Alexander sighed and said, "Eric, what's done is done. We all know that your father doesn't have a good relationship with his current wife. For so many years, they haven't had a child, and back then, he was forced to marry that woman."It's understandable that people often resort to desperate measures during emergency times. But things might be different now if he hadn't married that woman back then. Anyway, not everyone can decide what they want in their life. Many times, circumstances force their hands." Eric remained silent. He understood the logic behind what Alexander was saying but could not accept it. He had thought about forgiving Julius, but it seemed impossible for him to do so.Naturally, he was aware that he was also protecting Julius subconsciously. Otherwise, he would not have instructed someone to break the bones of the ones who had beaten Julius up. "Uncle Alexander, let's not talk about it," Eric said. "He's not a child anymore, and as the saying goes, 'You reap
Sylvia said, "It's okay, Mom. We can take care of our daughter ourselves. Besides, nobody is born knowing how to take care of a child. I've already informed people that we'll set up a nursery at our house after the lockdown is lifted. There won't be any issues!" Amelia chuckled. "Do you think taking care of a child is that simple? Wiping their bottoms and changing diapers are just routine operations! Some children like to cry at night, just like Brook and Connor. Back then, it took a lot of effort for me to take care of them. Your father had to manage the company, and I was overwhelmed. Sometimes, I was so tired that I felt like crying!"She knew that her daughter had not experienced such things. After all, taking care of a child was not as simple as it seemed on the surface.She continued. "Infants have weak immunity, and it's common for them to cry and fuss when they have a fever. It can be exhausting! I don't think you can handle that. Besides, I've already decided which brand o
Eric finally had some time for himself after the Oberdeens had been taken down. In his leisure moments, he accompanied Sylvia to read books. A few days later, Salt City finally lifted the lockdown as effective control measures had significantly reduced the number of virus infections.Everyone in Salt City was overjoyed. Even Connor took Coulson out for a walk. The news spread like wildfire. The message about the resumption of work was also announced in the communication group of the Innova Group.-When all the Innova employees arrived in the morning, they saw Eric, Sylvia, Andy, and several executives standing there.Before they could speak, Sylvia handed each of them a check and greeted them, "Welcome back!"Distributing money directly was more effective than shouting slogans and painting a rosy picture. The Innova Group believed that its employees deserved this treatment.Besides, many people had died in Dortmund City because of the virus. Although the death toll in Salt C
"Ms. Williams—" Just when one executive wanted to ask Sylvia why she wanted to step down, another person chimed in. "Ms. Williams has to step down. I heard she's pregnant, and this child is a hard-won blessing!""What?!" The executive quickly said, "Congratulations, Ms. Williams and Mr. Johnson!"There were some internal rumors spreading in the Innova Group stating that Sylvia and Eric had been trying for a child for a long time. Now that she was pregnant, all of them showered her with blessings."Thank you, everyone," Sylvia replied with a smile.The news about Sylvia stepping down as the CEO quickly spread within the Innova Group. Some expressed regret and said, "Ms. Williams is so capable, why step down? Without her leadership, I don't think the Innova Group would have developed to this point."Sylvia's leadership was one of the main reasons the Innova Group could grow rapidly. It could be said that the company would not have reached its current status without her guidance.
"We can partition this room and make it into a nursery since it's closer to our room. I plan to set up the children's room in another space. This way, when the child grows up and our parents are here, everyone will have their own private space," Sylvia suggested. She was already contemplating the next few years, perhaps a decade or more, of their lives. Regarding their living space, she believed their current large single-floor apartment was sufficient. There was no need to invest in a villa or manor, as such expansive spaces might feel empty with their small family. However, she envisioned such a residence in 20 or 30 years if they were blessed with more children. Eric attentively followed Sylvia's plans for every aspect of their life. He could sense Sylvia's profound excitement for the child in her womb and the future of their entire family.Comparing her current state to before pregnancy, Sylvia had undergone a complete transformation. Even Eric could not help but marvel at h
Andy came out after washing his hands and sighed. "But I really have come across some problems recently. Jacob has a new girlfriend now and asks me for money every day. I'm truly speechless.""Well, there's not much you can do. You were the one who sent him to prison for a year, and now he's having trouble finding a job. Plus, your parents really want him to get married soon. If you don't help him financially, I don't know what they will say when they call."Elly was well aware of Andy's family situation. Even though Jacob had a college degree, he did not put his knowledge to good use. Instead, he consistently relied on Andy for money, especially when indulging in a lavish lifestyle after his release from prison.If Andy declined to provide money, his mother would call within two minutes. Despite Andy explaining that he could not support Jacob indefinitely and that Jacob needed to become independent, his mother insisted he had to help because they could not afford to support Jacob d
