Bang!The sound of a face slamming into a stone pillar was like a thunderclap, making everyone present shudder simultaneously.Ruthless and decisive.At this moment, Austin made everyone's backs go cold as if they had fallen into an icy pit.Even the wealthy onlookers, accustomed to all kinds of turmoil, were shocked and terrified by Austin's action.This... was too ruthless, too wild!How dare he be so disrespectful to the Campbell heir in front of the Campbell Residence?"Pathetic." Austin released his grip on Taylor's neck.Without support, Taylor's body went limp like a shrimp and collapsed to the ground.His once-handsome, devilish face was covered in blood, his nose crushed and clearly broken. He looked utterly miserable and pathetic.At this moment, Taylor's eyes were empty and dazed, completely terrified.Was this the same Austin from before? The one who used to be a coward, relying on Aldus for help?With the sharp pain on his face, Taylor finally came to his sense
"Since we're here, why should we leave?" Austin laughed in anger."Taylor insulted me as an illegitimate child and barred me from entering the Campbell Residence. Shouldn't I fight back? If he won't let me in, then I'll force my way through the gates!"With that, Austin turned with imposing authority and started walking toward the Campbell Residence.Ezra and Aldus exchanged a glance and followed suit.Raquel looked around briefly and was about to follow when she suddenly caught sight of something, her face instantly changing."My purpose here is twofold. First, to visit my father out of filial piety! Second, to uncover the truth for myself. Even if the Campbells are as mighty as the heavens, I'll break through and march right in!"Austin's aura was overwhelming, as if he could move mountains, making heart race.Step by step, he walked unhurriedly, as if taking a casual stroll, without a trace of panic.Ezra and Aldus followed closely, beads of sweat, already forming on their f
Mason's expression was sinister.Watching the frail figure in the church, he couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph.In the Campbells, provoking Dorothy's wrath meant that not even the mightiest could save him!When he forced his way into the Campbell Residence and crippled Taylor, he should have known that with Walter injured and recovering, Dorothy was the one in charge!"Mason!" Dorothy's voice was cold and sharp.Mason quickly bowed. "Grandma, I'm here.""Close the doors and refuse all guests!" Her voice was as sharp as a knife.Mason's eyes gleamed brightly as he loudly complied and quickly left.Inside the church, Dorothy's gaze was icy, a chilling light emanating from her eyes.She glanced down at the scattered rosary beads and then looked up at the statue, murmuring guiltily. "God, it's not that I'm ruthless, but Austin is too cruel. After today, I will return to the church, bathe, and fast."With that, she waved her hand.Two young maidservants hurried forward, h
A wave of despair washed over the big shots.They were filled with regret and remorse, realizing that if they hadn't paused out of curiosity and had instead focused on their own affairs, their long-awaited goals might have been achieved by now.Now, they were abruptly interrupted and driven out of the Campbell Residence……With a cold and determined expression, Austin walked steadily toward the Campbell Residence, exuding an overwhelming aura.Behind them, Ezra, Aldus, and Raquel followed in silence.As they listened to the distant, deafening commotion, Ezra and Aldus's faces grew increasingly grim, their eyes filled with deep, unhidden worry.The noise grew louder and louder.In their view, a dense crowd had gathered on both sides of the green corridor, creating an extremely oppressive atmosphere.When Austin, along with Ezra, Aldus, and Raquel, entered the green corridor, a furious shout erupted from the crowd."There he is!"Swish!Instantly, all eyes turned fiercely tow
The voice was like thunder, striking fear into everyone's heart.The indignant Campbells were instantly shocked.To the ordinary family members and servants, Austin was an untouchable mystery.Walter's son, one of the heirs?! How could that be?The list of Campbells' heirs had long been established, and Walter had always been a solitary and unworldly figure.Where did this son come from? Where did this heir come from?But it was Ezra who said this, Walter's trusted servant, someone who would never lie about such matters.In fact, when Austin arrived with Ezra and Aldus, many had noticed the two men and felt both shocked and uncertain.However, Austin's arrogant and outrageous behavior quickly drew all attention away from scrutinizing Ezra and Aldus.Now, with Ezra stepping forward and scolding the crowd, everyone was left terrified and panicked.The glares directed at Austin began to change.Shock, astonishment, disbelief, and even a flicker of excitement appeared in some ey
Austin ignored Mason?!Mason's pupils contracted, veins bulging at his temples.Seeing Austin walk straight toward him, Mason stepped forward and placed a hand on Austin's chest."Take one more step, and you'll regret ever being born!"No sooner as the words left his mouth than dozens of menacing servants rushed in from the end of the green corridor.The air was thick with killing intent!This scene caused a stir among the family members and servants lining the corridor.Ezra immediately signaled Aldus and Raquel to step forward, forming a triangle around Mason while facing the approaching servants."Mr. Lockwood, Aldus, I advise you to assess the situation carefully!" Mason said coldly.Smack!Suddenly, Austin raised his hand and slapped Mason's right hand away from his chest.Mason's face grew even colder, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.Before his anger could erupt, Austin spoke coldly, "Do you want to end up on the ground too?"A chilling murderous intent emanate
"Sir, the Tranquil Pavilion is Mrs. Campbell Senior's residence. Even Mr. Walter needs her permission to enter." Ezra's face was grim, showing signs of apprehension."They want to lure me to her territory and then make a move?" Austin rubbed his nose and sneered."If I don't go, it would almost be an insult to her.""Sir..." Ezra's face changed drastically, about to protest, but Austin had already started striding forward."Mr. Lockwood, what should we do?" Aldus asked in a low voice, close to Ezra's ear.The Tranquil Pavilion was considered Dorothy's private domain within the Campbell Residence. Even Walter needed permission to enter.If Austin went in and anything happened, he would be trapped.Ezra pondered momentarily, and then a look of determination appeared in his eyes. "Aldus, are you afraid to die?""No!" Aldus understood and answered firmly."Mr. Lockwood, Aldus," Raquel's face turned pale.Aldus smiled gently. "Raquel, stay outside the courtyard. Let Mr. Lockwood a
Pavilions and towers, mountains and gardens—all were encompassed within the vast estate.Winding paths and multiple turns led past numerous courtyards until, under the guidance of the old lady Mona Tucker, they finally arrived at a serene residence.It feels like an ancient grand mansion. Beneath all its antique charm lay extreme luxury and nobility.In the nearby church, the soft sound of prayers still echoed. In the spacious courtyard, lush greenery and a gentle breeze abounded. There was even a small stream with water gently flowing."Stand here!" Mona commanded coldly, leaving those words behind as she walked into the inner hall.Mason cast a cold, deathly glare at Austin before following Mona inside.Austin calmly walked over to the stream. The water was clear, and koi swam happily within it.He picked up a stone and casually tossed it into the water, startling the koi into a frenzy.Ezra and Aldus stood behind him, their expressions solemn. Austin's calm demeanor left the
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