After Jennifer's tears finally subsided, she said through her remaining sobs, “I don’t recall ever telling you when my birthday is. How did you know it was today?”Frederick chuckled. "You forgot that your impressive resume is prominently displayed in the company. Even with a poor memory, I couldn’t help but remember since I pass it every day! Besides, forgetting my own birthday is one thing, but forgetting the birthday of the woman I love is simply not an option."Jennifer cried again, burying herself in Frederick's arms. She realized now that she did care about her birthday—not for the day itself, but to be remembered by someone important.Frederick smiled knowingly. In fact, he had almost forgotten Jennifer's birthday himself. Luckily, the scene at Felix's hotel today jogged his memory, so he quickly asked Felix for help and ordered a luxurious cake.After comforting Jennifer in his arms for over half an hour, she suddenly fell silent. She closed her eyes quietly, as if savori
Frederick smiled faintly.He wasn't afraid of pressure; the challenges he faced in the Northern Frontier were far greater than what he faced now. It was precisely these supposed dire situations that had propelled him to become the strongest man on the surface within just seven years—the Dark Monarch of the Northern Frontier!"Just as you eat a cookie one bite at a time, you solve problems one by one. Let's start with...the Dragon Brigade," Frederick said, dialing a number.Phoenix had been absent for several days, and she promptly appeared as instructed."My lord," Phoenix greeted."Tell me what rumors you've heard in Centropolis these past few days," Frederick said calmly.Phoenix was a war god with considerable influence and connections in Centropolis. She could provide valuable intelligence."The major consortia of Aston State have started to distance themselves from the Nine Great Ascension Clans and affiliated magnates since yesterday. They're claiming strict neutrality," P
Back at Nova Star, Frederick and Sheldon became sworn brothers by chance. Frederick generously gave Nova Star to Sheldon, and later, Sheldon returned the favor by helping Frederick resolve the issues involving his father's grave."I never expected Sheldon to get into trouble while in Centropolis this time!" Frederick narrowed his eyes. "I can't just sit back and do nothing about this."Phoenix understood immediately. "Got it. I'll call the state government right away and demand his release!"Phoenix initially thought that with her reputation as a War God, the state authorities wouldn't dare to refuse her request for a mere criminal. However, the secretary-general of the state government flatly refused her request over the phone."We can discuss anything else, but not this. It's out of the question," the secretary-general said firmly.Phoenix was furious. "Get me the state governor! You're just a secretary-general! How dare you speak to me like this?""Lady Phoenix, this decision
Phoenix, usually known for her calm demeanor, was momentarily stunned into silence by Frederick's suggestive remark. Her face turned crimson—it looked like it might start steaming any moment."I-I..." she stammered.Frederick chuckled, and shook his head. "I was just teasing you. You're still not used to my jokes, are you?"Phoenix lowered her head shyly. "I'm sorry."As Frederick glanced at the curvy woman before him, memories of when she was his attendant flooded his mind. There had been several times when accidental touches between them had sparked a desire in him to take things further. However, he had always held back.He wanted his first time to be with a woman he could love for a lifetime. To him, Phoenix was just a naive and romantic girl. She wasn't the true love he was waiting for."Alright, you can go now. I can handle this myself. There's no need to trouble you," he said calmly.Phoenix's face was still burning. She nodded and quickly left the room, like an embarra
"What? She's Mr. Hunt's niece?"The guard was stunned. Clutching his face, he apologized repeatedly, "I'm so sorry, miss! I'm new here, and I didn't know the rules!"Even though he was just a gatekeeper, working for the state government office made him feel superior, hence his arrogance. However, such people often turned into the most servile when confronted with someone more powerful.The other guard quickly stepped forward, respectfully ushering Willa and Frederick inside. "Ms. Zephyr, I remember you visiting with your father, the mayor of Mirage, when you were about ten, right? You've grown up so fast!"Willa smiled politely. "How's Uncle Dominic doing?""Mr. Hunt is doing well! I'll go inform him of your arrival right away!" The guard rushed off.Frederick was surprised. "It seems you have quite a close relationship with our state governor.""Sort of. When I was a child, my father was just a minor official in Centropolis and would occasionally visit the state government offi
The table was laden with exquisite food usually seen only on television. Each dish would cost Willa at least two months' salary."Hahaha! Willa, you've grown so much since I last saw you!" A middle-aged man with a potbelly, sparse hair, and a warm smile rose to greet her. He wore a loose, faded suit over a white shirt, but his wrist sported the latest Vacheron Constantin watch, and his feet were clad in expensive Italian leather shoes.His gaze lingered on Willa's face and chest, and a glint of appreciation shone in his otherwise murky eyes. "You've really blossomed into a beautiful woman!"Willa, who had been scrawny as a child, now had a strikingly curvy figure. She immediately lowered her head respectfully. "Hello, Uncle Dominic."The man was Dominic Hunt, the influential governor of Aston State. He had once been an obscure mid-level official in Centropolis, rising slowly through the ranks. Thanks to his connections with a powerful figure in the Imperial Capital, his caree
Dominic was actually an old pervert!Willa paled, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest.The fond memories from her childhood were all a lie! He had always been lecherous, wanting her even then. All those times he had her sit on his lap were just to satisfy his perverse desires!Frederick watched her with a smirk, clearly enjoying her discomfort. His expression seemed to say, "See? I was right all along."He had predicted Dominic's true nature, but Willa had rebuked him for it and accused him of being cynical.Dominic noticed Willa's reaction, and frowned. "Willa, that's not the attitude of someone asking for a favor. I thought you were prepared to show some gratitude for my help today. I even went to the trouble of preparing this meal for you. Are you trying to embarrass me?"Realizing she had upset him, Willa quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Uncle Dominic. It's just been so long since I've seen you, and I'm feeling a bit awkward."Despite Dominic's lechery, he was still a p
Willa’s face darkened immediately. That old pervert! His greed knew no bounds!"How much do you want, Uncle Dominic?" she asked cautiously.Dominic held up three fingers."Thirty million?" Willa guessed. She was slightly surprised, but the amount was still within her means.Dominic’s sinister smile widened. "I want three hundred million!""Three hundred million?!" Willa’s eyes widened in shock. Even if it was the Zephyr family, they couldn’t easily come up with that amount!Dominic was outrageous!Willa glanced at Frederick, who had been silent the whole time, hoping he would intervene. But Frederick remained utterly indifferent, not saying a word.Damn it! She had come all this way for him, and now had to endure this old pervert’s demands!Willa fumed inwardly."I have to face Chester's wrath, so three hundred million is already a bargain! If it were anyone else, it would be at least a billion!" Dominic said.Willa had no choice but to grit her teeth and accept his term