After a night without sleep, Lana reluctantly called Dustin. Then, she invited him for lunch at her place. Dustin, unsuspecting, agreed without hesitation. After ending the call, Lana slumped into a chair, her face pale and eyes lifeless. Her worn-out appearance was proof of her sleepless night."Lana, how'd it go? Did you get a hold of Dustin?" Matteo walked into the room.She didn't say a word and simply nodded. Matteo couldn't help but sigh as he observed Lana's depressed expression. He reassured her, "Lana, I understand you're upset, but we're out of options."We can't afford to mess with Scott. With the Moseys behind him, we can't risk crossing him. Many members of the Camron family are already in his hands. If we resist, they will end up dead."So, this time, we've got no choice but to play the bad guys." By the end of his speech, Matteo's expression darkened. He had a favorable view of Dustin—young, talented, and brimming with potential. Little did he expect Dustin to
Lana, who was feeling gloomy and distracted, only snapped back to attention when Matteo nudged her arm. She forced a smile, saying, "Dustin, I've got some food and drinks ready. Please, come in.""Thank you," Dustin replied with a smile.As they entered, the three exchanged pleasantries. The Camron family seemed unusually calm today, and few people were in the vast estate. They chatted as they walked to the dining room.Soon, a spread of mouth-watering dishes was brought to the table."Ms. Camron, you didn't just invite me for a meal, did you? Is there something on your mind?" Dustin inquired."I ..." Lana hesitated, momentarily lost for words. She had been in a daze the entire day. She didn't plan what she was going to say.Fortunately, Matteo swiftly intervened, deflecting the situation. "Dustin, can't I invite you for a meal without any hidden agenda? "Your Dew Balm has done us a great favor, opening the door for us to rise in status. Naturally, we want to express our grat
The crisp sound of Dustin's glass hitting the ground echoed through the room. Its contents spilled to the ground.Lana stood there, perplexed and uncertain; her actions were instinctive and beyond her control.Even Lana couldn't understand why she impulsively reacted as Dustin was about to take a sip. At that moment, Lana and Matteo went pale, with beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.The very scenario Matteo dreaded had now become a reality. Initially, he could have secured his family's safety by sacrificing Dustin. However, his daughter's actions ruined the entire plan.It would spell disaster for the Camron family if Scott knew about it!"Ms. Camron, what was that about? The drink is spiked?" Dustin raised an eyebrow, puzzled.Lana swallowed hard. After a few seconds of contemplation, as if reaching a resolute decision, she urgently said, "Dustin, today is a setup. Someone spiked your drink; they intended to harm you. You need to leave now!"With that, she grabbed Dust
With the knife clenched tightly, Lana applied more pressure, and the wound on her neck deepened.Matteo's heart ached as he saw that, helpless against his daughter. He eventually gave in. "Alright, I'll let you two go. But starting today, you're no longer part of the Camron family!"He declared sternly, "From now on, we're done. I'll act like I never had a daughter like you, Lana.""Dad?" Lana quivered, her face etched with anguish."I'm not your father anymore! Leave now!" Matteo waved, signaling the guards to step back. Then he turned away, refusing to look at Lana.Tears filled his eyes without him realizing it. He muttered, "Lana, live well. Go away from this treacherous place like Oakvale. I wish you happiness.""Dad, I'm sorry." Lana was hit with a wave of guilt as she saw Matteo's hunched figure. After a brief hesitation, she wiped away her tears, grabbed Dustin, and rushed toward the door.Once out of the living room, Dustin couldn't help but ask, "Ms. Camron, what's goi
