A moment later, Derrick dashed up to the boxes first. He trembled as he picked up a small box on top of the others.The item inside was none other than the original manuscript of "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening".After examining it for a while, Derrick shivered even more. He said breathlessly, "It really is that manuscript that was sold for 300 million dollars!"Edward and the others finally came to their senses when they heard his exclamations.Cecily covered her mouth with her pretty hands. There was a shocked look on her face.Edward, Rachel, and Timothy looked at Austin in utter shock."Child… How much do these gifts cost? It's no humble gift at all!"Edward's voice was trembling. A single manuscript already cost 300 million dollars, so combined with the other gifts, the price would be astronomical!With his wealth, several hundred million would be a small goal, but it wouldn't make sense to give gifts worth that much to someone.480 million dollars!Austin knew
Glasses were passed around at the table, and laughter and chatter filled the room.It was quite a happy atmosphere.Faced with Edward, Timothy, and Derrick, Austin didn't look rigid or intimidated at all.He spoke with charisma, and he behaved appropriately.Edward, Rachel, and Derrick nodded in approval when they noticed his behavior.After all, they all held positions above everyone else.Even when they usually dined with the elite and wealthy, the others would just try to suck up to them.It was quite astonishing to see someone as young as Austin, who was from a younger generation, still keeping his calm and speaking in an appropriate tone that was neither too humble nor too proud.After several rounds of eating and drinking, Derrick tipsily got up with his glass in hand. "Young man, here's a toast to you. I was foolish last time, and I misunderstood you. I hereby apologize to you with this glass of wine!"He wasn't a fool. Instead, he was quite smart.As a master of paint
"Everyone has been young before. Just speak your mind and let me hear it!"Austin was even more bewildered.He suddenly felt a little lost.What the hell should he say, anyway?Taking a deep breath, Austin said, "Mr. Graham, you probably had a little too much to drink. Let me take you to your room to rest.""No, I'm perfectly fine. I can even down two more bottles."Edward waved his hand, but he looked a little angry. "You came with a motive, so why won't you ask the question yourself? Do you want me to say it for you?"Austin was puzzled.Noticing Austin's shocked expression, Edward shook his head in exasperation. Once again, he put on his knowing smile."You're just so shy, young man. When I was your age, I feared nothing!"With that, he slammed his palm on the table.The impact was so powerful that the dishes on the table clattered."You brat, just say it! You gave us so many gifts; I've already seen through your intentions!"The sudden scene startled Austin. He widened
Edward was drunk for real, and he was quite intoxicated.Austin didn't dare to stay there much longer, either. He left in a hurry.He didn't expect a meeting with Cecily's parents to turn into a proposal because of the drunken Edward.Edward was truly… quite remarkable!But more importantly, several hundred million dollars really wasn't a lot to Austin!If it truly was a proposal, Austin would have prepared more gifts that were even more precious than that. It would at least have to be the special gift Ezra had told him about.He was the most bothered by the fact that the scene just now had hurt Cecily.Unfortunately, Edward had already caused a mess in that scene, and Austin had no way of explaining himself.In the Rolls-Royce, Austin had an exasperated look on his face. He was deeply troubled.Ezra and Aldus were puzzled."Is something bothering you, sir?" Ezra asked.Austin smiled helplessly. "I gave them gifts worth several hundred million dollars, and in his drunkenness
"But it'll be fine if he admits it, right?" Cecily couldn't understand.Smiling, Rachel walked up to Cecily. She draped a jacket over her daughter.Hugging Cecily, she said in a gentle voice, "Do you love him?"Cecily nodded."Does he love you?"Cecily was stunned for a moment. Then, she nodded.Rachel raised an eyebrow. "That's that, then. If you love each other so much, why would you be hung up on the passage of time? When you love someone, you'll treat them as an exceedingly precious treasure. Even the slightest bit of under-preparation feels like a crime."Cecily turned to look at Rachel. "Do you mean that Austin wasn't prepared enough? Is that why he said that he wasn't here to propose?"But when she said those words, she didn't quite believe it.Austin had already prepared several hundred million dollars, and even the original manuscript of Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening". How could it not be enough?Rachel smiled in exasperation. "Perhaps we feel
"How long has she been missing?" Austin asked in a low voice.Dahlia thought for a moment. Then, she said, "About ten minutes."Austin immediately said, "Aldus, Mr. Lockwood, search around the area first. I'll get the property management to show me the surveillance records.""Austin, I'll go with you."Dahlia quickly walked up to Austin, holding her phone tightly with both hands. She had a panicked look on her face. "Raquel, please be safe.""Mom, she'll be fine." Austin comforted her.But he knew that comforting Dahlia like this wouldn't help much.Raquel was very capable, and she didn't mind hard work at all. She had been taking very attentive care of Dahlia, and Dahlia had also treated Raquel as her daughter.…At the property management office, after the manager learned of the situation, he hastily checked the surveillance videos. However, the results were disappointing.Raquel's figure never appeared in the surveillance videos.This meant that Raquel didn't leave throug
It hadn't been that long since then, but Raquel got into trouble once again.The Rolls-Royce sped along the road.But pin-drop silence reigned in the car.Aldus, who was driving, had a grave expression on his face. From time to time, he would glance at Austin and Ezra via the rearview mirror. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, slowly stepping harder on the gas pedal."We found her. She's in Meadowvale Village in the west city!"Ezra suddenly shouted in surprise, "Raquel was in that lean man's car, and after they entered Meadowvale Village, they never came out again."Meadowvale Village?Austin frowned deeply. He could still remember that when he hired Raquel back then, the agency had provided some of her personal information. Raquel's hometown was none other than Meadowvale Village!Almost at the same time, the Rolls-Royce screeched as the brakes were stepped on.Aldus turned the steering wheel, forcing the Rolls-Royce to drift.Austin and Ezra were caught off guard
"Raquel!"Aldus shouted at the top of his lungs. He rammed down the remaining door with his towering body as he dashed straight toward the house.Austin and Ezra were startled by the sudden scene.By the time the two ran into the yard, Aldus had already arrived in front of the house.Kicking down the old wooden door, Aldus dashed straight in.Right after that…"Ah! You jerk!"Aldus' furious bellows rang out from within the house.Austin's heart sank. In all the time he knew Aldus, he had never seen Aldus so furious before!Even Ezra looked shocked.In the next second, a tragic scream sounded as a person was sent flying right out of the house. They crashed heavily into the ground like a burst sandbag. He had landed right in front of Austin and Ezra.It was the man who had taken Raquel away.It was her father!"W-Who exactly are you guys?"Having fallen on the floor, the man shouted in fear. Blood was coming out of his mouth."We're people you can't afford to mess with!"
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