Helen regretted what she said soon after and switched gears by trying to show concern for Frank. "I mean, I'm just worried about you…""Worried? What for?" Frank asked."That those people would trick you," Helen said, still convinced that Frank was too innocent for the world.After all, she believed that he had not seen the world outside in the three years that they were married, not knowing that Frank might be more experienced than she was.Frank laughed confidently in turn. "Thanks for your concern, but that's not going to happen at the moment."-When Helen finally brought Frank back to the hilltop mansion at Skywater Bay, Winter was already waiting at the door.She hurried to him, leaping into his arms when she saw him return. "Welcome back, Frank."Seeing her reaction, Frank quickly asked, "What happened?""Nothing. I was just getting bored staying home…" Winter shook her head.Helen alighted just then as well and was surprised to see Winter.Judging from her youthful a
Frank said, "I'd be near enough that way while you can make a living for yourself. What do you think?""Sure, that's good." Carol nodded repeatedly but soon paused. "But wouldn't buying a whole shop be very expensive? I don't really need it that badly…"Frank smiled. "Don't worry—I can afford it.""Then… Thank you very much. I don't know what else I can say," Carold exclaimed. "Can I have Winter with me too? Don't worry—we won't run away.""Are you still wary of me, Madam Zims?" Frank asked in surprise.He could not say that he was not hurt with how careful she was around him, especially since he was sincere.Carol shook her head and made sure Winter was not around before saying, "No… I think you know about Winter's situation too, that she's not my daughter…?""I am aware. I don't mind telling you that I showed up at your snackbar the first time to look for her," Frank admitted, having no reason to hide it since Carol was now opening up to him.Carol nodded in turn. "Yes, but W
Zeb returned home late that same night and headed to his father's study.Seeing his son, Cram put down the book he was reading and asked, "I heard Henry Lane's birthday was today. How did you do?""Terrible. I was humiliated." Zeb huffed. "Frank Lawrence stole my thunder—not only did the Chief of General Affairs' secretary come to see him, but all of the Turnbulls' associates were there as well, inviting Frank to visit them!""Fine, then put all of that behind you," Cram lectured. "Right now, you should be trying to get the Rejuvenation Pill recipe.""I would, but Helen doesn't really trust me right now." Zeb sighed exasperatedly.Cram mused to himself for a while and said, "Then it's time I stepped up."Zeb quickly warned him, "Dad, you shouldn't underestimate Frank Lawrence. He's no pushover.""Haha!" Cram laughed. "If he were really that amazing, he wouldn't be freeloading off the Lane family for three years. You just stay out of this, and think of a way to win over Helen and
Cram quickly said, "Don't reject me in a hurry, Mr. Lawrence. I'm buying the recipe, not demanding it—moreover, we can keep working together in the future. Or are you intent on having Vicky Turnbull as your sugar mommy for life? Really? A man of your talents?"Frank laughed at that.Cram, however, thought he was on to something since Frank did not argue and quickly added, "My family is no dynasty, but if you join me, we can build an empire where we reap all the benefits!""That's enough." Frank raised a hand to stop him. "I'll say it one last time—I'll never give you the Rejuvenation Pill or work with you. You can leave."Did Cram even know how influential the Turnbulls really were? Was he that stupid to believe Frank would trade the Turnbulls for him?!Cram frowned. "This is your chance at a new lease of life, Mr. Lawrence. You'd better think about it—I'm as sincere as I can be, so don't spit on my kindness."In Cram's mind, Frank had a lot to gain in working for him—a gigolo li
Winter was afraid to impose as Frank stayed in seclusion.She attended her classes as usual during the day and helped out at her mother's new snackbar whenever she had free time.After Carol reopened her snackbar, things were once again busy whenever rush hour arrived.-A few days later, Winter was also helping out in the evening.After helping her mother close the doors, Carol said, "You should stay the night here, Winter."Winter shook her head. "No, I should go back to Skywater Bay. Frank is still in seclusion, and I'm not sure when he'll come out. I need to go back to check on him."Carol smiled. "You really care a lot about him."Winter blushed. "Stop it, Mom. Our family owes him—it's only right for me to show some care in return.""Okay. Hurry back soon," Carol told her.Winter nodded and rode her electric moped back to Skywater Bay. She looked up to see the skies covered in dark clouds—it looked like it was going to rain.She shut all the doors and windows before c
However, Winter was too small to put up a fight, and the black-clad man smiled. "Calm down, it's just a little mark on your face! It'd be over before you know it… But the harder you struggle, the more it's going to hurt!"Winter watched in tearful despair as the knife inched closer to her face.Suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed, illuminating the room.Bang!At the same time, there was a loud crash downstairs, startling both Winter and the black-clad man!"Frank! Help me!" Winter screamed on top of her lungs.The black-clad man then felt a terrible murderous presence behind him and turned to find a figure standing there.It was pitch-black, but the man's eyes somehow gleamed icily.Horrified and knowing that things had gone bad, the black-clad man tried to make the first move!Thud.There was a dull sound, and the black-clad man froze.He had no idea when Frank moved, but his knife was already gone.That was not all, as his hand was cut off at the wrist too!"Argh!!!"
"Birthright?"Kenny's wife stared at her husband in confusion.She did not know much about martial arts, only that her husband had reached the pinnacle in wielding vigor.That fact alone allowed him to stand as chief of an entire marital sect.How much stronger would that other person be if they reached the Birthright rank?Kenny nodded. "Look at the skies. It seems that with the new Birthright rank, the tides will change in Riverton."-Kim White also heard the thunder outside her home.She stepped out of her room in her pajamas and soon found her father staring at the skies from behind the door.Seeing her, he smiled. "Why are you up this late, Kim?""I thought I heard thunder… It woke me up," Kim replied quietly.Eron nodded. "It's not your ordinary thunder either. Someone has just reached the Birthright rank.""Birthright rank? Is that really strong?" Kim asked in curiosity. "Of course. Even Kuno Yaffe only reached the pinnacle in wielding vigor." Eron sighed. "I won
Frank said icily, "Give the order to boycott the Larkins.""Yes, Mr. Lawrence," Trevor replied without hesitation.-Meanwhile, Zeb entered his father's room and asked, "How did it go, Dad? Is Frank giving up the Rejuvenation Pill recipe yet?"Cram slammed his palm on the table as he spat furiously, "He told me to get down on my knees and apologize! He's really full of it!"Zeb narrowed his eyes. "In that case, let's just kidnap Helen. I can see that Frank is still attached to her, and it'll all be worth it when he hands over the recipe when we threaten her."Cram thought about it and nodded. "Guess it's our only way. Frank Lawrence only has himself to blame for not knowing his place."Zeb nodded and was just getting started when the phone in the study rang.Cram answered it and was immediately deafened by the caller's screams, "What's wrong with you, Cram Larkin?! How dare you challenge Mr. Lawrence?! Understand this—we never knew each other! And don't try to call me ever agai