Jacob laughed heartily, inviting Ezra and Austin to take their seats.With Ezra's status, he had to sit in the main seat. However, when they took their seats, Ezra moved to the side, allowing Austin to sit in the main seat.This scene caused Jacob's pupils to contract, and his heart skipped a beat.The next moment, when he looked at Austin again, his eyes were filled with only confusion and shock.After seating themselves, Jacob looked coldly at Brock. "Brock, what did I just tell you?"Brock was on the verge of madness.How could he possibly entertain Austin?Having been arrogant at home, he became defiant when faced with Jacob's scolding."What? Do you want me to entertain Austin and pour wine for him? Why should I? When we were at Dominion, he worked under me!"With these words, the atmosphere in the entire room turned cold.Jacob's eyes widened, and his anger surged.At once, he slapped the table forcefully, making the plates clink."I dare you to say that again! I-I'm
"Ah!"Brock let out a miserable scream as he fell to the ground. His head was covered in a mixture of wine, blood, and broken glass shards.Horrified, he looked at Jacob. His facial features were gradually covered by blood, revealing a horrifying sight."Y-You hit me? I-I'll tell my sister!""You've committed an unforgivable sin. It wouldn't be wrong to beat you to death!"Sweating profusely, Jacob continued his assault on Brock. He shouted, "You offended Mr. Lockwood, and you're still acting so arrogantly. I'll divorce your sister later. Even if you tell the president, you'll need to apologize to Ezra and Austin!"His voice was ice-cold, leaving no doubt about the sincerity of his words.Brock's face was covered in blood, making him look gross and terrifying. His eyes became panicked as he looked at Jacob.His reliance was on his sister.For so many years, he had been able to linger in Jacob's company, enjoying a carefree life, all because of his sister's favor and Jacob's he
Brock dared to taunt Austin initially because he had Jacob. He believed that Austin was nothing more than a newly risen lapdog.However, he never expected that the person behind Austin was powerful enough to intimidate even Jacob.If given a second chance, he would definitely not have provoked Austin.Just then, Austin got up and kicked Brock, knocking him over."I said I could make you cry in a day, and I did. From now on, if you dare to cause trouble again, I don't mind making my promises even more cruel."Austin wasn't weak by nature. Over the past three years, he had endured helping Brock take the blame each time to treat Dahlia. Brock took advantage of this, exploiting it to his advantage time and time again.After the acquisition of Dominion, Brock conspired against Austin by having a blind date with Nancy, which Austin saw as a blatant insult.After Austin retaliated against him, Brock played tricks on the west city slum redevelopment project again, leading to the scene t
Early the next morning, Austin received a text message notifying him of a fund transfer.Seeing his orchid card had another billion deposited in it, he smirked disdainfully.He realized Walter had misunderstood his words to Ezra last night.Since a billion couldn't compensate, Walter sent another billion.Such a straightforward transaction.Just how wealthy was this father he had never met?After freshening up, Austin glanced around his rented two-bedroom apartment. Raquel's words suddenly came to mind.Indeed, with so much money, there was no need to endure the discomfort of living in such a run-down place.While he could temporarily disregard getting a new car, the house needed an upgrade.He could manage. But with Dahlia about to be discharged, and Raquel moving in soon, the two-bedroom apartment was clearly too small.After some hesitation, Austin decided to check out some villas.Compared to regular houses, villas offered better privacy.Since he and Raquel were of sim
Her transition between addressing Brock as Mr. Leach and Mr. Brock was seamless.Looking at Gwen, Brock unwillingly said, "Gwen, your birthday tonight ...""Oh, Mr. Leach, I have to work overtime tonight to improve my performance," Gwen replied without even looking back, leaving Brock feeling despondent.After she avoided Brock, she quickly found the middle-aged man who had reprimanded them earlier, Ean Spence."What's going on? Isn't Brock Mr. Sanders' brother-in-law?"Ean rolled his eyes."See those injuries on his face? Mr. Sanders beat him up. Seems like he offended a big shot. Our CEO received a call from Mr. Sanders last night to demote Brock."According to the CEO, the person in question is someone even Mr. Sanders dares not provoke. He's even thinking about divorcing his wife."There were no secrets in this world, let alone in the corporate world."Oh my goodness!"Gwen widened her eyes and covered her mouth. "So, you're saying Brock is doomed?"After receiving confi
Clearly, Gwen regarded Austin as a window-shopper who just wanted to pass the time.She didn't even bother to put on a facade.Austin didn't show any signs of anger either. With his hands in his pockets, he casually looked around.Seeing Gwen about to leave, he smiled and said, "Excuse me, could you show me around?"Gwen frowned and was extremely annoyed.Brock's downfall had rendered all her previous efforts worthless.And now, being ordered by Ean to entertain the client in front of her, she'd lost the last bit of patience.Gwen was sure that Austin wasn't going to buy a house, so she didn't bother to pretend to be polite.But seeing Ean looking at her, she gritted her teeth and walked up to Austin with a sulky expression."Sir, what kind of layout are you looking for?"Even if she didn't want to in her heart, offending Ean could very well cost her her current job.Gwen wasn't stupid enough to let her emotions lead to losing such a lucrative position."Something big," Aus
At that moment, Brock, with a swollen face, returned to the sales center.Gwen's attitude had left him feeling disheartened, so he had gone outside for some fresh air.As he entered, he heard Gwen's complaints.Brock was stunned. Someone dared to cause trouble at the Heavensgate villa sales center?His gaze shifted toward Austin in front of Gwen.At once, Brock's body trembled, and his expression changed drastically.Austin had just dealt with Brock last night. Why was he here again today?"Mr. Spence, why don't you let security kick this troublemaker out of here?" Gwen had thrown caution to the wind.Already feeling upset, she had been serving this person who clearly couldn't afford to buy a house. This made her feel worse than dying.At her words, Brock's expression suddenly turned serious, and he quickly walked toward them."Gwen, what nonsense are you talking about?"Instantly, Gwen exploded, pointing at Brock and yelling, "Why do you care about what I say? You're not th
The sales center went silent.Everyone's heads went blank.120 million dollars! He bought it without hesitation. His decisive actions made it seem like he was shopping in … a supermarket."Alright. I'll arrange everything for you immediately." Brock's eyes widened with delight.That was his first deal as a salesperson. Not to mention, it was a luxury villa.The villas in Heavensgate Residence had been well sought after since it went on the market.The luxurious villa was a testament to one's identity. However, many wealthy men backed down due to the villa's extravagant price.Gwen was devastated.She felt like someone had sucked out all the energy inside her body. Her complexion turned pale as her gaze went blank.She had just lost a 120 million deal due to her bad judgment of character. Not to mention, Brock managed to score the deal so easily.She no longer resented Brock for slapping her.In fact, she wanted to slap herself.She would have earned a huge profit from that
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