"Are you nervous?" Ezra asked.Austin smiled. "What do you think?"Ezra rubbed his chin as he said earnestly, "Sir, no matter how unsightly a man may be, he'll have to meet his in-laws eventually."Austin was exasperated and speechless when he heard that.Still, if he claimed that he wasn't nervous, he would be lying.He had met Cecily's parents before when they were in college, but times were different now.Back then, he was just her friend, but now, he was her boyfriend.Moreover, he had also gone through a divorce before.This alone was enough to have a negative impact on how Cecily's parents thought of him.After Cecily left last time, Austin didn't contact her much. Now, they would be meeting each other again, and he had to meet Cecily's parents too.What would happen this time?The more Austin thought about it, the more nervous he felt.Austin could remain calm when he was about to launch pre-sales for three areas at the same time.But he could hardly keep calm when
Matt lowered his head and began pondering.While the pre-sales for the three areas were underway, a black Mercedes G-Class slowly drove toward one of those areas. The car pulled up by the road near the area.A car window was lowered, and a middle-aged man poked his head out of the window. He had graying hair which was combed back, and there was an air of authority about him.He gazed at the crowd in front of the sales center.The middle-aged man couldn't help but smile and nod. "He's doing quite well in business, isn't he?""Dad, what are you saying? Austin made a mistake this time."In the car, an accusatory voice rang out. "The pre-sales last time blew the whole city up, and it was extremely popular. But this time, instead of making use of that momentum, Austin launched pre-sales for three areas at the same time."He's just greedy, isn't he? If the popularity from last time could be reenacted, Dominion will win the hearts of everyone in this city.""Oh, I watched that video b
After going home, Cecily spent a lot of effort to gradually calm down about what had happened last time.She had also understood Austin.But this time, she felt nervous about bringing her parents to meet Austin.Now, Austin had indeed achieved something, but it was nothing compared to her background.Cecily wasn't an ignorant princess. She knew how important it was to be married to someone of a similar status.If not, in the three years she spent on the other side of the ocean, her father wouldn't have asked her to go on blind dates with the sons of rich people, oil tycoons, and titans in various industries.However, because she only had eyes for Austin, she declined all the blind dates.But now, she was bringing her parents to meet her beloved. She didn't mind Austin's background, but what about her parents?Moreover, Austin had gotten a divorce before!In the eyes of the older generation, this was a thorn in the flesh and something they could never tolerate!If she suggeste
The real-time data of the pre-sales of the three areas kept up at a good pace. Judging by the sales pattern on the first day, the listings would probably be sold out within one week.This was the best result for Austin.He was able to gain profit in the shortest time possible without stealing the limelight.At 5:00 pm, Austin had already asked Matt to organize a celebration party for tonight.However, an invitation that was sent to his office desk completely ruined his plans.When Austin saw the words printed on the invitation, he frowned deeply. He was both elated and shocked.The words on the invitation read "Tetra Club".It was an invitation from Tetra Club, and also the qualification for him to enter!"Who sent this?" Austin looked at Wolf.Wolf shook his head. "A young man. He handed the invitation to me and asked me to pass it on to you, and he left right after that. He didn't say anything else."Austin laughed in exasperation.Indeed, this invitation was the real deal
In Bamboo Parlor, laughter and conversation broke the usual elegant silence of the place.Cecily sat upright in her chair, watching a little nervously as her father and his old friends chatted away.Other than prominent leaders, there were also famous artists and prestigious doctors.These people weren't only famous in the country, but they were also well-known internationally.Also, these people were Edward's close friends.Cecily wondered what would happen when Austin arrived later on."Samuel, in the many years I haven't seen you, you've made quite a name for yourself internationally as the director of Legacy Hospital!"The middle-aged man was full of smiles as he looked at a middle-aged man with silver hair. He couldn't help but sigh in amazement. "The medical magazines overseas often write articles about you.""Haha... Come on, stop flattering me. I've worked so hard that all my hair turned silver."Smiling, Samuel Lewis said, "Speaking of being known internationally, Der
"Don't worry, Edward. We'll help you assess that kid later." Timothy was in a position of high authority, and he had an intimidating air about him.At the side, Samuel and Derrick nodded in agreement."Don't worry, Edward. We've been friends for so many years. Since you've asked to come us here, we'll be sure to test that kid for real.""I'd like to see which capable young man in this city has managed to win your daughter's heart."Edward smiled and nodded toward the three in gratitude.Just then, Cecily walked into the hall with Austin, who looked extremely awkward.As soon as Timothy and Samuel saw Austin, they had shocked looks on their faces. They widened their eyes, and they felt nervous.They felt like their minds had exploded!This… was Edward's future son-in-law?Goodness!Despite their prestigious statuses, they were extremely shaken at that moment.Austin was such a prominent figure that they were even wondering who should be the ones getting tested instead.Timot
Derrick's words were a shock to everyone present.In an instant, the atmosphere in the main hall seemed to freeze.Edward's expression was a little cold.Cecily's mother also had an odd look on her face.Timothy and Samuel were shocked as well."Mr. Stephens, Austin won't give fake paintings as gifts." Cecily hastily defended Austin.This was Austin's first time meeting her parents.With her background, she knew that her parents wouldn't mind how much Austin's gifts would cost. But if the gift was fake, then it would be another matter altogether!It would mean that the gift wasn't sincere, and that was a very disrespectful thing to do!"That's right. Derrick, take a closer look at it. Don't spew nonsense." Samuel agreed with Cecily.He was aware of Austin's identity. How could someone like Austin possibly give fake gifts?Derrick must be mistaken!Timothy said, "Derrick, you only gave it a glance just now. You're definitely mistaken. You're a hot-headed man, and you can bar
As soon as Derrick said that, everyone in the main hall was stunned.They were very rich, but they didn't know much about collections.They weren't as knowledgeable in paintings as Derrick was. After all, Derrick was a master of paintings.If the painting indeed cost more than 20 million dollars, it would be too great a gift!Even Austin was startled for a moment. Ezra was simply too generous. Austin couldn't believe that the gift Ezra had handed to him to give to others would be worth more than 20 million dollars!He immediately smiled. "Mr. Stephens, even though I'm not as successful as you and the others are, I can still afford to give a gift worth 20 million.""You're young, but you're quite outspoken!"Derrick frowned. At that moment, there was a ferocious expression on his reserved features.Cecily's gaze flickered. When she thought of Austin's background, 20 million dollars was indeed a piece of cake.She was about to speak up and defend Austin when Derrick suddenly sne
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