At two in the afternoon, for the ordinary citizens of Pelens, it was just another day. But for the city’s elite, it was nothing short of an earthquake.
A man had broken Felix Langford’s limbs and declared war on all of Pelens.
This was no less than a thunderclap. Shocked by the man’s brutality, the upper class was even more enraged by his bold proclamation.
“One man against all of Pelens? What arrogance!”
Did he think he was the second coming of Lysander King Zion Watson?
The top families of Pelens, with their wealth and power, were furious at Flynn’s brazen words.
Whether to show support, to spectate, or to offer Felix Langford’s father their condolences, the elite of Pelens had all gathered at the Gray family estate.
The sprawling Gray family manor was packed with people from every corner of Pelens’ upper echelon: military, government, and business leaders were all present.
For the Gray family, this was more than just standing up for Felix Langford. It was a battle to protect their own honor.
After all, Flynn had snatched away the Gray family’s future daughter-in-law.
Even if their grandson Rolando didn’t have feelings for Scarlet, she had been promised to him by Peter Gray himself. Flynn had dared to take Scarlet, and for that alone, the Gray family had to respond.
This was a matter of pride.
When Flynn and Scarlet arrived at the Gray family estate, the parking lot was already filled with luxury cars of every make and model.
Among them were vehicles with government and even military plates.
The outermost parking spots were left empty, as they always were. Especially the first spot-no matter how many people arrived, no matter how crowded it became, the first spot was always reserved. It was clearly meant for someone of great importance.
“Flynn and Ms. Scarlet have arrived!”
The announcement rang out, and countless eyes turned toward them. There were looks of curiosity, disdain, and hostility-mostly hostility.
“So he’s the thug who injured Mr. Langford? Ha! He actually dared to show up.”
“Did he have a choice? With the Langford family’s reach, even if he fled to the ends of the earth, they’d find him and exact justice.”
“Who gave him the guts to challenge all the elites of Pelens? My family alone could crush him!”
As Flynn entered, the crowd’s gaze swept over him. They whispered among themselves, venting their anger freely.
To challenge the Langford family alone, or even the Gray family, was one thing. But to provoke all of Pelens’ elite families? That was outright humiliation to the entire city.
These patriarchs, used to commanding respect wherever they went, could not tolerate such an insult.
If Flynn had been from Slatin, they might not have been so offended. But a man from the small, insignificant Niarak dared to stir the waters in the ancient capital?
Led by the Gray family servants, Flynn and Scarlet entered the grand hall.
Peter Gray sat at the head of the room, dressed in a striking red suit.
Rolando stood by his side.
Rolando’s father and uncles were seated to the right, in the second-tier positions.
This arrangement spoke volumes about Rolando’s status. The patriarch intended to bypass Rolando’s father and hand leadership directly to his grandson after his time.
Rolando’s rise wasn’t only due to his abilities but also his grandfather’s clear favoritism.
On the left were figures like Holger, Clifford, Jakub, and Eduardo.
Maria, Eduardo’s wife and Scarlet’s mother, had no seat. She stood beside Eduardo, her face clouded with worry as she glanced at her daughter and Flynn.
Holger’s sharp eyes scanned Flynn, and his expression turned cold.
Jakub had been right-there was nothing remarkable about this young man. Worse, he carried an air of arrogance, as if he looked down on everyone.
Yes, that was it. Arrogance.
He acted as though he was above them all. It was infuriating.
A mere Grandmaster? In the eyes of ordinary people or a family like the Wong family, perhaps he deserved respect. But to the Gray family or the Langford family, he wasn’t even worth a second glance.
“Grandfather, Mr. Peter.” Scarlet offered a polite smile and greeted them softly.
Peter gave a slight nod, outwardly cordial but inwardly displeased.
To him, Scarlet was the root of the trouble. If she hadn’t insisted on bringing Flynn, none of this would have happened.
Holger, however, didn’t bother with pleasantries.
“Scarlet,” he said, his voice cold, “I’ll ask you one last time. Will you choose the Wong family, or this Flynn?”
The room fell silent.
Kendal Roy’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected the elder to make such a blunt demand.
It was a clear ultimatum: choose one or the other.
But it wasn’t entirely surprising. Earlier, Kendal had approached Peter, hoping the Gray family would help mediate with the Langfords and prevent their wrath from spilling over to the Wong family.
Peter’s reply had been telling: “That’s the Langford family. Even the Gray family must show them respect.”
“Right now, there’s no relationship between our families. If I wanted to plead for the Wong family, I wouldn’t even have a reason to.”
Now, Kendal understood. Peter intended to use this situation to force the Wong family to marry off Scarlet.
“Grandfather, what are you doing?” Scarlet’s face turned pale, her voice trembling with shock.
“I’m asking you: which do you choose?” Holger’s expression darkened, his voice a low growl.
Jakub sneered. “This guy injured Mr. Langford. He’s as good as dead. Is this even a choice?”
“An entire family of fools,” he spat.
Clifford, less fiery, looked at Scarlet calmly.
“Scarlet, I know you blame the Wong family for not standing by you,” he said.
“But you know the situation now. We can’t afford to offend the Langfords.”
“Listen to your uncle. Break up with Flynn.”
“No! I’ll never leave Flynn!” Scarlet shouted, her voice firm as she moved closer to Flynn. Her face was resolute.
Rolando’s brow furrowed, his eyes flashing with venomous intent.
The Wong family members’ faces turned grim. Scarlet had chosen Flynn.
“You!” Jakub exploded, glaring at Flynn. “What did you do to her? What kind of spell did you cast to make her so obsessed with you?”
“When the Langfords arrive, you’ll die anyway. If you have any decency, don’t drag Scarlet down with you!”
Jakub’s temper was infamous. Over the years, he had built a billion-dollar business, thriving under the protection of his elder brother and the family patriarch.
But now, Scarlet’s man had put the entire Wong family in jeopardy. He couldn’t contain his fury.
Peter frowned slightly and spoke calmly.
“Jakub, don’t get too worked up.”
Then he turned to Scarlet, his tone soft and persuasive.
“Scarlet, my grandson Rolando truly cares for you. I’d be happy to have you as my granddaughter-in-law.”
“If you agree to be with Rolando, the family business will be yours to manage. What do you say?”
The room erupted in shock. Even Kendal was stunned.
The Gray family wasn’t just a political powerhouse; their business empire was worth nearly a hundred billion dollars.
To hand the family fortune to a granddaughter-in-law? This was unheard of, even in all of Ostrad.
It was clear how much Rolando wanted Scarlet.
But Scarlet shook her head and forced a smile.
“Thank you, but I only love Flynn.”
“Oh?” Peter’s smile froze, a flicker of displeasure flashing in his eyes.
Jakub erupted again, pointing at Scarlet angrily.
“Are you insane? Throwing yourself at a divorced man?”
“You’ve dragged the Wong family down with you!”
“Eduardo! Are you deaf or just stupid? Your daughter is ruining our family, and you’re just standing there? Do something!”
Eduardo’s face stiffened. He opened his mouth to speak, but Flynn cut him off.
Flynn’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Jakub, his voice calm but sharp.
“You’re forcing Scarlet and her family to make a choice? Fine. I’ll give the Wong family one as well-a final choice.”
“Do you stand with Scarlet, or do you side with the Gray family?”