had her fingerprint, they could only appeal for the transfer ten dayster.

    And by then, it would be toote!

    Unfortunately for Fleur, there was no way Frank did not think of that.

    In fact, despite Fleur''s demands, the two nurses traded nces before pushing Fleur back on the bed and shackling her with restraint straps.

    However, they were also shaking their heads andughing as they watched Fleur struggle endlessly on the bed.

    "It''s just as Professor Lawrence had said she would lose control and try to contact someone outside the hospital."

    One of them even leaned in to

    exin very loudly, "Hey! Do you hear us, old-timer?! Professor Lawrence told us that we must not let you leave your bed or contact anyone outside! You just have to stay here and focus on getting better!"

    However, taking a single Mildron Balm reinvigorated Fleurpletely.

    "Let me go, you wenches! Where''s the hospital chief?! I have a

    comint... You''re restricting my personal freedom..."

 Chapter 1614

    Both nurses were left exasperated as Fleur yelled maniacally.

    "Please stop already, ma''am... Oh, and our hospital chief is actually Professor Lawrence''s younger sister, so you should just stay here and rest."

    With those words, both nurses left with looks of sympathy, one of them sighing. "Professor Lane said that she would suffer hallucinations too... Could that be true?"

    Before the other nurse could answer, Fleur started shrieking hysterically, "Let me go! I''m the second matriarch of the Lane family! Release me, or I will make you pay!"

    "Oh, give it a rest already. Professor Lawrence is divine-see? This woman is hallucinating as he said."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "Shush. Just ignore her."

    Fleur could hear the two nurses heading off into the distance and continued to yell even as she was tied to a bed. "Frank Lawrence!!! I''ll make you pay!!!"

    "Achoo!"

    Frank, Helen, and Gina had just finished the paperwork for the shares transfer without a hitch and had just gotten into their car when Frank sneezed violently.

    Concerned, Helen passed him tissues. "Are you alright? Did you catch a cold?"

    Frank chuckled as he took the tissues. "I''m alright. I''d never catch a cold with my physique... Someone was most likely badmouthing me."

    For some reason, Helen could not helpughing with him, just as he added, "Alright, I''ll be sending you home now that we''ve kept our position in Lanecorp anchored. Now''s the time to root out the source of the problem, so I''ll be going to Norsedam."

    "Norsedam?"

    Helen frowned. "Isn''t that dangerous?"

    "Yeah," Gina agreed. "There''s no reason to rush this-you can get some rest before heading over."

    Frank suddenly felt satisfied that his effort was not wasted, for even Gina would show concern.

    Still, he said, "Don''t worry it''s no big deal. It''s youdies who should watch out. Don''t get hurt in the meantime." "Yeah. I''ll be working from home for a few days." Helen beamed.

    Her smile left Frank spacing out a little as she rxed considerably without the pressure of managing Lanecorp.

    After sending Helen and Gina back to Cologne Court, Frank dialed a number reluctantly as he drove to Norsedam. It was Juno Enigma.

    To be honest, she was exceedingly dangerous, and Frank was trying his best to keep his distance.

    Still, her information was always

    reliable and her resources

    anonymous that even Trevor Zurich

    could not hope to match hero

    That was why there were asions Frank had to ask her for help anyway.

    Naturally, he more or less understood that with each time he consulted her, he owed her another favor.

    And that meant more trouble for the

    future,

    for

    as good things nevere

    free-one would always

    inevitably pay eventually.

    Wa

    e

    "Hello, husband. I guess you''ve finally remembered little old me?"

    The sweet voice on the other end left Frank shivering, but he said bluntly, "Let''s cut the crap. I want to know the location of Corpsedale''s

    east

    coast leader."

    to

    Juno yawned exaggeratedly at his cold question and pouted. "You always put me in a dilemma, husband..."

 Chapter 1615

    Frank narrowed his eyes. "Dilemma? How so?"

    "Corpsedale is one of my partners. And when ites to betraying partners... Tut, tut....."

    Frank paused and said, "Well then, I won''t bother you any further."

    Before he could hang up, Juno huffed, "Hey! Don''t you have any patience? Just let me finish, honestly..."

    "I''m very busy." Frank shrugged. "I''ll listen to your troubles some other day, though I''ll get someone else if you''re refusing to tell me."

    "Come on..."

    Juno sighed softly. "Honestly, aren''t you too eager to please Helen Lane? Have you considered that I might betray you if you pushed me too far, what with your cold and dismissive attitude?"

    As Frank turned silent, she giggled. "Alright, alright-I was just messing with you. Do I look like I''d betray my husband? I''m hoping that you''d help me with my... ahem, revenge. Anyway, the person you want is in the Fettle Clinic at Norsedam''s Lake Cove."

    Frank finally spoke up at that. "Thank you, Juno Enigma."

    "Hey, now, you''re the husband I chose. You''re being overly formal here..."

    "No, I''m referring to your betrayal of your partner. I have no idea what you''ve nned for me, but thanks-I won''t forget about this."

    And with those words, Frank hung up.

    Juno, dressed in full white and seated upstairs in an old tavern, watched as skies drizzled outside the window.

    "Ugh..."

    Her fair fingers trembled around her phone, and she breathed a heavy sigh, a far cry from her earlier jovial self.

    Meanwhile, at Laneville Manor, Dan Zimmer was stepping out of the front door with his doctor bag.

    He was shing a pained smile and shook his head at the Lane family members who were escorting him, "You really don''t have to send me off. I''m not skilled enough to save Mark, so you don''t have to be that nice to some useless geezer such as myself... If you want Mark to recover soon, you need to ask for Frank."

    Gavin Lane, in the lead, bowed his head nheless. "Whatever the case may be, it''s our family''s honor that you would make the journey." "Haha..." Dan chuckled in embarrassment, then went to his granddaughter''s Maybach and left.

    "What should we do now, Dad?"

    Roth Lane was standing nearby, watching his father worriedly.

    Yora Yimmel had arrived in Laneville Manor this afternoon and chased Dan unceremoniously.

    She then went on to proim herself

    the highest authority in the family since Mark Lane was unconscious and announced that Helen''s ce as family head was forfeited

    Many disagreed, but there were those who agreed too¡ªnaturally, they were all Fleur Lang''s cronies in the family, who had been upset with Helen for a while.

    And now, they were all seizing the opportunity to use Helen of failing her responsibility.

    As the family was now caught in chaos, Gavin''s side was the only one supporting Helen. However, they were suppressed too because they were no hardliners like Yora.

    Gavin was at a loss himself, as he

    was the one who rmended Helen as the head of the family. "Things would be easier if the old man''s awake. But he''s now in aa, and Yora is denying him

    SThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    help..."

 Chapter 1616

    ?

    One could even say that while Gavin was supposed to be the head of the family, he conceded it to Helen.

    That was not just because of Helen''s personal abilities, but because Helen had a character with her who could bring the family to new heights.

    And the truth was undeniable-just months after Helen took over both as head of the family and became the chairwoman of Lanecorp, both the family and thepany were improving from the inside out.

    In fact, they seemed to find a motivation to do better like never before, and Mark Lane was personally approving of Helen''s strength.

    But despite improving like clockwork, Yora suddenly came throwing usations, and Mark had to fall sick at this time.

    And worst of all, his condition was serious, and he never regained consciousness despite retaining stable vitals.

    Now, Gavin had to suspect that someone had a hand in his father''s illness-to seize power.

    Naturally, his chief suspect was Fleur. After all, as Mark''s second wife, she was most displeased with Helen bing the head of the family.

    And now, she had gone missing, leaving Gavin feeling like he was running around in circles.

    "Dad," Roth suggested. "Why don''t we call Frank Lawrence as Mr. Zimmer suggested? He''d definitely save Grandfather."

    Gavin sighed but shook his head. "Madam Yimmel chased Mr. Zimmer away. Do you think she''d just let Frank help? And she just announced that the Southstream Lanes are exiled once more, so Frank Lawrence has even less reason toe if Madam Yimmel doesn''t shut him out in the first ce."

    "Then, what? Are we supposed to just let Madam Yimmel take over?!" Roth eximed anxiously. "Why don''t we contact Helen for now and see what she has to say about Madam Yimmel? We can''t just sit by and watch if Madam Yimmel is really going to exile Helen..."

    Gavin was left frowning, and that was when a ck car stopped outside the manor.

    Jon Lane alighted and flinched when he saw his father and brother waiting outside the door. "What are you doing here?"

    Ron, however, quickly asked, "We told you to get Madam Lang, didn''t we? Where is she?"

    "She''s..."

    Jon stammered, but before he could say another word, a haughty figure strode out of the door. "Heh. Wee back, Master Lane."

    "What?!"

    Both Gavin and Roth were leftMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    dumbstruck as they watched Yora approach, and they turned to see that on was hanging his head, his thoughts inscrutable.

    "What''s wrong?"

    Yoraughed coolly when she saw their surprise. "The Lane family never had the tradition of letting a woman lead the family. And since everyone''s here, I''m making the announcement: Jon Lane will be the new head of the family.

    ¦¥¦«¦¯

    "As for Helen Lane? Hah! She is now no longer a part of the family, three days, she would have to hand over her position as head of Lanecorp too."

    Then, turning to Roth, she smiled. "In a few days, you will go to Lanecorp Tower personally for the handover, as you take over as board chairman." "What..."

    Even before Gavin and Roth could speak, Yora led Jon into the manor, leaving father and son trading nces.

    "Dad... What did Jon do?!" Roth growled, frustrated-was Jon really so eager to be Yora''s puppet?!

 Chapter 1617

    ?

    While being head of the family sounded impressive, Jon was still no more than Yora''s puppet.

    Roth was therefore exceedingly furious towards his younger brother''s treachery, whereas their father Gavin was more thoughtful.

    Frowning, he shook his head and said, "Don''t point fingers just yet, Roth. You know what your brother''s like he''d rather be dead than be the head of the family."

    "Then..."

    "Yora most likely forced him into it." Gavin breathed a heavy sigh.

    "Well, what should we do?" Roth sighed, despondent that his own brother was now an enemy.

    But even with their hands tied, they could not allow themselves to fall under Yora Yimmel''s control either, or they should just be Yimmels instead.

    Then, Gavin said, "Let''s contact Frank Lawrence and see what he has to say. We will cooperate as best as we can if he offers any ideas." Gavin was aware of Frank''s connections, deciding right away to side with the sole heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    After all, he was convinced that Yora''s authority would never best Frank''s, and he would rather let Frank be family head than Yora!

    "Okay!"

    Roth did not hesitate to whip out his phone and call Frank right then but he was left scowling after trying several times. "Dad... I can''t call anyone. The cell signal has been jammed."

    "What?!"

    Shock showed on Gaivn''s face-Yora was going that far?!

    It seemed that she was really bent on devouring the entire Lane family!

    That was when a Yimmel family retainer came over, holding out a hand and gesturing at the manor hall. "Mr. Lane, Mr. Lane. Madam Yimmel is speaking to the family soon-please proceed inside."

    Roth snorted. "Hmph. I need to step outside for a moment-there''s something I need to do."

    However, the Yimmel retainer stepped in his way, impassive. "Your presence is needed."

    "Fuck!"

    Roth cursed, pointing at the Yimmel

    retainer as he snapped, "This is Laneville Manor, not the Yimmels''

    house! Are you restricting my personal freedom?!" Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "It''s Madam Yimmel''s orders, Mr. Lane," the Yimmel retainer said, pausing as his eyes shed coldly. "We are allowed to enforce discipline if anyone refuses. I''d suggest you go now for your safety."

    "What..."

    Roth was bristling-Yora was not even bothered to disguise her coup!

    "Calm down!"

    Gavin proved more seasoned than his son, grabbing thetter by the arm to stop him from anything rash.

    Casting an impassive look at the Yimmel retainer, he said calmly, "This is Laneville Manor. I''m sure Madam Yimmel already has an exnation for her actions. Let''s go

    With that, he pulled a seething Roth with him back into the Manor.

    And behind him, the Yimmel retainer locked up the gates of Laneville Manor.

    It was clear that every member of the Lane family was now under house arrest, and none were allowed in or out!

    In the evening, Frank had just arrived at Norsedam, unaware of Gavin''s predicament.

    He was not dragging his feet, however, and headed straight to the address Juno Enigma gave him.

 Chapter 1618

    Judging from its name alone, Fettle Clinic was an unassuming ce.

    As such, Frank was not surprised to find the clinic in a remote corner of the suburbs, just past the fringes of Lake Cove.

    It was evening, but every door and window of the clinic was shut, as if closed for businesses.

    Still, Frank''s sharp hearing could pick up the voices inside.

    He was alone, and it was a familiar face at that it was Hardy Xinder!

    Narrowing his eyes, Frank leapt agilely up to the second floor and slipped inside from a venting window.

    Hardy, whose hair was nowpletely white, was sitting by a desk and asking into the antique rotary phone, "Hey, what''s going on here? You''re saying that there have been problems in Zamri, but what am I doing here?"

    "What? A trap? What the hell are you talking about?!"

    Hardy sounded clearly impatient and was even holding the phone as he paced around. "Damn it, Yaga-so what are you ying at?! Shouldn''t the Lane family be going after Frank Lawrence''s head by now?! And with your rtives in Bralog getting on his case too, he''s not going to get away, is he?!"

    "Wait, he''sing? Are you kidding me?!"

    Even as Hardy snapped furiously over the phone, he felt a chill beneath his neck.

    He looked down and, before he knew it, found a knife held there, pressed against his neck.

    Too petrified to speak or turn to look who it was, he stammered as he said the name on his mind. "F-Frank Lawrence...?"

    "You knew I''d be here?"

    Frank had picked up one of the knives on the table to restrain Hardy, but his heart skipped a beat when Hardy guessed that it was him. "It really is you!"

    Hardy''s face turned pale he was skeptical about Baba Yaga''s words earlier, but he certainly believed her now!

    Frank was truly omnipotent, finding him in a ce like this!

    Nheless, Frank demanded, "Talk! Where''s Baba Yaga, your aplice?!"

    Hardy was left frustrated too, and heMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    snapped back, "What a

    coincidence-I don''t know, because

    I''m looking for her too! That hag was the one who called me here, but she''s nowhere to be seen!"

    "Wait, this is bad..."

    Frank immediately felt a pang of danger.

    "Kikiki... Hello, Frank Lawrence."

    Even as Frank''s thoughts raced, a bizarreughter rang over Hardy''s phone. "I knew you''d make it as soon as lost contact with Borc.

    Met

    don''t know how you found out who I

    |

    am, but I was right being careful.

    And now, you''ve fallen for my trap!"

    "What-"

    Even before Frank realized it, he heard a soft pop behind him, and green gas started ejecting out of a broken bottle.

    And while Frank was distracted, Hardy pushed him aside and ran straight for the exit... where the green gas was. "Fuck! You used me as bait, Yaga!"

    Hardy hade to a realization right then-Baba Yaga had called him here to lure Frank into this ce! "Wait!"

    Frank could not stop Hardy in time and watched as he ran straight into the green gas... and screamed deafeningly.

    Only Hardy''s palm reached the green gas at

    sizzle like boiling water, and chunks

    2 lik put his flesh began t

    began to peel off. Cer

    A pungent smoke filled the room as Hardy''s fingers rotted off, leaving bare, charred bones.

 Chapter 1619

    ?

    "What? Argh!!!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    It was toote by the time Hardy realized what had happened.

    The emerald gas had reached his cheek just then, and his skin started to peel off as well, leaving bare scarlet tissue.

    They soon melted off as well, leaving only charred bones.

    "H-Help me..."

    Hardy wanted to run, but his legs were caught in the green gas.

    He dropped to the floor with an audible thud, and watched as his legs melted into ck bones as well.

    All he could do was scream, and in his desperation, he even reached out his only good hand toward Frank, yelling and begging, "Please, I don''t wanna die! Help me, help me!!!"

    However, Frank could not do anything and watched as half of Hardy''s face melted off.

    It was such an eerie sight that he felt the creeps, being as knowledgeable as he was.

    At the same time, he started backward to avoid the green gas.

    And in under ten seconds, Hardy waspletely consumed by the green gas and reduced to charred bones scattered all over the floor.

    However, Frank had no ce to run either, as this was clearly Baba Yaga''s trap.

    Forget that the exit that was already sealed-somehow, the interior of the clinic was shrinking visibly as well.

    "Shit, I''ve been had!"

    Frank growled through his teeth-the Corpsedale members were really cunning, and he could not see through the emerald gas they used either. And the potency was already frightening!

    Even as the phone dropped in the middle of the green gas, Baba Yaga''s gleefulughter could still be heard. "Kikiki... Just give up already, Frank Dawrence! My rotting gas would melt through even your steel-like body!"

    Open up!"

    Frank abruptly turned, charging himself with pure vigor and abruptlyunching his palm on the wall behind himself, intent on breaking a hole on it. However, the wall merely rumbled after Frank''s hit. No crack appeared, let alone a hole...

    "What?!"

    How durable were these walls?!

    At Frank''s current level, he could shatter boulders with his bare fists. But now, his palm could not even open a hole in this little clinic?!

    "Kikiki!!! Give up and ept your fate, Frank Lawrence! I personally renovated this building to make it withstand bomb sts, so you can forget digging a hole to escape!"

    Theughter over the phone left Frank annoyed, and he struck the wall endlessly in panic as he could see the green gas closing in.

    However, the wall simply refused to crack, even though the whole building seemed to rumble under Frank''s punches.

    "Hahaha..."

    Baba Yaga''sughter turned even shriller, and as Frank was about to

    be consumed by the green gas,

    he

    growled defiantly, "Curses... To think that would fall in such a ce!"

    Nheless, the interior of the clinic gradually turned silent, and time passed.

    When night arrived and the skies were veiled by thin clouds, an agile figure dashed toward the clinic from a distance.

    As the clouds parted, the moon''s glow bared the ancient face of a woman, her diminutive frame standing in a distance as she stared at the front doors.

    Her eyes were sharp, as if intent on seeing inside the clinic...

 Chapter 1620

    "It''s been a while... Surely he''d be withered down to bones no matter how strong he is? Not even a peak Ascendant rank individual could withstand the rotting gas I''ve concocted from a thousand dposing bodies."

    Naturally, the diminutive figure was none other than Baba Yaga.

    Even as she mused to herself, her expression was careful as she circled the clinic repeatedly.

    Eventually, she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard nothing.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    "I guess he''s really done." Sheughed coolly. "They all say that Frank''s power is unmatched, but he fell just like the rest before my poison! Guess I should report this to Hundred Bane Sect... Hmph! It seems like Titus Lionheart owes us a favor now."

    "That reminds me... I should search the body for a spiritron vein, since he might carry it with him..." Letting down her guard just then, she opened the doors of the clinic, ready to search Frank''s corpse. However, an arm suddenly shot out from the clinic amid the silent night, seizing Baba Yaga by the neck!

    "Oof!!! How... is that possible?!"

    Baba Yaga''s eyes widened at the sight of that arm which remained unscathed, herself caught in speechless shock and disbelief.

    Bang!

    A second hand reached out after the first, tearing through the door easily like it was candy wrapper.

    Then, the dark figure behind lifted the door into the air with his bare hand and threw it into the distance!

    Under the bright moon glow, he looked up, baring his white teeth as he grinned. "You really returned, hag. I''ve been waiting for a while, too!"

    "How... how... How is that possible?! My poison... didn''t work?!"

    Baba Yaga struggled as hard as she stared at Frank as if he were a ghost.

    He had entered the clinic early in the evening, and it was now past midnight-about seven hourster.

    A normal person would die if the gas so much as touched them, but Frank stayed in it for up to seven hours and remained fine?!

    Baba Yaga was utterly confused, just as she began to doubt herself, wondering if her poison was the issue.

    However, Hardy Xinder''s death was proof that the poison worked, and that only left one possibility...

    Frank Lawrence was... Transcendent rank?!

    It was universally known that the physical body changed

    fundamentally at Transcendent rank, and poison was pointless as they surpassed the limits of physical existence.

    Those who reached beyond were no longer humans and would rise to stand among the strongest individuals of Draconia.

    That being said, Frank did not rely on

    ver

    his physique to survive that long in that poisonous gas, but his knowledge in Draconian traditional medicine instead.

    Frank had almost instantly

    dissected theposition of the et

    poisonous gas and swiftly refined

    several antidote pills with whatever materials he had.

    With Frank''s pure vigor and the pills, he survived the eerie poison for hours.

    Moreover, when he dissected the gas, he also found out something very important: the poison grew more potent after corroding through skin and flesh.

    The fact that it grew meant it was alive, and Baba Yaga would certainly not leave something so precious to waste.

    Instead she was definitely nning to return and retrieve the gas.

    That was why Frank just had to wait here, as she would most certainly return.

 Chapter 1621

    ?

    To no surprise, Baba Yaga really returned after patiently waiting up to seven hours.

    Frank certainly did not hold back, subduing her in an instant to cut off her escape while hitting her internally with a burst of pure vigor.

    If Baba Yaga were to pull anything, it was just a matter of thought for Frank to detonate that pure vigor and kill her.

    Having sealed his triumph, Frank flung Baba Yaga to the floor.

    "Impossible..." she murmured as she pushed herself up, staring in disbelief at the door which Frank tore open.

    She spent a fortune on the construction of this clinic, with everything from the walls to the door reinforced with special materials provided by Hundred Bane Sect.

    Forget Ascendant ranks¡ªeven those peak Ascendant ranks would not ever be able to break it, but Frank tore through it like candy wrapper.

    It left Baba Yaga at a loss-was she too weak, or was Frank just too powerful?

    Surely only the most powerful individuals of Draconia could aplish something like that... Did that mean that the brat before her had reached their level already?!

    The thought left Baba Yaga shivering.

    She had thought for a moment that she was giving Frank more than enough credit, only for him to surpass that.

    It seemed like one must expect nothing less from the sole heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods...

    It left Baba Yaga plenty regretful too.

    She would never have epted Hardy Xinder''s request if she had known that Frank was this powerful, let alone contact her own family in Bralog. Now, not only was she going to die, but her sister Yora would end up the same too.

    And she certainly knew that for a fact as she sensed Frank''s pure vigor in her own body, which denied her the ability to use the endless methods she had at her disposal.

    One false move, and Frank would kill her instantly.

    "Now that things havee to this, I surrender," she murmured, clenching her knuckles as she looked up at Frank in frustration.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    A single blunder had really cost Baba Yaga everything-not only was the brat exceedingly strong, but he was also sharp.

    In time, he might be an unstoppable force just like his father.

    That was when Frank said, "In that case, would you mind answering a few of my questions?"

    "Ask away."

    Baba Yaga had fought long enough to know that Frank was not going to spare her just because she answered his questions.

    And while she appeared open to

    answering them, she was also

    wondering if she could state sol

    conditions so that Frank would let her live.

    Smart people never give up on survival until the very end, after all.

    "Alright."

    Frank nodded, inwardly impressed that the Corpsedale''s east coast leader actually proved so adaptable.

    As soon as she saw that she was at his mercy, she switched gears instantly and started begging for mercy while keeping her keen eye out for any possible shot at Survival.

    "What''s your connection to Yora Yimmel? Frank asked. "Hardy Xinder is the one asking you to help his revenge, so why was Yora the one who moved against the Dane family instead?"

    Baba Yaga''s answer was short and simple. "We''re sisters."

    "Sisters?!"

    Frank did a double take.

    However, that also exined everything.

    It was true if the Lane family were to move as one against Frank, they needed someone who could im full authority and speak for them.

 Chapter 1622

    ?

    And with Mark Lane around, no one was chasing Helen or Frank out of the Lane family.

    Baba Yaga leveled Frank a troubled look just then and sighed. "The n was toe after you after the Lane family exiled you... but that''s unnecessary now. The gap between us is insurmountable-schemes and traps are nothing but a joke in the face of absolute power.

    "We were all working under the impression that the Lane family helped you to seed... but sadly, it was the other way around." Hearing her sigh, Frank also realized how many thought his sess was thanks to the Lane family, and Baba Yaga was no exception.

    In other words, she was saying that she was convinced Frank would be nothing once he lost the Lane family, whom she had assumed were his backers.

    At best, he was a young but aplished martial artist.

    The reality that Frank was really the one supporting the Lane family was an insider detail, something which escaped even key members and executives of the Lane family.

    Frank nodded in turn-it seemed that Baba Yaga had simply picked her targets wrongly in the first ce.

    Watching her, he asked, "Anyst words?"

    "Last words... Can''t I be allowed to live?" Baba Yagaughed dryly, a pained look showing in her eyes.

    The phrase ''life''s a stage'' certainly applied here...

    She had really thought that this would be just a favor for an old friend, only for the mess to get worse on every turn, ending with her death. This was really not worth it.

    "No," Frank said coolly, crushing Baba Yaga''sst hope.

    But in a split second, she looked up at him with a sharp re. "You brat! Even you have to work for it if you want me dead!"

    There was a brief sh as a thin threadunched out of Baba Yaga''s sleeve, dripping with purple venom as it streaked toward Frank''s neck. "Die!" Baba Yaga snapped, reinforcing the sharpness of the thread with pure vigor.

    "You sweet summer child..."

    Frank certainly noticed her movement, handily catching the thread and pulling, intending to snap it.

    However, the thread proved endlessly malleable-it sliced a bloody gash into Frank''s palm instead of snapping.

    And seeing that gash, she roared

    withughter, "You will suffer even if

    you might kill me! That''s

    Autumnrot-a secret recipe of

    l

    Hundred Bane Sect. You will carry it

    with you for the rest of your life!"

    As if on cue, Frank found a purple gas flowing from the gash and up to his arm.

    "Autumnrot, you say?"

    Frank had long since read Hundred Bane Anthology, which Jaud White had stolen from Hundred Bane Sect,mitting it to memory.

    He therefore instantly remembered

    theposition of the Autumnrot scoffing, "It melts the nerves and freezes the hearts and organs, but it''s not enough against me!" Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    n¨¦t

    Hence, as Baba Yaga looked on in shock, he tapped his arm''s

    acupoints, directing his pure vigor''s

    6 and pushed the violent poison

    back out of his palm.

    Then, Frank swung his hand, flinging the Autumnrot at Baba Yaga and sshing it squarely at her eyes.

    She howled as she clutched her face and dropped to the floor, iling around violently.

    When she stood up again, there were two deep, dark cavities where her eyes had been-her eyeballs and the flesh around had melted away. "You reap what you sow!"

    Frank refused to give her another chance and pointed with a finger.

    The pure vigor he infused inside Baba Yaga''s body detonated right then.

 Chapter 1623

    Baba Yaga screamed shrilly as she bled out of every orifice and dropped dead on the floor.

    Frank''s pure vigor crushed Baba Yaga''s organs from the inside. Though she appeared alive on the outside, she was really as dead as a doornail. Frank also set a fire to burn her body along with her clinic just in case, destroying any evidence along with it.

    Even if Hundred Bane Sect came looking, they would not get anything that could trace back to Frank-not unless Baba Yaga told them beforehand. With that, Frank hurried back to Riverton, attempting to call Gavin Lane and his family while he did.

    When he could not reach any of them, Frank realized right away that Yora Yimmel must be involved. She must have sent her people to block allmunications in Laneville, stifling all cell signals and anything else.

    The only option Frank had now was to personally visit Laneville, but that posed another problem too.

    While Frank would have no trouble eliminating Yora and her maiden family, she had now basically taken the Lane family hostage.

    If Frank visited, she would most likely threaten him into submission with their lives.

    Still, while Frank felt a headache about all that, he received a call from Peter. "Where are you right now, chief? The Yimmels just stormed Lanecorp Tower and are demanding that my sister give them thepany!"

    What?" Frank nced outside at the moon, frowning.

    It was two in the morning, but Yora could not wait at all and brought her people here in the middle of the night?!

    "Calm down. I''ll be right there," Frank said and hung up as he floored the gas pedal of his Veyron.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    The supercar bellowed as it shot forward over the smooth road, and Frank arrived at Lanecorp Tower in around half an hour.

    It was veryte, but there was cursing and yelling where there should be silence, and people were clearly fighting.

    When Frank reached them, he found Peter with a bruised face as hey limply on the floor, his nose and mouth clearly taking a pounding.

    "What''s going on here?!" Frank

    asked, looking around and seeing that most of the other men left floored were from Lanecorp''s health and safety department.

    They were all ring furiously at a man in a ck suit with a loose cor and chewing bubble gum.

    "Really? Calling up your boss because you can''t win?"

    Dorek Yimmel raised his left foot and assumed a fighting stance, smiling in disdain. "Frank Lawrence, right? +heard you''re pretty good, that you''re some martial artist and shit... Oh you''re killing me.

    "I don''t know where you people get the confidence bragging about being martial artists, but you''re all just

    snake oil salesmen. Let me show

    you a proper fight-but I don''t know my strength, so don''t me me if I kill you!"

    Frank frowned at the pompous brat and the cameramen nearby. "You''re from the Yimmel family? What are you doing here?" "What am I doing...?"

    Dorek did a double take but soonughed.

 Chapter 1624

    "We''re evicting you from Lanecorp!" Dorekughed. "It belongs to us Yimmels from now on, along with anything else you own! Hand everything over!" Frank scowled. "So you''re going to take it from us?"

    "We are, and what about it?" Dorek chuckled confidently, twirling his bangs. "My great grandmother has taken over Laneville, and it''s just a matter of time before we gobble up the rest. I''m just beating my brother to get thergest piece of the pie... So are you going to fight me or not? Show me your shitty Draconian martial arts!"

    Dorek looked no more than eighteen, but he was utterly pompous and unseemly to the point of stupid.

    Frank actually thought that might be the case did the brat think that beating Lanecorp''s security and getting inside Helen''s office meant taking over Laneocrp?

    Still, he sighed exasperatedly as he nced behind at the Lanecorp health and safety department personnel left on the floor.

    Stupidity aside, the brat could throw a punch.

    "What''s your name?" Frank asked impassively.

    "Urgh, what a pain." The youth rolled his eyes. "I''m Dorek Yimmel, Yora Yimmel''s great-grandson. Look, if you''re scared, just get your board chair out here and sign Lanecorp over to me. Or else... Hehehe."

    Frank almostughed at Dorek''s naive demand.

    Instead, he scowled, "You want to see Draconian martial arts? Very well."

    "Oh, so you actually have some balls!"

    Dorek appeared excited at Frank''s challenge and assumed his fighting stance, wagging a finger at him provokingly. "I''ll even let you have a free punch too."

    "Alright."

    Frank nodded and was suddenly right in front of Dorek.

    Dorek''s eyes widened, and he felt the agony in his stomach even before he could react. He then copsed to his knees in front of Frank. "What..." He gasped.

    "That''s the Draconian martial arts you''ve been making light of."

    Frank chuckled coolly and sent Dorek flying with an upwards kick as he looked on in shock.

    Even as Dorek screamed, he crashed around like a rag dog beforending into the fountain at the square outside Lanecorp Tower. Dorek''s bodyguards were left staring, dumbstruck.

    After all, Dorek loved starting fights, and with the Yimmel family''s importance protecting him, he grew conceitful with each passing day.

    It was why the Yimmels did not let him train in Draconian martial arts-it was to keep him out of trouble.

    Dorek, however, could not care less.

    In fact, he went abroad to learn

    some unruly boxing techniques before returning to Bralog to start fights every other day. Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He had certainly made a name for himself as a hellraiser in Bralog.

    And now, when he heard that Yora Yimmel was going to take over the Lane family, he rushed here to Zamri in the dead of night, challenging Lanecorp security guards to a fight.

    His own bodyguards would be

    beaten up if they dared to say no et

    and they certainly would not doit after getting ustomed to Dorek''s temper over the years.

 Chapter 1625

    The only one who could put Dorek in his ce was his cousin Hagar Yimmel.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    In fact, Hagar was not just a better fighter-he carried authority even in his family and was smarter, always knowing what he was doing.

    That was why Dorek wanted to take over Lanecorp before the others did, iming thergest piece of the pie so that Hagar did not get to be dismissive of him.

    Clearly, Dorek was too simple-minded, knowing nothing about business management or shares, and only of turf wars and violence.

    He worked under the impression that if he evicted the Lane family and beat up all their security guards, Lanecorp would in turn be his. In a way, his brain was wired differently.

    Frank was left smiling in amusement as Peter Lane told him everything to think that the Yimmels would have such a treat in their midst! Still, the sight of Dorek being pulled out of the fountain gave him an idea.

    There was no way he would turn away a hostage who came throwing himself into Frank''s grasp.

    And Yora had the Southstream Lane in her custody, did she not?

    There was no way she could just ignore Frank using Dorek as leverage the brat was her great-grandson, after all!

    With that in mind, Frank strode toward Dorek.

    The man was on all fours, coughing water after his bodyguards pulled him out of the fountain.

    Still, fear and panic showed in his eyes when he saw Frank arrive.

    "W-Who''s your boss?!"

    Frank raised a brow at the thuggish ng-the brat was really a treat.

    Still, he said, "Let''s put that aside for a moment. So, do you admit that Draconian martial arts is better?"

    "No!"

    Surprisingly, Dorek sprang to his feet, yelling as he rushed Frank. "I only let you have that for free! Now, I-"

    Dorek''s attempt to blindside Frank

    with his elbow was easily parried Frank then clenched his fingers around Dorek''s elbow even before he finished, leaving him squealing like a gutted pig.

    A visible ck bruise appeared on Dorek''s elbow, and he leapt away from Frank, clutching his arm and gasping. "So, do you want to continue?" Frank strode up, smiling.

    "Guh..."

    Dorek stumbled backward in fear but soon recovered, standing akimbo and smirking. "You little shit-I don''t know where youe from, but I dare you to hit me again! I''m warning you... I''m from the Yimmel family, and Yora Yimmel is my matriarch! She will-"

    Even before Dorek could finish, Frank had stomped his leg, leaving him screaming in agony. "Y-You''re fucked... How dare_"

    Smack!

    Frank pped him across the face right then, not holding back at all.

    That in turn clear Dorek''s head, and he was left staring at his goons who stood there uselessly.

    At that point, he realized that his tried-and-true form of name-dropping was really pointless against the behemoth who was Frank.

    It did not matter if he was a child of the Yimmel family-Frank would p him regardless.

    Understanding that instantly, Dorek

    clutched his face as he cried, "Stop!

    Just stop! I-I give up, alright?! You can have your Lanecorp... I''m leaving, okay?!"

 Chapter 1626

    ?

    Seeing how naive the rich yboy was, Frank sneered, his eyes narrowing. "Did you really think Lanecorp Tower is a ce you cane and go as you please?"

    "Shit! Well, what do you want? To kill me?!"

    Dorek wheeled on him impatiently but stiffened when he saw the look on Frank''s face, his heart skipping a beat.

    Terror he had never known seized him, and a frightening thought urred in his mind right then-the man might just really kill him!

    "W-What do you want?! I''m telling you, I''m the third child of the main Yimmel family. If youy a finger on me..."

    Dorek trailed off, deted since he had already pulled the same move before, only to get a vicious p across the face.

    Was there even a point to his threat now?

    "Hehe..."

    Even as Dorek felt afraid for his life, Frank suddenly chuckled, albeit savagely. "So... Yora Yimmel is in Laneville now?"

    Dorek appeared taken aback but nodded hesitantly. "Y-Yes..."Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded. "In that case, I need you to do me a solid-you will bring the key members and executives of the Yimmel family to Zamri, where we can all meet up. How about that?"

    "What?!"

    Dorek was a little slow, but even he could realize immediately that he would be betraying his own family!

    To make things worse, he was not just betraying one person, but his entire family!

    He shook his head repeatedly, crying, "No chance! Just give up already-I''d rather die than be a traitor!" Frank''s eyes narrowed threateningly. "Oh, really?"

    Watching as Frank approached, Dorek''s eyes widened in panic. "W-What are you doing?!"

    Early next morning, Yora Yimmel was seated in the conference room of Laneville Manor.

    Around her were many key members and executives of the Yimmel family, who had rushed there from Bralog.

    Dorek''s cousin, Hagar Yimmel, was among them.

    He was in his thirties and had a chiseled face, though it belies his prudent nature.

    In fact, he asserted a more conservative perspective when his matriarch asked for his opinion.

    "Ma''am, we don''t have the numbers,"

    he said earnestly. "As such, ignoring our opponent''s reaction while ruthlessly taking from them is just too drastic. It might lead to repercussions."

    Many of the family''s executives actually agreed with Hagar''s stance.

    However, Yora clearly disagreed, even growling coolly, "Think about it-when Mark Lane started his

    ''e''

    @

    business were his sesses not result of our family''s support? In other words, the Lane family''s present aplishments are all thanks to our family''s investment, and it''s high time that we take back what we deserve-with interest."

    "And now''s the perfect

    opportunity that idiot Fleur Lang

    l.n

    haspletely fallen for my sweet nothings, and I''ve crushed any dissenting voices remaining in the Lane family. We have nothing to worry about at this point.

    "You''ve all seen the numbers too, of how Lanecorp has been developing... They''ve basically taken over all of Zamri''s resources and economy! If we take thepany now, we will "

    Thud, thud.

    "Come in."

    Someone was knocking on the door before Yora could finish, and she frowned in slight annoyance of being interrupted.

 Chapter 1627

    ?

    A servant entered and reported, "Madam Yimmel, the Lanecorp board rejected our demand to oust Helen Lane... They insist that they have no right to demand her resignation because she''s now the biggest individual shareholder of Lanecorp."

    "What?!"

    Yora was stunned and mmed her palm on the table as she sprang to her feet. "Nonsense! I''m Mark''s proxy, and that means I have more shares than Helen! I''m the majority shareholder of Lanecorp, not her! I have the veto here!"

    "Yes, ma''am, we''ve already looked into it..."

    The servant kept his head lowered, wiping the sweat off his brow as he continued, "But just yesterday, Fleur Lang signed off all her shares to Helen Lane for some reason. That propels Helen Lane to majority shareholder with a single stroke..."

    The servant trailed off, and everyone in the conference room was sharp enough to sense Yora''s ring rage.

    "That bitch! How dare she... She stabbed me in the back!"

    Yora mmed her palm on the table again.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    She was just mocking Fleur Lang for being an idiot for falling for her lies, but it turned out Fleur had transferred all her shares to Helen?!

    That was undoubtedly a resounding p in the face!

    While she was unaware that Fleur was forced to transfer her shares to Helen, Yora was left seething after losing the entire game for one bad move.

    If she had known, she would have kept Fleur under control and ideally forced her to give up her shares.

    It was certainly toote for regrets

    now-with majority control of

    Lanecorp''s shares denied, control of

    Lanecorp also slipped out of Yora''s

    fingers... and the Southstream

    Lanes'', for that matter.

    Yora was just bragging that their risk was worth it too and pointed out that with Lanecorp''s current prosperity, taking over thepany meant they would establish themselves in Zamri.

    It did not matter what anyone said at that point-the Yimmels just had keep their foot down, and they would make something for themselves on

    the

    east coast.

    However, those dreams for the future were nothing but fantasy because of a single piece of paper.

    In fact, everything that Yora had done now only got her into an awkward position, and she could somehow imagine Helen''s smug smile.

    What need would she have for the Southstream Lanes if she could not take Lanecorp from them?

    The measly businesses unaffiliated with Lanecorp never caught Yora''s eye, and she was especially eager to get her hands on their farm resort in Riverton.

    That business was a golden goose, raking in a billion in profits every month.

    As such, Yora was absolutely furious that she could do nothing but watch as that goose drifted further away from her grasp...

    However, while the Yimmels were all trading nces, Yora''s phone started ringing.

    She snapped her fingers to have a servant bring it to her, and disappointment showed on her face when she saw that it was Dorek.

    In her mind, her great-grandson must have caused trouble somehow, as it was a routine for him to call her and ask her to clean up after him whenever he did.

 Chapter 1628

    In Yora''s mind, her great-grandson Dorek must have caused trouble somehow, as it was a routine for him to call her and ask her to clean up after him whenever he did.

    However, Yora was herself feeling grumpy at the moment and hung up since she had no patience to find out what trouble Dorek had caused now.

    It was therefore surprising that Dorek called her again, and the ringing in the silent conference room left Yora endlessly annoyed.

    She eventually gave in and answered, snapping impatiently, "Dorek-whatever this is about, it can wait. I''m busy right now."

    Still, Dorek quickly eximed before she could hang up, "Please, Madam Yimmel! Don''t hang up-I just did something amazing for the family!"

    Hearing that, Yora nced in confusion at the other members of the Yimmel family, all perplexed too.

    In everyone''s mind, Dorek was the typical troublemaking rich yboy who never did anything for the family.

    If anything, they were just happy that he was not causing trouble.

    "Ahem... And what did you do, Dorek?" Yora asked, mustering what was left of her patience to listen.

    She needed the distraction anyway, as they were out of ideas on what to do with Lanecorp.

    Dorek began, "So I headed to Zamri yesterday, and-"

    "What?! You went to Zamri?!"

    Everyone already sensed danger upon hearing that the little hellraiser was definitely up to nothing good if he went to Zamri.

    In all likelihood, he must have started another fight!

    Dork gulped over the phone as he imagined the stares being thrown his way and smiled. "Calm down... See, I heard from a servant about Lanecorp and headed to Lanecorp Tower..."

    "I knew it..."

    Everyone was groaning, seemingly expecting just that.

    Even Yora was sighing

    exasperatedly. "It''s not as simple as you think, Dorek. Juste over to Laneville-you''re no match for Frank Lawrence."

    She was certainly worried that Frank would take Dorek hostage.

    In fact, her worst fear had alreadye through as Frank stood, watching Dorek.

    Even as he was basically sobbing,

    he kept his tone light as he read

    Frank''s script. "It''s alright. I heard from his

    men that he went to

    Norsedam yesterday and has yet to return. But more importantly, I''ve captured Helen Lane."

    "What?!"

    Every member of the Yimmel family

    was

    "You''ve captured

    dishocked, while Yora r Burent

    Lane?! Are you serious?!"

    "Of course! Why would I lie to you?" Dorek eximed. "You can hear it from her if you don''t believe me¡ª"

    "Dorek Yimmel! What do you think you''re doing?!"

    When the Yimmels present all heard Helen''s angry outburst, surprise and delight showed on all their faces.

    Yora especially could barely contain herself.

    After all, they were just told that they had no chance of taking over Lanecorp, but things had certainly turned around now!

    Helen Lane, the head of Lanecorp, was somehow captured by a lowly member of the Yimmel family talk about an unexpected blessing!

    Thest hour had certainly been like riding a roller coaster, especially for Yora.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 1629

    ?

    "Well done, Dorek!" Yora eximed. "I''ll properly reward you when I get there!"

    "Thank you, ma''am!" Dorek replied enthusiastically.

    Yora could barely hide her smile even as she hung up.

    The other members of the Yimmel family were certainly smiling too. They had been hesitant earlier, but all of them now ready to stake their im on Lanecorp after being told that they had Helen in custody.

    "Hahaha! Congrattions, Madam Yimmel! Lanecorp is truly ours now!"

    "I''m surprised that Frank Lawrence would leave Zamri now. Where could he have gone?"

    "Doesn''t matter where he is. We have Helen Lane, and Lanecorp will be Yimmelcorp before long!"

    "Yes!" Yora nodded and started issuing orders. "Bring the share transfer agreement with you. We will head to Zamri and banish Helen Lane from the Lane family now!"

    Then, turning and pointing at a middle-aged man, sheughed. "Cadell, I''m surprised your hopeless boy could somehow achieve something so remarkable out of the blue. Once we im Lanecorp as our own, your family will be rewarded handsomely!"

    "T-Thank you, Madam Yimmel!" Cadell bowed, overjoyed.

    However, before the rest of the Yimmels could pop champagne and begin celebrating, Hagar Yimmel, who had been seated quietly, began hesitantly, "Everyone... don''t you think that Dorek is setting a trap? It feels like someone dug a pit and is waiting for us to jump in..."

    The vibes in the room were at once awkward at his words.

    "Watch your mouth, Hagar!" Cadell was snapping at him right then. " know you never think highly of Dorek,

    famut he''s still a member of the

    family! Do you think he''d side with outsiders against our own?

    "Exactly."

    Another elder of the family stroked his beard and sighed. "The boy can be hopeless on asion, but he''s always enthusiastic when ites to iming achievements."

    "It makes sense given his usual temperament, rushing to Lanecorp to grab Helen without thinking about the consequences."

    "He''s simply lucky that Frank Lawrence wasn''t around, and he''s quite the fighter even if he''s no martial artist. That certainly exins everything."

    While the other Yimmels were busy

    specting, Hagar still did not budge and turned toward Yora. "What I''m most concerned about is what Derek said about Frank

    Lawrence, ma''am. He said hel fet

    sneaked off to Norsedam, but why? Do you know anything about that?"

    Yora did not even need to wonder about Hagar''s question, especially when the location was Norsedam.

    After all, if Frank went to Norsedam, he must be chasing after Baba Yaga, Yora''s own sister.

    But since most members in the Yimmel family were unaware of Yora''s connection with Baba Yaga, Yora did not bother to exin herself.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Waving Hagak off dismissively, she

    said, "Dorek isn''t lying about Frank Lawrence''s whereabouts-and that''s all I can tell you for now. But just in case, you should stay here, white everyone elsees with me to Zamri and take over Lanecorp!"

    "Yes, ma''am!" the Yimmels answered at once, acknowledging their matriarch''s orders.

    After all, he knew his cousin Dorek best, and the motives as well as actions certainly fit... However, he still felt as if something was out of ce.

 Chapter 1630

    ?

    As the feeling never faded even as Hagar watched his matriarch and entourage leave Laneville Manor in a hurry, he could not help feeling even more wary inwardly.

    Meanwhile, as every member of the Yimmel family moved out, Frank pped Dorek Yimmel on the shoulder. "Well done."

    Dorek could only smile exasperatedly at the praise, as Frank''s tender loving care continued throughout the night.

    He shuddered, remembering Frank''s smile as he pulled out the needle from himself and the smile on his face now.

    The horror that was the man was now deeply ingrained in his mind, just as two needles taught him the worst pain there is in life.

    He trembled even as he remembered his pain and could kill the Dorek from yesterday who came to establish himself.

    He would never dare spout rubbish like Draconia''s martial artists being chatans or whatnot either, having gotten a lesson to remember yesterday. He had surrendered unconditionally to that extreme torment.

    Never betraying the Yimmels?

    Hostile takeover?

    None of that mattered now he was willing to do anything as long as Frank let him live.

    Even Frank was left wondering if he went too far, as he watched Dorek sit limply on the floor, staring into thin air.

    Still, he soon remembered that a rich kid like Dorek would never get hurt or punished, and that it was only natural that he broke down when he was put through a pain that would make him wish he was dead.

    Shaking his head, Frank threw Dorek out of his thoughts and called Burt Yorkman, the topw enforcement officer of Riverton was still his apprentice, after all.

    "Bring your men and rescue the Lane family from Laneville Manor. Yeah, you should go right now."

    After giving Burt his orders, Frank turned to see the swollen-faced Peter Lane and chuckled before throwing him a pill.

    "Dissolve that in a ss of water and

    share it with the boys," he said.

    "After that, contact Terry Cotton and

    call up every member of the Lanecorp health and safetyBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    el.ne

    department. Try to hide everyone in Lanecorp Tower without drawing attention."

    Chuckling coolly, Frank then finished, "If there''s not enough space, have them wait outside. We''re hosting a party for Yora Yimmel."

    "Alright!" Peter eximed and left excitedly with the pill.

    "Frank, don''t you think this is too much?" Helen asked.

    She was naturally aware of how many personnel were working in Lanecorp''s health and safety department. Forget Lanecorp Tower-they would fill several skyscrapers!

    "It''s fine."

    Frank smiled. "Since the Yimmels are intent on using violence, we just have to show them who really owns Zamri!"

    Helen could not help smiling in relief, seeing such confidence from Frank.

    There was an ounce of sentiment in her gaze too, as Frank turned the tables when things appeared so dire for them.

    On every asion he worked his magic, Helen was no different from an innocent maiden, waiting for his helping hand, even though she was the head of a billion dorpany.

    At that moment, she was suddenly wondering what on earth she had been thinking, when she was rejecting him in the past...

 Chapter 1631

    ?

    The Yimmels traveled from Riverton to Zamri fashionably, with a procession of over twenty cars bearing their family crest.

    It was an ostentatious sight, drawing the states of many pedestrians.

    A few of them recognized the family crest and were left wondering why they would suddenly show up in Zamri.

    Were they extending their influence here to Zamri? That did not make sense, considering the distance between Bralog and Riverton. While it was not particrly far, it was not exactly close either, with the state of Norsedam sitting between them.

    If the Yimmels were expanding their influence, they should start by heading to the closer city, Norsedam. Why start with Zamri?

    While the pedestrians were busy pointing and gesturing and specting at the grand procession, Yora Yimmel wasughing smugly, as she sat in the Lincoln limousine in the middle.

    After all, she had done her homework.

    The Three Bears of Zamri had previously kept the city beyond the reach of outside influence, but they had each fallen off for some reason.

    While Yora suspected Frank''s involvement, which exined how Lanecorp developed rapidly, the fruits of their sesses were ripe for Yora''s taking.

    How could she call herself Yora Yimmel if she did not take them?

    Yora was pleased to see the civilians of Zamri staring at her family''s procession too.

    They would soon be citizens of her territory-pawns who contributed their strength for the Yimmel''s prosperity.

    Naturally, she was not about to be blinded by the prospect of victory just yet.

    Turning toward Mr. Noon, the martial artist with a split mustache, she asked respectfully, "Are you confident about defeating Frank Lawrence?"

    Hearing her ask the same question

    once more, Mr. Noon rubbed his

    chin and smiled. "The sole heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods isOriginal content from N?velDrama.Org.

    strong, reaching Birthright ranka ne

    time. I can''t really say, but

    should be in the Ascendant rank now."

    no

    Yora frowned at Mr. Noon''s insight-that was not what she wanted to hear, as she only wanted to know if he could stop Frank.

    Seemingly reading her thoughts, Mr. Noon smiled. "Don''t worry, ma''am. What I''m saying is that he''s too important to kill, but he doesn''t get to strut when I''m around."

    Then, his tone turned cool.

    "Moreover, you''ve told me

    yourself he''s in Norsedam, and that

    means he''s after Baba Yaga. She''s

    no angel... if anything, she might have had him killed by now"

    Mr. Noon''s confidence relieved Yorapletely.

    After all, while the Yimmels had considerable influence in Bralog, it was all thanks to Yora''s sister, Baba Yaga.

    Since Baba Yaga was Corpsedale''s

    leader on the east coast, the

    Yimmels often saw the presence of

    curious individuals. They were the reason the Yimmels'' many enemies died gruesomely, allowing the Yimmels to gain notoriety.

    In reality, the patron of the Yimmels was Baba Yaga, and Yora knew that all too well.

    Mr. Noon was himself from Corpsedale too, serving as an overseer in the family and Yora''s strongest bodyguard.

    His assurance naturally inspired Yora''s confidence, and her eyes lit up with anticipation for the future.

    In fact, she saw that Zamri was now hers.

    Nheless, the Yimmel family procession arrived outside Lanecorp Tower.

 Chapter 1632

    ?

    There was a huge crowd of gossipers who gathered outside Lanecorp Tower, and Yora frowned at them in displeasure. "Who brought them here? Chase them away!"

    "Yes, ma''am!"

    As the Yimmel bodyguards chased the crowd away, they left tamely, the ferocious re in their eyes escaping everyone''s notice.

    On the other hand, Yora became even more smug to see the crowd being chased away and led the procession striding into Lanecorp Tower.

    She reared her chin like a triumphant general, just waiting for her enemies to sign their surrender.

    Seeing that the lobby was empty, she nodded in satisfaction. "Where''s Dorek?"

    The boy was definitely not lying-he must have captured Helen Lane, and now, operations in thepany stalled.

    "M-Mr. Yimmel is in Ms. Lane''s office," the receptionist waiting at the door stammered, clearly intimidated by the number of people Yora brought. "Good. Everyone, follow me," Yora gestured, before turning to some of the Yimmel bodyguards. "Watch that door. Don''t let anyone enter or leave!" "Yes, ma''am!"

    Even as more than half of the Yimmel bodyguards stayed at the lobby, the Yimmels could barely contain their excitement.

    Seeing how security wasx, there was no mistaking it-Dorek had managed to seize Helen!

    Entering the elevator, Yora nodded in approval. "Good. If anything, I''m surprised that Dorek remembered to tell the security guards to let us in."

    The key members and executives of the Yimmel family all nodded and smiled in approval.

    Cadell Yimmel-Dorek''s father-was naturally endlessly proud that his spoiled son could achieve something like this.

    He could certainly hold his head high now!

    Still, what the Yimmels did not know was that after they headed upstairs, the crowd that they had just chased awa returned noisily, pushing their way into Lanecorp Tower.

    Somehow, Lanecorp''s security guards were nowhere to be seen, and only the Yimmel bodyguards were on hand to stop them. However, they were having trouble since the crowd clearly outnumbered them.

    That was when someone yelled, "Kill them!"

    Suddenly, the smiling crowd, who were just trying to get inside earlier, suddenly whipped out metal bets and other weapons.

    "What..." The Yimmel bodyguards were shocked.

    They were just threatening and intercepting the crowd, until the crowd suddenly shed their weapons and their smiles turned sinister.

    They immediately felt danger, but it was already toote.

    The crowd was suddenly an angry mob, and over a hundred others rushed into the lobby, surrounding the Yimmel bodyguards and pummeling them to the floor.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Even as the lobby descended into chaos, the receptionist hid behind her desk in fear of bing coteral, crying, "It''s not my fault! It''s not my fault!"

    ?

    Her fear was not feigned-when Yora and the Yimmels showed up, a gang of thugs were already hidden behind her, led by Terry Cotton, and ready to jump into action at any moment.

 Chapter 1633

    ?

    "Eh?"

    Although they had taken the elevator upstairs, the key members and executives of the Yimmel family could still hear the ruckus below.

    "What''s going on here?" Yora asked in confusion.

    Ding.

    However, that was when the elevator jingled, indicating their arrival.

    Since Yora had been there before, she knew her way around on the executive floor, where Helen''s office and the board conference room was. But as the elevator doors opened and Yora was about to ask about the ruckus below, she found herself staring nkly at a familiar face.

    Frank Lawrence!

    On top of that, he stood there outside the elevator as if waiting for them to arrive.

    Even as her heart sank to rock-bottom, she asked with a quiver in her voice, "W-What''s the meaning of this...?"Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    None of the key members and executives of the Yimmel family behind her answered, as they all knew that they had been tricked, even willingly falling into Frank''s trap.

    "Wee!"

    Frank smiled and started pping, and the huge crowd behind him followed suit.

    They were congesting the entire floor, all of them staring at the key members and executives of the Yimmel family with sinister smiles. Thud!

    While Yora spaced out, the elevator

    doors almost shut, but Frank

    reacted quickly and caught it.

    "Hehe... How have you been, Madam Yimmel? I''ve prepared a present for you and your family, so please do ept it."

    Seeing Frank''s cheerful smile, Yora could not have scowled harder.

    Shuddering a little as she looked at the crowd behind Frank, she narrowed her eyes. "Do you know¨¨ who has my back, Frank Lawrence?! If you hurt me now, you... Helen Lane even the rest of the Lane family... will pay!"

    However, Frank did not care about her threat at all, even leaning on the doorway, picking his ears and chuckling. "Oh, you mean Baba Yaga? You don''t have to worry about her, since I''ve already dealt with her."

    "Dealt with... What?"

    Yora was even more shocked to hear that, than the fact that she just fell into a trap.

    Nheless, she startedughing despite her initial shock. "Just stop it, Frank Lawrence! You couldn''t even reach Baba Yaga¡ªI''m telling you, there''s just no chance!"

    "Hehe... Come on, kiddo."

    And while Yora was flustered, Mr. Noon stepped out of the elevator.

    He looked around at everyone present before turning toward Frank,

    Pet

    smirking. You really know how to bullshit. Baba Yaga is the leader of Corpsedale on the east coast. Watch out, or you might bite off your own tongue!"

    "What good would lying to you do for me?"

    Frank shrugged. "Why don''t you confirm it yourself if you doubt me?"

    "Just you wait, brat!"

    Mr. Noon narrowed his eyes, whipping out his phone, and dialed Baba Yaga''s number.

    It was a personal number that must only be used when it was necessary.

    However, even as everyone looked on, Mr. Noon''s smile as he whipped out his phone turned to shock.

 Chapter 1634

    ?

    However, even as everyone looked on, Mr. Noon''s smile as he whipped out his phone turned to shock. Eventually, he was staring nkly at Frank, as fear and disbelief gradually crept into him.

    Frank even walked up to him, asking pointlessly, "So? Can you reach her?"

    "Mr. Noon, can you reach my sister-I mean, Baba Yaga?" Yora pressed as well.

    It was only when Mr. Noon turned that Yora finally saw the fear and disbelief in his eyes.

    After all, the personal numbers that Corpsedale and Hundred Bane Sect used concerned personal security!

    In fact, any member of their cabal would bebeled a traitor and executed ordingly if they refused to answer a call from those personal numbers.

    As it was a fate worse than death, rarely anyone betrayed Corpsedale and Hundred Bane Sect.

    In other words, if one could not be reached on their number, the only exnation was that they had been killed.

    Mr. Noon realized that before anyone else, but Yora realized too after seeing his reaction.

    "Mr. Noon, is my sister really..."

    She trailed off, feeling like the world had just crumbled.

    After all, the Yimmels had made many enemies in Bralog. If the Yimmels lost Baba Yaga''s protection, the enemies would all gang up and massacre the Yimmels.

    At that point, Frank did not even need to do a thing while those people wiped out the Yimmels.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    And realizing that Baba Yaga had most likely died, Yora cked out and would have fallen head first onto the floor if a Yimmel executive did not catch her in time.

    Thud.

    Still, before the rest of the animals

    realized what had just happened, Mr. Noon who was brimming with confidence earlier-dropped to his knees before Frank!

    ???

    "M-Mr. Lawrence!" he cried. "I-I have nothing to do with the Yimmel

    family, and I''ve never hurt anyone in the Lane family! Please, just let me live... I''ll do anything!"

    The Yimmels were certainly stunned to see the mysterious, proud man suddenly kneeling to Frank.

    "Hmm...?"

    Frank was narrowing his eyes at Mr. Noon in turn before he chuckled. "What if I told you to turn against the Yimmels and kill them? Would you do it?"

    "Of course! Not a problem!" Mr. Noon nodded repeatedly and immediately mustered himself to attack the Yimmels.

    Shunk!

    But at the very next instant, a needle pierced the back of Mr. Noon''s head.

    It then shot out from between his brows, leaving a gruesome stter of blood along the walls.

    The sight left the key members and executives of the Yimmel family petrified.

    Even as Mr. Noon''s hand remained in the air, he used thest bit of his strength to turn and level Frank a look of confusion.

    And with that, he copsed on the floor, no longer breathing.

    Frank chuckled coolly, "You

    Corpsedale folks are all vile

    poisoners. Did you think I wouldn''t know that? And turning against your employer just to survive... Your

    shame really knows no bounds."

    Though it was a justified cause to kill, Mr. Noon was too dead to hear it.

    Nheless, Yora was left stupefied to see her sole guardian dead.

    Even as her family kept her on her feet, she stared at Frank helplessly, her mouth hanging open but speechless.

 Chapter 1635

    ?

    Yora could not beg for her life-not when she was joking around and bragging with her family members and executives on how to split the spoils after taking over Lanecorp.

    But in just the blink of an eye, she was a captive, a reversal of fortunes that came all too quick.

    If she begged now, she would be thoroughly humiliated. Her ce as matriarch would also be reduced to a joke, as the Yimmels would certainly not listen to her afterward.

    Threats? Yora had certainly tried.

    But in all likelihood, Baba Yaga, her greatest leverage against Frank Lawrence, had been killed by the man himself.

    What else could she threaten him with now?

    "We still have a hand to y!"

    Nheless, Cadell Yimmel shook her, whispering under his breath, "Don''t you remember the Southstream Lanes? Hagar is still in Laneville with our many elites! If Frank dares to attack us now, we will kill our hostages!"

    Cadell''s words jolted Yora to her senses.

    That was true! Gavin Lane and his family were still in their custody. If Frank refused toply, they could order to have the Lanes killed at any moment!

    With that in mind, Yora mustered strength in her legs as she regained her spirit, sighing. "Hagar really shows foresight... we would''ve been crushed if not for him!"

    Her words left Cadell hanging his head unhappily.

    Dorek Yimmel was his son and had in all likelihood turned traitor, helping Frank set up a trap for the entire family.

    Even if the Yimmels managed to turn the tables by using the Southstream Lanes as their hostages, Cadell would still be punished.

    The thought left him cursing his own son inwardly.

    In fact, it was not just Cadell-as

    most of the other key members and

    executives of the Yimmel family came to their senses, they were cursing Cadell and the wretched son

    he raised.

    They almost got the entire family killed!

    But even as the others were busy condemning Dorek, Yora''s face was pale, and she did not even have the strength to curse Dorek''s name. Right now, there was only one thing on her mind, clear as day.

    The Yimmet family was basically fully dependent on Baba Yaga, who was in turn Yora''s patron and how Yora earned her ce as a

    respected matriarch in the family.

    Yora had also chosen to stay with her maiden family because the Lane family was basically insignificant inparison, and she was not even interested in the measly wealth that the Lanes had.

    But things were now... different.

    Yes, the Lane family was still second best to the Yimmels even with Lanecorp, but Baba Yaga had been killed.

    And without Baba Yaga, Yora did not have the strength to keep the family together, just as word would quickly spread that the Yimmels had lost their patron.

    There was no news like bad news, and that in turn meant the Yimmel family was now in a precarious position.

    With that in mind, Yora turned and leveled an exasperated look at Frank, sighing. "You are formidable, Frank... so much so that I must admit that I''ve lost."

    "Madam Yimmel?!"

    Yora''s words left the key members and executives of the Yimmel family in shock.

    They were still holding the Southstream Lanes hostage, but she was already giving up?!Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    In fact, they could still take over Lanecorp by using those hostages as leverage, coercing Frank and Helen into submitting!

    Yora, however, shook her head at the confused looks thrown her way.

 Chapter 1636

    ?

    Yora, however, shook her head at the confused looks thrown her way. "But after all is said and done, I am still Mark Lane''s wife... and I desire an alliance between the Yimmels and the Lanes as equals. What do you say to that?"

    "What?!"

    It was not just the Yimmels-even Helen was left dumbstruck by Yora''s offer.

    What was Yora saying? An alliance, and at this stage? Was that even possible?!

    "Have you gone mad?!"

    Cadell sprang to his feet, snapping right then, "We still have our hostages, and our family is much more powerful than the Lanes! We can return to Bralog in one piece even if we fail to take over the Lane family or Lanecorp! Why should we ally ourselves with some mooks like them?!"

    "Exactly, Madam Yimmel! There''s just no reason for it!"

    "Are you perhaps in shock? Could you be delirious?"

    "Shut up! I''m still sane!" Yora snapped, ring at Cadell and the rest. "I am still the matriarch, so you''ll obey even if you don''t like it or face punishment per family rules!"

    Her threat left the Yimmels deted, but they were certainly upset, even whispering among themselves.

    Yora made sure that they were silent before turning back to Frank, asking apprehensively, "How about it, Frank? Will you take my offer?"

    As the Lanecorp health and safety department officers and Helen looked on eagerly, Frank smiled and said, "No."

    "Frank!"

    Helen leapt up, pulling Frank as she cried anxiously, "Please, they still have Granduncle and Uncle Gavin, and they''re clearlypromising a lot when they offered the alliance. We shouldn''t..."

    She trailed off, unable to say the word ''overreach''.

    "That''s right."

    Peter reasoned with Frank as well. "It''s already good enough that the Yimmels are willing to back down, and it''s a major aplishment we can secure the Southstream Lanes release. We don''t have to push them any further, do we?"

    Frank allowed them to finish but smiled and shook his head as he turned to Yora. "I refuse-because I have a better offer, if you''re willing to listen." Seeing Frank''s cunning smile, the Yimmels were left trading nces.

    An alliance was the most they could offer in a way ofpromise. Yet, not only was Frank refusing, but he had the cheek to suggest a counter-offer too?

    "Do tell," Yora said, showing no hint of anger as she calmed the key members and executives of the Yimmel family, who all looked shocked. "Very well."

    Frank smiled. The Yimmels shall hence be vassals of the Lane family. Shares and ownership over all Yimmel properties and businesses will be split with Lanecorp, withBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Lanecorp taking the majoritis

    percentage of over fifty-one percent."

    "What..."

    Hearing that the Yimmels shall hence be vassals of the Lane family sent the key members and executives of the Yimmel family into an uproar.

    Their eyes went red, as all of them were ring at Frank and ready to kill him where he stood.

    "What the fuck?!"

    "Frank Lawrence! You''ve managed to one-up us, but you''re already presuming to be our king?!" "Know your ce!"

    "Madam Yimmel! That prick was never going to be reasonable!"

    Cadell was pointing at Frank as he §Ö

    snapped, "He was messing with us from the start! At this point, we''ll just have to take him down, even if we have to suffer losses!"

 Chapter 1637

    ?

    Yora was no different, as she could barely hold back her rage.

    She was ready to be reasonable with Frank, just as she intended to use the excuse of alliance to make Frank, the sole heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods, the Yimmels'' new patron.

    Not only did Frank immediately refuse, but he was also demanding that the Yimmels be vassals to the Lane family?!

    Did he even consider the weight ss of either family?!

    If anything, Frank''s demand made it clear that the Yimmels could not reason with Frank now-he wanted to push them over the brink, and the so- called alliance was certainly a pipe dream.

    Moreover, from the perspective of the key members and executives of the Yimmel family, Frank merely meant to insult them.

    You can kill a pawn, but never humiliate them¡ªsome were even thinking that it was high time they killed their hostages in Laneville!

    Helen almost fainted at Frank''s ridiculous demands too.

    They were just inches away from saving the Southstream Lanes unscathed while building an alliance with the Yimmels, which was undoubtedly great for Lanecorp.

    However, Frank simply threw away the gold bullion that dropped from the sky, even demanding that the Yimmels be subservient to the Lane family.

    What the hell was going on? Did Frank somehow lose his mind?

    Still, as Helen looked worriedly at Frank, her concerns slowly faded when she saw his confident smile.

    She closed her eyes, telling herself repeatedly that Frank must have a reason in doing this.

    She must believe Frank... but how?!

    The Yimmels'' offer was absolutely amazing-they would rescue their hostages while forming a beneficial partnership, but Frank refused it without hesitation.

    Still, just as Helen was about to speak up, her brother ced a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Shush. Just trust him on this."

    The sight of her spoiled brat of a brother bingposed actually left Helen impressed.

    Peter was right-why would Frank do something that would damage their position?

    He definitely had a reason for doing this.

    With that, Helen worked hard to quell

    vel?

    his unease, unaware that even the Lanecorp health and safety department officers were doubtful of their boss'' decision.

    It was the perfect deal-securing the release of the hostages, and making more money.

    So why on earth would their boss refuse, even spitting in their faces and demanding an important family to be their vassals...

    Was that not a little conceited?

    "Hehe. I get it... You''re all confused, and even angry, right?"

    Frank remained smiling as he looked around at the Yimmels, though his words were meant for everyone in the room. "You think?!"

    A Yimmel family executive strode up

    right then, pointing at Frank as he snapped, "We''re done being nice, Frank Lawrence! You''re too stubborn and greedy, asking for more!"

    "Our family will make you pay!"This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    "Yes! We have our connections too!"

    "Madam Yimmel, we must not let this insolent brat go unpunished!"

    Yora could hear her family''s vocal disapproval, but she restrained herself as she growled, "You''re really conceited, Frank, demanding that we fall to your fault. Are you perhaps actually keen to have the

    Southstream Lanes killed?"

 Chapter 1638

    ?

    "That''s right!"

    Cadell Yimmel stood up, waving his phone at Frank. "With just one call, every member of the Lane family will die! Believe it!"

    "Die, you say?"

    Frank chuckled coolly, even picking his ears nonchntly. "Then make the call."

    "What?!"

    The Yimmels were left dumbfounded, just as Helen stiffened in the distance.

    Everyone thought the same thing, that Frank might really be giving up on the Lane family, even wiping them out by letting the Yimmels do the dirty deed.

    Helen ran up to Frank right then, crying out, "J-Just calm down! Let''s talk about this! I''ll take Madam Yimmel''s deal! We all will!"

    Seeing Helen, Frank shot an using re at Peter Lane, whom he had instructed to keep a close eye on his sister to stop her from meddling, no matter what Frank did.

    It turned out that Peter dropped the ball when it mattered.

    However, it was clear that Peter was doubting Frank''s decision too.

    He could more or less agree with Frank when he rejected the Yimmels'' alliance, but allowing the Yimmels to massacre the Southstream Lanes?

    Even Peter had trouble epting that.

    Frank sighed, seeing that right then.

    He did not snap, however, only pulling Helen closer to him by the wrist and smiling. "I''m the one calling the shots here, Helen!"

    Helen wheeled on him in confusion. "Are you just going to watch them kill Granduncle and Uncle Gavin? They have over a hundred hostages in their hands!"

    "Exactly!"

    Cadellughed, still holding up his phone. "You''d better let Helen hand over Lanecorp to us, or they would all be dead! And their deaths will be on you and Helen-it will haunt you for the rest of your lives!"

    While Cadell''s provocation did not affect Frank at all, Helen turned visibly pale.

    If the Southstream Lanes were really massacred, she would never forgive herself.

    Mark Lane had shown absolute faith in her when he passed everything to her, so she could not just let them die!

    "Let''s just give it up, Frank!"

    Helen continued begging, "There''s no need for anything. Just ask them to release their hostages, and we can both put this behind us..."Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank naturally understood her concerns, as the pressure was now entirely on her.

    If anything were to happen to the Southstream Lanes, she would be condemned from every direction.

    However, Frank was not about topromise-right now, the only two people who knew that the Yimmels were cornered were Yora and Frank himself.

    After all, the Yimmels no longer had Baba Yaga''s protection.

    In fact, as soon Yora indicated that she was willing to talk things out Frank Knew that the hag had her eyes on him... or his connections, to be specific.

    ??

    It seemed that Yora was aware that Frank was the sole heir to the Lord of the Southern Woods. Once the Lane family took the Yimmels in, the Yimmels'' many enemies woulde calling.

 Chapter 1639

    ?

    And as the Lane family got caught in the Yimmels'' mess, Frank would have to do something.

    One had to admit that Yora was cunning, as she was banking on Frank''s connections and involvement once the Lanes formed an alliance with their family.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    After all, an alliance between the Lanes and the Yimmels did not sound as ideal or mutually beneficial. In reality, the Yimmels would be leeching off the Lanes-specifically Frank.

    The Yimmels wanted to leech off him? Sure they could, but they were not going to lord over him while they did.

    In fact, they should be begging on their knees!

    If the Yimmels were so keen on their survival, the only option Frank would give them was to make them pay before allowing them to serve as vassals for the Lane family.

    That was the only way he could be convinced to take them in.

    However, demanding an alliance instead? There was absolutely no chance.

    That was why Frank took away any leverage the Yimmels might have, including their hostages in Laneville.

    Firmly pulling Helen away, he smirked at Cadell. "I''m sorry, but only I get to decide anything here. You can call your people at Laneville right now and have them kill your hostages if you want-in fact, I''d really like to see that."

    "Frank!" Helen was dumbfounded by Frank''s disregard for the Lane family.

    "Shush."

    Frank pulled her into his arms, cing a finger on his lips as she watched from up close. "Trust me."

    Helen blushed from their proximity, while her concern for the Southstream Lanes'' safety disappeared from her mind as well.

    "Ugh..."

    She sighed inwardly and realized things had gone sour with Frank before, even leading to a divorce.

    She had simply figured him out-even if things turned out fine every time, the journey toward that oue prompted doubt and concern. Nheless, Helen felt relief and smiled wryly.

    What else could she do to help Frank anyway? Trusting him was already the best form of support she could offer.

    Hence, her tensed body rxed as she basically leaned on Frank, quietly leaving everything up to him.

    On the other hand, seeing that Helen was not saying anything, Cadell frowned and dissed, "Hah! And you still consider yourself Lanecorp''s board ghair, or the head of the Lane family? The way I see it, you''re just Frank Lawrence''s puppet."

    Everyone, including Frank, did a double take at his words.

    One must admit that Cadell was despicable, as saying something that would hurt Helen the most, with her pride as a strong, independent woman.

    However, Helen did not seem to care at all, even shaking her head at Cadell. "Everyone has things they are good at, and things where they

    come

    e up short. I won''t humor my vanity when it''s not my area of expertise, and I know Frank wouldn''t take everything from me

    Then shing a bewitching smile, she continued, "Moreover, we''re family, and doesn''t family have each other''s backs?" "Yeah!"

    The security guards behind Frank apuded in approval, and even Frank was touched.

 Chapter 1640

    ?

    Only the Yimmels were scowling.

    "Fine!" Cadell, who had had enough just then, whipped out his phone. "Since you''re all so united, let''s see how you''ll stay that way after the Southstream Lanes are massacred! I''m making the call right now!"

    As he dialed the number, Frank was still smirking, while Helen''s fingers dug into his arm, showing her nervousness.

    "Uncle Cadell!" Hagar Yimmel was soon huffing from the other end.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "Hagar!" Cadell was barking at once. "We fell for Frank Lawrence''s trap here! You still have the hostages, don''t you?! Kill ten of them-show them the price of underestimating the Yimmels!"

    However, Hagar was huffing despite Cadell''s orders, clearly on the run. "No... Uncle Cadell! We were attacked, too! They had martial artists and even the army... We''ve lost many retainers! Have you heard of the name Hans Schnee?!"

    "Hans Schnee?! As in the East Coast Base Commander?!"

    Cadell and the rest of the Yimmels were left gaping in disbelief.

    On the other hand, Hagar was still shouting. "I don''t know anything about the basemander, but he brought an entire battalion of fully-armed soldiers... Argh!!!"

    There was a scream, and a suffocating silence ensued, followed by a static beeping as the call was cut off.

    The Yimmels'' heart sank right then.

    When they turned toward Frank again, they finally realized why he was so confident.

    "So, have you made up your mind?"

    Frank smiled at the key members and executives of the Yimmel family. "You should feel lucky that you''re alive here and talking to me. I can''t say the same of the ones in Laneville."

    Yora''s voice was trembling. "W-What are you saying?!"

    "I mean what I said. Did you think you could get away unpunished after you held the Southstream Lanes against their will?"

    Frank shrugged, his expression

    turning dark and his stare cool.

    I

    "Anyway, now that we''re done. talking about unrted matters, I''m

    sure you understand your position now."

    "I will be frank-you''ll either submit, or die. Those are the only options open to you. Now, choose!"

    Cadell sprang to his feet right then, snapping at Frank, "Know your ce, Frank! You¡ª"

    Before he could finish, an invisible burst of pure vigor erupted. It sent him crashing through the ss wall, screaming as he fell out of the side of Lanecorp Tower.

    Everyone naturally had an idea of what would happen to Cadell at that point.

    The precedent Cadell set sent chills running down their spines, and most of them were sweating buckets.

    Frank was as meticulous as he was ruthless!

    He was smiling and joking around a second ago, and he then killed one of them as the rest of them watched.

    While his ruthless attitude scared most of the Yimmels, there were some who were fearless.

    In fact, one of the Yimmel

    executives stood up and bellowed,

    "Frank Lawrence! Our family will not fall to a measly family like the Lanes even if you kill everyst one of us! Know your ce, and-"

    Crash!

    With another burst of pure vigor, the man was screaming as he crashed out of the window just like Cadell.

    "It seems that you Yimmels have a spine. Impressive."

    Frank was even pping and chuckling. "In that case, I''ll be blunt-one or two deaths make no difference to me. You Yimmels were ready to go down swinging anyway, so why keep you around? Don''t you agree?"

    con

 Chapter 1641

    The key members and executives of the Yimmel family were scowling visibly at Frank''s words.

    There were those among them who did not fear death, but they were few and far between as most did.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    And right now, not only had they lost all their leverage, but Frank was also clearly impervious to their threats.

    That was why the key members and executives of the Yimmel family were really, really afraid-two among them were a direct disy of what would happen if they defied Frank.

    Worst of all, Frank only offered them two options.

    They would all die here with absolute certainty, as Frank had proven himself merciless.

    Or they could ept Frank''s offer to be vassals of the Lane family, a choice that would leave them ashamed.

    After all, they hade confidently, led by their matriarch, to take over the Lane family and Lanecorp.

    And yet, if they returned to Bralog now, they would be exposed if anyone asked, for not only did they fail to conquer the Lane family and Lanecorp, but they were instead trampled upon.

    No one would dare take the fall either, as they would be condemned by their own family.

    But while they were caught in a dilemma, Frank said quietly, "Kill them, Peter."

    His words jolted all the Yimmels to their senses, and they watched Peter Lane and his men approach, weapons in hand.

    They all stumbled backward and eventually pushed Yora to the front.

    "Madam Yimmel..."

    "Do we fight or run? You decide!"

    "Yeah, we came under your orders anyway. It''s time you decide, now that things havee to this!"

    Yora''s expression was solemn as the key members and executives of the Yimmel family dumped the responsibility on her.

    In reality, as soon as Frank demanded that the Yimmels became the Lane family''s vassals, she understood that their time had passed.

    Even if they fought tooth and nail to the very end against Frank''s seemingly endless legion, what would they get in the end?

    They would die anyway, and it was just the start¡ªtheir deaths would soon be heard all the way in Bralog, and the family would be caught in chaos.

    From the very start, there would be infighting without Yora leading them.

    Then, the other families and groups

    that have been hostile against the Yimmels woulde for them.

    Each would fight to take a vicious bite out of the Yimmels'' wealth and importance-who would miss a golden opportunity like this, after all?

    As such, if the Vimmels decided to take a swing against Frank now, they would be wiped out, and the

    rest of their family would tallet

    them all without inflicting meaningful damage to Frank

    After all, they longer had anyone to protect them.

    Yora turned once again, seeing the looks in the eyes of the key members and executives of the Yimmel family.

    Them giving her the say on this

    matter was not because they were

    indecisive¡ªinstead, they just needed a scapegoat who would take the

    me of surrendering to Frank.

    And if she decided to fight, the key members and executives of the Yimmel family would most likely turn against her in an instant. Even as Yora sighed lengthily, she remembered the years of hard work she had put into leading the Yimmels, only to fall to the Lane family.

    Fate was certainly a fickle mistress-they were on the verge of iming full control over the Lane family one second, only to be assimted now. Seeing Peter and his men closed in, Yora chuckled bitterly and bowed her head respectfully at Frank.

    "I... We surrender."

 Chapter 1642

    ?

    "The Yimmels agree to your condition-we will henceforth be vassals of the Lane family, but we also want your assurance that you wille to our aid when needed."

    Yora''s words left everyone stunned, as no one had expected this, aside from the key members and executives of the Yimmel family, who all appeared troubled.

    Helen was especially dumbstruck and stared at Yora in disbelief.

    Just a couple of days ago, Yora was acting all high and mighty, forcing Helen to step down as the head of the Lane family.

    And now, bitterness showed all over Yora''s old face as she begged for mercy.

    Helen then turned to see Frank smiling quietly and folding his arms before his chest, as if he had expected this.

    Two days were all it took for the Lane family to rise from the brink, turn the tables, and devour a great behemoth in the Yimmels of Bralog.

    It was simply unreal, and Helen would not even dream of it.

    Still, Frank chuckled. "Alright, since you''re surrendering and acknowledging the Lane family as your masters, do I need to remind you of what you should be doing now?"

    The Yimmels were all trembling at Frank''s words, but Yora led them as they bowed their heads and knelt before Helen, saluting her. "Madam Lane." Helen gasped, her head spinning at the sight of the key members and executives of the Yimmel family kneeling before her.

    "Uh, okay. Please stand..." she blurted, flustered.

    Yora and everyone did so, and the room was suddenly awkwardly silent.

    Fortunately, Frank broke the silence, telling the Lanecorp health and safety department officers to bring cups.

    He then poured packets of powder into each cup and mixed the powder with water.

    "Here. Drink thisxative to

    demonstrate your loyalty, or I mustThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    suspect you of harboring

    Frank announced as he had Lanecorp health and safety department officers distribute the cups among the Yimmels,

    The Yimmets were all scowling as they stared at the turbid, pungent mixture, with one pleading through his stammer, "Madam Lane, we''ve already pledged our loyalty. Isn''t this unnecessary?"

    "Don''t worry-we''re not going to kill you," Frank answered on Helen''s behalf, smirking. "It won''t kill you, but its effect istent, and only my antidote works against it. Each of you must take it once every six

    months and get the anthen

    youe to Lanecorp for your performance review."

    "Madam Yimmel..."

    The key members and executives of the Yimmel family turned to Yora again, holding their cups hesitantly.

    Yora, however, chugged her entire cup as everyone looked on, leaving them trading nces.

    Eventually, they gave in too, drinking thexative just as Yora did.

 Chapter 1643

    ?

    With the Yimmel leadership surrendering, the feud between the Lane family, which Hardy Xinder instigated, came to a close. Naturally, no one could have seen that despite the Yimmelsing to conquer, they were devoured by the Lane family instead. Still, the incident was kept under wraps-only members of either families were aware.

    Given the Yimmel family''s scale, there was plenty of internal dissent, but Yora used whatever authority she had left to repress it.

    The rest of the family did not know why either, but they ultimately submitted to the Lane family due to pressure.

    As for the Lane family, despite the celebrations that they turned the tables against the Yimmels, there was a gloom that hung over their heads-Mark Lane.

    He was certainly not celebrating with the rest of the family, having been poisoned and left in aa.

    While Helen had aplished a major feat and became the head of the Lane family in no uncertain terms now, Mark remained the family''s symbol and source of strength, and his death would definitely be a huge blow to the family.

    Hence, the day after Frank settled everything in Zamri, he rushed to Laneview without further ado.

    Thanking Hans Schnee and everyone else, he headed to Mark''s room and examined him.

    As everyone watched with bated breath, Frank frowned as he came to the conclusion from Mark''s symptoms that a unique poison had been used on him.

    It was the Rigor Pneuma, a mysterious concoction lost to time.

    It must be consumed over at least a week, though the victim would not feel ufortable until a catalyst triggered the poison.

    Curiously, it did not cause

    symptoms of its own-it merely

    exacerbated some underlying illness in an individual. As such, it would not look like the victim was poisoned and would instead look like some old symptom was rpsing.

    Frank could see through it because it was once used on a Mystic Sky Sect elder, who was poisoned by his own apprentice.

    Given the subtle nature of the poison, most would not be able to see it, and the method to counteract the poison wasplex.

    Orthodox methods would not

    work-it was only by consuming the

    Ster Winroot that absorbed the essence of the Rigor Pneuma that the victim could be saved.

    Otherwise, the victim would lose their vigor with each passing day, until they died as their lifeforce faded.

    Havinge to a diagnosis, Frank quickly called Morhen''s Abel Loggins to send the herb as soon as possible. Loggins Apothecary was extremely famous, and they would most certainly keep stock of Ster Windroots.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

    What Frank did not expect was Abel stammering, Master Lawrence, I''m sure you know that the Ster Windroot is not particrly valuable, and century-old specimens are especially rare. I did have one a while ago, but it had been stored too long and the medicinal value faded, so I sold it to Kornac''s Keep."

    "You don''t have it?" Frank frowned.

    While it was troublesome, it was also understandable the Ster Windroot was too specialized and unnecessary in the treatment of most illnesses.

    To harvest a hundred-year old specimen also required one leaping into chillykes, and there was no guarantee of getting it.

    And even after obtaining it, it would not sell for much.

    Abel was certainly right about that.

 Chapter 1644

    ?

    Even if one managed to harvest a century-old Ster Windroot, it would be fated to stay in the cab as not many potions required it as an ingredient.

    Naturally, just keeping it around was bothersome too.

    After some thought, Frank asked, "How long would it take you to find out if you started searching now?"

    His question left Abel musing in uncertainty. "I would say around a month, but I also have no assurance that we would definitely get it either, Master Lawrence."

    "A month?"

    Frank shook his head-Mark would notst a month, given his condition.

    Still, Abel cleared his throat as he thought of something. "I have another idea, although it might hurt your pride, sir... if you''re willing to hear me out? "Like I''ve mentioned earlier, I sold the Ster Windroot we had to Kornac''s Keep recently, so you can go to them instead."

    Frank was hesitant he had never heard that name before. "Kornac''s Keep?"

    Abel nodded. "They are a seclusive sect in Norsedam, but despite their anonymity, they have a long history, and their apprentices are all well-versed in Draconian traditional medicine. Some of their former apprentices are also known among the locals to be miracle workers."

    "I see."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Frank was already a little interested that a humble sect would have a hand in Draconian traditional medicine. Still, his tone changed as he remembered what Abel had said earlier. "Well, what about it would hurt my pride?"

    "Oh, that... Haha."

    Abel chuckled awkwardly, his tone suddenly quiet. "While Kornac''s Keep is a small sect, they carry out trials where new apprentices are recruited every year. This year''s trial would take ce in a few days, and I''m sure you would have no trouble taking first ce.

    "Moreover it seems that the

    participants who ranked first can ask Kornac''s Keep for anything they care to name, as long as it''s within the Keep''s power to grant. So..."

    Frank finished his sentence. "So you''re suggesting that I should take part in the trial and ask for the Ster Windroot?" "Exactly."

    Abel chuckled dryly. "That''s the quickest way I can think of if you''re in urgent need of the herb."

    "I see."

    Frank nodded it would not take him much time to hurry to Norsedam.

    Moreover, Mark had a strong physique, and it would not be a problem for him to survive a week.

    Making up his mind right then, he said, "Thanks, Abel. In that case, I shall head over to Kornac''s Keep."

    Abel was clearly surprised, as he

    thought that someone with Frank''s measure would not stoop to

    bing someone else''s

    I

    apprentice and would instead storm

    Kornac''s Keep and demand the

    herb.

    Moreover, he did not think Frank would agree to his idea so quickly, and without scolding him in any way.

    He could only mused to himself how open-minded his mentor was, willingly humbling himself to save a life by taking part in a trial that would be an insult to his status.

    Such virtue in a healer left Abel himself ashamed.

    Nheless, just as Frank hung up, Gavin Lane brought him bad news.

    It seemed that Fleur Lang had quickly died at the hospital after overdosing on Mildron Balm.

 Chapter 1645

    ?

    Fleur''s death meant Frank had no other choice.

    While he had hoped to find the antidote from Fleur before, that hope had now gone up in smoke.

    And since he burned down Baba Yaga''s clinic before, he could not pin his hopes on anyone else.

    He tried asking Yora Yimmel too, but she had nothing either, as the Rigor Pneuma was delivered straight to Fleur Lang from Baba Yaga through Borc Zomer.

    And Borc had long since killed himself, ingesting a poison tablet hidden in his mr after Jade Zahn tortured him horrifically.

    With all the other options out, Frank could only go to Kornac''s Keep as Abel had suggested to save Mark''s life.

    After a few days of rest and preparation, Frank drove to Norsedam.

    Kornac''s Keep was not particrly famous on the east coast, let alone Draconia, but they certainly held a strong reputation locally.

    In fact, on the day of the trials and Frank arrived at the gates, he was surprised by the crowds he was seeing.

    They were on the edge of Norsedam, at the very end of the mountainous highways.

    But despite the remote location, the masses could not resisting for the hype.

    Many were rich kids too, dressed mboyantly and carrying themselves above the rest.

    Frank discreetly stayed behind the crowd as they slowly headed up the mountain, and everyone soon saw the Kornac''s Keep enve, hidden deep in the woods.

    The facade of the main building was dpidated and already a lot less impressive than Riverton''s Sage Lake Sect.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Even the signboard looked like it had to be repaired and changed several times, a sign of the thrifty attitude of those inside.

    "Tut, tut." A rich yboy with a pretty

    face in one arm clicked his tongue as he stared at the signboard in contempt "My dad insisted Ie here to learn? You really need to see it to believe it-honestly, what respectable person would learn anything here?"

    "How unseemly. Don''t you know better than to judge by appearances?"

    Another youth strode over, wearing robes of in cloth as he stared at the rich kid in contempt.

    "Exactly." The young woman standing with the inly-robed youth agreed. "Some spoiled brat like you shouldn''t bothering to take the trials at

    all."

    The young woman did not wear makeup, but her natural beauty was a ss above the rich kid''s girlfriend.

    "Hmm?"

    The rich kid''s eyes widened at the young woman, and he suddenly could not care less about the pair''s contempt as he chuckled. "Hey, beautiful. Where are you from? My dad owns Huey Pharma-why don''t we go out for drinks after the trials?"

    The crowd were shocked to hear the name, as Huey Pharma was one of the top pharmaceuticalpanies and its owner, Warren Summers, was one of the richest men in Morhen.

    "What?! Huey Pharma?!"

    It was certainly a surprise that Warren would send his own son Ira to take part in Kornac''s Keep''s trials!

    Ira Summers certainly noticed the worshipful looks around him, and in his pride, he did not hold back from ogling the young woman, especially herdy parts.

    "Hmph!"

    That was when the youth in in robes snorted and moved to stand in front of the young woman, blocking ra''s ogling as he snapped coolly, "Lam Kairo Wal, an apprentice of Cloudnine Sect''s Hall of Flowers. This is my junior Horey Lindt, and if you ogle her for another second longer, I will gouge your eyes out of their sockets!"

 Chapter 1646

    ?

    That was when the youth in in robes snorted and moved to stand in front of the young woman, blocking Ira''s ogling as he snapped coolly, "I am Kairo Wal, an apprentice of Cloudnine Sect''s Hall of Flowers. This is my junior Horey Lindt, and if you ogle her for another second longer, I will gouge your eyes out of their sockets!"

    Ira''s face fell right then, and he clicked his tongue before fleeing, blending in with the crowd.

    Even if his family business had some power locally, they could not afford to mess with Cloudnine Sect, one of the South Sea Four.

    In fact, Kairo could take his eyes as he threatened, and Ira would not be able to do anything in return.

    "Shit, even Cloudnine Sect''s apprentices are here?"

    "When did Kornac''s Keep be so popr?"

    "Tut, tut. I guess this is their moment... But guess what? We''ll be rich too!"

    Kairo did not appear particrly interested in thosements, but at the next instant, he singled out a look of sympathy amid the other worshipful and fearful stares.

    "What?!"

    Kairo turned to find a in-looking man staring fixedly at his junior just like Ira, although there was no lust, only sympathy andmiseration. Still, the look left Kairo bristling, and he red at Frank in turn. "What are you looking at?!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Just feeling sympathy for a life lost," Frank replied, still staring at Horey''s stomach.

    Horey was feeling ufortable right then, ncing guiltily at Kairo before ring at Frank. "Y-You scoundrel! Watch it!"

    Frank did not want trouble and turned away, shaking his head.

    However, Frank''s words seemed to linger in Kairo''s mind, and he turned to look suspiciously at Horey, who appeared nonplussed.

    Things stayed awkward for a while, until the deafening ring of a gong resounded from the gates.

    It caught most of the crowd off guard, and they cupped their ears in pain.

    the

    ly white-haired r

    as if

    strode up,ughing eerily

    ¨¨ relished the pain sheerile

    everyone''s faces.

    to

    ent belongs

    Behind him were over twentyish elders, dressed inly but carrying the scent of fresh herbs.

    Everyone turned serious right then, as they knew that the trial was beginning.

    An elder in ck robes stood at the center of the elders, pping his hands to gesture for the gongman to stop.

    Then, looking around at the crowd,

    he announced solemnly with a nod, "Wee to Kornac''s Keep-it seems that there are more people this year, but I regret to inform you that we''re only taking three apprentices just like we always have.

    ¦«¦¯

    "There are no changes to the rules

    either, with healers from other sects

    and organizations wee

    exchange knowledge and

    experiences too."

 Chapter 1647

    ?

    "Also, the participant who takes first ce may name a wish-Kornac''s Keep will grant it, as long as it''s within our power to grant it."

    As Mole Cricks-the ck-robed elder-finished, he turned to look at another white-haired elder who walked casually out of the keep and sat on an armchair ced beneath the signboard.

    He nodded, and Mole continued, "Then, let''s not drag our feet. The first trial starts now!"

    At this announcement, over a dozen apprentices carried a giant cauldron filled with a herbal soup with a weird scent, cing it in the middle of the crowd.

    Mole then exined, "Everyone will have a chance to taste this soup. You will then list down the ingredients used and its purpose on the piece of paper given to you."

    As soon as he finished, the crowd was pushing their way toward the giant cauldron eagerly, dipping into it with the spats prepared for them and sipping the soup.

    Yosil Darman¡ªthe white-haired elder who was seated on the armchair-stroked his beard and smiled as he watched the participants scrambling to get a taste of the soup.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Ira was among the first who tasted the soup.

    Despite being a spoiled rich brat, he was actually skilled, and he chuckled coolly after tasting it.

    Picking up a pen and piece of paper from the table nearby, he began writing down the ingredients and chemistry.

    Lizard skin, bull horns, poison caps, white sugar...

    Later, Mole nodded approvingly as he took the paper Ira handed him and read through the list.

    The kid did have a few tricks up his sleeve, listing all the herbs used and stating the correct effects: clearing the mind, energizing the lungs and removing body waste.

    Holding up his hand, Mole announced, "Ira Summers, ny-five points."

    Everyone was surprised, not expecting the spoiled rich brat to show such insight, identifying the herbs urately.

    Hell, he was five points short of full marks!

    Ira was certainly pleased, even

    dissing Kairo as he walked past him. "Never judge a book by its cover, right Mr. Wal of Cloudnine Sect?"

    Kairo was unaffected and took a sip of the soup like the others did before smirking at Ira.

    As everyone looked on, he wrote

    down a list of herbs on a piece of

    paper, which was basically what ira

    had listed, except for one extra

    name. ne

    When Mole picked up Kairo''s list, he turned toward Kairo, appearing taken aback before announcing, "Kairo Wal... a hundred points!"

    "What?!" Ira''s smile stiffened.

    Then, seeing Kairo smiling gleefully at him, his eyes narrowed while his knuckles clenched in clear frustration.

    However, he had lost, and it only added insult to injury that he tried to diss Kairo before.

    "That''s a Cloudnine Sect apprentice for you. Actual perfect score."

    "Yeah, it''s been years since any participant got that..."

    Still, amid the noisy discussion, the trial continued.

    No one else got close to Kairo and Ira after that, however, as the best was seventy-five points while the others failed.

    Over ny percent of the

    participants were eliminated from

    orey,

    the first trial alone, except for who participated too and got a perfect score just like Kairo

 Chapter 1648

    ?

    "One hundred points!"

    The crowd cheered again-the Cloudnine Sect apprentices were really something else, both scoring full points.

    It was clear that the first and second ces were decided for the year!This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    "Hmph..."

    Ira, however, snorted in disdain. "What''s so surprising? One of them was just lucky getting it right, and then sneaked the answer to the other. Why wouldn''t they obtain a perfect score at that point?"

    "Oh, right, right, right..."

    "Exactly, man..."

    The other participants around Ira smiled and agreed, not daring to argue with him.

    In reality, however, everyone had been watching, and they knew that the pair from Cloudnine Sect never said a word to each other from the start. They were clearly depending on their own skill, so Ira''s suggestion that they were cheating was certainly untrue.

    If anything, Ira was just being a sore loser and trying to instigate the crowd.

    Though everyone knew that, they would not use Ira, as they were wary of the rich kid''s influence.

    "Alright, is anyone else participating?"

    Seeing that most of the crowd had taken their turn and wrote their answers, Mole looked around at the crowd to make sure no one had missed out.

    A long silence ensued, but just as Mole was going to announce that the first trial was over, a man strode up.

    Naturally, it was none other than Frank, who strode up to the cauldron as everyone watched.

    There was only sediment left since everyone had had their sip at this point, it was not just difficult to identify anything.

    It was impossible, and even Kairo would inevitably make a mistake if he tried at this stage.

    Kairo recognized Frank too, as Frank had been staring at Horey earlier and sighing sympathetically.

    Still, he was bemused-was Frank deliberately failing his trial by waiting until thest moment to taste the soup? "Hahaha..."

    On the other hand, Ira wasughing

    in clear disdain as Frank reached the cauldron. "Hey, kid-are you trying to show-off,ingst to try the soup? Do you think this is the ce to do so?"

    "Just take a look-the soup is basically finished aside from some scraps If you can identify the herbs

    used, don''t mind getting down on my knees to sing for you! Hahaha!"

    Ira was just feeling frustrated after Kairo and Horey one-upped him, which was why he did not hold back from mocking Frank when Frank stepped upst.

    And while Ira''s diss stung, Kairo was frowning too, because Ira was right.

    For a taste test like this,ing first was important.

    The drop in temperature would already affect the mixture''s properties and taste, which in turn influences judgment of theposition.

    The fact that Frank camest meant there were not many pointers to help him identify anything.

    In fact, Kairo was at first a little wary

    that Frank might be the real deal, what with the way he sympathized with his junior. However, the fact that Frank now waited until the end to try the soup made him look like he was just being deliberately dramatic to draw attention.

    Just as Ira had put it, Frank was just trying to show off and nothing else, just to make himself look important.

 Chapter 1649

    In reality, what Frank was doing was clown behavior to Kairo and the other Draconian traditional medicine apprentices.. After all, he did not even know the basic idea of when a soup''s effects were best and was instead trying to show off.

    It was embarrassing, and Kairo was quietly shaking his head-he had certainly misjudged Frank by thinking earlier that he was skilled.

    Mole Cricks the ck-robed elder-did not hold out much hope for Frank either.

    Anyone skilled enough would know not to wait until the soup was cold, let alone wait untilst because it would affect identification.

    In fact, those who came to try the soup just before Frank were just here to take part for the sake of doing so, and they could barely identify a couple of the herbs used.

    That was why Mole was not even interested in what Frank could do and actually only wanted it to be over with.

    Still, the crowd was soon left staring in surprise as Frank did not taste the soup.

    Instead, he merely leaned into the cauldron and smelled the scents within before frowning.

    "Wait, what?"

    Ira watched as he did so and started snickering loudly, "You can''t even be bothered to pretend? Go on, write something you were being so dramatic before, so why stop here?"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank, however, merely stood in silence, until even Mole had enough and hurried him.

    "Huh..."

    Frank eventually exhaled, murmured to himself as everyone watched. "I see. Well, color me curious."

    "Curious?" Iraughed. "When you don''t even know how to do a taste test properly? Quit showing off already."

    The other participants had enough of waiting too and started snapping at Frank as well.

    "Come on! Quit being all mysterious and write down your answers! Don''t waste everyone''s time!"

    "What augh. Is he perhaps crazy?"

    Kairo was frowning at Frank in contempt too, but Frank ignored them and calmly walked up to the

    table, writing his answers on a piece of paper within half a minute

    He handed it to Mole, who took the paper skeptically and stiffened when he actually got a good look.

    The answers aside, Frank''s handwriting alone was a magnificent piece of calligraphy, embodying both charisma and curved elegance.

    No one except martial elites were capable of such refinement-forget the answers, as selling it as a calligraphy piece would still fetch a king''s ransom!

    Still, Mole soonposed himself and started to actually read Frank''s review.

    Nheless, everyone had seen his reaction. They could see that only Frank got such a reaction out of Mole, as Mole had at most nced in surprise at Kairo''s answer which got full points.

    Such loss ofposure left Kairo actually feeling doubtful too.

    Was it possible that the kid might pull something here? He had only sniffed the broth without tasting it, but he could still discern the right herbs and the effects of thebination?

    Nearby, Ira could no longerugh.

 Chapter 1650

    ?

    Mole''s reaction made it clear that Frank''s answer was different, and Ira would only prove his own stupidity if he kept mocking him now.

    However, after Mole stared at Frank''s paper for two minutes with various expressions alternating over his face, disappointment ultimately showed on his face as he announced, "Frank Lawrence... zero points."

    "Pftt... What?!"

    Ira''s expression was at first solemn, but he promptly startedughing at Mole''s announcement.

    Kairo was staring at Frank in disbelief too.

    If Frank''s answer was really worth no points, why would Mole stare at it for so long and look so clearly disappointed?

    "Hahaha... And you were acting all mysterious with your silence, but it turns out that you only got a fat zero! You''re a realedian!"

    Ira''s diss drew a chorus ofughter, and even those who failed to get anything right were sneering at Frank, throwing him derisive thumbs ups. "You have balls, brother! Showing off while everyone watched and then getting zero points. Amazing!"

    "Amazingly horrendous, you mean!"

    "I''d be digging a hole to hide if I were him. Hahaha...."

    "Hmph. What an embarrassment."

    Even Horey Lindt-Kairo''s junior-was snorting in contempt and clearly scorning Frank for being a clown.

    However, the hall''s uproar did not affect Frank at all.

    "I believe that the herbs and effects I wrote down are correct. Why am I given zero instead?" he asked calmly, staring at Mole as he waited for an

    answer.

    "Right, you say?" Mole shook his head exasperatedly.

    "Oh, just give in already, brother." Ira

    pped Frank on the shoulder, chuckling as heforted Frank without sincerity. "We get it-you can''t keep this up, so don''t push yourself."

    "See, you should always know your ce. At this point, we can all have augh thanks to you, but if you push it any further, that would just be

    rude. Just go back from where neThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    came everyone here is a student in medicine, not a circus performer."

    "Hahaha!!!" Everyoneughed again as Ira finished.

    On the other hand, Mole was notughing with them but solemnly pointing at a herb written on Frank''s paper instead. "Tell me, what herb is this?"

    "Eh?"

    Everyone had a clear view of the paper Mole was holding right then.

    While they were surprised to see the imposing handwriting, they also could read the name of the herb.

    "Augustraff?"

    Unlike the others, Kairo''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    Aside from the Augustraff, the other

    herbs were all listed urately,

    although Frank''s analysis was different, and sinister at that: This

    soup will poison the drinkertently!

 Chapter 1651

    ?

    Frank kept his eyes fixed on Mole as he said, "What I wrote is clear-Augustraff. That''s a herb I identified from the scent."

    Mole held his gaze in turn. "I''m not senile enough to fail to read. My question is this-do you know what happens when Augustraff is mixed with the other herbs in this list?"

    "Augustraff..."

    Nearby, Kairo did a double take before lowering his gaze and muttering to himself, "If it was really put in the soup, it would turn everything into poison! The herbs would counteract each other, and body waste would build up within the body over the next three days before whoever consumes it dies... oh!"

    Kairo understood right then-Frank did not make a mistake, aside from including an extra item: Augustraff.

    And that would in turn throw off Frank''s review of the soup by a country mile.

    Kairo sighed and shook his head at the thought. "There''s no Augustraff in the soup-my tongue wasn''t ying tricks on me.

    "If there was, that would mean that this trial is no trial, but a mass poisoning incident. Kornac''s Keep would definitely not do something like that. "Frank Lawrence might appear skilled, but the difference in a single herb denied him everything. Mole Cricks is clearly protective of the reputation of Kornac''s Keep, which was why he gave Frank zero points. Otherwise, theirmunity won''t be able to survive the usations of poisoning fellow healers."

    Horey nodded in agreement beside him-zero points for Frank was actually deserved.

    Even Ira had recovered from his initial shock as he realized that Frank was mostly right and was inwardly rejoicing.

    After all, thank the heavens the bastard messed up, or he would be kneeling and singing for him!

    "Hey, just leave already and quit wasting our time."

    "Exactly! You''re ndering Kornac''s Keep of poisoning us participants!"

    "Hell, even nder should have its limits!"

    "He must be from a rivaling sect,ing to disturb the trials."

    "The elders of Kornac''s Keep should step up and chase him out!"

    "Yeah! Chase him out!"

    As everyone started to snap at Frank, Mole was scowling too. "Go back to wherever you came from, or don''t me us for getting rough with you!"

    Frank, however, simply sighed with a

    ele

    look of disappointment despite the angry mob.I heard that Kornac''s Keep has a good reputation in their circle despite being a modest group... But I''m just disappointed. Nothing of worth is lost even if I walk away now."

    As he turned to leave amid the angry shouts, Iraughed out loud. "You''re the one who''s harboring ill will, and you''re shifting me on Kornac''s Keep? You''re really something else, kiddo!"

    Kairo was shaking his head too. "Hmph. Trying to act smart and getting caught in your own

    schemes? Your attitude is a

    problem, and having you practilMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Draconian traditional medicine

    would only bring shame to the rest ofus."

    However, just as everyone watched Frank leave, a booming voice spoke from beneath the Kornac''s Keep signboard. "Wait."

    "Eh?"

    Everyone turned, because it was not Mole who spoke.

    Instead, it was Yosil Darman, the white-haired elder sitting beneath the signboard who clearly outranked Mole.

    In fact, Mole was surprised that Yosil was speaking up too.

 Chapter 1652

    ?

    After all, Yosil was the casten of Kornac''s Keep!

    Yosil slowly opened his eyes and shed a vague smile as Frank turned to him. "I''ve been watching, young man-you only sniffed the cauldron and wrote down your answer. Why didn''t you taste the soup? You might stand a better chance of getting it right that way, no?"

    Frank stopped in his tracks, but his stance clearly did not change as he retorted, "Why should I taste it when it''s poisoned?"

    If anything, he appeared even surer now.

    "Insolence!"

    Mole was snapping at Frank right then, "Watch your tongue, boy! You''re speaking with the casten of Kornac''s Keep!"

    Frank shot him a look of disdain in turn. "And, what? Are you saying that being older makes everything right?"

    Mole was left flushing. "You wretch?!"

    "Manners, Mole Cricks."

    Yosil held up a hand, stopping Mole from snapping at Frank as he twirled his beard. "You are right, young man. While I am a mentor and have lived for two centuries, my knowledge in Draconian traditional medicine is superficial."

    Pausing, he shed a kindly smile and said, "I hereby announced that I have reevaluated this young man''s answer-and his score is 120 points."

    "What?!"

    Yosil''s announcement left everyone including Mole and the other Kornac''s Keep elders turning toward him in shock.

    "Huh?! Is that geezer being serious?!"

    Ira was naturally flustered to hear

    that Frank''s score was suddenly 120 points. "Sir, that brat has beenBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    disrespectful and ndering your et

    community! The way I see it, he should be given zero points and chased out of this enve. Why Would you score him higher than us instead?!"

    "Exactly!" Kairo eximed, clearly unhappy too. "Are you suggesting that we''re all wrong, while he''s the only one who got it right?"

    The elders of Kornac''s Keep and Mole were scowling as well, though they said nothing.

    "Hahaha...."

    Yosil simply chuckled despite being questioned. "All of you are right. It''s

    just

    prova Mr. Lawrence here has

    AO.UMS

    proven to be a ss above...

    Pausing, he then burst outughing as he pointed at the cauldron. "After all, I did add Augustraff into the soup. I simply made sure to add other herbs that counteract it before the soup boiled, so most of you stood no chance in identifying it."

    "What?!"

    Yosil''s exnation left everyone stunned.

    So Frank''s answer was actually right? But if he was, that also meant...

    The participants were all scowling, as they realized that they had all been poisoned and would die in three days!

    Ira turned toward Frank, his face pale as he realized that the man was never trying to show off.

    He avoided tasting the soup at all... because he already knew it was poisoned!

    "Chief..."

    Mole was feeling embarrassed, as he had drunk the soup too, which was why he had the answers in his mind.

 Chapter 1653

    ?

    However, Mole did not identify the Augustraff added into the soup, but Frank did.

    Did that not mean that Mole, despite being an elder of Kornac''s Keep, lost out to one of the participants in terms of herbology and medicinal knowledge?!

    While he was scowling terribly, he turned toward Yosil with an exasperated look and tried to hide his embarrassment as he asked, "Chief, we''ve always been cordial to outsiders and potential apprentices. How could you poison everyone in a trial?"

    "That''s right!"

    The other participants were panicking too-what was Kornac''s Keep scheming by poisoning everyone?!

    "Hahaha..... It was just a whim I had in the spur of the moment."

    Yosilughed, holding up his hands. "This yearly trial is really getting boring-it''s time we try something new, don''t you think?"

    "Well, if I''m not mistaken..."

    Frank spoke calmly as everyone watched, "The second trial would be to identify the symptoms, thereby tailoring an antidote to counteract the poison?"

    While everyone gasped in realization, Yosil nodded.

    "Yes. You are quite sharp, young man."

    Yosil spoke with a smile of satisfaction. "For the second, the participants will identify the poison guing your bodies and attempt to counteract it. Naturally, you will also fight against the symptoms kicking in while you work... which is around now."

    "I hereby announce themencement of the second trial. Naturally, you may choose to forfeit and im an antidote from me. I swear by the honor of Kornac''s Keep that this antidote would definitely cure you."

    As Yosil spoke, over a dozen apprentices arrived with baskets full of herbs and giant cauldrons, clearly used for the trials.

    That was when Kairo raised his hand. "Casten, I have a question."This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Yosil smiled, stroking his beard. "Kairo Wal of Cloudnine Sect, I believe? Ask away."

    "We have all been poisoned and our abilities would be affected for the next trial. However..."

    Kairo frowned as he pointed at Frank, "He was never poisoned. It''s not fair to the rest of us facing the second trial."

    "That''s right!"

    Ira quickly agreed. "I can actually feel

    the nausea kicking in, clearly

    affecting my judgment of the here

    and toxicology involved. It''s not fair that he''s unaffected!"

    The other participants quickly joined in the protest. "Yes! We demand fairness!"

    Even Mole Strode up to Frank, demanding, "Mr. Lawrence, you may have identified that the soup was poisoned, but you should take a sip of it so that this trial may proceed with fairness."

    Yosil was watching Frank with curiosity in turn, eager to see what he would choose.

    As everyone looked on, Frank then

    spoke, "I was going to say that none

    of you could see that the soup was actually poisoned and drank without considering the consequences."

    "I, on the other hand, did, and I therefore have every reason to refuse to drink it."

    "However...

    While everyone was frowning, presuming that Frank would refuse to drink the soup, Frank smirked coolly at them.

 Chapter 1654

    ?

    "Since you''re all demanding fairness, I will y along this one time so that you don''t get to argue anymore."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    With those words, Frank lifted the cauldron with one hand and swallowed the remaining soup and all the sediments whole.

    "What?! No!!!"

    Even Yosil was left gaping, throwing up his hands in protest. "There''s not much soup left, but the poison of the sediments is especially potent! If you drank that much, you''re not going to... to..."

    Mole was frowning too.

    The participants only tasted the soup with spats or with their fingers, which meant that the poison was at least manageable.

    However, Frank must have chugged twenty people''s worth and even at the sediments!

    He was clearly suicidal!

    "Sir, what..."

    Mole turned toward Yosil, unsure what to do.

    "You''ve made a mistake, my friend!" Yosil mmed his fist on his table, sighing as he saw Frank was bleeding ck ooze from every orifice.

    He thought highly of Frank, but the kid proved too hot-tempered!

    Yosil was especially shocked because he knew the poison better than anyone even if he tried to help now, Frank would still be bedridden for around a year!

    "Shit..."

    Ira was left clicking his tongue as he watched Frank consume so much poison too.

    Was he just trying to show off or simply suicidal?

    Kairo was astonished as well.

    He was worried Frank would outscore him again, especially now that Frank had the advantage of not being poisoned.

    That was why he suggested Frank drank the poison like the rest of them, only for Frank to chug a ton of it. It certainly caught him off guard! "rgh!!!"

    ?

    Frank copsed on one knee just then and coughed out a thick, ck chunk of clotted blood¡ªa symptom showing that the poison had

    reached an advanced stage.

    Still, he wiped his lips and looked up at Kairo and the others with considerable difficulty. "So, do you call this fair? Are you satisfied?" Seeing that, Yosil rose to his feet with a frown. "You can forfeit, my friend! I will personally treat you as there''s still hope yet, or¡ª"

    "No!"

    Frank helped up a hand, stopping the Kornac''s Keep apprentices from rushing to his aid.

    Wobbling a few steps, he wiped his

    mouth again and straightened himself shing a proud smile at Yosil. "Shall we continue with the second trial, now that the poison in me has kicked in?"

    Seeing that Frank was being stubborn, Kairo actually gave in and reasoned, "You should let the

    yel

    casten treat you. You''d lose your life trying to show off here!"

    "That''s just... ruthless."

    Ira was shaking his head, actually afraid of mocking Frank just then.

    The man knew that he was drinking poison but went out of his way to drink an entire cauldron-he was clearly throwing away his life!

 Chapter 1655

    ?

    Nheless, Frank ignored Kairo and turned toward Mole, demanding loudly, "Are we starting the second trial or not?"

    "Well..."

    Mole turned toward Yosil, since this was an unprecedented case.

    Yosil was staring at Frank in turn, seeing the determination andposure in his eyes, devoid of panic or fear.

    It seemed that he was really not throwing away his life out of sheer pettiness, but to silence all his doubters.

    And that left Yosil stunned.

    After a while, he nodded at Mole. "Begin."

    "Sir-"

    "I said we can begin, or perhaps you don''t understand?"

    Yosil''s expression turned cool, projecting such a terrible presence that it left Mole flinching.

    "N-No..."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Mole leveled a troubled look at Frank before pointing at the herbs and cauldrons that the Kornac''s Keep apprentices brought. "The second trial begins now! Participants, you now have one hour to concoct an antidote in an hour to counteract the poison guing you... or you will die!"

    The participants all felt a chill running down their spine when they heard the word ''die''.

    Still, most of them also turned simultaneously toward the man who was poisoned the worst, because he was forced to y fair.

    "Hmph. You dug your own grave. You don''t get to me anyone!"

    Kairo snorted, perceiving Frank''s cold shoulder to be an insult to himself. Chuckling coolly, he walked on stage and started to choose his herbs.

    On the other hand, when Ira walked past Frank, he somehow appeared apologetic "Sorry, man. Look, just don''t haunt me when you die, okay? It''s all Kairo Wal-he was the one who goaded you into drinking poison."

    Kairo, who overheard him, scowled even harder.

    "Phew..."

    Be that as it may, Frank did not go onstage with the others to pick herbs right away.

    Instead, he sat down in meditation and used the Five-Peat Archaeus to repress the poison in his body.

    After all, he had ingested too much poison earlier. Forget the second trial-he would faint right now if he did not stop it right away.

    That being said, Frank had to drink that much poison... just to be poisoned.

    Now that his physique was Transcendent rank, it was no exaggeration to say that he was impervious to poison.

    If he did what the others did and only took small sips, forget being poisoned-the substance would be dissolved as soon as he took it.

    As such, he had no choice but to take the entire cauldron of poison just to get the symptoms of poisoning.

    But since he had overdosed, he had to suppress it.

    Though Frank was not trying to be vain or sensational since he had no choice, what he did still made him the center of attention.

    The crowd was therefore understandably restless, understandably looking amazed.

    After all, everyone was busy

    choosing their herbs for the second

    trial, but Frank was sitting alone on the floor, his eyes closed doing god-knows-what.

    Ira was speechless even as he turned to look at Frank. "Shit, he''s been poisoned so terribly, but he''s calmly cultivating instead? That''s just amazing..."

    Only Kairo was staring at Frank coolly, a malicious n hatching in his mind. Fairness, he said? Hehe...

 Chapter 1656

    Seeing that everyone except Frank had chosen their herbs, Kairo returned on stage, swiping and taking what remained on the table.

    With that, all the herbs that were not chosen for the second trial were slid into his pocket.

    "Huh?"

    Yosil and the other Kornac''s Keep elders were frowning when they saw what Kairo did.

    Being sly old foxes themselves, they could certainly tell what Kairo was doing.

    Frank had certainly stolen the limelight earlier, embarrassing Kairo.

    As such, Kairo now sought payback by taking away any herbs Frank could use, aside from some useless mudroots.

    And without any herbs, Frank was not going to counteract the poison in his body.

    "Kairo Wal-"

    Even before Mole could start, Kairo shrugged innocently. "There''s no rule stating how many herbs we can take, is there? I''m going to try every herb to see if I can make a quality pill."C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Kairo''s words left Mole stumped, and he turned with a frown at Frank.

    Seeing that Frank was still seated meditatively, unaware of everything around him, Mole suddenly wondered what Frank would do when he woke up and saw that there was nothing but useless mudroot

    As such, while he was going to stop Kairo earlier, he turned toward Yosil and realized that Yosil was watching Frank in interest, clearly thinking the same thing.

    Seeing that, Mole simply decided to look the other way.

    Time flew, and soon, forty minutes passed.

    At this point, most of the participants still taking part in the second trial had identified the toxicology of the soup. In fact, some of the more gifted individuals were using the cauldrons that Kornac''s Keep provided to cook pills.

    Ira was one of them.

    As his cauldron''s fire subsided, he

    put on

    out

    pill the size of a cost

    gloves and gingerly

    swno

    A herbal aroma filled the air right then, and Mole nodded in

    satisfaction-while it was nothil

    special, it would still counteract the poison Ira drank.

    That meant that he got a passing mark.

    "Hahaha... I was just lucky." Ira smiled proudly, looking at the sessful pill and inhaling its sweet scent.

    Nheless, a stronger herbal aroma wafted across the air, as Kairo''s cauldron fire subsided.

    "Hup!" Kairo yelled as he smacked his palm on the cauldron.

    A crystalline white pill shot out of the cauldron right then, and Kairo caught it in the air.

    "Amazing!" Mole''s eyes lit up at once at the sight of that white pill.

    If Ira''s pill was of passing mark and barely qualified as a pill, Kairo''s was a treasure.

    It was nothing divine, but a rarity nheless.

    Counteracting poison with that pill was basically overkill, especially with the other effects it had.

    "Not bad."

    Even Yosil was pping in approval.

 Chapter 1657

    ?

    It seemed that the herbs were not entirely wasted on Kairo, as he actually showed skill.

    Still, just as Kairo was done, everyone turned toward Frank again.

    There were no herbs, and there was just fifteen minutes left.

    Seemingly sensing their stares, Frank slowly opened his eyes and pushed himself to his feet with considerable difficulty.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hehe..."

    Kairo smirked at Frank, feeling endlessly confident with the pure white pill in his palm.

    Even if Frank had profound cultivation, he was not turning the tide when he had neither the time nor the herbs.

    In fact, Kairo believed his victory was assured, while Frank slowly shambled toward the stage to get herbs as he watched with a smirk.

    He was actually surprised for once when he saw that only useless mudroots were left.

    Still, he understood when he looked and saw Kairo''s smirk and the pure white pill he was holding.

    The prick had taken away the other herbs, clearly out of revenge because Frank rubbed him the wrong way.

    Frank, however, simply sneered in turn-did Kairo think he was out of options just because he had no herbs? Hence, as everyone watched, Frank picked up the remaining mudroots and shambled toward the remaining cauldron.

    "Eh?"

    Kairo''s smirk faded when he saw that Frank was not giving up, confusion and doubt showing on his face.

    He had taken away any herb that could counteract poison, and the remaining mudroots simply would not help.

    In fact, theyman would probably be unaware that as its name suggested, mudroots had the earth-elemental essence.

    Using that against poison would not just be ineffective, but it would actually catalyze the potency of the poison, even imploding it.

    That was exactly what Kairo was nning for when he took away everything except the mudroots.

    Still, seeing Frank so willingly take the mudroots as well left Kairo feeling doubtful.

    And from the first trial, Kairo could

    tell that Frank was clearly noyman The man definitely knew that mudroots would not counteract the poison in his body, but he took the mudroot anyway.

    The thought process involved was really a mystery to Kairo. In fact, be could not help wondering if Frank had given up and was trying to catalyze the poison to kill himself quicker.

    Ira thought the same, since he knew about the side effects of the mudroot as well.

    And seeing Frank taking so many left him clicking his tongue.

    "My friend."

    That was when Yosil spoke with a frown. "You don''t have to use the

    mudroot. I''ll have my res."

    bring other herbs from our stores."

    Swn

    It was a clear hint to Frank that he should not use the mudroot to cook pills.

    Frank, however, waved him off. "Don''t bother. The mudroots are enough."

    Kairo sneered savagely as he watched. "He said it himself."

    The brat was certainly stubborn, insisting on using the mudroot... and so, he shall reap the consequences of his own actions!

    Kairo certainly was eager to see if Frank could remain so defiant when the poison in his body imploded.

    "Oh... Uh, okay..." Yosil sighed exasperatedly at Frank''s refusal.

 Chapter 1658

    ?

    "Oh... Uh, okay..." Yosil sighed exasperatedly at Frank''s refusal.

    There was nothing he could say now.

    As time continued to tick away, Frank threw all the mudroots into the cauldron and cooked them with a huge fire.

    His desperate reaction left Kairo''s sinister smile broadening.

    Beside him, Horey Lindt was frowning instead. "Could it be..."

    Catching her murmur, Kairo turned toward her with a look of surprise. "What is it?"

    "It''s nothing..." Horey shrugged. "But I think there''s this technique of using contravening medicinal effects....."

    "What?!" Kairo''s heart skipped a beat, at once ufortable.

    Still, Horey quickly assured him, "Oh, don''t worry about it. Not many people would even be aware, let alone him. It''s just something I read from an old book-the technique itself has been lost to time."

    "I see..."

    Kairo nodded, but he remained ufortable as he saw the confidence in Frank''s expression.

    Did Frank perhaps know that contravening technique by chance?

    However, while Kairo was busy specting and the other participants busy staring, there was a shrill crack echoing from Frank''s cauldron.

    In no time at all, hairline fractures were suddenly appearing all over the surface of the cauldron, and before anyone knew it, Frank''s cauldron blew up with a resounding crash!

    "What?!"

    Yosil, who had been watching in his seat hopefully, actually eximed out loud.

    "Hahahaha!!!"

    On the other hand, Kairo wasughing on top of his lungs immediately, especially when he saw the ck mudroots that were strewn all over the ground.

    The cauldron was destroyed even before the mudroots were dissolved.

    There was no doubt it now-Frank had lost!

    "Shit, man..."

    Ira froze even as he stared at the cauldron fragments, murmuring, "Well, this is really it..."

    Even the crowd who actually held

    hopes for Frank were sighing in disappoint. While he showed spine when he took Kairo''s

    n¨¦t

    challenge head-on, and then went on to turn down Yosil''s kind warning, his cauldron literally exploded now.

    Forget taking a handicap for a fair contest against Kairo-the man was probably going to die now!

    However, just as everyone was ready to see Frank concede, they found him frowning at the scattered mudroot and sighing. "It seems that the cauldron quality is wanting...''

    "Give up already, you imbecile!"

    Kairo strode up, his attitude at once high and mighty as he red downward at Frank. "Forfeit yourself from the second trial, and some extra antidote just might save you. Keep being stubborn and you will die!"

    "Yeah, man..."

    Ira reasoned with Frank too. "JustExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    concede right now, and you''ll get the antidote over there right away. You might really live here... Anything is

    possible as long as you stay alive, so quit putting on airs already, okay?"

    Even as everyone tried to persuade Frank to give up and take the antidote, Mole strode up before

    Frank, barking, "I hereby announce that Frank is forfeited as a

    bel.fo

    participant of our trials. Get over there and take your antidote already-you''ll die if you''re toote."

 Chapter 1659

    ?

    Despite everyone''s effort to tell Frank to concede, he breathed a long sigh and turned toward Mole. "Why is that so? I haven''t given up yet."

    "Huh?!"

    Mole was left frowning, as Frank was still being stubborn even now. "Understand your position! I''m telling you to forfeit so that you won''t die senselessly¡ªI''d rather not have your death tarnish our reputation, even if this is your own fault."

    Suddenly remembering how Frank drank the entire cauldron of poison, Mole smirked at him.

    His miserable state now was certainly hrious!

    That was when Frank said, "I don''t need you to worry about my life."

    His calm words jolted Mole out of his thoughts, and he was left staring at Frank in shock. "Do you have a death wish?"

    "Of course not."

    Frank looked at him confidently. "But the trial isn''t over yet, is it?"

    "No..."

    Mole frowned, ncing at the hourss on the table beside Yosil. "But there''s only five minutes left. What are you going to¡ª"

    "You don''t have to worry about that."

    Frank smiled and pushed himself to stand, picking up the jet ck mudroot.

    Mole appeared resigned at that point, shaking his head. "Fine! You''re the most stubborn man I''ve ever met, but since you want to continue, so be it! Don''t think you can me your death on our heads, because this is all your own doing!"

    "Not a problem." Frank nodded without hesitation.

    His resilient attitude left Kairo annoyed too.

    Frank had less than five minutes and no herbs, and even his cauldron blew up.

    How was he going to turn the tables now?

    Was he just being stubborn just to mess with Kairo?

    If that was Frank''s n, Kairo had to admit that Frank had seeded, because he was feeling very annoyed.

    ring at Frank, he snapped coolly,

    "Get down on your knees and kowtow three times, admit that you were at fault, and I''ll give you my pill. It won''t heal you right away, but you won''t have to stay bedridden for years."

    However, he was left further annoyed as Frankpletely ignored him.

    "Well, since I can''t use the cauldron..." Frank muttered to himself, and as everyone watched, he crushed the mudroots in his fingers.

    Then, pinching a pile of mud off the ground, he mixed it with the minced mudroot and threw it into the fire under the cauldron.

    "What...?"

    Ira was left raising a brow-what on earth was he doing, making popcorn?

    Kairo was taken aback, but he soonughed so hard that he was

    shedding tears. "You had to beal. ne?

    healer instead of a chef... what a waste!"

    Frank, however, remained unaffected by the diss and surprise.

    The Five-Peat Archaeus flowed along both his arms, and with his pure vigor charging it, the cauldron''s mes erupted into a blinding pir of inferno.

    "Shaping the pill with mes, charged with pure vigor..."

    Yosil shook his head in silence.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    It was a viable method, but the pill would not be a pill, as it would be more apt to call it a mudball.

    And what good would a mudball do, at all?

 Chapter 1660

    Yosil had never seen such a technique being employed and therefore presumed it to be nonsensical just like everyone else.

    Mild mes were used in pill refinement to extract the medical essence within herbs andbined with other essences to shape a pill.

    It was not just a technique, but a task that required delicate precision.

    Frank was behaving just like some flunky in an exam, filling in random answers just before the time was up.

    But this was no exam, and random answers would not do Frank any good.

    To no surprise, just as Mole announced that the time was up, Frank extracted a jet ck pill.

    Unlike Ira or Kairo''s pills that swirled with a herbal aroma, Frank''s pill smelled charred like burned minced meat, leaving a stink in the air.

    "Hahahaha!!!"

    Kairo and the rest of the participants were allughing when they saw Frank''s ck pill.

    The man was certainly amusing and so stubborn that he would cook a mud ball with what time he had.

    What augh!

    Even Yosil was sighing in disappointment.

    "Now, participants will present their final work!" Mole announced loudly.

    All the participants quickly brought out what they made to Mole''s table for appraisal, which ranged from pills and powdered herbs to potions. "Kairo Wal!"

    Mole was immediately nodding in satisfaction when he saw Kairo''s wlessly white pill.

    Be it in appearance or medicinal value, it was an excellent specimen that would more than counteract the poison he ingested.

    "Kairo Wal, one hundred points!"

    "Hehe..."

    Kairo chuckled-he scored full points again.

    Then, turning toward Frank gleefully, he asked, "Why don''t you get 120 points again? I''ll prostrate myself in

    front of you, how about ov

    Frank remained impassive but nodded. "If you say so."

    That left Kairo doing a double take. "Hmph. Getting full of yourself just because I''m being nice!"

    At the same time, Mole announced, "Ira Summers! Eighty points!"

    Ira seemed pleased despite clearly losing in points.

    After that, it was Horey Lindt''s turn, and she somehow beat even her senior apprentice.

    "Horey Lindt! 105 points!"

    The crowd was left abuzz.

    They thought Kairo''s pill was perfect, but Horey actually surpassed her senior apprentice?!

    One could only be impressed by the Cloudnine Sect apprentices!

    "Ahem... Frank Lawrence..."

    Eventually Mole moved on to Frank,

    and ck

    turned toward theExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    I Frank was holding ri

    swnon

    then.

    Some with more keen eyes could

    pally see that the pill surface was

    peeling off, dyeing Frank''s fingers ck.

    Everyone wasughing out loud right then.

    Swno

 Chapter 1661

    ?

    "After all that effort, don''t tell me this mudball is just a joke?"

    "Look at it, the surface is even losing its color. Anyone who doesn''t know might think it''s a chunk of coal. But at least coal can burn-what can your mudball do?"

    "Haha..."

    Kairoughed without caring about his image. The crowd around burst intoughter too, teasing and gesturing at him.

    Some even urged the ck-robed elder to quickly check the medicinal properties of this mudball. After all, Frank had been wearing a serious expression since the beginning. Now, many people wanted to see the look of panic and embarrassment on his face once he was exposed.

    Surely this would bring another wave of amusement to everyone.

    "Hmm..."

    This time, Mole was clearly disappointed by the pill that Frank presented.

    He did not even reach out to take it and examine it carefully, perhaps afraid of getting his hands dirty.

    Instead, he let Frank hold it and stood in ce to inspect it closely.

    After staring at it for a while, he could not discern anything special. Then he leaned in to sniff it. Suddenly a pungent smell hit him, causing Mole to sneeze violently.

    When Mole sneezed, the entire crowd burst intoughter again.

    "Hey, Elder Mole, is there really anything to see here?! This kid obviously just whipped up some old mudball to fool us."

    "Exactly! You''re taking it so seriously and making yourself look bad. In my opinion, this is just a mudball. There''s no need to look any further!"

    Listening to the chaotic voices around him, Mole''s expression turned slightly unpleasant.

    Originally, he had a faint hope in his heart regarding Frank''s pill. But after such careful observation, he was disappointed to find that this pill... no, this mudball had nothing remarkable about it.

    Even street kids ying with mud could produce such a ''creation''.

    Finally, after a brief silence, Mole shook his head in disappointment and raised his hand to give Frank a score. "Ahem... I dere zero points for Frank."

    Immediately, the atmosphere in the entire hall reached its climax.

    Laughter echoed incessantly.

    Those who came to participate in

    Kornac''s Keep trial for new apprentices.could not help but exim that they hade to the right ce. Even though they did not advance, at least they had witnessed a spectacle that had not urred in decades.

    Someone actually tried to pass the trial with a mudball. Just the story of Frank''s attempt would ruin his reputation forever!

    Of course, whether Frank would

    have a future was uncertain because in his attempt to show off earlier, he had consumed so much sediment that now his body was almost bursting with toxicity.

    n

    Initially, the people of Kornac''s Keep had beenpassionate and had offered Frank the chance to withdraw, wanting to save his life, but Frank insisted on refining pills himself.

    And now, he produced such a mudball.

    He was truly risking his life to show off!Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    "Impressive. I truly admire him."

    Ira looked at Frank at this moment. There was no mockery on his face like others, but rather, genuine admiration.

    Of course, this admiration was not for Frank''s strength or character.

    It was admiration for Frank daring to risk his life to show off.

    Perhaps this was the only time he could ever do it in his life, so Ira sincerely thought Frank had something about him.

    This spirit of daring to court death really impressed him.

    "Zero points?"

    Amid the ridicule and insults from the crowd, Frank raised an eyebrow slightly and narrowed his eyes at the elderly man in the ck robe.

    "Elder Mole, did you really study this pill clearly? Or rather...

    "Are you really qualified to be a judge?"

 Chapter 1662

    ?

    "What?!"

    Everyone present heard Frank''s casual words clearly.

    While others were stunned, Ira gave Frank a thumbs up in surprise.

    "Damn, I didn''t expect this. This kid has reached this point, and he''s still showing off and pretending!"

    "He really is so damn talented!"

    Kairo heard Frank''s disdainful words. He stepped forward to snatch the pill from Frank''s hand and inspected it closely. "You''re too arrogant!"

    After a moment, he threw it to the ground.

    "Hmph, it''s just a mudball covered in charcoal ash with no medicinal properties or any effect!

    "With this kind of trash, you''d dare to criticize the elder who serves as a judge?!"

    Faced with Kairo''s questioning, Frank looked at the pill he had thrown away and did not bother to argue.

    Seeing Frank''s attitude, Kairo became even more furious.

    "Hey, look at me!"

    Kairo was livid. He stepped forward and stomped on Frank''s pill. Then, he sneered and bellowed, "I don''t know who gave you the audacity to be so arrogant, but you''re going to die today. Do you understand? You have no chance of survival!"

    "Wait until the poisonous sediments in your body erupt! Let''s see if you can still be so indifferent!"

    Frank''s expression turned cold when he saw Kairo stomp on his pill.

    "How could you question the judge''s qualifications? Who do you think you are?"

    "Elder Mole, why haven''t you kicked out such a madman from Kornac''s Keep?!"

    "That''s right! Make him kneel and beg for an antidote!"

    "Antidote? A madman like him deserves his fate! Let him die from the poison that he ingested!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank''s indifferent questioning of Mole''s qualifications as a judge sparked outrage throughout the audience.

    After all, if even the elders were not qualified, then what did that make the people who came to Kornac''s Keep seeking knowledge?

    Frank''s words were not just insulting Kornac''s Keep, but they were also insulting everyone who came to learn!

    Of course, Frank did not intend it that way.

    He was just speaking his mind and genuinely believed that the elder was not skilled enough.

    To think that he could rate the pill Frank had crafted as zero points!

    After all, Frank had used some reallyplex methods to refine this pill.

    To others, it seemed like he had done something simple within five minutes. It made it look like he had been ying with y.

    But in Frank''s hands, it was a disy

    of his

    craftsmanship. There was while he

    notament of rxation

    had been refining the pill.

    So, being given zero points by Mole naturally left Frank displeased, and that was why he directly questioned the elder''s judgment.

    n

    "You..."

    Having his skills questioned, Mole naturally grew angry.

    Who was this young man to mock him with a mere y pill, and then question his decades of traditional medicine expertise?

    He had revived hundreds if not

    thousands under his care. Everyone praised his extraordinary medical skills, and even the casten of Kornac''s Keep often sang his praises.

    Frank''s questioning thoroughly infuriated Mole.

    "Brat!"

    Mole walked up with a cold expression, his gaze dark as he stared at Frank.

    "If you think I can''t judge your pill properly, why don''t you take it yourself and see its effects?!"

 Chapter 1663

    ?

    Upon hearing Mole''s words, everyone present quickly understood.

    Of course!

    The purpose of the second trial was to refine pills that could detoxify their bodies, yet Frank had only crafted a mudball using mudroots.

    How could it possibly have any effect?

    Due to the nature of mudroots, if Frank were to ingest this mudball, it was likely to be ineffective. And that was not all-it could even trigger the outbreak of the poison.

    So, when Mole made his suggestion, the crowd cheered and apuded.

    As expected from an elder who had lived for so many years, he was truly cunning.

    With just a few words, he had backed Frank into a corner.

    Frank thought Mole was incapable and could not see through the secrets of his pill, right?

    Then, Frank should eat it!

    If it did not work, not only would Frank have to force down a mudball that was obviously hard to swallow, but he would also be utterly embarrassed! How dare Frank utter such disdainful words about Mole''s skills and abilities to judge. He would make sure Frank retracted those words as soon as possible!

    Mole''s casual words forced Frank into proving the efficacy of his pill.

    At this point, the elder did not care anymore.

    If the pill proved useless, he had no intention of saving Frank.

    Let this arrogant and conceited young man pay the price for his attitude today!

    That was what Mole thought, and so did everyone else too.

    Everyone present virtually had no expectations regarding Frank''s mudball. After all, the herbs were insufficient, the timing was not right, its appearance was ugly, and it had a strange smell.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Could something like this really cure diseases?

    It would already be considered a miracle if it did not kill someone!

    "Hah..."

    Upon hearing the elder''s provocation, Frank merely chuckled coldly.

    Meanwhile, Kairo was afraid that Frank might refuse to eat the pill. He hurriedly picked up the pill from the ground before carefully wiping off the dust that had stuck to it and solemnly handing it over to Frank.

    "You said that we''re all not skilled enough and can''t see the secrets of your pill. So, please eat it today and show us!

    "If this pill can detoxify your body, I swear in front of everyone now that not only would I kneel before you, but I also lick your shoes. How about that?"

    Seeing Kairo repeatedly provoking him, Frank lost his patience. "Mark your words."

    Since these people had such poor judgment and could not recognize a good thing, he would open their eyes today!

    "Everyone heard that. If this man here eats this pill and it detoxifies him, I, Kairo Wal of Cloudnine Sect, will kneel before him in front of everyone!"

    "Hahaha..."

    Upon hearing Kairo''s deration, everyone did not mock him. Instead, they turned their eyes toward Frank with anticipation, eager to see what would unfold.

    "Well, Mr. Wal, what if his pill doesn''t work?"

    "Yeah, Mr. Wal, if his pill fails, shouldn''t he kneel and lick your shoes?" someone in the crowd deliberately asked with augh.

    "Well, that won''t be necessary." Kairo

    deliberately maintained a serious

    expression. "If the pill doesn''t cure him, then he''d just be a dead man. It wouldn''t be good for me if a dead man knelt and licked my shoes, right?"

    Kairo''s words provoked moreughter from the crowd.

    "Mr. Lawrence, please."

    Kairo stared directly at Frank with a smile tinged with a hint of menace.

    At this moment, he was directly pressuring Frank to eat the pill. He was eager to see the expression on Frank''s face after his lies were exposed.

 Chapter 1664

    ?

    Just as Frank nodded and was about to swallow the pill in one gulp, someone called out, "Hold on!"

    Yosil had been quietly observing, but he had suddenly shouted out.

    The audience turned their heads in surprise and looked toward Yosil.

    "Chief, is Kornac''s Keep deliberately favoring that kid?"

    "Yeah, Chief! He criticized an elder forcking skills and abilities since he couldn''t see through the secrets of his pill. Do you really want someone like that?"

    As the crowd buzzed with discussion, Yosil remainedposed. He approached Frank slowly and carefully took the pill from Frank''s palm.

    He raised the ck mudball slowly, allowing the sunlight to shine through. Yosil narrowed his eyes as he examined it closely and felt a sudden jolt in his heart because he faintly saw it.

    Encased within the pitch-ck mudball was a pale yellow liquid that swirled with the movement of the pill.

    "This..."

    Although Yosil maintained a calm demeanor, he was deeply shocked inside.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Was that... the marrow fluid of the mudroots that had been refined?

    Yosil was in disbelief. He dared not imagine that the liquid within the pill was indeed the marrow of the mudroots refined to its utmost purity.

    This little bit of liquid inside the pill was actually thergest amount of essence one could obtain from the mudroots.

    ording to Yosil''s understanding, there was no one in this world who possessed such exquisite skills, with the ability to refine the marrow fluid of a single medicinal herb so thoroughly and in such a short time.

    There was only one person in the world he could think of who had such an ability, but that person had long perished under thebined efforts of masters from various factions.

    And now, this young man, who was barely thirty years old, could achieve such a feat?

    Yosil had dedicated his life to studying the traditional medical practices of Draconia, but even he could not aplish such a technique! "What? So that''s..."

    While Yosil was carefully examining the pill in his hand, Horey happened to nce at it from her angle. She noticed the liquid moving inside it under the sunlight and instantly, her face was filled with shock. It was as if she had seen a ghost in broad daylight.

    Seeing his junior react that way, Kairo was also taken aback and quickly asked what she had discovered.

    However, Horey had yet to recover from her shock.

    She stared nkly at the pill in Yosil''s hand and muttered under her breath, "Kairo, that''s..."

    Due to her surprise, Horey trailed off for a while before she continued.

    "It''s a contravening method I identally saw before. It''s one that shes with conventional medical wisdom... I never thought I''d witness it in my lifetime... It''s unbelievable, really..."

    Horey waspletely absorbed in her fascination at this moment and could not hear what was going on around her.

    Meanwhile, Kairo felt like thunder had struck him and could not muster a smile anymore.

    He stared at the ck mudball in Yosil''s hand, unable to discern any mystery within it.

    In fact, he found it somewhat absurd.

    Were his abilities inadequate? Or were his junior and Yosil coborating to put on a show?

    It was just an ordinary and even slightly pungent mudball that he had once stomped on. Why did it surprise them so much? "Ahem..."

    Everyone''s attention was fixed on Yosil, who had been lost in thought for several minutes. Finally, he set down the pill and cleared his throat gently.

    "For this pill, I will be the one to assess its score."

 Chapter 1665

    ?

    As Yosil uttered these words, a wave of unease washed over Kairo.

    During the first trial, Yosil had changed Frank''s score from zero to over a hundred because he had detected toxicity in the medicinal soup. Was this stubborn old man stepping in again to overturn the already settled oue?

    Would he give Frank a high score?

    At the thought, Kairo began to sweat profusely and forgot to sniff back his runny nose, with his snot almost dripping onto his lips.

    Kairo was genuinely anxious now.

    If this old man intervened again and gave Frank a score exceeding a hundred, would he have to kneel down and lick Frank''s shoes?!

    The image of himself mocking Frank shed before Kairo''s eyes, causing him to sweat even more. If this happened, Cloudnine Sect and Kairo himself would truly be aughing stock in everyone''s eyes. Thisbel would likely haunt him indefinitely.

    He might as well die now.

    Just as Kairo nervously stared at Yosil, the elder regretfully shook his head in front of everyone''s gaze.

    "I have to admit," Yosil spoke softly as he looked at Frank, "that you indeed have the right to criticize our judges, young man. Even I cannot replicate your refining technique."

    "What?!"

    Upon hearing Yosil''s praise for Frank, everyone at the scene turned to look at him with expressions of utter astonishment. Frank was not yet thirty years old, and yet, he had skills so advanced that even Yosil, the casten of Kornac''s Keep, could not discern them?

    Upon hearing Yosil''s words, Mole''s eyes widened, and he remained speechless for a while.

    "However!"

    Yosil''s tone shifted dramatically. He

    sighed regretfully and continued,

    el.ne

    "However, about your pill... Despite the exquisite technique you employed, it contains only the ordinary marrow of the mudroots

    and thus cannot cure the toxicity in your body.

    "Our second trial was designed to cleanse oneself of toxicity, and it''s evident you haven''t passed."

    Yosil regretfully shook his head and said calmly, "So, I can only give you twenty points. It''s a failing grade." "Ha... Haha!"

    Kairo was already so frightened that his heart was racing, and he did not dare to listen to what Yosil had to say. However, the final number Yosil uttered eventually reached Kairo''s ears.

    "Twenty points! That''s a failure!"

    Upon hearing this, Kairo felt as if he had heard heavenly music. He immediately shook his head andughed loudly. "Frank, you do have some skills. But with such a short period of time and only mudroots, it doesn''t matter how exquisite your technique is. It''s useless! Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "You lost! I... won!"

    Upon hearing Kairo''sughter, the people present all felt conflicted and could no longerugh.

    On one hand, Frank was not some clown seeking attention. He genuinely possessed skills that even the casten of Kornac''s Keep admired. After all, Yosil had personally said so. That could not be faked.

    On the other hand, Frank had such impressive skills but failed to produce the desired pill. However, that was probably due to Kairo taking away almost all the medicinal materials.

    That was why Frank had no materials to use.

    Thinking in this manner, Kairo was too arrogant in this situation.

 Chapter 1666

    Back then, Yosil had asked Frank if he needed more medicinal herbs. If Frank hadpromised a little, the current situation would not have turned out like this.

    "Oh, what a pity." Ira sighed too, his eyes holding a hint of dissatisfaction toward Kairo.

    Despite constantly insisting that Frank should drink the poison andpete fairly with them, Kairo instead hindered Frank in this test, ultimately causing Frank''s loss.

    Though Kairo was from Cloudnine Sect, it seemed that his methods were not entirely honest. His earlier talk of fairness probably stemmed from not wanting to lose his dignity.

    If he was ced in Frank''s shoes just now, forget drinking the medicine sediments-Kairo would probably not even touch a drop of poison.

    So when they heard Kairo''s triumphantughter now, Ira and the others also felt somewhat irked.

    The people participating in this trial stopped mocking Frank. Instead, they castplex nces at Kairo, who indeed had a bit of a petty mentality.

    Yosil naturally saw all this and could only shake his head helplessly. Although Kairo had meddled in the oue, the most crucial factor was still Frank himself, who had refused Yosil''s help and had been too arrogant and conceited.

    Yosil thought that Frank had a hot temper and needed more experience. Enduring this setback and spending a few years recuperating might not be bad for his character.

    Just as Yosil was thinking this, Frank smiled faintly.

    "Oh? Fail? Do you mean that my pill can''t cure the toxicity in my body?"

    "What?" Yosil was slightly taken aback when Frank confidently spoke those words. His brows furrowed slightly.

    "Why is this young man so stubborn? He still won''t admit defeat?"

    "Cut the crap. I know you don''t want to admit it, but facts are facts. You have to ept it!" Kairo said firmly, extending his foot.

    "Here, I think you know what you should do now, right? Since you''ve lost, just admit it gracefully. It''s time to kneel and lick my shoe.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    "If you won''t do it, don''t forget that I''m a member of Cloudnine Sect. I have a hundred ways to make you kneel and lick my shoe before you die." Seeing Kairo behaving so brazenly, Yosil immediately rebuked him coldly, "Kairo, this is not the South Sea. Don''t try to unt Cloudnine Sect''s prestige here and disrespect Kornac''s Keep!"

    "Hmph."

    Kairo had brought Yosil''s rebuke upon himself with his unpleasant behavior.

    But Kairo sneered coldly. "Chief,

    you''re being too harsh. I meant no offense, I just wanted to remind this kid to honor the bet and not y tricks. After all, he''s being stubborn about it."

    "The bet..." Yosil stiffened.

    He had clearly heard Kairo and Frank''s bet while sitting in his armchair earlier. Initially, he did not take it seriously, especially since Kairo had not specified the

    e

    consequences of Frank loe

    But now, Kairo was serious about it and demanded that Frank publicly kneel down and lick his shoe.

    If Frank really did kneel and lick Kairo''s shoe in front of everyone, would Kornac''s Keep still be able to ept Frank as an apprentice? Yosil looked conflicted. Just from Frank''s outstanding performance in the first trial alone, he had already decided to recruit this promising talent.

    In his view, while Kairo and Horey

    were excellent, they were from Cloudnine Sect and required cautious handling. Moreover, their characters were wed. They talked about fairness but did things that undermined it.

    And in terms of strength, Kairo was not as good as Frank.

    So, the choice Yosil faced was quite simple.

 Chapter 1667

    ?

    Yosil was willing to take in Frank as a promising talent, and he would deal with Kairo and the others ording to the usual process.

    But now, with Kairo bringing up the bet between him and Frank, things became delicate.

    If Frank were to admit defeat today, kneel, and even lick Kairo''s shoe, he might never lift his head again.

    The psychological impact on Frank could be devastating. It could potentially hinder his future focus on medicine and be a haunting obstacle to his growth.

    And these were just the factors affecting Frank. If Yosil forcefully recruited him, the older man would also have to face the brutal reality that an apprentice of Kornac''s Keep had knelt to an apprentice of Cloudnine Sect and even licked his shoes.

    Just the reputation of this spreading would be unbearable for Yosil, let alone the other elders of Kornac''s Keep. The running of Kornac''s Keep was not a dictatorship, and Yosil was not the sole elder in charge. So, anything that damaged Kornac''s Keep''s reputation would be vehemently opposed by the elders.

    After careful consideration, Yosil looked at Kairo and advised, "Kairo, Frank is already heavily poisoned and in a fragile state. Your bet was just a joke, wasn''t it?

    "Didn''t you just say that asking a man who is on the brink of death to kneel and lick your shoe would bring bad luck?"

    "Oh, Chief, you don''t understand." Kairo narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Joke aside, bets are meant to be honored. Though I didn''t explicitly say Frank had to kneel and lick my shoe, I was sincere and made such an oath. Shouldn''t he honor it too?"

    "That''s..." Faced with Kairo''s persistence, Yosil was at a loss for words.

    "Sincere?" Just then, Frank smirked coldly. "Your name is Kairo, right?"

    Frank nced at Kairo and calmly said, "If this pill can cure the poison in my body and I score higher than you, will you really honor the agreement?"

    "Of course!" Kairo smirked confidently. "I''ve always been a man of my word. But isn''t it a bitte to bring this up now?"

    Kairo was irritated that Frank did not even remember his name, and he intensified the pressure on Frank. This guy clearly did not respect him, and Kairo feltpelled to teach him a lesson today!

    "Alright!"

    Just as Kairo grinned sinisterly, intending to make Frank kneel and lick his shoe, Frank nodded and swiftly took the ck pill from Yosil''s hand.

    He tilted his head back and swallowed it in one gulp.

    Seeing Frank actually swallow the pill, Kairo furrowed his brow slightly.

    Why had this kid not admitted defeat yet? Even Yosil had concluded that this pill would not help to cure the poison in Frank''s body.

    Surely the casten was not mistaken, right?

    Kairo nced subtly at Yosil.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Yosil was also frowning. He looked like he wanted to say something but only managed a helpless sigh.

    If this pill did not work for Frank, he would lose a grounds and have no choice but to admit defeat to Kairo And Kair had made it clear that to ensure Frank honored the bet, he would not hesitate to leverage the background of Cloudnine Sect.

    This move was a clear indication that Kairo was dead serious about teaching Frank an unforgettable lesson.

 Chapter 1668

    ?

    It seemed that Kornac''s Keep was destined to lose a promising future talent today.

    Yosil felt deep regret in his heart.

    Frank''s peculiar techniques and his keen eye for identifying medicinal ingredients were things Yosil truly cherished.

    "Cough!" As Frank swallowed the ck pill, his face instantly turned pale yellow. After holding it in for half a second, he started coughing violently. Then, he abruptly vomited thick, ck, sticky blood.

    Seeing Frank in such a miserable state, Kairo burst intoughter. "Haha! I told you not to be stubborn. Just be good and admit defeat. In case you didn''t realize, let me remind you!"

    Kairo grinned maliciously. "Mudroots are inherently earthy, and they contain a lot of impurities! You stubbornly took a pill made from mudroots, which not only failed to cleanse the poison in your body but also acted as a trigger. Itpletely detonated the poison inside you!

    "You''re going to die from the poison, and there''s no help for you! Hahaha... What a fool!"

