Cecilia's expression slightly trembled at Keith's final warning. Even though she had only been at the company for a few days, she had already heard rumors about the Hood Group's terrifying background.The Hoods were not only one of the four prominent families in Eastonia but were also once known as the Underground Emperor.After leaving Keith's office, Cecilia immediately pulled Lora aside and told her everything. Lora was furious and refused the idea. Cecilia had expected that reaction, but she still felt it was important to inform Lora.Since Lora shared her resolve, they both decided to leave the company.However, they did not plan on informing anyone about their decision. They feared that the company might use underhanded tactics to keep them. They briefly considered asking Henry for help but ultimately decided against it.After all, that was the provincial capital, and causing a scene could provoke the Hoods. It was safer to leave quietly and keep out of sight. Given the size
Celia had been reluctant to hand over their hard-earned money. So, she decided to stall for as long as she could.However, time was running out as the deadline approached, and Vito had already reported the situation to the Heartless Clan.Eventually, Celia decided not to send the money at all! However, she could not keep the money in her account. Otherwise, Vito would find out. She devised a brilliant plan—she transferred the money to her brother, Jayson Mathis.Jayson was shocked by the money transferred but assured her that he would keep the money safe. Celia was not worried about her brother refusing to return the money. After all, he was her brother, and that was Hood's money—Jayson would not dare misuse it.As expected, after transferring the funds, Vito had checked the account. Thankfully, the money was no longer there. Celia breathed a sigh of relief.Despite her worry about Henry confronting them, Celia felt fortunate that he had not shown up yet. She assumed he must have
Hilda had been offered some very lucrative opportunities.The headhunters reaching out to her were offering not only a 300,000 dollars signing bonus but also a much better compensation package than what she had been getting at the Miller Group. That was partly due to the recent success of Morning Dew Cosmetics and her impressive track record.However, Hilda was not interested and declined all offers."Headhunters, huh? They're already coming after you?" Henry chuckled."I didn't expect it either. I owe it all to you, Mr. Truman. Without you, I wouldn't have everything I have now," Hilda replied modestly."That's not true; it's all due to your skills."Anyway, have you decided where you want to go next?""Not yet," she said."To be honest, I feel quite sad and reluctant to leave. I've been with the Miller Group since I graduated. I've invested so much of my time and effort there.""I see. In that case, take your time finding another job. Meanwhile, I'll keep paying your previou
The long wait had caused Celia to grow impatient. She snapped, "What's taking the Heartless Clan so long? How can a deputy master be so inconsiderate and keep us waiting?""Shut up! Watch your mouth!" Vito was startled.He knew the Heartless Clan was a demonic clan known for their ruthlessness. Speaking ill of them, especially a supremely powerful figure like Jake, could easily spell death.It was rare for Vito to scold Celia, and she was not used to it. She retorted, "Was I wrong? It's the deputy master who's being rude. Who does he think he is?"Vito was on the verge of lashing out, but before he could, a cold, furious voice echoed, "How dare you!"Two figures descended swiftly. One of them, an elder, stepped forward and delivered a heavy slap across Celia's face.Celia was stunned. She was sent flying before she could even react. It was painful, especially since her face had only recently started to heal from previous injuries. The slap caused the wounds to reopen, making the
Although Jake was the deputy Heartless Master, everyone called him the Heartless Master—it was Kurt's demand.As Vito watched Celia's reaction, the woman finally snapped out of her daze. She recalled what Vito had said earlier and suddenly realized that the two figures before her were the powerful individuals they had been waiting for.She had insulted them, and after being slapped, she even uttered more disrespectful words.She knew how powerful the Heartless Clan was. After all, Vito had told her many times. She understood that while the Hoods were incredibly powerful in the eyes of ordinary people, they were nothing compared to the Heartless Clan. They could wipe out the Hoods with just a wave of their hands.She had been venting her frustration, thinking the guests were late, and typically, important figures made a grand entrance instead of appearing out of nowhere.Celia was not prepared for Jake and Jay's sudden appearance.Celia realized her recklessness. She quickly knelt
Upon hearing Vito's outburst, Celia realized that she had revealed more than she should have inadvertently. She tried to backtrack in a panic. "Please ignore what I just said. I was only rambling."Vito never thought his wife would utter those words; it was like trying to cover up a mistake but only making it worse.Jake was thoroughly exasperated, wondering if they were trying to fool him.Jay was equally frustrated, glaring at Vito and shouting, "How dare you not inform us about this, Vito!""Please—it's a misunderstanding!" Vito's mind raced as he tried to find a way out."I had no idea who they were when I first reported. Only today did I discover the person we offended was the Master of Golden Liberty."Jay considered that explanation. It made sense, after all. He had been Vito's contact point on behalf of the Heartless Clan and received plenty of benefits from Vito. So, he naturally hoped that would not turn into a disaster for him.However, Jake's expression turned icy as
Jay, noticing the pitiful state of Vito and his wife, could not help but suggest softly, "Master, Vito's actions are indeed inappropriate this time, but given his years of dedication, perhaps we can give him one more chance?""Who the hell is going to give me a chance then?!" Jake's voice was cold and angry as he glared at Jay, exuding an overpowering aura and pressure.Jay's face turned pale, and his body trembled involuntarily. He had never seen Jake so furious with one of his own.Unfortunately, Jay was unaware that Cesar, who had showcased extraordinary prowess at the Holy Clan Conference, was the Master of Golden Liberty. He would have understood why Jake was so enraged if he had known.Vito was utterly stunned, his body trembling under the immense pressure. However, he was confused and believed there was no reason for Jake to be so fearful. After all, Vito once witnessed Jake defeating a Grandmaster easily.At that moment, Celia had somewhat recovered, no longer in the excru
At that moment, Vito thought the same. Given that the Seven-Color Lotus had been stolen and the enemy, Henry, had arrived, Jake would certainly deal with him first. He assumed that Jake would personally take action to eliminate Henry.As Vito and Celia reveled in their excitement, Jake abruptly turned, dropping to one knee, and said respectfully, "Greetings, Master!""Greetings, Elder Stokes!"Everyone present was in shock. Even Jay, who had nervously and eagerly paid respects to Herwig, was momentarily stunned. He wondered if the young man beside Herwig was Master Murray.Regardless, Jay immediately knelt. He was drenched in cold sweat. He finally knew why Jake had been so enraged. He had never seen such fury before, and he realized the gravity of his previous actions.He had made a grave mistake and was fortunate that Jake had not acted against him. Vito's attempt to hide that truth had worsened the situation.Vito was utterly stunned. Despite overestimating Henry's status and