Donald glanced at Jaud. "What's on your mind?"Jaud smiled. "Your daughter's now twenty-six, and it's time for her to marry. If we can arrange a strategic marriage with one of Riverton's top families, drawing upon their influence, it'd be far easier to establish ourselves there."Donald thought it made perfect sense, but he tended to spoil his daughter.Even if he wanted a strategic marriage with one of Riverton's top families, he would still like her partner to be someone she liked."Call Viola. I'll talk to her about it," he said.Soon, a charming lady dressed in a gown arrived at Donald's study—she was none other than Viola, his eldest daughter."It's quite late, Dad. Why did you ask for me?" she asked.Donald was forthright about the plans for the strategic marriage, and Viola soon leapt to her feet.Instead of getting into an outburst, she tugged at his sleeve and pouted. "I don't want that, Dad… I don't even know anyone from Riverton, and they'd never deserve me.""You'r
Viola promptly threw herself into Chris' arms. "What are you saying? I don't ever want you to go. Also, I'm just going through the motions with that party. My father can't do anything if I'm not interested in any Riverton boys."Chris lifted her chin. "I know you're the best."He had brainwashed Viola thoroughly with all his pick up lines over the years, his silver tongue leaving Viola lost in infatuation."By the way, how's business lately?" she suddenly asked."Not that good, actually," Chris said with an awkward look. "The market's been unstable lately… By the way, do you have some money on hand? I'm planning to import some equipment and upscale the company altogether, or we can't even be competitive!"Viola appeared troubled at that. "I don't have a lot of money right now…""Ah… I guess I'm on my own." Chris sighed unhappily."Don't say that. I'll definitely help."Viola was intent on pushing Chris to success so that he could ask for her hand in marriage from her father.
Helen finished, "I'm a woman, so it'd be pointless for me to go."She had no interest in frivolous banquets, though she would send someone to bring Viola some presents since the Salazars deserved that much respect."That makes sense. In that case, I won't go either," Chris said.He was inwardly relieved—he was absolutely worried that Helen and Viola would meet. Even if neither knew of each other's existence, if they actually met and started to talk, something might just get exposed… When that happened, it would be troublesome.Helen smiled just then as she teased Chris. "Why won't you attend it? Viola is as beautiful as she is wealthy and influential. I really think you'd be a good match for her.""I think Mr. Steiner's heart already belongs to someone else." Gina smiled just then.After all, Chris would come to visit Helen whenever he had time, and he also saved her at Skywater Bay.He was obviously interested in Helen, but she was too dense to notice.Chris nodded, his ey
Cindy strode through the front door just then, carrying shopping bags of various sizes."Where have you been, Cindy?" Gina asked.Cindy grinned. "Shopping—talk to you later, Aunt Gina. I'm busy."However, just before she headed upstairs, she spotted the red diamond necklace on the tea table."Woah!" she exclaimed as she put down her shopping bags and ran straight for the necklace, picking it up. "This is a red diamond, isn't it?""Naturally." Gina smiled smugly. "It's worth over twenty million dollars."At those words, Cindy brazenly sling it around her neck and asked Gina, "Does it look good on me, Aunt Gina?"Gina had an awkward look on her face right then. "Oh, uh… Yeah.""Lend it to me for a couple days then." Cindy giggled.Gina frowned right then. "Chris gave it to Helen. It's not really good if you wear it—I can buy you something else if you really like it."Peter snorted in disdain beside her. "Take it off right now. It's not yours."Cindy leveled a wounded look at H
Frank smiled as he tried to be as friendly as possible. "Just call me Frank. You don't have to be so formal with me."However, the more friendly he was, the more wary Fred became. He was also further convinced that Frank was up to something…Fred's phone rang just then, and he quickly answered it when he saw the number.Frank had no idea who it was but could not help frowning as he could hear the man on the other end snapping, "What the fuck have you been doing, Mr. Lawrence?! Are you going to fulfill your quota for this month or not?!"Opposite Frank, Fred apologized profusely and humbly. "Of course, boss! I'll definitely get it done…""If you don't meet the quota, you can pick up your things and leave!"Fred kept apologizing until he hung up, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.Still, he was soon left feeling awkward as he noticed Frank staring fixedly at him. "Haha… Sorry for that mess."Frank did not tease him for it at all. "I guess estates aren't selling well in this econ
The boor narrowed his eyes, actually surprised that Fred caved that easily.His eyes narrowing, he barked, "Do you think it's over with just an apology?"Fred drew a blank. "Well, what do you want?""Five hundred bucks. I need this repaired," the boor snarled."What?" Fred was left gaping.The boor was the one who hit his moped, and he was demanding that he pay up instead? What twisted reasoning was that?"What do you mean, 'what'?" The boor promptly seized Fred by the collar. "Pay up!""That's not it, chief." Fred tried to reason. "I've already apologized—why would you want me to pay above that?"He earned less than that in a day, and he really did not want to pay up!"Then what about the scratch on my car?!" The boor glared furiously. "Stop dragging your feet and pay up!"He raised his hand again, ready to land another slap when Frank suddenly strode up, catching his wrist.The boor did a double take, glaring at Frank as he snapped, "Who the hell are you?""Don't you th
