That evening, the local TV station announced a piece of news."Dominion Properties will be opening pre-sales for its buildings in the west city on the 15th of this month."Like a powerful explosive, the piece of news turned the whole city upside down.Everyone in the city was shaken, and their hearts were stirring.Back then, when Wirtucon announced the news of its settling-in, the housing prices in the west city slums had risen.Many people regretted the fact that they didn't buy houses in the west city as soon as possible.And this time, the new and redeveloped property listings were now on the market. The regretful people were tempted to get the property listings.If they got their hands on the property listings in the west city, after Wirtucon officially settled in, the housing prices in the west city would rise again.After all, in all these years, wherever Wirtucon went, the housing prices in the area would rise as well!A housing market boom silently began to materializ
While Cecily was mumbling, she couldn't help but imagine the stupefied look on Austin's face. Her smile grew wider.…The air at the Welch residence seemed to have frozen solid.The atmosphere was so heavy that it felt suffocating.Nancy and her family sat on the couch, every one of the four having different expressions on their faces as they watched the news on TV.Derek's and Urma's faces turned pale. Urma clenched her fists tightly, gritting her teeth as if she were threatening to gobble someone up.Harvey had a furious expression on his face as he stared at the TV.Meanwhile, Nancy lowered her head as she sat on the couch. Her pretty eyes were wet with tears, and she was about to cry anytime soon."Nancy, why didn't you try harder to persuade us back then?"Harvey's sobbing tone broke the silence reigning in the living room. He begged Urma, saying, "Mom … Do you guys still want me to marry Susie?"That single sentence caused Urma to explode.She stood up in anger. "Nancy
"Mom …"Nancy was breaking down. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked at Urma in despair.But Urma reprimanded her, saying in disgust, "Can't you do anything other than cry? Get lost!""Nancy, don't provoke your mom anymore. She has just gotten discharged." Derek couldn't bear to watch anymore, so he spoke to Nancy in a low voice.After Nancy left, Derek finally sighed. He complained to Urma, "And you, why do you keep blaming Nancy for everything?""Are you blaming me now? Why don't you think of a way to get more money?"Urma's words caused Derek to grow red in the face.Derek calmed his tone a little. "But what if Austin doesn't have money?""Dad, how can Austin not have money? If he doesn't have money, how was he able to save his damned mom?" Harvey shouted at the top of his lungs."Shut up! Isn't our family in a big enough mess already?"Derek glared at Harvey, startling the latter so much that he stopped shouting.Then, Derek said to Urma, "After Nancy got marrie
After the message was sent, a reply came soon enough.The notification ringtone from WhatsApp perked Nancy up a little.But when she read Austin's reply, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave. She was already drenched, but now, she felt a bone-piercing chill coursing throughout her body.Austin's reply was simple."I can't help you with that!"A few seconds later, a crazed look slowly appeared in Nancy's eyes.She gritted her teeth, squeezing out her words as she said, "You were the ones who forced me to do this. All of you are forcing me into a corner! Austin, neither you nor I will live in peace."You were the one who mistreated me first, so don't blame me if I do the same to you! You're doing quite well in Dominion, aren't you?"If I trash your company's pre-sales launch even on the 15th, let's see if you can keep being the vice president at your company!"…In the rented house, Austin smiled in disdain after sending the message.He was a decisive man. Since he h
In the next few days, Austin focused all his efforts on the preparation for the west city building pre-sales.After accumulating strength for one month, Austin wouldn't allow any mistakes to happen in this operation.As time passed, more promotional posters of the west city building pre-sales appeared in various streets and alleys in the main city.Also, when people chatted with each other, the west city buildings became their main topic.It was as if the whole city had its attention on the west city buildings.Everyone who could purchase property was rubbing their hands eagerly.After all, they all knew that if they bought properties in the west city before Wirtucon settled in, the housing prices would increase after Wirtucon entered the scene.It would be the same as finding money on the streets.Of course, anyone would be enthusiastic about that.Some people who had connections were already trying to pull the strings in secret, planning to proceed with internal purchases.