The next morning, Damon arrived at the Innova Group earlier than other employees. He was diligent and responsible. He knew all the employees in the company and could even call them by name.Around 8:00 a.m., Andy arrived, and Damon was leisurely smoking a cigarette, enjoying a pleasant moment.Andy approached Damon after he had parked his car. "Mr. Parker, can I have a minute with you?""Sure. What's the matter, Mr. Bikman?" Damon asked, feeling a bit surprised."Well, it's nothing important." Andy sat down and said, "You're about 59 years old this year, right? In a few months, you'll be eligible for retirement."Damon understood the intention behind the conversation. He exhaled a puff of smoke and calmly said, "Yeah, time waits for no one. In the past, I used to work on construction sites to support my family. Who would have thought that I could still find such a good job at this age? I'm old, and I've worked hard for most of my life. Now it's time to enjoy a peaceful life."To
Jacob felt embarrassed. He scratched his head and asked, "So what am I going to do then?"Andy saw the opportunity and smiled. "You're going to start from the bottom. How about starting as a security guard at the entrance? I think that position suits you well!""What?!" Jacob was taken aback. "You want me to become a security guard in this suit? It costs me nearly 3,000 dollars!" Andy shook his head and said, "I gave you 5,000 dollars yesterday, and you spent 3,000 on clothes? Anyway, this is your only option. Take it or leave it." He thought his brother was beyond help. Considering careful budgeting and financial planning, 5,000 dollars should be enough to cover his expenses for a month or at least half a month."I…" Jacob sighed. "How much is the salary? I'm your brother. You can't just give me a measly 2,000 a month, right? I've spent so many years in college!"Andy glanced at him and said, "After deducting social security, you'll receive around 5,000 per month. All in all,
In terms of innate talent, Eric was unparalleled, having reached the pinnacle of martial arts. With a single punch, he sent the 'God' flying."Good!" Stealthbane shouted with excitement.The ultimate enemy had finally been defeated, bringing peace to the world. Eric sighed in relief.However, in the next moment, the 'God' stood up again. Spitting out a mouthful of blood, he revealed a bloodthirsty smile. "You have successfully enraged me!"Everyone braced for a potential massacre, but instead, the enemy turned and fled.Could Eric let him escape?"Chase him!" Stealthbane commanded.Allowing this foe to escape would spell endless trouble.A group of people pursued the enemy, who soon reappeared clad in iron armor."Not seen this before, have you?" The 'God' seemed to have recovered somewhat. "Did you think I only research viruses? Wrong! I control global resources and global wealth!"This is our newly developed Doomforge Exosuit which amplifies a person's battle prowess tenfol
The sturdy floor lay in utter disarray.In desperation, Ruth shouted, "Eric, don't give him any more chances! Finish him off swiftly, or we'll face endless trouble!"Eric was well aware of this logic. As he fought, he said, "He's incredibly strong. Taking him down quickly isn't possible! We must fight to the death!"Eric had never feared battle. Besides, this might very well be his final fight.Their fists clashed fiercely.The 'God' also noticed that Eric was growing more formidable as the battle progressed."How do you have so much strength? Wouldn't it be better if we joined forces to control the world? We could have anything we desire!"All the world's wealth, women, and resources would be ours to enjoy. Why won't you listen to reason?" he roared.Eric's momentum didn't falter. "I don't share your grand ambitions. I just want a simple life with a job that pays 1,000 dollars a month and a warm home with my wife and kids. But you, you've disturbed my peace!"The 'God' was fu
The 'God' grew more courageous as the battle raged on, causing Stealthbane to worry incessantly.In another high-stakes clash, Eric and his opponent both retreated. Eric sensed his opponent's growing strength, finding it rather peculiar.The 'God' clenched his fist. "I must thank you! My techniques were slightly incomplete, but I've managed to fill the gaps through this battle!"Eric marveled at his opponent's genius. To mend something incomplete was indeed a rare talent.Despite Eric training with the complete manual, he could only match the 'God' blow for blow. This person was terrifying!The opponent's confidence soared. Although Eric had trained with the full manual, the 'God' felt his innate talent far surpassed Eric's. If he could match Eric with an incomplete manual, now that he had perfected it, wouldn't he be unbeatable?"I thought you had potential and considered inviting you to share this world with me," the 'God' said, his tone turning icy. "But now, I see it's unnece
Stealthbane even felt that Eric might not be a match for the "God."The power was overwhelming.The terrifying aura was enough to crush everything. To an ordinary person, this was a real deity—the strength possessed had already transcended human limits.Eric made his move with a burst of speed. The clash of their fists created a thunderous explosion, and the sound was so intense that Stealthbane felt his eardrums might shatter.This was a battle of the highest caliber, one that even a legend like Stealthbane could not hope to join.Seeing the two evenly matched, Stealthbane sighed in relief. At least there was a chance that the strongest combatants were neutralizing each other. The outcome was still uncertain.Eric shook his aching fist, his expression grave. The opponent's strength was as he had anticipated. If the ultimate boss of the Luminous did not possess such combat power, it would be absurd.Clearly, this "God" had also gauged Eric's strength.He extended a hand toward
Stealthbane knew that the figure facing them must be the ultimate leader of the Luminous.Suddenly, he no longer wanted to die. If he could hold on just a little longer, it would all be over."Mr. Johnson, these people don't seem ordinary. Could that leader be the ultimate figure of the Luminous? Are we about to complete the game?" he whispered.To him, this mission to the Ark felt like a game: defeat the final boss, and victory is achieved."If I'm not mistaken, it should be. This person gives me... a sense of danger," Eric said.Upon hearing this, Stealthbane felt reassured.Just a sense? That meant the problem wasn't too grave!The leader on the opposite side turned to Eric. "I didn't expect you to make it this far. I underestimated your strength, believing my Ark was impregnable, that no enemy could breach it. But why are you so persistent? Why such determination?"He suddenly screamed in a fit of hysteria, "I have so many people! Such a grand scheme! It has all succeeded!