"Ms. Camron!" Dustin's expression changed as he witnessed Lana falling to the ground after getting shot. Acting swiftly, he assisted her to her feet.Lana was bleeding profusely, her complexion turning paler, and her pupils dilating. Without second thoughts, Dustin took a silver needle and closed Lana's pressure points to stop the bleeding.Just as he was about to channel his true energy for treatment, gunshots came from behind.Even more intense gunfire erupted from outside, enveloping Dustin and Lana in a barrage of bullets. Stones were sent flying, and dust billowed in the air.After the onslaught, a fully armed team of assassins emerged from behind the trees."Thought they were tough, but it turns out they're quite disappointing," their muscular leader quipped as he lit a cigarette and exhaled smoke.A large number of assassins were standing by at all entrances and exits of the estate."Boss, with our firepower, who can stand up to us?" One of the assassins chuckled."That'
After all that, it seemed like Dustin was a monster. He was as swift as lightning, tough as a rock, indifferent to bullet, and merciless—this guy was a demon! "Where's Scott Mosey?" Covered in blood, Dustin glared at the muscle-bound man, his gaze icy. "Spare me! We are just following orders. We have no grudge against you, just—" Suddenly, the muscular man quickly whipped out a grenade and chucked it straight at Dustin. His timing was spot-on; the grenade would practically explode in an instant. The muscular man believed that no matter how tough Dustin was, there was no way Dustin could withstand the impact of the explosion. Victory seemed to be in the muscular man's grasp. He was convinced he had executed the perfect sneak attack, celebrating silently.However, Dustin intervened, snatching the grenade mid-air. In the next instant, a muted "bang" echoed as the hand grenade exploded instantly. But the expected bloodbath didn't happen. In Dustin's hands, the grenade seemed a
Amidst the chaos, Dustin kneeled beside Lana's motionless form, lost in thoughts. Suddenly, approaching footsteps brought him back to the present.Dustin gazed up to find Matteo, accompanied by others, rushing toward them urgently. The gunshots had alerted the Camron family.Realizing Lana's prolonged absence, Matteo swiftly sensed trouble and efficiently rallied a group for support. However, upon arriving and witnessing the grim scene, he stood frozen in disbelief as if struck by lightning.Stumbling forward, he reached Lana's motionless form. After confirming the grim reality, he released a gut-wrenching, mournful cry. "Lana! My daughter, Lana!"Matteo collapsed beside her, and his cries filled with sorrow. Since his wife's passing, he and Lana had been each other's pillars of strength. He had envisioned witnessing Lana's wedding, rejoicing in her motherhood journey, and holding his grandchildren. But today, unexpectedly, marked a farewell to the living and the departed. In
Anders organized an exclusive gathering with two purposes—to win over them and gather intelligence. "It's an honor to have you all at Jadeleaf Manor. Let's raise our glasses to a toast." He grinned, lifting his glass for a round of toasts.Seeing this, the attendees, filled with respect, promptly stood up, toasting in return. After all, the man in their midst was the God of War, the mightiest warrior in Dragonmarsh, and he was also the pride of the Moseys.Anders was a figure who naturally commanded respect wherever he went, and today's warm reception pleasantly surprised them."Sir Anders, we're family. Your words make it sound like we're strangers. "Besides, if anyone should be toasting, it should be us to you. You are the backbone of the Mosey family!" Scott, seizing the moment, raised his glass passionately."Absolutely! Sir Anders, your combat skills are unparalleled, a real asset to the Moseys!" The crowd joined in with praises."Haha! Alright, let's drink!" Anders lau
"Get lost! I'm not in the mood for anything right now. If you want to eat, go on your own." Warrick snapped, looking annoyed."I'm not going either," Percival refused flatly. "I'm on a health regimen these days—only tea, no alcohol.""Fine. If you're going to wait, then keep waiting. I won't be sticking around." Huxley forced a smile and acted like he was about to leave.But as he turned, he almost bumped into Boston, who was approaching from the other direction."Sorry, Sir Thatcher! I hope I didn't startle you." Since he was surrounded by so many high-ranking officials, Boston was already on edge. He had momentarily spaced out and almost caused a mishap by running into Huxley, which left him flustered and a bit tongue-tied.Unlike the other generals, Boston didn't come from an influential background or have any powerful connections. He had worked his way up from the bottom, and the last thing he wanted was to offend Huxley and risk losing everything he had fought so hard for.