If that happened, the Welches would have enough money for Harvey's wedding, and they could still have lots of money to spare.But now, all this was no more than wishful thinking.The housing prices in the west city had increased so much that they could only look on in envy.Nancy was forced to stay in a hotel outside. She didn't dare to go home.Because she knew that if she went home, her parents and brother would blame and complain about her.So, if she hid in the hotel, she could get some peace of mind at least.But as the whole city got into a lively discussion, Nancy's emotions gradually shifted into extreme hatred and regret.She thought that Austin was the vice president of Dominion, and the west city was developed by Dominion.After the 15th, no matter how Austin would be treated in Dominion in the future, he would have a huge bonus for sure.If Nancy could go back in time, she would not divorce Austin so decisively.But to her, these were just some thoughts she entert
Hydra Gardens was the area in the west city that would be open for pre-sales today.Early in the morning, a huge crowd had already formed in front of the luxurious and grand sales office.In reality, many people had already lined up in front of the sales office starting yesterday evening. They all wanted to buy houses to earn easy money.No one expected that the west city, which had been looked down on by people in the main city for being dirty and messy, would one day be held in such high regard today.The queue was so long that no one knew where it ended.Even if the number of people in the line had already surpassed the number of property listings available, it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the people trying to buy the houses.The line grew ever longer.People flooded the area in front of the sales office. Arrangements were also made so that cars would be parked around half a mile away.To maintain order at the venue and avoid the risk of crowds, the functional department
After Austin led the salespeople into the sales office, a surprise shout sounded from the media area."Oh, shoot! I-I think that's the current boss of Dominion!"The shout shocked everyone present.Everyone's expression shifted. Looks of disbelief appeared on their faces."The boss of Dominion? And he came here by cab? Was I seeing things just now?""He's keeping such a low profile! He developed a precious resource like the west city, but he doesn't even want to buy a car?""Oh no, I forgot to take a photo just now. If I did, it would be huge news for sure."…Discussions could be heard here and there, and they surged like waves.Soon after Austin's arrival, the presale emcee took to the stage and began hosting the event.This also announced the official launch of the pre-sales.There weren't any excessive delays, nor were there any songs or dances usually seen during property pre-sale events.After all, Austin knew what the property buyers who lined up through the night ne
Austin never expected that Nancy would come back.As he returned to the Tetra Club, he remained sullen, his eyes dark with unresolved anger.Seeing Austin like this, Cecily felt a pang of sadness.She gently tried to comfort him, "It's all in the past now, isn't it? I'm here with you, and we have our baby on the way.""I can't just let it go," Austin shook his head."The best I can do is not seek revenge against them, but to truly forgive and forget—I can't do that."The actions of Nancy's family were still fresh in his memory.Austin wasn't someone who sought revenge for every slight, but he was far from the kind of person who could simply forgive and forget, moving on with a carefree "Hallelujah."Dahlia's despair as she lay in bed, the arrogance and cruelty of the Welch family…In the eyes of the Welch family, Dahlia's life wasn't worth as much as Harvey's wedding.Even when the time had passed and he was about to finally be happy with Cecily, the Welch family not only dem
After leaving this city, Nancy put in a tremendous amount of effort to "rebirth" herself.Meeting Ethan had shown her a different side of life.While he wasn't part of the uppermost echelons of wealth and power, he had enough. Most importantly, he treated her with the utmost respect.She understood Ethan's background, which made that respect all the more valuable.A man of his stature could have any woman he wanted in his bed the same night.Yet Ethan had shown her incredible patience, making her question whether the rumors about him were true.Tonight, returning to this city was her way of bidding farewell to the past and embracing the future.After all, people need to look forward, don't they?Meanwhile, Ethan was feeling more dejected than he'd ever been.Lying in his luxurious bed in Brook Villa, he couldn't sleep, tossing and turning restlessly.He had hoped to establish a connection with Austin. A figure like him would be incredibly valuable to have on his side.He tho
The river breeze was cool, and the lights reflected on the water flickered softly.The figure in front of them wore a long black coat, standing quietly by the railing. Her fair, delicate profile, partially obscured by a few strands of windblown hair, carried a hint of melancholy."Sir, Mrs. Campbell, is something wrong?" Aldus noticed the change and quickly stepped forward to inquire."Let's go home," Austin suddenly said, his previously cheerful expression now somber, with a touch of disdain.Go home? They had just arrived.Aldus was surprised and quickly followed Austin's gaze. When he saw what Austin was looking at, he immediately understood.Without a word, he turned to leave with Austin.But a soft hand gently grabbed Austin's arm."It's been so many years, aren't you going to say hello?" Cecily asked."I have no desire to greet her," Austin said, his disdain clear and unhidden.Three years of marriage, filled with nothing but pain.Even when Dahlia was gravely ill, Nan
