Samantha genuinely had no idea the whole thing would proceed so smoothly, and Mandy’s attitude toward it all excited her.After thanking Mandy one more time, Samantha left the cafe and rushed back home in her Audi.***On the way home, she hurriedly called Adrian, wanting to tell him about the good news.The moment the call connected, she happily asked, “Where are you?”Adrian was on the way home too. He could tell from her voice that Samantha most likely had a successful meeting with Mandy.He smiled and said, “I’m on my way home. How did it go? Did you have a good meeting?”“Yes! Mandy agreed to invest seven million and three hundred thousand dollars to open up the new company. On top of that, she’ll be giving me a few technical people to help me build it up.“I’m on my way home too, I can’t wait to see you!” Samantha’s voice was trembling at that point.She would never have had the courage to do any of this without Adrian. He’s the one who gave her the support she needed to
“Really?!” Rue asked in shock.Samantha nodded vigorously. “Yes, and it’s all thanks to Adrian! I wouldn’t have had the courage to meet Mandy if not for him.”Rue was all smiles at this point. “Your father would always say that there’s always something good to be found in losses, and I’ve always believed that. I’m glad to see you two are in a good place in your relationship now.“By the way, Ada called. She’s doing really well on campus, her classmates are being nice to her, and she’s being well taken care of. In fact, she was awarded a scholarship.”Hearing this, Samantha said, “Ada’s a good girl, plus she’s really strong academically. It’s no surprise the university is giving her special treatment. I’m happy she’s doing well.”Rue nodded and said, “I happened to have bought some fresh ingredients earlier, so I’ll go cook you two something nice to eat right now. You two go ahead and take your time.”***While Rue headed to the kitchen, Samantha returned to her room. She had no
I’ve got your back!Samantha’s heart swelled up when she heard this.Not a single man had supported her over the past seven years—none who supported her unconditionally.But that man had finally walked into her life after seven years.Samantha knew that her life was about to go through some changes, and Adrian’s words were just the thing to make her feel safe.She then put down her documents and threw herself into his arms. Although she was slightly embarrassed, she thought she should take a little more initiative toward her husband.“You’ve shown me a whole different side of yourself time and time again ever since you came back. I hope we’ll be able to carry on like this. Then, we’ll have a child together.“I hope you’ll live your life right to prove to your family and mine that you’re not a deadbeat.”This was Samantha’s greatest wish.Adrian nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Sam. I will.“On the day New Paraiso rises to glory and you become the most beautiful female chairpers
Alas, Samantha’s show of respect was not received in kind.“Who are you to call me ‘grandfather?’ I don’t acknowledge you,” Harold admonished.Leonard had a menacing look on his face as he angrily said, “Drop the act, Samantha. What makes you think you’re worthy of being a Xander?”He then shot an even angrier look at Adrian before he stepped up and said, “I was just about to find you to settle a score for beating up my son, Adrian.”Samantha was initially embarrassed, but instantly became confused when she heard what Leonard said.‘Adrian beat up Cedric? When?’“I’d advise you to mind your tone, Leonard. You’re free to disregard my father as your sibling, which means I’m also free to disregard you as my relative,” Adrian retorted.After that, he took hold of Samantha’s hand. “Let’s go.”Samantha nodded, not wanting to be involved with the Xanders either.Cecilia watched as the couple walked into the club and said, “Father, that was so rude of them. Do they even have any respe
At that moment, Adrian was exuding a dangerously threatening air.His intent to kill was so strong that it could no longer be suppressed.Wilfred was terrified. In fact, all the Xanders were too stunned for words when they felt Adrian’s murderous intent.Samantha was the one person Adrian would not allow anyone to speak ill of. It did not matter if the person was the king himself. He would kill the person who dared humiliate his sweet Sam.“Let go of him, Adrian.” Samantha had no idea he would end up exuding such a strong temperament. She desperately wanted to pull him away when she saw how genuinely mad he was, afraid he might end up doing something unforgivable.Yet, Adrian did not loosen his grip. Once more, he asked Wilfred to repeat what he had said.But Wilfred was too frightened to repeat those words. Instead, he started panicking and said, “Let go of me, Adrian! Let go of me right now!”“I said, repeat yourself. You have three seconds.” Adrian looked at him coldly.“I’m
Harold took in a deep breath, while Leonard and the others stood around in embarrassment.Up till a moment ago, all of them seemed to have seen their life flash before their eyes thanks to Adrian’s murderous intent.***Samantha finally heaved a sigh of relief when they entered the club.For the briefest of moments, she felt that Adrian had turned into a completely different person. So much so that he felt like a complete stranger to her.She turned around to look at him. “Adrian, you have to stay calm next time. Wilfred’s your uncle at the end of the day. Imagine what others will think of you if they hear about what happened?”Samantha was the kind of person who cared very much about reputation. However, Adrian did not care about that in the slightest.“I’m already notorious throughout Swallowston, so I don’t care about any of that. All I care about is that Wilfred pays the price for humiliating you.”Samantha felt helpless for a moment, choosing to not comment on the matter a