    Apanied by Kairo''s gratingughter, Frank vomited threerge mouthfuls of ck blood. His face turned incredibly pale.

    "s... young man..." Yosil shook his head helplessly.

    Frank''s stubbornness was quite a spectacle.

    "Well, do you admit defeat or not?!" Kairo stepped forward and shouted at Frank.

    "Cough, cough..."

    It looked like Frank was going to cough his lungs out as he crawled on the ground.

    Under everyone''s gaze, Frank did not admit defeat to Kairo. Instead, he slowly raised his head after catching his breath. And there was a mocking smile on his lips.

    "What?!"

    Everyone thought Frank was on the brink of death. Unexpectedly, Frank''splexion gradually returned to a healthy color after spitting out several mouthfuls of ck blood.

    This dramatic contrast left Kairo bewildered.

    He could not believe it.

    He could not believe that Frank could cleanse the poison with just mudroots.

    "Admit defeat? The one who should admit defeat is you." Frank slowly got up from the ground, his smile still mocking, and extended his hand directly to Yosil.

    "Chief, please bear witness and check whether the pill I just took had any effect," Frank said.

    At this moment, despite the lingering pallor on his face, Frank seemed moreposed than before. Even a person who did not know what was happening could see the difference before and after he took the pill.

    Earlier, his face looked haggard as if he had been gued by illness for years. He had looked frail and sickly.

    Now, he appeared to be healthy, albeit still a bit pale. Regardless, he was standing straight with vigorparable to a healthy person.

    "Impossible!" Kairo blurted out, losing hisposure.

    He turned to Yosil and said, "Chief, this person must be deceiving us! He must have used some other medicine to fake his condition! He has been pretending all along!"

    Hearing Kairo''s desperate attempt to discredit him, Frank did not argue. Instead, he maintained a cold smile and looked at Yosil beside him. "What do you say, Chief? Did my pill work? How many points would you give me?"

    Yosil tightly held Frank''s arm, his fingers gently rubbing Frank''s wrist.

    After a moment, Yosil mechaniContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    lifted his head in shock, looking at Frank with disbelief.

    Or rather... panic.

    "H-how is this possible?"

 Chapter 1669

    ?

    "What''s happening?"

    The casten of Kornac''s Keep was behaving so strangely that it immediately piqued the curiosity of everyone present. Even the elders who were watching from afar were intrigued and walked over.

    "Look at this!"

    Yosil seemed to have discovered something iprehensible as he handed Frank''s wrist over to another elder.

    After examining it closely, that elder too wore the same expression of disbelief, shock, and confusion as Yosil.

    "How is this even possible?!"

    "I''ve lived for over eighty years, and I''ve never... never seen anything like this..."

    The elders checked Frank''s pulse one by one. Finally, they gathered together, shaking their heads in resignation.

    "What are those elders up to? Why are they acting so strangely?"

    Ira frowned, sensing that something was amiss.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Other participants of the trial also craned their necks, trying to catch what the elders were discussing amid the chaos.

    Ignoring themotion in the room, Yosil and the elders continued their discussion for a few minutes. In the end, the other elders return to their seats.

    Meanwhile, Yosil took Mole''s ce. He looked out at everyone present and announced loudly, "After a thorough discussion among all the elders of Kornac''s Keep, we unanimously agree..."

    Yosil cast aplex look at Frank and dered, "There was an error in assessing Frank''s score. Upon reevaluation, Frank''s score for the second trial is... one hundred and fifty points!"

    "Huh?!"

    "What?!"

    Upon hearing that Frank had scored one hundred and fifty points, everyone present was dumbfounded, especially Kairo.

    The pure white pill he had crafted fell to the ground with a tter. Kairo mechanically looked down at the pill that had once filled him with pride and trembled.

    If Frank had scored one hundred and fifty points...

    Did that mean...

    Frank''s ck mudball looked like a joke. Was it actually stronger than the pill that Kairo had spent so much effort and ingredients crafting? Was that even possible?

    Kairo felt his world spinning. He even started to feel absurd and bewildered.

    In Cloudnine Sect, he had always been considered the most talented in studying the traditional medical arts of Draconia.

    When he was barely five years old,

    his master had found him and taken him in. Kairo immersed himself in studying and learning about various medicinal herbs, medical theories, and ancient texts.

    Now, there was nothing left for him to learn from his master.

    That was why Kairo had brought his junior along for some field

    experience here, but he did not ne

    expect to run into something dike

    thi

    on their very first stop.

    Was the saying true? That there would always be someone better out in the world?

    Or... was his study and hard work just a joke?

    Kairo stared intently at Frank, various voices echoing in his head.

    When Yosil announced that Frank had scored one hundred and fifty points, he felt like his head was going to explode.

    "I refuse... I refuse to ept this!"

    That was right. Kairo refused to ept this oue.

    He strode forward, not caring about. etiquette now. Even if the person he wanted to talk to was the casten of Kornac''s Keep, he did not Care.

    He just wanted a clear answer.

    "Why... why did that mere mudball score higher than my pill? Why?!" "Yeah! Why?"

    It was not just Kairo-everyone present had the same question. They were all witnesses, having seen the situation unfold from start to finish. Frank held a ck mudball in his hand, while Kairo held a wless white pill.

 Chapter 1670

    ?

    It was not just about appearances.

    Frank''s pill was nothing but a lumpy mudball with a terrible smell.

    Even standing nearby, people could catch a whiff of it, and it was not pleasant at all.

    In contrast, Kairo''s pill was smooth and white as jade, and it emitted a delightful fragrance that was refreshing just to smell.

    Given this, it seemed obvious that these two pills were worlds apart in quality.

    So why was it that Kairo''s beautifully crafted pill scored lower than Frank''s ugly, foul-smelling one?

    Seeing the confusion and even dissatisfaction among the crowd, some began to murmur usations. They suggested that Yosil was biased toward Frank and that there was some sort of prearranged deal between them.

    As the situation grew more chaotic, Yosil had no choice but to step forward.

    Clearing his throat, he asked, "Let me ask everyone something. When a doctor treats a patient, what is the best possible oue for the patient?" "The best possible oue?"

    Everyone fell silent for a moment, pondering this unexpected question from the casten of Kornac''s Keep.

    "The best oue would be to cure the patient''s illness," said one participant who had already been eliminated from the trial.

    "Right, the best oue is to cure the illness."

    "I agree."

    Many in the crowd nodded in agreement with this answer. However, Yosil only smiled and shook his head.

    "It isn''t?"

    Seeing Yosil shake his head, the crowd was puzzled once again and fell into thoughtful silence.

    "Could it be curing the illness without any lingering side effects?"

    "Upholding medical ethics?"

    "Considering the patient''s emotions?"

    As the crowd voiced their thoughts, Yosil waved his hand with a smile.

    "You''re all right, but you''re missing the most crucial aspect. You might find this answer a bit mundane, but it''s unavoidable, and that is...

    "Money."

    AO.UMS

    The moment Yosil said that, nearly everyone was taken aback.

    "Money?"

    Even Kairo looked puzzled.

    "Yes, money."

    Yosil sighed, closed his eyes as if recalling something from his past, and shook his head.

    "I have been practicing medicine for nearly a century. Do you know what''s the question I hear the most?"

    "It''s not, ''Doctor, can you cure my illness?'' but rather..."

    He opened his eyes slightly, his expressionplicated.

    "Doctor, how much will it cost to treat my illness?""

    Hearing this, everyone fell silent. They suddenly understood what Yosil meant by his answer now.

    "Many patients and families end up abandoning treatment because of the cost. This has happened to me hundreds, if not thousands, of times."

    Yosil sighed deeply. "As healers, we can strive to save lives. But if we can''t sustain ourselves, how can we help others?

    "We need money, but some patients need it even more."

    Finally, Yosil got to the point he wanted to make. "So, I believe our duty as healers is not only to cure and relieve pain...

    "We must also use our skills andOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    knowledge to save patients

    unnecessary expenses and eas

    their financial burdens as much as possible.

    "And that''s why I gave Frank''s lumpy mudball a score of one hundred and fifty!"

 Chapter 1671

    ?

    "What?"

    Kairo still could not grasp what Yosil was saying.

    In his world, he had never had to worry about money restricting his medical treatments.

    As long as the result was good and the patient was cured, the cost did not seem to matter, right?

    Seeing how Kairo continued to be confused, Yosil sighed regretfully and shook his head.

    "Kairo, tell me, how many ingredients did you use to create your prized pill? Also, what did it cost?"

    Kairo was taken aback for a moment and then replied, "I used seventy-six different ingredients. Many of them are rare and expensive. The pill would cost around four to five million."

    Hearing this, everyone gasped.

    Four to five million?!

    They had been so amazed by Kairo''s refining techniques and the final product that they had not thought about the price tag.

    A pill that cost four to five million to produce-who could afford that?

    "So, if you were to sell this pill to a patient, how much would you charge?" Yosil asked again.

    Without hesitation, Kairo replied, "Ten million is the lowest price. I know my pills are worth every penny."

    "Ten million..."

    Hearing this, Yosil shook his head sadly.

    "And you, Frank?" Yosil turned to Frank, asking the same question. "How much would you sell your pill to a patient for?"

    "Twenty bucks," Frank said, his voice carrying across the room, stunning everyone.

    "Are you joking?" Kairo snapped,

    angered by Frank''s reply. "That pilt that he just made isn''t even fit for a dog, det alone curing anyonent''spletely useless!

    "What''s the point of selling it cheap if it doesn''t work?"

    Faced with Kairo''s outburst, Yosil frowned. The casten of Kornac''s Keep was clearly displeased.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Kairo, can''t you see it yet?" Yosil

    said. "Frank''s pill might not be asz potent as yours overall. But when ites to purging toxins, his pill is actually more effective than ours!

    "If you don''t believe me, check for yourself. See if the toxins in Frank''s body have improved."

    "I don''t believe it!" Kairo shouted. He grabbed Frank''s arm and examined him closely.

    Momentster, Kairo''s eyes widened in shock. His expression mirrored the disbelief of the elders who had examined Frank earlier.

    "Well, Kairo? Do you believe it now?"

    "T-this is impossible," Kairo stammered, staring at his hands in disbelief.

    He finally understood that Frank''s mastery of ancient medicine was on a whole different level. Using mudroot, Frank had somehow

    1

    extracted all its medicinal properties through a mysterious refining

    process.

    Though it took great effort, the keyponent of Frank''s pill was not the mudroot essence inside but the charred outeryer.

    The mudroot essence only had the effect of counteracting poison when ingested.

    Everyone was right about that.

    If someone who was poisoned ate mudroot essence, it would naturally counteract the poison in their body.

 Chapter 1672

    ?

    But the brilliance of Frank''s pill lied in how he used the essence of mudroot to trigger the poisons while leveraging the charred outeryer to absorb them. The mud''s natural property of soaking up impurities did the rest.

    When Frank swallowed the pill, it first caused the poisonous toxins in his body to react. That made him vomit out the contaminated blood and mud mixture. This process purged the toxins from his body.

    Mudroot was one of the cheapest herbs avable on the market. Dirt, too, was everywhere.

    Frank had taken these two simple ingredients and, through his ingenious refining techniques, turned them into a powerful detoxifying pill.

    This technique left the elders of Kornac''s Keep in awe. They could not help but be impressed by Frank''s method, which earned him the top score of one hundred and fifty points from Yosil.

    Even Yosil, with his vast experience, had never thought of such a method.

    He recognized that Frank was not just a skilled healer but a person of genuine integrity and profound medical ethics¡ªa true saint in the art of healing. "Using mudroot and dirt to detoxify the toxins? How is this even possible?"

    "How could something like this exist?"

    Kairo was beyond stunned. Today, Frank''s disy had shattered his long-held beliefs about medicine.

    "Draconia''s ancient medicine techniques are truly vast and profound. We''ve barely scratched the surface of the wisdom of our ancestors. It''s truly humbling to witness this." Yosil sighed deeply.

    In nearly two centuries of learning, Yosil''s perspective was renewed today.

    It was no wonder Frank had questioned the judges and Kornac''s Keep. He had the skills to back up his words.

    Frank was not being arrogant. He was simply stating the truth.

    In this light, it wasughable that Kornac''s Keep thought they could recruit Frank as an apprentice. If anything, the entire Keep should be lining up to learn from him!

    "To think that our kingdom still has someone like this. It''s truly..."

    Despite his age, Yosil was nearly brought to tears. He felt both moved and proud that such a worthy sessor to Draconian medicine existed.

    Having witnessed everything from

    the start, the crowd was now in awe.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    They finally understood that this

    young man was not just

    boasting-he genuinely had the skills to back it up.

    Many who had mocked Frank earlier now hung their heads in shame, avoiding eye contact with him. Even

    Ira shrank back, inwardly than et

    that he had not crossed Frank. He knew his father would have beaten him ck and blue-though perhaps not too badly, since one would be needed to carry on the family line.

    "I won''t ept this!"

    Just as the crowd''s attitude toward Frank shifted to respect and admiration, Kairo''s roar of defiance drew frowns all around. Kairo''s actions were disgraceful.

    Not only had he targeted Frank unfairly, but he had also hoarded most of the ingredients, leaving Frank with nearly nothing to work

    with. Despite these dirty tact work et

    Frank had turned the tables and produced a pill superior and cheaper than Kairo''s.

    Yet, Kairo still refused to admit his defeat. His outburst earned looks of contempt from everyone present.

    "Kairo..."

    Even Horey, Kairo''s junior, was dismayed. Seeing her senior losing hisposure so utterly, she frowned deeply.

 Chapter 1673

    "Get out of my way!"

    Kairo shoved Horey aside, ripping open his shirt to reveal his muscr chest. He marched toward Frank, his face twisted with rage.

    "I don''t care where you''re from or if you''ve bribed Kornac''s Keep to conspire against me. I won''t let you off easily today!"

    Before Frank could respond, the crowd erupted into murmurs.

    "Kairo, you lost fair and square. Are you trying to weasel out now?"

    "Yeah, we all saw what happened!"

    "We saw how you tried to trip him up. Are you seriously still trying to say that the situation was unfair to you?"

    "I thought he had some skill, but his character isughable."

    "Look at Frank. He''s calm andposed despite the harassment..."

    "I was wrong. The real shameless clown here is Kairo. Frank is the one with true dignity..."

    The crowd''s chatter only fueled Kairo''s fury. He could not hear their words, for he was consumed by his refusal to ept defeat. If he lost, he would have to kneel before Frank and lick his shoes.

    How could a noble apprentice of Cloudnine Sect do something like that?!

    Losing would mean the end of everything he held dear.

    The sect would not want such a humiliating apprentice, and neither would his master respect him anymore. He would even lose any hope of winning Horey''s affection.

    His entire world would crumble!

    That was why Kairo was driven to madness. Even if it meant throwing away his dignity today, he would not admit the fact that he had failed.

    "Hmph... what''s this? Dropping all pretenses? Can''t admit you''ve lost, so now you want to fight?"

    As Kairo stormed toward him, Frank remained calm. There was a slight smirk of disdain on his lips.

    It was that expression again!

    Kairo was about to lose his mind.

    Because whenever Frank faced him, it was always with that same expression-a look of utter disdain that made it clear that he did not even consider Kairo worth his time.

    "Stop lying!"

    Kairo knew he was grasping at straws, but he needed to blur the truth.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He bellowed, "You and these old schemers at Kornac''s Keep had nned this from the start! You knew my junior and I wereing here totrain, and you set this trap to target us and Cloudnine Sect

    swnow

    "You brat! You and your Kornac''s Keep allies will pay for this! Cloudnine Sect will not let you off easily!"

    "What?!" Yosil was nearly apoplectic at Kairo''s baseless usations. Only the quick support of a Kornac''s Keep apprentice kept him from copsing. "Kairo, you... you''re spouting nonsense! Such disrespect!

    "You''ve been outdone, and now you''re showing how petty you are! using Kornac''s Keep of such a scheme what are you thinking?!"

    Yosil was not the only one. Even the other elders of Kornac''s Keep red at Kairo with anger.

    The harsh reality was that Kornac''s Keep was only a small sect nestled in the deep mountains of Norsedam They could not hope to match the power of Cloudnine Sect. Despite their outrage, theycked the confidence to truly confront Kairo or Cloudnine Sect head-on.

    Still, facing Kairo''s outrageous ims left them furious and helpless, with Yosil on the verge of passing out from sheer anger. "What am I thinking?"

 Chapter 1674

    Seeing how everyone feared Cloudnine Sect, Kairo became even more brazen.

    He shouted, "My junior and I came here for training, and you''ve unjustly targeted us!

    "If you don''t hand over that thousand-year-old Bloodcrane Spiritbloom today, I''ll bring Cloudnine Sect warriors to tten your gate tomorrow!" "What?!"

    The Kornac''s Keep elders turned pale at Kairo''s threat.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The existence of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom was a closely guarded secret within the Keep. Even some of the elders and apprentices did not know about it.

    How had Kairo, an outsider, learned of such a well-kept secret? And why was he brazenly demanding it?

    Could there be a traitor among them?!

    The elders exchanged worried nces.

    Yosil was ovee with shock. He felt darkness creeping into his vision and coughed up a mouthful of blood.

    His anger red as he pointed a finger at Kairo and shouted, "You... you treacherous fiend! You''vee to Kornac''s Keep with the intent to steal our treasure. I''d rather destroy it than hand it over to a wretch like you!"

    Seeing how things had escted, Kairo dropped any pretense.

    He smirked coldly, "You won''t give it to me?

    "If you dare refuse, I''ll make sure everyst one of you is wiped out!"

    "What?!"

    Kairo''s menacing words caused an uproar, and the crowd erupted into chaos. Many fled in panic, terrified of getting caught up in the conflict.

    "Mr. Summers, what''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom? I''ve never heard of it before."

    Some in the crowd fled in fear, while the braver ones stayed to watch the spectacle unfold. Among them, someone noticed the shock of Ira''s face when he heard the term and hurried over to ask.

    Ira did not beat around the bush. He swallowed hard and eximed in shock, "The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is said to be a divine ancient

    Elemental Wonders by miles.ne

    treasure. It far surpasses the Five

    sw now!

    "There are even rumors that using the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom in medicine can refine a pill that immortals consume!

    "You heard that right¡ªit''s a pill fit for immortals!"

    As Ira exined this to others, Frank naturally overheard. He shook his head slightly. A pill for immortals seemed a bit exaggerated.

    However, Frank did know of an

    ancient prescription that required the thousand-year-old Bloodcrane Spiritbloom as an ingredient. ording to ancient texts,

    extraordinary potential for mortals

    consuming this pill could et

    and enable them to achieve great feats.

    The descriptions in those texts were as extravagant as Ira''s ims. Yet, Frank also understood that prescriptions recorded in Mystic Sky Sect''s ancient texts were typically urate.

    This suggested that such a pill had indeed been created in the past.

    As for its effects...

    Frank pondered silently. Could consuming the pill truly elevate someone to the Transcendent rank, and even allow them to ascend to immortality? It sounded mystical, but Frank did not hold much hope.

    After all, the ingredients listed in that prescription were exceedingly rare and precious, even more so than the Five Elemental Wonders that Frank had previously sought.

 Chapter 1675

    ?

    Take, for instance, the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    It had to be grown in unsullied water and watered over a hundred years by the blood of a dying Bloodcrane. Then, it had to endure a millennium of trials such as natural disasters and human cmities.

    Anything one could think of, nature could bring about.

    And only after a thousand years could it finally bloom into a genuine Bloodcrane Spiritbloom suitable for medicinal use.

    And this intricate process was just one ingredient in that prescription.

    The others were even harder to find.

    That was why Frank had never considered refining such a pill. Gathering all these ingredients was as challenging as achieving the Transcendent rank.

    So even now, Frank was unmoved when he heard about the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. His demeanor remained calm and unaffected.

    "Wait... Did you also hear the rumors? Are you also here for Kornac''s Keep''s treasure, the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?" Yosil finally turned to Frank and asked.

    Considering Frank''s earlier disy of medical prowess, Yosil was certain Frank had note to join their humble sect.

    If so, there was only one option left.

    "No, I''m not interested in the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom," Frank denied directly, his tone nonchnt.

    "In fact, I only just learned that Kornac''s Keep has one. I''m not particrly fascinated by such creations of nature.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "I came to Kornac''s Keep this time to find a hundred-year-old Ster Windroot that you acquired from Loggins Apothecary some days ago.

    "If you''re willing to part with it, I''m prepared to pay handsomely for it."

    "What?"

    Hearing Frank''s straightforward statement and realizing he had gone to such lengths for just a single herb, the elders of Kornac''s Keep were left somewhat speechless.

    "Are you really here just for the Ster Windroot?"

    Mole could not believe his ears as he looked at Frank, unable to fathom what Frank was thinking. After all, the Ster Windroot was not worth much money at all.

    to

    If Frank was willing to spend money on it, spending a few thousand bucks to hire people to look for it would probably yield a heap within a month or two.

    The fact that Frank had gone to such lengths for a single nt left the elders of Kornac''s Keep baffled.

    "I need it urgently," Frank stated simply, leaving the elders of Kornac''s Keep silent with just a simple sentence.

    The Ster Windroot was not particrly valuable, and the conditions it treated were niche at best. So, it made sense that they did not have any in stock.

    "Hahaha..."

    Suddenly, Kairo burst intoughter. He looked at Frank, who was frowning.

    Then, he sneered, "Ster Windroot? I must say, you came up with quite ame excuse. I bet you were actually after the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, right?"

    "Since you''re here for the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, I won''t waste any more time. I''ll get it for my sect today! No matter what background you have, you won''t snatch it from me got it?"

    Kairo''s domineering words silenced the elders of Kornac''s Keep, but they left Frank somewhat puzzled.

    "Are your ears not working properly?" Frank replied calmly. "I said I''m not interested in the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. I came here solely for the Ster Windroot.

    "But considering your earlier promise, shouldn''t you be kneeling to me now that you''ve lost?"

    Frank''s assertive tone not only stunned the crowd but even left Kairo himself momentarily bewildered.

 Chapter 1676

    ?

    "Oh my God, did he not realize that Kairo was deliberately ndering Kornac''s Keep just now?"

    "That''s clearly a sign he wants to weasel out and deny responsibility!"

    "He even brought up Cloudnine Sect. Is this kid really going to make Kairo kneel to him, even when he has Cloudnine Sect''s backing?"

    "My goodness, this guy is too arrogant, isn''t he?"

    Even the bystanders around thought Frank was too audacious. After all, Kairo had even directly involved Cloudnine Sect.

    Even if Frank was not afraid of Kairo, was he not afraid of Cloudnine Sect?!

    "Do you have a death wish, kid?"

    After a while, Kairo finally realized that Frank had really intended to make him admit defeat and fulfill his promise.

    Immediately, a murderous intent rose within Kairo.

    "Don''t try to find other excuses to slip away. If you lose, you have to admit defeat and keep your promise.

    "If you obediently admit defeat, then I might generously tell you an unpleasant truth."

    With that, Frank nced at Horey, who was beside Kairo.

    "Unpleasant truth?" Kairo paused for a moment, then a smirk appeared on his face.

    "Kid, don''t bluff here. Let me tell you one thing. I will definitely not admit defeat today! Not only will I not admit defeat..."

    Suddenly, Kairo charged toward Frank, a violent surge of pure vigor bursting out from him.

    "But I''m also going to teach you a lesson! You''re an arrogant fool who doesn''t know his ce!"

    "What? Kairo is actually a martial artist?!"

    Seeing Kairo lunging at Frank, everyone present was no longer calm. Someone who could simultaneously study medicine and possess talent in martial arts was a rare gem, to say the least. It was only those with terrifying talents who could achieve such a feat.

    Usually, both paths would interfere with each other and prevent any real progress.

    Clearly, Kairo was someone of extraordinary talent.

    "Birthright...!"

    Seeing Kairo already reaching the stage where he could release pure vigor externally, the elders of Kornac''s Keep wore grim expressions.

    Though Kairo''s medical skills were

    not as impressive as Frank''s, he belonged to the rare category with exceptional talent. With his medical prowess alone, he would be highly valued in any faction.

    And on top of that, Kairo was young. Even so, he had the ability to reach Birthright rank and be able to release pure vigor externally. This was an achievement that marked him as a genius in the eyes of many C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Such talent was rare, even within Cloudnine Sect. It was no wonder Kairo''s pride swelled to such proportions. That was why Frank''s slight disrespect had ignited such fury in Kairo.

    From childhood, Kairo had grown ustomed to admiration and apuse.

    When had he ever encountered someone like Frank who treated him with such disregard?

    Now, Kairo could not contain his temper any longer and was about to strike Frank!

    As he attacked, Kairo could not help but sneer inwardly. ''Sure, this kid''s medical skills are impressive. But can he match my mastery of both medicine and martial arts?!''

    "Stop!"

    Seeing Kairo''s fist enveloped in pure vigor inching increasingly closer to Frank''s face, Yosil shouted loudly, hoping to halt Kairo''s actions.

    But why would Kairo listen to Yosil at a moment like this?

    Seeing his fist closing in on Frank''s face, Kairo could already imagine the consequences of his strike,ced with pure vigor,nding on Frank''s face!

 Chapter 1677

    ?

    Frank''s annoying face would crumble beneath his iron fist. Then, Frank would copse in submission, begging for mercy on the ground... Kairo kept fantasizing about what would happen next.

    Meanwhile, Yosil stood nearby, utterly at a loss for words. Watching Kairo disregard his shouts and prepare to strike, Yosil tried to rush forward to intervene.

    But his aging body betrayed him-his limbs simply would not obey.

    Despite being a Birthright-ranked martial artist himself, age had rendered him little more than a figurehead.

    "Mole, stop Kairo!" Yosil barked, turning to the elder in the ck robe beside him.

    Mole heard themand but did not look up. Instead, he said in a low voice, "Chief, do you realize the consequences if we stop Kairo now? It would only validate his ims that Frank conspired with us, Kornac''s Keep. And with Kairo''s talent and Cloudnine Sect backing him, it would mean disaster for us all."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Yosil froze at Mole''s words.

    If they dared to intervene now, it would only serve as proof of Kairo''s usations. Frank would not be saved, and Kornac''s Keep would face annihtion. Cloudnine Sect of the South Sea was not known for its leniency.

    The thought left Yosil feeling utterly helpless, so he closed his eyes tightly. He could not bear to witness what was about to happen. Needless to say, though Frank had excellent medical skills, it did not seem like he would dodge Kairo''s punch on time.

    Frank had no martial prowess. This fact was etched into the crowd''s subconscious minds.

    After all, Frank was young and had extraordinary medical talents. If he also possessed martial arts skills, would that not be too incredible?

    It would also mean that he would not be an unknown person.

    "Mr. Lawrence is really stubborn."

    "Kairo''s already turned his attention to Kornac''s Keep, but he just had toe out and demand that Kairo admit defeat."

    "Isn''t he just asking for trouble?"

    "Exactly! Does he think Kornac''s Keep will protect him? They''re even trying to avoid trouble. How could they protect him?"

    "But what if he''s also a martial artist?"

    "Don''t talk nonsense. Even if he was, can he really stand up to Kairo? Let him try to challenge Kairo."

    "Would Cloudnine Sect spare him?"

    "Could he really single-handedly oppose Cloudnine Sect?"

    The crowd buzzed with discussions, expressing frustration and pity & toward Frank. After all, Kairo had the backing of Cloudnine Sect, but Frank''s background remained a mystery.

    Nobody knew anything about him.

    If Frank had someone backing him, he would have mentioned it long ago to bolster his influence, rather than remaining silent for so long and not revealing anything about hiso

    background.

    In that case, there was no need to guess further-Frank''s influence and backing were definitely notparable to Cloudnine Sect''s.

    Or more urately, how many forces in Draconia could rival Cloudnine Sect?

    But even if he could notpare to

    Cloudnine Sect, for Frank to still

    insist on standing up and

    demanding Kairo to admit defeat and kneel seemed like a death wish to everyone.

    So when Kairo angrily struck, it was not unexpected.

    "A powerful medical genius... yet, he might fall today."

    "True. With Kairo''s temper, he won''t spare this young man."

    Everyone thought Frank would copse under Kairo''s punch. After all, the blow was filled with pure vigor. It was also aimed at Frank''s face with full strength.

    The crisp sound of bones breaking echoed through the air, and many shut their eyes involuntarily.

    After all, the scene was too gruesome.

 Chapter 1678

    ?

    Kairo''s punch sounded like it had shattered bones. There was no way Frank could survive that.

    "Man, he''s done for. He''s going to die because he showed off..." Ira muttered and closed his eyes, fear creeping across his face. "Why provoke Cloudnine Sect of all people..."

    It was not just Ira.

    Everyone believed Frank was dead meat. After all, the sickening sound of bones breaking confirmed it for them.

    How could anyone survive such a blow?

    But just as the crowd resigned themselves to Frank''s demise, a scream that did not quite fit the situation pierced the air.

    "Huh?"

    "What?"

    Everyone''s eyes flew open, confusion and shock written all over their faces.

    The scream had note from Frank-it was from Kairo!

    Frank, who was supposed to have had his skull shattered, stood tall andpletely unharmed. He had not even flinched and maintained the exact same posture as before the punch.

    Or more urately, it was as if Kairo''s powerful punch had done nothing at all to Frank!

    On the other hand, when they turned their gaze to Kairo, they realized the sound of bone breaking was not Frank''s skull.

    It was Kairo''s own fist!

    Kairo sat on the ground with a bewildered look on his face. He clutched his own fist, which now dangled uselessly, the bones within shattered and limp.

    This was in stark contrast to Frank, who was standing motionless and calm at the same spot.

    "T-this is..."

    Yosil''s eyes were wide. He had watched, without blinking, as Kairo''s punchnded.

    When Kairo''s punchnded, Frank should have fallen or recoiled and screamed after being hit. However, Frank stood motionless like a steel pir. Kairo, on the other hand, felt like he had punched a solid steel wall. The recoil instantly shattered the bones in his hand.

    That was the source of the crisp sound of bones breaking in the air.

    Kairo was in disbelief.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    How had his punch failed to hurt Frank at all?

    He could not understand.

    Then, a searing pain shot from his hand up to his brain. Kairo let out an involuntary scream, clutching his arm as he copsed onto the ground.

    "What just happened?"

    The whole area fell silent. People stared in stunned disbelief at Frank, who should have been lying on the ground. Instead, he was standing there nonchntly.

    "So, do you want to try that punch again?"

    In the midst of everyone''s confusion, Frank smirked. He looked down at Kairo, who was sitting on the ground, dumbfounded.

    In a daze, Kairo looked up and met

    Frank''s mocking gaze. Kairo returned to his senses immediately. His face flushed red from the humiliation, and he scrambled madly to get back on his feet.

    "Kairo!"

    n

    At that moment, Horey rushed over She grabbed Kairo by the waist, desperately calling out, "Kairo, calm down! This guy is a martial artist too-y-you can''t beat him!"

 Chapter 1679

    ?

    Horey''s shout caused an uproar among the onlookers. Finally, they understood why Frank, who should have been knocked down by Kairo''s punch, stood there as if nothing had happened, while Kairo was the one in shambles.

    It turned out Frank was a martial artist too-and stronger than Kairo!

    "Oh my God!"

    Ira was dumbstruck, staring at Frank in disbelief and muttering to himself, "How can he have such amazing medical skills and still be a stronger fighter than Kairo? Is this guy even human? Am I dreaming?"

    "This is crazy! This is just too crazy!"

    While everyone was in shock over Frank being a martial artist, Mole had a peculiar look on his face. He knew that Frank''s feat was not just because Frank was a martial artist and stronger than Kairo.

    No, it was because Frank''s strength was on apletely different level at least a whole rank higher!

    Kairo was Birthright. To stand still and take Kairo''s full-powered punch without budging meant Frank had to be at least at the Ascendant rank. Only then could he withstand the attack and have Kairo be hurt by the rebound force of his own punch.

    ording to this spection, Frank... was actually Ascendant?!

    Realizing this, Mole was stunned. He nced at Yosil beside him, whose face mirrored his shock. Yosil had also figured it out.

    Frank was at least an Ascendant-ranked!

    He was an Ascendant whose medical skills surpassed Yosil''s.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Was there any justice left in this world?

    Yosil felt his head spinning. This shock was even greater than when he first discovered Frank''s refining skills.

    Kairo''s talent was already exceptional, but in front of Frank, it was nothing.

    What he prided himself on-his dual expertise in medicine and martial arts-was just a joke. It was a mere act of self-amusement in Frank''s eyes!

    No wonder Frank had such confidence and skills. He was an Ascendant!

    Forget about how many people in Draconia understood the kingdom''s ancient medicine for now. There were not even that many Ascendant-ranked individuals in Draconia!

    To be an Ascendant while also surpassing the medical skills of an old-timer like Yosil who was over two hundred years old...

    Did such a young person truly exist?

    Yosil could not help but question this. He even felt that today''s events were somewhat unreal, like a dream.

    But soon, he thought of someone.

    "Frank? His surname is Lawrence?!"

    Yosil''s eyes widened as he suddenly connected the dots. A young man with the surname Lawrence with such astounding medical skills and martial prowess could only be...

    Mystic Sky Sect and the Lawrence family...

    "I''ve got it! That young man must be Donn Lawerence, the famous Lord of the Southern Woods'' only son!"

    The realization made Yosil tremble uncontrobly.

    What was fate? This was fate!

    Tears welled up in his eyes. Years ago, after being forced to leave Mystic Sky Sect due to his limited talent, he had been entrusted with a rare treasure by none other than the great Lord of the Southern Woods.

    swne

    That treasure was the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    Seeing Frank now, Yosil recalled the lord''s words from over twenty years ago.

 Chapter 1680

    "You''re not my apprentice, but you''ve learned some medical skills here. I have something important to entrust to you," the Lord of the Southern Woods had said. "If Mystic Sky Sect ever falls, deliver this item to my apprentice. He''ll know what to do with it."

    Yosil''s mind reyed the lord''s words as he stared at Frank. There was something familiar about Frank that he could not quite ce.

    It felt like they had crossed paths before.

    But he never imagined that Frank would be the Lord of the Southern Woods'' son, who was once an apprentice in Mystic Sky Sect!

    This realization brought back memories of themotion during Frank''s initiation within the sect years ago. He remembered leaving the sect and seeing the boy, his eyes filled with determination and resentment.

    It had been many years. Who would have thought that boy would grow into the man standing before him now, appearing by a twist of fate?

    "It''s fate..." Yosil sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and relief.

    For years, Yosil had lived a life of seclusion in the mountains while practicing medicine. Over time, he gained apprentices and followers, eventually establishing Kornac''s Keep.

    Now, he understood that it was time to fulfill the promise he had carried in his heart all these years.

    Just as Yosil was about to speak, the atmosphere changed abruptly. Kairo, who had been restrained by Horey, snapped. His eyes zed with fury, and he struck Horey across the face. The blow sent her sprawling to the ground.

    "Kairo, did you... hit me?" Horey clutched her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    "I..." Kairo''s face showed a fleeting expression of guilt and confusion, but it quickly gave way to a consuming rage. "No! No way! I can''t lose to this kid. It''s impossible!"

    Kairo roared like a cornered beast, unleashing all his pure vigor as he charged at Frank with a furious howl.

    Kairo''s rage manifested into a fierce ck and red energy, shaped like a roaring tiger. The sight of it sent chills through everyone present.

    "Has he gone mad from the pressure?" Frank mused.

    He sighed with a hint of boredom. He did not retreat or mock Kairo this time. Instead, to everyone''s shock, he stepped forward, walking calmly toward the oing Kairo.

    "Watch out!"

    Cries of rm erupted from the crowd as they saw Frank walking right into Kairo''s ferocious attack.

    However, Frank''s response was swift and decisive.

    With a casual swipe of his hand, he dissipated the energy surrounding Kairo''s fist, breaking through it as if

    it were smoke. Kairo gasped, instantly returning to his senses.

    "What?!"

    Before Kairo could adjust his stance orunch another attack, Frank''s hand mped down on his forehead. With a single, smooth motion, Frank mmed Kairo''s head into the ground.

    Kairo was dazed and bleeding, sprawled out in the dirt.

    "If you won''t admit defeat, I''ll just make you do it by force," Frank stated coolly, his words sending a wave of shock through theExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    onlookers. Then, he pressed his foot down on Kairo''s head, his gaze chilling and deadly.

    Just as he was going to crush Kairo''s skull, someone shouted, "Stop!"

    Though Kairo had just struck Horey, she could not bear to see her senior killed. She rushed forward, shouting for Frank to halt.

    Frank nced at Horey, then said something that puzzled everyone: "He''s not the child''s father, right? Why are you so concerned about his safety?"

    Under everyone''s gaze, Frank had looked at Horey and said something iprehensible.

    When Horey heard his words, she went pale.

 Chapter 1681

    ?

    Horey was not the only one who reacted badly.

    Even Kairo, who was pinned to the ground under Frank''s foot, began to thrash about wildly when he heard Frank''s words.

    His eyes were bloodshot with rage, and he turned to Horey, his eyes seemingly aze.

    "Horey! What the hell does he mean by that?!" Kairo demanded, his voice a mix of fury and desperation.

    "I-I..." Horey stammered, her face flushing with embarrassment and anger.

    She could not find the words to exin and finallyshed out at Frank, "You just took one look at me how could you possibly know the child isn''t his? Are you trying to drive a wedge between us on purpose?"

    Frank was unperturbed. He stared down at the bewildered Kairo and chuckled. "Determining if someone is pregnant is straightforward, but figuring out who the father is? That''s a bit moreplicated. Even I can''t do that."

    "Then why are you talking nonsense here?!" Horey retorted, her voice rising with frustration.

    "However!" Frank''s eyes narrowed as he added, "Ancient medicine studies every aspect of a pregnant woman''s condition, including her psychology." "Psychology of pregnant women?" the crowd murmured, including Yosil, who had never heard of such a thing in Draconian ancient medicine. "Yes." Frank continued, "Pregnant women have a unique psychological profile. They naturally feel vulnerable and instinctively seek the protection of their child''s father."

    "However..."

    Frank smirked and pointed a finger at Horey. "You''ve been keeping a deliberate distance from your senior since the beginning. You said you wouldn''t even let him touch your hands. This indicates a sense of exclusion.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "You''re instinctively guarding against any perceived threat to the child from other males. Considering how your senior looks at you, I''m certain the child isn''t his.

    "And he doesn''t know."

    Hearing Frank''s exnation, Kairo, now silent and trembling under Frank''s foot, turned to Horey with a devastated expression.

    "Horey, i-is what he said true?" Kairo''s voice quivered with disbelief and pain.

    "No, Kairo! Don''t listen to his nonsense. I wouldn''t be so shameless..." Horey''s voice faltered, her eyes darting around nervously.

    "You bitch!" Realizing the truth from Horey''s wavering response, Kairo exploded in rage.

    He had been cheated on and had

    been kept in the dark about it, and Horey had even gotten pregnant. Kairo had been happy to be an expecting father, and he did not even notice the child was not his

    "You... you...!" His eyes were bloodshot, filled with betrayal and fury.

    There was hardly a man who could stomach such a revtion. To make matters worse, Kairo had gone to great lengths, even infiltrating Kornac''s Keep, to acquire the

    Bloodcrane Spiritbloom for Horey''s

    pregnancy.

    All the things he had done now made it seem like he was the biggest fool in the world!

    "Let me go! I''m going to kill that

    deceitful woman!" Kairo howled, struggling furiously under Frank''s firm hold. But Frank pressed Kairo''s head firmly against the ground with his foot, preventing any escape.

    "So, Kairo." Frank leaned in, his voice calm and cold. "Are you still interested in the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    "Who the fuck cares about that?!" Kairo spat out in fury. "If you don''t let me go, Cloudnine Sect will hunt you down! Just one call from me, and Cloudnine Sect will kill all of you!"

    Kairo''s desperate threats sent a chill through the crowd. Whispers erupted among them, urging Frank to back down.

    "Mr. Lawrence, maybe you should let him go. If Cloudnine Sect gets involved..." Some people began to advise cautiously.

    But Frank remained unfazed by the warnings. He merely gazed down at Kairo and said, "I just need you to admit defeat. Promise to honor the bet you made, and I''ll release you."

    "Holy crap..."

    "

 Chapter 1682

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    The crowd around Frank was left speechless.

    This guy was unbelievably stubborn. He was still pushing Kairo, an apprentice of Cloudnine Sect, to admit defeat even now.

    His persistence was unreal.

    "I give up! I admit defeat!" Kairo roared in a frenzy. "I''ll kneel, but you have to let me go and allow me to deal with that treacherous woman myself!"

    "Fine. But remember, if you go back on your word, don''t me me for being ruthless."

    Hearing Frank''s threat, the onlookers gulped. Sure, Frank might be stronger than Kairo, but pushing around someone from Cloudnine Sect? That was asking for trouble.

    As these thoughts ran through their heads, Frank released Kairo. Like a rabid dog, Kairo rushed at Horey. He pped her hard, pinning her to the ground with his hands around her throat.

    "Who was it? Was it that bastard I saw with you in the hotel six months ago? Speak!" Kairo shouted, eyes zing with fury.

    Horey stammered, tears streaming down her face. She could not speak. Finally, she nodded, confirming Kairo''s worst fears. "You wretch!" Kairo screamed toward the sky.

    In a fit of rage, he raised his hand to strike Horey''s stomach. Kairo now hated Horey to the core, and the child he once cherished only filled him with rage and betrayal.

    But even as his hand trembled with anger, he could not bring himself to do it. It was likely because of the years of attachment between them. "Get out of my sight!" Kairo spat, delivering a vicious p to Horey''s face before turning away. He was desperate to escape this ce that only gave him sadness.

    "K-Kairo, I... I was confused for a moment. I..." Horey sobbed, crawling toward him. She tried to grasp his leg, her tears falling like rain.

    "Wow, this is intense." Ira was crouched in the corner, watching the spectacle unfold. He was unable to hold back his genuine awe at the drama ying out before him.

    In fact, he hadined to his master about having toe to this godforsaken ce for some ridiculous apprentice trial. Unexpectedly, something like this had happened.

    He witnessed the love and betrayal drama within Cloudnine Sect, where a talented apprentice had been cuckolded. And to top it off, he saw the rise of a man who was king at showing off... No, he was not showing off but was genuinely powerful.

    That was so awesome.

    And to think he also learned about the miraculous Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    Today had been more eventful than Ira could ever imagine.

    Just as Kairo was stumbling down the steps to leave, his face a mask of rage and humiliation, Frank spoke out from the distance in a quiet voice. "Kairo, aren''t you forgetting something?"

    Hearing Frank''s words, the crowd around them exchanged shocked and excited nces.

    "Holy crap! This guy really has guts!"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    "Yeah, Kairo just got humiliated from

    e

    being cheated on, and Frank''s still making him keep his promise? Damn, he''s done for. Kairo''s going down today, huh?"

    "If Kairo doesn''t lose it, it''ll be weird!"

    "How can Mr. Lawrence not be afraid of making things worse?"

    With the eyes of the crowd on him, Kairo seethed with rage as he turned back to face Frank. He saw that Frank still wanted him to keep his promise. "That matter and this is separate."

    Kairo looked like he was about to explode from anger, and Frank continued coolly, "It''s unfortunate that you''ve been cheated on, but that doesn''t mean you can break our agreement."

 Chapter 1683

    ?

    "A man must be able to handle both gains and losses. And to grow, one must be able to rise above their own limitations."

    Frank''s gaze remained calm as he looked at Kairo.

    Yosil was watching from afar, and he nodded silently at Frank''s words.

    The Lord of the Southern Woods'' son was indeed earnest!

    Yosil sighed inwardly.

    Despite facing such unfair treatment and ridicule from his opponent, Frank still chose to offer advice through words. Such breadth of mind was rare in this world.

    It would be good If Kairo could truly listen and sincerely acknowledge his mistakes. If he admitted defeat and knelt to Frank as agreed, then his future would be limitless. He would surely ovee this hurdle and achieve great things!

    Only an elderly man like Yosil, tempered by many years, could understand why Frank acted this way. Frank was not trying to humiliate Kairo or drive him insane. Instead, he aimed to offer guidance in this situation.

    This would allow Kairo to ovee his own humiliation and broaden his character, therebyying the foundation for future achievements.

    Few people couldbine the studies of medicine and martial arts like Kairo did, and Frank valued such talent highly.

    That was why he gave Kairo this opportunity to prove himself.

    "You''re asking to die!"

    Unfortunately, Kairo did not react the way they had hoped. His actions disappointed both Frank and Yosil deeply. With eyes filled with fury, Kairo turned and lunged at Frank, roaring as he aimed a kick.

    Frank sighed and shook his head. He watched as Kairo was consumed by pure rage and attempted to vent on him.

    Kairo was truly narrow-minded and beyond redemption.

    A cold determination shed in Frank''s eyes.

    Since there was no hope for redemption, he could not let such a person continue existing in this world!

    As Kairo came rushing in, Frank rose swiftly. Then, he unleashed a in yet powerful punch in response.

    In the blink of an eye, Kairo''s kickC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    met Frank''s fist. But before anyone could react, Kairo''s leg shattered into bloody fragments, scattering across the ground.

    The shocking sight stunned everyone present.

    Kairo copsed heavily to the ground. He clutched his severed leg, emitting a horrifying scream of pain.

    "I warned you that there would be consequences if you didn''t keep your word," Frank said calmly as he approached Kairo.

    Caught in intense agony, Kairo

    regained his senses. His expression

    morphed from anger to fear as he

    crawled backward on the ground,

    pleading for mercy.

    to

    "Frank... no, Mr. Lawrence, I... I was wrong, I apologize! I shouldn''t have... cough, cough..."

    As he trembled and begged for forgiveness, Kairo finally realized the vast disparity between himself and Frank.

    "If you kill me, Cloudnine Sect will be displeased! My master... yes, my master will also be displeased! So, please... I beg you..."

    Seeing Frank closing in, Kairo suddenly changed tactics. He reached into his waist and retrieved a concealed weapon as thick as a pen holder.

    He pressed a button, and a bronze needle coated with deadly green poison shot straight toward Frank''s forehead!

    This weapon was a unique

    assassin''s tool from the

    now-destroyed Mystic Sky Sect. It

    was called the Thunderstrike Needle, and Kairo''s master had passed it down to him. It was known for its

    1 fast speed and deadly

    poison.

    It was such a close-range sneak attack! Kairo was confident that Frank would be unable to dodge it!

    Kairo''s expression was extremely ferocious. He had used this concealed weapon to kill many careless martial artists, including Ascendants!

 Chapter 1684

    ?

    However, the concealed weapon that made Kairo so confident only made Frank feel nostalgic. The moment Kairo pulled it out, Frank instantly recognized it.

    His eyes narrowed, and he moved without hesitation.

    Kairo''s twisted grin faded into shock as Frank effortlessly caught the slender bronze needle with his fingers, just an inch from his forehead! "What the..."

    Kairo''s eyes widened in disbelief at Frank''s lightning-fast reaction.

    "Hmph, still trying to y tricks at this point? How pathetic," Frank scoffed, flicking his fingers slightly.

    With a swift motion, the slender bronze needle shot back toward Kairo like a bullet. Kairo did not have Frank''s reflexes. He felt a sharp pain in his thigh and looked down to see the very same bronze needle now embedded there.

    Kairo screamed hysterically as his face turned pale with terror.

    It was no surprise. The green poison coating the needle quickly seeped into his thigh, and it turned his flesh into a putrid, green mush as if it was dissolving right before his eyes.

    The poison spread rapidly up his leg, and Kairo started trembling.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    He knew he was doomed.

    This poison on the bronze needle was a lethal concoction that even Kairo''s master had spent years trying to understand without sess. The toxin was so potent that just a touch would turn the victim into a puddle of green sludge within a minute.

    It was that terrifying.

    No one else knew this poison better than Frank. More urately, he was the one who created it.

    Actually, that concealed weapon

    was Frank''s own creation. He had developed it as a teenager while studying ancient mechanisms at Mystic Sky Sect. Back then, he was consumed by a thirst for revenge. So the devices he created were particrly vicious, designed solely for that purpose.

    Seeing his own weapon again now, Frank felt a pang of nostalgia, his expression momentarily somber.

    "Maybe everyone loses their way at some point."

    Frank sighed. He looked at Kairo and calmly said, "If you admit defeat now and follow through the agreement, I''ll give you onest chance. I can still save you."

    "Save me? What kind of nonsense is

    that?" Kairo sneered. "I know this poison has no antidote! Or are you just trying to humiliate me before I die? Do you really want me to admit defeat that badly?"

    As the poison continued to spread, Kairo realized his time was running out. Laughing bitterly, he yelled at Frank, "Impossible! I''ll never admit defeat to anyone! I... am Kairo Wal! I''m a master of both medicine and martial arts. No one in the world has talent like mine. Just give me fifty more years... no, forty years, and I''ll... I''ll..."

    Frank shook his head in resignation as Kairo stubbornly refused to admit defeat.

    "You''ve already lost. You may not want to admit defeat, but you''ve lost to your own arrogance and pride.

    "And the price for that loss is your life."

    Seeing the shock in Kairo''s eyes, Frank leaned in close and whispered, "You don''t believe I can save you? Here''s the truth. The concealed weapon and the poison you used... I created both of them."

 Chapter 1685

    ?

    "You''ve missed your chance," Frank murmured.

    Kairo''s lips had already disintegrated, leaving him unable to speak. However, his eyes showed a flicker of regret in his final moments. By the time Frank stood up, Kairo hadpletely disintegrated. Only a puddle of foul-smelling green ooze was left of him.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The onlookers were horrified, their hair standing on end at the sight of Kairo''s gruesome end.

    Unexpectedly, Horey wiped her eyes and got up from the ground. Looking unbothered, she turned to Yosil.

    Then, she extended her hand and said coldly, "Hand over the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. This is yourst chance."

    As she spoke, Horey pulled out her phone and made a gesture as if dialing a number. "If you don''t, I''ll call my master right now and tell them that it was Kornac''s Keep that killed my senior Kairo."

    "What?!"

    Everyone was stunned by Horey''s cold demeanor. She even used her senior''s death to threaten Kornac''s Keep.

    Even Frank frowned.

    Horey looked at Frank and coldly said, "This has nothing to do with you. I won''t stand by and let my child die. Leave now, and I''ll pretend you weren''t here.

    "I know I can''t beat you, but if you interfere, I''ll call my sect and have theme for you."

    After listening to Horey''s threat, Frank nced at the green ooze at his feet and sneered. "Cloudnine Sect? Do you really think I''m afraid of them?" "What?"

    The crowd gasped, astonished at Frank''s defiance. Could he really be unafraid of Cloudnine Sect?

    Frank continued, "I heard that you''re from Cloudnine Sect''s Order of Flowers. Do you know a woman named Sienna Noirot?"

    "Sienna Noirot?" Horey froze at the name, her eyes wide. "You know my master?"

    Master? So they were apprentices of that woman.

    In Frank''s mind, a vision emerged of an elegant woman in a magnificent robe, revealing a snowy-white neckline. She was very... alluring.

    Frank nodded.

    "We had a brief encounter. If you leave now, I can let you go for Sienna''s sake. But if you push it..."

    Frank narrowed his eyes, the implications clear.

    "Hmph, many have heard of my master''s name. You think I''ll back down just because of that? Dream on!"

    Horey gritted her teeth and red at the elders of Kornac''s Keep. "Hand it over quickly, or my patience will run out!"

    "That''s..." Yosil hesitated.

    The treasure in his hand was

    entrusted to him by the Lord of the Southern Woods, meant to be given to the lord''s apprentice. Ethically and practically, he could not simply hand it over.

    But if he did not, this woman would contact Cloudnine Sect, and they mighte knocking.

    If that happened, years of hard work building Kornac''s Keep could be destroyed today. It could also,

    endanger all the apprentice el

    and

    elders within this ce.

    Was it worth risking everything for a single treasure?

    Yosil fell into deep thought.

    Just then, Frank stepped forward.

    "It seems you''re not nning to leave, huh? Alright, I''ve talked enough nonsense. Also, my patience is almost at its limit," Frank dered. "Since you''re so ungrateful, don''t me me for my actions!"

    With a cold sneer, Frank unleashed a surge of transparent pure vigor directly at Horey.

 Chapter 1686

    ?

    Frank''s pure vigor then manifested into a gigantic hand, seizing Horey''s neck in an instant!

    "Donn... I mean, Mr. Lawrence! Please stop!"

    Yosil quickly shouted when he saw that Frank was ready to kill, wiping the cold sweat off his brow. "If you really kill her, and Cloudnine Sectes for blood... Kornac''s Keep will fall!"

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence! Please calm down!"

    The other elders quickly tried to dissuade Frank too, but he asked in return, "And, what? What do you think should be done about this? If you''re dead set on giving up, give me the Ster Windroot and I''ll be gone."

    "Oh, uh..."

    Frank''s question left the elders stumped, and they all turned toward Yosil.

    After a moment of silence, he eventually sighed exasperatedly, walking up to Frank and asking quietly, "Do you perhaps remember this old mug, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "You?"

    Frank frowned at Yosil but shook his head.

    "Well, that''s fair." Yosil chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I''m really nothing and certainly wouldn''t catch the eye of a prodigy like you... See, I was there at Mystic Sky Sect over twenty years ago and personally witnessed the moment of your initiation."

    "What?"

    Frank was left endlessly shocked by Yosil''s words. "Are you from Mystic Sky Sect? Why don''t I remember you? And how did you make it out three years ago?"

    Yosil smiled awkwardly at Frank''s quick-fire questions, still keeping his voice down. "I-I have been found wanting. His Eminence had just happened to expel me on the day of your initiation... However, he seemed to have already foreseen what would happen three years ago and entrusted a great treasure to my care before I left."

    Frank blinked. "Could it be..."

    "Yes. It was the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    Yosil sighed softly. "His Eminence told me that it''s an ingredient to an ancient pill and to pass it to his sessor, whom he said would definitelye looking for me.

    "Also, he told me to warn his

    sessor that there are countless schemers across all of Draconia. I he fails to reach immortality, the only path is for his sessor to do so by gathering the right medicinal herbs to make a certain pill

    "What..."

    Frank''s eyes widened.

    Naturally, the eminence whom Yosil referred to was theter chief of Mystic Sky Sect, who was also Frank''s mentor.

    It was only now that FrankContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    understood why his mentor had sat him through lessons on Draconian. traditional medicine for day and night for years-his mentor had already foreseen the fall of Mystic Sky Sect and thus prepared a contingency n.

    "I see..."

    While various emotions churned in Frank''s heart, his earlier apathy toward Yosil was gone as he now saw the man in a more positive light.

    Despite being over two hundred years old, the man never tried to use the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom for his own purposes, keeping a promise from twenty years ago even now.

    It was a gesture of loyalty that left Frank''s heart aflutter.

    At the same time, Yosil continued, "Mr. Lawrence, since you''vee just as His Eminence predicted, I have no qualms of giving you the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. However, my apprentices and Kornac''s Keep-"

    "Don''t worry!"

    Frank suddenly looked up with determination, even pping Yosil on the shoulder. "It''s strange, but you won''t have a problem with me addressing you as my fellow apprentice, would you?"

 Chapter 1687

    ?

    "No, please don''t!"

    Yosil smiled, his eyes welling up with tears at the mere idea of Frank addressing him as a fellow apprentice. "You''re giving me too much credit, Mr. Lawrence. I just happened to be taken in by Mystic Sky Sect as a gopher-I have no business being an apprentice!"

    "It''s alright. Just listen." Frank reared his chin as he spoke quietly, "It''s been three years since the fall of Mystic Sky Sect. But even if it''s gone now, I won''t let you down as the senior apprentice, as long as you keep the me in your heart.

    "I will revive Mystic Sky Sect, and you will be formally initiated as an apprentice, while Kornac''s Keep may also be taken in as a vassal. Even if there''s a huge gap between our ages, I shall be your senior as per sect rules."

    "Yes... Yes!" Yosil was awash with tears.

    He would die before dreaming that he would have the honor of being formally initiated into Mystic Sky Sect as an apprentice.

    Even if they were gone now, they would definitely see a resurgence under the leadership of their senior appearance it was all just a matter of time.

    Frank nodded. "Good. And now that you''re an apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect, the troubles of Kornac''s Keep are mine too. I refuse to let Cloudnine Sect strut in my face!"

    Striding forward and staring at Horey, he said, "I''m now giving you one chance. I''ll count down from three, then I''ll do what I must if you still refuse to leave. Even if Cloudnine Sectes, I will face them myself I''ll see for myself how far their insolence can carry them!"

    "What..." Horey blurted.

    She watched as Frank and Yosil had a hushed exchange, after which Frank became determined to side with Kornac''s Keep against her.

    If anything, Horey did not even need her imagination for this.

    "So, the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is now in your hands?" she asked.

    "Indeed it is. Anyone who wants it cane to try and take it from me!" Frank bellowed thunderously.

    Everyone was left astonished by Frank''s suddenly imposing presence, a stark contrast from his self-deprecating mannerisms before.

    "Is he really going to fight against Cloudnine Sect?"

    "All by himself? How?"

    While everyone was left in an uproar and being vocally skeptical, Horey made up her mind.

    ring at Frank, she dialed a

    number while snapping at Frank, T

    warned you, but you insist on siding

    with them! Let''s see now if you''re really not afraid of Cloudnine Sect!"

    Even as he connected, Horey turned

    on the

    speaker to the med

    just to intimidate Frank and the

    members of Kornac''s Keep further.

    "Master Noirot!" she cried tearfully. "Kairo is dead! They killed him!"

    "Kairo Wal is dead, you say?"

    It was a familiar voice, and Frank searched his mind, soon remembering Sienna Noirot, whose beauty left even Helen jealous.

    Siena''s melodious voice was easily

    recognizable. It was calm and

    composed, and just slightly

    vel.!

    surprised despite being told that her apprentice had been killed.

    "Who did it?" She asked. "Didn''t you tell them that you''re from Cloudnine Sect?"

    "I did... but it didn''t matter!" Horey continued to re at Frank, her tone dramatically miserable and frustrated.

    "It didn''t matter, huh? Hmph. Tell me their name... Something must be done about this," Sienna said quietly. Horey was delighted at Sienna''s words.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 1688

    ?

    Kairo was assuredly Sienna''s most valued apprentice, as she was ready to avenge his death.

    It was all over for Kornac''s Keep now!

    "Ahem. I just remembered that I have something to do. I''ll be going now."

    "Me too. Forgot to collect myundry before I left."

    "My wife told me to take care of the kids-"

    "Bullshit. Where''d you find a wife?"

    "J-Just now...?"

    The crowd was restless, as they sensed from Sienna''s tone over the phone that Cloudnine Sect woulde for them..

    And when they do, Kornac''s Keep, Frank, and even innocent participants would be in deep trouble.

    Fleeing was therefore the best thing to do here, or even bystanders like them would get caught in the crossfire.

    However, while Horey presumed that Frank would drop his facade and flee at her mentor''s threat, she found him standing there nonchntly, as if he had never heard Sienna.

    "You asked for this!" she growled through her teeth and told Sienna the phone, "It''s this scumbag named Frank Lawrence! He''s strong... stronger than Kairo, and butchered him savagely! You have to avenge him, Master Noirot!"

    Yosil was at once anxious when Horey mentioned Frank by name, but Frank stopped him before he could reach Horey.

    "It''s alright." Frank smiled at him. "I''d actually love to see what Cloudnine Sect can do!"

    "Hah! You''re going to die!"

    Horey shot Frank a look of cool glee, as Kairo had been a prodigy treasured in Cloudnine Sect.

    And now that Frank killed him, Cloudnine Sect would not let Kairo''s death go unanswered.

    And yet, even as Horey smirked, what Sienna said over the phone left her expression stiffening.

    ||

    How did you upset him? Alright, I

    get it-just get down on your knees and apologize to him, and let

    ¦¯¦«¦¯¦©

    bygones be bygones. Remember to never insult him, because none of you would survive, do you understand? Also, I have things to do. That''s all I have to say.

    And with that, Sienna hung up, leaving the entire scene silent.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    It was not just Horey-even the rowdy crowd that was ready to turn and flee were all left standing there and looking backward at Frank in disbelief.

    The elders of Kornac''s Keep were all trading nces in astonishment as well, not entirely sure what had just happened.

    Only Yosil had a look of realization on his face, as Cloudnine Sect would not want to upset Frank because of his father, the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    "Master?! Master!!!"

    Horey waspletely caught off guard, holding her phone in disbelief.

    She nced between Frank and the puddle of green pus in the distance.

    atel

    After all, their mentor had always thought highly of Kairo for his gifts-it would not be exaggeration to say that he was spoiled. As such, it would be logical to think that Sienna would go all out to avenge his death, or at least retaliate to maintain the honor of Cloudnine Sect.

    So why did Sienna give up so quickly after hearing Frank''s name, even telling Horey to go down on her

    knees to apologize, while forbidding them from provoking Frank any further?!

 Chapter 1689

    ?

    Horey simply could not understand what connections Frank could possibly have that her mentor would show such a weak reaction?

    Talk about a bolt from the blue!

    "Hmph. It seems Sienna Noirot knows her ce..."

    Frank strode a step forward just then, coolly demanding, "And what about you? Are you still going to insist on taking the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    "..."

    Horey had lost her trump card.

    In fact, everyone clearly heard what her mentor had told her-to kneel down before Frank and apologize.

    While Horey did not feel as humiliated as Kairo, she was still utterly confused.

    And since it was orders from above, she ultimately gave in for the sake of survival, kowtowing audibly and respectfully before Frank. "P-Please forgive me, Mr. Lawrence..."

    "Get out of here."

    Seeing that Horey had acknowledged her mistake, Frank waved her off, not bothered to press the issue.

    Horey was certainly relieved, turning and fleeing the gates of Kornac''s Keep without even collecting herte senior''s belongings. It was certainly telling that she had no love for Kairo.

    And with Horey''s departure, the Kornac''s Keep trials ended in bizarre fashion, though no one argued when Yosil announced that Frank won first ce.

    After all, his ethics, medicinal knowledge, and strength as a martial artist was head and shoulders above them.

    The elders agreed on that

    unanimously too. Still, things got

    awkward as they had no idea what

    position they should arrange

    Frank as an apprentice who

    e

    n''

    disyed medical prowess above Yosil. Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Yosil then suggested, "I could concede my position as casten..."

    "No!"

    All the elders of Kornac''s Keep protested at once.

    Frank did prove his medical knowledge and help saved Kornac''s Keep from destruction, but he was still a stranger. Hell, he was not even from Norsedam!

    Still, Yosilughed. "In that case, you shall be an honorary elder! Brother Lawrence, the stores of Kornac''s Keep are at your disposal, and there won''t be any restrictions on your ntbe freedom."

    "That''s eptable."

    All the elders of Kornac''s Keep agreed to the idea, as did Frank-he certainly would afford Kornac''s Keep some attention as an outlet assisting the restoration of Mystic Sky Sect.

    And since he loved his freedom, he would not rece Yosil as casten anyway.

    At noon, there was a grand feast held for all the participants of the trial.

    Halfway through it, Yosil sneaked an elegantly decorated ck wooden box to Frank.

    Frank opened to find a fresh red flowerying serenely within, its petals glowing. The mere scent refreshed the spirit, and one would feel like they were several years younger.

    Yosil sighed, staring wistfully at the ck box. "I won''t lie to you-I lived this long just by taking it out and sniffing it from time to time."

    Frank could read his mind and chuckled. "I have a farm resort in Riverton with a spring that promotes longevity. You can try it when you have the time."

 Chapter 1690

    Frank finished, "Just mention my name, and you can enjoy special service and medicinal baths that won''t lose out to the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom." "Really?!"

    Yosil''s eyes lit up. "I''ve heard about the farm resort myself, but I''ve never been and therefore presumed it to be some publicity stunt. I didn''t expect it to be your work... In that case, I shall visit it myself."

    While they were speaking, Ira Summers approached them with a ss in hand. "Apologies, Frank... I meant, Elder Lawrence. I''ve spoken insolently, and as an apprentice of Kornac''s Keep, I hope you''d see past my indiscretion..."

    His tentative mannerisms left Frank chuckling and shaking his head.

    He did not really take offense anyway and clinked sses with Ira, a gesture to let bygones be bygones.

    Still, it had been a long day for Frank as he soon rushed to Riverton from Norsedam, but at the very least, Mark Lane was saved.

    Reaching Lanevillle, Frank immediately refined a pill with the Ster Windroot and worked through the night.

    By early next morning, Frank fed Mark the pill, and Mark finally opened his eyes as everyone looked on worriedly.

    He was enfeebled and needed time to recuperate, but he was mostly fine.

    Seeing that, the Lane family were once again thanking Frank.

    Jon Lane was especially grateful. He was even fawning over Frank after he was forced into bing the head of the family, only for Frank and Helen to not me him.

    In the end, Frank was left smiling wearily-it was first the Yimmels, and then Baba Yaga, and finally Kornac''s Keep.

    Frank was physically robust, but staying up for several days still wore him out.

    He was relieved to see Mark wake up, and as soon as his anxiety faded, he was left exhausted-spiritually, not physically.

    After all, he had been on edge for so long that even those around him could see that.

    That''s why basically no one asked

    n

    him for help after he returned to Cologne Court, with everyone tacitly

    agreeing that he should

    Still, as Frank was left watching thedies around him work busily over the next month, he became the only one who was idling.

    His daily routine only included

    training, teatime, teaching Kat Yego

    martial arts, and answering Winter

    Lawrence''s calls when she had

    trouble with certain patients

    There was no question that he was a sugar baby to Helen the girlboss.

    Naturally, their neighbors around Cologne Court were gossiping when they saw Frank goof off every day.

    "Tut, tut. Why would the board chairwoman of Lanecorp give herself such a poor excuse for a boy toy?" "Hah! Would he be a boy toy if he was an upstanding member of society?"

    "You''re right, but it still sucks to see such a waste..."

    With Frank''s exceptional hearing, he naturally heard those snarkyments every morning.

    ??

    But to his chagrin, he really could not manage apany or any entrepreneurial projects, so he just had to y dumb to those criticisms. Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1691

    That was until an ignorant man came calling.

    "I heard you''re Ms. Lane''s sugar baby," he said as soon as he entered. "How much is she paying you every month? I can give you five million dors right now, but you have to leave her."

    The man looked around his thirties, and his suit gave him the look of one of those sessful city boys.

    In contrast, Frank was wearing his loose pajamas as he sat in his garden, sipping tea and gaping at the man, speechless.

    He had only allowed the man inside when thetter rang the doorbell, saying that he was from a major constructionpany in another city and partners with Lanecorp.

    Frank was naturally stupefied that the man would immediately assert his authority as soon as he strode through the front door.

    And seeing that Frank was stunned, heughed coolly. "How about that? I guess dregs of society such as yourself would never have seen so much money!"

    Looking smug just then, he waved for his secretary to bring his briefcase, opening it in front of Frank and revealing rolls of brand-new dor bills.

    "There''s 1.5 million dors in here, and here''s a 3.5 million dor check. You can cash it in at any bank owned by Pearce Group. Come to me if it doesn''t clear."

    His confidence left Frankughing, waving him off. "Sir..."

    "I''m Huub Droitner. You can call me Mr. Droitner."

    Frank was at once annoyed at being interrupted and frowned.

    "I don''t care who you are," he said. "First of all, I don''t know who told you that I''m Ms. Lane''s sugar baby. Also, who do you think you are? Why should I leave her just because you said so?"

    Pointing at the gates, he snapped, "Get out while I''m still being nice!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Get out?"

    Huub narrowed his eyes coolly. "You''re not satisfied with my price? Word of advice-you really should think about this and know your ce, or you''ll suffer terribly

    "You''re telling me how to behave now too?"

    Frank had actually thought Huub was agreeable when he first saw the man, but his behavior now left him thoroughly repulsed.

    Snorting, he barked, "Someone get him out of here!"

    Several security officers from Lanecorp''s health and security department promptly hurried to the scene, scowling intimidatingly as they strode up in Huub''s face.

    "Fine. I guess you want to do this the hard way." Huub snorted and left with his briefcase and assistant.

    One of the security officers even spat at Huub, "Hah! Who do you think you are, messing with our boss?!"

    If he knew Huub was here to give Frank crap, he would not have let him through the front door!

    "Frank..."

    Helen''s phone call arrived just as

    eline

    Huub was chased away. "Huub Droitner from Bralog is asking to see you. He''s the heir to Droitner Inc. who''s going to be a partner of Lanecorp, and he should be on his way. Please receive him in my stead."

    "He''s already here." Frank snorted grumpily. "He called me a sugar baby as soon as he came in and demanded that I leave you, so I chased him

    away."

    "What?"

    Helen was obviously surprised and murmured, "But there must be a mistake. He seemed so polite and

    agreeable, which was why I was fine with him asking to see you

 Chapter 1692

    ?

    "What?"Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Helen was obviously surprised and murmured, "But there must be a mistake. Huub Droitner seemed so polite and agreeable, which was why I was fine with him asking to see you."

    "Can''t judge a book by its cover."

    Frank chuckled. "You''d better watch out. I can see that he bears ill will."

    "We''re just business partners, and I was thinking about using his family''s government connections. Since they mean to do harm, I''ll just have to call it off."

    Helen was determined, too-if Frank sensed an issue, she would not waste her breath.

    However, after hanging up and Frank dismissed it as a brief interlude, the Southstream Lanes found themselves in trouble a few dayster.

    Gavin Lane, Helen''s uncle, was supposed to return after a couple of days from a business trip, but it had been a week since he wasst seen.

    His family could not reach him and there was no sign of him in Zamri, and there was nothing suspicious about the people whom he met for business talks either.

    They all testified that Gavin had left after their meeting-as to where, they had no idea.

    Another couple of days had passed when the Lanes received a short and simple text from Gavin''s number:

    [Tell Frank Lawrence: It''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom or the hostage.]

    "What''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    Roth Lane, who hade to Zamri looking for his father, was staring at Frank in confusion.

    Frank scowled in turn.

    Only Kornac''s Keep, as well as the participants of their trial the other day, would have known about the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. On top of that, none of them could have known that Yosil Darman had given Frank the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, as it was something they had agreed to in private.

    And in Frank''s mind, only one person was so obsessed and aware of its whereabouts-Horey Lindt of Cloudnine Sect.

    And finding out how far she would take her obsession, Frank regretted sparing her that day.

    Helen asked anxiously, "Frank, what''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    While Gavin was only her uncle,

    l

    Gavin had also shown her unreserved support, be it in rmending her as the head of the family or helping her with Lanecorp.

    That was why Helen wanted to save Gavin at all costs.

    Frank frowned and exined, "It''s... an herb."

    "An herb?"

    Both Helen and Roth breathed a sigh of relief right then.

    And here they were wondering what the ransom was, but it was just an herb.

    Moreover, Winter Lawrence was the current head of Zamri Hospital, a major medical facility-it just made this all the more easier!

    Nheless, Frank continued, "You

    misunderstand. The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is an extremely rare. herb. Forget Zamri Hospital-you won''t find another in Draconia."

    Both Helena and Roth froze. "You mean..."

    "Yeah."

    Frank nodded. "Right now, I have the only one, and Gavin Lane''s kidnapper wants it."

    ?

    Seeing the look on his face, Helen said tentatively, "Frank, it''s rare... but it''s just an herb. My uncle is in danger right now, so if we drag our

    feet..."  ave

    "That''s right, Mr. Lawrence."

    Roth agreed anxiously. "I may be out of line, but I would like you to help save my father. I''ll pay you however much you want!"

 Chapter 1693

    ?

    Despite Helen and Roth''s pleading looks, Frank shook his head in refusal. "The origins of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom isplicated. And I have use for it, so I won''t give it up."

    "What?"

    Helen did a double take, especially when she saw Frank''s determined expression.

    It was the first time he refused her, and ever since she knew him, he never cared for worldly attachments.

    He would definitely not hesitate to say yes in the past.

    But today he did, and so decisively that it caused Helen''s imagination to run wild.

    "Frank! It''s just an herb, isn''t it?! Are you saying that the fertile soil of Draconia can''t yield another?! Could you not be so stingy?! We just want that herb because it''s an emergency!"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Gina Zonda, who had been listening to their conversation for a while, stood akimbo and snapped at Frank when she saw the troubled look on her daughter''s face. "Gavin is the reason Helen became head of the family! What would the Southstream Lanes think of Helen if we don''t save him?"

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence..."

    Roth reasoned, holding back his anxiety, "We won''t really give it to the kidnappers-we just need it as bait to ensure my father''s safety."

    "No." Frank refused once more, determined. "Anything else is up for discussion, but not the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom-even for use as bait. Nothing must happen to it under any circumstances."

    Not only was the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom the embodiment of his mentor''s hopes, but it was also proof that Yosil had kept his promise of twenty years. Frank would not give it up, even if he was not going to use it to improve up to Transcendent rank.

    "It''s just an herb, and you''re acting like we''re killing you! You''re so stingy!"

    Gina glowered at Frank''s refusal.

    "That''s right, Frank." Helen quickly chimed in. "You''re not using it for now anyway-we can use it to save Uncle Gavin, and I''ll even go with you to search for it. Draconia is a huge ce, so we''d definitely find another. I''m begging you, please?"

    "Mr. Lawrence..."

    Frank took a deep breath despite Helen and Roth''s simultaneous pleas and said quietly, "I''m sorry, but it holds a special meaning to myself. I really can''t give it up."

    His almost heartless refusal left Helen miffed, and she smacked her hand on the table. "How much do you want for it? I can buy it from you, can''t I?"

    However, Frank was left annoyed

    that she was throwing money at him again and waved her off. "Don''t vent your frustrations at me, Helen. L won''t sell it no matter how much you''d offer-it''s simply something money can''t buy."

    "Then what on earth do you want?!"

    Helen''s expression turned cool. "Do I matter less than an herb?"

    She was really upset because Frank was being stubborn, even with her uncle''s life on the line.

    She actually felt disappointed-she and Frank had grown close, so why could he not be more considerate to her?

    In fact, she was not entirely upset

    about the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom but from a feminine instinct that was especially sensitive toward emotional betrayal that left her dejected.

    After all, she turned down a partnership with Droitner Inc. just because Frank said that Huub Droitner had ulterior motives.

 Chapter 1694

    Despite Helen going that far for Frank, he refused to help even though her uncle''s life was on the line, and it hurt.

    It did make sense, however, with the many beauties hovering around Frank-even Helen was herself just one of them, and it would not hurt him to lose her.

    Seeing her devastated reaction, Frank rubbed his brow in slight irritation. "Calm down. I said I''m not going to give the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, but that doesn''t mean I''m not going to help."

    "Help? How?"

    Helenughed miserably. "They have Uncle Gavin and would kill him at any moment, but you''re refusing to give a single herb!"

    "Can you stop being unreasonable?"

    Frank retorted, "I''m telling you the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom means a lot to me, and it''s not a question of money. I wouldn''t even bat an eye if I had to give you anything else, but this is really impassive."

    "Did you just say that I''m being unreasonable?!"

    However, Helen was clearly insulted, and her temper red as she turned her head aside. "Right, I''m unreasonable! You have so many others that you wouldn''t even miss me! I''ll do something about this myself!"

    Her heart broke even as she ranted.

    First, it was Vicky Turnbull, and then it was Winter Lawrence.

    Winter was supposedly Frank''s ''sister'', but how could Helen not see the way Winter looked at Frank?Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    And to make things worse, it did not stop at Winter either, as soon came Draconia''s top actress, Noel York, and Kat Yego out of nowhere.

    Did Frank really think that Helen was

    fine with all of that? It was only natura that the time bomb she

    swnevelne

    1.ne

    buried deep inside herself blew up!

    He was clearly treating her differently now, as he would agree to her requests in the past, no matter how absurd it was.

    But now, she was only asking him for an herb-not for herself at that, but to save her uncle.

    And everyone had seen that Gavin thought highly of Frank, even admiring him and calling to check on him from time to time.

    It would have been fine if Frank

    refused because Gavin was some vile character who insulted Frank in the past. However, Helen owed him plenty, and he also supported Frank immensely-it simply would not fly for Frank to abandon him for an herb.

    Moreover, the Southstream Lanes were waiting for Helen to do something-they would definitely talk if they heard Frank''s refusal to help.

    Even Mark Lane would be displeased, as Gavin was his favorite son.

    It would look to them as if Helen was unnecessary with Frank''s new love interests, and he could dump her at any moment he wanted.

    Nearby, seeing Helen on the verge of tears left Gina especially upset.

    "Frank Lawrence! And here I was going to change my mind about you, but you''re even more callous than before?!"

    Gina snapped coolly, taking Helen''s

    hand and pulling her toward herself, "He doesn''t care, so we don''t have to ask him for anything! I doubt there''s any other man who would refuse my daughter''s request!"

 Chapter 1695

    Frank was not bothered by Gina''s outburst at all, since he knew very well how rare the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom really was.

    As a treasure that would only appear once over a thousand years, she was saying that someone would be willingly parting with it?

    Only Gina herself would be believing such bullshit.

    However, Helen could not pretend that she did not hear what Frank said.

    Even if Frank knew it was slightly inappropriate to say it, women never liked to hear them being called unreasonable.

    Since Frank could not change what he said, he braced himself and said, "Just give me time, Helen. I''ll have someone search and rescue Gavin." "Hah! It''d be toote!"

    Gina snorted in disdain and kept pulling Helen away, huffing. "Let''s go. All men are pigs and are always ready to dump you when they have someone new. See here? He doesn''t care about you even before you remarry! What do you think would happen once you remarry? Who knows how many others he has out there!"

    Frank was left bristling. "What are you talking about?! It''s nder if you have no proof!"

    "Really?"

    Ginaughed. "Then what''s got you so upset? Did I get it right? See, Helen? All men are pigs-it''s just like I said!"

    "That''s enough!" Roth snapped, shaking his head. "I only came to discuss how we should save my father with Madam Lane. If it''s possible, I''m certainly pleased. If we can''t..."

    Roth trailed off, his voice quivering even as he continued. "Well, it can''t be helped. Kunderstand that Mr. Lawrence has a reason and that the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom must be very important to him. We shouldn''t force him into anything, and don''t want his marriage to be strained because of my father-"

    "Marriage?! Hah!"

    Ginaughed again. "They have yet to remarry! But I''ll ask onest time¡ªare you giving up that shitty herb or not?!"

    Frank took a deep breath, scowling as he said a single word: "No."

    I

    "Fine!" Gina snapped coolly and started to put Helen along again. "You won''t be seeing Helen ever again from now on! Since you refused to help her uncle, we will do something about this ourselves! Let''s go, Helen!"

    There was a reluctant look in Helen''s eye, and she pleaded with Frank, "Could you please help Uncle Gavin?

    I''m really begging ove

    "I..."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank''s heart skipped at the sight of the stoic girlboss showing him such a face and almost gave in to her request right then.

    But he remembered Mystic Sky Sect, his mentor''s instructions, and regrets.....

    Gritting his teeth, Frank shook his head. "I''ll handle this, Helen, but I can''t give up the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    Helen sighed, at once dejected that her plea did not change Frank''s mind.

    She turned, hiding from Frank''s eyes with her hair while smiling bitterly. "But you''d agree to it if it were Vicky asking, wouldn''t you?" And with those words, Helen left with Gina.

 Chapter 1696

    ?

    Roth nodded politely at Frank before leaving too, leaving him alone in the spacious drawing room of Cologne Court.

    Frank reclined against the couch in silence but eventually jumped to his feet.

    "Helen, wait!"

    Frank ran out of the mansion, ready to say something when he saw the ck Cadic parked outside, and a thirtyish man in a suit was speaking with Helen and Gina.

    Naturally, it was none other than Huub Droitner, heir to Droitner Inc.

    "What..."

    Before Frank caught himself, Gina turned and sneered at Frank. "Hmph. Speak of the devil! Even if you refuse to give us the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, Mr. Droitner here just happened to have one and is willing to part with it. It''s really frustrating when someone one-ups you, isn''t it?"

    "What?" Frank was left frowning.

    Huub turned on Frank right then and sneered. "Hmph. It''s just an herb, but you''re treating it like treasure? How embarrassing."

    "Do you even know what the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is?"

    Frank''s expression was cold, and though he was staring fixedly at Helen, she kept her head turned away, clearly avoiding Frank''s gaze.

    "I know much more than you do! Also, you should be worried about yourself right now!"

    As he spoke, Huub opened the door for Gina and Helen while adding pointedly, "Don''t worry, I''m not a liar like certain people. And while my family business isn''t that impressive, I''m serious about Ms. Lane."

    "Frank..."

    Helen turned toward Frank, intending to say something, but all the thoughts in her mind only came to a look of exasperation.

    In the end, she and Gina got into Huub''s car and left.

    Frank remained standing by the gates, crushing a portion of the steel into tiny pieces where Helen and the others could not see. "Pretty words, but there''s no way a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom could be so easily found."

    Frank was furious, but he was still worried that Helen would be tricked.

    If Horey Lindt was really the one

    who kidnapped Gavin, only to receive a fake Bloodcrane

    l

    Spiritbloom, she would be furious

    and would hurt Gavin in retaliation.

    Feeling troubled, Frank threw the steel fragments to the ground and whipped out his phone to call Trevor Zurich. "Find Gavin Lane. Investigate where he went missing, and screen through any suspicious faces nearby when it happened."

    Still, even as he hung up and returned to the drawing room, he felt increasingly annoyed the more he thought about it.

    Seeing Helen get into someoneC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    else''s car left him especially

    ufortable¡ªhe knew she was

    doing it to get the Bloodcrane

    Spiritbloom, but it still did not sit well

    with him.

    While Frank was left fuming and waiting for Trevor to contact him, an impressive convoy arrived outside Cologne Court.

    Most importantly, every vehicle had the standard of Zamri''s police force, meaning that they were from the government. As the doors opened, a man with a poker face and a military uniform strode into Cologne Court.

 Chapter 1697

    ?

    The man with the poker-face was nked by a dozen officers armed with guns, which they trained on Frank as soon as they strode through the front door.

    "Frank Lawrence?" the man asked.

    "Who are you?"

    Frank red at them coolly, noticing soon that they werew enforcement officers with ties to the government.

    He realized it with a start when he remembered Huub''s threat.

    It seemed that despite the modest scale of Droitner Inc., it was still the first time Frank had a government official in Zamri moving against him.

    "I''m Podrick Daffey, a captain working directly under Zamri''smissioner."

    Podrick shed his badge at Frank and announced coolly, "You''re used of being directly involved in the deaths of Larry Jameson and Kit Jameson. Considering the seriousness of the usations, you muste with us for questioning."

    Frank did a double take. "An anonymous tip? Who, exactly?"

    "Don''t worry about it." Podrick snorted. "We will never reveal them to ensure their safety, while you shoulde quietly to assist our investigation. I''d advise against resisting arrest."

    Frank remained silent for a while before standing up.

    These were government officials after all, and he could not fight them even if it''s for Helen and Lanecorp, or Lanecorp would suffer if they pressed the issue.

    That was why Frank decided to see what Huub was capable of doing to him.

    And seeing that Frank was not resisting arrest, Podrick snapped his fingers at one of his men. "Cuff him."

    His men quickly threw cuffs around Frank''s wrist, even cing a ck sack over his head to blindfold him.

    "Mr. Lawrence!"

    Frank then heard a rush of footsteps, and judging from the voices, it was the security officers from Lanecorp''s health and security department. He promptly barked, "Don''t move! Don''t break thew!"

    "But, sir..."

    "That''s an order!"

    Frank''s bellow stopped the men right then, even as he heard the click of bullets being loaded.

    "Don''t worry-I have done nothing wrong, so I have nothing to worry about," Frank assured the security officers.

    He did not want to let things get out of hand and would certainly not allow his men to die to gunfire.

    Frank''s supervision had definitely

    helped the security officers from Lanecorp''s health and security department grow in terms of martial arts. However, they were still too inexperienced, especially against guns and bullets.

    There would be pointless casualties if a fight started here, so they could only do nothing but watch as Frank was shoved into one of the SUVS before the entire convoy sped away.

    However, Frank was still observing with his touch where and how fast the SUV was traveling, and hence guessed his position.

    Feeling the bumpiness as they sped

    §Ö

    forward, he could tell that they were leaving the city and had reached the mountains judging from how much the SUV was shaking.

    He asked in surprise, "Captain Daffey, aren''t you taking me away for interrogation? Why does it feel like we''re leaving the city?" Podrick merelyughed coolly, and seeing that he was not answering, Frank tactfully kept quiet but continued memorizing the trail.

    The bumpy journey over the mountain roadsted for over two hours, until the convoy finally stopped.

    Even before he got off, Frank immediately frowned.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    He could smell the scent of blood and rust, as well as hear trickling drops of water.

 Chapter 1698

    ?

    As they advanced, Frank could feel air getting more damp, with the stench of blood and rot getting even more pungent, to the point that one could throw up.

    "A torture chamber?" Frank asked interestedly.

    He was no stranger to torture chambers as he met Burt Yorkman in the one at Riverton.

    In this case, this ce was definitely the one in Zamri.

    "Cut the chatter," someone growled as he was led into an elevator that descended below the surface.

    Eventually, the thick steel doors parted, and Frank immediately heard the screams.

    And they were all, men whose very will was crumbling under the audible crack of whips, and the sizzling hiss of branding iron burning into their skin.

    There was maniacalughter on top of that, along with a stench that was worse than before. And he could feel from the wetness of the floor that it was flooded with ankle-deep puddles down the hallway.

    The rug sack on Frank''s head was then taken off, and he found himself staring down a pitch-ck hallway, as well as the screaming inmates who were being tortured in the distance.

    On both sides of the hallway cells with steel bars, with horrific torture tools and inmates who were sitting or crouching inside.

    It was clearly an underground prison, and each of the inmates had a hauntingly savage re in their eyes. Some were shaking the cell bars, and some were kowtowing and begging for mercy, while others were rambling and spewing expletives.

    It was a ce no one would want to stay.

    "Move!"

    Someone shoved Frank from the back, forcing him forward.

    They walked over a few dozen yards, where someone looking like a jailer was waiting.

    He opened the cell door and smacked Frank inside, shutting the door behind him and leaving without a care, never once looking Frank''s way.

    Even before Frank studied the cell, around seven men were already surrounding him in the darkness, their eyes shing like nocturnal predators as they sneered viciously at Frank.

    "Newbie, huh? Take off your pants!"

    "What?"

    Frank turned to find a savage looking man with a prominent scar on his face.

    Though the cell was pitch-ck,

    Frank could see with his sharp eyes that he was barely covered in rags, and his feet were swollen and filled with sores from dipping in water constantly.

    And seeing that Frank was not moving, the burly man bared his teeth threateningly. "What are you looking at?! Are you taking them off or  t

    "Hehehe..."

    Kon

    As Scarface closed in, sinisterughter could be heard from the nearby cells.

    "A new face... I''m surprised we''d still get newbies here."

    "What amazing feat could he have achieved, I wonder?"

    "Well, he''s out of luck now that Scarface has his eyes on him."

    The buzzingments gave Frank

    is on his situation-this was an

    prison, where the worstOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    viins were confined.

    t

    Nheless, Scarface felt belittled as Frank ignored him. "I''m talking to you, brat. Are you ying dumb on me?"

    He reached out his arms, ready to strangle Frank.

    He was such a huge man that his palm almost dwarfed Frank''s face.

    And yet...

    "Argh!!!"

    A blood-curdling scream soon resounded from the cell.

 Chapter 1699

    ?

    The jailer who just left did not turn back in spite of Scarface''s screams, as it was way toomon around here.

    He paused for a moment before chuckling and left without looking back.

    Meanwhile, Scarface was clutching his almost broken thumb and cowering in a corner, wheezing.

    "Yo!" Someone chuckled. "It seems the newbie can throw down, almost snapping Scarface Tucker''s thumb in an instant. Interesting!"

    Hearing the gleefulughter around him, Frank looked around and asked, "Can anyone tell me where I am?"

    "Eh...?"

    "Pfft..."

    "No way. The kid doesn''t know where this ce is?"

    "Makes sense. Just look at his nk stare-doesn''t look too smart, does he? Someone must have tricked him."

    ng...

    "Ahem..."

    As Frank''s fellow inmates chuckled andmented, silence quickly ensued with the nging of metals.

    A geezer could then be heard coughing, as every eye turned toward him in the darkness.

    Even the cells nearby were silent, a far cry from the liveliness when Frank had just entered the cell.

    Realizing that the coughing and metallic nging was from deeper within his cell, Frank turned to see a frail, elderly white-haired man sitting in a corner, chained in oversized fetters.

    Anyone with keen eyes could see that his shoulder de was pierced with metal hooks forged from a special alloy.

    The geezer was clearly a powerful martial artist, as the metal hook that cut into his bone effectively stopped his meridian nexus from charging.

    "This is ckwater Prison, where Draconia''s worst criminals are kept. So? What have you done that got you in here?"

    The geezer looked up, his chains nging whenever he moved.

    He was an especially eerie sight in the dark.

    Still, Frank was surprised that the geezer would answer his question.

    And as the saying about ''doing unto others'' goes, he responded nonchntly, "Killed a couple of morons, and then someone framed me-they told me there would be an interrogation, but I was brought straight here instead."

    "Hehehehe..."

    The fettered geezerughed eerily but coughed violently before he

    could talk, "Well, then it seems you''ve upset someone important in the government, or you wouldn''t have been thrown in here just because you butchered a couple of mooks."

    Frank frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Hehehe..." The geezer chuckled. "See, kid those who end up here in ckwater are all real scumbags, the worst of humanity who are beyond saving-murderers who

    massacred dozens.

    to

    "You, on the other hand, have been framed, or you wouldn''t be here otherwise... Well, you''re not getting out now that you''re here."

    Frank''s brow creased further at the geezer''s summary.

    He was not worried about himself, however, but was merely surprised that Droitner Inc. had government connections powerful enough to have him thrown in here.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    He certainly would not worry about making it out-the bars of the prison cells had been persistently eroded by dampness, and he could just kick it down.

 Chapter 1700

    ?

    If Frank really wanted to leave, not that many people could actually stop him.

    His brow easing, he turned toward the fettered geezer again. He could certainly notice from the other inmates'' reaction that they feared the geezer too.

    "In that case, may I ask how you ended up here, sir?" Frank asked.

    "Oh, it''s really not worth mentioning..."

    The geezer avoided the subject, shaking his head and smiling when he discerned Frank''s mood. "Word of advice, kid-you''re not getting out of here now that you''re here. I tried to escape with the strength in my arms... and well, you can see how that went."

    He gestured with his chin at his fetters, and Frank walked up to him.

    He studied the geezer and saw that he had overflowing vigor and a rich meridian nexus.

    Judging from that, he was definitely halfway into Ascendant rank.

    And if someone of his caliber was kept here, it was clear that this prison was worse than it looked.

    The geezer then calmly continued, telling Frank about the brutal truth. "Kid, this ce is infamous because no one ever leaves. Doesn''t matter who you are¡ªyour future is as dark as the ck puddles flooding the floor. There''s just no hope to be had.

    "Good behavior? Parole? None of those things apply-here in ckwater, you have two options. Either die here, or survive on food that''s worse than chicken feed."

    "Interesting," Frank murmured, nodding thoughtfully.

    Seeing that Frank was not giving up, the geezer shook his head, sighed, and closed his eyes, refraining from talking at all.

    It appears that the young man doubted him after all, but such was the willfulness of youth.

    When he had hit the wall enough times, he would understand that the geezer was being serious.

    ng! ng! ng!

    A metallic ng echoed down the hallway just then.

    Every inmate straightened at the sound right then and backed away from the steel bars of their cells, and it was suddenly even quieter than when the geezer spoke.

    "What''s going on?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Frank leaned against the steel bars to look down the hallway and found a jailer with obese cheeks advancing upon his cell, followed by a couple of flunkies.

    "Hey, on your feet or I''m chopping them off! Use your feet, or you have no reason to keep them!"

    The nging was clearly from the jailer hitting his baton against the steel bars of the prison cells, and every inmate in every cell was at once standing at attention.

    Even Scarface, who was the first to attempt bullying Frank, was standing upright respectfully.

    Seeing that the jailer was approaching their cell, the geezer turned to Frank and asked, "Hey, kid. Did you give a pay-off when you came in?" "Pay-off? What are you talking about?" Frank asked, bemused.

    "A bribe, basically..."

    The fettered geezer sighed exasperatedly, coughing as he exined under his breath, "It''s one of the unwritten rules here. Every inmate must pay off the jailer, or he won''t be nice to you. Do you have anything valuable?"

    Frank shook his head at the old man. "They took everything I had when I came in. They didn''t even let me keep my phone."

 Chapter 1701

    ?

    "Well, the jig''s up."

    The fettered geezer shook his head and sighed. "I guess you''ll be getting the Willbreaker."

    "Willbreaker? What''s that?" Frank asked.

    "To bring the new inmates down a peg, they would all be beaten up their first day in... though the severity depends on what you can offer the jailer." The geezer shook his head and sighed-Frank would definitely be getting a world of pain since he was not paying off the jailer.

    Still, he advised, "Look, if you can''t pay him off and have nothing of value, you just have to endure the stick and be as agreeable as possible. That way, the jailer just might take it easy on you."

    "Exactly." A skinny inmate sighed in agreement. "I had nothing to offer when I was brought here, so I had to suffer fifty strikes. Fortunately, I was healthy enough to recover after two weeks'' worth of lying down."

    He then looked pointedly at Frank. "But judging from your small frame, it''d take you a month to recover."

    "Yeah, but surviving is better than nothing."

    The other inmates were offering heartfelt advice as Frank was about to be given a beating.

    It was a rite of passage for every ckwater inmate, and one would only be spared if they knew about it beforehand and had someone outside pay off the jailer.

    As for Frank, who came in without valuables and had no one outside making bribes for him, he was certainly a tragic case.

    It was at least fifty strikes.

    If he were lucky, he would need just a couple of weeks to recover like the other inmate.

    If he was not, he was looking at disability and a chronic condition.

    "All of you, quiet!"

    The jailer could clearly hear the discussion the closer he moved to Frank''s cell.

    Smacking the jail bars with his baton grumpily, he looked around and asked, "I heard there''s a new face. Where is he?"

    "Over there, sir." One of his flunkies hurried to him, bowing politely before leading the way.

    Naturally, they headed straight to Frank''s cell.

    "Hmph. Fuckingpdogs." Frank vaguely heard Scarface swearing under his breath just then.

    He presumed that Scarface was

    cursing at the jailer. However, he noticed upon a closer look that Scarface was ring with fury and contempt, but at the jailer''s flunkies who were hovering around him.

    "You are you new here?"

    swneOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The jailer asked as he reached Frank''s cell, nudging Frank on the shoulder with his baton through the bars and barking coolly, "Anything you''d like to give me?"

    "Nope," Frank replied impassively.

    "No?"

    Frank''s blunt response somehow did not upset the warden, and he cleared his throat as he continued, "Then do you have anything fun?

    Hand it over and sweeten my pot?"

    "Nope," Frank repeated impassively.

    His uninterested reaction left the fettered geezer sighing and turning away.

    Frank really should have at least put on a smile even if he did not have anything, to show some sincerity.

    What was he doing, acting all pompous toward the jailer and challenging his authority?!

 Chapter 1702

    ?

    Would the jailer let Frank off easy after this? Young men were really inexperienced!

    This was it for Frank. Forget fifty Willbreakers-his attitude would earn him up to seventy more.

    And his scrawny body might not even survive it!

    "Woah, kid! You''re quite cocky, huh?"

    The two flunkies following the pudgy jailer around were at once upset, one of them even spitting on the floor as he pointed at the jailer. "Kid, don''t you know who this is? He''s Tigris Fisher, the Stallion of ckwater! How dare you behave so insolently in front of him? Do you want to die?!"

    Tigris shoved his flunkie out of the way as he stared fixedly at Frank and chuckled. "I heard that you were framed... but naturally, I don''t give a shit. Once you end up in here, you''re never getting out.

    "However, I can give you one chance to contact whatever friends and family you have outside, and tell them to pay me off. Once they do and I''m happy with the number, I just might y nice. But if it''s not enough... Hehe..."

    Tigris chuckled threateningly, brandishing his baton.

    "Oh, that''s good..."

    Seeing that Tigris was giving Frank a chance to contact someone outside, and the fact that he came from money judging from his wardrobe, the other inmates were sure that Frank would be spared torture for today.

    However, that was when Frank chuckled.

    "What are youughing at?"

    Tigris narrowed his eyes, projecting a violent presence just then.

    "I''mughing at your name obviously." Frank chuckled bluntly, not holding back at all. "The Stallion of ckwater? You really tter yourself... The Boar of ckwater is way more suitable, considering your girth."

    "How dare you!"

    While Frank mocked Tigris, his flunkies flew into a rage, pointing at Frank as they snapped at him.

    "You bastard! Who do you think you are to insult Mr. Fisher?! Looks like you''re really asking for it!"

    "Just let us handle this, Mr. Fisher. Just watch-we will peel his mouth off!"

    Tigrispletely ignored the two flunkies'' sycophancy, however, and strode close to Frank cell as he growled, Kid, do you think you''re so important that you get to strut here in ckwater too? Do you really think I can''t kill you if I wanted to?"

    "Just stating facts."

    Frank smiled, narrowing his eyes and shrugging. "Also, who''s going to kill me? You?"

    Frank did not even need to borate his look of contempt said it all, leaving all the inmates in his cell and nearby cells stunned.

    Someone was actually challenging the jailer''s authority?! That was a newbie for you!

    "Pfft. This is going to be good."

    "I''m betting five bucks that things don''t end well for the new kid."

    "Bullshit. You don''t even have a piece of cloth covering your ass."

    This time, Tigris ignored the whispers in the cells around them, as his glower turned to a savage grin. "Well, since you''re so eager for it, I''ll show you how things work on your first day here in ckwater. Get him out here."

    "Yes, sir!"

    At Tigris'' orders, the two flunkies eagerly opened the cell door and shoved Frank outside.

    They were smiling sadistically,

    too-in this ce devoid of

    entertainment, helping the jailer

    torture their fellow inmates was one

    of the few sources of

    entertainments they had.

    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

 Chapter 1703

    ?

    The fettered geezer was left speechless by Frank''s attitude and sighed softly.

    The young man would definitely pay for not listening to his elders.

    "Hmph. Mongrels."

    Seeing the two flunkies of the jailer eagerly bringing out their torture tools and a fire cauldron, endless hate showed on Scarface Tucker''s face. They were the ones who scarred his face, after all.

    He would not hate them so much if they were jailers, but these flunkies used to be his men. They used whatever they had to pay off the jailer, and after days of sycophancy, earned their special rights despite being inmates.

    In fact, they were worse than the jailer when they did his dirty work!

    Various emotions could be seen in Scarface''s eyes as he stared at the steel bar door which was left wide open.

    He wanted nothing more than to charge outside and kill those two despicable flunkies on the spot.

    However, without a stable diet and being afflicted by sickness and stress, he was now the weakest of the three. He would definitely get killed even before he did anything to the two flunkies if he charged outside.

    "Yo, Tucker! What''s up?"

    Seeing Scarface staring at them fixedly, one of the flunkies leveled a gleeful look at him in turn. "Still bear a grudge, huh? Just give up already. You look like you can''t even win against a stray on the streets now... to think that you used to strut as the boss. Tut, tut."

    The other flunkieughed coolly. "Boss? My foot! If only he grew a pair and killed that bitch, we wouldn''t be here at all! And he says he''d take a bullet for a brother? He only ended up a clown, while Terry Cotton is living the good life outside!"

    "Terry Cotton?"

    Frank turned toward Scarface when he heard the name and found him clenching his fists but not arguing at all.

    If he did, he would be tortured-a lesson he had learned over the years, and on many asions.

    "Oh, I know! You want us dead, don''t you? Here, have a shot."

    One of the flunkies threw a rusty shiv at the doorway of the cell, ¨¥ughing. "If you call yourself a man, pick up that shiv and get out

    here who knows, you might really

    kill us!"

    "So? How about it?"C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Scarface''s knuckles cracked audibly, but he was not moving a muscle in spite of the flunkies'' provocation.

    After all, he knew very well that these were the two flunkies'' ploy.

    If he picked up the shiv, he would be found guilty of attempting escape and attacking a jailer.

    What awaits him then would be a new round of torture-a living hell for the body.

    On top of that, it was how he got his facial scars before.

    "Hahaha... That''s just embarrassing!"

    Seeing Scarface back down, both flunkiesughed smugly.

    Tigris was bored to see Scarface backing off too and urged the two flunkies preparing the torture tools, "Alright, just get it over with

    sweady!"

    We do this in the hallway

    He wanted to do this in the hallway to make a proper example of Frank, who refused to pay him off, and insulted him on top of that

    content

    In fact, he could not wait to hear Frank scream and beg for mercy already.

 Chapter 1704

    ?

    But at the very next instant, Frank was picking up the rusted shiv thrown over by the flunkies, and he turned toward Scarface interestedly. "Hey, what''s your story with Terry Cotton?"

    "Terry Cotton...?" Scarface murmured, stumped just then.

    It was already a death sentence after Frank insulted the jailer, but he was now picking up the shiv, clearly ready to attack Tigris!

    He was doing everything Tigris would never dare!

    Around them, the inmates in their cells were shocked to see Frank pick up the shiv too but were soonughing out loud.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    After all, letting an inmate pick up a weapon was almost a traditional bait that new inmates fell for, unless warned by another inmate who was aware.

    It was an indisputable crime to take up arms, after all. The inmate would also be charged with attempting escape and attacking the jailer, with the punishment being a brutal round of torture.

    Losing a limb and disability wasmon for such instances.

    The fettered geezer was certainly reluctant to say another word as he watched. Frank was simply going to die the first day he came in anyway. But amidst theughter and gleeful looks, Scarface answered Frank, "Terry Cotton? He''s like a brother to me..."

    "Pfft..."

    One of the flunkies could not helpughing right then. "Come on, Tucker! Did Terry evene to visit since you''vee in here?"

    "Hell, he never got you a pay-off ever since you''vee here!"

    "Terry did! But you dogs..." Scarface suddenly trailed off and stayed silent.

    "Oh, what''s wrong? Cat got your tongue?"

    the

    One of the flunkiesughed. "Who was the dumbass who insisted that he was the boss and would take the Willbreaker for our sake? Tut, tut Just look at us now, and then at yourself.... It''s called judging the situation. Did you really think you''d still be our boss after we''re thrown in here? Get over yourself!"

    Frank more or less pieced together the flunkies'' connection with Scarface just then.

    It appeared that Terry actually did send a pay-off for Scarface, but Scarface had let these two flunkies have it.

    And in order to livefortably, the two flunkies willingly became the jailer''spdog, hence turning against their former boss and even scarring his face.

    It was therefore not surprising that Scarface was cursing under his breath as soon as he saw the two flunkies.

    "How despicable."

    Frank leered at the pair in disdain, as he despised traitors the most.

    However, one of the flunkies sneered savagely despite Frank''s insult. "Hey, you hearing this shit?"

    "Loud and clear. Kid has a spine, snapping at us after all that."

    "Let''s properly teach him a lesson, then."

    With the torture tools prepared, one of the flunkies flexed his wrists as he walked toward Frank, smiling, "This is ckwater. Loyalty and morals all go up in smoke in exchange for survival."

    "Indeed." The other flunkie smirked "Shame that you won''t be around long enough to understand that Afterall, your first day is going to be yourst day."

 Chapter 1705

    ?

    Frank did not move even as he watched the two flunkies stride toward his sides.

    Instead, he turned and threw the rusted shiv to Scarface, who caught it in reflex. However, he dropped it on the floor the next instant as if the shiv jolted him.

    Frank, however, did not mock him, and instead smiled faintly. "Terry Cotton is like a brother to you, isn''t he? I happened to meet him too, and I dare say we''re quite close-just like brothers."

    Scarface was left taken aback and started panting as he watched the two flunkies press Frank toward the iron chair.

    Even as he nced between Frank and the rusted shiv on the floor repeatedly, he finally snapped when he saw one of the flunkies stride toward Frank with a branding iron.

    Picking up the shiv from the floor, he lunged at the two flunkies and yelled, "Fuck! Let him go!"

    His voice was tired and enfeebled, but he surprised the two flunkie nheless.

    "Tucker...?"

    "What the fuck are you doing?!"

    While Tigris was surprised to see Scarface pick up the shiv and fight, he soon calmed down and smirked.

    It seemed that he would be having some fun today.

    Frank was smiling when he saw Scarface charge at the flunkies too. "Hehe... so you do have a spine."C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Bang!

    To no surprise, the enfeebled Scarface tripped over Tigris'' outstretched leg, dropping his shiv into a nearby puddle.

    However, Scarface wheezed even as he pushed him up, not stopping to look for the shiv and continued to charge toward the two flunkies. "You... dogs!" he bellowed.

    At the same time, one of the flunkies raised a red-hot branding iron and swung it at Scarface.

    If it hit, he would be thoroughly disfigured!

    Thud!

    Before the branding iron could reach Scarface''s cheek, however, a palm suddenly reached out from the side and caught it.

    "What?! Are you kidding me?! Who on earth could hold on to burning steel without letting go?"

    Astonishment showed on the

    flunkie''s face as he saw the bar

    hand holding the brand et

    a vice-like grip for seconds without flinching.

    And in his seconds of astonishment, Scarface had reached the flunkie and punched him squarely in the face.

    It looked like a soft punch without much strength, but with Scarface''s immense weight, it did plenty of damage.

    The flunkie screamed as he fell on the floor.

    "How dare you, Scarface! You''re

    asking for it!" the other flunkie yelled from a distance, but he was noting to help his beaten friend even though he was in much better shape than Scarface.

    Nearby, Tigris was staring at his beaten flunkie in disdain. "Moron."

    "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

    The other inmates were cheering from their cell, loving every moment of it.

    Being confined for so long had really led to a lot of stress in those viins, violent tendencies were

    and

    when they saw

    start a fight.

    a

 Chapter 1706

    "That kid too? Hmph!"

    The fettered geezer in a corner of the cell shook his head exasperatedly.

    What good was throwing a punch when it only relieved their frustrations for a second?

    All it really got them was a world of pain, and was that worth it?

    The geezer was hence pursing his lips, sighing at Scarface''s brainless actions that would earn him disproportionate retribution.

    However, even the geezer had to admit that he was itching for this at this very moment, his long dormant heart felt a strange anticipation.

    ng.

    Dropping the branding iron on the floor, Frank nced at his reddened palm for a moment before tearing the leather shackles off his wrists.

    Then, as the inmates in the surrounding cells looked on, he walked straight toward Tigris and said calmly, "Take me to your leader. I''d like to talk to him since I have pressing matters elsewhere I have no time to waste here."

    His calm, arrogant words left the inmates shocked.

    "Shit, who''s this character?"

    "Seeing the warden? Is he suicidal?"

    Tigris could hear the buzzing crowd and found Frank utterly disrespectful.

    He could see from the way Frank freed himself that Frank was a martial artist, but even martial artists did not get to strut here in ckwater!

    Hls eyes narrowing above his pudgy cheeks, he growled, "You brat... If you want to die sooner, you don''t need to bother the warden. I can help you with that."

    "I''m not in the mood to y house

    with you, Frank said, his tone sinister as he pointed at Scarface. "Get me a car right now. And 1 be bringing this man along with me."

    "Oooh..."

    Everyone was gasping in surprise at Frank''s demand, and even the fettered geezer was staring at Frank in confusion.

    He just could not understand where this kid found such confidence.

    Forget not knowing the rules-he dared to take up such a tone with the jailer?

    Such a thing had never happened in the ten years since the geezer was brought here!

    "You asked for this!"

    To no surprise, Tigris was left furious by Frank''s boldness.

    He raised his knuckle right then, projecting his pure vigor and materializing a steel gauntlet as heunched a punch at Frank''s cheek.

    The jailer was actually Birthright ranked!

    "Watch out!"

    Scarface, who was panting after taking down the flunkie, barely had the time to react when he saw Tigrisunching a jab at Frank''s face.

    And judging from the thick pure vigor enveloping Tigris'' knuckle, he was not just intent on beating Frank-he clearly intended to kill!

    If the punch struck true...

    Scarface flinched-if he were in Frank''s face, his face would blow up like a watermelon, with the pieces scattering everywhere.

    And Frank was not even protecting

    himself with pure vigor-that meant he was a vigor wielder at best, even

    if he had just proven that he was a martial artist by freeing himself!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 1707

    ?

    "Die!"

    Hearing Tigris'' bellow, every ckwater inmate was expecting to see a sight of blood and gore, and they were certainly thrilled.

    Moreover, Frank did not even have time to dodge-once Tigris'' punchnded, his head would explode right then.

    However, even as the geezer in the cell shook his head and sighed, the inmates were soon left gaping in shock. After all, instead of spilling blood, the bones in Tigris'' knuckle broke audibly as he squealed like a gutted pig.

    "What..."

    One of the flunkies hiding behind Tigris was smirking savagely, already preparing a script to tter Tigris when he punched Frank''s brain out.

    He was left in shock, however-while Tigris'' punch struck Frank squarely on the cheek, his skull did not blow up, while Tigris was the one who ended up screaming.

    Even as Tigris stumbled backward, the inmates suddenly realized that his knuckle was dangling limply, while white bone was protruding from the joints.

    It was Tigris who bled from his fist, and not Frank from his head.

    "What..."

    The fettered geezer was left gaping.

    His very bones restrained in an anger that his meridian nexus could not charge his pure vigor. However, that did not affect his cultivation as he could clearly see the pure vigor with which Tigris had charged his punch with.

    Forget a person''s head-Tigris would have punched a hole in a solid chunk of steel.

    And yet, all that power did not even scratch Frank, while the recoil broke Tigris'' hand instead.

    What was this logic?

    At that very moment, the geezer suddenly had an unbelievable theory.

    If he could not discern that young man''s depth despite being halfway through Ascendant rank, that would mean...

    "His martial arts prowess is far beyond mine?! How''s that possible?!"

    Shock showed all over the geezer''s face, as he had been considered a genius during his youth.

    Even then, he had only reached Ascendant rank in his forties, and halfway through it after ten years of nightless training.

    e

    And yet, the young man before the geezer did not even look thirty but had already proven himself stronger even though the geezer had trained for decades more.

    Did that even make sense?

    Still, while the geezer was left pondering the meaning of life, Tigris clearly had trouble believing what had just happened.

    With a raging bellow, he raised his one good arm andunched a jab, enshrouded with faint purple pure vigor.

    Any

    awayOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    t Tigris was going all out

    best move, and an

    advanced technique at thet

    "Bull Knocker!"

    Even the prisoners seemed to hear the bellow of a raging bull as Tigris leapt toward Frank with a battlecry.

    On the other hand, Frank lost all

    patience as he watched Tigris attack him again. "Horse, bull, pig, and tiger? Seriously, which one

    Swne you?"

 Chapter 1708

    ?

    As the inmates looked on, Frank bellowed as heunched his fist at Tigris, their knuckles colliding just like before.

    At first nce, Tigris'' punch was shrouded in pure vigor and kicking up a violent shockwave, while Frank was just basically holding out his knuckle-it was really a stretch to call it a punch.

    Forget projecting his pure vigor-Frank was not even putting his back into it, and it was a really simple, half-heard punch.

    Bang!

    In a split second, Tigris'' thundering punch was parried like it was nothing, while the man himself was howling as he was sent flying and crashing into the steel bars of a prison cell.

    And as the inmates turned to look, they could all see that all that was left of Tigris'' knuckle was pieces of flesh scattered all over the floor.

    It would be a gruesome sight, but the inmates were used to it here at ckwater.

    They were not thrilled either, because it was a jailer who was beaten up!

    How many years had it been since this had happened?

    No, forget retaliating against a jailer-the man even defeated him!

    Talk about suicidal!

    "Are we done here? Can we go now?"

    Frank wagged his finger and slid his hands in his pocket nonchntly.

    However, he turned to find Scarface''s face pale, and he was barely on his feet instead of getting extinct when Frank beat the jailer. "What? What''s wrong?" he asked.

    "Y-You messed up big time!" Scarface cried, his lips trembling in clear terror as he stared at the unconscious Tigris.

    "Messed up? How?"

    Frank shrugged nonchntly, unconcerned. "What, do they have Transcendent ranks around here?"

    His bold words left Scarface and the other inmates around gulping.

    Transcendent ranks? The man could really brag!Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Kid..."

    The geezer nearby was leveling Frank a troubled look too.

    Judging from Frank''s disy of strength, the geezer was now sure that Frank surpassed him despite his youth.

    "I was young and feisty just like you back in the day, thinking I could strut anywhere because I thought myself invincible. Hell, I defeated the jailers just like you and broke out of this prison..."

    The geezer coughed as he

    continued quietly. "And well, you can see how that turned out-fetters forged from the strongest steel hold down my old bones, and I''m forced to live through this hell on earth."

    Looking up, the geezer''s gaze flickered as he told Frank solemnly, "If you don''t want to end up like me you should really listen to me now-stay here, and then apolo

    n

    to the warden when hees back.

    "That way, he might somehow prove lenient, and only punish you for trying to escape and hurting the jailer. If you really escape, however, no one will be there to save you."

    "Why?"

    Frank frowned-why was this geezer so persistently pessimistic?

    The old man sighed. "Have you heard about the ckwater Designation?"

    "The ckwater Designation?"

    Frank had heard about it before, as every bounty on the ckwater Designation came with ridiculously lucrative rewards. In fact, even the best martial elites of Draconia would not shy away from taking it.

 Chapter 1709

    ?

    Frank had a hunch right then. "Could it be...?"

    The geezer nodded grimly, seeing the look on his face. "As the name suggests, every ckwater Prison across Draconia has the authority to issue the ckwater Designation, in order to apprehend the worst criminals in the country.

    "If you tried to break out, you''d naturally top the list, and you would find yourself fighting every martial artist in Draconia! That''s why no one ever leaves ckwater."

    Seeing the geezer''s scowl as if reminded of bad memories, Frank quickly understood that his pessimism stemmed from a failed escape attempt, after which he was captured by one of the best martial artists under the ckwater Designation.

    "May I ask who brought you back?"

    "It was Simon Lionheart, head of the Lionheart family."

    The name left Frank narrowing his eyes. "The head of the Lionheart family personally..."

    "Yes."

    Terror showed in the geezer''s eyes even as he shook his head, sighing lengthily. "His strength is unparalleled, even among the Transcendent ranked individuals. I won''t lie-he subdued me the instant I ran into him."

    "So, do you understand now why ckwater is inescapable, kid? Don''t bother dreaming about leaving now that you''re here, because you''re never leaving."

    Frank was left thoughtful by the geezer''s story.

    If he left now, there was no question that he would be in for a world of trouble-those antique Transcendent ranked individuals would reallye out of seclusion to take him down.

    But if he did not leave, then Gavin Lane would really get killed...

    "Hehe..."

    Scarface chuckled miserably at Frank just then. "On top of that, we''re really screwed here. Escaping should be thest thing on your mind." "Why?" Frank asked, bemused.

    "Why, you ask?!"

    One of the flunkies got to his feet, wiping the blood from his lips.

    He turned, ncing at the unconsciousTigris and smirking. "You don''t know who you just attacked did you? He''s the warden''s brother! And you didn''t stop at beating him up, but you broke both

    his arms too? What do you think the Warden would do to you now?"

    "Warden''s... brother?" Frank frowned slightly, realizing that this would prove troublesome.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    He was just nning to look for the

    warden and convince him to contact Gene Pearce or Hans

    Schnee someone who had

    connections with the government who might be able to get him out.

    However, Draco Fisher was clearly not going to let him have any contact with the outside world after he attacked his brother. And if Frank tried to break out of prison, Draco could issue the ckwater Designation, whichplicated things further.

    Frank felt the dilemma right then, but even as he hesitated, he saw Tigris'' phone poking out of his pocket.

    "Anything''s fine, as long as I can contact someone outside."

    Frank strode over, but the flunkies were still intent on protecting their master, frowning at Frank as he approached.

    "What do you think you''re doing, brat?!"

    "You''ve already hurt the warden''s brother! Now you''re trying to take him hostage too?!"

 Chapter 1710

    ?

    Frank was left taken aback but soon appeared delighted¡ªthat was true! Why did he not think of that?!

    He even nodded at the flunkies. "Thanks for the tip. I really didn''t think of that!"

    The two flunkies traded nces, while the one who gave Frank the idea of taking Tigris hostage could p himself right then.

    "S-Stand back!"

    "Do you think the warden would show you mercy when you''re hurting his brother?!"

    Seeing Frank strode up, the two flunkies were still trying to name-drop the warden to intimidate Frank.

    They had no idea that Frank was not susceptible, and while they yapped a lot, they quickly cleared a path for Frank.

    With that, they watched helplessly as Frank put Tigris on the iron chair and wheeled him further inside the cell.

    "Alright-Tigris Fisher is now my hostage," Frank said. "Run along now and tell your warden that I have his brother, and that he shouldn''t do anything stupid... or I''ll kill my hostage!"

    Seeing that Frank was absolutely stubborn, the two flunkies had no choice but to turn and leave to inform the warden.

    At the same time, Frank whipped out Tigris'' phone and wasted no time calling Gene''s Pearce.

    No one answered, but it was understandable since it was Gene''s personal number, and that he would not ept the call from a number he did not recognize.

    After thinking about it, Frank called Hans Schnee, but he could not reach him.

    "What?"

    Frank frowned, surprised that Hans would not answer a call, though he was most likely busy with some operation.

    Nheless, after struggling with himself for a while, a face came to Frank''s mind.

    Despite being reluctant to bother her, he had no choice at this point but to call her personal number.

    "Who is this?" a cool yet melodious voice spoke from the other end.

    "Ahem... Silverbell, it''s me."

    Frank naturally called Silverbell since she was the chief of the Martial Alliance.

    As the official leader of all Draconian martial artists with a direct line to Draconia''s president, her assistance would be the most effective in t this issue.

    Swne

    The only problem was that Frank subconsciously did not want to trouble her.

    "Donn-I mean, Frank."

    Silverbell''s ethereal voice was at once mild when she realized it was him. "Why did you call me?" "Well, you see..."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Frank told her everything that had happened, including how he was framed and thrown in ckwater.

    Silverbell fell silent in turn.

    "ckwater... well, thatplicates things."

    Frank frowned, as he could tell from

    Silverbell''s voice that this would

    vel.n

    prove troublesome. "What, is ckwater not under the

    government''s jurisdiction? You don''t get to interfere either?"

    "Yeah," Silverbell replied, confirming his suspicion.

    Still, her tone soon appeared rxed, "But as the chief of the Martial Alliance, they can''t stop me if I want to take someone out with me, though that means I''d have to make the trip myself... so be patient and wait for me, Frank."

    Frank then hung up, breathing a long sigh of relief.

 Chapter 1711

    ?

    While Frank was being confined at ckwater, Huub Droitner was glowering as he paced around in his hotel room.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    He would shoot an asional but vicious re at his goon who was kneeling nearby before eventually bellowing, "Ipetent fools!"

    Even as the goon flinched, Huub ranted, "All I told you is to find an herb for me, but none of you could find it?! What''s the point of me keeping any of you around?! You''re all useless!"

    The goon was certainly wounded by Huub''s me too. "But, sir-the herb is really rare! We asked everyone we could ask across Zamri and Bralog, but no one knew about it! There''s no way we would know! And if no one knows, we don''t even know where to start!"

    Huub might have promised Helen that he would bring her a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, but in reality, he did not know what it was.

    In fact, he had never heard that name before he was just trying to look good, snapping back at Frank and pretending that he knew to impress Helen. As such, when Helen urged him to bring it to her, he promised that a courier was on his way, while sending out all his people to find one at the same time.

    In his mind, with the extensivework of Droitner Inc., getting a mere herb could not be easier-it was all just a matter of time.

    If he had to, he could just say that his people were dyed due to unforeseen circumstances, shifting the me in its entirety.

    And since Helen needed the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom so urgently, she would not mind a small dy.

    With that, Huub would have Helen''s

    affection, while he got Frank to

    l

    disappear so that he could im Helen, along with other goodies from Lanecorp.

    After all, Lanecorp had changed now-even Droitner Inc. had heard about their sudden growth all the way in Bralog.

    And with Noel York, the best actress of Draconia joining their ranks, Lanecorp''s reputation was now heard far and wide. Still, Huub calmed down a little after hearing his goon''sints.

    ?

    Rubbing his chin, he frowned and murmured to himself, "Could it really be that rare? So many people not knowing about an herb... Well, that''s a first."

    "Mr. Droitner, Mr. Droitner-!"

    Another goon charged into the hotel room just then, at once thrilled and delighted. "I''ve found it!" "Really?!"

    Huub appeared delighted despite the second goon''sck of manners, while shooting a re at the first goon who imed it could not be found. See? What was that about everyone not knowing about a single herb? What did he have to say now that his colleague had found one?

    The first goon was as shocked as he was dejected, because he was not lying-he had sent a lot of people to go looking, and the reports he received were all the same: no one had even heard about it.

 Chapter 1712

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    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    As his colleague now reported that he had found the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, the goon wondered if his men were all working together to trick him by telling him that no one had told him about it.

    Still, he decided it was not the case, as his men had been working for him for a while.

    Moreover, they heard that Huub was willing to pay five million dors for it, so they would definitely want that money.

    As such, he was keen to see this Bloodcrane Spiritbloom his colleague was bringing Huub.

    Still, Huub did a double take just then, seeing the gleeful look on his goon''s face but nothing in his hands. "You said you''ve found it¡ªwell, where is it?"

    Though the goon''s smile faded, he quickly threw up his hands. "The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is really precious, Mr. Droitner... I can''t hold it with my bare hands."

    Huub nodded that made sense, as touching the herb directly might ruin it. "Then where is it? We will go and get it right now!"

    "Okay!"

    The goon did not keep everyone in suspense and quickly led Huub to a funeral parlor. He then pointed at the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom on the list of flower circlets avable.

    "There it is, Mr. Droitner!"

    The goon smiled smugly, rearing his chin and not noticing the cold look on Huub''s face. "Oh, you have no idea how hard it was to find this. It took me a trip around the whole city to find this geezer, and he said he''s the only one who could make it¡ª"

    Smack!

    The gleeful goon was waiting to be praised, only to be pped loudly across the face and see Huub shaking with rage.

    "You bastard! I want a herb, not a freaking circlet! If you like it, I''ll let you wear one right now!"

    The goon promptly kowtowed

    repeatedly and apologized. "Please, Mr. Droitner! But I can''t find it anywhere else... I just heard about this geezer by chance, and I asked in hopes that he could help, and he said he could!"

    "You prick!"

    Huub glowered furiously. "Then why did you bring me here? You could have just brought it over!"

    "Well..."

    The goon held his red-hot cheek while muttering, "He demanded a hundred grand for one, so I had to call you..."

    Huub almost passed out right then-the geezer took his goon for a sucker, so his goon was trying his luck with him as well?!

    Livid, he pped the goon across the face right then, knocking him out, foaming from his mouth.

    "Oh, ho ho...."

    Just then, a geezer with an unscrupulous face rubbed his hands as he stepped out.

    With just one look at the three men, he could tell right away that Huub was the leader.

    vel.ne

    "You''re the gentleman who wanted the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, yes?" he asked, smiling. "Hehe... I don''t mind telling you that it''s my humble outlet''s specialty. The flower actually fake, but it''d look more genuine than the real deal.

    As he spoke, he nced at Huub''s unconscious goon, his eyes shing greedily instead of calling for a doctor. "Good! The auguries have proimed that today is a good day to die, sir! You will definitely

    Ov

    reincarnate into a rich family in your next life!"

 Chapter 1713

    ?

    "What the hell?"

    Huub''s expression was as cold as ice.

    He always knew that undertakers were so eloquent that they could give fortune tellers a run for their money. However, nothing they ever said would be true, as it was all a sales pitch.

    And Huub could not care less about people like them, so he snorted and turned to leave.

    "Hey now, sir!"

    Seeing that Huub was going to abandon his unconscious goon, the unscrupulous geezer hurried to him and started rambling, "You could let me handle his funeral matters. I promise that it will be my finest work. The deposit would be..."

    As his eyes narrowed in glee and he rubbed his hands at Huub, his intention could not have been clearer.

    "Fuck off!" Huub''s other goon barked.

    He hade to see what was this Bloodcrane Spiritbloom his colleague found, only for him to bring them to such a dank, gloomy ce.

    And as it turned out, his colleague messed up big time.

    The goon would haveughed¡ªin fact, he wanted to do it from the start. But seeing the furious look on Huub''s face, he did not dare to do so.

    "What..."

    The geezer thought they were here for funeral services, only for them to snap at him.

    And judging from their looks, they had money, so he only smiled awkwardly without insulting them.

    Still, as he left, he shook his head in exasperation and sighed softly. "I thought that gentleman on the floor was a savant, taking a liking to the flower I made and was eager to show you. But now... I guess no one appreciates art these days!"

    "Watch your mouth!" the goon snapped at the geezer again, still holding back hisughter.

    Nheless, as the geezer

    shrugged nonchntly and headed

    behind his shoplet, Huub''s pho

    started ringing.

    Naturally, it was none other than Helen, who urged Huub politely despite her anxiety, "Has the herb arrived, Mr. Droitner? The kidnapper has just called again, threatening to hurt my uncle in two hours if she still doesn''t see the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. I''m afraid-"

    "It''s fine, it''s fine. It will be here soon," Huub replied half-heartedly, his eyes darting evasively.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Still, he spotted a fake flower that looked very much like it was alive and suddenly had an idea.

    "Sorry, Helen-I''m busy right now. Let''s talkter," he said, and hung up.

    Then, he held out a hand, stopping his goon from leaving the nameless shoplet.

    "What is it, sir?"

    His goon looked at him in confusion.

    Huub did not exin himself,

    however, and instead turned toward

    the geezer. "Since you''re that

    confident, show me the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom you''ve made."

    "Oh?"

    The geezer''s eyes lit up immediately. "It seems that someone here knows his goods!"

    And with those words, he excitedly headed out through the back door to fetch it.

    When he was goon, the goon asked gingerly, "Sir, you know that it''s a fake flower, right? That means-

    "I know." Huub snorted, though a smile soon appeared on his lips.

 Chapter 1714

    ?

    Huub snorted before chuckling coolly. "But if I haven''t seen the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom before, do you think Helen Lane or her mother would? The only ones who have would be Frank Lawrence and that kidnapper... Hell, maybe that kidnapper never saw it too."

    The goon realized what he was saying right then. "Oh! So you''re saying..."

    Huub nodded, his lips curling into a sneer. "Yes. Since no one would know what it looks like, I could just get something that could pass off as the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. Helen Lane and her mother don''t know anything anyway, and if the kidnapper kills her hostage, I just have to keep denying it, and it''s good as done.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    "Hell, I could use that as an excuse to inte the value of the flower, forcing her into submission through an astronomical debt. I won''t lose anything even if she refuses-I''d just take her by force."

    Huub''s good had to give him a thumbs up in praise. "You''re a genius, sir!"

    Soon, the unscrupulous geezer returned with a fragrant flower and red crystalline petals.

    His craftsmanship was perfect-the flower was so wlessly made no one would be able to tell the signs, as if it was a real blossom. Seeing that, Huub looked up in surprise. "That''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    "Yes." The geezerughed heartily and smugly. "I spent years honing my skill for this, and it''s really taxing,bining the motifs of a crane and a flower. It''s not just the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom-whether it''s the Yellowcrane Spiritbloom, the Whitecrane Spiritbloom, or the ckcrane Spiritbloom, I can make anything you want.

    "Since the ancients im that the cranes are spirit animals and blood cranes prevent disasters, you can put a circlet of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom around the decreased head, and even Hades wouldn''t dare to mess with you."

    Huub held up a man to stop the geezer''s yapping, not bothered to listen as he asked bluntly, "Not another word from you. All I want to ask is this- how much for one flower?"

    "One flower..."

    Studying Huub and his goon, the geezer narrowed his eyes and smiled. "It''s not much. Just five hundred grand."

    "What?!"

    Huub''s goon sprang to his feet right then, pointing at his unconscious colleague and snapping coldly, "He already told us how much you were asking! It was just a hundred grand!"

    "So what?"

    The old man rolled his eyes, folding his arms before his chest. "That''s in bulk-I''d give a discount if you buy more, but you''re only buying one. How am I supposed to give you a discount?"

    "What?!" The goon was ready to attack-the geezer was inting the price on the spot!

    "That''s enough!"

    Huub stood up, stopping his goon while speaking quietly. "Look, geezer-we''re not stupid enough to let you dupe us like that. The flower is exquisitely made, but there''s nothing amazing about its materials or functions. So, I''ll pay your five hundred. Will you sell it?"

    "What?!"

    The unscrupulous geezer''s beard was bristling once he heard Huub''s price, and he pointed a shaking §Ö§ä finger between Huub and his goon. "Tactless... you''re both tactless t took years of studies to perfect this "

    "Enough!"

    Swn

    Huub iled his arm at the geezer, his expression sinister. "Quit giving me your nonsense-I won''t hear a word of it. I''ll ask onest time-five hundred for your Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. Will you sell it or not?"

    sw novel

 Chapter 1715

    ?

    "I refuse!"

    The geezer remained determined.

    "Hmph."

    Huub snorted at his stubbornness and stepped aside.

    His goon caught his cue right then.

    He was naturally a powerful martial artist-that was how he got the job.

    He strode forward right then and lifted the geezer off the ground, his face inches away from the geezer''s as he growled threateningly, "Do you know who you''re trying to con here? This is Huub Droitner of Bralog''s Droitner Incorporated! It seems that you''re really asking for it!"

    "D-Droitner Incorporated? So what? T-This is Zamri, not Bralog! You don''t get to strut here!"

    The geezer remained defiant despite the goon''s threat, but the panic in his eyes betrayed his fear.

    "Strut, you say?"

    Huub chuckled coolly nearby. "All of Zamri would soon be beneath my feet-pawns like you would never understand."

    Walking up, he snatched the fake flower on the table. "I was going to pay you five hundred bucks for your troubles, but since you don''t know what''s good for you, you''re not getting shit!"

    "What?!"

    The geezer eximed in disbelief as he looked on. "Are you stealing from me?! In broad daylight?!"

    "So what if I am?" Huub shrugged and left.

    His goon sneered as he watched Huub leave, having found out what he should do now from the look Huub gave him.

    Pushing the geezer to the floor, he kicked the geezer viciously in the hip, leaving him screaming.

    Meanwhile, Huub chuckled as he left the shoplet, his eyes shing with cold lust.

    "Well, I have everything I need now," he said, getting into his Lincoln and pouring himself a ss of wine.

    The geezer screamed endlessly back at the shoplet until Huub''s goon stepped out, his face covered in blood.

    "Is he dead?" Huub smiled in amusement.

    "No, sir. He''s barely clinging to life," the goon replied respectfully, wiping the blood off his face.

    "Good. We shouldn''t kill on a whim since I intend to extend my business here." Huub smiled as he raised the car window. "Get on. We''re going to an antique shop."

    "An antique shop? Why?"

    The goon did a double take-should their priority not be to hurry to Lanecorp Tower to give Helen the

    fake Bloodcrane Spirit

    swnev

    "If it''s an important herb, shouldn''t it be kept in a nice box?" Huub shot back coolly.

    The goon realized with a start, and

    got in thone

    car, giving Huub a

    thumbs up. "I see! That''s

    cunning n, Mr. Droit

    As night arrived, a special guest arrived at ckwater.

    Dressed totally in white albeit with a sword sheathed on her hip, Silverbell was the image of a goddess.

    Behind her was the pudgy, grubby warden of the prison, Draco Fisher.

    "Hehe..."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Draco''s fat cheeks were squeezed together, his eyes narrowed into slits.

 Chapter 1716

    ?

    "Hehe..."

    Draco Fisher''s fat cheeks were squeezed together, his eyes narrowed into slits.

    He rubbed his pudgy hands together, salivating at the beautiful woman before him. "I didn''t know you''d be visiting, Lady Silverbell! Sorry for not preparing a reception for you!"

    "Save the formalities."

    Silverbell maintained her cool demeanor as the chief of the Martial Alliance, the look on her face warning others to keep their distance. "I came for one reason¡ªI want you to release one of your prisoners."

    "What..."

    Draco''s eyes widened at Silverbell''s cool yet melodious voice, but he was so fat that his eyes did not widen all that much.

    Still, he shook his head and waved her off as if by instinct. "No, no, no. I''m afraid that won''t do, Lady Silverbell. You know that ckwater is under the grandmissioner''s jurisdiction. Even as the president''s confidants, you can''t¡ª"

    "The person I want to free is not who you think it is."

    Silverbell said quietly, "I don''t know what bribes you''ve received or what nonsense you''ve been told that led to his arrest. However, once you''ve angered his connections, it won''t just be the party who trumped up charges against him their families, and even you, would be resting in pieces."

    "What?"

    Draco was left sweating all over his face at Silverbell''s threat, his grubby cheeks looking especially greasy and repulsive under the bright lights overhead.

    However, despite being clearly afraid, he still probed Silverbell tentatively after some thought. "You must be joking, Lady Silverbell. I''ve only ever done my duty and never took bribes or listened to nder. Moreover, I''d also like to know on whose behalf you''re..."

    "The Lord of the Southern Woods," Silverbell replied bluntly.

    Draco''s face fell in an instant-after all, the Lord of the Southern Woods had a reputation in the country.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    He once carved a bloody path into Talnam, forcing their king on their knees into submission and thus leaving such a fearsome reputation that it kept Talnam at bay to this day.

    Were there many others who had aplished such feats?

    In fact, the mention of his title alone left Draco''s throat dry and his face covered in sweat.

    "T-Then..." he stammered. "Who is the prisoner to the Lord of the Southern Woods...?"

    "His only son," Silverbell replied.

    "Huh?!"

    Thunderstruck, Draco dropped to his knees right then, his whole body shaking.

    "It''s over... It''s all over!" Draco cried.

    His brother Tigris Fisher had tried to give Frank the Willbreaker in an attempt to tame him, only for Frank to turn the tables and hold Tigris hostage for half a day now.

    When he was informed by Tigris'' flunkies about the situation, he rushed to the cell where they were right then.

    However, he could only stand

    outside and yell at Frank, since he did not dare to do anything aside from threaten Frank when Frank held his brother hostage.

    And yet, despite his threat, he now found out that the man was the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    What was that if not suicide?

    He might be the warden of this prison, but he was really nothingpared to the great Lord of the Southern Woods.

    Not only did his own brother try to

    torture the man''s son, but Draco himself also yelled at Frank from outside his cell for quite a

    while even punishing the restal

    the

    inmates by having them starve for one day because of Frank

    Did that not mean he had offended Frank in no uncertain terms? What could he do when Frank came for him?

    Draco shuddered at the very thought!

 Chapter 1717

    ?

    Naturally, Draco also knew that his ties to Droitner Inc. were even more incriminating than how he treated Frank here in ckwater.

    After all, Frank was arrested under charges that Droitner Inc. discovered, and there was no doubt that Droitner Inc. had been bribing him. That was how they could convince Draco to arrest Frank and lock him up in ckwater.

    If word got out, not only would there be a new warden, but his entire family would end up in a ckwater cell too.

    Experiencing an inmate''s life notwithstanding, he would count himself lucky if he survived a day. After all, everyone had seen how he treated the inmates as a warden.

    Even as he fully understood the consequences of what he did now, Draco was afraid to continue imagining.

    How would Frank forgive them after what he and his brother had done before?

    If he refused to release Frank or stubbornly refused to admit to his crimes, this would lead to a conflict of interest between the president of Draconia and the grandmissioner.

    Once the Lord of the Southern Woods was forced toe forward and pacify the situation, he would face a fate worse than any other choices he could make before.

    In other words, nothing he could choose would be good, since the Lord of the Southern Woods would not abandon his only son.

    However, the second choice more or less bought his time.

    And the longer he could put this off, so be it-things were past the point of no return.anyway. All he could

    family, flee abroad, and lead a

    was pack things up and bring his e

    carefree life, thanks to the money he racked up as a warden over the

    years.

    As for his own brother Tigris, he only had his own ipetence to me. He really did not get to me it on Draco after Frank took him hostage- there was no way he could rescue him.

    Gritting his teeth, Draco made his choice right then.

    Putting up an awkward look, he turned to Silverbell and said, "Lady Silverbell, see... the inmate may be the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods, but I''m sure you know the rules of ckwater: there''s only one way in, and no way out.

    "Moreover, there are no innocents

    incarcerated here, so forget the son

    of the Lord of the Southern

    l

    Woods-even Godwin Lawrence himself would be incarcerated should hemit an atrocity. As such, I won''t risk my life for your demands, or I''d have trouble exining myself to the grandmissioner and probably get killed anyway."

    As he spoke, he bowed respectfully to Silverbell. As such, I''d like to ask you to spare me if you want to secure your friend''s release, ask president to negotiate with the

    belie

    grandmissioner, or you can ask the Lord of the Southern Woods himself to do it if that doesn''t work.

    "Once the grandmissioner gives the order, you won''t hear another word from me. I will release Mr. Lawrence immediately."

    However, Silverbell already knew Draco woulde up with that excuse, and a sneer of disdain appeared on her beautiful face. "Are you worried that he wille for you and Droitner Inc. when he gets out?"

    "What are you saying, mdy? Surely you jest."

    Draco kept his head bowed to hide his fear. "I was just worried about breaking the rules the grandmissioner himself set in ce. I''m too unimportant to make such a call."

    "Very well."

    At those words, Silverwell drew her sword with a swish, holding it beside Draco''s neck as she snapped coolly, "Since you can''t decide, I''ll do it for you right now!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1718

    ?

    At those words, Silverwell drew her sword with a swish, pressing it against Draco''s neck as she snapped coolly, "Since you can''t decide, why don''t I help you right now?"

    "Argh!"

    Feeling the sharpness of Silverbell''s sword against his pudgy neck, Draco quickly threw his hands up in panic. "Please, this is a mistake, Lady Silverbell! Breaking out of prison is a capital crime in Draconia! My life is worth nothing, but yours is!"

    "Are you releasing him or not?!" Silverbell bellowed, pressing her sword into Draco''s neck.

    Draco''s face dropped as he felt the sting of the edge, and his own blood trickling down along it.

    He did not expect the chief of the Martial Alliance to go that far for Frank, ready to break him out of prison even if it meant taking Draco down. They were talking about a capital crime here!

    Be that as it may, Draco was not really concerned about escaping inmates-the only thing he worried about was what Silverbell would do. So much as one flick, and it was his head on the floor.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Remembering the numbers on his bank ount and the riches waiting to be spent over the rest of his life, he finally knew fear.

    Dropping to his knees with a thud, he begged Silverbell, "Please don''t kill me, Lady Silverbell! Just don''t kill me, and I''ll do anything for you!" Silvebell''s eyes shed in disdain at his spineless reaction, though she soon hid it. "All I want is the release of one inmate. As long as you agree to stay silent and not issue the ckwater Designation, you have my promise on my honor as the chief of the Martial Alliance, that the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods won''te after you. After all, the Droitners were coercing you, weren''t they?"

    Seeing Silverbell''s cool gaze, Draco came to a realization and nodded repeatedly "Y-Yes! The Droitners were coercing me by threatening to kill my cousin! I had to arrest the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods for her sake!"

    "Heh. At least you''re smart." Silver nodded, smiling and sheathing her sword.

    As her smile left the kneeling Draco spacing out, she demanded, "What are you looking at me for? Aren''t you going to release Frank Lawrence?"

    "Oh... Yes! Yes!"

    Draco regained his senses at Silverbell''s cool prompting, and scrambled to his feet, politely asking Silverbell to follow her down into the underground levels.

    As soon as she entered the pitch-ck hallway, the stench of rot wafting from the cells of both ends left Silverbell frowning.

    "This way, Lady Silverbell." Draco stayed ahead and led Silverbell.

    While most of the rowdy inmates quickly turned quiet when they saw Draco, their eyes soon widened and bloodshot, giving Silverbell the

    feeling that she was walking into the lion''s den.

    Eventually, one of them risked death by calling out, "Hehe, beautiful! Did youe to have fun with a brother?"

    The rest of the prison went into an uproar right then.

    After all, they had been confined here for god-knows-how-long-forget a beauty like Silverbell, they had not seen a sow for ages.

    Naturally, there was a women''s prison, but it was separate for this one.

    Hence, the eager prisoners were leaping up on the steel bars of their cells as they reached their hands out toward Silverbell,ughing sleazily and mouthing every kind of insult at her

 Chapter 1719

    ?

    As the rowdiness reached new heights, some of the inmates were taking off their clothes and rubbing their engorged members.

    Swish!

    Silverbell scowled and swung her sword toward the fringe of the cells.

    Blood sttered as the inmates screamed harrowingly, and they became eunuchs by the dozens.

    Draco looked on withoutining, only telling the jailers behind him, "Send those inmates who had just insulted Lady Silverbell to the penance chamber."

    The inmates'' faces fell at the mention of the penance chamber, none of them daring to mess around right then.

    Even Silverbell was actually surprised that the inmates were all suddenly so tame at the mention of the penance chamber.

    She did not dwell on it, however, as she was fine as long as the inmates quit causing trouble.

    Soon, Draco brought Silverbell to Frank''s cell.

    He stood, leaning against the wall, while Tigris Fisher was hanging his head in fearful silence, still fettered to the iron chair.

    Judging from the bruises all over him, he had clearly been disciplined by Frank for running his mouth.

    Still, he looked up and saw Draco, his eyes shing lustfully when he saw the beautiful woman with his brother.

    "Draco, my brother!" he eximed, and pointed at his ck eye. "Help me! This brat is too much, beating me up before I could speak! Just look at his good work... He''d even threatened me!"

    "Really?"

    Silverbellughed before Draco spoke. "And how did he threaten you?"Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Her heavenly voice left Tigris stumped, and he stared nkly at Silverbell.

    He only came to his senses when Draco cleared his throat and gave him a look, since Draco could not say it out loud.

    "Ahem... No, he didn''t threaten me." Tigris chuckled while nodding slightly at Draco in understanding.

    Draco was just a little relieved to see

    that, only for Tigris to chuckle.

    "You''re the best, Draco! I''ve been saying that it''s boring being a failer here, and I''d like ady, and now you''ve really brought one!"

    Draco was left gaping at his brother''s words.

    That was not what he meant! He was giving him a look to watch his words!

    Why could Tigris not understand?!

    But even as Draco looked on in shock and fear, Tigrisughed so hard that his pudgy cheeks were pping. "So, girlie-which club do you work at? You must be expensive, huh?"

    "Hahaha! Don''t worry, girlie!"

    Tigris was left cringing, but before he could interrupt and clear the misunderstanding, Silverbell smiled as she turned to look at Frank, who was rolling his eyes. "Of course. I''m not cheap."

    Tigris started to brag as libido overcame him,pletely forgetting that he was still Frank''s hostage. "I have nothing but money. Give me some proper service, and I''ll make it worth your while! Hahaha!"

    Rubbing his hands and looking Silverbell from head to toe, he kept

    gulping andughing sleazily. "Draco, quick! You must have a to save me now, right? I mean you even brought me a girl! Oh, I can''t wait!"

 Chapter 1720

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    Rubbing his hands and looking Silverbell from head to toe, Tigris kept gulping andughing sleazily. "Draco, quick! You must have a way to save me now, right? I mean you even brought me a girl! Oh, I can''t wait!"

    "How tasteful of you, girlie! Dressing so conservatively, and in all white at that... it''s so that I could rip it off, right?"

    "Shit, shut up already!"

    Draco finally had enough just then and pointed at his own brother as he snapped, "You pig! This is Lady Silverbell, chief of the Martial Alliance! How dare you insult her! I''ll have your tongue for this!"

    "What?!"

    It was only then that Tigris'' face full of lust turned pale.

    So that pretty face was not a prostitute his brother got her, but the chief of the Martial Alliance herself, and a very important person at that!

    He fucked up!

    His lips were trembling even as he stammered, "L-Lady Silverbell... I-I didn''t know who you were! I''m a pig, I deserve to die... Please, spare my life! I won''t do it ever again!"

    Tigris actually tried to beg on his knees, but Frank had him fettered to the iron chair, so he could only bow his head and shoot pleading looks at Silverbell.

    Still, Draco was on his knees in his stead, begging Silverbell, "Please Lady Silverbell... give that scumbag a chance for my sake... I-I''ll definitely straighten him out! This won''t ever happen again, I promise!"

    Meanwhile, the other inmates in the cells on both ends of the hallway were gaping as the usually high-and-mighty warden went down on his knees.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The inmates who were insulting and even fantasizing were especially ashen-faced.

    "Well, I can spare him..." Silverbell spoke, her earlier smile gone as her expression turned as cool as ice. "Sent him to the penance chamber to reflect on his mistakes."

    "What?!" Tigris gaped, petrified.

    Draco was stunned too, while Frank had no idea what the penance chamber was since he had just arrived.

    Seeing Frank''s confusion, the

    fettered geezer exined, "It''s the worst punishment possible here in ckwater. Barring death itself. It''s a lightless room, and no onees out in one piece... or sane. You must have heard the crazy howling when you first came in, didn''t you? Well, that''s from the penance Chamber."

    "No!"

    Tigris struggled violently against the fetters of the iron chair as he tried to kneel to Silverbell, sobbing and howling as he begged, "Please, Lady Silverbell! Please, find some kindness in your heart-don''t send me to the penance chamber You

    could take my leg, or even my

    tongue! Just don''t send me there!"

    Silverbell, however, was now aware what the penance chamber really was thanks to the raspy geezer.

    She smiled sweetly despite Tigris'' crazed pleas, looking at Draco as she said, "No, I''m afraid you have to go. And this isn''t up for discussion."

 Chapter 1721

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    Silverbell''s meaning was clear-mess with Frank again, and Draco would find himself in the penance chamber too. "Urgh..."

    Draco breathed a long sigh, as he knew that he could not protect his brother now.

    Still, it worked for him, as Draco thought that being sent to the penance chamber was better than Silverbell killing Tigris on the spot.

    After all, Tigris did not only mess with Frank Lawrence, the son of the Lord of the Southern woods, but he insulted the chief of the Martial Alliance as well.

    Those crimes alone were enough for him to be killed a thousand times over.

    On the other hand, even after Tigris would be crippled after being subjected to the torture in the penance chamber, he would at least be alive.

    As for whether he stayed sane, that depended on Tigris'' own mental fortitude.

    Making up his mind, he waved his hand. "Take him."

    "Yes, sir!"

    Several jailers strode up, lifting Tigris along with the iron chair he was strapped to.

    While they did, Tigris continued to struggle and beg Draco and Silverbell for mercy.

    Naturally, it was pointless.

    And after Tigris was taken away, Draco hurried inside the cell, rubbing his hands as he apologized to Frank. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Lawrence. There''s been some misunderstanding before, but Lady Silverbell and I have cleared the air now, and she said it''s... ahem, all in the past, right?"

    Draco nced at Silverbell, who nodded at Frank.

    In reality, Frank and Draco had no quarrel... though technically one could argue that Draco could not move against Frank, not when he held his brother Tigris hostage.

    As such, Draco had only insulted Frank at best, and Frank was not that petty-he knew when to hold back.

    Moreover, from their call earlier, he knew that Silverbell was taking considerable risk by breaking him out of ckwater.

    In fact, he did not hesitate to put a friendly arm around Draco''s shoulder,ughing cheerfully.

    Draco wasughing with him, albeit exasperatedly.

    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    It was certainly a bizarre sight for the inmates around them, as those two were just trading threats not few hours ago-Draco had threatened to kill Frank, while Frank had threatened to kill his brother.

    And yet, they were now buddies who looked like they had not seen each other for years, at once cordial and intimate.

    Was their earlier confrontation just an illusion? Hell, they were all watching as Frank took Tigris hostage!

    It was not just Tigris himself-most of the inmates had taunted Frank, saying that he was asking for it.

    Even Scarface Tucker, who stood at Frank''s side from the start, strained to find his resolve, and mused to himself from time to time that he should free Tigris.

    After all, Draco''s authority as warden was unquestionable here in ckwater. What good would it do for Frank to mess with the warden?

    But to the shock of everyone, including the fettered geezer, Frank acted as if it was nothing of consequence.

    Not only was the warden perfectly nice to him, but he even sacrificed his own brother by sending him to the penance chamber.

    It was simply ridiculous, and every inmate was left in stunned silence.

    To think the new kid was so

    important that the chief of the

    Martial Alliance woulde

    personally, all the way from Morhen just to bail him out. It certainly sent thejmaginations running wild!

    swne

    "Ahem." Draco cleared his throat loudly just then. "After thorough investigation, we have concluded that Mr. Lawrence has been brought here to ckwater on trumped-up charges. While we have never released any intimates, you are no criminal, and with the vouching of one of Draconia''s top individuals, we will bend the rule this one time."

 Chapter 1722

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    "Ahem." Draco cleared his throat loudly just then. "After thorough investigation, we have concluded that Mr. Lawrence has been brought here to ckwater on trumped-up charges. While we have never released any intimates, you are no criminal, and with the vouching of one of Draconia''s top individuals, we will bend the rule this one time."

    Then, leaning toward Frank, he whispered, "Please don''t me me for this. The whole thing was thought up by Droitner Inc. Also, try to keep a low profile after you get out."

    "Ahem."

    After that, Draco cleared his throat again. "You are now free to go, Mr. Lawrence."

    "What...?"

    "Oh, can''t help it when he''s such a big deal."

    "Even ckwater doesn''t get to keep him. And, one of Draconia''s top individuals? Don''t tell me it''s the president?"

    While the inmates all had a feeling this might happen, they all still gasped when the warden announced that Frank could leave, turning toward him with looks of jealousy and envy.

    Frank smiled and nodded at Draco in turn. "In that case, I must thank you, Mr. Warden."

    "Oh, you don''t have to..."

    Draco smiled in return, but it was a pained smile-releasing Frank was basically breaking a taboo, and he would most definitely not get away with this if the higher-ups pressed the issue.

    "Well then. We shall be leaving right away." Frank chuckled, flexing his limbs as he strode out of the cell.

    "Who''s ''we''...?"

    Draco was left stumped but quickly realized who Frank meant when he turned toward Silverbell,ughing. "Oh! Well then, have a safe trip, Mr. Lawrence..."

