Share

Chapter 9

Author: Chenthe VI
The voice carried a hint of hostility and wariness.

Castiel turned and saw a middle-aged man glaring at him coldly.

It wasn't just anyone—it was his former father-in-law, Eleonora's father, Rufus Posher.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Castiel blurted, momentarily caught off guard.

Although he and Eleonora hadn't been divorced for long, Castiel had been calling Rufus "Dad" for three years, and the habit was hard to break.

They may no longer be family, but the term still felt like a mark of respect. Addressing him as "Mr. Posher" seemed too abrupt, as though it would cut their connection too swiftly.

"Don't call me Dad!" Rufus snapped. "I don't have a son-in-law like you! You divorced my daughter and then went and broke my son's limbs! If Eleonora hadn't told me to let it go, I'd have slapped you to death myself! As far as I'm concerned, we have nothing to do with each other anymore."

His words echoed Ruth's earlier tirade.

Castiel fell silent for a moment. It seemed Rufus had already heard about Lex.

Nonetheless, he didn't regret his actions as he had only done what was necessary.

He nodded, then asked, "Alright, Mr. Posher. Is there something you need?"

Rufus sneered. "Mr. Posher, huh? Wow, that was quick. The divorce papers aren't even cold, and suddenly, I'm just 'Mr. Posher' to you? You really are heartless."

Castiel had no response.

"What should I call you, then?" he asked.

Rufus sighed and waved a hand dismissively. "Forget it. Call me whatever you want. I just saw you here and figured I should warn you. Leave now. You shouldn't be here."

Castiel frowned slightly. "Why?"

"No reason. Just leave," Rufus said firmly.

Castiel shook his head. "Sorry, but I'm not going anywhere."

Rufus' expression darkened instantly. He stepped forward, his gaze sharp and threatening. "I knew it. You're holding a grudge against Eleonora for divorcing you, aren't you? You followed me here on purpose, hoping to ruin my plans, right?"

Castiel was stunned. "What are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean."

Rufus narrowed his eyes. "Don't play dumb! I know you heard that I'm here today to accompany several high-ranking officials for an important meeting.

"If things go well, I might even meet the mysterious bigwig who owns this villa at Genting Hill. You're here to embarrass me in front of important people and sabotage my future, aren't you?"

"A meeting? With a mysterious bigwig?" Castiel repeated, confused.

He found it odd. Since when had he become a "mysterious bigwig"?

Rufus nodded, his tone full of pride. "That's right. Seems you haven't heard. Ripara's been graced by the presence of a bigwig recently.

"This person is extremely influential in Drachord—so powerful that even the elite families of Centrom would pale in comparison.

"Every wealthy and powerful figure in Ripara is desperate for a chance to meet him. If he approves of you, your future will change overnight. No one in their right mind would dare offend him."

Rufus' eyes turned toward the villa at the top of the hill, filled with awe and ambition. "This villa was built specifically for him. It took years to complete. Only those personally invited by him can visit."

Castiel raised an eyebrow. "That impressive, huh?"

He hadn't realized his identity had been exaggerated to such an extent, though somehow, it was true.

Rufus shot him a disdainful look. "So, do you understand now? This is no place for someone like you."

Castiel wasn't sure whether to laugh or sigh. He nodded. "Alright, I get it. Don't worry. I won't embarrass you."

Rufus' expression hardened. "Are you threatening me?"

Castiel blinked. How did that sound like a threat?

Rufus was already seething. "Unbelievable! I can't believe how petty you are. Our family must've been blind to let you marry Eleonora in the first place! Now that we've cut ties, you just have to keep making trouble for us? Are you really that desperate for revenge?"

Castiel was rendered speechless.

He tried to explain, "You've got it all wrong. I—"

Rufus cut him off with a dismissive wave. "I don't want to hear it! If you have any decency left, leave now. If those officials, or heaven forbid, that mysterious bigwig sees you here, I swear I won't let you off easy!"

Castiel sighed. He was literally walking into his own home, but somehow, he was being treated like an intruder.

