"Matthias, no, Mr. Lowell, we were wrong!! We'll do anything as long as you spare our family!"Wilfred sounded submissive and sincere as he continued to say, "The Stoermer family has businesses across the nation, supporting hundreds of thousands of lives and contributing to the well-being of millions."If we were destroyed, the resulting impact would be unimaginable. Ordinary people would suffer, and high-ranking officials in New Avalbourne would surely notice."Mr. Lowell, wiping out an entire family over a minor issue would be unreasonable. Besides, you'll have to face the wrath of the New Avalbourne's leaders. It's simply unwise!"Matthias snickered when he heard Wilfred's plea.Was he trying to use political leverage to threaten him?Guilt-tripping him by using the lives of the commoners?"Is this how you apologize? Old man, do you really think I care about any of this?"If I decide to destroy you, no one will dare to object!"Now that you've lost your force, you're trying
Brock's lips twitched as he ignored the pleading Stoermer family members and approached Matthias with a respectful tone."Greetings, Mr. Lowell!"Silence instantly filled the room.It was so quiet that they could hear the sound of a pin dropping in that tense atmosphere.Everyone present was stunned.The leaders of Havenwood's top families were dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes.The Stoermers were in shock, their minds blank.What did they just witness?Brock had addressed Matthias formally, and his tone was exceedingly humble!Wilfred was so overwhelmed that he passed out.Who was Matthias, and what kind of power had they truly provoked?"Is there a problem? Are you here to protect the Stoermer family?" Matthias asked, not even bothered to look at Brock"No, no! Mr. Lowell, you misunderstood. The Stoermer family deserves to be destroyed. If you wish to eliminate them, that's only right. The governor's office has no objections whatsoever!" Brock hurriedly explained,
Just like that, the Stoermer family was wiped out!They were a formidable force in Havenwood for the past millennia, with their influence and connections extending throughout the region.Yet, they vanished without a trace overnight.When the sun rose the next day, the ordinary people of Havenwood remained unaware that such a powerful family had disappeared.After all, the average person was busy with their daily struggles, and the elite families were far from reach. Many would never even come into contact with the children of such families.However, some employees arriving at their workplaces noticed a sudden change—new faces occupied high-ranking positions previously held by the Stoermers.Naturally, the other prominent families in Havenwood, aware of the Stoermers' downfall, chose to remain silent, pretending nothing had happened.They were too fearful to discuss it openly.After Matthias left the Stoermer mansion, Brock stayed behind to handle the aftermath.He had instruct
Leona did not want Danielle to be raised as a pampered socialite.She wanted Danielle to live without worry.Matthew keenly noticed they were about to argue over that, and he quickly bit his tongue, holding back his suggestion for a daily convoy to take Danielle to school.With his suggestions dismissed, Matthias played with Danielle, and the two were having a blast.Suddenly, the loud sound of a stack of enrollment brochures hitting the table interrupted their fun.Leona glared at the father and daughter with a cold expression.While she was busy selecting the most suitable kindergartens and barely had time to pause, the two spent their time playing.Danielle was still a child, so it was understandable.However, Matthias was a grown man!Was he that frivolous?"Matthias, are you really taking Dani's schooling so lightly? What if we choose the wrong school, and Dani ends up unhappy? Who will be responsible then?"Leona's frustration grew as she glared at Matthias.Matthias
Caleb Hewitt was another typical wealthy heir.Throughout college, he had a new woman on his arm every other week and was known as a notorious playboy in Grandview University's finance department.Just three years out of college, Caleb already held a high position in the family business.However, he had never shed his old habits. Over the years, he had used his family's influence to pursue many women, but there was one he had never been able to find—Leona.He thought he would never see her again, but fate had other plans.Caleb was stunned to run into Leona, but his heart ached when he saw her with a man and a young girl.It was as if something that once belonged to him was snatched away.His smile remained, but a cold glint appeared in his eyes.He could not believe Leona was married, even had someone else's child!He obsessively believed Leona's first time should be his and his only!Suddenly, a twisted thought flashed in his mind, and his eyes lit up.Caleb decided that a
With that in mind, Caleb's smile grew even brighter."No need for that, Caleb. Let's catch up another time," Leona said impatiently.She had no desire to continue the conversation with him."And by the way, we weren't close in college, so please mind your boundaries. I'm a married woman, after all," she said.Caleb's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered.He glanced at Matthias and spoke with disdain, "Oh, come on, Leona. We were college classmates. Your husband wouldn't mind, right? Surely, a grown man wouldn't be so petty?"Caleb turned his gaze back to Matthias.Though he maintained a friendly demeanor, his gaze held a subtle threat.Caleb thought a man who could not afford a car was not worth much respect. He had even dealt with women whose husbands had sold out, and he suspected that intimidating Matthias might get him to cooperate.Matthias met Caleb's gaze and smiled."Oh, I do mind, and I'm quite petty. So, please mind your boundaries."Caleb was stunned.
As Matthias and the rest entered the store, Olivia Winter, the store manager, greeted them with a warm smile.Caleb and Leona had encountered each other right outside the store, and Caleb was a regular customer.Olivia had been waiting for them to come in, knowing that Caleb's generous spending would likely boost her monthly sales."Mr. Hewitt, it's been a while! Is there a particular style you're interested in? We've just received some new arrivals. Would you like me to show you?"Olivia focused on Caleb and merely nodded politely at Matthias and his family. After all, Caleb was the real high-spender.From the snippets of conversation she had overheard, it was clear that Matthias and his family were just ordinary people. Furthermore, Olivia's disdain grew as she thought about how Matthias had never bought anything for Leona.They were probably married for a few years, considering their daughter's age.How could a man not provide for his wife?Caleb's expression turned scornful
"Forget it. I don't really like this dress," Leona said, not looking too pleased.She had never spent such an extravagant amount on a single item of clothing; she thought it was a waste of money."Mommy, just try it on. I want to see you in a pretty dress!" Danielle's clear voice chimed in, tugging at Leona's hand with hopeful eyes.She thought the dress was beautiful and was disappointed that there were no options for children."Come on, just try it on for Dani's sake," Matthias said.Leona hesitated, her resolve wavering.She decided to try it on but decided not to buy it."Hello, may I please try on this dress?"Olivia flashed her a polite, professional smile and said. "Sorry, ma'am, but because of the high price of this dress, we can only let you try it on if you're a member of our store or can prove you have the means to purchase it."She was not purposely being difficult; it was simply store policy.Besides, Leona and her family did not seem like the type who could affo