    That was when Frank looked elsewhere and said, "What are you spacing out for? We''re leaving!"

    Scarface Tucker, who had been staring at Frank enviously as he left, found Frank turning and staring at him, bemused.

    "Wait, are you referring to me?" Scarface pointed at himself, bewildered.

    "Him?!" Draco was stunned too.

    "Yes, you." Frank stared at him, raising a brow. "Aren''t you Terry Cotton''s close friend? Well, I am too, so it''s only right I take you with me, no?" "Yeah, but..."

    Various expressions alternated over Scarface''s face, and he eventually spaced out in confusion, unsure if he should follow Frank or refuse. Draco soon recovered, however, and hurried to stop Frank. "M-Mr. Lawrence... Absolutely not!"

    "What?" Frank shoved him away in disdain, a stark contrast to when they were patting each other on the backs er. "I''m just taking that

    man with me. What''s the problem?" Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Draco could cry right then, and he rasped, "I''m already breaking the rules by letting you out, Mr. Lawrence! If the grandmissioner finds out, l-I''ll

    He mimed being shed across the neck.

    "How many heads do you have?" Frank suddenly asked.

    It was certainly a bizarre question, leaving Draco stumped. "O-One? Why would you ask that, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "You''ll lose your head if you free one

    inmate anyway," Frank retorted in

    amusement. "What, is the grandmissioner going to grow you

    another head just to chop it off?"

 Chapter 1723

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    "Oh. Uh...."

    Draco was left stumped by Frank''s retort, but he soon shook his head repeatedly. "No, absolutely not! Mr. Lawrence, every inmate here is a depraved scumbag who hasmitted atrocities! If you let them out¡ª"

    "That''s bullshit!" Scarface suddenly barked, seemingly finding courage out of nowhere. "I''m no scumbag! I''m only here because of my brothers!" Then, he turned, sneering at the two flunkies cowering and trembling down the hallway. "It''s all because those two pricks refused to pay up after having fun with ady at a karaoke bar. Heck, they were so drunk that they ended up massacring a dozen people. As their boss, I naturally had to settle the matter myself..."

    "Oh, I get it."

    Frank nodded and chuckled. "So because you tried to reach a settlement, you ended up here? That''s just embarrassing."

    Scarface was left rubbing his nose at Frank''s diss and exined in embarrassment, "Well, I can''t help it. The officer handling the case got a little harsh, so I beat him up. And then those two, seeing that I''m on their side, forced themselves on a woman as the officer watched.

    "She was just a bumpkin from a vige working part-time there, and they''d have killed her if I didn''t stop them."

    Frank nodded at Scarface''s story-the man was loyal, if a little dull.

    Naturally, Frank was also interested in Scarface''s talent.

    Even if he was unbelievably frail now, he was a martial artist-and a Birthright-ranked one at that, so it was a waste to leave him to rot here in ckwater.

    He could instead take Scarface with him and arrange a job for him at Lanecorp''s health and safety department, so that he could help Lanecorp''s development.

    Frank was even more sure of his choice after hearing the bonehead''s story of how he ended up in ckwater too.

    He would get Scarface out of here, even though the man tried to steal his clothes at first.

    That was when Silverbell paused, finally noticing the geezer fettered with iron chains at a corner of the cell. "Wait, aren''t you... Madfists?"

    "Haha! I''m surprised someone remembers me..."

    The geezer chuckled dryly and

    sighed wistfully. "However, I''ve long

    since abandoned that title. Right

    now ''m just an old man who''s barely alive."

    "No way!"

    Silverbell strode up, eximing as she grasped the steel bars of the jail cell, "You were praised as a prodigy fifty years ago, born and often, but trained diligently in the way of

    The

    fists. After that, you and the friends you made along the way came together, founding the Martial Alliance.

    "Though it was said that you''ve beaten five other Ascendant-ranked individuals at the same time all on

    your own, you were framed by a

    close friend and ended up in

    ckwater... I didn''t think that I''d see

    you here!"

    Though Silverbell''s every word was praiseful, the geezer shed a pained smile and shook his head, though the pride in his face never faded.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "No wonder..."

    Frank cast a look of surprise at the scrawny geezer, not expecting such a glorious past.

    So that was why Simon Lionheart himself got involved, recapturing Madfist after his first escape.

    It might be no exaggeration to say that only those of Simon''s caliber could stop him.

    The geezer then asked Silverbell, "You''re the present chief of the Martial Alliance, yes? How are things these days...?"

 Chapter 1724

    Chapter 1724

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    Silverbell appeared embarrassed even as her fingers tightened around the steel bars, hanging her head as she murmured, "The Martial Alliance is no longer the informal outfit it was before, sir-we now answer directly to Caius Laine, the Mayor of Morhen. Even if we expanded over ten times in scale, with our influence reaching across Draconia, we''re..."

    "Hahaha! Isn''t that a good thing?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    Madfist chuckled. "Kid, do you remember the oath I took up?"

    Silverbell looked up in surprise, tears welling up in her eyes as she recounted, "This is the Martial Alliance. As guardians of peace in Draconia, humility is our honor, and chivalry is our code. May our enemies fall and our people rise above."

    "Good, good..."

    The old man smiled. "It seems this old man''s oath is at least remembered. Good... Good..."

    Frank stood outside the cell as well, having heard the exchange between Silverbell and Madfist, a wistful look showing in his eyes as he looked at Silverbell''s lonely expression.

    "Guardians of peace in Draconia, huh?" he murmured to himself.

    It was embarrassing to mention it, but after subduing the Yimmels in Bralog, Frank had been staying in Cologne Court, training and resting-basically leading an easy life without a care for the rest of the world.

    And while he was rxing, Lady Silverbell, the chief of the Martial Alliance, was facing enemies of Draconia and protecting the citizens. Suddenly, Frank felt like he was doing too little.

    Before he met Helen, he had no goal in life other than to avenge his mother and get back at his old man for making light of him.

    But after meeting Helen, Vicky, and the others, Frank matured considerably and now wished to protect those who were close to him. But what about Silverbell?

    He certainly had no idea what she had to go through over the years after he left Southdam.

    Nheless, the once naive toddler. who used to follow him around was now the chief of the Martial Alliance, with plenty weighing down on her shoulders.  to

    ???

    Whenever they met, Silvebell always tried to maintain or replicate the time they had together when she followed Frank around, but Frank knew for a fact that she was s much more mature than he now.  to

    was

    She was willing to sacrifice herself for his sake, her loyalty always staying with him, even when she was deceiving him for the spiritron vein.

    In reality, she simply saw further ahead, and that left Frank feeling a weird bitterness and guilt at the bottom of his heart.

    Turning, Frank shed an earnest smile at Draco. "Mr. Warden... your name is Draco Fisher, I believe?"

    "Y-Yes, Mr. Lawrence..."

    Draco nodded but soon repeated, "I must urge you to give up, sir. Just letting you go is already very difficult..."

    "I know, I know..."

    Frank threw an arm around Draco''s shoulder, friends once again. "I won''t be taking one with me."

    "Really? T-That''s great! Thank you

    §Ö

    for your understanding, Mr. Lawrence-I mean no disrespect, but really, you have to know how difficult it is from my position..."  to

    But while Draco was awash with gratitude, Frank''s arm tightened around his neck and whispered into his ear, "You see, I''m taking two with me."

    "What?!"

    Draco''s eyes widened, his face soon contorting like he had been constipated for years.

 Chapter 1725

    Chapter 1725

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    "Where are we heading to now?" Silverbell asked, riding shotgun.

    Frank was driving, feeling in a good mood just then. "Let''s get the boys some proper clothes, or we''re not going anywhere."

    While Draco was absolutely reluctant to free Scarface and Madfist, Frank did not show from demonstrating that his fists could shatter the steel bars of a prison cell.

    Then, with a smile, he offered Draco two choices.

    One, Draco would keep his mouth shut and let all three of them go, with Frank''s assurance that he would not return for reprisals.

    The second, Frank would free every other inmate in ckwater, allowing the hundred over vile criminals running rampant.

    Even the ckwater Designation could only get that many rearrested, while Frank moved on to the next prison, rinse and repeat.

    He was just one among a hundred anyway, so no one might ask questions if he was gone.

    On the other hand, Draco would be med for the mass prison escape.

    And seeing that Frank was suggesting such a threatening ''choice'', Draco was once again smiling, brothers with Frank again as he allowed Frank to leave freely with Scarface and Madfist.

    That just proved that if someone was stopping you from opening a door, you just had to prove that you can tear the house, and they would be begging on their knees to open the door after, even ttering you for it.

    Still, once Frank left ckwater, Draco was screaming in his own office, threatening to destroy Droitner Inc.

    If they had not bribed him and given him that ''anonymous'' tip, he would never have moved against a demon like Frank!

    At this point, he was just feeling grateful that Frank would leave ckwater without demanding more.

    To think that this prison, so infamous that it kept even the best martial artists on their toes, would find themselves ying host to such a ss of criminal.

    Still, it was likely that no one had ever expected it.

    On the other hand, the other inmates

    were yelling and demanding to be freed after seeing Scarface and Madfist leave with Frank. Many of them were certainly regretting not sucking up to Frank now and were mocking him instead.  to

    Who knew if he might really have brought them along.

    Naturally, aside from those inmates who were regretting, there were others trying to use it as leverage.

    As they threatened to leak the news that Draco allowed inmates to escape, Dracoughed despite himself. What year was it?! Were they really threatening his authority as warden?! This was really getting out of hand! "You vermin!" he bellowed. "Who''s going to rat me out when none of you are getting out for the rest of your lives?!" It was only then that the inmates came to their senses.

    Right, who could they rat to when they were not getting out? Tell the actual rats infesting this ce?

    In fact, if they would only get the chance to rat out Draco if he released them, he had even less reason to free them.

    In the end even as those inmates

    begged and howled, Draco sent them to the penance chamber to join the other inmates whom Silverbell had castrated earlier.  to

    The inmates who regretted not licking Frank''s boots when he

    arrived and tried to suck up to

    warden instead were clecidal.  to

    However, what happened in ckwater was no longer Frank''s concern.

    He was in the city, picking clothes for Scarface and Madfist.

    At the moment, Scarface''s ck suit and shades only made him seem bigger than before.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

 Chapter 1726

    Chapter 1726

    ?

    While Scarface looked just like one of those burly bodyguards one so often saw in movies, Madfist was dressed casually, with a green newsboy cap to hide his face.

    While it made him look funny, the old man liked it and did not care about the weird looks thrown his way.

    Earlier, they drew a lot of stares as they were striding into the mall, barely covered only in rags.

    However, while Madfist strutted with his head held high and without a care, Scarface was cowering and blushing in embarrassment.

    After getting themselves some suitable clothes and taking a bath at the hotel, they felt considerably recharged after eating a table full of food, leaving the waiters gaping.

    Silverbell, who was having tea, asked respectfully, "So, what are your ns, sir?"

    Madfist did a double take, only truly realizing then that he was free, and not fettered to his bones in ckwater and subject to nightless tortures.

    Still, he was not quite used to his sudden newfound freedom and spoke quietly after a brief silence. "Well... most of my friends were dead or hurt three years ago, and I might cause trouble if I go to them now. So..."

    He trailed off, shaking his head. "Well, I have no ns."

    "What about you?" Silverbell asked, turning toward Scarface, who did a double take.

    Patting his round belly, heughed. "You''re such a joker, sis. Where can I go in my condition? I''m staying in Zamri."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Silverbell blushed and stayed silent-on their way out of ckwater, Scarface had basically adopted Frank as his brother and Silverbell as his sister- inw.

    "Hehe."

    Frank chuckled nearby, already prepared for this. "Well, since neither of you have anywhere to go, I just happened to lead an outfit called the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department. Why don''t you join us?"

    Turning toward Scarface, he added, "By the way, Terry Cotton and the rest of your boys are in the gang."

    "Then, what else do I have to say?"

    Scarface shrugged before frowning,

    "Well, I can join...but what''s

    Lanecorp? And the health and safety department... Are you really having us be security guards?"  to

    Madfist turned toward Frank as well, but Frank simply chuckled. "No way! I guess Lanecorp is thepany I''m supporting, and since both of you are martial artists, you''ll be leading them. How about that?"  to

    "Sounds good."

    Scarfaceughed carefreely, finding a feeling he had once lost.

    "What about you, sir?" Frank then asked Madfist.

    Since Frank could not call him ''old man'', Frank decided to use ''sir'' just like Silverbell did.

    "I''m fine, but the name of that outfit..."

    Madfist was clearly unhappy with the name.

    After all, the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department?

    Anyone would think that it was an actual department of some randompany.

    "Pfft."

    Both Silverbell and Frank chuckled when they saw the pout on Madfist''s face.

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    Old man and security guard-when both terms are mentioned together, people would immediately think of the elderly security officers, standing guard at hotels, apartments, malls, even parking lots.

    And yet, Madfist as a security guard was not the average security guard, but one who could defeat thousands by himself.

    Neither Frank nor Silverbell could hide a chuckle at the thought.

    Scarface soon joined in, realizing what they wereughing about.

    Only Madfist still drew a nk, a stark contrast to the other three.

    Nheless, once Scarface and Madfist recovered their energy, Frank tended to their injuries, including Madfist''s pierced shoulder de and Scarface''s facial scars.

    After that, he sent someone to bring them uniforms for security officers of the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department. "Here''s the suits for work." Scarface could cry right then. "So we really are security guards!"

    Just a moment ago, he was a burly hunk in a suit, looking especially intimidating with his hades.

    Now, he looked like some silly bumpkin who was unhappy with life as a farmer and came to the city to live on two grand per month.

    However, Madfist looked even more ridiculous.

    Once he put on his uniform, he was a hundred percent your typical elderly security guard. That impression was only further enforced with his slight hunch, since his shoulder des had yet to recover after Frank applied his medicine.

    Even Silverbell, who was always stoic and aloof, was left sprawled on the tableughing when she saw her predecessor in that getup.

    While Scarface looked like a bonehead, he wasughing at Madfist too.

    Frank wasughing as well, though it was because Scarface and Madfist looked exactly like a pair of doormen when they stood together. But that was also exactly what he wanted-they would be Lanecorp''s surprise bouncers!

    Who would dare challenge these

    two? And if they did, they would be subdued on the spot, so Frank did not have to worry about security at Lanecorp Tower and would have time for other matters.  to

    Still, the night passed quickly.

    As morning arrived, Frank brought Scarface and Madfist along back to Riverton, ready to rescue Gavin Lane.

    Silverbell excused herself in the night, leaving since there was plenty of work to do at the Martial Alliance.

    After seeking her help at ckwater, Frank also made up his mind to see the big picture.

    And by sheer coincidence, Trevor

    Zurich called just before they

    headed to Riverton. "Mr. Lawrence, was just informed where the exchange with Gavin Lane''s kidnapper would be. It''s Silicon

    Karaoke Box in Riverton, and that

    p?ace has ties to the ck market.

    to

    "Moreover, we''ve confirmed that the kidnapper was indeed Horey Lindt of Cloudnine Sect, just as you''ve suspected. I''ve tracked her whereabouts, and she wasst spotted in Riverton."This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "So it really is her." Frank nodded,

    but he furrowed his brow in

    confusion. "By the way, you said she

    was going to make an exchange with Helen? Did Helen actually get a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"  to

    "I''m not sure, but if she did, it would be from Huub Droitner. They metst night, where Huub gave her a curious wooden box-the box itself looked expensive."

    Frank''s brow creased further. "They metst night?"

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    "The meeting did notst more than five minutes," Trevor reported. "After that, Ms. Lane left the hotel and returned to Lanecorp Tower alone." Frank breathed a sigh of relief. "So when''s the exchange?"

    "Around noon."

    "Understood. Thank you for your good work."

    "You''re always weed, sir."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    After he hung up, Frank rubbed his chin and muttered to himself, "Does Droitner Inc. really have the resources to acquire a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, or was Huub Droitner just lying?"

    Despite everything, he still refused to believe that Droitner Inc. could acquire a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. If it was thatmon, why would Frank''s mentor entrust one to Yosil Darman of Kornac''s Keep, who in turn kept it for over twenty years?

    But if Droitner Inc. did not have a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, why would Huub give that wooden box to Helen, who then agreed to Horey Lindt''s demands?

    What if Droitner Inc. actually had one, despite the odds being one in a million?

    It was certainly hard to say, and would Frank not be the narrow-minded person here?

    That said, Droitner Inc. was hardly reputable, and he had a bone to pick with them.

    It hurts Frank to think, so he gave up on it he would know when he got there, so he drove at top speed straight to Riverton.

    As he had only brought Scarface and Madfist, basically no one in Zamri knew he had sneaked away.

    And since he arrived at Riverton with plenty of time to spare, he took his time settling Scarface and Madfist into their new roles and reexamined them medically.

    As expected of a potential whom Frank took an interest in, Scarface was now much strongerpared to when Frank found him in

    ckwater, although his facial scars were still clearly visible.  to

    In fact, he had already recovered his strength as a Birthright-ranked martial artist.

    Meanwhile, apart from looking too much like your typical elderly security guard, Madfist was recovering well in every other aspect too.

    While they were upset with their getup, Frank told them that beguiling their enemies and keeping a low profile was always the best.

    And despite their grievance, considering that they were ckwater fugitives and just might be hunted, they had no choice but to stick to the uniforms. Soon, it would be noon, the time when Helen would make the exchange with Horey.

    Frank, Scarface and Madfist decided to stake out Silicon Karaoke Box early.

    However, it was quiet as it was noon.

    To avoid any attention that might scare off Horey, he sent Madfist and Scarface in through the front entrance and got a room, while he would sneak in from the back.

    What he did not expect was that Scarface would almost start a fight with the security guards at the karaoke box.

    After all, with his bodyguard outfit,

    Scarface clearly did not look like he was rich. If anything, the suit only made him look even more brutish and dumb, which earned him considerable scorn at the door.  to

    No one even came to wee him.

    Thankfully, Madfist proved more reliable when it mattered.

    Standing between Scarface, he shed an apologetic smile at the security guards and waitresses. "We''re from a farm vige, so

    everything in the city is new tool

    We''re just here to check out how this karaoke thing works."  to

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    "Tch."

    The waitress in red rolled her eyes as soon as she heard Madfist''s thick ent. "You''d have to pay at least five grand to get in here. Can you afford that?"

    "Yes, yes!"

    Madfist shed an earnest smile as he whipped out a debit card from his pocket. "We''ve made big bucks this year, so we''re even going to call up some pretties to join us!"

    Naturally, the card was from Frank for this job, each containing over a hundred grand.

    "Your turn."

    Madfist nudged Scarface, who flushed in hesitation for a long time before groaning at Madfist, in the hip. "But Dad, if Mom finds out¡ª"

    "Hush," Madfist snapped, but he was clearly smiling because Scarface called him daddy. "Don''t worry-that woman is still at home. She won''t know a thing!"

    The security guards were hiding a chuckle at Madfist''s cheerfulness, and Scarface and Madfist were soon given a room.

    Soon after they entered, Scarface wheeled on Madfist, flushed up to his neck as he bellowed, "Y-You were fucking taking advantage of me!" "Taking advantage? How?"

    Madfist shrugged innocently. "You''re no girlie, and you have neither the front nor the back."

    "Grr..."

    Scarface''s teeth were gnashing, surprised that the seeminging down-to-earth geezer was a cunning fox!

    And then there was the way he quickly put on an ent, taking everyone for a ride!

    "Hell, you stand to gain if you be my kid." Madfist continued dissing Scarface with a grin, perfectly aware of what Scarface was grumpy about.

    "I only have one father!" Scarface barked, ring at Madfist and blunt as ever.

    Madfist simply shrugged. "What''s the harm in having another? Your mom wouldn''t care."

    Seeing that he was deliberately provoking, Scarface was at once incensed. "Are you trying to start some shit, geezer?!"

    "I''m being serious here, boy."

    Madfist narrowed his eyes. "Did you forget who taught you the rules on your first day in ckwater? Just get down on your knees and call me daddy, and I''ll teach you everything I know. How about that? It''s a pretty good deal for being my kid, right?"  to Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    S

    "Fuck off! I don''t give a shit!" Scarface snorted, waving him off. "Now, that''s interesting."

    Scarface''s refusal left Madfist doing a double take, and he looked up, staring nkly at the elegant chandelier overhead, murmuring to himself, I refused so many suitors who wanted to be my wife, or even my godson. The tables have really turned now..."  to

    Scarface opened one eye as he heard Madfist''s ramblings, frowning as he said, "No way... you don''t have a wife or a kid?" Madfist chuckled, his expression soon turning grim. "I thought I had... Before ckwater."

    "Hmph. I see."

    Scarface pursed his lips, having heard what Silverbell said about Madfist back in ckwater.

    He certainly still remembered thest part-that Madfist had been betrayed by someone close and ended up in ckwater...

    In all likelihood, Madfist must have been betrayed by someone he saw as his own child, and that left him with mixed feelings.

    Suddenly he said, "Old man, listen

    elo

    well¡ªI''ll call you daddy, but it''s not like I''m after your martial

    techniques. It''s just sympathy for a geezer."  to

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    As Scarface finished, he paused for a long while before stammering, "D-Dad."

    "Good boy."

    Scarface wheeled on Madfist right then, only to find the geezer lounging on the couch, beaming so broadly that his wrinkles were smoothing out.

    "Tch." Scarface clicked his tongue. "My father was a right bastard, gambling and getting into fights. He even killed my mother and sold me off for money to buy a couple of beers. You''d better not behave the same."

    "Sure." Madfist nodded cheerfully.

    "Hmph."

    Scarface snorted but said nothing else.

    Hence, they both sat in silence until Frank entered and sat on the couch between them.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

    "What? Why aren''t either of you talking?" he asked, just as the waitress arrived with a fruit tter.

    She appeared confused to see Frank. "You''re..."

    "Oh, you see..."

    Frank paused before throwing out an excuse. "We''re a family of three here to sing."

    "Huh?"

    The waitress was left confused as she nced between Scarface and Madfist, clearly trying to make sense of this family.

    Frank pointed between them right then, nonchntly exining, "Well, see... I''m his son, and he''s his wife... Wait, I mean, boyfriend." "What?!"

    Both the waitress and Scarface eximed at the same time, and the waitress was sping a hand over her mouth as she nced between Scarface and Madfist. "I-Isn''t he his son? And don''t they bothe from a farming vige?"

    "Huh... Well, he''s his son too, but also... Well, y''know."

    ¨¦t

    While Frank was left confused too, he waved off the waitress. "Why are you asking so many questions? Bring us our drinks already"  to

    Once the waitress was finally gone Frank nced between Scarface and Madfist in bemusement-they were suddenly father and son?  to

    n

    Nheless, Scarface was burying his face in his palms, feeling too ashamed to look anyone in the eye

    as he remembered the weird eye

    that the waitress gave him.  to

    He was on the verge of tears. "Brother... I mean, boss! Why the hell did you say that?!"

    "Now they won''t ask questions because it''s awkward."

    On the other hand, Madfist proved his experience, nodding in agreement with Frank''s move as he read Frank''s intentions.

    Scarface peeked at Madfist through his fingers just then and groaned. "Well, what do I call you now? Darling?"

    "Daddy works too." Madfist shrugged nonchntly.

    "Bleurgh¡ª"

    Scarface almost coughed up blood and decided against it right then, or his heart might give in right then. Unsurprisingly, Trevor was right, although he missed one thing, which was the room where the meeting would take ce. After a while, Helen, Gina, and Huub arrived, escorted by security officers from Lanecorp''s health and safety department. "Hey, did you know? The bumpkin father and son in Room 105 are actually not really father and son..."

    "For real? Gosh..."

    "That''s outrageous!"

    The waitresses behind the front desk were busy gossiping, each of them gaping and covering their mouths in disbelief.

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    "Hey! Don''t you see that there are customers here, and you''re still chatting instead of greeting them?!"

    As Gina pounded the front desk forcefully, the waitresses who were busy exchanging the bombshell looked up. However, they shot Gina''s looks of annoyance in turn, clearly not interested. "So you want a room? Is that it?" "You brat! Is this how you treat your customers?! Where''s your manager?! Bring him here!"

    Gina was at once furious.

    She was now the mother of Lanecorp''s board chairwoman, but some brat working at a karaoke box was giving her an attitude?!

    Seeing Gina yelling and drawing attention, Helen frowned and strode up, taking her arm and snapping under her breath, "Mom, we''re here for Uncle Gavin, and not here to y. Could you not draw so much attention?"

    "Hmph."

    Gina snorted coolly.

    Although she agreed with her daughter, she still pursed her lips unhappily. "You can tell right away that the kidnapper isn''t someone important, picking a shitty ce like this for the exchange. Just being here really cheapens us."

    "What was that?!"

    One of the waitresses was at once upset, mming her hand on the table and snapping, "If you don''t like it here, then you can leave! We could really do without guests like you, insulting us as soon as youe in! Who do you think you are?!"

    "Did you just raise your voice atContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    me?!" Gina shrieked, pointing at that

    sharp-tongued waitress. "You

    shameless brat, speaking to me in such a manner! Don''t you know who an you test me, this shitty karaoke box will close down tomorrow!"  to

    The waitress snorted. "Go on, do it if you can! Stupid hag, trying to act all important!"

    "That''s enough! All of you, stop!"

    Helen strode up, snapping coldly before wheeling on Gina. "Do you really have to make everything difficult for your daughter?" "But..."

    Gina frowned. "Don''t you get it? We''re not people who have to suffer through some waitresses'' attitude in a ce like this! Just look at them, they have no manners at all-"

    The waitresses heard that and scoffed in turn. "Right, right! Because you have plenty of manners!"

    "Stop!"

    Helen strode up to Gina''s face right then, frowning as she snapped, "You never change, Mom! You''re always belittling others and sucking up to bigwigs! How does that make us different from those waitresses?"

    "Just look at Frank-has he ever used his importance to bully others? Be it homeless folk or paperboys, he would treat them all as equals. Why don''t you learn from him instead of being so vain?"

    "Bah!" Gina spat coldly right then. "You''re still mentioning him?! Don''t you know why we''re here in the first ce?! If Frank had handed over that stupid herb from the start, would I be here, suffering through that brat''s insults?!"  to

    "Exactly."

    Huub''s eyes shed coldly as Helen was still mentioning Frank, and he came over, reaching out to hold her mother

    waist as he chuckled. "Your force

    is right. We all had toe in. because your ex-husband couldn''t give up a simple herb."  to

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    Huub continued, "Judging from that alone, your ex-husband isn''t being fair-he just doesn''t have standards."

    Then, turning to smile at Gina, he continued, "Your mother is the mother of a CEO. She naturally shouldn''t be treated as an equal with these in Janes. In fact, you should always be aware too, Helen-don''t stoop to the level of these pissants, or you''d cheapen yourself."

    And with a gentle wave, one of his goons strode up, grabbed the waitress, and pped her twice.

    Helen winced as she watched, at once feeling indescribable guilt.

    At the same time, Huub''s goon pushed the waitress down on the floor. "Get down on your knees and apologize!"

    "I''m... sorry..." The waitress'' cheek was covered in blood, but she was trembling as she knelt before Gina and apologized humbly.

    Gina did not appear ufortable at all, even grinning gleefully. "See, Helen? Mr. Droitner has ss. Frank? Hmph..."

    She did not borate, but she was clearly relishing in catharsis as Huub''s goon punished the waitress.

    "Hey, what''s going on here? What happened?"

    A greasy-haired man stepped out from his office just then. He immediately saw the mess around the front desk, especially his waitress'' face covered in blood as she knelt beside a guest.

    Gina promptlyined to him. "Hmph. The staff in your little karaoke box have zero manners, insulting me as soon as I stepped through the front door."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    The karaoke box manager did a double take but quickly apologized when he saw the way everyone was dressed.

    He even strode up and kicked the waitress a few times. "Stupid girl! Snapping at the customers?! You''re fired once you''re done for the day!"

    As the girl eventually trembled and

    stood up, the other waitresses looked on in fear and left to do their

    own tasks while the karaoke box manager looked on furiously  to

    "You should be honored that we''re here," Gina continued haughtily.

    "Yes, yes, of course." The karaoke box manager rubbed his hands, smiling fawningly.

    Nodding in approval, Gina said, "Good. I will let this slide, then. Now give us Room 10."

    "Wonderful!"

    The karaoke box manager smiled and nodded before wheeling on the waitress whom he fired and snapping, "What are you waiting for?"

    "Sir..."

    The waitress was wiping blood and tears off her face, but she spoke- quietly nheless. "Room 10as

    already taken, and the ne

    are there right now. We..."  to

    "Taken?!"

    The karaoke box manager felt the air leaving his lungs but soon remembered that the bumpkin father and son who took Room 10.

    Bumpkin or farmer notwithstanding, any paying customer was a customer in the manager''s eyes.

    Looking up and rubbing his hands,

    e

    he smiled at Helen and the others. "Excuse me, esteemed guests... As you''ve heard, Room 10 has been taken. Why don''t you pick another room number? Rest assured that the interior of every room here is

    furnished identically, so there''s really no difference."  to

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    "Absolutely not!"

    Gina strode up, snapping unreasonably, "This is a major transaction we''re talking about. We''re meeting someone there, and it must be Room 10! If you mess this up for us, you will see that even ten karaoke boxes would not be able to cover the loss!"

    The karaoke box manager did a double take.

    A major transaction on their premises?

    But what transaction would have to be carried out in a sordid ce like this?!

    Still, while the karaoke box manager was confused, he was still a seasoned veteran who would not get flustered over the little things.

    Smiling, he suggested, "In that case, allow me to discuss this matter with the customer in Room 10. Let''s see if they''re willing to let you have the room."

    "Good. Go!" Gina snapped, waving him off and leaving Helen exasperated.

    Soon, the karaoke box manager was knocking and entering Room 10. "Excuse me...sirs?"

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat when he saw that it was the karaoke box manager who entered this time, reclining against the couch as he asked, "Yes? Is something the matter?"

    The karaoke box manager nodded. "Well, see, there''s a bunch of customers who have just arrived, saying they want this room for a transaction. Would it be alright if I switched you to another room? I''ll add a fruit tter on the house as a way of apology."

    Frank knew right away from the mention of the transaction that Helen had arrived, though he was surprised that the room they took was also the room where the exchange would take ce.

    Still, this gave him an opportunity.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Nodding, he nced between Scarface and Madfist and said, "You two will go to another room while I''ll watch the situation develop. Try to pick a room close to the rear exit to stop our target from bailing."

    "Got it."

    Scarface and Madfist nodded and left with the karaoke box manager.

    On the other hand, Frank doubled back, avoiding the cameras as he sneaked back inside Room 10, hiding in the closet standing at a corner.

    To prevent surprises, he broke the lock mechanism from the inside so that the closet could not be opened from the outside and no one would spot him.

    Soon, there was some noise as the karaoke box manager led Gina and the others in the room.

    Seeing Gina frowning at the mess of used drinking sses and half-eaten bowls of snacks left in the room, the karaoke box manager quickly sent for cleaners to clear out the mess.  to

    After all themotion and

    everyone sat on the couch, Frank''s

    eyes shed coldly as he spied

    Huub''s back through the slit

    between the closet doors. "What''s

    he doing here?''  to

    He still had a bone to pick with that man, and his presence here was the perfect opportunity for Frank.

    Nheless, as everyone settled down, Gina-who really did not want to stay there¡ªurged Helen, "Go on, call that kidnapper now."

    "Yeah." Helen''s expression was somber as she held her phone.

    She stood before the short ss table, and Frank noticed the wooden box sitting quietly before her legs-the one that Trevor had told him about. "Is there really a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom inside?"

    He frowned and inhaled deeply.

    There was no aroma resembling the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, however.

    There was either no Bloodcrane Spiritbloom inside at all, or the box could contain the scent of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom-just like the one Frank had.  to

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    ?

    There was either no Bloodcrane Spiritbloom inside at all, or the box could contain the scent of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom-just like the one Frank had.

    "Hello? We''re here."

    Soon, Helen''s call was answered, and an obscure woman''s voice spoke from the other end.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Since Helen had put the call on loudspeaker, Frank could hear clearly enough to tell right away that it was none other than Horey Lindt.

    "I''m watching the cameras," she said right away. "Frank Lawrence isn''t here, is he?"

    "Frank?"

    Helen appeared shocked and frowned as she nced at Huub and her mother. "Why would you care about Frank? Isn''t the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom what you came for?"

    "Heh. Well, he has the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, so if he''s not here, then it''s not with you!"

    "Hah!"

    Hearing how skeptical Horey was, Huub snatched Helen''s phone right then and snapped coolly, "Listen closely! I am Huub Droitner, heir to Droitner Inc.! That so-called Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?! I have it too! And I''m now demanding that you free your hostage!"

    A long silence ensued over the

    phone before Horey suddenly burst out inughter of disdain. "Pfft... Huub Droitner, you say? Who do you think you

    are?! And you think some tinypany like yours could hold on to a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom? You''d be dead before you know it!"  to

    Huub was left flushed by the kidnapper''s diss but persisted nheless. "It''s a family heirloom kept well hidden for years! I wouldn''t be taking it out if not for Helen!"

    Hearing that, Gina pped Helen on

    the shoulder repeatedly while looking at Huub in admiration. "Just look at Mr. Droitner, Helen! He doesn''t even flinch when he has to give up a family heirloom for your sake... he has such a big heart! Why hesitate when he''s already gone this far for you?"  to

    "The way I see it, you should forget about Frank already! Did you see the look on his face when we begged him for the same thing? He just says no to our faces, even if it''s Gavin, who has helped you so much. He wouldn''t mind watching Gavin being kidnapped and tortured just to hold on to his herb.  to

    "See? Now, Mr. Droitner is even helping you negotiate the release of your uncle! Where''s Frank now? Forgeting to help-he''s not even calling you! An ingrate to thest! Why would you want anything to do with a man like him?!"

    Gina''s endless rambling left Helen scowling and shaking her head. "Stop meddling, Mom. That''s my business."

    "I''m just worried about you."

    Gina sighed. "How long have you been with Frank? He couldn''t even give up an herb, while Mr. Droitner did it with no hesitation! Don''t you think that''s worrying?!"

    And while Helen and Gina were busy talking, Horey became hesitant over the phone. "Did you really bring a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    "Of course," Huub said confidently, tapping on the box in front of Helen. "You''re watching from the cameras, aren''t you? Then you can see this box- it''s a family heirloom that can keep anything sealed inside. The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom you want is right inside."

    Horey was left silent for a long while before she eventually said, "Leave the box in the room, and all of you must leave the building. I''ll release the hostageter."

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    ?

    "Absolutely not!"

    Huub protested as he caught on. "What if you renege on our deal after we give you our treasure and refuse to free your hostage? We''d just be taken for suckers!"

    "My fight is not with you. I only want the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom!"

    The voice on the other end snapped impatiently, "At worst, the only person I have a bone to pick with is Frank Lawrence! None of you are my concern, and I won''t hurt the hostage if your Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is real as you assured me! He will be freed!"

    Still, she soon paused and giggled coolly. "And you''re in no ce to demand anything from me."

    Huub''s expression turned cold at the kidnapper''s demands, but she hung up before he could say another word.

    He returned the phone to Helen and mmed his fist on the table.

    "Damn it!" he bellowed before turning to Helen. "What do we do now? Are we just going to give up the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom? What if she suddenly changes her mind?"

    "We have no choice now."

    Helen sighed lengthily, lowering her head as she pondered. "And judging from what she said, all she wants is the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, so she would probably stop once she gets it?"

    Gina quickly said, "Don''t worry, Mr. Droitner. Helen will always remember your grace and properlypensate you since the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is so valuable."

    "I''m not worried about the money."This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Huub shrugged, showing his generosity.

    "I''m just worried that the kidnapper wouldn''t stick to our agreement. But since Helen thinks we should go along, I won''t argue.''

    Helen stood up and bowed at Huub. "Thank you. You''ve really done my family a huge favor-once my uncle is freed, we wille to thank you personally."

    Huub smiled and nodded. "It''s nothing, Helen. And since we''ve decided, let''s..."

    "Yeah. Let''s go."

    With that, everyone agreed to follow the kidnapper''s instructions, and the rowdy room was soon empty.

    Creak...

    Frank emerged from the closet, keeping his distance so that the cameras could not catch him as he moved to the table.

    After all, he was really curious-was there really a Bloodcrane Spiritbloom in that box?

    §Ö

    He waited for five minutes to ensure that Horey would see that there was not anyone in the room and woulde to get the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.  to

    With that, he walked up to the table and opened the box, revealing the red flower inside with a crane-shaped stigma.

    It looked very much natural, but Frank scowled as soon as he saw it because there was no Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    Forget someone who had seen the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom like Frank himself even Horey would be able to tell that it was a fake, thanks to her knowledge in medicine.  to

    "Hmph. You sure have balls, Huub Droitner!"

    Frank glowered as he closed the box and put it back where it was, and he dodged the cameras again as he returned to the closet.

    He would wait there until Horey came and took the fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, and at that point, Frank would subdue her on the spot. After around ten minutes, the rush of footsteps could be heard outside.

    Frank patiently held his breath, hiding his presence entirely.

    He would wait until Horey was caught by surprise when she found out

    the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom

    fake and seize her white she was distracted.  to

    After all, Horey would be on her toes right now.

    Creak...

    A figure opened the door of Room 10 just then and headed straight for the wooden box on the table without hesitation.

    Frank remained hidden in the closet, leaning forward to listen closely.

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    Click.

    In the same instant Frank heard the wooden box being opened, he leapt out of the closet straight toward ''Horey Lindt'', catching her and pinning her on the floor.

    "Don''t move!" he snapped.

    "Ahh!" The woman shrieked underneath Frank, jolting him to his senses.

    Feeling a foreboding sensation in the pit of his stomach, he turned to the woman, his eyes widening as he found himself staring at an unfamiliar face.

    It was not Horey!

    "What..."

    Even as Frank''s face fell, the woman beneath him struggled, punching his chest.

    "Let me go, you moron! Let me go!" she shrieked.

    "Damn it!"

    Frank cursed as he heard a rush of footsteps outside and poked the woman in the corbone, knocking her out.

    Then, he scooped her up in one hand and hid in the next room before pressing his ear against the wall to eavesdrop on Room 10.

    "What happened?!"

    "The closet broke? And what''s that on the table?"

    Frank breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the staff members'' murmurs of confusion-fortunately, they did not see him.

    Then, putting a hand over the woman''s mouth, he poked her between the brows, reviving her.

    As she slowly stirred, she started struggling and calling for help again.

    "Stay quiet and don''t move, or I''ll kill you!" Frank snapped, his eyes shing murderously

    As her body seemed to turn limp and shudder, Frank kept his cool re on her as he continued, "I will now let you talk. But if you call for help, you''re dead. Understand?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Mmph."

    The woman nodded despite her terror, and Frank lifted her hand from her mouth, asking softly, " have questions. I''ll let you go if you answer them, or I will kill you where you stand."  to

    The woman nodded again, her eyes pleading for mercy since she could not call for help.

    "Good¡ªat least you understand your situation." Frank nodded in turn. "First of all, who sent you here to get that box?"

    "It was a woman... she wore ck

    robes and gave me a fifty grand check, telling me to bring it to her,"

    the woman spoke gingerly, endlessly afraid of incurring Frank''s wrath.  to

    "Good. Second question..."

    Frank paused, narrowing his eyes. "Was that woman nearby earlier?" "Yeah." The woman nodded gingerly. "She''s at the back door."

    Then, seemingly worried that it was not enough, she added gingerly, "She stayed in touch through a video call and told me to aim the camera at the contents of the box. She said she wanted a look."  to

    "What?"

    Frank panicked right then. "And did she see it?"

    The woman thought about it and nodded. "Yeah."

    "Shit!"

    Frank cursed the game was up, as Horey had seen the fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom in the box!

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    Horey was no fool-she would be able to tell away that the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom in the box was an artisan object and no treasure.

    And since it was a fake, she would immediately presume that Helen and the others were trying to trick her.

    On top of that, Frank showed up and subdued her courier.

    One did not need imagination at this point.

    Horey would naturally presume that the whole thing was a trap designed by Helen to catch her, and that Helen had never nned to follow her demands from the start.

    Horey would be furious and would definitely hurt Gavin Lane in retaliation.

    "Devious witch..."

    Frank could not help sighing, impressed despite Horey being his enemy.

    She was so cunning she would crush her senior apprentice, Kairo Wal, by a country mile in the brains department.

    Seeing that Frank has asked his questions-and that she already gave all the answers she could give anyway-she asked fearfully, "Excuse me, could you let go of me now?"

    "What? Oh, right. Sorry..."

    Frank quickly pulled the woman to her feet.

    She was no viin, and judging from her expression and what she said, she was not lying.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Horey had simply sought her out by chance, promising her a generous reward to look inside the box.

    Bowing his head in earnest apology, he said, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone bad. Please ept my apology."

    The woman smiled nonchntly. "It''s fine. It''s been a while since I''ve experienced this much excitement... Wait, why do you want to catch that woman?"

    Frank sighed softly. "She kidnapped someone close to me."

    "I-I see..."

    The woman nodded, her face obscured in the darkness, but she was obviously young, with her hair tied into twintails.

    "Oh, my phone... And my sses..." she murmured, since she had dropped her phone when Frank subdued her.

    Still, Frank''s eyes lit up at the mention of her phone.

    Right! Since Horey was staying in touch with a video call to check the contents of the box, Horey would have to give the woman her number or keep the call going!  to

    And once Frank got that number, he could ask Trevor to track it down...

    Nheless, even as the idea

    urred to him, he was left staring as the woman left Room 10, her eyes narrowed as she pouted  to

    "Your phone... Sorry."

    Before Frank could speak, all the words were suddenly stuck in his throat.

    After all, he could see the woman holding a broken pair of sses and a phone with a cracked screen.

    It was also only then that he finally

    saw that she was barely in her

    twenties, tooking like she had just

    graduated from college. She

    a

    denim dress matched with arge denim sling bag and had a paperboy cap on her head.  to

    She had to narrow her eyes to see clearly with her sses broken, and while she was no looker, she was definitely not ugly.

    Still, Frank''s attention was not on her face, but her phone.

    It was broken, which meant the trail leading to Horey that he had just thought of had gone cold.

    "What''s going on here?!"

    Arge group of staff and security guards emerged from Room 10, and they promptly interrogated the woman.

    She was stammering, her hands iling around helplessly before suddenly finding Frank''s sleeve.

    Tugging on it, she said quietly, "M-My boyfriend and I... slipped. And we heard people outside, so we hid..."

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    Tugging on Frank''s sleeve, the woman said quietly, "M-My boyfriend and I... slipped. And we heard people outside, so we hid..."

    One of the security guards was staring at her sideways. "If you heard people, why would you hide?"

    "Uh, well..."

    The woman murmured awkwardly. "We came in from the back door. We saw an empty room, so we tried to check it out before we got our own... And then we slipped and hid when we heard youing."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "I see."

    The security guards nodded before one of them said, "Wait, did you break the closet in Room 10? I''m sorry, but you''ll have to pay for it..."

    "What? How much?" the woman asked, her fingers clenching on Frank''s sleeve.

    "Five grand." The security guard whipped out a price list.

    "What?! That''s so expensive!" The woman flinched in shock.

    "It''s fine. Five grand it is-we can afford it."

    Still, Frank quickly strode up and whipped out a check to write down ten grand before slipping it into the security guard''s chest pocket and patting it. "Use the change to buy a round of drinks for the boys, and let''s put this behind us. There''s no reason to blow this out of proportion."

    The security guard''s eyes lit up when he saw the number on the check. "Alright! Thanks, brother... This way please. The door''s that way..." After shaking off the security guards, Frank pulled the woman along to the lobby. "Okay, you should be fine from here. You can see, right?" "Yes." The woman nodded. "Thank you."

    "Wait."

    Frank took out another check.

    He wrote ten grand on it but thought about it and added another zero, making it a hundred grand.

    After all, he had broken the woman''s sses and phone, not to mention that she was so helpful even though he floored her and threatened her. All of that really gnawed at Frank''s conscience.

    "Take this," he said. "Consider thispensation for your phone and sses."

    "Eh?"

    The woman did a double take but held up her hands, smiling as she stared at Frank''s chest. "No, it''s fine. I already got one from... well, I guess I shouldn''t take her money...  to

    swro

    Frank chuckled at her hesitation, shaking his head and sliding the check into the woman''s bag. "Don''t worry. You deserve that money for yourbor, while I''mpensating yout for breaking your stuff  to

    "R-Really? Well, as long as you''re not upset... See you around, then," the woman said, nodding repeatedly at Frank.

    She then turned to leave, only to walk right into a ss wall and hit her head.

    "Ow." She dropped to a crouch, clutching her forehead and gritting her teeth.

    She nodded at Frank again out of embarrassment before a waitress helped lead her outside by holding her hand.

    Frank watched as she left, his smile fading as he soon sighed.

    The trail leading to Horey has gone cold once again.

    Even if Frank was sure now that Horey and Gavin were in Riverton and it was not as big a ce as Zamri, they would not be able to find them that quickly even if they searched far and wide. Content

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    "Well, this means trouble," Frank murmured to himself, frowning as he tried to think of a solution.

    Meanwhile, outside the karaoke box, Helen received a call from Horey. "Your n is genius, Ms. Lane."

    "What?"

    Helen was left confused. She looked between Gina and Huub, but they looked just as confused as to what the kidnapper was talking about.

    Horey chuckled just then. "Still pretending, huh?"

    "I''m not pretending. What are you getting at?" Helen pressed urgently.

    Horeyughed in cold rage. "Not pretending? Then why did you bring a fake flower? Hell, that''s not all-you even had someone hide in the closet in Room 10, ready to ambush me! You''re really showing no sincerity here, Ms. Lane!"

    Helen wheeled on Huub in shock. "The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is fake?!"

    Huub appeared stunned for a moment, but he quickly stuck with the script he had prepared beforehand, insisting vehemently, "Impossible! That''s definitely the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, an heirloom from my ancestors! How could it be fake?! The way I see it, the kidnapper must have already taken it and is trying to frame us instead!"

    "Hah!"

    Horeyughed coldly in turn. "You think I''d be interested in your fake crap?! Save it! If I''m trying to pull a scam, why would I even bother calling you?! You''re the one who refused to take my deal and tried to trick me! You''ll understand the consequences for that soon enough!"

    Beep... Beep...Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Horey hung up before Helen could exin, leaving her dejected as she listened to the static beeping.

    If Gina had not been quick enough to catch her, she would have copsed on the floor right then.

    "Listen to me, Helen."

    Huub strode up, ready to maintain his innocence. "The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom I gave you is not fake. It''s real, and I promise you that on my reputation. I''d never lie to you!"

    While Helen said nothing but nod at his assurance, Gina quickly said, "Of course we believe you, Mr. Droitner You''d never joke something like this given your family background. But why was the kidnapper saying that we lied to her? And that thing about anambush... Did you do that, Mr. Droitner?"  to

    "No, absolutely not." Huub shook his head repeatedly while turning to smile mildly at Helen. "Helen has decided to follow the kidnapper''s demands, so why would I ruin it for her? Come on-let''s go in and see what''s happening inside."  to

    Despite what he said, Huub was just carrying out the n he had put together beforehand.

    First, he would deny everything,

    refusing to admit that the

    Bloodcrane Spiritbloom in the box

    was a fake. Even if it was really what he had brought there, he would insist that the kidnapper was the

    one who had switched it out with a fake.  to

    After that, he would watch how Helen reacted.

    If she still epted everything he said and tactfully epted his advances after Frank''s ''disappearance'', he would just let slide his lost ''Bloodcrane Spiritbloom''.

    But if she refused, Huub would demandpensation.

    And if she could not afford it, he would take extra steps and coerce her into submission anyway.

    It was the perfect n, with endlessyers of contingencies.

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    Huub appeared anxious, but he knew inwardly that he had won.

    Gina was an idiot and a ve to the rich and important¡ªshe would never stop him and was an ally to a certain extent.

    As for Frank, that gigolo was now in ckwater and would never leave for the rest of his life.

    Now, no one could stop Huub-Helen was as good as his!

    Even as he thought that and led Helen and the others back inside the karaoke box, he spotted a familiar face in the lobby.

    "Frank Lawrence?!"

    He froze when he recognized the man, unable to react right then.

    "What''s wrong, Mr. Droitner?"

    Both Gina and Helen were puzzled to see Huub suddenly freezing like a statue and spotted the same familiar face when they looked where he was looking.

    Gina was a little angry as she eximed, "Frank?!''

    "Frank! What are you doing here?!"

    On the other hand, Helen was delighted-Frank would always appear at her most vulnerable and helpless moments.

    She left Huub and walked over to Frank right away, wrapping her hands around his arm.

    Frank was in turn surprised that Helen and the others would turn back, and he rubbed his nose as he chuckled awkwardly. "I heard that you''d be here for the exchange, so..."

    "Wait!"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen eximed as she remembered, and stared at Frank in disbelief. "The kidnapper said someone set an ambush in Room 10 to catch her... Was that you?!"

    She was smart, and Frank shrugged exasperatedly, not bothered to hide the fact. "It was me, but Horey Lindt is cunning-she never came, instead hiring some girl off the street to get the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom for her. And on that subject..."  to

    Frank''s expression cool just then, as he strode up to the stunned Huub, pointing at him and snapping, "How dare you use a fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom to trick Helen!"

    "What?!"

    Both Gina and Helen turned on Huub at Frank''s usation.

    On the other hand, Huub was finally jolted into his senses and murmured without knowing it, "How did he make it out...?"

    "Heh. Didn''t expect this, did you?"

    Frank chuckled coolly, interrupting

    Huub''s musing. "You may have sent

    me to ckwater, but a ce like that would never hold me for long! Honestly, I''m impressed... You want Helen so badly that you''d frame me and get me arrested, stopping me from saving Gavin Lane.  to

    "That''s one grudge too many that I have against you. And yet, you didn''t stop there you tried to trick everyone with a fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom!" "T-That''s a lie!"

    Huub was left stunned by Frank''s usations, as each struck him right where it hurt.

    However, he soon had an idea and glowered furiously as he bellowed, "I know! So that''s why the kidnapper was saying that my Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is fake!"

    "What?"

    Gina and Helen almost believed

    Frank, only for Huub to use Frank in return. It was you! You switched the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom with a fake after we left! You must have been hiding in Room 10, waiting to frame me!"  to

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    "Huh?!"

    Huub''s usation caught Frank off guard.

    Both Helen and Gina were stunned for a moment, but they turned toward Frank too, and he frowned. "Still trying to bullshit your way out of this, and even trying to me me for using a fake?"

    "Frank!"

    Gina strode up just then, ncing between Helen and Frank as she yelled, "I don''t know if Mr. Droitner gave us a fake herb, but he at least had the sincerity to help us along the way! That alone makes him better than you!"

    She paused before adding coolly, "Where were you and Helen and I are worried sick for her uncle? And now, you jump out of nowhere. It makes me wonder about your intention!"

    Huub was certainly delighted with Gina''s outburst, though he chuckled under his breath. "I knew it¡ªshe really is an idiot."

    Then, turning toward Helen with a loving gaze, he said, "I don''t know if my Bloodcrane Spiritbloom was messed with, but I swear that it''s my family heirloom passed down from my great-great-great grandfather. I wouldn''t have taken it out if not for you, but you''re now using me of bringing a fake... it just hurts so much."

    In reality, he was just quickly switching from direct aggression to passiveness, and it certainly proved useful as Helen was vulnerable to passive aggression.

    She was at once guilty to see Huub''s bleak, disappointed eyes-it was true that Huub had been helping her since yesterday. Moreover, someone so rich and important would not stoop to tricking her with a fake.

    But if that was true, that meant that Frank had really switched the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom meant for the kidnapper in Room 10?This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen was left in a dilemma right then-she knew that Frank was no thief, but she would not believe that Huub would deceive her either.

    Seeing her hesitation, Gina hurried to Helen and whispered into her ear. "Oh, why are you hesitating?"

    Helen realized with a start right then. "Okay, we''ll check the cameras!"

    "Oh, no..."

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat right then.

    After all, he had indeed been hiding in Room 10.

    Out of sheer curiosity, he had checked the box after Helen and the others left.

    Moreover, he had taken the box away from the cameras, and based on the angle, it could easily be misinterpreted that he was really switching the contents.  to

    But at this point, Frank had no choice either.

    He could only follow Helen and the others, who sought out the karaoke box manager, asking to check the security footage as they had dost something in the room.  to

    They had to argue for a while, but the karaoke box manager eventually nodded and brought the footage.

    To no surprise, around five minutes

    u

    after Helen had the call with the kidnapper, Frank appeared and took the box away from the camera''s view before putting it back.  to

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    "Hahaha!!!"

    Huub was at once nervous, but his knuckles eased triumphantly as he saw the footage.

    Fortune was really on his side! He was just bullshiting, but by an unprecedented stroke of luck, Frank had just proven himself guilty!

    Laughing coldly as he pointed at an impassive Frank, "See?! You''re the one who switched out my treasure, and the kidnapper noticed that it wasn''t real!"

    "What else do you have to say now?! Let me guess you were already dead set on sacrificing Helen''s uncle yesterday just to keep your Bloodcrane Spiritbloom even when Helen came to your doorstep asking you for it!

    "But when she left with me, you heard that I had one too, so you wanted mine as well! So you got a fake one, found out where we were making the exchange with the kidnapper, hid here, and switched out my Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, even trying to frame me for it!

    "You tried to catch the kidnapper directly to win Helen''s favor anyway, and that sure was a fat lot of help! How cunning and heinous can you stoop, Frank?!"

    Frank''s eyes narrowed at Huub''s seemingly righteous usation, while both Helen and Gina were staring at him suspiciously.

    They could not be med, however, as Huub''s exnation made more sense.

    Not only did Frank show up here unannounced, but he had allegedly failed to catch the kidnapper, and the exchange therefore ended up a failure.

    In fact, it did not matter if Frank actually made the switch-there was no question that he had messed up Helen''s attempts to trade with the kidnapper.

    Gina was at once furious. "Frank Lawrence! You''re really a cunning one-not only did you want to steal Huub''s ancestral heirloom, but you''re trying to take us for fools?! I''m honestly almost impressed!"

    "How could you do this, Frank?"Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Helen shook her head unhappily even as she let go of his hand. "There''s nothing going on between me and Mr. Droitner-he''s just trying to helpme save Uncle Gavin, even giving me his family heirloom You, on the other hand..."  to

    e

    Helen sighed in disappointment and held out her palm at Frank. "Return the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom you took from Mr Droitner now. I get it-you''re not giving up yours to save Uncle Gavin, but we need this one. You don''t get to stop me... And don''t you understand what you''re doing? You''re stealing! It''s theft!"  to

    Frank just could not argue at Helen''s look of disappointment, and he wheeled on Huub, who was subtly smirking.

    ring at him, Frank snapped coldly, "Huub Droitner! You know very well that your Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is a fake! I''m not a dishonorable prick like you, and I will save Gavin Lane in my own way! And remember. This is yet another injustice you''ve dealt me!"  to

    "Frank Lawrence! Stop!"

    Helen grabbed him, seeing that he was ready to leave. "I don''t care what you have against Mr. Droitner, but you have to give his Bloodcrane Spiritbloom back right now! It''s the only way we can save Uncle Gavin!"

    Gina leapt up and grabbed Frank too. "Frank! If you''d really taken Mr. Droitner''s Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, I don''t mind dying here fighting you! I''ll show everyone your true colors now!"

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    Gina leapt up and grabbed Frank too. "Frank! If you''d really taken Mr. Droitner''s Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, I don''t mind dying here fighting you! I''ll show everyone your true colors now!"

    Then, she started shouting at the top of her lungs in every direction. "Everyone, help! We caught a thief here. He stole Helen''s stuff but refuses to admit it! He thinks he''s above thew just because he can hold himself in a fight! He''s bullying us..."

    Frank only got further frustrated as bystanders around the karaoke box stopped to look.

    "Enough!" he bellowed, unleashing a burst of vigor that knocked Gina and Helen away.

    There was a look of guilt in his eyes when he saw Helen drop on the floor, but he soon scowled angrily. "Why can''t you believe me, Helen? Am I a despicable thief in your eyes?!"

    While Helen stayed limp on the floor in silence, Huub rushed to her side while pointing at Frank and snapping, "See? He can''t defend himself, and that''s why he''s getting violent! Go on, do it! I''m not afraid of you-no one gets to trample on Droitner Inc.!"

    Then, turning to Helen, he assured her, "Don''t worry. As long as I''m around, that bastard doesn''t get toy a finger on you!"

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    On the other hand, Gina remained on the floor like a fishwife, pointing at Frank and snapping, "You''re not just a thief who stole Mr. Droitner''s treasure, but you even hurt me and my daughter! Even animals are better than you!"

    Frank noticed the bystanders around them looking at him and shaking their heads in disapproval and felt his vein throbbing in his temples. "Do you not understand what I''m saying, Gina?! I stole nothing! Huub Droitner brought a fake in the first ce!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    That was when Helen, still on the floor, finally said, "Frank... Just go."

    "Helen, I..."

    "Just go!" she snapped, pointing at the door of the karaoke box entrance. "I don''t want to see you!" "I..."

    Frank knew that it was pointless to speak further, seeing the look of rage and misery in her eyes.

    He gradually calmed down as well and nodded.

    "Fine, I''ll go."

    Impassive, he strode toward the entrance, pausing at the doorway as he chuckled and sighed softly.

    "In the end, nothing''s really changed."

    And with those words, Frank strode out of the karaoke box.

    Helen said nothing as she remained on the floor, her hand over her mouth asrge teardrops trickled down her cheeks.

    Huub thenforted her. "Don''t get

    upset over someone like him, Helen. Forget about him if you have

    vel

    to-let''s worry about how to save your uncle for now."  to

    Helen nodded silently as she sobbed.

    "Stay away from that heartless dog from now on, Helen. How

    unseemly-bleurgh!" Gina spat as she helped her to her feet and left the karaoke box together. Content

    Huub watched from behind as they went, his expression suddenly cool and savage as he beckoned at a goon.

    "Come here," he said coolly. "Find

    out how Frank Lawrence got out of

    ckwater. If he''s a fugitive,

    pressure Draco Fisher to issue a ckwater Designation rightaway."

    to

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    "Yes, Mr. Droitner."

    Having received his orders, Huub''s goon turned to leave.

    Huub smiled sinisterly in turn. "Hmph. Frank may have escaped ckwater, but he probably doesn''t know that it''s not a ce he can leave just because he wants to!"

    While the chaos in Silicon Karaoke Box continued, two men-one elderly and the other rtively young, and both wearing security guard uniforms¡ª left their room.

    They crossed the street, subtly following a hooded figure in jeans who was keeping her head lowered.

    Scarface leaned close toward Madfist and whispered, "How can you tell that she''s the one, old man?"

    "It''s just my experience as a martial artist talking."

    Madfist smiled. "Her pacing is wary, and she keeps looking around while trying to stay out of sight. The way I see it, she most definitely is the person Mr. Lawrence is looking for."

    "Amazing... Well, do we call Mr. Lawrence now?"

    "There''s no rush. We can do that once we find herir."

    "Okay." Scarface nodded, put away his phone, and continued tailing the suspicious woman with Madfist.

    The woman finally rxed after taking multiple detours around the city and headed toward an abandoned building in the outskirts of West City. "Hmph. She finally messed up."

    Scarface snorted, already impatient from running in circles, and he was ready to charge inside to punish the woman once they reached herir. "Calm down," Madfist whispered as he put a hand on Scarface''s shoulder, as would any seasoned veteran. "She''s very cautious. If we strode inside, she''d quickly notice us and give us the slip."

    Scarface hid behind a tree right then, but impatience showed all over his face. "Well, what should we do now?"

    "Call Mr. Lawrence," Madfist said. "Tell him to bring more men, ideally surrounding the whole building. "Alright!"

    Scarface promptly whipped out his phone to call Frank.

    Frank was still feeling frustrated as he walked into a random bar for drinks.

    "Hello?"

    He answered Scarface''s call, only remembering then that he had been so preupied with his argument

    with Helen that he had forgotten

    about Scarface and Madfist. "Right, you don''t have to stay at the karaoke box My target gave me the slip, and I''m at Dynasty Bar now- to

    Scarface stopped him before he could finish. Mr. Lawrence, we found that kidnapper''sir! She''s in an abandoned office building outside West City. Bring as many people as you can-the old man and myself are keeping an eye outside, and we''re worried that she might give us the slip."  to

    "What?! Well done!!!"

    Frank sprang from his bar stool, all the gloom on his face fading as he almostughed in excitement.

    To think that the two security guards whom he had just enlisted had achieved such a major feat before he realized it!

    Still, he soon realized that it must be thanks Madfist-the veteran

    marten

    l

    artist certainly had both the experience and ability.  to

    He now realized why Silverbell thought so highly of the old man.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Wisdom trulyes with age!" He sighed, putting down his ss and taking a taxi straight to West City.

    Still, he did not bring more men with him despite what Madfist said.

    After all, he was convinced that between himself and Madfist, they would not allow Horey to escape!

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    Chapter 1745

    ?

    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    When Frank arrived at the abandoned office building in West City, Frank immediately spotted Scarface and Madfist lurking outside.

    Madfist was frowning slightly. "What, you didn''t bring anyone?"

    Frank patted his chest and chuckled confidently. "Don''t worry. You just have to watch the exit-I''ll slip in from the back. Horey Lindt isn''t getting away now."

    Madfist did not press the issue, seeing Frank''s confidence.

    "Shall we?"

    On the other hand, Scarface was ready to charge inside, having gotten impatient from waiting.

    Frank smiled but held up a hand to stop him. "Patience. You two just have to watch the exits-I''ll deal with this myself."

    "Wait, I''m still staying here?" Scarface scowled, scratching his head.

    "Alright, don''t mope so much. I''ll buy you both nice cars once we''re done here!"

    Frank chuckled and disappeared in a whoosh.

    The move left Madfist stunned it was not surprising why the brat was so confident, since he could walk the talk!

    "Hey, you said it, not me!" Scarface eximed, trying to keep his voice down.

    However, Frank was already gone.

    Madfist then studied the exits, musing to himself for a while and pointing at a part of the wall around the building.

    "You should watch that spot," he told Scarface.

    "Why?" Scarface looked at him in turn, puzzled.

    Madfist exined, "I have a hunch that our target is cunning enough to prepare alternative routes of escape, so I''ll watch the front entrance, while you keep an eye on the side."

    It was quite reasonable, and for the sake of a new car, Scarface strode over to the walls, rubbing his nose.

    "Hmm."

    Madfist nodded in approval as Scarface left some footprints as he walked.

    Then, hey sprawled on the ground, slowing his heart rate and silencing his breaths, waiting for the kidnapper to walk straight to him.

    Whoosh!

    Meanwhile, Frank was dashing at breakneck speeds.

    He was at once frustrated and furious after Helen mismed him, and all he wanted to do was to catch Horey and prove his innocence.

    That was why he was not holding

    back at all he was pushing his Ascendant rank abilities to the limit, dashing along the wall and roof of the building as a ck blur

    A normal person would presume that he was a gust of wind that had just breezed past them, and not a person. "Hmph. Imbeciles, all of them!"

    Horey was glowering in one of the rooms in the building, her expression impassive as she lowered her hood. She stared fixedly at Gavin Lane, who was tied firmly to the wall.

    Fwip!

    Whipping out a knife from her boots, Horey strode up to Gavin, dropping to a crouch as she said coolly, "Did you know that Helen Lane set a trap for me, and with a fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom on top of that?! What do you think is a fitting punishment for you?"

    Gavin, however, could not speak even as he stared at the sharp knife held just in front of his face.

    He closed his eyes, resigning himself to his fate.

    "Hah!" Horeyughed. "Did you think

    I''m just going to kill you? No... I''d have no hand to y without you, and I''m still counting on Frank Lawrence to give up the Blo

    1.n

    Spiritbloom. If anything, I guess I''ve been too kind before."

    Gritting her teeth, she shed downward on Gavin''s hand!

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    Chapter 1746

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    "Mmmph!!!"

    Gavin''s eyes widened as sweat trickled down his face and he wheezed-Horey had sliced off his little finger!

    She then picked it up from the floor, holding it at her phone as sheughed. "Do you understand now, Helen Lane? If you''re actually smart, you should be looking for Frank Lawrence and getting his Bloodcrane Spiritbloom for me. You thought some stupid rich family would actually have it?" "Stop..."

    Helen could certainly see Gavin trembling and groaning over the video call, as well as his severed finger.

    She turned pale as she cried, "J-Just calm down! Huub Droitner is going to find it from Frank''s ce! Just give me time-please stop hurting my uncle!"

    Meanwhile, Frank was standing outside the window, and he could clearly hear Helen''s desperate pleas from Horey''s phone.

    Naturally, that was not the point, as Helen had just said that Huub was going to find it from his ce!

    His heart grew cold.

    Helen would actually allow Huub into Cologne Court to find something that was rightfully Frank''s?!

    He could already imagine what Huub would do once he reached Cologne Court, but fortunately, he would not leave something as precious as the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom there anyway.

    The truth was that Frank had long since given Trevor Zurich the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom for safekeeping, and Huub would never find it even if he had a year to search Cologne Court.

    Taking a deep breath to restrain the rage within, he charged a thick burst of pure vigor at his foot, and...

    ng!

    He moved in a split second, crashing through the ss window as he dashed into the room at lightning speed. "W-What?!"

    Horey only had time to turn when she heard the crash and found herself staring into a furious re just a feet away. "Guk!"

    Soon, she was seeing stars as Frank caught her by the neck with a vice-like grip, lifting her into the air.

    "You had your chance, Horey Lindt!"

    Horey was jolted to her senses at the furious growl. "Frank Lawrence?! H-How did you..."

    "Frank?!"

    In the distance, Gavin''s eyes lit up in joy when he saw Frank suddenly show up.

    "What?! Frank?! Are you there?!"

    Helen was eximing from Horey''s dropped phone, having clearly heard themotion.

    "Anyst words?!" Frank growled,

    ring coldly with barenaked

    swne

    bloodlust at Horey, even as she struggled futilely against his vice-like grip.

    "Pfft... Hahahaha!!!"

    l

    However, even as Horey bled from her lips, sheughed instead of panicking or despairing. "Did you think I didn''t expect this, Frank Lawrence?! I''m telling you... I''m` much smarter than that bonehead Kairo Wal!"

    Frank then stiffened as he watched Horey reach inside her pocket, taking out a detonator with a blinking red indicator.

    "Heh. I''ve put a lot of explosives

    154Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    under his clothes," Horeyed

    as sheughed. "Go on,

    push this button, and we''ll all die together!"

 Chapter 1747

    Chapter 1747

    ?

    "Damn it."

    Frank could not move when he saw Horey holding the detonator with a vice-like grip, as he also spied a red sh under Gavin''s clothes.

    He would not get hurt by the bomb, but if he pushed Horey too far and she pressed the detonator, Gavin would not survive.

    "Stop, Frank!" Helen cried out anxiously from the phone Horey dropped. "Do you hear me?! Stop! You''re going to kill Uncle Gavin! He has to stay safe, you hear me?!

    It only got Frank irritated, and he snapped, "Shut up!"

    And with that, silence ensued.

    "Mmm... Mmmph!!!"

    Gavin''s eyes widened as he nced between Frank and the dropped phone in disbelief.

    He started to struggle against his restraints, only to tip over and fall on the floor. Even so, his eyes were fixed on Frank, as if to tell Frank to kill Horey -to eliminate the threat and not worry about him!

    Frank certainly noticed, but he gritted his teeth and shook his head. "N-No. I can''t do that."

    His conscience would not be clear if he had to sacrifice Gavin, whom he and Helen owed so much to, just to kill a cockroach like Horey.

    "Hahaha..."

    Seeing them arguing, Horey startedughing again. "Oh, Frank! Aren''t you a man? Honestly, getting tripped up over some woman? Go on, kill me! I don''t want to live anyway-the child inside me won''t live without the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, and it''s pointless for me to stay alive otherwise! And I certainly don''t dislike the idea of taking a few heads as I go down!"

    Frank''s fingers twitched around her neck even as she continued her maniacal ramblings, but he eventually closed his eyes. "I''ll let you go. Leave the detonator."

    "Hahaha..."

    Horey looked skyward and roared withughter as he gave in. "Master Noirot, Kairo Wal... Do you hear this? Are you witnessing this?! The man you think is so invincible, so unstoppable, has just given in to me because of a woman!"

    Eventually when she was doneughing, she looked at Frank, a sinister flicker almost visible in her eyes. "I''m never giving up on the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom... unless I''m dead!" C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    And with those words, she threw the detonator toward the open window.

    Frank reacted in a split second, dashing over and catching it before it could fall.

    However, that moment of dy was all Horey needed to jump out of the building, disappearing by the time Frank turned around. Frank clenched his knuckles, but he wasted no time in rushing over to free Gavin and taking off all the explosives ced on him.

    But while he did, all the diodes that were red suddenly turned green.

    "Shit!" Frank cursed-Horey must have had another detonator, which she had triggered when she reached safety!

    "Frank!"

    Gavin cried as he turned and saw in despair that Frank was sweating all over his brow, knowing then that time was up and he would die as the loud beeping became more rapid.

    "Shut up!"

    Frank''s hands moved even faster nheless, and he managed to remove all the explosives from Gavin as the beeping almost turned simultaneous.

 Chapter 1748

    Chapter 1748

    ?

    However, there was not even time for Frank to throw the explosives out.

    His eyes narrowing coldly, he instead gathered all the explosives in his arms as Gavin looked on in shock.

    "Argh!!!" he bellowed, just as the explosives detonated with a resounding crash.

    Bang!

    A tremendous ball of me erupted from the top floor of the abandoned office building, followed by a towering dark mushroom cloud, a shocking sight under the moonlight.

    "Hehe..."

    Horey Lindt, who had leapt downstairs,ughed savagely as she looked up at the explosion and limped toward the front door, coughing blood as she did. "Bleurgh... That''s what you get... for fucking with me, Frank Lawrence! I will get the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, one way or another..."

    She had broken a leg, and her lung was pierced by a broken rib when she leapt down the building, and blood trickled out of her nostrils as she breathed.

    "I can get to Helen Lane now that you''re gone... the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is mine anyway... Definitely..."

    Her ramblings suddenly trailed off as she looked up at the front door.

    There stood a dark figure, not exactly tall but wearing a security guard uniform.

    He looked just like any other elderly security guard that one could find at any corner in Riverton.

    And yet, when Horey saw the seemingly unassuming geezer, her pupils dted and she froze.

    "W-What are you doing here..." she murmured.

    "Hehe. The world is really small, huh? Horey..." The elderly security guard stepped out from the shadows, allowing the moon to shine on his face.

    It was none other than Madfist himself, and Horey stumbled backward in disbelief.

    Her eyes were fixed, never blinking once as she stared at Madfist in confusion. "N-No, this is impossible. You were taken to ckwater! How did you make it out?"

    "It''s all thanks to Mr. Lawrence''s favor."

    Madfist then sighed calmly. "It''s been years, Horey. Don''t you have anything to tell me?"

    "I....... I......."

    Horey tried but could only stutter, and she eventually shed a miserable smile. "Father..."

    "Don''t call me that you''re not my daughter." Madfist snorted. "You''ve always been smart ever since you were a child. I am at fault for not guiding you to the right path."

    Looking downward, he asked calmly, "The child in your belly is that demon''s, isn''t it?"

    "Yes..." Horey replied, hanging her head.

    "Abort it. Then I will let you leave."

    Horey looked up sharply right then. "You know that I don''t have the potential to reach the Ascendant rank in this lifetime, Father, let alone Transcendent rank. This is myst chance..." This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "You still refuse to understand."

    Her words only left Madfist shaking his head. "How far do you think you can venture on this path of sphemy? You''d only be yet another gue upon Draconia''s soil. And did you really think that

    ove

    Cloudnine Sect, as important as they are, wouldn''t be aware of what happened to you?"

    "Hahaha..."

    Horeyughed bitterly, and she slowly advanced on Madfist. "Father... You may have raised me

    but I chose this path, and I will see it to the end even if it''s sphemous! So step aside, or I will make you!"

    swne

 Chapter 1749

    Chapter 1749

    ?

    While the building in West City exploded, Huub was in Zamri, leading his bodyguards and raiding Cologne Court.

    "Start looking!" he snapped. "Find the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom!"

    "Yes, sir!" they replied at once.

    Once inside, they threw all the food that Carol Zims had just cooked on the floor and smashed various antiques and expensive objects. Even the tea set Silverbell gave Frank was left in pieces.

    "What are you doing?!"

    Winter Lawrence had juste home from work and was having dinner with everyone when they were immediately seized by the bodyguards and shoved on the floor.

    "Search her!" Huub barked, and they promptly groped all over Winter''s body.

    "Who are you people?!" Winter shrieked. "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    "Get off!"

    A dainty figure leapt up just then, kicking the bodyguards and sending them flying.

    It was Kat Yego, and she was pointing at Huub as she bellowed, "Are you crazy?! Messing up my mentor''s house?! He will show you once he''s back!" "The tea seat! It''s Frank''s favorite..."

    Winter eximed and quickly tried to pick up the broken tea set, but a bodyguard pushed her out of the way.

    "Ouch!" Winter gasped, as a bleeding slit was cut into her palm.

    "W-What''s going on here? What did Frank do to you?"

    "Let''s just talk about this... Please stop breaking everything."

    Nash Yego and Carol came to their senses just then and were trembling even as they tried to reason with Huub. "Don''t bother talking to them, Dad!"

    Kat snapped angrily, blunt as ever as she sent flying two more oing bodyguards with a kick. "Call Heten. Ask her to send Terry Cotton and his men let''s see what they can do then!" All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Huub was frowning since Kat was proving a difficult opponent, but he soonughed coolly. "Hahaha! Helen Lane was the one who instructed me toe here and search for the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom! Frank Lawrence stole mine, so I''ll take his aspensation!"

    "What?!"

    Winter was the first who turned flustered when she heard that Frank had stolen something. She quickly eximed, "That''s impossible! Frank is not like that!"

    Huub snorted. "Not like that? And you would know?! Helen Lane herself agreed that he stole it, and you''re still siding with him? Don''t make meugh!"

    "That''s impossible!"

    Winter was spacing out, her face turning pale. "Why would Frank steal from someone else? And Helen... She wouldn''t let you raid this mansion..."

    "Stop talking, Winter!"

    Mona Fairfax, who had just left her room, was shocked by the scene and hurried over to stop Winter''s bleeding.

    Her face was ashen as she did, as she saw the food thrown all over the floor.

    "Isn''t that...?"

    Nash spotted the bodyguards running straight to the garage, clearly targeting Frank''s Bugatti Veyron.

    He panicked-he knew how expensive the car was, and given how savage Huub and his men were, they would break the car too.

    Running over to the Veyron, Nash shielded it while yelling, "Sir, you can search what you want, but stop breaking things! Everything here is precious!"

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    Chapter 1750

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    Running over to the Veyron, Nash shielded it while yelling, "Sir, you can search what you want, but stop breaking things! Everything here is precious!" Huub saw the red-ck Veyron too, his expression turning cold from sheer jealousy right then.

    "Wait, that gigolo has such a nice car?! Wreck it!" he barked, not caring about Nash''s pleas and waving at his bodyguards.

    "Stop!"

    Nash cried even as he tried to stop the bodyguards swarming and wrecking the Veyron, only to get beaten up as well. "Dad!"

    Kat went mad when she saw Nash coughing blood and kicked a bodyguard out of the way as she leapt toward Huub.

    However, with him being the heir to Droitner Inc, Huub''s goons were martial elites.

    As one of them suddenly appeared in front of Huub, he kicked Kat squarely in the stomach.

    She was a vigor wielder, but she was really nothing against an Ascendant rank-the kick left her coughing blood and sent mming into the wall, unconscious.

    "Frank, please answer the phone..."

    Seeing what had happened to Kat, Winter promptly dialed Frank''s number.

    However, the response was always that the recipient was not within the coverage area whenever she tried, leaving her in despair.

    "Hyah!"

    Mona leapt toward Huub as well, but she onlysted a couple of strikes before getting punched in the belly, coughing blood and dropping to the floor. "W-Why did thingse to this..."

    Carol was holding her daughter and cowering in a corner, watching as Huub''s man started to set fire to everything.

    They, along with the unconscious Kat and Mona, were all eventually taken hostage too.

    And through it all, the security officers of Lanecorp''s health and safety department never showed up.

    Meanwhile, Helen called Huub after losing contact with Frank. "Did you find the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?" "Nope..."

    Huub was riding shotgun, watchingC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Cologne Court burning down in the

    l

    distance nonchntly. "But I got myself a few hostages. Don''t worry as long as they''re around, Frank Lawrence will hand over the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    "What?!"

    Helen was left stunned. "I told you not to hurt Winter and the others or to bother them¡ª"

    "I have no choice!"

    Huub retorted as if wounded. "They

    were all snapping at me before I

    could say a word, and since we''re facing a crisis, I did what I had to do.

    You won''t me me, right?

    "Huub Droitner!"

    Content

    Helen''s voice was shaking, as she did not expect him to do something like this, and she became his aplice on top of that!

    She could even imagine the look on Frank''s face when he found out.

    Even as she heaved, she snapped, "I''m ordering you to release them right now!"

    "Oh, but that won''t do."

    Huub chuckled. "Frank stole my Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, Helen. Surely I have to make him submit and return it, no? Don''t worry, I won''t do anything to my hostages-it''s just fair I take back what''s mine, no? And astong as he does, I promise he will have them back unscathed."

 Chapter 1751

    Chapter 1751

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    Frank was not aware that Cologne Court had been torched, though he did not have the time to worry about it at the moment.

    He stood between the bomb and Gavin Lane to save the man from the brunt of the explosion-it was fortunate that his physique was of the Transcendent rank, or he would be left in pieces.

    However, being able to stop the shockwave did not mean that Frank could nullify the st, as it rushed into the air and left a mushroom cloud. Even as Gavin was left stunned by what Frank did, the force of the explosion rocked the building, and it started to crumble.

    Still, aside from the finger Horey Lindt cut off, Gavin only sustained some cuts and bruises.

    In other words, his injury was not all that serious overall speaking.

    "Frank! Frank!" Gavin cried, endlessly anxious as Franky in the debris, barely breathing.

    He did not expect Frank to stay with him even as the bomb went off, even taking the blow for him so that he came out rtively unscathed.

    The sight of Frank covered in only rags and burnt all over left Gavin flustered, at a loss for what to do.

    "Help... Help!!!" he yelled across all directions, hoping for someone who woulde to Frank''s aid.

    However, it waste into the night, and the building was long since abandoned, so yelling did not help much... aside from waking Frank up. "Oof..."

    Frank gasped, feeling the burning anguish in his belly and piecing together what had happened.

    He could not help swearing under his breath-Horey was as cunning as she was brutal! Where could she have gotten a bomb of such yield?

    If his physique was not that resilient, the bomb would really have killed him.

    He looked up, sighing feebly as he nced at the rags that were his clothes, as well as the circle of ash around his stomach and the bare flesh exposed.

    It did not kill him, but it still maimed him and stopped him from moving.

    Even so, his mind remained focused on his top priority: Horey.

    He was certainly frustrated, as he did not expect Horey to escape under these circumstances.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    With someone as cunning and

    relentless as Horey, not to mention bearing a serious grudge against Frank, she would cause him endless trouble if he allowed her to flee.

    The thought left Frank exasperated, but at this point he had to consider other options.

    After all, he would never give away the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, as it was a contingency that his mentor had prepared for him.

    "Frank... You''re alive?!"

    Gavin was as shocked as he was delighted to see Frank open his eyes.

    He hurried up, helping Frank to his feet.

    Frank was left gritting his teeth as he withstood the pain in his stomach and nodded at Gavin.

    "Let''s just go home," he then said, surprised how hoarse his own voice was.

    "Yes... Yes, yes!"

    Gavin was sobbing despite being

    man in his fifties, and he gently helped Frank out of the rubble and slowly helped him limp outside.

    "Brother!"

    Scarface, who heard the crash, arrived and took the weakened Gavin''s hands while

    Frank

    looking at him in surprise,"

    Gavin''s voice was choking with tears. "You know Frank? He took the bomb to save me..."

    He could not be med for being a mess, as Gavin knew that Frank was the son of the famous Lord of the Southern Woods!

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    Chapter 1752

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    Gavin had no idea what to tell Frank just then, as the man had taken a literal bomb for someone as trivial as himself.

    And on top of that, he survived, though extensively hurt.

    It took Frank great strength to turn toward the tearful man and shake his head. "Please don''t. You''ve helped Helen and myself a lot... I can''t just let you die..."

    "Thanks, son!" Gavin cried, his tears falling silently as he pped Frank on the shoulder.

    Helen must have had several lifetimes worth of luck to get herself a man with such loyalty!

    "Where''s Madfist?''

    Frank turned toward Scarface as he struggled to straighten himself.

    "What...? Oh!"

    Scarface only came to his senses at Frank''s questions, as the way Frank took the bomb alone left him dumbstruck.

    "He told me to watch the door on the side of the building," Scarface eximed. "He was supposed to watch the entrance... and then I came when I heard the explosion."

    "Ah... Sorry about that." Frank sighed.

    Regret showed on his face he should have done as Madfist suggested and brought more men to surround this ce.

    At least Horey would not have been able to flee, and he was overconfident judging from that alone.

    Scarface then asked, "What about the woman? Did she die in the explosion?"

    Frank sighed and forced a smile. "Nope. She''s a slippery one-she gave me the slip."

    "I see."

    Scarface scratched his head and

    soon chuckled. "Don''t worry-we will get her even if she got away this time And you did save the hostage, didn''t you?"

    "Oof..." Frank gasped as Scarface pped his hand on the shoulder.

    He would have usually been fine

    with that, but he was hurt all over et

    and Scarface was a very big man, so the pain left him wincing in pain.

    "Oh, sorry!" Scarface eximed, embarrassed as he came to his senses.

    "It''s fine," Frank said, shaking his head. "Call up Madfist-we''re leaving. We will deal with that woman once I''m better." "Alright." Scarface nodded.

    That was when a hunched shadow arrived from a distance, his elderly voice rasping, "You don''t have to. I''ve dealt with her." Scarface was caught by surprise, andughed when he saw that it was Madfist. "Hahaha! We expect nothing less from you, old man!"

    "Oof!"

    Frank gasped again and shot a vicious re at Scarface, as Scarface pped him on the shoulder again.

    Still, Scarface quickly realized it and threw his hands up in apology. "I-I''m sorry! I''m just very thrilled, hahaha..."

    Be that as it may, Frank was frowning as he noticed the troubled look on Madfist''s face.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    It looked like Madfist was not telling him certain details.

    For his part, Madfist was a seasoned veteran who saw Frank''s concern right away in turn.

    Still, he did not exin himself,

    instead waving him off and saying, "Let''s leave for now. You will hear more from me once you get better."

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    swne

 Chapter 1753

    Chapter 1753

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    Frank''s injuries were extensive anyone looking around his abdomen would be creeped out from a single nce, as they would be looking at his innards as well.

    No one would usually survive something like this, but Frank was not an average Joe.

    Even Madfist was left astounded by his sheer physical fortitude, and he had divine medicinal skills.

    In the car, Frank had stopped his bleeding, and he took several Ichor Pills that healed the gaping hole in his abdomen at a visible rate.

    Gavin, who was seated in the same car, was absolutely shocked.

    They were all trying to send Frank to the hospital for rest and recovery, but he refused as he was worried about Cologne Court, insisting that they return home first.

    He was worried ever since he heard over the phone that Huub Droitner would be going there, and since no one could talk him out of it, they drove straight back to Zamri.

    And when they arrived, they were all left dumbfounded at the sight of the inferno, still burning away.

    Frank''s back was hunched as he clutched his stomach, staring nkly at the zing mansion at the loss of words.

    However, as rage soon appeared in his eyes, everyone felt the chill as if a storm wasing.

    Scarface strode up to one of the middle-aged women who were watching nonchntly by the curb, bellowing, "What the hell happened here?!" "What else could have happened?"

    The middle-aged woman snorted, clearly gleeful. "Karma, I''m telling you! There used to be a gigolo who lived there, and even the gods had enough of him and destroyed the mansion."

    "Exactly! Did he think just anyone gets to be the Lanecorp board chair''s sugar baby? Deserved, I say!"

    Frank''s heart was pounding, as he realized that the neighbors only came to stand there gleefully and watch the fires burning down Cologne Court, not bothered to call for help.

    Cologne Court was not only a home to him, but to Helen, Kat, Winter, Carol, and Nash too.

    Vicky Turnbull and Noel York had their own rooms here as well, for whenever they dropped by.

    It had not been that long, but Frank did grow attached to the ce.

    Looking up just then, he started toward the fire.

    "Hey, hey, hey, what''s he doing?!"

    "Wait, isn''t he Ms. Lane''s sugar baby?"

    "Haha! He knows he can''t afford the damages after the mansion burnt down, so he must be hurting himself to excuse himself from Ms. Lane''s wrath!"

    "Now, now. I really doubt that he''d actually go into the fire."

    is

    The mockery all around left Scarface furious, and he bellowed, "Who are you calling sugar baby?! That not who you think he is... b

    He trailed off, because he had no idea who Frank really was.

    After some hesitation, he bellowed, "He''s my brother!"

    "Brother? Boo..."

    "Just look at his scarred face. You can tell right away that he''s nothing good, just like the sugar baby."

    "Hell, I think he''s beneath said sugar baby..."

    Jeers andughs of disdain answered Scarface, whose cheeks flushed red.

    "Frank!"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Meanwhile, Gavin rushed up to try to stop Frank from getting into the fire, crying anxiously, "I know it hurts to see your house being burnt down, but you have to calm down!"

    "I am calm," Frank said very quietly.

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    Chapter 1754

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    Frank never turned as he said quietly, "It doesn''t matter if the house is burnt. I need to go in and see if anyone is trapped inside."

    Gavin did a double take in realization-Frank was saying that he was checking for bodies.

    "But it''s already..."

    Still, he frowned at the mansion that was devoured by smoke and mes.

    He wanted to say that even if there were bodies inside, now was not the time to enter he would note out unscathed if he rushed into the fire like this.

    And Gavin had seen the depths of his strength as well...

    "Don''t get in his way."

    Suddenly, Madfist came up and pulled Gavin aside, speaking quietly, "Let him."

    "But he''s already hurt..."

    "Let him," Madfist said firmly.

    Gavin had no choice but to stay silent and watch worriedly as Frank slowly headed into the zing mansion.

    "Shit, the brat''s really going in?"

    "Wait, isn''t he going to die?!"

    Bang!

    While the bystanders looked on in shock and were busy talking among themselves, an eruption resounded within Cologne Court.

    A violent shockwave unfurled away, knocking them off their feet while others backed away in shock.

    Some of them were clicking their tongues and sighing.

    "Well, I guess he''s dead now."

    "Yeah. There''s no way he survived that."

    Gavin, Scarface, and Madfist stood at the fore, watching the fire continue to burn, even as they feltAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Frank''s genuine devas love

    Nheless, a trail of cars soon arrived from a distance, and the bystanders were whispering among themselves when they saw

    Lanecorp''s logo on the side,

    vel.ne

    wondering what had taken them so

    long.

    "No... No!"

    Helen screamed as she rushed out of the car, seeing the zing mansion just then and not caring about her image as a board chair.

    She was even ready to run into the fire, although Terry Cotton and Peter Lane quickly caught her.

    "Calm down, Helen!" Peter cried as he tried to pull her back.

    "It''s all my fault... It''s all my fault!"

    Helen dropped to her knees, burying her face in her palms as she sobbed and howled.

    Gavin saw them just then, and

    grabbed Helen by the wrist despite losing a finger, leaning in as he

    demanded, "Helen! What happened here?"

    "I-I let Huub Droitner in to search Cologne Court for the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom..."

    Helen was on the verge of passing out, forgetting why Gavin was there as all she could see was the burning mansion.

    Gavin was thunderstruck, freezing up right then.

    "What... You''ve really done it now, Helen!" He reared his head skyward and groaned.

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    Chapter 1755

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    "What... You''ve really done it now, Helen!" Gavin reared his head skyward and groaned.

    He did not even want to imagine how devastated Frank would be when he heard about that.

    Here Frank was, putting his life on the line to save Gavin, only for Helen to allow Huub to burn down Cologne Court!

    That was when Terry rubbed his eyes, staring at Scarface in disbelief. "Wait, is that really you boss?! They let you out?!"

    However, Scarface strode up, his expression cold as he pped Terry across the face right then!

    Although he knew that Terry was working for Frank, he did not care to celebrate reuniting with his close friend, even though he looked so delighted to see him¡ªnot after he found out what had happened here!

    "B-Boss?!"

    Terry was left clutching his swollen cheek as Scarface''s p floored him, and he stared at Scarface in confusion. "Why did you p me?"

    "Why, you ask?!"

    Scarface bellowed as he pointed at the burning mansion, "You''re working for Mr. Lawrence, aren''t you?! So what were you doing, allowing someone to burn down his house?! You''re a useless piece of shit!"

    Even as he ranted, Scarface began to clobber Terry.

    For his part, Terry did not fight back and clutched his head as he sobbed, "Yes, just beat me up! It''s my fault for not protecting Mr. Lawrence''s house... I''m a failure..."

    "Stop."

    Madfist strode over just then, catching Scarface''s wrist. "What good coulde of this?"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    While he spoke with the authority of

    a man with seniority, he could tell

    that ce was not relenting, and

    he knocked Scarface to the ground. "Calm down!"

    "How am I supposed to calm down, old man?!"

    Scarface struggled and yelled even as he was floored. "Mr. Lawrence was ready toy down his life to save Gavin Lane, but what did this piece of shit do?! What did any of these pieces of shit do?! Didn''t you see the look on Mr. Lawrence''s face before?! No, I will kill these mooks right now! Now, I say!!!"

    His bellows left the scene even more tragic, just as Helen was jolted to her senses.

    Staring at Gavin in shock, she blurted, "What... how..."

    "Frank saved me."

    Gavin sighed, copsing to the floor and staring at the mansion burning in the distance. "He really put his life on the line to save a geezer like me, holding the bomb and almost dying right then..."

    "I... I..."

    Helen''s whole body shuddered at Gavin''s words, and she could not speak.

    She was thoroughly disappointed in herself, whether it was being cold to Frank orbeling him a thief.

    Frank had always stayed true to himself, and Helen remembered what he had said so disappointedly back at the karaoke box.

    "In the end, nothing''s really changed."

    Helen buried her face in her palms and sobbed, finally realizing that she was wrong, not Frank.

    "It''s just a mansion, isn''t it?"

    Gina finally spoke up just then, pping Helen on the shoulder.

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    There was a troubled look on Gina''s face, but she still pursed her lips and continued. "Helen is now the head of Lanecorp. She could just buy another mansion."

    Her conscience gnawed at her as she suddenly noticed everyone ring at her, but she remained stubborn. "What, I''m not wrong, aren''t I?" "Shut up, Mom!" Helen bellowed through her tears.

    Gina''s mouth hung open for a moment, but she eventually stopped herself and sighed, knowing that this had all happened because of their misunderstanding with Frank.

    Crash!

    The sound of a pir copsing suddenly resounded from the burning mansion, and soon, all of Cologne Court copsed entirely.

    Scarface was left stunned at the sight, but he soon scrambled to his feet without another word, ready to charge into the fire to save Frank.

    Still, someone beat him to it-Madfist, still in his security guard uniform, moved as swiftly as a lightning bolt as he darted into the mes, punching and shattering the pir in his way.

    "What..."

    Everyone from Terry to the bystanders were stunned by the power of the scrawny, elderly security guard.

    He soon returned, his beard mostly burnt off but having scooped a figure from the debris.

    "What?!"

    It was only then that Helen realized that Frank had run into the fire.

    Not caring to mope or cry, she shrugged free of Gina''s hands and ran straight toward the man, whose face was charred and who was barely conscious.

    "Frank... Frank!" Helen cried, her hands burnt just from touching Frank''s face.

    Frank opened his eyes, almost incoherent as he murmured feebly, "There''s no one here... There''s no one here... Hehe..."

    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry..." Helen had no

    idea what to say aside from

    apologizing and was left shocked as

    Frank smiled in relief before passing

    out.

    She sped a hand over her mouth, as she understood that Frank was relieved and happy that there were no bodies in the ruins of Cologne Court.

    Judging from the looks of things, Winter and the others were alive.

    Still, it was shocking that Frank was still worried about them in his state.

    Even as Helen dropped to her knees, speechless, her tear ducts seemed to break as her teardrops rained on Frank''s charred face.

    "That''s enough. He''s alive-no need to cry your tears out."

    Madfist, who was probably the

    calmest on the scene, shot Helena sideways nce before carrying

    Frank and putting him gently into the

    backseat of their car. Content

    Looking around sharply, he then asked, "Does anyone know of any hospitals nearby?"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "I-I do!" Terry quickly responded, but

    Peter had already gotten into

    car. "I get Frank to the hoo the

    up your men to put out the

    fire.

    "Oh, right." Terry spaced out for a moment but soon nodded in realization.

    Gavin sighed as he sat down on the ground, staring nkly at the mes raging in the distance while the bystanders continued to chatter.

    "The Lane family... really don''t deserve him," he murmured.

    Helen heard him and shuddered, hanging her head.

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    Chapter 1757

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    Smack!

    Lily the secretary was left shocked by the audible p.

    Did someone really just p Helen Lane, the CEO of Lanecorp, in her own office in Lanecorp Tower, and while she was sitting on her office armchair?!

    But there was no doubt that it had just happened, and the assant was a furious Vicky Turnbull, who had rushed to Zamri all the way from Morhen. As soon as she heard Frank was hurt and taken to a hospital, she dropped everything and rushed over immediately.

    Along the way, she was told everything that had happened and somehow decided to go straight to Lanecorp Tower instead of visiting Frank.

    Then, as soon as she arrived at Helen''s office, she pped the other woman without another word.

    "Are you going to argue, Helen?" Vicky asked icily through her teeth.

    "No," Helen''s knuckles clenched under her desk, her whole body shaking as this was the first time she saw Vicky being this furious.

    Smack!

    Vicky said nothing as she pped her other cheek.

    "Ms. Lane!" Lily eximed as she strode up, ready to stop Vicky.

    However, Helen held up a hand to stop Lily, shuddering as she breathed, "Let her."

    "You said it, not me!"

    Vicky gritted her teeth as she pped Helen again, leaving her fair skin visibly swollen.

    Still, as Helen wiped the blood off her cracked lip, she hung her head and murmured, "You can keep going if you''re still not satisfied." "Guh..."

    Vicky nced at her palm which was swelling as well, her ample bosom heaving from clear frustration.

    She mmed her hand on the table

    and bellowed right then, "Did you take your meds, Helen?! Is this how you''re going to treat him when I leave him with you?! You really

    disappoint me... No, you do

    even

    deserve to call yourself my rival or my friend, you heinous bitch!"

    Despite Vicky''s insults, Helen simply hung her head in silence, as if admitting to her fault.

    "Argh!"

    Vicky yelled as she kicked down the coat hanger Rearby, "Again, and again... I''m really curious now, Helen Lane! Do you have a heart?! If you do, what is it made of?! Even if it''s made of stone, hasn''t Frank done enough to warm it up?! I don''t get it!"

    S

    She turned, keeping her back to Helen as she wiped her tears. "What did he do to upset you? What did he owe you that you keep abusing him like this? Don''t you know that

    everything he did is for your safe

    Who do you think is the reason your stupidpany canst until now?! Would you even have reached where you are now without him?!"

    Even as Vicky pointed at Helen and snapped, Gina, who was listening outside, had enough.

    She charged into Helen''s office, snapping at Vicky, "Ms. Turnbull! This is Lanecorp, not Turnbull Estate! You don''t get to¡ª"

    "Get out!" both Vicky and Helen yelled at the same time, leaving Gina at once dumbstruck.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Her mouth hung open, but there was nothing she could say as she quietly closed the door and left.

    With the distraction gone, Vicky turned toward Helen again.

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    The rage on Vicky''s face somewhat subsidized, and she appeared weary as she copsed on the couch, rubbing her brow.

    Helen then began, "Vicky, I know¡ª"

    "What would you know?!"

    Vicky bellowed before she could finish and waved her off impatiently. "I don''t want your exnation.

    The silence between them resumed for a long while, until Helen said, "I''ll leave."

    "What?!" Vicky looked up in surprise.

    "I said, I''ll leave... I don''t deserve him," Helen murmured, keeping her head down.

    "Wait, are you crazy, Helen?!"

    Somehow, Helen''s words left Vicky furious again, and she sprang to her feet as she mmed her hand on Helen''s desk. "You think you can just leave without a care after what you did? Is that all you can do, Helen, as the great CEO of Lanecorp?!"

    "Then what am I supposed to do?!" Helen cried, breaking down in tears as she copsed on her desk. "I-I don''t know what to do... I don''t know how I should face him..... It''s all my fault..."

    Vicky was silent, seeing how much Helen med herself.

    After a long while, she sat on Helen''s desk, sighing as she patted Helen''s head. "You silly girl. You''re just so gullible..."

    "What am I going to do, Vicky?" Helen asked, looking up tearfully at her.

    "Just go apologize," Vicky said with a shrug. "I know him. He''d hold grudges against anyone except you. After that, we''lle up with a n to get Winter and the others back."

    "Yeah..."

    Tearful, Helen threw herself in Vicky''s arms, bawling, "I''m sorry... I promised, but I still..."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "That''s enough." Vicky sighed exasperatedly, patting Helen''s head as she pursed her lips. "I guess I''m stuck with you, huh? Well, I guess I''ming back and delegating my own family matters to someone else."

    "Yeah..."

    Helen nodded repeatedly in Vicky''s arms.

    It had been two days since Cologne Court was burned down.

    Frank was stuck on a bed in Zamri Hospital''s ICU, staring nkly at the white ceiling.

    "Ow..."

    He had to close his eyes in pain as he raised his arm, his skin burned off while the

    to

    underneath red. Comet

    "Winter... Kat..." he murmured, worried sick about them.

    He had already heard from Peter that Winter and the others were taken hostage by Huub, whoter sent his people demanding the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    Huub had also threatened Frank that if he did not make up his mind by today, he would send Winter to Windy Moon Tower.

    Frank had no idea what that ce was, but he could guess from the name alone.

    If Winter was really sent there, she would rather kill herself than be humiliated.

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    Chapter 1759

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    Frank''s mood was endlessly somber-not only was Huub''s threat weighing down on him, but there was also the physical pain he was enduring. It was even more disappointing that Helen had not visited over thest two days, although he had an idea why.

    Even if Helen did agree to let Huub search Cologne Court, Frank did not believe it was her own call, as he knew her well enough to see that she was wet behind her ears.

    While she was easily deceived, Helen also had a genuine bond with Winter and the others, and she would not have allowed Huub to attack Winter.

    That meant Helen was a victim too, and Huub must have used the fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom to coerce her, forcing her to let him search Cologne Court for Frank''s real Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    Then, unable to find the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, a frustrated Huub must have taken everyone in Cologne Court hostage as leverage against Frank while burning down Cologne Court.

    While Frank was preupied with his thoughts, his phone rang beside him.

    It was taxing to reach out and pick it up, and he was not surprised to hear Huubughing from the other end.

    Not only was he personally contacting Frank, but he was also immediately mocking. "Tut, tut. I heard you''re bedridden in a hospital, Frank Lawrence... How pathetic."

    Frank remained unaffected, as he said quietly, "I''d start worrying about my situation if I were you. Trust me, you''ll regret what you did."

    "Hahaha..."

    Huub was undaunted, evenughing. "You''re actually threatening me now, Frank? I still have the hostages I took from Cologne Court. Talk to me like that, and I''ll make you regret it right now!"

    Frank did not want to back down from Huub''s threat, but he had to admit that he was at a disadvantage now and had to stay silent.

    "Heh. At least you know your ce."

    Huubughed in satisfaction at Frank''s silence. "Anyway, I''ve asked my grandpa, and it turns out that the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is one of Draconia''s treasures, with one unlikely to bloom even across

    millenia. So, if you want my

    §°

    el.neAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    hostages alive, you''ll hand it over!"

    "Hmph..."

    Frank snorted coldly. "You won''t be able to use it even if you have it."

    "Who said I was using it?"

    Huubughed. "My grandpa told me that it''s very valuable in the foreign market, and I''m just an intermediary here."

    Frank growled as he glowered, clearly holding back his rage. "You''re selling it abroad?!"

    "Heh. You don''t have to worry about that."

    Huub chuckled sleazily. "The bottomline is want an answer tonight, though if you refuse, your pretty sister is going to be sold off to Windy Moon Tower. There are already a few guests from abroad staying there, and they''re all

    interested in your sister after

    checking her out."

    "You''d dare to do so?!" Frank growled through his teeth.

    @t

    L

    "Why wouldn''t? And you''d better make up your mind soon, or she''s going to have to show those men good time. They all have their fetishes, and truth be told, it hurts me to give her up too. Hahaha..."

    Swn

    And with that conceitedugh, Huub hung up.

    Frank listened to the static beeping in silence for a long while and eventually made a call. "Trevor." "Yes, Mr. Lawrence?" Trevor Zurich asked.

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    Chapter 1760

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    Frank spoke quietly, "Bring me the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    "But, Mr. Lawrence..." Trevor was hesitant. "You told me not to take it out under any circumstances, and-"

    "Don''t waste my time," Frank snapped.

    Noticing the edge in Frank''s voice, Trevor hung up right away without another word.

    "Phew..."

    Franky on his bed again, sighing lengthily.

    Then, growling through gritted teeth, he forced himself to sit up and pulled out all the tubes attached to him as he got out of bed.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    "Frank?! What?!"

    Peter rushed in when he heard themotion inside and immediately found Frank trying to stand up by leaning on the bed handles. He was stunned-Frank could still get out of bed in this condition?!

    After all, the doctors here at Zamri Hospital said that Frank had sustained over seventy percent of burns over his body, with his hairpletely burned off.

    It went without saying that the gaping hole in his stomach ended up even worse, and an infection was kicking in by the time Frank was sent to the hospital.

    If anything, it was a miracle that the doctors here could save him.

    As such, Peter reasoned, "You should just stay in bed and recover, or you''d make your injuries worse¡ª"

    "I know my body better than anyone else."

    Frank hacked violently but still held up a hand to stop Peter from helping him stand.

    Still, he beckoned at Peter to make a list of medicinal ingredients and told him to bring it over.

    Peter was well aware of Frank''s knowledge in medicine and did not hesitate to get the ingredients.

    Frank watched as Peter put everything on his bed and took a deep breath to muster his pure vigor from his meridian nexus.

    Refining everything for a moment, he consumed everything in one go, and his cheeks regained some color once he did.

    That was when Trevor arrived with an elegant wooden box.

    "Perfect timing," Frank said, wiping the blood off his lips before telling Peter, "If your sisteres, just tell

    her I don''t me her-I only hope that she would have more faith."

    "Wait, where are you going?!"

    Tears welled up in Peter''s eyes even as he watched Frank limp away.

    "I don''t have the time to lie around. I need to save them."

    Frank then paused and shed a thumbs-up at Peter. "Thanks."

    And with those words, he disappeared down the hallway.

    Peter had no idea how he was going to stop Frank as he watched the man leave.

    He had been ordered to prevent Frank from leaving, but he could not even start.

    The man was just so... tough.

    While he spaced out, Helen, Vicky, and the others arrived at the other end of the hallway.

    Vicky immediately saw the ICU door

    wide open, while Helen turned pate

    in shock when she saw that Frank was not in his bed. "Peter... Where''s Frank?"

    "He said he''s going to save the hostages," Peter said calmly.

    "I told you to stop him!" Helen eximed, grabbing him by the shoulders. "What the hell, Peter?! Can''t you even do that much? Where did he go?! How long has he been gone?!"

    Peter sighed. "Sis... Who could have stopped him?"

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    Frank never told anyone when he left.

    However, Madfist was already waiting downstairs at the hospital like a prophet, standing beside an inconspicuous Audi parked by the curb.

    Frank stared at him nkly for a moment but soon came to his senses. He moved to ride shotgun, still holding the wooden box containing the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    "Bralog''s Droitner Building, I take it?" Madfist asked bluntly and started the car after seeing Frank nod.

    As he drove, he snuck a look at Frank beside him as he said quietly, "I know what you''re going to ask, and I promise to answer your questions. First of all, I can assure you that Horey Lindt is dead."

    Frank''s scowl eased at his words. "She''s "

    "My adopted daughter," Madfist answered calmly before Frank could finish. "A good friend entrusted her to my care before he died... the girl was not even ten years old at the time."

    Madfist''s expression seemed to soften even as he recounted the story, but he eventually shook his head. "But she was obsessed with avenging her father-unsurprisingly, she assumed a sphemous path, and though I caught on, she had me framed for a crime I did notmit.

    "That''s how I ended up in ckwater prison... But I guess that''s how things were meant to be."

    Pausing, Madfish shed a silent smile as he continued. "I did not think that I''d run into her so soon after I got out... and this time, I didn''t hold back." Frank could hear Madfist''s voice turning hoarse as he finished, and it was clear that Madfist had struggled hard to make that choice.

    As such, Frank did not press the issue, instead changing the subject. "What''s that sphemous path you speak of?"

    "Heh." Madfist chuckled. "It''s an old but depraved derivation of geomantics-by having a living person and corpse share a body. That''s what Horey had nned to do: to use the hellspawn in her belly to fundamentally alter her own physique into something inhuman.

    "That said, though she was nurturing evil inside her, the limits to her potential as well her current strength would skyrocket."

    "Geomantics...."

    Frank suddenly remembered Haply Hall, which was studious on the subject, and Mona Fairfax, who was said to be a prodigy in the discipline. "Don''t underestimate geomantics now. If anything, I''m not surprised that the girl joined Cloudnine Sect."

    Madfist said quietly as he saw Frank musing, "To my knowledge, every single member of Cloudnine Sect is a student of geomantics, and some have even pushed it to new, twisted heights. Their men would even grow to be exceedingly beautiful, even more than women."

    "What?!"

    Frank was shocked, remembering Sienna Noirot, the vice chief of Cloudnine Sect''s Hall of Flowers, just then.

    Moreover, Cloudnine Sect''s close allies, the Soranos, had a monopoly over Draconia''s showbiz.

    Frank shuddered to think that some stunning actress with a pretty face everyone saw on the silver screen might be something else...

    Truly, none of the Southsea Four were really what they seemed-all Frank had observed was just the tip of the iceberg.

    What lurked beneath was definitely beyond humanprehension, and even Frank''s father, the Lord of the Southern Woods, could not move against them.

    "Now, now. I know for a fact that your father is no pushover himself."

    Seeing Frank''s surprised look,C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Madfist smiled faintly. "In fact, there

    exists such a curious bnce

    eli

    between the Lord of the Southern Woods and Talnam that the Southsea Four would never dare to push him too far-even with all the power and influence they have."

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    Chapter 1762

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    "A curious bnce..."

    Frank hung his head-the phrase itself was indeed curious.

    To everyone else, Frank''s father, the Lord of the Southern Woods, was a hero who subdued all of Talnam by himself.

    But in reality? Even Frank could not put his finger on it.

    Even as he ran into a ton of trouble through the years, he had the feeling that his father was ying an borate game of chess. And Frank himself, as well as Silverbell, the chief of the Martial Alliance, were both just pieces in his game.

    No one could tell what Godwin Lawrence and Fenton were actually up to, even as Frank was now increasingly aware that both geezers were not as down-to-earth as they looked.

    While it was a pain to think about that, Frank was not bothered since he did not believe his old man would hurt him.

    As such, he prepared to deal with his problems at hand instead.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Even as Madfist looked on, he took out the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom that glimmered with an eerier red hue.

    After some hesitation, he peeled off one the five petals and closed his eyes as he refined the healing essence within with pure vigor.

    Soon, a thumb-sized drop of crimson appeared at the center of his palm, and after some hesitation, he swallowed the extract.

    There was a bang as the essence of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom struck Frank''s meridian nexus, and their Audi was sent swerving, almost hitting the guard rail.

    Madfist could see in turn that Frank''s cheeks were flushed, and he was sweating all over his brow.

    He turned toward the wooden box in surprise, more or less realizing that Frank was holding the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    Horey had wanted the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom because it was pure animus in nature, which would suppress the pure anima fetus inside her.

    That, or she would die soon.

    Screech!

    The Audi continued to swerve left and right as pure vigor churned in

    Frandian nexus, even with

    Madfist putting both hands on the steering wheel.

    If it were anyone else in the driver''s seat, the Audi would have crashed into a guard rail already.

    "Shit! Don''t you know how to drive?!" a middle-aged man in a BMW bellowed as he moved up alongside Madfist''s Audi. "Exactly!"

    The woman who dressed

    mboyantly and sat beside the middle-aged man was snapping at Madfist too. "Don''t drive if you don''t know how to drive! And you''re so old... What, is this a circus trick or something?!"

    "Guh!"

    Meanwhile, Frank was clenching his teeth, but he still could not stop the ring essence inside him.

    At that moment, a shot of pure vigor wasunched out of his body, hitting and bursting the tires of the BMW.

    "Argh!!!" both the middle-aged man and his woman screamed, just as the remaining tires screeched.

    Then, the BMW lost control and struck the right guard rail.

    "I didn''t know that you could be that petty." Madfist smiled at Frank in amusement, seeing that Frank was calming down.

    "Phew..."

    Frank was in turn breathing out turbid breath, and his eyes shed coldly as he opened them.

    One could expect nothing less from one of the best natural wonders the was just consuming a part of the Blooderane Spiritbloom, but the burns all over his skin were visibly healing.

    Even his withering vigor was now abundant and condensed.

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    Even Frank''s hair, which had been burned off entirely, was growing out once more.

    He was mostly healed in no time at all, but the essence of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom was still leaking.

    As such, he absorbed some of it, filling his meridian nexus to increase and solidify his pure vigor.

    Naturally, the rest was wasted as he unwittingly released a burst of pure vigor.

    Pursing his lips, Frank felt the loss-if he had stayed calm when he absorbed the essence of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, his abilities would definitely have risen to the next level.

    Still, he could not be bothered, given the urgency of the situation-healing was his priority, and if he was being wasteful, it could not be helped. Still, he felt a little guilty that he had identally involved an average Joe as he refined the essence of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    He scratched his head, embarrassed as Madfist teased him. "It''s toote to turn around and apologize, huh?"

    "Kiddo..."

    Madfist could not help chuckling when he saw Frank''s guilty face he had traveled the world for years, but it was the first time he had ever met a scion who did not hold himself above the rest.

    In fact, Madfist was willing to go everywhere with Frank, even taking on the role of his chauffeur precisely because he was that affable a person. No other scion had such a virtue like him¡ªin fact, the more important they were, the more judgmental and short-tempered they would be.

    For Madfist, who was a man who had basically risen from the bottom as a humble farm boy, Frank''s temperament was especiallypatible with Madfist''s. Otherwise, a man of his stature would not so obediently put on a security guard''s uniform, even chauffeuring Frank around.

    "Just remember their license te

    and pay them backter," he told

    Frank, who nodded and

    remembered the face of the

    middle-aged man through the

    rearview mirror.

    They had more important things to do at the moment and no time to waste.

    While Frank and Madfist were

    rushing to Bralog, the city itself was itself very lively, especially with the

    presence of Droitner Inc. ther

    leadingpanies.

    There was an exhibition, in which Huub Droitner was hovering humbly around a group of foreign businesspeople.

    Since Bralog was a coastal city and had a natural harbor as well, it was the east coast''s most important city when it came to foreign trade. On top of that, Droitner Inc. had spent over half a year preparing for this exhibition, even renting out the exhibition hall for two weeks.

    Various fabrics, porcin objects, antiques, and even rare artifacts were among the list of items disyed.

    Even as Huub gave a tour of the exhibits, he would be throwing hints to the foreign businesspeople on which items were seble. Despite Draconia having the rule that valuable artifacts were not to be exported, Droitner Inc. was basically omnipotent in Bralog.

    The reason they quickly got rich was because they could secretly conduct deals otherwise impossible for legitimate businesses.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    It would be harsh to say so, but

    el.no

    Droitner Inc. was not really involved in any specific business. Theypletely dependent on such. shady deals with foreign

    businesspeople, which was why Haub wanted Helen.

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    Droitner Inc. was deeply in need of an actual enterprise to solidify their foothold in order for them to continue their shady dealings.

    They had certainly thrived with their trades-in which they had always sneaked in some precious item.

    Indeed, this exhibition was where Huub would show the foreign businesspeople various items. Should they express interest, Droitner Inc. would procure them before reselling them abroad, thereby earning a hugemission.

    And now, Huub was smiling fawningly as he spoke to a blond, middle-aged businessman. "What do you think, Mr. Schneider? This vase from the middle ages is of the finest quality that Droitner Inc. has ever seen!"

    The pudgy Mr. Schneider studied the vase for a long while before shaking his head and sighing.

    He turned to say something to his beautiful trantor, who nodded and turned to tell Huub, "Mr. Schneider is saying that the vase looks like a replica, and he''s skeptical about the date."

    "Hehehe..."

    Huub chuckled, seemingly not surprised by the response. "Surely you can trust Magister Boran even if you don''t trust me? Magister Boran himself appraised it¡ªthere''s no way it''s a fake."

    "Mr. Boran?!"

    Mr. Schneider did a double take as he blurted the name, clearly having heard of the name.

    "Yes." Huub kept smiling. "In fact, we''ve invited him to appraise every item in this exhibition. I''m sure everyone would be confident with his vouching?" Hearing Magister Boran''s name, the foreign businesspeople who were whispering among each other all nodded.

    Mr. Schneider then began, "What about the price..."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    "Three billion." Huub subtly held up three fingers under his sleeve and nodded for the trantor to tell Mr. Schneider. "No, no, no..."

    Mr. Schneider shook his head repeatedly, while his trantor exined, "Mr. Schneider is hoping for more sincerity from you." Huub pursed his lips dramatically. "In that case... 2.7 billion. That''s the lowest offer I can give you-can''t go any lower."

    As the trantor told Mr. Schneider, he conferred with his friends, with some nodding, while others shook their heads.

    "Mr. Schneider." Huub smiled just

    then. "I''m aware that Draconian

    vases especially antique

    vases are exceedingly popr. And we''re taking a huge risk here so we really can''t go any lower."

    And with that, the trantor told Mr. Schneider what Huub said, word for word.

    "Hahaha! Deal!"

    The foreign businesspeople conferred among themselves once again before nodding at Huub and said in crude Draconian, "Deal."

    Huubughed out loud, feeling buoyed just then.

    Still, one of the foreign businesspeople strode up to Huub just as he shook hands with Mr. Schneider.

    He could speak Draconian, albeit

    with a slight stutter, but he was

    mostly understandable. "Mr.

    Droitner, you''ve mentioned a great treasure-an herb-that would be presentedter. May I ask if ready?"

    S

    it''s

    The mention of the herb left Huub taken aback, but his grin soon broadened. "Oh, you mean the Blooderane Spiritbloom? Don''t worry-that''s our piece de

    resistance, but the price is. Content

 Chapter 1765

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    "You can name any price," the foreign businessman continued in broken Draconian. "We''ve heard you mentioning that the effect of the herb is mystical, as it would prolong a person''s lifespan.

    "That''s why Mr. Bozad sent me I''m sure you''re aware of his reputation, so I hope you won''t try to pull a con, Mr. Droitner."

    "Of course." Huub looked utterly confident. "Mr. Bozad has my assurance that should the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom not work as intended, Droitner Inc. has no qualms going down as punishment."

    The foreign businessman nodded in satisfaction, while Huub turned to the other foreign businesspeople. "Esteemed guests, the tour of the exhibition is now over. You may rest at the lodgings I''ve arranged for you please look forward to Droitner Inc.''s presentation of our new exhibition items tomorrow."

    Huub stood in the exhibition hall, watching as the foreign businesspeople left, his eyes shing coldly.

    "Come here." He snapped his fingers.

    A goon arrived, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Mr. Droitner?"

    "Send someone to Zamri and pressure Helen Lane. Make her force Frank Lawrence to give up the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. If they don''t answer, we will have that brat serve those perverted geezers tonight."

    "Yes, Mr. Droitner." The goon nodded and left.

    Huub then turned back toward the foreign businesspeople, chuckling coolly. "Magister Boran? Hah! None of you fools would expect that I just made that up."

    He returned to his coastal mansion an hourter, with several pretty faces dressed in risque lingerie waiting by his bed.

    While he put on his pajamas, ready to relish in the pleasures of debauchery, his phone on the table rang.

    He quickly answered, "Yes, Grandpa?"

    His grandfather, Paul Droitner, was the current CEO of Droitner Inc. "How did things go with those foreigners?"

    Huubughed coolly as he stroked

    the thighs of thedy beside him "They''re staying at Windy Moor now, and they couldn''t see through the replicas at the exhibition."  C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    "Good."

    Paul nodded, pausing before saying quietly, "My boy, you need to be careful. It''s fine if you''re just tricking a couple of foreign businesspeople, but do not try to y Yohan Bozad. Got it? The man is dying, but he''s still a powerful man abroad, and his influence extends across nations.

    "On top of that, he has hundreds of men who would prove to be a match even against Draconia''s martial elites. Such a man is not to be made light of."

    "I know." Huub grinned. "Don''t worry, Grandpa-I''ll definitely get my hands on the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    "Then I''m relieved. You''re my only worthy sessor in Droitner Inc., my boy."

    With those words, Paul hung up.

    On the other hand, Huub was still holding his phone as he looked out to the sea beyond the ss wall.

    "Oh, Helen..." He grinned in anticipation. "Let''s hope you''ll all know your ce, or you can''t me me for being cruel!"

    Even as he remembered Helen''s voluptuous figure and her lofty demeanor, he turned to look at the three pretty faces clinging to him.

    Immediately finding them a ss beneath Helen, Huub actually felt disinterested just then.

    "You''ll be mine soon, Helen! I''ll watch

    of the w

    you break down in tears and begrat my feet! he snapped, throwing one e women on the bed as if venting his frustration, leaving her gasping...

    The night soon passed, and Madfist arrived at Bralog the next day after driving through the night without sleep or breaks.

 Chapter 1766

    Chapter 1766

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    As soon as Frank and Madfist arrived in Bralog, they were greeted by the billboards and roadside banners. Every single one weed the arrival of foreign guests to an exhibition of Draconia''s culture, with Droitner Inc. being specified as the chief sponsor.

    Frank smiled-what a coincidence, as this really spared him from having to search for them.

    He asked a random pedestrian about the location and headed over right away.

    In Frank''s mind, Huub was a dead man, as Frank would make him pay for all the atrocities he hadmitted in Zamri.

    Meanwhile, Huub was stirring in bed when he received a call from one of his goons. "Mr. Droitner, we''ve received word from Lanecorp that Frank Lawrence is heading to Bralog with the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    "What?!" Huub was more delighted than surprised, and heughed heartily. "I''m actually shocked... he''s bringing it straight to me! Oh, what sincerity!" However, his goon was instead concerned. "But don''t you think it might be a trap, sir?"

    "A trap?"

    Huub chuckled coolly. "And how many people did Lanecorp send?"Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "Just two... Frank Lawrence and an old chauffeur, and I think that''s because Frank is too hurt to drive."

    Huub could not helpughing again. "And you call that a trap? An old chauffeur and a man too hurt to drive?" "Oh..."

    The goon trailed off awkwardly, as what Huub said made perfect sense.

    However, the goon had also sensed something unusual about Helen''s attitude when he contacted Lanecorp yesterday.

    She was calm-almost eerily so, even though the goon was basically threatening them to surrender the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    She did not sound frustrated at all and sounded so aloof, as if she was merely a bystander.

    The goon then said, "Mr. Droitner, Ms. Lane also asked me to pass on a message."

    "What is it?" Huub''s smile stiffened a little.

    "She said... She believes in Frank Lawrence."

    "She believes in Frank Lawrence?""

    Huub frowned as he wondered what

    that meant, but even after a longe

    while he decided that Helen

    on mean that literally. Coher

    only mean that literally.

    It was clear that she had changed her mind, as she believed Frank did not steal the Bloodcrane

    Spiritbloom, and that she was now convinced that Huub had brought a fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom to trick her.

    However, that was already besides the point now, as Huub now had hostages.

    Helen might know the truth now, but

    what else could she do, aside from

    bringing

    the real Bloodcrane

    vel?

    Spiritbloom in exchange for the hostages?

    Huub was not worried at all and merely called up a few martial elites just in case.

    One of them was Renard Zitch, who was with Huub during the raid at Cologne Court, beating both Kat Yego and Mona Fairfax. With Renard''s protection, Huub believed himself invincible.

    So what if it was a trap, or if Frank was not really hurt? Droitner Inc. owned Bralog, and they had nothing but men to spare!

 Chapter 1767

    Chapter 1767

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    "What''s on your mind, kid?"

    Meanwhile, both Frank and Madfist had arrived at the exhibition hall.

    It was not congested, but there was a crowd nheless, with many foreigners among them.

    Droitner Inc.''s goons and bodyguards were on hand to take care of security. One could easily spot them from their uniforms, which all had arge ''D'' pin on theirpels.

    Frank was riding shotgun and thought about it before answering, "Thanks to the information we''ve gathered, the exhibitionsts a week, and Huub will be present every day. So, I''ll stay here and deal with him."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Pausing, he turned toward Madfist and added, "As for the hostages... I''m afraid I''d have to trouble you."

    As a veteran martial artist, Madfist had no arguments against that.

    However, he was frowning. "I have no problems with splitting up, but do you know where the hostages are?"

    "That''s easy."

    Frank alighted, and as Madfist looked on, he walked straight toward one of the Droitner Inc. bodyguards.

    He said something to the bodyguard and somehow lured him to their car.

    Then, when the bodyguard started to try peeking through the window, Frank knocked him unconscious with the side of his palm and shoved him into the backseat while no one was watching.

    Madfist raised a brow. "And this man is...?"

    Frank shrugged. "A Droitner Inc. bodyguard. He should know where Huub Droitner lives, and Huub should be keeping his hostages there or nearby." "But what if they''re not there?" Madfist asked, skeptical.

    "Don''t woey. They''ll be there-I know

    it," Frank said and smacked the

    roof before heading into the

    vel

    exhibition hall. Content bet

    "Brat..."

    to

    Seeing that Frank was still hiding things from him, Madfist shook his head exasperatedly.

    However, he was not aware that Frank received the tip from Juno Enigma.

    They were on the way to Bralog when Juno texted him: [The hostages are in Huub Droitner''s mansion.] Frank had no idea how she knew or predicted it, but he believed it since her information was always reliable. However, he also came to realize why his father was always aware of where he was and what he was doing. After all, Juno was Talnamese, and Madfist had just told Frank that his father had a curious rtionship with Talnam. Frank had no doubt that they most likely had a deal.

    Following the crowd heading into the

    Draconian artifacts, though mehet On hall, he found ma

    of

    it were replicas.

    While he was studying some of the exhibits closely, he suddenly noticed amotion at the entrance.

    He looked up to find Huub looking

    sharp in his suit just like an elite

    n¨§t

    member of society, with a group of foreign businesspersons in tow.

    Frank narrowed his eyes, resisting the impulse to kill Huub on the spot and instead blending into the crowd. He then texted Madfist: [Go.]

    After all, Huub being here meant that his mansion would be unguarded, and Madfist could make his move. And having received Frank''s message, Madfist poked the unconscious bodyguard between the brows.

 Chapter 1768

    Chapter 1768

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    As the bodyguard slowly stirred, the first thing he saw was Madfist''s kindly, if scrawny face.

    "You''re..."

    He was still dazed at first, before he smacked himself in the head.

    Then, scrambling to whip out his phone, he cried, "Wait! Someone just said they saw Frank Lawrence. I need to tell Mr. Droitner..."

    "Kid."

    Madfist held up his phone, chuckling. "You suddenly passed out, and you broke your phone when you dropped it." "What?!" The bodyguard stared nkly as he took back his phone and saw the hairline cracks all over the screen. "Well, how about this, kiddo?" Madfist smiled. "I''ll take you where you''d like to go¡ªalthough you''re paying me a fare." The bodyguard did a double take, but he soon smiled gratefully, almost wondering why Madfist was so oddly nice. "Well... Thank you very much! I need to tell Mr. Droitner that Frank Lawrence is at the exhibition hall right away..."

    He then mused to himself for a moment before looking up and eximing, "Why don''t you take me to Mr. Droitner''s coastal mansion? I''ll pay you a hundred... No, two hundred!"

    "Two hundred? Deal!"

    Madfist chuckled. "But I have no idea where that is, so you''ll have to give me directions!"

    "No problem-just drive, I''m really in a rush here," the bodyguard urged anxiously.

    Madfist was actually surprised that the young man fell for it so easily were youths so gullible these days?

    He was simply unaware that Huub had made sure that every Droitner Inc. bodyguard must go to him right away should they find Frank.

    On top of that, the first one who did so would be rewarded handsomely, which was why this bodyguard was so anxious to meet Huub, even refusing to tell his colleagues.

    It was naturally a precautionary step

    that Huub took to stop Frank from springing any surprises on him. But through sheer coincidence, Frank had managed to deceive this

    bodyguard, who had neve

    Frank before, and he in turn led

    Madfist to Huub''s turn ledAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    ke

    to get

    his reward.

    Along the way, the young bodyguard even made some small talk with Madfist, who in turn found out that the bodyguard''s name was Johnny and that it was his first day on the job

    His family was not really rich, and he had a younger brother attending university, which was why he was eager to get Huub''s reward.

    Half an hourter, they arrived at Huub''s coastal mansion.

    Johnny alighted excitedly to get his reward, only for the bodyguards standing outside to stop him. "What are you doing here?! You''re not allowed in here!"

    "I found Frank Lawrence!" Johnny eximed urgently. "I came to tell Mr. Droitner!"

    "Tell Mr. Droitner?"

    The bodyguards were taken aback

    before frowning in confusion. "M Droitner has already left for the

    exhibition hall! And couldn''t you call if you saw Frank Lawrence?!

    "Uh... My phone broke," Johnny exined, scratching his head and sighing in frustration. "Ugh. I rushed here, but I''m still toote."

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    The two bodyguards could immediately tell what Johnny wanted, and one of them pursed his lips. "Just go. I will tell Mr. Droitner that Frank Lawrence showed up-don''t worry, no one will steal your reward."

    "Thanks, bro!" Johnny was delighted and kept bowing at the bodyguard, who only waved him off and said nothing.

    However, just as he was about to turn and leave, he found himself staring at the old driver''s face as he quietly stood behind him.

    "Woah!"

    Johnny flinched at the sight. "Oh, you scared me, sir! What are you still doing here? Wait, this is good. You can give me a ride back."

    Madfist merely chuckled and shook his head.

    "What, do you want more money?"

    Johnny frowned, a little annoyed. "I just gave you two hundred. Isn''t that enough for a round trip?"

    "No, kid." Madfist chuckled. "I just don''t have the time to drive you because I have other things to do."

    Johnny was left drawing a nk. "Other things?"

    "Yes. Other things."

    The old man smiled and slowly walked up to the two bodyguards. Then, as they watched in confusion, he suddenly moved at lightning speed, grabbing both men by the throats and mming them to the ground!

    "What?!"

    Johnny was left dumbstruck, just as Madfist chuckled. "Hehehe... Thanks, young man. I really wouldn''t have found Huub Droitner''s home if not for you."

    "You... Traitor!"

    One of the bodyguard''s cheeks went flush as Madfist''s fingers tightened around his throat, looking at once furious and shocked even as he reached a hand toward Johnny.

    "Traitor...? No, I''m not a traitor!"

    However, Johnny was left petrified by the sight before him, unsure of what he could do.

    He was only jolted to his senses through sheer terror when he heard one of the bodyguards'' necks snap audibly.

    He also suddenly remembered something else.

    Earlier, his team leader had told him that Frank had an old man wearing a security guard uniform with him.

    After that, just before Johnny

    passed out, there was this young man who approached him, saying he had met someone calling himself Frank Lawrence.

    Even as Johnny found himself sweating profusely, he realized that the young man was Frank Lawrence himself!

    "Don''t worry, kiddo. You''re not going to die." Madfist chuckled at Johnny just then.

    However, his gaze turned icy as he turned toward the bodyguard he was choking with his left hand, who appeared utterly terrified. "But I can''t say the same about you."

    "W-What do you want?!"

    The bodyguard was shaking after seeing how his colleague had just died, stopping short of wetting himself on the spot.

    The old man was smiling amicably, but he was truly vicious, snapping a man''s neck without warning!

    As such, the remaining bodyguard was genuinely terrified of being next.

    "Take me to the hostages!" Madfist bellowed just then.

    "The hostages?!"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Theard flinched when he

    heard

    and shook his head

    repeatedly. "N-No... I don''t anything about hostages... en.kikistoriese

    Madfist sighed, because the bodyguard obviously knew.

 Chapter 1770

    Chapter 1770

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    When the bodyguard heard the word ''hostages'', his pupils dted, revealing his thoughts.

    For a veteran martial artist like Madfist, that could well be an admission.

    He was now clearly stubbornly refusing to speak, and the panic on his face was from fear of reprisals.

    Hence, Madfist eased his grip around his neck and gently coaxed, "You know about the hostages and where they are, but you can''t talk. After all, you''d be made to suffer if you betray Droitner Inc., right?"

    The bodyguard gulped and nodded slightly, even as Madfist still held his neck.

    "But have you thought about it this way...?"

    Madfist grinned. "That you''d suffer anyway if you don''t talk?"

    "Huh?!"

    The bodyguard''s eyes widened at Madfist''s threat, even as Madfist held up two fingers right in front of his eyes.

    Then, even as Madfist keptughing, he breathed a sinister threat that would leave anyone flinching. "I will first gouge out your eyes and feed them to you, then crush your groin under my foot. After that, I will pry off your fingers, one by one..."

    The bodyguard felt a chill down his spine.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Looking at this dead colleague just next to them, he would not be surprised if the old man really did it!

    "Naturally..."

    Madfist chuckled. "If you''re going to be honest, I''ll just knock you out without killing you. That way, you don''t know anything, and you''d be innocent even if Huub Droitner asks, right?"

    The bodyguard nodded repeatedly, wheezing as his mental fortitude crumbled, "T-They''re in the basement! I once saw the secret mechanisms under the desk, which opens a secret passage... It''s guarded by several martial elites too!"

    "Hehe. Good." Madfist chuckled.

    Even as the bodyguard looked at him, desperate to survive, he clenched his fingers.

    Crunch!

    With that, another neck snapped audibly.

    "Argh!"

    In the distance, Johnny''s legs buckled as he dropped in sheer terror in the distance.

    His sanity almost crumbled-never could he have expected that the first day on the job meant running straight into a smiling reaper!

    In fact, even as his brainmanded his body repeatedly to flee, his legs had gone totally limp, and he could not even stand. "Phew..."

    Madfist sighed as he got to his feet. "Kid, I''ll spare your life, seeing that you''ve led me here-but don''t stay as Droitner Inc.''spdog from now on, do you understand? Though Droitner Inc. would probably be gone by the end of the day."

    "Droitner Inc.? Gone from Bralog?"

    Madfist''s words certainly left Johnny thunderstruck.

    Despite just getting the job, he knew how powerful Droitner Inc. was in Bralog Even if they were not an actual business, no one would doubt their stature.

    But to destroy them...

    While Johnny''s first thought would be that the idea was ridiculous, did the geezer just suggest that he and the youth named Frank Lawrence would bring about the fall of Droitner Ine?

    Was that even possible, with just the two of them?

    Nheless, as Johnny looked at the two corpses on the floor, he was once again struck by terror, and he more or less believed the geezer just then.

    If it was those two... they just might take down Droitner Inc.!

 Chapter 1771

    Chapter 1771

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    For some reason, Johnny stood spacing out for a long while after Madfist entered Huub''s coastal mansion.

    Also, for some reason, he then followed Madfist inside, either to judge or as a spectator to see if Madfist and the youth named Frank Lawrence had what it took to bring down Droitner Inc.

    For his part, Madfist was not concerned.

    Even as he entered the mansion, the old man was still grinning broadly-it was a ruse, so that the mansion''s security guards would lower their guard. And the instant they did, Madfist would move, swift as lightning and killing with a single strike.

    Even as the security guards died without knowing what had hit them, Madfist continued to strut, heading right into Huub''s study and finding the button under his desk.

    Beep.

    The bookshelf behind Madfist opened with a jingle, revealing a staircase leading to the basement.

    His eyes turned sharp right then, as he sensed the presence of several martial elites.

    It was clear that Droitner Inc. really had what it took to establish themselves in Bralog''s underbelly.

    However, Madfist was not at all concerned-no one could stop him as long as he was not up against the grandmasters in the top sects.

    Pausing, he quietly told Johnny who stood behind him, "You don''t have toe along for this. There''s going to be a bloodbath, and you''d get caught in it if you follow."

    And with those words, Madfish slowly walked downstairs, his hands sped behind his back.

    On the other hand, Johnny stood at the study, hesitating for a moment but ultimately waiting outside the study instead of following the old man.

    His head was nk and he was unsure what he was doing, but his instincts were simply telling him to stay.

    It was perhaps curiosity or perhaps what Madfist did that invoked his earnest envy.

    "Is he a martial elite Rocky spoke of?" he muttered to himself nkly. "If only I could be one too..."

    Frank was not idling while Madfist attacked the coastal mansion alone.

    He had blended in the crowd at the

    exhibit hall while tailing Huub, who was introducing a certain painting to

    a group of foreign businesspeople

    "Everyone, this painting is the personal work of a celebrated artist from the middle ages. I know that most of you wouldn''t know much about Draconia''s history, but what if I told you that it was once sold for 1.5 billion dors?"

    "1.5 billion?!"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    While the foreign businesspeople gasped in shock, Frank studied the painting Huub was referring too, his eyes narrowing into a sneer.

    He had already seen it earlier-it was a fake.

    "Everyone..."

    Huub continued to tempt the foreign businesspeople eloquently. "I can understand that the artist might be obscure to you, but if you take a look here..."

    Looking where Huub pointed, the foreign businesspersons soon saw a seal of approval belonging to Tet Boran in a corner.

    Even they had heard of Tet, despite

    the man''s actual profession not being an appraiser. Moreover, Tet was the close friend of a foreign businessman, who in turn had Jet''s assurance that any antique he approved of would not be a fake.

    That was why the foreign businessman went on a shopping spree of any treasures Tet approved off and resold them abroad. Seeing the billions he quickly earned, many of his colleagues became jealous.

    As many yearned to know his secret, the businessman drunkenly let slip at a ball that Tet''s approval on any antique would basically make it incredibly

    valuable.

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    Chapter 1772

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    As time passed, Droitner Inc. found out about Tet Boran as well.

    While they had heard of him before, they were not acquainted with the man, not to mention that they were not important enough to be his close associate.

    As such, they started making certain alterations so that their replicas appeared even more authentic, though they had only started recently and worked with utmost secrecy.

    It was why Tet himself had never heard about what Droitner Inc. was up to, or he would have punished them, given his temper.

    Nheless, when Huub pointed out Tet''s smartly concealed seal, the foreign businesspeople were all nodding, clearly showing interest.

    As with the usual trend, they would acquire these treasures from Droitner Inc. and resell them for over double the cost.

    That was no issue with Tet''s seal of approval, and some of the foreign businesspeople were even quietly asking Huub for the price. However, while Huub was grinning broadly and about to announce the price, someone bellowed from the crowd, "Hold it!"

    Everyone in the exhibition hall turned toward the voice right then, as it was a curiosity to shout here.

    After all, as the organizers of the exhibition, Droitner Inc. had made the rule that visitors must observe silence and never cause amotion. And since Huub was here on business, his bodyguards would make any visitors nearby clear a path everywhere they went.

    No one could argue against that, since everyone knew the strength Droitner Inc.manded in Bralog.

    That was why the bellow was undoubtedly a challenge against Droitner Inc.''s authority as hosts and was remarkably tactless.

    The bodyguards who were nking Huub were at once ring hostilely as they strode toward the crowd, with the bodyguard squad leader glowering as he barked, "Who was that?! Yelling in this exhibition hosted by the esteemed Droitner Inc.?! Haven''t you read the rules beforeing inside?!" "Hmph..."

    Huub was annoyed too. He was just trying to sell a painting to some

    foreign businesspeople, only fol. nex

    someone to challenge his authority here on Bralog, his turf.

    Could they have a death wish?

    "Droitner Inc., you say?! The sheer audacity that you scum have!"

    As the man shouted again, the crowd quickly parted to reveal him, standing with his arms at his sides, his gaze icy. "Hmm...?"

    Huub did a double take when he saw the man, but he was soon smiling in amusement.

    After all, it was none other than Frank himself!

    "Are you crazy?!"

    "Droitner Inc. owns this ce! Are you asking for a beating?!"

    "How dare you interrupt Mr. Droitner and vite the rules that Droitner Inc. has set! Who are you?!"

    While Huub''s bodyguards were encircling Frank and snapping at him, Frankpletely ignored them, even striding straight toward Huub as the crowd started talking among themselves.  C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    "Stop!" The bodyguard squad leader

    strode up to Frank and

    line

    a shove in the chest, but he was left stunned.

    WY

    After all, Frank did not budge an inch despite the push!

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    Chapter 1773

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    On the other hand, the bodyguard squad leader was sent stumbling backward from recoil, losing his bnce and falling on his rear. "What?!"

    Seeing their leader falling on the floor, the other bodyguards were all in clear disbelief.

    The man was a martial artist, and a Birthright-ranked one at that!

    He was synonymous with might among the rest of them flunkies, who would not even reach his sleeve even if they all fought him at once. And yet, despite all his might, the bodyguard squad leader could not even stop Frank''s stride and instead knocked himself to the floor. On top of that, it was thoroughly humiliating since there were so many people watching!

    "You... brat!"

    It took a while for the bodyguard squad leader toe to his senses, and he shoved his hands on the floor to spring himself off the floor.

    He had really messed up after being caught off guard, and there had to be so many people watching, especially Huub.

    As such, the bodyguard squad leader was livid-he was basically embarrassing Droitner Inc.

    However, he still did not believe that he was weaker than Frank and presumed that Frank came prepared, catching the bodyguard squad leader off guard with his pure vigor.

    That also meant that the brat came without an ounce of humility or respect for Droitner Inc.

    And since he came intent on causing trouble, he was ready for the bodyguard squad leader and knocked him aside, probably just to embarrass Droitner Inc.

    And with so many guests watching, Droitner Inc. could not afford such ignominy.

    Otherwise, the bodyguard squad leader would not be keeping his job and might even be punished for that.

    Unleashing his pure vigor as he strode up to Frank again, he bellowed, "You brat! How dare you mess around on ourpany''s turf! Do you want to die?!"

    "What?"

    Frank chuckled, not backing down

    and even taunting him as the guests at the exhibition hall looked on. "I thought Droitner Inc. was just the sponsor of this exhibition. After all, the artifacts on disy here don''t belong to you.

    "And on top of that..."

    Still standing his ground, he looked at the shocked visitors and continued coldly, "Droitner Inc. is coborating with foreign businesspeople to sell our country''s historical artifacts. What do you have to say to that?!"

    "What?!"

    Everyone in the hall was stunned by Frank''s bellow.

    Still, as they turned toward Huub, who stood at the center of the Droitner Inc. procession, he was holding up his hands and slowly pping.

    Then, instead of answering to

    Frank''s usation, he asked in return, "Mr. Lawrence... First of all, allow me to wee you for personally visiting this exhibition sponsored by Droitner Inc. So, have you brought the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom here?"  Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"

    While the crowd was left puzzled, Huub chuckled. "Oh, I forgot to exin. Mr. Lawrence here is from Zamri, and he was the one who stole the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom that i gave to Lanecorp''s Helen Lane as a gift That in turn led to the death of Helen''s uncle, I might add."

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    "What?!"

    Though Huub clearly avoided answering Frank''s usation, his question turned sentiment against Frank.

    Even as the crowd turned to look at Frank now, they were all frowning contempt as if Frank was guilty as charged.

    "That''s Frank Lawrence?"

    On the other hand, the bodyguard squad leader was surprised as he remembered Huub''s earlier instructions to thoroughly humiliate Frank should hee to his exhibition, so that his and Lanecorp''s reputation would fall to the gutter.

    And seeing that the timing was right, the bodyguard squad leader restrained his hostility.

    Folding his arms before his chest, he chuckled coolly at Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, if you''vee to apologize and return the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, then do so right now-kowtow to Mr. Droitner, or you''ll know what happens."

    His meaning was obvious¡ªif Frank did not kowtow and apologize, Winter and the other hostages in Huub''s mansion would be made to pay. However, Frank was already done with that.

    In fact, the reason he had revealed himself now was because he had already received the green light from Madfist.

    Laughing coldly, he said, "Don''t waste your breath trying to nder me now, Huub Droitner. The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom you promised Helen was fake from the start! Some third-ratepany like Droitner Inc. would never be able to afford a real treasure!"

    "Droitner Inc... A third-ratepany?"

    The crowd gasped-did putting those two terms together even make sense?!

    Even if the Droitners were not the most important family and theirpany not the biggest in Bralog, they had ties to the government!

    Word was that Paul Droitner, the current CEO of Droitner Inc., was sworn brothers with Leino Himmich, themissioner of Bralog City.

    As such, mocking Droitner Inc for being a third-ratepany when they had such connections? The man must be crazy.

    While everyone was raising brows as they stared at Frank, he continued nonchntly. "Not only did you try to deceive Helen with your fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom but you also pinned the me on me, and then kidnapped my people to force me into handing over the real Bloodcrane Spiritblogm before burning down my mansion. I will make you pay for that right now!"

    Huub was already furious when Frank called Droitner Inc. a third-ratepany, and heughed despite himself as Frank listed all his crimes.

    "Frank Lawrence! The truth of your

    ??.

    words notwithstanding, I can kill you now that you''re here in Bralog and ndering mypany''s good name! Did you really think Droither Inc. is a pushover, and you get to hotter at us?!"

    His eyes shing coldly, Huub quickly came up with some excuse, refusing to let Frank argue.

    This was still an exhibition hall, and with so many people watching, word would spread, and Droitner Inc.''s reputation would be tarnished anyway.

    He waved his hand and bellowed, a cue for all the Droitner bodyguards to charge up and subdue Frank.

    Once they took Frank down, Huub would have thest word on everything anyway!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Frank merely narrowed his eyes at the oing bodyguards. "Resorting to force because you don''t have the right of reason?"

    "Reason has nothing to do with it."

    l

    Huub smirked. "You''vee to my turf here in Bralog to cause me trouble, so I have no reason to tolerate you. Did you think you''re invincible, that you''re above the rest?!"

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    Chapter 1775

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    "Go!"

    With thirtyish bodyguards and the Birthright-ranked bodyguard squad leader charging at Frank, he knew that this had to be resolved with violence. But it suited him just right.

    In fact, Frank was sneering-after tailing Huub for a while, his fists were itching.

    Pow!Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    With a punch, he sent a roaring and charging bodyguard flying and screaming.

    "Huh?!"

    "He''s a martial artist!"

    "So he can walk the talk!

    "I guess he had to have something, daring to challenge Droitner Inc. on their turf..."

    "Come on, haven''t you heard? He''s from Zamri, and you don''t ever challenge a lion on his turf, get it?"

    The bystanders had already presumed that Frank was dead meat as soon as the bodyguards encircled him, only for his first strike to leave them stunned.

    Frank did not have time to listen to theirments either. After he sent the first bodyguard flying with a punch, three more lunged at him¡ªall of them armed.

    However, it was pointless since this was an exhibition hall, and they had to show restraint in case they broke something.

    And that in turn made things easier for Frank.

    Thud!

    He poked one of the bodyguards on the forehead, and the bodyguard''s eyes rolled up their sockets as he passed out.

    "Get off!" Frank then bellowed, sending another bodyguard flying, coughing blood as he crashed into the painting that Huub was showing the foreign businesspeople.

    As his blood sprayed all over the painting, the billion dor piece of art was totally ruined.

    Huub was left staring at it nkly

    before bellowing furiously,

    "Ipetent fools! Be more

    vel

    careful-don''t let him destroymore artifacts!"

    "Yes, Mr. Droitner!"

    The bodyguards all replied, but were clearly hard-pressed.

    They could all see now that Frank was no pushover, and they would never win with their amateurish close-quartersbat techniques.

    As such, keeping the relics safe was even further beyond their capabilities!

    "Weapons out!"

    Seeing that they could not reach Frank at all, the bodyguards traded nces, whipping out batons and machetes.

    The crowd who were watching all fled in panic when they saw that the bodyguards were bringing out weapons.

    Even the foreign businesspeople who were standing nearby Huub appeared concerned.

    "Mr. Droitner..."

    One of the trantors frowned at

    Huub. "Mr. Gretchen has suggeste

    that they coulde again tomorrow, after you''re done with your personal affairs-" Content

    "Don''t you fucking leave!" Huub suddenly bellowed, sending the foreign businesspeople flinching.

    Even as they watched him in

    confusion, Huub red at them icily

    as he growled, "Rest assured that our discussion will continue. It won''t take long for my men to get rid of that insolent brat."

    "What..."

    All the foreign businesspeople were scowling, as Huub was saying that they had no freedom now.

    However, the look on Huub''s face was way worse the bodyguards were not subduing Frank even after they took out all their weapons. Instead, Frank was showing what he was capable off, demolishing most of the exhibits with the bodies of Huub''s bodyguards.

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    "Useless fuckers!" Huub growled through his teeth and turned toward Renard Zitch, one of his goons who was standing nearby. Renard, one of the Ten Hellions of South Draconia, was a powerful martial elite who was halfway through the Ascendant rank.

    In fact, Huub''s heart would bleed at the amount of money he paid Renard every year, though he was also his confidante and the man he most relied

    on.

    As such, it pleased Huub that not only was Renard so strong that he was peerless among martial artists, but he was also fiercely loyal, removing all who stood in his way.

    And Frank would be no exception now.

    Noticing Huub''s look, Renard nodded, his visage cold as he rolled up his sleeves and walked toward Frank.

    Meanwhile, Frank was holding the endlessly confident bodyguard squad leader by the neck.

    Naturally, the crowd who had yet to disperse looked on in terror.

    It had not been four minutes since Frank leapt into action against Droitner Inc.''s elite bodyguards, and the bodyguard squad leader was hisst opponent.

    It was especially shocking to see that Frank had not only left the bodyguards floored, but he was throwing them to destroy almost every artifact on disy in the exhibition hall.

    All that was left now were some y pots and vases.

    While the foreign businesspeople could hear their hearts breaking, Huub''s eyes narrowed dangerously.

    After all, each item that Frank destroyed were replicas.

    How could he have known?!

    Thud.

    Even as Huub felt a foreboding sensation, Frank dropped the unconscious bodyguard squad leader on the floor and turned toward Renard.

    While Renard slowly advanced on Frank, Frank frowned, as he could see Renard''s level right away.

    He was surprised Huub could get himself a martial elite halfway through the Ascendant rank.

    But so what if he did? Frank''s own abilities were now indefinite, especially after he had absorbed a single petal''s worth of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom essence.

    In fact, Frank felt like he was bloated

    from inside out, and that made the essence of the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom-this was a herb that could elevate one up to the O

    Transcendent rank.

    Even if Frank mostly used it to heal himself, the lingering essence was still enough for Frank to refine his pure vigor.

    As such, he felt no pressure despite being up against a martial elite of Renard''s caliber.

    If anything, he was puzzled-was this it?

    Was that the strength of pure vigor of a martial elite who was halfway through the Ascendant rank?

    Frank''s cultivation was almost peak Ascendant rank before he absorbed the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, but he was not so sure now.

    All he knew was that while Renard was much stronger than the bodyguards earlier, Renard was still really nothing to him.

    On the other hand, Renard was frowning at Frank, surprised he could not read Frank at all.

    It was why he was being prudent and did not attack Frank, as uncertainty was always the source of fear.

    Naturally, Renard doubted that Frank

    was some average Joe who had no training, but at the same time, he did not really believe that Frank''s pure vigor was far above his, to the point that he could not feel it. ContentAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    And seeing that Frank was clearly in his twenties, his brow creased under his graying hair.

    Could Frank have learned some

    technique that sealed his meridians and hid his presence in the face of a

    stronger opponent, so that they

    could

    not read the true depths of his

    power?

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    Chapter 1777

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    Renard chuckled coolly, presuming that it had to be the only reason.

    As one of the Ten Hellions of South Draconia, his might was naturally above questioning.

    Moreover, he was actually in his sixties, and he actually looked like a younger man since he had always maintained his training routine.

    And since there was no one who had reached the Ascendant rank below sixty in Draconia, save for the freaks of the major sects, Renard prided himself with his aplishment.

    Moreover, those major sects would always keep their freaks close, hiding them within their respective enves.

    They would certainly not allow them to run around causing trouble just like Frank here.

    What was that if not suicidal?

    "Brat, I don''t know who has your back, but I''ll spare you if you go down on your knees, kowtow to Mr. Droitner ten times, and surrender the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    Frank, who was already sick of such threats, chuckled coolly. "What, not feeling confident about yourself?"

    "No." Renard smiled in turn. "I''m giving you a chance to live, since I don''t really know my own strength, and I''m not sure if your bones can take that." "Hmph. Then why don''t you show me?"

    Frank shrugged, walking toward Renard, seemingly defenseless.

    He was not fully focused on Renard either, as he turned toward Huub in the distance. "So, this geezer is yourst card?"

    Huub snorted at Frank''s arrogance. "You''ll be sobbing when you fall before me and understand what it means to stand against me!" "Insolent brat..."

    Renard was glowering as he could see that Frank was making light of himself.

    He waved his hand, conjuring a javelin of pure vigor andunching it straight at Frank''s chest.

    It was a move of Ascendant ranks, projecting their pure vigor into various shapes in attack.

    However, Frank simply stood his

    ground and held up a hand, breaking

    the javelin while chuckling. "Come

    on. You can do better than et

    "Hmm...?"

    Renard''s eyes narrowed when he saw how easily Frank broke his attack.

    "Get him!"

    As he charged his pure vigor in full to go all out, Huub was urging him to get going impatiently, seeing how insolent Frank was. After all, Renard was peerless in Huub''s mind, and what could be easier than taking down a gigolo like Frank?