However, life has dulled Fred's edge.No one had his back even if he fought for himself, and all he had was an elderly mother and a sister who was still attending university.His family would be in tatters if anything happened to him!Frank watched as Fred headed off into the distance and sighed exasperatedly.-The lights of the Salazar Villa in Riverton were bright and dazzling, for it was Viola's birthday party.The children of every important figure in Riverton were invited, and even Lane Holdings was on the list.However, Helen was too busy to attend and sent Cindy in her stead.Naturally, Cindy certainly could not ask for more for such a social event."Woah…" Her eyes were immediately darting everywhere after she entered Turnbull Villa.It might be just a villa, but the furnishing and renovations were a billion times better than what Lane Manor had. Even the paintings hung on the wall were all worth a fortune!Suddenly the crowd became rowdy."It's Ms. Salazar…""She
Cindy's face was ashen as she had difficult breathing. "My cousin… is Lane Holdings' CEO!"With that, Viola kicked Cindy in the gut with her stiletto heel, sending Cindy tumbling to the floor with an audible thud.She was left in agony as she felt a fiery pain in her stomach, while still confused about what made Viola so mad."Stello! Tera!" Viola called out just then, and the two bodyguards standing by the door hurried to her side."Yes, Ms. Salazar?""Bring me Lane Holdings' CEO," Viola shrieked manically. "Now. Immediately!!!"Both men traded glances.They had no idea what could have driven Viola to such fury, but they had their orders and they just had to carry it out."Yes, Ms. Salazar," both men replied, and left.Some of the onlookers then approached Viola, asking in concern, "What happened, Ms. Salazar? Why are you suddenly so upset?"Viola took a deep breath and waved them off. "It's no big deal—please enjoy yourselves. I'm feeling under the weather, so excuse me."
Frank snorted. "Alright, I'm hanging up. I'm getting started over here soon.""Yeah. Good luck," Jouri replied.Hanging up, Frank looked up at the waterfall overhead, and then at Skyler, who was standing beside him. "So? Is it time yet?""Almost… Now!" Skyler's eyes were glowing even as she stared at her watch."Alright."Frank looked up just as the skies abruptly darkened. "Ah, there it is—the eclipse."The sun seemed to disappear, and the world was suddenly shrouded in darknesses.And beside him, a stone door imbued with the power of the spiritron vein also rumbled as it parted."Got it!" Frank rushed inside without another word as soon as he saw it."Hmph. I'm surprised that you could reach this place." A cold, wrathful voice resounded inside even before Frank got a hold of his surroundings.Looking up, Frank found a youth in a black cossack and sporting grey-white hair, standing upon a cliff as he looked down on him.Frank chuckled. "Hehe. Like I said, I've come to kill
Frank narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?'Crane shrugged. "I don't mind giving it to you straight—members of Torrent are actually… Ahem. A part of Torrent himself."Frank paused. "What's that supposed to mean?""You don't get it, do you?" Crane grinned. "Then let me put it to you this way—every member is a clone of Torrent.""A clone?" Frank gasped in realization."Yes," Crane nodded. "That's why I believe that challenging Crane is just suicide. You have no idea how powerful he is—only death awaits you down that path."Frank smirked. "Oh, but I don't think so."Crane rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever—now listen closely. You will find Torrent in the Mystic Trail, but you would only find that place when the sun and moon coincide, and the entrance is beneath the waterfall south of Horton."As he finished, he snorted coldly. "I have no idea if you can actually do it, but I'm hoping you do kill him… Heh. I'm getting tired of being stuck under his control for so long."Then, waving off
Frank abruptly turned, immediately noticing one of the Cranes crouching, ready to spring forward and blindside him."Got you!" He laughed."Hah! You fell for it!"Just as Frank swung a punch to pulverize that Crane, he suddenly burst into pus that splashed at Frank's face."Damn it!" Frank took a step back, surprised that the clone's presence was identical to the real Crane, and a trap on top of that!"Die!"The Cranes around him each whipped out a dagger, all of them stabbing at Frank at the same time."Get off!" Frank bellowed, unleashing a shockwave that sent all the Cranes flying across all directions."Frank! Above you!" Skyler suddenly shrieked."Yes! I'm right here!" A strange laughter sounded above Frank just as he wiped the pus off his face.Crane was suddenly directly above him, launching an aerial kick straight at Frank's head, and Frank had no time to dodge!"Die!" Crane's smile curled into a twisted angle as he saw that too.He was very confident with this kick
