If Cecily directly asked Austin how much money he had, she would be inquiring about Austin's privacy.With Cecily's upbringing, she couldn't do something that rude.Austin had given her so many surprises today. It felt like continuous hammering on her head, so she couldn't endure it anymore.Be it purchasing Dominion, redeveloping the west city slums, or buying the villa in front of her, every one of those tasks required money in the hundreds of millions.Even if Austin received help, his benefactor couldn't possibly have showered money on him, right?If so, then the benefactor wouldn't be just helping Austin, they would be like a father giving his son all the money his son wanted!Of course, Cecily felt that this didn't make sense at all.Austin stopped. Looking at the shocked Cecily, he smiled gently. "It's not much. After the continuous transactions, there's not much money left in the card."With that, he took out the orchid card from his pocket. After making earnest calcula
Austin was willing to spend any amount of money if it meant that his mother could get a wonderful environment for her to recuperate.Because of Austin's request, the soft furnishing design in the villa wasn't too extravagant or grand. It leaned more to the cozy and comfortable side.To Austin, this place was home. So, a home should have cozy and comfortable vibes instead of the luxury and extravagance that were used to show off.After Austin entered the villa and saw the renovation style, he put on a satisfied smile.Warm tones complemented each other, and the furniture looked comfortable and convenient. Everything was put together perfectly, and there was nothing to complain about as always.So, as soon as anyone walked in, they would feel relaxed in both body and mind."Austin, this renovation style is amazing." Cecily praised, "It feels like home."Austin smiled. "Well, then… Welcome home, lady of the house."Cecily's pretty face turned red as she said, "Come on, stop joking
As the sun set, Austin and Cecily slowly got closer to each other. The rays of the setting sun covered them.The scene looked just like a painting.Just then, an extremely out-of-place voice rang out."Should I… leave for now?"The wonderful moment was instantly ruined by that voice.Cecily trembled as if she were a startled little deer. She was so shocked that she leaped to her feet. Then, with a reddened face, she lowered her head and hurried back to the swing.After she sat down, her breaths were still hasty, and she didn't dare look in the direction of the voice.This was… so awkward.Austin frowned. A little upset, he turned around to look at Aldus, who was standing at the staircase.Austin had explored the villa for so long just now, but he never found Aldus anywhere.Why did Aldus appear right now?"What do you think?" Austin returned the question.Aldus scratched his head awkwardly. Then, he said meekly, "You guys continue, then. I'll step away for a bit."With tha
Austin's expression shifted as he put on a stubborn smile. "I train because I want to get better. I don't do it just to compete with Taylor. He's not worth all that hard work I'm putting in."His words were firm, and he exuded a proud and disdainful air.When Aldus saw that, his eyes widened. After a second of hesitation, he nodded. "Alright."…Meanwhile, Nancy headed toward her home dejectedly.Her eyes were already swollen from crying, and she had also run out of tears.At that moment, she had completely broken down.She never thought that the ruckus she had planned to ruin Austin's reputation had turned her into a public enemy because of a sentence Austin said."Why was I the one in the wrong? What's wrong with me taking the 200 thousand dollars from his mother to help my brother?"He schemed against me on purpose, and I was the real victim here. Why are you all blaming me like that?"As Nancy walked home, the bitter feeling haunted her heart.It was getting dark.She h
Even Derek and Harvey were shocked by Urma's actions.Derek subconsciously grabbed Urma. "Are you out of your mind? Haven't we made a fool of ourselves already?"Urma stubbornly shook Derek off, glaring viciously at him.Right after that, she smiled again as she said in a gentle tone, "My dear son-in-law, our family was in the wrong back then. Please have mercy and get back together with Nancy."Please don't abandon my daughter."She spoke humbly, and she was no longer aggressive like she used to be."Abandon?"Nancy mumbled. Her mother's words were like a hot and sharp blade that had cruelly pierced her heart.She was already in shambles, and in that instant, she felt dizzy.What did her mother consider her to be?What did her mother say when she was divorced? Why would her mother say something like that now?The call suddenly ended.The smile on Urma's face disappeared without a trace, and indescribable coldness took its place.Turning around, Urma pinched Derek's arm fi
"Nonsense!"Widening her eyes, Urma shouted, "It hasn't been that long since Austin and Nancy got divorced. Austin used to like Nancy so much, and he would listen to everything Nancy said."If Nancy apologizes and asks to get married again, I'm sure Austin will dump that damned Cecily!"Things were chaotic in the family, and the noise of arguments was everywhere.Harvey couldn't bear to watch anymore. Taking a step forward, he said, "Mom, haven't you realized what's going on? Austin got rich so soon."I've already said before that he must have planned the divorce with Nancy. What's the point in begging him now?""Well, do you still want to get married or not?" Urma retorted.Her features were distorted, and her eyes looked extremely fierce. "I don't care if he planned it or not. Either way, we have to at least try."Austin is so rich; we can endure whatever mistreatment comes our way. After Nancy gets married to him again, his money will be ours!"Harvey couldn't say anything
"I've been waiting for you!"In the darkness, Aldus grabbed the person by the wrist, but the person didn't panic at all. Instead, he was a little pleasantly surprised.Austin frowned. The place was too dark. Other than the area around the metal cage, everywhere else was pitch black."Who are you?"Aldus let go of the person's right hand. Since the person was already discovered, he wouldn't care whether the person would attack them or not.After all, he was confident enough that he could defeat the person as soon as they made any movements.The figure took a step forward, which was also in the direction of the illumination from the metal cage. The centipede-like scar could be seen in the corner of his eye."Wolf?"Austin was stunned for a moment. Then, he quickly realized what was going on. "Were you trying to attack me just now?"He had mercy on Wolf when they were in the metal cage last time. Judging by Wolf's reaction back then, he didn't think that Wolf would hold a grudge
Austin kept a close eye on the small guy.In a tone even he could hardly believe, he said, "From the way he moves, I feel like he's a beast waiting for a chance to strike. He's waiting. He's waiting for the best timing to deal the lethal blow!"Aldus' eyes widened, and the smile on his face was replaced by shock.Back when he was a mercenary, the killings he experienced on the battlefield were even crueler than those in the metal cage.At the same time, he had developed fearsome combat abilities, and Wolf was no match for him.A professional like Wolf had failed to notice this detail, but Austin, who had only fought a real battle once, surprisingly caught on!Even Aldus felt his heart skip a beat when he witnessed Austin's terrifying fighting instinct.Austin had just finished speaking when a furious roar sounded from the metal cage.It came from the small guy, who kept getting beaten."Now!"Almost at the same time, a gleam appeared in Austin's eyes.In the metal cage, the
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