    Hence, with a battlecry, Renard released all his pure vigor, focusing them into his hand as he projected a three-meter long spear.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Renard stomped his foot, shattering the tiles beneath as he vaulted ten meters above and streaked toward Frank with his spear.

    "Take this, brat!"

    The bystanders had to cover their

    ive

    ears from the endless droning as the spear tore through the air, but Frank was still standing his ground

    "A spear of pure vigor? Now that''s something."

    He watched as Renard shot

    downward at him, spear in hand and took a deep breath before growling under his breath, "Five-Peat Archaeus!"

    Pure vigor surged like a broken dam, shrouding Frank and leaving him surprised.

    How long had it been since hest fought with pure vigor?

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    Ever since that meeting with his father and drinking the tea Silverbell brewed, Frank felt his pure vigor growing in abundance in strength. And now that it was catalyzed with the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, Frank could hardly control it.

    "Well then, I just have to go all out!"

    Moving his right foot backward, he released a shockingly red pure vigor as everyone looked on.

    Boom!

    Even as Frank''s hair pped against the shockwave, Reynard''s smile faded mid-air.

    Everything around him seemed to disappear, be it the crowd or Huub, who kept egging him on.

    His whole body was stiff, as if he was frozen mid-air, unable to move.

    "Grr..."C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Renard soon turned pale, as he found himself staring into a bloody pair of eyes. "Is that... the Death Eater?"

    Frank was left dumbstruck and blinking, shocked that Renard recognized his move.

    "Roar!!!"

    Even as Renard heard the thunderous roar of a behemoth that could tear through space and time, he was suddenly free from the darkness. At that moment, he abruptly realized that the eyes he saw were Frank''s and quickly understood Frank''s identity.

    After all, only two men could use the Death Eater technique: the Lord of the Southern Woods-Draconia''s famous warlord and his only son. And since the man before Renard was not the Lord of the Southern Woods, that would make the man before him his son!

    H-Heavens above... what cmity had Huub brought down upon their heads?!

    In fact, as soon as Renard realized who his opponent was, he yelled at the top of his lungs, "Mr. Lawrence! I-I have no quarrel with you..." "Oh, but apologies..."

    Frank was smirking, though it was a picture of utter horror in Renard''s

    eyes. "don''t really know my own! if your old

    strength, and I''m not sure if your

    bones can take that..."

    "What..."

    Even before Renard realized what was happening, Frank was leaping toward him with a battlecry, aiming a punch at Renard''s spear.

    Seeing that he could not dodge, Renard clenched his teeth and mustered every iota of pure vigor he had-anything could wait until after he blocked this strike!

    "The brat may be the son of the Lord of the Southern Woods, but he wouldn''t... Huh?!"

    Renard thought that his spear and

    Frank''s punch would cancel out each other only for him to stare nkly as the pure vigor spear-with which he had taken down countless foes was smashed into pieces.

    As the spear broke down into tiny particles that scattered into the air, Renard''s eyes widened in terror as Frank''s punch closed in.

    He had never expected to find himself up against Donn Lawrence, the Lord of the Southern Woods'' son.

    The man was just of Birthright rank

    u

    when he left a trail of bodies as he fled Mystic Sky Sect back in the day. It was therefore all the more shocking that in just three years, the same kid had grown to such horrifying proportions.

    On the other hand, Renard-one of the Ten Hellions of South Draconia-did not evenst a single strike!

    Did that even make sense?!

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    Chapter 1779

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    ''How does that even make sense?!''

    That was thest thought Renard ever had.

    Soon, with a violent shockwave that threatened to send everyone flying, Frank pulverized not only Renard''s pure vigor spear, but also his entire body.

    The entire roof of the exhibition hall was blown off as well, leaving the entire building almost in ruins, while the very earth of Bralog shook.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Still, the shockwave continued to unfurl, even reaching the seas and kicking up a tidal wave that crashed into Huub''s coastal mansion. Johnny, who was still waiting in Huub''s study, was left watching as the wave crashed and shattered the window pane, mming into the wall. "What the hell..." he groaned and passed out.

    Back in the city center, at the wreckage that was once at the exhibition hall, Huub was cowering and trembling in a corner while everyone else fled. Huub was gaping at Frank, whose knuckle was still outstretched, as if he was a monster.

    What the hell?! Was he even human?!

    Even as Huub wondered, Frank sighed and lowered his fist, muttering to himself, "Phew... I guess I overdid it."

    "Overdid it...?"

    Huub could cry right then-Renard was one of the Ten Hellions of South Draconia, but Frank said that he had overdone it?

    What was he?!

    Nheless, he suddenly noticed Frank staring at him and felt at once as if something was clenching his heart, and he suddenly could not breathe. After all, he was terrified.

    Reynard was his trump card, and said trump card did not evenst one punch against Frank.

    Still, Frank walked up to him as he copsed to the floor, chuckling. "That''s a terrible look on your face, Mr. Droitner."

    Huub blinked at Frank''s chuckle, but how was he supposed to look good?

    He was no martial artist, and he had just seen one punch that had basically brought down an entire

    building, with the target most likely being Huub''s own head!

    He had even used up all the curses he could in his head.

    He really thought that Renard was more than enough against a gigolo like Frank, only for Frank to prove himself a walking nightmare, pulverizing Renard with a single punch instead.

    He certainly was not his smug self from before as everything he knew copsed in on himself.

    Even as he was left utterly flustered, Frank dropped to a crouch beside him, smiling like a long lost friend.

    "Do you want to live, Mr. Droitner?" He chuckled, tousling Huub''s hair which was caked with gel and dust. Huub could not even manage a word and could only gulp and nod repeatedly.

    "Good. Now, first of all..."

    1.n

    Frank held up his index finger and smiled. "Admit what you did to me, including tricking Helen with a fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, andpensate us twofold for all the damage you caused. What do you say to that?"

    Huub''s mouth opened, but he nodded repeatedly again.

    "Second."

    Frank held up his middle finger as well. "You will send home all your hostages back to Zamri. Can you do that?"

 Chapter 1780

    ?

    Huub''s cheeks stiffened at the mention of hostages, only remembering them just then.

    If he threatened Frank with their safety, Frank would most definitely not try anything against him..

    However, he flinched when he saw the murderous re in Frank''s eyes, and an almost

    bestial instinct told him that if he dared to threaten Frank with the hostage, Frank would skin him.

    After a moment of hesitation, Huub eventually nodded the hostages were trivialpared to his life!

    "Good."

    Seeing Huub nod, Frank smiled in satisfaction.

    Huub was really smart, since Frank was ready to kill him on the spot if he were to threaten him with his hostages, thus avoiding any surprises.

    "Now, the third..."

    Frank grinned. "You will confess your crimes to the Bralogmissioner, including the sale of national treasures and artifacts, as well as your dealings with foreign groups!"

    "What...?!" Huub looked up right then.

    Forget the fact that the Bralogmissioner was his grandfather''s sworn brother would he even survive if he confessed to him about the shady dealings Droitner Inc. was up to?

    Not only was inheriting thepany a pipe dream, but if word of what they did spread beyond Bralog, Droitner Inc. would fall, and his grandfather would have his head for that!

    Frank leaned his face closer just then, smiling as he asked, "What, are you afraid that Droitner Inc. would kill you for your treachery?"

    "Hsn''t that obvious?!" Huub growled through gritted teeth, his cheeks clenching.

    He was really furious this time-no one had ever threatened him like this before!Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    And since he was going to die anyway, he did not mind letting Frank kill him.

    All of Droitner''s dirty secrets, artifacts, and factories used for making counterfeit items were guarded by his grandfather''s martial elites.

    As such, if Huub died here and his grandfather heard, he would definitely exact revenge upon those hostages.

    "Go on, Frank Lawrence! Do it!" he cried, suddenly determined. "Kill me if you can! If you do, my grandfather wille after you! And don''t even think you can get your hostages back!

    "Also, Bralog''smissioner is my grandfather''s best friend! You and Helen Lane are going to die painfully!"

    Huub''s shrieking actually gave Frank pause.

    So that was why Frank ended up in ckwater prison before-Huub had very close ties with the Bralog''smissioner, who were obviously supporting Droitner Inc. behind the scenes! That meant influence over government officials, and they might even be involved in Droitner Inc.''s shady dealings.

    Otherwise, those historical artifacts would not have been able to leave the border so easily. While Frank narrowed his eyes in thought, an elderly but resounding bellow thundered from the wreckage outside the exhibition hall.

    What''s going on here?! What on earth happened?!"

    Frank looked beyond the wreckage when he heard the voice and found a bearded old man in a purple coat standing by the curb.

    His eyes were shing wrathfully, while a convoy of over a dozen cars had stopped behind him, with fully-armed police officers nking him.

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    ?C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    One did not need imagination to understand that the elderly man was someone important, as his very presence stood out from the rest.

    Huub''s eyes lit up as soon as he saw him, and he dashed toward him without a care. He even grabbed the old man''s thigh and started bawling, a far cry from the unbelievably smug heir of Droitner Inc. earlier.

    "Huey? What''s going on here?!" the old man eximed in surprise.

    He was using a pet form of Huub''s name, and it was obvious from his question alone that the two were close.

    "Godfather! He''s trying to kill mel Huub bawled at the top of his lungs and shot Frank a vicious smirk where the old man could not see

    Frank was a dead man now!

    On the other hand, while Frank had no idea who the old man was or why Huub was so confident now, he refrained from killing Huub.

    In fact, he only watched as Huub fled to the old man''s side, since he had to admit that Huub was right about one thing.

    Killing Huub on the spot would lead to a chain reaction-if Madfist could not save the hostages and Huub died, Winter and everyone else would die too.

    Frank could not take that risk, though he was also keen to see who this old man, whom Huub saw as a savior, was. He more or less felt that Droitner Inc. had a powerful supporter despite its modest scale.

    "Insolence!" the old man suddenly barked, striding toward Frank. "You''re the one who tried to kill me godson, brat?!

    Frank was jolted to his senses and found the old man ring at himself with naked savagery, with the police officers he had brought all training their guns on Frank.

    Still, Frank nodded calmly. "Yes."

    "My god... isn''t he the policemissioner?!

    "Yeah! It''s Commissioner Himmich himself in the flesh! This exhibition is really heating up!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes, hearing the exhibition visitors''ments just then.

    He studied the old man from head to toe, quite surprised that he was the policemissioner of Bralog.

    You''re Commissioner Himmich? Frank asked, showing no fear.

    In fact, he appeared even more proud now as he pointed at Huub and said, "This is none of your business. I''m here for Huub Droitner alone, and you will suffer the consequences if you insist on interfering."

    "What?!"

    All the exhibition guests were left gaping, their jaws dropping when they heard Frank''s staunch, determined words.

    Someone actually dared to use such a tone against the policemissioner of Bralog?! Moreover, it was clearly a threat, and against themissioner at that!

    While Bralog was not that important and being themissioner here was no big deal, that still made him an important official of Draconia!

    Unlike the mayor, themissioner hadmand over every police office or the military under special circumstances!

    And yet, the way Frank spoke to Commissioner Himmich was nothing less than a p to his face!

    In fact, Huub was smirking in contempt after hearing Frank''s threat, despite his initial surprise by Frank''s threat.

    While this was just Huub''s personal squabble against Frank earlier, things were now fundamentally different now that Frank had threatened Commissioner Himmich.

 Chapter 1782

    Chapter 1782

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    While this was just Huub''s personal squabble against Frank earlier, things were now fundamentally different now that Frank had threatened the policemissioner of Bralog.

    Earlier, Leino Himmich could only stop the argument or chase Frank away.

    After all, there were many people watching, and he could not risk appearing biased despite being Huub''s godfather.

    On the other hand, when it came to Frank''s threat against the policemissioner of Bralog...

    It was a slip of the tongue, to put it mildly, and a deliberate vition of thew, to put it in more serious terms.

    And to no surprise, the old man glowered at Frank''s retort and growled, "I don''t know where you''re from brat, but you''re here in Bralog! This is my jurisdiction, and not only have you vandalized this state-sponsored exhibition, but you''ve also attempted to murder my godson and threatened me! "Don''t you think that I, Leino Himmich, would look weak if I let you go and neglect to enforce thew?! Arrest that insolent prick right now!" "Yes, sir!"

    At Leino''s bellow, the police officers answered at once, training their weapons as they encircled and advanced on Frank.

    Frankughed coolly in turn. "Hah! So, the policemissioner of Bralog is going to make an arrest without caring to justify himself? It seems that you''re really in league with Droitner Inc.!"

    "Hold up!" Leino bellowed, holding up his hands to stop his officers just as they reached Frank

    After all, he was not deaf to Frank''s threat or thements of the crowd around him.

    "Godfather..."

    Huub, who had been smirking, was at once frowning and agitated to see Leino stop his officers. "He''s an aplished martial artist! Don''t give him a chance, or he''ll slip away and it''d be toote!"

    "Patience." Leino simply waved him off.

    He certainly saw things differently.

    While Huub wanted Leino to arrest Frank or execute him on the spot to prevent further troubles, Leino was more concerned with public sentiment. If this was done in private, anything would have been fine.

    But now, Leino could see that after Frank had spoken, the crowd of exhibition visitors were suddenly regarding Leino with suspicion and disapproval.

    If Leino arrested Frank without allowing him the chance to exin himself, it was clear that Leino was trying to sweep this issue under the rug.

    On top of that, everyone knew about

    Leino''s ties with Droitner Inc., and he

    had to be especially delicate with such matters, or it would affect his promotion.

    "You brat!" he barked. "Humans have sentiment, and I am no exception. However, I refuse to hide anything admit that I''m basically a brother to Paul Droitner, the current CEO of Droitner Inc., but the closer we are, the more transparent I shall be!"  This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "Good job, Commissioner Himmich!"

    "That''s ourmissioner! His integrity is above the rest!"

    His words were fair and just, and everyone was at once approving, even apuding.

    Leino smiled subtly in turn at everyone''s ttery, his frown easing from glee.

    This was exactly what he

    wanted to take down Frank and et

    righteously at that, so that the mob would be swayed to his side, further

    tifying his resume. Content

    Beside him, however, Huub was scowling and cursing Leino a million times over inwardly.

    After all, he knew what Leino was up to, but he could not do anything now because he still had to rely on Leino.

    As such, he had to keep pretending to be a miserable little wounded pet.

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    Chapter 1783

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    "Transparency, you say?"

    Frankughed coldly and raised his chin proudly as he pointed at Huub, bellowing with righteous indignation, "Then what are you going to do about Huub Droitner, who''s representing Droitner Inc. in coborating with foreign businesspeople to smuggle and sell national treasures and artifacts?! "Huub Droitner has also burned down my mansion in Zamri and abducted my family as hostages to coerce me into handing over my possession. Why do you think I traveled all the way here?! I''m a reasonable man, and you''re iming that I''de looking for him for no reason?!"

    "What?!"

    Leino was left frowning at Frank''s usation.

    Naturally, as the policemissioner of Bralog, there was no way he would not know about Droitner Inc. smuggling and selling national treasures and artifacts.

    In fact, he had already made a deal with Paul in secret-one might even say those national treasures and artifacts had only made it abroad because Leino agreed to it.

    Leino had also received a fat check for his troubles, which was why he lowered his eyes and red at Huub angrily right then, sending a chill down Huub''s spine.

    He had already told Droitner Inc. that if they were to continue their shady business, they must keep their hands clean-they could not leave any evidence that could be traced back to them.

    If anything happened, they were all going to fall together, because this mess would not be something a humble policemissioner like him could

    cover.

    As such, Leino''s re was nothing less than using Huub for allowing Frank to find out about their shady dealings.

    Still, Huub was himself aggrieved he had made sure to bring a legion of bodyguards when he brought the foreign businesspeople, keeping the exhibition visitors ten meters away.

    How could Frank have heard them when he was so far away?

    But considering how Frank had basically demolished the exhibition hall with a single punch, Huub decided that Frank must have superhuman hearing and could spy on them.

    It was not like he could have done anything there...

    Still, as Leino continued to re at him, Huub was experienced enough to see that he must deny everything.

    Looking up as everyone watched, he

    cried miserably, "No, Godfather,

    that''s nder! I was never involved in smuggling and selling national_ treasures and artifacts! I just

    brought some friends from abretC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    el.ne

    since they admired our exhibition! I swear... lightning shall strike me where I stand if I''d ever intended to sell our national treasures!"

    Boom!

    Right after Huub finished, a deafening crack of thunder resounded in the bright skies!

    The thunder left Huub flinching, and even the onlooking crowd were gaping in disbelief.

    "It''s not thunder-just the pirs crumbling," Leino quickly said.

    He was certainly experienced, pointing at the pirs to distract

    suspicious.

    Ben they were getting

    "Oh... I see! So the building is falling apart!"

    the

    "I actually thought that it was thunder for a moment. That''s so scary..."

    "You think? A thunder would mean that Mr. Droitner is lying."

    "You''re kidding-Mr. Droitner would never lie. If he did, there''d be aeuppance."

    Leino could certainly hear the crowd''sments, but he had to clean up Huub''s mess just to protect himself.

    "Frank Lawrence, right?" he asked

    uT

    haughtily, ring at Frank. "I can personally testify against both your usations. Droitner Inc. is a legitimatepany, and they are only selling quality replicas abroad."

 Chapter 1784

    Chapter 1784

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    "Your usation is therefore outrageous, when there are no national treasures and artifacts here."

    Pausing, Leino narrowed his eyes as he continued. "Also, you said that Huub burned your mansion and kidnapped your family, didn''t you? But I did not receive any such news from Zamri. That shouldn''t be so, unless you didn''t report it to the policemissioner of Zamri.

    "As to why you wouldn''t ask for their help to arrest Huub, I have a hunch that it was your fault in the first ce... or that it never happened!"

    "Yes!"

    Huub could leap up and apud Leino right then-the old fox was so cunning that just a couple of words were enough to reverse Frank''s usation. That was simply amazing!

    "Hmph."

    Leino smiled coolly just then and snapped at Frank, "Arrests and indictment require evidence. If I decide to press charges just because someone was running his mouth, public order would copse.

    "You, on the other hand, have destroyed this state-sponsored exhibition and even attempted murder. I saw you did both with my own eyes, not to mention that you were insulting and ndering me, the policemissioner of Bralog! There are plenty of other witnesses here too, so what do you have to say about that?!"

    Frank closed his eyes, chuckled, and shook his head. "It seems that I was being stupid."

    "You finally realize that now, don''t you?"

    Huub could not resist dissing,This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    saying, "And since you know that stop embarrassing yourself and let yourself be arrested! Who knows, the judges might be lenient

    "No, that''s not what I''m talking about."

    Frank paused and looked up to smile at Lein@right then. "Since Droitner Inc. was smuggling and selling national treasures and artifacts, they would definitely have needed protection from authorities. So I''m sure you''ve received a fair share of the profits, haven''t you, Commissioner Himmich?"

    Leino''s face fell right then. "Impudent brat! How dare you nder me even now!"

    Huub was snapping right then too, "Exactly! My godfather is right and just. He''s not like you, despicable and unprincipled!"

    His outburst, however, left Leino flinching ufortably, which Frank sharply noticed.

    "Good."

    Frank shrugged and smiled, understanding everything right then. "Since you want proof, I don''t mind ying your game."

    He then narrowed his eyes at Leino. "Commissioner Himmich, I''m giving. you onest chance: Arrest Huub Droitner and investigate his crimes now. But if you insist on protecting Droither Inc.... Well, we''ll see

    "Huh?"

    Leino had been involved in politics long enough to read facial cues.

    As such, he could see that Frank was not showing any weakness-he really had a hand to y, and that left Leino uncertain.

 Chapter 1785

    Chapter 1785

    ?

    Eventually, Leino nced at the crowd whispering among themselves, gritted his teeth, and snapped, "You brat! You''re not only attempting murder, but you''ve even threatened and ndered me! I will no longer abide by your crimes!"

    "Men, take him-shoot him if he resists, in the name of justice!"

    Frank sighed, seeing that Commissioner Himmich was finally giving up on pretenses.

    "I''m sorry, Commissioner Himmich, but you''ve chosen poorly."

    And with that, he whipped out his phone to make a call, saying only a single line as everyone watched. "Tell the mayor of Bralog to see me."

    His calm words left the crowd stunned, and even the police officers under Leino''smand paused.

    They all turned to look at Leino, who naturally heard Frank too.

    He was stunned-who was the brat talking to, who had the authority to order the mayor of Bralog around?

    "Hahaha!"

    However, while everyone was left hesitating, Huub suddenlyughed out loud, wheezing even as he pointed at Frank. "You''re still pretending when you''re going to die?! What, did you think you could intimidate my godfather and make him back off?!

    "I''m telling you right now-that''s not going to happen! Your crude acting isn''t fooling everyone!"

    While Huub''sugher brought Leino to his senses, he still did not see any signs of weakness from Frank''s face-only pride.

    "P-Please stop!"

    Arge group of people charged out of the crowd just then, with none other than Helen Lane leading them.

    "What...?"

    Frank was surprised to see Helen show up here, hundreds of miles away from Zamri. "What are you doing here?!"

    "Winter is my sister too," Helen quickly said before he could ask further questions.

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat at those words, a warmth unfurling in his ice-cold heart while his stiff expression rxed.

    "Please stop!" Helen then strode past Frank, standing in front of him as she stared at Leino fearlessly.

    And behind them were arge group of people-security officers from Lanecorp''s health and security department, including Peter Lane and Scarface Tucker.

    Yora Yimmel, whose family was a

    big deal in Bralog, hade too et

    They were all standing behind Helen, clearly showing that she was the only leader there.

    "Eh?"

    Leino did not recognize the others, but he did recognize Yora, as well as the people from her family. They were among the top families of Bralog, after all.

    He frowned at Frank just then-did Huub not just say he was from Zamri? How did he get involved with the Yimmels, with even their

    matriarching personally?!

    swneveThis content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Even Leino himself had to show the Yimmels due respect, and he presumed that Frank must have called the Yimmels just now.

    But that was not quite right, since Frank said he was calling the mayor of Bralog¡ªand not even the Yimmels had the right to order the mayor around. Did that mean that Frank was just buying time with his call just now?

    While Leino was left confused, Huub stood up and smiled at Helen. "Why didn''t you tell me you wereing? I could''ve sent my people to receive you..."

 Chapter 1786

    Chapter 1786

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    Helenpletely ignored Huub''s fawning smile, however, and kept her eyes on Leino as she said solemnly, "You must be Leino Himmich, the policemissioner of Bralog. Madam Yimmel has told me about you.

    "However, this man is my husband," she added, gesturing at Frank just then. "So may I ask you to do me a favor and look the other way if he has disrespected you?"

    "Do you a favor?"

    Leino frowned and asked coolly, "And who are you?"

    "Helen Lane, board chairwoman of Zamri''s Lanecorp."

    "Helen Lane..."

    Leino searched his mind, but he had never heard of Helen, so she would definitely not be anyone important.

    However, it stunned Leino that Yora stood behind that young woman¡ªdid that mean that the Yimmels were vassals to Lanecorp, even though Leino had never heard of them?!

    After some thought, Leino stroked his beard and said, "Yes, I can look the other way, but the property damage he has caused..."

    He looked pointed at the mostly demolished exhibition hall, his meaning obvious.

    "Not a problem." Helen nodded, agreeing to the deal right away.

    That left Leino surprised, since the exhibition hall was not that cheap to build-it was five hundred million dors if they had to rebuild it, but this young woman agreed to it anyway?!

    "Helen? Why aren''t you talking to me?"

    On the other hand, Huub was at once annoyed that Helen was protecting Frank andpletely ignoring him.

    To his shock, Helen merely shot him a brief nce before turning away in disdain, leaving his rage ring. "Let''s go, Frank. I''ve spoken to the Yimmels-we just have to n something else to save the hostages..." Helen turned toward Frank just then, suddenly turning from an ice queen girlboss to a humble, demuredy. Huub was left gaping as he watched from the distance, and even the exhibition visitors were left stunned too.

    None of them had expected such a

    charismatic, haughty girlboss who would not bow to the police

    commissioner of Bralog to suddenly change to such a mild soul around Frank. g

    "That''s unnecessary."

    Nheless, Frank did not care about the looks everyone else was giving him.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    He strode up to stand beside Helen

    watching Leino and Huub from the distance. "I''ve already made a call ahead of time. He''ll be here soon."

    swne

    "Here? Who?" Helen asked, surprised by Frank''s confidence.

    "The mayor of Bralog," Frank said quietly, not bothered to keep Helen in suspense. "Pfft..."

    Huub pretended tough out loud right then, even if he was really jealous of Frank and would kill him. on the spot to take Helen from him "You''ve really done it now, Frank! Helen came to save your ass, but you''re rejecting her goodwill? You really think you have the mayor of Bralog at your beck and Call?"

    "That''s right, Frank. We should just..."

    Helen was frowning when she heard Huub''s diss and could not help trying to reason with Frank.

    However, remembering her mistrust previously and seeing the confidence on Frank''s face, she eventually stayed silent.

 Chapter 1787

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    "Huub Droitner!"

    Helen was suddenly stern as she looked up and red coldly at Huub, who was still hiding beside Leino. "You deceived me with your fake Bloodcrane Spiritbloom and tried to pull a con on Lanecorp, and you forced us intopliance by kidnapping my friends and family! Release them now, and we will let you walk!"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "Don''t make meugh!"

    Huub''s entire face was barely controble as he saw how differently Helen treated Frank and himself.

    His mind was immediately leaping to the worst ns-Helen would be all by herself once Leino arrested and killed Frank anyway!

    After that, he would have a million ways to force her to submit, and he would watch her go down on her knees, begging for mercy!

    Huub licked his lips at the thought, while a fire zed in his loins-he could not wait to turn that fantasy into reality!

    "Just do it, Godfather!" Huub urged Leino right then. "Just look at how insolent Frank is- you''re already being lenient, but he''s being so persistent-

    He stopped, because he looked up to see Leino staring nkly straight ahead.

    Huub was confused and looked where Leino was looking to see that a procession of cars had just arrived... and the first car was really the mayor''s car!

    Screech!

    The cars stopped near the crowd, and a stoic, bespectacled middle-aged man alighted.

    He had a mole on his forehead, but his visage was stem and there was an indescribable edge to his presence.

    It was clear that he was of noble roots and was also from the military.

    "Nux Hamner..."

    Leino clearly did not expect the middle-aged man to show up, though he was even more flustered by the elderly man who came with Nux.

    He was clearly older than Leino, and while he had a kindly visage, wearing a ck coat and a long white scarf, there was an underlying coldness in his eyes.

    Somehow, he was looking at the crowd as if they were corpses, and anyone who looked into his eyes would feel genuine terror.

    "Governor Quill.."

    Leino was himself trembling from head to toe when he saw the old man and looked like he could drop to his knees the next instant.

    Hehe...

    Even as the old man smiled and looked around, no one would believe for a moment that he was affable. After all, within his milky gaze was murderous intent and the most primal murderous intent at that.

    This way he looked at everyone as if they were corpses showed that he must have survived countless bloodbaths.

    He did not turn toward Leino even after looking around and instead appeared fixated on Frank.

    You must be Frank Lawrence?" he asked, as a man-in-ck helped him make his way toward Frank.

    Frank could certainly feel the old man''s strength-despite being advanced in years and looking like he could not walk on his own, Frank knew very well that he was no ordinary man.

    In fact, he could well be a genuine Transcendent-ranked individual!

    Nheless, he bowed his head respectfully despite his shock

    He only made sure to call Hans Schnee beforeing here and was surprised Hans would bring in a Transcendent ranked individual.

    It was outrageous!

    That was when the elderly man called Govenor Quill reached out to pat Frank''s head. "Hehe ..I''m surprised you''re unafraid of me. Not bad, not bad..."

    To anyone watching, it would appear to be a perfectly normal gesture of intimacy between family.

    However, even as Frank felt the hand, he felt like his very being was being exposed.

 Chapter 1788

    ?

    It was true what they said, that the strange and powerful existed and were hidden in everyer of Draconia!

    Even as Frank''s hair stood on end, old Govemor Quill stopped keeping Frank on his toes." Hehe... I''ve been watching you for a long time, though I''ve only managed to make time now toe over for a look

    "And I must say.. not bad. You really make me proud, though one expects nothing less from that little shit''s son-pardon mynguage."

    Covernor Quill chuckled, shrugging. "And you''re much better than he is.''

    "Little shit...?'' Frank pursed his lips, getting a hunch just then.

    Who else could Governor Quill mean, other than Frank''s father, the Lord of the Southern Woods?

    And to call his father ''little shit... Frank could scarcely imagine how powerful the old man really was.

    "It seems that you really don''t know me."C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Governor Quill nodded and smiled. "But that''s fine, since I''ve never met you.. I guess I can tell you-I''m your maternal grandfather."

    "My matemal grandfather?!"

    Frank was left gaping.

    What, does that surprise you?"

    Governor Quill shed a kindly smile, but it was such a scary look that it could knock out Frank and everyone else in the room.

    The man''s very presence was scary, and it was harrowing, even if he was smiling.

    "So you''re my mother''s..

    Frank hung his head and murmured to himself, never expecting that he had a grandfather. On top of that, Governor Quill''s authority and strength clearly eclipsed Frank''s father''s.

    "How many years have it been since your mother was deceived by that little shit and left with him?"

    Governor Quill soon sighed and shook his head even as he reminisced. "Your parents. insisted on keeping you from me, in fear that I''d leave you petrified... Heh, such a shame."

    "Hans Schnee told me what happened, so I came to check on you since I was passing by anyway."

    Then, he slowly turned toward Huub, who stood at Leino''s side, with a small smile. "That''s the prick who burned down your house?"

    "Argh!!!

    Leino was finally overwhelmed when he saw the old man''s crimson re and fell to his knees with an audible thud.

    Huub was even worse off, as his eyes rolled up and he copsed on the floor, passed out from a single re.

    What...?"

    Frank blinked as he watched.

    He finally understood why he had never heard his own parents mention his maternal grandfather at all.

    It turned out that they were worried that Govemar Quill would terrorize him!

    The man''s re alone could leave a person petrified.

    While that thought had never crossed his mind, Frank certainly understood after meeting his maternal grandfather that the phrase ''looks can kill'' was really no exaggeration!

    Even if people were said to mellow out with age, that really did not apply to his grandfather- just smiles alone could leave everyone feeling chills down their spines.

    At the same time, he realized something else.

 Chapter 1789

    Chapter 1789

    ?

    Hans Schnee, themander of the East Coast Base, was never a subordinate to Frank''s father, the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    Instead, he was a subordinate to Frank''s maternal grandfather!

    It was actually not surprising that when Frank fled to the east coast from the South Sea, he somehow ended up here by various coincidences and circumstances.

    His father was just sending him to his grandfather''s side, and there was probably no ce in Draconia that was safer than here.

    It was therefore not surprising either that the Four Families of Morhen, especially the Soranos, never dared to move against him. As the truth dawned upon Frank, he found somefort in finding refuge.

    However, he remained his rebellious self inside, and he would rather his grandfather did not interfere with his affairs too much. Leaving his destiny in the hands of someone else simply made him ufortable.

    "You''re just like your mother-you don''t like me meddling in your life, do you? Don''t worry, I''m not going to repeat past mistakes." Seemingly reading Frank''s mind, Governor Quill turned to grin at Frank, tousling Frank''s hair.

    Somehow, his grin was creepy even to Frank.

    "I''m just here to check on you, and I''m satisfied to see you healthy and lively.

    "As for them..."

    Governor Quill nced at Leino and his officers. "I''m having my men investigating them, and the truth will be out soon enough."

    "Thank you... Grandfather," Frank said, the word something weird as he did not expect to have a living grandfather.

    "Hehe..."

    The old man was pleased to hear Frank call him grandfather, though his grin became even more creepy.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "And you''re Frank''s wife?"

    Governor Quill turned his attention toward Helen just then.

    She flinched and turned pale but did her best to look up at him and smile.

    "Haha... You really don''t have to strain yourself."

    "No, sir..."

    Helen nced at Frank before

    bowing her head. "You''re Frank''s et

    grandfather, so that means you''re my grandfather too. I''d never flinch or be distant to an elder."

    "Hahaha... Good, good."

    Governor Quill was really happy to hear such words from Helen.

    Laughing, he turned and started toward the luxury sedan he arrived on, murmuring, "Oh, Tiff... You''d definitely be proud of your son if you were alive..."

    "Tiff..."

    Frank recognized the name-it was his mother''s pet name, which his father used.

    There was no doubting it now-the man before him was his maternal grandfather. "Grandfather!"

    He called out to him, looking straight in Governor Quill''s terrifying gaze as he spoke solemnly, "I won''t allow my mother''s death to go unanswered... Never!"

    Governor Quill was taken aback when he saw how serious Frank was, but he soon smiled and shook his head.

    "Silly child... there''s nothing better than seeing you growing up healthy."

    He chuckled. "Anyway, I should stop embarrassing everyone. Just cal Hans Schnee whenever you''re free, and visit me at the East Coast Base. This old man isn''t going to be

    around forever."

    As he started to leave with a servant''s assistance, Frank went down on one knee with a thud, saluting him in departure.

    Phew...

    Once Governor Quill got into his car, everyone¡ªincluding the visitors who had yet to leave from sheer terror-all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

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    Chapter 1790

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    Phew...

    Once Governor Quill got into his car, everyone¡ªincluding the visitors who had yet to leave from sheer terror-all breathed a collective sigh of relief. They really would not dare to breathe too loudly in his presence.

    Still, Nux Hamner, the mayor of Bralog who hade with Governor Quill, remained.

    He turned toward Leino, who was still on his knees, and snapped, "What do you have to say now?! Will you confess, or shall we wait to sentence you after the investigation?!"

    "I..."

    Leino was ashen-faced andpletely drained, and he was trembling even as he prostrated himself, sighing. "I-I will confess."

    "At least you understand your situation."

    Nux snorted and turned to bow at Frank reverently. "What should we do with him, sir?"

    The onlooking crowd was left in an uproar.

    "My god... did the mayor of Bralog just address a younger man as ''sir''?"

    "Don''t you see? That geezer just now... my god, I really haven''t met a man with his...presence!"

    "And the young man is his grandson! I guess he''s something special too!"

    "Oh, dear. Commissioner Himmich has really kicked his foot on a rock this time."

    Leino could certainly hear thements, but he still remained prostrated on the ground, afraid to get up as he waited for Frank''s sentence.

    Still, Frank was not sure about thew, so he turned to ask Nux, "What''s the punishment for conspiring to sell national historical and cultural artifacts?"

    Nux thought about it. "The culprit and his family will all be arrested and sent to ckwater."

    Frank nodded. "Then ckwater it is."

    "No... Please, Mr. Lawrence! Mercy!"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Leino kowtowed repeatedly at Frank, fear showing on his face when he heard that he would be sent to ckwater.

    He was the policemissioner of Bralog, but in under ten minutes, he was kneeling and begging Frank.

    The onlooking crowd could not be med for thinking that this almost felt unreal.

    "Hmph. I warned you, but you chose poorly."

    Frank was not holding back-after all, Leino would not if their positions were reversed, not to mention that he already had Frank thrown in ckwater once.

    It was the perfect opportunity for him to have a taste of ckwater, too.

    And as Leino was taken away with a look of despair, only Huub was left.

    Still, just a minuteter, a pudgy geezer arrived, wheezing as he came running.

    His face contorted in fury as soon as he saw Huub passed out and lying unattended on the floor.

    "What''s going on here?!" he bellowed. "What happened, Huey?!"

    Nheless, his heart ached to see his beloved grandson faint in broad daylight. As he rushed up to pick up Huub, arge group of Droitner Inc. bodyguards arrived behind him.

    However, even though the old man was Paul Droitner, the current CEO

    o Inc., his rage merely

    merely looked hrious to Frank and

    everyone else.

    Still, no one was answering despite Paul bellowing at them several times, though it was more apt to say that no one dared to. Eventually, Frank said neutrally, "He''s not dead. He simply passed out from shock."

    Paul recognized Frank right away, his surprise turning to rage. "You''re Frank Lawrence! How dare you hurt my Huey! You''ve really done it now!"

    "It''s you?!"

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    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Hearing how Paul threatened Frank, the remaining exhibition visitors were left raising their brows.

    They naturally knew Paul, as he was the current CEO of Droitner Inc., thepany that sponsored this exhibition.

    And Leino Himmich, who had just been taken away, was Paul''s best friend.

    However, it was obvious that Paul had no idea what had just happened to Leino, which was why he was so pompously threatening Frank.

    If he had known that Frank''s maternal grandfather was Governor Quill, his reaction would have been even more ridiculous than Leino''s.

    Nux Hamner, the mayor of Bralog, could certainly hear Paul. He strode up, snapping, "How dare you, Paul Droitner! Don''t you know who you''re talking to?!"

    "Mr. Hamner?!" Paul frowned.

    He had spotted Nux earlier. However, in his mind, Nux was just the mayor of Bralog.

    That meant Nux did not have authority over the police force, so Paul was not worried since he was friends with Leino.

    He even snorted at Nux. "I don''t know what happened here, but my grandson did not faint for no reason. Someone did this, and you need to get to the bottom of this, or his godfather Leino Himmich will make them pay!"

    Nuxughed despite himself¡ªto think that Paul would still mention Leino now!

    He bellowed right then, "Leino has already surrendered himself and confessed to his shady dealings with yourpany! Droitner Inc. would soon see theireuppance, and you''re still trying to strut here?!"

    Paul flinched from Nux''s outburst, but he immediately presumed that Nux was lying.

    After all, Nux was standing right beside Frank, and he could well havee at Frank''s request.

    "Don''t believe anything you''ve heard, Nux!"

    Paul retorted with righteous indignation. "Droitner Inc. is perfectly innocent! When did we ever have shady dealings with Leino?!

    "On the other hand, that man beside

    you, Frank Lawrence, is a Zamri citizen, but came over to our city and hurt my grandson! If you refuse to arrest him now, let''s see what you have to say when Commissioner Himmich gets here!"

    But even as Paul rambled, he felt something unusual-everyone was watching him like he was stupid, including Nux.

    Even as he wondered what was going on, he knew he must maintain hisposure, let alone admit to his shady dealings with Leino.

    If he did, it would truly be over for Droitner Inc.

    "Grandpa..." Huub rasped as he suddenly stirred.

    "Oh, my boy! What happened?!"

    Paul turned toward him anxiously, growling through his teeth, "I came with everyone when I heard that the exhibition hall was copsing Was it Frank Lawrence?!"

    Huub was obviously stumped, and instead of answering Paul, he stood up and looked around. "Where''s godfather?"

    "Godfather?" Paul did a double take. "I didn''t see Leino around."

    Huub''s eyes widened. "No, he was right here, and-"

    "Leino Himmich has been arrested and dishonorably discharged," Nux barked coldly just then. "The prosecutors will soon be filing a case against Droitner Inc., so surrender now if you know what''s good for you, or you''ll face harsher punishment!"

    "What?!"

    Huub gaped as he suddenly remembered the reason he had passed out that terrifying geezer was ring at him!

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    Huub was trembling uncontrobly when he remembered the terrifying geezer''s face, which left Paul really concerned. "Are you alright, Huey?" "I''m fine, Grandpa."

    Eventually, Huub slowly calmed down.

    ncing at Nux just then, he realized right away that the terrifying geezer from earlier was as scary as he looked, even able to decide Leino''s fate with just one word.

    Not only was Droitner Inc. helpless against such people, but there was no way that Nux, the mayor of Bralog, would lie outright with so many people watching.

    As such, Huub waspletely convinced that it was all over for Leino.

    And with Leino arrested, Droitner Inc. would soon be implicated as well, and as Huub and Paul were the brains of the organization, he knew that the worst punishment awaited them.

    They were involved in everything, from stealing historical and cultural artifacts, to who knew what else. Even nine lives would not be enough.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    At that thought, Huub was at once regretful-why did he mess with Frank when business was going so well for him?

    Hell, because of Frank, every unsavory business that Droitner Inc. was involved in had beenpletely exposed, and everyone who was involved was going to prison or worse.

    However, amid his despair, Huub suddenly had an idea.

    He could run!

    There would still be time before Leino would be thoroughly interrogated. As such, Huub could seize the moment and call up every favor rued over the years to flee the country.

    It would be the easy life from there, where Draconia''sws no longer apply, while Huub could lead a decent life abroad with the riches that Droitner Inc. had umted over the years.

    While Paul was at once bristling, he was also skeptical. "But didn''t you say that your godfather was here? Was he taken away?"

    He had his doubts, because if Leino had really been arrested, it would mean that some unthinkable power had gotten involved.

    In other words, if Paul fought Nux now, that just meant that he would be viting morews and was basically a dead man.

    Huub blinked but gritted his teeth in

    detention. "No... I just woke u so was spouting nonsense. Je

    MS

    see Godfather."

    Everyone was left staring nkly when they heard what Huub said.

    The brat had just been hugging Leino''s leg and begging for help earlier, and he was now saying that he did not see Leino?!

    Helen was frowning too, unsure since Huub''s lie was really unnecessary. "What is he ying at?"

    With Leino arrested, Droitner Inc. would be investigated and exposed¡ªit was all just a matter of time.

    Only Frank was watching Huub in disdain, as he saw what Huub was nning.

    The brat would sacrifice his own grandfather to buy time and escape.

    It was a vile n, using his own elder like a tool-Huub was really less than human.

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    Chapter 1793

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    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Hence, Frank strode to the center amid everyone''s confusion.

    "You must be Paul Droitner, the current CEO of Droitner Inc," he said, watching Paul impassively. "Leino Himmich has already confessed to his shady dealings with yourpany, including smuggling and sale of historical artifacts. He was taken away, and Droitner Inc. will soon be put on ice as well. So you should give up on wishful thinking-confess now, so that you can be afforded leniency."

    "What..."

    Paul was left stunned-why would his grandson not tell him if Leino was taken away?!

    "Don''t fall for his lies, Grandpa!" Huub cried anxiously when he saw that Frank was exposing him and urged, "That man is lying to you! He''s trying to frame us into a fake confession! Don''t fall for his lies!"

    "Paul Droitner!"

    Nux bellowed furiously as well, "Leino Himmich has already surrendered. Confess now, and you might be afforded leniency, or you''ll have no chance when Leino uses you!"

    At the same time, Huub was urging, "Grandpa! You have to believe me!"

    Paul was certainly caught in a dilemma, with Nux and Frank on one hand, and his grandson on the other.

    Eventually, he sneaked out his phone and called Leino''s number, only to be told that his phone was turned off.

    It left Paul frustrated-why did Leino have to turn off his phone now of all times?

    Could Nux and Frank have been telling the truth?

    And yet...

    Paul nced at his grandson.

    He believed the child-and why would he lie even if Leino was really arrested?

    Bracing himself at the thought, he bellowed, "Everyone! Do not listen to Frank Lawrence''s lies. Go and seize that insolent brat!"

    At his order, every Droitner Inc. bodyguard charged toward Frank.

    Naturally, they kept their distance from Nux, since Nux was still mayor of Bralog. Not even Leino could save them if they attacked him. "How dare you, Paul!"

    Nux was incensed to see the

    Droitner Inc. bodyguards attacking. "Do you know what you''re doing?! This is a deliberate obstruction of justice and a vition of the country''sws!"

    "I do know that damn well!" Paul growled through his teeth, going all out just then. "I want the person who hurt my grandson arrested! This is none of your business, so back off!"

    "Fine!"

    Swr

    Nuxughed despite himself and turned toward Frank. "Mr. Lawrence, we should leave. They have the numbers for now..." "Urgh..."

    However, Frank was merely sighing when he saw that Paul was really going to fight.

    "Frank!"

    Peter came up to him just then, pointing at everyone from Lanecorp.

    Helen had brought them here along with the Yimmels.

    While they did not have the advantage in numbers, they knew for a fact that Droitner Inc. were just trying to stave off the inevitable.

    Morale was on their side-in fact, Peter and the others were just waiting for Frank''s orders.

    If they backed down now, they might

    still be able to take down Droitner

    Inc. and punish Paul for his crimes, but Huub would most likely escape.

    And Frank had traveled miles here to Bralog for his revenge. Why would he back down and allow his enemy to live? Chuckling coolly, he waved and bellowed, "Charge!!!"

    "Yeah!!!"

    At Frank''s orders, the Lanes and the Yimmels allbined, whipping out their weapons as they dashed forward.

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    Chapter 1794

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    "Yeah!!!"

    At Frank''s orders, the Lanes and the Yimmels allbined, whipping out their weapons as they dashed forward.

    "What..."

    Nux was left scowling.

    As the mayor of Bralog, he certainly did not want to see two factions waging an all-out war in the middle of the street.

    However, he did not dare to say a word because of who Frank was, and he was just standing right beside him.

    One of his guards strode up, asking in confusion, "Mr. Mayor, shouldn''t we...?"

    Nux rolled his eyes and snorted in annoyance. "What, do you think this isn''t bad enough already?"

    "No, but Droitner Inc.''s crimes are as good as judged...you''d be criticized if you don''t help!"

    Nux''s cheek stiffened at the man''s words. "Urgh... Fine! Go ahead!"

    "Okay!"

    At Nux''s orders, his guards joined the fray as well, causing further chaos.

    Meanwhile, Frank had spotted Huub in the crowd, pushing his way through to flee.

    He ran, circumventing the crowd, and cornered a flustered Huub in a dirty, quiet alley.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    "Frank Lawrence?!"

    Huub was stunned when he saw Frank suddenly show up.

    He then looked around¡ªthis narrow alley that could not fit five people walking side-by-side was supposed to be his escape route.

    Nheless, unlike the noisy street beyond, there was just a trash can there, aside from Huub and Frank.

    Seeing Frank''s impassive visage and knowing that he would never win, he steeled himself and started begging instead. "I-I admit that I''m at fault, Frank, but can''t you just let me walk?"

    "Really?"

    Seeing that Houb was begging

    through gritted teeth, Frank merely smiled in amusement. "You''re really something else, Mr. Droitner-even your pleas seem

    did you really think I''d take the bait?"

    Seeing that Frank was unmoved, Huub''s eyes shed, baring his savagery right then. "You''ve done enough! know who you are now, and I know you''re way above me But you''ve already destroyed Droither Inc., and both my grandfather and godfather will soon be dead! What more do you want?! Our assured mutual destruction?!"

    "Assured mutual destruction?"

    Frank chuckled in disdain. "Why are you so confident that something like that would happen?!"

    "Did you forget?! I still have

    hostages!" Haub bellowed, sneering

    viciously. "I can call their captors right now, and if you kill me, they''ll find out right away! That means that your friends and family will die with me is that what you want to kill me and see them die in front of you?"

    "Pfft..."

    Huub''s threat sessfully got augh from Frank, which in turn left Huub stiffening.

    "What are youughing at?!" he bellowed.

    "I''mughing because you''re really behind the times."

    Frank then whipped out a phone, showing a photo of the hostages, who should have been confined in the basement of Huub''s coastal mansion, all now sitting on a tour bus.

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    "What?!"

    Huub felt a chill running down his spine, seeing that the hostages were free.

    He also spotted the seemingly unassuming geezer in the photo, his eyes widening in realization.

    He remembered his goon reporting that Frank hade to Bralog with another man, which was that geezer in the photo.

    "What... Did that old man take down all the martial elites in my basement and save the hostages?!"

    The geezer looked like an elderly security guard at best, but he turned out to be a martial elite as well?!

    Putting away his phone, Frank smiled at Huub. "So, Mr. Droitner, are you going to pull any more tricks?" "I..."

    Huub was stumped, because he was really out of options now.

    Physical strength?

    Frank had already pulverized his greatest martial elite.

    Connections?!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Huub himself was kowtowing and begging as soon as Frank''s maternal grandfather showed up!

    And his only trick-his hostages-had already been rescued.

    He had really lost everything and certainly could not holler at Frank now.

    "Nothing? Then it''s my turn."

    Frank''s smile faded, as his gaze red with long-repressed rage. "I have to admit, Mr. Droitner... You''re quite something."

    Even as Frank closed in, Huub felt like his legs were made of lead, and he could not even turn to run.

    "No, wait... I have a lot of money... Oh, Droitner Inc. also has plenty of treasures!"

    Huub begged in panic, "Just let

    go, and you can have everything

    it''s all yours! Please. I was wrong,

    just spare me... Don''t

    Thud.

    Huub suffered a nervous breakdown as Frank loomed over him, his visage one of fury.

    Dropping on his rear, Huub started begging loudly through tears and snot.

    Frankpletely ignored him, however, as he seemed to be talking to himself.

    "You''re the first person who has gotten me this furious since my mother''s death."

    Seizing Huub by the cor and lifting him off the ground, Frank growled icily, "So don''t worry. I''m not going to let you diefortably."

    And with those words, he stomped his foot on Huub''s leg.

    As Huub''s bones broke with a loud crunch, the alley resounded with the screams resembling a gutted pig''s.

    "That''s for sending me to ckwater."

    Whipping out a string of needles

    from his belt, he flung them with et

    pinpoint precision, with each

    stabbing into various acupoiel

    across Huub''s limbs.

    "Argh!!!"

    Huub screamed himself hoarse as he struggled against Frank''s grip.

    Then, Frank dropped him, leaving him convulsing repeatedly.

    "That''s for deceiving my woman." Frank''s voice then echoed like a demon''s by Huub''s ears.

    Even as hey sprawled on the ground, he struggled and begged "Please, I''m begging you... I won''t ever do it again... Frank... Mr. Lawrence... Please..."

    Frank grinned. "Are you already done? Come on-we still have plenty of time, and I''m the most reasonable person there is."

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    Huub was absolutely terrified, as Frank''s grin reminded him of Governor Quill''s.

    "Rise... Five-Peat Archaeus!"C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Frank held out his hands as he pulsated the pure vigor inside him, projecting a fire that he usually used to refine pills.

    Huub could immediately feel the mes with no name burning him from the inside out, and he was in so much pain that he could not even scream.

    In just half a minute, he fainted and recovered over a dozen times!

    "K-Kill me... Just kill me..."

    Huub''s tears gushed, covering his face miserably as he clenched around Frank''s leg, pleading through sobs. "Just kill me... I''m begging you..."

    Frank simply chuckled. "I won''t make it quick, Mr. Droitner. Now, take your time enjoying your punishment for burning down my house and everything inside."

    Huub could barely hear it, and he was at once despairing even as Frank continued. "And nowes the best part. It''s for daring to hurt my friends... so you''d better hold on now."

    "Argh!!!" Huub finally screamed.

    The groups of people fighting heard it, and Paul Droitner''s face fell-it was only then that he realized his grandson had suddenly gone missing. And the screaming out from that alley was, unsurprisingly, his grandson''s.

    "Stop!"

    He barked at his goons, and led them as they charged straight toward the quiet alley, immediately smelling the scent of charred flesh. "S-Save me... Grand... father..."

    "What...?"

    Paul was left stunned when he saw what was a ckened puddle of flesh.

    And he was so familiar with that voice he would never mistake it... The ckened puddle of flesh was what remained of his dear grandson, Huub! "H-Huey...?"

    "Kill me... I''m begging you, just kill me... Grandpa...."

    Even as Paul trembled from head to toe, Huub''s words almost left him suffering a breakdown.

    His treasured grandson was actually asking him to kill him! He could not even begin to imagine the torment that Huub was going through!

    "Don''t worry," Paul growled. "I-I will avenge you..."

    "Heh... Hahaha..."

    Hearing what Paul said, the ck puddle breathed an eerieugh that left everyone feeling a chill down their spines. "We can''t... Grandpa... we made... a mistake... it''s alDover..."

    Even as the ck puddle finished, someone bellowed behind Paul, "Freeze!"

    "What?!"

    Paul turned and suddenly found himself staring down ten ck barrels, and he dropped limply to his knees.

    Around him, Paul''s goons had their hands on their heads as they dropped to a crouch too.

    A young inspector then strode up,

    shing his badge as he barked, "Paul Droitner! Solid evidence has been found against Droitner Inc. for selling national and cultural artifacts. What do you have

    sw nov

    say?"

    Paul was still caught in the anguish of seeing the state of his grandson, even bent on avenging him. "I want to see Leino Himmich. He''s the policemissioner..."

    "Leino Himmich?!" The young inspector snorted. "He''s already been sent to ckwater. You don''t get to see him!"

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    "What?!"

    Paul was left thunderstruck by the news that Leino had already been arrested and sent to ckwater.

    He turned stiffly to look at his dear grandson Huub, finally realizing just then that Huub had tricked him just to use him as a meat shield... or indeed, a scapegoat.

    All Huub wanted to do was to use him to buy time so that he could flee abroad and enjoy life, even if it meant adding to Paul''s list of crimes. There was a troubled look on Paul''s face, but he could not get upset even if he wanted to as he turned to look at Huub, who was now a ckened puddle of blood and guts.

    In the end, all Paul could do was look up in the skies and sigh, even as Huub continued tough maniacally.

    And with that, there was no longer a Droitner Inc. in Bralog, and the Droitners were gone as well.

    Frank naturally was not interested in staying at Bralog at that, turning down Nux Hamner''s invitation to let him stay.

    Instead, he drove the Droitner Inc. bus with his friends and returned to Zamri on a lively trip.

    Kat Yego was livid even as she demanded, "Master Lawrence, did you punish that brat properly? You can''t let him get away with this!"

    She was clearly furious with what Huub did and even wanted revenge personally.

    "Don''t worry. I made him pay for everything he did." Frank chuckled but did not borate.

    The kind Winter Lawrence appeared concerned. "Did you... kill him?"

    "Hmph!"

    Mona Fairfax snorted. "Trash like him should be killed right away. He''ll just hurt more people if left alive."

    "Exactly, sister!"

    Kat nodded in agreement. "It''d be even better if he died from a thousand cuts!"

    Nash Yego frowned in disapproval. "Kat, you''re not that young now-you shouldn''t speak of death and muttion so lightly." "Hmph."

    Kat pouted but did not argue for once.

    "The children can''t be med, Nash."

    Carol Zims shook her head, turning toward the ever cheerful Madfist "Huub Droitner would have made us suffer if not for that gentleman over there."

    They had really dodged a bullet this time, especially Winter, whom Huub would have handed off to those foreign businesspeople. "Everyone, please listen..."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    That was when Helen, sitting at the

    front row, lowered her head in.

    hesitation for a while

    before

    swnovel n

    apologizing. "I was dere ne

    "Oh, we all know you''re wet behind the ears, Helen. So you''re a victim too!"

    "Just don''t be so trusting toward strangers next time."

    "We''re fine, aren''t we?"

    Everyone was immediately and noisily defending Helen''s innocence, clearly aware that Helen did not tell Huub to do what he did.

    While Helen looked on, she still thought that Frank might still be angry, as her mistrust was why everyone was in danger.

    Leaning on Frank, she murmured, "Frank, I''m..."

    "Urgh..."

    Frank sighed and flicked her on the

    forehead, leaving her wincing and clutching her head. "That''s your punishment. Just watch out from now on."

    Everyone looked on cheerfully.

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    Chapter 1798

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    Helen Lane, Lanecorp''s ice queen girlboss, actually had tears in her eyes.

    Who knew whether she was hurt or just crying, though?

    "I''m sorry..." she murmured.

    "It''s fine." Frank sighed. "Like I said, just watch out from now on."

    "I''m sorry..."

    "Are you listening?"

    "Sorry..."

    Frank was actually left a little overwhelmed by Helen''s apology just then.

    After driving for a long while, the tour bus finally returned to Zamri.

    Vicky was already there, waiting and smiling as she weed everyone back.

    Nodding at Helen, she then threw herself into Frank''s arms. "Good job, darling!"

    Frank felt a little embarrassed by Vicky''s straight ball, though he was relieved to see Helen merely watching them with a smile and nothing else.

    "Come on!" Vicky pulled Frank along just then, having generously rented out an entire hotel in Zamri as temporary lodgings.

    As Mona alighted, she found Winter staring at Vicky and Frank, and she yanked Winter by the sleeve.

    "What? Oh!"

    Winter finally came to her senses and left a little reluctantly.

    "I''m envious... No, I mean I''m jealous!" Kat suddenly growled through her teeth nearby.

    "Eh?!"

    Winter was startled since she

    thought Kat was talking about her.

    Though she patted her modest

    chest as she turned and saw that Kat was staring at Vicky, she could not help sighing wistfully as well.

    Meanwhile, Vicky was saying, "Darling, I''ve sent some people over to look, but they said even the foundations of Cologne Court have been destroyed and can''t be

    repaired, so I''ve hired people to build arger, grander mansion! What do you think?"

    Frank scratched his head, surprised that Vicky was bringing such good news after it had been a while since they hadst met. "Well... thank you very much."

    Vicky then turned to Helen. "Oh, and you can stay at the hotel too while my people fix Cologne Court."

    Helen was surprised that Vicky was being thoughtful to her as well, but she shook her head. "It''s fine. I''ll sleep in Lanecorp Tower." "Nonsense!" Vicky snapped, but she soon shed her signature mischievous smile. "I might sneak into Frank''s bed, y''know?"

    "It''s fine."This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Helen was smiling calmly for once, even tucking her hair behind her ear. "We''re family. Does whoes first make any difference?" "What..." Vicky blurted.

    Helen simply shrugged and strode into the hotel, leaving Vicky stumped and staring nkly as she left.

    It felt like Helen had changed, though Vicky could not say how specifically.

    "Well then... shall we get some rest too?"

    Frank suddenly pinched Vicky on the waist, causing her to moan before ring at him usingly.

    She then giggled. "Oh, my... Being a little forward today, are we?"

 Chapter 1799

    Chapter 1799

    ?

    Frank raised a brow and shed a provoking smile. "I''ve always been forward, haven''t I?''

    "Tch."

    Vicky rolled her eyes, clearly skeptical.

    Still, seeing that the others were in the hotel, she turned serious as she turned to Frank. "By the way, I''m here for business too."

    Frank''s heart seemed to stop at her serious stare. "Really? What business?"

    "It''s about a spiritron vein..."

    Vicky sighed lengthily, shaking her head. "My family''s spiritron vein... is missing."This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    "Missing?!"

    Frank was stunned. "How?"

    Vicky shrugged. "That''s exactly what I asked Uncle Glen, but it seems that a family executive was unhappy with the n to reintegrate the branch families, so he sneaked into our family''s ancestral shrine and stole it."

    Frank was speechless. "Wait, was there no security? Where were the ckguards? Is your family really just going to watch someone steal something so important?!"

    "You''re wrong there, darling."

    Vicky shook her head at Frank''s exmation. "For us Turnbulls, what''s most important isn''t the spiritron vein but our business. If anything, we can even give away the spiritron vein for the sake of our business."

    Frank was left speechless for a long while, though he could only be amazed that the Turnbulls were ready to sell the spiritron vein for money. One would expect nothing less from Draconia''s top family in trade andmerce.

    "So? Do you have any clues on the missing spiritron vein?" Frank asked.

    "Yeah." Vicky nodded but soon became quiet.

    Frank was actually curious as to why Vicky was not reacting like she usually did. "What, is there something you can''t tell me?" "Well, it''s no big deal."

    Vicky smiled. "We''ve found where that rogue executive is, but we don''t have the right guy to send since it''s the spiritron vein."

    Frank could not help butugh when he saw the twinkle in Vicky''s eyes. "Don''t worry your troubles are mine. Just leave it to me." "Oh, I love you so much, darling!"

    Vicky skipped around beforending a huge smooch on Frank''s cheek.

    Feeling the soft sweetness in his arms, even Frank could feel a fire burning inside him despite his usual steely determination.

    He gulped as he looked into Vicky dewy gaze and her ridiculous body figure, and he only smacked her tight bouncy rear as he snorted. "You minx."

    Vicky shed a coquettish smile, winking. "Well, at least I''m the type of minx you love! And don''t forget that I''d never refuse you..."

    Her clearly pointed words were especially alluring as she hovered her fingers near her lips.

    Feeling the fire ze violently in him to almost unstoppable proportions, Frank could only sigh. Not only was Vicky a goddess among men, but she also knew how to get a man excited.

    It was highly regretful that Frank still had to abstain.

    Pursing his lips, he stopped at

    brushing his hand against her waist before chuckling as he headed into the hotel. "Just give me the details on your rogue executive tomorrow."

    "Tch."

    Vicky was folding her arms before her chest, pouting unhappily as she watched Frank leave her and head into the hotel alone. "You keep saying one thing but doing another... Hmph!"

 Chapter 1800

    Chapter 1800

    ?

    "Tch."

    Vicky was folding her arms before her chest, pouting unhappily as she watched Frank leave her and head into the hotel alone. "You keep saying one thing but doing another... Hmph!"

    Frank naturally heard that but pretended not to hear her and hurried away.

    The night passed serenely, and by the next morning, Frank had more or less recovered from pent-up fatigue after recovering for a night.

    He examined his body to find that while most of his injuries were healed, there were still lingering conditions, though none of it would affect hisbat ability.

    However, his phone rang just as he was about to leave and find Vicky.

    It was a call from an unfamiliar number, which left Frank perplexed as he did not give anyone other than close acquaintances his number.

    Still, he answered and heard a voice speaking broken Draconian, "Hello, Mr. Lawrence."

    It was obviously a foreigner, and Frank promptly demanded, "Who are you? How did you get my number?"

    "Calm down, Mr. Lawrence. I mean no harm."

    The voice then paused before chuckling. "You can call me Mobius, and I got your number from Nux Hamner. I do apologize for imposing." "Mr. Mobius, I see... And why would you be looking for me?"

    Frank''s tone was quite rude despite Mobius'' refined politeness, because Frank was convinced he had no ties with any foreign parties. If he had, it would be the bounties on his head.

    "Well, my master, Yohan Bozad, has sent me here to Draconia on a business trip."

    Mobius exined earnestly. "Master

    Bozad has been taken ill, and he needs the mystical medicine of

    to find out that you own a BloodCrane Spiritbloom that supposedly prolongs a person''s lifespan, and Master Bozad is interested in buying it. You may

    Draconia to recover. And pene

    name any price you wish." Content

    Frank understood right then-Mobius must be one of the foreign businessmen who had dealings with Droitner Inc.

    Mobius would not have found out about the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom otherwise.

    As for his master, Yohan Bozad, Frank really had no idea who he was, or what he was like, as he was totally unfamiliar with the powers that be abroad.

    However, if it was the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, Frank''s stance was simple.

    "No, I''m not selling it regardless of how much you''re going to pay me," he said, refusing the offer bluntly.

    "Please, Mr. Lawrence-you can''t decide right away."

    Mobius, however, chuckled. "As

    Master Bozad would say, everything in this worldes at a cost, and having a cost means it can be

    traded. therefore believe that you''re refusing because we''re not paying you enough in return. In that case, may I ask what you would like?"

    Frank''s interest was actually stoked, as the foreign businessman had a point.

    Still, he scoffed. "What if I told you I want the fall of the Lionhearts? How about that? Can your master aplish that?" "The Lionhearts?"C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Frank rubbed his chin in turn, inwardly impressed that the Lionhearts had partnered with foreign parties as well.

    They really were a handful!

    "In that case, there''s nothing more to discuss," Frank said quietly. "I will never sell the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom because it is exceedingly valuable. You should just give up already."

 Chapter 1801

    Chapter 1801

    ?

    "Please wait, Mr. Lawrence!" Mobius quickly called out, sensing that Frank was ready to hang up.

    Then, after some thought, he spoke with a conflicted tone, "Well, how about I trade your Bloodcrane Spiritbloom with another treasure?"

    "Treasure?"

    Frank rubbed his chin, frowning. "What treasure?"

    "Heheh... I knew you''d be interested."

    Mobius chuckled. "Well, while most wouldn''t even have heard of it, I''m sure you would, Mr. Lawrence-after all, it''s a spiritron vein we''re talking about."

    "A spiritron vein?!"

    Frank''s heart almost stopped in sheer disbelief-how did those foreigners get their hands on a spiritron vein?

    Meanwhile, Mobius was still chuckling jovially. "Hehe... So how about that, Mr. Lawrence? A spiritron vein for your Bloodcrane Spiritbloom-wouldn''t you say it''s a fair trade? Hell, I might even say that we''re losing out here."

    Mobius''s tone was more rxed as he realized Frank recognized the spiritron vein, and he was not exaggerating either-Frank would not lose out if Mobius really had a spiritron vein to trade.

    After all, though there were eight spiritron veins, each embodied unbelievable godlike attributes.

    The one imbued within Kat Yego, for example, granted her tremendous potential as a martial artist, and her blood could elerate the growth of medicinal herbs.

    Frank did not ask for details about the spiritron vein found in Zamri either. It ended up in Silverbell''s possession, but thinking about it now, it would have been amazing too.

    And for some reason, when Mobius mentioned the spiritron vein, Frank was reminded of his conversation with Vickyst night-about the spiritron vein that the Turnbulls had lost.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    Could that rogue executive have sold it to Mobius?

    That was clearly unrealistic and a huge coincidence if it was true.

    Whatever the case might be, Frank was not about to lose the lead now.

    He would certainly notin about having too many spiritron veins either and was willing to take any he could, as long as he kept a lid on things and prevented any bloodshed.

    Hence, after some thought, he decided to keep Mobius on tenterhooks. "There''s no doubt that my Bloodcrane Spiritbloom can sustain your boss, but the spiritron vein is a big deal... And you know I can''t take your offer at face value."

    "Oh, don''t worry, Mr. Lawrence."

    Mobiusughed calmly, as if he already knew that Frank would get suspicious. "I have a way to prove that it''s real. Here''s an address¡ªjust head over, and you''ll understand."

    With that, Mobius hung up, and Frank''s phone jingled with a text alert, the address located in none other than Bralog, where he had just made a mess.

    "Urgh."

    Frank was still staring at his phone in thought when Vicky gently opened his door and handed him a card "Here the details on the rogue rogue executive. Sorry to make you go on a trip."

    Frank did a double take when he looked down and saw that the rogue executive was staying at a hotel in Bralog.

    That was too much of a coincidence-could Mobius have gotten his spiritron vein from the rogue Turnbull executive?

    As he spaced out, Vicky noticed and sat down beside him, smiling. "What, are you regretting agreeing to help?" "No. But..."

    Frank frowned but eventually shook his head-speaking too much here would only worry Vicky more.

 Chapter 1802

    Chapter 1802

    ?

    Deciding that it was not toote to tell Vicky everything after his investigation, Frank decided to leave right then.

    On his way out, he told Helen and everyone else that he was leaving and assigned Madfist to protect them while he drove alone to Bralog. This time, he knew the way, so he did not have to impose on anyone.

    It took him another twelve hours to reach the hotel Vicky mentioned, where he ran into Silverbell, who was just checking in at the front desk. Beside him stood a good-looking, long-haired youth who also carried a sword and had the air of a sessor to a seclusive sect.

    "Silverbell?"C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Frank was surprised to see her there, and so was she, though there was soon a hint of joy on her face.

    On the other hand, the young man beside Silverbell was frowning at Frank in contempt. "Lady Silverbell, this man is¡ª"

    "My fiance, Frank Lawrence," Silverbell replied, striding over to Frank before the long-haired youth could react, even ignoring all the looks of shock as she wrapped her hands around his arm.

    The intimate gesture left the man scowling, while Frank was quite stunned too.

    As he nced at Silverbell, he found her blushing slightly, which looked especially fitting with her sagely dress and added to her coquettishness. "Shush..."

    Still, she whispered under her breath, clearly telling Frank not to speak.

    "Mr. Frank Lawrence, yes?"

    There was an awkward vibe in the room, though the long-haired youth soon walked toward Frank, his re threatening although he was offering a handshake. "Mickus Salor, heir to Clear Winds Pavilion."

    "I see. Nice to meet you, Mr. Salor."

    Frank took the handshake, despite noticing the youth''s jealousy over Silverbell, and he immediately felt the monumental grip strength exerted.

    "Hmm?" he murmured, as Mickus even buffed his vice-like grip with pure vigor, ready to crush Frank''s hand in public.

    "Hmph!" Seeing that Micukus was

    intent on embarrassing him, Frank

    was naturally not just going to smile and y along.

    "You little..."

    Narrowing his eyes, he charged his Five-Peat Archaeus, unleashing it out of his meridian nexus toward his palm.

    Mickus'' eyes widened, not expecting such power from Frank.

    And with that, the handshake continued for over half a minute, with Frank remaining nonchnt throughout. Mickus was at first nonchnt too, but he was now clearly having trouble, even sweating down his brow.

    That was when he suddenly heard Frank chuckle. "I guess that''s something."

    He looked up and suddenly found Frank smirking at him in amusement, and...

    Bang!

    Mickus'' eyes widened and his cheek clenched, as he could feel the monumental force suddenly crushing his fingers! Overwhelmed, he gritted his teeth and swung his palm at Frank''s chest.

    Catching his cue, Frank followed the flow of the shockwave to release Mickus'' hand and leapt two meters behind.

    Mickus looked down at his palm just

    then,

    aling as he could clearly feel

    that the bones in his fingers were

    almost breaking.

 Chapter 1803

    Chapter 1803

    ?

    If he were one second slower, Mickus'' hand would have been minced meat.

    Still, he quickly hid his trembling right hand behind himself while ring coldly at Frank. "Impressive."

    His ttery was icy, just as there was no hint of positive attitude toward Frank in his visage if anything, he looked even more hostile now.

    "You tter me," Frank replied, his tone neutral.

    Such was his attitude-if the other person backed down, he would afford them their sce.

    However, it was still clear that the heir to Clear Winds Pavilion had no respect for Frank and was actually hostile.

    ncing at Silverbell beside himself, Frank could certainly see why.

    "Hmph!"

    Mickus snorted coldly, not forgetting to threaten Frank before he stormed off. "Don''t think you get to strut just because you have some skill! There''s all the time for you to suffer!"

    "You don''t have to worry about that," Frank replied, calm as ever.

    Mickus was left glowering, while Frank waited until he was gone before turning toward Silverbell.

    "Pfft..."

    To his surprise, he found her giggling, and her divine good looks and her carefree smile left Frank spacing out.

    Still, she soon realized that Frank was staring fixedly at her, blushing as she exined under her breath, "Clear Winds Pavilion is a Bralog sect that has stayed in seclusion, and Mickus has been stalking me for a while, but I can''t give him the cold shoulder since his sect is part of the Martial Alliance."

    "Must be tough being the chief." Frank could not help chuckling at Silverbell''s words. "Running all over Draconia, mediating between various factions, as well as having to look pretty for them..."

    "What are you saying?!"

    Silverbell pouted at thest part, rolling her eyes at Frank.

    Frank chuckled and said, "Alright then. Go on-tell me what you''re doing here. I happen to be in town for some business, and I can help if you need me."

    Silverbell was surprised and was ready to refuse.

    Still, she nodded after some thought. "I''vee in secret to investigate a certain foreigner. He''s a legitimate businessman, but in reality, he''s a heretical geomancer."

    "A heretical geomancer?"

    It was the first time Frank heard of such a title and was immediately interested.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Silverbell nodded. "I''m telling you

    just so that you''ll be careful. He''s really unpredictable and his methods unorthodox-you''d fall for it if you let your guard down fora moment. I don''t mind telling you that it''s my first time dealing with such a case too."

    Frank lifted a brow. "Methods such as...?"

    "Such as..."

    Silverbell thought about it but remained uncertain. "Drinking a fetus'' blood to maintain his youth, cannibalistic rituals, devouring dreams..."

    "Did you read that from some witch hunting manual?"

    Frank chuckled, since it sounded just like those middle-age tomes.

    Silverbell blushed. "Like I said, it''s my first time taking on a case like this."

    "Well then, if it really is just like what those books said, then this heretical geomancer is trouble."

    Frank smiled without hesitation. "And to make up for causing yourpanion to storm off, I''ll help you deal with your geomancer." "What about your business...?"

    ?

    "There''s no rush." Frank waved off Silverbell, chuckling. "I''m waiting for the

    aparty to make contact

    anyway. Since I have the time, I can go with you."

 Chapter 1804

    Chapter 1804

    ?

    "There''s no rush." Frank waved off Silverbell, chuckling. "I''m waiting for the other party to make contact anyway. Since I have the time, I can go with you."

    "Okay." Silverbell did not reject Frank, since she knew the depth of his abilities.

    If anything, she felt more confident with his involvement.

    With that, Frank booked the room beside Silverbell so that they could stay close, while Mickus stayed in the room opposite Silverbell''s.

    Late into the night, a blond foreign businessman was seated in his room, sipping wine as if waiting.

    A cool breeze suddenly gusted into the room, and the window unwittingly opened.

    By the time the foreign businessman turned to look, a towering shadow had arrived.

    He sat opposite the foreign businessman, snatching the bottle of wine from the table and chugging it before snorting in displeasure.

    Naturally, the foreign businessman was none other than Mobius, who smiled at the shadow and spoke in crude Draconian. "So you kept true to your word, Mr. Shrode. But don''t you think your entrance is rude?"

    "Cut the crap."

    Mr. Shrode snorted. "There are eyes on me, and I need a lot of money to flee the country. So pay me, and I''ll give you the spiritron vein. Do you have any problems with that?"

    Mobius shrugged. "Money isn''t an issue, but the authenticity of your spiritron vein is the key issue here. Would you allow me to appraise it?" "You''re still suspecting me, after everything?"

    His request actually annoyed Mr. Shrode. "The Lionhearts were the ones who asked me to steal this spiritron vein, but Titus Lionheart broke the agreement and tried to have me killed. It took me great lengths to escape the Lionhearts'' pursuit and flee here to Bralog!"

    "I''m not questioning your character here, Mr. Shrode,"

    here, Mr. Shrode," Mobius said,

    shaking his head. "I''ve already given you my word-if the spiritron vein

    you gave me is the real deal, m

    master shall grant you immunity, and no one wouldy a finger on you within Draconia borders. Or perhaps you really thought that you had escaped the Lionhearts on your own?"  C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Mobius'' words were blunt, leaving Mr. Shrode a little stumped.

    Still, he soon chuckled. "Heh. I''m surprised you have such influence even in Draconia. I''ve really underestimated you people..."

    "Time is precious, Mr. Shrode. The spiritron vein, please," Mobius insisted, focused as ever.

    "Fine."

    With that, Mr. Shrode did not hesitate to take out what appeared to be a stark-white phnge from his pocket and ce it on his table. The unassuming object left Mobius frowning. "That''s... a spiritron vein?"

    "Yes."

    Mr. Shrode took a deep breath

    before saying coolly, "I went through great lengths to steal it from the Turnbulls. With this, you can recover from any injury that doesn''t kill you instantly."

    Holding out his arm, he said, "This arm had been hacked off by a Lionheart sentinel. But as you can see, it has regrown in less than two days. Do you believe me now?"

    "Well, it is wondrous..."

    Mobius''s eyes lit up, impressed.

    Suddenly, he whipped out a knife from his pocket and sliced off his little finger as Mr. Shrode looked on!

 Chapter 1805

    Chapter 1805

    ?

    Mr. Shrode was left taken aback, seeing how determined the foreign businessman was.

    "This much is nothing for the sake of my master."

    Mobius shed an eerie smile, staring at his bleeding hand without even flinching from the pain.

    And just as Mr. Shrode said, as Mobius held on firmly to the spiritron vein for just five minutes, his little finger started to regrow visibly.

    It took another two minutes before he had a functioning little finger again.

    Mr. Shrode was blinking as he looked on, though he soon forced a smile. "See? I wasn''t lying, was I?"

    "No, you weren''t," Mobius replied, chuckling after studying his finger and confirming the effect of the spiritron vein. "Well, how much do you want for it?"

    "Five hundred billion. Take it or leave it."

    Mr. Shrode wiped his forehead, a greedy smile showing on his lips. "The Lionhearts offered me 400 billion, but I just didn''t know that they weren''t going to pay. Moreover, you''re not Draconian, so you should pay me more to ovee my patriotism."

    Mobius simply smiled and shook his head despite Mr. Shrode''s greedy demand. "Mr. Shrode, it''s only thanks to my master, who ensured you could reach Bralog safely... so, how about 500 million instead?"

    "Five hundred million?! I''m afraid that''s too far for a joke!"

    Mr. Shrode was left staring in disbelief, sweating down his brow while grinning. "Since you''re not serious about this, I''m walking away, and I doubt there wouldn''t be anyone in Draconia who would be interested in my spiritron vein."

    "Wait."

    Standing up, Mobius continued to smile and shook his head. "Last offer-500 million. That''s the best price I''m offering you, as the price you demand is null, considering how Mr. Bozad has protected you on more than one asion. After all, life is priceless, don''t you think?"

    "Are you fucking kidding me?!"

    Seeing that

    back down,

    his

    Mobius was not going to

    Mr. Shrode swore under and snatched the spiritron vein off the table.  Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    He then strode toward the window, ready to leave. "I''ll admit that you''ve protected me a few times, but you don''t get to bully me like this. Five hundred million?! The audacity!"

    Mobius said nothing in turn, simply narrowing his eyes as he watched Mr. Shrode.

    That was when Mr. Shrode felt a cold breeze on his face when he almost reached the window, and his whole body stiffened. "What..." He was left stumped as he realized the breeze left him immobile.

    "Oh, such a shame..."

    His broken speech was suddenly gone just then, as Mobius spoke in fluent Draconian.

    His eyes shed coldly, and he sneered viciously even as Mr. Shrode turned stiffly to look at him.

    "Five hundred million was a good price, but you just don''t know when to stop, Mr. Shrode!" "W-What are you-"

    ?

    Even before Mr. Shrode realized it, Mobius seemed to have teleported beside him, his jaw widening ridiculously before chomping down on Mr. Shrode''s neck.

    "Guh!"

    Mr. Shrode''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    He tried to scream, but no words came out.

    one

    In the end, he fell loudly to the ground, his life drained from him.

 Chapter 1806

    Chapter 1806

    ?

    "Such a shame."

    Mobius sneered under the moon''s glow, wiping the blood off his lips.

    Then, searching and taking the spiritron vein from Mr. Shrode''s body, he nodded in satisfaction. "Along with the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom that Huub Droitner mentioned, my master will transcend mortality."

    "Guh..."

    Mr. Shrode was ring from the floor even as he watched the spiritron vein being taken away. He raised a shaking hand to snatch it from Mobius'' grasp...

    That was when it happened.

    Feeling a numbing sensation in his neck, Mr. Shrode strained himself to lower his gaze and found a swarm of ck bugs crawling out of his chest.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    It was a harrowing sight, and when Mr. Shrode saw it, he realized that they had entered his body when he drank Mobius'' wine.

    "Guh..."

    Nheless, Mr. Shrode could not speak as his throat was chewed through. He could only watch helplessly as more of those bugs crawled out of his body, eventually devouring him.

    In less than ten minutes, nothing was left of the living, breathing person on the floor-not even a drop of blood.

    Early next morning...

    "What? The Lionhearts were the ones who told the Martial Alliance?!"

    Frank was shocked.

    He was chatting with Silverbell after breakfast, when she told him that she came because the Lionhearts had tipped her off about the presence of the heretical geomancer.

    The Lionhearts were actually a member of the Martial Alliance and had considerable influence. As such, a tip from them had to be taken seriously, even sending out their chief to investigate.

    Still, while Silverbell was neutral toward the Lionhearts, Frank considered them his mortal enemies.

    In all likelihood, the Lionhearts were

    aware of Frank''s connection with Silverbell as well. That in turn made Frank suspect that this was a ruse that the Lionhearts were setting up to eliminate him and Silverbell.

    It certainly fit the Lionhearts'' style, which was why he and Silverbell must stay on their toes from here on out.

    "Oh! You''ve reallye, Mr. Lawrence!"

    Just as Frank and Silverbell were having breakfast, a smiling blond foreign businessman approached them.

    Frank had an idea who he was but asked nheless, "And you are...?"

    "Haha. I''m Mobius-one of Yohan Bozad''s close confidants." Mobius nodded before turning toward Silverbell. "And thisdy is..."

    "Silverbell, my sister," Frank quickly answered to stop Silverbell from exposing herself.

    Silverbell was taken aback but soon caught the hint.

    "Hello, Mr. Mobius." She smiled and nodded.

    "Hello." Mobius smiled, even joking in his broken Draconian, "You should keep both eyes on her, Mr. Lawrence. There aren''t manydies as beautiful as your sister here."

    Frank waved him off and chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Let''s keep things short, Mr. Mobius. I''ve brought what you''ve asked for, and in exchange..." "Oh, that''s not an issue." Mobius nodded.

    While he was perplexed that Frank was ready to talk shop right in front of his sister, he was not all that worried, smiling as he took out a piece of red cloth.

 Chapter 1807

    Chapter 1807

    ?

    Mobius then unwrapped the red cloth to reveal the stark white phnge the same one that Mr. Shrode had brought inst night.

    "This is the spiritron vein I would trade with you, Mr. Lawrence," Mobius then said nonchntly. "I can even tell you how it works-it can regenerate any wound and any missing body parts."

    Frank narrowed his eyes at Mobius, words, his fingers touching the card Vicky gave him before he came.

    There was no mistaking it now, as the card had both the address of this hotel and a photo of what the Turnbulls'' lost spiritron vein looked like.

    It was the one Mobius was showing them right now!

    Vicky had also mentioned that it was unparalleled in regenerating physical wounds. However, since the Turnbulls were not a martial n, they did not care much even after acquiring the spiritual vein, instead consecrating it at their ancestral shrine.

    "Frank...?"

    Silverbell was shocked too, as she did not expect Frank''s business in Bralog to involve a spiritron vein.

    If word got out, would that not lead to a battle between all the factions?

    Even now, she could still vividly remember the close shaves she had when she got her own spiritron vein. "Is this to your satisfaction, Mr. Lawrence?" Mobius asked just then, bringing Frank to his senses.

    Frank considered it, but before he could speak, a loud yell resounded from the distance. "How dare you!"

    Both Frank and Mobius turned to find a long-haired youth, and he was none other than Mickus Salor, the heir to Clear Winds Pavilion who had just lost a handshake match with Frank yesterday.

    His eyes widened as he stared at the spiritron vein, bellowing in disbelief as he pointed at Frank, "How dare you... selling off a national treasure?!"

    He was clearly presuming that Frank was the seller and viting Draconia''sws against selling historical artifacts, let alone to foreign parties.

    And since the spiritron vein was Draconia''s most valuable treasure, the consequences of losing it to foreign powers was unthinkable.

    That was exactly what Mickus was

    going for as he red at Frank and Silverbell, snarling coolly,

    "Impressive, Lady Silverbell! To think that I believed you above the rest. before. but you''re actually in cahoots with Frank Lawrence! How disappointing! I will inform the eldest of the Martial Alliance right now and remove you from office!"

    "Shut up!" Frank snapped, scowling right then. "This has nothing to do with Silverbell!"

    "Nothing to do with her?!" Mickus bellowed. "I''m seeing this happen with my own eyes, and you''d still say otherwise?!"

    "Not everything you see is reality," Frank retorted coolly.

    "That''s enough, Mr. Salor!"Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Silverbell frowned as she strode up to Mickus, knowing that the person she brought had messed up Frank''s ns. "It''s Mr. Mobius here who acquired the spiritron vein, and it''s Frank who''s trying to buy it from him."

    swne

 Chapter 1808

    Chapter 1808

    ?

    Silverbell reasoned, "We should just stay out of this, or you will be tried for treason if the deal goes south and the spitron vein really falls into foreign hands."

    "Me, tried for treason?"

    Mickus stared at Silverbell in disbelief, but he soon reared his head andughed. "Lady Silverbell, oh mighty chief of the Martial Alliance... you''re really getting smarter with words now. Isn''t that man your fiance? Aren''t you just trying to protect him by lying to me? And do you think I''m some clueless toddler?"

    Even as they argued, Mobius frowned. "Silverbell? Chief of the Martial Alliance?"

    Frank cursed Mickus under his breath-there would be unnecessary trouble if Silverbell''s position as the chief of the Martial Alliance was exposed. Not only would Mobius get suspicious, but they would also have trouble tracking down the heretical geomancer!

    To no surprise, Mobius smiled and shook his head at Frank. "I think you should really sort out your domestic issues beforeing to me, Mr. Lawrence."

    With that, he wrapped the spiritron vein in the red cloth and started to leave the restaurant.

    Seeing that, Mickus strode past Silverbell, intercepting Mobius. "What?! Are you trying to run as soon as you get our spiritron vein? Don''t you know that it''s a national treasure and not for sale?!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes at Mickus. He could see from Mickus'' greedy leer that he wanted the spiritron vein for himself.

    "Mickus Salor!"

    Rage showed on Silverbell''s pretty face, seeing that the trade had gone south because of Mickus'' interference. "As the chief of the Martial Alliance, I''m ordering you to back off!"

    "You''re no longer the chief of the Martial Alliance!" Mickus bellowed back. "Draconia has no ce for you after you''ve consorted with the enemy!" Then, he pped his hands, and over a dozen Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices strode in.

    Mickus pointed at Mobius and bellowed right then, "Take down that foreigner!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    Mobius'' expression was cold as he watched the Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices surround him.

    He was not about to give up on something Yohan Bozad needed!

    "Eh?"C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Still, just as he narrowed his eyes and ready for a fight, he was caught by surprise as Frank strode past him.

    Frank was clearly not after him, but he was walking right up to Mickus instead, scowling as he growled, "I have business to conduct with Mr. Mobius here. I will count down to one take your men with you and leave, or I will make you pay

    "You and what army?"

    Then, lustfully ogling at Silverbell, Mickus shed a sleazy smile as he continued. "Naturally, I will also be needing the mighty chief of the Martial Alliance to show me a good time... or the elders will know about this by tomorrow."

    Silverbell certainly knew what he wanted, and she glowered as she snapped, "You''re despicable!"

    "Hah!" Mickus snorted. "This is just a

    Ine

    perfectly normal deal. Also, you''re only the chief of the Martial Alliance because you used your body to pleasure many bigwigs, no? Why else would someone like you get to be the chief of the Martial Alliance?"

 Chapter 1809

    Chapter 1809

    ?

    "Hah!" Mickus snorted. "This is just a perfectly normal deal. Also, you''re only the chief of the Martial Alliance because you used your body to pleasure many bigwigs, no? Why else would someone like you get to be the chief of the Martial Alliance?"

    While Mickus'' mockery left Silverbell bristling, Frank remained impassive as he held up three fingers and counted. "Three."

    "What, are you for real?"

    Mickus was actually surprised that Frank was counting down but soon snorted in contempt. "I pity you, having a whore as a fiancee. Who knows how many men she''s had to spread her legs for "

    Smack!

    Frank had suddenly pped Mickus across the face so quickly he could barely see it, shutting him up.

    "One." He counted at the same time amid the ensuing silence.

    "What..."

    Touching his burning cheek, Mickus'' expression alternated from disbelief to flushed fury.

    "You... hit me?! With that dirty paw of yours?! Don''t you know who I am?! Even my father has never pped me!"

    He bellowed as if crazed, pointing at Frank while shouting at the Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices behind him, "Don''t just stand there! Take him down! I will cut him into tiny pieces! Go!!!"

    At his order, every Clear Winds Pavilion apprentice turned their sights on Frank and charged toward him.

    "Watch out!" Silverbell cried.

    She knew how strong Frank was, but she could not stop herself from getting worried as he was being attacked by so many sect apprentices.

    "What a loser..." Frank muttered

    under his breath, his impassive visage now cold as he looked up. "Since you''re so eager to get it from me won''t mind ying along!"

    With that, he leapt toward the Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices, moving so quickly that he was a blur that none could keep up with.

    Screams ensued as Frank appeared one moment and disappeared the next.

    Even Mickus'' expression stiffened as he watched the Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices being floored rapidly.

    Some were squealing and holding

    their broken arms, while others were gushing blood from their noses after having their faces punched in, and there was even one clutching his groin and rolling around in agony.

    Either way, in just a minute, none of the pompous apprentices who encircled Frank were still standing.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Frank glowered as he watched themy around the floor, screaming and howling, before looking up at a blinking Mickus from afar. "N-No way!"

    Mickus could not believe it¡ªthese were his sect''s elites, and he knew very well how strong they were!

    His father had sent them to him in hopes that they could curry Silverbell''s favor with the usual trick of having a hero swooping in to save the day.

    But instead of doing that, these elite. apprentices were all floored in under a minute, and by Silverbell''s fiance who had appeared out of nowhere at that!

    It was certainly shocking, as even his father, the current chief of Clear Winds Pavilion, was not that strong!

    As Mickus stood motionless, his whole body went rigid and he sweated all over his brow.

    It was only then that he realized Frank was holding back during their handshake yesterday, just to let him have a way out.

    If Frank had wanted to, he could have crushed Mickus'' hand right then and there!

 Chapter 1810

    Chapter 1810

    ?

    Watching as Frank slowly walked toward himself, terror struck Mickus'' heart.

    "Stop! Don''t move!" he shrieked. "I-I''m warning you... I''m the heir to Clear Winds Pavilion! If youy a finger on me, my father will make you pay, you hear?! He''s Ascendant rank, and he "

    Smack!

    Naturally, Mickus'' threat was pointless as Frank pped him viciously across the face again once he got near, knocking out almost every tooth.

    "On your knees. Apologize," he growled, impassive.

    Mickus was left clutching his cheek and staring at Frank in disbelief.

    Although there was no emotion on his face, the coldness in Frank''s eyes left Mickus shivering.

    He realized that Frank might be some novice who did not care about his threats and would keep hitting him if he threatened him again.

    After fighting with himself inwardly, Mickus turned with a conflicted look toward Silverbell, mumbling through his lips, "I-I''m sorry, Lady Silverbell¡ª"

    "On your knees!" Frank snapped coldly behind him.

    "What..."

    Mickus felt thoroughly dehumanized.

    He was the heir to Clear Winds Pavilion-even if he did not rule Bralog, he was a big deal, with screaming fangirls following him wherever he went. Many rich families would fawn over him and introduce their daughters just to curry favor with Clear Winds Pavilion.

    And now, he had to kneel to a woman!

    Uneptable!

    He was even nning to have the noble chief of the Martial Alliance to go down on her knees and show him a good time.

    The difference between fantasy and reality certainly left him devastated!N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "Stop!"

    That was when a rich voice suddenly bellowed from the restaurant entrance.

    Mickus'' look of misery quickly turned to delight when he turned toward the voice and saw the one man he wanted to see at that very moment.

    It was none other than his father, Azar Salor, chief of Clear Winds Pavilion.

    "Dad... Dad!!!" Mickus cried, finally finding a savior.

    ?

    He rushed toward Azar without a care, immediately hugging his thigh and bawling, "Dad! That bastard pped me and even forced me to kneel! You have to help me!"

    Azar hade when he heard that there was trouble and was left incensed when he saw his son''s face covered in blood.

    He was over fifty but appeared to be around his forties, thanks to his martial arts training.

    Moreover, he was not just highly protective of his people, but he also had a VIP here with him.

    "Ipetent brat!" Azar bellowed. "I had our elites protect you! How could you let some brat do this to you?!"

    "Dad!"

    Mickus appeared wounded as he

    pointed at the martial elites who tay scattered around the floor. "I''m not ipetent... even those martial

    elites couldn''t beat Frank Lawrence!"

 Chapter 1811

    Chapter 1811

    ?

    "What?!"

    Azar was left stunned by his son''sint.

    He was naturally aware of Mickus'' hedonistic lifestyle. And since the boy did not take his training seriously, he had to send over a dozen Clear Winds Pavilion elites as his escort.

    However, those elites were still the best among Birthright ranks! They did not evenst a blow against some outsider and were instead leftpletely incapacitated?!

    While Azar was spacing out, however, the youth beside him strode up just then.

    "Heh. Long time no see, Frank," he greeted.

    Beside him, Azar did a double take when he realized that the youth was acquisitioned with the rogue who hurt his son and finally turned to look at Frank.

    "Titus."

    Frank remained impassive as he mentioned the youth''s name.

    After all, it was none other than the eldest son in the Lionheart family, Titus Lionheart.

    And it was surprising that he would show up here... or perhaps not.

    If anything, Frank was just surprised that Titus was here personally, whereas the Lionhearts'' involvement was not that surprising.

    After all, the spiritron vein was here, and the Lionhearts were always fanatically obsessed with it.

    And seeing the men lock gazes with each other, Azar quickly bowed his head and asked Titus, "Mr. Lionheart... is that man who hurt my son your friend?"

    Titus was taken aback but soon shed aposed grin as he said quietly, "Why, yes. He''s a friend of mine-a friend for life, even." "A friend for life?"

    Azar was left stiffening when he heard that, his intention to get payback for his son dissipating on the spot.

    After all, it would not be surprising if Titus'' friend could beat his men-all he could do was me his son''s bad luck.

    He could have fought anyone else, but it had to be Titus'' friend.

    Beside him, Mickus looked like he had just swallowed a fly-the look of one with rage but unable to vent.

    "I''m Mr. Lionheart''s friend...?"

    Frank chuckled coolly, shaking his head. "How have you been, Mr. Lionheart? Have you found someone new since west met?"

    Titus'' expression never changed

    despite Frank''s deliberate mention

    of Vicky, and he actually smiled.

    "Haha... as they like to say, there are plenty of fish in the sea. And with power, you can have anything you want."

    "That''s

    s?n

    Lionheart for you." "Such an open mind-a man such as myself couldBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    r presume to matchet

    Content

    While Frank and Titus'' exchange looked like one between long-lost friends, there was no hiding the curious enmity being telegraphed

    between them.

    Both Mickus and Azar were left stumped as they looked on, and even Silverbell was starting to get nervous beside Frank.

    Even if it looked like small talk, the air between both men was eerie-even tense.

    Frank then asked, "May I ask what brings you here to Bralog, which is thousands of miles away from Morhen?"

    "Exactly what brought you here," Titus replied calmly.

    "Oh? Does that mean you know what I''m doing here?"

    "Hehe. Yes, and I can say the same about you."

    While the two continued to trade barbs and Azar was ready to interrupt, Titus waved him off. "We''re leaving." "We''re... leaving?" Azar was stunned.

    He could already see that things were less than friendly between Frank and Titus.

 Chapter 1812

    Chapter 1812

    ?

    In fact, Frank and Titus could well be enemies.

    In that case, Azar had brought many of his men from Clear Winds Pavilion.

    With Azar''s strength on top of that, taking down Frank could not have been easier.

    So why would Titus call for a retreat now?

    However, as the chief of Clear Winds Pavilion, he naturally would not disobey the Lionhearts.

    Azar had questions, but he respectfully led his men and followed Titus out of the hotel restaurant.

    "Mr. Lionheart..."

    "I know what you''re going to ask."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Titus chuckling, shaking his head before Azar could finish his question. "But now''s not the time to do it. You and the people you''ve brought are no match for him."

    "What? No way!"

    Mickus was left gaping in shock before his father could speak. "Mr. Lionheart, Clear Winds Pavilion is sending everyone for this! It''s not just our four Ascendant-ranked guardians-my father is right here, and he''s halfway through the Ascendant rank!

    "And there are countless Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices waiting outside. Do you really think we can''t take down somemon thief with such numbers?"

    Azar was frowning at Mickus'' question too, since he mostly agreed with his son.

    "No, you can''t."

    And yet, Titus looked them in the eye as he replied bluntly, "I understand that none of you understand the depth of his strength, but he''s someone whom even my family needs to be careful with.

    "As for how strong he really is, I''d say he''s invincible among Ascendant ranks... In fact, I''m afraid that even my infamous younger brother is no match for him."

    Both Azar and Mickus were left gasping, trading looks of shock when they heard.

    Titus actually feared that young man? On top of that, he was invincible among Ascendant ranks, beating out even the Demon of Volsung Sect?

    Azar and Mickus were certainly

    feeling lucky that they had obeyed

    Titus'' orders just then, instead of

    pressing for a fight just to curry his

    favor.

    If that seemingly unassuming man was given such praise from Titus himself, he was definitely not one to be trifled with.

    Nheless, Mickus rubbed his swollen cheek and grumbled frustratedly under his breath, "But are we just supposed to let him strut?" "Certainly not. There are times when might doesn''t make right."

    Titus clearly heard him and chuckled, pointing at his own head. "This is what does."

    Azar did a double take. "Hmm? Are you saying...?"

    "He has his weakness, and as for that..."

    Titus trailed off, chuckling again and leaving Azar and his son trading nces.

    "I see..."

    Back at the hotel restaurant, Silverbell nodded ever so slightly after hearing about the reason Frank hade to Bralog.

    Looking into his eyes, she asked, "So the spiritron vein that the foreign businessman acquired was the one that the Turnbulls lost... How sure about that?" Content

    arpe

    Belongs to

    Frank lowered his head in thought. "Ny percent."

    He was not a hundred percent sure, but it was very likely.

    Silverbell nodded again. "I see... Well, that exins a lot."

    "What?"

    Seeing Frank''s surprise, Silverbell whispered as she exined, "The Martial Alliance has received word about the Turnbulls'' lost spiritron vein too, but the Turnbulls insisted on handling it themselves and did not ask us for help.

    "Also it is that the Turnbull executive who stole it is trying to defect to the Lionhearts."

 Chapter 1813

    Chapter 1813

    ?

    Silverbell continued, "As for the Turnbulls'' lost spiritron vein, only you and the higher-ups of the Martial Alliance should be aware about it, and no one else-not even the Lionhearts. So..."

    "So the Lionhearts being here proves that the rumors are true."

    Frank raised a brow and finished it for her. "The rogue Turnbull executive was trying to defect to the Lionheart family, or they wouldn''t have known." Silverbell nodded, looking at Frank in approval-he was always sharp.

    Still, she was soon hesitant. "However, that also begs another question-it''s been a week since the Turnbulls have lost their spiritron vein. If the rogue Turnbull executive really wanted to defect to the Lionhearts, why would the spiritron vein show up in the hands of a foreign businessman instead?"

    Frank was wondering about that too, and it was a question that left both him and Silverbell stumped.

    Eventually, he frowned and suggested, "Knowing the Lionhearts, negotiations with the rogue Turnbull executive must have most likely fallen through. That executive then fled Morhen and made contact with this Yohan Bozad, whom this Mr. Mobius keeps talking about¡ª"

    "Wait, did you say Yohan Bozad?!"

    While Helen had no idea who Yohan was, Silverbell lost herposure as soon as she heard the name.

    "What? Is he a force to be reckoned with?" Frank asked in curiosity.

    "Yes," Silverbell replied, her expression solemn as she hung her head, muttering to herself, "If the rogue Turnbull executive contacted Yohan, that would make sense."

    Looking up at Frank again, she then said solemnly, "Frank, what am I going to say next is my earnest advice to you-you have to keep it to heart." "What is it?" Frank asked.

    This was the first time that Frank had ever seen Silverbell being that serious, so it had to be something very important, or she would not have that look on her face.

    "Try to stay out of Yohan Bozad''s way if you can. Remember that."

    "Why?"Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Frank did a double take-this was the first time Silverbell had ever told him to avoid anyone, even the Lionhearts included.

    And seeing how worried she was, he could not help asking softly in curiosity, "Who is this Yohan Bozad?"

    "He''s..."

    Silverbell took a deep breath and scowled. "He''s a mysterious person who has never shown his face, not even to his followers."

    "He has never shown his face?"

    Frank was puzzled-if the man had never shown his face, why would Silverbell, the chief of the Martial Alliance, be so wary of him?

    Silverbell sighed. "Officially, the

    n¨¦t

    Martial Alliance''s information asserts that he was born a foreign noble in a country with a long history. There, he was apparently blessed by a deity and can perform miracles and defeat anyone who stands in his way.

    "Since then, he has extended the blessing to his followers, all of whom are able to wield the same blessings. It''s called godforce, and it''spletely different from our country''s martial arts."

    "Godforce?"

    Frank''s brow furrowed as he muttered, "Why does it sound so freaky, like some chatan trick?"

    "I thought so too... at first."

    Silverbell breathed a deep sigh,

    shaking her head as she looked into thin air and reminisced. "But I don''t doubt it after I saw it with my own eyes. It''s an unbelievable power that seems endless, and it''spletely different from Draconian martial arts."

 Chapter 1814

    Chapter 1814

    ?

    Silverbell breathed a deep sigh, shaking her head as she looked into thin air and reminisced. "But I don''t doubt it after I saw it with my own eyes. It''s an unbelievable power that seems endless, and it''spletely different from Draconian martial arts.

    "Therefore, I won''t rmend getting involved with Yohan Bozad before we understand what he truly is. Even the Martial Alliance hasbeled him as untouchable."

    "I see," Frank replied, rubbing his chin.

    Godforce sounded quite interesting, and while he wondered how those foreigners wielded it, he asked, "Do you think Mr. Mobius could wield godforce too? He did say that he''s a servant to Yohan Bozad, so that''s probably the case?"

    Silverbell was surprised by Frank''s question, since that had never crossed her mind.

    And now that Frank had mentioned it, she actually found it very likely.

    Still, she warned, "You should be careful when you contact Mr. Mobius, Frank. Our martial arts might prove ineffective against their so-called godforce."

    Frank smiled and nodded, and that was when a waiter arrived with a note on his tray.

    "Sir, ma''am..."

    The waiter greeted them with a polite bow and yed the note in front of them. "Courtesy of the foreign businessman earlier. He asked me to bring it to you."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "The foreign businessman?" Frank and Silverbell traded nces, though it went without saying that it was Mobius.

    [Mr. Lawrence, I would like to reiterate that I would like to trade the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom in your possession with my spiritron vein. However, Mr. Lionheart and Ms. Quill have both offered equally interesting items.]

    [As such, I will organize an auction between all three parties at 3 PM at the banquet hall of this hotel. I look forward to seeing you.]

    After Frank picked up the note and read it, his expression turned cold.

    Mobius was nothing less than a

    n

    businessman. He was certainly cunning, quickly assuming the position of auctioneer, while Frank and the other two wouldpete in that little auction.

    Naturally, he had no doubt that Mobius was referring to Titus Lionheart, who had just left, as Mr. Lionheart, nor was he surprised that Titus had something that would interest Mobius.

    But who was this Ms. Quill? Did she really have something that could match the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?

    Either way, things were getting interesting.

    As Frank put down the note and chuckled coolly, Silverbell asked, "What are you going to do? Are you going to that auction?"

    "Sure! Why not?"

    Frank shrugged, stuffing himself with a piece of bread. "I promised Vicky to recover the Turnbulls'' lost spiritron vein. Would I be able to get close if I don''t attend the auction?"

    "Wait, are you suggesting..."

    Silverbell was stunned-was Frank really going to steal it by force?

    "Is that so surprising?"

    Frank snickered. "They had stolen it from the Turnbulls in the first ce, but I''m now taking it back for the Turnbulls. They''re not losing anything, are they? And it''s a good deed, too."

    Silverbell could not help giggling at Frank''s unscrupulous reasoning.

 Chapter 1815

    Chapter 1815

    ?

    Frank and Silverbell arrived at the hotel banquet hall at 3 PM as agreed.

    Amid the dim glow, Frank was not surprised to see Titus Lionheart seated on an elegant armchair. Azar Salor, the chief of Clear Winds Pavilion, was by his side.

    And on the other end was a young woman with twintails and who appeared to be in her twenties, appearing bored as she sat on the couch, swiping on her phone.

    Two ck-d martial elites stood beside her, clearly her bodyguards.

    Frank could tell right away that they were from the military, with the disciplined manner in which they stood, along with the hint of bloodlust that could not be hidden entirely.

    After all, Frank had seen many such men in his childhood, still under the care of his father, the Lord of the Southern Woods.

    "You''re as slow as a snail. How annoying."

    Nheless, as soon as the young woman saw Frank enter, she finally lowered her phone and leveled him a look of irritation.

    Frank could tell that the young woman was talking to him, but he was not about to humor her.

    He could see the huge clock at the center of the banquet hall-its hour hand reached three just as he arrived.

    In other words, Frank was notte-everyone else was simply early.

    As Frank picked a random spot to sit, he shed a subtle nce at the woman, understanding that she was the Ms. Quill that Mobius had mentioned in his note.

    She had clearly been raised in an ivory tower-not only was her taste in fashion a little childish, but her very speech persistently carried the pride of an heiress.

    "Hey, you!"

    Ms. Quill shot Frank a re of disdain as she snapped, "Were you listening? I was asking you why you dragged your feet. Now I have to waste my time with the scummy likes of you! So annoying!"

    Frank said nothing, as he had no

    intention to tussle with an heiress who felt so entitled-and to a certain extent, heiresses could be more bothersome than heirs. Content

    However, seeing Frank y dumb only left Ms. Quill raising her brow in further indignation. "Are you mute?! Didn''t you hear me?"

    "Please watch yourself."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Silverbell had enough and looked Ms. Quill in the eye with an impassive stare. "We arrived at three, just as agreed. You''re the one who came early." "So you''re saying I''m at fault here?"

    Ms. Quill snorted. "Who do you think you are, telling me what''s what? I said you''rete, and you are! What a bunch of uncivilized animals." "Hey!"

    Silverbell sprang to her feet,

    incensed, but Frank caught her,

    pressing her back on the couch

    he said nonchntly, "Why stoop to arguing with a monkey?"

    "Are you insulting me?"

    Ms. Quill froze, blinking in disbelief-no one had ever spoken to her like that!

    "Nope."

    Frank shook his head and turned away serenely. "Just being factual."

    "You bastard!"

    Ms. Quill could explode at Frank''s calm but scathing insult, just as Titus chuckled breezily beside them. "Ms. Quill, don''t get so upset with Mr. Lawrence now. He''s always had a sharp tongue and wouldn''t lose to you in verbal sparring. You''ll be disappointed if you try to one-up him in that department."

    "Hmph!"

    Ms. Quill snorted after listening to Titus but decided to ignore Frank as Titus had advised.

 Chapter 1816

    Chapter 1816

    ?

    "Hmph!"

    Ms. Quill snorted after listening to Titus but decided to ignore Frank as Titus had advised.

    However, she would shoot Frank hostile res from time to time, her eyes making it clear that she was nning something and that she was not going to let him off easy.

    "Frank..." Silverbell appeared a little worried, as judging from Titus'' politeness, Ms. Quill was a force to be reckoned with.

    Frank, however, remained nonchnt-the young woman was simply uncouth, and he was not concerned about making an enemy of her.

    "Hehe... Sorry to keep you waiting."

    Mobius spoke in his broken Draconian as he entered from a back door, shing a broad grin at everyone¡ªespecially Frank.

    After all, he understood that Frank had the most reason to be upset, since he had invited him here.

    While it was clearly a one-on-one trade initially, Mobius had suddenly changed the trade into an auction, and he actually felt a little guilty about that. "Alright, let''s get started," Ms. Quill snapped impatiently, stroking her nails. "I still need to hit the nail salonter. I don''t have time to waste with stinking men like you."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "Hehe..."

    Mobius remained unperturbed by Ms. Quill''s haranguing, even chuckling as he brought out the red cloth he showed Frank before.

    He unwrapped it again to reveal the snow-white phngeying in the middle, while turning to watch everyone. "Since Ms. Quill is busy, let''s make this quick, as the saying goes."

    "I have nothing else to add," Frank said, shaking his head. "As I''ve mentioned before, I''ll trade it for my Bloodcrane Spiritbloom."

    "Haha..."

    Mobius chuckled again as Frank finished. "This might be impolite, Mr. Lawrence, but would you at least present it? I should at least be allowed to see it, especially when I''ve presented the spiritron vein, don''t you think?"

    Frank nced at Titus, and then at Ms. Quill.

    Eventually, he nodded in silence he did bring the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom anyway.

    One could not fish without bait, and he knew that Mobius was not stupid enough to understand what was going on if he did not show what he would trade.

    However, while his n was to trade the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom and then find a way to steal it back, things had certainly changed, and he would have to improvise.

    And seeing the flower that was brimming with living energy within the wooden box, Mobius was shaking in anticipation.

    Yes, that was exactly what his master wanted!

    Snap!

    Frank suddenly closed the wooden box he was holding, even before Mobius thought he had a good look.

    "I must ask for your understanding," Frank then said quietly to everyone. "I can''t expose it too much, or it would lose its medicinal value."

    "Oh, that''s understandable."

    Still, Mobius was no longer doubtful

    of Frank''s offer now and turned to smile at Titus. "Mr. Lionheart, since you''ve seen Mr. Lawrence''s offer, may ask what you have to trade?"

    "Heh..."

    Titus nced at Frank with a triumphant look before saying, "Well, I can say that I can trade you with something much better than the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom... May Kask if you''ve heard of the Celestial Dew?"

    "The Celestial Dew?!"

    While everyone did not react to the name, Frank''s eyes widened as he lost hisposure right then.

    It was a treasure of Draconia too, and one that would not lose to the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom!

 Chapter 1817

    Chapter 1817

    ?

    When it came to certain attributes, the Celestial Dew was actually superior to the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom!

    On top of that, Frank was aware of the Celestial Dew because it was one of the main ingredients for making the divine pill.

    And as each main ingredient was a millennial natural wonder, the quality alone was above question.

    "Hehe. It seems that Mr. Lawrence is the most knowledgeable man in this room, just by being aware of this..."

    Titus smiled as he took out a pure silver ring from his pocket with a tiny container fastened to it.

    And the container held a thick sapphire-blue fluid, spiraling at the center of the container as if alive. It would also assume the form of various livestock as if alive!

    "The Celestial Dew is the purest raindrop, refined along with various rare herbs and natural wonders across generations for over a thousand years. I''m sure everyone can understand how precious this droplet is, considering that it was refined into this amount from a full tank."

    At Titus'' exnation and with Mobius personally studying the ring Titus held, he mused to himself for a moment before slowly turning to Frank with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Mr. Lawrence..."

    "It''s alright," Frank replied, waving him off.

    From his perspective, Mobius'' disinterest in his Bloodcrane Spiritbloom was ideal.

    This way, he did not have to worry about the treasure his mentor left him or see it being taken abroad.

    Now, all he had to think about was getting that spiritron vein.

    Still, Mobius then turned to Ms. Quill and asked, "Well then, what about you, Ms. Quill? What do you have to offer?"

    As everyone turned toward the young woman who had not spoken for a while, she rolled her eyes and snorted in disdain.

    "What are you looking at me for?" she snapped haughtily at Mobius. "I don''t have any treasure that would match theirs, but don''t you ept money?" Mobius simply smiled and shook her head at her, leaving Ms. Quill pursing her lips.

    "Then forget it."

    She huffed, rising to her feet. "Bloodcrane Spiritbloom? Spiritron vein? Hah! Sounds mysterious, but they all look like fancy trinkets to me..."

    Silverbell watched as the strange girl left before sighing in exasperation as she turned to Frank. "What are we going to do now? Are we just going to let the spiritron vein fall into the Lionhearts'' hands?"

    "Patience," Frank said, still watching thoughtfully as Ms. Quill left. "It seems that things are getting more amusing than I''d expected... Come on, it''s clear that this hotel is going to get busy tonight."  Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Silverbell stared at him quizzically-why was Frank suddenly speaking in riddles?

    Still, Frank did not try to clear her confusion and instead led her out of the banquet hall, formally concluding the auction. Mobius turned to Titus and smiled. "Well, this spiritron vein is yours, Mr. Lionheart."

    "Thank you."

    And with the deal concluded after Frank and Silverbell''s departure, both Mobius and Titus had acquired what they wanted.

    In reality, every party in the auction was plotting-especially Mobius.

    His smile faded after he escorted Titus away, a coldness showing in his eyes as he red at Titus murderously.

    As for Titus, once he and Azar Salor left the banquet hall, he immediately ordered, "Have every man of Clear Winds Pavilion lock down the hotel tonight. No one gets in or out!"

    "Yes, Mr. Lionheart!"

    Azar sneered savagely, as he naturally knew what Titus was up to.

    This really was going to be a long, sleepless night.

 Chapter 1818

    Chapter 1818

    ?

    The moon curved like a scythe that night.

    Silverbell, as instructed by Frank, was lying in bed and napping, fully dressed.

    Suddenly, there was a knock on her door, and Frank soon entered.

    "Frank?" she murmured softly, her eyes shing viciously. "Are we doing it now?"

    "Nope," Frank replied, narrowing his eyes as he turned to look at Mickus Salor''s room, which was directly opposite Silverbell''s.

    Narrowing his eyes and taking out a voice recorder, he said, "For now, just listen to me..."

    Silverbell''s cheeks blushed beet red after Frank told her his n, and she pouted like a little girl. "Do I have to, Frank?"

    "It''s a diversion¡ªwe need to especially distract Titus," Frank said with a dead serious look.

    "O-Okay..."

    Silverbell held up the voice recorder and tried what he had asked her to. "Ah!"

    Frank frowned a little. "Again. Put some feeling into it."

    "Ah?" Silverbell did her best to do what Frank asked, but he still shook his head, indicating that he felt nothing from it.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "I-I don''t have the experience..." She eventually huffed.

    She certainly felt wounded, since she had no idea how to moan with passion! And to think that she, the chief of the Martial Alliance, was forced to do something like this!

    Even if things were set in stone for her and Frank, having to do it now was really forcing it!

    "In that case..."

    Seeing her troubles, Frank sighed softly and suddenly pushed her down onto the bed.

    His hand, wrapped around her slender waist, started to move downward...

    "Ah..."

    Silverbell finally moaned, and though Frank was not satisfied, he decided to make do.

    He started to set the voice recorder to y while letting go of Silverbell.

    Silverbell, who felt herself go limp for a moment, suddenly straightened.

    She shot Frank a re of grief as he released her so quickly.

    H-How dense! She was even ready for it, but he had done all that just to make her moan once! It was just so... Silverbell blushed harder at the thought.

    She could not help remembering what happened between them back at Sage Lake Sect, when she had not been thinking straight because she was poisoned.

    Even so, she could still feel Frank...

    The thought almost left her out of breath.

    "What are you spacing out for? We''re leaving!"

    On the other hand, Frank was

    up

    g by the window after settit

    Silverbell in bemusement. Content

    Silverbell was taken aback but quickly gathered her thoughts and leaped out of the window with Frank.

    The hotel was not in the city, but in a fringe town.

    It was not at allrge either¡ªthere were just six floors, but it had all the entertainment and facilities one would need.

    Frank and Silverbell had done their homework, too.

    While they were staying on the third floor, Titus stayed on the fifth, and Mobius on the sixth.

    As for the fourth, Ms. Quill had the entire floor booked for herself.

    Before they left, Frank and Silverbell had put on ck body suits and

    with

    mngs and the like. Content , skillfully scaling the wayne

    to

    Soon, they were outside Mobius'' room window.

    belongs

 Chapter 1819

    Chapter 1819

    ?

    "Interesting."

    Just as Frank and Silverbell arrived, Frank was surprised to overhear Titus chuckling instead of Mobius'' voice.

    "Eh?"

    Silverbell turned toward Frank, while he put a finger on his lips.

    Silverbell nodded, and they both dangled outside the window and listened to the voices inside, where Titus was speaking with a hint of anger. "Ms. Quill, Frank Lawrence had at least brought an item to trade, while you came empty-handed... Don''t you think you''re out of line?"

    To Silverbell and Frank''s surprise, Ms. Quill was in the room too, snorting. "Hah! Frank Lawrence, you say? Do you really give that scum that much credit? Well, I''m telling you¡ªI''m much smarter, so don''tpare me with him!"

    "I do agree, in a way."

    Titus chuckled coolly again. "You certainly can''tpare to him, what with your ego and unscrupulous behavior."

    "What did you say?!"

    Ms. Quill snapped angrily. "I warned you not topare me with him! I''ve had enough of that!"

    "Enough of that?"

    Frank frowned-who on earth was Ms. Quill?

    She clearly knew him and seemed to have a personal vendetta against him too.

    However, he had no memory of her-the only Ms. Quill he was acquainted with was Yara Quill, the daughter of the Riverton policemissioner.

    That was when Titus suddenly snapped threateningly in the room, "Hand over the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew, and I will let you walk away! That, or you shall face the consequences!"

    Frank was actually shocked.

    Both the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew had actually fallen into the hands of this Ms. Quill? Was it even possible with her limited capabilities?

    Even if he could see that the two

    military sentries escorting Ms. Quill were strong, Frank still did not expect that she could one-up Mobius and Titus at the same time.

    It was simply... odd.

    "Frank..."

    Silverbell turned toward Frank, who nodded at her.

    They assumed a stance, ready to break in through the window at any moment.

    "Hmph! Both of them are mine now, and you want them back? Dream on!"

    Ms. Quill snorted and bellowed, "Go!"

    "You asked for this!"

    There were battlecries from both sides as the negotiations fell through and everyone started attacking each other.

    It was the perfect opportunity for Frank, who gave Silverbell a look so that she waited outside.

    He then moved agilely to the window on the hallway, knocking out a Clear Winds Pavilion apprentice with a shot of pure vigor before entering with a strut.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Wait..."

    Still, he had just stepped inside when he sensed something out of ce.

    There was a faint sweetness that swirled in the air all over the sixth floor, and it was virtually undetectable.

    "Shit!"

    Still, Frank soon came to a

    UT

    realization that the scent hade straight from Mobius'' room, where Ms. Quill and Titus'' men were fighting. In fact, Frank could hear the crashing of furniture breaking inside that room.

    However, he also identified the scent-it was waif balm, a poison that people often mibeled as fragrance and would not suspect to be anything out of the ordinary.

    Swne

 Chapter 1820

    Chapter 1820

    ?

    In reality, the waif balm was an airborne gas that would deviously stay dormant in a victim''s body. It would then be triggered by the poisoner on cue, immobilizing the victim''s senses and their body, leaving them at the mercy of the poisoner.

    And yet, what made the waif balm formidable was not the waif balm itself, but its potency as a medium. The poisoner would use it to facilitate delivering the real poison or something that could hurt the victim from the inside, all while the victim remained clueless.

    At that point, even Ascendant-ranked elites would have trouble escaping.

    Nheless, Frank only knew about the waif balm when he read it by chance from an old text.

    He was certainly not capable of brewing anything that could incapacitate Ascendant-ranked individuals at that time, but the scent described in that text was exactly the scent he was smelling now.

    There was no chance of him mistaking it.

    Hence, Frank quickly sat down in meditation, directing his pure vigor throughout his body to scrutinize every inch of himself.

    Then, after taking several antidote pills, he finally found a well-hidden cluster of whiteness, which was the waif balm particles.

    As he quickly used the Five-Peat Archaeus to swiftly clear it out, he also deduced what the waif balm was carrying.

    And as it turned out, what the waif balm was carrying was way worse.

    "Brocade mites..." Frank''s cheek stiffened at the mention of the name.

    The brocade mite was a deadly pest thatid its eggs in the human body and feasted exclusively on human flesh, and it was used in Draconia''s olden eras as a form of torture.

    Back then, criminals were thrown into the mite hills, where they would be devoured slowly and painfully as they died.

    Still, the fact that it was used here meant that someone had already fallen victim to it, in order to produce the primary ingredient for this poison: the eggs of the brocade mite.

    And now, everyone on this floor who took a breath would be inhaling those miniscule eggs that would not ever be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, given how things were progressing, they would all be the next victims.

    As Frank sped his hand over his mouth and nose and tried to leave, a point of concern appeared in his mind.

    How could Ms. Quill have taken possession of both the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew? What did that mean?

    Looking at the door to Mobius'' room where the scuffle continued, he narrowed his eyes.

    There was no way Ms. Quill or Titus could have released that poison.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    If either of them did, the other person would realize it immediately.

    As such, the only exnation was...

    Frank''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Mobius released it?! Impossible!"

    The mere deduction left Frank frowning, as no foreigner should

    have ess to the waif balm or the

    brocade mite. Those were poisonset

    so unorthodox that even the Hundred Bane Anthology of

    Hundred Bane Sect had never once mentioned them-and poisons were their specialty.

    However, even if Frank did not believe a foreigner like Mobius conte to possess those poisons, who would be the poisoner, if not him?

    swne

    With that in mind, Frank quietly left the hallway and returned to Silverbell, whom the waif balm had yet to reach.

    That in turn meant that the poisoner''s objective was clear.

    Hence, once again telling Silverbell to wait, he crashed through the window of Mobius'' room, leaping into the spacious room. Inside, one of Ms. Quill''s two sentries was fending off the Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices.

    He was keeping everyone at

    lifet

    bay-even Azar Salor, the chief of the Clear Winds Pavilion, was not scoring major hits despite joining the fray.

    Von

    The sentry was a one-man army, his punches hitting fast and true and forcing Azar into dodging constantly.

    Nheless, Ms. Quill heard the window shatter and turned, immediately shooting Frank a look of contempt when she saw him.

    "You?!"

    On the other hand, Titus was pping andughing. "Hehe. It seems that Mr. Lawrence will be joining us too!"

 Chapter 1821

    Chapter 1821

    ?

    Frank had really thought that he had to be discreet, but there was no point for that now.

    The three parties or four, including Mobius-were each plotting to be the winner who took it all, be it the spiritron vein or the natural wonders.

    And seeing Ms. Quill''s re of contempt, he was even more sure that the young woman knew him.

    Still, Frank did not hesitate.

    Since her sentries were some distance away and busy keeping the Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices at bay, he leapt up and seized Ms. Quill by the cor, snapping coolly, "Who are you? Why do you know me?!"

    "Let her go!"

    The sentries panicked when they turned and saw Frank seizing their charge, and they charged toward him right then.

    "Stand back!"

    Frank snapped coolly as he wrapped his fingers around Ms. Quill''s neck. "Any closer, and I''ll snap her throat!"

    "How dare you!"

    "You''d better think about this, kid!"

    "Yeah... if youy so much as a finger on her, you''re a dead man!"

    "There won''t be a ce for you in Draconia if you do!"

    While the two sentries stopped in fear, it did not deter them from throwing threats at Frank.

    However, those threats fell to deaf ears as Frank tightened his fingers around Ms. Quill''s neck, snapping, "Talk!"

    "No... way!"

    Unexpectedly, Ms. Quill proved defiant, snapping proudly at Frank even as he wrung her neck. "Go on, kill me if you can! I won''t beg even if you do¡ª you''re filth, just like your mother and the rest of your family!"

    Frank was at once incensed that she had insulted histe mother, and his teeth grated loudly.

    "You asked for this..." he growled

    through his teeth, the

    look on his face sending

    her flinching.

    "D-Don''t you dare!" she cried. "I''m warning you, if you don''t let me go¡ª"

    Crack!

    Frank did not hesitate to squeeze and break her slender arm right then, leaving her screaming deafeningly. "Ms. Quill!"

    Seeing how unchivalrous Frank was, the two sentries almost could not stop themselves from charging at Frank. "I dare you to take another step!"

    However, he bellowed at them, forcing them to back down again.

    "H-How dare you... touch me..."

    "Touch you, you say?"

    Smack! Smack!

    Seeing how defiant Ms. Quill remained, Frank pulled her close and pped her firmly across the face twice!

    "I don''t know who your father is, but I will help him clean up that potty mouth of yours right now!" Hearing Frank''s diss, Ms. Quill could pass out from sheer frustration.

    She had been pampered like a princess since a child and had certainly never been subject to such abuse!

    "I''ll kill you, Frank Lawrence, you subhuman piece of¡ª"

    Smack!Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank pped her viciously across the face again. "Guess that mouth is still potty. Not a problem-keep yapping, and I''ll keep straightening you out!"

    Standing in the distance, Titus shook his head and sighed at how brutal Frank was. "Mr. Lawrence, as a fellow man, I think you should show some chivalry. Ms. Quill is born a beauty, but you''d trample all over her so ruthlessly? It''s honestly disappointing..."

 Chapter 1822

    Chapter 1822

    ?

    Standing in the distance, Titus shook his head and sighed at how brutal Frank was. "Mr. Lawrence, as a fellow man, I think you should show some chivalry. Ms. Quill is born a beauty, but you''d trample all over her so ruthlessly? It''s honestly disappointing..."

    "What''s it to you?! Fuck off!"

    Frank was just seeing red because of Ms. Quill''s foul attitude and was especially indignant that Titus would use the fact to poke fun at him now.

    Titus glowered at Frank''s outburst in turn.

    "Frank Lawrence! How dare you insult Mr. Lionheart!"

    Azar Salor, the chief of Clear Winds Pavilion, certainly would not pass up the chance to lick Titus'' boots, even asking him, "Mr. Lionheart, please give Clear Winds Pavilion your permission to subdue that insolent wretch!"

    "Go."

    Titus did not stop Azar this time.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    For one, he was actually a little upset by Frank''s insolence.

    While he was also curious to see the depth of Frank''s strength with this, it also went without saying that if Frank or Azar killed Ms. Quill by mistake, it would not be any of his business.

    "Stop!" Frank promptly barked at Azar, and he could see that he was about to be the target of everyone else in the room.

    Azar, however, could not care less.

    Cracking his neck and rubbing his palms, he chuckled coolly. "Frank Lawrence, this is for hurting my son earlier today!"

    However, Frank remained where he was, warning Azar, "I''m telling you to stop! Don''t move-it''s for your own good!"

    "Why don''t you listen to yourself? For my own good?"

    Azar could hear him, but he merely raised a brow and kept advancing, still chuckling. "Trying to look all mysterious when you''re just trying to buy time?"

    "Well..."

    Seeing that Azar refused to listen, Frank simply shook his head. "Whatever. There''s no reason to argue with you when you deserve it."

    "This is the end of the line for you, brat! I''ll make you pay for insulting Mr. Lionheart and hurting my son!"

    Azar was now close enough to Frank and charging his pure vigor as he raised his fist, aiming it straight at Frank.

    "Stop!"

    The two sentries were flinching in terror at the sight and leapt forward to stop Azar.

    After all, if he missed so much by an inch, his full-powered punch might find Ms. Quill''s head instead, blowing it into pieces!

    However, Azar could not care less as the chief of Clear Winds Pavilion, he was determined to prove his loyalty to the Lionhearts.

    As such, even punching a hole into the head of some heiress he had never heard of was absolutely eptable.

    Moreover, Frank would have to

    I

    release Ms. Quill if he wanted to dodge, and that would leave him surrounded, further lowering his odds.

    Nheless, it was obvious that Ms. Quill was not thinking that far.

    She was struggling as hard as she could when she saw Azar''s fist streaking toward her.

    However, Frank''s fingers remained

    around her neck, holding her with a

    swnovel

    vice-like grip and making her struggles look like a child''s iling.

    And even as Azar''s fist shot ever closer, Ms. Quill''s face turned pale despite her fearless attitude, and she started trembling uncontrobly.

    ADUMS

    She could clearly feel death''s approach, like a monster spreading its gaping jaws as it lunged toward her. And the man behind her was clearly not going to release her, even using her as a meat shield!

 Chapter 1823

    Chapter 1823

    ?

    Eventually, giving in to the imminent threat of death, Ms. Quill growled through her teeth, "My grandfather is Governor Quill!" Azar, who was still holding up his knuckle, seemed to freeze right then.

    As such, when Ms. Quill turned, she found Azar only staring fixedly straight ahead, still poised for attack but stiff like a statue.

    "Hmph!"

    Ms. Quillughed coolly as she looked on, pursing her lips. "At least you know your ce. If youy a finger on me, my grandfather will destroy everyone in this room!"

    However, while Ms. Quill was relishing in the delight of making Azar back off, Frank scowled and snapped at her, "Shut up."

    "You shut up!"

    Ms. Quill could not care less now that she had yed her trump card, smirking as she red at Frank. "The same goes for you too! If you touch me again¡ª"

    "I''m telling you to shut up! Don''t breathe!" Frank snapped viciously.

    Ms. Quill flinched and quickly sped a hand over her mouth.

    It was only then that she realized Frank had already freed her neck and quickly ran to put some distance between them.

    And seeing her escape, her two sentries promptly shielded her from the front and back. "Are you alright, Ms. Quill?"

    "How am I alright?!" she snapped, bristling. "Take a good look at my face and my hand! He hurt me, but you two geezers only watched!"

    The two sentries scowled at being called geezers.

    "We had no choice. You were restrained, and if we had moved recklessly¡ª"

    "I don''t care!"

    Ms. Quill bellowed stubbornly, "I''m ordering you both now to take down Frank Lawrence! Hack off his limbs, and I will personally handle the remains! Go!"

    Her outburst left both sentries trading nces, but they eventually obeyed and glowered as they advanced on Frank.

    Frank was scowling as he saw that Ms. Quill was still hollering and warned quietly, "I said, shut up-that''s for your own good!" "Hah!"

    Ms. Quill snorted in disdain as she stood akimbo. "For my own good? Did you think I''d buy that, after you pped me and broke my hand?! Hah! You would''ve killed me?f that fool wasn''ting for you!

    "You''re... unbelievable!"

    Frank had already expected that Ms. Quill was a difficult person, but he did not predict that it was to this extent.

    Pointing at Azar, he snapped

    coolly, "Did you really think that he

    stopped because of who you are? Well, you''re very much

    mistaken-the poison in his body had simply kicked in!"

    "What?!"

    Titus, who was simply watching in the distance, frowned.

    On the other hand, Ms. Quillughed in disdain. "Hahaha! You can trick children with such lies, but do you really think the whole world is as stupid as you and your mom?!"

    "Shut up!" Frank snarled through his teeth. "Don''t talk about my mom!"

    "Oh, but I will keep talking about your mom! Go on, hit me if you can!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Ms. Quill stood akimbo, dead sure that Frank was at a disadvantage and had nothing over her.

 Chapter 1824

    Chapter 1824

    ?

    "Oh, but I will keep talking about your mom! Go on, hit me if you can!"

    Ms. Quill was endlessly pompous, dead sure that Frank was at a disadvantage, even fearing her family background and not daring to hurt her again. Why else would Frank release her?

    Still, despite Ms. Quill''s ignorance, Frank''s rage slowly eased into peace.

    Having used all his idle time to train, he was not his previous impulsive self.

    While he was still livid to hear someone insult his mother, he could at least control himself now.

    He then spoke calmly, as if it had nothing to do with him. "Right now, you''re breathing an airborne form of poison that carries a type of bug called the brocade mite. Azar Salor there has been charging his pure vigor repeatedly, hastening their hatching in his body.

    "So I''d advise you to quit hollering the louder you are, the more you''d breathe in the poison, and the more mites would infest your body."

    Seeing Ms. Quill frown, Frank narrowed his eyes. "By the way, I''m only telling you that because of our grandfather."

    "That''s bullshit!"

    Ms. Quill snapped after some thought-it was creepy to even think that she had parasites inside her!

    Frank then held up both hands, revealing the objects in both palms. "Then why don''t you think for a moment? For starters, where did you get the ring containing the Celestial Dew and the spiritron vein?"

    "What..."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Ms. Quill''s face stiffened when she saw Frank holding the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew in his hands.

    She kept both in the back pocket of her shorts but never felt Frank taking both before she noticed.

    And clearly, Frank had to reach inside to get both items...

    "You... pervert!"

    Ms. Quill red at Frank, even as she reached inside her back pocket.

    Frank was left taken aback but soon snapped, "Focus! Where did you get both the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew?!"

    "..."

    "1

    Ms. Quill trailed off, stunned just as she was about to speak.

    After all, she had found both itemsying on the table as she stepped through the front door.

    They were treated as treasures earlier but were simply left sitting on the table in an empty room.

    Ms. Quill had actually found that weird, but since there was no faking either object, she was distracted by the sheer fortune of finding such great treasures.

    And once she brought it home, she would definitely be praised by her parents and even her grandfather.

    That was why she had attended the three-party auction in the first ce and was the one who came knocking on Mobius'' door soon after the auction.

    What she did not expect was for Titus Lionheart and the chief of Clear Winds Pavilion to show up as well.

    They had immediately used her of stealing and started a fight.

    ??

    And seeing the look on Ms. Quill''s face, Frank did not even need to guess this entire room was a trap, prepared for Titus, Ms. Quill, and even Frank himself!

    They would definitely fight if they came for the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew, and they would be too busy to notice the poison subtly released into the air.

    Even if they found out after they were battered from fighting each other, it would be toote the poisoner had won!

    And it went without saying who had set up this trap either.

    After all, this room belonged to Mobius, the foreign businessman!

 Chapter 1825

    Chapter 1825

    ?

    As Frank stared fixedly at Ms. Quill, he asked, "If I''m guessing right, it took no effort for you to get both of these, right?" "How''d you know?"

    Ms. Quill did a double take but soon glowered and held out a hand at Frank. "Return the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew to me! They''re both mine!"

    "Yours?"

    Frankughed despite himself at the young woman''s unreasonable attitude, shaking his head. "You''re still worried that I''m having them, even now. You''re just a mouse that has fallen into a trap but is still more concerned if the cheese is real. Honestly, you''re as dumb as you look."

    Frank''s insult left Ms. Quill scowling.

    On the other hand, Titus was glowering from some distance away and demanded loudly, "Frank Lawrence! What proof do you have that this room is poisoned?"

    "He''s just trying to steal my treasures for himself!" Ms. Quill butted in. "We should be taking him down right now! Anything else can wait!"

    "Shut up!" Titus snapped at her right then.

    "What..."

    Ms. Quill was shocked that Titus was not siding with her and was left seething as it felt like she was being ostracized.

    She had been born with a golden spoon in her mouth and raised in an ivory tower. She had certainly never suffered the insults and pain she suffered today!

    "Titus Lionheart, was it?!" she snarled viciously. "How dare you side with that maggot! You''re a dead man!"

    However, Titus ignored her and kept his eyes fixed on Frank.

    Frank was actually not inclined to exin himself to Titus. However, as many Clear Winds Pavilion

    apprentices were still in the room, he needed to show them something that would really make an

    Lov

    impression and send them running.

    "It''s simple, he said, pointing at

    Azar, who was now as stiff as a statue. Come over and take a look at the chief of the Clear Winds the

    Pavilion, and you''ll understand."

    "Hmph..."

    Titus scowled as he came over, taking Azar''s wrist.

    However, he flinched and withdrew his hand as if jolted the next instant, while his expression looked as terrible as it possibly could.

    After all, brocade mites were crawling out of Azar''s face, pores, and nostrils.

    It was too shocking a sight, and even Titus stumbled backward in sheer repulsion.

    He nced at Frank, finally understanding why Frank was trying his best to reason with Azar even when Azar attacked him.

    In fact, Frank''s efforts telling him to stop for his own good was very much reasonable it was Azar''s own fault for refusing to listen, and now, he was dead.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hmph. You''re all just working together to trick me!"

    Ms. Quill still refused to believe it,

    even striding up to look ahet

    face, murmuring haughtily, "Poison? Bugs? He''s clearly just shocked by who I am... Argh!!!"

 Chapter 1826

    Chapter 1826

    ?

    Even Ms. Quill could see the swarms of brocade mites crawling all over Azar''s body.

    Her face turned pale, and she would have pathetically copsed on the floor if one of her sentinels had not caught her in time. "So? Weren''t you saying something about me tricking children?"

    Frank turned to sh a gleeful smile at Ms. Quill, who sped her hand over her mouth, unable to speak.

    Still, feeling that this was not enough, he picked up a machete off the floor and raised it into the air.

    Then, as Titus looked on in shock and as Ms. Quill watched in terror, he sliced through the wrist of Azar''s outstretched knuckle.

    Blood ejected violently, and soon, an entire colony of white brocade mites came scuttering off the stump, dropping all over the floor. "Argh!!!"

    Ms. Quill''s scream resounded even through her fingers.

    It was such a harrowing sight and certainly not something a young woman raised in an ivory tower like herself could ept.

    In fact, even Titus was glowering in the distance, cursing under his breath as he came to a realization. "That prick! He set me up!"

    And with that, he turned and fled without so much as a nce behind.

    The Clear Winds Pavilion apprentices were all pale when they saw their chief''s body reduced to a mite colony.

    None of them dared to touch him now-in fact, they all turned to flee at the same time Titus did.

    And with them gone, it was just Frank, Ms. Quill, and her two elderly sentries left in Mobius'' room.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Both sentries were scowling just then, as they were no fools-they had been fighting Titus'' men for a long while, and Azar even joined the fray.

    In all likelihood, those creepy

    parasites were now growing inside their bodies, and they might even fall dead like Azar did the very next instant!

    "Bleurgh..."

    Ms. Quill eventually broke and started puking on the spot.

    She appeared drained when she was finally done and looked up earnestly at Frank. "Are those things... inside me...?"

    "I warned you."

    Frank shook his head in

    disappointment. "But you had to mock me instead of trusting me. Now, I dare say that all three of you aren''t doing any better than Azar here the mites will hatch in days, and you''ll end up as a mite colony just like him."

    "No... No!!!"

    Ms. Quill was genuinely terrified, dropping to her knees and wing her hair as she suffered from a mental breakdown.

    Still, it would probably push anyone over the edge, let alone a pampered heiress like Ms. Quill, if they were to

    find out that they were infexre to

    by a

    colony of insects.

    Even as she tore her own hair, her pupils dting and unfocused, her sentries took her away.

    For them, time¡ªand survival was of the essence.

    They had to rush Ms. Quill home now and call for the best doctors across Bralog to save her.

    Otherwise, she would lose her mind even before the brocade mites ate her from the inside out.

    Nheless, after Ms. Quill and her sentries were gone, someone started pping in Mobius'' room.

    Click.

    A bookshelf then slowly shifted as a mechanism activated, and a man in a suit emerged from the hidden room behind it.

 Chapter 1827

    Chapter 1827

    ?

    It was Mobius, who had invited Frank here, and he was pping as he approached Frank.

    "Beautiful... beautiful," he said, his ent suddenly free of stammer and smooth as if he were a Draconian.

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted coolly. "And here I thought you''d keep hiding. Can''t resist showing your face, huh?"

    "You''re right." Mobius sighed, shaking his head. "I thought you''d all fight each other to the death over the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew and that

    I just had to watch in secret. I really didn''t expect you to see through my ploy as soon as you came in."

    Frank chuckled icily. "So? Did youe just to tter me?"

    "No, of course not."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Mobius shook his head, his smile turning sinister and his tone cool. "I would''ve imed the bounty on your head along with the spiritron vein and the Celestial Dew, but it seems that you''re a very careful person.

    "And in that case, I''ll just have to do it myself."

    Mobius then drew a rapier from his suit, brandishing it at Frank''s face as he snapped, "Words mean nothing. Either you or I will leave this ce alive!" "Hmph."

    Frank snorted, narrowing his eyes. "Trying to bait me into fighting with my pure vigor, so that the mite eggs would hatch quicker?"

    "Exactly." Mobius shrugged-it was his trick in the first ce, and lying about it was pointless.

    He had already studied enough on the intel gathered on Frank and saw that he would not win in a fair fight.

    Things were different now, however-with the waif balm swirling in the air, Mobius was sure that Frank had brocade mite eggs in his body too.

    As such, if Frank dared to fight him with his pure vigor, he would elerate the growth of the eggs inside him.

    The more intense Frank fought and the further he used pure vigor, the quicker the eggs would hatch, and the sooner he would be devoured.

    As such, all Mobius had to do in theory was to buy time, and Frank would be dead anyway.

    "Hahaha..."

    Despite Mobius'' confident look, however, Frank was chuckling and narrowing his eyes. "And what

    Vel

    makes you think that I''d need to use pure vigor against you?"

    "What..."

    Even before Mobius'' eyes widened in shock, Frank moved, disappearing and reappearing before him in an instant.

    "So fast!"

    There was a look of disbelief in Mobius'' eyes as he recovered from his surprise, while a ck sh shot past his face.

    "Eh?"

    The ck sh stopped Frank''s outstretched finger, but it dispersed soon after.

    However, it allowed Mobius to thrust

    ne

    his rapier forward with a battle

    launching over a dozen stet

    Frank''s position.

    "I got him... wait?!"

    Mobius was watching as he stabbed into Frank, only for Frank''s figure to blur and eventually disappear as Mobius watched. "An afterimage?!"

    Even as Mobius realized that, he felt a rush of wind behind him!

 Chapter 1828

    Chapter 1828

    ?

    Bang!N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Assisted by the ck sh, Mobius used his hand to parry Frank''s lethal strike.

    Even so, the monumental force that struck him sent him flying, crashing through a table and coughing blood.

    "Huh?"

    Frank was surprised as he watched Mobius wipe the blood off his mouth and got to his feet again.

    However, he was not surprised by Mobius'' skill but by the ck sh wherever Frank''s hits threatened tond, taking the brunt of the damage. Frank had never seen such a ck sh either, but he soon remembered Yohan Bozad, the name that Silverbell had mentioned.

    "Is that godforce?" he murmured, narrowing his eyes.

    "Ahem..."

    On the other hand, Mobius was wiping the bloody foam from his mouth, a look of trauma showing in his eyes.

    Even if the ck sh took the brunt of the damage for him, Frank''s power was so horrific that he was still hopelessly outmatched. Perhaps one must expect nothing less from a man who had an S-ss bounty on his head abroad.

    Sneaking a look at the ss wall and getting a sh of inspiration just then, he sheathed his rapier as Frank looked on and slowly raised his hand.

    "I surrender, Mr. Lawrence," he said with a look of admiration. "So that''s why you have a S-ss bounty on your head. I never stood a chance." Frank was surprised that Mobius was giving up already.

    Still, it made sense just two strikes were enough to hurt Mobius, and he had godforce''s protection on top of that.

    A few more blows, and Mobius was not going to live-surrendering was therefore the smart choice here.

    However...

    "You didn''t hesitate when you tried to kill me, but you''re already surrendering now? Don''t you think you''re making light of me here?"

    Mobius smiled, as if he knew that

    Frank would say that. "Mr. Lawrence, I serve Yohan Bozad. Kill me, and he''ll kill you... In fact, if he came

    personally, even your fathe

    Lord of the Southern

    ovel.ne

    Woods-wouldn''t survive his wrath.

    "That''s why letting me go is for your own good. I''m sure you''re not stupid enough to kill me."

    "Even if I can''t handle you, your family is still easy pickings... I heard that Helen Lane of Lanecorp is your better half, yes?"

    Frank''s cheek twitched, and he rasped coolly, "Did you really think that I won''t kill you?"

    "Sure you can."

    Mobius shrugged. "But you''ll have to pay the price for that. Master Bozad and I are connected by godforce, and he''d know who killed me. So hand over everything now if you don''t want further trouble."

    Crack...

    Frank clenched his knuckles.

    In reality, he did not want to make yet another legion of enemies-especially when even Silverbell, the chief of the Martial Alliance, was wary of them.

    However, it was also a fact that Mobius'' pride and glee was written all over his face. Even if he could not beat Frank, he remained fearless, even threatening Frank with his connections.

    And that left Frank very frustrated.

 Chapter 1829

    Chapter 1829

    ?

    It was a fact that Mobius'' pride and glee was written all over his face. Even if he could not beat Frank, he remained fearless, even threatening Frank with his connections.

    And that left Frank very frustrated.

    On the other hand, Mobius was standing in the distance, even starting to lecture Frank, "I understand that it''s a difficult choice, Mr. Lawrence, but think about it: what do you lose if you surrender those treasures?

    "Those are all just frivolous medicinal ingredients, but what would you gain in giving them up? It would be the friendship of yours truly and Master Bozad''s himself. What is that if not a good thing?"

    "Friendship?"

    Frank snickered, shaking his head. "Sounds nice, but what good is your friendship to me?"

    "What good, you ask?"

    Mobius smiled in turn. "The good it does is that your family would be safe and wouldn''t have to worry about suddenly being killed by assassins."

    Frankughed in resignation, nodding at Mobius. "You''re right. I do value the safety of those around me, and you''re as despicable as you are cunning."

    Mobius nodded in acknowledgement despite Frank''s insult, clearly not taking offense, but he was soon stunned as Frank continued. "But if that''s what you intend to make me submit, then you''re really underestimating me."

    Mobius gaped. "What are you..."

    "Like you said, your master can sense what kills you, yes?"

    Frank smiled faintly, his eyes shing with restrained rage. "But what if you slip and fall to your death by chance?" "What? I..."

    Bang!

    Frank''s pure vigor erupted, elerating him over tenfold.

    He was in front of Mobius in the blink of an eye, and he seized Mobius by the neck with one hand!

    "Oof!"

    Mobius struggled against Frank''s vice-like grip, his eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

    Was Frank really going to kill him? Was he that ignorant, or did he not care?!

    "If you challenge Master Bozad, he will hunt you down!" Mobius yelled at the top of his lungs. "Everyst one of you, even in Draconia!"

    "Let hime all he wants!"

    Frank bellowed ferociously, ncing

    at the bright moon outside the window, I''m Frank Lawrence, and d neither cower nor fear any who dares to terrorize Draconia, bet Master Bozad or Master Bozo!"

    He then noticed the dark sh sneaking at him from the back, caught it with his other hand, and crushed it.

    "Y-You broke the godforce that

    Master Bozad bestowed me!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Mobius cried out in shock but soon

    laughed. "Well, you''re a dead man anyway... You''ve just used your pure viger!"

    "Heh. You''re kidding."

    Frank sneered. "I was a younger man when read about the waif balm and even cooked some myself. Did you really think you could kill me just because you added the brocade mite eggs on top of that? You''re just being naive!"

    "What?!"

    Mobius lost all hope right then¡ªnot only did Frank outmatch him, but even the parasites that he had gone through great lengths to prepare were pointless too.

    Was he really a Draconian martial artist and not a god like Yohan?

    In the face of death, Mobius actually found doubt in himself, when he had never once questioned Yohan''s power.

    It left him at a loss, as he had the feeling that Frank''s might strongly resembled Yohan''s in a way!

 Chapter 1830

    Chapter 1830

    ?

    Thud! Thud! Thud!

    Frank poked various acupoints around Mobius'' body, paralyzing him.

    "You shouldn''t have threatened my family," he said impassively and kicked Mobius out of the window.

    "Family..."

    Mobius'' eyes were wide, staring at the face that was soon far away, as he felt the agony tearing through his back.

    His vision soon faded, and he was dead.

    "Hmm?!"

    Far beyond Draconia, an elderly white-haired man sleeping in a grand canopy bed within a mountain castle suddenly opened his eyes.

    The candles around him lit up as he did.

    After all, Yohan Bozad had just sensed a thread of godforce connected to himself fading away.

    "Mobius..." he murmured, quickly identifying the thread, and he closed his eyes as he sighed. "He''s served me for so long, and he died in Draconia."

    As Mobius had said, he could see what Mobius saw before his death, even feeling the free fall leading to it.

    "Wait, he fell to his death? No, someone must have thrown him out of a building... But who? He''s young, but that face is a blur?"

    Stillying in his bed, Yohan murmured, "Numan, Rodan."

    "Master Bozad."

    At his gentle call, two men who were just getting shirtless paused, their expressions solemn.

    The two men were blond,

    exceedingly muscr, and covered

    in tattoos. They happened to be in a noisy bar, ready to get things going with their partners for the night.

    But now, both traded nces as they turned solemn, while thedies with them were left staring at them in confusion.

    Both men looked raring to go just a

    second ago, but it was as if all that

    excitement hade to a

    el:

    screeching halt as they stared into thin air.

    ton

    "Go to Draconia and investigate Mobius'' death. Then, avenge him."

    And with those short, simple instructions, the weird sensation in Numan and Rodan''s mind faded.

    "Draconia? Mobius?"

    Numan and Rodan were caught in disbelief-Mobius? Dead?

    The man was Yohan''s personal valet, and Yohan thought most highly of him.

    To think that someone dared to kill Yohan''s servant, and one who had seen Yohan''s face on top of that... Numan and Rodan smirked nheless-this was going to be fun.

    "Draconia, huh? I heard they have those... martial artists?" Numan, who had a skull tattoo, mused. "Hmph. They''re nothing in the face of Master Bozad''s godforce." Rodan sneered through his beard. Numan smiled savagely too. "You''re right. They''re asking for it by messing with Master Bozad." "What are you on about, boys? Are we doing this?"

    Thedies were giving them looks, clearly unhappy about the pause.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Hmph. Of course we are." Numan leaped forward and went to work.

    e

    Soon, Rodan was panting too, and he suggested, "Oh, and I heard thedies are nice over there. Why don''t

    we

    some action too while we''re

    The

    "Good idea. Hehe..." Numan chuckled.

 Chapter 1831

    Chapter 1831

    ?

    Frank was not aware that Yohan had just ced him on his wanted list or that two godforce-wielding assassins wereing to Draconia to investigate Mobius'' death.

    He was in Silverbell''s room, exining what he had found out about Mobius.

    "That''s all I can say."

    Frank shrugged, frowning. "I suspect that the heretical geomancer you''re looking for is Mobius. You said that the victims were devoured from the inside by colonies of insects? It''s exactly how his poison gas works."

    "I see."

    Silverbell nodded but eximed in surprise, "You''re saying everyone in the room was infected with brocade mites, including Titus Lionheart...?" "He''s probably fine."

    Frank waved her off, shaking his head. "He was only watching the whole time and did not fight, let alone use his pure vigor. And with his resources as a Lionheart, clearing them out isn''t difficult, but..."

    "But, what?" Silverbell asked curiously.

    "Nothing... It''s just a hunch, but I think Ms. Quill is in danger."

    Frank frowned slightly. "She kept hollering, so she would''ve inhaled more mite eggs than anyone else. She even used pure vigor to struggle against my grip, so she''d be beyond saving in three days, unless someone disinfects her."

    Silverbell was surprised that Frank was so concerned about Ms. Quill, and she sounded a little jealous as she snorted. "What, are you being chivalrous?"

    Frank actually paused for a moment, as he could hear the jealous edge in her voice.

    "Chivalrous?" He chuckled. "I''m only watching her because we''re rted by blood, and it''d leave me troubled to see her dying soon."

    Silverbell blinked, not sure why Frank was hesitating. "You should just help her. She''s your rtive anyway, right?"

    Frank pursed his lips. "You''ve seen what she''s like. If I go to her home offering help, I won''t be expecting a warm wee, if I''m not yelled at."

    "So you''re just waiting until she''s at her limit andes to you?"

    Silverbell realized with a start, beaming. "Well, it''s fine for her to suffer a little. Never liked her anyway."

    Frank felt a little emotional watching

    age, so why was

    aN?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Sell she and Ms. Quill v e gap in personalities of

    Shaking his head and dumping those thoughts, he chuckled as he asked, "Will you be leaving tomorrow, since you''re done here?"

    "Yeah."

    "Got it." Frank nodded.

    With his enemies lurking in the darkness, Frank was not about to stand out and fight Yohan.

    The Martial Alliance involvement would certainly spare him a lot of trouble, too.

