Anna asked, "What are you going to do about this, Joaquin?"Joaquin responded mysteriously, "I'm going to make Ripley Group's properties mine one way or the other. It doesn't matter if he's a Ripley or not. He can't escape his fate of becoming a down-and-out."Anna exchanged a grin with Joaquin. Her eyes were laced with greed and dark desire.…Tobias' private plane touched down at the small town at 11:00 am. The place was some ways away from the mountain. He and Lucy took a stroll on the streets. Tobias used to live in the big city, so he was amazed by everything he saw there. He walked side by side with Lucy while he held her hand. He said, "I didn't think the people here would be this friendly and welcoming."Lucy responded, "Yeah. Folks in towns are very welcoming, unlike the people in the big cities, who are unfeeling and mean."Tobias asked, "Is your matter urgent?"Lucy shook her head. "Not at all."Tobias asked again, "If that's the case, why don't we walk around fi
Lucy looked at Tobias in alarm. He was still sleeping. So, she tiptoed to the hallway and continued to talk on the phone. Instead of answering Billy, she popped a question at him."What do you think a doctor's duty is, Billy?" Billy responded without any hesitation, "Treat and save people."Lucy asked again, "Do you think it's a good thing if there's a medication that could save people from the torment their conditions bring them?"Billy paused briefly and said, "Yeah."Lucy said, "Attaboy. Although Zenith Elixir is the top secret in our sect, it does way more than cure cancer. Won't it be a waste if we don't put such a wonderful medication on shelves?"Lucy paused briefly and continued, "More to the point, the Zenith Elixir could be lost to the world if someone doesn't pass it down in the future. No one would know that our sect has such a wonderful medication. Won't that be more heartbreaking and pitiful?"Billy remained quiet for a long time. Then, he said, "You might be righ
Tobias fixed his eyes on Lucy. His gaze was so sharp that it looked like he was about to devour her. He snorted coldly, feeling sorry for himself. How dare she say that he was a simpleton? It looked like he'd have to teach her a lesson. Just as he was figuring out a way to make Lucy yield to him, the vendor said, "There you go, guys. Two fondant figures.""Thank you." Lucy took them and checked them out. The vendor probably had some experience in art. Although it was a simple sculpture, she could still make out her and Tobias' features in the fondant figures."I didn't think he would be able to make the fondant look so much like us, darling." Lucy showed them to Tobias. She asked, "Which one are you going to have?"Tobias' lips curled into a wicked grin. "You."Lucy was at a loss for words. She saw the menacing look in his eyes and knew that he was mad at her for calling him a simpleton. What a petty man!She pouted and said, "Nuh-uh. You're eating your own fondant figure." Th
Lucy and Tobias finished their meal in town and hired someone to take them to the mountain in a tricycle. It was his first time riding one, and he found it kind of cool.Not long after, they arrived at their destination. Both of them got off the tricycle, and Lucy saw a figure far away. She waved and yelled, "Mr. Jones!"Benedict heard Lucy's voice and walked over. He saw Tobias, who was standing next to her, and scanned him from head to toe. The latter was dressed in a suit and looked exceptionally stunning. His demeanor also demonstrated grace and elegance. What was more, he exuded an overpowering sense of superiority. It was hard not to both respect and fear him. Benedict knew the answer to his question, but he asked it nonetheless, "Who might this be?"Lucy responded, "Allow me to introduce him, Mr. Jones. He is my husband, Tobias Ripley." She couldn't tell if Benedict was satisfied with Tobias. All he did was stare at Tobias arrogantly. Tobias bowed slightly and said, "Hi
Rhett's eyes became shifty when Tobias voiced his concerns. He said, "Nothing's going on, Tobias. Let's go inside and take a seat."Tobias was skeptical about it, but it wasn't as if Benedict would do anything terrible to Lucy. So, he had no choice but to follow the Eberhards inside. Lucy and Benedict arrived at the backyard. He said, "I'm going to hand over the sect to you today, Lucy."She nodded. "Okay."They passed through the forest and reached a secluded cavern. The ritual rites and tributes were all in place. Both of them stopped before the altar.Benedict said solemnly, "Kneel, Lucy. Show your respect to the 16 predecessors." Lucy did what she was told and bowed deeply before she offered a prayer. There were 16 pictures on the wall. All of them were sect leaders at one point in their lives."O, great predecessors, today, I am passing down the mantle to Lucy Everhart. From this day on, she will be the 18th-generation leader of the sect. She will be Grandmaster Herbalist
Back in the wooden house, Tobias and the Eberhards sat by the table. He said, "I have something I have to give you, Mom."Lisa asked in a surprised tone, "Hmm? What is it?"Tobias pulled out two documents from his briefcase and responded, "Although Lucy and I have been married for over a year, I have never held a wedding ceremony for her. So, I want to make it up to her."However, a lot of things happened in the past, and I had to put it off. As for an auspicious day for the wedding ceremony, I think it's more fitting to let you and Dad decide on it. "Also, this is the wedding invitation and some money I set aside for you guys. I can give more if you think the amount needs revising."The Eberhards were a little surprised. Lisa was moved. She said, "You're so thoughtful, Tobias." She was both grateful and proud because of how much Tobias cared about Lucy.Tobias smiled gently and said, "I have proposed to Lucy. All that's left now is the wedding ceremony. As everyone says, a woma
Lisa said, "I remember that she was abducted in an affluent neighborhood. After that, the kidnappers wanted ransom. I think the location of the exchange was Cloud—"Lisa was about to say it out, but Benedict interrupted her, "I'm going to administer acupuncture now. Keep quiet, everyone. As for you, Tobias, you'll have to shut your eyes and avoid talking for now."Tobias was nervous and had been looking forward to Lisa's answer. It felt as if his heart was in his throat. However, Benedict had cut her off at the most critical moment. Tobias was left in suspense. He thought to himself that Lisa was just right in front of him. He could just ask her again after the acupuncture was over. Then, he shut his eyes with a restless mind. However, he slipped into unconsciousness in no time. After all, Benedict had deliberately aimed for the vital point that would put Tobias to sleep when he'd jabbed the needle into the latter's head. …The next day, Tobias jolted awake. He checked his sur
Rhett was right. Life in the mountains was very boring. It was too hot out there after lunch. So, they could only stay at home. Tobias, Rhett, and Benedict played chess while Lisa and Marcus watched them.Rhett played against Benedict in this match. It didn't last too long before the latter won it. Benedict said in an exhilarated tone, "I won at last!" He was as happy as a kid in a candy store.Rhett grumbled, "I've been playing chess with Mr. Jones for the better part of a month, Tobias. He has only won one match in the entire time. Look at how happy he is, though."Benedict retorted, "What a load of crap! I lost to you because I went easy on you." Rhett rolled his eyes and said, "Tsk. It's your turn, Tobias."Tobias nodded and sat in front of the chessboard. In truth, he didn't quite know how to play chess. He had merely grasped most of the rules after he'd seen Rhett and Benedict playing for several rounds. Then, he'd had an urge to play as well. He said, "Let's begin, Mr. J