His patience ran thin. His expression turned indifferent as he looked Rufus straight in the eye. "Mr. Posher, I'm not going anywhere. I live here."

"You live here?" Rufus froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Then, as though he'd just heard the most ridiculous joke, he burst into mocking laughter. "Not bad, Castiel. I didn't realize you're such a bluff.

"Do you even know who lives in this area? What, are you about to tell me you own this villa at Genting Hill? That you're the 'mysterious bigwig' everyone's talking about?"

Castiel gave him an amused glance and nodded. "What if I told you that's exactly the case? Would you believe me?"

"Shut up!" Rufus exploded in fury. "Castiel, I've put up with your nonsense long enough! Do you hear yourself?

"You're standing in the most exclusive area in Ripara, claiming to own the most powerful man's private villa!

"Are you trying to get yourself killed? If that man hears this, do you think he'll let you live?"

Castiel sighed, shaking his head. He'd told the truth. Too bad no one believed him.

Done wasting time, he turned, walked toward the private elevator at the hill's entrance, and placed his hand on the biometric scanner.

The system recognized his fingerprint instantly, and the doors slid open.

As Castiel stepped inside, he glanced back at Rufus, whose face had gone pale with shock.

The doors closed.

Rufus stood frozen in place, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.

Was Castiel really the Genting Villa's owner?
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 10

    How was this possible?!Rufus couldn't believe his eyes. He thought it had to be fake.Just then, a gust of wind blew an advertisement right to his feet, catching his attention.He picked it up and glanced at it. "Genting Hill security guard recruitment?"He froze, then glanced back in the direction where Castiel had disappeared. Something clicked in his mind.A sneer spread across his face. "Hah! I really thought he was some bigwig from Genting Villa. Turns out he's just a security guard. Trying to fool me? What a joke."There was no doubt in Rufus' mind—Castiel must have gotten a job as a security guard at Genting Hill. After all, based on what Rufus knew about Castiel, how else could he have possibly entered Genting Hill?To confirm his suspicion, Rufus approached one of the security guards. "Excuse me, is the person who just went up the owner of Genting Villa?"The guard shook his head. "Sorry, I wouldn't know. I've never seen him before."Rufus chuckled. As expected, he w

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 11

    The next day, Castiel had just left Genting Villa when he suddenly furrowed his brow.He sensed that someone with ill intent was following him.He narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold glint flashing through them. Still, he kept his expression neutral and hailed a cab, heading toward the Hogan residence.Behind him, his pursuers didn't relent. As soon as Castiel entered the cab, they boarded another vehicle and followed at a safe distance.Castiel remained silent.Fifteen minutes later, he stepped out of the cab and walked directly to the Hogan residence."Welcome, Mr. Ignis! It is an honor to have you here," Simon and several family members greeted him at the entrance.Simon stepped forward eagerly to meet him.Originally, Simon had planned to send someone to pick Castiel up, but the latter had declined, preferring to keep a low profile and take a cab instead.Castiel nodded at Simon and was led inside.Not far away, three imposing figures emerged from the shadows, watching Cas

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 12

    Simon pointed at the bed where Henry lay. "You won't allow it? He's my son and your nephew! What right do you have to disagree?"Sophie met his gaze. "Because I'm your sister and the CFO of the Lennia Group. Is that reason enough?"She took a deep breath. "Simon, I know you're desperate to save your son. As Henry's aunt, I want to help, too. But he's already been diagnosed as being in a vegetative state."Waking him up isn't just about medical treatment anymore. It depends on his own will and the support of his family. What he needs most now is companionship and sensory stimulation, not you blindly throwing money at random doctors in a panic!"Jack spoke up. "Simon, Sophie has a point. Lennia is a massive corporation, and moving a billion dollars just like that could seriously destabilize it. If your decision leads to a financial crisis, what then?"Kai chimed in. "Uncle Simon, my parents are right. You're being reckless this time."Simon snapped, "Do you think I don't understand