    And with the important things sorted out, Frank excused himself and left Silverbell''s room.

 Chapter 1832

    Chapter 1832

    ?

    Silverbell was left sitting on her bed, watching as Frank left grumpily.

    "Honestly, do you have to leave? It''s already sote..." she muttered under her breath, her cheeks burning just as she finished.

    Nheless, she left with Mobius'' body the next day as evidence as she returned to Morhen.

    On the other hand, Frank stayed at the hotel and waited for the Quills to contact him.

    Meanwhile, the entire hotel was quarantined, as Clear Winds Pavilion suffered huge casualties.

    Only Mickus Salor, the yboy scion, was left, waking up to see that everything was gone.

    After all, Clear Winds Pavilion did not just lose their elites, but their chief Azar Salor was dead too. All he left was an ipetent in Mickus and a Clear Winds Pavilion that was barely a shade of its former glory.

    It certainly caught Mickuspletely off guard, and he barged through the security barrier around Mobius'' room just to scream and curse at his father''s corpse and the Lionhearts.

    The hotel was certainly a lively ce over the next two days.

    Frank remained there too, and by the third, he was getting restless.

    If he did not cure Ms. Quill by today, she might really die.

    However, there was not a peep, so Frank had no idea whether the Quills had some expert who actually cured her, or if Ms. Quill had simply hidden her condition from her family.

    Either way, Frank was getting tired of waiting.

    He certainly did not want to just sit and watch as Ms. Quill died just a few days after he met his maternal grandfather, no matter how much he despised her.

    Still, just as he decided to visit the Quills, he suddenly got a call from Winter.

    He was surprised-why would she call now? Did something happen in Zamri?

    "Yes, Winter?"

    As he answered the call

    apprehensively, he stiffened when he heard a haughty woman''s voice snapping from the other end, "Are you really a doctor?! You''re so young! You''re taking full

    vel.f

    responsibility if Megan dies under

    your care, do you understunder

    "Frank..."

    Winter finally spoke, clearly tired while also wincing in pain.

    "What happened, Winter?!"

    Frank could tell that she was surrounded, since she spoke very gingerly.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "I-I''m fine."

    Winter forced a giggle but soon added softly heard you''re in Bralog, and just happened to be in town as well. I''m doing a house call for an heiress, but her condition is too weird. It took me a long while to finally see that her lungs are being eaten by mites-"

    "I know." Frank sighed, cutting her short and rubbing his brow.

    It was hard to believe in such coincidences, but they did happen

    "Frank?"

    Winter was confused by Frank''s reaction.

    She had always consulted him when

    it

    SO

    complex, unusual cases,

    was he being a little weird

    about this?

 Chapter 1833

    Chapter 1833

    ?

    Frank then said, "Just wait for me. I''ll be right there."

    With that, he hung up.

    "Eh?"

    Winter, who was still holding her phone, was naturally left confused.

    She did not even mention an address, but Frank seemed to have understood everything and said that he would be right there...

    Nheless, the people around Winter clearly heard the static beeping of her phone.

    Their leader, a fat woman with a mole on her lips who looked exceedingly haughty, smirked. "Tut, tut¡ªand you call yourself the chief of Zamri Hospital? Slept with many men to get the job, didn''t you, girlie?"

    The undisguised insult left Jean Zims at once furious.

    Still, this was the woman''s turf and on top of that, it was the home of Governor Quill, who held the highest military authority in Draconia''s east coast. As such, Winter could only seethe, since she could not express her rage despite how furious she was.

    On the other hand, Jean snapped at the woman right then, "Watch your mouth!"

    As Winter''s best friend and assistant, she had followed Winter here to Bralog.

    And though Winter could tolerate this, Jean was more blunt and refused to let anyone insult her best friend, despite the situation. "Jean!"

    Winter quickly grabbed her they had to be very careful here, since they were dealing with the Quills, who were not your average important family.

    In fact, the fat woman who had just mocked Winter was Cara York, one of Governor Quill''s daughters-inw.

    If they upset her, they might not leave Quill Manor in one piece.

    "What? Aren''t I allowed to criticize your ipetence?"

    1

    Cara snorted. "Gene Pearce was even bragging about how you''re the best doctor in Zamri Hospital and could handle anything. But as it turns out, you''ve been standing around doing nothing for almost an hour, but my niece isn''t getting any better.

    "We all heard you call for help too, my goodness. The way I see it, you''re just a prostitute who got promoted for your looks, and you have nothing else going for you! Admit it¡ªyou''re Gene Pearce''s lover,

    aren''t you?!"

    That was way out of line, and despite usually being mild-mannered, Winter''s face fell at Cara''s diss.

    Fortunately, I Wells, Ms. Quill''s mother, came to pacify the situation.

    Though she was wearing an

    embroidered dress like Cara, she was quite soft spoken, evenforting Winter, "It''s alright, miss. You don''t have to worry too much even if you can''t help-Megan''s father has already sent for a foreign specialist, and he''ll be here soon."

    Although Winter nodded with a scowl, she exined quietly, "Ma''am, I''ve been trying to tell you that your daughter isn''t ill. She''s been infected with... an unusual bug that I can''t quite describe myself."

    "Get out of here if you don''t know what you''re talking about!" Cara snapped at her, at once annoyed. "Why are you dragging your feet? What a waste of our time!"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    "Cara!" I snapped at her, shooting her a warning re as Cara was ready to throw another round of insults at Winter.

    "It''s fine."

    Winter took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Ma''am, I have not seen this condition before, but that''s because it''s not an ordinary illness. Your daughter has been infected by a resilient parasite somece else."

    "Parasite?" I sped a hand over her mouth in horror.

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    "Parasite?" I sped a hand over her mouth in horror.

    "Bleurgh!"

    Cara spat on the floor in turn, pointing at Winter as she snapped, "Don''t you give us that bullshit! Our dear Megan has always been a good girl! She wouldn''t go anywhere dangerous, let alone get infected by some parasite! The way I see it, you''re just finding excuses to hide your ipetence!" With Cara taking the lead, the other women became vocally disapproving of Winter too. Like Cara, they were clearly questioning her qualification as a doctor and dismissing her parasite diagnosis as an excuse.

    "Winter!"

    Jean finally had enough and started pulling Winter by the arm while glowering. "Forget it. Let''s just leave we really can''t help patients like these. Let them find whoever else they prefer!"

    Still, it was clear that Jean was not saying that they were not qualified to help. She just could not stand the Quills'' high-and-mighty attitude, as if they were superior in every department.

    "But..."

    Winter remained ever kind, giving Jean an awkward look.

    She really wanted to do her best, and she had just called Frank too.

    It was weird that Frank would tell her he would be right there so quickly, but he had never once lied to her.

    In all likelihood, he was already on the way here, and things might getplicated if she was not here when he arrived.

    "Winter, you''re just too kind for your own good..."

    Jean sighed lengthily, seeing that pleading look in Winter''s eye.

    "Then you will get this done¡ªthis is an order!"

    Cara reared her chin at them right then. "Do something and save my niece, or leave! Stop embarrassing us any further!" She carried herself above the rest from the start and looked at Winter and Jean as if they were beneath her.

    She certainly would not allow such

    brats to checkup on her niece if not for Gene Pearce''s rmendation In her mind, it was a profoundly vite thing, allowing such young, inexperienced doctors to touch and sully her niece''s skin for nothing.  N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    That was why she had been harassing Winter and Jean from the start, haranguing them to cure her niece right away and leave with their coveted reward.

    Be that as it may, what irritated Cara the most was the fact that her husband Gero Quill was a doctor too.

    He was a military doctor on top of

    that, thanks to the Quill family''s

    military ties, even carrying a stol

    reputation in the east coast military bases.

    However, Gero could not help Megan at all-in fact, he could not even properly diagnose her.

    As such, both Gero and Cara-the

    latter who constantly bragged about

    her husband being a miracle worker-were thoroughly humiliated even in the family.

    In fact, they just had a huge fight because of that.

    Now, Cara was just venting all her frustrations on Jean and Winter.

    While cursing her husband''s ipetence in her mind, she did her damndest to bully both young women.

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    Frank was naturally unaware about what was happening in Quill Manor.

    He more or less sensed that things were getting hairy for Winter, but he had no idea about the harassment Winter and Jean were subjected to.

    And after hanging up on Winter, he called the personal number that his grandfather had left him a few days ago.

    "Hello, Governor... I mean, Grandfather."

    "Haha!" Governor Quillughed from the other end. "Frank, my boy... What can this old man do for you?"

    Frank flinched just from hearing the man''s voice, but he soon caught himself and smiled. "Would you mind telling me where your manor is? I''d like to visit."

    "Oh? Great! That sounds fantastic!"

    Governor Quill was taken aback that Frank was asking to visit and soonughing brightly because it had been a while since anyone asked. "Very well, you should visit... but I''m not at Quill Manor at the moment... But maybe it''d be more appropriate to say that I haven''t been there for a long time!"

    Frank was really surprised. "What? You''re not there?"

    "Hehe..."

    The old man chuckled, but his voice sounded miserable. "To tell the truth... My family has been keeping a distance ever since I pacified the northern tribes and climbed out of the mountains of corpses. I only return to the manor once every year just for show, or there''d be trouble."

    At Governor Quill''s exnation, Frank suddenly remembered the man''s face.

    It was certainly true that anyone

    would be left petrified by the very

    presence he carried. But they could not be med either-even an Ascendant-ranked individual like

    ¦«¦¯¦©

    Frank would feel the creeps whenever he looked into his

    grandfather''s eye.

    "Hehe... the only person in my memory who woulde to me was your mother. Such a shame how that little shit deceived her, taking her away from me..."

    Frank scratched his head as his grandfather started reminiscing again, and he said bluntly, "Actually, I have something to tell you..."

    He then told Governor Quill everything, about Mobius and Ms. Quill getting involved, after which she was infected by the brocade mites.

    He insisted that if Ms. Quill did not get help by today, she would be in mortal danger.

    Governor Quill fell silent after hearing Frank''s story and sighed lengthily. "I see... I didn''t think that she''d be crazy enough to track you down, when I was merely suggesting it..."Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Track me down?" Frank did a double take.

    "Yes."

    Governor Quill sighed. "As soon as I first saw you, I knew you had great potential, which was why I proposed to have you inherit my office.

    "However, that ended up causing the kids'' disapproval, especially Megan, my youngest granddaughter. I knew she was most upset, but I didn''t expect her to go straight to you. It''s reallyplicated..." Content

    Frank could tell from his grandfather''s tone that he really could not do anything about it.

    "Ahem."

    Governor Quilk cleared his throat,

    seemingly noticing Frank''s

    confusion, was once just

    disciplining one of my children, only to drive my youngest son out of his mind. That was why I left Quilt Manor to live on a yacht by myself."

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    "Ahem."

    Governor Quill cleared his throat, seemingly noticing Frank''s confusion. "I was once just disciplining one of my children, only to drive my youngest son out of his mind. That was why I left Quill Manor to live on a yacht by myself."

    He sighed, his exasperated recounting of the past leaving even Frank feeling sorry for him.

    "After I left a trail of bodies in the north, I must have invoked some curse. Since then, I carried a death aura that would petrify anyone, even my family, to the point of driving my youngest son insane.

    "And so I left the manor to live by myself, only returning once a year just for show. Still, your mother was the only one who could stand me. I remember how she loved to fish with me out at sea, and we spent all the seasons on my yacht.

    "Hahaha... even now, I can still hear her calling me daddy. But before I knew it, the little airhead was a big girl, and she''s still the only one who never feared me... It''s such a shame."

    Governor Quill''s voice turned nasally just then, clearly shedding tears.

    Frank hung his head too.

    To be honest, his memories of his mother, Tiffany Quill, had be murky.

    However, he clearly remembered that one asion in the woods, when his mother had brought him out to a pond to fish.

    At that time, his mother had also told him that she and her father used to catch fishrger and taller than Frank.

    As a child, that had certainly caught his interest.

    To hear Governor Quill mention that now really left his nostrils wet, and he almost shed a tear.

    "You''re a good kid, Frank."

    Governor Quill spoke emotionally just then, sighing. "I understand that you joined Mystic Sky Sect after you fought your father, zealously studying martial arts to avenge your mother. But the waters of Draconia run deeper than you''d think... And your mother''s death was a move in an borate scheme,id in ce by a person whom even the likes of us must never challenge.

    "Right now, you must properly hide your abilities while continuing to train diligently. Do your best to reach the Transcendent rank! Once you''re there, you''ll have finally earned your keep in Draconia." C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    "What?!"

    Frank felt a chill run down his spine.

    He had to reach the Transcendent rank just to earn his keep?

    And his mother was killed as part of a n made by someone so important that no one got to challenge?

    Someone whom even his maternal grandfather, the overlord of all east coast''s forces, could not act against?

    It certainly messed up Frank''s

    mind-he had heard many people mention, many times that the waters

    of Draconia ran deep. But to think that things were this way...

    ridiculous.

    If anything, it appeared that he was getting full of himself just because he had reached Ascendant rank.

    "Anyway, I''ll send you the address," Governor Quill said just then. "I know Megan has been impulsive and spoiled, but she''s a good kid at heart. Do save her if you can."

    "I will, Grandfather," Frank replied shortly.

    "Well, I''m relieved to have your assurance. Hehehe..."

    "By the way..."

    Seeing that Governor Quill was about to hang up, Frank quickly added, "You can tell me the port where you berth too. I''ll visit whenever I have the time."

    There was a long silence, but

    Governor Quill soonughed heartily.

    "Yes, yes! Of course... I''ll send you the location. No worries-I won''t me you if you never visit either."

    "Yeah."

    Frank then hung up and took a deep breath.

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    Frank had finally and earnestly epted Governor Quill as his maternal grandfather and could not help chuckling as he remembered how Governor Quill referred to his father as ''little shit''.

    He shook his head, not expecting that his father was the one who married into the Quill family instead.

    In fact, the Lord of the Southern Woods had only reached where he currently was because of Frank''s mother, who had most probably asked Governor Quill for a few favors!

    It was certainly shocking to think that such an illustrious character was just another sugar baby...

    "Eh?"

    Frank frowned as he suddenly saw Helen Lane''s face in his mind and muttered to himself, "Another? Wait, did I just lump myself with him?"

    Still, it made sense now that he thought about it, since everyone else considered Frank to be living off Helen.

    "The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree, huh?" he muttered under his breath but soon dispelled the thoughts.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Governor Quill''s text then arrived, giving him the address of Quill Manor, as well as directions to a port and his yacht''s hull number.

    If he wanted to, Frank could just go to said port to ask where he was sailing to.

    But for now, Frank put away his phone and took a cab to the coastal mansion district of Bralog.

    He was left dumbstruck when he arrived, since Quill Manor upied a good portion of the mansion district, and it was even more expansive than Turnbull Estate in Morhen.

    Still, he was not shocked for that long.

    He soon walked up to the grand red gates of the manor and approached one of the sentries.

    Naturally, the sentries were each

    fully armed soldiers and not your usual security guards. Even if Governor Quill was an important man in the military, a man of his stature would have made plenty of enemies, domestic and foreign, so this was a privilege he had

    "Hello," Frank said as he approached one of the sentires. "I''m Frank Lawrence-I''m Ms. Quill''s doctor."

    "Frank Lawrence...?"

    The four soldiers traded nces at Frank''s words, but all of them shook their heads.

    "Sorry," one of them said. "We

    weren''t informed of your arrival, and this is no ce for anyone to nose around as they like. Please leave if you don''t have any further business here."

    While the soldiers were quite polite, Frank had actually expected this oue too.

    Smiling, he pressed, "May I ask you

    to try again? Governor Quill is my maternal grandfather, and I''m sure my name might ring a few bells..."

    One of the soldiers frowned before murmuring, "Frank Lawrence? Actually, your name does sound familiar..."

    "Now that you''ve said it, I think I remember too..." Another sentry nodded, his eyes soon widening in shock.

    However, just as Frank was pleased that they remembered him, they suddenly drew their guns and aimed right at him! "What...?"

    Frank was caught off guard by their sudden overreaction, even as the other soldiers tensed up.

    "Freeze! You demolished the exhibition hall that Droitner Inc. sponsored just a few days ago, didn''t you?!"

    "Yeah... And you''re a martial artist!"

    "Wait..." Frank frowned. "Weren''t any of you informed? Governor Quill really is my maternal grandfather, and¡ª"

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    One of the soldiers snorted. "Hah! If Governor Quill is your grandfather, then my dad is the president of Draconia!"

    Then, shoving Frank''s chest with his rifle''s barrel to chase him out of the perimeter, he barked, "Leave! You''re not wee here!"

    "What?!"

    While Frank was a little suspicious of how hostile the soldiers suddenly were, he spotted a ck Lincoln limousine arriving from a distance before he could call Governor Quill.

    Seeing Frank just then, a middle-aged man with a crew cut lowered the electric window and poked his head out to ask, "Hey, what''s going on here?"

    One of the soldiers nodded his head respectfully at the man as he reported, "Master Alba, this is Frank Lawrence, and he''s the one who destroyed the Droitner Inc. exhibition. He ims that Governor Quill is his maternal grandfather, and he''s here as Ms. Quill''s doctor."

    "Frank Lawrence?"

    Alba Quill clearly remembered the name, as he turned to look at Frank in surprise.

    Frank lowered his phone in turn-Governor Quill had mentioned that he had told his family about Frank, even suggesting that Frank take his seat as the governor.

    Naturally, Frank was not interested in that position, but having his name recognized would get him inside Quill Manor.

    And judging from his appearance, Alba must be one of Governor Quill''s sons and most definitely knew Frank.

    In that case, Frank would not have to bother Governor Quill again either.

    Making up his mind, he walked up to Alba with a smile. "Hello. I''m Frank Lawrence, and I''m here as Ms. Quill''s doctor. May I ask if you''re...

    However, Alba saw Frank offering a handshake and did not take it, and he smirked at Frank instead. "Sorry, I don''t know who you are. And this is Quill family property, so leave if you have no business here. Also, my daughter doesn''t need some frivolous man like you to poke around."

    And with that, he raised the window, while the ck Lincoln drove straight into a garage after the sentries opened the door.

    Frank was left scowling and rubbing his brow, feeling disappointed as he watched the ck Lincoln drive off.

    So that was Megan Quill''s father? The apple truly did not fall far from the tree.

    In fact, Frank had actually forgotten how difficult and unlikable Megan was after meeting her just a couple of days ago.

    It was only normal for her to havee from such a father. Hell, forget Alba-Megan''s mother, and perhaps the rest of the Quill family, were nothing good.

    After all, it was just like Governor Quill had said he had to keep his distance after he drove his youngest son insane with his death aura.

    That would in turn mean allowing the children free rein, and with such freedom, the Quills were most definitely not disciplined at all. "Urgh, what a bother."

    Frank rubbed his brow the thought that people who were way worse than Megan awaited left him a little irritated.

    In fact, he thought about giving up.

    However, he was a man of his word, and he had given it to Governor Quill.

    Hence, even as the soldiers red at him warily, he whipped out his phone in exasperation to call Governor Quill.

    "Hello? Yeah, Grandfather. It''s me again... Yeah, I''m not allowed into Quill Manor. Haha, don''t me the guards-they''re just doing their jobs..."

    Hence, after a brief exchange, the soldiers'' captain provided Frank a pass.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Moreover, the soldiers who were just chasing Frank away were suddenly each exceedingly respectful after learning that Frank really was Governor Quill''s grandson.

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    Frank sighed, shaking his head-the pecking order always worked.

    Hence, he got onto a buggy escorted by the soldiers, which soon arrived at a five-floored manor near the sea.

    When they arrived and Frank alighted, he did a double take as the soldiers alighted and followed him.

    "Why are you boys still following me?" he asked.

    "Governor''s Quill''s orders, sir," one of the soldiers replied. "He''s worried there''d be another misunderstanding, so he told us to stay as your escort."

    "Fine." Frank sighed, not bothered to chase them away, and hurried inside the manor.

    The Quills certainly deserved their reputation as one of the top families in the country. A single manor was just a part of the entire estate, but it was already almost the same scale as Frank''s Cologne Court.

    Then, as the soldiers continued to escort Frank straight up to the fifth floor, they ran into Alba, who had just tried to chase Frank away. "What are you doing here?!" he snapped, clearly frowning with clear disdain when he saw Frank.

    Frank was not going to be nice, given Alba''s earlier attitude either, and he replied coolly, "Sorry, but Grandfather allowed me in here." "Grandfather?"

    Alba narrowed his eyes andughed coolly. "What grandfather? I''ve never heard my father saying that he has another grandson!"

    Then, pointing at the soldiers escorting Frank, he snapped icily, "You, you, and you. Get him out of here! Quill Manor is hallowed grounds, and no filthy peasants should be let in!"

    "Filthy peasants?"

    Frankughed despite himself-he

    knew that reaching Megan and

    curing her was not going to beC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    but her father was really something else.

    Chuckling coolly, he asked, "Don''t you think you''re giving yourself too much credit? If I''m a peasant, then what are you? Nobility?"

    Alba''s cheeks stiffened, but he straightened his tie and cleared his throat. "Of course. I''m Governor Quill''s third son."

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted. "People are equal in my eyes. Only dogs care to divide themselves by ss."

    "Dogs...?"

    Alba''s face soon fell in realization as he sprang from his armchair, ring at Frank murderously. "Did you just call me a dog?!"

    "I didn''t. You''re the one who insisted on dividing people by ss."

    "Hmph!"

    Alba snorted coldly. "My father put his life on the line to fight and shed blood in the north, all on his own! That aplishment alone sets me apart from peasants like you!"

    Frank raised a brow at him in turn, as if he was an imbecile. "If your father did that, then that''s his aplishment. What does that have to do with you? Or were you there with him?"

    As Alba''s cheeks flushed beet red, Frank continued. "Also, I''m here to save your daughter, so you should behave around me, or she''s dead!"

    Alba did a double take, but he soon roared withughter. "Hahaha!!!"

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    "What''s so funny?"

    Frank frowned, really wondering if Alba was crazy.

    Wait, maybe he was the son who was driven insane by Governor Quill''s death aura?

    Nheless, Alba stoppedughing and leered at Frank in disdain. "You said you''re here to help my daughter?"

    "I am."

    Frank nodded. "Your daughter tried to mess up a business transaction that I had, just to prove that she''s better, even taking all the merchandise with her. But she''s proven tock both skills and brains and has ended up infected by parasites.

    "Today is the final day for her to get cured. If she doesn''t and the eggs hatch, she''d be bug food."

    The soldiers behind Frank actually twitched as Frank''s creepy description, but Alba remained skeptical.

    In fact, he chuckled coolly. "I''ve already sent for Dr. Georg. He''s the best doctor on the east coast, and he has determined that my daughter isn''t suffering from infection. It''s just an allergic reaction!"

    "Exactly. On the surface, it looks just like an allergy."

    Frank nodded as he spoke quietly, "But the rashes are just the body''s reaction to the presence of foreign bodies inside. If you use medicine that counters allergies, it would have the exact opposite effect and incubate the eggs, making them hatch quicker."

    "What would you know?!"

    Alba''s face fell as he bellowed, "Dr. Georg graduated from Oxenfurt, one of the world''s top universities. He''s also a student of Professor Roberts, who''s famous for his work on virology and infectious diseases!

    "You aren''t even fit to lick Dr. Georg''s boots with his resume alone, and you''re doubting his diagnosis?"

    Frank was actually surprised that Alba mentioned Professor Roberts, since it was a familiar name.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Back when he was treating George Turnbull, Professor Roberts had proven his integrity despite his foreign roots, and it left a strong impression in Frank''s mind.

    After all, when the serum Professor

    Roberts developed failed, he had openly admitted that Frank was better. He had even insisted that the Turnbulls acknowledge that it was Frank who saved George, and not him.

    Later, Frank heard that he had been traveling around Draconia to learn local medicine, while staying in contact with Frank himself.

    That was why hearing the man''s name now left Frank feeling nostalgic.

    "Hmph!"

    Seeing that Frank was silent, Alba quickly presumed that Frank was intimidated andughed. "Do you get it now? Quit embarrassing yourself here my daughter doesn''t need a peasant like you! Dr. Georg is more than enough."

    "Really?"

    Frank chuckled, shaking his head at Alba''s confidence. "Then I guess I should tell you that I''d once beaten Professor Roberts." "What?!"

    Frank''s bragging left Alba doing a double take, but he soon roared withughter. "Brat... I''m actually impressed! Professor Roberts lost to you? How thick-skinned can you be?! You''ve got some real balls, boasting like that!"

    Frank remained impassive. "It''s the truth. Why wouldn''t I say it?"

    Nheless, their conversation could be heard in the room down the hallway.

    A blond foreigner with surgical gloves then opened the door and stepped out, his baby-blue eyes ring fixedly at Frank. "Sir, you may insult me, but do not insult my mentor. Do you understand?"

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    Frank certainly felt Dr. Georg''s temper, but he smiled nonchntly as he picked up a chair to sit on. "So you''re Professor Roberts'' student?"

    "Yes, I am," Dr. Georg said proudly, rearing his chin. "Though I heard him mention losing to a Draconia citizen, he''s a master of medicine, unlike you!" Frank simply regarded him with amusement. "Really? What makes you think that wasn''t me?"

    "Because..."

    Dr. Georg paused, but he soon continued solemnly, "Because he said he had lost to a master of medicine! That means he won''t be as young as you are, so you don''t get to insult him!"

    "Pfft...."

    Frank could not help chuckling-Dr. Georg''s expression and bearing actually resembled Professor Roberts'' stubbornness andpetitive side. "Dr. Georg."

    Alba rose to his feet just then, interrupting Frank and Dr. Georg''s conversation anxiously. "How''s my daughter? Are you sure you can save her?" "Not a problem."

    Dr. Georg''s brow eased as he turned toward Alba, assuring him, "I can say for sure that Ms. Quill is merely suffering from a severe case of allergy. That led to her rashes and her fainting spells, and I''ve already concocted a serum. It just has to be applied, and she''d be up in minutes."

    "Hahaha! That''s wonderful!"

    Alba wasughing and rubbing his palms with Dr. Georg''s assurance, not forgetting to turn and shoot Frank a look of glee.

    Frank did not respond to him,

    however, but kept his eyes on Dr. Georg as he said quietly, "If you''re

    really unsure about Ms. Quill''s

    illness, you should consult your

    ment

    instead of making a decision

    like you. For my part, I''m warning you not to use that so-called anti-allergy serum... or there''d be trouble."

    "Thanks, but I''m confident¡ªyou''re just like those two girls who kept yapping in Ms. Quill''s room."

    Dr. Georg reared his chin proudly as

    he retorted coolly. "It''s clearly an allergic reaction, but they somehow insist that it''s a parasitic infection Mr. Quilt, please chase those noisy girls and this man out of here, or they''d disturb my treatment of your daughter."

    "Not a problem!"

    Alba agreed to it cheerfully and strode into the room, barking orders.

    Soon, Winter, who had a red palm print on cheek, and Jean, who had tears welling up in her eyes, were shoved out of the room by a fat middle-aged

    woman.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Naturally, it was none other than Cara York.

    "Please, ma''am! Don''t apply that serum!"

    Smack!

    Winter was still pleading repeatedly, only for Cara to p her across the face audibly, snapping, "I told you to shut up! How dare you still hoffer in here! Don''t you know that there are rules here?!"

    Beside Winter, Jean bit her lip, her eyes going red as she watched Winter getting hit. "You''re out of line! Winter is just stopping you from killing the patient!"

    Cara simply snorted. "Hah! And I suppose she knows better?!"

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    Smack!C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Even as Cara was going to insult Jean and Winter further, she felt a sudden gust of wind brushing against her cheek, and it soon ze agonizingly. The audible p left everyone in the room stunned.

    "What the..."

    "Frank?"

    Winter was clutching her reddened cheek as she looked up, staring in disbelief at the man suddenly standing beside her.

    On the other hand, Frank''s eyes were narrowed, and his growl was murderous. "How dare you hit my sister!"

    "D-Did you just hit me?!"

    Cara was left clutching her bruised cheek which quickly swelled up, at a loss.

    Her lips trembled even as he looked up and red at Frank. "H-How dare you! Who do you think you are?! I''m Governor Quill''s daughter-inw!" "You''re asking for it!"

    Even before anyone realized it, Frank pped Cara across the face again with his backhand, hitting her so hard he knocked out several bloodied teeth.

    She dropped limply on the floor with a thud, stunned, and it took her considerable effort toe to her senses.

    "Guards! Guards!" she then yelled madly. "He hit me! Kill him! Kill him now!!!"

    The soldiers behind Frank traded nces just then.

    Since Cara was Governor Quill''s second daughter inw, they would never dare to disobey her orders.

    Today, however, they had direct orders from Governor Quill to escort and protect Frank.

    And what escort would attack their charge?

    Hence, the soldiers merely stood, looking slightly embarrassed but not helping Cara despite her murderous re.

    They averted their eyes and simply pretended not to see or hear anything.

    And seeing that the soldiers were not following orders, Cara screamed like a fishwife, "Y-You peasants!!!"

    "I''m really sorry, ma''am! Are you alright?!"

    Winter was terrified when she saw Frank pping Cara and quickly tried to help.

    Frank, however, caught her.

    "Frank... You''ve really done it now!" Winter cried anxiously nheless.

    She never thought something like this would happen, or she would never have called Frank.

    She had onlye for a house call as instructed by Gene Pearce. Not only did she fail to help the patient, but she ended up involving Frank, and they had now made enemies of Governor Quill!

    "I''m really sorry, ma''am... Frank was just a little upset..."

    el

    Seeing that Winter was trying to defend him, Frank pulled her into his arms while growling under his breath, "Don''t apologize to someone like her. She has no right!"

    "Oof?!"

    Winter''s mind went nk as she felt Frank''s breath and heard his voice from up close.

    Even her legs went limp, unable to speak.

    "How dare you, brat!"

    Alba Quill strode up just then, ring and bellowing at Frank. "You''ve attacked a member of the Quill family in our own house! Not even my father will forgive you!"

    Then, wheeling on the soldiers escorting Frank, he barked, "Men, kill him!"

    The soldiers certainly could not y dumb this time since Alba was one of Governor Quill''s sons.

    One of them braced himself as he

    strode up bowing his head respectfully. "Master Alba, forgive us, but we can''t. We have express orders from the governor to escort Mr Lawrence."

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    ?

    "Mr. Lawrence...?"

    Alba''s cheek stiffened as he pointed at Frank in disbelief. "He''s Frank Lawrence? The one that Father mentioned? Aren''t you mistaken?!" "No, sir."

    The soldiers shook their heads repeatedly, leaving Alba''s face falling.

    Still, as he nced at Cara, who was still hollering nearby, his haughty expression soon returned as he snorted coldly. "No. I don''t believe this, unless my father personally tells me he is."

    ording to the family tree, Alba would be Frank''s uncle.

    However, he had just exposed himself for knowing Frank but pretended not to at the gates.

    And now, he was basically turning a blind eye again, demanding Governor Quill to personallye and verify Frank''s identity.

    Everyone there was well aware that Governor Quill only returned to Quill Manor once every year, and telling him toe was basically harassment. The bottomline was that Alba was simply refusing to acknowledge Frank.

    Meanwhile, Alba was still rambling coolly, "Would a member of the Quill family be as uncivilized as he is? Striking an elder?! Even if he is Frank Lawrence and Father''s grandson, I will not be lenient! We have rules in this house, and we won''t abide with such disrespect!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    "That''s right! Exactly!"

    Even as she struggled to her feet,

    Cara pointed at Frank and yelled et

    "Are we supposed to let him do everything he wants?! pping an elder?!"

    "Well..."

    The soldiers behind Frank were left in a dilemma as Alba and Cara keptining.

    If anything, Alba was right-even if Frank was Governor Quill''s grandson, he had attacked an elder with so many witnesses.

    However, this was also basically a family squabble...

    "Hmph! Even if you have orders to protect that brat, our honor as elders is being challenged!" Alba snapped coolly." But''l get it, you''re afraid to get involved in that case, I''ll call Saul and let him decide. Since Saul''s my eldest brother and the acting head of the family, no one would argue against his decision, right?"

    "No, sir." The soldiers did not argue as Alba name-dropped the acting head of the family.

    "Good. Then wait right here!"

    Shooting a warning re at Frank, Jean, and Winter, Alba whipped out his phone and headed downstairs, clearly to contact his brother.

    Cara, still clutching her cheek,

    chuckled coolly and sinisterly at Frank just then. "Hmph. Just you wait-once Saul arrives, he will

    properly discipline you peasants!"

    "Do you want more?" Frank suddenly asked, striding forward.

    "You''re crazy!" Cara shrieked, even as her face fell and she turned to flee. "Just you wait! I''ll show you!"

    Frank chuckled coolly but did not give chase since he was holding Winter. "Hmph. Can''t even pick on someone your own size. Stupid hag."

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    ?

    Seeing that there was no one else around, Jean calmly walked up to greet Frank. "I''m surprised... You''ve really kept your cards close to your chest!" She had been there with Winter when Frank was personally training her in traditional Draconian medicine, so she and Frank were quite close too. And while she was not as aplished as Winter, she was a capable assistant to her.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Frank raised a brow, perplexed.

    Jean was ncing at Winter just then, rolling her eyes at her bestie who was smiling stupidly as she leaned into Frank''s chest.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "I''m talking about your family connections, of course," she said with a snort. "I mean, Governor Quill''s grandson? Tut, tut... You''d be strutting in Riverton if you had told everyone back then, and there certainly wouldn''t be so many problems."

    Frank chuckled at her words, shaking his head. "I just found out myself, and..."

    He then paused, ncing coldly at the stairs where Cara fled. "I wouldn''t stoop to taking up such titles, and I have even less desire to be lumped with these people."

    "Huh...?"

    Frank''s words left Jean dumbfounded.

    Anyone within Governor Quill''s jurisdiction or everyone in Draconia, for that matter-would be overjoyed just to have some form of connection with someone of Governor Quill''s stature.

    After all, with such a powerful backer, one could be really fearless.

    Even if the name Governor Quill did not sound as impressive as the Lord of the Southern Woods, anyone who knew about the state of Draconia would understand.

    Because in reality, the Lord of the Southern Woods sounded amazing but was not quite worth its weight in goldpared to Governor Quill.

    While Godwin Lawrence was the head of a single state in the south, Governor Quill was themander-in-chief of seven states around Draconia''s capital of Morhen.

    get

    Anyone with an astute insight would be able to tell the bnce of power between both men. Even the Four Families of Morhen would have to be respectful in Governor Quill''s presence, and they actually had to ask him for favors on asion.

    One might say that in those seven states, no one held more authority than Governor Quill-every mayor and senator in his jurisdiction must defer to him.

    However, though Frank found out recently that he was the maternal grandson of such a power figure, he was not happy at all.

    In fact, he was repulsed, even iming that he did not want to be lumped with the likes of them?!

    Jean felt numb from head to toe, not even sure that she was still smiling.

    She snapped at Winter right then, "Wake up and quit being a simp, bestie! Your brother is Governor Quill''s grandson!"

    Even as Jean freaked out, she finally understood why Frank was refusing the endless wealth and influence of the Quill, even saying things like he did not want to be lumped with them.

    If word of who Frank really was got out, the city of Zamri would certainly be left quaking.

    That said, he would not be thought of as a sugar baby. In fact, while everyone thought Frank was living off Helen and Vicky before, it would be theplete opposite now!

    "Wait, what? I''m not a simp!"

    Jean''s meltdown jolted Winter to her senses, and she flushed as she quickly saw Frank''s smile. "No, I''m not..."

    "What the hell are you talking about?

    It''d be better if you are!" Jean wasughing. "Listen here, kiddo-Frank

    isn''t some frivolous Cank

    He''s

    Governor Quill''s grandson!

    "What are you saying, Jean?! I''m not... Wait, Frank is Governor Quill''s grandson?!"

    Winter, who was ready to argue, soon turned toward Frank, staring nkly as her mouth widened big and round.

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    ?

    Winter''s jaw could not close for a long while, as she had no idea what to say.

    "F-Frank...?"

    As she came to her senses, she asked in agitation, "Are you really Governor Quill''s grandson?!"

    "Yeah." Frank nodded.

    However, Winter clearly did not notice the troubled look in his eyes and hung her head as she murmured to herself, "Great... I knew you were special and would seed one day... And prove yourself..."

    Frank chuckled when he saw that Winter was more thrilled than he was.

    Patting her head, he reminded her, "Relying on family and connections isn''t really seeding, kiddo."

    "Then... what is?"

    Winter drew a nk but soon grinned in delight and shook her head repeatedly. "Doesn''t matter now. No one would dare mess with you, Frank! You''re Governor Quill''s grandson, gosh..."

    "Shush..."

    Seeing that Winter was more excited than he was, Frank put a finger on his lips before sighing. "Don''t get too excited. I''m not going to announce it anyway."

    "What?"

    Both Jean and Winter were stunned by what Frank said, with Jean staring nkly at Frank. "Wait, are you serious?

    Was he really just going to refuse this... providence?!

    "That''s right, Frank," Winter reasoned, her knuckles clenched. "You just have to announce it, and no one will ever make light of you again." "No, I''ve made up my mind."

    Frank shook his head, speaking

    quietly. "Kwill fight for my own future

    myself if I only shine because of family and connections, how am I different from the Quills? I''d just end up looking like a clown."

    Winter was still trying to reason with Frank nheless, because it worked greatly in Frank''s favor to let the world know he was Governor Quill''s grandson.

    "Don''t try to talk me into it, Winter."

    Frank grinned at her just then. "If I really be Governor Quill''s grandson, can I still be your brother with such a huge halo over my head? Do you think I could stille

    you

    running to your aid when 3

    caff?"

    That question certainly stung.

    Moreover, Winter knew it better than anyone-if Frank really did announce that he was.Governor Quill''s grandson, countless sycophants would flock to him. Some would even question if the likes of Vicky Turnbull and Helen Lane deserved him. C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    As for Winter herself, she certainly stood no chance.

    "Frank..."

    Even as she vaguely realized what she really wanted, Winter felt a pang of guilt.

    But she just did not want Frank to drift too far away from her, or else...

    "That''s enough. Not another word from either of you about this."

    Frank smiled as he patted them on the head. "I''ve simply found out that I have a grandfather. We''re leaving Bralog and going back to Zamri as soon as we''re done treating Ms. Quill."

    "Okay..."

    Winter nodded, but her guilt was still gnawing at her, so she asked, "I think we should visit your grandfather before we leave, though. Right, Jean?"

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    ?

    Jean simply shrugged at Winter''s question. "I''m fine either way."

    "Actually... Let''s not do that." Frank smiled, remembering Governor Quill''s horrific presence just then.

    Given Winter''s meek nature, she would faint at the sight of Governor Quill.

    In fact, it would be fine if she just fainted-Frank would have trouble forgiving himself if something worse were to happen, and Governor Quill would most probably feel the same too.

    "Something like this... should be nned ahead," he said vaguely.

    "Umph!"

    Just as Winter tilted her head aside in confusion, Megan Quill grunted audibly in pain, drawing the trio''s attention.

    Jean scowled and muttered, "Guess Dr. Georg has just done his thing."

    "Yeah." Frank agreed.

    "Urgh... How did things turn out like this?"

    Winter remained too kind for her own good, feeling concern for the patient despite being pped for her troubles. "Frank, can''t you do anything about the parasite?"

    "I can," Frank replied without hesitation and recounted how Megan was infected with the brocade mites in the first ce.

    Having learned that Megan refused to listen and that her haughty attitude got her infection worse, Jean smirked. "Well, she deserved it." "Jean."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Winter frowned. "Don''t say things like that. We''re doctors-helping patients should always be our priority."

    "That still depends on who the patient is."

    Jean sighed, shaking her head.

    "Didn''t you see how pompous her father and aunt were? Hell, her aunt pped you more than once! The way I see it, getting infected was her just deserts for not heeding Frank''s warning.

    "Hell, I can finally understand why Frank is actually refusing to be lumped with them. Not a single one of them is decent!"

    "Winter."

    Frank was pping Winter on the shoulder too. "As healers, we must value virtue, but that doesn''t mean that we must condone corruption either I''m only helping Megan Quill out of respect for my grandfather, or I wouldn''t bother meeting her twice."

    While Winter nodded reluctantly at Frank''s lecture, her kind nature meant that she was frowning whenever she heard Megan groan inside her room. "Hah! You sure talk big!"

    That was the familiar voice of a man boomed from the stairs, followed by a rush of footsteps.

    Frank, Jean, and Winter turned to see that Alba Quill had returned, smirking and full of contempt.

    With him was a white-haired man who looked around fifty, with a sharp cut on his lip.

    The air around the man with the cut lip was certainly different and the pr opposite of Alba. In fact, his appearance alone left both Winter and Jean silenced, afraid to make a sound.

    It went without saying that the man was Saul Quill, Governor Quill''s eldest son and Frank''s uncle, as well as the acting head of the Quill family. With the soldiers following him, he slowly walked up to Frank, staring at Frank impassively. "So you''re Frank Lawrence?"

    "I am," Frank replied.

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    ?

    Saul carried an air of permanent superiority, but Frank did not flinch.

    In fact, he remained calm despite Saul''s re, even chuckling. "So you''re Grandfather''s eldest son, and everything you say goes here in Quill Manor?"

    "How dare you!" Alba snapped furiously, hearing the tone Frank was taking up against his eldest brother. "Watch yourself, brat! That''s my eldest brother Saul you''re talking to! He''s the acting head of the family, so if you speak rudely again, he will tear your mouth right off!

    "Just look at him, Saul! I told you that he''s a real prick, speaking with such impudence!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Cara York leapt forward, quickly adding fuel to the fire and pointing at her bruised cheek. "See?! He even hit me in our house! What are you waiting for?! Scum like him should be arrested and executed!"

    "Are you telling me what to do?" Saul suddenly asked icily.

    The whole room turned silent right then.

    Still, Cara was ready to speak again, but she flinched when she saw Saul''s impassive re fixed on hers, suddenly no wordsing out of her open mouth.

    As Alba tactfully kept quiet too, Saul turned his attention back to Frank, nodding calmly. "Indeed. I''m your eldest uncle, Saul Quill-and as you can see, I''m the head of family in my father''s absence."

    "Saul!" Alba cried, nervous that Saul acknowledged Frank as family.

    Saul held up a n to stop him, however, his eyes still fixed on Frank as he said, "Father has told us that you''re our younger sister Tiffany''s son, and he praised your stature while predicting that you''re set for greatness. He''s even ready to have you inherit his seat as the governor...

    "But that''s another matter entirely.

    Not only have you spoken rudely against your elders, but you''ve even hurt them physically. That''s

    ne

    unforgivable even if you''re family! Or, to be precise, it''s all the more reason you must be punished because you''re one of us. What do you have to say now?!"

    Saul''s sudden threatening tone jolted Alba to his senses.

    So that was why Saul acknowledged Frank as family!

    Beside him, Cara was beaming in realization and quickly snapped at Frank again, "You brat! You''re family, but our rules are unbending! You''ll pay forying a finger on me!"

    "Hmph."

    Alba quickly fawned over his eldest brother too. "The way I see it, we should beat him up and throw him out."

    "Pfft..."

    Frank snickered, shaking his head as whatever hopes he had for this family vaporized. "I really thought that the acting head of the family would actually show wisdom and integrity, but you''re just as dumb as the rest..."

    His eyes shing in disdain, he

    el

    looked around at all the quills as he snapped icily, "Don''t you worry! I have no intention to ride your coattails or take over as the governor. I''m just here because I promised Grandfather I won''t let the woman in that room die. That''s all there is to it."

    Holding his hands up, he finished, "And once I''m done treating her, I will leave Bralog without lingering another second."

    Frank had certainly seen through Saul''s concern.

    He was over fifty and had waited that long to finally see the prospect of inheriting his father''s office.

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    Not even Saul could have anticipated that his ambition might be threatened by some nephew who appeared out of nowhere.

    And being the eldest son, he had to watch as his own father showered said nephew with praise, even suggesting that he would let the kid inherit his office.

    At that point, Saul was not going to take this lying down.

    That was why he and the younger generation of the family were all busy sending out their people to find out more about Frank over thest few days.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    It was therefore shocking that Frank came on his own, even striking Cara in public.

    That was certainly the perfect excuse for Saul to eliminate Frank as a threat, but Frank''s words had now caught him off guard.

    "Brat..."

    Saul frowned, wondering the same thing Jean and Winter did.

    Was Frank really not interested in the Quill family''s wealth and influence?

    Was that even possible, refusing to be the governor of the entire east coast?!

    While various expressions alternated over Saul''s face, he had lived long enough to have seen all sorts of plots and conspiracies.

    As such, he was soon calm, smiling in contempt and glee as he believed he had seen through Frank.

    The brat was just being passive aggressive!

    After all, would anyone give up on a chance to be governor of the east coast?

    Sure, but only if they had better opportunities.

    For example, the son of Draconia''s

    certainly would not

    Pbing the governor inloop

    of

    inheriting his father''s office! en.kikist

    As such, Saul believed that Frank''s ploy was pointless!

    Unless Frank was himself far more important, no one would beat the temptation of bing the governor!

    ?

    That was why Saul was dead sure that even if Frank looked like he was not interested in the wealth and influence of the Quill family, a smart person would see through his passive-aggression.

    This was Frank''s way of keeping the rest of the family in line.

    After that, he would be fawning all over the governor without them knowing, helping him however he could and currying his favor.

    That way, even if Frank looked like

    he had no intention of taking over as the governor, he would be given the position anyway-and in the end, it was always up to Governor Qui

    himself who inherited his position.

    As such, it did not matter what Frank said, because none of it mattered and must be never taken seriously! While Saul believed that he had instantly read through Frank''s intentions, he was really just being paranoid. Frank did not care, let alone intend to stay in touch with the Quill family.

    In fact, he would have left with Winter and Jean, if not for the respect he had for his grandfather, Governor Quill.

    He really never cared for his riches or authority, or anything else he had only just met him days ago.

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    All Frank thought of Governor Quill was that he had a troubled life gued with troubles he could not express much and was hence forced to live in solitude.

    In fact, that would be his opinion of Governor Quill, even if the man was not his grandfather he had always respected his elders.

    Nheless, Saul''s cold expression did not ease despite hearing what Frank said-if anything, he looked even more vicious.

    "You brat!" he snapped. "Do you really think that someone who has lived as long as I have won''t be able to tell that you''re being passive- aggressive?!"

    "What?"

    Passive-aggressive?

    While Frank was left utterly confused, Saul thought he was just faking it and chuckled coolly.

    "Fine, I''ll spell it out for you!"

    Saul spoke confidently, even as Alba and Cara looked on in confusion. "You''re just worried that our family would pressure and stop you from taking the governor''s office. That''s why you''re trying to look soft and mislead us, so that we''ll let our guard down! In reality... haha!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes as he understood-this uncle of his was really paranoid and overthinking everything.

    "I''m not what you think I am," Frank said bluntly. "So allow me to reiterate¡ªI''m not interested in Governor Quill''s authority or your family''s riches. I''m here because I promised Grandfather that I won''t let Megan die. I wouldn''te here otherwise, so you don''t have to specte about my intentions. I will be gone as soon as I''m done treating her!"

    Despite Frank''s bluntness, Saul remained cold, shaking his head andughing. "Since you say you don''t belong here, then you can leave! Megan doesn''t need you... Hell, you won''t have to help even if she dies!"

    "Saul..."

    Alba appeared hesitant when he heard that.

    Saul shot him a look right then. "What, aren''t you confident in the foreign doctor you brought in?"

    "No... Of course not..."

    Alba breathed a sigh of relief at Saul''s reminder.

    So they were not letting his daughter die... That had really scared him.

    "In other words, Mr. Lawrence-you can leave now," Saul then continued, biting down hard on the name Lawrence, clearly to tell him that he was a Lawrence and not a Quill.

    Frank hung his head and muttered under his breath, "I''m just speechless. How short-sighted..."

    "What was that?!"

    Cara, however heard him and

    pointed at him as she snapped, "It''s a blessing that we''re allowing you to leave! You should be on your knees, thanking our family''s generosity Insult us again, and even the governor won''t be able to protect you!"

    "Exactly!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Alba reared his chin and shouted, "You were never a part of this family, not after my sister Tiffany eloped with you father back then! You''re a bastard who doesn''t deserve to set foot in our house! Now take your wheres with you and get out!"

    "That''s right!" Cara kept hollering, her brows furrowing as she remembered something else. "Don''t you evere back once you step out of our gates! Don''t ever contact the governor either, or tell the public that you''re one of us! Understand that we don''t wee bastards like you!"

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    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "That''s right!" Cara kept hollering, her brows furrowing as she remembered something else. "Don''t you evere back once you step out of our gates! Don''t ever contact the governor either, or tell the public that you''re one of us! Understand that we don''t wee bastards like you!"

    While Frank''s visage turned icy from the Quills'' taunting and insults, even Winter had had enough.

    Tugging on Frank''s arm, she pleaded, "Let''s go, Frank..."

    She was deeply afraid Frank would do something he could not turn back from.

    Beside them, Jean was scowling silently in frustration too.

    "Sir."

    The soldiers who escorted Frank earlier left Saul''s side as well, extending a hand and gesturing the way.

    "Sir? Who are you calling sir?"

    Cara smirked, pursing her lips. "He''s just some daydreaming beggar trying to suck up to the Quills! Just get out already!"

    "Didn''t you hear?!" Alba chimed in. "Get out!"

    Frank had enough of the duo''sbined taunting just then and wheeled on them as he shed a taunting smile. "Do you really want me to leave, when I''m the only hope Megan has?"

    "Hah!"

    Cara spat. "Only hope?! You''re just penniless scum! Who do you think you are?! Dr. Georg will be done treating Megan soon-we don''t need a piece of shit like you!"

    Alba was smirking too. "Don''t worry. I won''te to you even if my daughter is really dying!"

    "Good!"

    Frank smacked himself on his thigh,ughing in relief. "In that case, farewell!"

    As he beckoned at Jean and Winter while striding down the stairs under armed escort, he paused before he disappeared from Alba''s view.

    "By the way..."

    Turning and shing a broad grin at Alba, he said, "Alba, was it? Megan is so lucky to have you as her father. Hahaha..."

    And with a heartyugh, he left the mansion with Jean and Winter, leaving the Quills trading nces.

    Alba was frowning, muttering to himself, "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    Even he had to admit that Frank''s taunting smile before leaving left him feeling a pit in his stomach.

    ?

    Still, Cara smiled and beckoned at Alba just then. "Oh, don''t bother with him already. Megan''s room is really quiet now, so she must be fixed now, don''t you think?"

    Even if she did not get payback against Frank for pping her, she still felt cathartic chasing that pompous prick out of her house.

    He would soon be back, bawling and repentant for not sucking up to them anyway!

    With that in mind, Cara, Alba, and

    Saul all headed inside Megan''s room, only to be greeted by a sight that deft them numb from

    n

    swnad to

    toe.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    After all, white, aberrant mites were crawling all over Megan''s fair skin, and more were creeping out of her

    mouth as if there was her

    them!

    It was a sight that would leave anyone petrified.

    end to

 Chapter 1851

    ?

    "Bleurgh..."

    Cara quickly turned, leaning on the wall as she puked her guts out.

    On the other hand, Alba leapt forward in a frenzy, seizing a stunned Dr. Georg by the cor as he stood beside Megan''s bed.

    "What the hell is happening to my daughter?!" he bellowed. "Exin!"

    "I... I..."

    The young doctor panicked, stammering repeatedly but unable to finish his sentence.

    Alba''s maniacal re only terrified him further, leaving him trembling and dropping the tweezers he was holding.

    "You promised!" Alba bellowed. "You said you''d save my daughter! Then what the hell is this?! What''s with all these bugs... Wait!"

    It was only then that Alba remembered how the young doctors with Frank kept yelling that it was a parasite, not allergies.

    They had even kept warning them not to use the anti-allergy serum...

    Trembling as he turned, Alba had never felt so much regret as he watched the bugs crawling all over his daughter''s skin.

    Meanwhile, Cara was finally done emptying her stomach after throwing up for a long while and came over to ask gingerly, "W-What happened to Megan?"

    "What, you asked?!"

    Alba wheeled on her right then, pping her viciously across the face.

    He was just seething with unyielding rage, and he finally had someone to take it out on!

    "Argh!"

    Cara, caught off guard, stumbled and fell into her own vomit.

    "You still have the cheek to ask what happened?!"

    Alba''s cheeks we were flushed as he

    red at Cara murderously. "It''s all because of you! You''re the one who kept yapping away, saying those young doctors can''t be trusted and that they don''t know medicine!"

    swney

    Then, pointing a trembling finger at his daughter, he shrieked, "See what has happened now?! Those girls were right-it isn''t an allergy, it''s a parasite! I''ll kill you right now, bitch!"

    "Argh!" Cara cried as she watched Alba pick up a chair, ready to smash it on her!

    Saul and Alba''s wife, I Wells, hurried over to stop him-if Alba had really hit Cara with that, he would have killed her!

    "Calm down, Alba!" Saul barked.

    He was in his fifties, but was also a strong martial artist who only needed a single hand to stop Alba and hold him in ce. "Calm down?!"

    Alba shrieked, "How am I supposed to calm down?! It''s all her fault! Her and her bullshit! She made light of everyone else just because her. husband is too ipetent a

    el.ne

    doctor! She''s worse than scum... I''ll

    kilt her!"

    As he ranted, he threw the chair at Cara, hitting her legs and leaving her screaming.

    "What are you doing, Alba?!"N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    That was when Gero Quill, a bespectacled middle-aged man, rushed into the room and was greeted by the sight of his own.

    younger brother, Alba, throwing

    a

    chaikat Cara and actually hitting her legs.

    "Fuck off! It''s all your wife''s fault!" Alba hollered, almost losing his mind.

    He only had one daughter despite his age.

    If Megan really died, the me would lie mostly on Cara from where he was standing!

    After all, if it was not for Cara''s bullshit, he would not have doubted the diagnosis of the two young Zamri doctors and would have believed Dr. Georg instead!

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    If it was not for Cora''s bullshit, Alba would not have doubted the diagnosis of the two young Zamri doctors and would have believed Dr. Georg instead.

    On the other hand, Cara was losing it from sheer pain and snapping at her own husband, "Gero Quill! Your brother has just hurt your wife, and you''re doing nothing?! You''re such a loser!"

    "Enough!" Saul bellowed before things could really get out of hand.

    As the room turned silent, he red at Alba, who was on the verge of losing his mind. "This isn''t the time for the me game, Alba! We should be doing our best and try to save Megan! She''d really die if you keep messing around!"

    While Alba came to his senses thanks to Saul, Saul wheeled on Cara, pointing at the door as he bellowed, "And you! Get out of here!"

    "Saul..." Gero tried to speak.

    "Out!" Saul bellowed even louder.

    "Okay..." Gero murmured awkwardly as he helped his wife out of the room.

    As soon as the door closed, however, they could all hear Cara snapping at him, "You spineless worm! You did nothing while your brother hit me! My god... why did I marry such a loser?!"

    Nheless, her crazed rants soon became distant, leaving the room eerily silent.

    "What should I do?"

    As Alba calmed down just then, he nced at Saul, the brothers trading an awkward look just then.

    After all, they both were thinking of the same person-Frank.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    It was not just the two young doctors from Zamri, as Frank had exined Megan''s condition, but in greater detail.

    He warned that the anti-allergy serum would elerate the hatching of the parasitic eggs, after which Megan would be bug food.

    Everything that had just happened proved what he said.

    It was therefore especially embarrassing that they just chased Frank away. In fact, Alba even yelled at him, saying that he did not need Frank''s help even if his daughter died.

    And now, as soon as Frank left, the eggs hatched.

    Even so, Alba certainly could not sit by and watch as his daughter died.

    Gritting his teeth, he started toward the door, intent on bringing Frank back.

    However, just as he walked past

    Saul, Saut suddenly pressed a hand

    on

    swnovelt

    os to 3. Choulder, holding him inel

    ce.

    "Saul?" Alba turned toward him, confused.

    "Alba, I know Megan''s death is terrible for you, but¡ª"

    "What?!"

    Alba gaped at his brother in disbelief, murmuring, "But Megan''s still alive! She isn''t dead!"

    "No."

    Saul turned away quietly, his eyes shing coolly. "She''s already dead."

    Alba did

    of eke when he saw

    that his brother''s eyes were devoid of emotion, but he soon came to realization.

    And when he did, he was sweating all over his face.

    Saul was really intent on letting Megan die!

 Chapter 1853

    ?

    Alba felt a chill running down his spine, and his legs were shaking as he stared into Saul''s determined re.

    He turned toward his daughter Megan and saw that she had miraculously regained consciousness.

    "Dad... Help me... Please..."

    All she could do was sob, unable to move.

    Her hoarse pleas were like sledgehammers, bludgeoning Alba on the chest.

    "Let me go!" he snapped right then, having made up his mind.

    What was his dignity worth when it came to saving his daughter?

    If Frank refused, he would beg on his knees. He would not care about anything else for the sake of his only daughter! "Saul..."

    On the other hand, Alba''s wife, I Wells, had no idea why Saul was stopping Alba from getting help.

    Megan was his niece!

    Nheless, Saul glowered as he barked, "You''re not allowed to leave!"

    How would he not know what Alba was nning, when he could see how desperate his brother was?

    Alba had clearly intended to contact Frank and beg him to save Megan.

    However, the family would be thoroughly humiliated for begging Frank after just chasing him away.

    Most importantly, if Frank did save Megan, Governor Quill would have a reason to appoint Frank as his sessor!Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    That was why it did not matter if Frank was actually scheming to be the governor. Governor Quill would note Frank''s achievement if

    he saved Megan, and Saul''s

    el.

    birthright to that position would be stoten by some brat of an outsider!

    That was why Saul was putting his foot down-he would not allow Alba to go to Frank! He could ask anyone else except Frank!

    "Saul!" Alba cried urgently, perfectly

    aware of what Saul wanted. "Now

    isn''t the time to worry about session! Megan... my daughter! Your niece! She''s going to die! Are you just going to let those bugs eat her alive, just to enforce your position?!"

    There was a brief flicker of guilt on Saul''s face upon hearing Alba''s agonized ramblings.

    However, it soon faded, and he

    reared his chin impassively. "There''s

    honor in Megan''s sacrifice. As her

    uncle, I will remember ene

    she''s done for the family. Remember, Alba-this is for family." Content belongs

    "Fuck the family!"

    on

    Alba could lose his mind right then.

    He was a martial artist himself, but he was only ranked Birthright and far beneath Saul, who was ranked Ascendant.

    That was why he could not budge at all under Saul''s grip.

    "Did you think that I''d just agree to this?!" he yelled. "You''re killing Megan for your selfish desires!"

    "It doesn''t matter if you agree or not!"

    Saul was furious that he had been so clear, but Alba just would not understand. "You''d best back down, or I will have to do something about it!"

    Seeing the murderous re in Saul''s eyes, Alba did a double take and soonughed in disbelief. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you going to kill me?!"

 Chapter 1854

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    Seeing the murderous re in Saul''s eyes, Alba did a double take and soonughed in disbelief. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you going to kill me?!"

    "I never said that!"

    Saul narrowed his eyes, his voice quiet but threatening. "But I will eliminate traitors for the sake of our family!"

    "What..."Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alba stumbled backward until his back touched the window, and he smiled in despair.

    "Dad..."

    On the bed, Megan''s tears were streaming down her dry cheeks, and she continued to convulse in anguish as the brocade mites continued to devour her from the inside.

    "Dr. Georg!"

    Seeing his daughter''s torment and that his own brother was forbidding him to contact Frank, Alba pinned hisst hopes on Dr. Georg.

    He dropped to his knees with a thud, kowtowing three times to Dr. Georg as he cried, "Whatever you do, just save my daughter... You have to do it..." "Mr. Quill..."

    While Dr. Georg was shocked by Alba''s reaction, Saul turned away, refusing to look.

    It did not matter what happened he refused to let Alba contact Frank.

    He was fine with letting Dr. Georg do his job, however-in fact, he would allow anyone else, other than Frank, free rein.

    "I-I''d like to help too..."

    Dr. Georg was stammering, flustered, though he soon smacked his head.

    "Wait... Yeah!!!"

    Alba''s eyes widened at Dr. Georg''s words, as he remembered Frank saying in the hallway that he had once beaten Dr. Georg''s mentor.

    If he was not lying, then Alba could contact Frank through Dr. Georg''s mentor and ask Frank to return and treat his daughter!

    With that in mind, he eagerly took Dr. Georg''s hands and urged, "Yes, yes, quick! Contact your mentor... Do that, and you can have anything you want! I''d agree to anything tosave my daughter!"

    "Oh... Megan..."

    Meanwhile, I was sobbing as she picked up a pair of tweezers to pull off some of the brocade mitestching to Megan''s face. However, the mites'' legs were basically stuck to Megan''s skin-when I pulled one out, it tore off Megan''s skin with it.

    Horrified, I dropped the tweezers, burying her face in her palms as she bawled.

    Seeing that, Dr. Georg certainly understood that he had messed up terribly.

    "Alright, I''ll contact my mentor right now!"

    With that, he whipped out his phone and called Professor Roberts.

    Meanwhile, Frank was sitting on a buggy with a couple of soldiers.

    He leisurely admired the scenery around, while exining to Winter and Jean the taxonomy of the parasite infecting Megan.

    "It''s called a brocade mite¡ªit''s a

    malicious parasite. It isn''t

    particrly poisonous, but itse

    are well concealed, and it''s a real bother when it hatches..."

    The soldiers were actually engrossed listening to Frank''s dissection, with one of them giving him a look before sighing

    ne

    exasperatedly. "I didn''t take you to be a real miracle worker. Even

    someone like me can now understand that Ms. Quill wasn''t suffering from an allergy."

 Chapter 1855

    ?

    "Exactly. I too think that Mr. Lawrence''s exnation makes sense," the soldier who was driving added.

    "What, are you interested in traditional Draconian medicine too?" Frank chuckled.

    He was feeling rxed since he no longer had to bother himself with the Quills'' troubles and was cheerfully making small talk with the two soldiers escorting them.

    "Haha! Please don''t put me through the wringer, Mr. Lawrence."

    The soldier driving the buggy shook his head, chuckling. "I''ve been frequently injured myself and have only learned a thing or two since I visit the doctor all the time. But I''m still nothingpared to you."

    Then, pointing at hisrade, he chuckled, "That said, you shouldn''t underestimate this man now, Mr. Lawrence. He''s the treasure of Quill Manor!" "Really?"

    Frank nced at Winter and Jean, who were both smiling. "How so?"

    "Oh..."

    The soldier riding shotgun scratched his head. "It''s just a moniker that myrades gave me. Like I said, I only know a thing or two, but I could at least help them. Here..."

    He then pulled out a wooden box from his pocket, containing simple first-aid items such as disinfectant and stitches.

    "Not bad," Frank smiled and nodded, surprised that a soldier who was basically a doorman could do that much.

    His talent was certainly being wasted as a doorman.

    "Well, that''s about all I can do. My father used to be abat medic himself..."

    The soldier driving the buggy sighed emotionally as he patted the wooden box. "He fought alongside the governor up north, but now... Ugh, it''s frustrating just thinking about it!"

    The soldier driving the buggy suddenly snorted, but hisrade quickly shot him a warning look as he slid the wooden box back in his pocket. "That''s enough!" he snapped. "Some things should be left unsaid."

    The soldier driving the buggy paused, unable to speak as if choking on something.

    After a long while, he sighed. "I know."

    However, their exchange piqued Winter''s interest, and she poked her head between the soldiers to ask softly, "What is it? What are you talking about?''

    "Exactly," Jean said, helping to pressure the soldiers too. "Governor Quill''s grandson is here with you. What can''t you say around him?" "I..."

    The soldier driving the buggy began but soon shook his head. "It''s exactly because Mr. Lawrence is the

    governor''s grandson that I can''t say it. Please understand, Mr.

    Lawrence."

    "It''s alright."

    Frank was curious too, but that was the Quill family''s business and he had already decided to keep his distance from them.

    As such, asking was really pointless.

    "By the way, you have a lingering condition, don''t you?"

    Frank then smiled at the soldier driving the buggy, changing the subject.

    The soldier eximed in surprise, "What? How''d you know, Mr. Lawrence?!"

    "Well, that''s not all," Frank continued.

    "I know that you''d feel unbearable pain whenever the weather gets. cold. can tell that your rib cage has FeanC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    been struck by some blunt instrument, after all."

    "Eh?" Both soldiers sitting up front traded nces of shock.

    "Hehe..."

    Winter hid a smile behind her hand, not at all surprised. "Like I said, Frank is the best healer in Draconia right now. There''s nothing he can''t diagnose."

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    ?

    "Hehe..."

    Winter hid a smile behind her hand, not at all surprised. "Like I said, Frank is the best healer in Draconia right now. There''s nothing he can''t diagnose."

    "Mr. Lawrence... you have such profound insight," the soldier who was driving said vaguely, as if not keen to be reminded of his hip injury. "Steady. Just don''t move," Frank said and poked the soldier''s hip, infusing him with a strand of pure vigor.

    The soldier immediately felt as if he was bathing in hot water, rxing his hip-a feeling that he had not had for years.

    Frank soon withdrew his finger and patted that spot. "There. Done."

    "Wait, what?"

    The soldier almost winced by instinct, because his hip hurt terribly whenever it was touched.

    But now, Frank was basically smacking it... and he was perfectly fine and did not feel any difort at all!

    "My hip..."

    The soldier brought the buggy to a screeching halt before turning in shock toward his hip.

    He first poked it before smacking it as he eximed, "H-How did you do it? I''ve visited so many hospitals and taken so much medicine, but nothing worked! Why-"

    "The blunt trauma you suffered left your meridians misshapen," Frank replied nonchntly. "I simply restored them to their original state." Hearing that, the soldier dropped to his knees, kowtowing to Frank twice.

    "Tim Cox, at your humble service," he said, rubbing his eyes and almost shedding manly tears. "I... I can''t repay you enough..."

    "That''s enough. It''s really nothing-you don''t have to be that serious."

    Frank was actually surprised that such devoted gratitude woulde from assistance given as an afterthought and felt embarrassed just then. "Eric Holt, at your service!"

    The other soldier saluted Frank too. "It seems I must believe your sister now, Mr. Lawrence! Thank you for helping my friend!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Still, he soon hung his head with a troubled look. "Maybe, if it''s you... You could help the governor too..."

    "What was that?"

    Frank could certainly hear Eric muttering.

    "What?"

    Eric looked up and quickly threw his hands up while shing an apologetic smile. "Oh! It''s nothing. We should keep going-" "What do you mean nothing?!"

    Frank''s visage was at once icy, smacking the handrail of the buggy as he snapped, "What''s happening to my grandfather?! Be honest!" "Oh... It''s really nothing, sir. The governor just has a little cold..."

    Feeling guilty, Eric turned toward Frank to find him ring at him, clearly not about to be denied.

    "Oh, alright!"

    Seeing that there was no fooling Frank, Eric cursed his fat mouth.

    He looked around and made sure no

    around

    one else was near before

    whispering, "You see, Governor Quilt has suffered from a lingering

    condition after that battle three ne

    decades ago, but it did not re up until recently..."

    Frank frowned. "Lingering condition?"

    "Mr. Lawrence, please!"

    S

    On the other hand, Tim, who

    received Frank''s grace, was growling

    through his teeth, "I can see that

    you''re a man of integrity, so I will tell you even if it might mean being silenced.

    "We''re aware that Gero Quill''s eldest son, Rex Quill, has been nning something recently. When weter heard about Governor Quill''s failing health, we knew that it must have something to do with Rex!"

 Chapter 1857

    ?

    "Rex Quill?"

    Frank frowned-this was his first time hearing that name.

    "Why did you have to b?!"N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Eric shot an using look at Tim, shaking his head. "Please, Mr. Lawrence. It''s just rumors and spection among the servants. Don''t take it too seriously..."

    "It doesn''t matter. The governor''s days are numbered," Tim retorted, determined. "And how long do you think we could live like this, Eric?"

    That was enough to shut Eric up, and he once again looked troubled.

    "Mr. Lawrence."

    Tim then saluted Frank respectfully. "You''re the kindest and most polite scion I''ve ever met, and you aren''t dismissive of us underlings at all. I won''t lie to you-Eric and I were war orphans who lost our father to the war.

    "The governor took in many children like us-children of his lostrades, allowing us to reside in Quill Manor and train martial arts with his sons. But..."

    "But as you can see, the Quills think of us as peasants, a bunch of homeless kids begging for alms."

    Eric finished the sentence for Tim, shaking his head and sighing as he came clean too. "Sure, whenever the governor returns, we''d be treated like kings. Naturally, it''s a disguise to bluff the governor."

    "When he''s gone..." He bit his lip and sighed. "We''re reduced to doormen, suffering all kinds of torture and humiliation at the hands of the governor''s children."

    Eric then pointed at Tim''s hip. "Hell, his hip was injured because one of them pummeled him on purpose during training.

    "On top of that, we''re forced into silence because they took our families hostage, forcing them to work menial jobs in the manor."

    Tim finally shed tears just then.

    171

    "There was this one time when my mother forgot to turn off a faucet, and Cara York broke her hand..."

    "What..."

    UMS

    Frank was stunned, caught off guard by the atrocities happening in Quill Manor.

    Winter had a hand over her mouth, her eyes widened in disbelief. "H-How could they do that!"

    On the other hand, Jean snorted coolly. "Hmph. I knew they were nothing good!"

    "So... Mr. Lawrence!"

    Tim firmly wiped off the manly tears from his face as he knelt before Frank again: "Please, you have to help us! We heard that the governor thinks highly of you and intends to have you seed him. So, please! You have to do this!"

    Eric went down on his knees too. "Please don''t turn down the governor. You''re already one in our hearts. None of those brats in this

    manor deserve to take office!"

    UMS

    Frank was left in a dilemma at two iron-blooded soldiers begging him on their knees.

    However, though he sympathized with their situation, he really had no intention topete for the governor position.

    It sounded morous, but if Frank really did take the office, he would be tied down without a reprieve.

    And for a free spirit like Frank, that was absolutely uneptable.

 Chapter 1858

    ?

    Moreover, Frank still intended to rebuild Mystic Sky Sect, and a path in martial arts always diverged from a career in politics.

    It begged the question-knowing how rotten things were inside Quill Manor now, and as Governor Quill''s maternal grandson, could Frank really just stand aside and do nothing about it?

    The answer to that was yes.

    Taking a deep breath as calm returned to his visage, Frank said, "Tim Cox, Eric Holt... I can sympathize with your troubles, but I have no intention to get involved in Quill Manor''s affairs. I have my own things to do, and I won''t be staying in Bralog for long.

    "But believe me when I promise that I''ll tell Governor Quill everything, and I certainly won''t allow some heinous wretch to kill him."

    Frank''s response, however, left both soldiers disappointed-even his promise did not sound persuasive.

    One might even say it did not stoke morale at all.

    Trading nces, they both shook their heads at Frank in disappointment. "Mr. Lawrence, we won''t push you since you don''t want to get involved. Just forget everything we said."

    "Otherwise, our families would definitely be killed in retaliation."

    With those words, they returned inside the buggy, resuming their official task of escorting Frank out.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    However, the vibe among them was a little stiff this time.

    Beside Frank, Winter asked softly, "Why won''t you help them, Frank? They''re so... desperate."

    "How am I supposed to help?"

    Frank sighed softly, "I''d have to

    be the governor to resolve this. But I don''t want anything to do with the Quills let alone seed Grandfather. That is the one thing that matters, or their problems would never be resolved, and they know that."

    Winter nodded thoughtfully at Frank''s exnation.

    "But are you going to just do nothing?" Jean asked softly too. "And isn''t Governor Quill your maternal grandfather?"

    Frank still shook his head. "My concern is his health. As for power struggles and the like, I don''t care, nor do I have the time to."

    Seeing how stubborn Frank was, Jean certainly could not press the issue further.

    Even Eric and Tim appeared to be helpless and despairing up front.

    "Farewell." Frank nodded at them as he alighted with Winter and Jean at the gates.

    They nodded in turn, silent but clearly looking weary.

    Ring...

    Just as Frank was about to leave, his phone suddenly rang.

    He whipped it out to see that it was from Professor Roberts of Oxenfurt, asking urgently over the phone, "Mr. Lawrence? Please, may I ask if you''re in Quill Manor at Bralog?"

    "What is it?" Frank asked, but more or less could tell Professor Roberts was calling about Dr. Georg, his student who had stubbornly refused Frank''s advice.

    "It really is you! Wonderful!"

    Professor Roberts was thrilled by Frank''s answer nheless and said rapidly, "I couldn''t believe it when that boy called me! But I have to ask you for a favor now, Mr. Lawrence... could you please save that fool?"

 Chapter 1859

    ?

    After a brief conversation, Frank found out that the brocade mites incubating inside Megan Quill hatched soon after he left.

    Naturally, that was all thanks to Dr. Georg, Professor Robert''s own inexperienced student.

    The kid had really refused to listen to Frank and injected Megan with the anti-allergy serum.

    It elerated the hatching, and as there had been many eggs inside Megan, Frank counted that it would just take twelve hours for her innards to be devoured clean.

    Meanwhile, Professor Roberts pleaded, "Mr. Lawrence, I''m seriously begging you here-please, save my fool of a student. He''s a fool, but he does have some talent... I can''t bear to see the Quills kill him off just like that."

    His pleading left Frank in a dilemma, and he sighed. "Professor Roberts, you probably won''t understand the details, so all you have to know is that the Quills refused to let me treat their daughter."

    "What?!" Professor Roberts shrieked on top of his lungs, and Frank somehow imagined him hopping around. "Is this the unwritten rules of Draconia at work again?

    "Exactly."

    Frank snapped his fingers, chuckling exasperatedly. "See, the Quills have just chased me out. If I were to go back in, they''d just insult me before throwing me out again. I really won''t be doing your boy any favors."

    "This is ridiculous!" Professor Roberts cried, almost hysterical. "Oh, Draconia! For all her nobility... What''s with all these bizarre rules?!

    "If you are a doctor, they should being to you and begging for your help! But these people would rather watch their daughter die than ask for help... I''ve honestly never seen anything like this!"

    Frank smiled as he listened to Professor Roberts'' ravings. "It''s not exclusive to Draconia. There are plenty of people across the world who have talent, but they simply do not have the chance to express it. But one can''t me them for being ipetent either, don''t you think?"

    Professor Roberts was left speechless, since Frank was right-buried talent was a problem here and elsewhere.

    Sighing, he asked, "Well, what should we do now, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Oh, don''t worry."

    Frank grinned. "The Quills won''t harass your student, since he''s an important man himself. They''d have Orry about consequences before they try anything."

    to

    "I know, but..."

    "Rest assured there are no buts, Professor Roberts."

    With that, Frank hung up, waving and gesturing at Winter and Jean to leave. "Come on. We''re going back to Zamri."

    Winter actually had more to say, but noticing Frank''s rxed expression, her mouth only opened silently.

    Meanwhile, back in Megan''s room...N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "What?!" Alba Quill cried. "You''re

    6ying that the miracle worker whet

    r mentor is refusing toet

    y daughter?"

    He dropped to his knees in despair, staring nkly at his daughter who continued to convulse in her bed.

    "M-Mr. Quill, this is torture for your daughter. If you think it''s right..."

    Dr. Georg walked up, passing him a transparent syringe it was the least he could do now.

    Alba then slowly and clearly read the

    foreign words on thebel, and soon realized what Dr. what Dr. Georg

    suggesting. Content

    to

 Chapter 1860

    ?

    Alba then slowly and clearly read the foreign words on the syringebel and soon realized what Dr. Georg was suggesting. "Poison..." He breathed a single word stiffly in despair.

    There was no doubt about it-Dr. Georg could not do anything now, aside from giving Megan a quick death.

    At least she would die silently without pain with this...

    "No!!!"

    Suddenly, I Wells, Alba''s wife, leapt forward, knocking the syringe out of his hands while bawling at him, "Don''t do this... There must be other ways to save Megan!"

    That much was true, but did Alba have any?

    Certainly not.

    When Frank refused to return to save Megan, he was immediately reminded of how Frank hadughed tauntingly before he left.

    "Megan is so lucky to have you as her father. Hahaha..."

    "Argh!!!"

    Alba screamed as he tore at his own hair, feeling utter regret right then.

    In his mind, he was cursing Cara York and his eldest brother endlessly!

    Frank would not have been driven away if not for them!

    And his daughter would not be reduced to this state of neither living nor dead!

    Somehow, he neglected to curse himself, as he was the chief reason why Frank left.

    If he had to curse anyone, he should

    curse himself for belittling Frank from the start, pretending not.

    to

    recognize him just to deny him entry

    into Quill Manor.

    If not for that, would he have incurred Frank''s ill will, allowing him to walk away without a care?

    If he had not been so keen on chasing Frank away, even calling in his brother to help, would Frank really have gone?

    And even when Alba did chase Frank away, Frank had dissed him while trying to warn him onest time.

    He just did not care, even spouting foolish things like his daughter not needing Frank''s saving.

    And now, his daughter was really going to die-not because of anyone, but because of Alba''s own actions.

    "What misfortune... Oh, Megan! I''ve killed you... Bleurgh!"

    His heart literally breaking from the stress, Alba coughed a mouthful of blood and copsed on the floor, almost unconscious. "Darling!!!"

    "Mr. Quill!"

    As Dr. Georg and I rushed to Alba''s side, none of them noticed that the syringe I knocked away hadnded right beside Saul''s feet.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    And while everyone was not watching, Saul slowly picked it up.

    Then, he quietly walked toward Megan, who was still convulsing endlessly in anguish.

    Meanwhile, I had thrown herself

    on Alba as she bawled, "Darling! Are you okay? Please get up! You''re scaring me... If we lose Megan, and you on top of that, how am lo supposed to live?"

    "Mr. Quill, just calm down. Don''t worry about anything for now! Take deep breaths, just like what I''m doing. Breathe in, count down from three, and exhale..."

    With I and Dr. Georg''s assistance, Alba finally came to his senses.

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    However, as soon as Alba opened his eyes, he clearly saw from where hey that Saul was raising a syringe and thrusting it down at Megan. As his senses returned to him and he slowly realized what his eldest brother was doing, his eyes widened as he bellowed, "Stop!!!"

    Scrambling to his feet, he lunged wildly at Saul, but the syringe in Saul''s hand was already empty.

    As Alba seized Saul by the cor, he turned in disbelief toward Megan-the brocade mites were still covering her body, but she was no longer struggling or crying in pain.

    Instead, there was a smile of relief.

    "Saul!!!"

    Alba punched out like a raging bull at his brother''s face, but it was pointless as Saul nonchntly raised his hand and caught it.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    "Know your ce, Alba," Saul said with a snort. "I did it because I don''t want my niece to suffer anymore."

    "No! You just want to be the governor!" Alba screamed. "You did it because you''re scared Frank Lawrence would usurp you, and you killed your niece -my daughter-for that!"

    He punched at Saul with his other fist, but Saul caught it again.

    There was a country mile of difference between them, and even as Alba''s knuckles cracked, Saul abruptly pushed with brute strength. "Argh!"

    Alba screamed as Saul dislocated his arms effortlessly, his bones crunching audibly.

    Even as Alba dropped to his knees in front of Saul, his arms dangling limply at his sides, he red at Saul with barenaked hatred.

    "Know your ce, Alba."

    Saul''s cheek stiffened as he growled coldly, "Your daughter''s death is no one''s fault. First of all, she was stupid enough to go after Frank Lawrence!

    "Secondly, you''re equally stupid,

    chasing away the people who can

    save her, saying things like you''d

    rather let her die than ask them for help! I''m doing this to at least.

    e

    salvage some of you and yourte

    daughter''s dignity!"

    "Bullshit!" Alba bellowed, wheezing. "I''ll take you down even if it''s thest thing I do!"

    Seeing that Alba was not ying

    along, the final signs of guilt in Saul''s

    eyes vanished as his presence

    became murderous. "Then we have

    swne

    to do this the hard way, huh?

    "Hard way?! Hahaha!!!"

    Alba reared his head andughed. "My only daughter has been killed by you, her uncle! Why do I bother living? Go on, kill me if you can for our father''s office and your future!"

    UMS

    "Me too!"

    I charged at Saul as well, snarling through gritted teeth, "Kill me too if you can! Let''s see what you''ll tell Father when he returns!"

    Saul''s eyes narrowed at I''s words.

    After all, Governor Quill never cared much for his sons.

 Chapter 1862

    ?

    Instead, Governor Quill cared most about the families his fallenrades had left behind, and Alba''s wife, I. She was the daughter of Governor Quill''s best friend, and he had entrusted her to Governor Quill before he died. If she really died, Governor Quill would be incensed.

    And if he was, not even Saul could do as much as his eldest son, which was why he could not do much there.

    "So? You''re afraid, aren''t you?''

    I snorted coolly and pointed at her daughter on her deathbed as she yelled, "I''ll tell the governor what had happened as it is¡ªthat you stopped my husband from getting help for our daughter before personally killing her!"

    "What..."

    Saul''s face fell-I would really use him!

    And if Governor Quill were to really find out, all his hard work over the years would go up in smoke, and he certainly would not be the governor!

    His humiliation turning to rage right then, he strode up and seized I by the neck. "You bitch!"

    "Let go of her!"

    Seeing that Saul had really attacked his wife, Alba leapt at him again, disregarding his aching arms. Saul simply kicked him, breaking his ribs and leaving copsing limply on the floor, coughing blood. Still, he snarled, "Saul... How dare you..."

    Saul, however, turned his attention

    e

    back to I. "You bitch... Have it your way!

    Ce your whole family (1:

    looking to die, I will send all of you

    down to hell!"

    Before he could strangle I, however, the closed door was suddenly kicked down and sent flying.

    It caught Saul off guard, leaving him

    §×

    staggered while he dropped I toMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    the floor, hacking violently as she was inches away from death

    UMS

    "Who was that?!" Saul bellowed, his eyes shing in rage.

    He was about to silence Alba and his family, and the door did not just do that on its own!

    "I missed the good part, it seems..." an amused voice spoke from the doorway.

    "You?!"

    Saul stiffened when he saw the young figure at the doorway, stunned.

    "What..."

    Alba, whose vision was blurring as hey on the floor, needed considerable effort to look up.

    His eyes widened, as there was no doubt it was Frank!

    He turned back!

    "Frank Lawrence..." Alba murmured. "No... I mean, my nephew!"

    Then, mustering strength that seemed to havee out of

    nowhere, he crawled toward Frank at the doorway and kowtowed

    endlessly as he howled, "Pleas

    shouldn''t have spoken like that

    against you... It was all my fault! Please, you have to save Megan! I''ll do anything as long as you save her! I''m begging you!"

 Chapter 1863

    ?

    Frank did not feel much sympathy even as he watched Alba sob and beg at his feet.

    If anything, he thought Alba deserved it-even Alba''s quarrel with Saul now was just a matter of two cutthroats going for each other''s necks. Naturally, the reason he came back at this critical juncture was none other than Governor Quill, his maternal grandfather.

    He had been ready to leave Quill Manor when Governor Quill called again and asked him about Megan.

    Frank thought about it but ultimately spoke the truth.

    Governor Quill flew into a rage right then, even cursing out loud-being a military man of such an important position, he was certainly not a soft man.

    Still, despite his rage and being fully ready to return and wring Alba and Saul''s necks, Governor Quill was left stunned again as Frank told him, "They''re all arrogant and spoiled. There''s no saving them now, not when they treat the families of your fallenrades like ves while only respecting them when you''re home.

    "I refuse to have anything to do with them. You''re the only one I care for, Grandfather. Also..."

    Pausing, Frank then sighed exasperatedly, "I don''t think I''ll be staying around long, let alone inherit your office as the governor. I''m going to rebuild Mystic Sky Sect."

    Governor Quill turned silent at his words and soonughed coolly with clearly repressed rage. "I''m sorry, Frank. I''ve really embarrassed myself here... As you can see, I am a failure of a father and a parent. Since there''s no saving them now, I shall personally return and wipe them all out!

    "You should leave and not tell those scum anything. You cane over and visit me once I''m done sorting out this mess."N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "Grand-"

    Before Frank could finish, however, Governor Quill had hung up.

    Frank was left holding his phone in silence as Winter Lawrence and Jean Zims looked on.

    He took a deep breath and turned to nce at the grand exterior of Quill Manor.

    His grandfather was really as swift as he was decisive!

    There was no way Frank could leave without a care now-if he really did, everyone in Quill Manor would be dead, judging from Governor Quill''s repressed rage alone.

    After all,mon sense did not apply to someone of the Transcendent rank who had a body count worth mountains.

    Naturally, a military career also

    meant that Governor Quill''s

    temperament had be less than mild. That was especially seen in the way he treated his family, as he was obviously strict at first before basically giving up on them.

    But despite Governor''s Quill tendency to deal in absolutes, Frank knew from the old man''s tone that was really happy when Frank suggested that he might visit.

    In other words, he was simply not good with his family-not that he did not care.

    Even so, if he returned to Quill Manor furious and saw how the family of his fallenrades were treated as ves, it would go without saying that Governor Quill would do something drastic.

    Frank did not even need imagination here to see that in his rage, the old man would do something that he would regret-just like how he had driven his youngest son insane back then.

    As such, Frank certainly could not just stand by and do nothing for his grandfather''s sake-not for the Quill family.

 Chapter 1864

    ?

    Frank eventually shook his head in exasperation, telling Winter and Jean to leave for the moment.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    He told them that he woulde for them once he was done with his business in Quill Manor, as he did not want to see his grandfather terrify Winter. And that was why Frank was now standing outside Megan''s room.

    He first nced at Alba as he begged at his feet, and then at the hostile Saul.

    Then, he said quietly, "I have no intention to suck up to you or to take over the governor''s office. I only returned for the sake of your safety.

    "Saul, you will leave now, cuff yourself at the front gates, and await your sentencing there. Everyone else must also clear out-I''ll check on the patient before I make a decision."

    Everyone in the room was left taken aback, what with the way Frank ordered everyone around like a judge handing out sentences impassively. "Hahaha!"

    Saul did not hesitate tough right then, as he was the real authority here in Quill Manor. "You brat! You keep saying that you aren''t interested in bing the governor, so what are you doing here?

    "Also, did you just presume to order me around?! Do you really think you''re that important?!"

    Despite Saul''s mockery, Frank was about to tell him that Governor Quill was returning.

    However, he thought about it and decided against it.

    First of all, his grandfather had told him not to expose himself.

    Secondly, he did not like Saul at all. Who cared if he lived?

    Hence, he smirked, even as Saul keptughing. "I only care enough to say it once. It''s your fault if you refuse to listen.

    "Anyway, you can all leave now. I''ll attend to the patient. Out!"

    Alba and his wife I promptly exchange looks of delight. "Thanks, Nephew-"

    "Stop!"

    Frank held up a hand to stop Alba from sucking up to him, snapping coolly, I''m not your nephew, and don''t want anything to do with you. Now shut up and leave!"

    Both Alba and I appeared stunned, but neither appeared upset, merely nodding, and they kept thanking Frank as they hurried to leave.

    Considering how Alba had treated

    ?

    Frank before, the fact that Frank had put that aside and returned to save their daughter was already endlessly gracious.

    Could they really expect him to be nice? That would be naive of them.

    Still, just as Alba, I, and an embarrassed Dr. Georg tried to leave, Saul strode up, cutting them off.

    "Did you think that I''d just let you walk away?" he demanded, leaving Alba dumbfounded.

    Then, he wheeled on Frank with a

    smirk. "By the way, I''ve injected a type of poison into your patient, and her vigor ispletely gone now. You can''t save her even if you tried!"

    "What?" Frank frowned slightly.

    UMS

 Chapter 1865

    ?

    Frank turned to nce at Megan.

    To no surprises, her vigor hadpletely diminished, and the brocade mites covering her body were exceedingly gruesome.

    Taken aback, he wheeled on Saul with an angry re. "I-Isn''t she your niece?"

    "So what if she is?"

    Saul reared his chin andughed sinisterly. "Forget my niece¡ªI''d kill my brother too if he gets in my way... No, I will remove every obstacle in my way right now!

    "And you, brat... You just had toe back now, so I''ll have to kill you along with Alba''s family! Don''t me me for being determined when you''re in hell!"

    "Hmph. It''s actually rare to see real trash like you. Let me straighten you out in Grandfather''s stead!"

    Frank did not hold back himself, seeing that Saul''s pure vigor was churning and clearly ready to attack, unleashing his Five-Peat Archaeus in response.

    "Hmph!" Saul snorted coldly. "Straighten me out? It''s me who will be doing any straightening out! A brat like you will never aplish anything at your age!"

    He swung his fist at Frank right then, clearly thinking that Frank was insignificant since he was young, while Saul himself was fifty.

    "Frank Lawrence!" Alba cried out even as his wife helped him to her feet, his expression clearly panicked when he saw how quick Saul''s attack was. He knew Saul''s power better than anyone-barring Governor Quill himself, no one in Quill Manor could match him.

    Even if he looked fiftyish, the man was an aplished Ascendant-ranked individual and might actually reach the Transcendent rank in another decade or so.

    In terms of sheer power, Saul was indeed Governor Quill''s son and did not embarrass him.

    "I''ll show you what a real martial artist looks like, brat!" he bellowed.

    While Saul''s punch seemed in, Frank had a feeling there was something different about it, as if a raging tiger was charging at him.

    If he did not stop it, said tiger would tear him into pieces.

    He had to admit that one would expect nothing less from Governor Quill''s son, as Saul disyed strength that would make the old man proud. C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    However, Frank himself was no pushover either.

    His eyes narrowing, his Five-Peat Archaeus unfurled, shrouding his entire body.

    As Saul was a full-fledged Ascendent-ranked individual, this enemy was like no other he faced before.

    One mistake, and Frank would be made to pay a bloody price, so he did not dare to take this lightly.

    Seeing that dodging was pointless

    net

    against Saul''s oing fist, he pushed his pure vigor and countered

    it with the Skysplit Palm of Mystic

    Skine

    A shockwave burst away as palm met fist.

    Naturally, Saul''s look of disdain

    certainly changed, as he realized et

    that the punch he was so confident

    with was stopped by Frank''s path.

    "Impressive. So that''s why you''re so ballsy!"

    UMS

    His eyes narrowing, he stomped his foot on the tiles of the fifth floor.

    At the same time, he charged an ocean''s worth of pure vigor, focusing everything on his left index finger.

    "Try this on for size! Dragon Nail!"

    Alba and I looked on in shock and disbelief as Saul went all out.

    They thought that their doom was assured, and Alba was dead sure that Saul would subdue Frank with ease just like he did with him.

 Chapter 1866

    ?

    However, neither Alba nor I expected Frank to be a match against Saul-the kid was not even thirty!

    And if he was so aplished in his twenties, then in the future...

    Alba''s heart skipped a beat, his insides twisting into a knot as he remembered how he had behaved around Frank.

    It was no surprise why Alba''s own father thought so highly of Frank.

    And in retrospect, it was not Frank''s fault that Megan had ended up in this state for challenging Frank so recklessly. She was basically being suicidal, and if Frank was not considerate enough toward Governor Quill, she would not have returned alive at all!

    Frank felt immensely pressured as Saul went all out, noting to himself that the Ascendant-ranked elite was above the rest.

    Breathing out a turbid gust of air, he bellowed as the silhouette of a beast with a scarlet re appeared behind him.

    It was a lion with two horns on its head, and yet, it had wings on its waist and a viper as its tail.

    A chimera, a mythological beast of olden times.

    This was the first time Frank was going all out after the fall of Mystic Sky Sect, as he was now using the Chimera w, one of their greatest moves. Even if it did not break the world as legends imed, it was not to be underestimated.

    In fact, even a man of Saul''s stature was caught off guard by Frank''s impassive eyes and the projection of the beast behind him.

    "His technique recharges his pure vigor cyclically, conjuring that projection..."

    Saul certainly knew that Frank was not pulling some dramatic party trick.

    In fact, it might even be more advanced and stronger than Saul''s Dragon Nail, which seemed to unleash a thunderous draconic cry whenever he charged it.

    However, techniques did not decide a martial artist''s abilities.

    And since Saul was determined to kill Frank, he was not about to back down now!

    If he did, not only would he be losing the right to be the

    governor something he had

    ???

    yearned for over decades-but he would lose his ce as a member of the Quill family too!

    "Die, brat!"

    With a raging bellow, Saul stomped his foot on the ground as he sprinted forward, turning into a beam that the average person would not hope to see with their naked eye.

    On the other hand, Frank had been waiting.

    UMS

    He suddenly looked up, his eyes turning blood-red and shing with chimeric fury.

    "Chimeric w!"

    He swung his hand, blood-red gashes streaking toward Saul right then.

    Bang!

    As both attacks collided and a violent shockwave of pure vigor unfurled, the entire mansion seemed to shake.

    "What?!"

    "Frank Lawrence stopped Saul''s best move?! Is he really human?!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alba and I watched in shock as the windows shattered and furniture splintered.

    The Dragon Nail was Governor Quill''s best technique, but someone had just stopped it!

    "My god..."

    Dr. Georg was clutching his head in

    ne

    a corner of the room, feeling the building quake as he watched Saul and Frank fight in the distance.

    sw nev

 Chapter 1867

    ?

    As the chandelier overhead snapped and copsed right between his legs, Dr. Georg did not even have time to scream as the floor crumbled beneath his feet.

    Megan''s mansion had split in half, with one half crumbling!

    "Argh!"

    There was a blood-curdling scream as Dr. Georg was soon buried in the copsing debris.

    The only person in the room who did not move was Megan, whose fate remained unknown but was otherwise in one piece.

    Shey in her room, which was split in half, since the damage from Frank and Saul''s fight did not reach her side of the room.

    "Brat..."

    Nheless, the fight was not over even with half of Megan''s mansion copsing.

    In fact, Saul was surprised that Frank was this strong.

    There was no question that in terms of pure vigor, Frank was no match for a full-fledged Ascendant-ranked elite like Saul.

    However, Frank''s pure vigor also embodied an unusual strength. That, coupled with the unparalleled techniques he was using, left Saul feeling that he was on the backfoot.

    Still, he roared defiantly, "I will not be defeated by some brat!"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    The ground of Quill Manor seemed to shake as Saul charged his Dragon Nail technique with all the pure vigor he had, his finger emanating blue radiance as he bellowed, "You''re going down!"

    "Five-Peat Archaeus! Death Eater! Chimera w!"

    Frank did not hold back either, his skin turning red in exertion as his strength and techniques melded with considerablepatibility.

    There was a bestial roar, and Saul actually thought he heard his dragon projection groaning in pain.

    Soon, crushed by a might that seemed endless, it was crushed.

    "What...?"

    Saul''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    His strongest move was beaten by some brat?!

    Before Saul could react, however, the raging ws streaked toward him!

    Caught in exhaustion, Saul simply could not dodge and was only able to watch as the ws streaked violently toward him.

    Boom!

    With a crash that would shake mountains, there was a seemingly depthless crater where Saul stood.

    Dust billowed out of it, while Saul was nowhere to be seen.

    Anyone with a bird''s eye view would

    e

    see the w marks left in the vast gardens of Quill Manor, as if some ancient behemoth had torn through the earth.

    QU

    "What the..."

    Alba, who needed considerable

    effort just to climb out of the debris, immediately saw the crater and Frank, who stood proudly at the edge.

    Alba felt the creeps even as he looked on. "Saul... actually lost?"

    As the acting head of the family, Saul certainly had individual ability.

    In fact, he was the strongest man with the exception of Governor Quill, which was why considered himself the best choice to seed the governor.

    As such, he always carried himself above the rest-not that anyone dared to question his authority anyway.

    But now, someone had.

    It was Frank, who had proven that to the Quill family with his ability.

 Chapter 1868

    ?

    If Frank wanted to seed Governor Quill, he had proven that he was more qualified than Saul in terms of individual strength. "Ahem, ahem..." A frail cough could be heard from the crater.

    Then, as Alba looked on in shock, Saul, covered in dust and his face drenched in blood, slowly crawled out of the crater.

    His miserable self was certainly a stark contrast to Frank, who remained squeaky clean.

    As Frank strode up, looking down at the winded Saul, he asked, "How does it feel to trip over an obstacle?"

    While Saul''s limbs were intact and appeared almost unscathed in appearance, most of his meridians had snapped, and he would not recover without long term recovery.

    His cheeks clenched at Frank''s cold question, but he eventually hung his head.

    "Y-You win..."

    Saul seemed to age a decade even as he spoke, his ashen hair seemingly whitening further.

    "What the hell..."

    Alba was left dumbstruck in the distance-it was the first time he had ever seen Saul submit to anyone, especially lying prone like that.

    And he yielded, despite all his pride?

    Still, before Alba could wonder further, Frank said quietly, "I won''t kill you because you''re Grandfather''s son. You will now cuff yourself, kneel outside the gates of Quill Manor, and confess to your crimes. That might just save your life... or feel free to try your luck."

    Frank shook his head in disappointment, as he could tell that while Saul surrendered, the man was not really giving up inwardly.

    All Saul was doing was keeping his head near the floor without agreeing to Frank''s demands.

    For his part, Frank was not bothered

    to

    S Waste further time on Saul a if she could still be saved vent

    started toward Megan''s

    belongs to

    see

    However, as soon as he turned his attention away from Saul, Saul leapt toward him, whipping out a dagger from his sleeve. "Die!" Saul shrieked maniacally.

    He hadin prone and surrendered earlier just for this moment!

    As the eldest son of Governor Quill, how could he admit that he had lost to a twentyish brat?

    No, even if he was beaten, he was not about to give up the governor position that he had coveted for decades.

    He would take the seat, no matter how despicable he had to be, and kill Frank!

    "Watch out!"

    Alba''s face fell when he saw his brother leaping up at Frank from the back.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    However, for martial elites of Frank or Saul''s caliber, his warning came toote, as Saul''s dagger plunged into Frank''s hip even as Alba spoke.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    UMS

    ne

    And seeing that he had seeded, Saul was roaring withughter. "Haha! You looked rxed in our fight but it wasn''t all that true, was

    itz

    UMS

    "What..."

    Frank was left clutching his hip in shock.

 Chapter 1869

    ?

    In fact, Frank could admit that he was caught off guard that a full-fledged Ascendant-ranked elite like Saul would literally stab him in the back. How despicable... and to think that Saul was his uncle!

    Thud.

    Even as he clutched his hip, Frank dropped on one knee as he wheeled on Saul, snapping, "Aren''t you a martial artist?! Don''t you have any honor?!"

    "Honor?"

    Saulughed maniacally. "That''s worth nothing to me at all! I''ll have plenty of that once I be the governor, and you''re in my way! I, Saul Quill, am destined to be the next governor!"

    Seeing that he had basically snapped, Frank growled through his teeth, "Is bing the governor that important to you?!"

    "Yes!"

    Saul bellowed in turn, "And I will do anything to seed my father!"

    "Oh, well..."

    Frank breathed a long sigh at that response and suddenly stood up crisply.

    "What?!"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Saul was left staring in disbelief as Frank stood up, as if unscathed. "No! That''s impossible!"

    "I''ll admit that you did hurt me, because I didn''t expect how despicable you could be."

    Frank shrugged, pulling out the dagger from his hip while handily taking an Ichor Pill.

    Then, focusing his pure vigor at his fingertips, he pressed around his wound to stop the bleeding.

    "I did hurt you...?!"

    Saul hung his head, murmuring nkly to himself, "The dagger is poisoned, but you''re immune?! Could you be Transcendent-ranked... no, wouldn''t stand a chance if you were..."

    "Shame."

    Frank shrugged. "I''m not actually Transcendent-ranked, but my physical body is."

    "What?!"

    Saul was left stupefied that did not make sense!

    The pure vigor of an Ascendant-ranked elite and the physical body of a Transcendent-ranked one?!

    He was left wondering just then if Frank was lying.

    However, Frank simply could not be bothered to stoop that low.

    He threw the dagger covered in purple poison on the ground and wheeled on Saul again. "Since you have no honor as a martial artist, then you don''t deserve my respect."

    UMS

    "W-What are you doing?!" Saul cried out in panic as he watched Frank slowly walk toward him.

    With his meridians half gone, he was really afraid that Frank would kill him!

    Nheless, Frank was not as petty as he thought.

    Still, Frank was no saint-he would only stop short of killing Saul because of his grandfather.

    Once he reached Saul, he stomped

    his

    on

    bo saul''s leg, breaking it<

    crunch of

    swho

    instantly with an audible crun bones. Content belongs

    Even as Saul screamed, Frank turned toward Saul''s other leg.

    Crack!

    Even Alba was left gasping in the distance upon hearing another audible crunch of bones.

 Chapter 1870

    ?

    Frank, however, was not satisfied with breaking both of Saul''s legs.

    Even as Saul looked on in panic and despair, he ced his foot over Saul''s wrist!

    "Frank Lawrence!" Saul bellowed maniacally. "I-I''ll definitely kill you for this humiliation!"

    Frank calmly shook his head. "Like I said. Since you have no honor as a martial artist, you don''t deserve my respect."

    With that, he pressed his foot down.

    Crunch!

    "Argh!!!"

    Hearing Saul''s blood-curdling scream, Alba did not dare to look.

    Nearby, the soldiers who rushed to the scene watched alongside Alba and I as Frank broke all of Saul''s limbs.

    None of them intervened, even as Sauly limply like a battered dog on the ground.

    Immobile, he was at everyone''s mercy, and everyone could point and gesture at him as they liked.

    The younger Quill family members had arrived too, and it was certainly a ridiculous sight for them.

    After all, Saul had always carried himself with authority and inspired fear, since he was the strongest man in the family barring Governor Quill himself, and evenmissioners had to suck up to him!

    Saul could certainly faint from humiliation from all the stares-this was worse than dying!

    "Dad! What happened here?!"

    "Yeah... Who is he?! How dare he mess around in our own house!?"

    Saul''s two sons, who clearly looked much older than Frank, rushed to their father''s side, both looking shocked and confused.

    While they tried to help him, they were also staring fixedly at Frank in fear.

    After all, they knew their father''s strength and that they would never win against someone who could do this to their father.

    "Word of advice? Don''t try to help

    ????

    him." Frank snorted at them and frowned slightly as he realized that his fight with Saul had really gotten out of hand.

    "Frank Lawrence!" someone yelled just then.

    That was when Gero Quill, Governor Quill''s second son, and Cara York came running.

    Cara was gaping in disbelief at

    Frank even as she yelled, "Didn''t you

    just fle

    with your tail between your

    legs? What are you doing here?! And

    how dare you hurt Saul!"

    Gero was glowering as he strode up too, snapping coldly, "How dare you hurt a member of the Quill family in broad daylight!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Then, he turned toward the soldiers nearby, barking, "Guards! Take him!"

    And yet, none of the soldiers, led by Tim Cox and Eric Holt, obeyed. They merely stood solemnly where they were, ignoring Gero''s orders.

    "What are you doing?! Can''t you hear me?!" the

    first to panic as he was the weakest member in his family. Content

    m bellowed, but he was

    On the other hand, Cara did not notice the tense atmosphere in the room at all.

    She even strode up to Tim, pointing at his nose and snapping, "What are you peasants doing?! Are you disobeying us?!"

 Chapter 1871

    ?

    Tim withheld his rage as he growled through his teeth, "W-We''re not peasants!"

    "Not peasants?!"

    Cara snorted, standing akimbo. "Then what are you?! We fed you and raised you! Everything you ever had came from the Quill family, and you''re now turning against us?! Bunch of ingrates!"

    "Shut up!" Eric bellowed as he ran forward, pushing Cara away while bellowing at the Quills, "Listen here our fathers were fallenrades of Governor Quill! He took us in, so we don''t owe any of you anything!

    "You''ve disrespected us for so long, even using our families as hostages, and I say it''s enough! We will no longer serve you from now on, so get your own guards!"

    "What?!"

    Cara was the first to fly into rage at the soldiers'' insubordination.

    Grabbing Eric by the wrist, she screamed, "You peasants! You don''t get to have a say! Don''t forget that we still have your families!"

    "Fuck off!"

    Eric shook his wrist violently, knocking Cara on the floor before whipping out his gun and pointing it at her, "Another word, and I''ll shoot you! Try me!" Eric''s furious re left Cara petrified on the ground, all the curses she had in mind suddenly stuck.

    She had certainlye to realize that the soldiers were going all out now, and she would really be killed if she kept being stupid.

    "Listen now, everyone!"

    Tim strode out, barking coldly, "We were going to pin our hopes on Mr. Lawrence, but since he does not want to intervene, we have no choice but to take this into our own hands! Let our families go, and we can go our separate ways!"

    "Yes!"

    The other soldiers agreed, many of whom drew their guns and trained them at members of the Quill family.

    The turn of events certainly left them

    all in shock and panic-first, Saul

    was

    ted, and now, thet

    soldiers

    were mounting a coup.

    It was really over for them!

    "Hmph. Did you really think you can leave just because you want to?"

    Nheless, that was when an icy voice spoke from the crowd.

    Everyone was shocked-now was not the time to upset these soldiers!

    If they really get pissed off, they would start shooting, and there would be rivers of blood!

    "Rex Quill...?!"

    Nheless, Tim and Eric were stunned when they saw the youth striding toward them.

    Rex was

    the worst member in

    the Quill fact, he was the

    one

    broke Tim''s hip in a

    vel

    sparring match.

    He was an aplished Birthright-ranked elite despite his youth, but most importantly, he was endlessly cunning.

    Tim and Eric even heard rumors that Rex was ready to assassinate Governor Quill.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    And seeing Rex step forward, Cara was immediately delighted.

    Running up to her son, she cried as sheined, "My boy, you have to help me here! Just look-those peasants pushed me around and my hands are bleeding!"

 Chapter 1872

    ?

    Even as Carained, she showed her hands-where no bleeding could be seen, let alone wounds-to her son.

    Still, Rex smiled and nodded at his mother before turning to leer at his father Gero in disdain, even as he hid himself among the crowd.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Although Gero was Governor Quill''s second son and Rex''s father, he was also the man whom Rex despised the most.

    His weak father would always be a stain to his existence.

    "Rex Quill!"

    Eric was ring at Rex as he strode up, glowering and barking, "Are you trying to stop us?! Don''t forget that we have guns, and we''ll go down swinging if we have to!"

    "Tut, tut..."

    Rex shook his head in amusement, even as the other members of the Quill family appeared panicking.

    He even took his time to shoot his eldest uncle a look of contempt and chuckled coolly, "What, do you think that you get to strut in Quill Manor just because someone beat my uncle? Do you really think that weapons could threaten me? Nah, that''s just naive of you."

    Even as Tim and Eric''s expression turned grim, Rex wagged his finger at both men before pping his hand.

    In the distance, the doors to arge storehouse opened as everyone watched, and a group of people, all bound and gagged, were pushed out of the darkness inside.

    And behind them were all fully-armed soldiers.

    Eric''s face fell when he saw an elderly woman among them "Mother!"

    "Ahahaha!!!"

    ne

    Rex wasughing in turn, seeing the insubordinate soldiers'' faces fall right then. "Eric Holt, right? Did you think wouldn''t know what peasants like you

    you were nning?"

    His diss sent Eric flying into a rage, and he trained his gun on Rex as he bellowed, "Release my mother now!"

    Rex shrugged and whipped out a walkie-talkie as he chuckled. "You heard the man-release his mother."

    Eric was surprised that Rex was being sopliant, only to watch as the soldier holding his mother nodded at Rex''s orders.

    Instead of letting the woman go, however, he raised his rifle and aimed it straight at her head.

    "No!!!"

    Eric''s eyes could pop out of their sockets-that was the one thing he did not want to see! Bang!

    With the crack of a gunshot, Eric''s mother, who had spent most of her life working as a servant in Quilt Manor, copsed and died in a pool of her own blood.

    "Rex Quill!" Eric bellowed, on the verge of losing his mind.

    He whipped out his handgun and fired it straight at the smirking Rex.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    However, Rex turned into a blur even as the bullets streaked toward him, dodging them.

    "Argh!!!" Eric screamed even as he emptied his clip and continued to press the trigger anyway.

    "That''s what happens to those

    oppose the family." Rex was

    shrugging nonchntly at the other

    soldiers in turn, sending chills down

    their spines.

 Chapter 1873

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    Tim rushed up to stop Eric just then. "Calm down! What you''re doing is pointless! At least Young Master Quill gave us a way out!" "Young Master Quill?! A way out?!"

    Eric''s face fell at the title young master and turned in disbelief toward Tim. "You... I was... you..."

    Tim hung his head guiltily. "I''m sorry, but Young Master Quill threatened to kill my sister if I wasn''t being honest... I hope you''ll understand." "No, I don''t!"

    Eric punched him down on the ground while bellowing maniacally, "Understand you?! Then what about me?! So your sister gets to live, but what about my mother?! What did she do?! And what about all yourrades you betrayed?! What are we to you?!"

    Nearby, Rex was watching gleefully as they turned against each other, even pping his hands andughing, "Don''t worry, Eric Holt! It''s just as yourrade has said-I''ll give you a way out."

    Erded another punch on Tim''s face before wheeling on Rex and spitting. "Fuck you!"

    "Eric!"

    Tim, who had been taking the blows silently, red wide-eyed as he caught Eric''s wrist. "Watch your tone! You''re speaking to Young Master Quill!" "Ahahaha!!!"

    While Rex reared his head andughed, Eric was at first stunned before looking at Tim in disbelief.

    In the end, he closed his eyes as he shed a tear, his trembling fingers releasing Tim''s cor just then. "Eric..."

    Tim tried to speak further, but Eric was obviously not listening.

    He straightened himself and his cor, looking around impassively at hisrades-the samerades who had answered his call to retaliate against the Quills and save their families.

    However, they were now all hanging their heads, clearly afraid that their families would be killed just like Eric''s mother.

    They had clearly made their choice, and Eric did not me them or Tim.

    "I... have done you an injustice, boys."

    He saluted everyone before catching Tim off guard by snatching his gun from his holster and shooting himself in the temple as everyone looked on. Bang!N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Blood sttered, covering Eric''s face as he died, eyes wide in grief.

    "Eric... Brother!"

    Tim gaped in disbelief at Eric''s tragic bow out and leapt toward Eric. He pressed his hand on the bullet wound, as if to stop the bleeding.

    But the shot was lethal-there was no chance of survival.

    The room immediately turned dead silent, with the soldiers turning away despite their enthusiasm earlier,

    unable to bear another look

    body.

    at

    Eric''s

    "I-It''s all my fault..." Tim bawled as he clutched Eric''s body.

    His brother from another mother, whom he had grown up with, was now dead because of his betrayal.

    Tim felt his heart had been cut in two, and he almost cked out.

    "Alright, alright. Enough of the soap opera already."

    Rex showered no sympathy for Tim''s tears and was even smirking. "It''s obvious that there are those of you who aren''t happy with the Quill family Naturally, that means you have no business serving as our guards."

    s won

 Chapter 1874

    ?

    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "However, we are willing to pardon every guard involved in the failed coup for now, and even agree to your demands of letting your families go. But..." Waving them off and chuckling, Rex''s tone changed sharply even as he continued. "Before you leave, you must promise me one thing. If you seed, I''ll let you go. But if you fail..."

    He quietly turned toward the storehouse in the distance. "None of your families will survive. Sure, you can question my resolve now, and I''ll give you a very simple response."

    At his threat, every soldier who tried to resist bowed their heads, and Rex nodded in satisfaction. "Good."

    "That''s my son for you!" Cara eximed, her face glowing with pride at how her son pacified the guards'' coup all by himself.

    In the distance, Saul, who was barely standing, could see Rex sneering at him and could not stop feeling queasy right then. "Brat..."

    Saul had the feeling that despite Rex''s youth, the boy would be his worst opponent.

    On the other hand, Rex felt that his victory was in hand.

    He was surprised himself that someone else would take down Saul, the one whom he believed would be the most troublesome.

    He chuckled quietly as he nced at Megan''s half-copsed mansion in the distance.

    After all, his cousin was such an idiot! All he had to do was say a couple of words to make her ufortable, and she ran straight at Frank to challenge him.

    In the end, even Frank had toe over and defeat Saul too.

    "Luck is really on my side!" he eximed, earnestly delighted andughing in excitement.

    After all, Megan was dead, and Saul was maimed and now unable to fight, while his two sons were losers anyway.

    On top of that, he had brought all of the family''s guards under his control.

    All he had to do was put up a good show, and the entire family-even the governor-would fall before him!

    As his eyes shed with wild

    ambition and confidence, one of his goons came up, whispering into his ear, Sir, the governor''s chopper is arriving."

    Not only was he perfectly calm, but he was even delighted. "Wonderful!"

    After all, he had already thought of a n-all he needed now was the governor as his audience!

    While Tim and Eric led the coup,

    listens not even bothered to

    what they had to say

    alone intervene.

    He leapt upstairs through the broken mansion and into Megan''s half-demolished room.

    He did not hold out much hope as

    he walked up to Megan''s bed, since Saul was bragging about injecting

    her with some kind of nove

    ?

    It was clearly no joke, so Megan was most likely a corpse by now, beyond saving even if there was some miracle.

 Chapter 1875

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    At this point, Frank was just going through the motions by going to Megan, so that he at least tried. What he did not expect to find was Megan still alive.

    It seemed that what Saul had injected her with was not poison that could put her out of her misery.

    Instead, it was a potent sedative that would put down an ox, let alone a person.

    On top of that, it also slowed down the infestation of the brocade mites. After the sedative was administered, those parasites that were crawling in her insides and all over her skin were all sedated!

    Now, none of them were moving, and they were no different from dead.

    It certainly left Frank speechless it was a lucky ident for Megan that Dr. Georg''s mistake had somehow saved her.

    Anyone else in Megan''s situation at this stage would still die after a day, but that was not the case with Frank around.

    He looked around, his eyes lighting up when he saw the bathtub in the next room, which was not crushed under the falling debris.

    He dragged it over to Megan''s room before tearing off her clothes unceremoniously, baring her snow-white skin.

    Even if she was bad tempered, foul-mouthed, and exceedingly annoying, she still grew up in an important family, and appearance was everything for her.

    As such, while she did not hold a candle to Noel York or Vicky Turnbull''s voluptuous figures, her fair skin was her strong point, and it felt cottony soft when one brushed their fingers against it.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Still, even if Frank was a healthy, functioning man, not only did Megan have bugs crawling all over her, but she was also his cousin.

    Naturally, he did not think about her that way and nonchntly threw her into the bathtub.

    He certainly was not gentle-one might even say that he was violent.

    Then, bringing a leaky pipe over, he started filling the bathtub with cold water.

    "Hmph. Guess you''re lucky."

    Frank then took out five antidote

    pills and two Ichor Pills, hesitating

    for

    a moment before

    Defore throwingeget

    into the

    belongs to en.kikistontent

    Then, he crossed his legs and sat in front of it, closing his eyes as he heated the water with pure vigor.

    In just two minutes, the entire tub was steaming, and the water turned pale green.

    "Mmm..."

    While more steam rose, bubbles

    also began to pop around Megan and she moaned in a way that would send one''s imagination running wild.

    UMS

    Frank quickly opened his eyes, as the time was right.

    He took out the needles he carried around, inserting them so quickly that normal humans could not hope to catch up.

    And with that, the swarms of brocade mites were sent fleeing, all of them crawling straight out of the bathtub.

    ????

    It was as if the steaming green medicinal fluid was poison, and

    those that were too slow died

    away and floated in the waterght

 Chapter 1876

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    Soon, aside from the brocade mites that managed to crawl out of the bathtub, the rest were all detaching from Megan''s body. Suddenly, Megan groaned and slowly opened her eyes, and she immediately saw Frank standing beside her, impassive.

    As her memories flooded back to her, her gaze at Frank turned from shock to rage instantly, "You?! What are you, Frank Lawrence?!"

    Before she could unleash a full-blown outburst at Frank, however, she suddenly felt a tickle.

    Looking down, she found herself immersed in a pool of unknown green liquid, with many disgusting mites floating on the surface.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "Argh!!!"

    She shrieked as she scrambled to crawl out of the bathtub, but even as she did, she identally gulped a mouthful of the green liquid, along with one of the dead mites.

    Copsing on her knees right then, she vomited so violently that she was soon puking bile.

    Even as Megan wondered if she would puke her guts out and die, she found herself staring at a pair of feet.

    She looked up to see who it was, only to find a face she absolutely loathed.

    "Good... You still have the strength to vomit. It seems that your internal organs are still intact."

    Megan rasped right then, "Frank Lawrence!!!"

    "And you can speak normally. Guess the mites didn''t get your vocal chords either..."

    Frank dropped to a crouch before Megan could snap at him, reaching out and grabbing her jaw.

    "Open your mouth," he ordered impassively.

    "W-Why should I¡ª"

    "Open your mouth." Frank gently poked her throat, and Megan could not help opening her mouth wide right then.

    Frank then nodded. "Hmm. Your throat is fine too... Good, you''re much better than I thought."

    Megan certainly felt humiliated, but even as she did her best to stand, she noticed that her skin felt breezy.

    Then, she looked down again and was left bbergasted.

    She was buck naked!

    And remembering how she had crawled out of the bathtub and vomited all over the floor, she was left frozen stiff.

    "Y-You... Despicable..."

    Megan then noticed that Frank was still

    promptly crossed her legs and arms to shield her modesty. Content

    tog at her impassively a

    e

    Her eyes went red, and tears started to flow down her cheeks.

    She was an heiress of the Quill family, raised in an ivory tower with pride and privilege.

    She had certainly never suffered such humiliation in front of a man!

    On the other hand, Frank quickly understood what Megan was thinking as she covered her delicate parts and red at him in wide-eyed disbelief.

    He was at once annoyed and frowned as he waved her off nonchntly. "If you''re going to ask if I saw, then I will answer you in no uncertain terms: yes, I did. And I''m the one who stripped you naked too."

    UMS

 Chapter 1877

    ?

    Megan gaped in shock at Frank as he told her everything¡ªto think that someone as despicable as him existed!

    Before she could curse him with the vilest expletives, Frank stopped her again with a look of annoyance. "I''m not interested in your body, Ms. Quill. I''ve seen better, so don''t give yourself too much credit..."

    He even gave Megan a pointed stare at the parts she did her damndest to cover, and Megan somehow sensed a hint of contempt.

    "W-What?!"

    She was left at a loss and felt a hint of anger she could not quite understand. "What''s that look for? Is he mocking me... No, is he mocking my body figure?!"

    "Also..."

    Frank spoke again, interrupting her thoughts. "As a healer, it is nothing shameful to see a patient''s naked body. I might even say..."

    Pausing to breathe a long sigh, he then finished, "If you had listened to me before, this wouldn''t have happened at all."

    Megan did a double take, only remembering then how Frank had warned her to cup her face and stop hollering.

    She refused to listen and was now suffering for it.

    Even as her cheeks flushed beet-red, she could not snap at Frank and only felt curiously frustrated.

    After all, Frank''s cold treatment really hurt her, as it felt like a form of non-verbal diss.

    There was no telling how much time passed when Frank spoke again, bringing Megan back to her senses. "So? How much longer are you gonna stay there?"

    "I... I... I... Argh!!! You... bastard!!!"

    Megan stammered before ultimately

    bursting into tears like a child, bawling so miserably snot wasing out of her nose.

    Frank was left staring at her, speechless.

    Then, he frowned and snapped, "Listen closely. I''ve removed the mites from your body, but you have yet to fully recover, and your internal organs have definitely sustained some damage as well. So lie down in bed and let me check."

    Megan flinched at the mention of mites and cringed as she nced again at the creepy sight in the bathtub.

    Still, even as she wiped her tears, she listened to Frank''s instructions obediently, lying down on her bed.

    "Urgh..."

    Frank would really have not bothered with a woman who insulted him or repulsed him.

    But if said woman started bawling, he was really helpless.

    He was always a big softie, and even as he took Megan''s pulse, he tried to speak more mildly.

    It was only then that Megan had the time to look around and realized that half of her room had copsed.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    "What happened here?" she asked, turning in confusion towards Frank.

    Frank was just inserting some acupoint needles and exined quietly, "Your uncle Saul tried to stop me from curing you, and things got out of hand."

    "Uncle Saul?!"

    Megan was taken aback by the name. "You''re lying! Why would my uncle try to stop you from curing me?"

 Chapter 1878

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    Suddenly, Megan chuckled coolly. "Oh, I get it... You must''ve been trying to cop a feel, so Uncle Saul wanted to punish you!" "I''m not interested in you."

    Frank looked up impassively as he coolly repeated himself before sighing quietly. "There are things you''re better off not knowing."

    Megan frowned, muttering under her breath, "You don''t have to keep saying you''re not interested..."

    Frank looked up, staring at her in confusion, leaving her cringing guiltily just then.

    "Done!"

    Five minutester, Frank pulled out all the acupoint needles from Megan and started to turn and leave. "I''ve also left you with two Ichor Pills. And since your family wouldn''t be short on supplements, just remember to take those as well. You''ll be fine once you take your time to recover." Seeing that Frank was about to leave, Megan opened her mouth to speak but ultimately gave up.

    Covering her mouth under her nket, she murmured softly, "Thank you..."

    Frank waved her off, gesturing that it was unnecessary.

    As Frank stepped out of Megan''s room and headed downstairs where he had defeated Saul, Frank immediately saw the entire Quill family gathered there.

    There was Saul, maimed and hacking violently in a stretcher.

    Nearby stood Alba Quill and I Wells, both who were afraid to speak.

    Naturally, Cara York was there too, with her husband Gero Quill standing behind her.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    The rest of their family stood behind them and were clearly separated into three factions behind those three.

    Tim and hisrades stood further outside, forming a circle around all three factions.

    Still, everyone seemed to be

    where

    avoiding looking at the center, the

    e sliding doors of a milit

    helicopter slowly opened.

    Despite standing furthest away, Frank understood from a single nce that Governor Quill, his

    vel

    maternal grandfather, had returet

    to Quill Manor.

    He sighed quietly as he nced at Saul, who was bleeding out of his lips-the man''s luck had certainly run out today!

    Then, even as everyone was about to bow and greet Governor Quill, a terrible roar thundered from the helicopter. "The audacity... The insolence!!!"

    The voice was ancient, but no one doubted the murderous intent in the outburst.

    At the same time, everyone also had the premonition that they would be instantly killed if they dared to speak just then.

    As such, everyone in the entire Quill family was trembling.

    It was especially bad for Gero, Governor Quill''s second son, as he could barely stand.

    Even the endlessly pompous Cara was too busy to snap at her husband, as panic was written all over her face.

    That was the same for Rex Quill, who had been endlessly confident earlier and believed that he had won.

    Now that he was actually feeling his grandfather''s horrific presence, his cheeks clenched tensely into a scowl.

    However, while everyone was on their toes and afraid to even look up, a voice clearly spoke just then. "Grandfather." Everyone turned to see that it was none other than Frank himself.

    "I-Is he suicidal?!"

    "Yeah... the governor clearly came to interrogate and punish, but he''s actually standing out now..."

    "Tut, tut. He''s really in over his head!"

    "Heh. He''s not even family, so he wouldn''t know our rules... Haha!"

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    Every member of the Quill family looked on in amusement.

    After all, they believed that whenever Governor Quill was furious, whoever stood out would be the first to get it.

    Frank, however, did not know that tradition.

    Not only was he standing out fearlessly, but he was even heading straight to the governor''s helicopter, staring fixedly at the old man as he alighted with a furious re.

    "Frank?!"

    Governor Quill''s breath seemed to have caught in his lungs.

    However, his rage did not subside-if anything, he appeared angrier as he bellowed, "I told you to leave this manor! Did you really just ignore my orders?!"N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Despite Governor Quill''s parent-like lecturing, Frank remained fearless as he bowed his head in greeting. "Grandfather, I''ve merelye to stop you from doing something you might regret."

    "Something I might regret..."

    Governor Quill was actually left musing to himself, unable to argue.

    His fury subsided as well, and the tension in the air quickly eased.

    Some members of the Quill family actually found the courage to look up at the governor just then as well, dumbstruck when they sensed that his fury was subsiding.

    That was the case especially for Alba and his wife.

    With one being the governor''s son and the other his daughter inw, they knew the governor''s temper best.

    The world seemed to shake at his fury, and no one could reason with him at that point.

    Even if they had no idea why the governor was furious now, Frank had definitely managed to calm him down.

    Who on earth was he?!

    The other members of the Quill family were staring at Frank too. Those who were dissing him earlier especially felt like they had been pped across the face and were left ringing as they flushed, speechless.

    Nheless, Governor Quill''s eyes were flickering in confusion just then. "Frank... Are you saying that you don''t hold a grudge, despite the way these scum harassed you?"

    "Spite?"

    Frank looked around at the rest of the Quill family, shaking his head and chuckling. "I''ve never considered these people family, so I really have no reason to feel for them in any way, let alone hold a grudge, I''m only here because of you, Grandfather."

    Governor Quill shed a wry smile at his words. "Well, I apologize that you had to go through that."

    Frank shook his head. "It''s fine. I understand that you have your troubles, and I just hope that you

    won''t resort to drastic measures et

    from now on. Try to judge a

    bel

    situation fairly, instead of sticking to absolutes of avoidance or

    punishment."

    Then, ncing at Saul as hey in a stretcher, he finished, "Otherwise, your family won''t be united in spirit and would instead be blinded by wealth and influence."

    "Haha... Hahaha!"

    Governor Quill shook his head, chuckling. "Never could I, Rhys Quill, have expected that I''d be lectured by a younger man. It really is embarrassing for an eighty-year-old geezer like myself..."

    Then, his re was once again sharp as he wheeled on the other members of his family. "Frank has told me that you were all abusing the families of my fallenrades. Is that true?"

    "Eh?!"

    As soon as Saul found his father ring at him, he abruptly felt a suffocating pressure.

    Then, Governor Quill pressed, "And what''s with all your injuries, Saul?"

    The question left Saul''s cheek twitching. "Father, I....."

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    There was clear disappointment in Governor Quill''s eyes as he watched his fiftyish son stammer, unable to finish a coherent sentence. Unbeknownst to him, Saul was merely afraid to face him because of his own misdeeds.

    "Grandfather."

    Nheless, even as silence ensued, a voice that was clearly hiding panic spoke from behind Gero.

    It was none other than Rex himself.

    Cara was almost petrified at the sight of her son standing out at this delicate moment. "Are you crazy, Rex?! What are you doing?!"

    It was clear that the governor was very furious at the moment and basically interrogating Saul as if his crime was proven.

    Would her son not be presenting himself in the governor''s crosshairs if he spoke up now?!

    And unsurprisingly, Cara saw Governor Quill ring coldly at her son, his eyes judgmental and devoid of the warmth he afforded Frank. "Rex, was it? Gero''s son? Do you understand what you''re doing?"

    The pressure from Governor Quill''s re left Rex nervous, and he actually thought of backing down.

    However, for the sake of bing the governor, he eventually gritted his teeth and straightened himself, forcing himself to meet his grandfather''s re while bellowing, "Yes, I do!"

    "Hmm."

    Governor Quill narrowed his eyes interestedly at Rex''s words, while Frank turned toward him as well.

    He had heard Cara and recognized that the bespectacled, seemingly mild-mannered man was Rex, the one whom Tim Cox had said was trying to kill the governor!

    Still, Frank was curious as to what he was intending to stand out now, and he looked on, he found Rex

    suddenly wheeling on himcontent

    belongs to

    "You have been deceived, Grandfather!" Rex shouted.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Everyone was caught by surprise, and even Governor Quill was frowning. "I was deceived? By whom?"

    "Him! Frank Lawrence!" Rex blurted, pointing at Frank right then.

    "What?"

    Rex''s usation naturally left Frank puzzled.

    Even the rest of the Quill family turned toward Frank in confusion.

    At first, they had belittled him, only to realize from how differently Governor Quill treated him thatche was important to the old man

    UMS

    In other words, Rex''s usation of Frank was no different from

    charging into a tornado-and

    pping his grandfather in the face,

    from a certain point of view.

    If his usation was found to be false, he would be subject to punishment, and even Frank''s revenge!

    "Frank deceived me?!"

    Nheless, the governor''s brow furrowed, his tone turning hostile. "Rex, do you understand the consequences of nder?" "Of course I do," Rex replied, working hard to straighten himself and feign confidence.

    On the other hand, Frank was finding this amusing. "I deceived Grandfather? Why don''t you exin how I did that, Mr. Quill?" After all, he had no grudge against Rex, just as he had never deceived the governor.

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    While Rex''s usation of Frank was a little bizarre, Rex wheeled on him and smirked.

    "Hah! You''re still refusing to admit it?! It''s obvious you''re trying to drive a wedge between us, since Grandfather is asking about our soldiers!"

    Then turning toward Governor Quill and bowing his head politely, he said, "Grandfather, since Frank ims that we''ve been abusing the families of your fallenrades, why don''t you ask them? They are standing right there, and they wouldn''t lie to you, would they?"

    At Rex''s words, the rest of the Quill family realized with a start the reason why he had the audacity to stand out and use Frank for lying-he had a strong hand to y!

    After all, Eric Holt''s resistance was short-lived,pletely stifled by Rex''s hand just earlier, and those soldiers would never daree forward now to use the Quill family of abusing them.

    And with Rex holding their families hostages, things would simply carry on as usual, with those soldiers faking smiles and telling Governor Quill that they were treated well.

    One word that rubbed him the wrong way, and Rex would have his hostages killed-with Eric''s mother being a clear example.

    Naturally, the rest of the Quill family could see that Rex was threatening those soldiers.

    None of them woulde forward and spill the beans, however-for one, they did not want to get on Rex''s wrong side.

    Moreover, they had been abusing those soldiers too-so why would they ever betray themselves?

    That was why a weird silence now hung in the air, though Cara had recovered from her initial panic.

    "I see... My son is just too smart!" She grinned broadly, even shing a thumbs-up at Rex.

    Then, turning to look at Frank, she snorted in disdain. "Hah! A mere outsider, trying to rat us out? You''ve really overestimated yourself!" "Heh. So that''s what the brat is going for."

    Saul was smirking smugly too, as he realized what Rex was scheming.

    With Rex using Frank of lying, Saul''s own crime of mismanagement was basically irrelevant.

    That undoubtedly pleased him, though he nced at Alba just then as well, who appeared to be caught in a dilemma.

    Alba was the weakest link at the moment, since Frank did return to save his daughter.

    If Alba felt guilty enough over that

    and told Governor Quill the truth,

    net

    then Rex''s nder would be atonce

    ABUMS

    exposed, and he would pay dearly for it.

    However, if Alba confessed, it would only benefit Frank, while hurting everyone else.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    As such, Saul was sure that Alba

    could see that much, since Alba had been abusing the soldiers too. It would not just be the rest of the Quill family, for Alba would be betraying himself as well.

    Hell, even if Frank imed that he had returned to save Megan, Saul and Alba were both well aware that she was already dead after Saul had injected her with that poison

    swn?

    Frank could be a miracle worker for all Saul cared-there was still nothing he could do at this point.

    And from that perspective, Alba only had one choice in the end.

    In fact, Alba breathed a long sigh just then, ncing guilty at Frank before hanging his head.

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    ?

    Hence, in no time at all and without any words traded between them, the Quill family hade to a mutual understanding-Frank was theirmon enemy.

    And sensing that something strange was going on, Governor Quill frowned as he pointed at one of the soldiers and barked, "Tim Cox! Be honest- has my family been abusing you and yourrades?! I have said before that you are all equal in standing with them, so why are all of you serving as their security guards?!"

    Tim was ready to answer.

    Though the scene of his dearrade Eric dying with his eyes wide on the floor kept appearing in his mind, he also remembered his sister.

    Hence, after musing irresolutely to himself for a long while, he eventually looked up with a smile. "That never happened, sir. Your family has been most gracious to us... As for serving as security guards, we have been doing so voluntarily.

    "After receiving so much from your family, it really hurts our conscience not to give something back."

    "What...?"

    Even as Frank was left bbergasted that Tim was suddenly telling apletely different story than from hours ago, Tim hung his head and pointed at Frank. "But that''s not the case for that man. As soon as he came, he goaded us to turn against your family, promising us wealth and influence once he bes the governor.

    "But because of who he is and our allegiance to the Quill family, we yed along to lure him into telling us his ns. We are so shocked at how ambitious he is... it''s creepy."

    Frank was left dumbstruck as Tim''s words painted an entirely different picture.

    Now, he was no longer the visitor who was mistreated but a scheming snake who was intent on bing the governor.

    "Tim Cox, what..."

    And even before Frank could speak, he turned and saw the sneer on Tim''s face.

    He realized right then Tim had been swayed and waiting for this very moment to nder Frank.

    And even as Frank was left stunned, Governor Quill frowned as he barked, "Frank! What do you have to say against these usations?!" "I..."

    "Hmph!"

    Before Frank could speak, Saul snorted coldly and gestured for his servants to carry his stretcher over.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "Father, you mustn''t believe this prick at all! He imed he was trying to cure Megan, but he actually meant to molest her! She''s his cousin. That animal!"

    Saul snarled through his teeth, bellowing indignantly while painting a vivid picture with his words, as if it was the truth.

    "I saw that things were bad and tried

    net

    to stop him, but this prick blindsided me while pretending to apologize and broke my limbs so that I couldn''t stop him... Also, we were endlessly weing and trusting when he came, but instead of feeling grateful, he kept harassing us every way he could!"

    Then, turning toward Alba, Saul snapped, "He broke your arms too, didn''t he?!"

    Alba''s lips were shaking his arms were not actually realigned just then.

    et

    ne

    Then, as everyone including Frank looked on coolly, Alba eventually gritted his teeth and nodded. "That''s right Father... He broke my arms! He''s an insolent brat!"

    Cara leapt forward as well to join the nder campaign. "Exactly! soon as he stepped through our front gates, he''s been belittling us, even insulting me!"

 Chapter 1883

    ?

    "He''s the one who poisoned Megan, so that he has an excuse to meddle in family matters!"

    "Exactly! When we fought back, he poisoned and killed Megan! He''s as strong as he''s crazily ambitious, sir! You have to be careful of him!"

    "That''s right! We''re facing a crisis now!"

    Meanwhile, Frank stood alone in the middle of the crowd as the Quill family ndered him in every way.

    He certainly noticed that even Governor Quill was looking at him coldly, even showing signs of distrust now. "Frank, what do you have to say against these usations?"

    Before this, Governor Quill did not hide his favoritism for Frank, partly because of his mother, even suggesting out loud that Frank could seed him as the governor.

    In fact, Frank''s attitude and bearing was to his satisfaction-if not thrill-ever since they met in Bralog.

    However, with his entire family unanimously using Frank, Governor Quill could not simply look the other way, no matter how strongly he felt about Frank.

    Poisoning his cousin, lusting after the governor position, assaulting and insulting his elders, and even trying to entice the families of his fallenrades to turn against his family...

    Even if there was some nder involved, there was no way his entire family could be lying, could they?

    Nevertheless, if Frank was guilty of any of the usations, Governor Quill thought it would drive a wedge between them anyway.

    If the progeny he trusted and thought so highly of was such a deceitful schemer... the thought alone sickened Governor Quill, if he was not already livid from being deceived.

    To his shock, however, Frank did not argue or fly into a rage.

    "There''s something you didn''t ount for..."

    Instead, he was calmly smiling as he turned toward Saul as hey on the stretcher. "I''ve actually cured Megan-she''s safe now, so you could just ask her if I poisoned her."

    "What?!"

    UMS

    Alba and his wife were the first to react, staring at Frank in disbelief.

    Alba even wobbled toward Frank, asking with a quivering voice, "Nephew... I mean, Frank, did you really save Megan? She''s really..."

    Frank shrugged and smiled. "Why don''t you go take a look?"

    "Let''s go! Hurry up..."

    velet

    Seeing how confident Frank was, Alba did not drag his feet. With his wife''s help, they ran towards Megan''s half-copsed mansion, stumbling along the way.

    et

    Governor Quill then turned to the rest of his family. "Since Frank ims that he has cured Megan, why not let here forward and tell the truth? I''m sure she''d know better than anyone else if Frank had really poisoned her."

    Frank nodded in turn, clearly agreeing to let Megan tell the truth.

    "How is that... possible?!"Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Frowning, Saul certainly felt his doubts gnawing inside even as he stared at Frank''s confident visage.

    Megan had been injected with a deadly poison¡ªin fact, Saul did it himself.

    So how could she be alive?! She had to have died right then!

    Could the brat just be bluffing, to try to buy time?

    Nearby, Rex was caught off guard as well, his cheek clenching tensely. "He actually cured Megan...?"

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    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.

    Nearby, Rex was caught off guard, his cheek clenching tensely. "He actually cured Megan..?"

    His goon had been watching the fight between Saul and Frank.

    If Megan had somehow survived the devastation, then the usation that Frank had poisoned Megan would be proven false.

    In fact, that would in turn lead to Governor Quill doubting the other usations thrown against Frank.

    With that, he would not be leaping to conclusions and might even order a thorough investigation, which would eventually lead to the skeletons in the closet being revealed.

    And Governor Quill was not one so easily fooled at his age.

    His heart racing right then, Rex promptly shot one of his goons a look.

    The goon had been with him long enough to catch his cue.

    While Rex was being watched and could not leave, that was not the same for the goon.

    Seizing the moment when no one was watching, he quietly backed away and left, sneaking into Megan''s half-copsed mansion.

    "Dad!"

    Meanwhile, Megan was sharing an emotional hug with Alba in her broken room.

    Alba was shedding emotional tears in turn, seeing how alive his daughter was. "You''re really fine, Megan! Oh, thank goodness!" Still, as they pulled away, Megan quickly asked, "Where''s Frank? Has he left?"

    "Frank Lawrence?"

    Alba cringed a little but forced himself to look calm. "Why would you ask about him?"

    "He saved me. Also..."

    Megan then pointed at the table nearby but averted her eyes. "He left me with two Ichor Pills and told me to get some proper rest..."

    "What...?"

    Alba appeared troubled as he turned toward his wife I.

    The woman picked up both pills and sniffed them before reeling in shock. "No way..."

    "What?" Alba quickly asked, seeing her reaction. "Are the pills poisoned?!"

    "No..." I shook her head. "This is a rare treasure don''t know what the specific ingredients are, but I can smell the essence of a

    swnyel

    Birthright-ranked martial elite. That makes each pill worth millions!"

    "What?!" Alba appeared even more troubled by the praise his wife had given the pill.

    "Dad, why the long face?" Megan asked just then. "Honestly, what''s gotten into you? Did Frank upset you?"

    Alba seemed to catch on just then, with how Megan repeatedly mentioned Frank.

    He turned toward his wife, who nodded exasperatedly.

    "Mr. Quill..."

    That was when a goon with a sharp re appeared in a corner of the room, bowing his head at Alba

    "You''re not going to ruin things for Young Master Quill, are you?"

    "What?!"

    Q.UMS

    Alba''s face fell as he wheeled on the goon coldly. "Is Rex Quill ordering me around now?!"

    "Certainly not¡ªhe''s just sent me to refresh your memory."

    The goon spoke respectfully, but there was a threatening edge in his words. Should thingse to light, many shall suffer-you, me, and everyone else in this manor.

    D.UMS

    Alba''s cheek twitched in annoyance, but he was himself fighting against his conscience.

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    Alba was naturally considering his stance regarding Frank, just as he knew that ndering Frank would work in his family''s favor.

    Moreover, they must never let the governor find out about all the dirty deedsmitted within Quill Manor. Be it taking the soldiers'' families hostages, forcing Eric Holt into suicide, or even how Alba himself refused to acknowledge Frank...

    If the governor ever confirmed that, there would be a drastic change of fortunes for the Quill family, not to mention that the governor''s wrath was not something any of them could survive.

    As such, everyone in Quill Manor now had the same thought-they were the progenies of the governor, so what right did those filthy peasants have to enjoy the same privilege they had?

    None.

    Such was the prejudice that came with the privilege that intoxicated the Quill family. They thought themselves lofty, and that they had to prove their status through oppression.

    In fact, every member of the Quill family felt such a sense of superiority that the mere presence of an outsider ruined it for them. They would even band together just to oust or kill-that insolent outsider and deceive the governor just so that he would side with them.

    That was the only way they could keep fooling the governor and continue enjoying their life of privilege.

    Though it was an opinion every member of the family shared, Alba and Megan remained the variables that could affect their glorious purpose.

    It certainly left Alba in a dilemma-should they choose their privilege or stand up for Frank? They certainly felt an immense debt toward Frank for saving Megan too...

    Seeing that everyone else in the room was silent, Megan frowned and asked, "Dad? What are you talking about?"

    Eventually, Alba sighed softly and asked his daughter a leading question. "What do you think about Frank Lawrence?"

    "Frank Lawrence?!''

    Megan blinked, not quite believing that her own father would ask such a question.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    She was hesitant but soon scowled

    as she remembered Frank''s

    impassive look and huffed

    Ret

    142!

    indignantly, "He''s a scoundrel! An irresponsible bastard! He took off my clothes while I was

    me!

    unconscious... and ogled at He''s

    a pervert and a despicable

    scumbag!"

    et

    Still, her rant was soon over, and she appeared troubled even as she took a moment to calm down. "But he saved me despite everything and gave me such precious medicine without asking for anything in return. He''s "

    "That''s enough."

    Rex''s goon smirked, picking up his recorder before Megan could finish. "I have what I need-don''t you agree, Mr. Quill?"

    esories

    "I... Yes."

    Alba leveled a troubled look at his daughter but eventually breathed a long sigh.

    In the end, his desire for privilege trumped his conscience.

    "What are you talking about?"

    Megan appeared at a loss but was quickly distracted upon her mother''s coaxing.

    And ten minutester, that recorder from Rex''s goon was being passed to Governor Quill.

    "What''s this...?" Governor Quill stared at it in surprise.

 Chapter 1886

    ?

    "What''s this...?" Governor Quill stared at the recorder in surprise.

    The goon replied, "It''s a recording of what Ms. Quill has to say about Frank Lawrence, sir. She has regained consciousness as he imed, but she is still bedridden-naturally, the recording was also taken with her permission."

    "Alba?"

    Governor Quill turned toward Alba to confirm what the goon said, and Alba nodded quietly.

    Governor Quill nodded and pressed to y the recording. "Then let''s hear what she has to say. At least she''s safe now..."

    The first voice that could be heard was Alba''s. "What do you think about Frank Lawrence?"

    "Frank Lawrence?!"

    Everyone present could tell right away that the second voice was Megan''s.

    Saul turned toward Frank in disbelief-the brat had really saved Megan from the brink of death?!

    Nheless, he was soon smirking as Megan''s rant continued over the recording, while Frank narrowed his eyes.

    "He''s a scoundrel! An irresponsible bastard! He took off my clothes while I was unconscious... and ogled at me! He''s a pervert, a despicable scumbag!"

    Crack!

    Governor Quill was glowering as he crushed the recorder in his palm and bellowed with inconsble rage, "Frank! What do you have to say now?!" Frank stood in the middle of the crowd, slowly closing his eyes even as he felt the pressure projected on him by his grandfather.

    Even he was actually disappointed to see his grandfather nder him.

    As he opened his eyes, he looked around at the rest of the Quills.

    Some were whispering among them, while others were sneering at him, and a few averted their eyes.

    And after looking around at them, Frank sighed. "Grandfather, would you believe me if I told you that I never lied to you?"

    "I would!" Governor Quill snarled, his rage striking Frank like volcanic shockwaves. "But how am I supposed to believe you when there''s both evidence and witnesses testifying against you?!"Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Frank had wanted to say something but eventually chuckled bitterly.

    At the same time, Governor Quill continued yelling, "How could Tiff have given birth to such a failure like you?! + knew that scumbag was nothing good... And see?! Hisseed is another scumbag at best!"

    Frank''s eyes widened at the insult. "Governor Quill... Watch your mouth."

    "What, am I wrong?!"

    Governor Quill kept yelling until his voice turned raspy. "I''m calling you scum, just like your father! You''re only alive because of me! Without my protection, they would have hunted you down already!"

    "Hahaha..."

    Frank reared his head andughed, finally having had enough.

    Pointing at Governor Quill in seething rage and sadness, he

    snapped, "Fine! In that case, I''m

    cutting alties with you, Governoret

    Quill! My father and

    myself-scumbags, in your

    ?

    words-will have nothing to do with you, ever!

    "I don''t owe you or your family anything! And I will never ever set foot in this ce again!"

 Chapter 1887

    ?

    Frank''s cold words were undoubtedly dousing fuel to the fire that was Governor Quill''s rage.

    He pointed at the gates and bellowed so thunderously it quaked the walls and left most of it crumbling. "Get out!"

    "Farewell!" Frank snorted as he turned to leave without a care.

    However, seeing that Frank was leaving unpunished, Rex-who wanted him dead-leapt up right then and bellowed, "Did you think you could just leave, after all the atrocity you''vemitted in our house?!"

    "Let him go!" Governor Quill bellowed.

    Rex was left flinching, and he reluctantly backed down.

    Still, there was no hiding the glee he felt inside-it was not the most ideal oue, but he would happily take it.

    From now on, and as long as Saul had yet to recover, all Rex had to do was think of something to eliminate Governor Quill.

    After all, with no one else in the family having the right topete for the governor position, it was now as good as his!

    He only became more smug the more he thought about it and could not help smiling in satisfaction.

    Nheless, just minutes after Frank left, Megan wobbled out of the ruins of her mansion.

    She immediately saw her seething grandfather and asked, "W-What happened here?"

    On the other hand, Alba flinched when he saw his daughter showing up at a moment like this, and he hurried to her side to chase her away. "You''re still sick, aren''t you? You shouldn''te out for a while..."

    However, Megan appeared utterly anxious and was grabbing his arm as she asked urgently, "I thought I just heard Frank saying that he''s cutting ties with us. Why is that so, Dad?"

    "Well..." Alba stammered awkwardly, his gaze evasive.

    "Hmm?"

    et

    Governor Quilt spotted Megan despite his rage just then and pulled her to his side with pure vigor, asking coolly, "Megan, how did Frank molest you? Tell me, and I will go to Norsedam and demand reparations from that little runt''s father

    "Molest me?!"

    Megan was certainly terrified to be this close with her grandfather, but she kept her head down and spoke even as she shuddered, "N-No! He never did that... I''ve been cursing and insulting him, but he never cared and even saved me...

    "I only came out when I heard him say that he would never set foot in this ce ever again... So what''s going on here, Grandfather?"

    "What?!All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

    Governor Quill''s heart seemed to stop at Megan''s words, and he stared fixedly at Megan in shock. "H-He never molested you?!"

    "Well... He took off my clothes, but that''s to cure me. And it was just a childish rant..."

    Then, Megan took out two pills from her pocket. "See? Frank even left e these pills before he left. Mother told me that they are worth millions, and he never asked for anything in return..."

    "What?!"

    Governor Quill was left thunderstruck, his lips trembling when he heard how Megan defended Frank.

    "What''s wrong, Grandfather?" Megan was naturally perplexed to see that terrible look on his face.

    "Megan!"

    Governor Quill cried at his granddaughter, holding her shoulders as he asked, "Be honest with me did Frank poison you?!"

 Chapter 1888

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    "Megan!"

    Governor Quill cried at his granddaughter, holding her shoulders as he demanded, "Be honest with me-did Frank poison you?!"

    "What?! It has nothing to do with him, and..."

    Megan was left stumped by her grandfather''s question.

    She gulped, flustered even as she answered, "No, he did his best to reason with me so that I wouldn''t get infected, but I ignored him and ended up the way I did. Look, I know he''s weird, or maybe unlikeable, but he''s a good man."

    Even Megan herself had no idea why she was praising Frank out of nowhere, though it could well be because Frank saved her life.

    "And then there''s Uncle Saul..."

    Megan then breathed a long sigh. "Mom just told me that he did not just stop Frank from curing me, but he even attacked Dad, breaking his arms... It was Frank who came back and defeated him before curing me and saving my life."

    Governor Quill''s visage was thoroughly dark just then.

    However, he and Megan''s conversation were only audible between themselves, and none of the other Quills could hear them.

    In fact, Rex was still feeling triumphant.

    He was rxed despite seeing his grandfather pulling Megan to himself, presuming that Megan would have been told not to b beforehand. He therefore did not expect Governor Quill to suddenly train a furious re at him.

    "What?!"

    Rex was left dumbstruck when he saw the murderous re and turned toward Megan in disbelief.

    Did that bitch just spill the beans?!

    "Rex Quill!"

    A monumental pressure crashed down from above at Governor Quill''s bellow.

    Even before Rex could react, his kneecaps buckled audibly, and he was instantly on his knees.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    "G-Grandfather...?" Rex murmured,pletely confused-what could Megan have said to direct Governor Quill''s rage on him?!

    "How dare you!"

    There was another bellow from Governor Quill, and Rex was hanging his head, sweat dripping all over his face.

    Even so, he kept trying to push his luck. "W-What''s wrong, Grandfather?!"

    "Sir, why are you angry with Rex?"

    On the other hand, Cara York rushed to her son''s side, kneeling beside him. "Rex is a hero who exposed

    that heinous bastard''s lies! en.kikistortent

    "Hero?! Heinous bastard?!"

    Governor Quillughed icily. "The way I see it, there''s no hero here... and the heinous bastard is actually someone else?!" "What are you saying, Father?!"

    Even Saul was scrambling to push himself off his stretcher, his face falling but still feigning confusion. "Are you saying that we had a misunderstanding with Frank Lawrence?!"

    While he spoke, he was ncing awkwardly at Megan too...

    "Misunderstanding, you say?! So you''re going to keep pretending?!"

    Governor Quill growled, "Did you

    think that I''ve gone so senile that et

    wouldn''t understand a thing?! That you could all just lead me by the nose?!"

    Every member of the Quill family traded nces at his words, and the faint-hearted ones were immediately on their knees, trembling!

 Chapter 1889

    ?

    Governor Quill then wheeled on Tim Cox with a threatening re. "Tell me the truth! Were you ordered to deceive me and nder Frank?! Speak!" "I-I..." Tim stammered, his whole body trembling under the pressure of Governor Quill despite being a martial artist himself.

    He nced awkwardly at Rex in the distance, and at this point, Governor Quill would not have missed a single detail.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

    Even if Tim never said a word, that tiny gesture told him right away that Rex was involved.