Adrian had many candidates in mind, but one particular person should prove to be of great help to Samantha.Adrian turned to look at Samantha and said, “Riley.”“Riley?”Samantha was really surprised when she heard this name, naturally knowing who Riley was since the woman was a Xander.Although she and Riley had not interacted with each other much, she could tell that Riley was the only one of the Xanders with a decent personality.The fact that Adrian brought up Riley’s name was proof that he acknowledged her.But…“Will she join me though?” Samantha asked in a worried tone.‘Adrian’s been at odds with his family for the longest time, so I doubt Riley will agree to help even if I asked.’Adrian simply smiled and said, “We’ll never know what she’ll say until we try.”‘He’s right. Plus, Riley is indeed a capable woman,’ Samantha thought.Riley had graduated from a reputable university and even learned a thing or two from Henry when she had been under his tutelage.“Should w
Adrian and Samantha soon arrived at the diner.There were quite a number of patrons that night. They found a table and sat down before Adrian ordered three meals.They waited for a while. Not long after, a BMW parked outside the diner. Riley walked into the diner wearing a pair of shorts and exuded a matured air of beauty.“Riley!” Samantha called out upon spotting her.Riley cracked a smile and walked toward them. She took the seat opposite Adrian and Samantha. “Sam, Adrian, how are both of you doing?”Samantha nodded. “We’re pretty good.”“Great,” Riley said with a smile.Upon saying that, she looked at Adrian who was slurping up his pasta. She wanted to say something yet she could not think of what to say.Adrian beckoned her and said, “Eat up. Otherwise, it’ll get cold.”Riley smiled, picked up her cutlery, and ate.Samantha ate her pasta as well. The three of them did not speak and the atmosphere was growing awkward.It was fortunate that Adrian was around. Samantha wai
The Daemon Emperor was startled."What is happening? This power..."Formless energy was surging forward, pressuring his nerves and senses.Below, Andy and the others trembled uncontrollably."Who is it?" Finnian stared into the crimson mist.Even Andy was horrified, his gaze locked on the unfolding scene in disbelief, and asked, "What is this? What exactly is happening?" At this moment, Adrian abruptly opened his eyes.Apparently, the Daemon Emperor had once conspired with Adrian's subordinates to ambush him.However, Adrian had managed to annihilate the traitors and sealed this Daemon Emperor. Now, fate had brought them together again."If I killed you once, I can kill you again." Adrian stood tall, his white robes fluttering in the air.The Daemon Emperor was stunned into silence."This is impossible! You're not that mortal boy!""Is that so? In this life, your end has come, and so has the era of the daemons." Adrian's voice was calm yet resolute. He stretched out his han
Adrian's face hardened at the words. He despised threats above all else. While he understood what the mysterious entity desired, he couldn't yet fully comprehend its implications or find a way to counter it. His only choice was to focus on growing stronger.Within the hot spring, waves of raw, terrifying power surged and crashed violently against Adrian's body.The force, though beneficial, was brutal and overwhelming. Adrian's body struggled to endure, cracking as though it were disintegrating."Arghhh!"A heart-wrenching scream echoed as Adrian's flesh was torn apart and his aura gradually dimmed."Ahhh!"His agonized cries echoed once more. He could no longer withstand the pain.In the distance, a towering figure appeared and sneered. "What's this? Can't take it anymore? Pathetic. Humans are truly the epitome of stupidity."Suddenly, Adrian erupted with an explosive surge of energy, and in that instant, he broke through to the pinnacle of the Void Stage."Hmm? He actually b
At that moment, the crowd was speechless.Adrian had ascended as if it were the easiest thing in the world.Faced with such a sight, no one could say much beyond admiration. Even if the Holy Son claimed Adrian had cheated, many secretly wished they could cheat the same way.Lacking Adrian's means, all they could do was envy him.Finnian chuckled. "Haha! You really caught us all by surprise, kid. Still, I'll count this as you repaying me a favor."For Finnian, the outcome couldn't have been better. With a broad smile, he seemed to have achieved his desired result. Adrian's successful climb was all that mattered to him.Once Adrian had vanished, the focus shifted to the rest of the group and their trials.When Adrian opened his eyes again, his entire body ached, but an oddly comforting sensation flowed through him. Surveying his surroundings, he realized he was now in a pond."Where am I?" he asked.Though uncertain about the place, Adrian knew he had cleared the trial and arriv
