With Wolf's identity, if Austin wanted his help in the middle of the night, the matter would definitely have nothing to do with the business field. It was most probably something shady.So, Wolf tried to get there as soon as possible, but unexpectedly, he was still late.To his greater surprise, the opponent was someone he knew back when he was still in the underground boxing ring.Wolf was terrified when he heard the man calling him boss.Looking at the tightly closed doors of the emergency room, Wolf took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Campbell…""It has nothing to do with you," Austin said.Wolf swallowed the words he was about to say, secretly heaving a sigh of relief.Austin rubbed his nose. "Say, do you think Jacob will come up to me and apologize?"Wolf felt like he was struck by lightning as he put on a disbelieving expression.Everyone knew who Jacob was. He was the hero of the city and the real boss of this land!He was influential in the business field, and in the sh
A seemingly mundane debt-collecting routine in the underground boxing ring had caused the big boss behind the scenes, Jacob, to feel terrified. Jacob couldn't even sleep at all for the rest of the night.The next morning, after the spartan training, Austin didn't go to work right away.He was waiting for Jacob to come knocking and apologize.Aldus was still in the hospital. Fortunately, his life wasn't in danger anymore, but he still hadn't regained consciousness.Raquel stayed behind in the hospital to take care of him. She didn't sleep throughout the night.This was a serious matter. If it were resolved with just some weaklings paying the price for what they had done, it would seem too small a compensation for Aldus!When Austin went home, he spotted the steaming dishes already laid out on the dining table.Austin frowned in confusion when he realized that his mother was nowhere to be seen."Madam Emerson went out."Ezra came downstairs. He said thoughtfully, "She told us to
Jacob saw Austin sitting calmly at the dining table, eating breakfast in silence.The diagonal rays of the sun shone on Austin.Austin had a confident air about him, and with the sunlight adding to Austin's presence, Jacob was stunned at the sight. Jacob felt bitterness filling his heart.He had never thought that a man with true power would be hiding in the company he had established for the retirement of his wife's brother.As Jacob recalled the various events in the past, he felt extremely regretful. Once he took a wrong step, all the steps after it would be wrong as well.If he had taken Austin's side without wavering since the beginning, he wouldn't have to come up to Austin and apologize right now."Mr. Sanders, you're quite early."Holding a bowl of soup in his hands, Austin said with a half-smile, "Have a seat and help yourself. You haven't had breakfast, right?"It was an invitation, but Austin never once looked Jacob in the eye."No, it's okay. I'm here to take respo
Jacob was a hero, but he was also a tyrant.Someone like Jacob was on a completely different level from a repulsive man like Reginald.Even though the two were rivals in the eyes of the outsiders, Jacob didn't seriously regard Reginald as his rival.People like Reginald would fall under control as long as their lives were threatened, or if they were baited with profit.But those two elements were nothing when dealing with tyrants like Jacob.Tyrants were called tyrants because of their manipulative and distrustful behavior. They knew how to pursue benefits while avoiding harm, and they could maximize their profits while they were at it.Jacob had a pride and dignity of his own.He was so arrogant that he was capable of looking down on all his so-called "rivals".That was why his figurative backbone was more firm and flexible compared to those of people like Reginald.So, in the previous events, even though Jacob had defected before, he could still sit on the fence in the end,
Cecily didn't contact Austin because she feared that she might ask about the details of Austin's proposal.If she did that, fewer surprises would be awaiting her.Cecily's heart was filled with anticipation for the proposal.Classical music was playing in the building, and the scent of sandalwood permeated the air.Edward and Rachel sat facing each other, sipping tea as they admired the flowers.It was a rare time of leisure for the family of three, and it was quiet and peaceful."Darling, was I really that disgraceful that night?" In the few days after Edward sobered up, he only remembered a few short moments of the events that night.But those few recollections were enough for him to feel flushed.After holding it in for so long, he finally couldn't stand it anymore, so he asked the question.Rachel raised an eyebrow and gave Edward a disapproving look. "What did you think? Austin came just to express his gratitude, and he only treated that night as his first meeting with hi
In the yard, a slight breeze picked up, and the scent of flowers filled the air.But Cecily stood where she was, frozen. The radiant glow was gone from her face.Her expression was dark, and her gaze wandered.The contents of the envelope were like a streak of lightning that struck her out of nowhere. With a loud peal of thunder, all her wonderful fantasies crumbled like a dream.It was a photo!In the photo, Austin and Nancy were seated facing each other in Blue Fairy Dining."Have they gotten back together?" Cecily thought, "If so, why would Austin propose to me?"In that instant, Cecily felt troubled, and her mind turned blank.She stuffed the photo back into the envelope. Then, she turned around and walked dejectedly into the building.Edward and Rachel, who had been drinking tea and observing Cecily, were both stunned.They saw the staff member from Tetra Club delivering the envelope, and they also saw the changes in Cecily's expression after seeing the contents of the e
Austin didn't care about money.He might have cared about money in the past, but now, money was just a string of numbers to him.He would even give up 1 billion dollars, let alone 100 million dollars, as long as it meant that his relationship with Cecily would be maintained!This relationship was achieved with great effort, so he treasured it a lot.To him, this relationship was priceless because of how Cecily and her parents treated him.If this photo fell into Cecily's hands, the proposal he was preparing for the end of this month would go up in flames.Also, since Nancy had already planned this early on, she would have more than this single photo of them seated facing each other.Austin wouldn't be surprised if he saw other photos that were more suggestive than this.He kept taking in deep breaths, trying his best to calm his anger.Austin's expression was cold as if he were a man-eating beast. A twisted smile appeared on his lips as he slowly took up his phone.He sent Na
For the whole afternoon, Austin felt restless.His mind was filled with the scene of his meeting with Nancy that day.He had done it out of his last bit of decency toward her, but he didn't expect Nancy to take advantage of even that last sliver of decency.She was incredibly cruel.He was once again surprised by the extent of the greed the Welches possessed!It was just a simple goodbye, but they had plotted and turned it into evidence to be used in blackmail!This was nothing but humiliation to Austin.He could hardly calm down.But he didn't dare to make any reckless moves. He didn't dare to vent his anger on the Welches right away.If the Welches were bold enough to blackmail him for 100 million dollars, then they would have the guts to send the photo to Cecily.Austin's relationship with Cecily would reach its final stage at the end of this month.He wouldn't allow any trouble to occur during this period!That evening, after getting off work, Austin distractedly left t
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