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 13

    Sophie's family of three eyed Castiel with barely concealed resentment. How dare this reckless fool interfere in their family affairs, treating them as if they were invisible?Castiel, however, remained unfazed.Soon, he had finished checking Henry's pulse.Simon, a mix of anticipation and anxiety in his expression, asked, "Mr. Ignis, can my son be woken up?"Sophie, Jack, and Kai also turned to him, waiting for an answer.Castiel's reply was calm. "Yes, but it will take three treatment sessions.""Really?!" Simon's eyes lit up, hope and excitement flooding his features.Henry had been in a coma for years, and despite Simon's tireless search for top doctors, none had been able to help.As a father, no one understood his despair better than he did. Castiel said there was a way to bring his son back—could it truly be possible? He could hardly believe it.Sophie, Jack, and Kai exchanged dark glances, their faces briefly shadowed with displeasure. It was clear they didn't want Hen

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 14

    Castiel found himself blocked by three burly men in broad daylight, right in the middle of the street.The scorching heat had driven most people indoors. The few pedestrians still outside averted their eyes and quickened their pace, especially after catching a glimpse of the three men. Their fierce, intimidating faces left no doubt: these were not men to be trifled with.Castiel frowned slightly at the sight of them, then asked, "Why are you blocking my way? Do I know you?"These weren't just random thugs. They were the same three men who had been tailing him for some time.Castiel's personal guards, hidden in the shadows, had already locked onto them, ready to act at a moment's notice. But Castiel subtly raised a hand, signaling them to stand down.These were just small-time thugs—nothing he couldn't handle on his own. He had no desire to make a scene, especially while recovering from his injuries.Revealing his identity too soon could cause unnecessary trouble.He already knew

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 15

    "It's him?" In no time, Castiel learned from Diamondhead who was behind everything.It was none other than his former brother-in-law—Lex.Clearly, after Castiel had punished Lex for smashing his parents' urn and disrespecting their spirits, Lex had been nursing a grudge, plotting his revenge.Castiel sighed, his expression darkening. "Why do you keep pushing me? I don't want to be your enemy."No matter what had happened, he once had ties with the Poshers, especially Eleonora. Even though she had betrayed him, he never wanted to be at outright odds with them. He was content to go their separate ways.But now, it was Lex who refused to let go."Fine. Three strikes and you're out. For the sake of old times, I'll let this slide. But if you come at me again, I won't hold back," Castiel muttered.He valued loyalty and relationships. If he didn't, Lex would have been a corpse the day he desecrated his parents' remains.Castiel turned to Diamondhead, his voice firm as he issued his wa

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 16

    After dealing with Big Hatchet, Diamondhead, and Command Chuck, Castiel arrived at the prestigious Tenray Auction House, the largest auction venue in Ripara.It was said that obtaining a membership there required proof of assets totaling at least 5 million dollars. The auction house was also known for its strict confidentiality, never revealing any details about its members.The items sold at Tenray were anything but ordinary—far beyond the reach of regular people.According to the lead Simon had provided, the second medicine Castiel needed was rumored to be available at today's auction.However, Simon couldn't uncover the seller's identity, despite using all his connections, let alone secure the item in advance for Castiel. Even Simon didn't have enough influence—the seller's identity remained strictly confidential.It wasn't that Simon lacked power. The real issue was that the auction house's owner seemed to have a personal grudge against him, which indicated that whoever backed

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 17

    Eleonora couldn't believe her eyes. It felt like a dream.When it came to Castiel, she thought no one knew him better than she did. The man she once knew—ordinary, unremarkable—how could he possibly qualify as a Diamond member of Tenray Auction House?"Something's definitely not right, but I just can't figure out what!"Eleonora was convinced there had to be some kind of trick. There was no way Castiel had this kind of money.Was it Photoshop? A scam?She considered the possibility but quickly dismissed it. As far as she remembered, Castiel wasn't that kind of person.A chill ran down her spine. "Then again, people change. Maybe the divorce hit him hard, and he went off the rails. What if he's doing something illegal?"She steeled herself, muttering, "No. I have to warn him when he comes out. Even though we're divorced, he can't throw his life away like this. If he stole money or committed a crime, it’d leave a permanent stain on his record. He needs to return the money before i

