Cyrus Nightbane’s strength was something many practitioners had experienced firsthand. His dominance at the auction was built on his reputation for ruthlessness and his mantra: if you’re not satisfied, fight.
But now, that formidable strength seemed powerless. It was as if the young man before him surpassed him by an overwhelming margin.
Kayden showed no fear of Asher Voss, the man backing Cyrus, and even less regard for Cyrus’s abilities. Many had anticipated Kayden being crushed by Cyrus Nightbane, but now it was clear-Kayden’s actions and confidence came from unmatched skill.
Cyrus Nightbane was dead. Kayden had slain him effortlessly, leaving him lying on the ground.
Even in his final moments, Cyrus couldn’t comprehend why he had hesitated to strike first and face Kayden head-on.
The dramatic clash that practitioners had hoped for never materialized. Instead, there was only a one-sided display of dominance-pure, unbridled strength.
Kayden turned his gaze toward Cyrus’s trembling followers and coldly commanded, “Take his body back. And tell Asher Voss-he’s next.”
Though stunned, none of them dared to question him. After all, they had just witnessed Cyrus Nightbane, once an indomitable force, crushed like an ant.
Within moments, the hall was cleared, and Cyrus’s corpse was carried away. The once-bustling auction house was now eerily silent, with only a few pale faces remaining.
The silence was broken by Mrs. Rocco. She clapped her hands lightly, a smile spreading across her face as she said, “Mr. Scott, you truly live up to my expectations. Bold and powerful! You haven’t disappointed me in the slightest.”
Kayden looked at Mrs. Rocco, his heart skipping a beat when he noticed the flirtatious glint in her eyes. He hadn’t anticipated her audacity-daring to exchange suggestive glances with him in front of the Rocco family.
In another family, such behavior might have gotten her expelled.
Wood Faulkner cast a disdainful glance at Mrs. Rocco but said nothing. After all, it was the family leader’s decision, and there was little she could do about it.
“President!” groaned Liam Rocco, who was still sprawled on the ground, his expression pained. “Cyrus Nightbane deserved to die, but this young man has violated the Rocco family’s rules. By rights, he should be taken before the family head to await judgment.”
Mrs. Rocco’s expression softened into a slight frown. She glanced at Kayden and said gently, “Mr. Scott, it seems you’ll need to come with us. Killing someone at the auction violates a century-old Rocco family rule.”
As her words fell, the guards behind her stepped forward, their eyes filled with hostility.
Wood Faulkner immediately drew her twin blades, her voice ringing with determination. “Who dares come within a step of Mr. Scott dies!”
“What are you all doing?” Mrs. Rocco’s sharp voice cut through the tension. She snapped at the guards, “Are you all blind? Can’t you see Mr. Scott is my friend? And do you really think you useless fools could take him in a fight? Stand down, all of you!”
At her command, the guards quickly retreated, their hostility dissipating.
Mrs. Rocco’s gaze shifted to Wood Faulkner, her tone teasing. “Mr. Scott, you’re quite fortunate to have such a loyal bodyguard. Impressive! Tell me, has she, too, been conquered by you?”
Without waiting for an answer, she added with a playful smile, “How about I become your bodyguard as well? Together, this young lady and I could join forces to protect you. What do you think?”
Kayden stayed silent, but Wood Faulkner’s response was immediate and serious. “I’m nothing like you! Mr. Scott hasn’t ‘conquered’ me. It’s his charisma-his spirit, his vision for the world-that I admire. Don’t twist the meaning of the word ‘conquer.'”
Mrs. Rocco laughed. “Oh my, are you jealous?”
Wood Faulkner’s face turned bright red, betraying her emotions.
“As women, we must learn to share,” Mrs. Rocco continued. “You can’t keep everything to yourself. A man as extraordinary as Mr. Scott deserves some compromise. If you don’t learn to share, you might find it hard to stay by his side in the future.”
She paused, her gaze softening as she added, “I must say, I admire your beauty. When I was your age, I wanted to be just as stunning. Though I’m still beautiful now, youth is a treasure.”
With that, Mrs. Rocco reached out, her manicured fingers lightly tracing Wood Faulkner’s cheek.
Wood Faulkner recoiled, slapping Mrs. Rocco’s hand away and raising her blade. “Don’t touch me!” she growled.
“Enough!” Kayden’s firm voice cut through the tension. He turned to Mrs. Rocco and said, “Savannah, let’s go. I’ll meet the head of the Rocco family.”
“Alright,” she replied with a soft laugh.
Soon, they arrived at the Rocco family’s rear courtyard.
The back of the estate was even larger than the front, resembling a temple. This area, used to honor ancestors, was sacred ground. They didn’t enter but waited respectfully at the entrance.
As they waited, Mrs. Rocco whispered, “Mr. Scott, our family head has an eccentric temper, but he means no harm. Whatever he says, I hope you won’t take offense.”
Not long after, the head of the Rocco family emerged, flanked by several of his descendants.
Jaxon Rocco, the family head, was seventy years old. He wore a red casual suit, his hair sparse and white, his face lined with the wrinkles of age.
Though old, he carried himself with elegance and energy, his presence commanding respect.
His expression darkened when he saw Mrs. Rocco with two strangers and Liam Rocco, whose leg was broken. He coughed lightly before asking, “What’s going on here?”
Mrs. Rocco began with good news. “This is Mr. Scott. He just won the last three items at the auction.”
Jaxon nodded approvingly. “Good, good. So why bring him here? Do you not know what this place is?”
Mrs. Rocco hesitated before admitting, “There was… an incident. Mr. Scott killed someone.”
“What?” Jaxon’s eyes widened in shock. He immediately turned to face the ancestral shrine, dropping to his knees. “Honored ancestors of the Rocco family, please forgive us! Do not be angry, I beg you!”
After his prayer, he stood and turned, his face blazing with fury. “Do you not know the rules of the Rocco family? Blood must not be spilled at our auctions! Such an act will bring endless misfortune upon us!”