    "Rex!" he bellowed as he held out a hand.

    He projected his pure vigor, which quickly materialized into a giant hand that seized Rex right then, pulling him over. "Are you going toe clean, or should I torture it out of you?!"

    Governor Quill''s expression was cold and murderous, and Rex almost wet himself right then.

    Even so, he clenched his teeth and shook his head repeatedly.

    He could not confess to anything, or things would end terribly for him.

    However, seeing that Rex refused to break even now, Governor Quill smirked.

    The giant hand then tightened around Rex, leaving him screaming in pain.

    "Stop! Stop!"

    Seeing that her son would soon be crushed to death, Cara threw all caution to the wind as she begged on her knees, "Please, don''t kill Rex! I confess it''s all my fault! All mine! None of it has anything to do with Rex!"

    As Governor Quill glowered at Cara who took the heat for Rex, Saul was cursing her under his breath for confessing to everything without a fight.

    "Stupid bitch! Can''t she see that the governor is obviously luring her to spill the beans?! Ugh..."

    Saul then reared his head and sighed it was all over now.

    Taking hostages¡ªeven killing some, stopping Frank from saving Megan, and then ndering Frank to chase him away...

    With all those crimes piling up, the governor position was really beyond Saul''s reach now.

    No, forget bing the governor-there was no telling if he might survive this.

    "Father!"

    Seeing that his wife had confessed, Gero Quill had no choice but to kneel before Governor Quill and beg.

    Alba did the same, hanging his head as he did.

    Since there was no point in hiding

    anything now, Alba confessed

    everything, from how they had

    ndered Frank to how Rex had threatened Tim Cox and the other soldiers.

    In fact, Governor Quill himself knew he had been deceived and had a hunch that Frank was innocent. He simply did not expect his own children to be that

    shameless-especially Alba, wel

    would betray the man who had

    saved him and his daughter for his privilege.

    "Alba, you animal!" Governor Quill growled. "And you still call yourself a man?!"

    Alba was on his knees, afraid to even look up as he whimpered. "I''m sorry, Father... I''m sorry..."

    "Dad... How could you do this?!" Megan was left shocked by her father''s confession too.

 Chapter 1890

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    Megan was left shocked by her father''s confession too and stared at Alba in disbelief. "Mom told me that Aunt Cara and Uncle Saul tried their best to stop Frank from saving me, but he turned back to save you and Mom before Uncle Saul could kill you, and he even saved my life!

    "But you''d ignore everything he did and nder Frank to lie with those scum?! You disappoint me!"

    Megan''s words were like knives that sliced through Alba''s conscience, and all he could do now was to kowtow, unable to say a word.

    That was when Saul turned toward Governor Quill just then, clearly intent on defending himself. "Father..."

    That was when Governor Quill suddenly raised his hand, his pure vigor materializing into a scarlet spear that plunged straight into Saul''s meridian nexus.

    "Father?!" Saul cried in shock.

    On the other hand, there was no sympathy in Governor Quill''s eyes as he stared at his own son, growling coldly, "If Frank had not turned back to ask for leniency for your sake, I would have bathed this manor in blood.

    "I would rather kill everyst one of you than let you live! But I will stop crippling your cultivation because of Frank, and don''t even think of seeding me!"

    "Y-Yes, Father..." Saul coughed blood even as disappointment clouded his gaze.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    He had trained for decades, only for his father to take everything away personally.

    Moreover, although he remained the governor''s son, there was no hope for him to inherit his title now.

    And for him, it was a torture like no other.

    "Alba, I would never have punished you if you had stepped up and maintained Frank''s innocence... And yet!"

    Governor Quill raised his voice as he continued. "Not only did you refuse to do it despite everything Frank had done for you, but you''d nder him for it! So let me train your memory now!"

    He then strode up, his pure vigor materializing into a sword that sliced off Alba''s arm.

    "Argh!!!"

    There was a blood-curdling scream as one of Alba''s arms was sent flying.

    Megan appeared pained even as she watched her father''s agony. "Dad..."

    "Don''t pity

    Quill snorted. "If you did not step he would be dead instead!" Content

    bayan, Megan." Governor s to en.kikistories het

    "T-Thank you for your mercy, Father..."

    Alba was trembling on his knees, clutching the stump that was his hand.

    "And you."

    Governor Quilt then slowly turned toward a pale Cara. "You have three days to release all your hostages and surrender all your wealth. You will then leave this manor, never to return! You are henceforth disowned!"

    "What?!"

    ¦¯¦É

    Cara''s face turned pale, and she trembled from head to toe from his sentence.

    Forget the money¡ªif she was disowned by the Quills, it was all over for her!

    After all, she had been abusing her status, insulting and ridiculing many rich and important figures in Brafog. Now that she was disowned, would they not seize the moment and trample all over her?

    She despaired as she imagined the tragic life she would lead from now on.

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    Governor Quill then wheeled on Rex. "As for you, you will be punished as the mastermind.

    "Your cultivation will be crippled and your legs hacked off while you join your mother on the streets, begging for alms for the rest of your lives!"

    Rex groaned miserably as he copsed on the floor, thest hope he had inside vanishing as he received his sentence.

    Just ten minutes ago, he had the wind in his sails as he just reached the pinnacle of his existence, scheming on how he should take the title of governor from his grandfather.

    But now, under Governor Quill''s ruthless order, he would be reduced a crippled beggar, begging alms on the streets.

    How was he even supposed to ept the dramatic turn of events?

    "You want a second chance?"

    Governor Quill chuckled coolly, seeing the despair of Rex and his mother Cara. "I could spare your lives and even be lenient when you earned Frank''s forgiveness. You have three days, understand?"

    Rex and Cara''s eyes lit up with hope at the governor''s words, nodding repeatedly.

    Even if it was almost impossible to ask Frank to forgive them, that was still better than being reduced to beggars.

    Still, anyone could clearly see that it was just Governor Quill''s own way of apologizing to Frank, since he must be too embarrassed to do so himself.

    Sending the mastermind behind Frank''s nder campaign to apologize was his way of conveying his change of attitude, though it was still up to Frank if he epted that apology.

    "Urgh..."

    Still, after dealing with the main culprits of the sinister plot, Governor Quill moved on and sentenced the rest of the family, since they were all Rex''s aplices.

    When he was done punishing every member of the family and arranged for the safe departure of the families of his fallenrades, he seemed to have aged over a decade.

    He was certainly too ashamed to see Frank for the terrible things he said, on top of realizing that he had failed as a grandfather.

    After settling everything, Governor

    et

    Quill called Megan over to speak alone before leaving Quill Manor again. "Once you''ve recovered in a few days, please take the trip to Zamri for me and apologize to Frank for my naivete.

    "Remember-be proper, and tell him that he can take my position as the governor any time he wants to, and ask him to not take heart about what happened today."

    Megan was surprised by her grandfather''s request. To her knowledge, he had never been this interested in any of his descendants, let alone sent people to apologize in his stead.

    However, despite thinking that the governor was really going above and beyond for Frank, Megan was. herself quite thrilled about seeing Frank again, even if she could not quite say why.

    Meanwhile, Frank had disguised his feelings well-neither Winter nor Jean Zims could see that he was frustrated and furious on the way back to Zamri.

    Once they reached home, he gradually felt relief.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    He felt no sense of belonging with the Quills of Bralog anyway.

    Sure, he was as furious as he was miserable to be misunderstood and ndered, but he cheered up after considering that he wanted nothing to do with them.

    As for Governor Quill''s ims that there would be peopleing to hunt him down without his protection, Frank was not that easily killed now-it would at least take a Transcendent-ranked elite

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 Chapter 1892

    ?

    Hence, with a little soul-searching, Frank lightened up considerably, especially since Vicky Turnbull was kissing him repeatedly after he returned her family''s spiritron vein.

    His trip to Bralog was certainly fruitful after getting Titus Lionheart''s Celestial Dew as well. That was one of the main ingredients to refine the immoral pill, and Frank could now consider how he should gather the other four.

    If he did manage to make the pill and consume it, he could well strut in Draconia.

    Just after a couple of days back in Zamri, and as Frank was starting to rx, news broke from Morhen that the Martial Alliance would soon hold the Fifth Draconian Martial Tournament.

    "Martial tournament?"

    Frank was reclining on a pool lounger by the outdoor swimming pool, taking off his shades to level a puzzled stare at Vicky, who had told him about it. "Why would you care?"

    After all, Vicky was the heiress to one of Morhen''s Four Families and a dynasty of businesspeople. Why would she be interested in apetition among martial artists?

    "Why wouldn''t I care?"

    Vicky was wearing an alluring ck bikini that entuated the body figure she was so proud of.

    She rolled her eyes, grumbling as she dropped to a crouch beside Frank''s chair. "I''m a martial artist too, aren''t I?"

    "So you''re taking part?" Frank asked, while taking the asional peek at the marvel before him.

    His sneaky looks left Kat Yego snorting in disdain nearby in her one-piece swimsuit.

    Nheless, Vicky smiled and poked Frank''s cheek with one finger. "You''re taking part, not me."Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Me?"

    Frank did a double take and waved her off. "Not interested. The Martial Alliance is just trying to recruit somepdogs with the tournament and that''s not a job I want."

    "Is that so?"

    net

    Seeing that Frank was not interested, Vicky stood up and moved to straddle Frank, lightly gyrating her hips while giggling. "What if told you that the reward for first ce is a wish granted by the President of Draconia, and that you don''t have to join the Martial Alliance?"

    "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    The position was certainlypromising, and Kat was gaping at them, flushed as she pointed at Frank and snapped, "A-And in broad daylight?! Don''t you feel embarrassed?!"

    "Embarrassed?"

    Vicky giggled but did not move away. "We''re in a hotel. And forget the pool-I have the entire hotel booked, and there''s no one else watching."

    "I-I''m watching!" Kat cried, covering her eyes.

    "But you''re wee to watch-or would you like to join us?" Vicky asked, shing a mischievous grin.

    "What? Hehe... that''s not good, is it?"

    "Ahem..."

    Frank cleared his throat to calm himself, as he was sweating down his brow as Kat was suddenly switching gears from prude to aplice instantly.

    It was fortunate that he was strong in will, stopping the fire zing in his loins so that he did not make a fool of himself.

    Pushing Vicky away and trying his

    best to look away from her fair cleavage, he said, "You must have a reason for asking me to take part in the martial tournament. So what is it?"

    MS

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    "Hehe."

    Vicky shed a sly smile, seeing that Frank was not taking a bait.

    Puffing her chest to put her prided figure in full disy, she smiled. "You''ve been staring for a while, so don''t you think it''s a fair trade?

    "Anyway, all Four Families of Morhen are taking part, and there''s a big wager too. And I''ll give you a proper reward if you win, darling..." "Frank, there''s something you should¡ª"

    Even as Vicky continued to tempt Frank, Helen suddenly strode through the backyard door but stopped in surprise when she saw them. "Vicky?!"

    "Oh, Ms. Lane. Shouldn''t you be in the office? Did youe to catch us in the act? Well, you caught us. Hehehe..."

    Frank almost gave in to Vicky''s coquettishugh just then, as he wanted to spank the minx so badly to punish her.

    Still, Helen was used to it by now.

    Rolling her eyes and ignoring Vicky, she looked at Frank solemnly. "The Martial Alliance is putting together a martial tournament. Every business and organization in the country has been invited, and Lanecorp is no exception.

    "If the participant we sponsor has a good showing-for example, reaching the final eight-then it would strengthen our reputation and influence." Then, twirling her fingers in embarrassment, Helen continued. "So... Do you mind representing Lanecorp?"

    "Nope!"

    Vicky interrupted before Frank could answer. "Get in line, Helen! Frank has already agreed to represent the Turnbulls. Lanecorp should wake up from their daydreams already!"

    "Eh?!" Helen looked up in surprise.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    "Actually, I..." Frank began.

    Vicky promptly ced a hand over his mouth before he could finish, puffing her chest again so that they jiggled under her ck bikini. "Also don''t you know the rules when, rules you''re asking someone for

    enel

    ov¨¦li

    something? Who do you take Frank for, ordering him around like that?"

    "Exactly. Vicky''s right-you''re out of line, Helen."

    Kat was clicking her tongue and shaking her head too.

    "What? What rules?"

    Vicky certainly left Helen confused, as she had always been preupied with work.

    For her, Frank was her husband and the head of Lanecorp''s health and safety department anyway. Should he not at least help her with this little

    favor? ne

    Nheless, Vicky rubbed her brow and sighed, seeing that Helen did not get it.

    She walked up to Helen, lifting her

    I.ne

    chin with a finger and asked, "What do men like the most? Do you reall not know, Ms. Lane? Aren''t you going to do a little something for your husband when you''re asking him for something?"

    "What...? Argh!!!"

    Before Helen realized what was happening, Vicky had reached out and pried open her blouse, sending her flinching.

    She tried to hide her cleavage in reflex, but Vicky¡ªwho had regained a good portion of her cultivation-caught her wrists, holding her in ce. "Let go of me, Vicky!" Helen snapped right then.

    At the same time, Frank''s eyes widened as he could see Helen''s ck bra unimpeded, which further entuated the brightness of her fair skin.

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    At the same time, Frank''s eyes widened as he could see Helen''s ck bra unimpeded, which further entuated the brightness of her fair skin. "Let me go, Vicky!" Helen snapped.

    It was just so embarrassing that she could hide in a hole just then, and her cheeks flushed despite her usual girlbossposure.

    "Yeah, Vicky. Don''t let her go... I mean, let her go... We can discuss the martial tournamentter..." Frank said, feeling his juices flowing and almost bleeding from the nose as he watched the two beauties tussled.

    The mole on Helen''s breast was especially captivating as it jiggled while Helen struggled, and then there were Vicky''s long fair legs...

    "Stop... lookin!"

    Helen was seething, snapping at Frank since she could not beat Vicky.

    "Oh... Okay," Frank replied stiffly but did not turn away.

    "I''m angry now, Vicky!"

    Helen was sweating profusely as she still could not shake off Vicky.

    Vicky giggled and nibbled her ear. "Oh, are you getting angry? That''s a look I haven''t seen before, so why don''t you show me now?!" "Vicky!!!"

    The twodies continued to tussle for a while.

    In the distance, Kat was staring at Helen and Vicky''s chest, her expression frigid when she touched her own.

    "Tch. This is such a bore. I''m leaving." She huffed and stormed off.

    Meanwhile, Vicky continued to torment Helen for a while before finally letting her go. Exhausted, Helen was left kneeling in front of Frank''s pool lounger and wheezing. "Vicky!" she snapped as she looked up, ring at Vicky fixedly as if she could skin her. She did not care that her blouse was still open-Frank had seen everything anyway. "Oh, don''t get so upset!"

    Vicky kept giggling. "I''m just teaching you about fair trade. No pain, no gain!"

    Her smile left Helen clenching her knuckle-she was just so vile!

    In reality, Helen felt slightly inferior

    to Vick after the misunderstanding

    she

    Bad with Frank over Huubeli?

    Droitner.

    She decided that she could y second fiddle, even made up her mind not topete.

    As such, she really did not

    et

    understand what Vicky was doing e she had already won-she

    kept

    teasing Helen, provoking hercand harassing her.

    Somehow, it was as if the status quo was restored.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.

    And Helen would never willingly lose to someone like Vicky!

    ring at Frank just then, she snapped, "Y-You''re not allowed to help Vicky!"

    "Why?"

    Vicky giggled in disdain. "He''s not all yours. What gives you the right to order him around?"

    "B-Because..." Helen was seething too much to answer just then.

    Still, her cheeks flushed as she finally realized that Vicky had torn open her blouse.

    Hiding

    at Frank and snappedet

    he was peeking!".

    Beavage with one hand,

 Chapter 1895

    ?

    "He saw me!"

    However, Helen''s blushingint looked just like child''s y to Vicky.

    Walking up to Frank while shaking her hips ostentatiously, she giggled as she pointed at her own cleavage. "Oh, dear Ms. Lane... if you think that Frank has to obey you for looking, shouldn''t I be higher in the pecking order? He saw everything, after all..."

    "I..."

    Helen flushed as Vicky was using her own logic to argue. "I''m different! You don''t care if he''s looking, but I do!"

    "Different, you say? How so? In shape, size, or... sensation?"

    As Vicky retorted, she lifted Frank''s hands, pulling them closer to her own chest.

    "Argh!!!" Helen turned and stormed off right then.

    "Hehehe... You''d beste better prepared next time!" Vicky called out after her,ughing.

    Ultimately, that meant that Frank''s hands had yet to reach Vicky before she won.

    And seeing her charmingughter and the ample bosom that was just inches away, Frank sighed in slight disappointment.

    Vicky turned and leveled a look of amusement at him right then. "Hmm? Darling, were you actually eager to have a taste?"

    "Ahem..."

    Frank cleared his throat awkwardly and quickly shook his head. "No way. I have no such intentions..."

    "You''re bleeding from the nose, though?"

    "Eh?"Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Caught off guard, Frank promptly touched his nostrils but felt nothing.

    "Woman..." He chuckled in wry amusement-Vicky was so mischievous that she would tease him too.

    Vicky simply grinned. "Alright. Now that you have your down payment, isn''t it time to get to work? Also, there''s no rule stipting that you can only represent one faction, y''know?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes, smiling exasperatedly as he watched Vicky stride off elegantly. "Then why would you trick Helen...?"

    "Did I? I only mentioned getting in line, not that she had to stay out."

    Vicky rolled her eyes at Frank. "Why else would I tear open her blouse? And don''t tell me you''re not pleased with the view." "You''re so... urgh."

    Frank finally had enough and strode up to spank her on the rear.

    "Hey!" Vicky yelped as she wheeled on him and shot him an using re.

    The Martial Alliance had a branch in Zamri too¡ªor indeed in every city of note in Draconia.

    Each branch usually served two

    Of

    main functions: recruitment and issuing bounties, and an example thetter was the ckwater Designations. Whenever there was one, it would always be posted on the bounty board.

    In

    Naturally, the Martial Alliance would provide security services, as major families, business owners, and the like would often hire martial elites from each branch.

    Still, the fee for each martial artist varied ording to their rank.

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    Hiring a vigor wielder would cost upward of several hundred grand.

    Going up and one would have the Birthright rank, which cost millions.

    On the other hand, it was basically impossible to hire Ascendant-ranked elites as they would not be in need of money, and most would have other assignments issued by the Martial Alliance.

    Naturally, one could offer a huge sum on a bounty, hence hiring a martial artist on a short-term contract.

    It was the livelihood for most martial artists¡ªindeed, that was what Glen Turnbull did when his family hadst faced a crisis, recruiting martial artists from different schools and sects.

    After around half an hour, Frank arrived alone at the Zamri branch of the Martial Alliance.

    Like the branch of any majorpany, the Zamri branch of the Martial Alliance was a grand office building, having a modern interior as well.

    The ss walls and the floors were bright and squeaky clean like that of major banks, and there were receptionists and staff just like any modern office.

    While there usually were not many around, this branch office was overcrowded that day, with martial artists keen to register for the martial tournament.

    Naturally, Frank was one of them, quietly walking up to the queue management system to take a number.

    However, he had a bad feeling when he saw that his number was 863.

    Looking up, he was left smiling wryly as the electronic board overhead said 156.

    There were that many registrants here in Zamri? But he had note across many martial artists here...

    Nheless, it would be eons until he got his turn.

    Even as Frank fiddled with his number and wondered if he should register some other day, there was a sudden ruckus at the entrance.

    "Eh?"

    Frank turned to find a group of men-in-ck working hard to clear a path.

    Soon, a scowling woman in red

    strode through the path cleared,

    u;

    frowning at the crowd around her as she pursed her lips and scoffed. "They really let just anyone in here, huh? Guess there really is ack of tatent in Zamri."

    The crowd was already upset with her showing up and her bodyguards clearing a path, and her mockery naturally left a few people snapping at her angrily.

    "Just anyone, you say? Well, who do you think you are?!"

    "Exactly! Don''t think we won''t hurt you just because you have the looks!"

    The woman appeared surprised by the shouts of disapproval butughed as if it was a joke, shaking her head. "Oh, you don''t know who I am? I guess there''s only scum around here... and who do you think you are to lecture me?!"

    Everyone was turned to stare at her at her outburst.

    While most did not recognize her, the faces of some martial artists fell right then.

    "Phoenix Ardron of Cloudnine Sect?!"

    "What?! That''s her?!"

    "But isn''t she from Hoxton? Why did shee all the way here from Zamri?"

    "Yeah, don''t most participants register in their local branch?"

    Phoenix giggled at the other martial artists'' wary discussion, feeling like she had salvaged some dignity. "Foolishness. The strength of each

    et

    Cloudnine Sect apprentice is nothing maggots like you canpare to."

    UMSContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1897

    ?

    Chuckling coolly, Phoenix continued, "Also, we''ve decided to register in different branches so that we don''t have topete in the same local bracket, making it look as if it''s the finals already. Get it?"

    Many of the martial artists nodded in understanding-so that was Cloudnine Sect''s strategy for the martial tournament.

    Instead of having their apprentices participating in the qualifiers for a single city, they sent them elsewhere.

    As everyone took part in different qualifiers of different cities, that would greatly increase the chances that the apprentices would advance further. And with Cloudnine Sect having the numerical advantage in the elimination stages, one must admit that this strategy was wless.

    In fact, it would not just be Cloudnine Sect-major martial ns down to the individual martial artist might choose to participate in remote cities too, so that they had a better chance of qualifying.

    After all, only the final two participants who survived elimination in each city would progress and travel to Morhen where the final victor would be decided.

    It was a slightly cunning y, but it did not break the rules.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    And now, Phoenix had picked the city of Zamri, which was one such remote city.

    Most martial artists would hence presume that thepetition would not be as fierce here as it would be in major cities. And since most of them were from out of town, it was why Frank found the Martial Alliance branch office exceedingly crowded.

    "Well, that''s where you''re wrong!"

    Nheless, just as Phoenix finished, one local artist strode up, staring at Phoenix as he smiled. "You''ve made a mistake when you picked Zamri. Have you not heard that one of ours has recently defeated Jaden Favoni of Norsedam?"

    The martial artist was right too, as sending participants elsewhere also had its drawbacks. As there was a chance some of them might run into little-known martial elites, that in turn meant a quick elimination.

    Nheless, Phoenix was not concerned, and she actually appeared eager instead of panicking, "Really? Defeating Jaden Favoni? Well, I''d have to take this seriously To think that I presumed that there''d only be losers here,

    When

    Re

    there''s actually a big fish waiting to

    be fried!"

    "Well, that''s Ms. Ardron for you. She''s not actually afraid of the prodigy who defeated Jaden Favoni!"

    "What would you know? She ranks among the top three juniors of Cloudnine Sect. Real prodigies never reveal their depths."

    "Forget Skyrank. Only noobs will quote that stupid list."

    "The way I see it, Ms. Ardron might not necessarily lose to that prodigy!"

    Seeing how excited Phoenix was and hearing what the other martial artists were saying, Frank turned to an old man who looked

    l.n

    knowledgeable, asking, "Excuse me, sir, but is Phoenix Ardron really that impressive?"

    Frank had actually wanted to bring Scarface Tucker along with him to participate, so that they would win thest two spots in Zamri''s qualifiers.

    However, he was now unsure as someone like Phoenix was involved.

    On the other hand, the old man¡ªwho had lost one front tooth and appeared to be no more than a vigor wielder-was grinning smugly, seeing that Frank was so respectful.

    He immediately spoke rapidly, and his spit would have covered Frank''s face if Frank had not dodged ahead of time. "Oh, kid... She''s really not someone you wanna mess with!"

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    The old man then chuckled. "Phoenix Ardron is among the top three juniors of the Cloudnine Sect. But forget her personal merit-her fiance is even more outstanding! I mean, he''s themissioner of Hoxton despite his young age!"

    "See?"

    The old man pointed at the men-in-ck who cleared a path for Phoenix, grinning. "Those men are all the Hoxtonmissioner''s boys, and they''re all packing heat. Who would have the balls to beat her when amissioner has her back?"

    pping Frank on the shoulder and sighing miserably, he said, "So just forget it. We don''t have a shot here."

    "So she''s Mrs. Commissioner, and themissioner even sent backup?"

    Frank was actually shocked the woman had ties to the government too? Did that mean she had her finger in every pie?

    And if someone actually dared to defeat her in the martial tournament, they would be in for a lot of trouble too...

    "Make way!"

    Just as Frank was frowning and wondering what he should do about Phoenix, her bodyguards just happened to reach him. The one in the lead pompously reached out, shoving Frank out of the way and causing him to crease his brow further.

    The bodyguard was pushing so hard that an average Joe would be knocked to the floor.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    And with such a huge crowd around, it went without saying what was going to happen after.

    In fact, just as Frank had expected, a youth who had his back to the bodyguards was caught off guard and knocked to the floor.

    He was immediately trampled upon by the crowd, but the bodyguards continued onward pompously without a care.

    Frank''s expression turned cool as he looked on.

    "Eh?"

    The bodyguard shoving Frank suddenly gasped in surprise.

    He was using over ny percent of his strength, but Frank remained still, refusing to budge.

    "I told you to move, kid! You hear?" the bodyguard snapped pompously right then, rearing his chin.

    Frank remained impassive and did

    not answer, instead asking a question of his own. "Every martial artist here is queuing up. What do you think you''re doing?"

    n

    The other martial artists around Frank were left stunned, and even the bodyguard was staring nkly for a moment. "Pfft..."

    He soon snickered, before his brow furrowed into a re as he suddenlyunched a punch at Frank''s face. "So you

    like messing huh?!"

    The crowd nearby were all sighing at Frank for not reading the room when they saw the scene.

    Messing with a member of Cloudnine Sect? He was really asking for it!

    "Young man... You''ve really messed up this time!"

    Seeing that Frank and the

    bodyguard were getting physical, the old man with a missing front tooth who had told Frank about Phoenix sighed.

    He pressed his way to get closer to the crowd, afraid of getting caught in Frank''s problem.

    "Phoenix Ardron is a young prodigy of Cloudnine Sect. Her bodyguards would definitely be elite too!" "The brat''s luck has really run out today..."

    Some among the crowd were sighing, already expecting to see Frank floored the next instant.

    After all, even the bodyguards of a member of Cloudnine Sect were not to be trifled with.

    Thud!

    But even as somemented while others watched eagerly, Frank caught the bodyguard''s punch.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1899

    ?

    "Eh?"

    The bodyguard was left staring nkly, as he did not expect to see that Frank was quick enough to catch his punch.

    Even if he was not actually a member of Cloudnine Sect, he was still a Birthright-ranked martial artist and a bodyguard sent by the Hoxtonmissioner.

    And to be honest, he really thought nothing of martial artists from a remote city like Zamri.

    It was not just Phoenix either-even he believed that he could emerge victorious in the qualifiers here.

    As that mindset made him arrogant, the fact that he tried a sneak attack that failed, with his opponent even calmly catching his blow with a single hand, left him feeling a little humiliated.

    This was not what he imagined would happen!

    "What, what is something I said that you found inappropriate, so you had to go for a sneak attack?"

    Even as Frank spoke calmly, the bodyguard could feel his immense grip strength, no different from a heavy-duty vice.

    And his own fist was being held fast, not budging no matter how hard he pulled, even as Frank clenched harder on his fist.

    "Fuck!" he eventually snapped. "What do you think you''re doing?! You''ll regret it if youy a finger on me!"

    Nheless, Phoenix soon noticed themotion from a distance.

    She said nothing, let alone intervened.

    All she did was watch in amusement, intent on observing what the ballsy youth would do.

    "Let me go...!"

    Meanwhile, the bodyguard''s face was contorting in pain from Frank''s vice-like grip, and he snarled at Frank even as he struggled, "I''m warning you, I have the support of Phoenix Ardron of Cloudnine Sect! Let go, or it''s a deration of war against Cloudnine Sect! When that happens, you can''t even go down on your knees and beg!"

    "And why should I beg?"

    Frank chuckled in disdain even as everyone looked on in shock, and he looked past the bodyguard to Phoenix, who stood in the middle of the crowd. "Even a member of Cloudnine Sect must queue up

    properly here, or how are you

    any

    different from somemon thug?"

    "What?!"

    Everyone gasped at what Frank was telling Phoenix.

    "Shit, who the hell is he?!"

    "Yeah... How dare he speak like that against Phoenix Ardron of Cloudnine Sect!"

    "It''s over. He''s a dead man!"

    While everyone was left astounded

    ne

    by Frank calling Phoenix and her

    entouragemon thugs, the

    bodyguard whom he was restraining

    snapped.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    "You asked for this, brat!" the bodyguard bellowed, a yellow pure vigor projecting around his leg just then, with mirages of dust...

    "Wait, pure vigor projection? The bodyguard is definitely strong!"

    "He''s just a bodyguard, but he''s already at that level? That''s Cloudnine Sect for you!"

    Even as everyone was gasping in awe, the bodyguard raised his foot and kicked toward Frank''s neck.

    "Sandcrusher!" he bellowed.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Everyone was staring in shock at the strength that the kick embodied.

    Some even quietly left the building, losing all confidence right then.

    After all, a bodyguard was already

    wielding such a powerful martialet

    technique, and they would be embarrassing themselves if they stayed.

 Chapter 1900

    ?

    However, the technique that left all the martial artists in awe disappeared by the next instant.

    The shockwave from the kick was gone, even before it reached Frank''s neck!

    While everyone was left confused, some of the more keen-eyed martial artists noticed what had happened.

    The bodyguard did not withdraw. Instead, the kick was nullified...

    "Argh!"

    There was a blood-curdling scream as the bodyguard, who had been utterly pompous a second ago, was now kneeling before Frank.

    His lips were lopsided in agony, and tears were actually rolling down his cheeks from the sheer agony of his hand.

    "Y-You brat..." the bodyguard growled as he red murderously at Frank.

    "Whoa!"

    The others soon noticed that Frank was still holding his hand... or what was left of it.

    After all, it had been a hand a second ago, but now it was nothing more than mush.

    It turned out that Frank had crushed the bodyguard''s knuckle when he tried to kick Frank, causing him to stop in agony.

    "I see..."

    While the crowd realized why the bodyguard had stopped, another shocking question appeared in their mind.

    What kind of a man would it take to crush a Birthright-ranked martial elite''s hand so easily?

    As the crowd turned back to Frank again, they were no longer looking at him in contempt or glee, and instead regarded him with fear and respect.

    A youth of such might was definitely a martial elite of some important family, even if he decided to keep a low profile.

    "Eh?"

    Phoenix was actually surprised to see her bodyguard defeated so easily. She raised her chin proudly at Frank as she asked, "Who are you?"

    "You should introduce yourself

    et

    before you ask for someone else''s

    name, Frank said, dropping the

    mush and leveling an impassive stare at Phoenix.

    "Heh."

    Seeing that Frank was so fearless, Phoenix quickly presumed that he was the apprentice of a hidden sect.

    Chuckling coolly, she nodded at Frank, "Phoenix Ardron of Cloudnine Sect."Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Phoenix Ardron."

    Frank did not mention his own name, however, and continued calmly as the other martial artists looked on, "Even if you''re a

    Cloudnine Sect apprentice, you

    should adhere to the Martial

    Alliance''s rules when you''re on their turf. Queue up properly instead of strutting around."

    "Are you lecturing me?" Phoenix narrowed her eyes, her expression slowly turning hostile.

    "Just telling you something that is perfectly normal. I don''t fear Cloudnine Sect, even if others do."

    As Frank''s gaze remained calm, the other martial artists were all whispering softly among themselves.

    While the room seemed silent, Phoenix suddenly eximed, "Impressive!"

    Then, as the other martial artists looked on, she raised her palms and started pping, her eyes still fixed on Frank You believe that I, Phoenix Ardron, should queue up with these lowly nobodies? Haven''t you heard of the Martial Alliance''s rmendation system?"

 Chapter 1901

    ?

    "The Martial Alliance''s rmendation system?"

    Frank had not heard of it and was therefore surprised when Phoenix told him about it.

    She smirked at his reaction-seeing that he did not know that, Frank must at best be the apprentice of a hidden sect and not the heir to some major faction.

    "Ahem... Sir?"

    And seeing Frank frown in confusion, the old man with a missing front tooth shed a fawning smile as he approached Frank.

    Judging from Frank''s attitude, he could see that Frank was not an ordinary youth but the apprentice of an important hidden sect. As such, he was keen to suck up to Frank now.

    Gulping to steady himself, he then exined softly, "See, the Martial Alliance''s rmendation is a special seed in the martial tournament. Be it the heirs to a major faction, or famous martial elites listed on Skyrank, they can all advance beyond the qualifiers without participation.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    "In other words, if you have the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, you don''t have to squeeze in here to get registered like the rest of us. I mean, it''s unseemly if a real martial elite was stuck in a room with us, don''t you agree?"

    Frank certainly understood the Martial Alliance''s rmendation system thanks to the old man.

    He was actually puzzled before if a famous Ascendant-ranked martial elite showed up, why would the rest botherpeting at all?

    Those individuals could instead apply to the Martial Alliance''s rmendation system, so they would not have to queue up like the rest.

    However, Frank also realized something else¡ªif Phoenix had the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, what was she doing here? Did she still have to register even after that?

    Turning towards Phoenix in

    curiosity, he asked, "So, I take it th

    you have the Martial

    rmendation?"longs

    "Of course not." Phoenix smiled smugly.

    Frank was left wondering if she was crazy right then-what was she even harassing him for?!

    Still, Phoenix clearly saw his look of disdain and felt insulted right then.

    ring coolly at him, she clenched her knuckles and snapped, "Someone is applying for the Martial Alliance''rmendation in my stead. I''m only registering myself just in case! I''m different from the rest of you peasants, so move aside, OPI''ll make you!"

    "You''ll make me?"

    Frank chuckled, irritated with Phoenix''s attitude.

    Still, his probing was fruitful, since he had at least found out about the Martial Alliance''s rmendation.

    Given his connection to Silverbell, would it not be easy to get it?

    Hence, he whipped out his phone but saw a text from Silverbell even before he could make the call.

    [Frank, Helen fold me that you''ll be participating in the uing martial tournament, so I helped you apply for the Martial Alliance''s rmendation. You just have to ask for the branch manager to register yourself.]

    Frank was left smiling at the short and simple text.

 Chapter 1902

    ?

    One could expect nothing else of Silverbell-she had really covered all corners.

    Frank had yet to say anything, she had done everything necessary.

    On the other hand, Phoenix thought Frank was cowed as he stayed silent for a long while.

    Smirking at him, she then beckoned at her bodyguards to clear a path again, only to be stunned as Frank stopped them once more.

    "Ms. Ardron, you don''t have the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, do you?" he asked. "In that case, please stop breaking the rules and take a number like everyone else, unless you''re able to prove that you have one, you don''t have the right to im that you''re superior to the rest of us!"

    "How dare you!"

    Phoenix was really furious with Frank''s interference this time and snapped at her entourage, "Go bring me the branch manager! Let me shoot this brat if I have the Martial Alliance''s rmendation!"

    "Kid!"

    The old man with a missing front tooth was left flinching, seeing that Frank was messing with Phoenix again. "Why do you have to keep protesting with thedy? She''s already taking a step back. Can''t you turn a blind eye here?"

    "No, that won''t do," Frank replied, shaking his head. "There are plenty of Zamri martial artists queuing up properly, but someone who doesn''t have the Martial Alliance''s rmendation is here, throwing her weight around by abusing her connections. It upsets me to see it."

    "Oh my gosh!"

    The old man with a missing front tooth almost dropped his other tooth from seeing Frank''s reaction.

    It upset him to see it? But that was a member of Cloudnine Sect!

    The old man had also told him that Phoenix was not just a member of Cloudnine Sect-the Hoxtonmissioner had her back too.

    However, Frank was really determined to mess with Phoenix!

    Even the other martial artists were staring at Frank like he was crazy.

    Was he that suicidal?

    Phoenix was ready to let it slide, but he kept bugging her instead?

    In reality, however, Frank had his reason for pestering Phoenix.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    While it looked like harassment on the surface, he was nning to help Scarface Tucker as well.

    He wanted to see if Phoenix had the Martial Alliance''s rmendation.

    If she did, then Scarface would not have to face her in the qualifiers.

    But if she did not, that was another matter entirely.

    l

    It would be fine if Scarface lost to Phoenix. However, if Scarface took things too seriously and beat Phoenix, there would be much unnecessary trouble-especially since Phoenix had the Hoxtonmissioner''s backing.

    As Scarface had been a ckwater inmate, if thatmissioner did a background check on him, forget the martial tournament-there would be serious trouble.

    However, Scarface was very eager to participate, so Frank had to risk incurring Phoenix''s wrath and test her.

    "Who called for me?"

    Soon, a man in a suit and a split mustache arrived, frowning slightly when he saw Phoenix and her entourage. "Did you ask for me, Ms. Phoenix Ardron?"

    "Yes!"

    Phoenix strode up to the branch

    manager, pointing at Frank

    haughtily, "This brat has been harassing me repeatedly and mocked me for not having the

    Martial Alliance''s rme

    I''ve also called you to ask if my application has been cleared."

    "Huh..."

    bet

    The branch manager paused and shook his head as the other martial artists looked on. "I''m sorry, Ms. Ardron, but your application for the Martial Alliance''s rmendation was not approved as another rmendation that took priority came in."

 Chapter 1903

    ?

    The Martial Alliance branch manager''s words left every martial artist present chuckling under their breaths, some out loud.

    Still, they promptly sped their hands on their mouths when they noticed Phoenix''s murderous re and had to endure the pain of stiflingughter.

    Either way, it was hrious-Phoenix had looked so confident, even demanding the manager''s presence and announcing to everyone she had the Martial Alliance''s rmendation.

    She did not expect not to receive the rmendation or hereuppance so quickly.

    Every molecule of her body felt humiliated, and everyone''s stares were suddenly sharp des piercing her fragile ego.

    She hung her head, wanting nothing more than to hide.

    And even if many of the martial artists present were afraid tough, most of them turned away, sping their hands over their mouths to stop the awkwardness from spiraling out of control.

    "Who has the rmendation?!"

    Nheless, Phoenix soon snapped, seizing the Martial Alliance branch manager by the cor and demanding angrily, "You said someone was given the rmendation, which was why my application was denied, no?!"

    "You see..."

    The manager frowned as he nodded, exining in annoyance, "I understand that it upsets you that your application was denied. But in the presence of so many other martial artists, you should watch yourself for the sake of Cloudnine Sect''s reputation."

    The various Martial Alliance branch managers each had ties to the government and were naturally immune to the influence of major sects or factions -especially a mere sect apprentice.

    As such, while this Martial Alliance branch manager would have been respectful toward some major figure in martial arts, he was not at all polite toward Phoenix.

    "Who has the rmendation?!"

    Still, even as Phoenix released the manager''s cor, she red at the crowd around her as she bellowed furiously. "Who has the audacity to take away my rmendation?! Are you belittling Cloudnine Sect now?!"

    Seeing that she was really furious now, the martial artists around Phoenix averted their eyes, reluctant to risk her wrath.

    On the other hand, the manager

    straightened her cor and said, "Please do not make a scene here, Ms. Ardron. The person who has the rmendation is a martial elite with the chief of the Martial Alliance''s confidence. You just can''tpete."

    "What?!" Phoenix was furious-the manager''s words were basically an insult!

    "Martial elite, you say?! Then tell me who is this martial elite who has the chief of the Martial Alliance''s rmendation?!"

    While the room turned silent at

    Phoenix''s bellow, the manager

    spoke calmly, "Please watch

    yourself, Ms. Ardron. Do not cause a

    scene here in the Zamri branch of the Martial Alliance. Otherwise would have to report this to the higher ups, and Cloudnine Sect might punish you for this. Burning bridges does nobody any good here."

    That only drove Phoenix even madder. "You will tell me who has my rmendation, or I will make everyone here pay!"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    She had never ever suffered any humiliation of this scale, so she was not about to let it rest!

    "So you''re insisting on making things difficult?" The manager narrowed his eyes.

    "So what if I am?" Phoenix snorted. "Did you really think that Cloudnine Sect fears the Martial Alliance?!"

    Frank breathed a quiet sigh, seeing how tense things were between Phoenix and the manager.

    It was obvious that Frank was the one who took the rmendation, and as for why he was so sure, who else in Zamri was worthy of Silverbell''s personal rmendation?

 Chapter 1904

    ?

    While it was a strange coincidence, Frank eventually stepped up after some thought, saying, "In that case, I''ll give you the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, but you''ll leave with your entourage."Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Phoenix was still in a standoff against the Martial Alliance branch manager when she heard Frank.

    She turned in surprise to find Frank standing beside her, and her surprise soon turned to ridicule. "You? Am I hearing you right?!"

    Naturally, the other martial artists were in an uproar as they heard Frank too.

    After all, there were so many ws to point out in his ims, and everyone was staring at Frank like he was stupid.

    First of all, the Martial Alliance''s rmendation only came from the Martial Alliance, and it was a pass for the strong or the famous.

    So, giving away such a thing? Who did Frank think he was kidding?

    Even if that was possible, did that mean that money would allow anyone to pass the local qualifiers?

    In that case, how was the martial tournament going to be conducted?

    Secondly, even if the Martial Alliance''s rmendation really could change hands, did this braggart really have it in the first ce?

    To give something, you must first have it-and if he had it, why was he taking a number and queuing up like the rest of them?

    Thirdly, even if he had the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, why would he give it away to Phoenix?

    Everyone could see that Frank did not know Phoenix and that this was his first time meeting her.

    Was it possible that the brat had fallen for her?

    et

    One had to admit that Phoenix had her charms, but were individuals who received the Martial Alliance''s rmendation not powerful martial artists? Would someone like that give up their privilege over Phoenix''s beauty and end up having to wait in a queue like the rest of them?

    It would be humiliating if word got out, not to mention that Phoenix had a fiance, who was also themissioner of Hoxton!

    As such, this was apletely

    bizarre move that would only bring Frank further problems, which was why the other martial artists were all staring at Frank like he was stupid.

    Naturally, Phoenix did not trust Frank at all.

    UMS

    In fact, she believed that Frank said what he said just to taunt her, even though it was a very weak taunt to those around them.

    "You''re giving me the Martial Alliance''s rmendation?"

    Phoenix looked at Frank from head to toe, the mockery in her eyes never fading.

    If anything, she was even more amused now and was just ying along to see how the brat would make a fool of himself.

    "Yes," Frank replied.

    For his part, he had no idea that the

    Martial Alliance''s rmendation could not change hands, so he repeated himself despite thedooks of contempt around him.

    "Good. Very good!"

    Phoenix leered at him in disdain while asking quietly, "Just give me the rmendation, and I''ll pay you a billion dors, how about that?"

 Chapter 1905

    ?

    "Pfft..."

    Some of the smarter ones in the crowd could see that Phoenix did not expose Frank''s boasting just to mock him for being ignorant.

    As many of the martial artists were convinced they were in for a new show, they stopped some of their friends who were leaving, all of them watching Frank in amusement.

    "The Martial Alliance''s rmendation changing hands? Never heard about that before."

    "Hahaha... No way that''s happening."

    "I''m surprised that the kid''s that down to earth!"

    "Forget changing hands-why would that kid have the Martial Alliance''s rmendation?"

    "Exactly. The rmendation is reserved for martial elites. And weren''t you listening to the branch manager?"

    "Yeah... The rmendation here in Zamri was given by the chief of the Martial Alliance. The kid''s just bragging!"

    "Oh, this is killing me... I''d really like to see the look on the brat''s face when he can''t keep this up."

    Most of the ridicule was naturally aimed at Frank, since his offer to give up the Martial Alliance''s rmendation was simply outrageous. It even diverted all attention from Phoenix''seuppance earlier.

    Phoenix was breathing a sigh of relief just then-thank goodness that this idiot stood out to take the bullet for her, or she would really be embarrassed.

    Right now, her priority would be to get away before going back to her sect or fiance, asking them to investigate who could have taken her rmendation.

    On the other hand, Frank began to wonder if something was wrong as everyone was leering at him in contempt.

    Was it something he said? Or perhaps the Martial Alliance''s rmendation could not change hands?

    Still, he soon heard a couple of

    martial artists huddled in a corneret

    laughing that Frank definitely.

    not

    have the rmendation

    He breathed a sigh of relief right then-so that was all it was!

    That was certainly no big deal, so he strode up and stopped Phoenix, who was trying to escape. "A billion. That''s what you said."

    "What?!"

    net

    Phoenix was shocked that Frank still did not realize what was going on and leered at him in contempt, nodding and snorting. "Yes, right, one billion! But forgive my frankness-did you really think getting the Martial Alliance''s rmendation is that easy, and do you really have a right to it?"

    "Sure I do." Frank shed a smile so confident that everyone was left staring nkly.

    For Phoenix, however, he was like a stubborn chewing gum stuck fast to her and unavable.

    As such, she lost her patience and went for the direct approach instead.

    "Manager!" she snapped impatiently, turning towards the Martial Alliance

    branch manager of Zamri. "You heard him. He''s saying that he has the Martial Alliance''sText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    e

    rmendation, so I''d like to ask if he does?"

    "Him?"

    The manager frowned at Frank, while the martial artists around them chuckled out loud.

    "Just look at the manager-he clearly doesn''t recognize the brat, and he''s still saying he has the rmendation. What a joke."

    "Maybe he dreamed that he had itst night?"

    "Such a clown..."

    Despite hearing thements, the manager turned toward Frank with an impassive look, asking, "Your name, sir?"

    "Frank Lawrence," Frank replied calmly, taking no offense to the mockery.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1906

    ?

    In all likelihood, this was the Martial Alliance branch manager that Silverbell had told Frank to look for. As to whether Frank had the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, the manager would be well aware.

    "Hmm?!"

    And to no surprise, when the manager heard Frank''s name, the nonchnt manager suddenly widened his eyes in disbelief at Frank. The martial artists around them saw the manager''s reaction and were silent, with some gulping loudly as well.

    "Does he... really have the rmendation?" one of them even murmured in a corner, murmuring what everyone was wondering.

    On the other hand, various expressions alternated over the manager''s face before he assumed a look of respect. "You''re really Mr. Frank Lawrence...?"

    "Eh?!"

    Seeing the manager making such a face to Frank, everyone including Phoenix were left staring in shock.

    They had all been leering at him like he was a clown, only for him to receive such respect from the manager... One might even say that the manager was exceedingly humble now.

    Inparison, not even the elders or a hall chief of Cloudnine Sect would necessarily be eligible for such fawning from the manager.

    Was it possible that he was more important than a Cloudnine Sect elder?

    While Phoenix''s brain seemed to fry up, Frank said, "Yes, and in the flesh. Silverbell must have informed you ahead of time?"

    The manager fell to his knees respectfully in turn. "Y-Yes, Mr. Lawrence. Lady Silverbell herself had called ahead, telling us to prepare."

    "Eh?!"

    Seeing the manager kneel, all the martial artists were left petrified.

    Even Phoenix, who was still leering at Frank in contempt just earlier, felt the world spinning around her when she heard the exchange between them. "He''s really the one who took my rmendation and has the personal attention of the chief of the Martial Alliance?!"

    "Who is he? Frank Lawrence...? Why does the name sound so familiar?"

    She stood stiffly, searching her mind but unable to ce where she had heard the name that was at once familiar and unfamiliar.

    And he could even make the Martial Alliance branch manager kneel, so it had to be someone important to the Martial Alliance?

    "That''s good," Frank said just then,

    pausing and smiling as he pointed at Phoenix. "Well, I''ll be passing my rmendation to Ms. Ardron here. How about that?"

    "Well..."

    The manager made an awkward face at the request. "It''s a rmendation given by the Martial Alliance. It can''t change hands."

    "It can''t?"

    Frank did a double take, frowning.

    If he could not give the rmendation to Phoenix, then Scarface Tucker would most definitely run into Phoenix.

    And when that happened...

    As Frank mused to himself on how he should resolve this issue, the manager saw him frown.

    He then remembered Silverbell''s

    orders to satisfy any requests Frank

    might have as well and to treate

    sw novel

    Frank like he would treat hero Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    With that in mind, the manager quickly stood up and whispered into Frank''s ear.

 Chapter 1907

    ?

    "Eh?" Frank''s creased brow eased right then.

    After all, the Martial Alliance branch manager was suggesting that Frank rmend Phoenix directly instead of giving her his.

    That would certainly resolve everyone''s problem, while Frank would earn a billion dors that Phoenix had promised.

    So, why not?

    "In that case..."

    Frank turned toward Phoenix and smiled. "After some discussion with the manager, Miss Ardron, it seems that my rmendation can''t be given to you."

    "Oh... okay," Phoenix replied, still too stunned to be surprised by what Frank said.

    "However..."

    Frank''s tone changed sharply as he smiled, "I can directly rmend you, as representative of Zamri''s Martial Alliance branch."

    "Huh?!"

    "What?"

    "Shit!"

    Hearing that Frank was directly giving the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, everyone who had been zoning out earlier and even Phoenix-were now at a loss.

    "B-But why?" she asked, as Frank was going the extra mile to get her a rmendation.

    To her knowledge, things were not amicable between them-one might even call it tense when Frank crippled one of Phoenix''s bodyguards.

    And minutester, Frank was getting her the Martial Alliance''s rmendation?

    "Uh..."

    Phoenix was bewildered, staring at Frank but no longer hostilely or derisively.

    All she felt now was confusion.

    First of all, she had no idea who Frank was, or how he bent the Martial Alliance''s rule to get her a rmendation.

    On the other hand, she did not understand Frank''s purpose.

    "Ahem..."

    Sensing the nk and confused stares around him, Frank cleared his throat a few times and turned. toward Phoenix, saying, "Just

    pretend I''m doing it for your money."

    SwneContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    That only left Phoenix further speechless, as the excuse was simply unrealistic.

    After all, this was a man who could

    directlymand a Martial

    branch

    manager. Why would

    care

    about such pocket change?

    Wait...

    Suddenly, Phoenix had an idea, her expression stiffening as she looked up and found Frank smiling at her.

    Could he have fallen for her at first sight?

    Even as the thought crossed her mind, Phoenix''s heart started to race endlessly.

    She slid another nce at Frank''s face.

    He was not a drop-dead gorgeous hunk that one would spot from a crowd right away.

    Instead, he looked just like his personality, in and discreet, but the more Phoenix looked, the more attractive she found him.

    She blushed right then but soon paused.

    "What am I thinking? I already have a fiance!"

    However, remembering her fiance only left Phoenix''s grimacing and exasperated inside.

    Her fiance was good to her, but that

    was entirely hinged on her

    connection to Cloudnine Sect-she was the intermediary and the reason her fiance could use Cloudnine Sect''s influence to be the Hoxtonmissioner.

 Chapter 1908

    ?

    And after bing the Hoxtonmissioner, Phoenix''s fiance would in turn repay the favor by offering Cloudnine Sect conveniences and goodies. To be honest, Phoenix and her fiance''s rtionship was built entirely on Cloudnine Sect''s interest, with no personal sentiment involved.

    And yet, today, Phoenix felt her heart fluttering for the first time¡ªand not just because of Frank''s position or for the fact that he had fought to give Phoenix a Martial Alliance''s rmendation for her sake...

    He was just so mysterious and enthralling that she felt an urgent need to find out what he was really like and what he wanted.

    Moreover, Frank was most likely interested in her, what with how nice he was to her.

    As Phoenix''s heart pounded, she was afraid to look him in the eye.

    "Does she have a few screws loose?"

    On the other hand, Frank was smiling but also wondering if Phoenix was just being strange.

    She was pensive one moment and peeking at him the next, so he really had no idea what she wanted.

    But either way, his task wasplete. "In that case, you don''t have to queue with the other martial artists now, Ms. Ardron." "What? Oh, right." Phoenix appeared restless as she stared at Frank''s smile.

    Frank then continued, "I hope you won''t be as rude as you were today. Every martial artist starts out as a vigor wielder, after all." "Yeah... I know," Phoenix replied, hanging her head and docile, leaving the crowd watching pursing their lips.

    Was she really that... tame?

    "Alright, then I shall excuse myself." Frank waved at Phoenix as the crowd cleared a path for him to leave. Phoenix watched him leave in shock-and here she was waiting for him to trade contact methods!

    But he was just leaving?

    Phoenix was left stumped, really unable to fathom what the man was ying at.

    He got her the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, but he was now leaving without saying anything?

    "Oh, right!"

    Suddenly, Frank smacked himself on the forehead as he turned around.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    And seeing him turn back, Phoenix puffed her chest in delight. "Hehe. Guess he eventually remembered."

    She was confident in her looks and

    figure, especially in the

    ne

    body-hugging dress she wore today that entuated her figure with charm.

    But while she presumed Frank was going to exchange contact numbers with her, he instead whipped out a note with his bank ount number written on it.

    "Just deposit one billion here," he said and turned to leave without looking back.

    "Eh?"

    Phoenix was once again staring at Frank as he left as if stupefied, even as a ridiculous thought urred to her.

    Could he actually have no interest in her and really be in it for the money?

    Meanwhile, the bodyguard whose hand Frank crushed was staring nkly at Phoenix.

    Then, his eyes shed viciously as he whipped out his phone, quietly typing and sending a text...

    "That''s what I''m telling you-you''re

    not getting a rmendation.

    if you want to advance,ave to

    your brain."

    The next day, Frank called Scarface and told him about what happened to his Martial Alliance''s rmendation.

 Chapter 1909

    ?

    "Wait, aren''t we bros?"

    Scarface appeared hysterical, clutching his cheeks as he howled, "If you can make a rmendation, you could''ve just rmended me! Why give it to Phoenix Ardron?! Wouldn''t I run into her anyway once I''m qualified?"

    "One rmendation is tough enough."

    Frank shook his head. "And I got Phoenix''s rmendation in the first ce-giving her one is nothing out of line. On the other hand, the Martial Alliance wouldn''t agree if I were to give you the rmendation instead."

    "I see..." Scarface nodded at the exnation but remained a little frustrated.

    "Brat!"

    Madfist strode up and snapped just then, "Quit obsessing with cutting corners! Even if you were to get the rmendation and go to Morhen for the finals, you''d think you''re better off not taking part when someone humiliates you!"

    "True..." Scarface scratched his head, cheering up just then.

    Madfist then turned toward Frank. "So when does Zamri''s qualifiers begin?"

    "In a couple of days?" Frank said, uncertain.

    "Hah! Then we''re not wasting any time, brat! You will take your training seriously over the next couple of days, so that you won''t embarrass anyone!"

    With that, Madfist pulled Scarface by the ear as they left the hotel, with Scarface screaming along the way, "Godfather, be gentle!"

    "You won''t remember otherwise!"

    Frank smiled exasperatedly as he watched the two men leave, and his phone started ringing just then.

    Holding up his phone, he saw that it was an unfamiliar number from...

    "Hoxton...?" Frank frowned.

    The only person he had any dealing with in Hoxton was Phoenix... So could this be her fiance?

    With that theory in mind, Frank answered the phone call.

    Unsurprisingly, it was the icy voice of a man. "Frank Lawrence, yes?"

    "Yes, and you are...?"

    "You don''t need to know my name," the man growled murderously, which left Frank unsettled. "I heard you got Phoenix the Martial

    Qu

    Alliance''s rmendation

    word of advice-don''t poke your nose wherever you like."

    "Is that so?"

    Frank could hear the hostility in the man''s voice, and he chuckled. "What, is that why you''re calling-to warn me, Mr. Commissioner?" "...Hmph."

    Seeing that Frank knew who he was, themissioner gave up on all pretext and snapped coldly, "Since you know who I am, I won''t waste my breath. I will arrange for the one billion you asked for to be wired to you as soon as possible.

    "So know your ce and stay away from Phoenix-stray out of line, and I will personally make sure that you rest in pieces!" Beep, beep, beep...

    The man hung up on Frank before he could say another word, leaving him scowling as he listened to the static beeping from the

    ¦¯¦©

    disconnected call.

    "Staying away from Phoenix Ardron? Don''t do anything out of line?"

    No matter how dense he was, Frank realized that the Hoxtonmissioner was calling to assert his authority as a rival!N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    That left Frank smiling in wry amusement, as the man had actually presumed that Frank was interested in Phoenix!

 Chapter 1910

    ?

    However, Frank was not interested in Phoenix at all.

    After all, Helen Lane and Vicky Turnbull were both top beauties in Draconia.

    Even if Phoenix had the looks and the figure, she still dulled inparison to those two, and there was a considerable gap between them.

    Frank was certainly not crazy enough to stoop to second best, not to mention that there were plenty of other beauties.

    In fact, Kat Yego had onceined that Frank only ever made the acquaintance of the beautiful, and the ones closest to him were beautiful too. As such, would he even miss Phoenix?

    Frank felt misunderstood and amused at once, but in just ten seconds, his smile stiffened when someone rang his doorbell.

    As Frank opened the door, he realized that it was none other than Phoenix herself, dressed in a purple gown with a plunging neckline and a slit that revealed her ck thigh highs.

    Her wavy long hair, smile, and exquisite makeup left his heart skipping a beat.

    "Shit!"

    Frank was smiling, but his heart sank-could Phoenix have be interested in him?!

    After all, she was a gorgeous beautying on to him,pletely unlike the haughty Cloudnine Sect apprentice whom he had met just yesterday.

    "I''m surprised you''re so famous here in Zamri," she said as she boldly strode inside Frank''s room, looking around while hiding a smile. "But despite your reputation, you''re staying in a hotel. That''s just so..."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    "Ahem."

    Frank stared at her as she quickly made herself at home, asking awkwardly, "May I ask why you''re visiting, Ms. Ardron?"

    "Oh, right..."

    Phoenix was taken aback but soon beamed. "I just happened to pass by and wanted to thank you in person, as well as apologize for being impolite yesterday."

    "Ahem..."

    Frank almost choked on his drink right then.

    Just happened to pass by? And how would she have known that he was staying here if she did not go out of her way to check?

    Also, a personal apology, she said...

    Inhaling deeply, Frank shed a

    smile. "That''s very nice of you, Ms. Ardron However, the reason I gave you the Martial Alliance''s

    rmendation is just as I''ve told you before."

    Pausing, he pointed at the hotel, "As you can see, I''m having financial difficulties, which is why I''m staying here. I''ve been nning to move, which was why I asked for a reward.

    I really have no other intentiward.

    "A ce to stay, huh?"

    swne

    Phoenix thought about it and grinned. "Actually, I have several mansions down at Hoxton. If you''re interested, you can move in..."

    Then, realizing that she had

    misspoken, Phoenix quickly

    corrected herself. "I mean, I can give

    you a mansion for free if you move to Hoxton. And I promise that it''s way morefortable there

    "Well, damn."

    UMS

    Since Phoenix had put it that way, Frank realized that his offer to give her the Martial Alliance''s rmendation was ack of consideration on his part.

    After all, Phoenix was now clearly interested in him.

    Still, he cleared his throat awkwardly despite Phoenix''s hopeful stare, shaking his head. "Apologies, Ms. Ardron. I''m used to Zamri, and other ces wouldn''t suit me, so..."

    "That''s fine."

    Phoenix smiled faintly. "I happen to like Zamri myself, and I''d like to buy a mansion here. You can move in after that... How about that?"

 Chapter 1911

    ?

    "Bleurgh..."

    Frank almost coughed out his drink.

    Seeing Phoenix''s clearly passionate stare, he gritted his teeth as he decided to make things clear. "I heard you have a fiance, Ms. Ardron." "Oh, him..."

    Phoenix scowled at the mention of her fiance and whispered under her breath after a brief silence, "Josh and I don''t have feelings for each other. It''s a strictly tit-for-tat rtionship."

    "Wait, what?"

    Frank was left speechless. Their rtionship was theirs, so how was that his business... unless Phoenix wanted him to be the third wheel in their tit- for-tat rtionship?

    Still, seeing that Frank would ask something like that, Phoenix''s smile faded slightly. She suddenly asked, "Mr. Lawrence, you like me, don''t you?" Frank was left speechless.

    The question was so direct that Frank did not even have time toe up with a response when Phoenix sighed softly. "If you didn''t like me, why would you give me the Martial Alliance''s rmendation? What, did you really do it for the money?"

    "Exactly. It''s for the money."

    Frank nodded repeatedly, building up on the excuse. "You''ve really misunderstood me here, Ms. Ardron."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    However, Phoenix shook her head and smiled despite Frank''s response. "You don''t look poor, but I guess my fiance called you and threatened you?" "Huh? How''d you-"

    Frank caught himself before he could finish, knowing that he had messed up.

    "I knew it!"

    Phoenix growled through her teeth, her face ashen, "I''ve had enough of him keeping an eye on me 24/7! I''m a prodigy of Cloudnine Sect, and I won''t keep suffering like this!"

    With that, she strode up and took

    Frank''s

    Lawr and. "I understand now, Mr.

    Lawrence! Just give me time- personally cut ties with Josh

    "What?!"

    Before Frank realized what was happening, Phoenix was once again her spirited self, pushing Frank out of the way as she strode out. "Wait! Ms. Ardron, I actually-"

    "I get it, Mr. Lawrence. Don''t worry I won''t let Josh bother you." She smiled at him before storming off.

    Vicky was in the hallway, tilting her head sideways in confusion as she watched Phoenix emerge from Frank''s room.

    Then, turning in confusion toward Frank, she asked, "What''s going on here...?"

    "She''s... Ugh."

    Frank had no idea what to say, and

    merely shed a pained smile,

    me

    ne

    surprised that he had inadvertently caused such a misunderstanding Phoenix.

    With

    It was just so ridiculous-if he had known this would happen, he would not have helped Phoenix at all.

    And he could more or less sense that Josh Dellon, the Hoxtonmissioner, was not going to make this easy for him.

    "Oh, bother..." He breathed an exasperated sigh and told Vicky about everything that happened.

    Vicky was leftughing herself silly and gathered everyone to tell them, just so they couldugh at him together!

    He was only supposed to register himself for a tournament, only to suddenly be a third wheeler!

    What upset Frank even more was that Scarface Tucker found out and called to offer his sincere advice that one must hever ruin an engagement, it never pays to be the other guy, and that Frank must keep his virtue...

    Frank snapped on the spot, "And whose fault was it that I got caught in this mess?!"

    Realizing that he had messed up, Scarface hung up, ashen faced.

 Chapter 1912

    ?

    Frank was left even more frustrated.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.

    Fortunately, Helen and Vicky were just teasing Frank-they otherwise trusted his character.

    Even if Phoenix was intruding, they were not nervous at all, let alone worried that Frank would do something out of line.

    If anything, they treated it as a joke.

    Nheless, the registration period was over, and it was soon time for the qualifiers.

    At that point, Frank had to admit that Phoenix was sessful that was, in getting his attention.

    After all, he was a little nervous because he had not heard from her since. He could only pray that the woman did not do anything ridiculous to get him a whole bunch of enemies out of nowhere.

    As such, it gave him ease of mind that Phoenix was nowhere to be seen when he arrived at the Martial Alliance branch. That way, he could take part without worrying about much else.

    Aside from Scarface Tucker, who was going to participate from the start, there was also Mona Fairfax, Winter Lawrence''s personal bodyguard. Kat Yego was making a fuss to take part too.

    And since Frank had seen many martial artists from different corners of the country taking part in the Zamri branch qualifiers, taking part would be an eye-opening experience.

    That was the reason he had contacted the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager earlier to help Mona and the others get registered. "The first round is a physical test."

    net

    The manager was on hand to receive Frank and his friends too and gave him a personal run-through. "The physique is a martial artist''s foundation, so they would be tested in endurance

    speed, strength, and other aspects.

    "With so many participants, we have to stick to a simple selection process, and we estimate that half would be eliminated in the first round."

    Frank nodded in agreement, understanding the intention. "Then where is it taking ce?"

    "This way, Mr. Lawrence." The Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager smiled, serving as Frank''s tour guide for the day.

    He led them to the fifth floor, arge field with several boxing machines and giant sma screens hanging overhead, clearly stating the name of the participants taking the test and their score, in the center

    It also stated that vigor wielders must have a punch weight of over 550 pounds to clear the test, and the bar was 1,100 pounds for Birthright-ranked elites.

    While Ascendant-ranked elites were rare, they just had to do around 2,200 pounds.

    "The boxing machines are custom made," the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager said proudly when he saw Frank studying the machines that stood over a dozen meters tall. can withstand over 440,000 of force. You can test it if

    you''re interested."

    "Sure," Frank said, clearly staring at the towering machines with interest.

    Many other participants were already taking part when they arrived, with long queues stretching on for each machine.

    There were not many who passed, and those who cleared the test were already seated on the bleachers to the side, discussing the chances of other participants.

    As for those who did not clear the test, they would usually leave in dejection.

    Not many of them would stay-as they could not even clear the first round, they would only be humiliating themselves if they stuck around for the next round.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1913

    ?

    Before the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager could tell Frank about the other rounds, a staff member came running over, whispering something into the manager''s ear.

    The manager was soon frowning, as he had an express order from the chief of the Martial Alliance to personally attend to Frank, an honor not reserved for many.

    However, his staff informed them that there were martial artists causing trouble, which left the manager in a dilemma since he could not just abandon a VIP like Frank.

    Still, seeing that the manager was having trouble deciding, Frank shrugged and with a smile, told him to go attend to the trouble he and his friends could look around themselves.

    The manager was actually surprised that Frank was so agreeable, but he also breathed a sigh of relief.

    "I''m really sorry about this, Mr. Lawrence. I''ll be right back once I sort out the mess."

    After conveying his earnest gratitude, the manager headed upstairs with the staff member.

    For his part, Frank was not concerned about the disturbance and presumed it to be some disturbance concerning the qualifiers. Instead, he turned and gestured for Scarface, Mona, and Kat to queue up for their turn on the boxing machine.

    As Frank himself had the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, he did not need to take part.

    He took a seat on the bleachers, staring upward at the sma screen overhead.

    Currently, a martial artist named Zac Horne would be taking his turn.

    He was a Zamri police officer and a Birthright-ranked elite, and his punch weight almost reached 2,000 pounds, almost reaching the bar set for Ascendant-ranked elites.

    Many around him were left gasping and cheering as Zac''s biodata was disyed on the sma screen overhead.

    Some of the female martial artists were all ogling as Zac''s photo was shown on screen, awestruck.

    Zac was himself seated on the bleachers, cutting a lonely figure as he sat withoutpany.

    "He''s not your average Joe..."

    A single look was enough for Frank to see that he was no pushover, and that Scarface would have trouble if they fought.

    Ring...

    However, while Frank was sneaking looks at Zac, the sma screen jingled.

    He looked up again to see that a

    graying elderly man had taken 1

    , surpassing Zac.

    elite among the Birthright-rane fikset

    "Almost 2,600 pounds!"

    The martial artists present were left in an uproar when they saw the results screen.

    Frank narrowed his eyes as he watched the elderly man leave the boxing machine, clicking his tongue and sighing.

    While he was saying stuff like his strength was fading, everyone could see the smugness in his eyes.

    "Rok Davoh, Warden of Sunchaser Isle?"

    Frank was taken aback when he saw the elderly man''s biodata.

    While he did not know anything about the Sunchaser Isle, the man''s honorifics alone told him about the man''s origins.

    Rok must be from the south sea, as only members of some factions there had the title of warden!

    "Ascendant rank, huh?"

    Frank could see the weight ss of the old man, and it did not surprise him. In fact, he could tell from the warden''s nonchnt expression that he had yet to go all out.

    To his shock, once the warden left the field, he headed straight toward Frank''s seat. "Hehehe... I''m here to pass a message, Mr. Lawrence."

    UMSThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

 Chapter 1914

    ?

    Rok grinned as he sat down beside Frank, baring his yellowed teeth while his eyes narrowed threateningly. "Titus Lionheart sends his regards. He wishes you luck and hopes that you''ll win the Martial Tournament."

    "Titus Lionheart?!"

    Frank''s face fell-this geezer was a friend of the Lionhearts?!

    Now, it seemed that the geezer had orders from the Lionhearts toe to Zamri and confront Frank!

    Still, despite his initial shock, Frank quicklyposed himself.

    If anything, he should not be surprised and should have anticipated that the Lionhearts would pick this moment to mess with him.

    As such, Frank chuckled coolly and replied, "I see. Well, thank him for me for his kind words... and for his Celestial Dew."

    The calm retort left Rok stunned, though his expression soon turned cool. "Making enemies of the Lionhearts? You''re as good as dead, brat."Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    "You don''t have to worry about that." Frank shrugged. "So? Are you going to get to business here or what?"

    Rok blinked at his question but smirked. "We''ll see."

    As he turned and left, Frank smirked in turn, not bothered by the threat.

    "Hey, what are you doing? Jumping the queue in broad daylight? Don''t you see us standing here?!"

    That was when Frank''s attention was drawn to a little scuffle near the boxing machine.

    A scrawny male artist was ring at a pudgy girl, who looked a couple of years short of twenty.

    However, her girth was several times that of the man''s.

    Even as she used her rear to knock the man away and jump the queue, she was holding two chicken legs-one in each hand, chomping on them and covering her lips with grease.

    "Are you deaf?! Can''t you hear me?"!

    "Yeah! You have no right! Get in line like everyone else!"

    "Fatty!"

    "Hmm...?"

    As the martial artists started snapping at the pudgy girl, Sanne Dali, and even throwing personal insults at her, she finally turned nonchntly.

    et

    She leveled a look of disdain at the scrawny man behind herself, biting off a chunk of meat from the chicken leg.

    Then, as everyone watched in confusion, she brandished the bone before stabbing the man in the stomach!

    "Oof?!"

    The martial artists in the queue were certainly shocked by how ruthless Sanne was, attacking without a word! "Yipping and yapping... It''s just a queue, no?"

    Sanne was chuckling coolly in turn as sew away the chicken bo

    "So

    d the queue. If you''re get

    come at me."

    that

    Her pompous attitude sent the other martial artists in an uproar, all of them snapping at her in righteous indignation.

    At the same time, the martial artist.

    who had been stabbed pushed

    himself off the floor, clutchingel

    stomach furiously.

    sw belongs

    "You asked for this, you bitch!" he bellowed and swung his fist at Sanne.

    He presumed that he was only caught off guard and that he would not lose to her.

    However, before his punch even reached Sanne, a towering, muscr man appeared beside him and swung his fist in turn. Crack!

    "Argh!!!"

    There was a blood-curdling scream as the man who tried to attack Sanne was left staring at his broken wrist.

 Chapter 1915

    ?

    "Tut, tut. What a loser..."

    Sanne snored in disdain as she watched the martial artist drop to his knees in front of her.

    "You..." he growled.

    "What, you''re still not giving up?"

    Seeing that the martial artist was still ring at her, Sanne suddenly raised her foot and kicked him in the chest!

    Crack!

    There was an audible crunch as ribs shattered, and the man''s eyes widened even as he died on the spot.

    The other martial artists around them gasped, at once shocked and terrified by how ruthless Sanne was. "Trash. You''re all trash."

    ncing at the corpse, and then at the other martial artists in the queue, Sanne shook her head in contempt.

    No one else dared to speak-these people dared to kill on the turf of the Martial Alliance, so they would have a hard time believing that she did not have powerful connections.

    As such, they were also basically admitting to being what Sanne said they were trash.

    Staying alive was much more important than taking offense at some insult, after all.

    "Hmph."Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Sanne finally turned back toward the boxing machine as no oneined. However, before she could punch the dummy and unt her strength, someone asked loudly behind her, "Hey, who let a pig in here?"

    "Pig?!"

    Sanne''s face fell at the moniker.

    She was really fat, but she also absolutely hated people who called her that it was a button that invoked her hair-trigger temper.

    Flying to a rage, she turned and bellowed, "Who was that?! Who dares to mock me?!"

    "What, am I wrong?"

    Kat appeared perplexed as she

    ?

    strode out, nodding at the girl. "Yeah, you''re a pig! Isn''t that a fact? I mean,

    yourarm is twice the size ofan,

    thighs."

    Kat even sized up her own leg against Sanne''s arm as she spoke.

    Then, as Sanne''s expression contorted in rage, Kat chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, my bad. It''s not twice the size-it''s actually thrice." "Are you fucking with me?!" Sanne bellowed.

    She thought that Kat would stop herself and apologize, only for Kat to double down on her insult!

    "Pfft!"

    Even as Sanne''s face contorted in fury, Frank''s audible snicker drew Sanne''s furious re.

    "Like I said, who let you in here?

    et

    You''re even jumping the queue?" Kat

    pressed, oblivious to the fact that

    she was continuing to press Sanne''s buttons.

    She had been busy chatting with Mona earlier and did not notice what had just happened.

    Still, Sanneughed despite herself, seeing that Kat was genuinely puzzled.

    Did Mona miss the fact that she had just killed a man to assert her dominance?!

    et

    "Listen here, all of you!" Sanne bellowed as she smirked, looking around and no longer holding back. "I am Sanne Dali of Thousand Isles

    Guild!"

 Chapter 1916

    ?

    "That''s not all," Sanne continued. "My father is Namik Dali, chief of Mesial Hall in the guild!"

    "Thousand Isles Guild?!"

    Most of the martial artists present did not know who Namik was, but they knew Thousand Isles Guild, as they were one of the South Sea Four! Moreover, they were an alliance of over a thousand inder sects-in terms of influence, they outshone even Volsung Sect!

    And Sanne was the daughter of one of the hall chiefs!

    It was not surprising now that she was so callous¡ªshe had very powerful connections to back her up!

    That was not all either, as Thousand Isles Guild was a core member of the Martial Alliance, with many of their elders serving as their elders too. Unlike Cloudnine Sect, which was just a provisional member, Thousand Isles Guild was one of the major factions that had close ties to the Martial Alliance leaders.

    That was why Sanne, as an heiress, would still have considerable authority in the Martial Alliance.

    And in a Martial Alliance branch, her authority was basically unquestionable even Mr. Zoran, the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager, would not have a say around her.

    In fact, everyone was silent now that they found out who Sanne was, each of them hanging their heads as their dissatisfaction seemed to vaporize. With such a big shot, they were really trash and had no chance of fighting back.

    Even the martial artist who had just been killed earlier only had himself to me for his own pointless death¡ªthe Zamri Martial Alliance branch would never dare to invoke Sanne''s wrath over some nobody.

    "Hah! And now you''re scared?"

    Sanne looked around, her narcissism stroked as she took in all the looks of fear and respect before turning toward Kat in the distance. "Well, I''m asking again does anyone have something to say?"

    While Sanne was expecting fear and panic on Kat''s face, she was soon disappointed as all Kat did was frown in curiosity. "What''s Thousand Isles Guild? Is that amazing? Even more than my mentor?"

    "Pfft..."

    Every martial artist present almost choked at her question-was

    pretty face not a martialet

    Did

    she not even know about the South Sea Four?!

    Also, they were certainly speechless that she wasparing an entire guild to her mentor!

    Sanne especially was left blinking, and had to repress her rage as she growled, "Y-You haven''t heard of Thousand Isles Guild?!" "Nope. Is that amazing?"

    Kat''s eyes were wide with curiosity¡ªeven innocence¡ªas she really did not know.

    In fact, even Sanne could see from the look in Kat''s eyes that she was really not lying. "Ahem..."

    Mona cleared her throat just then, whispering to Kat, "Thousand Isles Guild is quite strong. They''re a group consisting of many sects in the inds across the South Sea..."

    Even if Kat really had no idea, Mona naturally would.

    "Oh? A guild of inds..."

    Kat nodded thoughtfully. "Well, are they better than Master Lawrence?"

    "Master this... mentor that..."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Sanne finally snapped¡ªit was humiliating that the girl before her had not even heard of Thousand Isles Guild!

    "Thousand Isles Guild is a

    ment

    combination of over a hundred sects! How does your stupid everpare?! And who is he anyway?!"

    Despite Sanne''s almost maniacal outburst, Kat pointed at Frank, who was content with sitting on the bleachers and watching. "There, pig. He''s over there."

 Chapter 1917

    ?

    "Hmm?!"

    It was not just Sanne-every martial artist in the field turned toward Frank right then.

    For his part, Frank had been content with not getting involved, unless Scarface, Mona, or Kat were in danger.

    What he did not expect was for Kat to use him as a shield the instant she realized things had gone wrong.

    "Uh..."

    Despite Sanne''s furious re and every martial artist present staring at him, Frank chuckled awkwardly as he waved them off. "That''s none of my business. Feel free to continue."

    However, Sanne clearly needed to punish someone and assert her authority.

    After all, Kat''s persistent questioning andparing Thousand Isles Guild to Frank was a clear insult to Thousand Isles Guild.

    Frank was definitely not going to weasel his way out of this!

    "You brat!"

    The burly man beside Sanne strode up to Frank just then, snapping coldly, "Your apprentice has a really big mouth! Shouldn''t you properly discipline her?!"

    "Ahem... I should."

    Frank nodded at the man right then.

    At the same time, he narrowed his eyes at Kat, who was making silly faces at him from a distance, cursing her under his breath.

    "Tsk..."

    Sanne rolled her eyes in disdain, seeing how spineless Frank was and how quickly he caved under pressure.

    "Hmph."

    However, the burly man had no intention of sparing Frank, growling darkly as he snorted, "I meant in the next life-you should discipline her in your next life!"

    "What...?"

    Before Frank realized what was happening, the burly manunched a punch straight at Frank''s face.

    If it made contact, even the average martial artist would have their face blown off!

    Thud!Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    However, Frank merely held out a

    hand to stop the punch, and narrowed his eyes. "You should be more understanding when you can, or perhaps Thousand Isles Guild is above reason? Resorting to murder as soon as someone rubs them the wrong way?"

    On the other hand, the burly man did a double take when he realized that Frank had caught his punch.

    He definitely did not expect such reflexes from Frank or that Frank could stop the punch he was so confident of!

    After all, he was a bodyguard assigned by Namik to protect Sanne and was halfway through the Ascendant rank.

    And yet, the youth before him could react in time and stop his sneak attack?!

    Even as the air around them seemed

    to turn

    down cold, the burly man looked e

    Frank''s eyes and noticed

    the subtle death aura.

    The burly man felt the creeps right then-a psychological reaction that martial elites would have.

    He knew right then that the youth was not as powerless as he looked!

    "What are you spacing out for, Stone? Kill him!"

    In the distance, Sanne remained impassive as shemanded Stone, even adding, "Oh, and once you''re done with him, tie up that mouthy brat! I''ll make her pay for insulting me!"

    "Ms. Dali..."

    A troubled look showed on Stone''s face right then-to be honest, he really did not want to fight Frank.

    Even if he appeared unassuming, Frank''s very presence left his hair standing, and blindly attacking him was dangerous. Moreover, he had been tasked by Namik himself to protect Sanne, and not as her goon.

 Chapter 1918

    ?

    Moreover, Stone was tasked by Namik himself to protect his daughter Sanne, and not to serve as her goon.

    As such, after considering his options, Stone did not attack Frank as Sanne had ordered.

    Instead, he returned to Sanne''s side, whispering something into her ear.

    "What?! Are you sure?!" she soon eximed.

    As Sanne turned in disbelief toward Frank, Stone nodded solemnly. "I''m not a hundred percent sure, but there''s almost no mistaking this."

    "Hmph..."

    Even so, Sanne red at Frank, pursing her lips stubbornly.

    Still, as a stalemate ensued, a group of three men and one woman stepped out of the elevator. They clearly came from the same sect, and their leader was a youth in his twenties, bearing long hair, a sharp re, and a sinister presence.

    "Ms. Dali?!"

    The youth quickly noticed the scowling Sanne and beckoned for the others to kneel on one knee despite his shock.

    "Ivo Werner?"

    Sanne was surprised to see the youth, but she soon appeared thrilled.

    Ivo was one of her father''s apprentices-he was no prodigy, but he was still a rare talent among Birthright-ranked elites.

    Naturally, Sanne''s excitement was not aimed at Ivo-it was at the shriveled, elderly man behind Ivo.

    The man was actually Tijil Stam, Ivo''s godfather, who was also a close friend of Sanne''s father.

    Moreover, Tijil was one of the best Ascendant-ranked elites in Thousand Isles Guild. As such, Sanne considered Frank a dead man with his arrival!Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Meanwhile, Ivo was smiling fawningly. "Ms. Dali, what brings you here to Zamri? You could''ve told me beforehand."

    Even if she was too fat for him to get interested, Ivo knew that he must never insult the heiress if he wanted to climb up the ranks of Thousand Isles Guild.

    That was why he was immeasurably humble.

    "Don''t bother with the formalities, Ivo."

    Sanne waved him off, frowning. "I was just taking part in the qualifier, but those two insolent wretches insulted me, interfering with my participation! What do you think we should do?!"

    "What?!"

    Ivo was stunned, and turned in disbelief toward Frank-someone had actually managed to put this tempestuous brat in her ce?

    "Mr. Zoran," he growled, as he turned and leveled a hostile re at Mr. Zoran, the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager. "How could you let this happen here?! Do you know what would happen after Ms. Dali was insulted in your branch"

    "Uh..." Mr. Zoran stammered, but there was no way he could not recognize Frank when he had been escorting Frank around just earlier.

    Moreover, based on his impression of Frank and Sanne, Frank had never even provoked Sanne in all likelihood-she must have provoked him on her own volition.

    Nheless, this was a problem that left Mr. Zoran in a dilemma.

    Unlike Clounine Sect, which had not much influence in the Martial

    Allianc

    Thousand Isles Guild was closely connected with the Martial Alliance in every way.

 Chapter 1919

    ?

    As such, being just the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager, Mr. Zoran could not afford to insult Sanne, as she was the daughter of one of Thousand Isles Guild''s hall chiefs.

    But at the same time, Mr. Zoran was unsure about who Frank really was either.

    But considering that the chief of the Martial Alliance had personally instructed Mr. Zoran to assist Frank''s participation, he was clearly no pushover himself either.

    However, Frank strode out just then, as he could see that Mr. Zoran was facing a dilemma, and he was not going to get Mr. Zoran caught in his mess.

    Staring at Sanne, he spoke calmly. "Ms. Dali, you im that we''ve insulted you. I won''t contest that im, even if I''ve never once insulted you at all. But what about you?"Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Chuckling coolly, Frank pointed at the martial artist whoy dead on the floor, his voice suddenly booming. "Not only did you abuse your status to cut the queue, but you also murdered a martial artist who questioned your behavior in broad daylight!

    "So, the question is-as one of the South Sea Four, is this what Thousand Isles Guild has taught you?! To do everything you like, anywhere you want?!"

    His sharp question left Sanne seething right then. "How dare you..."

    "How dare me?!" Frank snapped coolly and looked at the other martial artist around him as he continued loudly, "This woman has abused her status beyondwlessness! This begs the question-is the Martial Alliance going to defend the ts of its founding?!

    "Or perhaps the Martial Alliance is just a stage, where members of bigger factions get to bully everyone else?! In that case, there''s no point in participating in the Martial Tournament! Let''s go, Kat!"

    Frank waved, beckoning at Scarface, Mona, and Kat to leave with him.

    Behind them, the other martial artists were scowling and trading nces as they watched Frank start to leave.

    They were certainly aware that with big shots the likes of Sanne around, they were no more than stepping stones and might even get killed if they so much as rubbed them the wrong way.

    As such, aside from Sanne and Ivo''s respective groups, the other martial artists quietly turned, ready to leave.

    Even Zac, the police officer who had taken part earlier, was glowering as he joined the others.

    "Stop! Don''t you dare move!" Sanne bellowed, panicking as she saw that the other martial artists were really going to leave at Frank''s goading.

    If Thousand Isles Guild were to find

    out that she had murdered someone at the Martial Tournament and caused widespread walkout on top of that, both Thousand Isles Guild and the Martial Alliance would suffer a huge blow to their reputations!

    After all, Sanne, who was the daughter of one of Thousand Isles Guild''s chiefs, was caught causing havoc at the Martial Tournament. If someone intended to, they would

    definitely make a huge deal out of it.

    UMS

    And in her panic, she had bellowed at the martial artists. Her purpose was clear-to stop them from leaving and to prevent Frank from getting his intended effect.

    However, she proved to be inexperiencedpared to Frank, as her outburst only sent the situation spiraling out of control.

    Even as she looked on in panic, Frank stopped in his tracks and turned to give her a look of disdain "What? Judging from your tone, are you forbidding us lowly martial artists from forfeiting too? Are you so bent on making us your stepping stones?"

    "Urgh..."

    Tijil sighed lengthily beside Ivo-Sanne was so foolish!

    Her outburst was no different from cornering all the martial artists against the wall.

    Not only did she cut the queue, but she had also murdered someone just because they spoke out.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1920

    ?

    Forget being demanding-Sanne had clearly gone way beyond unreasonable, as she was forbidding the other martial artists from forfeiting too. Moreover, everyone hade to take part in the Martial Tournament, not to suffer Sanne''s outbursts and tantrums.

    As such, her behavior had well and truly forced Thousand Isles Guild, the Martial Alliance, and herself beyond the point of no return.

    Starting today, every martial artist in Draconia would see Sanne''s barbaric nature, the Martial Alliance''s inaction, and Thousand Isles Guild''s cruel disregard for human life.

    As someone who had been pampered since she was a child, Sanne still did not realize that and was pointing at Frank and snapping, "Stop inciting everyone here! I want you dead, that''s all! Kill him, Stone! Stone?! Stone!!!"

    Right then, Sanne could explode from how stubborn the bodyguard that her father had assigned her was!

    "Enough!" Mr. Zoran snapped right then, as Sanne was basically sabotaging his livelihood, along with the reputation of both Thousand Isles Guild and the Martial Alliance.

    "Watch yourself, Ms. Dali!"

    He hence bellowed, "This is Martial Alliance turf, and even Thousand Isles Guild doesn''t get to strut! And the Martial Alliance will not abide with your misdeeds, cutting the queue andmitting murder! Sentries, arrest her!"

    "What?!"

    Sanne was left gaping in disbelief at Mr. Zoran, seeing that the approaching sentries of the Zamri Martial Alliance branch were really going to arrest her.

    "How dare you... the insolence!"

    She shrieked maniacally, "You''re just the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager! I can crush you like an ant! Kill them, Stone!"

    "Ms. Dali..."

    Stone finally spoke, leveling Sanne an exasperated look. "Your behavior today was out of line. If you insist on going down this path, then forgive me for not helping."

    "What?!"

    Sanne was left gaping, shocked that Stone was turning a blind eye and turning against her too.

    "Godfather!"

    Ivo turned toward the elderly Tijil who stood behind him, asking him for help.

    However, Tijil shook his head-Sanne was just too stupid.

    If he got involved, he would only make things worse instead of resolving anything.

    And in the end, Thousand Isles Guild and the Martial Alliance would be destroyed beyond repair.

    For the Martial Alliance, which had official ties to the government, that was absolutely uneptable. As such, helping Sanne at this point was absolutely uneptable.

    Even so,

    could not just sit back

    and watch Sanne get arrested,

    swnovoC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    his mentor would me him. thister.

    et

    "Wait!" he eximed, turning toward Frank as he got an idea in the urgency of the moment. "Mr. Lawrence, was it? This whole thing is a misunderstanding, and we have no reason to let things get ugly and awkward for both parties.

    "Really? Both parties, you say?"

    Frank looked at Ivo in amusement, his contemptible gaze saying it all-they were the ones who had

    messed with him for no reason.

    They were the ones who had gone too far to stop too.

    How was any of it his fault?

    However, Ivo was not as stupid as Sanne, as he could understand what Frank was getting at.

 Chapter 1921

    ?

    After a brief silence, Ivo ultimately sighed and bowed to Frank, as well as to every other martial artist present. "I''m sorry, everyone. I''m afraid Thousand Isles Guild has made a mistake"

    "What are you talking about?!" Sanne snapped at him right then. "Mistake?! Me?! It''s that man and that brat who made a mistake! They¡ª"

    "Silence!"

    Tijil, who stood behind Ivo, shot Sanne a vicious re, silencing her.

    He then muttered under his breath and shook his head. "What an idiot..."

    Namik was his close friend and a shrewd man. How on earth did he end up with such a foolish daughter?

    Talent had really skipped a generation there she was a total disgrace to her father''s name!

    "Ahem..."

    Ivo cleared his throat as if he had never heard Sanne and continued, "Since everyone is here to take part in the Martial Tournament anyway, why don''t we stick to that format to settle our dispute?"

    Frank was actually interested. "Stick to the format, you say?"

    "Exactly."

    Seeing that Frank was taking the bait, Ivo quickly exined, "We will each send our best participant for this test of strength. And if we win, you''ll apologize to Ms. Dali, and we''ll let this slide."

    "And what if I win?" Frank smiled in turn.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    "If you win...?" Ivo did a double take, since he had never considered that possibility.

    Tijil, his godfather, was one of the strongest Ascendant-ranked elites in Thousand Isles Guild.

    With him here, they were never going to lose this test of strength.

    In fact, Ivo''s purpose in setting this wager is topel Frank to apologize to Sanne because she was not to be insulted.

    Winning would also make Sanne-and by extension, Thousand Isles Guild-look good, while everyone would look past her transgression.

    In fact, one might say that Ivo was just trying to afford Frank some dignity.

    And yet, while Frank epted his suggestion, his question still left Ivo stumped.

    It was true what would they do if

    Frank actually won? Surely they could not get Sanne to apologize to Frank instead? Her pride would not be able to take it!

    "Hmph!"

    Sanne snorted just as Frank epted the wager and nced at Tijil. She, too, was convinced that Tijil would not lose to Frank.

    As such, she strode up and spoke very slowly with immeasurable confidence, "If you win, I''ll kowtow to you!"

    While every other martial artist was stunned by Sanne''s wager, Frank held up a hand, stopping her.

    "That''s unnecessary," he said,

    looking at her solemnly. "But you''

    kowtow and apologize to the martial artist you murdered and

    compensate his family ordingly. How about that?" Content belongs

    "Hmph! Trying to make yourself look good? Fine!" Sanne agreed to it before Ivo could speak, convinced that Frank was not going to win.

    Even Tijil, seeing how recklessly

    Sanne was in agreeing to Frank''set

    wager, was not all that upset about it. Instead, he was just shaking his head exasperatedly.

    Either way, no one in their group-or even the other martial artists taking part in the qualifier-believed that Frank stood a chance.

    All of them were convinced that the wager Frank had suggested was just to curry their favor and that he actually stood no chance.

 Chapter 1922

    ?

    Mr. Zoran breathed a sigh of relief-thankfully, things did not get out of hand and were still manageable.

    He said, "There''s nothing better since everyone has agreed to this wager and to a peaceful solution. As the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager, I shall be the referee to the fairness of this wager."

    After, on one hand was the daughter of a Thousand Isles Guild chief, while on the other was a VIP whom the chief of the Martial Alliance had asked to escort.

    If they really went for each other''s throats, Mr. Zoran would be the loser in the end, since he was caught in the middle.

    "So, who''s going first?" he asked, ncing between Sanne and Frank.

    "Allow me!" Sanne chuckled coolly, walking straight toward the boxing machine and taking aim squarely at the standing punching bag in the middle. It was quite battered since many martial elites had already taken their turns, but it did not affect the machine precision.

    "Look closely! This is the might of Thousand Isles Guild!" she boasted, brandishing her fist.

    Then, with low grunt, she struck the punching bag viciously dead center.

    Pow!

    There was a dull boom, and Sanne''s picture appeared on the giant sma screen overhead, with the number disy rapidly increasing beside it. Ding!

    There was a jingle as the numbers soon stopped, stopping at 3,196 pounds.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "What?!"

    All the martial artists thought they were seeing things when they saw the number. However, even as they rubbed their eyes, they soon realized that there was no mistake the punch was worth 3,196 pounds!

    One had to note that Sanne was just a Birthright-ranked elite and a woman who usuallycked the advantage men had in brute strength-at that. As such, it was ridiculous that her punch weight reached a number that would pass even an Ascendant-ranked elite''s!

    "Is that the might of Thousand Isle Guild? It''s just....."

    "Ridiculous."

    The martial artists were all busy talking among themselves and now regarded Sanne with fear and disbelief.

    Sanne certainly enjoyed being in the center of attention.

    Despite being a woman, she was not intimidated by her male peers in terms of strength-perhaps thanks to her pudgy stature.

    Even Tijil was nodding in approval at a distance.

    The brat was absolutely stupid, but her gift as a martial artist was indisputable.

    Sanne turned to level a look of contempt at Frank just then. "Your turn?"

    Frank nodded calmly and called out, "Mona."

    Kat had improved a lottely, but she had just reached the Birthright rank, and physical strength was not her forte.

    As such, she would be a poor match against Mona, which was why Frank picked Mona instead.

    Despite being just as scrawny as

    bet

    Kat, Mona''s horrific appetite was noughing matter, and she was, already a Birthright-ranked elite before meeting Frank.

    et

    Then, with Frank''s asional instruction, she had improved by leaps and bounds, and she might even reach the Ascendant rank soon.

    However, the reason Frank was sending Mona was not because he knew that Mona had Sanne beat in terms of raw strength, but instead, due to her strength thaty in geomantics, a discipline that eluded even Frank!

    Mona could certainly see Frank''s intention too, and she smiled.

    "Infinite sky, infinite dirt. The universe lends me strength, with the sternness of a diamond that shatters all-Hup!"

    With a swift chant, Mona buffed her right arm with geomantic force.

 Chapter 1923

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    Even if it was not physically visible, Frank sensed an indescribable presence around Mona''s right arm.

    It was not obvious, but Frank was surprised by the light sheet of aura upon a closer observation.

    "Is that geomantics?" Frank raised a brow in understanding.

    In appearance, Mona was very slender, in apletely different weight ss from Sanne, not to mention that her presence was withdrawn. It was only if one was as close to her as Frank was that they would realize that Mona was more than what she seemed.

    On the other hand, Sanne was leering at Mona. "Pfft... Just look at how thin you are, brat! Don''t break your arm when you punch the boxing machine!"

    In Sanne''s mind, forget Mona''s physique-her Birthright rank presence was already weaker than hers.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

    Forget the Birthright rank requirement of 1,100 pounds her punch would not even reach 100 pounds!

    Even Tijil was clearing his throat to reason with Mona. "Ahem... Youngdy, no one would mock you if you give up now."

    After all, Sanne had really set the bar high with her 3,196 pound punch, while Mona looked like a candle in the wind.

    Would she not embarrass Frank if she got a score of 100 pounds?

    Many others seemed to think that too and were turning toward Frank.

    To their confusion, Frank remained nonchnt and did not look worried or skeptical.

    Sanne chuckled coolly, however, still thoroughly dismissive of Mona. "Hmph. You''re just bluffing! You will get it when you make a fool of yourself! There''s no way I''d lose to some brat!"

    "I''m doing it, then?"

    Mona nced at Sanne sideways in amusement.

    "Hmph."

    Sanne narrowed her eyes, presuming that Mona was still bluffing, she mused to herself if Mona would still be bragging when she lost. "Hup!"

    Mona suddenly turned into a blur as she struck the boxing machine before anyone could see and withdrew her fist as well.

    Therefore, the martial artists around

    ne

    her never saw her hit the boxing machine, and she seemed to never move while breathing out gently.

    "Wait, why isn''t she doing anything?"

    UMS

    "Did she just punch the machine? Or did I just miss it?"

    "Weird..."

    While all the martial artists traded

    looks of confusion, as most of them

    missed Mona''s punch, Tijil-thheet

    elde standing beside Ivo-was frowning.

    "That brat is more than what she looks..." he murmured.

    Even if everyone else did not see it he certainly had-the girl had struck the boxing machine at a speed the average Joe could not hope

    UMS

    see.

    As such, it made sense that the machine was not responding-there was not enough time between contact and calction.

    Nheless, Sanne was snorting in contempt at Mona. "How long are you going to keep running your mouth? Are you going to do it or not?"

    Mona simply giggled and said nothing in return, even leaving the boxing machine and returning to Frank''s side.

    "What the hell?"

    Sanne was taken aback-what was the brat ying at?!

 Chapter 1924

    ?

    "I already did?"

    Mona raised her brow at Sanne, stopping short of calling Sanne stupid.

    "What-"

    Before Sanne could snap, the towering boxing machine screamed shrilly.

    Soon, Mona''s face was disyed on the giant sma screen overhead, while the number disy started shooting up rapidly. "Wait, what...?"

    Sanne and the rest of the martial artists all looked stunned, as they did not see Mona hit the boxing machine.

    More bewilderingly, she left the numbers skyrocketing so much that it looked like it was malfunctioning!

    Ding!

    Everyone was dumbstruck as the machine jingled with the final result.

    Even if Sanne''s earlier punch left all the martial artists dumbstruck with her 3,196-pound punching strength, Mona''s result took their breath away. Eleven thousand pounds! No more, no less!

    Even as everyone was left spacing out skeptical, they were brought to their senses as Mona giggled. "Hah! How about that for control, Mr. Lawrence?!"

    "11,000 pounds...? 11,000 pounds?! That brat is really that strong?!"

    Sanne came to her senses too, and she had to grit her teeth to stand firm as disbelief overwhelmed her.

    Even as she stared at Mona, whose thigh was thinner than Sanne''s own arm, she suddenly felt it difficult to breathe, and even her vision seemed to blur.

    On top of that, Mona wasughing about controlling himself?!

    That meant if Mona was telling the truth, she could have punched 11,000

    9 pounds but was deli above

    holding back!

    And on top of that, she controlled it with such precision so that it hit 11,000 pounds with no decimal points?!

    Was she even human?!

    Even as everyone, including Tijil, was caught in shock, Frank turned toward Sanne as if he knew that would happen. "You''ve lost, Ms. Dali." He smiled calmly.

    And as Sanne came to her senses, she gritted her teeth as she red at Mona.

    She lost? No... No! She could not have!

    Yes, it has to be the boxing machine malfunctioning, or it would not have shown 11,000 pounds...

    The brat was just a Birthright-ranked elite, was she not?! She would never believe something this ridiculous!

    Frank scowled in turn. "Hmm. So you''re refusing to ept your loss, Ms. Dali?"

    Ivo promptly strode up, throwing up his hands while forcing a smile. "No! We''re not doubting your apprentice, Mr. Lawrence... The number is just a little weird, see?

    "Let''s have Mr. Zoran check the boxing machine and ensure that there''s no malfunction. Don''t you agree?"

    "Whatever." Frank shrugged nonchntly.

    And since he was called by name, Mr. Zoran promptly ran up to the boxing machine, testing it for several minutes.

    Then, sweating all over his brow, he announced as everyone looked on, "The machine isn''t malfunctioning. I hereby announce that Mr. Lawrence'' apprentice has won." C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    "Alright!"

    As everyone looked on in shock, Kat wasughing as she hugged Mona.

 Chapter 1925

    ?

    Mona stood akimbo, smiling smugly too. "Hmph. It really was nothing."

    On the other hand, Sanne was scowling but unable to say a word.

    Even if she wanted to use Mr. Zoran of siding with Frank, saying something like that now would only humiliate her the man would never have the balls to y favorites now!

    "That brat is... scary."

    While everyone from Thousand Isles Guild were silent, Tijil stared at Mona as he murmured beside Ivo. "Even I misjudged her. She''s not just aplished in the martial arts, but she has also received advanced guidance... and I also detect a hint of geomantics."

    "Geomantics?"

    The term left most members of Thousand Isles Guild confused, while Tijil snorted. "Hmph. It''s abination of Draconian traditional divination arts and geomancy and boasts unthinkable might. Some even said that it''s a subpar immortal art that ancient sages left behind."

    Tijil obviously knew much about geomantics and was staring fixedly at Mona, "And she has most likely just used it."

    Ivo pursed his lips in turn. "Doesn''t that mean she''s cheating?"

    "No."

    Tijil shook his head as he exined quietly, "It''s a form of martial arts too, practiced by the leaders of Cloudnine Sect and Haply Hall."

    Nheless, while Tijil was busy conversing with the members of Thousand Isles Guild, Frank turned toward Mr. Zoran. "Well? Can you announce that I''ve won?"

    As the judge, Mr. Zoran naturally could not y favorites, and he nced awkwardly at Sanne.

    He certainly remembered her boasting and knew that she would be kowtowing in apology if he announced Frank''s victory.

    And seeing that things were getting

    weird, Mr. Zoran shed an

    awkward smile at Frank. "Why don''t

    neProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

    we just put this past us? You''re losing nothing, and it won''t do it this dispute gets out of hand. Should

    Thousand Isles Guild press me-"

    "What, do you think that I''m so easily bullied or that I''m afraid of Thousand Isles Guild''s revenge?"

    Frank glowered at Mr. Zoran''s attempt to pacify the situation. "Winning''s winning! If she can''t take the loss, then she shouldn''t have betted against us! She''d just embarrass herself!"

    "Well said!"

    That was when Tijil strode out, ncing briefly at the silent Sanne before turning toward Frank.

    "There''s nopromise when it et

    comes to winning and losing, and the Thousand Isles Guild is not so despicable that we''d refuse to concede...

    "That being said, Mr. Lawrence, surely that was just an opening act with the kids? Shouldn''t we Ascendant-ranked elites test each other too?"

    "Is that so?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes at Tijil, since he was finally stepping up.

    "The name is Tijil Stam, and I''m the majordomo of Thousand Isles Guild."

    Tijil smiled as he introduced himself. "I''m sure you''re someone special judging from your appearance, and I itch to receive some pointers. Surely you would afford me the honor, Mr. Lawrence?"

    Nheless, Frank understood Tijil''s attention.

    Since Sanne had been defeated as a representative of Thousand Isles Guild, Tijil had to step up as an elder.

 Chapter 1926

    ?

    On the other hand, if Tijil beat Frank, that would mean that both sides hade to a draw, and everyone would be happy.

    In fact, because Tijil stepped up and took responsibility for Sanne''s murder of that martial artist, Thousand Isles Guild would not only be spared embarrassment, but they would also earn the favor of the public.

    One certainly had to admit that wisdom dide with age, especially for Tijil-his ploy was impable.

    In fact, he did not give Frank a chance to refuse as he strode up on stage, standing beside the boxing machine as he chuckled. "Hehe. If you can punch harder than me, Mr. Lawrence, then it''s a day of defeat for Thousand Isles Guild."

    His smile soon faded as his eyes shed sharply, and he cried, "Hyah!"

    Hls pure vigor erupted, sending any martial artists who were too close flying.

    Even Stone, Sanne''s personal bodyguard, had to steady himself.

    "Did the majordomo improve again...?" Sanne was herself shocked by the pressure emanating from Tijil.

    "That''s for sure."

    Ivo was left wobbling from Tijil''s burst of pure vigor as well, but he raised his chin proudly as he bragged, "Godfather recently found a new manual, which has improved his cultivation exponentially. He''s almost on the level of the chieftain, and he might even reach the Transcendent rank in a few years!"

    "Not bad."

    While the members of Thousand Isles Guild were left stunned by Tijil''s strength, Frank could not help nodding in approval.

    Tijil certainly walked the talk, and he was so confident because he was just that strong.

    "Hmph. Keep pretending all you like!"Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

    Ivo nced at Frank coolly as he watched him praise his godfather. "My godfather isn''t like Sanne-he''s an undisputed elite even in Thousand Isles Guild! Let''s see how you''d keep up that act soon!"

    "There."

    Even as everyone present was still shocked by Tijil''s powerful presence, he instead merely put his hand on the standing punching bag instead of punching the boxing machine.

    UMS

    Boom!

    The entire building seemed to rattle with a resounding rumble, as Tijil''s seemingly soft hit caused the ground to quake.

    "Woah!"

    Ned dropped to the floor with a thud and stared at the nonchnt Tijil in panic.

    As the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager, he knew how strong the building was, as the steel frame was made of the toughest duranium.

    With the walls and the concrete

    being specially reinforced as well

    forget your average martial

    artist-even Ascendant-ranked elites would not leave a mark on the walls.

    UMS

    And yet, Tijit''s seemingly nonchnt punch left the building shaking, the shockwave from his punch even

    condueting through the steel frame down into the ground below

    Such strength was really outrageous!

    Ding!

    After Tijil threw his punch, his face appeared on the giant sma screen overhead, while the red counter started ticking rapidly.

    Then, even as the other martial artists pushed themselves off the ground, the counter shot beyond 100,000 pounds, all the way to 410,000 pounds!

    "Woah..."

    Even Mona was left gasping at the number, and she turned toward Frank worriedly.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1927

    ?

    "Oh... Haha... Hahahaha!!!"

    After a brief stunned silence, Sanne suddenly burst out inughter. "That''s our majordomo for you! Unleashing such terror from just one punch, he almost broke the Martial Alliance''s custom-made boxing machine!"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    When he was doneughing, she turned to level a smug re at Frank. "How about that? You can still surrender now, Mr. Lawrence."

    "Yeah... Why don''t you concede, Mr. Lawrence?" Mr. Zoran asked, taking out his handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his brow. "If you do, the score would be one against one. A draw... so how about it?"

    He was earnestly asking Frank to concede, since everyone would be happy that way.

    Moreover, he was incredibly lucky that Tijil did not directly break the boxing machine, or the damage would be terrible for the Zamri Martial Alliance branch.

    Seeing that Frank''s party was quiet, Sanne went even further as she provoked them even further. "Weren''t y''all so full of it just a moment ago? Why the silence now? Why aren''t any of you hollering?"

    "That''s true."

    Then, even as the members of Thousand Isles Guild looked on in contempt, Frank shook his head and calmly said, "That score is enough. So I concede, in order to protect the Martial Alliance''s equipment, as well as the other martial artists present."

    "What?!"

    The members of Thousand Isles Guild were all frowning at Frank''s calm surrender.

    "You brat! I know you want to salvage some dignity, but you said it yourself: winning''s winning!"

    Tijil himself even strode up to Frank, glowering as he used Frank''s words against him. "But since you''re conceding, don''t you dare use the excuse of protecting the equipment or others! Doesn''t it make youugh?!"

    "Exactly! You''re beingpletely insincere!"

    "Did you really think you could beat our majordomo?! What a joke."

    It was clear that Frank''s so-called concession only incurred the contempt of the members of Thousand Isles Guild.

    Some were even cursing at him with the worst insults possible.

    "Master Lawrence..."

    In fact, Scarface, Mona, and Kat were frowning at Frank too.

    "I''m just spitting facts here. Let''s just give it a rest."

    Frank shook his head and pointed at the corpse of the martial artists whom Sanne had just killed. "Just arrange for a proper funeral for him, and we will consider everything else a misunderstanding¡ª"

    "Are you telling me what to do?!"

    Before Frank could finish, Sanne was pointing at him and snapping, "You still have the nerve to talk big after losing?! And how dare you tell Thousand Isles Guild what to do! Do you really think you''re a big shot?!"

    UMS

    "Hah! He must have a few screws loose!"

    "He has the balls to order us around?!"

    et

    Frankpletely ignored the scoffing of the members of Thousand Isles Guild, however, instead staring fixedly at Tijil as he said, "simply don''t want to make a scene or make things difficult for everyone. So let''s just put it to rest now, how about that?"

    "I don''t think so."

    To everyone''s surprise, Frank''s attitude incurred Tijil''s wrath too, and he snapped coolly, "I''ve traveled across every corner of Draconia, but you''re the most insolent brat I''ve ever met. What, did you really think you could beat me?"

    "Yes."

    Frank sighed, seeing that Tijil was not epting his olive branch. "I can admit that you''re good, far surpassing my estimations. Hell, I might have to get serious if I want to beat you. But if I do..."

 Chapter 1928

    ?

    Frank nced at the battered boxing machine, as well as the other martial artists who were busy talking among themselves, and shook his head. "There would be a terrible loss. And since I''d rather avoid that, I hope we could all just let it rest."

    However, forget everyone present-even Scarface, Mona, and Kat thought Frank was being full of himself.

    "Master Lawrence, don''t you think you''re... Ahem?"

    Kat was going to say that Frank was really pushing his luck but could not say it out loud since she was on his side.

    At the same time, Scarface, who had been standing in the crowd and watching all this while, turned toward Mona. "Hey, has Brother Lawrence always been like that?"

    "Well... Yeah."

    Mona was left pursing her lips as she stared at Frank in exasperation. "He''s slow on the uptake when ites to certain things, so he doesn''t know that he wasn''t making peace-if anything, what he said was a provocation.

    "Naturally, from his point of view, he might be making peace. And I think what he''s going to say now is ''I''m just stating a fact."

    As if on cue and just as Mona finished, Frank calmly told the members of Thousand Isles Guild, "I''m just stating a fact."

    "What..."

    Scarface was left blinking, while Mona was rubbing her temples.

    "What..."

    On the other hand, Tijil felt as if Frank was belittling him, which was undoubtedly a horrific insult.

    Laughing despite himself, he was soon pointing at Frank and bellowing, "Fine! Since you''re that confident, I, Tijil Stam, dere that I will pay for any damage you incur!"

    Pausing, he then continued, "But if you lose, you''re kneeling before me in apology, and you will swear never to meddle with Thousand Isles Guild! You hear me?!"

    "Will you pay for any damages?"

    Frank was taken aback and nonchntly turned toward Mr. Zoran. "Does that count as a verbal agreement?"

    Mr. Zoran was left wiping the sweat off his brow at Frank''s dead serious question.

    He tried to reason with Frank but was stopped by Tijil this time. "Tell him, Mr. Zoran!"

    As such, Mr. Zoran shed a smile so awkward he looked like he was crying. "What? Right... Yeah, it counts."

    "Good!"

    Frank finally appeared interested

    right then, his eyes narrowing at Tijil.

    "If I lose, I will kneel and apologize... but what about you, Mr. Stam?"

    "If I lose?!"

    Tijil did a double take, but like before, he did not think he would lose.

    After all, Frank did not even look thirty, and he had never heard of Frank before.

    Even if he was a prodigy who had reached the Ascendant rank, there was no way that he could surpass Tijil at his young age!

    As such, heughed despite himself,Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    seeing how serious Frank was as he asked him what he would do if he lost. "I lose, I''ll abandon my dignity and kneel to you in apology! How about that?!"

    "Woah..."

    Scarface gasped as he observed the exchange between Tijil and Frank and then turned toward Mona. "Kid, why do I have the feeling that Brother Lawrence is doing this on purpose?"

    "Well..." Mona was left raising a brow, unable to answer.

 Chapter 1929

    ?

    Mona was actually confused, as she really had no idea if her mentor was pretending or otherwise.

    Still, Scarface shrugged just then. "Well, that aside, other martial elites must have straightened him out before, no?" "Uh..."

    Mona was left stumped, blinking. "I don''t think so..."

    "What?!" Scarface was left gaping. "You mean that he''s always been like this and has never lost?"

    However, Mona really had no memory of Frank losing and turned to Kat. "So? Has he ever lost to anyone before?"

    "Of course."

    Kat nodded confidently. "Whenever he''s up against Vicky and Helen, he''d always lose and get smacked around." Both Scarface and Mona were left speechless by Kat''s answer.

    Still, they were no longer concerned for Frank and were instead staring at Tijil sympathetically.

    They also could more or less imagine Frank''s sly smile beneath his innocent expression.

    "Ahem..."

    Frank certainly could not care about what they were thinking.

    One thing was for sure the members of Thousand Isles Guild had really gotten on his nerves today.

    He had simply brought his apprentices to take part in the Martial Tournament, and then those guys showed up, irritating the hell out of him.

    It was not just because of Sanne''s barbaric behavior either-Frank could not stand their pompous behavior.

    Did they think they could lord over everyone else, taking lives as they liked?

    They were even worse than Phoenix Ardron from a few days before!

    As Frank walked up the stage, he turned to ask Mr. Zoran, "By the way, how much is that boxing machine?"

    "How much?"

    Mr. Zoran drew a nk and turned to slide a guilty nce at Tijil before answering softly, "Around a hundred million dors..."

    Ivo Werner snapped at Frank right then, "What are you getting at brat?! Are you saying that you''ll break that boxing machine?! I don''t mind telfing you-members of Thousand Isles Guild have helped design the machine itself!

    "You''ll never understand the mechanics, but it''s never going to be overloaded. Hell, it can take even five times the punching force of its estimated limit

    Bang!

    Before Ivo could finish bragging, Frank had thrown a seemingly light jab on the standing punching bag of the boxing machine.

    As dozens of martial artists looked on, the instant Frank''s fist had made contact, the towering boxing machine erupted into fragments and spare parts.

    "What?!"

    Everyone watching was left petrified, with Ivo standing in ce, staring nkly while still bragging about the boxing machine.

    The shockwave from the explosion

    did not stop either, as fragments and spare parts erupted away, crashing onto the walls of the building and knocking holes into it.

    Swn

    As the chain explosion continued, the walls around the field crumbled.

    At the same time, the boxing machine that Ivo thought so highly of scattered into the air as fragments and spare parts, flying away the broken wall and crashing down to the ground below.

    "Argh!!!"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Countless screams could soon be heard, with car rms ring deafeningly as well.

 Chapter 1930

    ?

    "Tch."

    Frank withdrew his fist, clicking his tongue with a look of dissatisfaction.

    In fact, everyone around him could see that he was dissatisfied because he did not go all out.

    Frank then turned, staring at the martial artists who were standing around, frozen stiff, their jaws almost dropping.

    "What''s so surprising?" he asked. "Oh, and I don''t have to pay for any of that, right?"

    Mr. Zoran nodded nkly at Frank''s question.

    Frank then looked up at the giant sma screen overhead. His face was on the screen along, with a seemingly endless line of question marks where his punching strength should be shown.

    Frank stared at it, frowning, before turning toward the petrified Tijil. "So? Does that mean I win?"

    Tijil was staring nkly at Frank, unable to say a word as he nodded stiffly like a robot.

    "Well, that works for me."

    Frank pped him on the shoulder before beckoning at Scarface, Mona, and Kat. "Oh, and by the way, sorry for breaking that boxing machine, Mr. Zoran. My apprentices wille by in another few days to try again, is that alright?"

    "What? Right, okay..." Mr. Zoran nodded nkly again.

    Then, Frank turned back toward the Thousand Isles Guild members. "Anyway, you don''t have to kneel and apologize to me or anything. Do it to the martial artist who was murdered instead, and remember to arrange for a proper funeral for him. Do we have an agreement on that?"

    Seeing Frank''s stare, even Sanne-the most untameable member of Thousand Isles Guild-was left feeling the creeps.

    No longer pompous like before, she and the other Thousand Isles Guild members were utterly quiet, only nodding repeatedly.

    "Alright, then that''s it for today. Remember not to behave so pompously from now on, okay?"

    With that¡ªand with onest warning, Frank left proudly with Scarface, Mona, and Kat in tow.

    Thud.

    As soon as Frank was gone, Tijil''s knees buckled, and he dropped limply on his rear.

    Then, he turned stiffly toward the boxing machine Frank broke, immense fear showing clearly in his eyes.

    "Godfather...."

    Ivo, who had finally dared to breathe, dropped to his knees as he turned toward Tijil in terror, seeing the elderly man losing allposure.

    "T-Transcendent rank..."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "What was that, Godfather?"

    "What was that, Mr. Stam?"

    Sanne, Ivo and the other Thousand Isles Guild members gathered around Tijil just then, trying to find out what Tijil was trying to say. "Transcendent rank.... That man just now... is of the Transcendent rank..."

    "What?!"

    The Thousand Isles Guild members were left frozen stiff again.

    Even as Sanne turned nkly to look where Frank had gone, she was trembling endlessly.

    After all, even Thousand Isles Guild only had two Transcendent-ranked elites among them-the chieftain of Thousand Isles Guild, and their mysterious grand elder.

    However, those two were ancient freaks who had lived for almost two centuries, while that young man who did not even look thirty had already reached their level!

    It was simply outrageous!

    "All of you, kneel!"

    Tijil suddenly growled maniacally at the Thousand Isles Guild members. "Kowtow to the body of that martial artist and apologize! Do not disobey the orders of a Transcendent ranked elite!

    "And you, Sanne! Your status as a participant is hereby forfeited. Return to the South Sea this instant-you are grounded!"

 Chapter 1931

    ?

    "And that''s the gist of it."

    Two days after Frank had that run-in with Thousand Isles Guild, Silverbell, the chief of the Martial Alliance, personally came to Zamri.

    Frank then told her the entire story of what happened, and after some thought, she concluded, "Well, they got their just deserts." "Now, that''s a little unfair since I''m at fault too."

    Frank sighed, shaking his head in regret as he sipped the tear Silverbell brought. "That martial artist wouldn''t have been killed if I had intervened earlier."

    "About that..."

    Silverbell sighed. "Although Thousand Isles Guild is one of our close partners, their reputation has suffered a blow as one of their members hasmitted murder in public.

    "Naturally, Thousand Isles Guild wouldpensate the victim''s family, so you don''t have to me it on yourself because it wasn''t your fault." "But aren''t I the fiance of the chief of the Martial Alliance?"

    Frank shrugged and smiled. "As such, the Martial Alliance could be considered half my asset, so don''t you think I''m a part of this?"

    "Frank..."

    Silverbell''s cheeks flushed at Frank''s words.

    She watched as Frank smiled in appreciation of her tea but soon appeared worried. "By the way, you shouldn''t reveal your true strength unless it''s absolutely necessary-like how you showed that your strength is above the Ascendant rank."

    "Why?"

    Frank did a double take.

    Right now, he was not afraid of his old enemies who massacred Mystic Sky Sect-unless they all came for him all at once.

    However, that would not do them any good, and Frank was not in a hurry to settle old grudges, thereby maintaining a weird ceasefire in between. Once Frank improved, or at least reached the Transcendent rank for good, he would go after them and make them all pay.

    That was his n, though Silverbell''s advice left him hesitant.

    "Well, because... Urgh."

    Silverbell clearly had trouble spelling it out, and seeing that, Frank tousled her hair. "You don''t have to tell me if you don''t want me to, silly. I''ll just do as you say."

    "Frank..."

    Tears welled up in Silverbell''s eyes, but she soon giggled and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, by the way, I came with good news too. It turns out that participation numbers across the different Martial Alliance branches were uneven. As such, the

    et

    tournamentmittee approved a snap decision tobine two different cities into a single joint qualifier zone, with four berths avable for each zone."

    "Joint qualifiers?" Frank appeared skeptical.

    "Yes." Silverbell nodded. "Some branches had too many participants that only two berths weren''t enough, while others had too few

    e

    participants, and those participants aren''t that impressive on top of that. It''s why the Martial Alliance made that snap decision tobine the qualifiers."

    Frank raised a brow. "So, that means that the Zamri qualifiers..."

    Silverbell smiled. "Yes, it will bebined with the Riverton qualifiers. There aren''t many martial artists over there, so there are four berths avable now."

    "I see." Frank nodded.

    That way, both Scarface and Mona would have a shot of qualifying together.

    From that perspective, it was good news.

    Silverbell then added, "I''ve already informed Mr. Zoran that your apprentices don''t have to take part in the strength test-they can directly take part in the free-for-all instead."

    Frank pursed his lips and scratched his head awkwardly, remembering the broken boxing machine. "Though I guess they can''t take the test even if they wanted to..."

    Silverbell smiled faintly in turn. "All thanks to you."Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 1932

    ?

    "Don''t point fingers at me. That majordomo from Thousand Isles Guild said he''d pay for it, so it''s not my fault."

    Frank quickly shirked responsibility, while Silverbell giggled as he threw his hands up. "Anyway, the joint qualifiers will be held in three days. Every participant will be shuffled for the free-for-all held at the venue."

    And after informing Frank of the date, Silverbell left right away.

    The Martial Tournament was a nationalpetition after all, and as the chief of the Martial Alliance, she would naturally be the busiest person involved.

    Soon after Silverbell left, Madfist approached Frank, telling him mysteriously, "Come with me. We''re going to meet a certain someone." Frank was naturally not worried that the old man was trying to set a trap, and got into the car, spurred by curiosity.

    They did not inform anyone else either and journeyed through the winding mountain roads outside Zamri before finally arriving at a temple.

    Frank was scowling when he saw it, however, as it was a very familiar ce it was where the elder with an iron mask had kept Nash Yego and Carol Zims after kidnapping them.

    "Come on," Madfist beckoned to Frank just then.

    Frank hesitated for a moment and breathed an exasperated sigh before following Madfist into the temple.

    To Frank''s surprise, someone seemed to have cleaned up the interior, as it was not a mess like before, even though the overall structure remains dpidated.

    Madfist then led Frank toward the main shrine, knocking on the doors as he announced, "He''s here."

    At the same time, Frank looked on, wondering if the worn out redwood doors would fall apart if Madfist were to knock a little harder.

    "Good. Send him in."

    An unfamiliar voice spoke inside the main shrine, but it sounded like someone young and energetic.

    Madfist then turned toward Frank, gesturing at the door. "You heard the man. Wanna go in?"

    "Who''s..."

    Seeing Frank''s suspicion, Madfists chuckled. "You''ll know when you''re in there. Don''t worry, this old man isn''t going to hurt you."

    As such, Frank had to enter despite having many questions.

    The interior of the main shrine was

    as he remembered-the

    interior, down to

    of a mountain

    belongs to en.kikist

    The only difference was the white-haired man dressed in a white suit seated meditatively beneath the statue.

    Frank began, "And you are...?"

    "Hehe. It makes sense you wouldn''t know who I am."

    The man chuckled as he slowly turned toward Frank, and he immediately saw that the man wore a pair of gold-framed sses and appeared soft-spoken.

    And despite his white hair, the man had proper skincare and looked like he was barely in his forties.

    "Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Lawrence. It''s just a shame that we never got to meet before."

    The man smiled. "I''m Stanley Durban, the mayor of Zamri."

    "The mayor of Zamri...?"

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat.

    This was the first time he had ever met the mayor, but what was the mayor''s intention of bringing him here under such circumstances?

    "I must apologize, but I don''t have much time, so I have to keep this short."

    Musing to himself for a moment,

    Stanley then looked up withContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    net

    cando

    determination. "I hope you can do me a favor and assassinate the

    commissioner of Zamri."

    "What?!" Frank was left gaping right then.

    Did the mayor of Zamri really just ask him to assassinate themissioner of Zamri...?!

 Chapter 1933

    ?

    Stanley seemed to expect the shock on Frank''s face. He shed a pained smile as he exined, "I won''t lie to you I''ve actually been kept under house arrest all this time. My authority as mayor of Zamri is virtually nonexistent, as I don''t have any military authority.

    "That was how Geon Kramer, themissioner, took my wife and daughter hostage."

    Pausing, Stanley took out a masterfully crafted dagger and passed it to Frank. "I sought you out not merely for the sake of self-preservation, but I also intend to forge an alliance with you and pacify the political unrest in Zamri.

    "This dagger will serve as a token of my trust in turn-many of my confidants have beenpelled into submission by Geon''s authority, but they will understand if they are shown the dagger. Take it if you believe me, or throw it away if you don''t."

    Despite Stanley''s borate speech, Frank''s skepticism remained, though he could not say it out loud.

    Instead, Frank asked, "So, you''re asking me to eliminate themissioner-but what good would it do me? And to be frank, assassinating amissioner is a big deal. If I really do it, and someone starts asking questions afterward..."

    Stanley did not appear annoyed by Frank''s question, even exining quietly, "Sources have informed me that Lanecorp''s health and safety department is growing in strength under your leadership within Zamri. That in turn threatens Geon''s control over the city, and he would definitely move against you soon enough.

    "I''m sure a government faction''s effort in marginalizing Lanecorp would be bad news. But if you help me eliminate Geon and aid me in restoring my authority over the city, I definitely won''t forget your help. Moreover, I''m your aplice, so I''d be held responsible if you get caught anyway."

    And with those words, he waved Frank off, gesturing for him to leave without giving him time to think about his response.

    Frank remained utterly confused as he was suddenly being shown the door, but he had no choice other than leaving with numerous questions stuck in his mind.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    As soon as he stepped out, Madfist approached him, asking, "So, what did the mayor say?"

    "He asked me to assassinate the Zamrimissioner," Frank replied bluntly, as he had always been candid when it came to his confidants.

    Madfist''s eyes widened, as he did not expect such a request from the mayor either.

    "What?! Well, that''s quite

    something..." he murmured to

    himself as he mused to himself.

    "Assassinating a government official, and themissioner at that..."

    "Wait..."

    Frank looked at him sideways. "You don''t know why the mayor was asking for me in the first ce?"

    "Of course not."

    Madfist snorted, rolling his eyes at Frank. "The kid contacted me through one of my special channels. I don''t even have any idea how he essed it, let alone know what he''s nning."

    Frank nced at him sideways in curiosity. "And by special channel, you mean..."

    Madfist paused but soon waved him off. "It''s just some unofficial means. You have no use for it at the moment I''ll tell you about it when you do."

    It was clearly a secret buried in the old man''s past.

    Since Madfist was not telling, Frank was not interested in prying either.

    Instead, he asked, "Well, do you think we can believe the mayor?"

    "I don''t know."

    Madfist shrugged, washing his hands off the subject on the spot. "I''m just in charge of making introductions and have no idea about anything else. It''s up to you if yott believe him or not."

    Frank was left speechless by Madfist''s utter irresponsibility.

    Still, as he thought about his options along the way back to the city, he decided not to dump the token that the mayor had passed to his care.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1934

    ?

    Although Frank never had any dealings with the officials of Zamri, he decided that there was nothing wrong with keeping a careful eye on it-he would keep the token and watch how things developed from there.

    To be specific, he would be watching out for the Zamrimissioner and see if thetter would move against Lanecorp as the mayor had imed. However, he was no child either, as he would not make any judgment lightly and right after he was given a single-sided ount.

    If anything, he would have to be even more careful if he ended up embroiled in a political drama.

    Nheless, three days after meeting the Zamri mayor, Frank put that issue aside for the time being as the joint qualifiers between Riverton and Zamri had begun.

    He brought his apprentices to a man-madeke sitting on the Riverton-Zamri border, which citizens had since dubbed Central Riveke.

    The ce was always crowded with tourists, since it was already a tourist spot with its picturesquendscapes.

    And now, it was basically congested after it had been chosen as the venue for the Martial Tournament qualifiers.

    The hosts had also constructed arge floating tform at the center that spanned a few hundred yards, affording participants enough space for a free-for-all.

    While there was enough space for participants who had cleared the first test, they were all randomly divided into three groups.

    Because of that, Scarface, Mona, and Kat were split into different groups. It appeared to be a deliberate move by the Martial Alliance to avoid any unfair cooperation in the free-for-all.

    Mr. Zoran, the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager, rode a boat to the floating tform.

    Since he was both a host representative and a judge, he wasted no time as he announced into a microphone, "The Riverton-Zamri joint qualifiers for the Martial Tournaments begins now! The first batch of participants may proceed!"

    "Hmph."

    Seeing the crowds around him, a young martial artist suddenly felt the need to show off his martial technique.

    With a low grunt of exertion, he vaulted toward theke and started skipping over the surface.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

    It was an airwalk technique, and the airwalker streaked toward the man-madeke at the center like an arrow, leaving nothing but the faintest ripple over the surface.

    And he looked so cool doing it that the audience, who had to buy tickets to get in, were apuding and cheering in approval.

    Naturally, there were also many squealing fangirls already swooning...

    "Fine technique."

    A geezer standing beside Frank was smiling, stroking his beard and nodding amid the unanimous cheers.

    "Haha... Well, I can''t agree."

    Frank, however, was chuckling and shaking his head.

    That caught the geezer by surprise, who immediately looked annoyed. "Is that so, kid? Are you taking part too?"

    Frank was puzzled by the question, but he soon smiled and shook his head.

    "Hmph!"

    The geezer snorted in disdain right

    then. "You''re not a participant, and

    there''s not a hint of vigor in

    you-that means you''re just

    an

    audience member and no martial artist.

    "In that case, you won''t be able to tell what makes the young martial artist''s airwalk technique so special. So watch your mouth, for this is way above yourprehension!

    Though the geezer was clearly lecturing Frank like he was an ignorant child, Frank did not appear upset and even calmly smiled. "I''ll admit that I can''t see what makes it special, but I believe that his

    ive

    technique wastes pure vigor in favor be

    obvanity. Also, he''d soonin favor

    exhausted, don''t you think?"

 Chapter 1935

    ?

    "What?"

    The geezer frowned at Frank in displeasure. "What would you know about us martial artists? The way I see it, the boy isn''t exhausted-he''s merely confident that he can keep going.

    "Also, wasting pure vigor for vanity... Don''t make meugh!"

    In reality, the geezer could see that the airwalker was sweating all over his brow, and his cheeks were flushed. He was clearly exhausted, but the geezer remained stubborn.

    "Exactly! What would you know?!"

    A youth behind the geezer leered at Frank in contempt just then. "Average Joes like you would never understand martial arts, so shut up already and stop making a scene!"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    The girl behind the geezer was leering at Frank too. "That''s right! My senior apprentice has already mastered the art of airwalk. You''re the one who doesn''t get it!"

    "Pfft..."

    Frank snickered, realizing just then that the airwalker was the geezer''s apprentice.

    It was now not surprising that the geezer was so upset after hearing Frank''sment.

    Still, Frank shook his head and chuckled. "Hehe. If I were you, I''d be asking the hosts to prepare for a rescue."

    Naturally, he once again drew angry res from the geezer and his other apprentices.

    However, just as Frank finished, the airwalker who had managed to reach the halfway point had also reached his limit.

    His cheeks were flushed so red they could bleed, and he eventually slipped, falling into the middle of theke with a loud ssh.

    Even as the ripples unfurled around him, the airwalker who looked so cool earlier started iling about while crying out, "Help, help!!! I can''t swim!!!"

    Everyone certainly heard him, and their ttery or amazement turned to rowdyughter instantly.

    And amid the rowdiness, the geezer standing beside Frank flushed, grumbling and cursing under his breath.

    He really did not expect Lebon the Airwalker-his own apprentice-to be so ipetent! When he saw Lebon using his airwalk technique so confidently, he really thought that the boy had improved and was trying to show that, only for Lebon to be exposed as a vain show-off.

    His dignity had certainly vaporized on the spot!

    "Master! We need to save Lebon!" The girl earlier was crying anxiously.

    However, the geezer merely scowled like he had just eaten dung. He stayed silent and was certainly afraid to even nce Frank''s way.

    After all, he was just mocking Frank

    ne

    for knowing nothing, only for his own apprentice to make a fool of himself in front of so many the next instant.

    They were definitely going to end up as theughing stock across Zamri and Riverton.

    To think a seriouspetition between martial artists had turned into a circus!

    And at this point, would the geezer brave the embarrassment to rescue his apprentice?

    Certainly not he refused to have his reputation dragged through the mud!

    "Help..... Gulp..... Help..."

    Meanwhile, Lebon continued to flop around, but he was clearly losing strength by the second.

    Seeing that, the girl behind the geezer cried anxiously, "Master¡ª"

    "Don''t call me that!"

    The geezer was incensed as he bellowed, "That piece of shit could drown for all I care! At least he won''t embarrass me that way!" "Hahaha! This is killing me... And he called it his airwalk technique!"

    "He''s definitely getting famous if he drowns to his death. Honestly, whose apprentice is he? He''d rather show off than stay alive!" "And he''s wearing the Zamri jersey... Oh, I''m dying here..."

    Everyone from martial artists to ordinary citizens who had bought tickets to get in were all standing around and watching. None of them were inclined to help Lebon and were insteadughing at his failure.

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    "That''s it? That''s all a Zamri martial artist can manage?"

    "What a loser. He can''t even cross ake."

    "Fine, then why don''t you do it?"

    "That''s stupid. I know that I can''t cross theke, so I''ll just take a boat."

    Hearing the rowdyughter around him, Frank could not help chuckling too.

    At the same time, the geezer who had been endlessly confident a moment ago was deliberately avoiding Frank''s gaze, which made himugh even

    more.

    Still, seeing that Lebon was losing the strength to even il in theke and that no one was going to help him, Frank pped Scarface on the shoulder. "Go on. Quitughing and get him out of there already."

    Scarface was so busyughing that Frank''s nudging caught him off guard. "Huh?! Why should I go?!"

    Frank chuckled. "So that you can flex your muscles. Don''t you want squealing fangirls or the crowd''s cheers?"

    "Alright, consider it done!"

    Scarface lit up with anticipation right then, and without another word, he leapt toward theke like Lebon did, kicking up a loud ssh on the surface.

    "Eh?"

    Naturally, he quickly drew a lot of attention, and most of the crowd wasughing again.

    "We just had someone fail so spectacrly, and there''s another one already?"

    "Wait, just look at how big he is! Does he even look like he can airwalk?"

    "Hell, I think he''d do worse than the first guy!"N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Still, theughter and mockingments were reasonable.

    As they had pointed out, Scarface was just shy of seven feet tall and certainly did not look like he worked on his agility or airwalk techniques.

    However, his pure vigor was twice

    more abundant than Lebon''s. Even if his techniquecked grace and he was leaving violent sshes in his wake, he was shooting forward way faster than Lebon.

    And where hecked elegance, he made up for it with explosive force.

    Thud!

    Even as Lebon was so exhausted that he started sinking, Scarface caught his wrist, turned around, and started running back toward the shore.

    Thud.

    As everyone looked on in shock,

    Put

    velo

    Scarface reached the shore and Lebon down on firm ground, drawing a round of apuse from

    those around him.

    The crowd certainly no longer regarded him with skepticism and jeers, but only with respect and admiration.

    After all, Lebon had really given everything he could, only to arrive just sixtyish feet away from the floating tform.

    On the other hand, Scarface covered

    the same distance with the same airwalk technique, pulling Lebon.out of the water before running back, all while dragging Lebon back to shore.

    Swr

    It was clear that he was not to be underestimated.

    "Bleurgh... T-Thank you..."

    Lebon kept coughing even as he thanked Scarface after being rescued.

    On the other hand, the geezer beside Frank refused to even look at Lebon, snorting and turning away.

    The girl behind him, however, was endlessly grateful to Frank. "Thank you... Thank you so much..."

    After all, she had seen that Frank was the one who ordered Scarface to save Lebon.

    She presumed that Frank was Scarface''s boss or just some rich kid with Scarface and his bodyguard.

    The geezer, however, felt thoroughly humiliated.

    With a martial artist as strong as Scarface working under him, Frank was definitely not the average Joe he thought Frank was.

 Chapter 1937

    ?

    In fact, the geezer turned away, afraid to nce Frank''s way, saying nothing even as his apprentice Lebon fled pathetically behind him. Gong!

    A giant gong resounded from the center of the floating tform, cutting short the crowd''sughter and chattering.

    Standing beside the gong, Mr. Zoran was frowning a little since the crowd had been getting a little rowdy. He barked, "All participants of Group One shall now proceed onto the stage!"

    The crowd finally moved at his order, and almost every martial artist decided to take a boat, while just three used airwalk techniques like Lebon did. However, they managed to cross theke without any further idents, which was harsher on Lebon in hindsight.

    Soon, over forty martial artists were gathered on the floating tform, all of theming from all walks of life. Most were vigor wielders, while only a select few had recently reached the Birthright rank.

    "Master Lawrence, I''m going now," Kat said, since she was in the first group too.

    Her martial training did not start that long ago, but she had improved by leaps and bounds because she was immensely talented-or indeed, because she has a spiritron vein inside her.

    As such, with Frank going all out with her training, she had improved from vigor wielder to Birthright-ranked elite three days ago. Still, since that was still quite recent, she was grouped with the weaker participants.

    Meanwhile, Kat walked up to Scarface, grinning. "Yo, big man. Help me out here."

    Scarface did a double take. "Help you? How?"

    Before he realized what was happening, she had already vaulted agilely up on his arm. "By throwing me across theke, of course! I don''t want to waste my pure vigor on airwalking like those idiots."

    The geezer beside Frank heard her and cleared his throat awkwardly.

    On the other hand, Scarface was grinning. "I see! Good idea!"

    He would certainly not say no to Kat, though no one in Lanecorp''s health and safety department could ever turn her down.

    She was young and pretty, not to mention that she was basically a starlet after she started working with Noel York everyday.

    And unlike Vicky Turnbull or Helen

    Lane, she was a princess in the eyes of the brutes working in Lanecorp''s health and safety department. Only a bratas crazy as her would be willing to hang out with the likes of them.

    UMS

    yelhet

    Moreover, whenever she got too thrilled, she would start singing the bar so she had long since be notorious in Zamri''s night entertainment circles.

    Nash Yego was certainly left at a loss about that. However, since the thugs both pampered and protected his daughter, he could not fault them, even though it did not it well with him.

    Either way, she was now so famous that when Scarface threw her on the floating tform, someone managed to recognize her. "Hey, isn''t that the princess?"? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "What? What princess?"

    "Oh, that girl who''s always singing at the bars! She''s always hanging out with the boys from Lanecorp''s health and safety department too!"

    "That''s her? And she''s a martial artist too?"

    "Tut, tut. I''m surprised she''s taking part in the Martial Tournament."

    Meanwhile, as everyone looked on, the muscr Scarface threw the dainty Kat onto the floating tform.

    She stumbled a few times as shended before turning and rolling her eyes at Scarface. "Hey! You threw me too hard, bozo!"

    "Oh... Haha."

    Scarface chuckled and scratched his head, embarrassed.

 Chapter 1938

    ?

    "Alright. So, is everyone in the first group here?"

    Nheless, with Kat arrivingst on the floating tform and in dramatic fashion at that, Mr. Zoran looked around and did a head count.

    The number of participants there was exactly the number of participants in the group, except for Lebon, who was disqualified after falling into theke. "Counting down from five!" Mr. Zoran announced as he held up a palm.

    As he started counting down, the martial artists around them appeared solemn and wary.

    It was a free-for-all-with one misstep, they would be attacked in numbers.

    "One... Go!"

    Once Mr. Zoran finished the countdown and the free-for-all began, every participant leapt toward the target they had locked on to.

    "Hello, princess... Let''s see what you can do!"

    A fat middle-aged martial artist was wiping his drool as he charged toward Kat.

    "Hoho! You have fine taste, brother! What a coincidence¡ªI was aiming for her too!"

    Another tanned youth wasughing as he ran at Kat as well, his smile at once sleazy.

    "Hmph."

    Kat snorted coolly, not panicking despite seeing the two martial artistsing from both directions. "Come at me all you want!" "You''re taking us both on? Do you have the... stamina?"

    The fat martial artist kept his sleazy smile as he reached out for Kat''s chest just then...

    "Despicable!"

    "Yeah. That''s just disgusting!"

    Meanwhile, the audience around theke, especially thedies, were ring in disdain and shouting in vocal disapproval at the two martial artists nking Kat and forcing her to fight two against one.

    et

    Naturally, neither of those two martial artists cared about the criticism. The fat martial artist''s hand was even drawing ever closer to Kat''s chest, no longer hiding his sleazy smile as he drooled a ton.

    swnt

    "Tut, tut-I don''t get it. What''s there to grope? There''s nothing there."

    Frank, who was watching from afar, was clicking his tongue and shaking his head instead of worrying over Kat. "What..."

    The girl behind the geezer beside Frank, who had been grateful to him earlier, was left glowering at Frank''s words. "Aren''t you her brother?! How could you say something like that?!"

    UMS

    "Huh? Oh, right." Frank did a double take but soon chuckled. "Actually, I''m not her brother. I''m her mentor."

    "Even if you are, you don''t get to..."

    The girl was ready to snap but soon stopped in shock. "Wait, you''re her mentor?"

    After all, Frank looked too young to be a mentor.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Even the geezer beside Frank nced at him in surprise and disbelief.

    If he was a mentor, did that not mean the other man and the girl with him were his apprentices too?

    Moreover, the geezer had seen the depth of Scarface''s abilities, and Frank would definitely have to be superior to be his mentor¡ªand not just slightly, too.

    Did that not mean Frank was an Ascendant-ranked elite?!

 Chapter 1939

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    While the geezer was surprised that he would think that Frank was an Ascendant-ranked elite, he soon shook his head.

    Frank had to be joking-after all, the geezer had never heard of such a young martial elite in Riverton or Zamri.

    Still, even as the geezer''s thoughts wandered, Kat finally moved against the two thugs who were nking her on the floating tform.

    With a subtle grunt, she suddenlyunched forward, dashing to the side of the pudgy martial artist before he could react.

    "Eh?"

    Even as the pudgy martial artist turned and realized where Kat had moved, he tried to change the path of his attack when he felt the agony in his belly.

    He looked down to find Kat''s foot striking into his stomach before sending him flying.

    The pudgy martial artist screamed as he crashed into the other martial artist. Then, both of them iled for just a moment before rolling together off the edge, crashing into theke with a loud ssh.

    "Pfft..."

    And seeing those two sleazebags knocked out in such punishing fashion, the crowdughed and cheered.

    However, Kat did not move and instead turned and red murderously across theke, straight at Frank.

    "Oh..."

    Sensing Kat''s re, Frank could not help feeling guilty and averted his eyes.

    Despite the clear distance between them and knowing that the brat could not have heard him, he somehow still felt that he was to be med. Fortunately, Kat could not re at him for too long as other martial artists started to attack her, and she needed to respond.

    Nheless, after an intense melee, five participants remained on the floating tform, with the others either knocked out or falling into theke. Kat was naturally one of the five, and when she returned, she demanded to know if Frank had been mocking her earlier.

    While Frank denied it immediately, the girl behind the geezer was rolling her eyes at him.

    Nheless, after Kat cleared the qualifiers, Mona Fairfax and Kat seeded as well. The only surprise they had was when Scarface encountered anky youth in the free-for-all. His face was sickly pale, and he mostly used w techniques.

    Scarface could tell right away that thenky youth was no pushover And despite going all out, he only managed to secure a draw, and there were hints that he was actually losing the whole time.

    For his part, thenky youth could tell that Scarface was not going to make this easy for him either and quickly switched targets so as to not waste time.

    Soon, he proved that he was not just adept at w techniques-he also utilized hidden gadgets while easily escaping encirclement amid the free-for- all.

    Frank''s expression turned solemn, as he was surprised there was such a martial elite in Riverton.

    Nheless, he also cleared the qualifiers, taking one of the five berths in the third group of participants.

    With that, the free-for-all was over, and the singles ring match would soon follow.

    During the break in between, a tall man approached Mr. Zoran. "It seems that despite Zamri being the bigger city, the martial artists there are no match for Riverton''s martial artists."

    And though he was smiling, there was a look of contempt in his eyes.

    Mr. Zoran scowled in turn andN?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    e

    retorted ever so subtly, "Don''t get ahead of yourself just yet, Mr. Quaker. This doesn''t show anything, because the number of participants from Riverton have outnumbered the ones from Zamri in the

    free-for-all anyway." Content belongs

    Mr. Quaker snorted in turn. "Hmph. Defiant to thest, huh? But it''s clear to me that you''re not keeping your job either way, Mr. Zoran. Hahaha!!!"

 Chapter 1940

    ?

    Thenky Mr. Quaker sped his hands behind his back as he roared withughter and strode off.

    The pale martial artist who used the w technique soon followed him as well.

    "Hmph."

    Mr. Zoran snorted, but he scowled once Mr. Quaker was gone.

    He turned and saw that out of the fifteen participants who had cleared the free-for-all, only five were from Zamri, while the other ten were from Riverton.

    A look of worry appeared over Mr. Zoran''s face right then, and he eventually turned toward Frank, who stood in the distance.

    All three of Frank''s apprentices proved outstanding, having cleared the free-for-all.

    That also meant they were the three out of the five Zamri participants who had qualified...

    Without another word, Mr. Zoran made a beeline for Frank. "Mr. Lawrence."

    Frank was justmenting on Scarface, Mona, and Kat''s performance and shorings in the free-for-all when he heard Mr. Zoran and turned in curiosity. "Yes? How can I help you, Mr. Zoran?"

    "Oh, it''s nothing..."

    Noticing the curious stares, Mr. Zoran smiled awkwardly and rubbed his hands. "Actually, Mr. Lawrence... Are you confident that your apprentices would qualify?"

    Frank was perplexed that the man woulde over just to ask that, but he nodded. "Of course. But aren''t you a judge? Why would you be concerned about my apprentices?''

    Mr. Zoran''s smile stiffened upon the

    suspicious stares, but he soon

    replied won''t lie to you, Mr.

    Lawrence... The Martial Tournament actually affects each Martial Alliance branch manager."

    "What?"

    Frank was only further puzzled by Mr. Zoran''s exnation was this not the Martial Tournament hosted by the Martial Alliance? Why would the branch managers be affected?This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Mr. Zoran groaned slightly at Frank''s confusion. "I won''t mind telling you everything since you''re close with the chief of the Martial Alliance.

    "It''s actually no secret, but each

    Martial Alliance branch manager has

    et

    tasks other than to manage the general affairs of martial artists in each city. One of them is to maintain the local Martial Alliance... or indeed, to ensure the robust growth of local martial artists.

    "As such, the Martial Tournament isn''t just a test for the

    participants it''s a test for branch managers too. If the participants of each city who has cleared the joint qualifiers are equal or almost equal, that''s fine. But if one city has an overwhelming majority of participants who qualify over the other-"

    "And right now, the Riverton participants have an overwhelming majority," Frank said, cutting Mr. Zoran short as he could tell what the man was getting at.

    Moreover, there was no other reason why Mr. Zoran would have that terrible frown on his face.

    "Exactly."

    Mr. Zoran breathed a deep sigh, shaking his head. "And if things go on like this, I would be med by headquarters or even made an example of. Also "

    "Alright, I get it." Frank smiled and waved him off.

    He understood that Mr. Zoran was actually pressuring him and that the Zamri branch actually had martial elites before.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1941

    ?

    For example, the members of Thousand Isles Guild left the Martial Tournament after they had a run-in with Frank.

    Sanne Dali had since been grounded, while Ivo Werner was too embarrassed to stay in contention.

    That in turn led to Zamri losing the participation of a good number of martial elites.

    In fact, Frank could tell that there was a hint of dissatisfaction in Mr. Zoran''s question. It was true that the situation would not be that one-sided if members of Thousand Isles Guild were still participating, to the point that Mr. Zoran was getting paranoid.

    "Don''t worry," Frank assured Mr. Zoran, pping him on the shoulder. "In the end, Riverton and Zamri share four berths, right? I can promise you that my party will take three. How about that?"

    "For real?" Mr. Zoran eximed, but he could not hide his look of skepticism.

    After all, he had seen the brief melee between Scarface and Mr. Quaker''s nephew and could see that Scarface might not necessarily win.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

    "Don''t worry. I''m sure," Frank said confidently, and Mr. Zoran eventually left, still skeptical.

    Beside him, Scarface heard what Frank had promised Mr. Zoran and was himself concerned. "Brother Lawrence, I have to agree with Mr. Zoran. That boy is as formidable as he is quick-I might not necessarily win!"

    "Don''t worry. I will teach you a technique right now-you just need the basics of it to beat him," Frank said, appearing quite confident, while Scarface remained doubtful.

    The two hour break was soon over.

    Despite his misgivings and constant nce at Frank''s direction, Mr. Zoran eventually braced himself and went on stage with Mr. Quaker, the Riverton Martial Alliance branch manager.

    They were drawing lots to decide the cements of the elimination round. And to no surprise, Scarface was set to face Heartfar Quaker-Mr. Quaker''s nephew-in his very first match.

    "What..."

    Mr. Zoran was left scowling at the lottery result, whereas Mr. Quaker was chuckling nonchntly. "What''s wrong, Mr. Zoran? That''s a terrible look on your face!"

    "Hmph..."

    Mr. Zoran merely snorted and did not argue.

    Even as he nced at the towering figure of Heartfar, he wished for a miracle inwardly-that the Riverton martial artists would not im all four qualifier berths!

    However, things only got worse from there.

    After Heartfar got onto the floating

    tform in the middle of theke, he

    spoke as all the audience and other martial artists looked on. "I''m

    requesting a change in the rules."

    "A change in the rules?"

    "What?"

    UMS

    Everyone was perplexed and were left unsure as to what Heartfar was nning.

    On the other hand, Mr. Quaker was shing a sly smile he and his nephew had nned this beforehand, after all.

    "Since this is a joint qualifier for

    Riverton and Zamri, I, Heartfar Quaker shall represent Riverton in issuing a challenge against all Zamri participants. I will take them all on!"

    His words sent the crowd in an uproar.

    On the other hand, Scarface, Mona, Kat, and the other two Zamri participants who qualified in the free-for-all earlier were glowering.

    It was obvious that Heartfar was issuing a naked provocation against all Zamri participants.

    "The talent pool in Zamri has dried up, and the martial artists there are pathetic."

    Meanwhile, Heartfar was smirking

    as everyone watched. "I therefore believe none of the Zamri

    participants deserve any qualifying berths. Riverton will take them all instead!"

 Chapter 1942

    ?

    "Woo!"

    "Yeah!!!"

    Heartfar''s challenge sent all Riverton participants and audience members into a frenzy, and they cheered in thunderous approval.

    On the other hand, the Zamri participants and audience members were scowling in silence. "Hehehe..."

    Mr. Quaker, the Riverton Martial Alliance branch manager, took the stage just then. "I think that''s a wonderful idea. Instead of fighting for themselves, each participant will be fighting for the city they represent... What do you think, Mr. Zoran?"

    Mr. Quaker had certainly shown his hand now, sending his nephew to issue a challenge that could ensure none of the Zamri participants qualified. He was even hyping up the Riverton participants and audience members to gain their full support!

    Seeing through the ploy in an instant, Mr. Zoran promptly refused. "This is the Martial Tournament. The organizingmittee has set the rules to ensure fearness, so I refuse to bend it. There must be no changes made!"

    All the Riverton participants and audience members jeered loudly at Mr. Zoran''s words.

    The way they saw it, Mr. Zoran was clearly being a coward by flexing the need to stick to the rules. As such, their contempt for the Zamri participants and audience members only grew.

    Even the Zamri participants and audience members were feeling rage and frustration.

    "Mr. Zoran, we refuse to be seen as cowards!"

    One of the Zamri participants who cleared the earlier free-for-all round strode up, bellowing, "Zamri has its champions too! The only thing we worry about are Riverton participants not stepping up!"

    "Exactly!"

    The other Zamri participant strode up. "I refuse to look so prideless even if I lose!"

    "Just say yes, Mr. Zoran!"

    "Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!!!"

    The chanting only left Mr. Zoran scowling.

    He looked around at the ZamriFrom N?velDrama.Org.

    et

    participants and audience members. They were all scowling in righteous indignation and shouting for the rule change too.

    Even so, Mr. Zoran was hurting inside-would he be willing to appear so cowardly if he was confident about this?

