Vicky stuck her tongue out at Frank, while Helen frowned. "Alright, just leave this whole affair to me," he said. "Both of you just follow my orders—you'll be handing the advertising and getting all the public figures of Riverton to build hype. The more hype, the better."As for me…" Frank glanced at the farmland around him, sighing. "I'll be staying here for a while.""Frank…" Helen was awash with emotion.She was convinced she could rise as the next head of the Lane family, only to end up relying on Frank again.It was as emotional as it was awkward—in fact, Frank's claim before that he was the reason Lane Holdings flourished during their three-year marriage was no lie.Frank patted her on the head just then. "Come on. You don't need me if you can do everything yourself. Go on—get to work.""Yeah," Helen nodded."Playing favorites huh, Frank?" Vicky's huffed, puffing her cheeks in jealousy. "You're always on Helen's side, never caring about me! I'm upset now!"Frank chuckle
Trevor was watching a haggard Frank with a pained look. "Why don't you let me drive, Mr. Lawrence? You've been working hard for days."It had been five days since Trevor called Frank to report his findings on the Leaf family of Norsedam.And over the last five days, Frank had been busy as he measured every corner of the farm, including the hot springs, stables, and orchards.He made arrangements to set up a layout resembling a planned town. Then, he had Trevor spend a fortune hiring the best architects in Draconia to provide it a grand design.At the same time, Frank needed everyone to quickly finish all construction for the resort in a month. For that, Trevor hired over a thousand contracts who worked overnight.After that, Frank provided Trevor with an inventory of medicinal herbs and asked him to buy everything."Who's it for?" Trevor asked in curiosity at the time, but Frank simply smiled and said nothing.Nonetheless, Trevor did as told and was soon left watching as he watc
As for horse-riding, fishing, and other forms of entertainment, Frank would set them up as contests, with winners being awarded even better service. Frank even had a mind to open such contests to the public.Trevor was certainly excited after Frank told him about his masterplan and volunteered to be the first guest.Frank happily agreed to it, just as he could take a break as the chief planner for the resort project now that everything was on the right track.The rest was up to Trevor, and as for advertising… Would the two beautiful women not catch more attention than him anyway?Frank and Trevor were still chatting as they arrived at Norsedam.The Leaf family had chosen to hold their auction on the black market—it appeared that most of Bail's collections were procured through unsavory means and could not be shown to the public. Moreover, while the black market had no shortage of rarities, the prices were inevitably higher than usual."Welcome, Mr. Lawrence." Trevor smiled.He h
"Fine. I guess we'll see." The woman sneered, clearly hostile toward Frank and Trevor.Trevor was going to argue, but Frank stopped him. "Don't cause a mess. We're here for the auction."Trevor snorted coolly. "Well, we're letting her off easy."His business operated mainly abroad, but he still had strong influence in Draconia. How else could he have investigated the Leaf family so quickly? Meanwhile, auction items were quickly leaving the table, and the more important ones were now being presented.Soon, Frank found himself staring a fist-sized yellowed tree root, laying still in a chest cushioned in red velvet cloth."Look, Mr. Lawrence! Isn't that the Hyperion Root?!" Trevor exclaimed excitedly, not noticing the frown on Frank's face.Jenny Leaf—Bail's daughter and emcee of the auction—personally introduced the item. "Honored guests, the next item is one of my father's most precious pieces, and it's often presented for appraisal: a Hyperion Root, which represents the wood el
And today, Frank was seeing it in action with his own eyes."300 million."A youth dressed casually raised his paddle just then. For some reason, the entire auction hall soon turned silent at his call.Scratching his head nonchalantly, Tavis Holt grinned. "That Hyperion Root belongs to Hundred Bane Sect. Anyone who bids against me shall be labeled an enemy of my sect… and I'm sure everyone knows what happens after?"As Tavis looked around at those around him, everyone who met his gaze were grimacing but backed out of the bid nonetheless.No one would ever mess with the ruthless savages of Hundred Bane Sect. There was no line they would not cross. Anyone who made an enemy of them—even unknowingly—would be poisoned with a variety of oddities in each instance, and they did it without ever being caught.Naturally, there was also variety to the condition of the corpse left behind, each more creepy than the last: Some would melt instantly into a puddle of pus, while others screamed
Sif was grinning smugly.Never once was she ever afraid when it comes to competing connections!Tavis was hanging his head in turn, afraid to say a word since he knew how difficult Sif could be.Anyone who messed with her would have messed with her younger brother—the freak of Volsung Sect."Oh, he's spineless. Boring…" Sif sighed in disappointment as she returned to her seat.Then, she glanced at Frank seemingly nonchalantly.However, while she presumed that Frank would be petrified after hearing her name—falling to his knees in apology, even—Frank remained impassive.He was definitely not spooked and did not even glance her way as he sat calmly, ignoring Sif's earlier dramatics.Still, Sif soon convinced himself that Frank was just feigning calmness to save face, her disdain for Frank flaring."500 million from Ms. Lionheart. Any further bids?" Jenny asked loudly just then.However, she was scowling a little because 500 million was way lower than her expected successful bid
Trevor was certainly not afraid since Frank was backing him up.While he would give Sif and her widespread connections a wide berth on any other day, things were different now—seated beside him was the only son of Godwin Lawrence, Lord of the Southern Woods.Who were the Lionhearts in comparison?"Fine. If that's your game, I'll play along!" Sif sneered, repressing her rage as she raised her paddle. "Bid, 2 billion!"The hall was left in an uproar at the number Sif shouted.As expected of the Lionhearts and their deep pockets—they could shout such an astronomical number without batting an eye!"Ms. Lionheart has called 2 billion!" Jenny exclaimed cheerfully on stage.Then, she glanced at Frank, urging him to raise Sif in her mind."Go on! Keep bidding—don't lose to Sif!""Hmph." Trevor snorted as he raised his paddle. "2.1 billion."Sif sneered and raised hers too. "2.5 billion! Go on, challenge my coffers. I have nothing but money!" Everyone could tell that her ire was s
Meanwhile, Jenny was looking around. "Lady Lionheart's bid stands at 3 billion. Do I hear another bid?"Trevor was frowning but stayed silent instead of continuing to compete against Sif.Sif mistook it as Trevor showing weakness and was unable to compete further.Smiling with smug disdain, she asked, "Why the silence? Go on, keep bidding—let's see how much dough you have, challenging us Lionhearts.""Actually, you can have it since you like it," Frank suddenly said quietly.If anything, buying an underdeveloped Hyperion Root at three billion dollars only proved Sif's immaturity and experience."I can have it?'" Sif snorted, folding her arms before her chest. "Pretty words, but just admit you can't afford it. Do I really need your handouts? How shameless can you be?""Heh." Frank simply chuckled and refrained from arguing, since it was pointless.Still, his attitude only left Sif annoyed, and his smile left her feeling powerlessly frustrated.She was intent on seeing Frank sub