When Flynn heard the doorman’s report, he froze for a moment before flashing a grin at Rolando.
“Well, alright then. But let me just say, I really don’t like how smug you’re being right now. If Bobby Sheppard can’t help you, I’ll make sure to beat that smirk off your face.”
Beat my face?
Rolando’s expression darkened instantly. As the leader of the “Four Young Masters of Pelens,” he had never seen anyone dare to speak to him like that.
If he didn’t put Flynn in his place today, he would never be able to hold his head high again!
“Keep dreaming,” Rolando replied flatly, not even bothering to take Flynn’s words seriously.
—
Bobby Sheppard walked into the grand hall, his tailored suit immaculate, his hair meticulously groomed, and his polished leather shoes gleaming. Peyton followed closely behind him, just a step to the side.
The heads of prominent families in the courtyard all stood up, smiling as they greeted him.
This was Bobby Sheppard, the richest man in Pelens. While he had little influence in military or political circles, he was an undisputed giant in the business world.
Especially as the head of the Dragon Creek Society, which had attracted more than a dozen billion-dollar entrepreneurs from Shipmeda State. Many people dreamed of joining but didn’t even qualify. Naturally, everyone wanted to curry favor with him.
But Bobby Sheppard was in no mood for pleasantries. Right now, he was desperate to confirm whether the Flynn his daughter mentioned was really the King of the Underworld.
Peyton, too, was uneasy. Ever since they had left home, her father had been silent, his face grim. She couldn’t help but ask him why on the way.
Bobby Sheppard had only given her one chilling response:
“If what I suspect is true, and the Flynn you’re talking about is the man I know, both the Langford and the Gray families will suffer catastrophic losses. Losing face will be the least of their worries!”
Seeing her father’s fearful expression, Peyton felt a cold shiver run down her spine.
The Langford and Gray families suffering catastrophic losses?
Those were two of the top families in Pelens!
Was Flynn really capable of such a thing?
Even Lysander King wouldn’t dare make such a claim!
—
“Why don’t you take Flynn and leave?” Maria whispered anxiously as she noticed Bobby Sheppard striding toward them.
She didn’t want them to come over in the first place, but with so many eyes watching, she hadn’t dared to call and warn them.
Maria had thought that after such a big incident, her daughter would have taken Flynn and run. She hadn’t expected the two of them to actually show up.
Scarlet didn’t respond.
She wasn’t worried about Bobby Sheppard. After all, Flynn had once cured Mr. Sheppard’s mother of a serious illness.
That kind of favor couldn’t be ignored. At the very least, Bobby Sheppard would speak up for Flynn and try to mediate.
What concerned her was the attitude of the Spencer family. If Flynn called them and they decided not to intervene after weighing the pros and cons, Flynn would be doomed!
In Scarlet’s eyes, Flynn’s confidence and arrogance stemmed entirely from his connection to the Spencer family.
On one side was Flynn, standing alone. On the other was the alliance of Pelens’ elite families, led by the Gray family. How would the Spencer family choose?
Seeing Scarlet’s silence and evident anxiety, Maria sighed deeply.
Do you see now? Ignoring the advice of someone older and wiser always comes back to bite you. You’ve overreached, and now you’re paying the price.
No matter how capable you think you are, you’re no match for the combined forces of Pelens’ elite families!
You should’ve taken Scarlet and left this morning. You never should’ve attended that cursed banquet!
And you certainly shouldn’t have injured Felix Langford or made such arrogant claims!
—
“Mr. Sheppard, Peyton,” Rolando greeted the pair with a slight smile.
The members of the Gray family rose to their feet to welcome them, even Peter nodding politely at Bobby Sheppard.
Though his family excelled in both politics and business, there were times when they needed Bobby Sheppard’s influence.
As for the Wong family, a relatively minor player among the elites, their enthusiasm was even more evident.
Jakub, in particular, practically leapt to the entrance to greet him.
For years, Jakub had been eager to establish a connection with Bobby Sheppard, but the man had always treated him with indifference.
And why wouldn’t he? Jakub’s company, with its mere billion-dollar valuation, was hardly worth Bobby Sheppard’s attention.
“Mr. Sheppard, my name is Jakub, and I-” Jakub began with a fawning smile, extending his hand. But before he could finish, he realized that Bobby Sheppard wasn’t even looking at him.
After nodding briefly at Peter, Bobby Sheppard scanned the room, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
Then, his eyes landed on Flynn.
He froze in place, his expression one of utter shock.
My God! It’s really the King of the Underworld!
He’s actually come to Pelens!
This is incredible!
Bobby Sheppard had once traveled to Niarak to invite Flynn to join him, with Mr. Price present as well, but both men had refused.
Now that Flynn was here in Pelens, surely he wouldn’t refuse again!
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Tears welled up in Bobby Sheppard’s eyes.
To everyone else, however, his reaction seemed entirely different.
Adria Langford, in particular, was quick to jump to conclusions.
The Sheppard and Langford families had always enjoyed a good relationship. Bobby Sheppard must have heard that my son was attacked by a thug. He’s so upset, he’s brought to tears!
With that thought, Adria Langford stepped forward and said, “Bobby, you guessed right. The thug who attacked my son is right in front of you!”
But Bobby Sheppard ignored her completely. Instead, he walked straight to Flynn.
“Mr. Clark, I didn’t expect it to really be you! I’m here to apologize on behalf of my daughter,” Bobby Sheppard said with deep respect, bowing low.
The entire room erupted into chaos.
What?!
The president of the Dragon Creek Society, the richest man in Pelens with a net worth of $200 billion, was bowing to Flynn?!
And apologizing?!
“Mr. Sheppard, what are you…?” Jakub stammered, utterly bewildered.
But Bobby Sheppard paid him no mind, remaining in his bowed position, as if he wouldn’t dare straighten up until Flynn acknowledged him.
“I forgive you,” Flynn said indifferently.
Peyton had only spoken out of turn and hadn’t deliberately targeted him.
And given Bobby Sheppard’s sincere attitude, Flynn saw no reason to hold a grudge.
Boom!
The courtyard erupted.
The richest man in Pelens had just apologized to Flynn and even waited for his approval to stand upright!
This was the president of the Dragon Creek Society!
What was going on?
Who was this Flynn?
Even the Wong family and Rolando were stunned. Peter and Adria Langford frowned deeply, unable to make sense of Bobby Sheppard’s behavior.
Seeing that Flynn wasn’t angry, Bobby Sheppard grew even more emotional, his eyes glistening with tears of relief.
Ignoring the stunned crowd, he turned to Peyton and said, “Mr. Clark has forgiven you. Why aren’t you thanking him?”
“Dad, I…” Peyton was dumbfounded. She had been in a daze ever since her father apologized to Flynn.
But having attended countless high-profile events with her father, she knew he always had his reasons for doing what he did.
Suppressing her confusion, she stepped forward and respectfully said, “Thank you, Mr. Clark.”
The room collectively gasped.
What were the Sheppard father and daughter doing?
Had they completely surrendered?!
Rolando was especially shaken. He had invited the Sheppards to support him, only for them to switch sides!
“Mr. Sheppard, what’s the meaning of this?” Peter finally snapped, his tone icy.
At this, Bobby Sheppard turned to him, his gaze sweeping over Adria Langford, Holger, Rolando, and the others before finally settling on Peter. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he spoke with a warning tone:
“I advise all of you-whatever started this, Mr. Clark is someone you cannot afford to provoke!”