And nothing was more memorable than disfigurement.Even as savagery filled the Birthright rank security guard's thoughts, Frank stayed where he was, remaining impressive as he stood, watching as the man's fist landed squarely on his face.He did not even bother to use pure vigor to shield himself.Crunch!Even as the security guard grinned gleefully as he heard bones break audibly, thinking that he had broken Frank's nose, his face soon fell.He could feel the heartrending pain from his knuckles and looked down to see that it was his fingers that had broken, not Frank's nose!"Argh!" A blood-curdling scream resounded in the men's room, and the security guard dropped on his rear, clutching his arm while sweating all over his brow.Since he had put all his strength into his punch, the recoil shattered every bone from his fingers up to his arm, and it was left dangling limply like mush.Naturally, not everyone could withstand the agony of an entire broken arm."W-What's going on
"Dennis Jackson?" Frank frowned and rubbed his chin as he recalled. "As in that middle-aged doctor chatting with Hugh Turnbull earlier?"The one who looked a little familiar before?The security guard nodded and quickly added, "Yes. Square jaw, black pinstripe suit…"That left Frank surprised, and he pressed, "Why would he want to attack me? Did I upset him or something?"The security guard spilled the beans immediately—anything to survive. "He snapped once Mr. Turnbull told him that you are Frank Lawrence. He said that you castrated his boy and sent us after you…""Don't you work for Gene Pearce? Why would you follow his orders?" Frank asked in curiosity."Well, yeah… we are security guards working for Mr. Pearce, but Dennis Jackson works for him. So…"After the security guard explained the connection between Dennis and Gene, Frank finally understood.Bill Jackson was Dennis' son, and Frank had basically castrated him. And having learned what he did, Dennis was now after h
However, Frank kept his hand on Dennis' shoulder, holding him in his seat.Dennis could actually feel his bones ready to crack from the pressure."Argh!!!" he growled, his fury akin to an erupting mountain. His face flushed so hard that he could bleed from his pores, while Frank restrained him."Calm down." Frank smiled as he clapped him on the shoulder. "You can get upset after I tell you what your son did."Dennis could not even speak just then and glared fixedly at Frank to see what else Frank had to say."Your son… Well, he's quite something." Frank clicked his tongue and told Dennis everything Bill did at Riverton University.First, he put the moves on Winter Lawrence and slandered Frank in front of the graduates while lying that he invited all the bigwigs attending the convocation.Then, getting upset after Dan Zimmer slapped him while everyone watched, he stormed off and returned with a large group of goons. He was intent on inflicting violence on Frank and Winter, even d
Dennis snapped, "I did not ask if you or my son is at fault, Frank! I'm Bill's father, and I won't just play nice to the man who crippled him—even if I can't beat you now, someone else will!""I will tell Gene Pearce about this!" He snorted coldly. "We've been friends for years, so if you want to live, break your own balls and come to my house to apologize to my son… or else!""Exactly. Once Mr. Pearce takes action, you will suddenly realize who's right." Hugh sneered beside Dennis.It was obvious that Hugh was using Dennis' connection to Gene to get rid of Frank, as he was convinced Frank was a dead man if Gene made his move.After all, the man had both the money and connections, while Hugh did not have to do a thing to kill Frank and avenge Sif Lionheart.Nothing was more ideal since the Turnbulls could not turn against Gene.However, Frank remained undaunted. In fact, he was puzzled. "Dennis, may I just ask if you're actually close with Gene Pearce?"Dennis stiffened at Frank
Soon, Gene himself appeared on the second floor landing.His cheeks were flushed. He had a fine complexion, and he did not need help walking, not to mention that his back was sharply upright."Everyone, welcome to my charity auction. You may consider it a gesture of gratitude to all who showed concern while I was taken ill.""Hehe." He chuckled as he headed downstairs. "So many have come to visit me, bringing all kinds of presents, which is why it occurred to me that we should just put together a charity auction."On one hand, we'd all be contributing to philanthropy, which is a good deed. On the other hand, I can hold an event where everyone can gather—who knows, new partnerships might be forged, and there's money to be made."The hall applauded as Gene finished—the man could certainly give a speech.Moreover, he gave the perfect excuse for everyone giving him gifts, making a killing while using the auction to announce his grand return.Not only would he lose nothing, but he wo
Hugh chuckled. "Since so many are watching, it's impossible for Mr. Pearce to stay his hand—not when he's suffering such blatant slander while one from his subordinate's family has been assaulted! When that happens…"Dennis was clapping and laughing even before Hugh finished. "Frank is a dead man, and my son will be avenged!""Exactly!" Hugh nodded smugly—Frank would never weasel his way out of this one.No matter how strong he was, did he stand a chance against the richest man of the east coast?Gene had all the money and connections he needed. He just had to hire a couple of guys, and Frank would be dead as a doornail.Even as Hugh and Dennis hatched their plan, they were leering at Frank sinisterly.Frank sensed it too, but he could not care less since he was preoccupied—his jade fox sculpture was broken.It was likely that there was contact when he fought the security guards earlier in the men's room, and the sculpture was slowly cracking. If the jade marrow was extracted
"What? A pure jade vase from ancient times?!""The Turnbulls really are rich!""That has to be worth billions…"As the guests went abuzz, Hugh announced, "With this gift, on behalf of the Norsedam Turnbulls, I wish Mr. Pearce good health and prosperity.""How kind of you! Thank you very much." Gene smiled and nodded.He was close with the Turnbulls, and they were tight as business partners.Although the main family did not come, a branch family was here and brought such a precious present, so it counted.And it was a grace to be remembered."That pure jade vase dates back to an ancient civilization? That's why the Turnbulls are the top philanthropists of the country, willingly donating such a treasure.""They really are generous!"Hugh was smiling smugly as he basked in the praise, feeling immeasurably smug.It did hurt spending so much money on the vase, but being praised and making a good impression on Gene made up for it.Moreover, getting into Gene's good graces and get
Hugh pointed at Frank as he snapped, "Who do you think you are, Frank?! Every item presented here would've been appraised by a specialist. There is no way my vase is a fake! Or perhaps you think you're better than the appraiser Mr. Pearce invited?!""Hmph."An elderly white haired man snorted audibly from the front row.He was the appraiser Gene invited and a famous magister on the east coast.Since he appraised every auction item before it was brought on stage while he stated an estimated value, Frank's loud protest was undoubtedly a slap to his face."Son, I'm Tet Boran of Ysalin, and everyone addresses me as a magister. I have seen that pure jade vase with my own eyes—there's no faking it! If you're trying to cause trouble, you've picked the wrong opponent!""What?! That's Magister Boran?!""That's Gene Pearce for you. He invited a magister!"The man in white's words left everyone in shock—the man knew his antiques and modern articles, and was himself an elite martial artist