The onlookers stared in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion as they struggled to grasp the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Adrian seethed with barely contained rage. This wasn't his first encounter with such torment. Every few steps he ascended, another trial awaited.To Adrian, the relentless punishments felt suffocating. Yet he pressed on—this was the final stretch of the climb. "Adrian, hang in there!" Andy shouted, urging him to conquer the last step. To Andy, reaching that final step symbolized Adrian's growth. He had witnessed Adrian's remarkable resilience countless times and held unwavering faith in his potential. In Andy's eyes, Adrian was destined for greatness. Adrian's expression turned cold as he locked his gaze on the steps ahead. Determination flickered in his eyes. "If reaching the top guarantees a reward, it doesn't have to be me up there. As long as someone makes it, that's enough." With that, he shifted his focus to the void above and formed
Adrian felt as if every nerve in his body was beyond his control. A deep sense of grievance filled his heart as the divine thunder from the void relentlessly crashed down.Rage surged within him, but under the onslaught of endless forces, he felt weak and constrained.Still, he had no choice but to press forward. He knew victory was within reach if he could endure a little longer—giving up now would mean death.If he fell, the shame and humiliation would crush him.Below, the Holy Son and others waited, eager to see him fail and mock him. This left Adrian no option but to push forward, striving toward the void above and his ultimate goal.The violent forces continued to bombard him from the sky.With every step, the thunder's impact intensified tenfold. His soul, already battered from a fierce battle with a horde of beasts, now felt as though it was dragging his exhausted body forward.Anyone else would likely have succumbed to despair. After all, under such immense pressure, ev
The oppressive forces descending from the void seemed determined to halt Adrian’s ascent up the staircase.Yet he refused to yield. To him, these overwhelming challenges were merely obstacles to conquer.He pressed forward with relentless determination.Thunderbolts continued to rain down, but the ominous red light from before did not return—a relief, as he never wished to endure its crushing weight again.The memory of that light still haunted him, leaving a lingering sense of helplessness. Its suffocating pressure had drained his strength, reducing him to a gasping, powerless state.Despite the toll on his body and mind, Adrian remained singularly focused on reaching the final step. His burning desire for greater power drove him forward, unwavering and resolute.Step by step, he ascended, reaching the 95th step in what felt like an instant.Only five steps remained. His gaze locked onto the summit, and a wild glint lit his eyes. A daring idea sparked within him, consuming his
Adrian pondered his situation, his cold gaze reflecting simmering frustration. Yet deep down, he recognized that whoever had designed the staircase was far from ordinary.Creating such a formidable trial required unimaginable power.Even a pinnacle Void Stage expert—or perhaps someone of the Multiply Stage—might bow in reverence before the ladder's creator."He won't last much longer. The divine lightning in this void is utterly destructive. In moments, he'll be reduced to ashes," sneered the Holy Son, his sharp eyes gleaming with malice.To the Holy Son, Adrian's demise was inevitable. Adrian had dared to offend him, and he was certain such audacity could only lead to death.Adrian caught the Holy Son's words and cast him a frosty glare. His intent to kill was unmistakable, though now wasn't the time.The staircase was no place for personal vendettas—eliminating him here would require careful planning.He also knew the Holy Son carried seals of immense power. A reckless move co
Finnian's sharp gaze reflected a hint of admiration. "Kid, you owe me a big favor this time. You'd better treasure this opportunity."Adrian remained silent, unsure how to respond. His cold eyes revealed no emotion, though he fully grasped the challenges ahead.Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford—he'd come too far to back down now.Suddenly, a streak of red light surged from the void, hurtling toward Adrian with terrifying speed. His eyes widened in shock as the crimson beam struck him, slamming him against the staircase.Caught off guard, Adrian collapsed, sprawled helplessly on the steps.The crowd below watched in astonishment. No one had expected his seemingly indestructible body to be overwhelmed so easily.The Holy Son sneered. "Haha! It seems he's triggered some kind of taboo. Let's see how arrogant he is now!"His voice dripped with schadenfreude, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction as he relished Adrian's struggle.Despite the crushing force, Adrian refused
"What exactly is up there pulling me so strongly?" Adrian's expression hardened as he pondered the mysterious force drawing him upward.A surge of violent energy erupted across the sky, crashing down like a raging storm.Adrian advanced cautiously, each step deliberate and precise.Gone were the reckless strides of before—now he moved with steely determination, fully aware of the lurking dangers.He'd learned that the void's formidable forces seemed to target him directly, compelling him to proceed step by step. Any attempt to bypass its unseen barriers would provoke a devastating strike."Ridiculous," Adrian muttered. "If I've chosen to climb, nothing will stop me."The void's relentless power intensified.Bolts of thunder hammered down mercilessly, battering Adrian's body. Yet fear never crossed his mind.What was there to be afraid of?To him, the divine thunder wasn't an obstacle—it was a crucible, a tool to temper his body and strengthen his resolve.Despite the storm, A