Austin smiled as he spoke.Ezra said, "You don't need to worry so much, sir. Everything will be fine.""Taking care of your wife is always the right thing to do." Austin rubbed his nose.Ezra and Aldus both laughed.After a moment, Aldus hesitated, then asked, "Sir, what were you thinking about when you dodged that bullet?""I didn't want to wait for death. I fought until my last breath, so I could die without regrets," Austin replied.Was it really just desperation?Aldus was deeply shocked. People can indeed tap into their potential in extreme situations. But potential varies from person to person.To achieve something as extreme as dodging a bullet, how terrifyingly vast must Austin's potential be?The plane landed at the suburban airport.Austin first went to Dominion Properties to take care of some business.Dominion Properties had recently completed the West City Slum Redevelopment Project, bringing the company's scale up to the level of Jacob and Reginald's real estat
"Mr. Sanders, you're a pro at acquiring land. Do you really need my help with this?" Austin asked, puzzled.Jacob had dominated the business world for decades. Even in the competitive real estate industry of Isonburg, he held his own against Reginald, a property specialist, often leaving him struggling to keep up.A big shot like Jacob struggling to acquire a piece of land?Jacob rubbed his hands awkwardly. "Honestly, if it were here in Isonburg, I could get it easily. But that land is in Eastbrook, which complicates things for me."Austin didn't seem concerned. He waved his hand dismissively. "Just go straight to Dominion and talk to Matt and Wolf. They'll take care of it.""Thank you, Mr. Campbell!" Jacob said, visibly relieved."If we secure that land, I'll ensure you're well compensated. And if you're interested, we could even partner up on the development!""Alright, off you go then. I need to get back to my wife," Austin replied, waving him off as he headed towards Bamboo
Ezra nodded, acknowledging that Austin's assessment was spot-on.A lizard can survive even after losing its tail.So how could the Emersons, once the wealthiest family in the capital, not manage to hold on?Yet Terry, with all the options available, made the most foolish choice."You didn't just call me to talk about this, did you?" Austin suddenly asked, glancing at Ezra.Ezra gave an awkward smile. "Actually, Jennie asked me to get your opinion on something."After a brief pause, Ezra continued, "With Terry dead and the Emersons in shambles, Emersons' third son is aware of the feud between you and the family. But he's a smart one. He decided to back down and has offered to transfer part of the Emersons' assets to the Coopers.""A backdoor revival?" Austin raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised."I underestimated the Emersons. Turns out there's someone in that family with a brain."With the Emersons being devoured by all the major families, giving up some of their assets to the C
At the International Hotel in Eastbrook, Austin was taken aback when he saw Jacob and Wolf.Both looked disheveled, with Wolf sporting several bruises on his face, making him look quite battered."What the hell happened?" Austin asked, his expression darkening.It was one thing for them to insult him, but now that they had laid hands on his people, this wasn't something that could be easily resolved.Having been in real estate for so many years, Austin knew all too well how land deals typically played out.Back when he was the vice president of Dominion Properties, he'd often represented the company, taking on the title of president to help secure land deals.Typically, in deals like this, the heads of major real estate companies would sit down together, cigars in hand, discussing over wine who would get which piece of land.The bidding process was mostly just for show.Jacob hadn't managed to reach an agreement from the start, which is why he had hoped to join forces with Domi
"Let's go," Austin said calmly as he walked into the hotel.Jacob's expression was tense, and a sheen of sweat had quietly formed on his forehead.This whole mess had started because of him, and if Austin placed any blame on him, he wouldn't be able to bear it.Right now, all he could do was play the role of a pawn.He quickly stepped forward and approached the hotel lobby manager. "Hello, we'd like to see Simon."The smile on the manager's face vanished.He gave Austin and Wolf a condescending look."Oh, I remember you. You're the ones who got beat up by Mr. Marshman this afternoon, right?" he said, his tone dripping with arrogance and disdain.Jacob forced an awkward smile. "Could you please inform him that we're here?""Get lost. Mr. Marshman is a busy man. Do you really think just any random nobodies can see him?" the manager sneered, waving his hand dismissively."Or are you looking for another beating because the first one wasn't enough?"Jacob's face darkened.He mig
Austin's voice was cold and commanding, exuding an air of dominance.Everyone in the room instantly looked furious.All eyes turned to one man.He was the only one still lounging with a girl in his arms.The young man had a chiseled face, sharp and arrogant. He sat sprawled out on the couch, a cigar dangling from his mouth, his grip tight around the woman beside him.He sneered at the lobby manager. "What the hell are you doing? Letting in any random stray off the street?"The lobby manager panicked. "Mr. Marshman, it wasn't me! They forced their way in! It's Jacob Sanders—the guy you dealt with this afternoon!"Simon chuckled, then spat on the floor, his expression menacing. "I deal with so many people every day. You think I have time to remember every single name?"The lobby manager jumped in fright and quickly moved to the side.Austin slowly raised his hand and pointed at Simon. "You—get over here!""Pah!" Simon spat, leaning back arrogantly on the couch, the cigar still
In that instant, a single thought flashed through everyone's mind, including Simon's—this guy is a beast.The air in the room seemed to freeze.However, Jacob watched with burning eyes, visibly excited.Wolf quickly moved to stand beside Austin, ready to fight by his side."Step back," Austin said coldly."Mr. Campbell, I—" Wolf hesitated."They're just a bunch of nobodies. I can handle this alone," Austin's voice was cold and commanding, leaving no room for argument.But that one sentence, full of arrogance and dominance, struck a nerve in Simon and his men like a thousand sharp needles."Damn it, what are you waiting for? Get him!" Simon shouted.The remaining men, still shaken, exchanged glances before their expressions hardened, and they rushed at Austin.Austin moved like a phantom, his fists and feet leaving behind a trail of afterimages as they whipped through the air with deadly force.Austin had seen far worse in his life.This scuffle, which barely rose above the
Simon was terrified.Even with his face covered in blood, the deathly pale complexion beneath it couldn't be hidden.In Austin's eyes, Simon saw nothing but a chilling, murderous intent—no emotion, no hesitation. It was like staring into the eyes of a bloodthirsty beast.Not even when facing Ethan had Simon ever felt such fear.His heart pounded in his chest, threatening to burst through his ribs.Finally, Simon managed to force a single word from his throat."Alright…"……Brook Villa nestled in the scenic outskirts of Eastbrook, surrounded by mountains and water, was the most exclusive resort and clubhouse in the area.Only the wealthy or powerful could gain entry, ordinary people could only admire it from afar, never getting close.Tonight, the Brook Villa was especially lively.Inside the villa, the place was brightly lit and decorated for a celebration.A tight patrol of security vehicles highlighted the high level of protection in place.In the main hall, music played
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