Powerful. Unyielding.
Mrs. Rocco was, without a doubt, the most commanding woman in the room. Her aura of dominance was undeniable, leaving everyone stunned.
At that moment, Kayden finally understood why he had ended up entangled with this woman. Her boldness and decisiveness were qualities that strangely appealed to him. Kayden was, after all, only human, subject to the same emotions and desires as anyone else. Even though he still had feelings for Georgia, their divorce had already sealed their separation.
Cyrus Nightbane’s expression twisted in fury, and the group of cultivators behind him began to retreat in fear. No one wanted to risk provoking the Rocco family. After all, who would dare challenge such a powerful name just to side with Asher Voss and drink the fabled Dragon Blood? Despite its allure, their lives mattered more.
“Mrs. Rocco! Don’t go too far! If I report this to Lord Asher Voss, the Rocco family will face his wrath!” Cyrus barked, his anger barely contained.
Mrs. Rocco responded with unwavering strength. “I know exactly what I’m doing. I don’t need your advice. And let me make one thing clear: my words are the words of the Rocco family patriarch. What I say now carries the weight of his authority!”
Kayden, watching her resolute demeanor, reached out and gently tugged her sleeve. “Mrs. Rocco, maybe we should-”
Before he could finish, Mrs. Rocco’s expression darkened. She shot him a sharp, almost indignant glare.
“What did you just call me? Mrs. Rocco? Haven’t I told you before to call me Sav or Savannah? You called me that the other night, didn’t you? So why are you back to calling me Mrs. Rocco now? Is it because there’s another woman here with you?”
Her words left Wood Faulkner visibly stunned. Savannah? Since when had they become so close?
Wood recalled the strange scent he had noticed on Kayden after their last encounter. He’d known something was off. Now it all made sense.
So the rumors were true. Something illicit must have happened between Kayden and this woman-a woman who, despite having a son in his twenties, still had the audacity to seduce Kayden.
Furious, yet powerless to express his anger, Wood could only stew silently.
Kayden, meanwhile, felt completely thrown off by Mrs. Rocco’s boldness. This was the Rocco family’s territory, after all.
“There are so many people here,” he muttered, frowning. “Didn’t we agree that I’d only call you Savannah when we’re alone?”
Mrs. Rocco snapped back, “I said you can call me Savannah, so call me Savannah! What, are you afraid of someone? But enough of this! Let me handle the situation here first. Afterward, I’ll deal with you.”
Kayden opened his mouth as if to argue, but in the end, he simply gave up and stayed silent.
Wood Faulkner watched the exchange, his respect for Kayden diminishing with every passing second.
Cyrus Nightbane, on the other hand, was quick to pick up on the tension between Mrs. Rocco and Kayden. He burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the hall.
“So, it turns out the two of you are involved! Interesting!”
As Cyrus’s words landed, several onlookers turned their gazes toward Kayden-some envious, others shocked.
Mrs. Rocco, despite being over forty, was still a stunning beauty. Her figure, her elegance-she was mesmerizing. Many men had long coveted her, but none had ever come close to winning her favor.
If Kayden truly had a secret relationship with her, it would undoubtedly spark jealousy and resentment from countless admirers.
“Enough with your baseless accusations, Cyrus Nightbane. You don’t have the right to speak to me that way. Your actions here today have insulted the Rocco family. I expect you to apologize sincerely. Otherwise, you won’t be leaving this place alive,” Mrs. Rocco declared, her tone firm and unyielding.
It was clear: she wasn’t just threatening Cyrus; she was issuing a promise.
Cyrus erupted into laughter again, as if he’d just heard the most absurd joke in the world.
“Mrs. Rocco, do you honestly think I’m afraid of the Rocco family? You think I can’t walk out of here? Let me tell you something: every word I speak represents Lord Asher Voss. If you harm me, you’re disrespecting him-and that’s a direct insult to his authority.”
The audacity of the man was staggering. He boldly flaunted Asher Voss’s name, deflecting responsibility onto his master.
Mrs. Rocco’s expression grew colder. “So what are you saying? That the Rocco family fears Asher Voss? If you think he’s so powerful, why don’t you have him come here and speak to our grandfather? I’d love to see if Asher Voss has the courage to face him.”
Her words sent a chill through the room.
Their grandfather.
The most mysterious and formidable figure in the Rocco family-a legend who had once slain the five great masters of Seclela. His power was unparalleled, and his very name struck fear into the hearts of many.
It was because of this grandfather that Asher Voss had warned Cyrus Nightbane to tread carefully around the Rocco family. No one truly knew the extent of the old man’s strength, but no one dared to test it either.
For years, the Rocco family had wielded immense influence in Aspen Heights, amassing countless treasures and unrivaled power.
“You…” Cyrus stammered, his pupils dilating as he pointed a trembling finger at Mrs. Rocco. “You’re actually invoking your grandfather’s name for this… this man! The Rocco family, unbelievable.”
“Does the Rocco family need your approval to act?” Mrs. Rocco shot back, her voice brimming with confidence. “Cyrus Nightbane, don’t delude yourself into thinking Asher Voss is invincible. Let me tell you, he’s nothing-absolutely nothing.”
Cyrus clenched his teeth, his eyes burning with fury. He nodded slowly, his voice cold. “Fine. You win. I’ll leave.”
He hadn’t anticipated Mrs. Rocco stepping in, let alone invoking the Rocco family patriarch. It was a game-changer he hadn’t prepared for.
Before leaving, he turned to Kayden and hissed, “This woman might protect you today, but she can’t shield you forever. The debt for my disciple’s death… I’ll collect it myself.”
With a wave of his hand, Cyrus commanded his followers to retreat.
His retreat, however, felt more like an attempt to save face than an act of defeat.
Kayden watched him go, puzzled by the man’s unwarranted confidence. Did Cyrus truly believe that his group of lackeys could overpower him?
As Cyrus began to step away, Kayden’s voice cut through the air.
“Stop right there!”