    It was a trap set in ce for him and the Zamri participants by Mr. Quaker!

    It would be fine if they somehow

    managed to defeat Heartfar, but t

    Pret

    Heartfar defeated every Zamri participant instead... No, he did not even want to imagine it.

    With that in mind, Mr. Zoran could not help ncing in Frank''s direction.

    All he felt was further frustration that Frank sat there calmly, even smiling as he watched in amusement.

    "Just say yes, Mr. Quaker! We refuse to be cowards!"

    "Exactly! I refuse to believe that all five of us would lose to that pale-faced prick!"

    Even as the two Zamri participants continued to press Mr. Zoran while he was left hesitant, Heartfar took the stage again.

    "In that case, how about I fight with a handicap?" he asked. "I will only fight with one arm... or without using my arms, if you like!"

    His humblebragging sent the Zamri participants and audience members into an uproar.

    It was obvious from the earlier free-for-all that Heartfar''s specialty was w techniques, and not using either arms was no different from fighting without any techniques.

    UMS

    In reality, he was just shitting on the Zamri participants!

    "Mr. Zoran!" The two Zamri participants'' eyes went red with rage.

    At that point, even Mr. Zoran was rolling his eyes and sighing before nodding quietly.

    Right now, it was as if no one here could understand the crushing pressure was weighing down on him.

    But now that things hade to this, even his approval was not exactly up to him to decide.

 Chapter 1943

    ?

    Seeing that Mr. Zoran was finally agreeing to take Heartfar''s challenge, one of the Zamri participants strode up to the man right then.

    Holding up his fists, he bellowed, "The name is Candor Doise. Let me show you the might of Zamri martial artists!"

    "Hehe. Very good."

    Heartfar naturally did not back down.

    As everyone watched, he held out his arms, showing that he was not cheating as he slowly kept them behind his back.

    Another Riverton martial artist walked up on cue, tying Hearfar''s arms firmly together with a rope.

    The Riverton participants and audience members were all cheering in excitement, while the Zamri participants and audience members were left scowling.

    Moreover, Candor could see Heartfar''s gleeful leer and felt further insulted.

    "Free yourself," he snapped. "I don''t need your handicap!"

    "Then forget it."

    Heartfar shook his head in disappointment. "You''re not worth going all out... Hell, not even a tenth of my abilities. If you can defeat me while I''m handicapped, I''ll admit that you''ve won all the same."

    "Hmph!"

    Heartfar''s dismissive attitude only left Candor further infuriated, but he used his rage to motivate himself. "Since you insist on showing off, I''ll show you what happens to show-offs!"

    Gong!

    At Candor''s bellow, the gong was thumped to signal the start of the duel.

    However, Heartfar snorted nonchntly. "Sure, whatever you say. You must be thinking that I''m like that other Zamri participant-y''know, the one who fell into theke when he''s supposed to be airwalking."

    "Hahahaha!!!"

    The Riverton participants and audience members were bursting out inughter at Heartfar''s mention of that ridiculous moment.

    "Hmph. Take this!" Candor bellowed right then and charged at Heartfar.

    et

    Heartfar had only mentioned the Lebon incident to make the Zamri participant look bad, and if Candor hesitated any longer, he would be at a disadvantage. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

    "Hah! Just look at all those openings!"

    Heartfar narrowed his eyes, sidestepping so quickly he was several times quicker than when he fought in the earlier free-for-all! "What?!" Candor was left turning pale at the drop of speed.

    "Have you heard of ckrank?" Heartfar asked, suddenly inches away as he chuckled quietly into Candor''s ear so that only the two of them could hear. "I''m among the top ten gold-tier assassins in that list."

    "What-"

    Candor barely had time to respond when he felt a terrible agony in his stomach, and he had to use all his strength to look downward.

    He never saw when it happened, but Heartfar''s knee was pressing into his stomach and with a terrible force that vaporized his meridian nexus. "Blergh-"

    With that, Candor coughed a mouthful of blood before dropping on the floating tform, rigid.

    "That was just one move! One!"

    It was not just the Zamri participants and audience members¡ªeven the Riverton side was left dumbstruck.

    All it took was a knee to the

    et

    stomach, and Heartfar left Candor

    crippled, even though Candor had managed to qualify from the earlier free-for-all!

    And on top of that, Heartfar still had both hands tied to his back!

    It was simply ridiculous!

 Chapter 1944

    ?

    After a brief silence, the Riverton participants and audience members were cheering, while the Zamri side was still left nonplussed. They just could not understand-Candor was clearly a decent martial artist, but Heartfar proceeded to destroy him with a single stroke anyway. Was the man really that unstoppable?!N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.

    "You''re out of line!"

    "You may have won, but you didn''t have to go that far!"

    "That was such a dirty move!"

    Still, the Zamri participants soon saw what actually happened and were outraged.

    Heartfar did not just floor Candor, but he crippled Candor''s meridian nexus too!

    That meant Candor''s career as a martial artist was cut short, as he could not use his vigor at all.

    It was both humiliation and torture for a martial artist!

    However, even as the Zamri participants were ring at Heartfar furiously and could skin him on the spot, he merely chuckled as he turned toward them.

    "What, do you have something to say about that?"

    He smiled. "It''s always the strong''s privilege to humiliate the weak-that''s a fact. Hell, I don''t even have a bone to pick with him. The only reason I crippled him is because he''s trash unworthy of the title of martial artist.

    "In fact, the rest of you small fries all calling yourselves martial artists would only embarrass the rest of us real Draconian martial artists, subjecting us to ridicule abroad."

    He paused, and as countless martial artists watched either in adoration or spite, heughed out loud. "Well,e on! Is there no other Zamri martial artist who dares to face me?! Or maybe you''re all scared now?

    "In that case, you could all surrender collectively. If you do, today''s qualifier is over, and the four berths will all be decided in a different qualifier held in Riverton."

    "Alright!"

    "You''re so cool, Mr. Quaker!"

    The Riverton participants and audience members were all cheering, while those from the Zamri side were left scowling harder. "I-I forfeit."

    Just then, the martial artist who

    et el

    stood beside Candor and was left indignant by Heartfar''s earlier provocation was suddenly looking terrified and embarrassed.

    He quietly announced his forfeiture and airwalked over theke surface away from the floating tform without looking back.

    Seeing the martial artists fleeing so miserably, the Riverton participants and audience members were allughing thunderously.

    "What the... Stop! Don''t run away!"

    "Come back!"

    "Weren''t you so confident a moment ago, raring for a fight?! How did you turn out to be such a coward?!"

    "Fight and die! At least you wouldn''t be made a joke!"

    et

    On the other hand, the Zamri participants and audience members were snapping at the fleeing martial artist just as he reached the shore.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    UMS

    Despite their collective pressure, the fleeing martial artist was really giving up entirely and bellowed back, "Why don''t you people go if you''re so brave? Sorry, but I''d rather live

    another few years! Now fo

    swnt

    off!"

    Knocking away the mob encircling him, the fleeing martial artist continued onward without looking back.

    "Ahahaha..."

    The Riverton participants and audience members were allughing even louder when they saw the infighting on the Zamri side.

    Mr. Zoran was left standing helplessly on the floating tform, alone and scowling.

    He sighed under his breath. "I told them. They shouldn''t have epted the rule change, but none of them listened."

    Either way, he knew that it was over for Zamri, as they were not getting a single berth in the qualifiers.

 Chapter 1945

    ?

    "Hey... What''s his name!"

    "Didn''t Zamri have five participants making it through the free-for-all?! There''s still three left after two of them are gone. Don''t worry! There''s still hope!"

    "Haha! Yeah! There''s still hope!"

    As the Riverton participants and audience members catcalled, the Zamri side were left ashen-faced.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

    They certainly remember the remaining three participants-two were young women who looked like they would not survive a punch, while the third was a brutish man who did not really look sharp.

    Therefore, as far as the Zamri side was concerned, that trio certainly would not be a match against Heartfar. It was why the other Zamri participants and audience members had been pinning their hopes on Candor and the other martial artist who had just fled.

    In fact, when the Riverton participants and audience members mentioned the remaining trio, the Zamri side waspletely disinterested instead of feeling encouraged.

    ?"

    guess Riverton is taking all four berths!"

    "Come on. What if thosedies somehow manage to beat Heartfar?"

    "Shit, do you even believe what you''re saying?"

    "Nope."

    "Then shut up!"

    The Riverton participants and audience members were all busy talking among themselves. Some were even mocking Kat and Mona maliciously, saying stuff like Riverton could afford them a berth out of charity if they gave ap dance or something.

    Still, anyone already knew that there was no chance of that happening, since this was a seriouspetition. It was nothing more than belittling and insulting for Kat and Mona, as well as other Zamri martial artists.

    "Fucking... I''m so done!" Kat growled, clenching her knuckles. "I''m going to pummel those douchebags from Riverton! All of them!"

    "Calm down!"

    Arge hand pressed gently over head right then, as Frank spoke calmly, "Don''t let your flow be disrupted.

    "You see, Mr. Quaker and Heartfar are obviously trying to incite conflict and ill-will by driving a wedge between Riverton and Zamri in order to get all four qualifying berths."

    "Hah! Easy for you to say!"

    The girl standing behind the geezer standing beside Frankughed coolly. "Why don''t you get out your hidey-hole and win the berths if you''re that good?"

    "Shush!"

    Lebon, the Zamri martial artist who had airwalked himself into theke, ced a finger on his lips. "Watch what you''re saying."

    "Just spittin'' facts."

    The girl pouted, folding her arms before her chest. "I mean, disrupting flow? Isn''t he just trying to excuse himself for his weakness and hiding?"

    "Is that so?"

    Frank turned toward the girl right

    net

    then. "Are you saying that we shouldn''t stick to our strengths before answering the Quakers'' challenge and should instead listen to you, a brat who didn''t even pass the preliminary strength test?

    "Don''t you think you''re overreaching as an audience member?"

    Frank''s calm questions left the girl flushed, but she grumbled stubbornly, "If it were me, I wouldn''t be backing down. I¡ª"

    "Save it."

    Frank chuckled. "You''re not even fit to get in the Ring. Anyone can make themselves look good with words, but unless you have what it takes to fight, quit trying to tell everyone what to do. You''d only make others question your school''s effort in enforcing basic discipline,

    "Also, if you''re really eager to get in the ring, kdon''t mind telling you that I have a direct line to Mr. Zoran. You can face that prick Heartfar yourself, so how about it? Care to give it a try?"

    "I..."

    The girl was going to say yes out of sheer defiance.

 Chapter 1946

    ?

    "I..."

    The girl was going to say yes out of sheer defiance.

    However, she was soon hesitant and blushed as she hung her head, remembering how Candor was defeated instantly and left coughing blood. "Hmph."

    Frank said nothing and snorted, but that was enough to leave the girl ashamed.

    The Riverton martial artists and audience members around them heard the exchange between the girl and Frank too.

    At first, they could side with the girl, but Frank''s retort soon made them reflect on themselves, and they all eventually hung their heads gloomily.

    However, just as the Zamri side was left dejected and many were ready to leave, Frank pped Kat on the head again.

    "Come on. Let''s go," he said and led them toward a boat.

    "... Eh?"

    "Wait, are they really going to fight?"

    Seeing that Frank''s group was getting on the boat, all the martial artists and audience members present were left stunned.

    "What...?"

    Even the girl who had just mocked Frank was stunned too. "I thought you weren''t going to fight?"

    Frank wheeled on her with a cool stare. "Did I ever say that?"

    The girl was left dumbstruck at that.

    "Hmm...?"

    Heartfar was still standing atop the floating tform when he spotted Frank and his group arriving on a boat.

    Naturally, he showed them no

    respect and was even pointing at them andughing. "Wait, is this. really happening?! Are the girls really giving usp dances so that we''ll? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    give them a berth?" Content belongs

    All the Riverton martial artists and audience members were allughing and cheering at Heartfar''s taunting.

    In contrast, everyone on the Zamri side was left fuming, but there was nothing they could do.

    After all, none of them believed that Frank''s three apprentices stood a chance against Heartfar, whose strength was simply terrifying.

    In fact, he looked more like an Ascendant-ranked elite than a Birthright-ranked one!

    Meanwhile, Heartfar was still leering at Frank''s group. "So, how about it? Are the girlies going to start dancing now or after I gave y''all a beating?" "Don''t get ahead of yourself, fuckface!"

    Kat snapped at Heartfar right then, dering proudly, "We don''t really know who''s going to win yet!"

    "Fuckface?"

    Heartfar did a double take at the insult, touching his own face.

    His eyes narrowed, his re and the air around him suddenly icy as he growled, "Do you want some, brat?!"

    "Mr. Lawrence..."

    Mr. Zoran suddenly ran up to Frank just then, and stood between Frank, Heartfar, and Mr. Quaker, the Riverton Martial Alliance branch manager. "Today''s qualifiers are over All Zamri participants will be pulling out, while the Riverton Martial Alliance branch can have all four berths to themselves."

    "What?!"

    Mr. Quaker, who had been smirking all this while, frowned even though Mr. Zoran was conceding on the spot.

    Why was he suddenly giving up so easily?

    What Mr. Quaker did not know was

    that Mr. Zoran would only be subject to a penalty and some lecturing even if fewer Zamri martial artists qualified than Riverton martial artists.

    On the other hand, if Frank and his group were hurt because of Heartfar, Mr. Zoran would have to suffer the personal wrath of the Martial Alliance chief!

    He had actually held out unrealistic hope that Frank''s apprentices might win earlier, but that was before he realized how strong Heartfar was.

 Chapter 1947

    ?

    But things were different now.

    There was no telling how far Heartfar''s strength went. His behavior was savage on top of that, so Mr. Zoran was really concerned that he would defeat Frank''s apprentice before humiliating them in full public.

    They might even have their meridian nexus crippled, or worse, be killed.

    He certainly could not exin himself to Lady Silverbell if that happened! It would not just be lectures or penalties that await him then, but it would be dismissal or worse-execution!

    That was why Mr. Zoran could not care less about dignity or self-gain at this point. Staying alive was way more important!

    That was when a girl shouted loudly and clearly, "Objection!"

    Mr. Zoran turned to find that it was none other than the brat standing beside Frank.

    "Why are we giving up already? We haven''t taught that fuckface a lesson yet!"

    Kat huffed, folding her arms before her chest. "Even if we do, we must give that prick a whopping first!"

    "What?!"

    Mr. Zoran''s knees almost buckled right then, and he took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his brow. "Are you for real, kid?! Teaching Heartfar Quaker a lesson?!"

    He certainly had no idea how the girl''s brain worked did she not just see how easily Heartfar destroyed Candor?! It was clear that Heartfar was beyond the reach of the average martial artist!

    Also, teaching Heartfar a lesson? Who was she kidding?!

    Unsurprisingly, Heartfar heard Kat as well and wasughing sinisterly instead of getting upset.

    Grinning and showing his stark-white teeth, he stared at Kat as he said quietly, "You''re brave, kiddo. Insulting me while challenging me? I wonder what you''re going to say when I get you soon... Please, beg for your life."

    Even as Heartfar licked his lips, no one doubted the death aura he was projecting despite his grin.

    He would really make Kat wish she were dead if he really got to her!

    "What are you, stupid?"

    To Heartfar''s Surprise, Kat rolled her eyes at him, not caving under his threats. "There''s no way I''d win against you. Big guy over here is going to fight you, so just don''tery and beg on your knees when you get beaten to a pulpter."

    "Crying and begging on my knees when I get beaten to a pulpter? Me?"

    Heartfar was actually shocked for a

    moment as he nced at Scarface Tucker but he soon pointed at Scarface and chuckled in

    amusement. "Kid, do you really think

    he can beat me?"

    "Never know until you try."

    Kat shrugged and yawned. "That''s all I have to say. You boys get started-and big guy? Don''t fuck this up." "Heh. Of course not!"

    Scarface chuckled coolly, cracking his neck so loudly that it would make anyone cringe.

    "So? Mr. Zoran?"

    et

    Mr. Quaker smiled darkly at his colleague, asking, "Just look at how motivated the Zamri martial artists are! Are you really still going to concede?" From N?velDrama.Org.

    "I..."

    Mr. Zoran leveled an awkward look at Frank.

    He wanted to take the safest option by protecting Frank and his apprentices.

    Still, he paused as Frank said calmly, "I remember making a promise to Mr. Zoran. We will im three of the four berths."

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1948

    ?

    Frank continued, "As promised, I will im three of the four qualifying berths. Or did you think I''d stop my apprentices from taking part because I''d shy from taking those berths?"

    "What?"

    Mr. Zoran was left scowling as Frank suddenly brought that up.

    It was a hopeless situation, but Frank''s nonchnt speech somehow made it look like Mr. Zoran was deliberately holding him back!

    In fact, Mr. Zoran was not the only person who was left confused-Heartfar, along with the rest of the audience, was stumped too.

    Was that brat really going to let his apprentices fight Heartfar? Was he not just kicking them down to the firepit?!

    Moreover, Heartfar was clearly furious judging from his outburst, and things would definitely go bad for the apprentices! Hell, he would probably not want theirp dance at this point!

    Nheless, Frank shed a smile at Mr. Zoran just then. "So, Mr. Zoran? Are you doubting me or my apprentices?"

    Mr. Zoran gulped, finding it hard to swallow. "Are you serious, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Of course." Frank nodded nonchntly.

    Seeing Frank''s confidence, the Riverton martial artists and audience members gasped, while on the Zamri side, everyone who was ready to leave had turned back.

    Even if no one believed for a moment that Frank''s curious apprentice trio could beat Heartfar, Frank was at least salvaging their dignity.

    Still, some of the audience were busy whispering among themselves as they stared at Frank.

    "Hey, don''t you think that kid looks familiar?"

    "Right? I thought so too."

    "Where have I seen him before? I honestly can''t remember..."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    "Oh, well..."

    Mr. Zoran sighed and shed a pained smile just then.

    Things had certainly spiraled out of control, even getting past the point of no return right after he agreed to changing the qualifier format. It was no exaggeration to say that he was humiliated by a single Riverton martial artist, trampling all over Zamri martial artists.

    Now, if he agreed to this as well, it would not be as simple as humiliation-he might die.

    And yet, when Mr. Zoran looked at Frank''s serene expression, he somehow felt an indescribable sense of confidence.

    It was as if Frank really believed his apprentices could defeat Heartfar, and that confidence was infecting Mr. Zoran. "Oh, whatever."

    Rolling his eyes and sighing, Mr.

    et

    Zoran decided that since Frank was the one who stepped up on his own, the oue was none of his business.

    Moreover, what if Frank''s apprentices somehow won?

    With that in mind, Mr. Zoran turned calm and nodded at Mr. Quaker. "Let''s resume the fight!"

    "Good!"

    That was exactly what Mr. Quaker wanted.

    He even eagerly turned toward Heartfar, and they shared a sinister smile.

    Then, he announced, "The second round of the Zamri-Riverton joint qualifiers... begins now!"

    At his call, Heartfar once again had

    someone tie up both his hands while leering at Scarface. "Big guy, if you

    ¨¤ touch me once-" Coile

    W

    belongs to

    Whoosh.

    Scarface moved even before Heartfar could finish.

    He swung his fist,unching bursts of pure vigor through the air and straight at Heartfar''s face.

    "Hmph. What an idiot!"

    Heartfar snorted-attacks that were that visible could easily be dodged!

 Chapter 1949

    ?

    Heartfar''s agility was not affected despite having both hands tied behind his back.

    As he leapt to the side, Scarface''s pure vigor bursts shot past him pointlessly.

    However, when Heartfar was ready tounch a counter, he realized that Scarface had already reached him, and his hand was reaching straight for Hearfar''s throat!

    "You''re fast-but that''s not enough!" Heartfar snorted.

    However, he also realized right then that Scarface was way stronger than Candor.

    He instinctively tried to raise his hands and counter, but he soon remembered that both his hands were bound.

    He certainly could not renege on his handicap, or all his boasting would be pointless.

    "Hup!"

    He raised his foot, knocking away Scraface''s palm with the tip of his sole.

    Then, heughed coolly as he leapt into the air andunched a quick session of roundhouse kicks so rapidly that he looked like a windmill.

    At the same time, the hidden des he concealed on his boots shot toward Scarface as well.

    Shunk! Shunk! Shunk!

    Heartfar sneered viciously even as he heard the sound of de piercing sh.

    As a ckrank assassin, there was no way he did not dip his des in poison!

    And forget the average Joe-even martial artists would be incapacitated in ten seconds!

    He knew right then that his victory was assured!

    "Hah!!!"

    However, a thunderous bellow resounded even as Heartfar presumed his triumph and turned to find Scarface charging at him again. Seeing the holes on Scarface''s arm and shoulders, he realized that the brute must have tried to block the des with his body. "What an idiot!"

    Heartfar chuckled coolly as he leapt backward to ce some distance between him and Scarface.

    He just had to wait until the poison kicked in, and no matter how tough Scarface was, he would not be able to fight back.

    And yet, even as he managed to get away, he found Scarface looking up with a sly smile.

    "What?"

    Even as Heartfar was caught by the surprise by the sudden smile, the bursts of pure vigor Scarface

    unleashed from his fists earlier had suddenly turned around, streaking toward him from behind.

    "What is that technique?!"

    Even as Heartfar was left shocked, he could not dodge the bursts as he was mid-air.

    "Argh!!!"

    Eventually, with a raging cry, he tore off the rope binding his hands andunched bursts of his own pure vigor to repel Scarface''s attacks.

    The crowd cheered, seeing that Heartfar was forced to abandon his handicap!

    At the same time, Scarface was still charging at Heartfar to press his attack.

    But even as he raised his fists again, he suddenly flinched as if jolted.

    He then stopped moving entirely, his fist still upraised, until he fell loudly on the floating tform, rigid.

    "What..."

    Everyone watching was left dumbstruck, seeing that Scarface was suddenly down when he clearly had the advantage.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "Hahahaha!"

    On the other hand, Heartfar was roaring withughter when he saw Scarface fall. "You didn''t expect that, did you? What an idiot-all my des were coated in poison, but you had to try and block them with your body!"

    S

    Then, he strode up toward Scarface, lifting his head by the hair. "Still, I have to give it to you. You actually had some nice moves and forced me to use my hands."

 Chapter 1950

    ?

    As Heartfar gloated, he nced at Frank in the distance.

    "But this is it for you!" he bellowed, raising his hand and taking aim at Scarface''s head, as if to flex on Frank and Mr. Zoran.

    However, even as everyone held their breaths and the more faint-hearted had covered their eyes, Heartfar suddenly turned rigid, his hand remaining in mid-air.

    In fact, the audience waited a long while, but Scarface''s head was still not exploding.

    "Pfft..."

    Then, despite the tense situation, someone snickered with terrible timing.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Pfft..."

    Another snicker could soon be heard, and everyone turned to see that it was the two girls standing at Frank''s side.

    Frank himself was notughing, but his face was weirdly contorted, as if grimacing in pain.

    "What...?"

    Nheless, as everyone looked where the girls were looking, they found arge hand grabbing Heartfar between the legs. Moreover, blood was pouring out from the gap between the fingers.

    "Oof..."

    When all the men present saw where the hand was grabbing, they grimaced just like Frank did. "Huff... huff..."

    At the same time, Heartfar started breathing heavily and was shivering even as he looked down in disbelief. There, he found Scarface''s hand covered in his blood as he grabbed him by the balls!

    "Argh!!!"

    There was a blood-curdling scream as Heartfar dropped on the floating tform, both hands holding his groin.

    He howled like an animal, almost as if he was not human!

    "My god... Where did that movee from?! And that big guy looked so down-to-earth too!"

    "That was brutal."

    "Yeah, no one could have expected that!"

    "Well, Heartfar might have won the match, but he has lost his existence."

    "Pfft. Wait, let me get thisugh out of my system."

    "What?"

    et

    The girl who was standing behind the geezer standing beside Frank earlier was staring nkly at the other martial artists around them.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    Seeing the pained looks as well as smiles of sympathy leveled at

    I = 12 2. Sympathy leveled at

    she turned toward Lebon. happening here? What did that big guy do?"

    "What did he do? Ahem..."

    L

    Lebon, the airwalker who almost drowned, cleared his throat

    awkwardly. "It''s a technique that would leave any martial artist pale.

    It''s called... The Nutcracker

    The girl, despite her innocence, finally realized what happened when she was given the name.

    She flushed right then and red at Frank in disbelief. "T-That scumbag! He taught his apprentice such a dirty move?! How despicable!" "Hey, if it works..."

    Frank certainly could hear the groans and shouts of disapproval from every direction, but he did not care.

    The way he saw it, moral obligation did not matter as long as the technique got the job done!

 Chapter 1951

    ?

    Moreover, this was a duel to the death between martial artists. To call a technique despicable, when used in a life-or-death situation, was simplyughable.

    Moreover, Heartfar was using hidden des that were coated in poison-what right did he have toin?

    "I''ll kill you! I''ll kill you!"

    Nheless, Heartfar was ring murderously at Scarface like a terrible monster.

    At the same time, he curled into a ball as hey on the floating tform, clutching his own bleeding groin with both hands.

    "Oh, save it already. Did you really think your poison would work?"

    Scarface was suddenly on his feet, appearing perfectly fine as he grinned at Heartfar, who was as shocked as he was in pain. "Brother Lawrence saw through you from the start¡ªyou''re actually an Ascendant-ranked elite, aren''t you? You only look like you''re Birthright-ranked because you took a suppressive drug.

    "As for your poison, Mr. Lawrence had already let me take an antidote before we fought. The whole time I looked like I was poisoned? I was just pretending, all to deceive you."

    "What?!"

    Hearfar was left gaping, while Mr. Quaker was left stunned at Scarface''s exnation.

    "Ascendant rank?!"N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Mr. Zoran was shocked too, and he soon wheeled on Mr. Quaker and bellowed furiously, "Stanwick Quaker! How dare you cheat in the Martial Tournament!"

    After all, Ascendant-ranked elites were on apletely different level from Birthright-ranked elites and vigor wielders, with their category of qualifiers. On the other hand, the free-for-all and ring fights today were only open to Birthright-ranked elites and vigor wielders. Now that Heartfar was exposed as an Ascendant-ranked elite, his participation was a clear vition of the rules.

    "I-I don''t know what you''re talking about!"

    Although there was a hint of panic in

    Heartfar''s eyes after he was

    et

    exposed, he stayed on the ground as he red at Frank in the distance, bellowing, "You''ve incited your

    apprentice to use a dinas

    move

    against me, and you''re now framing me for being Ascendant-ranked?! You''re obviously marginalizing Riverton martial artists!"

    "Silence."

    While everyone was left confused, Frank strode up,ughing coldly. "You''re always talking about Riverton this and Zamri that, when all you''re doing is inciting conflict between two cities! Now that you''re exposed, you''d still im to be Bloodright-ranked? What a joke!"

    Then, pointing at Stanwick, who was

    sweating all over his brow as he

    stood beside Mr. Zoran, Frank barked, "My people have already done a background check! Mr. Quaker here doesn''t have a nephew-you''re just an

    ovel

    Ascendant-ranked hired mercenary Who''s hiding your cultivation to bully Zamri martial artists! Why don''t you tell us what you''re really nning here instead?!"

    The audience erupted in an uproar at Frank''s question.

    Still, some were wondering-was it possible that Frank could do a background check on Stanwick, the Riverton Martial Alliance branch manager?

    "T-That''s bullshit!" Stanwick snapped, stubbornly refusing to confess. "Heartfar is my nephew, and he returned to Riverton to get a job in the Martial Alliance! Everything you said is a lie!"

    Then, he chuckled coolly. "Moreover, do you have the right to do a background check on me?! What, is the Martial Alliance a shop that your family owns?! A ce you can order people around as you like, let alone do a background check on a branch manager like me?! Who do you think you are?!"

    His question was certainly one that was bugging everyone else, but Mr. Zoran alone was pursing his lips.

    After all, he knew for a fact that Frank did have the right-and the resources to do a background check on Stanwick.

    "Hehe. You''re a bold one, Mr. Quaker."

    That was when nonchntughter could be heard.

    Soon, ady dressed in all white like a goddess appeared ashore.

 Chapter 1952

    ?

    Escorted by a procession, thedy in white strode toward the edge of theke.

    Everyone had turned toward her when they heard herughter and froze up right then.

    "L-Lady Silverbell..."

    Stanwick turned rigid when he saw her too, and he dropped on the floating tform with a thud.

    He stared nkly at thedy, panic written all over his face.

    "Lady Silverbell!"

    Upon seeing Stanwick''s dramatic reaction, the martial artists and audience members¡ªbe it from Zamri from Riverton-were all bowing their heads in salutation.

    "At ease."

    It was indeed Silverbell in the flesh, and the crowd''s collective salutation truly enlightened Frank to the authority shemanded as the chief of the Martial Alliance.

    Over a thousand people were greeting and bowing at her, a seemingly frail woman. None of them would dare question her strength or the official ties she had.

    And right now, her visage was cool as she stared at Stanwick, who was on his knees, "Mr. Quaker, don''t you think I have the right to investigate you?" Even the bloodlust in her eyes was palpable.

    "I, uh..."

    Stanwick was left stammering for the longest time but somehow could not manage a single coherent sentence.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    Soon, he was kowtowing repeatedly. "Forgive me, Lady Silverbell!"

    The crowd was actually stunned that the same Stanwick, who was so imposing a moment ago, was now as humble as he was pathetic.

    However, Silverbell was not going to let him off easy, as she had a vague feeling that he was not merely breaking the rules.

    "Go on, tell us who put you up to

    this," she demanded. "It was such a terrific stroke too, using the Martial Tournament as an instrument to harass Zamri martial artists!

    UMS

    Stanwick looked up at her question and smiled awkwardly. "It''s not like I won''t tell you, Lady Silverbell, but¡ª"

    "But what?" Silverbell snapped,

    drawing her sword with an audible

    swish and aiming it squarely at

    Stanwick''s throat. "Don''t push me, or I will execute you here summarily!"

    UMS

    Stanwick was left trembling, but he looked around at the audience around him awkwardly. "I-I''ll tell you, but..."

    Seeing that he clearly could not say it in front of so many, Silverbell snorted as she airwalked over the surface of the look.

    Her poise and technique left all the

    martial artists and audience

    members mesmerized-her strength was certainly above the rest, which was why she deserved to be the chief of the Martial Alliance

    She nced at Heartfar, who was still lying on his side and clutching his groin, and then at Frank with a strange look.

    Then, turning to Stanwick, she said, "You may speak now."

    At this proximity, no one could overhear their exchange.

    "Someone put me up to it, Lady Silverbell "

    "Who was it?" Silverbell pressed, narrowing her eyes.

    "It''s..." Stanwick paused and suddenly bellowed, "Die!"

    He suddenly whipped out a short de from his back and lurched toward Silverbell''s fair neck that was inches away!

 Chapter 1953

    ?

    ng!

    Frank moved even before Silverbell could react, knocking the short de out of Stanwick''s hand with a bullet of pure vigor.

    "How dare you!"

    As the short dended audibly, Silverbell was sweating bullets as she finally realized that Stanwick had tried to take her by surprise and stab her.

    She would definitely be hurt if Frank was not there, and the surprise in her eyes soon turned to rage.

    "How dare you, Stanwick!"

    "You tried to attack Lady Silverbell?!"

    "There''s no hope for you!"

    The other Martial Alliance executives were definitely stunned by the sight as well.

    Thank goodness Silverbell was safe, or they would definitely be med for the mishap!

    As for Stanwick, he gave up on all pretense upon seeing that his sneak attack had failed.

    "Hehehe..." He sneered in contempt as he stared Silverbell in the eye up close. "Lady Silverbell? More like an impudent brat! Do you really think you''re such a big deal?!"

    Silverbell glowered and bellowed, "What''s that supposed to mean?!"

    Before she could press Stanwick further, however, he wasughing as he reversed the flow of vigor in his body.

    "Watch out!"

    Seeing Stanwick''s body abruptly bloating while his skin turned crimson from head to toe, Frank quickly pulled Silverbell and leapt over fifteen feet away.

    Then, with a maniacalughter, Stanwick''s body exploded into a bloody mist, and there was nothing left of him.

    Anger remained on Silverbell''s face as she watched the blood unfurling from where Stanwick stood, but she was gripped by shock inside.

    Who could havepelled a Martial Alliance branch manager to rather die than reveal their name?

    While Silverbell was at a loss, Frank appeared thoughtful.

    He more or less had a feeling that Stanwick''s actions had something to do with the mysteriousmissioner of Zamri.

    It was only with the Zamri mayor''s warning that he somehow connected both incidents...

    That was when an elderly white haired man approached Silverbell. "We''ve already strayed from our itinerary for the branch inspections, and after something like this..."N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

    He was one of the Martial Alliance executives escorting Silver as she inspected the joining qualifiers held across Draconia to prevent any sudden rule change or cheating behavior.

    Stil, the executive''s words left Silverbellscowling, and she wheeled on him with a look of displeasure. "What are you suggesting that changed the itinerary on a whim?!"

    "No, of course not," the elderly executive replied. "What I''m saying is

    that there are rules which must be

    followed in every situation, and

    coming here was already breaking

    one..."

    His words were a subtle hint that made Silverbell realize what was going on.

    If Stanwick could be that pompous even in death, he definitely had ties to someone involved in the inner workings of Martial Alliance, if not at highmand.

    Silverbell then nced at Frank.

    She had suddenly changed her itinerary because of him.

    And after causing such a scandal, the Martial Alliance definitely had to issue an official statement to exin everything for both Zamri and Riverton. As such, Silverbell nodded.

    The elderly executives who followed her around were old, but were also as sharp as tacks.

    There was a simple reason why they were now flocking around her, too-they were warning her not to continue her investigation.

    That thought alone left Silverbell feeling helpless.

 Chapter 1954

    ?

    "Did you really think you''re such a big deal?!"

    Even now, Stanwick''s pompous insult before he died still rang in Silverbell''s ears.

    Moreover, Silverbell understood that although her position carried authority, she was at best a chess piece, in a game where multiple factions fought for political dominance.

    Since there were not many matters she could involve herself with, she longer felt tied down.

    She left with the elders without so much as looking back, although she subtly gave Frank''s hand a squeeze when she walked past him.

    As for the elder who had just warned Silverbell, he was stroking his beard and smiling as he announced, "I hereby announce in the chief''s stead that Riverton''s qualifying berths are forfeited, in light of the branch manager disguising an Ascendant-ranked elite to insert him in a Birthright-rank qualifier.

    "The two forfeited berths would instead be made avable to Zamri participants only."

    Silverbell paused for a moment when she heard the announcement but soon continued onward like nothing happened.

    The elder''s announcement had a simple intent-everything would be med on a dead person, and the entire issue was hence concluded.

    Then, the elder pointed at Heartfar, who was now not the man he once was.

    "Take him away!" he bellowed. "The Martial Alliance shall punish him severely for his actions!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    Several Martial Alliance members strode up and carried Heartfar away like he was a limp dog.

    However, Frank could still see the venomous spite in Heartfar''s eyes before they left and lip read the words Heartfar was mouthing at him. "This isn''t over yet! Just you wait!"

    "Not over...?"

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat, as he felt the impulse to root out that problem on the spot.

    However, seeing the Martial Alliance executives staring daggers at him, as well as Silverbell leaving without looking back, he ultimately hid his killing intent.

    Now was not the time to act-if he did, Silverbell would be in trouble, considering her position as the chief of the Martial Alliance.

    Even if he wanted Heartfar gone permanently, Frank could only clench his knuckle and watch as the Martial Alliance took him away.

    And once they were gone, Mr. Zoran, who had gotten impatient from waiting, leapt forward, announcing "Hehe... Hence announced that the four remaining Zamri participants-1 mean, three, since one pulled

    out are hence qualified!"

    All the martial artists and audience members present turned toward Frank''s group upon hearing that announcement, pping and cheering.

    Naturally, there were those on the Riverton side who were dissatisfied.

    However, considering that Heartfar was an Ascendant-ranked elite, and Scarface managed tost several blows against him-and basically defeat him-his strength was not to be doubted.

    In fact, the Riverton martial artists were well aware that even if they challenged Scarface now, they would only get beaten miserably. "Come on, Mr. Zoran-don''t be so greedy."

    Nheless, Frank noticed the

    velExclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    sullen mood among the Riverton martial artists and audience members and strode out with a smile. "Riverton and Zamri are basically one big family. And although my apprentices won their three berths fairly, there''s still one open, no?

    "The Riverton martial artists can thereforepete for it. Even if they are forfeited from the qualifiers, there''s no rule against them joining as Zamri martial artists, is there?"

    The Riverton martial artists and audience members lit up at Frank''s words, many of them turning in excitement toward Mr. Zoran.

    "Uh..."

    Mr. Zoran hesitated for a moment, but he soon smiled. "Mr. Lawrence is right. The one remaining berth will be made avable to Riverton participants, who willpete for it!"

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1955

    ?

    There was still a week left before the finals of the Martial Tournament, which would be held in Morhen.

    Naturally, Frank was not nervous at all and even fell back to his old return of punctual training and rest.

    He had also won public favor among Riverton martial artists after proposing that they be afforded one qualification berth.

    His old friends Robert Quill and Gerald Simmons, who were the Rivertonmissioner and the Riverton mayor respectively, even paid him a personal visit.

    They were both righteously indignant that the Riverton Martial Alliance branch manager had been caught cheating but also grateful that Frank afforded their representatives some dignity.

    Still, neither of them were aware of a dispute when he tried to ask them indirectly about the Zamri mayor and the Zamrimissioner-it was the first they had heard of it.

    After seeing his guests off, Frank did not even have time to gather his thoughts when he got a call from Helen Lane.

    "Frank... Hurry! I-I got into an ident! I ran into somebody!"

    "What?!"

    Frank was left shocked by Helen''s distressed tone over the phone.

    Despite being the board chairwoman of Lanecorp, Helen did not behave all high-and-mighty, as she would drive herself to work instead of using a chauffeur.

    Frank was very surprised that she would get caught in an ident too-she was always about safety first and would never overspeed. So how did she run her car into a pedestrian?

    "Just calm down. Tell me where you are-I''ll be right there!" Frank assured her over the phone and promptly picked up his jacket as he ran out of the hotel.

    He was soon at the scene of the ident-a blind turn, though all he saw was a puddle of blood, and the victim was nowhere to be seen.

    Two police officers were taking Helen''s testimony, and her creased brow eased when she saw Frank.

    Running to him and grabbing his arm, she turned to tell the officers, "This is my husband. He can be my witness."

    "Witness? What?" Frank was left perplexed.

    "Apologies, sir."

    Both officers clearly did not recognize Frank or Helen, although she was the head of Lanecorp.

    Maintaining a businesslike tone, one

    of them exined, "Your lover is e suspected of driving under the influence. We therefore require you toe with us to assist further investigation."

    "Wait, drunk driving?"

    Frank turned toward Helen in shock, and she shook her head repeatedly. "I swear I wasn''t! That''s basic traffic safety-how could I not know that?!"

    "You''re not?"

    The officer whipped out a breathalyzer, pointing at the disy as he said quietly, "Then does this mean my equipment is malfunctioning?"

    "What?"ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Frank nced at the breathalyzer and saw that the alcohol levels did indicate intoxication.

    However, he knew Helen-she would never drive under influence, let alone get in a car crash.

    It was simply illogical.

    "I really wasn''t drunk. I-I''m being framed!" Helen cried anxiously, sliding nces at her wristwatch constantly while she did.

    "Do you have something urgent to do?" Frank could tell that much seeing her restless fidgeting-nothing else would exin that.

    "Yeah."

    Helen nodded anxiously. "I have a

    meeting scheduled with Shen

    Group''s Fredo Barzini in the

    et

    afternoon. I just didn''t expect this to

    happen... Officers, would you mind

    giving me some time? Once m done with my meeting, I''ll belongs to

    Content

 Chapter 1956

    ?

    Both police officers were shaking their heads coldly even before Helen could finish.

    One of them even asked, "Don''t you think you''re a little too concerned about your career? Also, you''re now suspected of a drunken ident. Or perhaps you''re trying to make it a hit-and-run?"

    "I-I''m not."

    Helen sighed urgently. "But this negotiation is very important¡ª"

    "Wait."

    Frank strode up past the yellow line, walking up to the puddle of blood. "Officers, may I ask where the victim is?"

    Both officers were speechless. "An ambnce came and took him away."

    "Took him where?" Frank pressed.

    The officer snorted, waving him off impatiently. "Zamri Hospital, of course. Do we really have to spell it out for you?"

    The other officer then whipped out a pair of handcuffs and pped them on Helen''s wrists. "Alright, beautiful. There''s no point calling your husband to defend you you''reing with us."

    While he was considerate enough to cover the cuffs with a jacket, Frank strode up, stopping him before he could lead Helen away. "Wait!"

    Both officers scowled right then. "What, is this an obstruction of justice?"

    Frank smiled in turn. "Haha, I wouldn''t dare. I''d just like to ask my wife a few questions."

    While Helen felt warmth inside her when Frank called her his wife, he leveled a serious look at her. "Give me the address to Shen Group''s office." Helen did as she was told, but her eyes soon widened. "Are you suspecting them...?"

    "Yeah."

    Frank smirked darkly, but he walked up to pat her head. "I''d never believe that you were drunk driving, let alone get inte an ident. So just sit tight and wait-I will definitely clear your name."

    "I... Frank..."

    Helen felt a pang inside as she saw the determination in Frank''s eyes, just as she understood how warm it was to be trusted unconditionally.

    It stung her to remember all the misunderstandings she had with Frank before, and she leaned against Frank like a distressed younger girl.

    "Alright, alright. How much longer are you gonna take?"

    The officers soon had enough and started to drag Helen away.

    Frank did not stop them and instead quietly said, "Don''t worry, Helen. I won''t let you get hurt-I will definitely clear your name soon."

    "Yeah!"

    Helen nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

    Frank then watched them as they left and whipped out his phone to call Vicky Turnbull. "Hey..."

    "Ohohoho..."

    Vicky giggled gleefully after Frank told her the whole story. "I really didn''t expect aw-abiding citizen

    like Helen to be arrested t

    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Still, she soon assured Frank, "Don''t worry. I''ll be there with her. I mean, we can''t allow her to be bullied right? Like being paraded on the streets naked or stuff like that. You have nothing to worry about as long as I''m around."

    Frank was left raising a brow at Vicky''s assurance, somehow feeling worried instead.

 Chapter 1957

    ?

    Parading a suspect on the streets naked?

    No respectable police officer would do that!

    Vicky on the other hand...

    Frank shook his head repeatedly to throw those messy thoughts out of his head-now was not the time for that!

    The priority right now was to find evidence and prove Helen''s innocence.

    At the same time, Frank sensed that a conspiracy was in motion, targeting not just him but Helen too.

    And right now, Shen Group was the only lead he had.

    However, before he could head over, he got a call from Winter Lawrence. "Frank... H-Help me!"

    Frank was certainly shocked by Winter''s cry and promptly asked, "What?! Just calm down, and tell me what happened!"

    Winter was coughing while sobbing, "I don''t know. We just received a patient, but he was gone the next instant!"

    "Gone?!" Frank did a double take.

    It was actually not that surprising for a patient to go missing these days. Some simply did not like their assigned doctors or just bailed on treatment halfway because they could not afford the expensive fees charged on them.

    But did Winter have to call for help over one missing patient?

    "Frank..." She coughed just then. "The patient supposedly got into a car crash and was in critical condition!"

    "Critical condition?!" Frank appeared stunned and pressed Winter to confirm what he heard.

    "Yes!" Winter replied and added, "His femur was in pieces, and there''s internal clotting from a broken hip, He was immobile and fell into aa

    ????

    a from excessive blood loss.

    But he somehow vanished when we were preparing the equipment, and after that..."

    "What is it after that?" Frank asked while hailing a cab and rushing straight to Zamri Hospital.

    "And some type of gas that causes irritation is suddenly spreading through the hospital venttion..."

    Winter kept coughing even as she

    continued, "It has spread to every ward in the hospital, and most of the patients are showing symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, or fainting.

    "To make things worse, journalists have been tipped off and are on their way. The hospital''s reputation would be destroyed if they made it in!" Frank understood Winter''s exnation.

    It was now clear this was no ident but a chain of unfortunate events plotted from the start!

    In fact, Winter''s vanishing patient was most definitely the victim of Helen''s car ident who was rushed to the hospital in an ambnce.

    Somehow, he could still run away despite such extensive injuries and trigger a chemical attack in Zamri Hospital, even tipping off the journalists.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    In short, with a single stroke, the enemy had neutralized two of Frank''s closest and strongest allies, one being Helen''s Lanecorp and Winter''s Zamri Hospital.

    Frank had been using various

    resources and his personal touch to

    strengthen both factions, but their enemy had managed to throw them in a quagmire with rtive ease.

    They were certainly so cunning that Frank''s heart was racing. "Alright, I''ll be right there. Just hold on, and send someone to check on the venttion system!"

    "I... got it," Winter replied, still coughing right away.

 Chapter 1958

    ?

    Once Winter hung up, Frank urged the cabbie to speed up, only for them to run into a traffic jam caused by a traffic ident.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Every vehicle on the road stayed stuck in ce, with drivers ring their horns incessantly and noisily.

    Frank got further anxious as he waited, even as it dawned on him that something was strange.

    By the time he rushed out of the cab and headed to the location of the supposed traffic ident, all he saw was a car without a driver left in the middle of the road, stalling traffic entirely.

    "Fuck!"

    Frank cursed as he could see right away that the traffic congestion was a staged incident.

    Then, without another word, he started running in the direction of Zamri Hospital.

    Meanwhile, as Winter hung up in her office at Zamri Hospital and put on a face mask, she sighed.

    Even as she yearned inwardly for Frank''s arrival, someone started knocking on her door.

    "Who is it?" Winter asked, looking up at the door in confusion.

    When the chemical attack began, she had issued an order to lock down the entire hospital and for every patient and staff member to stay at their own posts or wards.

    She was naturally wary that someone woulde to her at this time.

    "Ms. Lawrence."

    A youthful man who looked to be in his twenties entered.

    His hair was a conspicuous bright blond and he wore a purple id suit while carrying a briefcase.

    Most importantly, he appeared calm and nonchnt as he stood in the hallway, which was filled with chemicals that could quickly make anyone sick.

    He was not wearing a mask either, allowing Winter to see the smug smile on his face.

    "Who are you?"

    Winter''s expression was cold, watching as the man strutted inside her office with several men-in-ck in tow.

    "Hehehe..."

    The blonde man simply smiled as he sat down on the couch near Winter''s desk, crossing his legs while watching Winter in amusement. "Ms. Lawrence.... You''re really lucky, iming the much coveted position of hospital chief at such a young age!"

    "Spare me the drivel."

    Winter was kind, but she was no fool-the young man in front of her was clearly an enemy.

    He must have something to do with the vanishing patient and the toxic gas filling the entire hospital at the moment.

    The fact that he was showing his face could not be good either.

    "Who are you?!" she demanded. "Why have youe to me?!"

    "Oh, boy..."

    Seeing the wary re in Winter''s big eyes, the blond man shrugged nonchntly. "You don''t have to be so scared of me, do you?"

    Then, flicking his hair, he grinned, "Right, allow me to introduce myself. I''m Fredo Barzini, a board member of Shen Group. I''vee with sincerity, as I would like to discuss a partnership with you!"

    Winter kept staring at him warily. "Partnership? What partnership?"

    Fredo simply smiled at her. "Hehe. See, Shen Group is involved in the pharmaceutical business as well. We were based in Central Draconia before, but a bigwig recently extended an invitation, and we''re now ready to expand into East Draconia.

    "I''ll be honest¡ªwe were the ones whounched the chemical attack, as a gesture ofpassion and how serious we are about this partnership."

    "Compassion!?"

    Even someone as calm as Winter almost snapped on the spot, and she snorted sarcastically. "Well, our hospital Certainly doesn''t deserve yourpassion. Thanks to that, forty percent of our ICU patients are suffering from deteriorating conditions."

 Chapter 1959

    ?

    Winter continued, "Most of our medical staff are suffering from fevers and vomiting, and let me guess-the journalists who are rushing here are yet another one of your gestures ofpassion, no?"

    Fredoughed and apuded right then. "Good! You''re not as dumb as you look, seeing how you''ve managed to put the pieces together!"

    Hisughter only left Winter scowling harder, and she mmed her hand on the table while pointing at the door. "You will leave this instant! I will make sure to remember everything you''ve done to Zamri Hospital on this day, and mark my words, this won''t go unanswered!''

    "Well said!"

    Fredo stood up, pping endlessly. "I couldn''t have put it better, chief. This matter certainly won''t go unanswered."

    He then beckoned at his burly bodyguard, who opened the briefcase on the desk and took out a stack of bright-white documents.

    As the bodyguard primply put it on Winter''s desk, she scowled and asked, "What''s this?"

    "The partnership agreement between Zamri Hospital and Shen Group, of course!"

    Fredo shrugged. "Did you already forget what I said? Shen Group is determined to expand into East Draconia."

    "I''m sorry, but I''m not interested in partnering with you."

    Winter pushed the document away without reading it. "And if you have no other business here, please leave this hospital with your men right now!" "Calm down, Ms. Lawrence." Fredoughed.

    In the first ce, he and his men had managed to enter Winter''s office directly because the rest of the hospital was in sheer chaos.

    Fredo then took a bottle of white

    serum out of the briefcase, waving it in Winter''s face as he said. "Do you know what this is? It''s an antidote for the toxin we released into your vents Just release it in the central venttion of your hospital, and the chaos would die down in under ten minutes."

    Even as Winter looked on furiously, Fredo returned the bottle of antidote into his briefcase and grinned. "That is why, right now, I must advise you to not do anything rash. There are plenty of journalists gathered at the front entrance, no? Rest assured that more areing, and your friend and the security guards won''t be able to hold the line for long."

    Chuckling Fredo then pointed at the government. "I''m sure that you won''t be able to ept a major security breach such as this one, being the chief of Zamri''s biggest and most important hospital.

    "And who knows? With a couple of cases of malpractice and pictures of your pretty face publicized... Tut, tut! People are definitely going to talk."C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    Even as Fredo leaned forward and smiled at Winter, his words were as threatening as possible.

    Winter was certainly furious and would have told Mona Fairfax would give that despicable man a beating.

    Sadly, however, she had no one with her at the moment, as most of the security guards were incapacitated.

    On top of that, Winter had to Mona away to rally the security guards who were not infected, to stop the journalists trying to break their way into the building.

    As such, she was now all by herself andpletely out of options, which was why she had called Frank for help.

 Chapter 1960

    ?

    After a brief silence, Winter eventually picked up the documents that Fredo had passed to her.

    Right now, she was not just defending her own honor and future-she had to protect all the patients in the building right now, as well as maintain the public''s faith toward Zamri Hospital.

    If those journalists outside managed to break inside and saw the state of affairs within the building, this major security incident would definitely stir endless waves of chaos.

    And as the chief of hospital, Winter would bepelled to resign amid overwhelming criticism, even though Frank had gone through great lengths to get her this position.

    She certainly did not want to let Frank down so soon.

    However, even though Winter was ready to be butchered, she gasped audibly after reading the document Fredo brought and looked up at the man in disbelief.

    "What''s wrong, Ms. Lawrence? You look very surprised."

    Fredo chuckled, but it was clearly faked this time.

    Even from his point of view, the demands made in the partnership agreement were ridiculous.

    "Mr. Barzini."

    Winter sighed, pausing to properly phrase her words. "I can ept the condition that Shen Group would be established as the sole supplier of all pharmaceutical products in this hospital."

    Then, pointing at the fine print, she snapped, "But what do you mean by the final pricing of all products supplied being up to Shen Group''s discretion?!"

    "It''s exactly what it means."

    Fredo shrugged and smiled. "Isn''t it normal for the retail prices of medicine to fluctuate in the market?"

    "Normal, you say?"

    Winter snorted despite herself. "Even if it is, you should be noting the rate of intion or detion, instead of setting the prices of your medicine as you like. Or did you think we should be charged five hundred bucks for a bottle of pills that only costs five bucks?"

    "Exactly."

    Fredo nodded, shooting Winter a nonplussed smile. "Zamri Hospital would lose nothing since it''s the patient''s who pay the bills in the end. And who knows? Your business might prove even more profitable than before."

    Bang!

    Winter mmed her palm on the table, biting her lip and snapping, "Fine! I can ept that, but what''s this?!"

    She pointed at thest use and

    read it out loud. "The monthly wage system of all doctors will be

    abolished. They will instead be paidmissions or incentives

    ording to prescriptions and

    e

    patients'' consumption..."

    Thump!

    mming her knuckle on the table, Winter red at Fredo furiously. "What''s the meaning of this?! Hinging the doctors'' ie on their patients'' consumption and on the prescriptions they write?!"

    "We''re simply applying a carrot-and-stick policy."

    Fredo shrugged and smiled. "Isn''t that a good thing? That would stop any doctors, who think they can

    ck off and encourage them to et

    dedicate themselves to making money for Zamri Hospital. Isn''t that a good thing for you as the chief?

    "In that sense, Shen Group ismitted to paving a road to riches for Zamri Hospital, don''t you think?"

    Seeing that Fredo was actually proud instead of feeling ashamed, Winter felt sick to her stomach.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

    "You''re involved in the medical field yourself! Don''t you feel an obligation to honor the ethics for practicing medicine?!" she demanded.

 Chapter 1961

    ?

    Winter continued, "Your actions will encourage doctors to prescribe them the most expensive medicine, and the poor won''t ever be able to afford healthcare! Can you really do such a thing against your conscience?!"

    "Yes, I can."

    Fredo nodded brazenly despite Winter''s deafening outburst. "I''m sorry, Ms. Lawrence, but I''m a businessman, not a doctor. Morals and ethics are a joke to me that I have no need for, and all I see is that which makes money."

    Then, returning to the catch, he leered at Winter as he continued, "So, are you going toply and sign my agreement, or will you wait until the journalists charge inside and expose this scandal, while you watch as your hospital falls apart?"

    Laughing, he then added, "Oh, and don''t forget-if you don''t sign it, we will build another hospital and invest everything we have in it. Not signing it really doesn''t matter at that point."

    "I..."

    Hearing Fredo''s threat, hesitation showed in Winter''s eyes.

    She was in a dilemma, as she remembered the t of traditional Draconian medicine that Frank had taught her: ''The medicine can gather dust on the racks, but if there is one less patient, so be it.''

    That was the mindset that motivated Winter, who implemented rebates on medicine and medical examinations across the board. What used to cost thousands now cost hundreds, but despite receiving more patients, their standard never fell short-there were even signs that they had improved. With word of their good work spreading, patients would travel from hundreds of miles away-even from other states-just to get treatment here. That certainly caused dissatisfaction among many others in the business, and Winter had expected Fredo''s almost vengeful rtions. She just did not expect it toe so treacherously and quickly.

    Moreover, she also knew that if things went on like this, the hospital''s reputation would hit the dirt.

    And it went without saying what was at stake when it came to reputation.

    In reality, Winter did not care about her position as the hospital chief.

    She had treated patients personally on multiple asions but drew a standard sry like the other doctors.

    What she cared most about was Frank''s expectations and that she must never let him down no matter what. That was her creed.

    etAll text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

    And now, if she signed Fredo''s agreement, that would mean that she was abandoning her creed and

    handing over Zamrican

    without anything in return.

    But if she did not sign it, the patients in the

    hal reputation would be r hospital might die, while t

    ruined.

    When that happens, Frank, Gene Pearce, Lanecorp, or any of the medical staff and colleagues who had so much faith in her would alle under fire under the deliberate incitement.

    That was something Winter could not ept.

    She was now between a rock and a hard ce, and her choices were not up to her either.

    Hence, after a long silence, she sighed topose herself for a moment and said, "I''ll sign it."

    She picked up her pen with a shaking hand and signed at the bottom of the document as Fredo looked on smugly.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1962

    ?

    "Winter... Eh?!"

    Just as Winter was almost done signing her name while Fredo''s grin broadened, the door suddenly swung open.

    "What?!"

    Everyone turned toward the doorway right then to find a girl standing there, staring at Winter in excitement.

    It was none other than Mona Fairfax, Winter''s personal bodyguard whom Winter had sent away to maintain order in the hospital.

    Winter was surprised to see her there too. "Mona?! What are you doing here?! Didn''t I tell you to stop the journalists from entering?!

    "Don''t worry, Winter! Ahem... We''re saved!"

    Mona was coughing even as she answered in delight. "Master Lawrence has just arrived, and he already had an antidote. He''s rushing to the venttion hub right now-the toxic smoke will soon be gone!"

    "What?!"

    Fredo, who had been sitting leisurely on the couch, was more shocked by the news than Winter.

    He was on his feet, ring at Mona as he snapped, "That''s bullshit! Our people have blocked the road here... he''d never make it in time! There''s no way_"

    "Who''s this?"

    Mona blinked, puzzled by Fredo''s disbelief for a moment.

    Still, Winter soon told her everything about why Fredo and his goons were there and about everything they had done.

    "You bastard!"

    Mona''s thrill turned to fury right then, and she lunged toward Fredo without another word.

    "Stop her!"

    Fredo panicked as she approached, and yelled at his bodyguards to block Mona.

    At the same time, he lunged forward and snatched his papers off Winter''s desk, smiling triumphantly. "Doesn''t matter now! I have your signature, I Winter Lawrence-and that''s legally binding! Zamri Hospital has to purchase all medical supplies from Carlo Group now!"

    "Really? Are you sure about that?"

    Winter calmly folded her arms before her chest. "Why don''t you check the signature first?"

    "Eh? What?!"

    Fredo looked down and noticed that the signature was no more than a scrawl.

    And since it was not an actual signature, it was not legally binding-even a tramp would know that.

    Fredo was certainly seething when

    he saw that, and he crumpled

    sheet

    f paper as he bellowed e

    swnt vel

    "J-Just you wait! This isn''t over yet!"ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    With that, he turned and fled right then.

    Still, his bodyguards were all formidable Birthright-ranked elites, and by working together, they managed to stop Mona from advancing.

    In the end, she could only watch helplessly as they fled with Fredo down the hallway, disappearing down the staircase.

    "Hmph! You had it easy this time!" Mona snorted, not giving chase for Winter''s safety sake.

    As for Winter, she was irrepressibly

    furious while feeling thankful that

    she did not sign the agreement

    "Carlo Group... How

    they

    UMS

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    ?

    "Despicable..."

    Sweat was dripping all over Frank''s face.

    He had to get a little violent to make it to Zamri Hospital in time, running straight toward it past anything in his way.

    And when he arrived at the venttion hub in the hospital, he found the security guards around it knocked out, along with a corpse rotted ck inside.

    It was the pedestrian whom Helen had alleged crashed into, but it was obvious that he had been dead before that.

    Moreover, the body had been forced to ingest arge volume of drugs, and Frank could only imagine the horrors that the person had gone through before their death.

    Afterward, the body was moved here and injected with a special solution that elerated the rotting.

    The particles of rot were then spread into the air through the vents and across the entire hospital by extension.

    Since corpses could not walk, it was obvious that the mole in the hospital had seized a moment when no one was watching to move it here.

    Still, Frank was not in a hurry to look for the mole.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    He quickly took out a pill from the satchel he carried around.

    It would counteract the poison, with the natural treasures and blood from Kat it contained, though it was like using a cannon against a mosquito.

    Frank quickly found a body bag from a nearby room and shoved the corpse inside.

    Then, holding up the antidote pill, he burned it with his pure vigor, which produced a green smoke that flowed down the vents.

    Seeing that, Frank knew that he had stopped the poisoning incident.

    However, while Frank was busy smoking the pill, a geezer with a red nose coughed violently as he

    charged inside and found Frank

    standing by the venttion hu here, et

    swnover.ne

    "Who are you?! Who let you in here?!"

    "And who are you?" Frank shot him a cold look as he fired a question of his own, not moving an inch.

    That look left the geezer''s heart

    stopping for a moment, but he soon pped his chest and snapped, "Are you blind?! Can''t you see the on my chest?! I''m Yannick Jorst the head coroner here!" Content belongs

    "The head coroner?" Frank frowned slightly, his voice cool as he asked, "But this is the venttion room. What are you doing here?"

    "..."

    "

    Yannick was stumped, his eyes darting everywhere, a clear sign of guilt.

    Still, he turned that into rage and snapped, "You insolent brat! I''m the one asking the questions here, not you! I''m a department head of this hospital, so I can go anywhere I want!

    "What is it to you anyway?! No, wait the better question is who are you, and how dare you barge into the venttion hub! I''ll call for security to arrest you, believe it!"

    "Go on, do it." Frank kept working, his eyes shing with cold disdain. "Yannick Jorst, yes? Since you''re the head coroner... I''m sure you''d recognize the cadaver on the floor?"

    "Cadaver?"

    Yannick lowered his gaze at the cadaver that Frank shoved into the body bag, his eyes twitching in guilt. "I don''t know what you''re talking about Wait, why was it here in the first ce? You must''ve here!"

    Sought it

    Then, he turned toward the doorway and yelled, "Help! Security!"

    It just so happened that the security guards who were coughing violently and had stomach troubles earlier had mostly recovered now.

 Chapter 1964

    ?

    And upon hearing Yannick''s call, a ton of them came running.

    "Hurry! Arrest that man! He''s the poisoner!"

    Yannick pointed at Frank and yelled, "That''s him! Don''t you see?! He''s even doing it while everyone''s watching!"

    The security guards could certainly see Frank standing by the venttion hub, heating up the pills that released a green smoke.

    They were actually familiar with the green smoke, since it healed them from their stomach issues and coughing, as well as left them feeling refreshed.

    However, they recognized Yannick too, as he was the head coroner.

    And with the seniority between them obvious, it went without saying who they would listen to.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    Whipping out his stun baton, the security team leader pointed at Frank and snapped, "Stop what you''re doing now, brat! You hear me?!"

    "If I do, the poison in the building would infect more victims. Is that what you want?"

    Frank shot a look at the security team leader, who froze.

    The rest of the security guards appeared in a dilemma too, since they knew very well that they would still be puking their guts out if it was not for Frank''s green smoke.

    How could they know if it was poison or the antidote?

    Moreover, Frank''s face was familiar, so they were more polite now. "I''m sorry, but you are...?"

    Nheless, Yannick continued egging them on, yelling, "Aren''t you security guards working for Zamri Hospital?! What are we paying you for?! Why aren''t you doing anything against the culprit poisoning the hospital?!"

    The security guards remained hesitant. "But he''s..."

    "I caught him in the act! That''s why he''s releasing the antidote now!" Yannick snapped and gestured at the body bag on the floor. "Don''t you see what''s lying over there?! He killed a man too!"

    "What?!"

    The security guards were finally convinced at that, each of them whipping out their stun batons and surrounding Frank.

    "Stop what you''re doing, or we''ll stop you! That''s an order!"

    "Yes! Quit being stubborn!"

    Yannick smirked even as the security guards turned against Frank, while he slowly moved backward, ready to flee... "Did I allow you to leave?"

    At Frank''s cool words, Yannick felt

    as if his legs turned to stone, not et

    budging no matter how he tried to move them, let alone able to take a step forward.

    "Eh?"

    Yannick lowered his gaze and saw an almost invisible needle sticking out of the middle of his knee cap, rendering him immobile.

    Seeing that he was not allowed to

    n

    leave anyway, Yannick pointed at Frank and used him of yet. another crime. "Y-You attacked me while others were watching! How dare you!"

    "What?"

    It was only then that the security guards noticed the needle protruding from Yannick''s knee, and all of them felt a chill running down their spine.

 Chapter 1965

    ?

    After all, the security guards had all been watching-Frank had remained in the same position throughout, not even lifting a finger.

    And yet, he somehow managed to stab Yannick in the kneecap with his needle.

    The feat left the security guards all gasping.

    At the same time, they also realized that they would not even know what hit them if Frank wanted them dead. The split second it took for him to hit Yannick with that needle was also the same amount of time that he needed tounch a needle on their chest or throat.

    As such, their threats were no more than child''s y to Frank and were of no consequence whatsoever.

    "H-How dare you attack a doctor in broad daylight!"

    The security team leader snapped nheless, even though he was stammering from fear.

    Even though they were facing someone as strong as Frank, as the security team of Zamri Hospital, they could not back down.

    They had a duty to see through, and they were not some street thugs who backed down upon running into someone stronger. "Just listen to me."

    Frank finally turned, leveling a sharp re as Yannick sweated buckets. "It doesn''t matter what he''s using me of. Don''t listen to him-just send it to the hospital chief, and she will be the judge.

    "I''ve more or less found one of the culprits spreading the toxic gas into the vents. I just can''t split my attention long enough to interrogate him right now, when the priority is to release the antidote to protect the patients in this hospital and save its reputation."ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    As the security guards traded nces and none of them moved, Frank sighed heavily. "Don''t worry. I''m not leaving until your chiefes, and I won''t hurt any of you."

    For some reason, his assurance offered the security guards a sense of assurance.

    And realizing that Frank was actually a big deal, the security team leader bowed to him and rushed out of the venttion hub right then.

    "Damn it..."

    At the same time, Yannick slowly

    pulled the needle out of his

    could finally move, albeit heef

    to

    withstand the terrible pain. Content

    He stayed behind the security guards, moving by inches in hopes that he could leave without alerting anyone. However, he just took one step when Frank noticed that and smiled, "Where do you think you''re going, Dr. Jorst?" The security guards all turned toward Yannick right then, trading nods and encircling him without a word. "What do you think you''re doing?!"

    act

    Yannick was at once incensed that the security guards stopped him ust as Frank had told them to. "I''m a

    department head in this hospital! Are you turning against us now?

    "That''s not what we mean to do, sir."

    2.UMS

    However, the security guards were nobody''s fool.

    Only Frank and Yannick were here, in the enclosed room that was the venttion hub.

    That was why they had to keep both men here, before the hospital chief came and decided what to do with them.

    And knowing what the security guards had in mind, Yannick wheeled on Frank with a re of spite, cursing him a thousand times inside.

    Frank''s arrival hadpletely taken him by surprise, and there was only one exit out of the venttion hub.

    That was why he had to try and bluff his way out.

    Nheless, there was a smirk on his face after he was done cursing Frank-his job here was done anyway.

    By now, Carlo Group would be done

    negotiating their deal-even if he was exposed, that brat of a hospital

    ould not dare to do anything

    to him.

 Chapter 1966

    ?

    Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Winter and Mona soon arrived.

    Even as Yannick looked on in glee, Winter''s eyes lit up when she saw Frank, like he had just saved her world.

    "Frank!" she cried as she threw herself into his arms.

    Fortunately, Frank had also finished vaporizing the antidote pill he was holding just then, or his pure vigor would burn Winter the way she threw herself at him.

    "Everything''s fine now, silly!"

    Frank patted her head with a gentle smile, leaving the security guards trading nces.

    There was no mistaking it¡ªthe girl was Winter Lawrence, the chief of Zamri Hospital.

    But why was she making a face like that to the young man?

    "Frank... Lawrence?!"

    On the other hand, the security team leader realized with a start that the young man was the mysterious Frank Lawrence, who was also best friends with Gene Pearce!

    He promptly dropped to his knees in front of Frank, pleading, "Please forgive me, Mr. Lawrence. We didn''t recognize you, and..."

    Once he did and seeing how humble he was, the other security guards also realized that Frank was a big deal and followed his lead to kneel as well.

    "It''s alright. It was pure chaos earlier, and as victims, it''s only right that you were wary," Frank said calmly without posturing with authority. Despite being mismed, he simply took it in stride, waving them off and letting everything slide with a chuckle.

    "However..."

    Suddenly, Frank''s eyes turned cool, leading everyone to turn toward Yannick, who was trying to flee again.

    "Dr. Jorst." He asked icily, "Shouldn''t you exin who put you up to this? And do you know the extent of your treachery?"

    Winter looked up in surprise from Frank''s arms just then. "Frank, you''re saying..."

    "Yeah." Frank nodded. "It was none other than Yannick Jorst here, your head coroner, who released the toxic gas."

    "What?! Dr. Jorst?!"

    ?

    Winter''s eyes widened in shock, ncing between Frank and Yannick before slowly walking up to Yannick.

    "Why would you do that?! Wick.

    would

    you help Carlo Group?!"

    "Carlo Group?" Frank appeared nonplussed.

    "They are at scum!" Mona snapped, and quickly exined what happened in Winter''s office, with Fredo Barzini of thepany threatening Winter to sign his exploitative agreement.

    "How dare they..."

    Frank was glowering after hearing the full story-that was simply despicable!

    "Hmph. Fine, since everyone knows it now, I won''t bother pretending!"

    et

    Yannick huffed, pausing as his expression turned savage. "Winter

    Lawrence, you weaning brat! Don''t

    you know how much money''ve lost because of you?!"

    "What?" Winter was left dumbstruck by Yannick''s spiteful outburst.

    "Hah!" Yannick snorted, ignoring her confusion. "Ever since you became the chief, my already meager ie has shrunk to less than half what it was!"

 Chapter 1967

    ?

    "Your ie? What are you talking about?"

    While Winter was still confused, she quickly argued, "I''ve never deducted anyone''s ie¡ªI actually remember giving everyone working in the morgue a raise too."

    "Bah!"

    Yannick spat on the floor despite Winter''s confusion andughed coolly, "That''s why I called you a weaning brat! Don''t you know how valuable dead people were to the hospital?!

    "Ever since you started that stupid scheme of rewarding a thousand dors for each patient with serious illnesses cured, every doctor and every department is so motivated that they could raise the dead, and it''s been so long since the morgue had any bodies!"

    "I-Isn''t that a good thing?" Winter was left even more confused.

    "Bah!"

    Yannick spat on the floor again as he bellowed in inconsble rage. "You bitch! Do you really not know, or are you just pretending?! Don''t you know that the morgue used to bring in the most of the hospital''s ie?!

    "There''s no point in saving some patients-if they die, so be it! Our hospital would be keeping the most valuable stuff they can offer, and even a middleman''smission to a crematorium would earn us a ton!

    "I used to live off that, but I''ve had no orders for over two months! Why do you think I chose this job in the first ce?! Do you really think that I like talking to corpses?!"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.

    Winter was still confused despite the borate rant. "The most valuable stuff... the corpses can offer?"

    Sensing Winter''s confusion, Frank pped her on the shoulder and exined with an impassive look, "Their organs.''

    "What?!"

    Hearing those two words, Winter was at first confused, but that soon turned to shock, and then rage.

    Tears welled up in her eyes even as

    she red fixedly at Yannick, wheezing as she demanded, "D-Dr Jorst... That''s what you were making a living off?! Aren''t you afraid that someone would do the same to your corpse too?!"

    "Hah! I''d be dead-I wouldn''t care."

    Yannick smirked haughtily. "Also, I''m not like those peasants. I''d never die here no matter what happens, and no one would dare to touch my body." "That''s enough!"

    Winter''s shoulders were shaking,

    and she pointed at the door as she snapped, "G-Get out! I don''t ever want to see you again... no, I refuse to let someone like you keep your job in medicine!

    "I''ll inform the staff internally, you monster! You''ll never be a doctor ever again!"

    "Hmph. I was never a doctor."

    Yannick shrugged nonchntly. "I''m just a businessman out to make money."

    ??? 12A

    "Are

    Winter''s face pale at her words, while Mona was left fidgeting restlessly as Yannick strode off" you really just going to let him go, Winter?" Content belongs.

    Kon

    "Grow up," Frank said quietly. "The journalists will soon get in here. If we restrain him, we would be providing fuel for their imagination."

 Chapter 1968

    ?

    Frank then continued, "We need a reason if we have to hold someone against their will. And right now, we don''t want that reason toe to light-it''s that simple."

    Mona was left scratching her head. "I don''t get it. He¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. He''s not getting away as long as I''m around," Frank said, ncing at the needle Yannick pulled out of his kneecap and left on the floor. The tip of the needle was dipped in a hint of scarlet blood.

    Later, in a luxury hotel at the heart of Zamri...

    "Ipetent scum! All of them!"

    A middle-aged man wearing shades and sporting a de scar on his left cheek was cursing as a blond youth stood gingerly by his couch.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    Then, as if ranting was not enough, Carlo Barzini, the middle-aged man, flung his phone on the floor, smashing it into pieces.

    "Dad..."

    Fredo Barzini, the blond youth, tried to calm the man down, only for his father to wheel on him with a murderous re.

    "Have you any idea how much money I had poured into this venture into the east coast?!"

    Carlo bellowed. "But none of you are helping and are dragging my feet instead!"

    "But it''s not like it failed because of me..."

    Fredo grumbled quietly, "I almost got Winter to sign our agreement, but Frank Lawrence came earlier than expected and sent someone in to stop Winter from signing the agreement at the veryst second. I couldn''t have done anything about that!"

    Hearing that exnation, Carlo took

    a moment to calm down and inhaled

    deeply. "Fine. I have another

    et

    n-remember, we''re working for Zamri''smissioner. And once we take down Lanecorp and Zamri Hospital, we will rule in their ce!

    "Once we seed, all of Zamri would be under themissioner''s legitimate control, while we reap the rewards behind the scenes!" "Yes, Dad!"

    Fredo''s eyes shed with viciousness and defiance, as he was clearly upset that he had failed his task today.

    "Hmph. If pushes to shove, we''ll just have to send out ckrank assassins!"

    Carlo gritted his teeth just then while chuckling darkly. "That stupidmissioner keeps saying that Frank Lawrence is strong, but can he beat a ckrank assassin? Helt we''ll just have to hire five if we have to really doubt that we can''t stop him then!"

    At the same time, Fredo was leaving when his phone started ringing.

    Soon after he answered, he was smiling gleefully.

    "I see... I understand! With that, I will definitely bring down Zamri Hospital! Thank you so much, Mr. Commissioner!"

    By evening, Winter finally cleaned up the mess at Zamri Hospital.

    ¨¦t

    Even if they did not arrest Yannick on the spot, Frank''s antidote had thankfully taken effect by the time the journalists charged inside

    The patients and the medical staff no longer suffered any difort, and the journalists could only leave empty-handed. However, one female journalist lurked within, clearly dissatisfied.

    After all, she had received a tip from her editor-in-chief that a safety incident was definitely going to take ce in Zamri Hospital. Naturally, the tip was anonymous, though her editor-in-chief hinted that they had ties to the Zamrimissioner.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1969

    ?

    However, when Jolie Queen charged into Zamri Hospital with the other journalists earlier, all they saw was green smoke spilling in from the vents, and the faint scent in the air was clearly something medicinal.

    And the official statement Zamri Hospital gave was as conventional as it could get-that the smoke was some aerosol antioxidant that purified the air. What was more, any interviews with the medical staff would only yield the same response.

    But as the top journalist for Zamri Daily, Jolie had the honed senses of a journalist and the innate female instinct that she was onto something big. That was why even as most of the doctors in Zamri Hospital were leaving work, she did not give up and checked every hospital room for her exclusive.

    She even chose a moment when no one was watching and slipped into the hospital storeroom where they kept most of their medical supplies.

    The nurse on duty could not be med either. She had already been taken ill by the toxic gas attack earlier in the day, so she left work sooner than usual without checking the locks twice.

    That in turn allowed Jolie the chance to slip in.

    However, before she could look around, the nurse on duty had decided to turn back, checking the locks again despite being ill. She was even sweating buckets when she realized that she had forgotten to lock the door.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She quickly did so and left without looking back.

    That in turn meant Jolie was locked inside the storeroom, and when the nurse''s footsteps faded and silence ensued, she sneaked out from behind a giant crate.

    She looked for a long while, but there was nothing wrong-every batch and bottle of medicine had not expired, and there were no inconsistencies that indicated they were counterfeit medicine.

    That in turn left Jolie despondent.

    "Was my hunch wrong? Was the issue not about the medicine?" she mused to herself as she whipped out her phone.

    It was almost midnight-she was still locked inside this storeroom, and there was no one inside or outside.

    That was not a big deal for her,

    however-being the star journalist of Zamri Daily, she had led an exciting life. Being locked in a storeroom really paled inparison to what

    swnove pr

    she had already experience W

    ???

    Nheless, that meant that she was spending the night in that storeroom and would have to sneak out when the nurses came in tomorrow.

    With that in mind, Jolie texted her husband that she would not be home tonight.

    Right after she sent the text, she heard tires screeching outside the storehouse, followed by plenty of footsteps.

    Jolie looked up, a broad grin appearing over her lips-so something really was up, and she was going to catch it when it happened! With that in mind, Jolie sneaked behind one of the crates to avoid being caught.

    Creak-

    The storehouse roller shutters opened, and Jolie saw a truck parked outside the storehouse with a ton of grunts around it.

    "Yes, I''ve arrived, Mr. Commissioner... Yes, yes, yes, I''ll soon be done on my end!"

    At the same time, a geezer whose face was hidden under the re was speaking reverently over the phone.

    He then waved and barked at the

    grunts, who quickly unloaded the crates from the truck tidily across the storeroom before moving identical crates that were in the storeroom onto the truck.

    "What the hell..." Jolie was left gaping as she watched in her corner.

    Also, she had just heard the geezer address the man on the other end as ''Mr. Commissioner''!

 Chapter 1970

    ?

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    "These people are switching out Zamri Hospital''s medical supplies... under orders from themissioner?!"

    Jolie''s heart was pounding even as she hid in her corner, sping her hand over her mouth to keep herself silent. "If they use the switched medicine, that could well cause widespread malpractice cases in Zamri Hospital!

    "And themissioner himself ising after Zamri Hospital?!

    "Hehehe..."

    While Jolie was stunned by her own hunch, she heard the geezer''sughter while the grunts were done with their work.

    The old man then growled as he looked around at the grunts, "Alright! No one breathes a word of this, understand?!"

    "Yes, sir!" all the grunts replied at once.

    The geezer nodded in satisfaction, but just as he was about to beckon for the grunts to close the shutter, there was a bright sh from a corner of the dark storeroom, soon followed by a loud jingle.

    Ring!!!

    "What?!"

    The grunt who was about to close the shutter paused.

    In fact, at that very moment, everyone, from the geezer to the grunts and even Jolie herself, was left stunned.

    Jolie then lowered her gaze, staring in disbelief as she realized that it was her own phone that had been ringing.

    And the caller was none other than her husband.

    She seemed to hear her own heart fall to rock-bottom right then.

    "Who''s that?!"

    At the same time, the grunt came to his senses.

    His fellow grunts and the geezer soon recovered too, and they rushed toward Jolie''s corner of the storeroom.

    "Shit!"

    Jolie panicked-even if her job made

    her somewhat important, she also knew that there were things that were way above her pay grade as a journalist.

    et

    This, for example-switching medical supplies, a clear effort to sabotage Zamri Hospital, was really not something she should mess with or be aware of.

    Ignorance was really bliss, as the

    truth

    lead to one

    outcoat was, her

    certain cases.

    Indeed, Jolie was terrified as she watched the grunts pull metal bats out of nowhere as they approached her corner.

    She felt the suffocating presence of approaching death, but even in the midst of despair, a bold idea came to her.

    Quietly and gently cing her phone on the floor, she slowly crawled to another corner of the storeroom.

    At the same time, everyone''s attention was on her ringing phone, which was especially noisy in the spacious storeroom.

    It was the best diversion Jolie could ask for to slip into another corner of the warehouse without notice.

    However, she also knew that those men would keep searching after they picked up her phone.

    Taking several deep breaths, she slowly inched her way toward the doorway.

    "Dr. Jorst! It''s just a phone!" The grunt sighed in relief, having seen the cell phone shing endlessly on the floor.

 Chapter 1971

    ?

    "Just a phone?" the geezer asked in concern. "You didn''t see anyone?"

    "Nope." The grunt looked around waily with his cell phone''s shlight. "There''s no one around here. Maybe someone from the hospital dropped it by ident."

    "Dropped it? I see..."

    The geezer patted his chest and sighed in relief at the grunt''s reasoning.

    Still, he snapped, "Now listen here¡ªkeep looking. We need to make sure that there''s no one else other than us here.

    "You know what would happen if we''re exposed-you, me, and everyone else here will be expendable assets for themissioner and Carlo Group. None of us will survive!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    The grunts were certainly somber at the geezer''s grave words and continued tob through every nook and cranny around him.

    Knowing that there was no escaping now, Jolie, who slowly approached the storeroom shutters, finally resolved herself to stay out of this mess involving Zamri Hospital.

    With a bigwig like the Zamrimissioner being involved, crushing a measly journalist like herself was a matter of thought.

    Hence, she watched out for the right timing before the grunts inside and outside the storeroom noticed and darted out of the storeroom.

    Click.

    "Hmm?!"

    Be that as it may, the sound of Jolie''s heels were a clearly different sound from the footsteps of the grunts.

    Everyone in the storeroom heard it at the same time and turned to find the dark blur darting out through the raised shutter.

    They all felt the same sinking feeling-if word of what happened here got out, it was all over for them!

    "Go after them! Don''t let them get away!"

    In a split second, all the grunts and the geezer charged at Jolie in a frenzy.

    Jolie certainly heard the shouts behind her, which doubled her panic.

    She could not run fast because of

    her heels, and distracted by her amet

    fear, she misjudged a step and

    twisted her ankle.

    "Oof..." She gasped in pain, even as she knew that she must not fall into the hands of those men-if she did, therewas nothing waiting but death.

    ¨¦n.kikistories

    UMS

    Taking off her heels, she limped as quickly as she could to the street a block away.

    There were many mobile food kiosks on that street, and it was a bustling public street.

    She would be safe as long as she made it there.

    Even as she fled as fast as she could, the grunts and the geezer behind here appeared to despair.

    "Shit! We''re fucked, Dr. Jorst!"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    One of the grunts was already sobbing. "She''s too far ahead for us to catch up... What should we do now?" "Fuck!"

    The

    Yannick Jorst, the head coroner

    whom Winter had just fired the

    afternoon.

    He had to stop and wheeze to catch his breath¡ªstamina was really not his forte at his age.

    As such, even if he was closest to where that person had fled, there was no way he could catch up. Nheless, he looked up under the glow of the streetlights and saw the truck parked nearby. He scrambled to get into the driver''s seat without another word.

 Chapter 1972

    ?

    Since they had to be quick, the truck engine was not turned off.

    And as soon as he got into the truck, Yannick spun the wheel while flooring the gas pedal, sending the truck bounding straight toward the shadow.

    "You made me do this! Die!"

    He bellowed savagely as the truck closed in on the fleeing shadow, and as she turned in panic, he actually saw her face.

    "It was her?!"

    Yannick did a double take since he recognized the face¡ªshe was one of the journalists who had been anonymously tipped by Carlo Group to check out Zamri Hospital earlier today.

    But now that she had found out about his plot, Yannick could not allow her to run and rat him out.

    Otherwise, themissioner''s n would be foiled, and even he would be fucked!

    "me your own bad luck. You could''ve looked anywhere else, but you had to hide in that storeroom and see what we were doing!"

    Smirking savagely, Yannick jammed his foot harder on the gas pedal.

    Jolie could actually hear the thundering rumble of an engine closing in on her.

    She turned, and under the blinding re of the truck headlights, she spotted a savage but familiar face on the driver''s seat even as she fled. "Isn''t that...?"N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    "Die!"

    Even as the truck''s engine bellowed as it shot forward, Jolie ultimately failed to outrun it because of her twisted ankle.

    She was sent flying amid the violent screeching of the truck''s brakes andnded on the alley''s floor unconscious, blood slowly flowing away from her. Seeing that, the people around the kiosks screamed and started to crowd around her.

    "Move!" Yannick barked at the grunts, knowing that it was not the time for them to hang around, with the oing crowd.

    Vroom!

    et

    The truck''s engine rumbled as it sped away, and all the grunts leapt inside while quickly closing the shutters of the storeroom and fled without looking back.

    Bang!

    Winter had mmed her hand on her desk even as she eximed, "What? A journalist died behind our hospital?!"

    She hade to work in the morning as usual and was told the bad news even before she took her seat. "No, she''s not dead yet..."

    The attending physician on dutyst

    ??? 8

    night and reporting the case was wiping sweat off his brow. "The crash dis?ocated her ribcage and shattered multiple ribs, some of which are puncturing her heart and lungs. It''s a miracle that she survived and wasn''t dered dead on the spot."

    O

    "No, that''s not what I''m asking..."

    Still, Winter soon calmed down and pressed on. "Why was the journalist run down behind the hospital? Do you know who did it?"

    "We''re not sure..."

    The attending physician replied

    awkwardly, "It''s the police who

    rushed her here, and they''re

    looking for the culprit. But things are dire for the patient, look..."

    Winter was young, but thanks to Frank training her in traditional Draconian medicine, she had sessfully performed manyplicated surgeries.

    As such, she had earned the acknowledgement by every doctor in Zamri Hospital.

    In fact, the attending physician had mainlye to her because he was not confident about saving the patient and was seeking Winter''s help.

 Chapter 1973

    ?

    "Alright, I''ll be right there."

    Winter did notin at all as she scrubbed up and followed the attending physician into the operating room.

    She actually flinched when she saw the terrible state Jolie was in as shey bleeding and dying on the operating table.

    "Prepare for surgery!"

    However, Winter was not cowed, immediately knowing that they needed an open chest surgery to save Jolie.

    As she worked gingerly, Frank arrived downstairs.

    He had found out from Trevor Zurich that Carlo Group was a sizable faction in the minds. In fact, they could be considered giants, being involved not just in pharmaceuticals, but also in tourism and finance.

    There were even rumors that they had ties to Thousand Isles Guild of the South Sea.

    In fact, Frank hade to the hospital precisely to assist in an ongoing investigation, calling in several police officers.

    The body of Helen''s alleged drunk driving victim was still here in the Zamri Hospital morgue, and he would prove Helen''s innocence by examining the body with the officers.

    "Savages."

    One of the officers sighed as the body was taken out of the mortuary fridge.

    They were certainly professionals, quickly recognizing that the body was not the victim of a car crash. Instead, the victim had been force fed copious amounts of poison before being used as a toxic gas bomb.

    "I''m right, aren''t I?"

    Frank strode up, speaking calmly. "Ms. Lane isn''t culpable for drunk driving. Instead, it''s¡ª"

    "This doesn''t prove her innocence," a policewoman writing in her notebook said, shaking her head. "We can only prove that the victim was poisoned and used as a carrier of toxic gas, and we can''t start a case on top of that because of the hospital chief''s interference."

    "She needs to protect the hospital''s reputation," Frank frowned as he pointed out.

    "I''m well aware you don''t have to remind me."

    The policewoman looked up at him,

    continuing coolly, "It can be

    confirmed that Ms. Lane isn''t

    culpable for the victim''s death, but it remains a fact that she was caught driving under the influence.

    ve

    San

    Considering that there was ident, her sentence can only be lightened at best, although she could

    be released on bail as well."

    "What..."

    Frank was frustrated that the officers were not helping at all, but he nodded despite that for the sake of the big picture. "Alright, I''ll ask someone to post bail."

    Ring...

    His phone rang just then, and he headed outside the morgue to answer it.

    "How did it go, Frank?" Helen asked from the other end.

    Frank sighed. "Well, I brought them along to check out the body. As it turns out, things are moreplicated than I''d expected. There''s

    Something strange ab

    the officers-it''s like they''re deliberately undermining Lanecorp."

    "Then what should we do?" Helen asked, flustered.

    "Don''t worry," Frank assured her. "I''ll have someone post bail for you so you won''t have to stay in a cell. Anything else can wait until after you return to Lanecorp."

    "Yeah. Thank you, Frank."

    They hung up soon enough, and Frank called Trevor again to send someone and post bail for Helen.

    With that done, he was ready to return inside the morgue when he heard whispers.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "Well, I guess it''s game over for Lanecorp."

 Chapter 1974

    ?

    "How''d you know?"

    "Why wouldn''t I know? Themissioner himself staged this whole thing!"

    "Watch what you say, unless you have proof!"

    Frank entered just then, and the police officers who were whispering among each other quicklyposed themselves.

    The policewoman earlier even cleared her throat awkwardly.

    Still, Frank did not demand the truth from them¡ªthey would not tell him anything and were just following orders.

    At the same time, he realized that the Zamrimissioner was in league with Carlo Group as he had expected, and they were out to take down Frank himself, Lanecorp, and even Zamri Hospital.

    "Oh, right!"N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Still, Frank suddenly remembered the token that Stanley Durban, the mayor of Zamri, had given him.

    It was obvious that someone among the officers inside the morgue had mentioned themissioner on purpose when he stepped outside to make his phone call.

    Was it possible that one of them was working for Stanley?

    Taking out the dagger and weighing it on his palm, he studied the reactions on the officers faces when he said, "Officers, since your investigation has concluded, feel free to see yourselves out."

    "Thank you for your cooperation."

    "See you, Mr. Lawrence."

    As the other police officers left, the policewoman from earlier told her colleagues, "You guys go ahead without me. I have more notes to make about the corpse."

    "Okay."

    The other officers suspected nothing and left.

    When it was just the policewoman and Frank left in the room, she turned toward him¡ªor the dagger he was holding, to be precise.

    After a brief silence, she looked up and asked coolly, "Where did you get that from?"

    "Someone gave it to me," Frank admitted openly. "He said that it''s a token that would prove useful when the timees."

    The policewoman continued to stare

    at Frank fixedly for a while, but her

    net

    gaze was soon less hostile as she nodded. Carlo Group and themissioner will be meeting at the third floor of Emerald Court at 9 PM tonight. On the surface, it''s a weing party for Carlo Group''s venture into Zamri."

    "Is that so?" Frank''s eye lit up at the tip.

    "Farewell," the policewoman said, her expression suddenly cold again.

    As she left Frank stood alone,

    smirking. "A weing party foret

    Carlo Group? Well, it''s the perfect chance to slip in and check out what thismissioner is up to

    When he stepped out of the morgue, he just happened to hear a nurse whispering to her colleague. "Tot, tut...did you see? That journalist is really fucked!"

    "Yeah, most of her ribs were crushed and sticking into her internal organs. It''s a miracle that she''s alive at all!" "Journalist? What journalist?"

    Frank was immediately curious when he heard that and turned toward the two nurses standing by the front desk.

    They flinched, as they naturally recognized Frank given where they worked and that he was the hospital chief''s brother. "I-It''s nothing." The nurse quickly hung her head, presuming that her gossiping annoyed Frank.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1975

    ?

    "Don''t worry." Frank smiled, seeing both nurses'' nervous reaction. "Many journalists came in yesterday, so I was wondering about the one you mentioned..."

    "Huh?"

    Although Frank assured them that he was not going to scold them, the nurse studied Frank''s expression gingerly to ensure that he was not angry. Screeching her head, she then said softly, "She''s quite famous, Mr. Lawrence... and she worked for..."

    "Zamri Daily!" Amber, the other nurse, quickly butted in.

    "Oh, right!" Kali, the first nurse, nodded. "She''s a special correspondent from Zamri Hospital, but we heard that she ended up the victim of a hit-and- run behind our hospital. And it was by a truck, too! It''s terrible!"

    "Yeah..." Amber sighed. "And that reminds me the chief is personally operating on her! But everyone''s saying that the journalist isn''t going to live..." "A hit and run behind the hospital? By a truck?"

    Frank was frowning, sensing something wrong just then.

    It waste at night, but it had to take ce in an alley behind the hospital, and with a truck?

    The alley also led out to an avenue with many food kiosks-would a normal truck run into a person in an alley and leave them in critical condition?

    Nodding in suspicion, Frank hurried to the operating room right then.

    "Wow, he''s so cool." Kali sighed. "If only I had a boyfriend like him..."

    "Dream on!" Amber rolled her eyes at him, pouting. "Why would he be interested? Don''t you see how pretty his sister is? People like us should just give up!"

    "Really? You''re not even going to let me dream?"

    "Yes, yes, yes, whatever you say. Just don''t let it get in the way of work."

    "You don''t have to tell me!"

    Frank had just arrived outside the operating room when she saw

    several attendings standing Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    in

    the hallway, appearing despondent.

    UMS

    He was naturally perplexed to see that. "What? What''s going on here?"

    "It''s Mr. Lawrence!"

    "Oh, it''s really him!"

    The attendings quickly turned toward Frank as soon as he appeared. After all, every doctor in Zamri was aware that Frank was Winter''s brother and mentor. After all, he had been present as Abel Loggins'' mentor during one of Abel''s own forums in Zamri.

    et

    vele

    It went without saying that Frank was the one who had saved Zam Hospital from the gas attack yesterday, bailing them out from a major safety incident.

    "Mr. Lawrence, your sister is..."

    "What? What happened to Winter?" Frank asked, slightly shocked.

    "Oh, you should take a look yourself!"

    The attending sighed and gestured for the nurses to help Frank scrub up.

    And as soon as Frank entered the operating room, he spotted the dainty figure working busily around the surgical table.

    "Patient''s heart rate is falling!" a nurse shouted just then.

    "Epinephrine!"

    "You should give up, chief. She''s already gone..."

    "Yeah, chief. We''ve been working for so long, but there''s just no saving that..."

    "We mustn''t give up until the very end! Epinephrine!"

 Chapter 1976

    ?

    Once the epinephrine was injected, the heart monitor started beeping faintly again.

    "More blood infusion!" Winter shouted, her voice hoarse after working for so long.

    "Alright, just leave it to me."

    Seeing that, Frank strode up and took the scalpel from Winter.

    And seeing him, Winter breathed a sigh of relief, wobbling and ultimately dropping on her rear. "I was so... useless."

    "Leave the moping forter. On your feet-I need help here," Frank said with a hint of sterness.

    Winter quickly scrambled to her feet, standing near him as she exined, "I''m done with every other part, but her heart... I''m just afraid..."N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Frank could see what she meant right away-a tiny bone fragment was cutting into the patient''s left ventricle, and blood was trickling out around it.

    The bleeding only increased as the patient''s heart continued pumping, and the only option was to extract the bone fragment.

    However, that was no easy task.

    Extracting an object from a puncture wound in the heart could easily destabilize the patient''s blood pressure. When that happened, blood would shoot out like a geyser from the wound, and there was no stopping it.

    The patient would definitely die, which was why Winter was so hesitant about doing it.

    But if the fragment was not extracted, the patient would not survive either.

    It was a damned if you do, damned if you don''t situation, which was why Winter was helpless.

    "What should we do?" Winter asked softly.

    Frank''s expression was just as solemn this situation was a first for him, and he had no better ideas here either.

    The only option was to extract the

    bone fragment, but with the heart''s persistent contractions and

    expansions, the slightestet

    would result in a tragedy.

    It was the worst dilemma doctors had to face in their careers-the moment when they had to decide life or death.

    The death was on them if the patient''s died from their one mistake.

    I

    Naturally, no one could me them, but to have the crushing weight of an entire existence fading in their fingers was at once painful and disturbing. And it was only the doctor in question who could really understand that.

    "No! Jolie! I''m so sorry... I shouldn''t have called you!!!"

    "Mommy... Mommy!"

    A man could be heard howling outside the operating room, followed by a boy''s sobs.

    "W-Who let you in here?! Stay out! This is an operating room!"

    While the attendings outside were keeping the patient''s family at bay, Frank could already tell that they were the patient''s husband and son.

    "Frank."

    Beside him, Winter took out a handkerchief in concern, wiping the sweat off his brow.

    It was clear that the father and son''s cries were pressuring him further.

    "Doesn''t matter. There''s no time to waste."

    Frank''s eyes narrowed at the bone fragment on the screen, and he gently pinched the bone fragment with a pair of surgical tweezers.

    Winter''s pupils dted when she

    realized what he was about to

    do-the instant the patient''s heart contracted, he would pull out the bone fragment while instantly covering the hole.

 Chapter 1977

    ?

    However, was it really possible?

    Winter was holding on firmly to her own shaking palm-Frank would only have half a second to do the unthinkable.

    If he even twitched his finger, that would mean death for the patient.

    Hence, as everyone in the operating room stared, wide-eyed, Frank closed his eyes to still himself.

    Then, when he reached a serenity one could mistake for death, he slowly drew out two silver needles, holding them between his fingers.

    Lub dub...

    Jolie''s heart was giving out again-she did not have much time left.

    "Phew..."

    Exhaling lengthily, Frank''s gaze sharpened in the instant Jolie''s heart pounded.

    Swish!

    Frank moved with lightning speed, his hand a blur as he pulled out the bone fragment lodged in Jolie''s left ventricle. Everyone had been staring at the screen and only saw a fuzziness, but not how Frank pulled out the bone fragment. And the instant Frank pulled it out, he inserted both needles he was holding into the puncture wound, snapping, "Freeze!"

    Pure vigor instantly built up between the two needles, stopping the blood threatening to gush out from Jolie''s heart.

    The speed at which he worked was beyond humanprehension, taking less than a second while flowing as gently as a river.

    "Hemostatic gel, Winter!" Frank snapped.

    Winter promptly passed him a tube of hemostatic gel, and Frank promptly applied it all over the puncture wound, filling the hole before pulling his needles out.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    But even as he breathed a sigh, Winter tugged on the hem of his sleeve. "Frank..."

    "What?"

    Frank turned to see that the heart rate monitor hadpletely tlined.

    The ring tone left everyone in the operating room silent, and even Frank was shaking his head.

    He had done everything he could perfectly, but there were simply asions when perfection did not equate to sess.

    However, despite the silence, an eagle-eyed nurse eximed in shock and pointed at the monitor again, "L-Look!"

    The tlined chart was suddenly fluctuating again, stabler and stronger than before.

    Winter stared at the screen nkly and smiled in relief as she dropped on the floor in exhaustion.

    "You''re really amazing, Frank..." she said, shing a thumbs-up at him.

    "Hehe..." Frank smiled too.

    With the most difficult part of the

    surgeryplete, all they had to t

    now was stitch up the patient and wait for her to recover.

    Half an hourter, Frank and Winter stepped out of the operating room.

    The attendings on both sides of the hallway were left staring,

    dumbstruck as they watched Jolie being wheeled out, with the

    monitors indicating that her vitals

    were stable.

    Someone began pping, and others soon followed sporadically until everyone was pping.

    Winter was left sping a hand over

    her mouth, as she shed eve

    tears there was no higher honor for a doctor than this.

    "Thank you... you saved my wife! Thank you..."

    After Frank and Winter escorted Jolie to the ICU, a tall man stopped them to kowtow at them.

 Chapter 1978

    ?

    "Thank you... you saved my wife! Thank you..."

    After Frank and Winter escorted Jolie to the ICU, a tall man stopped them to kowtow at them.

    Beside him, a boy around five did the same in front of Frank.

    "P-Please, you don''t have to do this..."

    As both father and son struck heads against the floor audibly, drawing quite a crowd, Winter quickly pulled them to their feet and assured them, "We''re just doing our jobs, and your wife has a fearsome will to survive too. This is really unnecessary....."

    "Just doing their jobs..."

    The attendings watching in the distance were speechless, as they were well aware of Jolie''s condition.

    Everyone attending with authority in their respective fields were there, but none of them were brave enough to take up that surgery.

    They therefore knew how terrible Jolie''s condition was and that she had a 0.1% chance of survival.

    And yet, Winter''s young brother took that chance and converted it into sess.

    The skill and determination alone left the other attendings blushing, too embarrassed to get too close to Frank and Winter.

    One of them shook his head and sighed. "It''s as the saying goes... There''s always a bigger fish!"

    The others certainly agreed, as they all stared at Frank with reverence.

    Meanwhile, outside the ICU, Frank was frowning slightly at Mr. Queen. "You were yelling outside the operating room just now, saying you shouldn''t have called your wife. What was that about?"

    "Oh, uh..." Mr. Queen pursed his lips in embarrassment, twirling his fingers but not answering.

    However, seeing that Frank was still staring at him silently, he realized that there was no hiding it and sighed lengthily.

    Looking around warily, he then

    et

    leaned in to whisper into Frank''s ear,

    "Actually... I overheard a weird

    vers when I called my wife

    yesterday."

    "A weird conversation?" Frank raised a brow.

    "Yeah."

    bet

    Mr. Queen looked around again before taking out his phone and ying a call recording on his phone. "Kwork at a legal firm, so it''s a habit of mine to record every phone conversation. Listen to this here''s what I heard after I called my wife."

    Frank took Mr. Queen''s phone and held it beside his ear.

    He immediately heard noisy but carefully ced footsteps clearly approaching.

    Soon, a man was shouting, "Dr. Jorst! It''s just a phone!"

    "Dr. Jorst?"

    Just as Frank leaned his head sideways and wondered who this Dr. Jorst was, a familiar voice suddenly asked, "Just a phone? You didn''t see anyone?"

    ???

    Frank recognized the voice right then. "Yannick Jorst?!"

    Mr. Queen''s face lit up in excitement as well. "Y-You know him?!"

    "Yeah." Frank nodded somberly.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Jolie was the victim of a hit-and-run behind the hospital yesterday.

    And now, Yannick Jorst, a turncoat who should have been gone from the hospital, was proven to have shown up nearby. What could he be up to?

 Chapter 1979

    ?

    As Frank pondered, a cool voice spoke on the recording, "Nope. There''s no one around here. Maybe someone from the hospital dropped it by ident."

    "Dropped it? I see..." Yannick replied.

    At the same time, Mr. Queen was watching Frank, his knuckles clenching and easing as he said urgently, "I knew something was up when I heard their conversation. I just didn''t think that they''d go that far... But since you know him, the recording could serve as evidence!"

    Frank waved off Mr. Queen, however he wanted to listen to the rest of the call and find out what those people were up to.

    "Now listen here-keep looking. We need to make sure that there''s no one else other than us here.

    "You know what would happen if we''re exposed-you, me, and everyone else here will be expendable assets for themissioner and Carlo Group. None of us will survive!"

    Hearing that, Frank mused, "Themissioner... Carlo Group..."

    He was especially sensitive toward those names recently.

    He also quickly realized that Yannick must have done something unknown to the others in the storeroom yesterday, and under orders of the Zamrimissioner and Carlo Group!

    Without hesitating, he yelled at the nurse station from afar, "Go, get Winter right now!"

    The nurses there were stunned but did not ask anything.

    The head nurse bowed her head at Frank and hurried away.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    "What is it, Frank?"

    Soon, Winter arrived, looking exhausted after Jolie''s long surgery.

    Still, she pulled herself together when she heard that it was Frank calling, hurrying to the scene without dragging her feet.

    Frank told her quickly in turn, "Send anyone you can to check the storeroom right now. Yannick Jorst was doing something therest night¡ªyou have to hurry!"

    "Yannick Jorst?!"

    Winter flinched but did not stop to ask why as she trusted Frank unconditionally and led her people straight to the storeroom.

    "Fake pills!"

    Winter and her staff were soon back, and she appeared panicked. "Frank, we found a crate of fake pills. They must''ve been switched out!"

    "Destroy them right now!" Frank told her, sensing danger right then.

    Winter certainly understood the gravity of the situation as well and told her staff to load the fake pills into a truck and take them away immediately.

    Still, even as everyone worked busily in the alley behind Zamri Hospital, a nurse suddenly came running up to Frank and Winter. "I''m sorry, chief Mr. Lawrence! Someone just barged into the lobby and started chasing away all the patients!"

    "I knew it!" Frank''s face fell at the report-what woulde, woulde.

    And he did not even need to guess, as those people must have been sent by the Zamrimissioner and Carlo Group.

    One had to give it to them-it was a really cunning n.

    Fortunately, they managed to react in time, all thanks to Mr. Queen and his habit of recording phone conversations.

    Otherwise, Zamri Hospital would be locked down or shut down by order of the government.

    Winter was sweating buckets too,

    even as she turned to nce at the

    truck, which was now loaded with the fake pills and slowly driving off.

    UMS

    She patted her chest as she panted that was really too close forfort.

    "It seems that the mayor is right." Frank sighed under his breath.

    If the Zamrimissioner was really determined to bring him down with all his political authority, he would prove to be a real problem.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1980

    ?

    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Moreover, Frank would really not start a war against the Zamrimissioner just yet either, since fighting important government officials would always be a risky move.

    Naturally, he could use his own connections and his status as Governor Quill''s maternal grandson to rein in the Zamrimissioner.

    However, Frank did not like using his connections to bully anyone, not to mention that things were still frosty between him and Governor Quill.

    With that in mind, Frank wondered if he should take up Stanley Durban''s offer to be partners and assassinate the Zamrimissioner to be done with it.

    However, that was not going to be an easy task either.

    Nheless, as Winter and Frank arrived at the spacious lobby, they found it congested by over a hundred fully-armed officers.

    Most of the patients were either chased out or kept confined to a corner, while a pompous blond brat sat with his legs on the receptionist desk. The two nurses there were on their knees, gingerly massaging his legs.

    Winter snapped as soon as she saw the blond brat. "You?!"

    "Hmm...?"

    The blond brat, Fredo Barzini, turned nonchntly toward Winter and waved off the two nurses while yawning. "Long time no see, Winter Lawrence."

    "What..."

    Winter''s blinked-Fredo was just here yesterday, threatening her into signing an exploitative partnership agreement!

    And now, he had pompously barged in again, even making the nurses massage his legs.

    It was an outrage!

    §Ö

    "This is a hospital, where patientse to get treated!" Winter bellowed. "How dare you bring your people here, causing a scene! will inform themissioner and have him arrest you! Believe it!"

    "Hehehe..."

    Fredo simply shrugged and chuckled. "Themissioner, you say? Spare me, brat-the men here with me are sent by themissioner himself!"

    "What?!"

    Winter did not think that the Zamrimissioner had a hand in these.

    All she knew was that Carlo Group was conspiring with Yannick to frame her with the fake pills.

    It was therefore shocking that the armed men were actually working for the Zamrimissioner and not Carlo Group!

    The foreboding thought that the Zamrimissioner was in league with Carlo Group soon urred to Winter, and she turned toward Frank.

    She did a double take, seeing the scowl on Frank''s face he knew this already?!

    "Winter Lawrence!"

    Yannick himself was glowering as he emerged from the crowd, pointing and snapping at her while. the patients and armed men looked on. "You are as depraved as you are scum! How dare you bring harm to the citizens of Zamri-don''t you understand the shit you''re in?!"

    Winter reared her chin, proud and dignified. "I''ve always done my duty as a doctor and adhered to the ethics of one. I guess you must be badmouthing yourself instead!"

    "I have no idea!"

    "That''s bullshit!"

    Yannick leapt forward as he

    bellowed, "There was a safety incident here in Zamri Hospital yesterday, but you harassed me

    when tried to confess everything to the journalists! Hell, you even fired me!*

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    Despite everyone in the lobby watching, Yannick continued to lie through his teeth. "Fine, you can refuse to admit it, but I have evidence of your crimes! I''ve since informed themissioner, who has personally ordered your arrest and the closure of Zamri Hospital!"

    "What?!"

    The crowd of patients were left in an uproar by Yannick''s usations.

    Plenty of them had benefited from Zamri Hospital''s excellent healthcare system and were at once left indignant by Yannick''s usations.

    "You''re lying, geezer! Winter is an angel!"

    "Exactly! She personally wrote my prescription, and I was better in days!"

    "She even gave us a discount! Anyone using her of any crime would have to answer to me first!"

    "Me too!"

    The crowd was soon yelling indignantly at Yannick all at once, as there were nock of patients and elders who were on the receiving end of Winter''s grace.

    Yannick certainly did not expect a crowd to defend Winter. He snapped in anger, "All of you, shut up! I am Yannick Jorst, the head coroner here! I know more than any of you that brat looked harmless, but she''s actually selling fake pills!"

    "What?!"

    The crowd was left in an uproar by Yannick again.

    After all, this was a serious usation, as no citizen could abide with being sold fake pills.

    "Hah!" Yannick snorted at their surprise. "And all of you were so quick to defend her, not knowing that she was giving you discounts! The pills she''s selling are fake in the first ce!"

    "Bullshit! The girlie''s not like that!"

    "Exactly! That''s not Winter!"

    "What, you don''t believe me?"

    Yannick smirked as he spread his arms, looking around and chuckling. "I know for a fact that she had a batch of fake pills brought in just days ago. How about that?! Do you admit to your crime or not?"

    Winter began, "I¡ª"

    However, Frank stopped her before she could finish and asked Yannick, "Really? We''re storing fake pills, you say?"

    "That''s right." Yannick nodded, immensely confident and unaware that Frank and Winter had their people transport away the fake pills.

    After all, he had done his work very stealthily, and no one could have found out... Actually, someone did, but he made sure that she could not talk. And who knew? She might be dead by now.

    On the other hand, Frank looked around at the crowd.

    "Hmph. We''ve never used fake pills, and our conscience is clear!" he suddenly bellowed while leveling Yanniek a look of amusement. "So, can you show proof for your ims? And what if you can''t?!"

    Yannick was actually stunned by Frank''s confidence, his heart pounding just then.

    Could Frank have found out about the fake pills? But that was impossible!

    The fake pills were switched with pills that weremonly used, and he made sure toe the day after the switch so that no one had time to check.

    There were only that many lucky coincidences, and the brat must only be bluffing!

    Hence, after a brief pause, Yannick

    smirked again. "I''m putting my life

    e

    on the line for all Zamri citizens. If no definitive proof can be found, and I''ve ndered the hospital''s reputation instead, I will go down on my knees and kowtow in apology!" ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1982

    ?

    Yannick''s confident wager actually left the crowd doubtful-could he really have dirt on Zamri Hospital?

    He was previously the head coroner there, after all.

    As such, even the indignant crowd who were staunchly on Winter''s side earlier were suddenly frowning and skeptical.

    "However!"

    Yannick continued just then, turning toward Frank and Winter, "What if I produce evidence proving Zamri Hospital has been selling fake pills? What would you do about it?"

    "We will ept any punishment as thew dictates," Frank replied, folding his arms before his chest equally confidently.

    Winter was hanging her head too, being perfectly aware that the fake pills Yannick had nted in the storeroom yesterday had been moved.

    In this wager, Yannick could only lose, which was why Winter was holding backughter.

    However, because she was not supposed to show it too much, she hung her head so that no one could see it.

    In the eyes of the armed officers and the crowd of patients, however, it was a clear sign of guilt.

    Even Yannick was a little surprised-was it possible that the brat had actually kept fake pills aside from the ones he nted? Why else would she look so guilty?

    "That''s enough."

    Fredo finally strode up, clearing his throat and grinning. "Commissioner Kramer has received a tip that Zamri Hospital has been storing and selling fake pills. That is an outrage against the good health of Zamri citizens that must be punished severely!"

    Then, turning toward Yannick, he continued the script that they had prepared earlier. "As you were the one who tipped themissioner, tell me¡ª where did they store their fake pills?"

    "In the storeroom at the back!" Yannick pointed at the direction where it was, smirking as if he had already won.

    Fredo nodded and chuckled. "Is that so? In that case, please escort our witness to inspect that storeroom, Captain Daffey." "Yes, sir."

    A tall man with a poker face emerged from among the armed officers.

    Frank did a double take when he saw the man, as he recognized him-he was Podrick Daffey, who was with the group of armed men that Droitner Inc. had sent to arrest him before!

    The pieces started falling into ce for Frank, too.

    Since Podrick was a police captain, that meant he was working under Geon Kramer, themissioner.

    That meant that Geon had already been involved back when Huub Droitner framed Frank and had him sent to ckwater.

    After all, Droitner Inc. did not have the influence to do that on their own.

    And putting that into consideration, it turned out that Frank already had a bone to pick with Geon for a while now.

    On the other hand, Yannick and Fredo traded smirks, seeing Frank freezing up with a look of uncertainty on his face.

    It seemed to them that Frank''s

    lContent ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    earlier confidence was just a bluff he was panicking as soon they demanded an inspection!

    "Wait!"

    Seeing that Yannick was ready to lead a group to inspect the storeroom, Frank suddenly raised a hand to stop them.

    He then calmly said, "If you insist on searching the storeroom, I can agree to it. However, if no fake pills are found, themissioner must

    guilty of causing civil det

    penalize our users, as you are all

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    ?

    While Frank was not giving away anything from his expression, his repeated efforts to interfere or dy the inspection appeared to everyone as evidence of his guilt.

    However, they did not know Frank was doing everything on purpose, because this incident was just too malicious.

    If they had not been lucky enough to find out about the fake pills nted in the storeroom, these bastards would have really been able to bring down Zamri Hospital.

    While Frank and Winter had to keep secret the gas attack yesterday to protect the reputation of Zamri Hospital, they must stop Yannick this time.

    That geezer knew the hospital inside out after working here for decades, and if they let him go again, he would be back with another attempt. When that happened, they might not be this lucky either.

    That was why Frank was insistent on involving the Zamrimissioner-after all, he had his mene in force over a mere rumor, and it would humiliate him if the rumor was proven false.

    And when that happened, he would make someone his scapegoat, and it went without saying who it would be.

    Nheless, Fredo was chuckling in a corner, as if he had already won. "Hah! I can see that you''re just trying to buy time, brat! Don''t worry-themissioner himself sent his man, and that means that he really considers this a serious issue. If proven false, he''d certainly make amends to Zamri Hospital."

    He was merely going through the motions, since he really could not imagine that they would lose.

    It had been less than a day since Yannick made the switch, and there had been virtually no witnesses.

    Frank was just dragging his feet, clearly proving that he was insecure.

    "Are you done?!"

    Yannick snapped coldly, "If I''m lying, I''ll kowtow to you on the spot, and you can decide my punishment!"

    "Good." That was exactly what Frank wanted to hear.

    "Let''s go!"

    Yannice shed a smug smirk at Frank and led his men out to the storeroom.

    Winter looked around and followed, leading several security guards from the hospital with her.

    After they were all gone to check the

    storeroom, Fredo sneered as he turned to Frank. "Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Lawrence-a househusband who somehow

    l

    and

    managed to take over Lanecorp then Zamri Hospital... tut, tut. You''ve even impressed me."

    Frank shot Fredo a puzzled look in turn-was that brat just running his mouth, or did he really not know who Frank really was, considering him a normal househusband? All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "That reminds me. Ms. Helen Lane, the head of Lanecorp..."

    Fredo gestured with both hands as he gesticted with a sleazy grin. "She has the face of an angel and the figure of a demoness... What a treasure!"

    "And why are you telling me that?" Frank asked, impassive.

    "Huh? I thought you''d know..."

    Fredo did a double take, staring at Frank in confusion for a moment just as his grin broadened. "I''m

    trying to say that everything you have will soon change hands."

    UMS

    "Heh. You really should keep your sleep-talking in your dreams."

    Frank''s calm retort left Fredo doing a double take.

    He narrowed his eyes and could not help feeling doubtful when he saw how unaffected Frank was.

    Could Frank be prepared for this? But how?!

    ncing worriedly at the direction of the storeroom, Fredo started to get restless.

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    Yannick had personally nted the fake pills in the storeroom, and Yannick himself said that there was no mistaking it.

    But it had already been ten minutes since the inspection group left-Yannick should have found the fake pills by now and returned, proving his usations against Zamri Hospital.

    Could he have forgotten where he put it and had to search for it?

    Even as his doubts gnawed, Fredo continued waiting, sweating dripping down his brow.

    Then, after twenty minutes, he decided that he had waited long enough.

    However, just as he was about to lead his own men to assist with the inspection, there was a rush of footsteps down the hallway.

    "Hehehe... Well, they''re back!"

    Fredo smiled smugly when he saw that Yannick was leading the group.

    It had taken some time, but their conspiracy was a sess anyway! Zamri Hospital was history now!

    Be that as it may, while Fredo was busy basking in wild delight, he suddenly realized that Yannic''s face was pale, and he was empty-handed.

    In fact, he looked like his soul had just left his body and was muttering to himself, "B-But I remember... it was inside the storeroom... Why did it disappear?"

    Then, he looked up and saw Frank smiling as he stood at the center of the lobby, his heart skipping a beat.

    "So, Yannick Jorst, former head coroner of Zamri Hospital."

    Frank said, "Did you find any of the fake pills you promised were kept in the storeroom?"

    Yannick was certainly left stumped, but he soon pointed at Frank and snapped in a frenzy, "I-I know!"

    As everyone toned toward Yannick

    at his outburst, he pointed between Frank and Winter as he bellowed, "Y-You must''ve hidden the fake pills! You fired me because I was going to tell on you, so you''ve hidden them to cover your asses!"

    "Honestly, Mr. Jorst..."

    Frank was rubbing his temples as he chuckled exasperatedly. "You were fired for abusing your position. And about the fake pills... Do you mind me asking which department you were working in before?"

    "The morgue!" Yannick bellowed right then.

    "Exactly. The morgue."All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank pped as if apuding beforeughing out loud. "First of all, Zamri Hospital doesn''t need to stoop to using fake pills. Secondly, even if we did..."

    Pausing, he grinned as all the patients and armed officers looked on. "What does the morgue have to do with it?"

    "Eh?'' Yannick was left utterly dumbfounded by Frank''s question.

    At the same time, many of the patients soon came to the same realization.

    "Right! What would the morgue have anything to do with pills?"

    "Isn''t that where they keep dead bodies?"

    Hearing the crowd getting vocal about their doubts, Frank chuckled. "I mean, we could''ve been providing corpses with fake pills. They''d be screaming in pain because we swapped their medication with painkillers."

    Frank''s joke left the crowdughing themselves silly, while Yannick''s face flushed.

    Clenching his fists, he stammered, "I-I may work at the morgue, but I''ve been working here for a long time! I''ve heard rumors that the hospital was using fake pills for a while now!"

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1985

    ?

    "Rumors, you say..."

    Frank nodded and shrugged. "You heard rumors that we were giving fake pills, so you reported it to themissioner the day after we fired you.

    "And despite it being just rumors, themissioner has personally sent full-armed officers to investigate Zamri Hospital... all because you heard rumors."

    His eyes turning cold as he red fixedly at Yannick, Frank growled, "In that case, what if I said I''ve heard rumors that you, Yannick Jorst, have been selling organs of the deceased to the ck market by abusing your position as the head coroner? I wonder if themissioner would send so many armed officers to assist in my investigation too?"

    Everyone on the scene did a double take at Frank''s cool words, with many of the patients noticing the contradiction.

    Frank was certainly right-why would themissionere here in force over a mere rumor?!

    "Y-You''re ndering me!"

    Yannick was caught off guard, but he was soon pointing at Frank and snapping, "I''ve never done anything like that! Don''t you dare spout such nonsense to tarnish my reputation!"

    "Oh, don''t be so quick to argue."

    Frank folded his arms before his chest, chuckling coolly. "Like I said, it''s just a rumor."

    Then, turning toward Podrick, he asked, "So, Captain Daffey-if I''m telling you right now that I heard rumors of Yannick Jorst''s crimes, shouldn''t you be assisting me in investigating him as well?"

    Podrick, who had kept his poker face throughout, remained silent.

    He was there with Yannick in the group inspecting the storeroom and could clearly see that Yannick was strangely familiar with the ce.

    And after they failed to find any fake medicine, Yannick appeared at once panicking and restless.

    As such, even Podrick himself was basically confident that the fake medicine was not Zamri Hosptial''s doing-Yannick must have nted them there to frame the hospital.

    Swr

    However, as a police captain, he only had to take orders from themissioner and did not have to care about much else.

    As such, after a brief silence, he said calmly, "I wasn''t tasked by themissioner to investigate Yannick Jorst."

    "Oh, good."

    Frank pped andughed. "That''s so interesting. And yet, he would send an army straight to Zamri Hospital just because he heard Yannick''s side of the story...?" This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?!" Podrick''s brow furrowed at Frank''s loaded question.

    "Oh, nothing much. It''s just that themissioner seemed fairly biased."

    Frank chuckled and cleared his throat as he turned toward the entrance and called out, "Come on in."

    "Yes, sir!"

    Someone answered outside, and soon Peter Lane entered with a briefcase, escorted by over a dozen officers of the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department.

    "Who are you people?!" Podrick''s face fell when he saw so many men suddenly pouring into the hospital lobby.

    "Haha. There''s no reason to panic, Captain Daffey."

    Frank chuckled, calmly taking the briefcase from Peter and opening it on a desk.

    Pulling out a ledger, he said, "Here. Take a look at this."

    "What''s this?" Podrick asked as he

    took the ledger and immediately noticed the eye-catching title.

    "Transaction details... Spencer Lowe, corneas, three hundred grand."

    swno

 Chapter 1986

    ?

    "Hudson Stewart, liver, five hundred grand.

    "Jane Weston, skin graft, nine hundred grand."

    The shocking transactions left Podrick Daffey turning pale, his lips trembling.

    On the other hand, Frank was chuckling nonchntly, "Hehe. See, Captain Daffey? This isn''t just rumors now every transaction has the official stamp of Zamri Hospital''s former head coroner, and even the wire transfers are all sent to Yannick Jorst''s ount."

    Podrick could only gulp as he stared at the ledger, various expressions alternating over his face.

    "What''s wrong, Captain Daffey?"

    Yannick was left confused that Podrick would look so shocked and flustered despite his usual poker face, though his eyes soon widened when he came close, and he stared at Frank in disbelief.

    "W-What... Where did you get this from-no, wait! I mean..."

    Yannick did a double take and quickly corrected himself, "This is nder! nder! It''s a conspiracy by Zamri Hospital and Frank Lawrence! Don''t believe anything you read, Captain Daffey!"

    Even as he snapped, he snatched the ledger, tore it into pieces, and swallowed it.

    Frank clicked his tongue, impressed as Yannick choked trying to swallow the ledger, his eyes bulging in the exertion. "I haven''t said a word, Mr. Jorst, but you''ve spilled the beans on your own. But that''s fine... you really didn''t have to panic.

    "This briefcase here is actually filled with more ledgers-concrete evidence that proves you were working with storeroom managers to sell the organs of the deceased. Do your best to swallow those too-that way, I might have nothing to give themissioner."

    Seeing Frank grinning confidently as he patted the briefcase on the table, Yannick was left dropping on the floor in despair with a thud.N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    "You piece of shit!"

    Nearby, Fredo was left seething as he looked on, especially the way Yannick tried his damndest to swallow a piece of ledger.

    Even then, he felt a tinge of terror inside.

    In fact, he was trembling at the

    thought of what his father would do if he found out that their n had failedpletely, with Frank turning the tables against them on top of that...

    Fredo really had no idea how he could survive his father''s wrath now. "And you, Mr. Barzini."

    That was when Frank turned toward the dumbstruck Fredo, pping him on the shoulder. "I heard that themissioner is putting together a party for Carlo Group at Emerald Court tonight?"

    "Huh?!" Fredo looked up at Frank, dumbfounded.

    How could Frank find out about that?! They even made sure to keep it a secret!

    On top of that, the party was to celebrate the fall of Zamri Hospital, after which Carlo Group would take over.

    However, despite all their boasting, Carlo Group hadpletely failed their task.

    In fact, Zamri Hospital did not just

    foil their ns-they had reallynded a solid punch back, and the purpose of the party was really moot at this point.

    And seeing Fredo''s look of shock, Frank smiled and threw an arm around his back, leading him out through the main entrance of Zamri Hospital. No one moved to stop them along the way, just as Fredo soon saw hundreds of security officers from the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department. They were standing in formation, their hands sped behind their back, their expressions impassive.

 Chapter 1987

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    "W-What..."

    Fredo was left stunned by the imposing sight before him-there were over hundred men-in-ck who stood in formation with poise and vigor. And they were all clearly martial artists!

    It was a scale of strength that would set them among the top factions in the east coast, and even the modest sects would not possess such might!

    "I don''t know what themissioner offered that motivated Carlo Group into traveling all the way from the minds to the east coast just to fuck with us... but a word of advice: it really doesn''t matter who you are, you must know your ce on the pecking order."

    With a firm p on Fredo''s shoulder, he strode toward the square in front of Zamri Hospital, where a Lanecorppany car was waiting by the curb.

    "Mr. Lawrence."

    A security officer from the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department opened the door for him respectfully.

    Frank, however, did not get on.

    Instead, he turned and threw a curious look at Fredo, chuckling. "Don''t you have a party to attend? I''d like to join in on the fun too. That''s fine, right?" "W-What do you want?!"

    It was only then that Fredo truly realized why the Zamrimissioner was so wary about Frank and was only sticking to indirect means to weaken Frank''s influence on the city.

    It was clear that Frank''s strength was not something the average faction could hope to match.

    The number of martial artists under hismand alone could take over Zamri!

    "What do I want?"

    Frank chuckled in amusement. "Aren''t I allowed to listen in on the meeting where you people discuss how you''re going to bring me down? Who knows, I might be able to offer constructive suggestions if I''m in a good mood."

    S

    Although Frank was smiling, his re was murderous, leaving Fredo flinching.

    In fact, he had no idea what happenedter, as he somehow ended up inside the car with Frank and headed to Emerald Court beside the man...

    Meanwhile, in a private room on the

    third floor of Emerald Court, Geon

    on

    Kramer, a pudgy man with a mole his face was in the main seat, chuckling as he clinked sses with

    Carlo Barzini, who had a scaron his face.

    MS

    "Congrattions, Mr. Barzini!" Geon was chuckling. "You will now enjoy a full monopoly on Zamri''s pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry! Hahaha!"

    Carlo was affable and respectful toward Geon in turn, a far cry from when he had met his son at the hotel just yesterday. Raising his ss and politely toasting everyone around the table, he said, "I''ll be counting on your support from now on!" "Oh, don''t say that, Mr. Barzini!"

    "Exactly! It''s our honor that you''d expand your business into a humble ce like Zamri!"

    The rich and important figures around the table raised their sses, their smiles broad and their intentions sinister.

    Still, as the cheer around the table

    heightened, and they were all happily charting the future of Zamri, a waiter knocked and entered. "Mr.

    sw nov

    l.nN?velDrama.Org content rights.

    Commissioner? There''s a young man outside, asking to see

 Chapter 1988

    ?

    "A young man?"

    Geon lowered his wine ss, appearing thoughtful.

    He did not know that many young men and this was a delicate time to ask to meet him.

    Moreover, his daily schedule was always kept a secret, and a sudden visit was really fishy.

    "Turn him down."

    On the other hand, Carlo was already on his feet, snapping at the waiter as he saw the awkward look on Geon''s face. "Don''t you see that themissioner is busy? Do you really think that this is the time for guests?! It doesn''t matter who he is tell him to leave!"

    The waiter made an awkward face. "But, Mr. Barzini... The young man said that he''s your son."

    "My son? You mean, Fredo?"

    Carlo was left doing a double take-he did not invite his son to this party, since he should be busy sabotaging Zamri Hospital with Podrick... "Oh, right!"

    Nheless, Carlo''s eyes lit up as he smiled-the brat finally did well for once!

    The boy must have known that themissioner would be here and quickly finished taking over Zamri Hospital toe here to give him the good news.

    "Mr. Commissioner."

    Realizing that, Carlo turned toward Geon and smiled. "The young man must be my son Fredo. He must have finished his work at Zamri Hospital, so why don''t we let him in to personally report his sess?"

    "Hahaha..."

    e

    Geon could already tell why Fredo was here when the waiter announced that it was him, and heughed in delight when Carlo told him exactly what he had in mind. "Very well. Show him in."

    Carlo nodded. "Go on, waiter. Fetch an extra chair for Fredo. He''s the man of the hour!"

    "Yes, Mr. Barzini."

    The waiter promptly did as told before stepping out of the room to usher Fredo inside.

    When Fredo quietly entered, Carlo smiled in satisfaction when he saw that it was really him.

    Geon even held a thumbs-up

    beneath the table, while the other rich and important figures of Zamri were all ready to heap praise, rious ttery already at the tip of their tongue.

    However, even before they could get started, they realized something strange.

    There was no mistaking it-it was Fredo who entered, but the boy was clearly pale, even terrified. "Huh?"

    Even before anyone understood what was going on, another figure quietly entered.

    "Hehehe..."

    He chuckled as he stepped past

    Fredo and paused as he spread his arms at everyone around the table. "Fancy running into everyone here especially you, Mr.

    Commissioner-you''re a really hard man to reach, and you''ve never responded to my invitations before. Well, at least I finally get to meet you in person now."

    Naturally, the man with Fredo was none other than Frank.N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    Geon''s face fell at the sight of Frank, and beside him, Carlo looked like he was forced to eat dung.

    This party was intended to wee Carlo Group''s expansion into Zamri, and their first goal in that n was to take over Zamri Hospital.

    It was therefore certainly strange for the real owner of Zamri Hospital to show up here!

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    Surely there was no way that Frank was here to celebrate Carlo Group taking over Zamri Hospital, was there? Hence, the private room quickly turned awkwardly silent.

    Bang!

    Eventually, Carlo mmed his fist on the table, breaking the silence and causing all the tableware to shake.

    "What the hell is this, Fredo?!" he bellowed.N?velDrama.Org content rights.

    Seeing his father''s murderous re, Fredo looked like he could cry. "Dad... L-Let''s just go back to the minds!"

    "What?!"

    Carlo almost blew a fuse at his son''s groveling and pointed at him as he huffed, "You piece of shit! I dare you to say it again!"

    "Dad, I just want to survive! Let''s just leave already!"

    Fredo sobbed so loudly everyone in the room could hear him, even as he dropped to his knees in front of the table despite his father''s furious re. "M-Mr. Lawrence... He''s beyond us... H-He..."

    However, Fredo was stuttering so badly that he just could not finish his own sentence.

    "You piece of shit!"

    Carlo snapped again, and looked around before picking up an ashtray, flinging it at his own son!

    He was hoping that his son would announce in front of everyone around the table that they had sessfully taken over Zamri Hospital.

    Instead, the first thing that the brat said when he came in was to beg him to flee and that their enemy was beyond them?!

    Carlo was certainly humiliated!

    "What''s the meaning of this, Mr. Barzini?" Geon asked Carlo just then, seeing how things were turning out contrary to what he expected. He was embarrassed too, but he could not run either.

    After all, he had invited various rich and important figures of Zamri here to wee Carlo and to make t very clear that Carlo Group was here to stay.

    n

    But now, Carlo''s own son came running as everyone watched, begging his father to flee Zamri.

    What was that if not a p to Geon''s face?

    Nheless, Frank caught the ashtray that Carlo threw out of the air, smiling as he walked over to the table.

    Unbothered by Carlo or Geon''s murderous res, he sat down on the chair which the waiter brought for Fredo and returned the ashtray where it was.

    "Temper, temper, Mr. Barzini."

    Frank clicked his tongue, shaking his

    n

    head. "There''s no reason to get so bloodthirsty just because your son failed your bidding. Throwing an ashtray? What if it hits your boy''s head and draws blood? Wouldn''t it break your heart?"

    S

    Carlo remained impassive despite Frank''s question. "What''s it to you?"

    "Oh,e on... What are you saying?"

    Frank continued without a care, even pouring himself a ss of wine and chugging it. "I''m showing concern here!"

    "I don''t need your concern, and you''re not wee here. Get out of this room this instant," Carlo snapped coldly, pointing at the door.

    et

    "Now, now Frank simply crossed his legs while chuckling. "After all you''ve made repeated attempts to sabotage Zamri Hospital by now to get to me."

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1990

    ?

    Smiling, Frank continued, "That''s what I''d like to know-have I done something to offend anyone here, or maybe you just don''t like me because I''m that good looking?"

    Geon scowled even harder at Frank''s words.

    Beside him, Carlo mmed his hand on the table and bellowed coldly, "Quit clowning around! You''re not wee here, so leave! Otherwise, I''ll call in my boys, and you won''t be able to leave even if you want to!"

    "Temper, temper." Frank smiled as he slowly stood up. "So you could tell that I was just clowning around..."

    That was when his smile changed to an icy re, and he knocked his wine ss to the floor, crushing it under his foot.

    "Since none of you want to y nice, I won''t. Did you really think that I''m that easily bullied?" he growled coolly, looking around at everyone around the table. "If you want me,e after me! It says more about you than me, the way you''d rathere after the people around me!"

    Geon recovered from his shock just then, and snapped, "How dare you, Frank L¡ª"Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    "Shut up!"

    Frank snapped back, stopping Geon right then. "I have no fight with you, Geon Kramer, or any officials here in Zamri. We could''ve minded our own business, and I even refrained from bothering you even though it''s your men who threw me into ckwater before. Do you know why?"

    Seeing that Geon was silent, Frank sneered sinisterly. "That''s because I didn''t want to get involved with you, and as long as you don''t mess with me in the open, I wouldn''t bother you for no reason either! And yet!"

    Pausing, Frank''s eyes shed murderously as he growled, "You''ve gone way over the line now, Geon. Even though I didn''t want to have anything to do with any government officials, I''m sure that you scum would keep mocking me if I keep taking this lying down!

    "In that case, why don''t I just get rid of everyone here in one stroke?" Frank finished, sneering viciously.

    "W-What are you doing?!"

    Geon panicked right then, stumbling backward as he stared at Frank in disbelief. "How dare you! I''m themissioner of Zamri, and you''re threatening to kill me in front of so many witnesses! Y-You''re mad!"

    "Don''t worry, Mr. Commissioner!"

    et

    Seeing that Geon and everyone around the table were panicking, Carlo stood up, patting his chest while leveling Frank a furious re. "I have all my men stationed around the building. On my order, they''ll alle charging in and take down this insolent wretch!"

    "I-I see!"

    Geon sighed in relief at Carlo''s assurance.

    Everyone around the table was relieved too and were giving Carlo thumbs-ups too.

    "That''s why he''s a big deal in the Minds. Mr. Barzini leaves nothing to chance... He certainly puts me to shame!"

    "You heard him, Frank Lawrence! One word from Mr. Barzini, and his men wille in and take you down!"

    "Don''t think you get to strut!"

    Seeing that everyone around the

    table had stopped panicking and were once again filled with

    confidence, Frank snorted in disdain and simply watched them yap like they all had a few screws loose in the head.

    "Dad!"

    Fredo sobbed as he shouted, still on his knees, "Our men... are dead! They''re all dead!"

 Chapter 1991

    ?

    "What?!"

    Carlo was left stupefied by his son''s exmation.

    For this party, he had called over the strongest muscle he had from the minds.

    His aim was simple, too-after the party was over, he would demonstrate to Zamri''s wealth and power the depths of Carlo Group''s strength: fifty Birthright-ranked elites!

    "Are you serious...?!"

    Carlo was caught in disbelief even as he stared at his son-those fifty Birthright-ranked elites were the trump cards that hispany had consolidated over the years, and they were all gone without warning?

    However, he also knew that his son would never joke around on an asion such as this!

    "It''s true!"

    Fredo was yelling hysterically, shedding tears in a nervous breakdown as he finally revealed why he was totally horrified. "I watch with my own eyes... Frank Lawrence wiped out every martial elite we had, all by himself! Let''s give up on the east coast already!"

    "A-All by himself?!"

    Carlo was stupefied.

    He had known that Frank was very strong, but just not how strong.

    On top of that, he was plenty confident that he was strong too. Even if he was no martial artist himself, he hadmand over a group of martial artists, trained by his family since childhood and willing to serve Carlo Group with their lives.

    In fact, those martial artists were the reason many of Carlo''s rivals feared him back when he started out in the minds, bing the backbone of hispany''s strength.

    And now, ording to Carlo''s own son, some youth from the east coast had massacred them, and alone.

    Was that even possible?

    Even as Carlo was left stupefied,

    Fredo was still pleading endlessly

    "Dad, please! Let''s just surrender and

    stop messing with the east coast,

    okay? Let''s just go back to the minds!"

    Carlo still remained stunned for a while until he looked up, his eyes red. "No! You''re just shitting me! My men are strong-they are the reason I can strut in the minds! I doubt that a mere brat can kill all fifty Birthright-ranked elites on his own!"

    He was basically hysterical, whipping out his phone and making a call.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    The dialing tonested for quite a while in the silent private room, but no one answered.

    Refusing to give up, Carlo tried again, but there was no answer once again.

    At that point, even Carlo was convinced.

    After all, he was calling his most loyal bodyguard, the strongest among the fifty Birthright-ranked elites under hismand.

    The man was also downstairs, awaiting orders, and would definitely answer if Carlo called.

    In fact, there was only one reason he was not answering-he was already dead.

    As the fact was starting to sink in, Carlo stumbled backward, his fingers clenching around his phone as he stared at Frank in disbelief. "W-Who the hell are you?!"

    "That has nothing to do with you," Frank retorted coolly before adding calmly Leave an arm behind, and I will allow you to leave Zamri Refuse, and you will die!"

    "What?! Y-You''re out of line!" Carlo''s face darkened.

    How dare Frank demand one of his arms! He was the head of Carlo Group!

 Chapter 1992

    ?

    And Carlo Group was one of the strongest factions in the minds!

    But now, Carlo himself was supposed to cut off one of his own arms just to leave Zamri alive, just because some brat demanded it?! "Don''t get so full of yourself, Frank!"

    Carlo shrieked, "You''ve in my martial artists... B-But I still have a trump card! Don''t you push me!"

    Frank remained impassive as he stared at Carlo, however. "Trump card? Oh, you mean Thousand Isles Guild?"

    "What...?"

    Carlo was left stupefied once more when Frank mentioned Thousand Isles Guild by name.

    Though Frank was right, how could Frank have found out about his strongest supporter?

    "Don''t bother."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Frank chuckled coolly. "You have two choices. One, you will leave an arm in penance and return to the minds. That''s for going way over the line, and we can go our separate ways after that.

    "Second... You can push your luck, and I will kill everyone connected to Carlo Group in Zamri, including you and your son."

    "Whether Thousand Isles Guildes for me or not, that''s no business of yours. After all..."

    Frank reared his head, his eyes shing coldly. "You''d already be dead."

    "Dead...?"

    Carlo was left flinching as Frank breathed the word, his earlier confidence vaporizing.

    He was certainly despairing, as the only trump card he thought he could threaten Frank with proved utterly futile.

    "I-I will surrender."

    After a moment of silence, Carlo looked up and growled through his teeth, looking at Frank as he sweated all over his brow, feeling the jitters. "I will leave the east coast as you demand, stay out of your business, and even pay you back for any damages incurred... But I won''t give up an arm!"

    "Five hundred million! How about that?! I''m buying my arm from you for five hundred million!"

    "Five hundred million? Pfft..."

    And yet, Frank snickered when he heard the number, his expression soon turning cold. "Do you think I''m in need of money?" "What-"

    Even before Carlo finished, he felt an

    agony over his left arm, just as

    chilling, piercing agony abruptlenes his scalp. Content

    covered

    "What?"

    He looked downward nkly as an entire human arm dropped on the floor, just as he heard a thud.

    The fingers were still twitching, and the arm could not be more familiar to Carlo¡ªespecially the ring glinting on it.

    As realization hit him, Carlo was left clutching the stump of his severed arm and screaming hysterically.

    "D-Dad!!!"

    Seeing how his father''s arm was cut off, Fredo did not dare to even look Frank''s way.

    All he could do was run forward, clinging to his father as he cried, "Come on, let''s leave Zamri already! Let''s go!"

    "Fuck off, you piece of shit! You can''t even do a thing right... Argh!!!"

    Carlo iled around on the floor as he spat every expletive he knew.

    On the other hand, Frank was not even looking at them.

    Instead, both his eyes were fixed on Geon''s sweaty, pudgy face as he said, "A friendly reminder: you have a good chance of surviving if you start running now, then get a cab to take you straight to Zamri Hospital and ask for my sister''s help."

    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!!!"

    et

    Carlo kept cursing even as he struggled to get up with his son''s help, clutching the bleeding stump that was his arm as he fled outside miserably.

 Chapter 1993

    ?

    Casually getting himself a chair, Frank sat and crossed his legs while waving off everyone around the table impatiently. "Get out of here right now." However, everyone there was a rich and important figure in Zamri.

    They were certainly stunned-did Frank really just tell them to leave?Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Watch yourself, Frank Lawrence! This isn''t a ce where you get to strut-don''t even believe for one second that you''re invincible just because you have Lanecorp''s influence and your gangs!"

    "Exactly! You don''t have what it takes to lord over us!"

    "Everyone around this table has ties to the government! If you insist on fighting us, then you will watch as everything you have will soon be destroyed!"

    Frank was not even bothered to argue against them, however, and pped his hands.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    There were endless cracks of gunshots, and the thin walls of the private room were soon riddled by bullet holes.

    However, those were no more than warning shots, as no one in the room was hit.

    Still,ser pointers were trained on the faces of everyone around the table, and inevitable breath awaited anyone who spouted more rubbish.

    "What..."

    Geon was the first who saw and recognized theser pointers, which had small holes in the middle.

    Having knowledge of the various military forces in the country, he identified that theser pointers belonged to ck Rain. They answered to none of

    themissioners in any city, however, as they served directly under Governor Quill, the head of the seven east coast states.

    A veil seemed to lift from Geon''s mind as he turned gingerly toward Frank, who was sitting right in front of him.

    His heart was pounding wildly-Frank actually had ties to Governor Quill?

    Others notwithstanding, he could at least call in ck Rain, the governor''s most elite special ops squad.

    So who on earth was he?!

    While Geon found himself pondering the meaning of life, the other rich and important figures of Zamri were all panicking, as they could all see theser pointers trained on their heads.

    None of them dared to speak out of turn, as they valued their lives above all else, more so than anyone else.

    As such, they all appeared deted as they left the private room as Frank had ordered, ashen-faced.

    When they did and saw what was actually happening outside, they were left gaping-the entire hallway had been surrounded by full-armed soldiers, led by Hans Schnee,

    e

    commander of the East Coast Base!

    Any rich or important figure in the east coast would certainly know him.

    In fact, these Zamri self-styled aristocrats were already mustering smiles and doing their best to suck up to him.

    However, all they got from Hans was an icy "Fuck off", and they promptly gave up, hanging their heads and left as the armed soldiers watched. Even as they stepped outside the building, they could see the fear and confusion in their eyes.

    In their minds, Frank was just a two-bit thug banking on his martial arts and Lanecorp''s influence to unify Zamri''s underbelly under one banner.

    There was no doubt that his strongest backers were the Southstream Lanes, who could be considered a rather rich family.

    In reality, they did not have much influence in Zamri and were only getting a little famous recently thanks to Lanecorp''s rapid growth. Otherwise, no one would even know them.

    As such, in the point of view of these

    self-styled Zamri aristocrats, Frank was nothing more than a

    househusband, scheming to use the SouthStream Lanes to pave the way and assert their authority in Zamri.

 Chapter 1994

    ?

    More importantly, these rich and important figures of Zamri rarely took notice of what was happening in the scene of martial artists.

    They really did not care about any of that, instead focusing all their attention on their businesses and influence, as well as Draconia''s political scene. From their point of view, the so-called martial artists were no more than thugs who existed just beyond the jurisdiction of the authorities.

    If only one of them tried to find out more about the scene of martial artists, their perception of Frank would not have been this shallow.

    Either way, the presence of so many armed soldiers here was much more shocking to them than what they thought martial artists could do.

    After all, this meant that Frank was no mere thug he was a thug with ties to the government!

    Even these Zamri self-styled aristocrats no longer dared to belittle him now!

    "F-Frank Lawrence, d-don''t do anything... you... I didn''t know you knew Governor Quill. I..."

    Meanwhile, Geon was barely coherent.

    His legs were shaking violently even as he stood before Frank, threatening to buckle and kneel before Frank.

    "Well, it''s just the two of us here now."

    Frank reclined against his chair as he asked quietly, "Tell me, who put you up to this?"

    Geon''s whole body cringed at the question.

    However, after hesitating for a long while, he looked up with a smile that could well be a sobbing face, stammering, "N-No one did..."

    "I''m reallycking in patience right now. Tell me who it is, and you''ll live a little longer. If you don''t..."

    Frank trailed off, his eyes shing coldly right then. "I''ll make you wish you were dead. No, you''d be begging me to kill you."

    "Eh?"

    Frank''s threat left Geon turning pale.

    He gulped, sneaking a nce at Carlo''s severed arm and the pool of blood around it.

    Somehow, he did not doubt Frank''s threat at all.

    After hesitating for a while, he clenched his teeth and admitted, "I-It was the Lionhearts!"

    "So it really was them."

    Frank nodded he was not

    particrly surprised by Geon''s confession. "And? Was it Titus? Or was it Simon, the head of the family, himself? Or was it perhaps someone else entirely?""

    "I-I don''t know..."

    Geon shook his head nkly, clearly troubled. "They only sent a contact every time, even when they were introducing me to Carlo Group." Seeing that Geon was really spilling the beans, Frank pressed on. "And what''s their goal? Just to take me down?"

    "No... I think they want something called the spiritron vein?"

    Geon shrugged in confusion. "I don''t know what that is, but it seems that they''re nning to distract you so that they could take it from you...

    "My spiritron vein? Kat Yego?"

    Frank realized with a start.

    The Lionhearts already knew that there was a spiritron vein in Kat''s body? How could they have known?

    Still, just as various expressions

    etN?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    alternated over Frank''s face, Geon asked fentatively, "By the way, Mr. Lawrence... What''s your connection to Governor Quill?"

    "Hmm?"

    Frank frowned slightly and snorted coolly when he saw Geon''s fawning smile. "Don''t ask what you don''t need to know."

    "Oh, yes, yes, yes..." Geon nodded repeatedly, wiping the sweat off his brow.

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 Chapter 1995

    ?

    After that, Frank pressed Geon for further details, but it turned out that he really did not know much.

    The only thing certain was that the Lionhearts had pressured him into assisting Carlo Group to distract Frank. However, Geon had no idea what they were doing after that, as they had not contacted him since.

    Before Frank left, he remembered something else. "By the way, did you kidnap Stanley Durban''s wife and daughter?"

    That was what Stanley had told him in that rundown temple in the mountains.

    He also imed that Geon had stripped him off actual power by taking hostages, and Frank would really like to confirm that himself.

    "What?"

    To Frank''s surprise, Geon was left exceedingly perplexed, even scratching his head. "Stanley? It''s been half a year since I saw him. As for his wife and daughter... I didn''t even know he had a daughter."

    Frank did a double take-Geon did not appear to be lying, and Frank sensed confusion instead of guilt.

    Still, Frank pressed, "But he''s the mayor, and he''s been gone for six months. The administration¡ª"

    "I''ve been taking care of it in his stead." Geon nodded. "I mentioned it to the higher-ups, and they have ordered me to take over his duties for the time being. I have no idea where Stanley went either."

    "Now that''s strange."

    Frank frowned slightly-so there was something suspicious about Stanley too.

    Nheless, just as he was about to leave, Geon panicked, clinging to his sleeve as he cried, "M-Mr. Lawrence... The Lionhearts would definitelye after me now that I''ve told you everything! I need your protection, even if it''s just for a few days-in that time, I will resign asmissioner and leave Draconia!"

    Frank frowned at Geon''s pleas.

    Despite everything that had happened, Geon was still the Zamrimissioner.

    Killing him would both cause a huge

    store and incur the wrath of the

    government. That was why forThis is from N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank, that option was only

    Frank

    applicable in the worst case

    scenario.

    Fortunately for everyone, Geon showed tact. Moreover, he was terrified after finding out that Frank had ties to Governor Quill and told Frank everything he knew

    On top of that, Frank found out that Stanley was keeping secrets of his own too.

    It was also inevitable for Frank to be suspected if Geon died in the near future, so he really should be kept alive.

    Even if he did, Frank had to make sure that there was no way for his death to be linked to himself.

    As such, he nodded after some thought. "I''ll have someone keep watch, but you should watch out for yourself too."

    Geon was delighted to hear that and kowtowed repeatedly to Frank in apology.

    "Fine, you can go now." Frank waved him off before stepping out and asking Hans Schnee to put a protection detail on Geon. Frank hade prepared for the worst, as it would be an act of provocation to Draconia''s authorities should he kill Geon.

    §Ö

    That was why Frank had called Hans beforehand, only asking for a favor since things were strained between Frank and Governor Quill at the moment.

    Frank just did not expect Hans to go the extra mile, bringing an entire legion with him.

    He even put a hand over his heart and assured that Frank could kill Geon if he wanted to-he would take care of the rest.

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 Chapter 1996

    ?

    In fact, Hans put a hand over his heart and assured that Frank could kill Geon if he wanted to-he would take care of the rest.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    Naturally, Hans also asked Frank indirectly about his stance on Governor Quill and his family.

    The misunderstanding between them and Frank had since been cleared, and the Quills who were involved in framing Frank had since been punished.

    Still, Governor Quill had his pride and really could not bring himself to apologize to Frank. He could only ask Hans to pass a message, asking Frank to visit him in Bralog when he could.

    Frank breathed a sigh of relief at that, as he was not cold enough to cut ties with Governor Quill.

    And with Hansing to make peace, Frank nodded and agreed to visiting Governor Quill when he could.

    Naturally, that would have to wait-Frank still had to deal with the problems he faced at the moment.

    With that, Frank had Hans pull his men out of the building and post a protection detail for Geon.

    Hans did not hesitate to agree to Frank''s requests either and had his men escort Geon as he left the building.

    Either way, Frank was now famous, having snapped at the rich and important figures of Zamri and making the Zamrimissioner yield to him. They certainly understood the backing he had now and that he was no thug.

    As such, Frank''s reach was no longer confined to the gangs but had also reached the politics and business scene in Zamri.

    They could not hope to reach the level of his connections either.

    Hence, Frank stole the limelight in Zamri once more as an agent of Lanecorp.

    And to Helen Lane''s delight, the case against her was dered moot, and she was also receiving new partnership offers from all businesses from Zamri.

    While those people were mostly aiming for Frank''s connections, they were still helping Lanecorp grow further and expand into new businesses. For Frank, however, it was not exactly good news, as fame was a double-edge sword.

    Given his unusual roots and status, getting too famous would instead draw the attention of his enemies.

    That was why he persuaded Helen

    to turn down most of the offers

    showered their way-things that came at no cost always proved to be the most costly in the end. Who knew when those new partners would stab Lanecorp in the back?

    Helen was no fool herself as she knew that nothing in this world really came for free. That was especially the case in business, where blood was persistently spilled.

    That was why she agreed to Frank''s suggestion, fending off the board''s pressure as she rejected most partnership offers.

    It was certainly upsetting for Gina Zonda too¡ªin her mind, a dinner served was a dinner served, and her daughter was just nitpicking.

    She even came looking for Frank, but his boys came up with various excuses and sent her home.

    And for Frank, he also realized

    something else after this

    incident no matter how strong an

    individual was, they could not stand alone against an entire faction or dynasty.

    That was why he changed his strategy.

    Instead of conditioning his mind and training his physique every day, he turned his attention to training the security officers from the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department.

    UMS

    Also, the boys had been mentioning quite often about how boring the name ''Lanecorp Health and Safety Department'' sounded.