After parting ways with Boston, Jovian checked into a nearby hotel to await the good news. Boston wasted no time. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he headed to the castle to deliver a letter of introduction. But when he arrived, he was stunned by what he saw.The gates of the West Lucozian monarchy had already gathered quite a few people, and among them were several figures he immediately recognized. These included Huxley Thatcher, the Commander of the Militia; Warrick Prescott, the Major General of the State Guard; and Percival Wentworth, the Chancellor of the National Academy.These three were first-ranking officials. In West Lucozia, they were nothing short of kingmakers who wielded immense power and influence. Warrick, in particular, was two ranks above Boston. Hence, he felt the need to be cautious in his presence and was eager not to make a bad impression.Alongside these three prominent figures, several second- and third-ranking officials also stood in line at
The following morning, Jovian stood at the entrance of West Lucozia Airport, wearing a sharp suit.Before the trip, he had contacted his comrade with whom he had fought side by side in the military. After earning military merit and with the Ballard family's influence, he was fortunate enough to stay in Oakvale and secure a decent position.His comrade, on the other hand, had moved to West Lucozia to carve out a life for himself. Years of hard work had paid off—he was now a third-rank general with considerable power, influence, and a strong network of connections. Jovian's meeting with the Prince of West Lucozia would depend entirely on his comrade's connections.Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air as a military jeep pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, and the first thing that came into view was a bald head gleaming in the sunlight like a lightbulb. The glare nearly blinded him.Under that shiny dome was a face that looked ordinary at first glance. But w
"Grandfather, I understand why you sent Uncle Jonathan and Uncle Jensen to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information," Natasha began. "But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away."She shook her head slightly. "They've always stayed out of the government's political matters. Sending Uncle Jovian there wouldn't achieve anything. He'd likely just be turned away." Oakvale and West Lucozia were worlds apart. The fight for the Oakvale throne didn't really affect the West Lucozian monarchy. Both sides had long adhered to an unspoken agreement to avoid meddling in each other's affairs."I know, but it'll be different this time. The royal throne is at stake, and every faction will do whatever it takes to secure West Lucozia's support. If the West Lucozian monarchy picks a side, the balance we've maintained for years will collapse. That's why I need to be ready for whatever happens," Simon replied.It would be best if the West Lucozian monarchy stayed out of the political strug
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first time Natasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people."Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her.""Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.Though they had known each other for some time and hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenario would be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor."Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned."Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate.""I believe you. But… taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tr
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time."Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile."No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature."You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point."Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling."Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then.""Given how things
In another luxurious mansion in the Inner City, a female spy dressed in black, cloaked in a hood, was reporting the results of her investigation to Nathaniel."Your Highness, the Moseys have been particularly active recently and are rallying allies. Many of the eight great families and other influential factions have already allied with them. If left unchecked, they'll pose a serious threat to us," she said, kneeling with her head lowered slightly."So the Moseys are backing Matthias, huh?" Nathaniel sat quietly, his expression unreadable."The Moseys have grand ambitions. While they claim to support Prince Matthias, they're merely setting him up as a puppet to rise to power and expand their own influence," she revealed.She had been infiltrating the Moseys' mansion for years and had gained a deep understanding of their operations, from the smallest details to the key players.Though Seamus appeared as a benevolent philanthropist, it was all a façade. Behind closed doors, he was r
That night, two young men sat playing chess inside a secluded mansion in the Inner City. On the left was Anders, who had visited the Ballard estate earlier. Across from him sat Matthias, a broad-shouldered man dressed in richly adorned robes.The game was intense, with fast moves followed by moments of deep thought. About ten minutes later, Anders finally conceded defeat."Anders, you've really improved since we last played. You almost had me there," Matthias said, stroking his beard in mild surprise."You flatter me, Your Highness. My chess skills are nothing compared to yours. If you hadn't gone easy on me, I wouldn't have lasted half as long," Anders replied with a modest smile."You're as smooth with words as ever." Matthias let out a hearty laugh with a look of smug satisfaction. Winning was in his nature—whether in war or on the chessboard, defeat was not an option."Well, we've eaten, and we've played. Let's get to business." With a wave of his hand, he signaled his men t