Roderick stood there frozen, his face was pale.He'd experienced all kinds of hardships all his life, but at that moment, he didn't know what to do.He thought it was bad enough that he'd gotten cheated on.He didn't expect that there'd be a bigger "surprise" that followed.His son wasn't actually biologically his?This revelation was even more severe than finding out he was being cheated on! "Mr. Rhys, are … you sure?" Roderick's eye twitched. He was clinging to the very last glimmer of hope."Mr. Brooks, it's a hard pill to swallow, but based on your body's current condition, you lost your ability to have children a long time ago. If you don't believe me, you can go get tested yourself," Dustin said firmly. To be honest, he was starting to pity Roderick.Although he was swamped with riches, his wife had an affair, and his son wasn't his.This double whammy would have driven any ordinary person insane."Alright. Thank you, Mr. Rhys. There are too many people here. Shall w
Despite running such a huge family business, Roderick didn't even have an heir now. It was truly a tragedy."Mr. Brooks, don't take it too hard. Although the knife injury damaged your fertility, it can actually be treated. Once you're recovered, you can have another son, or even ten! It won't be a problem." Dustin smiled as he attempted to cheer Roderick up."Really?" Roderick trembled, his face expectant.In the past six months, the main reason he hadn't slept with his wife was because he couldn't get it up.However, because of his dignity as a man, he'd always kept it a secret.So, to hear that he'd be able to rise up again, naturally, he was elated."Mr. Brooks, if I dare to say it, it means I can do it." As Dustin spoke, he took out a tablet and said, "This is Gemiphen, which I created. It helps clear up circulatory pathways and heal internal injuries. Give it a try.""Okay!" Without another word, Roderick took the Gemiphen and swallowed it.As soon as the tablet entered hi
At that moment, Phineas and Matt were in the Brooks Manor living room."Dad, do you think Big Bucks Brooks will lend us money?" Matt glanced around, looking worried."Big Bucks Brooks is filthy rich and generous to boot. He's always had a good relationship with our family. It shouldn't be a problem to borrow some money," Phineas said, raising his cup and taking a sip. It was obvious that he was very confident.Although the Laney family hadn't been restored to its previous glory, they were still above the average person.Outside, they still had some status."If it weren't for our family's capital chain rupture causing our businesses to suffer majorly, we would never have to borrow money from others," Matt said, sighing.Not long ago, they'd suddenly received terrible news.Many of their big-shot partners had retracted their investments. All the business deals they'd made previously had gone bust.Their entire family suffered serious damage overnight.Now, they desperately neede
The Immortunol formula would definitely be his soon."You're mistaken. I don't mean it that way." Roderick uttered calmly."Huh?" Phineas was puzzled. "What do you mean, then?""Both of you are here to borrow my money, aren't you?" Roderick asked back instead of answering.Phineas let out a sheepish laugh. "Our family ran into some trouble recently, and we need some money to turn things around. That's why we've come to you, Mr. Brooks.""How much do you need?""About three billion dollars?""Three billion!" Roderick raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, but no can do.""What?" Phineas' shock quickly turned to dismay. "Mr. Brooks, three billion is nothing to you. Why can't you lend us the money?""Technically, I've already lent the money to Mr. Rhys, so you'll have to beg him for the money," Roderick replied with a sarcastic smile."What? You lent it to him?" The father-son duo was stunned, unable to believe their ears.There was no way Roderick would have lent that useless punk three billion doll
"Mr. Brooks, why on earth are you willing to go against our family for him?" Phineas demanded with a threatening glare. He had approached Roderick confidently but never expected this outcome."To tell you the truth, Mr. Rhys is my savior and honored guest. If you have a problem with him, that means you have a problem with me! So, you either beg for his forgiveness, or your family is over!" Roderick declared; the aura he exuded was overwhelming."You want us to apologize to that asshole? In your dreams!" Matt yelled angrily."Then, get lost! I wonder how long your family can last." Roderick kicked them out."Roderick Brooks, life has its ups and downs, so don't look down on a broke man! You'll regret it one day!" Matt forced through gritted teeth and stormed away."Mr. Brooks, you've incurred the wrath of the Laney family. I doubt my family can't borrow merely three billion dollars elsewhere!" Phineas glared at Roderick before following his son."Arrogant fools!" Roderick sneered.No on