After a busy day, just as Austin was about to finish up, a new invitation appeared on his desk."Who delivered this?" Austin asked."Ethan," Wolf replied.Austin chuckled, didn't bother opening the invitation, and instead tossed it directly into the trash."I've got to get home to Cecily."When he returned to the Bamboo Parlor at Tetra Club, Raquel had already prepared a delicious dinner.The dishes were beautifully presented, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.After dinner, Austin and Ezra stepped out into the courtyard."Mr. Lockwood, any news from the Campbells about my dad?" Austin asked, the text message from Walter still weighing heavily on his mind.Considering the Campbells' efforts to find Walter, and given their intelligence resources, they should have been some leads by now.But Ezra shook his head. "Nothing, Not a trace.""The Campbells' intelligence network has never been this weak, has it?" Austin frowned, speaking in a low tone.Ezra gave a wry smile. "
"Childhood?"Austin stopped his workout, wiped the sweat from his face, and smiled bitterly.His childhood had been bleak.Only Dahlia had brought some light into the darkness.Seeing Austin's pained smile, Aldus immediately realized his mistake.He quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Sir. I spoke without thinking. You don't need to answer that.""It's fine," Austin replied, gesturing towards a nearby bench, and inviting Aldus to sit with him.Once they were seated, Austin slowly began to speak. "There's not much to tell about my childhood. It was mostly just being called an 'illegitimate child' and living day to day, never knowing where my next meal would come from."If it weren't for my mom fighting tooth and nail to raise me, I'd probably be dead by now."With just a few simple words, he conveyed a world of suffering.Aldus felt a wave of guilt. He had only been trying to find clues from Austin's past that might explain his exceptional combat instincts and incredible physical
Austin's gaze softened as warmth flooded his heart.Who hasn't longed for a light left on just for them in a sea of lights? But in reality, how many actually have that?Cecily did that for him.Given her background, the fact that she went to such lengths truly surprised Austin.In the three years he spent in the past, he had never experienced something like this.His nose tingled with emotion as he pulled Cecily into his arms, speaking softly, "Thank you. Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my life.""Alright, alright, I asked Raquel to prepare breakfast earlier this morning. You go to the dining room, and I'll have her bring it over," Cecily said as she gently slipped out of Austin's embrace, her graceful smile lighting up her eyes."Doesn't Bamboo Parlor have a kitchen?" Austin asked, curious.Cecily gave him a playful look. "The chairs in the living room are so hard, and you spent the whole night on one—how could you have slept well? If Raquel had been clattering around
The room fell into a heavy silence."Deactivating the phone number… was Dad trying to prevent me from tracking his location?" Austin murmured with a frown.Ezra pondered for a moment, his voice low and serious. "Perhaps he was more concerned about someone else tracking him."Austin's eyes widened in realization.Of course—if Walter could send him a message to let him know he was safe, he wouldn't be worried about Austin tracking himDeactivating the phone was likely to prevent others from tracing his location."But who is he trying to avoid?"Ezra shook his head, remaining silent.Having followed Walter for many years, he knew the man's temperament and habits. But this time, he was truly baffled.He couldn't even begin to piece together a clue.Taking a deep breath, Ezra forced a bitter smile. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss this time, sir. There's no sign of anything unusual from the Campbells either."This statement only deepened Austin's confusion.If there were anyone who cou
Austin knocked softly on the door.Almost immediately, he heard the sound of shuffling from inside.Ezra opened the door, his face full of curiosity. "Sir, what's going on?"Austin quickly made a shushing gesture, worried about disturbing Cecily.Then he gently pushed Ezra back into the room."Sorry to bother you so late, Mr. Lockwood," Austin said.Ezra smiled. "It's no trouble at all. The older you get, the less you need. I was just reading."Austin glanced at the book on Ezra's bedside table and couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.This old rascal!Ezra blushed and quickly shoved the book under his pillow.Austin sat on the bed and pulled up the text message from Walter, showing it to Ezra."I just received this message."When Ezra read the text, his eyes lit up with a sharp gleam, and he was overjoyed. "This is from Mr. Walter!"Austin nodded, his expression serious. "But I've sent several messages back, and there's been no reply. I called twice—once it was immedi
"The underground king of Eastbrook bows down."This news swept through Eastbrook like a storm.Ethan knew that by doing this, he would become the laughingstock of the entire city. But he also knew he had no choice—he had to do it!Even if he became a joke, he would remain the underground king. But if he refused to lower his head, he would end up a dead man.He understood the situation perfectly.In fact, that very night, a message was released from Brook Villa.No one is to compete for the land!This is a clear warning to all real estate companies in Eastbrook. It was also a gesture of goodwill toward Austin.But Austin didn't pay it much mind.If not for Derrick's involvement, he had no idea how Ethan would have responded—but Austin knew his response would have been much tougher.A mere city's underground king? He didn't even compare to the richest man in Basin City or the capital—he wasn't even worthy of carrying their shoes!After leaving Brook Villa, Austin didn't linger