Austin had to admit that the item Jacob had presented him was indeed extraordinary.After putting the Blue Tears Diamond back into the jewelry box, Austin smiled faintly. "This token of goodwill alone isn't enough to make things go back to the way they used to be."Jacob had betrayed Austin several times. But since things hadn't gone horribly wrong, Austin considered showing mercy to Jacob out of gratitude for his past support.He broke Jacob's back to play it safe.Austin's everything was in this city, and Jacob was a big shot here. How could he allow someone else to take control of his territory?He would never let Jacob surpass him!Pulling out his phone, Austin sent a message to Cecily."I got you a gift."Cecily's response came almost instantly."Really? Show me quickly!"Austin chuckled. "If I show you now, it won't be a surprise anymore.""Hmph … Let's see whether you really can surprise me.""Just wait and see. Get some rest soon."After replying to the message, Au
After a brief moment, Austin smiled.Compared to the invitation from the Clarks, this one was more interesting.There was only a phone number and a line of text on the invitation.The text read. "I got business to discuss with you. Jennie Cooper."Putting down the invitation, Austin pondered briefly.Eventually, he took out his phone and dialed the number.The call was connected."Hello, is this Mr. Austin Campbell?" A slightly aloof voice came through.Austin was somewhat surprised. "Yes, it's me. Ms. Cooper, may I ask what business you want to discuss with me?""Let's meet at the Emerald Retreat's Sky Pavilion at 8:00 pm tonight."Beep!The call ended abruptly.Austin was taken aback.Judging from the invitation, he felt that the Coopers' purpose was similar to the Clarks'.But unlike the Clarks, the Coopers were surprisingly straightforward.Compared to the Clark family, Austin was more inclined to meet Jennie.It wasn't because of her straightforwardness, which piqu
As the evening approached, Austin left work right on time.Aldus was already waiting in the car by the roadside.After Wolf and Austin entered the car, they headed straight to Emerald Retreat.Austin didn't pay much attention to who might be hosting the event tonight at Emerald Retreat.If it was Jennie, they could sit down and talk.But if it was Yannis, he could simply leave.In the afternoon, Austin had learned a bit about the Cooper family through Ezra. They were also in the entertainment industry and constantly overshadowed by the Clarks.However, the Coppers had other main businesses except for the entertainment industry. Hence, to be exact, the Coppers were a bit stronger than the Clarks.The two families were already arch-rivals in the entertainment industry.It was no wonder both parties had come with the same purpose in mind."Mr. Austin, it seems that both the Clarks and Coopers have come to build rapport with you. I guess it was right for us to go against the Emer
Austin was shocked to see the two families present.He was completely caught off guard.He shot a sideways glance at Jacob, who quickly approached him with an awkward smile. "Mr. Campbell, I'm really sorry about this.""You can leave now."Austin nodded.Although it was a simple response, his words caught the attention of Terrence, Yannis, and Jennie. They were all surprised.Austin spoke as though he was commanding someone inferior to him.Their gazes changed as they stared at him.Once Jacob left, Terrence stepped forward and approached Austin. "Mr. Campbell, please take a seat.""Yes, Mr. Campbell. Please take a seat."Yannis smiled brightly. Her demeanor was now warm and inviting. It was a stark contrast to how she behaved earlier.Austin was speechless. He stole a glance at the woman on the opposite.He wondered why she was so indifferent.Faced with both Terrence and Yannis' insistence, Austin had no reason to refuse. He took his place between them at the head of the
Under the pressure from Terrence and Yannis, Jennie also took a few sips. Her face flushed slightly.While Austin was eating, Terrence seized the opportunity and cast a sidelong glance at Jennie.Then, he exchanged a meaningful look with Yannis. Suddenly, his gaze turned determined.He then chuckled and said he needed to use the restroom before getting up to leave.No one noticed anything unusual, not even the vigilant Aldus and Wolf.Once outside the pavilion, Terrence stretched lazily and breathed a sigh of relief. His breath reeked of alcohol.At that moment, his eyes were clear, and his expression was calm. He didn't seem drunk at all.Terrence glanced back at the pavilion with a firm gaze and strode away."Now, it's time for desperate measures. Jennie Cooper, you might be able to defeat Yannis, but you're no match for me. Tonight, you will lose!"In no time, he had Jacob bring him a bottle of Romanee-Conti.After Jacob left, Terrence retrieved a small packet from his poc
As Aldus spoke, the atmosphere inside the pavilion suddenly became tense."We're in the pavilion. How could there be the smell of blood here?"Feeling secretly pleased, Terrence chuckled and cast a sidelong glance at Austin.It seemed everything was falling into place. Just one final step, and they would succeed.Austin's dizziness grew worse. The spinning sensation was overwhelming him.He shook his head. Then, he spoke up with his last shred of rationality. "Go check it out. Trust Aldus."Aldus was once a mercenary king and was now the head trainer of the Campbells. He was more sensitive to the scent of blood than anyone else.Without hesitation, Wolf gravely approached the main gate.Aldus instinctively moved a step closer to protect Austin.The sudden interruption made Terrence and Yannis furrow their brows slightly. They felt somewhat annoyed.On the other hand, Jennie frowned, too. She wrinkled her nose slightly.She was perhaps the most sober person in the pavilion ap
Austin cursed inwardly. His remaining sanity made him aware of how dangerous the situation was.He wanted to flee, but he couldn't!His body felt limp and numb, and he was about to lose consciousness. He couldn't control his limbs."Take Mr. Austin away and run!"Aldus kicked away an assailant and rushed to Wolf's side.Wolf was furious. "You won't be able to hold them off without my help!"Wolf would never hesitate, even if they were armed and fighting against a dozen armed normal people.But he knew all too well how terrifying a dozen armed professionals could be.Aldus could get killed if he faced all these people alone!"I don't care if I die. I want Mr. Austin to live!"Aldus' expression was grim as he grabbed Wolf's collar. He was ready to throw him out of the wall."Watch out!"Wolf shouted and grabbed Aldus' arms before using his momentum to kick at the assassin sneaking up behind Aldus.Feeling the chilling wind graze the back of his head, Aldus narrowed his eyes.
Austin let out a grunt of pain.Meanwhile, Aldus and Wolf, who were engaged in the battle, were horrified. Their eyes were bulging. "Mr. Austin!"The dagger, originally aimed at Jennie's back, found its mark in Austin's back as he flipped her over at the critical moment.As blood gushed forth from Austin's back, he exerted all his strength and attempted to shield Jennie before dodging.However, a large hand suddenly gripped his neck. He then felt the dagger in his back viciously twisting. "Get lost!"With a stern expression, Jennie suddenly shouted.Seemingly fragile, she threw a powerful punch and struck the assassin squarely in the face.The assassin grunted and stumbled backward. At that moment, Aldus and Wolf finally arrived."Wolf, escort Mr. Austin out of here!"Enraged, Aldus looked like a raging beast. He hoisted the assassin up around the waist.Then, he wielded him like a club and charged into the group of assassins. Bang! Bang! Bang!A series of muffled fo