Latest chapter

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 30

    The doctor diagnosed Molly with a mental breakdown. She had completely lost control.Eleonora turned pale.Just moments ago, Molly had promised to help secure the deal. But now… she was gone.With Molly out of the picture, what would happen to the collaboration between the Nora Group and the Hunderd Group?Soon, an ambulance arrived to take Molly away.Eleonora stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.Ryder realized this wasn't just bad for Molly—it could spell disaster for Eleonora, too.If Hunderd's CEO discovered that his wife had suffered a breakdown at the auction, and that Eleonora had been involved, he would surely hold a grudge. The partnership was at serious risk.As expected, Eleonora soon received a call from Hunderd's CEO. His voice was cold, barely concealing his anger.Eleonora explained everything truthfully, not daring to lie.After hearing her out, he didn't blame her outright but ended the call with a chilling silence.Eleonora felt an icy dr

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 29

    "You are..." Eleonora turned around and saw a man with a bright smile and an overly friendly demeanor. She froze for a moment.She didn't recognize him. Why was he calling her in an intimate way?Was he a friend of Castiel's? Did he not know that she and Castiel were already divorced?How dare he call her Nora!Irritation surged through her.Ryder stepped forward with a grin. "Eleonora, you probably don't know me yet. Let me introduce myself. I'm Ryder Florey from Centrom. Leon Monroy is my elder cousin."Eleonora's initial annoyance shifted to surprise. "Leon is your cousin?"Ryder nodded and pulled out a photo of himself with Leon as proof.Now it all made sense to Eleonora. Ryder thought she was Leon's girlfriend. That's why he called her Nora.Feeling a little embarrassed, she quickly corrected him, "Please don't call me that. Mr. Monroy and I are just friends for now."Ryder noticed the faint blush on her face and chuckled. "For now, maybe. But in the future? Who knows?

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 28

    Eleonora called out to Castiel from behind.Castiel stopped and sighed inwardly. He had no desire to entertain her, yet she kept appearing, time and time again.He turned around, looked at Eleonora, who had quickly approached, and asked flatly, "What do you want?"Not far off, Molly stood quietly, her expression downcast. She didn't interrupt their exchange.Eleonora stared at Castiel for a moment before speaking. "Castiel, you should learn to be a decent person.""What?" Castiel asked, caught off guard."Stop pretending." She sighed, speaking as though to a child. "Do you really think I don't know? There's no way someone like you could've become a Diamond-tier member of Tenray through legitimate means. I don't know what tricks you pulled, but as your ex-wife, I sincerely hope you start living honestly. Don't get involved in anything shady or illegal—you'll only end up ruining yourself.""Are you insane?" Castiel snapped, incredulous.Was she seriously accusing him of committin

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 27

    Castiel soon received the Athran Root he had won at the auction in Room No. 6. He completed the payment immediately."Mr. Ignis, would you like to take it with you, or should we have our staff deliver it to your residence?" one of the Tenray managers asked after processing the payment.Castiel glanced at the Athran Root, securely encased in a glass case, and replied, "It's inconvenient for me to carry it myself. Have it delivered to this address."He quickly scribbled down the location of Genting Villa.When the manager took the note and read the address, she was momentarily stunned. Evidently, she recognized Genting Villa and what it represented.A wave of shock washed over her. Could this man be the legendary owner of Genting Villa?For years, rumors had circulated in Ripara's elite circles about the arrival of an incredibly powerful figure. The massive, opulent villa perched atop Genting Hill had been custom-built for him.High-ranking officials and business tycoons had unsuc

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 26

    Peter could only visit Castiel again with the note in hand.Castiel unfolded it casually.[To the esteemed guest in Room No. 6, I am Ryder Florey from Centrom. I would be deeply grateful if you could allow me to win the bid for the Athran Root. I assure you that I will repay this kindness generously in the future. Please, consider my request.]"Ryder Florey from Centrom?" Castiel raised an eyebrow slightly. This wasn't just some random rich kid.Still, he let the note slip from his fingers, watching it flutter to the floor.Looking up at Peter, he remained cool and indifferent. "Please tell Mr. Florey I cannot fulfill his request."Peter stood frozen for a moment. Did this man not realize whom he had just rejected?The Floreys were one of Centrom's most powerful families, their influence nothing short of formidable. Yet Castiel had shown neither hesitation nor fear.With no other option, Peter hurried back to Room No. 10 to deliver the bad news.Upon hearing it, Ryder froze. F

