Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
First, there was the news of Takada Kazuo’s death. He was exposed for stealing Ostrad’s corporate formulas for over a decade. However, Komatsu Conglomerate quickly held a press conference, declaring that this was Takada Kazuo’s personal misconduct. They pledged full cooperation with Ostrad’s investigation. This incident caused a stir, but it was largely confined to the business world.
Then came the shocking news that Stellan Wallace, the prodigy of Ipholn, had perished in Niarak, and Lysander King’s daughter had been severely injured, left in a vegetative state. This news was like a thunderclap, shaking society to its core. Stellan Wallace was a renowned figure in the cultivation world, and Lysander King’s daughter was of noble status. The entire Shipmeda State was in an uproar. People couldn’t understand how such a powerful cultivator, capable of defeating even Stellan Wallace, could emerge in a resource-scarce place like Niarak. The locals were equally baffled, as they had no clue either.
Rumors began to spread like wildfire. Speculations abounded: first, Lord Valerian Nox was closely connected to the God of War, as Cruz Brooks had been seen at Jade Dragon Mountain during his return, and since then, the mountain had become private property. Second, Jade Dragon Mountain was said to be a place of concentrated spiritual energy, a fact confirmed by Stellan Wallace himself. Many believed it was this spiritual energy that had attracted such a powerful cultivator. Third, Lord Valerian Nox’s strength was only slightly above Stellan Wallace’s, as eyewitnesses estimated the battle had lasted over ten minutes.
Regardless, Jade Dragon Mountain had become a forbidden zone, with no one daring to approach. The area within a fifty-mile radius was deserted. If someone could kill Stellan Wallace and cripple Lysander King’s daughter, ordinary people would be nothing but ants in Lord Valerian Nox’s eyes. No one wanted to provoke such a figure.
Another major topic of discussion was Layla Woods. The medical duel scheduled for the next day had captured everyone’s attention. People had only heard of Layla Woods’ miraculous skills but had never witnessed her healing abilities firsthand. Everyone was eager to see the techniques of the “First Saintly Hand of the Southern Territory”. As for Flynn, he was largely ignored, seen as nothing more than a foil to Layla Woods. Lilia Hussain had even prepared a victory speech, confident that Layla Woods would win and elevate Dragon Gate Group to the status of a top-tier enterprise in Niarak.
Finally, the long-awaited medical duel began. The venue was the Dragon Gate Group’s headquarters in Niarak, a massive hall capable of seating three thousand people. It was packed to the brim, with entrepreneurs from Niarak and surrounding cities in attendance, along with many from the medical community. Everyone wanted to see just how powerful Layla Woods had become.
Mr. Hawthorne, a senior figure from the National Traditional Medicine Clinic, served as the judge for the day. Known for his integrity and impartiality, both sides trusted him to be fair. Notable attendees included Edwin Gallagher, the top ten wealthy families of Niarak, Mr. Richardson, the Pearce family, and Kendal Roy, among others. Lilia Hussain’s camp was also present in full force, including Madeline Kaur and her family.
This duel had been highly anticipated by Rose’s side, who hoped Flynn would humble Lilia Hussain’s arrogance. Now, the two were finally about to face off.
Flynn emerged from his bedroom refreshed, having shaved and applied some moisturizer. He donned a sharp suit and drove his Koenigsegg down the mountain, heading straight for the venue. Today, he was the center of attention, and he intended to make a good impression, as he represented Rose’s reputation.
When Flynn arrived at the Dragon Gate Group headquarters, the place was already buzzing with excitement.
“Wow! A Koenigsegg! That’s worth fifty million! Only fifty were made worldwide, and there are only three in Ostrad. Who would have thought one would be in Niarak!”
“Owning that car isn’t just about money-it’s about connections and resources!”
Even billionaires couldn’t help but envy the sight of the sleek, carbon-fiber supercar. After all, only a handful existed globally.
Amid the crowd’s awe, the Koenigsegg came to a smooth stop. The door opened, and Flynn stepped out, dressed in a deep green Armani suit. His polished black shoes gleamed, and his hair was slicked back, with the sides shaved clean. His sharp, penetrating gaze made him look like a character straight out of a movie.
When the crowd realized who the owner of the Koenigsegg was, they were momentarily stunned but quickly accepted it. After all, Flynn was the investor who had poured seven billion into the Sharp’s Group.
Madeline Kaur, who was also preparing to enter the venue, was taken aback by Flynn’s transformation. With his refined appearance, Flynn’s looks and physique were undeniably striking. Yet, the sight stirred a sour feeling in Madeline’s heart. Seeing the Koenigsegg for the second time, she felt a pang of pain. The stark contrast between her struggles to secure a two-billion loan and the nearly two-billion-dollar diamond ring on Scarlet’s finger was almost unbearable.
As Flynn adjusted his tie and opened the passenger door, Scarlet emerged in a flowing lavender gown, her elegance captivating. She smiled warmly at Flynn and took his arm. Her slender figure and graceful posture, accentuated by the evening dress, turned heads.
“Wow! Isn’t that the Carlos Blue Diamond on her finger? It’s worth 170 million!”
“Really? That much? My company’s annual profits don’t even come close!”
“Of course! A blue diamond of that size is incredibly rare. Just like the Koenigsegg, you need connections and influence to get your hands on it. Two billion wouldn’t even guarantee it!”
The crowd’s attention shifted from the Koenigsegg to the dazzling blue diamond on Scarlet’s hand. The women in attendance were particularly envious, their eyes glued to the precious gem. The Carlos Blue Diamond outshone every other piece of jewelry in the room.
Scarlet was undoubtedly the star of the show today. Noticing Rose waiting for Flynn, she gracefully let go of his arm and joined Molly. Today was Rose and Flynn’s moment.
“You look sharp today,” Rose remarked with a smile as Flynn approached.
Flynn raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Handsome, right?”
“Very handsome,” Rose admitted sincerely, then added with a chuckle, “What’s with the full makeover? This isn’t your usual style.”
Flynn laughed, “What’s so strange about it? Today, I represent you. It’s only natural to match your elegance!”
Rose rolled her eyes, though a hint of a smile played on her lips. “You’re impossible.”
Flynn chuckled, then gestured gallantly toward the entrance. “After you, Ms. Sharp.”
“Thank you,” Rose replied with a graceful smile, walking side by side with Flynn. Scarlet and Molly followed closely behind, forming a striking entourage.
As they entered the venue, Madeline Kaur watched from a distance, her lips pressed tightly together. A heavy feeling settled in her chest, making it hard to breathe. While she was still struggling to secure a two-billion loan, Scarlet was flaunting a diamond ring worth nearly the same amount. The disparity was almost too much to bear.
Seeing the three stunning women surrounding Flynn only deepened her anguish. It felt worse than a knife to the heart.
Paulina Johnston, standing beside Madeline, snorted disdainfully. “Don’t be upset, dear. Let them show off. Flynn’s wealth and glory are fleeting. Just wait-today, Layla Woods will crush him, and the Sharp’s Group will be on the brink of collapse. Flynn will come crawling back to us, begging for help!”