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
As soon as Edward said that, time seemed to be frozen in the main hall.Timothy and Samuel had looks of terror on their faces. Beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.Derrick looked arrogant as he glared at Austin in disdain.Cecily felt her vision turning black. She couldn't help but shudder.Her parents were pissed, and Austin's first meeting with her parents was completely ruined!What would happen between her and Austin in the future?Cecily was hesitant as she slowly said, "Austin…"She had just spoken up when Austin suddenly smiled. He had a radiant smile on his face.However, he was suppressing the intense emotions in his heart.Ezra was the one who gave Austin the painting, and Austin was very sure that Ezra wouldn't try to deceive anyone with a fake painting.Even if this painting was meant for Timothy in the first place, it couldn't have been fake.Austin was more upset about Derrick's attitude. He only gave the painting a quick glance before claiming that the
They were all old friends and prominent figures in their own fields. So, of course, they had quite the temper.They would usually chat and laugh, but if they really start a fight with each other, no one would give in!Samuel's eyes were red as he shouted through gritted teeth, "You're a mule who can't appreciate kindness. Would I be afraid of you if we got into a fight? If I lose, I can just heal myself, but if you lose, you have to beg me to heal you!""You…" Derrick's face turned red as fury raged within him.In an instant, it felt like they were on the verge of a brawl.Edward had a shocked look on his face, and he couldn't understand what was going on.Why were his old friends suddenly fighting each other?Just then, Timothy stepped forward. He looked at Derrick with the same look of exasperation. "Derrick, you've made a real mistake this time. Samuel was right to have scolded you!""Timothy, why are you…"Derrick's expression froze, and he looked extremely bewildered.Bu
Derrick shuddered. There was a complicated expression on his face.He was a master of paintings, and he was quite influential in his field.He had his pride and dignity.Even when he was overseas, he was respected and admired by all.At his level, he rarely had to apologize anymore, let alone to someone younger than him.When Samuel saw Derrick standing there, unmoving, he was extremely furious. "You stubborn mule, are you doubting me or Timothy?"Timothy sighed. "Just go. It won't be embarrassing."Austin was the biological son of the head of the Campbell family, who would ignore the family rules for Austin's sake. Of course, he was qualified to receive a humble apology from a master of paintings.Derrick's gaze suddenly darkened.He could ignore Samuel's advice, but now, even Timothy was saying the same thing.No matter how stubborn he was, he knew then that something was off!Taking a deep breath, Derrick strode outside."Dad, Mom, I'll get Austin to come back!"Cecily
Rachel said angrily, "Are you going to just sit by and watch as Cecily gets caught in the middle? You're her dad, so why can't you care about your daughter at crucial times like this?""Alright." Edward sighed, half-agreeing to it. He said slowly, "But if we spend a few more days here, we'll have to delay our meeting with the Campbells again."When he said that, his expression was filled with exasperation."I know that you want to borrow the influence of the Campbells so that you can achieve greater things. I agree with you, and I support you wholeheartedly."Rachel's voice was gentle, and her gaze was filled with tenderness. "But Edward, Cecily is our only daughter. You've already achieved many things other people can only dream of. It'll be fine as long as we have enough money to spare. Cecily's happiness is our biggest goal right now!""But…" Edward tried to argue."I don't want Cecily to miss a wonderful relationship just because of our mistakes. Setting aside Austin's backgr
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