"Disgusting…" Skyler murmured through her hand.Despite being skinned and scalped, the women were all still alive and singing to the music that was playing despite their anguish."Talk about a terrible fetish."Frank was scowling too—why were all the members of Torrent such sick deviants? It seemed like his plan to wipe them out was absolutely correct!"So, you killed my clone?"The lanky man on the couch slowly turned to level his bloodshot eyes at Frank.His lips were wet with bed as they curled upward into an eerie smile."Clone?" Frank narrowed his eyes."Hehe. It's a sage art."Crane shrugged as he stood up and wiped the blood off his lips. "It's only natural that you don't understand… Still, you deserve praise. If you can kill my clone, that means you're not just slightly stronger than Ghost."Naturally, the man was none other than the real Crane.Still, as Skyler studied him from a corner, even she could notice the strange twitch of his fingers, and his veins were pro
Even as Crane ran, he was looking over his shoulder, his heart pounding. "No… I won't win in a one-on-one!"No, as long as I get back to my real body… we can do this together!" He frowned, having seen how Frank sliced off the pinkies of those hood rats. It hence quickly dawned on him that Frank was not just slightly stronger than Ghost, as Torrent had put it!"Almost there!" He gasped when he saw the signboard of Pegasus Showtown in the distance. "As long as I get there and rendezvous with my real body, that brat will lose—"That was when he turned and saw that a shadow had caught up with impossible speed."What?!" Crane's eyes almost popped out in bewilderment. "What speed is that?! Are you kidding—"Even as he spotted the shadow, the shadow turned into a youth with an impassive visage.His fist outstretched, he was clearly punching toward Crane's forehead!"Argh…"Even as Crane looked on, the youth's punch slowed down by tenfold, but his fist kept closing in.Then, whe
Seeing Skyler sigh, the tattooed thug presumed that his extortion worked.He strode up, grabbing Frank's shoulder. "No one's gonna help you, boy. Pay up, or you're not leaving.""Exactly! You're not getting away!" the crowd of hood rats hollered. "Last chance."Frank's eyes were cold and fixed on Dani, however. "Are you going to intervene? If you do, you can keep that check. If you don't…""Ugh. Fuck off! I don't care!" Dani spat, her expression smug as she folded her arms before her chest. "Who do you think you are to threaten me?!""Exactly! Pay up, and you can leave!""Yeah! Ten grand, at least!""You probably don't know my boss Wyvern, but when he's here, you won't get away with just ten grand!"Even as the crowd closed in, Frank shook his head. "Well, you had your chance. Don't blame me for what happens next.""You're giving us a chance?! Hah! Who—argh!"Even before Dani could finish gloating, Frank was suddenly in front of her, grabbing her viciously by the wrist."Arg
"Five grand?! Did you hear that?! He just threw five grand!""Must be a rich kid coming here for a secret rendezvous, out of prying eyes? Those types are the easiest mark!""Fuck! And Dani got one of us… It hurts me more than losing at the races!"Frank could hear the buzz around him but ignored it as he strode past the men flanking him and headed toward the street that stank of blood."Stop!" A big tattooed man grinned sinisterly as he intercepted Frank.As his buddies encircled Frank as well, Frank snorted—it seemed that they took his reaction for a sign of weakness and thought that he could be cowed.The tattooed man rubbed his chin as he leered at Skyler's voluptuous figure, chuckling. "Look, boy. I'm short on cash, so let me take a loan. I'll pay you back some other day, how about that?"His friend laughed. "Exactly! You just gave Dani five grand, and we won't ask for more… just four, how about that?"Skyler scowled in turn and glanced worriedly at Frank beside her—was he
Frank himself had just stepped out of the nightclub when his eyes narrowed."Blood," he murmured, his nostrils twitching."Blood?"Skyler sniffed the air, puzzled. "I can't smell it.""It's from the opposite street… I smell the blood of over a dozen people.""A dozen?!" Skyler did a double take.He could identify the number of people who were killed?! That was just ridiculous!"Come on, let's take a look."Just as Frank led the way toward the source of the stench, a woman suddenly came up, catching Frank off guard and throwing herself into his arms."Hmmm?" He looked down to see that she had thick makeup, average looks, and a rather pudgy belly."Argh! He touched me!" she pointed at Frank and shrieked even before he realized what was happening."What?!" Skyler was staring at the woman too, mystified."Oh, sister! You just didn't see it!"The woman kept hollering, pointing at Frank's face. "Your boyfriend grabbed my ass! Is that how you teach him manners?!""Teach him ma
Wyvern screamed even as he clutched the stump that was his hand, screaming so shrilly one might mistake his voice as inhuman."Oh, just shut up." The lanky man glowered and launched a kick, reducing Wyvern into puddles of blood and pieces of innards, splattering all around the lobby. "Argh!!!" the devilish lady screamed as she watched the carnage unfolded."Another sound, and you'd end up just like him." The lanky man turned and frowned at her impatiently."Hngh…" The devilish lady promptly clasped a hand over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes as she trembled."What the hell?!"Outside, Wyvern's lackeys heard the screams and ran inside, looking for him. "Hey, where's Wyvern?!"However, the lobby was too dimly lit for them to notice the blood and guts scattered around the walls, and they only sensed that terrible stench."Hngh…" The devilish lady was too scared to speak, and tears trickled out of her eyes."Fuck!"One of the lackeys strode up and seized the lanky man