“Rhys! What is your problem? So you got lucky and saved the old man! You don’t have to be so rude about it!” Florence cried, clearly upset. How dare he treat her daughter that way? Did he think he was all that? “At least I saved him. What about all of you? He almost lost his life because of you!” Dustin retorted coldly. “You… What is this attitude?!” Florence sputtered. She had almost reached her limit. “Enough! Stop yelling at each other! What a disgrace!” Henry then demanded, “Florence, all of you, go outside. I need to speak to Dustin for a while.” “Humph!” Although Florence was not happy about it, there was no other option but to leave. As soon as they left the room, the group started muttering.“Say, do you think Old Mr. Nicholson wanted to talk to Dustin about his will or something?” “I’m not sure. That guy is great at getting on Old Mr. Nicholson’s good side. No matter what, we need to be careful!” “Ha! I don’t understand. James is his biological grandson, and yet
There were a lot of people gathered in the bar. Some of them were spectators. Others were involved in the fight. The group that the onlookers were most interested in was a small group led by James. A few of them had bruises covering their faces and blood rushing from their faces. They were forced to kneel on the ground, looking hopeless.“James, how did you end up like this?” Dahlia could not help but frown when she noticed James’ injuries.“Sis! You’re finally here!” James staggered as he stood up. It was almost as if he had met an angel.“Oh! My poor son! Who did this to you? Tell me. I’ll give them what they deserve!” Florence shrieked at James, heartbroken. Even when her son made a mistake, she could not bring herself to life a finger against him. There was no way she would allow others beat him up like this.“Mom! That’s the bastard who hit me!” James pointed behind him, looking vicious. Florence followed his gesture, and her eyes fell on a beautiful woman in a revealing d
“No wonder nobody dares to cause trouble here. Who knew Rosaline was Lord Draco's woman?""It's not that nobody dares to cause trouble; it's just that anybody who caused trouble is dead! A tycoon with a net worth of billions flirted with Rosaline, and Lord Draco ordered that his limbs be chopped off. After the incident, the tycoon didn’t dare lift a finger and even apologized personally.""Fuck! That's brutal!""No shit. Lord Draco is South City's biggest bully. No one dares disrespect him!"After finding out who the woman, Rosaline, was, the bar erupted in a furor. Some were shocked, some were in awe, and some sat back to watch the show."We're in trouble this time!" James gulped as cold sweat dripped down his forehead. If he had known that Sir Draco ruled this place, he would not have dared to cause trouble, even if someone had put a gun to his head."How did I end up offending the devil himself?"Florence shrugged, her face filled with fear. She wasn't as fiery as before. She
The Cobra was more brutal than they had expected.He even dared to slap an elite from Millsburg over a minor misunderstanding. There was no doubt that he was the mighty Cobra!"How dare you hit me?" Matt cried as he cradled his burning cheek in disbelief. How dare some random thug hit him? He was from the Laney family!"So what if I hit you? Don't you deserve it for causing trouble on my turf?" The Cobra shot him a cold smile."Do you know that I'm from the Laney family?!" Matt thundered. He had always been a prideful person, so getting slapped in public was the greatest humiliation of his life! "The Laney family? So what?" snorted the Cobra. “Don’t you know how to show respect on someone else’s turf? I don’t care if you’re the king. When you’re on my turf, you bow to me. You understand?!”The Laney family had been glorious once. Even his boss had to show them his respect in the past. Now, they were no different from anyone else. Even if they were famous, the Laney family had fa
The Cobra's expression darkened, and he swept his piercing gaze around the room. He was greeted by the sight of beer bottle after beer bottle."Smash, smash, smash, smash!"The bottles shot out like cannonballs and sent each man sprawling. Each bottle met its target with deadly accuracy!"Who's being such a fucking coward? Come out and face me if you have the balls!" roared the Cobra furiously. No ordinary man could send a dozen men flying with just beer bottles. "Sir Draco, forgiveness is a virtue. Why won't you show mercy?" a voice replied. Dustin strolled out from amongst the crowd, attracting stares across the room."Who is that? How dare he attack Sir Draco's men? Does he have a death wish?" "He's quite handsome, but he's not very smart to offend Sir Draco.""If it were me, I would have run away after hurling the bottles. Why would he fucking show his face? Isn't he courting death?!"The crowd gossiped. Some were surprised, some showed admiration, and some enjoyed the
“How… how dare you hit me?!"The Cobra rubbed his head in disbelief. His hand was covered in blood. In the years since he had taken over South City, no one had dared disrespect him, much less hit him with a bottle.“This fool must have a death wish!” he thought."Sir Draco, take my advice. Let it go," said Dustin calmly."Fuck you! I'm telling you, you're dead meat! I'm going to rip you apart!" the Cobra cursed and swore as he returned to his senses.As the threat left his mouth, a knife was held to his neck. The sharp blade pierced his skin, and drops of blood trickled from the fresh wound. An inch deeper, and the knife would have pierced his artery. Silence. The entire bar fell into complete silence. The Cobra's roars stopped, along with the crowd's prattling.Everyone was utterly shocked as they turned to look at Dustin, who was wielding the knife. Hitting Sir Draco with a bottle could still be excused as an accident. Unfortunately, holding a knife to his neck was undeniably
When Sir Anderson showed up, everyone thought Dustin was done for.To their surprise, nothing dramatic happened when Sir Anderson saw Dustin. Instead, they chatted amicably like they were old friends.The Cobra was appalled by this turn of events. Even Florence and the others were stunned."This can't be for real, right? Could he really know Sir Anderson?""My goodness, who is that man? How could he and Sir Anderson be talking like buddies?"The crowd gossiped in hushed voices, obviously taken aback."S—Sir Anderson…you know him?" The Cobra gulped. He was slightly panicked and at a loss."Dustin is Natasha's friend. What gave you the nerve to offend him?" Duane's expression grew colder by the second."Huh? Ms. Harmon's friend?" The Cobra got the fright of his life.Natasha Harmon wasn't just one of Swinton's big guns, she had the support of Millburg's aristocrats. She was as prominent a figure as Sir Anderson himself. What's more, Natasha was a very protective person. Anyone w
“Duane, let's not beat around the bush, shall we?" Dustin sipped his tea and said, “You said you've found the Panax root. Where is it?""Since you're so anxious, I won't tease you any longer." Duane smiled and clapped his hands.A bodyguard entered the room carrying a wooden box. Placing the box on the table between him and Dustin, Duane opened it slowly. A dark yellow root no bigger than a palm sat inside. It was a Panax root with unusually long roots."This really is good stuff!" Dustin exclaimed upon examining the root closely. He looked delighted.A 500-year-old Panax root was an extremely rare treasure! Now that he had another herb, he was another step closer to his goal!"How is it, Dustin? Are you satisfied?" Duane smiled expectantly."Of course, I'm satisfied. Thank you so much." Dustin smiled, reaching out to take the root.Suddenly, the lid of the box snapped shut."Dustin, what's the hurry? Let's talk more," Duane asserted. One hand remained wrapped around the box. E
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
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,