"He had no other choice. I knew that he was already the head of the family back then, but in that family, he didn't have any power!"Dahlia sobbed even louder now. It was as if all the emotions suppressed within her had exploded at that moment. "When he left back then, Mr. Lockwood was right there with him. I know Mr. Lockwood."Your dad sent Mr. Lockwood over to help you when you were in trouble, and that was already the best he could do. He does care about us. If not, how would he know that I was going to die?"Austin was stunned.It made sense.Ezra had appeared in front of him at Dahlia's most critical moments and saved her.If it was just a coincidence, wasn't it too coincidental?Or perhaps Ezra had chosen to suddenly appear when Austin was completely penniless. That would be too fantastical.But before Nancy took away the last 200 thousand dollars, Austin was in a similar rut. He was already out of options then.After a while, when Dahlia's sobs had receded, Austin fina
The group had a delightful meal, and laughter resounded throughout the villa.When it was late at night, Austin didn't go to sleep.Instead, he sat on the balcony alone as he enjoyed the night breeze."Do you have something on your mind, sir?"Aldus' voice rang out behind him.Austin gazed into the distance. From his position on the balcony, he could see the complete night view of the city at the foot of Heavensgate Hill.He didn't answer Aldus' question.Aldus walked up to him and then took a seat next to him."Do you have a cigarette?" Austin asked.Aldus nodded. Taking out a box of cigarettes, he handed a cigarette to Austin.Austin didn't smoke, but now, he wanted to give it a try.Taking the lighter from Aldus' hand, he lit the cigarette awkwardly. Then, he took a huge puff.In an instant, the burning smoke rushed into his lungs. Startled, he coughed violently a few times, and he was even tearing up.Glancing at the cigarette, Austin tossed it on the ground. Then, he
At that, even Aldus couldn't help but sing Austin's father's praises."In truth, I've been on the battlefield for many years. Some mercenaries may look arrogant, but in the face of death, they'll still feel scared and nervous."As for your father, I swear, I've never seen anyone as calm and collected as him. It's as if those qualities were carved into his very being."With that, he looked at Austin. He said, "You resemble him a lot, but you still have a long way to go before you reach his level."Frowning, Austin prodded, "And then?"Aldus continued, "And then, he gave those people ten billion dollars in exchange for my life.""Ten billion dollars… in exchange for your life? No wonder you'd follow him so willingly." Austin smiled teasingly."I guess that's how I repay his kindness for saving my life." Aldus smiled, the gleam in his eyes turning brighter. "For the most part, I was impressed at his calmness back then."I was a mercenary, and I've had my moments of glory, but I'll
The next morning, the dawn was just breaking when Austin woke up early and went out to train with Aldus.But because of Austin's injuries, he had to pause the spartan training. For the moment, he proceeded with basic physical training.Even so, when the training concluded, Austin was still drenched in sweat.Glancing at Aldus, whose upper body was bare, Austin wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Aldus, aren't you being too strict on yourself?"Even though Aldus' training wasn't as intense as the spartan training from before, the terrifying thing was that Aldus did the same thing every day.His determination wasn't something as simple as just talking about it.If it weren't for Taylor's appearance, which caused Austin to personally experience the threat of death, he wouldn't have been so strict on himself.Aldus' tanned muscles were covered in sweat which brilliantly reflected the glow of the morning sun. Every inch of his skin was tough. It was as if it was made from bronze.Wi
"You…" Derek knew that Urma wouldn't listen to reason, so he could only stomp his feet and sigh.Carrying the stuff, the two walked boldly toward the main gate of the villa area.The security guards on duty at the entrance exchanged glances. They were a little puzzled.Only the elites specially selected by the property management company could work as security guards at Heavensgate Residence.If nothing else, just the monthly salary of 10 thousand dollars was enough for them to select the most professional of security guards.With their insight, the two security guards could tell at a glance that the two people walking toward them weren't residents of the villa area.Soon, Urma and Derek arrived at the entrance.Stiffening her neck, Urma pointed at a security guard and shouted, "Hey, you! Hurry and open the gates for us!"The security guard who was pointed at didn't express anger.After all, he had encountered cases of poor people looking for their rich relatives in the villa
After listening to what the property manager had to say over the phone, Austin put on a disdainful smile.After his marriage of three years, he was well aware of the Welch family's behavior.So, when he moved into Heavensgate Residence, he had guessed that Urma might visit him.Hence, he had already informed the property management office that no matter what happened, they were to contact him. They shouldn't contact his mother.Even though his mother's life wasn't in danger anymore, she was still recovering. He didn't want her to get too emotional.Moreover, this matter was his business.His mother had been through a lot all these years, so he didn't want this matter to become another burden for his mother."What do we do about this, Mr. Campbell?"The property manager asked.Austin raised an eyebrow. "I'm single right now. How can I possibly have a mother-in-law?"On the other end of the line, the property manager was silent for a second. Then, he said, "Alright, I know how
As she spoke, Urma raised her hand to hit the security guards again.Just then, a shout suddenly rang out from the walkie-talkie on the second security guard. It was connected to the property management office. "Get them out of there!"When the voice rang out, the two security guards, who were already at their limit, instantly beamed.Urma was bringing her hand down upon them when one of the security guards reached up and grabbed her wrist."Hear that? Our manager wants you out of here. How dare you keep causing a fuss here?""What! How dare you stop me?"Urma was instantly shocked. She screamed, "You're just a watchdog, and you're trying to get in my way?"As she shouted, she extended her other hand to scratch the security guard's face."Ah!"The security guard was caught by surprise as bloody scratches appeared on his face.In his pain, the security guard shook off Urma's wrist.Urma instantly let out a shout, staggering a few steps backward before she fell butt-first on
To Austin, Urma's and Derek's visit to Heavensgate Residence was merely an interlude.He didn't care about them at all, and he regarded them with disdain.If someone was walking, would they constantly look at the ground to see if they had stepped on any ants?Of course not!The grand scale of the pre-sales of Hydra Gardens was unprecedented, and it took the whole city by storm.In just the first day, all the properties were sold out.Austin had already anticipated that.But now, his objective was to strike the iron while the fire was hot. He would be proceeding with the next pre-sales project.With the one billion dollars on the orchid card, he was abundant in cash flow. He could influence the whole west city slum redevelopment project as well.Because of his injury, he hadn't gone to work in a while. He spent the whole morning getting a rough idea of the company's situation.Then, he spent some time checking his emails. Most of them were congratulatory emails from his peers.
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