"How did it go, Dad? Is anyone willing to help us?" Matt asked tentatively."Fuck those bastards! They come wagging their tails as soon as they have something they want and call themselves my friends, but the moment they find out that our family is in trouble, they start running away! Those fucking fakes!" Phineas' face contorted with rage. He never thought that he, the head of the Laney family, would end up like this."Dad, everyone always says that misfortune shows you those who are not your real friends. Stop hanging out with them from now on. I'll make them regret their choice after we pull through." Matt swore solemnly."Matt, my contacts are useless now. You're the only one I can rely on." Phineas suddenly thought of someone. "Aren't you close with Edwin Hummer's daughter? Why don't you ring her up and see if she can lend us some money?""Oh, right! I nearly forgot! The daughter of the wealthiest man in Swinton should be able to spare us three billion dollars easily. I'll call he
"Hello? Hello!" Matt held his phone by his ear with a dumbfounded expression. All he did was mention Dustin's name. Why did Tina sound so frightened? Matt had no idea that Tina was still traumatized from the time Dustin slapped her. What's worse was that instead of getting her revenge, she had been forced to grovel for Dustin's forgiveness, which was nothing less than an utter embarrassment and a terror for her.Although she was bitter about it, she couldn't lay a hand on Dustin because her family didn't dare seek revenge before her brother returned. Dustin was someone who could defeat a martial arts master like Mr. Milfroy with ease. If someone like him were to go crazy, he could destroy the entire Hummer family in a heartbeat! Because of this, they didn't dare seek revenge, and Tina shook in fear every time someone mentioned Dustin."What did Ms. Hummer say, Matt?" Phineas saw his son in a daze and asked. "Fuck! That bitch is terrified of Rhys. There's no way she'll lend us money.
Meanwhile, at Peaceful Medical Centre, Dustin was reading a book in silence when a Maybach pulled up at the door. The car door opened, and Phineas came out holding some gifts."Mr. Rhys." Phineas entered the building with a smile, no longer carrying the arrogance he had when they first met."Do you need me for something?" Dustin glanced at the other man indifferently. "Mr. Rhys, I'm really sorry about today's incident. Please forgive us for being so ignorant." Phineas smiled apologetically.He finally understood that there was more than meets the eye when it came to Dustin, who had the support of the Harmon family and the friendship of Big Bucks Brooks. If Phineas wanted to borrow three billion dollars, he had to first get Dustin's forgiveness."How could a nobody like me make the Laney family apologize?" Dustin replied, unconcerned."What are you talking about, Mr. Rhys? You're young but talented. We admit defeat proudly. Please give us a way out." Phineas bowed his head. However, Du
"You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?" Austin barked."Your Highness, please let me explain…" Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic."This is a lie. Someone's trying to frame me! I've always followed the law—how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?""The evidence is right in front of you, and you're still trying to weasel out of it?" Austin shot back. "Looks like you won't confess until death is knocking at your door."He raised his hand and ordered, "Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary—let's see how long he keeps up this act.""Yes, Your Highness."A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, "Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake."His voice cracked as he continued, "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my y
Night had fallen. Austin sat in the meeting room, quietly reading a book as he waited for the results of the investigation.After successfully turning Percival against his allies, it was only a matter of time before they uncovered solid evidence of Warrick and Huxley's crimes.For years, the castle had turned a blind eye to their shady dealings. After all, corruption among officials was nothing new.But this time was different. The two had secretly orchestrated Jovian's murder, a direct challenge to the authority and dignity of the royal family. Such defiance couldn't be ignored. If Austin didn't set an example, others would surely follow."Your Highness!"Axel burst into the meeting room, panting heavily. He had clearly run the whole way to avoid any delay.Austin set his book aside and asked calmly, "Well? How did it go?""Your Highness, we've completely shut down all of Warrick and Huxley's illicit operations. Every hidden network they had built over the years has also been d
At that moment, Percival truly panicked. Earlier, he had only worried about being implicated. But now, faced with such a serious accusation, he was completely caught off guard."Hmph! The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare deny it? Do you want me to torture the truth out of you?" Austin barked."Your Highness, I'm innocent!" Percival was so terrified he was on the verge of tears. He raised his hand and swore, "If I had anything to do with Jovian's death, may I be damned for eternity.""If swearing oaths proved innocence, we wouldn't need an enforcement team," Austin said coldly. "Out of respect for your years of service to West Lucozia, I'll give you a chance to come clean and receive a lighter sentence. Tell the truth now, or I'll throw you into Grimhold Keep."At the mention of Grimhold Keep, Percival began to shake uncontrollably. Tears and snot ran down his face as he wailed, "Your Highness, I swear I didn't do anything. Who's the bastard making up these accusations?
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W