The news quickly spread to Niarak.
Many were relieved that the battle didn’t take place in the city. Given the proximity between Jade Dragon Mountain and the urban area, the energy waves from the two combatants could have devastated the city.
Madeline had also heard the news. However, such matters were far beyond her concern. Two gods fighting? That was not something she could meddle in. Besides, she had bigger things on her mind.
Ryland Ambrose’s son, Wayne, had received his father’s command and was now on his way to Niarak from Slatin. He had called earlier to inform her that he was already at the city’s outskirts.
Madeline was both nervous and excited.
Originally expected tomorrow, Wayne’s early arrival meant only one thing: importance.
Absolute importance.
Of course, it was clear that the Ambrose family was acting out of respect for Paxton. But that didn’t dampen Madeline’s ambition. She had made up her mind to prove herself.
She would show Mr. Clark and the Ambrose family that she was no failure-that she had real talent and capability.
Two years from now, she vowed to return to Niarak with dazzling achievements and a vast network of connections.
As Madeline fantasized about the future, a white Bentley slowly approached.
“He’s here! He’s here!”
The Kaur family members waiting at the door couldn’t contain their excitement.
This was their savior.
The one who would open doors to power.
The foundation of the Kaur family’s future!
The car door opened, and a young man stepped out. He was tall, handsome, and exuded confidence and composure.
“Mr. Ambrose!” Madeline hurried forward, extending her hand nervously.
This was none other than the young master of the Ambrose family.
Forget the wealthy heirs of Niarak-even someone like Rolando Gray from Pelens would fail to catch his attention.
“We’re classmates and future colleagues. Just call me Shaoyang,” Wayne said warmly, his smile as radiant as sunlight. He shook her hand and added, “Madeline, it’s been four years, and you’ve only grown more beautiful.”
Paulina, standing nearby, was startled by his words.
With her years of experience, she could tell Wayne wasn’t just being polite. There was genuine surprise in his eyes, and his gaze had lingered briefly on Madeline’s chest.
Paulina’s intuition was correct. Wayne’s initial visit had been purely for business, but upon seeing Madeline, he was taken aback.
She had changed.
Having grown tired of pampered socialites, Wayne found himself intrigued by Madeline. She was different, and her appearance had matured in ways that caught his attention.
Her curves were striking, the kind that left an impression.
To Wayne, rural girls like her were easy to manipulate. A little attention, a few sweet words, and they’d be at his feet.
He smiled coldly to himself. A few rounds of fun, and then he’d discard her. No harm done.
Madeline blushed, her smile shy but radiant. “Mr. Ambrose, you’ve grown even more handsome since university.”
See? She was already falling for it.
Wayne’s smirk deepened internally.
The Kaur family quickly ushered him inside, serving tea and water with utmost respect.
Matteo, though reluctant about Madeline going to Slatin, had no choice but to exchange polite words with Wayne.
After Madeline introduced her family, Wayne got straight to the point.
“Madeline, I looked into your situation before coming here,” he said.
“These past few years, you’ve done well as the president of the Kaur family’s company. Even though there’s been a recent crisis, your capabilities are undeniable.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy these years to realize you wanted to develop in Slatin. Otherwise, I would’ve invited you myself even without Mr. Clark’s recommendation.”
His words were meant to flatter, to draw her closer. But to Madeline and her mother, they felt like validation.
Madeline glanced at Matteo triumphantly.
See? her look seemed to say. I told you I’m not lacking in ability. I just needed the right platform!
“From now on, you’ll be by my side as a vice president,” Wayne continued with a smile. “I’ll personally mentor you.”
Vice president?
Madeline didn’t care about the title. She didn’t need empty promises. She would prove her worth with actions.
Wayne waved dismissively. “No need for formalities. Spend tonight saying goodbye to your family. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you to Pelens’ Swordgate Peak.”
“You mean Lord Valerian Nox and Dario Bragg?” Madeline asked, her voice trembling with surprise.
She had never imagined she’d have the chance to witness such an epic battle.
Rumor had it that Zion Watson was restricting access to the area, allowing only a select few elites within a restricted zone that spanned dozens of miles.
Wayne, as a member of the Ambrose family, naturally had the qualifications to attend.
So this is the privilege power brings, Madeline thought.
One day, I’ll have it too.
“Exactly,” Wayne confirmed, sipping his tea. “After the battle, we’ll head straight to Slatin. One more thing-tonight, I’ll be staying at the Peninsula Hotel. Don’t mention this to anyone else.”
“If Rose finds out and starts pestering me about a deal, it’ll be a headache.”
Madeline frowned. “Wayne, Ms. Sharp wants to acquire your pharmaceutical company, right? I’ve reviewed the financial reports for the past few years-the profits aren’t great.”
“Sharp’s Group isn’t short on money. If she’s so eager, why not sell it to her for a high price? After all, DreamDollars Investments isn’t focused on the pharmaceutical industry.”
Having done her homework on DreamDollars Investments after Paxton’s advice, Madeline was well-informed.
Wayne, however, scoffed.
“So what if she has money? Does she think wealth alone can dominate Slatin?”
“In Slatin, money isn’t everything.”
“After what Sharp’s Group did to cause Miss Layla to lose a hundred billion, no amount of money will help Rose. Just watch-if she dares step into Slatin, she’ll be utterly crushed.”
The Kaur family immediately understood.
Layla was a renowned figure and had undoubtedly treated many influential people in Slatin. With her connections and her master’s reputation, no one would risk offending her by associating with Rose.
And Wayne’s attitude made one thing clear:
He looked down on Niarak businesses.
And why wouldn’t he?
When it came to wealth, Sharp’s Group might have recently acquired several companies from the Dragon Gate Group alliance, surpassing DreamDollars Investments temporarily.
But when it came to connections, the Ambrose family, as an established powerhouse in Slatin, was leagues ahead.
Madeline smiled.
Flynn, do you see this?
Wealth alone isn’t enough.
It takes connections.
Without your medical texts, you’re powerless even in Niarak, abandoned like a worm.
How pitiful.
Meanwhile, I’m destined to shine in Slatin.
With the Clark family as my foundation, I’ll cultivate my network and hone my management skills.
Just wait.
Two years from now, even Sharp’s Group will bow to me.