The next day.
Flynn woke up and washed up.
He hadn’t slept well that night. His dreams were haunted by memories of his mother, clutching him as she fled, her body covered in blood. The wounds on her back were so deep that the bone was visible, and the gunshot wound on her shoulder bled profusely.
The Duffy family’s dock was ablaze, the air thick with the scent of blood and death. Mabel Sweetwood was restrained by Tessa Watson, while Paxton swung a gleaming machete. James hung from a beam, his body writhing as Paxton lashed him with a whip. Then Tessa Watson took over, continuing the beating with cruel precision.
The vividness of the dream nearly made Flynn jump out of bed in rage.
After washing up, he found Molly had already prepared breakfast. Perhaps this was the only benefit of her coming to Indigo Grove Estate.
But Flynn didn’t eat. He had plans to take Aunt Mabel and her family to a hotel for breakfast.
As he drove away from Indigo Grove Estate, his phone rang. It was Matteo.
Flynn didn’t need to guess-Madeline must have complained. Matteo was calling to persuade him to return to Niarak.
“Uncle Matteo.”
“Flynn, why did you go to Slatin? Come back to Niarak immediately. We don’t need to beg the Clark family!”
Flynn frowned. Beg the Clark family? What nonsense.
“Uncle Matteo, I came to Slatin for business. Sharp’s Group is expanding its market here.”
“Really? You didn’t go to the Clark family?”
“I didn’t. Don’t worry, I won’t cause trouble.”
What else could he say? He had to pacify Matteo to avoid more lectures. Once Flynn crushed the Clark family, Matteo’s worries would naturally disappear.
“Good, good! As long as you avoid the Clark family!”
“Oh, by the way, Madeline is also in Slatin. That guy Wayne-I don’t trust him. Keep an eye on her, will you? I know you don’t like Madeline, but she’s my only daughter…”
Flynn fell silent.
After a moment, he said, “Don’t worry, Uncle Matteo. If she’s truly in danger, I’ll step in.”
For Matteo’s sake, Flynn would look out for Madeline. That was all. He had already repaid his debt to the Kaur family. He only cared about Uncle Matteo. As for Madeline, he’d avoid her whenever possible-she was nothing but trouble.
Ending the call, Flynn drove to the Duffy family’s residence.
After picking up Aunt Mabel and her family, they headed straight for the Four Seasons Hotel.
Meanwhile, in the Purple Rose private dining room at the Four Seasons Hotel, Slatin’s elites were gathering.
They met once a month to discuss their companies’ developments, challenges, and the major events of the past month.
Today, because of Madeline, the turnout was larger than usual. Even Cora Caldwell, the daughter of Slatin’s richest man, Ryder Caldwell, was expected to attend.
Under normal circumstances, someone of her status wouldn’t bother with such gatherings. Most of the attendees were of the same rank as Wayne-far below the Clark, Langford, or Caldwell families.
The only exception was Chase Landford, who enjoyed lively company and didn’t mind mingling with those of lower status. Oddly, he was absent today, and his phone went unanswered.
Of course, no one was there for Madeline. She was insignificant, her status lower than the maids in these people’s households.
The real draw was her connection to Lord Valerian Nox. She had witnessed him in action three times, and everyone was eager to hear her stories.
If not for her association with Lord Valerian Nox, she wouldn’t have had the chance to be here.
“Why isn’t Mr. Landford here? He’s the most excited about Lord Valerian Nox’s stories,” Wayne said, staring at his unanswered phone in confusion.
Unbeknownst to him, the entire Langford family was rallying, with over ten thousand subordinates, to apologize to Flynn.
Madeline explained, “Mr. Landford drank a lot last night and probably hasn’t sobered up yet.”
“Let’s wait for him, then,” Wayne said, putting his phone away.
At that moment, a proud, elegant young woman entered the room.
She wore a silk gown that accentuated her slender waist with a delicate belt, highlighting her flawless figure. Her jet-black hair was smooth as ink, her features sharp and refined, her brows perfectly arched. Her gaze carried a hint of arrogance.