Brent shouted desperately, "After you get on your knees, they'll kill you all, and we won't survive either! Kill them! Kill them all!"He understood the situation with stark clarity. Kneeling meant certain death. If they had to die anyway, fighting back would be their only chance of survival.Eric sighed. "Mr. Rogers, in the end, it was we who implicated you. But this place must be eradicated, and the Luminous must be destroyed as well! Everyone, attack!"As the battle commenced, the masked man immediately struck Brent with a punch.Eric charged in. "Die!"He knew that Brent was unlikely to survive. This punch was his way of avenging Brent.The masked man spun around, trying to block Eric's punch. But the speed of the blow was too much—the gust of wind from the punch arrived before the fist did.It was an instant kill.The masked man had no time to react before Eric's punch collided with his chest. The terrifying force shattered the mask on the man's face, revealing an unfamili
Stealthbane was blinded by rage. He was killing anyone in sight, his fury unrelenting. They had ventured deep into enemy territory, where every encounter seemed to be with an adversary.Eric and his team from the Combat Department showed no mercy.Yet even Stealthbane's resolve was wearing thin."I can't kill them all! It feels like every master in the world is concentrated here!" he shouted in frustration.He felt the number of people he had brought was insufficient. If he had brought a few thousand more, he might have been able to overrun the place.Stealthbane was overwhelmed by the sheer horror of their situation. Fortunately, they had arrived. If anyone else had come, they would have met their end here.The numbers of the masters seemed endless."Damn it!" Stealthbane cursed angrily. "There are too many of them, and they're all exceptionally powerful. What kind of game is this?"He was tempted to retreat, but where could he go?Eric sent an enemy flying, pushing forward
"I was opposed to coming in from the start, but as you all know, the Rogers family is extremely complex. If we hadn't entered, I might have ended up dead. At least if the virus isn't a threat, that's something!" Brent poured himself a cup of coffee and continued. "These people are ruthless! They want to kill everyone outside the Ark and establish a new order, managed by a select few. It's insane!"You don't need to tell me—I know you're here to kill them."He then pulled a small token from his pocket. "This is our Rogers family's privilege here. It allows us to move freely between different levels. With this, you can go anywhere!"Stealthbane grabbed it eagerly. "Why didn't you mention this earlier? Things will go much smoother with this!"Brent sighed. "Once you've handled everything, could you take me out with you? I really don't want to stay in this dreadful place any longer.""Sure!" Eric nodded. "We'll definitely call you when we leave. For now, we're heading out."Brent e
Everything was ready, but they couldn't just walk in.Ruth instructed the Combat Department to conduct a three-day intensive training for everyone, focusing on coordinated combat.-After three days, the forces led by Stealthbane moved out, first dismantling the outer defenses of the Ark. This was their specialty!A large group of several hundred arrived in front of the Ark's entrance. At first glance, it resembled a mountain.Jack scratched his head and said, "Is this the gate? I don't see any door."The Holy Templar's people arrived as well. St. Pius said, "Everyone, don't rush. Wait for two minutes. Once the gate opens, we need to get in quickly. I have other plans inside, but once we're in, it's going to be a life-or-death battle! No one should show any mercy!"Stealthbane flexed his fists and replied, "Do I look like a good guy to you? Just watch me deal with them!"No sooner had he spoken than there was a tremendous roar. The ground shook, and the door of the Ark swung