“Mr. Carrick, have you really been blacklisted by Seclela’s financial industry?” Although the question seemed absurd, Georgia Adams asked anyway.
Ferris Carrick was momentarily stunned but nodded without hesitation, saying, “Yes, I have indeed been blacklisted.”
Georgia’s heart sank. She hadn’t expected this to be true; Kayden’s words had truly led to Ferris Carrick’s blacklisting. This meant Kayden’s influence was even more powerful than she had imagined! The implications were chilling. He could be powerful, but how could he wield such enormous influence?
“Do you know my husband’s identity then?” Georgia’s eyes lit up with excitement as she asked.
Ferris swallowed hard, hesitating for a few seconds before blinking and saying, “I know a little bit!”
“Can you tell me?” Georgia asked eagerly. She was aware that Kayden Scott had done many incredible things for her but didn’t know his identity. Though she had her suspicions, she needed confirmation.
Ferris furrowed his brow as he looked at Georgia. It was clear that she was unaware of Kayden Scott’s identity. If she knew, she wouldn’t be naively asking him for money. If Kayden Scott hadn’t told her about his true identity, how could he? If he mistakenly revealed something about Kayden Scott, it could cost him his life.
With that in mind, he quickly replied, “Ms. Adams, I don’t know much. All I can say is, asking the bank for money is futile. You should directly approach him. His wealth surpasses that of the banks by far. Anything you desire would be easily attainable for him, even the most difficult things in the world!”
After saying this, he bowed deeply once more and earnestly added, “I’ll come to visit another day!”
He feared Georgia would continue to press him about Kayden Scott. If he didn’t answer, he would offend her; if he did, he would anger Kayden Scott. Caught in this dilemma, he decided it was best to escape.
At the Atkinson family estate in Inassea, a rare and lively scene unfolded.
Many prominent figures had arrived, while ordinary citizens gathered outside to watch the spectacle.
The entrance was bustling, with vendors seizing the opportunity to sell snacks. Inside, groups chatted, but Fletcher Atkinson was nowhere to be found.
Since Nathan Atkinson had offended Kayden Scott, Fletcher had not left the house. He feared encountering Defender and didn’t know how to explain himself.
Though he had killed Nathan Atkinson, ostensibly resolving the issue, he remained troubled. Kayden Scott was the only person he had ever respected in his life. How could a member of his family offend someone he idolized?
These past few days, he had been restless, contemplating calling Kayden Scott to apologize but always hesitated. Kayden was like a deity to him; he had barely exchanged a few words with him on the battlefield. Fletcher had always been obedient to Kayden, following his orders without question. Facing Kayden was terrifying for him.
As for Eliot’s departure, he didn’t worry at all; no matter how angry his brother got, he wouldn’t be able to do anything drastic. His biggest concern was still Defender, who had vanished for three years. Just when everyone thought he had perished in the line of duty, he returned suddenly. This should have been a cause for celebration, but Fletcher felt uneasy, as if it signaled something ominous. But what could it be?
He had been sitting in the main hall for half an hour, dazed, until a sigh brought him back to reality.
“Master, many people have arrived outside,” suddenly announced an old man with a hunched back and gray hair, bowing respectfully.
“How many?” Fletcher asked, astonished.
The old man thought for a moment before saying, “In the courtyard park, nearly all the prominent figures came. The road outside is bustling with traffic; it’s a lively scene. We estimate at least one-fifth of Inassea’s population has come.”
Fletcher hummed and stood up from his seat, brushing off his Tang suit. “Alright, let’s go and take a look! I want to see who dares to slap my face in the Southwest.”
Two days ago, someone had brazenly declared that they would defeat Fletcher Atkinson and show Inassea just how weak he was. This news spread like wildfire, quickly circulating through the streets and alleys of Inassea.
Fletcher Atkinson’s reputation extended beyond Inassea; he was a prominent figure throughout the Southwest. Everyone knew he held great power and influence and was exceptionally skilled. Since he took charge of the Atkinson family, he had solidified their position, earning everyone’s respect.
Now, someone had the audacity to declare they would defeat Fletcher Atkinson, which naturally stirred up a sensation throughout Inassea. Everyone was eager to see who this fool was to play such a self-destructive game.
When the news reached Fletcher’s ears, he was curious to find out who was making such reckless claims. He wasn’t young and reckless; he simply wouldn’t allow anyone to disrespect him. Such blatant provocation was akin to trampling his dignity.
As a fighter who had emerged from the battlefield, Fletcher had long been accustomed to killing and was unafraid of conflict; in fact, he thrived on challenges. When someone proclaimed they wanted to fight him, he wouldn’t back down. Accepting such provocations was a warrior’s resolve, a true man’s courage. He promptly agreed to the challenge and publicly announced his willingness to face the opponent, setting the time for that day.
The uproar was intentional, aimed at showing the challenger a lesson while simultaneously informing Inassea that the Atkinson family remained the dominant force in the Southwest. Nathan Atkinson’s death had significantly impacted the Atkinson family; although the news had been contained, whispers still leaked, leading some to question their standing.
Fletcher didn’t fear disturbances; he feared the absence of challenges!
This was perfect; it suited his intentions well!
However, he never anticipated that the individual arriving would deliver such a heavy blow, nearly ending his life!