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 25

    "Diamond Room No. 6 bids 300 million dollars, going once!"Bang!"Diamond Room No. 6 bids 300 million dollars, going twice!"Bang!On stage, the auctioneer could barely contain his excitement—he was practically in shock.The power of these Diamond bidders was terrifying. Spending 300 million dollars on the Athran Root? It was beyond anything people like him could even fathom.Just a moment ago, he was thrilled by the high bids, but now? Now, he was filled with awe and disbelief.Never in the history of Tenray Auction House had anyone spent so much on a single medicinal herb. It felt surreal, like a dream.Just as the auctioneer prepared to bring the hammer down for the third and final time, a voice interrupted from the staff section, "Please hold! The buyer in Diamond Room No. 10 has requested a pause to arrange funds."The auctioneer hesitated before responding, "According to Tenray's rules, a buyer can request a short delay—but only for three minutes. The bidder in Room No.

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 24

    Though Ryder's bid increase was smaller than before, it was clear that even a wealthy heir from Centrom like him was feeling the pressure.Still, in the eyes of the audience, his spending power remained terrifying.Before anyone could process his bid, Castiel from Diamond Room No. 6 placed another. "195 million!"The entire hall was stunned. 195 million dollars?!Ryder narrowed his eyes before pressing his buzzer. "195.5 million dollars."Without hesitation, Castiel responded. "210 million."Ryder gritted his teeth. "210.5 million dollars."Castiel increased his bid again. "225 million."Ryder paused. The pressure was mounting. He clenched his fists, then pressed the buzzer once more. "225.5 million."Castiel bid without hesitation. "240 million."It was as if he were telling everyone he was determined to win the auction.Ryder cursed inwardly. Did this Ripara bumpkin not know who he was—Ryder Florey from Centrom? How dare he fight him for the Athran Root?Still, he refused

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 23

    Like a stone thrown into a calm lake, waves of shock rippled through the auction hall.The moment Castiel's bid was announced, the atmosphere exploded with excitement, reaching an electrifying peak.The auctioneer, unable to hide his enthusiasm, called out, "Diamond Room No. 6 has bid 180 million dollars!"At that instant, all eyes turned toward the booth where Castiel sat.A stunned silence fell over the crowd before whispers spread like wildfire."Another Diamond mogul has entered the game! And he casually throws out a 180-million-dollar bid? There are only a handful of people in Ripara who can afford that. Who exactly is bidding tonight?""From what I know, Raymond Milne of the Glority Group and Simon Hogan of the Lennia Group aren't here tonight. Aside from them, only three or four people in Ripara can make a bid like that.""Could it be one of those three or four? Or maybe… someone else entirely?""There's no telling. I heard from an inside source that a powerful figure fr

  • The Hidden Titan Abandoned by His CEO Wife   Chapter 22

    Molly continued bidding, even as the price neared her limit, driven by her determination to secure the Athran Root for her son.The bidder in Diamond Room No. 10 countered, "135 million!"A wave of shock rippled through the audience."135 million?!""My entire wealth wouldn't even come close to that!""A Diamond elite is built differently. This is insane!"Whispers filled the hall, but Molly struggled to stay upright inside Platinum Room No. 16.135 million dollars—she had reached her absolute limit.But she refused to back down."135.5 million dollars!" She managed to bid.The bid from Diamond Room No. 10 followed instantly. "150 million."A ringing sound filled Molly's ears. Dizziness washed over her.The rest of the auction hall was equally stunned, mouths agape.Even Eleonora gripped her clothes tightly, awestruck.It wasn't just the staggering 150-million-dollar bid for the Athran Root that amazed her, but how effortlessly it was placed—as if the bidder were tossing

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status