Just as the Soranos' executives and retainers almost came to an agreement, an authoritative voice barked from the doorway, "What's going on here?!"Silence quickly ensued, with most of them keeping their heads down in reverence while an old man shuffled inside.His back was hunched and his visage ancient, but he carried himself with authority.He stood in the middle of the crowd, his eyes piercing studying everyone.It was none other than Zico Sorano, the head of the Sorano family, himself."Brother." Tony approached him and told him everything that had happened, keeping his narrative neutral as he reported the facts of what he had seen."Hmm… an Ascendant rank named Frank Lawrence?"Zico was focused on Frank, barely paying the writhing Willy any attention as he thought to himself in silence.Soon, he smiled enigmatically, with even the wrinkles on his face smoothening. "Well, that's decided." He chuckled. "Come tomorrow and send an escort with Willy to apologize to Frank Law
"Oh, you needn't worry."Zico smiled. "I've heard that there's been issues with Turnbulls and Lionhearts' arranged engagement, and it all revolved around Frank Lawrence."Emilio realized with a start. "Are you saying…" "Yes." Zico snorted. "We'll stay behind the scenes and let the Turnbulls and the Lionhearts deal with him. Ideally, his identity stays hidden and all of them get hurt in their conflict. That's when we come in…"Laughing coldly, Zico sighed. "The Five-Peat Archaeus is a discipline said to lead one to Transcendent rank, a path to immortality. What are the opinions of mortals in comparison?""I understand now… Thank you for your guidance, Father." "D-Dad? Save me… It hurts so much… Everything hurts…" Willy held out a hand to Emilio even as he rolled around.However, Emilio was already fantasizing about obtaining the Five-Peat Archaeus and did not have any attention to spare.Eventually, he shot the boy with a calm look and said coolly, "If you want it to stop hurt
As Matis put down the fruit basket he brought and frowned, Nash remained silent."It's…"Eventually, he sighed without mentioning a name. "Just forget it. We can't afford to mess with them.""Now, now. You're underestimating Matis, Nash!" a shrill voice spoke outside the door.Soon, a middle-aged woman dressed in yellow who sported permed hair and excessive makeup strode in, clicking her tongue.She was Mel Gunnar, Nash's sister-in-law."How terrible… What did you do to deserve this, Nash?" she exclaimed before turning to flash a proud smile at Matis. "But don't worry—with my son around, he'll find justice for you, whoever it was!""Exactly." Matis nodded. "Just tell us who it is. I'll definitely help you!""You really don't have to." Nash shook his head, not inclined to involve them and finding Mel's voice too shrill for his liking."Just tell us, Dad! Who did this to you? Was it my fault?" Kat pressed, clearly blaming himself for her father's injury since she believed Soren
"You just have to tell us if you need money… Now, see? Your father was attacked and can't even say who it was or demand an apology. You have to suffer because of your pride, messing with the unseemly sort."Although Mel's words were sympathetic, her expression did not show it—if anything, there was a hint of contempt.Frank could see that Nash and Kat's relatives were treating them strangely. Pausing for a moment, he turned back to Matis and said quietly, "Listen to me. The man who attacked Nash is not someone you can mess with.""Really?" Matis snorted in turn, releasing Frank and walking to his mother, snorting in contempt, "Did you hear that, Mom? He said I can't mess with the man who attacked Uncle Nash."Kat walked up to Frank just then, watching him anxiously as she asked, "Who did it, Master Lawrence? You could at least tell me, right?"Frank shook his head. "Ignorance is bliss, and it's none of your business. I can handle it myself.""Shut up!" Mel strode up, sneering a
"What?! Willy Sorano?!" Matis and Mel were both stunned.However, after an awkward silence, Mel cleared her throat and yelled, "At least use some logic if you want to lie! Why would Willy Sorano want to hurt Nash? He's a kind man—he'd never offend Mr. Sorano!""Exactly!" Matis agreed. "I've seen Mr. Sorano myself. It was a distant peek, but he's kind and humble. He'd never hurt anyone! You're just lying!""Oh, that's my son for you! He's so amazing, actually meeting Willy Sorano in the flesh!" Mel' eyes lit up as she exclaimed in praise before turning toward Frank. "Nothing to say now, huh? Lying about a person my son met… How embarrassing! I'd be hiding if I were you! Why don't you look at yourself in your mirror? Who do you think you are, messing with one of the Four Families of Morhen?" Matis smirked, shaking his head. "There's always those who would fantasize and think too highly of themselves."However, while Mel and Matis were busy mocking Frank, Kat finally turned toward
Seeing the look on her son's face, Mel promptly leapt to his defense. "Why are you snapping at us, Kat? We're not the ones who hurt your dad," she reasoned, not forgetting to deflect. "Shouldn't you be asking who did this to your father?""Exactly," Matis quickly chimed in. "We're doing this out of the goodness of our hearts for your father's sake. We're concerned.""We don't need your help or concern!" Kat retorted bluntly."Don't worry," Frank assured her quietly, having no choice just then. "I went to Sorano Estate myself yesterday. Willy will come to apologize personally today—he'd be dead if he doesn't.""What?!"Matis gaped but soon clapped Frank on the shoulder as he laughed."Oh, come on… you really should know when to give up!" He sneered while leering at Kat sympathetically. "See, Kat? Your guest can really make shit up… going to Sorano Estate and threatening Willy Sorano to apologize? He'd die if he didn't? Pfft…"He was laughing too hard to continue, while Mel was
Sighing lengthily and forcing a smile, Kat said, "Master Lawrence, I know you're amazing… Don't worry. I won't hold my father's injury against you, and there's only so much that anyone can do. At least he's alive and recovering.""I'm not lying," Frank said dryly with a frown, but he had no idea how to make her believe him."Oh, I believe you, bro." Matis chuckled, coming over to throw an arm around Frank's shoulder. "Don't worry—I'll call Mr. Sorano himself and ask him to come over soon, and then I'll get you a nice, cozy cell in a mental asylum. Maybe some shock therapy will bring you back to reality.""I can't do anything if you don't believe me." Frank sighed and shrugged.He expects the Soranos to arrive and apologize soon, or at least send someone over. That was why Frank did not want anyone else here—if the Sorano decided to go full scorched earth and sent their forces to attack them, Kat and the others would be a burden.But he had now seen through Nash's relatives. They
Nash's sudden bluntness was certainly a new side to him for Frank and Kat."Dad, what…?" Kat murmured."I know. I shouldn't have kept it from you," Nash said, lovingly patting Kat's head and sighing. "Your mom was once a martial elite. She was almost dead after being blindsided by some vile people, but I chanced upon her and saved her."After that, she chose to bury her past, and we had you… but somehow, her old enemies found her. She entrusted you to me before leaving, and they killed her. That's why I've tried my best to keep my head down—it's all for your sake."Sighing, he waved at Mel for her to leave. "You can go now. It's not like I won't give you Io's last heirloom—I just can't. I won't let you have it even if you tried to steal it… No, even if you killed me."Mel's eyes widened and she wheezed, pacing around his bed and glaring at her as she snapped, "Just look at yourself, Nash! You're a loser without money, slaving yourself for others! You can't even stand up for yourse