The Alaric Center Villa District was one of the most renowned villa communities in the Western Frontier. Only the wealthiest elites could afford to live there. The district was named after King Alaric, a historical figure of great significance in the Western Frontier, as it was where he had established his dynasty.
What made the Alaric Center Villa District even more unique was its exclusivity. Wealth alone wasn’t enough to gain entry. Ownership was limited to just eight properties, reserved for the top eight most distinguished individuals in the Western Frontier. To own a villa there was a symbol of unparalleled status and prestige.
Kayden glanced at the box in front of him, his brows furrowing slightly. “Sorry, I don’t need this,” he said plainly.
It was true-he had no need for a villa here. Kayden had no intention of staying in the Western Frontier for long. Once his business was complete, he would leave. A villa here held no practical value for him.
Derek Alfredson hesitated for a moment before letting out a polite chuckle. “Mr. Scott, I must insist that you accept. If you refuse, wouldn’t that make the Alfredson family seem insincere? You might not want it, but we cannot afford not to give it to you. Isn’t that right?”
As he spoke, Derek handed the box to Kayden, its contents including the deed and the keys to the villa.
“Additionally, this represents a promise from the Alfredson family. We’ve always upheld our commitments. You’ve helped us tremendously, and if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We’ll go to any lengths to assist you.”
“Our family may not be the largest, but in the Western Frontier, we can solve quite a few problems,” Derek added emphatically.
Kayden had no choice but to accept the box, as Derek Alfredson left him no room to refuse. Reluctantly, he took it. Perhaps, someday, if he decided to visit the region for leisure, the villa could be useful.
“Fine, I’ll accept it for now. Let’s leave it at that,” Kayden said, taking the items and decisively departing from the Alfredson estate.
He had more pressing matters to attend to-namely, eliminating Cyrus Nightbane. Cyrus was his top priority, especially since the man had taken an interest in Felicity. If Cyrus discovered that Felicity possessed the Innate Spiritual Core, there was no telling what chaos might ensue.
As for Asher Voss, he was next on the list.
With these thoughts, Kayden and Wood Faulkner prepared to leave. However, just as they were about to depart, something occurred to Kayden. He turned to Derek Alfredson and asked, “By the way, who’s attending the auction organized by the Rocco family?”
Derek Alfredson nodded thoughtfully. “Quite a few notable figures from the cultivation world will be there. It’s a big event, attracting many Hermits as well. After all, the treasures auctioned by the Rocco family are highly sought after. Our family will also be attending to take a look. Mr. Scott, Miss Faulkner, are you here for the auction as well?”
Wood Faulkner shook her head. “No, we’re here to repay a debt.”
Derek smiled awkwardly but nodded in acknowledgment. “You’re too kind, Miss Faulkner.”
After a moment of contemplation, Kayden left the Alfredson estate.
Once outside, he didn’t rush to leave the Western Frontier. Instead, he decided to stay for a while longer. That evening, he and Wood Faulkner took a stroll through the city, treating it as a casual way to unwind.
“Mr. Scott, aren’t we heading back?” Wood Faulkner asked.
Kayden nodded slightly. “No rush. We can check out the Rocco family’s auction first.”
“Are you planning to buy something?” Wood Faulkner asked curiously.
Kayden glanced at her and replied, “I don’t need anything, but there might be something you need.”
Wood Faulkner was momentarily stunned, her beautiful eyes flickering with surprise. “Mr. Scott, are you planning to buy something for me?”
Kayden shook his head lightly. “Not entirely. I’m just curious about what’s being auctioned at a cultivator’s event like this. Besides, if Cyrus Nightbane attends, wouldn’t that save me the trouble of looking for him?”
“I’ll investigate! I’ll find out who’s coming,” Wood Faulkner offered eagerly.
Kayden declined. “No need to investigate. We can just ask someone.”
He thought of someone-Mrs. Rocco.
Perhaps the alluring woman would know who was attending. If both Cyrus Nightbane and Asher Voss were on the guest list, it would save him a lot of effort.
With that thought, Kayden picked up his phone and dialed Mrs. Rocco’s number.
“Hello, is that you, Mr. Scott?” A sultry voice came through the receiver almost immediately.
Kayden paused for a moment before replying, “It’s me.”
“I knew you’d call me, Mr. Scott. Have you decided to attend our auction?”
Kayden responded with a simple “Yes,” then added, “I wanted to ask if someone named Cyrus Nightbane is among your invited guests?”
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line. After several seconds, Mrs. Rocco spoke again. “I’m sorry, Mr. Scott. I can’t disclose that information. The guest list is strictly confidential. But why don’t you attend and find out for yourself? You might just find the person you’re looking for.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll deliver your invitation tomorrow. By the way, where are you staying? Can we meet for a private chat? I’m feeling a bit restless tonight,” she added with a teasing tone.
Was she asking him out?
Kayden cleared his throat. “No need. I’m busy right now.”
“Alright,” came her slightly disappointed reply.
But then, as if remembering something, she continued, “What about tomorrow? If you’re free, we could meet. It’s been a long time since I’ve had someone to talk to. Maybe I can help you with some of your questions.”
Her alluring words momentarily caught Kayden off guard. The feeling was oddly familiar. He glanced at Wood Faulkner without realizing it.
Indeed, this was exactly what Wood Faulkner had done to him before.
Noticing Kayden’s gaze, Wood Faulkner blushed and shyly lowered her head.
In the end, Kayden agreed to meet Mrs. Rocco. They arranged to meet at the Regal Crest Culinary House.
After hanging up, Kayden and Wood Faulkner wandered into a quiet alley. Though it wasn’t too late, the place had an eerie stillness. Earlier, vendors had been selling their goods there, but now the area felt desolate.
The streetlights cast long shadows on the ground, and a cold breeze rustled the fallen leaves.
As they walked, Kayden suddenly stopped. A chilling sense of killing intent lingered in the air around them.
Wood Faulkner noticed it too. She drew two daggers and stepped in front of Kayden, her sharp eyes scanning the darkness like a predator hunting its prey.
“Come out! Since you’re here, stop hiding,” Kayden said coldly, his voice echoing into the night.
The wind picked up again, rustling the leaves as they fell silently to the ground.