Chapter 3

Castiel radiated a terrifying aura—an unprecedented, bone-chilling fury, as if he were ready to tear someone apart.

Lex and Ruth felt an instinctive fear creeping into their souls. Their eyes fell on the pile of grayish-white powder on the ground. In that instant, they understood that Castiel wasn't lying. Those were cremated remains.

Lex's voice wavered with guilt as he stammered, "You can't blame me for this! If you hadn't tried to take it from me, none of this would've happened!"

Ruth quickly chimed in, "That's right! This is your fault, Castiel!"

"Shut up, you old hag! One more word, and I'll slap you!" Castiel's voice was icy, his eyes filled with killing intent.

His parents' ashes had been desecrated—he couldn't care less that this woman was once his mother-in-law.

His piercing gaze drilled into Ruth's soul, sending a chill down her spine. She shrank back immediately, instinctively sensing that he wouldn't hesitate to strike if she provoked him further.

"Castiel, how dare you talk to my mother like that? Do you have a death wish? If you scare her, you'll pay for it!" Lex barked, though his voice lacked its usual confidence.

Castiel turned to him, his gaze darker than ever. The look in his eyes made Lex's blood run cold.

"W-What are you going to do?" Lex stuttered, taking two steps back. "I'm warning you, don't do anything stupid! If you touch me, Eleonora will make sure you regret it!"

Castiel sneered. "No one ever taught you how to be a decent human being. Since your parents failed, I guess I'll have to do it myself."

Lex's stomach dropped. "Castiel, wait—"

"Get over here!" Before Lex could react, Castiel lunged forward and grabbed him with an iron grip.

Lex struggled, but his resistance was useless.

Castiel's palm struck his face with brutal force repeatedly.

Lex crumpled to the ground, his face swollen beyond recognition. Blood dripped from his mouth as several teeth flew out, clattering onto the ground.

Castiel's chest heaved with fury. His parents' remains—their final resting place—had been desecrated.

He had endured Eleonora's betrayal, tolerated the Poshers' insults, but this? This was unforgivable.

His parents were his bottom line. Whoever crossed it should die.

Had it not been for his past relationship with Eleonora, he would have crushed Lex into a pulp right then and there.

But Castiel wasn't done yet.

Without hesitation, he grabbed Lex by the arms and legs.

"Castiel! What are you doing? Let go of Lex!" Ruth shrieked, panic setting in.

Lex's face twisted with terror. "Castiel, d-don't! I swear, I—"

An agonizing snap cut off his plea.

"Aahhh!" A bloodcurdling scream echoed as Castiel ruthlessly broke Lex's arms and legs.

The sheer pain was too much, and Lex passed out instantly.

Ruth's face turned pale. She wailed, "Somebody help! He's trying to kill my son! Stop him! This is attempted murder! Call the police!"

Castiel leered at her, completely unfazed.

Ignoring her, he carefully gathered his parents' ashes and wrapped them in a piece of clothing before placing them back in his bag with the utmost reverence.

A sharp voice cut through the commotion.

"What's going on here? I'm Lucy Love, sales director of Glority Realty."

Lucy approached, flanked by a group of security guards. She froze at the scene before her.

Ruth seized the opportunity, pointed at Castiel, and shrieked, "Miss, this man is a criminal! Capture him! He's violent and dangerous!"

Lucy was about to give an order when she saw Castiel. Her eyes widened slightly in recognition before her demeanor changed completely.

Then she smiled warmly, stepped forward, and greeted, "Oh, it's you, Mr. Ignis. Welcome!"

Ruth froze, wondering whether they knew each other.

Lucy gestured at the scene. "This is?"

Castiel replied nonchalantly, "Just a couple of buzzing flies. No need to waste time on them."

Lucy nodded in understanding. "Understood. Would you like me to have security escort them out?"

Castiel glanced at Lex's unconscious body. "No need. Just throw them out."

Lucy's expression didn't change. "Consider it done."

She waved a hand. "Get rid of them."

The security guards moved in immediately.

Ruth watched in horror as she and Lex were unceremoniously dragged away.

"No! What are you doing?! This isn't right! My son's arms and legs are broken! That brute attacked him, and you're throwing us out instead of him?! This isn't done yet! Castiel, just you wait…"

She screamed, cursed, and fought, but it was useless.

A moment later, she and Lex were tossed outside like garbage.

Once they were gone, Lucy turned back to Castiel with a respectful nod. "Mr. Ignis, Mr. Milne has been expecting you in the VIP lounge. Please, allow me to escort you."

Castiel gave a small nod and followed her into Glority's exclusive lounge.

Inside, a group of people was already waiting.

At the center stood two middle-aged men, exuding power. Behind them, their subordinates—assistants, bodyguards, chauffeurs—stood respectfully, forming a welcoming formation.

As soon as Castiel entered, one of the men stepped forward with a bright smile. "Mr. Ignis! It's an absolute honor to have you here."

The man was none other than Raymond, the group's chairman. He shook Castiel's hand enthusiastically, though a sickly hint veiled his features.

Glority was one of the ten most powerful corporations in the country, with assets nearing 100 billion dollars.

Raymond had once ranked among the country's wealthiest individuals, a giant in both business and underground circles. In Ripara, his influence was untouchable. A single word from him could shake the entire city.

Ordinary people wouldn't even dream of meeting him. Even top-level CEOs had to wait in line.

Castiel? He merely extended a single hand for a brief shake, nodding slightly in return. He neither flattered nor fawned.

Raymond didn't mind in the slightest.

His subordinates, watching Castiel closely, quickly lowered their heads in silent acknowledgment and reverence.