    Frank himself did not take notice of the name or the thuggish officers at first, but things were different now.

 Chapter 1997

    ?

    Frank was now prepared to groom his own faction.

    And for that undertaking, the security officers from the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department were a readymade resource, as most were fine potential for martial artists.

    They just did not have any proper instructors yet.

    Hence, in one swift stroke, Frank divided them into two.

    Security officers who were still working shifts at Lanecorp Tower would hence remain as part of the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department.

    As for those chosen and extracted from the department, they woulde under a new outfit called...

    "Mystic Sky Guild!" Frank announced.

    Nheless, the name immediately incurred the dissatisfaction of many of the boys.

    Tidus Simmons was among them,ining about how it did not sound intimidating.

    "Mystic Sky Guild just sounds so... uninspiring. What about Blood Dragon Gang?" "Nah, Dragon Fangs sound better!"

    "Wait, we''re a gang in Zamri. And the Zamrians have a nice ring to it!"

    "How about The Boners?"

    "Just fuck off..."

    Frank was at a bar owned by the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department, filled to the brim with security officers.

    Everyone from Tidus, Scarface Tucker, Peter Lane, and even Madfist were there.

    "Ahem. Anyway, it''s decided-we are Mystic Sky Guild!"

    Frank smacked the table as he had his final small. "The names you''ve suggested are too gangster. Anyone would feel the ominous vibe instantly, and they''d take you for thugs!

    "But as Mystic Sky Guild... Hah! Watch as I lead you to new heights, even rising as equals of the South Sea Four!

    "I, Frank Lawrence, was an apprentice of Mystic Sky Sect. And you''re all my apprentices now, so I''ve decided on our name!"

    The bar was silent as Frank finished.

    Tidus, who now sported a crew cut instead of his previous myriad-colored spiky hair, stood up.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Mr. Lawrence... I mean, Master Lawrence. We''re just grunts working for you, man."

    He said nkly, "But you''re saying you''ll lead us misfits to rise as equals of the South Sea Four? Aren''t you giving us too much credit?"

    "Yeah, chief. We''re just a bunch of thugs..."

    "We''re only shaping up because thug life is too difficult"

    "Hell, only a handful of us can read."

    Frank was actually leftughing at their sudden demotivation and snapped, "Well, you''d better get your head in the game starting now!

    You''re all thugs and trash, but no

    do

    you really have to stay that way for the rest of your lives?!

    "I''m telling you¡ªif you stick with me, you''ll make it big! You''ll all be individuals who can stand against the South Sea Four!

    "And starting now, this old man..."

    Frank continued loudly, pointing at Madfist beside him, "He''s now your godfather and will be in charge of your training! So do as you''re told, and work hard to be martial artists!"

    "Now greet your new Godfather!"

    "Godfather!"

    At Frank''s call, the entire bar greeted Madfist in one voice.

    Madfist, however, appeared

    In

    stumped and turned in annoyance toward Frank. "Are you kidding me? You''re telling me to teach these pieces of shit martial arts? How many of them would actually seed?"

    "Don''t worry." Frank pped his chest and assured him in turn. "I''ll soon have them be reborn."

    Madfist appeared exasperated, but since he did not have a family, hearing so many boys call him father still left him emotional.

    "I''m developing a pill in the near future."

    Frank chuckled as he told everyone,

    "I spared no expense there, so I hope you''ll all do your best for me and Mystic Sky Guild by bing Birthright-ranked elites! I''m hoping to get at least a couple of

    Ascendant-ranked elites from you!"

    Madfist was left dumbfounded by the goal Frank had set.

 Chapter 1998

    ?

    Madfist was left dumbfounded by the goal Frank had set. "You need to take your pills, boy. You look like you''re possessed¡ª"

    "Indeed I am." Frank grinned proudly. "My mentor had given me a recipe before, and he imed that if I seed in making it, I would rise beyond the Transcendent rank and be immortal.

    "That made me think-if such an option is avable to us, what''s the harm in trying? Or perhaps you boys aren''t interested in rising beyond your human bonds?"

    Everyone looked eager when they heard such stirring encouragement from Frank.

    On the other hand, Madfist was silent, as he felt that Frank had really lost his mind today.

    However, with such grand ambitions envisioned, even Madfist had to admit that he was interested.

    "Well, we''re now Mystic Sky Guild, and we''ll be equals to the Southsea Four... No, we shall be one of the Southsea Five!" "Yeah!!!"

    Even as everyone cheered, the former thugs¡ªor indeed Frank himself-did not expect Mystic Sky Guild to be one of Draconia''s greatest factions.

    For his part, Frank was not taking a break just yet.

    After he offered those former thugs ambition, he hastened his research on that immortal pill as promised.

    With his cultivation improving, he was feeling that he was ascending beyond the boundary of mortal man but he yet to touch the limit of what he could really do.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Back then, Frank''s own mentor was trying to reach and rise beyond that limit, but it was a move that had clearly hurt a certain faction''s interest. That was why Mystic Sky Sect found themselves under siege by all of Draconia and even factions abroad.

    Even as Frank matured, he realized that something breathtaking was involved.

    Were there individuals who had risen beyond the Transcendent rank, who would refuse to allow a second immortal to exist in Draconia?

    The thought shocked Frank even as it urred to him.

    After all, rising beyond the Transcendent rank meant that they would have gained power beyondprehension-powerparable to the gods. Naturally, it was just a rumor-no one had actually encountered immortals who had risen beyond.

    Nheless, Frank was spending

    et

    the next few days researching his immortal pill and helping those former thugs develop potentialpatible for martial arts.

    That was when Podrick Daffey, Geon e Kramer''s captain, called him in the middle of the night, saying that Geon had something important to say and wanted to meet.

    "Something important?!"

    Frank did a double take, remembering just then that Geon had told him that the Lionhearts had yet to tell him about his next move.

    With that in mind, could the Lionhearts have given Geon further instructions now?

    Frank did not hesitate-picking up

    one of his jackets, he dashed out of his hotel and took a cab straight to themissioner''s residence in Zamri Square.

    He was allowed in after telling the door guards who he was, and he entered Geon''s study to find Geon with his back to him.

    The guards closed the door behind him, while Frank strode up to Geon, pping him on the shoulder. "Have the Lionhearts given you further instructions?"

    Geon, however, did not answer.

    Frank was taken aback-did he fall asleep?

    However, when Frank shook his shoulder, Geon''s head suddenly fell on the desk with a thud!

 Chapter 1999

    ?

    Blood gushed as Geon''s headnded on his desk, his eyes wide in a peaceless death!

    "What?! He''s dead?!"

    Frank''s heart skipped a beat at the sight, not quite believing what he was seeing.

    After all, he had seen many guards in the residence on the way in, with many of them being elite forces under Hans Schnee''smand.

    So how was Geon killed, and it had to be now of all times?

    Frank turned back toward the body and saw the handle of an exquisitely crafted dagger sticking out of the back.

    And it was a dagger he was very familiar with.

    "Stanley!" he eximed as he realized with a start, as he took the dagger given to him by Stanley Durban as a token.

    They were identical!

    "How did this happen?! Was Stanley the one who set this stage?"

    Frank''s mind was working rapidly, but the puzzle pieces were iplete he only had a hunch Stanley was involved, but not how he did it without alerting any of the guards, including Hans'' elite forces.

    What''s more, why would Stanley want to frame him? Could he be allies with the Lionhearts?

    But Geon had aligned himself with the Lionhearts too... Unless they had sent Stanley to kill Geon, so that he would not talk?

    Nheless, Frank walked up, touching and inspecting Geon''s body.

    It was still warm-he must have died within the hour. In addition, he was decapitated with the dagger on his back and slowly, leading to jagged gaps. Before Frank shook the body, there was just a small piece of skin holding head to neck.

    Frank then looked around and found some ash beneath the table.

    Picking it up and sniffing it, his eyes. narrowed. "Drifter''s Sweet. Common enough on the ck market and capable of knocking out a person."

    BUMS

    Frank then rose to his feet and pieced together what had happened.

    Someone must have knocked out

    Geon with the Drifter''s Sweet and then cut off his head before

    swn yel.

    stabbing the dagger on his back.

    However, they would have killed him after decapitating him... so why plunge the dagger into him?

    "Wait..." Frank murmured. "Could they be out to frame me?!"

    Even as Frank realized with a start, the door suddenly opened.

    Captain Podrick Daffey, who always had a poker face, entered just then. "Mr. Commissioner, you have a visitor¡ª"

    Before he finished, his eyes widened when he saw Geon''s decapitated body.

    Then, he turned and saw Frank, who was still holding the dagger identical to the one in Geon''s back.

    Realizing with a start, Podrick bellowed, "What... How dare you, Frank Lawrence! Y-You killed themissioner!"

    And before Frank could speak, Podrick was running outside and yelling, "Guards! Themissioner has just been assassinated!"

    "What?!"

    All the guards around the residence. were left stunned for a moment but soon rushed toward Geon''s study at the next instant, leaving it congested.

    "Calm down¡ªjust listen to me!"

    lov

    Frank tried to exin as the guards encircled him, "I didn''t kill him. He was already dead when I came in!"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2000

    ?

    "Bullshit!"

    Podrick pointed at Frank as he bellowed, "Then exin the blood on your hands!"

    Frank quickly looked down, but there were some bloodstains since he was using his bare hands to examine Geon''s corpse.

    Even he had to admit that it would easily cause a misunderstanding.

    "Also!"

    Podrick continued, "It was just you and themissioner in the study! You''re strong, and you had a fight with themissioner before. That''s a motive if I ever see one, and who else could it be?!"

    Hearing Podrick''s verdict, the guards all raised their rifles and took aim at Frank

    Nheless, Frank continued to do his best to reason. "Calm down! There''s something strange about this. Someone''s trying to set me up!"

    "Calm down?! I was the captain of themissioner''s guard, and he''s dead right before my eyes!"

    Podrick roared in righteous indignation, "If you''re not the murderer as you im, then surrender yourself! Don''t try to avoid arrest with your martial arts or your connections! Once we investigate the truth, you will be freed!"

    "Fine. Have it your way."

    Frank raised his hands, sighing. "But for the record, if I''d wanted Geon dead, I would''ve done it earlier instead of waiting until tonight."

    "Nothing you say means a thing!"

    Podrick strode up, ready to cuff Frank.

    That was when a familiar voice snapped, "Wait!"

    Frank twitched at the voice, his eyes shing coldly. "You!"N?velDrama.Org owns all content.

    "Indeed it is, Mr. Lawrence. Long time no see."

    Naturally, it was none other than Stanley Durban, the mayor of Zamri who had given him that dagger before.

    As the crowd parted to make way for him, he looked especially soft spoken with his sses and tailored suit.

    Adjusting his sses, he spoke with

    160

    a quiet voice, "Mr. Lawrence, you''vemitted a grievous crime and in front of so many witnesses... you''re really going to have trouble talking your way out of this one."

    "You can stop pretending, Stanley."

    Frank glowered and demanded icily, "Who set you after me?! The Lionhearts?!"

    "Hehe... I don''t know what you''re talking about, Mr. Lawrence."

    Stanley shook his head in dramatic disappointment. "Commissioner Kramer was a good friend of mine, taking over my duties while I was away... to think that I had to see this

    as I returned."

    "I''m afraid that despite having made your acquaintance, Mr. Lawrence, I can''t bail you out¡ªnot when you''ve murdered an important official of this country."

    "Quit running your mouth!"

    Frank growled through his teeth, "The way I see it, you nned to kill Geon yourself, including with this dagger-"

    "Yes? And what about it?"

    Stanley leaned his head to the side, smiling at the exquisitely crafted dagger Frank was holding and chuckled. "That''s the murder weapon you used, no?"

    "Which you''d given to me!" Frank snapped, glowering.

    et

    "Really?" Stanley shrugged. "Then who can prove that I did? And how can you prove that it wasn''t the murder weapon? Here you stand, trying to nder me and shift the me... You really disappointme, Frank."

    Even as Stanley argued, he maintained a mild-mannered appearance.

    In Frank''s eyes, he had already proven to be more despicable than Geon and was nothing less than a wolf in sheep''s clothing!

 Chapter 2001

    ?

    "Guards, arrest that man!"

    Stanley waved his hand.

    At his orders, the guards encircled Frank, who narrowed his eyes.

    If Stanley took him into custody, he was never getting out, as countless crimes would be pinned on him.

    As such, should Frank just kill him instead?

    No, that was an impractical idea too-everyone in this room already believed that Frank had murdered the Zamrimissioner, and he would bemitting an actual crime if he killed Stanley too.

    Naturally, given the way Stanley was provoking Frank, he was not at all concerned that Frank would attack him.

    In all likelihood, he had a hand to y-something that would both stop Frank''s attempt while further strengthening the case against Frank. As such, his best option was...

    Scowling, Frank took a couple of steps backward to the window. "Everyone, I didn''t kill themissioner. Give me time, and I''ll get you the real culprit! So long!"

    With another couple steps backward, Frank then turned, stepping on the shoulders of the guards encircling him and vaulting out of the window. Even as he disappeared in an instant, Stanley bellowed, "Fire!"

    The guards all promptly fired in the direction where Frank ran, but nothing came out of it.

    "Hmph..."

    Seeing that Frank was gone, Podrick beckoned at the guards to give chase and even informed the Zamri garrison.

    On the other hand, Stanley smirked. "Run! Let''s see how far you can run!"

    Not long afterwards, at the Martial Alliance headquarters in Morhen...

    "What?! How could this happen?!"

    Silverbell had just returned from patrol when she saw the new bounties on the board, with Frank listed among them.

    After reading the details, her face

    fell. "Assassinating the Zamri

    with

    r and fleeing  s current location own?

    "How could Frank do this? Why would he murder amissioner? There has to be a misunderstanding!"

    Silverbell promptly whipped out her phone to dial Frank''s number, but he was not answering even after she tried a few times.

    That left her even more anxious-the

    ne

    Martial Tournament was taking ce soon, and Frank was caught in murder at this time and even fled the

    scene of the crime? N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.

    Silverbell knew that this was not Frank''s style, but there was no faking the details on the bounty.

    Both local authorities and Morhen would have screened through everything!

    "Five hundred million..."

    Silverbell gasped when she saw the value of the bounty.

    She was certainly concerned, as it was a very lucrative bounty even for Martial Alliance standards. "No... I have to help!"

    Silverbell bit her lip, deciding right then that she would leave Morhen and head over to Zamri to find Frank.

    However, she had just started outside when a white-haired elder stopped him.

    "What''s the rush, Lady Silverbell?" He smiled, but anyone could sense the power beneath his kind appearance. "Elder Fango."

    Silverbell bowed her head and admitted, "I''m going to search for a wanted criminal."

    "Hmm..."

    Elder Fango thought about it and

    chuckled, "Dear Silverbell-you''re the chief of the Martial Alliance. Just leave such menial work to others The Martial Tournament is at hand, and many martial artists areing to Morhen from across the country, with foreign envoys attending as well."

 Chapter 2002

    ?

    Elder Fango then asked mildly, "You''re the symbol representing the Martial Alliance. Is it really fine for you to leave like this?"

    At that moment, Silverbell knew in no uncertain terms that she was not going anywhere now, what with so much work to do and with the Martial Tournament taking ce soon.

    As the chief of the Martial Alliance, she must not leave Morhen unless it was absolutely necessary.

    However...

    "Frank..."

    Her thoughts spurred her again, and she looked up to meet Elder Fango''s eyes. "This is very urgent. Please understand, I¡ª"

    Elder Fango was smiling and shaking his head before she could finish.

    He did not say a word, but Silverbell knew she was staying put.

    "Frank... Why does it have to be now, of all times?"

    She sighed under her breath, thanked Elder Fango, and returned into the building.

    While Silverbell was beset with worry, a legion of police officers had arrived in Lanecorp for investigation.

    "We have nothing to do with Frank Lawrence! My daughter divorced him a long time ago!"

    Gina Zonda was immediately proiming that there was no connection between Lanecorp and Frank, which left Helen with a bad taste in her mouth.

    Still, Gina''s words only left the air in the room awkward, when Helen decided she had enough and stood up, speaking firmly, "No. Frank Lawrence is my husband."

    "Oh, Helen!"

    Gina flinched at her daughter''s

    words and promptly tugged on her wrist while whispering with a quivering voice, "Don''t you get it? He murdered the Zamrimissioner! A policemissioner! That''s the biggest fuck up if I''ve ever seen one! Lanecorp would fall into pieces if you still side with him now!"

    "So be it."

    Helen held her head high and proud despite Gina''s bewildered stare. "Frank Lawrence is my husband, and I''m his wife. I''m not getting away if anything happens to him anyway, and Lanecorp will stand with him to the bitter end!" N?velDrama.Org owns all content.

    "Me too."

    Vicky Turnbull chuckled as she strode up to Helen, winking at her and grinning. "For a moment, I thought that you''d listen to your mom again and behave like a coward!"

    "Hmph."

    Helen snorted but did not argue.

    "A-And me!"

    Winter arrived as well, tugging on her own sleeve nervously. "I trust Frank! He''s not a person who would run away... I can be his guarantor!" "You?"

    A police officer around Winter''s age leered at her pursing his lips. "What good is the guarantee of a brat like you? These people are staking theirpanies or family connections. What do you have? Shoo-this is serious business."

    With that, he shoved Winer out of the way.

    ?

    He was right as well¡ªHelen represented Lanecorp, while Vicky was even more impressive, as she represented the Turnbulls of Morhen.

    Winter really paled inparison, though Kat Yego was soon snapping, "Who do you think you''re mocking?! Open your eyes and look! Winter is the chief of Zamri Hospital!"

 Chapter 2003

    ?

    "What? She''s the chief of Zamri Hospital?"

    The young police officer appeared surprised but soon snorted after ncing at Winter. "None of your assurances mean a thing. Frank Lawrence has murdered Geon Kramer, the Zamrimissioner, and that''s a fact!

    "Considering how serious this crime is, the Martial Alliance has put him on their most wanted list, and everyone from the police to the bounty hunters are on the move. He''ll definitely get caught, while anyone still siding with him might be pressed charges too."

    And with that, the police officers left, since they did not actually find anything of value in Lanecorp Tower.

    It was obvious that Frank had left Zamri.

    But on that very day, the leader of every governing body on the east coast and the Martial Alliance sent all the people they had, all of them focused on arresting Frank.

    All of the east coast was shaken, as even famous martial artists and ckranks were out looking for Frank, as they were all interested in the Martial Alliance''s bounty on him.

    Meanwhile, on Waver Street in Morhen, Frank was not hiding or covering his tracks after leaving Zamri. In fact, he was not even concerned about his own safety-he was only focused on finding the truth behind Geon''s death soon.

    As such, he sneaked off to the liveliest spot in Morhen, right under the nose of the Martial Alliance.

    If anyone knew that he was not fleeing and instead going straight into the Martial Alliance''s turf, their jaws would certainly drop!

    Nevertheless, Frank was not just loitering around he was here to see Juno Enigma, the information broker who stood at the top of ckrank.

    Arriving at her tavern, Frank heard her coquettishugher just as she quietly sat beside him. "Aren''t you worried I''d capture you and im your bounty from the Martial Alliance?"

    "Do you know anything about Geon Kramer''s death?" Frank asked bluntly, ignoring her joke as he never liked chit-chatting.

    "Oh..."

    Juno rubbed her temples, pouting. "You''re always like this, so direct when it''s me... You''re going to upset me, y''know."

    Frank turned, staring at her broad grin a moment and then at her deliberately unted cleavage the next.

    Sighing exasperatedly, he said, "Just tell me what I have to trade for that information."

    "But there''s nothing to trade."

    Juno pouted, shrugging as she leaned on his shoulder and giggled. "I don''t even know who did it. I don''t have irvoyance, you see."

    "Y-You don''t know?

    Frank did a double take-this was the first time he found Juno stumped.

    "Hey, what do you take me for?"

    Juno twirled her finger around Frank''s chest, giggling charmingly. "Why would pay my undivided attention to someone as unimportant as the Zamri

    someone is out to get you, which is why they''re blowing things out of proportion. The bottom line is, it''s just amissioner!"

    commissioner? Also, it''s clear el

    Frank''s expression stiffened at Juno''s words, but he sighed exasperatedly. "Just a

    commissioner? Easy for you to sat

    vel.i

    You know that every policemissioner represents the government, and killing one is a deration of war against the government!"

    "Exactly."

    Juno giggled. "Being implicated in amissioner''s death makes you an enemy of the state. Now take guess is there anyone who would really like that to happen to you?" N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    "The Lionhearts?"

    UMS

    Frank rubbed his chin as he frowned in thought. "No. I know for a fact that they want the spiritron vein and are trying their best to keep things quiet."

 Chapter 2004

    ?

    "The Lionhearts?"

    Frank rubbed his chin as he frowned in thought. "No. I know for a fact that they want the spiritron vein and are trying their best to keep things quiet.

    "After all, if the government takes me down, the spiritron vein might end up falling into their hands, and that''s bad news for the Lionhearts. But who could it be, if not them?"

    While Frank racked his brains, Juno giggled. "Hehe... By the way, I''ve heard that you''re quite popr with women, darling-even the new ones you met."

    "Phoenix Ardron?!"

    As Frank remembered the name right then, he also quickly remembered by connection the name of Phoenix''s fiance Josh Dellon, who was the Hoxtonmissioner.

    "It was him?!"

    Frank did a double take as he pieced everything together.

    Stanley imed that he had only recently returned since he had been elsewhere half a year. He also added the first person he met since then was Frank, not Geon.

    In fact, it was at that meeting when he asked Frank to kill Geon...

    Was it possible that Stanley was friends with Josh?

    Even as Frank pondered, Juno sat and watched him work, smiling as she rested her cheek on her hand.

    Suddenly, a dart shot in through the tavern window straight at Juno''s face!

    "Hmm?!"

    Frank came to his senses right then and caught the dart bare-handed.

    "Oh, that''s some really quick reflexes. I''m so lucky-I''d be dead if not for you."

    Juno patted her ample bosom as if panicking, but Frank could see right away that she was pretending.

    Still, he did not expose her and passed her the dart. "Find out yourself who wants you dead."

    "Hehe. That''s unnecessary."

    Juno smiled. "Open the dart."N?velDrama.Org owns all content.

    "Open the dart?"

    Frank raised a brow.

    Still, after taking a closer look at the dart, he noticed a button at the

    center he really would not han

    noticed if Juno had not told

    helongs to

    bim

    He poked it gently, and the dart split in two with a click, while a yellow note dropped out.

    "Hehe. That''s how we pass messages around here." Juno smiled.

    Frank pursed his lips¡ªthere was no way that was possible, not with how fast the dart was thrown.

    If Juno had been a second slower, the dart would have really killed her.

    I

    Seeing the surprise on Frank''s face, Juno hid a smile behind her palm. "That''s how things work in this profession¡ªyou''re walking on a tightrope every moment, and if you''re not good enough, you die. That''s all there is to it."

    "Could you actually be concerned for me, darling?"

    Staring into Juno''s dewy eyes, Frank nodded in a rare moment of honesty. "Of course. You''ve helped me a lot.

    "Eh?"

    Juno was actually left stunned by Frank''s words, and she appeared at a loss.

    It was the first time she had such a

    gone her face, though it was soon

    she shed her usual

    sw belongs

    bewitching smile. Content to

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2005

    ?

    Juno purred, "Oh, color me surprised."

    "Spare me."

    Frank naturally saw through her pretense and calmly said, "I''m not an ingrate. I''ll always keep in mind the times you helped me, and I''ll definitely fulfill my promise as well."

    Despite Frank''s solemn words, Juno did not lose herposure again and instead giggled. "In that case, are you willing to move to Talnam and be anointed a prince?"

    Frank was only mystified. "A prince? What are you on about now?"

    "Hehe."

    Juno merely giggled and said nothing, while Frank turned back to the note in the dart, unfurling it.

    [Josh Dellon, themissioner of Hoxton, is secretly friends with Stanley Durban.]

    "Hmm...?"

    Frank did a double take before turning to see Juno still smiling at him.

    He once again noted inwardly how scary the woman was.

    Not only had she anticipated that he woulde to her, but she had even gathered information and found the person who was after Frank, even sending her people to investigate.

    The sheer efficiency and foresight was definitely why the woman stood at the top of ckrank, and Frank was naturally wary toward her.

    It would be fine if she was on his side, but if she was not...

    Frank breathed a long sigh-he really would not like that.

    "So?" Juno asked, taking the note from Frank and shing a bewitching smile. "Hehehe. It''s just as I''d predicted."

    Turning back to Frank, she asked, "So you know who it is now? Women really are trouble, aren''t they?"

    "Quite." Frank nodded in agreement, staring fixedly at Juno.

    Juno appeared taken aback and pouted. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you talking about me? You still don''t trust me after everything I''ve done for you?"

    "I trust you." Frank nodded, thinking inwardly that he did not believe that anything ever came for free.

    Rising to his feet, he started to leave. "Well, I''ll be going since I''ve confirmed the details."

    "Going? Where to?"

    Juno did a double take and soon

    double

    eximed in surprise, "You''re not going back to Zamri, are you? Don''t you know that the city is digging itself trying to find you? You''re walking right into a trap if you go."

    "That''s true."

    UMS

    Frank nodded before continuing calmly, "But can''t just sit and watchThis is from N?velDrama.Org.

    while members of the Martial

    l

    Alliance harass Helen and the others. Now that I know the truth, I shall return and prove my innocence."

    Juno, however, shook her head repeatedly. "You''d be discovered and mobbed as soon as you return. Do you think that the martial artists who want to im your bounty would calm down and listen to you defending yourself?"

    "No."

    Frank shrugged, still calm as ever. "The Martial Tournament is still going on. And Phoenix Ardron has the Martial Alliance''s rmendation, so she''ll be in Zamri..."

    Juno nodded and smiled. "So you''re going to take Phoenix hostage to threaten Josh?"

    "Exactly."

    Frank snapped his fingers. "That would keep Josh on his toes while I look for the real culprit who murdered Geon."

 Chapter 2006

    ?

    Frank snapped his fingers. "Exactly. That would keep Josh on his toes, while I look for the real culprit who murdered Geon." "It''s less than three days until the Martial Tournament," Juno reminded him.

    "I know. I can do it."This is from N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank nodded calmly.

    Juno breathed a long sigh, as she had no other reason to convince him and could only watch as he left in a rush.

    Just as Juno had expected, the police officers and the members of the Martial Alliance found Frank as soon as he returned to Zamri, before he could reach Helen or Vicky.

    However, he remained one step ahead.

    On the way back from Zamri, he had already found out which hotel Phoenix was staying in through Trevor Zurich''s inf, and he headed straight there.

    Phoenix was initially shocked when she saw him barging into her hotel room but soon appeared embarrassed, even shy.

    She was only wearing a sleeping gown, her upper body almost bare as she reclined against her couch, sipping tea.

    "Mr. Lawrence, what-"

    Before she realized it, he had strode up and seized her by the neck.

    While Phoenix was left gaping, he whipped out his phone and called Madfist to send backup.

    After all, all the police officers and the members of the Martial Alliance who were after him were right downstairs, surrounding the entire building. "W-What''s going on here?!"

    Phoenix was left stupefied at the sight of the shing lights and crowds outside,pletely forgetting that she was herself a martial artist, and did not even struggle against Frank''s hold.

    "Work with me. I''ll apologize to youter," Frank quickly told her right then.

    "Huh? Oh, okay."

    Phoenix was confused as to what was happening, but she enjoyed the warmth of Frank''s hand and his vicedike grip for reasons she could not exin.

    She was even starting to shudder...

    Nheless, the Zamri police officers and the members of the Martial Alliance soon gathered downstairs in great numbers.

    Stanley Durban was naturally the

    first to arrive ordering the scene be locked down before yelling at Frank through a megaphone, "Frank

    Lawrence! I know you''re hidings

    there it''s over now! I don''t know why you''re confident enough to

    return to Zamri, but you

    not

    getting away now! Content belongs

    "The world now knows that you''ve assassinated the Zamrimissioner, so get out here, or we''re burning down the hotel!" Behind him, his men cheered and echoed in agreement.

    "Hmph."

    Frank snorted coolly and dragged Phoenix with him out to the balcony.

    "You finally have the balls to-huh?!"

    Before he could mock Frank, Stanley saw Phoenix right then.

    After all, he was well aware of who Phoenix was, since she was the fiancee of his newest best friend, Josh.

    And she was important to Josh as well, since she was the bridge between him and Cloudnine Sect.

    If Phoenix died, Josh would quickly lose power.

    As such, Stanley''s heart sank upon seeing Frank holding Phoenix hostage, as he realized that Frank was aware of his partnership with Josh.

    et

    Nheless, he yelled, "Have you lost your mind, Frank Lawrence?! Are you going to kill a member of Cloudnine Sect after you killed the Zamrmissioner?! Do you really want to make enemies with all of Draconia?!"

 Chapter 2007

    ?

    "How dare you, Frank!"

    Captain Podrick Daffey red at Frank as he stood on the balcony, hollering, "You murdered the Zamrimissioner! Not only were you found fleeing the crime scene, but you''ve returned to the city and taken a hostage?! Do you think you''re invincible?!"

    "Release the hostage and surrender!"

    "We will at least let you rest in one piece!"

    "Yeah! Surrender!"

    Downstairs, all the police officers and the members of the Martial Alliance were hollering at Frank thunderously.

    "All of you, shut up!" Frank suddenly bellowed despite the hollering, abruptly silencing the rowdy martial artists.

    Then, standing on the handrail and ring at the congested crowd below, he bellowed, "I have nothing to do with Geon Kramer''s death. I''ve been framed, and I now know who''s responsible, so calm down!"

    "Calm down?! How?!"

    Podrick waved his fists at Frank and bellowed, "Multiple witnesses¡ªincluding myself-saw you in the room where themissioner died! And you''d still argue?!"

    "That''s because none of you cared to look!"

    Frank bellowed back, "You''re the one who called me in the middle of the night, saying that themissioner wanted to see me! But he was already dead by the time I got there, while you came in with perfect timing! So I dare say you''re among the ones plotting against me!"

    "Plotting, you say?!"

    Podrick smirked despite the many eyes watching and whipped out an exquisitely made dagger. "This dagger is called the Fang Dancer, and it''s a set of two! So why do you have one, while the other was found at the crime scene?! What do you have to say about that?!"

    Frank''s eyes narrowed at the blood-soaked dagger as Podrick flung it on the ground.

    Stanley was the one who had given him that dagger, saying that it was a token.

    In reality, it was a murder weapon used to frame him, a decisive piece of evidence that he could not talk his way out of!

    "What, you have nothing to say?"

    Podrickughed coldly, folding his

    arms before his chest as he chuckled. "What, are you now going to tell us that it isn''t yours? That someone gave it to you?!"

    Frank narrowed his eyes-Podrick was actually right about that, as he was going to say that the dagger

    was given to him by Stanley, whone

    told him to murder the Zamri

    commissioner Geon

    However, it did not matter if anyone would believe him. Even if they did, would they also believe that Stanley had murdered Geon for no reason?

    UMS

    As such, the only question right now was whether Frank had actually murdered Geon.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

    "The evidence and witnesses prove it!" Podrick bellowed. "How long are you going to drag this out?!"

    At the same time, Stanley simply watched in a corner, folding his arms before his chest while smirking at Frank.

    He was actually surprised that Frank was this stupid, trying to maintain his innocence against the mob with only his words. It was the dumbest move possible.

    "What''s there to talk with scum like him?! Let''s just take him down already!"

    "Exactly! We''ll take his head for the Martial Alliance''s bounty!"

    While Zamri''s police officers cared about evidence, the bounty hunting martial artists did not care if Frank had been framed.

    All they wanted was to kill Frank right now and im his bounty from the Martial Alliance that was all there was to it.

 Chapter 2008

    ?

    All the bounty hunting martial artist wanted was to kill Frank right now and im his bounty from the Martial Alliance-that was all there is to it.

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    Frank turned just then to see a familiar face it was Carlo Barzini, the head of Carlo Group, whose life Frank had spared.

    The stump of his severed arm was bandaged, and he was ring venomously at Frank even as he stood with his son''s help.

    "Everyone," Carlo bellowed, "he massacred my elite guards, and themissioner would''ve been killed if I hadn''t done my best to stop him!

    "But even then, he didn''t change his ways and instead killed themissioner anyway in the most treacherous fashion! He''s vile through and through!"

    The police officers and the members of the Martial Alliance were all stunned by Carlo''s outburst.

    This was no crime of passion-it was premeditated murder!

    He had failed once, so he tried again and seeded the second time round!

    Frank did not actually expect Carlo to show up now, and he red sharply as he pointed at Carlo and snapped, "Carlo Barzini! You were conspiring with themissioner and tried to nt fake pills in Zamri Hospital, but I spared your life even though I caught you! And now you''re still trying to distort the truth?!"

    He was actually regretting sparing a man as despicable as Carlo-he should have killed him on the spot and spared himself the trouble.

    Carlo was terrified when he saw Frank''s furious re, but he soon puffed his chest. "Still trying to nder me?! You only caught me off guard, and you''d be dead if not for me! But themissioner spared you because he was too kind for his own good, only to be blindsided by you! You deserve death!"

    "Such depravity! Let''s wipe him out to prevent further trouble!"

    "Death! Take his head for the bounty!"

    "Go!"

    Amid the deafening cries, the bounty hunting martial artists could no longer hold back.

    They had all lost all sanity and only wanted the bounty as they hollered while charging at Frank.

    It was just as Juno had

    net

    ?????"

    predicted all the martial artists

    present did not care about the truth.

    UMS

    They just wanted Frank''s bounty.

    He could talk himself hoarse, but they would not be bothered when they hade for money in the first ce!

    "Hmph. You want my head? Do you think you have what it takes?!"N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.

    And seeing that they were not being reasonable, Frank stomped his foot, and the six-floored hotel copsed right then. Many of the martial artists who charged inside were left screaming as they got caught and were buried beneath the rubble. "He''s strong! Let''s go together!"

    While the other martial artists who were not buried were stunned by Frank''s power, they promptly rallied to attack as one. Hence, though Frank felled dozens at once, hundreds more charged at him again.

    "Not here yet, huh?"

    Frank looked around, and his eyes shed as he did not see the faces he expected.

    Now, he would not hold back against the martial artists attacking him the had to blow things out of proportion topel certain people into making their move.

    But just as Frank held out his hands, ready to unleash his pure vigor, az dark wave of men suddenly arrived from every direction, encircling all the martial artists and police officers.

    Naturally, it was Mystic Sky Guilding out in force.

 Chapter 2009

    ?

    "Stop!"

    Tidus Simmons was leading the charge, hollering, "Go on, tryying a finger on the chief! Mystic Sky Guild doesn''t fear you!"

    "Hell yeah!"

    "You''ll answer to our des if you touch him!"

    Tidus'' shout was immediately echoed by the other members of Mystic Sky Guild who numbered over two thousand strong, encircling the hotel.

    Their shadows loomed over the police officers and members of the Martial Alliance that numbered to just a few hundred.

    Forget how strong the two thousand were, or how many martial artists were among their ranks their shouts alone would leave anyone unsettled, and some were carrying guns on top of that!

    On the other hand, there were no more than a handful of Ascendant-ranked elites among the police officers and the members of the Martial Alliance. As such, even the martial artists were terrified at the guns trained at them.

    At the same time, Tidus and Scarface Tucker tore through the encirclement to reach Frank, with Tidus brushing his knuckle against Frank''s arm. "We were so worried, chief! We haven''t heard from you in days!"

    Frank chuckled. "I was investigating who framed me."

    "Wait, you didn''t actually kill themissioner?" Tidus did a double take. "So did you find out who did it?"

    However, his question left Frank speechless. "What, you thought I did?!"

    Tidus and Scarface traded nces and soonughed. "Forget themissioner! You said we''d be the strongest in Draconia, didn''t you? We''d be on your side even if you killed the president!"N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.

    "That''s right!"

    Scarface licked his lips and grit. "Heck, you could tell us you''re going after the gods, and we''d still stand with you!" "Ugh..."

    Frank was really unsure if he shouldugh at their simple-minded nature or be grateful that they trusted him so much.

    "Frank Lawrence!"

    Pet

    That was when Stanley shouted hostilely, "Are you resisting arrest?! Or do you perhaps intend to rebel against the government with these

    as?!"

    Even if Mystic Sky Guild had numbers, they were ultimately gangsters-an illegal organization.

    If they dared to fight against Draconia''s government, they would be made to pay a bloody price when the military came for them. What good were numbers? Against Draconia''s government, the only way out was death!

    At the same time, Podrick was yelling a warning. "Frank Lawrence! Come quietly if you don''t want your men to die in vain!" "Captain Daffey, Mayor Durban. I have no intention to make enemies of the government."

    et

    Frank strode up, speaking coolly, "I''vee to prove my innocence and to show the Marital Alliance and the government that I''m no coward afraid to face my crimes!

    "And now I know who set me up. All I need to do is to produce evidence!"

    "Quit running your mouth!" Podrick bellowed in rage. "You''re the one who murdered themissioner, and we have all the proof and witnesses we need! Do you think we''d listen to your lies?!"

    "Then use your pea brains and think!"

    Frank strode up, bellowing, "If I really did kill themissioner, why would I return instead of fleeing?"

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2010

    ?

    "Then use your pea brains and think!"

    Frank strode up, bellowing, "If I really did kill themissioner, why would I return instead of fleeing?

    "Why should I bother wasting my breath defending myself against the likes of you? Do you pieces of shit think that you could stop me?! Hell, none of you can stop me even if I wanted to leave now!"

    "What...?!"

    All the martial artists present were left incensed by Frank''s diss, but Frank was right.

    Just from his earlier disy of strength, Frank had shown that no one here could stop him if he wanted to leave.

    "Also!"

    Frank then whipped out an exquisitely crafted dagger, flinging it on the floor as he growled coolly, "If I did kill themissioner, why would I keep the murder weapon instead of hiding it? Why would I leave evidence for your benefit? Or perhaps you think there are murderers who would deliberately reveal the murder weapon?!

    "In fact, if I wanted to kill someone, I don''t even need a murder weapon. I could just make them disappear if necessary instead of leaving evidence that could be traced back to me!

    "What am I, stupid?!"

    Every police officer was left speechless by Frank''s speech, with even Podrick flushing, unable to muster a retort.

    All the martial artists present actually calmed down as well, as they realized from Frank''s words that something strange was afoot.

    Nheless, Podrick snorted coldly. "Hmph! You can argue with pretty words all you want, but there''s no question that you were alone in that room where themissioner was murdered! You''re the chief suspect, and you''re not escaping punishment!"

    "That is why I''m back!"

    Frank reared his chin proudly. "I''ll find the real murderer on my own and maintain my own innocence!" "Ahem, ahem..."Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

    Just as a stalemate ensued, someone cleared his throat audibly.

    It was far, but it somehow echoed into the air.

    And for some reason, everyone seemed to hear the voice right beside their ears...

    Soon, an elderly white-haired man in white robes emerged from the crowd of martial artists, twirling his beard as he smiled at Frank. "must admit that I''m impressed by your courage, Mr. Lawrence."

    "You are...?" Stanley quickly asked, as he could see that the old man had a different air to him and appeared so suddenly like he simply teleported here.

    "Hehe." The old man chuckled. "I''m but a humble elder of the Martial Alliance. You may all address me as Elder Fango."

    "Elder Fango...?"

    All the martial artists present were left trading nces they had never heard about someone with that name in the Martial Alliance.

    On the other hand, Elder Fango was nodding in approval and smiling after studying Frank. "Not bad-you are a man of integrity, daring to take responsibility for this mess. One would expect nothing less of Governor Quill''s grandson.

    "What?!"

    "S-Sir, are you saying that he''s..."

    Everyone was left stunned by Elder Fango''s praise for Frank. "Oh, you weren''t aware?"

    Elder Fango appeared puzzled, but he soon stroked his beard and chuckled. "Right, I forgot to mention it... the bounty on Frank Lawrence''s head is null. However, the gravity of the situation remains, and even the Martial Alliance is left shaken.

    "Even with Governor Quill''s protection, he''s still guilty of assassinating amissioner in broad daylight. There''s no talking his way out of this, even if his life is spared."

    Then, turning toward Frank, Elder Fango smiled. "And I havee precisely to oversee his punishment."

 Chapter 2011

    ?

    "What?! The bounty was called off?!"

    All the martial artists present appeared stunned when they heard that what were they doing here, dying for nothing?

    Many nced at the building that Frank stomped and crushed under his foot and found pity for the deaths of the martial artists buried under the rubble.

    Naturally, they were further shocked that Frank was so important that Governor Quill would personally approach the Martial Alliance and plead leniency for his sake.

    Who was he to Governor Quill?

    Even Podrick and Stanley were left stunned by how important Frank really was, and silence soon ensued.

    Nheless, Elder Fango shook his head and chuckled. "I initially only came to take Frank and have him sent to ckwater, where he would reflect in penance for three years, but I''m being told something different."

    Looking up at Frank with a smile, he asked, "You''re denying that you murdered Commissioner Kramer, yes?"

    "That''s right!"

    Frank nodded at Elder Fango despite being shocked by the pressure projected on him, remaining neutral as he spoke. "I''ve been framed by design, and I more or less have an idea who did it.

    "As for the real culprit who murdered Geon Kramer... Just give me three days, and I will give you a satisfactory answer before the Martial Tournament!"

    Elder Fango nodded in satisfaction at Frank''s words and turned toward Stanley. "How about that, Mr. Mayor? Are you willing to give Frank three days?"

    "T-That''s out of the question!"

    Stanley snarled through his teeth, "We have all the proof we need. And what if he runs away in those three days? How are we supposed to catch him then?"

    "Pfft-"

    Frank snickered at Stanley''s outburst. "What, is your conscience gnawing at you?"

    "My conscience?"

    Stanley snorted. "I''m just worried that you''d skip town, murderer!"

    "That''s enough!"

    Elder Fango frowned before

    whipping out a pill the size of a cherry and throwing it at Frank. "That''s a death pill that the Martial Alliance feeds criminals whomit capital crimes. Someone who takes it will instantly die after three days without the antidote."

    Then, he passed a white pill to Stanley with a smile. "That''s the antidote. If Frank finds the reale culprit in three days,

    Il give el

    him. How about that?"

    it to

    Stanley was initially surprised by Elder Fango''s suggestion, but he was soon celebrating inwardly while sliding a subtle savage re at Frank.

    After all, he believed that Frank''s fate was sealed now-Frank was definitely going to die with the antidote in his hands!

    However, Frank frowned and protested, "Elder Fango, what if Stanley is the real culprit, and he refuses to give me the antidote even if I expose him?"Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Hehe."

    Elder Fango chuckled. "You''re the

    one who asked to maintain your innocence, so you should also be the one to ovee the hurdles. Wouldn''t it be unfair to the Zamri administration if I side with you entirely?

    "Moreover, you must understand I''m already bending the rules by offering you this opportunity, so don''t ask for too much-do you understand?"

 Chapter 2012

    ?

    Stanley''s fingers clenched around the white pill as he smirked. "Hmph. You have three days, Frank Lawrence! You should thank Elder Fango for his

    generosity!"

    Frank was left scowling as he stared at the pill.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    However, seeing that Tidus Simmons and Scarface Tucker were ready for a fight, he gritted his teeth and swallowed the ck pill that Elder Fango passed him.

    "Hehe..."

    Stanley almostughed out loud as he looked on-Frank could not me him now, not when he had chosen to end himself!

    "Alright, you can all leave now."

    Elder Fango smiled, pacifying the scene right then. "We shall wait three days now. There''s nothing to be done if you can''t produce evidence after that, Frank-it''s death even if Governor Quill speaks on your behalf. Do you understand?"

    Frank nodded. "Yes"

    However, before he could continue, he suddenly coughed a mouthful of blood.

    "Chief!"

    "Mr. Lawrence?!"

    Tidus, Scarface, and everyone else were shocked at the sight.

    "Hehe. Don''t worry, that''s normal."

    Stanley waved them off. "You can take him with you, with my assurance that Zamri''s administration and martial artists would not bother any of you in these three days."

    "What..."

    Tidus frowned as he saw that Frank''s vigor was wilting rapidly.

    However, he could not say much since that was Frank''s decision.

    He and Scarface could only carefully help Frank to his feet and quickly head to Zamri Hospital.

    And after watching them leave,

    Stanley turned and bowed his head at Elder Fango with a fawning smile. "You''re amazing, sir, making Frank Lawrence submit in one swift stroke..."

    "Heh."

    Elder Fango, however, was not impressed.

    He merely studied Stanley for a while and sneered. "You should watch your back, Mr. Mayor. Someone''s always watching-even if you could deceive everyone else,

    do dare think that you can

    deceive my old eyes."

    And with that, he left without so much a nce behind.

    et

    Stanley watched as he left, his fawning smile turning into a scowl.

    Podrick, who was watching Stanley, frowned as he asked softly, "What should we do now, Mr. Mayor? Are we just going to wait for three days while we do nothing?"

    "No way."

    Stanley continued to stare at Elder Fango as he left, murmuring softly, "I''m not that passive. It''s time to make our move-through ckie." "Yes, sir!" Podrick was smirking at the name too.

    Meanwhile, in a stark-white ward in Zamri Hospital...

    "How could you be so reckless, chief?!"

    Tidus was pacing around at the edge of Frank''s bed, clenching his knuckles. "We could''ve just fucked them up-it''s not like we''re scared!

    But you had to risk your life instead!"

    UMS

    Peter Lane was sighing exasperatedly too. "Tidus is right. You''re being reckless, Frank."

    "Oh, quit it. That''s just who Brother Lawrence is."

    Scarface huffed and nced at Frank with a hopeful look. "So? Can you do something about that geezer''s poison?"

    Frank stayed silent, shaking his head.

 Chapter 2013

    ?

    Frank calmly exined, "I''ve never encountered the pill that the elder gave me, but I have a feeling if I recklessly attempt to counteract it, it would get worse rather than help matters."

    The members of Mystic Sky Guild were left silent in turn, while Winter walked up and crouched by Frank''s bed.

    Taking his hand and pressing it against her cheek, tears welled up in her eyes as she cried, "Please, you have to survive this! H-How could I live if anything were to happen to you?"

    Frank, however, chuckled at her words. "What are you saying, silly? You should do your best and live even if I die. Have you forgotten about your mother?"

    "I..." Winter was stumped.

    Unable toe up with a response, she threw herself at Frank and bawled.

    "Okay, okay..."

    Frank shed a pained smile, patting her head while looking at everyone in the room. "What''s with all the long faces? I''m still alive, and that geezer can''t do anything to me if I find the evidence I need in three days."

    Despite his optimism, the members of Mystic Sky Guild were simply not cheering up and remained scowling.

    "Darling, I heard that you were poisoned? What happened?"

    That was when the door opened, and a dazzling figure entered.

    Frank looked up and saw that it was Vicky Turnbull, smiling as always but also appearing worried.

    "Hey." He nodded, feigning nonchnce. "It''s nothing¡ªI just made a wager against an elder of the Martial Alliance. Just had a little episode when the poison took effect, but I''m better now."

    "Better? You were puking blood," Tidus muttered.

    "Watch it." Frank red at him, and Tidus promptly turned silent.

    "Puking blood?"

    Vicky panicked right then. "It''s that serious? I''ll call my family right now-I''m sure that the Martial Alliance and even the government would give my family some leeway..."

    She appeared so flustered that she no longer appeared to be the girlboss who was always in control, and her fingers were trembling even as she took out her phone.

    "Alright."

    Frank caught her wrist, shing a pained smile. Don''t listen to them exaggerating. It looks serious, but the pill really isn''t a big deal. I just need to prove my innocence in the next three days, and I will have the antidote."

    "Antidote..." Peter sighed nearby at the mere mention.

    He had seen how it happened-Frank was using the mayor Stanley Durban of being the real culprit, and yet, the Martial Alliance elder had given Stanley the antidote.

    Was that geezer not clearly harboring ill will, siding with the viin just to bring Frank down?

    Still, Peter ultimately did not tell the truth, while Vicky eximed, "In that case, I''ll call up everyone in my family and find the real culprit!"

    "Wait."Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank stopped Vicky from rushing things, and instead suggested after some thought, "The Turnbulls are a business dynasty and would have trouble gathering information.

    et

    1972

    "Here, take this dagger," he said, passing Vicky the so-called token that Stanley had given him before but was now used as evidence to frame him. "Ask your family connections and find where this dagger is from-from who forged it to who bought it."

    "This dagger?"

    Vicky took the dagger but nodded without hesitating. "I''ll ask someone to get it done right away. Given my family''s standing in business andmerce, we''d soon have something."

 Chapter 2014

    ?

    "Good." Frank nodded and watched as Vicky hurried away.

    The members of Mystic Sky Guild then closed in around him. "What should we do, chief?"

    "You boys?"

    Frank took a moment and gathered his thoughts before turning toward Peter. "Send the boys out. Tell them to keep an eye on Phoenix Ardron, but be careful not to get caught. Do you understand?"

    "You got it." Peter nodded and left right then.

    "As for everyone else, just go about your daily lives-don''t stir waves, but just be extra careful."

    "Yes, chief."

    "And you, Scarface."

    Frank turned toward Scarface Tucker with a serious stare. "Tell Kat to stay put. If she has to go anywhere, she must bring some bodyguards and watch out for strangers.

    "As for you-focus on your training for the uing Martial Tournament."

    "Understood." Scarface nodded.

    "Phew..."

    Frank sighed in relief after making the arrangements. "Alright, you can all leave now. There''s no need to get paranoid¡ªI mean, who can you trust if not me?

    "Even if I don''t have evidence, I''ll be able to make an antidote in three days. I''m definitely not dying from it."

    Everyone was relieved at that.

    "Tidus..."

    That was when a young girl with freckles on her face entered the ward.

    Tidus turned and was grumpy as soon as he saw her. "Wait, what are you doing here?"

    She looked no more than twenty. Her cheeks were a flushed red, and she was not particrly pretty.

    Tidus'' attitude also left her flustered. "Y-Your friends told me you didn''t have lunch yet, so I..."

    Frank did a double take. "Who''s this?"

    Tidus was scratching his head grumpily while ring at everyone in Frank''s room, looking like he would flee at any time.

    Eventually, he sighed. "Sorry, chief-she''s just a brat I saved from some thugs before, but she''s now really clingy, saying stuff like I''m a good man and stuff."

    Then, wheeling on the girl with a viciously re, he snapped, "I''ve told you many times before, haven''t I?

    I''m not a nice guy-I''m the head of a mob! If you keep clinging to me, I''ll strip you naked right here and leave you in the streets!"

    "Pfft..."

    Be that as it may, everyone from Frank, Winter, to the members of Mystic Sky Guild all snickered at Tidus'' words, as they could tell from his face that he did not mean it.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.

    "I-I''m not afraid!"

    The freckled girl appeared meek but did her best to straighten herself, looking Tidus in the eye. "I-I attended lessons on psychology at the

    community college. I know one

    not a bad man... you''re just

    compelled by circumstances, right?

    "My grandma also told me that there are no bad people-only people who force themselves to be bad. And I knew from the moment you saved me that day that you''re a good man... A very good man."

    "Oh hell, just spare me already!"

    et

    Tidus was snapping under the girl''s endless yapping and burying his face in his palms as he groaned, "What do you want, brat?! Money? Fine,

    pay you off right now Just take it and get out of my sight,

    okay?!" e

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2015

    ?

    "No."

    The girl, Lizzie, shook her head stubbornly. "I will repay you because you saved me, even if it upsets you."

    "Fine! If you say so!"

    Tidus had had enough and strode up to grab her by the cor, pulling her close as he growled through her teeth, "Then you will repay me with your body!"

    "What?! No..."

    Lizzie was clearly startled, her eyes widening in panic.

    However, Tidus was ready to do it as he snorted. "Hmph! You see now? I''m just that despicable, but you insist oning so close! Well, have it your way!"

    Lizzie was flustered at first, but she then bit her lip as if resolving herself.

    Then, gingerly looking Tidus in the eye, she murmured, "I-If that''s what you want... I''m scared, but it''s okay."

    Tidus paused as their eyes met, and he soon pushed her away and turned aside, cursing, "Fuck!"

    "Pfft..."

    With even Frank unable to stop a snicker, everyone elseughed out loud.

    Tidus wheeled on them, at once grumpy. "Could you stop?! I''ll pay you a mil if you get rid of her! How about that!"

    "I think she''s a good kid, Tidus." Frank chuckled as he egged him on. "Why don''t you just... Uh-huh?"

    Winter was smiling too. "Exactly. Haven''t you always been single?"

    "Hold on..."

    Tidus was drawing a nk, pointing at himself and an embarrassed Lizzie as he asked everyone, "Do you see any resemnce here? Are you kidding me? A bumpkin like her?"

    Suddenly, Lizzie hung her head and murmured, "My grandmother''s dead."

    Tidus could snap right then. "And

    et

    what''s that to me? I didn''t kill her so go look for the murderer instead!

    W youe to med

    Nheless, Lizzie kept her head down, murmuring, "I''ve been an orphan since I was a child, and my grandmother raised me....." "Urgh..."

    Tidus was left pausing.

    He wanted to speak, but the words just were noting out, so he could only turn and sigh.

    Lizzie then continued, "I was ready to die the night I met Tidus because I have no family or attachments to this world."

    Tidus was shocked. "Die? No way!"

    "Shut up!" Frank snapped at Tidus right then, while Winter put a finger to her lips at him too.

    Seeing that, Lizzie continued, "Tidus is right. I''m a bumpkin-I have nothing, and I owe a lot of money.

    "Every day, the loan sharks would keep demanding I pay up. I really had enough and had to choose to sell my body. But Tidus..."Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    Lizzie smiled as she looked up at Tidus, wiping her tears. "He chased them away. That''s why I thought that I must repay him even if I die, but he kept hiding from me, so I didn''t have the chance."

    Taking the Junchbox out of her bag, she put it on the table and smiled

    "There''s not much I can do except to cook for you. Thank you for saving me."

    UMS

    "What..."

    Tidus was left dumbstruck.

    "See you, Tidus."

    Lizzie then said, "You have to try my cooking. I may be a bumpkin, but I am at least confident in my cooking."

 Chapter 2016

    ?

    Lizzie bowed her head at Tidus and turned to leave when Frank called out from the bed, "Wait!"

    "Huh?" Lizzie turned toward him, puzzled.

    "I''m Frank Lawrence, Tidus''... Ahem, boss."

    Frank stared at her as he asked. "What''s your name?"

    "I''m Lizzie." The girl bowed her head respectfully.

    "May I have the lunchbox you made for Tidus?" Frank then asked gingerly with a wink.

    Then, feeling that he might being on too quickly, he added in embarrassment, "I just happened to be hungry."

    "Sure."

    Lizzie nodded and smiled. "I cooked enough for five people-Tidus has many friends, and they''re always with him." "Oh, you''re so kind." Frank sighed softly. "Tidus-"

    Before he could finish, he found Tidus frowning at Lizzie. "Are you going to make another attempt, bumpkin?"

    Lizzie said nothing, and Tidus buried his face in his palms and sighed. "You''re such a brat..."

    He then turned toward Frank. "Can I apply for a day''s leave, chief?"

    "Nope." Frank refused right away, leaving Tidus scowling.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "Frank!" Winter smacked him on the shoulder a little usingly. "Ahem... That is, unless..."

    Frank''s solemn look suddenly turned into a cunning smile. "Unless your take responsibility for Lizze from now on. You can have a day off... Or even two, for that matter."

    "What...?"

    While Tidus was stumped, Frank added solemnly, "What, you''re a big man, but you can''t agree to that much? I could see that you''re interested too, unless I''m wrong?"

    "No, but-"

    "Well, then that''s decided."

    Frank shrugged before Tidus could say more "Go hang out anywhere you like for the next couple of days, like the amusement park or whatever. Remember, be responsible."

    "Urgh... Fine," Tidus scratched his head, fuming as he nced at Lizzie.

    Her cheeks were flushed-she obviously liked him, which was why she was always hovering around him.

    And while Tidus appeared reluctant, he obviously felt sympathetic after hearing about her tragic past.

    et

    Frank''s intention in letting Tidus have a couple of days off was simple too-those two could use that time to find out if they could make things work, since there was a gap in their respective statuses.

    Everyone would be happy if it did, and Tidus would have a wife too.

    If it did not and Lizzie could not ept the real Tidus, he could just give her money for an amicable parting.

    "Yeah. Maybe I should be a matchmaker from now on." Frank chuckled to himself, rubbing his chin.

    Winter casted him an exasperated look, because his assistance was simply old-fashioned.

    Their love life could be a total mess, but they could somehow act like an expert as they advised their friends and even feel good about it.

    Why were men always like that?

 Chapter 2017

    ?

    Winter sighed inwardly, unsure of what to say.

    After watching as Tidus and Lizzie left, she watched in exasperation as Frank gorged half of the lunchbox that Lizzie brought Tidus.

    Chewing half of a fried egg, he was even musing to himself, clearly impressed with what he did. "It''s good if Tidus gets married-he''s at least on the right path instead of hanging with the younger thugs."

    Winter rolled her eyes at him. "What about you? Aren''t you getting married?"

    "Oh. I, uh..."

    Frank scratched his head in embarrassment and chuckled. "I should focus on my career instead, hehe....."

    Just as Frank burped from a full stomach, the door opened again, and Helen Lane entered in a hurry.

    "Sorry, I''ve been busy-it wasn''t easy to make time," she said before asking bluntly, "Are you alright, Frank? I heard from Vicky that you''re, ahem... Impotent now?"

    Frank almost fell off his bed and clenched his knuckles awkwardly. "Vicky and her bullshit again..."

    It was only then that Helen noticed Winter was with them.

    She did a double take and flushed in embarrassment.

    However, she still sat by Frank''s bed and took Frank''s hand. "You just have to tell me if you need some special medicine... It can be treated, right?"

    Even as she spoke, she was not looking Frank in the eye, and her voice was very soft.

    On the other hand, Winter had had enough.

    Springing to her feet, she excused herself, hiding her face as she fled Frank''s room.

    "What happened to her?"

    Helen was left puzzled by Winter''s reaction but soon understood and sighed. "So she can only tolerate that much. Actually, Frank..." "Alright, you can stop right there!"

    Frank gritted his teeth. "Vicky is just messing with you. I''m fine! It''s nothing like she said!"

    Helen did a double take. "What? But..."

    "But what?"

    Frank retorted impatiently.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    "But Vicky was so serious. She said that I should see it for myself if I don''t believe her..."

    "That... wretch!" Frank''s teeth were gnashing audibly.

    Vicky''s jokes were always that

    Could fall victim to it every , and worst of all, he andet

    fall

    swnote

    time.

    Watching as Helen reached toward his waist,

    Frank promptly held ont

    his pants while eximing in shock, "W-What are you doing?!"

    "To check?"

    Frank was speechless. "What''s there to check?! Vicky was just messing with you!"

    Helen remained flushed. "That''s why I have to check if she was! I-If she was... I''ll make her pay!"

    "N-No way!" Frank eximed. "You''re just trying to take a peek!"

    Helen froze at that.

    To think that she, the most beautiful woman of Riverton and the head of Lanecorp, was being used of trying to take a peek.

    It was simply outrageous!

    However, that was when the door opened again.

    "Master Lawrence, why did you stop me from taking part¡ª"

    Kat Yego entered, but her jaw dropped before she could finish as she froze up. "W-What are you doing?!"

 Chapter 2018

    ?

    "What?! I..." Helen did a double take.

    However, from Kat''s point of view from the door, the way Helen had both hands on Frank''s groin while Frank was holding on to his pants for dear life did not leave much room for imagination.

    Kat slowly backed out of Frank''s ward as her expression stiffened. "I-I''lle backter."

    Helen''s cheeks flushed as she saw that Kat had clearly misunderstood, and she red at Frank. "It''s all your fault!"

    "My fault?!" Frank was speechless.

    Would Kat have misunderstood anything if Helen had not been reaching for his pants to check?

    Even Helen realized that she had no cause to act that way, and that Vicky was just messing around, iming that Frank was impotent or whatnot.

    And remembering what she did, she flushed up to her ears, suddenly forgetting why she was so bold a moment ago.

    Afraid to look at Frank, she turned stiffly and strode right out of the room, fuming.

    "That''s it! I-I''ll make Vicky pay!" She clenched her knuckles and growled through her teeth, as if to hide her embarrassment. "Oh, wait..."

    Nheless, she paused just as she reached the door and turned to shoot Frank an embarrassed look. "Are you really okay?"This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Frank was speechless, seeing that Helen remained concerned.

    He stood up, reaching down to his pants threateningly. "Fine, you win! Come and look all you want!"

    "What?! You''re... too much!" Helen huffed and fled like a child, hiding her face.

    "I''m too much?!" Frank remained standing on the bed, blinking.

    Then what was it when she kept trying to pull off his pants?!

    It took Frank a while to recover, scowling and speechless-women were really iprehensible.

    That was when Kat and Mona Fairfax entered.

    As soon as they did, Kat asked, "Are you already done, Master Lawrence? That was quick....."

    Frank almost coughed blood and shot her a re. "Watch your mouth, brat!"

    Unlike Kat, Mona set her sights on the lunchbox that Lizzie had brought for Tidus as soon as she arrived. "Woah, who brought that lunchbox?! It smells so good... May I have it, Master Lawrence?"

    Frank had left it half-finished on the table, and seeing Frank''s nod, Mona immediately picked it up and started to wolf it down. Although Kat had brought her to plead her case, she had instantly forgotten about that.

    UMS

    As such, Kat was only left watching as Mona kept wolfing down the lunchbox.

    After staring for a while at the hospital, Frank returned to the hotel Vicky reserved.

    Before he could even sit down and rest, ckie-Tidus''

    second-inmand from Mystic Sky Guild-visited him personally to deliver good news.

    "Chief! We found a witness!" he eximed.

    "A witness? To what?"

    Seeing ckie wheezing, Frank quickly patted his chest to help him breathe.

    ckie caught his breath soon enough and eximed, "He saw how themissioner was murdered!"

 Chapter 2019

    ?

    "What?!"

    Frank was delighted by the news ckie brought and pressed, "Who is it? Where are they now?"

    "He was a patrolman in themissioner''s residence!"

    ckie eximed, "He saw Podrick Daffey entering themissioners room for a few minutes on the cameras, and he had blood on his hands when he left!"

    "Wonderful!" Frank eximed-it was exactly the evidence he missed at the moment.

    However, he remained wary despite his excitement. "Are you sure about this, ckie? And why is he willing to testify?"

    "Well, I heard that Podrick and Stanley Durban are trying to clean the house."

    ckie scratched his head and muttered, "Apparently, they''re deleting the footage and killing everyone to avoid any problems!Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    "But the patrolman was a step ahead, saving the most important part of the security footage and fleeing before Stanley''s men got to him!"

    "And? What happened next?" Frank pressed, still not appearing convinced.

    "And..."

    ckie smiled. "The patrolman approached one of my boys. It turns out that they know all about you being the chief of Mystic Sky Guild. That''s why he''s making you an offer he couldn''t stay in Draconia, so he''s skiing for a billion dors for a safe passage out of the country."

    "A billion?" Frank frowned in thought, not because of the amount of money but whether ckie''s tip made sense.

    It would be troublesome if it was Stanley''s trap, but he nodded after some thought. "Sure. A billion really isn''t a big deal-tell him right away that I''m ready to trade any time, and let him decide where to make the trade."

    "Alright!"

    ckie left excitedly, seeing that Frank agreed, and soon called him back. "Chief, the patrolman said that he''s ready to make the trade in the afternoon tomorrow at a mountain ridge outside the city."

    "Good," Frank hung up and breathed a long sigh.

    He picked up his phone, ready to call Tidus so that he would check the meeting ce ckie mentioned.

    However, he decided against it since Tidus was with Lizzie now.

    Instead, he asked Peter to send someone and check the meeting ce.

    They were not familiar with it but eventually returned with the all-clear-it was a remote mountain ridge, far from any prying eyes. Frank breathed a sigh of relief at that.

    He would like Tidus to look into ckie''stest movements to avoid any problems, but he did give Tidus the day off.

    On top of that, Peter reported that Tidus and Lizzie were having fun.

    It really pleased Frank that they

    could be together despite their gap

    in their statuses, which was wet

    Frank eventually refrained from calling Tidus at all.

    The next afternoon, Frank brought along Kat and several elite members of Mystic Sky Guild and drove to the mountains where they had agreed to meet the patrolman.

    It was very far from Zamri and as remote as it was described.

    If themissioner''s patrolman wanted to hide, this was definitely the ce.

    Still, to avoid alerting his enemies in favor of stealth, Frank did not tell anyone about the deal.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2020

    ?

    Frank was worried that Stanley would catch on and interfere with his deal, after all.

    Nheless, by the time they left the main road and arrived at the ridge where they had agreed to meet with the patrolman, the sun was setting and a bright blood-red.

    That was when Kat frowned and looked around."Why is it so quiet here, Master Lawrence? I can almost feel like something''s wrong."

    "Quiet?"

    Frank narrowed his eyes and looked around. He then realized that it really was as quiet as Kat had described, devoid of any sounds one would expect to hear up in the mountains

    Kat tugged on his sleeve and looked around endlessly. "Mona told me that there''s always birds and critters in the mountains, which she used to catch and cook... But I''m hearing nothing at all."

    "Haha! Our princess is getting worried!"

    One of the Mystic Sky Guild elitesughed. "It''s going to be dark soon. The birds and the critters would be staying in their nests for dinner!"

    "Hah! Don''t you know that some animals only hunt at night? Like..." Kat trailed off before yelling out loud, "Cougars!"

    The Mystic Sky Guild elite was startled, but he chuckled. "Oh, you just don''t want to walk up the mountain, do you? I can carry you if you like." Even if Kat had no actual rank in Mystic Sky Guild, everyone doted on her, which was why the Mystic Sky Guild elite was half-joking and half-serious. "Hah! Who would want that?!" Kat snorted and led the way ahead.

    Soon, they arrived at the designated meeting ce, where they found a cellphone ced there ahead of time.

    "Is that...?"

    Kat picked it up and passed it to Frank, who frowned.

    This was not what he expected the patrolman was clearly wary, though he soon realized that if he was not, then he would not have survived Stanley.

    He tapped on it and found that it had a video saved on it.

    "That''s the evidence?" he murmured hesitantly¡ªthe patrolman was giving it to him, just like that? Content

    s to en.kikistorievving

    "Just watch it already!" Kat snapped impatiently just then.

    The Mystic Sky Guild elite beside her chuckled. "I guess even the cougar''s gone now."

    Frank shrugged and yed the video, but it turned out not to be evidence.

    Instead, it was a young man in a white suit and a white beret, his cheeks appearing sunken.

    He must have prepared it ahead of time, as he was staring at the screen as he said quietly, "Frank Lawrence Did you think you''d survive after youid a finger on my woman? I warned you, but you obviously weren''t listening!"  S

    "Josh Dellon!"

    Frank was initially puzzled since he

    fiot recognize the man''s f

    he soon understood

    he heard the voice. Cont

    It was Josh Dellon-Phoenix Ardron''s fiance and the youngmissioner of Hoxton!

    "Shit!"

    Frank sensed danger as soon as he realized Josh was involved.

    No, it was a trap from the start, one designed to lure Frank in!This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Fwip!

    "Get down!"

    Even before Frank could shout the warning, a bullet zipped past him.

 Chapter 2021

    ?

    The skull of the Mystic Sky Guild elite who was just teasing Kat seconds ago exploded like a watermelon, sshing blood and brain all over those around him.

    At the same time, Frank had shoved Kat to the ground, even as she was still gaping at the man who had just been joking around with her moments ago.

    And now, momentster, he was but a headless corpse.

    "You... bastards!" Kat struggled to get to her feet, ready to kill whoever it was as her shock turned to rage.

    However, she was not going to get the chance to when this entire ce was a trap prepared by Josh.

    Just as she got to her feet, she was sent flying by a grenade''s explosion.

    "Kat!"

    Frank felt the grenade blowing up beside him too, and the ensuing shockwave blew away two other Mystic Sky Guild elites.

    "Princess... Mr. Lawrence... Run!" One of them had his body blown off from the waist down, but he pushed away Kat as hard as she could to Frank''s side.

    "Run, chief!"

    "It''s a trap! You have to run now!"N?velDrama.Org content.

    The other Mystic Sky Guild elites were yelling at Frank too, and he could lip-read them even if he could not hear them amid the explosions.

    However, he could hear Joshughing over the phone just fine.

    "Hahaha... That''s for fucking with me, Frank Lawrence! You will have all the time to regret it when you''re dead!"

    Bang!

    Anotherrge grenade blew up beside Frank, and he leapt toward Kat, shielding her in his arms as the st sent them flying again.

    He crashed and rolled on the ground miserably, and he saw that the grenade had burned off his shirt, leaving slight cuts and bruises. Fortunately, his physique was tough enough now that the grenades would not hurt him much.

    Kat was not that lucky, however.

    Narrowing his eyes, Frank crushed the bothersome phone under his foot before picking Kat up and rushing down the mountain.

    He did not expect Josh to be that cunning, setting up six Gatling guns at the route where Frank tried to escape.

    As soon as Frank skidded down the slope, the soldiers took aim and fired.

    Even though Frank raised his hand casting his pure vigor to stop the high-caliber bullets, many

    Dainave

    prated his defense agaimand left streaks of bloody cuts.

    "Fuck! Has Josh lost his mind?!"

    Frank''s eyes were bloodshot even as he saw hundreds of soldiers, all heavily armed with rifles or explosives.

    He shielded Kat even as he fled

    miserably rolling on the ground as the asional bombs sent him flying or scrambling on all foufs just as Gatling gun bullets knocked him off bnce.

    By the time he got off the ridge, he was bloodied from head to toe.

    Even his Transcendent rank physique could not withstand all the bombardment, which ttened the ridge where he had been.

    However, themander of the

    soldiers was more shocked than et

    Frank was the firepower he brought would have vaporized a tank det alone a human!

    And yet, he had been watching as Frank kept carrying Kat as he ran despite the rain of artillery, fleeing down the mountain ridge.

    It certainly left themander dumbstruck, as it proved that Frank''s body was tougher than a tank!

 Chapter 2022

    ?

    It certainly left themander dumbstruck, as it proved that Frank''s body was tougher than a tank!

    Why could he not just die!

    "Huff... Huff..."

    Frank was panting even as he reached the highway, where the two cars he brought were parked.

    "Finally..."

    Bang!

    Just as Frank was about to get in, however, the car exploded!

    Both cars had been rigged with explosives beforehand and sent Frank flying!

    "Bleurgh..."

    Frank dropped to a roll, never letting go of Kat as he used his body to stop the horrific shockwave, as well as the shrapnel and flying pieces of metal that were the cars.

    He could stop most with his pure vigor, but more tore through his defenses, stabbing into both their bodies.

    "rgh..."

    As Frank dropped to the ground, coughing blood, Kat panicked as she saw Frank losing this badly for the first time.

    Even though shrapnel was sticking out of her arm, she withstood the pain and cried, "M-Master Lawrence, just leave me and run! You can make it if you run away on your own... Don''t worry about me!"

    That did not shake Frank''s resolve, however.

    Even as he struggled to his feet and ran down the highway, he wheezed and coughed. "Cut the crap! Save your strength..."

    At the same time, he whipped out his acupoint needles and stopped Kat''s bleeding.

    "Master Lawrence..."

    His terrible state only left Kat tearing up. "I-If only I''d trained properly... I would''ve been able to help..."

    "There''s no point in saying that now!" Frank snapped.

    That was when he turned to find three armored cars chasing them down.

    "Shit! Are they crazy?!" He cursed.N?velDrama.Org content.

    Even if Josh did manage to kill him,

    he wouldn

    subject to his

    higher-ups'' investigation and el

    punishment.

    With the private use of such firepower, he probably would

    swoover

    keep his job as the Hoxtonmissioner. Content

    But even as the thought crossed Frank''s mind, he saw a sedan driving toward them.

    "Hey!"

    Frank waved at them, only to hear the swish of an RPG.

    Bang!

    The driver of the sedan and his car blew up into a giant fireball even before he could react. "Shit! Shit! Shit!"

    Frank could snap in sheer rage at that moment.

    He just could not understand who could have given Josh that much power to go this far?!

    And before he made another few steps away, several RPGs were fired at him.

    Even as he leapt away to avoid it, the

    12 dous explosions struck

    sending him

    belongs to

    t of paper in the wind t

    At the same time, he was vaguely aware that Kat was bleeding all over her face, and her eyes were closed.

    "Kat!" Frank cried.

    He did not even know how long it was, but his back finally hit the stiffness of the ground.

    At that instant, he wrapped his arms firmly around Kat and rolled again to ease the momentum. By the time he was lucid again and looked down, he saw that Kat was bloodied from head to toe.

 Chapter 2023

    ?

    "Shit!!!"

    Seeing that, the savagery in Frank''s body was truly unleashed.

    Throwing Kat on the ground, he stared at the three oing armored cars and moved to stand before them, with nothing but his physical body to meet them.

    His eyes were bloodshot as he suddenly bellowed, "I''ll kill you, Josh Dellon! You hear me?!"

    "W-What''s going on?!"

    The armored cars actually switched to a halt, the pursuing soldiers feeling panic right then.

    At the same time, Frank reared his head and roared, "Death Eater...!"

    A spiraling crimson hurricane descended from above, encircling him right then.

    The sight left the soldiers in the armored cars terrified, with theirmander promptly barking, "What are you spacing out for?! Fire!"

    Even as bullets rained down on the dark figure in the center of the storm, he stood fast.

    "Roar!!!"

    Bang!!!

    An inhuman roar could be heard from the hurricane, and the three armored cars¡ªeach weighing fifty tons-were lifted off the air before exploding as theynded.

    "rgh..."

    The bloody hurricane faded soon after, as Frank copsed on his knees and coughed blood-even ck blood-endlessly.

    "The death pill..."

    Frank''s face contorted in savagery-if the poison in his body had not been dulling him, he certainly would not be trapped in such a disadvantageous situation.

    Nheless, he pushed himself to his feet, picking up a bloodied Kat as he trudged toward Zamri, leaving bloodied footprints in his wake.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Argh!!!

    Meanwhile, at an amusement park

    in Zamri, at the crack of gunshots and the screams of other visitors, Lizzie''s body turned limp as she copsed into Tidus'' arms. Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Tidus was in turn staring in disbelief at the man who was holding a pistol aimed straight at him.

    "ckie..."

    Tidus'' lips were shaking even as he stared at the familiar face who was like a brother to him.

    "Why, ckie, why?"

    Tidus was left asking even as he watched ckie''sckeys encircle him, his face pale in helplessness.

    Being betrayed by a brotherly figure should only be a plot twist in movies.

    How did this happen to him instead?

    "It''s no mystery, really."

    ckie blew the smoke off the barrel of his pistol, staring coldly at the gruesome bullet holes on Lizzie''s back. "If you don''t die, how am supposed to rise and take over Mystic Sky Guild?!"

    Tidus was left shaking, and he bellowed, "Do you think that Frank Lawrence would let this slide?!"

    "Oh, right, I forgot that you''re his loyalpdog."

    ckie waved him off, grinning. "I

    guess I can tell you-Frank is definitely going to die. He''s nevering back to Zamri, because there''s a whole lot of people who want him dead.

    "You hear me? Not one-a whole lot."

 Chapter 2024

    ?

    "You animal!"

    Tidus bellowed, "Mr. Lawrence and I have done right by you! How could you betray us?! Do you even have a conscience?! What would your mother say if she knew you betrayed me?!"

    ckie''s face twitched ufortably at the mention of his mother, but he soon smirked. "Sorry, but I''m doing this for my mother so that she can have a better life! Selfishness makes the world go round. I''m sorry, Tidus, but it''s now time for you to die."

    With that, ckie and hisckeys trained their pistols on Tidus.

    But just as they pulled the trigger, Lizzie pushed Tidus to the ground, blocking the bullets for him with her body.

    "Lizzie!" Tidus shed a tear as he looked on.

    "It''s okay... My life is yours anyway, Tidus..." Lizzie murmured, copsing into Tidus'' arms as she bled.

    "ckie... I''ll kill you! Argh!!!"

    Something snapped in Tidus as he watched Lizzie dying right in front of him.

    Pushing away Lizzie''s body, he leapt toward ckie, which only prompted a savageugh from ckie. "Haha! You''re lucky that bumpkin''s willing to die for you, but she''s only bought you just a little time! You''ll see her again soon enough!"

    "You don''t get to call her that, you prick!" Tidus bellowed as he lunged at ckie.

    ckie did not even panic at all, even leisurely reloading his pistol.

    By the time Tidus reached him, he raised it and fired it three times at Tidus'' abdomen.

    He just did not expect Tidus not to

    et

    fall despite being shot. Instead, Tidus continued toward him, and with strength that he mustered out of nowhere, Tidus chomped down on his shoulder and bit off a mouthful of flesh.

    "Argh!"

    ckie screamed and gritted his teeth as he unloaded his pistol.

    Even after he fired every bullet he had, he kept pulling the empty trigger, but Tidus never fell and was looking straight at him. "T-Tidus... Boss..."

    ckie was absolutely terrified-he did not expect Tidus to still stand after being shot over a dozen times!N?velDrama.Org content.

    "ckie..."

    Tidus suddenly murmured even as blood spurted out of his mouth, reaching out to touch ckie''s face with his blood-soaked hand as his pupils turned unfocused. "You could''ve just told me if you wanted to be the boss... I would''ve let you... if you''d just asked.

    Yel??

    And with those words, Tidus slid against ckie before dropping on the ground, the blood on his palm left on ckie''s face. "Tidus... Brother..."

    As ckie stared nkly at Tidus'' corpse and then at Lizzie in the distance, he dropped his pistol on the ground with a thud before falling to his knees.

    "Liar... you''re a liar..." he murmured, before seizing Tidus by the cor and bellowing through tears, "You''re lying! You always lie to me, and this is no exception, right?! You''d let me be the boss if I''d just asked... Are you kidding me?! Mystic Sky Guild and its thousands

    of

    members?!

    "You deserve this, Tidus, you hear me?! I don''t regret killing you! Fucking say something!!!"

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2025

    ?

    There was no telling how long Frank had been walking before he finally looked up and around him. He was in the middle of a busy street, and there was a crowd around him, staring at him fearfully. Eventually, a pretty face emerged from the crowd, telling him something he could not quite hear.

    Frank could not hear what she was saying and could only whimper, despite his best efforts in responding.

    He had torn off his own vocal chords and could not speak now.

    The skies were already dark, and everything around him looked like they were dyed in blood-be it the pedestrians, the cars on the road, or... the ambnce?Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    As Frank recognized that it was an ambnce, he limped toward it, using all his strength to shout at it.

    "Stop..."

    Frank begged inside out, "Please, stop..."

    The ambnce seemed to hear Frank''s call and stopped by the curb.

    Delighted, Frank limped toward the back of the ambnce and passed a bloodied Kat with both arms to a nurse.

    "Hngh..." He tried to tell the medical staff that Kat was losing blood and that they must transfuse her with blood packs ofpatible blood type, but no one understood him.

    Nurse Faith, the nurse from earlier, was even trying to pull him into the ambnce, only for him to wave her off.

    Kat''s life was more important at the moment, and he was not going to die-not any time soon, anyway...

    Looking around urgently, he suddenly had an idea and wrote on the ambnce door with his own blood: [I''m fine. Save her now.]

    Nurse Faith was left stunned by Frank''s writing and quickly tried to reason with him.

    "Urgh!"

    She ultimately gave up on exining

    since Frank was just standing I , and she pulled him i

    and

    shut the door. Contentscre

    ?

    With that, the ambnce sped off toward the hospital again, and Frank watched in relief as the medical staff performed first aid on Kat.

    However, he soon saw the other two blood-soaked faces on the stretchers, which were both familiar to him.

    "Tidus? Lizzie?"

    Frank did a double take.

    His mind seemed to fizzle out as a humming rang in his ears endlessly, and he almost copsed while the

    world spun around him. the

    "Hmm?"

    Nurse Faith noticed that he was behaving strangely and grabbed his wrist with a look of concern.

    Frank waved her off, telling her that he was fine.

    His eyes remained fixed on Tidus and Lizzie, however, even reaching out to feel their pulses when the nurse was not watching.

    The iciness to the touch, however, told Frank that they had long since been dead.

    "Hngh..."

    Frank hung his head, clenching his knuckles as blood trickled off his palm.

    He seemed to sniffle as the medical staff looked on in confusion, as if he was crying.

 Chapter 2026

    ?

    The ambnce sped all the way to Zamri Hospital, and the medical staff were quickly discussing the condition of the girl who was just brought in. "Her vitals aren''t stable. There''s plenty of shrapnel in her body-surgery would decide if she survives, but her chances don''t look good..."

    "What about the other two?"

    "Nothing we can do. All vitals lost upon arrival..."

    "Hey, what are you doing?!"

    Nurse Faith quickly stopped Frank, seeing that he was trying to get inside the ER despite being covered in blood.

    Turning toward a doctor, she exined, "Oh, he''s a patient too, Dr. Zinder-he was carrying the girl all on his own when we found them. He''s coveredCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    in blood, and there''s not a part of him that''s fine, but he''s somehow still alive and kicking."

    With that, she started pulling Frank toward an ER, snapping, "You''re very hurt yourself. Don''t go away-let us help you!"

    To her dismay, Frank seemed not to understand and was insisting on charging into the ER.

    Nurse Faith therefore had to muster her patience and reason with Frank again like he was a child. "It''s fine! Our doctors will save her. Dr. Zinder would operate on her, so don''t disturb him if you want her to survive, okay?"

    Frank, however, seemed not to understand again, as he was staring fixedly at Dr. Zinder while he scrubbed up.

    He was at once anxious-despite being in bad shape, he could tell right away that Dr. Zinder was half-baked for a doctor.

    Pushing Nurse Faith away, he rushed into the ER and scrubbed up as everyone watched.

    "Hey, what are you doing?!"

    Dr. Zinder was at first shocked before he promptly ordered, "Quick, get security! Get that madman out of here!"

    "Buzz off!"

    Frank''s eyes shed murderously, leaving everyone around him, including Dr. Zinder, flinching.

    "Y-You bastard..." Dr. Zinder stammered. "You brought her here, and you''re stopping us from operating on her?! You''re..." However, everyone was left hesitating as they could see that Frank was murderous despite being thoroughly maimed. None of them dared to approach as Frank really looked crazy and just might attack them.

    "rgh..."

    Frank suddenly coughed a mouthful of ck blood just then, and it sizzled as it corroded the floor tiles. While everyone else was left flinching again, Frank pushed himself to walk up to Kat and fumbled around.

    It was only then that he realized the medical satchel he always carried around was gone after the string of explosions before, and his clothing was shredded.

    He looked just like a barbarian...

    Silent for a moment, Frank finally nced at his fingers, where he wore a silver ring, which carried a single drop of Celestial Dew.

    It was a treasure he got from

    Titus

    ne

    Lionheart, capable of altering all things and was just as valuable as the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom that Frank''s mentor left for him.

    And now, that was really besides the point with Kat''s life at stake.

    Watching as Kat''s vital signs weakened, Frank bit through the

    silver ring, swallowing half the

    Celestial Dew and pouring the rest into Kat''s mouth.

    With that done, he looked around, and found a box of acupoint needles on one of the shelves.

    The ones he carried around were in pieces after he had been knocked around by the explosions earlier.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2027

    ?

    Frank promptly picked up the box of needles, which he opened beside Kat, while also taking a scalpel from a nearby pile of surgical equipment. "Hey!"

    Nurse Faith finally had enough as she saw that Frank really was going to operate on Kat and pressed Dr. Zinder, saying, "Do something! Are you just going to let him operate on a patient?!"

    "Hmph. How is that my problem?"

    Dr. Zinder folded his arms before his chest, snorting, "He barged in without a word, ready to cut into the patient. It''s obvious he''s crazy from the start, and I''m not about to mess around with a nutjob."

    Then, ncing at the security guards around, he added, "And it''s their job, no? The man is holding a scalpel-who''s taking responsibility if I get hurt?" Nurse Faith was left further anxious as Dr. Zinder was clearly just shirking his responsibilities. "Are we just supposed to do nothing?"

    "So be it. I''m just a doctor-not those martial artists that people like to talk about. Oh, but you could try the chief and let her deal with this." Nurse Faith was left exasperated by Dr. Zinder''s suggestion but had no other choice than to step out and call the chief''s personal number. "Hello, Chief Lawrence? Yes, we have a situation in the ER... can youe? It''s a nutjob trying to operate on a patient... Yes, I understand."

    As she hung up and returned to the ER, Dr. Zinder nced at her and asked, "So? She''sing, right? Our chief is an angel, isn''t she?" "Yeah." Nurse Faith nodded in exasperation.

    Dr. Zinder snorted and stood in the distance, watching andmenting on Frank''s work endlessly.

    "Oh, look-he''s actually disinfecting the scalpel. So he''s not that dumb... heck, he almost looks like an expert...

    "Tut, tut, what is that incision? Never seen that style before I wonder how long the patient is going tost. "Oh, my. He found another shard of shrapnel?"

    Even as Dr Zinder was busy dissing Frank, Frank was holding back the energy of the Celestial Dew that threatened to erupt and deftly used his scalpel to extract the shrapnel that pierced Kat''s body.

    ng!

    Dr. Zinder was silent as Frank had removed over a dozen shards of shrapnel and dropped them into the basin.

    He was clearly much better than Dr. Zinder, and it was ridiculous how he did it in such a short period of time too.

    ng.

    Even as the thought crossed Dr. Zinder''s mind, yet another piece of shrapnel was removed.

    And by now Nurse Faith was amazed. "Woah... Could he actually be a doctor? He''s better than any doctor here!" "Hmph. Just dumb luck." Dr. Zinder snorted stubbornly.

    However, Nurse Faith was perfectly aware of the extent of Dr. Zinder''s abilities. It was clear that he was just

    trying to make himself look good, when he did not even hold a@andle to Frank.

    As for the security guards who had rushed to the scene, they refrained from disturbing Frank upon seeing how masterfully he worked and how Nurse Faith was praising him.

    ng!

    Ding!

    As pieces of shrapnel of all shapes and sizes were removed and dumped into the basin, Nurse Faith''s jaw dropped in awe. "T-There were so many pieces of shrapnel in Ber tiny body?! That''s scary! What even happened to them?!"

    Nearby, Dr. Zinder was left staring in silence, but confusion showed in his eyes.

    ng!

    As thest of the shrapnel was dumped into the basin, Frank breathed out a sigh of relief... and a mouthful of ck blood.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 2028

    ?

    As thest of the shrapnel was dumped into the basin, Frank breathed out a sigh of relief... and a mouthful of ck blood.

    "Guh..."

    Frank was clenching his knuckles and sweating all over his face, as he was reaching his limit in body and spirit.

    "Take your time. There''s no rush."

    Nurse Faith came up to him, carefully wiping the sweat off his face.

    Caught by surprise, he nodded slightly in gratitude.

    Nurse Faith smiled in turn and looked down to find that she had also wiped off dirt and blood.

    "Gosh..." She sped a hand over her mouth, staring at Frank in disbelief.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.

    How did hest until now?

    "Affixing acupoints, facilitating the flow of vigor..."

    As Frank continued to stitch up Kat with one hand, he inserted a needle into the acupoint between her brows, stimting it so that she absorbed the Celestial Dew he had just fed her.

    Spoon, the Celestial Dew kicked in-it really was more valuable than the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom.

    As soon as Frank sewed up the gashes on Kat''s skin, blood and skin rapidly regrew.

    Nurse Faith looked on in shock before dropping on her rear limply as if she had seen a ghost.

    "H-How is that possible?!"

    "What''s wrong?" Dr. Zinder promptly asked, keeping his distance so that he did not get cut by Frank''s scalpel.

    "Her skin is regenerating rapidly!" Nurse Faith eximed. "Am I seeing things?!"

    Dr. Zinder snorted, as he thought she was being ridiculous, since the body would not heal at a visible rate.

    Nurse Faith was basically

    et

    worshiping Frank just then, and she

    beckoned to Dr. Zinder. "Come see

    for yourself if you don''t believe me!"

    "Hmph..."

    Dr. Zinder walked up warily.

    Naturally, various expressions alternated over his face as he

    actually saw Kat''s body healing

    visibly. "How is that po

    "See?! I told you!" the nurse eximed.

    swnovel

    "Did he use some sleight of hand to trick my eyes?"

    Dr. Zinder remained skeptical despite what he was seeing, as he really could not understand something so ridiculous.

    Frank did not even have time to enlighten him either.

    Once he sewed up thest gash on Kat''s body, he pulled out the needle that he had ced between her brows.

    He then turned toward the monitors and breathed a long sigh of relief as he saw Kat''s vitals stabilizing.

    "Guh..."

    He coughed violently again and finally reached his limit.

    Throwing up a mouthful of ck blood, he then mmed heavily on the floor, fallingpletely unconscious. "Woah..."

    Nurse Faith was just about to

    exim in awe that Frank could save the girl when she was

    thoroughly mangled by shrousel

    swnovel

 Chapter 2029

    ?

    However, Nurse Faith flinched in shock at the next instant as Frank abruptly copsed.

    "W-We have to move him!" She shrieked for other nurses and the security guards to help. "And clear the ER!"

    Just as chaos ensued, a young doctor in a white coat entered, and Nurse Faith eximed in delight when she saw who it was. "Chief!"

    "Chief."

    Dr. Zinder, the other medical staff, and security guards all greeted her too.

    However, Winter Lawrence''s eyes were fixed on the man lying unconscious on the floor, his body a blood mess.

    "Frank!" she cried, her voice cracking. "What happened here?! How did this happen to Frank?!

    "What? He''s... Frank Lawrence?!"

    Dr. Zinder and Nurse Faith were both left stunned.

    But seeing that the usually gentle hospital chief was suddenly snappy and furious, Nurse Faith quickly told her everything that had happened since Frank got out of the ambnce.

    "There were two more? Both are dead?"

    Winter asked, her voice cracking. "What are their names? Have you found their next of kin?"

    "The police couldn''t find any... they only know their names: Tidus Simmons and Lizzie."

    "What?!"

    Winter, who was staring at Frank worriedly, turned at those names. "Those names... Are you sure?!"

    "Y-Yes..."

    Nurse Faith nodded, shocked by the look of rage, confusion, and pain in Winter''s eyes.

    Winter gasped and sped a hand on her mouth, almost sobbing out loud.

    However, she held back and called out, "Come help me I''m operating on Frank!"

    "Oh, right!"Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Everyone promptly wheeled Kat-whose vitals were now stable-out of the ER, and moved Frank on the surgical table. Even as Winter watched him, her tears started falling because there was not an inch of his body that was not hurt.

    Almost all of his skin was burned,

    et

    with countless pieces of shra sticking out as well as over thirty

    gruesome holes on hou

    Beside Winter, Dr. Zinder and Nurse Faith were left wondering how Frank

    had

    ested this long in his condition, ¨¤ operating on Kat.

    Nurse Faith brought warm water and wiped down Frank from head to

    toe just then, careful with c

    part or they would cut into skin.

    But even as she cleared the dirt, she would find countless new injuries-burns, cuts, bruises, and the like.

    Winter''s emotions actually affected Nurse Faith too, and tears welled up in her eyes.

    Soon, with precise examination usingputerized equipment, they found out that Frank''s insides were just as bad.

    Almost every organ was bleeding and dislocated, while only two ribs were not broken.

    His femur was shattered too, his tendons almost mostly torn and only held together with a faint trace of pure vigor.

    "W-What..."

    Winter was left staring helplessly at the mangled man before her.

    This was simply too much!

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2030

    ?

    There were just so many gaping holes on Frank''s body that needed stitching, and all his internal organs were shot.

    Along with his other injuries, Winter basically had to sew up a gunny sack filled with holes if she wanted to save Frank, and without filling those holes. In his state, she would not be surprised if he stopped breathing the next instant.

    In fact, she could only watch as Frank''s breathing turned weak, wing her own hair and almost suffering a breakdown. "What should I do, Frank?! What should I do?!"

    "Gurk..."

    That was when Frank suddenly coughed violently and spat out a mouthful of ck blood.

    "Frank!"

    Winter''s eyes lit up in delight as she watched Frank open his eyes, rasping, "Winter..."

    Seeing Winter was like a dream for Frank. She felt so close, yet so far.

    At the same time, his body was cumbersome, and he could not even lift a single finger. "Frank... What should I do? Tell me how to save you! Please, tell me..."

    Winter''s tears were falling on her fall head, leaving a chilly sensation.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    He could vaguely hear Winter''s voice too, but it sounded far, as if shrouded by a veil.

    Frank did his best to raise his hand, but it weighed a ton.

    Even so, he persisted and actually managed to raise a hand.

    Then, mustering his spirit, he pointed at his own meridian nexus, his temples, and every other acupoint before falling entirely unconscious. "Oh? You''re saying..."

    Winter''s eyes lit up when she saw the acupoints Frank was pointing at, but she was soon puzzled.

    The needle technique to treat every single acupoint would only work to clear blockages and improve blood

    and vigor cirction. Conte bet

    belongs to

    Would Frank not die quicker if it was applied to him?

    As the question boggled her mind, Winter was left staring at the box of needles, afraid to move.

    However, as she soon saw his vitak signs turning weaker on the monitor, she had no choice but to grit her

    teethand pick up he

    "I''m sorry, but it''s just a shot in the dark with the level of my skills... but I''ll follow you if you die!"

    And with those words, Winter picked up the needles and inserted the needles into the acupoints where Frank pointed.

    To no surprise, Frank''s vitals weakened by the time, his cardiogram almost tlining.

    "Chief! It''s not..."

    The nurse beside her eximed, startled that Winter''s technique was worsening Frank''s condition instead of helping. Winter was sweating all over her brow too, clearly distracted and hesitant even as she inserted more needles.

    However, even as she hesitated, Frank''s mind appeared in

    he

    I always been, hiehers-like

    with determination. Conlikh

    "Winter, trust me..."

    up belongs

    Remembering that, Winter did not hesitate to plunge a needle into the next acupoint with pinpoint precision.

    But even as she did, the cardiograph suddenly red shrilly.

    By the time Winter looked up, she realized that the cardiogram that represented Frank''s heartbeat had tlined.

 Chapter 2031

    ?

    It went without saying that Frank''s heart had stopped, and Winter almost passed out instantly when she saw the tlined cardiogram. "No, that''s impossible... Impossible! Frank, Frank... open your eyes! Look at me..."

    Winter panicked-she expected the risk, but when she realized that she had killed Frank with her needles, she still could not forgive herself.

    She was left staring as her hands trembled, and she fell to the floor with a thud. "How... How could this be...?"

    Seeing her anguish, Nurse Faith quickly tried tofort her. "Chief, it''s alright. You have to let him go..."

    "Yes, I have to let him go..."

    Winter''s eyes turned nk as sheughed miserably. "Could you do the same if you killed the one you love the most? Can you?"

    Nurse Faith felt pained as she looked into those empty eyes too-she had never seen such despair, misery, and endless helplessness in Winter''s eyes.

    Nurse Faith tried to say something but eventually breathed a long sigh as she had no words that couldfort Winter. "It''s not your fault, chief." "How? How is this not my fault?!"

    Winter shook her head, hysterical. "Did I misce my needles? No, it''s the right needles... Or maybe I needed pure vigor? Oh, Frank... I''m so useless..."

    "Hmm?"

    While Winter and Nurse Faith were busy moping, Dr. Zinder noticed something.

    The fingers of Frank''s corpse had just twitched.

    Dr. Zinder thought he was merely seeing things when the cardiogram of Frank''s heartbeat suddenly beeped.

    He really did not want to say, as Frank and the patient he had operated on were the freakiest cases he had ever seen.

    On top of that, someone was raised from the dead... with acupuncture!

    "Hey! Hey, look!" he cried just then.

    "Huh?"

    Both Winter and Nurse Faith turned and saw the cardiogram moving again.

    "You''re alive! You''re alive!"

    eline

    Winter was at first taken aback, her face soon lit up in joy as she threw Kerself on top of Frank,ughing through her tears. "Era

    You''re really alive!"

    Nurse Faith was smiling too, but she soon eximed, "Wait, chief! Calm down... You''re hurting him!"

    "Oh, you''re right..." Winter murmured, but she had ovee her despair as liveliness returned to her face.

    Naturally, it was not Winter''s acupuncture that saved Frank, but the half-drop of Celestial Dew that he had swallowed.

    Winter''s acupuncture merely stimted the healing energy of the Celestial Dew, saving Frank from the brink.

    It was not all it did either¡ªafter it healed Frank, itter converted into copious volumes of pure vigor, nourishing Frank''s meridian nexus endlessly.

    As such, he had unwittingly

    improved himself despite his

    et

    near-death state. By thoroughly absorbing the life essence of the Celestial Dew, it flowed through hisOwned by N?velDrama.Org.

    swnow

    organs, limbs, and molecules

    In fact, if he were awake and refined the Celestial Dew with full strength, he would not be able to absorb the Celestial Dew in its entirety.

    One might even call this a blessing in disguise for him, as his cultivation

    improved by leaps and sway

    past middle Ascendant

    the

    latter stages.

    And just like how dew appears quietly in the mornings, the Celestial Dew''s effect was subtle.

 Chapter 2032

    ?

    And just like how dew appears quietly in the mornings, the Celestial Dew''s effect was subtle.

    Unlike the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, absorbing it was a mild and withdrawn process, but the effect was just as impressive, if not better.

    Naturally, Frank only felt that when he woke up.

    It did not take that long either, as it was just two dayster.

    The instant he opened his eyes in his ward, he felt the difference in his physique.

    Not only was his physique more malleable, but his senses were also sharper, and he could actually hear someoneining downstairs when he closed his eyes, talking about how unpleasant work was.

    "The Celestial Dew..."

    As Frank slowly sat up, he instantly sensed the presence of countless foreign objects in his body-the shrapnel from the RPGs and grenades.

    Winter did not remove those since it was risky, but it was no big deal for Frank as he was now.

    He could feel that he had advanced well into the Ascendant rank and could control his physical body at will.

    "Hah!"

    With a stifled shout, two nail-sized pieces of shrapnel shot out of his ribs and into the nearby wall.

    "Hah!"Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    He shouted again andunched another piece of shrapnel out from his shoulder into a nearby cupboard.

    With that, he kept repeating the process, and he soonunched every piece of shrapnel stuck inside his body away. Not only did he gain further proficiency in control over his own body, but he also felt considerably refreshed.

    Still, he suddenly froze. "Right, the three-day deadline... How long was I out for?!"

    He could not tell since he had been unconscious, but he no longer felt any difort.

    In fact, the death pill that Elder Fango made him take waspletely gone from his body!

    "Was that because of the Celestial Dew?" he mused.

    Just then, a familiar face entered.

    "Oh, you''re awake!" Nurse Faith eximed, appearing delighted to see him regaining consciousness.

    "Oh, right. Sorry for troubling you before," Frank said mildly.

    His calm voice actually left Nurse Faith doing a double take.

    "Hmm? Is there a problem?" Frank asked.

    Nurse Faith blushed, but she quickly caught herself and smiled. "Oh, it''s nothing. Sorry, it''s just that all heard from you before was grunts and groans, so I''m surprised by your voice."

    Frank could not help chuckling too as he remembered what happened before he passed out, though he soon remembered that he had no time to waste. "Sorry, but may I ask how long I was out for?"

    "How long? Now, let me see..."

    Nurse Faith flipped through her notebook, and leveled a puzzled look at Frank. "Forty-eight hours."

    "Forty-eight hours..." Frank murmured and sighed under his breath.

    Adding two days on top of waiting for that deal, which had turned out to be a trap, the three days he had been given to gather evidence was clearly over.

 Chapter 2033

    ?

    With the three days for gathering evidence having passed, that also meant that the Martial Tournament finals would take ce tomorrow... Turning to Nurse Faith, Frank asked, "Is Winter here? I''d like to see her."

    "The chief...?"

    Nurse Faith appeared hesitant. "She''s attending themissioner''s funeral. All the rich and important figures in Zamri are attending."

    "Themissioner''s funeral?"

    Frank was taken aback but soonughed.

    Funeral? It was just an excuse to tell the world that Frank had failed and that his crime of murdering themissioner was the truth now.

    Soon, Lanecorp and Zamri Hospital would suffer because of Frank as well.

    Still, Frank did some thinking and decided that crashing the funeral right now would be pointless.

    Since he did not have any evidence, he could not prove his innocence even if he went...

    That was when he suddenly remembered ckie.

    That kid had always been shadowing Tidus after Frank took Tidus under his wings, and he did not expect ckie''s betrayal.

    As such, his relieved mood tensed up right then, and he asked, "By the way, there were two bodies in that ambnce that brought me here. They''re..."

    "Oh..."

    Nurse Faith paused and sighed ever so quietly. "The police were here, and forensic personnel have already done their post-mortem examination... Though it was pointless, since they were obviously gunned down."

    "I know."

    Frank waved her off and asked solemnly, "May I see them?"

    "Oh..."

    Nurse Faith murmured but nodded

    n

    "Sure. They''re in the

    chief has arranged for them buried I together."

    "I see."

    Frank nodded and said nothing else.

    Soon, Nurse Faith led him to the sub-basement morgue.

    She stood aside, refraining from imposing, while Frank gently lifted the cloth over the bodies.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    He held the faintest of hopes, but it vaporized after he saw the familiar faces.

    Seeing Tidus lying dead on a b left Frank silent, his gaze troubled.

    "Tidus."

    He eventually put his hand on Tidus'' ice-cold cheek. "It''s all my fault. I only I had stayed sharp, then you and Lizzie would still be enjoying yourselves at the amusement park."

    UMS

    Then, turning toward the other body, Frank sighed. "Lizzie... Tidus can be a little troublesome, but I hope you''ll watch over him, wherever you may be. Don''t let him get ahead of himself.

    "There''s nothing much I can do now... but I can at least avenge you."

    Then, cleaning up Tidus'' face, Frank calmly left the morgue.

    He then borrowed Nurse Faith''s phone and quickly made a call. "Trevor."

    "Are you already up, Mr. Lawrence?"

    "Yeah."

 Chapter 2034

    ?

    Trevor Zurich was clearly aware that Frank had been incapacitated for days.

    As soon as Frank called, he said quietly, "Stanley Durban has arranged that bullshit funeral for Geon Kramer. Mr. Lawrence, we should¡ª" "I know. It''s fine."

    Frank stopped him, his eyes shing sharply as he continued, "My business isn''t a priority. My brother''s is."

    "Brother... You mean Tidus Simmons?"

    "Yes." Frank nodded and said bluntly, "Find out where ckie is. He will pay for his treachery!"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    "Yes, sir!"

    Trevor went to work right away when he heard Frank''s cold voice.

    Soon, after he hung up, he sent ckie''s location to Frank and called again. "I''ve sent a car to take you there, along with a new suit and phone." "Good." Frank nodded, satisfied by Trevor''s arrangement.

    Soon, he was leaving Zamri Hospital while still in a hospital gown, climbing into the backseat of a Rolls-Royce parked at the square outside.

    After he got in, the Rolls-Royce sped off and eventually stopped at a slum south of Zamri.

    "This is where ckie''s hiding?" Frank asked Trevor through the video call, while frowning at the pile of rubble and garbage around.

    "Yes, Mr. Lawrence. ckie''s home

    should be there-his mother is blind, but Tidus has been supporting them financially for years, affording them a stable life. That''s why ckie''s mother considers Tidus her son."

    UMS

    "Her son..."

    Frank snorted, leveling a look at the mountainous piles of garbage around, muttering to himself. "I wonder what she''d think if she knew that her son killed her other son for money."

    While Trevor appeared thoughtful and did not answer, Frank got out of the car. "Alright. This is my stop."

    ?

    He told the chauffeur to take a cab and leave on his own, since he was going to use the Rolls-Royce. After all, he preferred to take the wheel himself, and he really did not like being chauffeured around.

    After seeing off the chauffeur, Frank turned toward the slum and found the red brick shack nearby.

    He walked up and knocked on the door as a person normally would, and he heard a cough before an elderly woman asked, "Who is it?"

    "I''m ckie''s... friend," Frank said gingerly, since the old woman had nothing to do with ckie''s betrayal.

    "Oh, ckie''s friend..."

    The old woman sighed in relief and soon smiled. "Did Tidus send you?"

    She opened the door, revealing her hunched form and blindfolded face to Frank-she must be in her sixties.

    She then sighed. "Oh, it''s just ridiculous. How old does ckie think he is? To think that he threw a petty tantrum over Tidus, even locking himself in his room."

    "You''re their friend, right? Please talk to them. Urgh, those brothers are really so worrisome."

    Even as she rambled on, the old

    et

    woman wiped her hands on the apron as she had been cooking with arge pot. "By the way, you probably haven''t had breakfast this early, yes? You should stay and eat with us. It''s hot soup, and it''s really good for your stomach. Don''t forget to bring some for Tidus too..."

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2035

    ?

    The old woman then arrived outside ckie''s room, with Frank standing closely behind.

    "ckie, quit hiding in your room! Your friend''s here!"

    She called out while knocking on the door forcefully, "Honestly, how old are you?! Holed up in there for days just because of a tantrum, refusing to go to work. How shameful..."

    Frank looked around and asked, "Ma''am, didn''t Lanecorp arrange for a new ce to live for ckie? Why would you stay here?"

    He was indoors, but the smell from the garbage around still stung the nose.

    The old woman shook her head and smiled. "It''s not like the kids are mistreating me, but I just don''t want to leave. You really get sentimental when you''re old, see? I''ve been staying here for so long that I won''t get used to living in a new ce. But Tidus did get his boys to repair the house, hahaha... You hear me, ckie?! Get up!"

    Even as the old woman hammered on ckie''s door, Frank sensed that something was wrong since he was not responding even after so long. He then turned sideways, listening attentively, and could not even hear anyone breathing inside.

    The old woman sighed just then. "Honestly, he''s still not getting up¡ª"

    "Ma''am, please move aside," Frank suddenly said.

    "Huh? Okay..."

    As the old woman moved aside, appearing perplexed, Frank kicked open ckie''s door.

    "Oh! W-What are you..." The ensuing bang left the old woman shocked.

    "It''s alright, ma''am. I''m just worried about ckie."

    The woman sighed and turned calm before feeling her way inside the dark room. "ckie? Say something! It''s time to get up!"

    Even as she reached toward ckie as hey in bed, Frank stood impassively by the doorway.

    After all, ckie was lying in his bed with his throat slit wide open.

    He had clearly been dead for a couple of days too, as the blood on his throat had dried up.

    "Ma''am..."

    "ckie, what''s gotten into you? Say something!"

    Even the blind old woman sensed that something had gone wrong and soon felt the slippery sensation of blood on her fingers. "ckie!" she screamed as she fell on her rear.

    Frank did not catch her just then and instead entered the room, picking up and reading the letter ced on the desk.

    [I''m sorry, Mother, but I''ll be dead when you read this.]

    et

    [I''ve done something unforgivable... I''ve killed Tidus, my brother, because I was blinded by greed. My ambitions grew as our gang grew and I somehow forgot about the days when Tidus and I used to

    rummage through garbage for food.]

    [Mr. Lawrence, I''m sure you''ll be reading this too. I beg you to please take care of my mother. She''s innocent and doesn''t know anything. In return, I will provide you with evidence, though I''m sure you won''t hurt her anyway even without it.]

    SThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    [I regret everything, so very much. Tidus, I will serve you in the next life to repay this debt...]

    While Frank noticed the tiny USB

    stick in the envelope, the old woman tugged on his sleeve firmly and

    cried, "Sir, please... Can you see what happened to ckie? What..

    Swnow

 Chapter 2036

    ?

    While Frank noticed the tiny USB stick in the envelope, the old woman tugged on his sleeve firmly and cried, "Sir, please... Can you see what happened to ckie? What..."

    Frank remained silent for a while before saying quietly, "I''m sorry, ma''m. ckie is dead."

    "What?!"

    The ol women was left thunderstruck as her shoulder slumped, her jaw hanging open but no wordsing out.

    "He was killed in action by some rogues, and..."

    Frank nced at ckie''s body on the bed and breathed a long sigh as he reached out and closed his eyes.

    "Who was it?! Who killed my ckie?!"

    The old woman howled in grief. "He''s so kind to a fault. I always told him to listen to Tidus, but he had to fight with him, and now someone''s taken advantage of him! Oh, ckie..."

    Seeing her anguish, Frank knew that words were pointless-nothing was more painful for a parent than having to bury their own child.

    Working hard to hold back his own emotions, he exined, "I''m also Tidus'' boss, ma''am. I will arrange a funeral for ckie andpensate you ordingly."

    And with a quiet sigh, he left the shack.

    He was not particrly surprised that ckie had killed himself out of guilt¨Dhe knew that much about the kid.

    He was never that confident, and someone must have beguiled him into killing Tidus and Lizzie.

    People were capable of their worst when driven by greed.

    While Frank felt somberness from ckie''s penance, he was also relieved.

    To be frank, he did not want to kill ckie-especially not in front of his elderly mother.

    And thankfully, ckie had chosen to make amends and to answer for what he did to Tidus and Lizzie.

    Now, Frank could pin the me for ckie, Tidus, and Lizzie''s deaths on Stanley Durban and Josh Dellon.

    Those two must have beguiled

    et

    ckie into betraying them, having

    seen that he was young and naive,

    as

    Kell as having more reason to switch sides.

    But in the end, the kid managed to do things his way.

    Frank nced at the USB stick, earnestly hoping that there was something inside that could help.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    He got in the Rolls-Royce, inserted the USB stick into the port, and saw a video file inside right away.

    As he yed the file, he was stunned at first, but he soon smirked and nodded in understanding.

    "So you were working with the Lionhearts, Josh? Hah! I knew a meremissioner wouldn''t have been able to send the military after me. Guess you''re not that easily beguiled, ckie. Since you''ve given me this, I forgive you for your treachery..."

    Meanwhile, at a memorial hall in Zamri Central, the funeral for Commissioner Geon Kramer has begun after a procession of bagpipes.

    All the important people in Zamri-be it business folks, representatives of major families, or politicians were present.

    Geon''s crystal casket was ced in

    the center of the hall, and people

    were walking around it to pay their respects or present their bouquets.

    BUMS

 Chapter 2037

    ?

    With the crowd congesting the hall, it took over an hour for everyone to pay their respects at the funeral. Helen Lane, Vicky Turnbull, Winter Lawrence, and Mona Fairfax were present too.

    Even Elder Fango was there, seated at the main chair and watching everyone present impassively.

    "And now, we shall hear from the mayor, Stanley Durban."

    Silence ensued in the hall at the emcee''s announcement.

    "Geon Kramer... Commissioner of Zamri."

    On the stage, Stanley started reading from a script with a pained voice as the guests looked on. "Zamri has seen peace and stability under his leadership. Even if he has not achieved anything amazing, he was always a grounded man and one who would live on in our hearts..."

    Vicky pursed her lips even as she listened. "Bullshit. A hedonisticmissioner who couldn''t aplish anything, and now, another brazen monkey is embellishing him for being a leader and a grounded man..."Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Shush."

    Helen promptly put a finger to her lips, as everyone around Vicky heard her.

    With Frank unable to prove his innocence now, Lanecorp and Zamri Hospital would suffer considerably for vouching for him, and to stand out now would most definitely be foolish.

    "Ahem."

    And to no surprise, Stanley cleared his throat and shot pointed looks at Helen and Vicky, though he soon turned away and continued his nonsensical script.

    In reality, Geon had been a poormissioner, constantly mingling with his group of privileged friends.

    Forget doing anything positive-he had caused the city plenty of problems.

    As such, Stanley had to dig very deep, even into Geon''s childhood, just to find enough materials that could fit the length of his script. Many who were smart enough were hiding giggles too, as praising saidmissioner was simply ridiculous.

    And after finishing his script, Stanley continued dramatically, "Now, let''s mourn Commissioner Kramer in silence for five minutes."

    Podrick Daffey and other police officers knelt around the crystal coffin, all of them crying Geon''s name tearfully.

    Even Helen was left frowning-how much more fake could this get?!

    Mona was rubbing her arm beside Winter, looking sick. "Urgh, that''s just disgusting. I''m really getting the creeps."

    "And now, let''s talk about the man who murdered Commissioner Kramer."

    Nheless, Stanley moved on to

    et

    his true intentions by the end of the funeral, smirking broadly. "There''s no question that Frank Lawrence was the culprit, and he never showed up with any evidence in the three days that he had been given.

    "Moreover..."

    Taking out the white pill from his pocket and holding it up for everyone to see, Stanley continued "With Elder Fango as my witness, am hence unable to provide Frank Lawrence with the antidote. As such, the man who murdered

    Commissioner Kramer will die as thew wills."

    Then, turning toward Winter, he said, "Ms. Lawrence. I heard that the man who murdered Commissioner Kramer is now in your ICU. Surely you have no reason to refuse if send my men over to im his body now?'' .

    Winter gritted her teeth and retorted, "Frank isn''t the man who murdered Commissioner Kramer!"

 Chapter 2038

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    "Hehe..."

    Stanley shrugged at Winter''s stubbornness, looking pointedly at the guest around the memorial hall. "I won''t borate on Commissioner Kramer''s death after I''ve already done it a thousand times. Frank Lawrence has failed to prove his innocence, and he isn''t here on top of that.

    "What could that mean, you ask? That poison has most definitely killed him already!"

    "You''re lying! Frank is perfectly fine!" Winter snarled through her teeth.

    "Hmm?"

    On the stage, Elder Fango opened his eyes, narrowing them at Winter. "What was that, child? You''re saying that Frank Lawrence isn''t dead?" "I..."

    Elder Fango''s question left Winter a little uncertain.

    Frank was merely unconscious, and after she had checked countless times over thest two days, she knew that Frank''s vitals were stable. However, she was not absolutely positive that Frank was fine either.

    And seeing that Winter could not answer, Elder Fango closed his eyes in disappointment. "I guess I should be clear, girl-the death pill I gave Frank Lawrence is a novelty. No one in this world would survive without the antidote. Now that three days have passed, the man you''re so worried about would already be dead."

    "No... That''s impossible!" Winter''s face turned pale right then.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    "Winter, is Frank...?"

    Elder Fango''s words left Helen and Vicky worried too.

    "Haha!" Stanleyughed right then and snarled viciously, "Since Elder Fango has had his say, it''s clear that the man who murdered

    Commissioner Kramer has died for his crimes! But that''s not enough. I have decided that we must make this man an example even in death, to warn the living and to give peace to Commissioner Kramer''s perished soul!"

    Vicky and the others were ring at him right then.

    "What more do you want?!"

    "Y-You''re out of line!"

    "Someone has to make an example so that the other rats would remember!"

    Podrick smirked. "No one gets to murder amissioner and get away with it! They must all pay!"

    "And that''s not all!"

    Stanley pointed at the women as he

    snapped, "Helen Lane, Winter Lawrence, and Vicky Turnbull-l heard that you were all close with the man who murdered

    et

    ?

    Commissioner Kramer. Especially you, Helen, as his ex-wife!

    "Not only have you defended him publicly, but you have even

    demanded clemency! As the mayor,

    I shall not allow such vile behavior to

    continue poisoning the virtues of Zamri''s citizens!

    "Arrest those women-and starting today, Lanecorp and Zamri Hospital will be shut down, with their shares liquidated!

    "As for you, Ms. Turnbull... you''ll just have to wait for someone from your family toe bail you out!

    "What?!"

    The women were frustrated but helpless as Stanley finally revealed his true colors because he was the mayor and had serious political muscle.

    Mona was hesitant even as she watched the security guards encircling them. "H-Helen, what should we do? Do we fight our way out?!"

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2039

    ?

    Seeing that Mona was ring and ready to fight back, Stanley glowered and growled, "Anyone resisting arrest will receive equal punishment as Frank Lawrence! No mercy!"

    On the other hand, Vicky snorted. "Hmph. Go for it, Mona! Take down Stanley Durban-let me handle the rest! If we don''t fight, we''d all end up in ckwater!"

    "Oh, no, no, no!"

    Gina, seeing that Stanley was ready to arrest Helen, promptly rushed to kowtow at Stanley''s feet. "Please, Mr. Mayor! My daughter divorced Frank a long time ago¡ªshe''s an ex-wife, like you said! It was Frank who was a scheming bastard and dragged my daughter into this... She has already cut all ties with him!"

    "Is that so?"

    Stanley was smirking smugly as he watched Gina beg, and he turned toward Helen. "In that case, let me ask you-have you cut ties with the man who murdered Commissioner Kramer as this woman has said, Ms. Lane?"

    Hearing Stanley''s question, Gina turned to level a pleading stare at Helen too, worried that she would misspeak just then. "Helen, just calm down before you talk!"

    "Mom..."

    Helen scowled and sighed at her mother. "Did you really think that this man would spare us if I set myself apart from Frank?" "Why wouldn''t he?!"

    Gina shot her a re and turned back to Stanley. "The mayor is such an understanding man! He''d definitely understand. Just speak the truth-tell him that you aren''t with Frank, and you''ll be fine! Lanecorp will be fine!"

    Helen shook her head at her naive mother. "You''re not seeing it, Mom. Stanley was after all of us in the first ce, just like how this funeral is a mere stage to bring us to our knees. Lanecorp is going down no matter what I say."

    Hearing that, Gina was left gaping, panicking even worse than Helen. "W-What? Lanecorp is going down?! Then what should we do?! We''re dead!" Stanley simply looked on with a sneer, not saying anything as he reveled in their panic.

    "Mr. Mayor."

    That was when Vicky strode up, looking at him impassively as she spoke. "You win this time. Go on-tell us what you want in exchange for Lanecorp.''

    "Vicky...?"

    Helen turned, and was taken aback to see the solemn look on Vicky''s face.

    Was Vicky... helping her?

    "Hmm... Pfft!"

    Stanley met Vicky''s gaze in turn, saying nothing until he suddenly snickered in the ensuing silence.

    Nodding, he said, "As the mayor, I certainly have to punish Lanecorp for being aplices to the man who murdered Commissioner

    Kramer. However, since you''re

    personally vouching for them, Ms. Turnbull, then I naturally have to be gracious."

    Helen''s heart skipped a beat, but it was clear that Stanley did not

    Vicky, Since he gloated that the care

    Turnbulls had to send someone just to bail Vicky out.

    As such, being gracious was clearly bullshit-in reality, Vicky simply had something Stanley wanted.

    "A while ago..."

    Stanley was staring fixedly at Vicky

    as he continued, "Frank

    Lawrence-that is, the man who murdered CommissionerThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    net

    Kramer had stolen two treasures from Titus Lionheart before. I want nothing else than to return those treasures to their rightful owner.

    "If you''re willing to assist me, Ms. Turnbull, then I wouldn''t mind staying my hand."

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2040

    ?

    "Two treasures?"

    Vicky did a double take, but she soon remembered.

    There were indeed two things that Frank had managed to snatch out of Titus Lioheart''s possession-the first being the Turnbull family''s spiritron vein, and the second being the Celestial Dew, which Titus had intended to use as bait.

    Both were worth a king''s ransom and ultimately fell into Frank''s possession.

    While the guests present had no idea what Stanley was talking about, they more or less understood that Stanley was a close friend of the Lionhearts.

    And after a moment''s silence, Vicky looked up with a twinkle in her eye. "I only have one, and I''m able to return it... But I don''t know about the other, because Frank has it."

    "Really? Just one?"

    Stanley raised a brow. "How insincere of you, Ms. Turnbull. Forgive me, but I won''t be able to stay my hand..." "Wait!"

    Vicky quickly added, "Frank would''ve been carrying it with him. Can''t wee to an agreement if I recover it now?"

    Stanley remained silent for a moment, narrowing his eyes.

    Still, he soon rxed and smiled. "Sure."

    Vicky nodded. "In that case, give us some time. We''ll find it right away."

    "Heh. But that won''t do."

    Stanley chuckled, wagging his finger. "You''re a hostage of serious importance. Surely you can get someone else to look? I mean, what am going to do if you run away?"

    Swr

    His words were utterly despicable despite his innocent tone, and Vicky almost snapped right then.

    However, she eventually merely scowled.

    "In that case, I''ll send someone to look," she said and turned to Winter. "Make a call. Ask your staff to help."

    Winter was left frowning. "But I don''t know what they''re looking for..."

    "A ring."

    Vicky then told Winter about the ring in detail as she had seen it before and had Winter call the hospital staff to have them bring it.

    However, she was not aware that

    the Celestial Dew that Titus was obsessing over had already been consumed, half by Frank and the other by Kat Yego. Winter''s hospital staff would not find anything now...

    swneve

    "Stop, Vicky," Helen suddenly strode up, frowning at her. "I don''t want to owe you anything."

    "Hah! What do you mean, owe? Yourpany is as good as mine."

    Helen could not quite understand what she was saying and eventually signed softly. "Frank is¡ª"

    "Don''t worry." Vicky cut her short,

    grinning. "My boy isn''t going to. die that

    And I refuse to be t

    et

    pessimistic even if you are entN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    belongs to

    While Helen shook her head and shed a begrudging smile, their reactions made evident their personalities.

    One valued sentiment over rationality, while rationality was the chief priority in the other''s head.

 Chapter 2041

    ?

    "That''s right. I don''t die that easily!"

    A voice boomed, and a towering figure opened the thirty-foot tall doors of the memorial hall as he strode in.

    Naturally, it was none other than Frank, who had rushed to the memorial hall from the slums of South Zamri. "Huh?!"

    "What?!"

    Everyone watched in astonishment as Frank strode down the center of the hall toward the crystal casket at the center.

    His cheeks were flushed, his expression nonchnt. He definitely looked sharp in his suit on top of that¡ªa far cry from his miserable self just a few days ago.

    Smirking, he strode atop the crystal coffin with a faint smile as he looked around at the guests gaping at him.

    "H-He''s not dead?!"

    "Is he starting an uprising here?!"

    "The insolence!"

    His pompousness certainly left the hall in an uproar.

    Not only was he alive, but he strode into the memorial hall while everyone looked, even standing on top of the crystal casket containing themissioner''s corpse!

    And of all of them, Elder Fango was the most shocked to see Frank alive and kicking. "That brat is actually alive...?!"

    He stared fixedly at Frank, as if to pierce Frank with his eyes.

    The death pill he had given Frank three days ago was the real thing-Frank was definitely supposed to die in three days, and Stanley had even made a point to show that he still had the antidote earlier.

    So how did Frank survive?!

    The look of bewilderment on Elder Fango''s face just then certainly did not befit the usual haughty appearance he maintained as an elder of the Martial Alliance.

    "Frank Lawrence?! Why aren''t you dead?!"

    Stanley had sprung from his seat too, ring at Frank in disbelief before turning and seeing the look of concussion on Elder Fango''s face.

    The death pill would have been able to kill even an Ascendant-ranked elite, not to mention that it was an ancient recipe that had been passed down directly between members of the Martial Alliance.

    Once consumed, it was one less death pill in existence.

    And yet, even after three days, Frank remained perfectly fine, leaving both Stanley and Elder Fango dumbfounded.

    "Why would I be dead when you''re alive?"

    Frank chuckled in turn, still tapping his feet all over the crystal coffin.

    "You. Come."

    Then, Frank beckoned at a propman from the stage, whipping out and passing him the USB stick while asking calmly, "You can y a video

    file on that LED screen, right?"

    UMS

    At the same time, Frank pointed at the giant screen behind Elder Fango, where a portrait of Geon Kramer was disyed.

    "Wait, what?"

    The propman was left confused, unsure of what to do with the USB stick he was given.

    Stanley snapped right then, "Frank Lawrence! Your three days are over="Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Shut up."

    Frank raised a hand, stopping Stanley before he could finish. "Stanley Durban, mayor of Zamri, you are guilty of conspiring with

    Josh Dellon and the Lit

    only did you fake the

    Not

    commissioner''s death to frame me, but you also had him abducted andmandeered his men to attack me! How do you plead?!"

    "What?!" Stanley''s face fell at Frank''s usation.

    In fact, it was such a bombshell that even Elder Fango was shocked. "What is the meaning of this, Mr. Mayor?" After all, kidnapping amissioner andmandeering his forces were all capital crimes punishable by death!

 Chapter 2042

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    After all, kidnapping amissioner andmandeering his forces were all capital crimes punishable by death!

    But Stanley had the guts to do it anyway?!

    "Wait..."

    Still, Elder Fango soon came to his senses and turned back toward Frank, asking suspiciously, "Frank Lawrence, you''re using Stanley Durban of kidnapping amissioner andmandeering his forces? But he''s dead and lying right inside the crystal coffin under your feet! How is Mr. Durban supposed to do that?"

    "Wait, that''s true...!"

    The sharper people in the memorial hall soon found the facy in Frank''s usation.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    "Heh... That''s because Geon Kramer is still alive! The body in the coffin is not Geon but another corpse that Stanley has put in his ce..." However, Frank did not loseposure and exined everything while tapping his foot on the crystal coffin even as Stanley scowled,ughing coolly. "Or am I wrong, Yannick Jorst, former head coroner of Zamri Hospital?"

    The memorial hall was left in an uproar.

    They actually had no idea who Yannick was, but they all realized right then that the corpse was just a body double.

    On the other hand, Stanley''s face was as terrible as it could look.

    "Don''t try to distort the facts, Frank!" he yelled, panicking a little as things were starting to steer out of his control. "You murdered themissioner, and there''s no talking your way out of this! Guards, arrest that man and all his aplices!"

    Anything could wait until after his men restrained Frank and the others!

    "Wait."

    However, that was when Elder Fango strode up. "You speak with conviction, Frank. Could you really possess evidence that backs your ims?" Seeing that Elder Fango was siding with Frank, Stanley hurried to his side, but Elder Fango raised a hand and stopped him before he could speak. Chuckling, Elder Fango asked, "Are you perhaps afraid of being exposed, Mr. Durban?"

    "I... Surely you jest, Elder Fango."

    Stanley did a double take before quickly bowing his head. "My conscience is absolutely clear. There''s no way I''d be afraid."

    Despite what he said, there was a spark of rage in his eyes¡ªthe stinking geezer was just such a hard-ass!

    Stanley had presumed that Elder Fango was on his side when he gave him Frank''s antidote, only for Elder Fango to blindside him when it mattered! He was just so... vtile!

    "Hah! Your conscience is clear?"

    Frank chuckled coolly, and turned toward the propman holding the USB stick in confusion. "You can y it on the screen, can''t you?"

    The propman nced at Stanley and gulped. "O-Of course..."

    "Good."

    Elder Fango raised a hand just then, a deliberate gesture to block Stanley''s re at the propman. "We''re quite curious if Mr. Lawrence can really back up his outrageous ims-go on, y the file on that USB stick."

    Right now, Elder Fango''s orders were basically the Martial Alliance''s.

    Even if Stanley was the mayor of Zamri, Elder Fango was by no means weaker in authority. In fact, his position was unique, and Stanley really had no good excuse tostop him.

    Hence, he stiffened himself instead andughed at Frank. "Frank Lawrence! There''s concrete

    evidence proving that you murdered Commissioner Kramer-you can keep twisting the facts, but nothing will change that!"

 Chapter 2043

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    Frank''s rage clearly showed on his face. "Heh. I came prepared to tear you down into pieces, mongrel!" Stanley shall pay for causing him so much trouble!Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Nheless, Stanley retorted, "That''s some big talk from a fugitive! It seems that you really don''t care if you live!" However, as the mastermind, he could not afford to allow his plot to be exposed through that USB stick either.

    He nced behind at his two bodyguards, who caught their kill.

    Neither hesitated and leapt toward Frank in a pincer move.

    Whoosh!

    The crowd was stunned even as they watched the bodyguards suddenly charge straight at Frank.

    While everyone knew about Frank''s strength, neither bodyguards were pushovers either. Even if they stood no chance against Frank, would they really go down in just one hit?

    Instead, as everyone looked on in confusion, one of them suddenly leapt into the air, streaking toward the LED screen at an awkward angle! At the same time, Stanley smirked-Frank was still caught in his web, as long as the USB stick and the LED screen were destroyed! However, that was when Elder Fango moved and caught the bodyguard with a vice-like grip, growling, "Are you done?"

    Stunned, Stanley quickly turned toward the other bodyguard... but he was already dead!

    Everyone was right when they believed that neither bodyguard was a match for Frank, but they really would not have gone down in just one hit. They had merely created a false opening, all to destroy the evidence against Stanley.

    However, that also meant giving Frank the opportunity to one-shot one of them.

    At the same time, Elder Fango was glowering as he turned toward Stanley. "Mr. Durban, this is a memorial hall. How would the deceased rest in peace with your antics?"

    He could certainly read what Stanley was up to, having seen so much action across the years.

    And having ran out of tricks, Stanley started to back away, intent on fleeing. "Elder Fango, it''s all just a misunderstanding!" "Trying to run now?"

    Frank leapt forward and broke one of Stanley''s legs with an audible crack.

    "Argh!"

    Even as Stanley fell to the floor, screaming, he yelled, "Elder Fango! Did you see that?! He attacked me right under your nose! He''s clearly disrespecting you and the Martial Alliance! Make him pay!"

    "You reap what you sow!" Elder Fango spat, clearly taking Frank''s side now.

    "Fine! You''re just a geezer like the rest of them! Just you wait, I will-argh!!!"

    Stanley was screaming again, as Frank broke his other leg before he could finish his threat.

    "You sure talk a lot. Can we get on with watching the video already?" Frank spat, leering at the vile worm.

    The LED screen lit up right then as a grainy video yed.

    It must have been captured by some

    §Ö

    crude pinhole camera, but everyone could still see Stanley sitting on a torn@ouch in front of a tea table stacked with dor notes.

    ckie was behind the tea table, held on his knees by several ck-d men even as he kept struggling and cursing Stanley''s existence.

    "That''s ckie!" Vicky recognized him first.

    "ckie? Who''s that?" Helen asked in confusion.

    "It''s a long story, but he''s one the boys Frank took in under his wing..."

    Vicky sighed in disappointment, as she did not expect the youth to be led astray. "He''s kind to a fault, but... Ugh!"

    Meanwhile, in the video, Stanley was goading ckie. "Help me bring down Frank Lawrence, and everything on this table will be yours!" "Fuck you!"

    ckie was still ring murderously at Stanley, trying but repeatedly failing to free himself. "I owe Frank Lawrence! I''m no ungrateful scum!" "Oh, feisty! I like that!"

    Stanleyughed and suddenly took a

    stack of bills off the table. "But

    seeing how poor you are, shouldn''t you n for a rainy day? So, I''m

    giving you another chance... are you going to do me a favor or not?"

    swney

 Chapter 2044

    ?

    "Bleurgh! You''re scum!"

    ckie glowered ferociously, his resolve still strong.

    Stanley then removed another stack of dor bills. "Money or death?"

    "Death!"

    "Loyalty or death?"

    Nheless, Stanley continued his pressuring tactic, now removing most of the dor bills. "With this much money, you could live the rest of your lifefortably on just the bank interest. Even if you''re not worried about yourself, you should be worried about your blind mother, don''t you think?" ckie hesitated at the mention of his mother-she had worked blood and sweat to raise him. If he did not repay her, what was he if not an animal? And with that, ckie hung his head and yielded...

    Frank frowned as he watched the video again, deciding to himself that he must protect ckie''s mother despite what ckie did.

    "I see!"

    Even Vicky was stunned-while ckie was out of line, his intentions were pure.

    At the same time, Elder Fango turned toward Stanley. "What more do you have to say, Mr. Durban?"

    Seeing that there was no running away now, Stanley promptly tried the insanity plea.

    "W-Who am I?! What is this ce?! Who are you people?!" he shrieked. "S-Stay away! Don''te any closer!"

    Frank chuckled cooly in turn. "Have you forgotten that I''m a top-notch healer, Mr. Durban? Why don''t you let me try treating your insanity?"

    Seeing that Frank was ready to attack, Stanley''s survival instincts went into overdrive, and he promptly switched tactics.

    "Listen to me, Elder Fango!" he cried instead. "I''m doing this for the Martial Alliance for the big picture! Just think about it for a second: how much conflict has Frank Lawrence caused in the country after he showed up?! If we eliminate him¡ª"

    "Enough!" Elder Fango''s face was almost ck.

    To think he trusted Stanley so much, only for him to turn out to be the mastermind!

    If he did not demonstrate to Frank where he really stood, he certainly did not deserve his ce as an elder of the Martial Alliance!

    "Die!" he bellowed as he leapt at Stanley, his fingers stabbing toward him.

    "Wait, Elder Fango!"

    At the veryst moment, Frank moved and caught him by the wrist.

    It certainly surprised Elder Fango that Frank was this strong despite his youth, even easily stopping his lethal blow.

    On the other hand, it was the first

    time that Stanley had such a close shave with death. He certainly did not care about pride now, as he begged at the top of his lungs, was wrong! I get it now... P-Please, just let me live! Please!"

    Everyone watching could not help feeling cathartic¡ªthe man was just being so full of it a second ago and was now bending himself backward.

    Talk about instant karma!

    Nheless, Frank was glowering at Stanley savagely. "Did you think I''d spare your life? I''m only stopping Elde Fango because I want to do it myself!"

    Stanley was so horrified he forgot the pain in his legs right then and pushed himself up to kowtow endlessly at Frank''s feet.

    "Just let me live! You can have everything I have, and I''ll do everything you say without arguing..."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Nheless, he soon trailed off.

    Anyone worth their salt knew what Frank was like he was capable of being more ruthless than Stanley could ever be.

    How would Frank ever spare him after he pushed Frank that far?!

    He then remembered that he was a big shot himself. Even if he groveted, there was no chance of survival, and he ould be made aughing stock on top of that!

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 2045

    ?

    Steeling himself right then, Stanley sat on the floor as he red at Frank with a gleeful smirk. "I''ll give it to you straight, Frank Lawrence! I''m not afraid of you! I have the support of powerful people that not even the geezers of the Martial Alliance could hope to match!

    "When the timees, they''ll find you and kill you! And I''ll watch closely in hell as you''re tortured to yourst breath!"

    But even as Stanleyughed maniacally, Frank snorted.

    There was a brief sh, and Stanley''s smirk froze on his face as a gruesome gash appeared on his neck.

    It widened by the second, and blood gushed out like a geyser.

    Stanley raised both hands as he tried to stop the bleeding to no avail and eventually copsed on the floor, his eyes wide with spite!

    "Mr. Lawrence, you don''t have to worry about Josh Dellon or the Lionhearts."

    Elder Fango was certainly shocked by how ruthless Frank was and promptly dered his stance. "The Martial Alliance will make them answer for the crimes against you."

    However, Frank growled coolly, "That''s your own damn business."

    That left Elder Fango surprised. "Are you saying you''re not going to seek revenge?"

    "Josh Dellon and the Lionhearts are nothing."

    Frank nced at Stanley''s corpse in turn. "I will dig deep and find his benefactor!"

    Elder Fango was left shing a smile of wry amusement. "Why make mountains out of anthills? He was just ying mind games, seeing that he had no chance of survival!"

    Frank shook his head-he already felt an invisible hand reaching toward him, and it was just the start.

    Who knew what mess could happen in the near future?

    And instead of waiting for them to attack, he shall take the initiative and attack instead!

    "Elder Fango, I''m counting on you to deal with Josh Dellon and the Lionhearts. I''ll head over to the mayoral residence and see if I can find anything useful."

    Elder Fango certainly had to agree with Frank that something was strange too.

    Stanley and his aplices had every reason to hurt Frank, but they should not have been able to fool even the Martial Alliance.

    "Do your best, Mr. Lawrence," he said. "You have the full support of the Martial Alliance."

    "You should watch your back too, Elder Fango." Frank chuckled. "They aren''t keen to reveal themselves just yet, so don''t startle them!" Elder Fango nodded and left.

    With that, Vicky and the others quickly surrounded Frank, relieved as they really thought that Stanley''s machinations had really killed him!Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Frank shrugged with a confident smile. "I''m a miracle worker. What''s easier than stopping mere poison?"

    "But that doesn''t make sense! How was Stanley not aware? Why was he so sure that you were dead?!"

    While others would not know, Vicky was well aware that Stanley was not your average Joe and would not show himself unless he was definitely going to seed.

    "That''s why I know that Stanley wasn''t lying. The poison he gave contained king mamba venom-it''s a species that went extinct decades ago. If hadn''t even seen it, there'' was no way Stanley could have gotten his hands on it otherwise!"

    That left Vicky even more puzzled. "Then why didn''t you tell Elder Fango?"

    Frank nced at the direction where Elder Fango left. "The Martial Alliance has changed. The way I see it, those people have most likely infiltrated that group. So the less people know about this, the better!"

    swne

    After a little chit-chat, he sent thedies home while heading to Stanley''s residence alone.

    The brat really knew how to enjoy

    himself, purchasing a gigantic plot

    et

    ofnd in the middle of the city, wherend was worth its weight in gold. And the mansion certainly stood out against the towering cityscape.

    Avoiding the guards at the gates, Frank leapt through the gates from the back, hidden in the darkness of night.

    Soon, he arrived at the mansion at the center.

 Chapter 2046

    ?

    Just as Frank was ready to leap into the mansion through a window, he noticed something strange.

    No one was breathing in there!

    "This is bad!"

    He broke through the window right then and was immediately greeted by a sight of carnage.

    A twentyish womany on the couch, with two bodyguards nearbyying on the floor.

    The woman in the kitchen got the worst of it, however, as her entire head was plunged into a burning pot of beef soup, leaving herpletely disfigured!

    Frank looked around and quickly found the beeping red indicator of a security camera.

    He followed the wiring to the security room, and was ready to enter when he heard footsteps.

    He promptly backed away, just as a ck-d man opened the door and stepped out, and passed out just as he glimpsed a dark fistunched straight at his face.

    When he woke up, he waspletely restrained, and before him stood a menacing youth who only had his looks going for him.

    Fiddling with the USB stick he took from the ck-d man, he asked coolly, "You''re quite thorough, making a copy of the security footage before deleting it. Don''t tell me that your boss asked you to?"

    "W-Who are you?!" the ck-d man shrieked, terrified to the depths of his core and sweating buckets.

    He could be considered the best of the best, since he managed to defeat Stanley''s guards to make his way here, and they were all martial elites. And yet, the man before him subdued him with perfect ease.

    "Answer my question!" Frank suddenly bellowed.

    The ck-d man flinched in terror from Frank''s pressure right then and promptly admitted everything. "I-I''m just hired muscle! I don''t even know who my employer is... They just told me to bring the security footage to the foot of Lipton Hill in Shagan!"

    "Shagan?"

    Frank remembered the ce it was an impoverished region as it was remote, leading to most of the martial elites born there leaving it entirely.

    So how could a ce devoid of talents be embroiled in such a convoluted web of conspiracies?

    And while Frank was left utterly confused, the ck-d man asked, "You''re Frank Lawrence, right?"

    "How''d you know my name?" Frank

    asked

    him

    return, his instincts warning things were more thanR¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    t they seemed. Cobelongs

    The ck-d man then exined, "My employer was talking to

    someone else when he called me to issue instructions. Your name was mentioned, and he was saying that if the n didn''t work, they would kill you directly instead!"

    At that point, Frank got the gist.

    Stanley was just a test-those people had surer ways to kill Frank!

    "What else did you hear?"

    Frank seized the ck-d man by the neck, ring murderously.

    Even though the ck-d man was himself ruthless, he was as harmless as a chick in front of Frank!

    "I-I think they''re not just after you... he stammered. "They are ready to kill the Martial Alliance and various

    elites across the corious

    And with that, Frank squeezed, and the ck-d man turned lopsided as he died on the spot.

    Frank sighed and here he thought he was the only target.

    Whoever they were, they were certainly bold, targeting all the martial artists in the country!

    Ring...

    That was when Frank''s phone rang with a call from Vicky. "What''s up?"

    "You shoulde back. There''s this young man named Uriah Zangi who''s being very specific about wanting to see you."

    "Uriah Zangi...?"

    Frank basically knew all the martial elites and important families across the country, but not that name.

    "Leave right now," Frank told Vicky right then. "He''s an enemy!"

    "Really?" Vicky appeared bemused. "But he seems quite agreeable..."

 Chapter 2047

    ?

    "Just do as I say!" Frank snapped and hung up.

    The more normal something appeared these days, the more fishy it was, and Frank refused to gamble!All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

    The next day, Frank headed to the address Vicky provided, which was for a mansion in the suburbs. The surrounding area was quite dpidated, and the mansion itself clearly had not been used for a while.

    As Frank strode into the drawing room, he found a youth seated on the couch, sipping tea.

    Everything he wore was from cheap brands, and he wore a pair of loafers.

    With his myriad-colored dyed hair, he really looked no different from a street thug!

    There were other boys who looked much the same with them too, all of them leering at Frank in amusement.

    Mystic Sky Guild-formerly known as the Lanecorp Health and Safety Department¡ªhad tracked them here, sensing that they meant to do harm.

    They were encircling Uriah Zangi and his boys, and Fran-the team leader-hurried to Frank when he arrived. "Chief, those men slipped into Ms. Turnbull''s house without us knowing and refused to leave, but they otherwise did nothing. That''s why we didn''t do anything reckless right away... but what should we do with them now that you''re here?"

    Frank held up a hand, gesturing for Bill Noran to stay put-if Uriah''s group was not attacking, he could talk to them for now.

    "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lawrence! Allow me to introduce myself. I''m Uriah Zangi!"

    "Do we know each other?" Frank asked.

    "No

    way. I''m but a humble man of little fame."

    Uriah shrugged as he rose to his feet. "So, anyway! I''m here to deliver a message to you: Die right now, or you will be made to pay dearly!"

    The Mystic Sky Group members wereughing themselves silly right then.

    "Are you kidding?" Bill snorted in turn. "Everyone who''s ever threatened our chief is resting in pieces already, y''know?" Nheless, he stopped with a look from Frank, who calmly stared at Uriah as he asked icily, "What if I refuse?"

    "Then we''d just have to assist you!" Uriah suddenly snapped, and his thug friends all strode a step forward.

    The Mystic Sky Group members were leftughing again, and they could not be med.

    "Are you for real?" Even Bill was

    ?

    over met

    chuckling. "Did you watch too much anime? Take a good look at a mirror-you think you can take our chief with that getup?"

    The Mystic Sky Group members could not be med for presuming

    that they were not martial elites right away and considering the threat

    from Uriah''s groupughable

    UMS

    Nheless, Uriah returned to his seat, but even as he crossed his legs, he suddenly projected a very powerful pressure into the room.

    At the same time, he spoke, "Mr. Lawrence is good-he even easily defeated the martial elite we sent to

    clean up a loose end-but you

    should also know that there''s anot

    someone better. And Mr. Lawrence is far from peerless!"

    Frank blinked and came up with a n right then.

    "All of you-out," he said calmly to the Mystic Sky Group members.

    "Come on, chief! We''d like to see how you put them in their ce!"

    Bill and the others were clearly reluctant, however.

    "Out!" Frank bellowed furiously right then.

    This time, no one argued, and they promptly left.

    Uriah was smiling in turn, and he gestured invitingly.

    As Frank sat down beside Uriah, he chuckled. "Sorry, kids, but your luck ran out when you ran into us!"

    "I could say the same about you!" Uriah said as he shared a smile with Frank.

    That was when a curved dagger suddenly appeared in Uriah''s hand.

    While Frank sprang to his feet in evasion, countless more streaked toward him through the air.

    Even as Frank dodged everything like a phantom, he was shocked that the seemingly unassuming hoodlums were actually this good. Anyone else in his ce would not have been able to dodge that!

 Chapter 2048

    ?

    Uriahughed maniacally. "Master''s right! You''re one in a billion, surviving our Million Edge Ward!" Frank chuckled in wry amusement. "Bill is right about one thing you watch too much anime!"

    As he finished, he leapt forward, aiming his fist squarely at Uriah''s face.

    Uriah dodged it by inches and leapt up with a sweeping kick while thrusting his dagger at Frank''s chest.

    His friends joined the attack as well, their daggers glinting coldly or their punches streaking violently at Frank. They were all equally matched, however, with neither side getting an advantage!

    It was a battle of the gods, and naturally, men were made to suffer.

    Thankfully, there was not actually anyone nearby, though none of the couches, TVs, or chandeliers survived.

    Even as the fight continued over thirty strikes, a thunderous rumble ensued as the entire mansion copsed! Watching in the distance, the Mystic Sky Guild members and Bill turned pale in shock.

    Their chief was always unstoppable, but he was actually having trouble making short work of those thugs, and an entire mansion actually copsed because of the damage?!

    Bill''s instinct screamed danger and for him to run, when a blur suddenly streaked toward him, standing in front of him and holding a dagger against his neck.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

    Who else could it be, if not Uriah?

    But at the next instant, Uriah''s eyes rolled up in their sockets and he fell backward.

    Before he copsed on the ground, someone caught him and threw him forcefully at the rubble that was the mansion.

    And who else could it be, if not Frank?

    "Thank you, chief... You saved me!" Bill eximed, terrified as this was the first time he came so close to dying.

    It certainly showed on his pale face, as sweat trickled down his cheeks and his lips seemed to turn dark, and he copsed on his knees as they buckled.

    Frank was dusting himself in turn before turning back toward the rubble.

    If the mansion did not copse, affording him a brief opening, those thugs might really have been able to take his head after another sixty rounds or

    So.

    On top of that, Frank could not

    Cern any potential in them f

    scarier than he expected! belongs to

    cultivation, making the coet

    "Set a fire," he growled.

    "A fire...?" Bill murmured, uncertain.

    "Yeah. And watch the bodies-make sure that they are all burned down to ash."

    And with that, Frank turned and left to see Vicky.

    "Wait, there''s someone that powerful in existence?!"

    Vicky could hardly believe what Frank was saying-mere thugssting over thirty blows against Frank?

    She would have an easier time believing that the sun rose from the west!

    "That''s what I''m saying." Frank sighed. "I must fake my death and hide to avoid them rooting us out."

    "Fake your death? Do you have to go that far?"

    Vicky was actually confused by Frank''s reasoning a fake death might end uping true if things went awry.

    Moreover, the waves that were

    stirred from the staged death would

    also lead to unintended

    consequences, and they would lose

    more than what they bargained for.

    Frank was reluctant to do it either, but things were just too opaque. "They''ve been watching me all this while, and there''s no unmasking them On the contrary, dying would

    not arouse further

    That was the only way to be sure.

    "It just sounds dangerous!"

    Vicky remained concerned, leaving Frank smiling in wry amusement.

    "It''s not all that dangerous," he said with a shrug. "They are quite powerful but are also far from lethal to me. Don''t worry."

    It was not a lie, and he just wanted this entire mess to be over sooner.

    "Remember, don''t tell anyone at any costs," Frank reminded Vicky. "It doesn''t matter who they are¡ªtell them I''m dead!"

 Chapter 2049

    ?

    Vicky frowned in turn. "Not even Helen or the other girls? I''m really worried that they''d do something stupid..." "Not even them!" Frank shook his head. "It''s cold, but their genuine grief is the best cover I could ask for!

    "Also, I have you. Just keep them in line for the time being-I''m sure nothing terrible woulde out of this." Vicky nodded.

    Hence, in that same afternoon, a bombshell was dropped, leaving stunned the Martial Alliance and every group across the nation that had any dealings with Frank.

    There were as many who mourned as those who celebrated-it went without seeing how delighted the Lionhearts, Josh Dellon, and Frank''s other enemies were!

    Finally, the biggest obstacle they had was now punished ordingly!

    At the same time, they were also curious as to who had so easily surpassed them, killing the man who always seemed to refuse to die.

    In contrast, Mystic Sky Guild, Helen, and the rest of Frank''s close friends were all as shocked as they were torn.

    They certainly did not expect the ever peerless Frank Lawrence would be overwhelmed under such shocking circumstances, dying before anyone realized it.

    Naturally, the shrewder ones like Trevor Zurich had the experience to determine that the story sounded too fishy to be true.

    Either way, the news of Frank''s death was considered highly believable, which was exactly what Frank intended.

    Hanging up on Vicky, Frank continued toward Lipton Hill, which was now within sight.

    It was not particrly tall, at a little over a few hundred feet above sea level.

    However, it was lush with vegetation-a stark contrast from the barren valleys of the north.

    Still, instead of climbing Lipton Hill, Frank headed straight toward the vige at the foot called Chandlerton.

    Far from the city, it was quieter and

    filled with the scent of farnd

    spices, though Frank was just a

    couple of steps in when a

    e

    naive-looking girl approached him.

    swnow

    "Hello. Where are you from? I''ve never seen you before," she said, looking at his handsome face sideways.

    Frank took out a couple candies

    from his pocket. "Hello, kiddo. Do you know where the vige chief lives? I''m from out of town, and I was thinking about getting a plot ofnd to farm!"

    He had done his homework beforehand and wanted to pass off as a farmer to stay in hiding.

    "I''ll take you there!"

    The girl was grinning happily, and she led Frank all the way to a mansion in the east.

    Frank was left smiling in wry amusement-the times were really better now, and even farming viges were richer than before. "Thank you!"

    The girl happily left after Frank gave her the promised candies, and Frank knocked on the door.

    Someone was immediately snapping inside, "Who is it?! Stay home and eat your damn lunch instead of freeloading off me!"

    Then, a woman who looked like your stereotypical farmer''s wife opened the door, her scowl turning instantly into a smile when she saw Frank.

    "Oh, hello there... Are you looking for someone?" she asked, encountering someone with Frank''s face for the first time.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    "Hello! l-I''m Lugh Frankton! I''m looking for the vige chief!" Frank said, hastilying up with a name.

    "Oh! I''m Whitney Chandler, the vige chief! Come on in!" the woman eximed, ushering him inside.

    Frank was a little surprised that the chief was a woman, as Whitney beckoned him to sit on the couch and poured him a ss of tea. "Sorry, don''t have anything better since this vige is way out in the boonies. Please don''t mind it!"

    Still, Frank took a sip and found that the tea tasted just fine-it was even high-grade peppermint!

    But that was not all that surprising, as Frank had spotted a courier point when he arrived.

    The woman must have bought it online, with how well-developed courier systems were now.

    "Madam Chandler, I was thinking about rentingnd where I could farm. Are there any free plots at the moment?" Frank asked, conveying his intentions just then.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!