"Don't think I don't know," Aesop growled coldly as he turned toward Frank, who was standing among the Turnbulls. "It's that brat who's been messing about and delaying the wedding, hasn't he? You Turnbulls can't even discipline your children, allowing Ms. Turnbull to mess around with some unruly brat! For shame!""That's right!"Titus strode up when he heard Glen and Aesop arguing. "Vicky is my fiancee, and there's no arguing about that. Not only did you Turnbulls fail to discipline her, but you allowed some stranger like him to show up on my wedding day too. This is a clear challenge to my family's honor! Should we take this as a declaration of war?!""A declaration of war?!"Everyone was silent at Titus' words, with every Turnbull gulping in the distance.They could not imagine war against the Lionhearts at all—it would be a massacre if they went all out.And the Lionhearts had sent over a hundred bodyguards, each of them bearing the brand of Volsung Sect, meaning that they wer
"Well, I'm relieved with your assurance, Mr. Turnbull." Aesop bowed his head at Glen before turning and beckoning at the procession. "Wrap it up—we're heading back now. We're coming back next week!""Yes, sir." Everyone answered at once.It was clear that Aesop held authority too—at his orders, even Sif and Titus kept quiet despite having something to say.All they could do was to grumpily return to their cars and head home.Along the way, Titus was resting his eyes at the backseat, whereas Sif was ranting relentlessly, telling Aesop everything about her beef with Frank."Hmph." Aesop snorted. "I'm surprised that the whippersnapper had it in him."Musing to himself for a moment, he then glanced between Titus and Sif. "Neither of you leaked our grand scheme, have you?""No way." Sif shook her head. "No more than a handful of us are aware of it. No one would catch on. And there's no way that mad witch would tell the Turnbulls a thing.""Well then, I'm relieved."Aesop nodded,
"Good," Titus growled, his eyes narrowing. "In a week, our people stationed across the country can start their hostile takeover as every Turnbull and family executive returns to their base."Turning toward Sif, he said, "You'll be in charge of dealing with Frank. The success of our plans hinges on what happened next week… we'll just have to resort to violence if there's any deviation again."After all, everything was Titus' idea, be it assimilating the Turnbulls or the Jankos. Even if he was less talented than his younger brother Ehud in martial arts, his mind was far more formidable.In fact, there was no chance that anyone could tell that his seething reaction back at Turnbull House was faked. Not even Frank could hope to read just what sinister intentions he harbored."Titus…" Sif frowned at him just then, asking tentatively, "Are you sure you don't want to punish Frank once I capture him? I mean, the things he and Vicky were doing—that's an insult to you. Are you really not u
Frank walked up to greet Ned and thanked him, but he soon received a surprise call from Gavin Lane, Helen Lane's eldest uncle.Gavin was a lot more cordial than Glen, asking politely after Frank answered, "Mr. Lawrence, may I ask how are things progressing with the farm? The financial statement is due in a little over a month. If you're in a bind, I could ask my father to give you an extension—""An extension?! Why do you always have to side with outsiders, Gavin?!" Jade Zahn could be heard snapping from the other end."Shut up. It's boy's talk!" Gavin snapped at her before telling Frank softly, "You can sell the land if push comes to shove. I'm sure my father won't argue as long as we recoup some of the costs."On the other end, Jade was still not letting up. "It's Frank and Helen who were boasting about making money from the farm. Why should we help them—""Jade!" Gavin barked, promptly silencing Jade."Ahem." He then cleared his throat. "Sorry about that, Mr. Lawrence.""It's
Helen giggled. "We can meet up at Springhill Hotel if you're not busy. It's in South Morhen.""Sure." Frank hung up and hopped into the Maserati that Hux Darman gave him before speeding off.Arriving at Springhill Hotel soon enough, Frank found Helen dressed sharply in a business suit.Gina Zonda was seated beside her, while Luna Lane and a man Frank did not recognize sat opposite.His suit was branded, and his hair was greasy and his skin fair—obviously someone who came from money."Come on! Like I said, there won't be any issues if we gave Cato the subcontract. What are you worried about?!"Luna happened to be complaining loudly when Frank arrived, drawing much attention."Frank, over here." Helen beckoned enthusiastically.Gina pursed her lips when she saw Frank, but she could not say anything since they were in public.On the other hand, Luna was a lot less polite, pointing at Frank as she snapped, "What's he doing here? Who told him to come?""I did." Helen nodded calmly
Cato pursed his lips and shrugged. "Very well. Just come to me any time you feel overwhelmed. I could always get you a job—subcontractor companies like mine are always hiring.""That's unnecessary," Frank replied coolly.It was obvious Cato considered Frank to be beneath him, and his job offers were clearly his way of mocking Frank.Frank certainly would never fall for such a cheap trick."Enough small talk," Helen said as Frank took a seat. She then took out an agreement from her briefcase and pushed it to Frank. "Frank, the Southstream Lanes are building a mansion for Mark Lane as a gift for retirement. Everything about the subcontractor involved and various other finer details are included—take a look and see if there's anything missing."Frank took the agreement, but while he combed through it, Luna was scowling impatiently. "Are you going to sign it or not, Helen? I worked hard to get Cato's help, and he can give us a ten percent rebate while providing good work. Why would yo
"Hmph." Luna snorted unhappily. Obviously, things got complicated after Frank came, when it was supposed to be a matter of signing and stamping some papers!Gina forced a smile just then. "Then you should go, Helen. I've never been to Morhen, so I'd like to take a stroll around.""Hmm…?" Frank could see the look on Gina's face. She was trying to hide something, and it seemed that she must have her own reasons for coming to Morhen with Helen.It was not surprising that she kept a low profile, not straying out of line when it was not usually her style."Okay. Be careful, Mom." Helen told her and took her briefcase before leaving the hotel with Frank, Luna, and Cato.As soon as they were gone, Gina dialed a number she did not save in her contacts—and it was not a local number either, but an international one.Once it was picked up, Gina stammered, "I-I've arrived at Morhen as we agreed! Where are you? Where's Cindy? How is she?!""Aunt Gina! Help me!" Cindy Zonda could be hea
"Heh. I told you, didn't I?" Luna was smiling smugly, folding her arms before her chest. "There's no reason to come here at all. Cato's company is perfectly up to standards."She then dispensed with all pretense, turning to Cato and throwing her arms around his neck. "Come on, let's go hang out. It's rare for me to come to Morhen, and I'd rather not waste time on work. It's boring.""Okay. In that case…" Helen took out the agreement she kept in her briefcase, ready to stamp and sign it.That was when Frank caught her wrist."Eh?" Helen looked up at Frank, puzzled."What are you up to now?!" Luna was bristling since Frank was meddling again, standing akimbo as she snapped, "You just want to mess with us, don't you? Get out of here, if all you want to do is waste our time!""Mr. Lawrence," Cato growled coolly as he strode over. "This is my company, and these are my employees. We have all the proper legal certification and approvals, but here you are, questioning us. What is t