"He should have left long ago. He's only going to bring us trouble if he stays here," Dustin said frostily."Before your father left, he asked me to talk you into returning to the Rhys family. I refused." Gregory sat down on a chair and poured himself a cup of tea. "I told him that the Rhys household is a dangerous place to be in. I'd much rather see you do what you love and live your best life out here than be constantly caught in power struggles and deceitful manipulations back there. Surprisingly, he agreed. He told me that all he wants is for you to be happy, and that the Rhys family will always be there to back you up. His only wish is for you to make time to go back and visit your mother's grave to pay her respect."Dustin stood there, frozen in place, when he heard that. He felt a prick on his chest, right above his heart. He reached up to find that it was the crystal necklace that his mother had left him. Taking in a deep breath, he said, "I'll go back. But now's not the time
Amused by Dahlia's antics, Dustin chuckled and nodded furiously in a joking manner. "Ah, yes! All hail, Ms. Nicholson! The ever-capable and talented Ms. Nicholson is bound to be the leader of a prominent household one day!" Then, he even went so far as to pump his fist in the air dramatically to entertain her."Hey! Quit fooling around! I'm being serious here! As long as I become the matriarch of the Nicholson family, I'll be even more influential than Natasha Harmon! And when the time comes, I'll take good care of you!" Dahlia raised her chin and declared confidently. Anyone could tell that she was full of hope and determination. In the past, Dahlia had always felt inferior compared to Natasha due to their differences in background and social status. But now that she was a potential successor to the Nicholson family, she was on par with her, and they would have to vie for Dustin according to their abilities.Right then, Dahlia's phone rang. She answered the call and quickly heard Flo
At the sight of the cold glare Gloria shot her, Dahlia frowned, and her expression darkened too. This was no longer about paying respect or following customary practices. When Gloria spat the tea on her face, she made it clear that she was blatantly insulting her. She was here to flex her authority over Dahlia and exert dominance over them all!"What's wrong with you, Dahlia? Grandma asked for tea, and you served it to her boiling hot? Did you do it on purpose?" Dakota started to pin the blame relentlessly on Dahlia once she saw the opportunity."I think someone's just not happy with us and is deliberately trying to make things difficult!" Jane echoed."No, no, no! Dahlia did not do it on purpose! Besides, I've had the tea too, it isn't boiling hot!" Florence quickly tried to salvage the situation."Oh, so what you're saying is that I'm lying?" Gloria's expression was as cold as ice."N—no! I—I must have been mistaken. I'm sure the problem is with me," Florence said apologetically with
Dahlia seemed adamant about getting things over and done with. But just as she picked up the third cup of tea and was about to serve it, someone's hand stopped her. She turned around and found that it was Dustin. With a frosty expression, he said, "Let me do it this time.""You?" Dahlia did not understand what he was playing at. Knowing him, he wasn't one to bow down to others' wishes easily. Could he be doing this for her?"Who do you think you are? Do you think you are even fit to serve Grandma tea?" Dakota questioned arrogantly. She was here to shame Dahlia, not this good-for-nothing scumbag."Hmph! You uncultured folks! How dare you speak in my presence?" Gloria lifted her chin, obviously dissatisfied."It's just a cup of tea, what difference does it make who serves you? I'm in an absolutely brilliant mood today, so I'll personally serve you your tea. Here." Dustin picked up the cup and walked up to Gloria. Then, under everyone's disbelieving gaze, he emptied the entire cup over G
Florence and the others present were stunned into silence as they took in Dustin's righteous speech. Their faces were etched with disbelief. How dare he humiliate the highly respected third matriarch of the Nicholsons in public!“You … insolent brat! You? Teach me a lesson? Do you know I can bring your family to ruins with just one word?" Gloria cradled her burning face as she screeched in anger, losing her previous dignified elegance. "You can try." Dustin showed no signs of fear. "Hah!" Gloria exclaimed in anger before dissolving into scornful laughter. "Oh, Florence, what a great family you have. I came all the way here to Swinton just to elevate your family to a higher status. And yet, you're not only ungrateful, but you dare rebel against me? I believe this letter of appointment would have better use for another person! Since you're not interested in assuming the role of Chairman at Cardinal Group, I'll have the family patriarch revoke the appointment." As Gloria pulled out
Dahlia frowned, for it wasn't a small amount. In the whole of Swinton, there were only a few individuals who had one billion in liquid assets to withdraw from. "Of course, if you're unable to secure the investment funds needed, please step aside and make way for someone more deserving. We don't want you hindering the company's development." Gloria sneered. In truth, she was the one who set the conditions for a one billion investment fund, not the family patriarch. She didn't wish for an outsider to hold that much authority. That was why she came up with the idea to make her step aside on her own accord. She would also be able to give a good explanation when questioned by the family patriarch. "Why are you silent? Don't tell me you can't even manage such a small matter?" She taunted on purpose."Hmph! If you can't do it. I'll take on the role of chairman instead." Dakota raised her head arrogantly. With her connections and Gloria's help, one billion wouldn't be hard to secure.
