"Who do you think you're talking to?" Taylor gritted out.Everyone in the Campbell family wanted to inherit and lead the family.However, Walter suddenly found his bastard son and tried to bring him back into the family. Such an action was like a slap to their faces.How could the rest of the family willingly give the position of family head to a bastard?Austin smiled in contempt. "Aldus, it's time to go home."Was he being ignored?Taylor's anger flared up, and his eyes looked like he could murder someone.However, Taylor knew he could not harm Austin with Aldus here.Walter had gifted his personal bodyguard to a bastard like him. It proved that Walter held him in high regard."You'll understand the difference between an elite and a bastard very soon." Taylor's sarcastic and cold voice sounded.When they got home, Austin immediately laid on the sofa."Thank you for your help just now."Aldus shook his head. "I'm just doing my job."Austin smiled and did not comment on it
Cecily turned to look at the dark clouds through the windows.She seemed slightly aggrieved as she murmured, "It's going to rain soon."She had already landed half an hour ago when she first texted Austin.Although she did not receive a reply from him, she did not leave.She had been abroad for three years. She wanted Austin to be the first person she saw. She also wanted a fresh start to her relationship with Austin.She had never thought the workaholic would have forgotten about her due to his work.After feeling sorry for herself, Cecily took a deep breath and smiled."It's nothing. Austin's just too hardworking."By the time Austin had rushed to the airport, another 40 minutes had passed.The dark clouds had finally given in as heavy rain poured down.He was drenched by the time he ran inside the airport. He immediately spotted the bored Cecily in the corner of the airport.After being apart for three years, Cecily did not change much in terms of appearance. She was st
They went to the Venus Restaurant.Austin's first time having Ashoden cuisine was in Venus Restaurant. Back then, Cecily was the one who had treated him to the meal.During their four years in university, Austin, Nancy, Cecily, and a few of their other friends would often go there to eat.Three years ago, Austin and Nancy had their farewell dinner with Cecily here before she went abroad.The restaurant was special to them."Hey, Workaholic? I didn't think you would still remember this place."Cecily tried to tidy her wet hair as she looked at the restaurant meaningfully."How could I forget?"Austin smiled bitterly.Cecily frowned. "But aren't you being too stingy? "You're the vice president of a property development company now. I just came back from being abroad. How can you bring me here?"Although she had been abroad for the past three years, she had always kept close tabs on Austin and Nancy.Otherwise, she would not have sent Austin a message questioning him when he
"Sure."Cecily did not reject his suggestion, nor did she mention anything about paying the bill instead.She understood Austin's current situation. All of his hard-earned money had gone to Nancy and his mother's treatment.He wouldn't be living in a rented place if that wasn't the case.However, she didn't want to hurt Austin's pride just because she felt sympathetic toward him.He didn't want Austin to think she believed he could not afford to pay.A man's pride was a fragile little thing.The car's engine started. The light in the car was dim.Cecily suddenly asked, "Oh, right. How's your mom doing?""She's doing well," Austin said.Cecily frowned. "I know all about your situation. I can help you. No, I can help Mrs. Emerson.""I've already thought of a way. My mum is in the process of recovery. She might be released from the hospital soon," Austin said."Really? That's great."Cecily smiled happily. "Austin, you're amazing! Did you know I've always admired you when we
Cecily left the hotel early in the morning. She headed over to her father's supply company to take over the business.The small supply company was nothing compared to her father's family business.The company was her father's first company. He wanted to keep it as a reminder for nostalgic purposes. He would not have chosen to further expand the company if that weren't the case.Austin was working for Dominion Properties. She wanted to involve herself in the real estate industry. That way, she would be able to help Austin.After visiting his mother, Austin headed over to the company.Matt came into his office hurriedly with a stack of documents."Austin, there's a serious matter here that needs your input."Matt put down his documents and said, "Due to the slum renovation being too big of a project, we wanted to find the best supply company to supply us with materials."However, due to Dominion's qualifications, the supply company has been hesitant to work with us."Austin lo
Dave Horton placed a file of documents before Cecily. He smiled kindly and said, "Cecily, you've been working too hard. You should take a rest.""It's alright."Cecily noticed the file and turned to look at Dave. "Mr. Horton, what are these documents about?"Dave was lost in a trance when he saw Cecily's beautiful face.He quickly returned to his senses and said, "These are the details about the collaboration with Dominion Properties. It is also currently our company's most urgent project.""Dominion?"Cecily quickly picked up the documents and read through the files. She remembered that Austin was working as Dominion's vice president.Dave reported, "Last month, Dominion had managed to score for the west city slum redevelopment project. They've been very lucky. "Not long after scoring the project, Wirtucon Corporation announced they would be moving into our city. "They even chose to move to the west city slums, effectively increasing the prices of the properties there."
Around lunchtime, Austin was prepared to leave the company.He was about to head to Yandell Corp to talk about the contract.Suddenly, Matt rushed into his office."Austin, something's happened!"Austin frowned and took a sip of his drink. "What happened?""The president of Yandell Corp is here," Matt said.Austin immediately spat out the water in his mouth. He was dumbfounded.No wonder Matt looked so anxious.Yandell Corp was the best supplier of building materials in the city. They had long-term collaborations with the top ten property development companies.Dominion was like a small fly in Yandell's eyes. Although they were working on the west city slum redevelopment project, they should be the ones to head over to Yandell for negotiations."Let me take a look."Austin got up and followed Matt.In Dominion's lounge, Dave was frowning as he looked at the contract in his hand.Cecily had mentioned mutual benefits and dismissed his big plan.Due to the big price increm
Austin patted Matt on the shoulder.In fact, he had guessed it.Just as he had told Matt, they had helped Dominion Properties build a good foundation. He wouldn't forget this huge favor.After the completion of the project, Dominion's position in the city's real estate industry would definitely change significantly.In the future, Dominion would have many more collaborations with Yandell.If he had to say, perhaps the new president had a more ambitious vision than Dave.However, this slum redevelopment contract made him feel that his own ideas were a bit far-fetched.They lowered the price by thirty percent, and that really wasn't a small amount!Feeling puzzled, Austin returned to his office and sat down.Bang!Matt rushed in again in a hurry, "Austin, Dave is back again, he wants to change… change the contract!"Austin immediately felt a bit annoyed.He had just signed the contract, and now he wanted to change it again?Did he think they were kids?Before he could even
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