Her steps were light, her posture regal, exuding the grace of a cat. Every movement radiated confidence and pride, as if reminding everyone of her unique status and unshakable position.
The room’s occupants quickly stood to greet her.
“This is Cora Caldwell, the daughter of Slatin’s richest man, Ryder Caldwell,” Wayne whispered, his tone filled with respect.
In Slatin, three families dominated. Their direct descendants held unparalleled status.
Madeline stared at Cora Caldwell, overwhelmed by her powerful aura.
Before coming to Slatin, the most distinguished woman Madeline had ever seen was Maisie Carlisle, the daughter of the King of Pelens.
But now, Cora Caldwell’s presence made Maisie Carlisle seem insignificant.
Cora was truly regal, like the daughter of an emperor.
Ryder Caldwell’s wealth was estimated at $400 billion, ranking third on the Ostrad Rich List. The Caldwell family boasted four Semi Greater Sovereigns, ten Lesser Sovereigns, and over a hundred Great Grandmasters.
As Ryder’s direct daughter, Cora Caldwell’s status far surpassed Maisie Carlisle’s.
Even Maisie would have to look up to her. Faced with Cora Caldwell, Madeline felt an urge to kneel in reverence.
Cora, accustomed to being the center of attention, swept her indifferent gaze over the room, landing on an unfamiliar face. She spoke in a commanding tone, “You must be Madeline. Tell me all about Lord Valerian Nox’s exploits. If you impress me, you will be rewarded.”
Madeline was flattered and nodded eagerly.
Cora Caldwell had come for her!
To dine and converse with Cora Caldwell was a dream come true.
Madeline silently thanked Wayne. Without him, she would never have had the chance to sit at the same table as Cora Caldwell.
“Miss Caldwell, you are the most distinguished guest here. Why not take the main seat?” asked Brody Brightmoon, son of Viola Brightmoon, with a fawning smile.
Viola Brightmoon, a loyal ally of the Clark family, had used underhanded means to turn the Brightmoon family into a billion-dollar powerhouse.
Brody, spoiled and reckless, spent his days chasing women and racing cars. He had a particular fondness for older women, those his mother’s age but well-maintained.
Cora Caldwell glanced at him coldly and replied indifferently, “Layla is on her way. Do you expect me to take the main seat?”
“Layla Woods is coming?”
The room buzzed with surprise.
Though the Woods family wasn’t among Slatin’s top five, Layla commanded respect, even from the older generation.
Why?
Her master was extraordinary, her connections unparalleled.
“The next fifty years in Slatin belong to Layla Woods.”
This was the consensus across Slatin. Even Cora Caldwell had to show her some courtesy.
Brody stammered, “Of course, the main seat should be reserved for Miss Woods. My mistake.”
The others nodded in agreement, acknowledging Layla as the leader of their generation.
Madeline was awestruck.
She had thought Layla’s influence in Niarak was impressive. But here, in a place teeming with powerful figures, Layla’s status was just as prominent.
No wonder the Clark family wanted Layla as their daughter-in-law. She had boundless potential, a perfect match for Vicente Clark.
A healer and a warrior-together, they could ensure the Clark family’s prosperity for centuries.
Layla’s decision to break off her engagement with Flynn was wise.
Flynn’s medical skills might have earned him some recognition, but he was still no match for Layla.
It was like a mayor’s son trying to marry a minister’s daughter-there was a significant gap.
Flynn might be on par with her now.
If Flynn pursued her, he would have the qualifications.
But Madeline was progressing too. Moving to Slatin was like a carp leaping over the dragon gate-Flynn couldn’t keep up.
Her future was with Layla!
Layla, who had elevated her family’s reputation single-handedly, was Madeline’s idol and lifelong inspiration.
Layla’s journey showed Madeline that even without strong family connections, personal strength could earn recognition from the upper echelons.
She could do it too!
As the group prepared to sit down, Madeline noticed the door to the private dining room was ajar. Through the gap, she spotted a familiar figure-Flynn.
He wasn’t alone; three others followed him.
Why was he here?
“Flynn, wait!”
Madeline quickly stepped out of the room.