Dustin walked out of Nicholson Villa and was about to make a call when his phone rang. It was from Roderick Brooks.Dustin answered, "Hello, Mr. Brooks, I was just about to go look for you. It's such a coincidence that you called first.""Oh? Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Rhys?" Roderick was taken aback."I have a friend who got into some trouble and needs a sum of money. Would it be possible for me to borrow money from you?" Dustin asked."Phew, you scared me. I thought it was something serious. It turns out you just need money. Of course. I might not have much of anything else, but I definitely have money. How much does your friend need?" Roderick breathed a sigh of relief."One billion.""No problem. I'll send it to you tomorrow.""Thank you, Mr. Brooks.""No need to be so polite, Mr. Rhys. You were the one who treated my recurring illness!""Congratulations again. Right, is there a reason you called me?" Dustin changed the subject. "Mr. Rhys, didn't you have
"Don't believe me? Let's see what happens!" The woman in the baseball cap pursed her lips in disdain, while Dustin and Roderick only smiled back in response. As time went on, the auction neared its end, and the remaining highly prized items were brought up on stage. Among them, was the long-awaited thousand-year green lotus everyone coveted. "Ladies and gentlemen, our next item on auction is an extremely rare, precious herb that has thrived for a thousand years. This item is known as the thousand-year green lotus!"With a wave from the auctioneer, a wooden box was brought forward with great care. As the box opened, one translucent and gleaming green lotus was revealed. While its petals were colored green, its core shimmered gold. It appeared to be the epitome of perfection, resembling a delicate work of art as its beauty captivated everyone present. Under the illumination of lights, its colors shone brilliantly. It was truly a sight to behold. "It really is the thousand-year g
If Warrick had been at his peak, Axel might have been more cautious. But with Tranqurin coursing through his vein, Warrick had barely a fraction of his usual strength left. His power was still fading, and Axel wasn't about to waste the opportunity. He had to capture Warrick while he had the chance."Get the hell out of my way!"As the enforcers closed in, Warrick let out a furious roar and slammed his massive fist into the floor.With a loud explosion, the earth shook violently. The ground within dozens of yards cracked and caved in, splitting apart like a spiderweb. A powerful shockwave tore through the air, sending dirt flying and walls shattering. The entire meeting room collapsed into ruins.The elite enforcers, caught in the blast, were flung backward like ragdolls. They crashed to the ground, disoriented and battered. Even Axel was thrown back more than ten yards.Warrick panted heavily, his face pale and drenched in sweat. Forcing his internal energy into action had only
Austin's words were strong and commanding, each one landing like a thunderclap.Warrick felt the weight of his presence. His brow furrowed for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. He glanced at the so-called evidence on the floor, showing no sign of panic or guilt. Instead, he said indifferently, "Your Highness, these dead men were nothing more than ants. Is this really worth making such a fuss over? I doubt you haven't killed anyone before."As the old saying went, the higher one climbed, the heavier one's purse. Warrick had clawed his way up, risking his life at every step for the sake of rising above the masses. Everyone had their own desires—some sought fame, others fortune. Some were greedy for money, some for power, and others reveled in the adoration of the masses. To achieve those things, one inevitably had to engage in shady dealings. It was an unspoken rule among officials, and Warrick saw nothing wrong with it."Ants?" Austin sneered. "Without these 'ant
The ashen-faced Huxley was dragged away. With his crimes exposed, his fate was sealed. His entire family would be implicated, and their assets would be seized.Those guilty would be punished, and even those who had merely benefited from his corruption would be held accountable. To put it bluntly, Huxley's entire family was about to be annihilated.Austin issued his next order once the bloodstains were cleaned up. "Axel, it's time to bring in the mastermind."With Huxley dealt with, the next step was to confront Warrick. Unlike Huxley, Warrick wouldn't be easy to deal with. After all, he commanded a large number of troops. If backed into a corner, he could become a major threat."Understood!" Axel responded respectfully, then turned to his subordinates. "Gather more men and come with me."Warrick had earned his prestigious position through years of fierce battles. On the battlefield, he was a one-man army, a warrior capable of taking on thousands. His strength was beyond what mos
"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