"Who did this?"Seeing Adler's bloodied lower body, Atticus was furious. He usually tolerated the younger generation's scheming and fighting within the family, believing that moderate competition fostered excellence. However, he would never tolerate deadly violence.Frederick stood tall and unflinching. "I did."Atticus's face darkened to an extreme. "Was it on purpose, or an accident?" "I did it on purpose. He touched my wife! Shouldn't he be punished? I spared his life out of respect for you, Grandpa," Frederick said with a cold, mocking smile.Tyrell's eyes bulged with rage. "Father! Did you hear that? This boy is utterly without morals! He treats lives like they're nothing, and he acts as if he's the real master of the family!"Barrett sneered. "You can't say that, Tyrell. Your precious son brought this on himself by messing with someone’s wife. It's called karma!""Barrett, haven’t you had your share of affairs with married women? Don't act all high and mighty now!" Tyre
Jennifer was in a state of panic, and clutched Frederick's sleeve tightly. She was utterly terrified, unable to utter a single word. Was she really so insignificant and worthless in the eyes of these powerful figures?Sylvia was equally pale. She stammered, "F-Fred, this... I..."Her mind was in turmoil, and she was unable to think clearly. Atticus's condition was one that anyone would find hard to refuse. The only price to pay was giving up Jennifer.Tyrell and Barrett were seething with jealousy, but dared not voice any objections. Defying Atticus in such a serious matter would only lead to a terrible end, even for his own sons—as had happened with the former Lester family heir, Cyrus.Meanwhile, Adler, despite his pain, staggered to his feet and laughed maniacally."Hahaha! I like this deal! That woman is mine! I'll have her serve me day and night—not just me, but my father, my brothers, and my subordinates... We'll share her around! Frederick, don't worry. I'll make sure to
Atticus was furious. He was practically shaking with rage."Father! Just give the word, and all of our family's Savant Grandmasters will tear this rebellious wretch to pieces!" Tyrell declared in a low voice.In an instant, over a hundred Savant Grandmasters stood at the ready. They formed an overwhelming dark mass that blotted out the sun. Sylvia and Jennifer were paralyzed with fear, completely overwhelmed. This was the true power of an ancient warrior clan—when a strong individual was angered, many lives could be lost. In such a moment, wealth, honor, status, and power meant nothing."Frederick, just give me to them!" Jennifer finally said after a long hesitation, her voice resolute. One life lost was better than everyone dying."Hand you over? Never. If they want to fight, then let's fight!" Frederick replied calmly, cracking his knuckles. "What good are numbers? They're just a bunch of worthless chickens and dogs!"Tyrell laughed, and spat angrily, "One hundred and thirty
The situation had taken unexpected turns, and even Jennifer's perception of Frederick underwent a visible change."Jen, are you alright? You didn't get hurt, did you?" Sylvia asked with concern. Her words thawed Jennifer's icy demeanor, turning her uneasy. Jennifer had never imagined having the need to navigate around a mother-in-law before."Madam... I mean, Mom. I rushed out today, and didn't bring any gifts. Here's two hundred thousand. Use it for tea or buy something for yourself," Jennifer said, trying to lighten the mood as she handed Sylvia a bank card. "If it's not enough, let me know, and I'll transfer more money to you."Sylvia quickly pushed away Jennifer's hand. "How could I take your money? Jen, don't worry about me. I make enough to support myself. The most important thing is for you two to get along and give me a cute grandchild soon. I dream of holding my grandchild in my arms!" she said with a warm smile.Jennifer trembled slightly, astonished. "A grandchild?"
"A high school reunion?" Frederick furrowed his brows. He genuinely had no idea. After the college entrance exam, he joined the military in the Northern Frontier and cut off contact with most of his high school classmates.But to Stella and Malcolm, his reaction meant something else entirely.Stella quipped, "Seriously? How come our class's top student didn't get notified about a reunion?"Malcolm put his arm around Stella's waist, giving her a mischievous squeeze. "Top student? That's ancient history! Past glory means nothing now!He smirked. "Frederick, did you vanish after the exam because you failed and were too embarrassed to show your face? Couldn't even get into a community college, huh?" Frederick replied flatly, "I don't owe anyone an explanation for my choices."In truth, his exam scores were exceptional. He even received offers from top universities like Clear North University. They had secretly sent a representative to tell him that he could enroll in the universit
The crowd paused, their disdain and contempt growing stronger in their eyes. Looking for food as soon as he walked in? He’s hopeless! How could the former top student have fallen so low?Only one woman, with a gentle face and minimal makeup, handed him a plate of snacks. She whispered, "You can eat this to fill your stomach for now."Frederick recognized her as his former desk mate, Jade Hawkins. She had confessed her feelings to him before, but he had politely declined, and she graciously accepted being friends. In their final year of high school, they studied hard together for the college entrance exam, spending some wonderful moments together.After graduation, Frederick realized he had developed some feelings for Jade. But by then, it was too late."Thanks, Jade," Frederick said with a faint smile.Jade smiled, though she looked somewhat regretful. "Are you doing well now?""Fairly well. I think things are okay," Frederick replied. He never expected that among his forme
"Frederick, how much did you say was in this?" Jade asked. She thought her ears were playing tricks on her."Fifty billion," Frederick said casually.Everyone stood up, as if electrified, and burst into laughter."Damn! Frederick, were you stupid when you were in school? Do you even know what fifty billion means?""The GDP of Mirage City for a whole year doesn't even add up to fifty billion! If you asked Mirage City's richest man, Derek, for that amount, he'd probably go bankrupt overnight!"Joshua took a harsh drag from his cigarette. "Frederick, it's fine if you're broke, but stop talking rubbish. We might still consider you a decent person.""Fifty billion! You're great at making up stories! Hahaha!" Stella couldn't stop laughing. "Oh, Frederick. Who would've thought that after struggling at the bottom of society for years, you've picked up the bad habit of boasting like a bottom-feeder instead of keeping yourself grounded!"Malcolm narrowed his eyes. "Ah, Stella, can you bel
A long string of numbers rolled across the screen, so many that one would think they were reading a social security number!"One, two, three…seven…nine… Nine zeroes and fifty… That's fifty billion!"He rubbed his eyes several times, wondering if he was seeing things. The real numbers in front of him felt like a bolt from the blue, turning his legs weak.Fifty billion in the card! Goodness! Was this a prince from another country, or a mega-rich tycoon from overseas?No! The management must be notified!"What's going on?" The manager of the Essence Hotel rushed over, furrowing his brow."A guest just whipped out a card I've never seen before, and it's got fifty billion in it!" the waiter blurted out."The Global Elite Black Card? You can count the owners of those in Drakonia with just two hands!" The manager's eyes widened in shock. He asked hurriedly, "What's the owner’s name?""According to those folks, it's...Frederick Lester!""Frederick Lester? Wait a minute! You really hea