Aldus' sudden shout took Austin by surprise.He immediately turned his head to look straight ahead as he instinctively stepped on the brakes.A loud thud could be heard as Austin watched the silhouette of a man flying away from the car.His heart immediately sank as he realized that he had just hit someone.Being on the phone with Walter and then looking over at Aldus had momentarily distracted him just enough to not notice the pedestrian.They were in the suburbs after leaving the airport, an area where it was normal for pedestrians to cross the roads freely.Aldus immediately unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car. "It looked like an old man… Shouldn't be much of a problem. Please stay inside the car and wait for me, sir. I'll go have a look."Both Austin and Aldus were on high alert due to the bounty. They both needed to remain cautious at all times to prevent any random and unforeseen scenarios from breaking through their defenses.Austin let out a sigh. He then not
And yet, the old man had courage far beyond his physical means.He utilized his aging body to his advantage and painted himself as a victim of a car accident in order to bring his target to him.Austin's expression sank as he realized that he had actually become careless.If not for Aldus suddenly shouting at him, the old man would not have been forced to make a move from a distance.If Austin had walked up and crouched in front of the old man, he would not have been able to react to and evade the attack from the extremely close range.The knife would have definitely made its way to his heart.It would be more than enough to seal Austin's fate."You're just an ordinary person, like any other person on the streets… Why would you go so far just to try and kill me?" asked Austin.The old man lay flat on the ground with his chest sinking in due to the broken rib.His face was a reflection of the immense pain he was going through, but he still stared at Austin with a determined gaz
Austin felt as if the entire place had frozen over even though the sun was still shining brightly.The house was eerily quiet, save for the occasional gentle breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees.Aldus suddenly raised his right foot and kicked at a stone on the ground.As Austin watched in confusion, he picked up the stone and threw it at the house's front door.The rock made a whistling sound as it traveled through the air from Aldus' powerful throw, and it surprised Austin.As the rock was about to reach the door, however, something strange happened.A weird screeching sound echoed across the air, seemingly coming from all directions.The next moment, the rock was split in half and had fallen onto the ground. Austin was flabbergasted by what he was witnessing. "What just happened?"His heart started beating so rapidly that he felt as if it was about to jump out of his chest.Not even a man of Austin's composure could possibly calm themselves down at this moment.If
Austin carefully examined the metal box in his hand. It was actually much smaller than his fist, and it was in the shape of a small round plate.On the side was a small hole where the razor floss came out from. It was no longer lethal as the trap was already knocked over from the tree by Aldus, rendering it as malleable as normal cotton threads.Meanwhile, Aldus had also finished retrieving the other metal box.He walked up to Austin and explained, "Please give me the metal box, sir."Aldus accepted the metal box from Austin and took a few steps back before pulling out a military dagger from his waist. He then placed the two metal boxes on the floor and stabbed one of them in the small hole on the side.A sudden snap could be heard as the nearby air whistled.All of the razor floss rolled back into the metal box in an instant.Aldus picked up the metal boxes and handed them to Austin. "These traps are extremely rare, actually. I've hardly had to deal with them throughout the yea
"You've got some nerve, you bastard!"As soon as the call connected, angry cursing erupted from the other end.Austin wasn't surprised listening to Terry's tirade.The entire Emerson family believed he killed Itijah, so this reaction was normal.Compared to the bounty from the Shadow Web Syndicate, this anger was nothing.Austin spoke calmly, "His death had nothing to do with me.""Ha, nothing to do with you? Are you joking?"Terry's voice seethed with anger, "That night at the gate of the Heavensgate Residence, I heard exactly what you said! Do you think saying it had nothing to do with you will let my dad rest in peace? Hah, weren't you always so tough? So arrogant and domineering? Why are you saying this now?"There was suddenly a tone of superiority and disdain in his words.Terry continued, "Oh, I get it. You must've heard about the bounty from the Shadow Web Syndicate, right? Now you're scared? Finally realize the world isn't as small as you thought, huh?"Too late! Eve
"What about going out?" Austin asked.Aldus showed a hint of helplessness. "We'll have to rely on the team's coordination."He knew that feeling safe at home was only part of the equation. No one could stay indoors forever.Once you step outside, the risks become much greater and more unpredictable."I'll try to go out less," Austin said, feeling that the food had lost its taste. After a couple of bland bites, he put down his spoon."Sir, is my cooking bad?" Aldus asked."You didn't use any salt."Aldus was at a loss for words.He really couldn't cook but with just him and Austin in the house, he couldn't let Austin cook for him, right?"It's fine. With the assassination threat, I don't have much of an appetite anyway."Austin leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. "Aldus, there's something I've been thinking about since we got back. Let's talk now.""Please, sir."Aldus continued eating as they talked.Austin rubbed his slightly swollen nose and said, "The Shadow
Lunch was tasteless.The old man's assassination attempt signaled the beginning of the hunt and indicated that the assassination contract posted by the Shadow Web Syndicate had become more complex.Austin could almost picture a zombie siege scenario.10 billion dollars!With such a massive bounty, it is hard to believe that many people would resist the temptation to turn into monsters.In the afternoon, the hundred-member team of bodyguards finally arrived.Dozens of helicopters roared as they flew into Heavensgate Residence. The scene was impressive, causing quite a stir in the neighborhood.Fortunately, Aldus had informed Jacob in advance, and the residence's management maintained order.One by one, security devices were unloaded from the helicopters.Looking at the mountains of security devices and the swarm of bodyguards, Austin felt like they were going to transform Heavensgate Residence completely.But in a way, this was good. The complex procedures brought a greater se
"Sir, just rest for a bit. Don't be too tense. Do what you normally do in your room, just like always," Aldus said, patting Austin on the shoulder and speaking softly.But his words turned heavy at the end, "Leave the rest to me and the guys outside.""Thank you for your hard work."Austin nodded and waited for the door to close before slowly walking to the window.The sun was setting, and the streetlights outside were coming on. Looking out, he saw an unusual stillness and emptiness in Heavensgate Residence.At this point, all he could do was trust Aldus and the others. There was nothing else he could do."This feeling is back. I really hate it," Austin muttered to himself, filled with frustration.He had worked so hard to avoid being powerless in the face of life's challenges, but he still couldn't escape the tides.His mother's death had changed him. Yet, despite his ruthless, decisive nature, he was still powerless. He even had to send his wife far away for safety.The tho
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