“Does DreamDollars Investments have any connection to the Clark family?”
Flynn rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
He couldn’t figure out why Madeline was bold enough to show up at Titan Holdings. Was it ignorance born of fearlessness? Or was it sheer desperation?
“The Ambrose family ranks among the top ten prominent families in Slatin, but they’re at the very bottom,” Lila explained. “Mr. Ambrose is stingy, and the heads of other prominent families don’t think much of him. The Clark family looks down on them even more. Despite years of attempts to curry favor, the Ambrose family remains stagnant.
“Furthermore, the Ambrose family’s business overlaps significantly with that of the Caldwell family, the wealthiest in Slatin. Mr. Clark naturally chose to collaborate with the Caldwells.
“As for DreamDollars Investments, they’re too insignificant. Titan Holdings wouldn’t even consider them,” Lila concluded.
Flynn nodded thoughtfully after listening but hesitated before speaking.
“Then give her a project.”
Truthfully, Flynn wanted no part in anything Madeline was involved in. But Uncle Matteo and Mabel had both asked him to look after her. Life wasn’t easy for a woman in Slatin.
On top of that, Madeline had indeed done Mabel a favor. Giving her a small collaboration could be considered repayment.
“Send two Greater Sovereigns and a few Lesser Sovereigns to Niarak. I have some friends there who need protection,” Flynn instructed. “Apart from Jade Dragon Mountain, make sure Grandma Wilcox, Uncle Matteo, Aunt Jessica, and the Hamilton family are discreetly safeguarded.
“We need to ensure they don’t get alarmed or suspicious.”
Flynn’s eyelids had been twitching frequently in recent days, leaving him with an ominous feeling that something bad was on the horizon.
Lila nodded in agreement.
“Also, find a few master swordsmiths to make me a sword mold,” Flynn added. “The blade should be three feet long and two inches wide, with the Seven-Star Vast Sea engraved on it. The hilt should be five inches, adorned with a coiled golden dragon, and its eyes inlaid with blue gemstones.”
“That’s all. I’m going to take a nap. You go handle it.”
Flynn lay down on the guest sofa and quickly drifted off to sleep. This place was quiet-no Madeline’s chatter, no Molly’s nagging.
Lila quietly left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
—
“What?! I secured a contract with Titan Holdings for DreamDollars Investments!”
“Oh my God!”
In the CEO’s office, Madeline stared at the cooperation agreement in her hands, so overwhelmed with excitement she nearly fainted.
She had come to try her luck, harboring no expectations whatsoever.
It must be my brilliance, she thought, that convinced Lila, the president of Titan Holdings.
Yes, that’s it!
I’m not useless! I’m capable!
Dad, are you watching? I don’t lack ability-I just need a platform!
Now, with DreamDollars Investments, I’ve turned things around!
Flynn, do you see this? I’m not worthless, not a fool! I’m strong!
I’ve been working hard while you rely on shortcuts and schemes!
Even those elite heirs like Wayne couldn’t achieve what I have today!
Titan Holdings-a contract that countless prominent families would fight tooth and nail for-I got it!
From today onward, my name will resonate within Slatin’s upper circles!
I’m better than any of them!
I will climb step by step toward greatness and glory!
I will surpass Layla!
Layla, we’ll meet at the pinnacle. Together, we’ll overlook everything in Slatin!
No, we’ll meet at the summit of Eahta Mountain!
We’ll stand together, basking in the spotlight of the world’s financial magazines!
Madeline’s face flushed red, the excitement surging through her uncontrollably.
From a distance, Lila watched Madeline’s retreating figure and sighed softly.
“Madeline, do you realize that the goal you’ve spent your life striving for-something you’ve dreamed of day and night-the King of the Underworld could grant you with a mere gesture?
“With just a drop of his mercy, or a touch of his favor, you could live comfortably. But alas, you lack the fortune, and you’re unworthy.
“Just wait. In the not-so-distant future, you’ll feel utterly humiliated and realize you’ve been nothing but a clown…”
—
An hour later, Flynn woke up to find that Lila had already delivered the sword mold design to him.
“Not bad! Go ahead and have it made. I’ll need it in a couple of days,” Flynn said, satisfied.
Ronald had been keeping watch at Jade Dragon Mountain day and night. Judging by the timing, that piece of cold iron meteorite was nearly refined.
Using a sword just felt more natural to him.
As Flynn admired the sword mold, Lila suddenly recalled a conversation with The Raven King.
“Master, you mentioned the King of the Underworld is a Blademaster. How does he compare to you?”
“Lila,” The Raven King had replied, “I don’t know the limits of his power. His cultivation system is entirely different from mine. There’s no comparison.
“In the eyes of the King of the Underworld, I’m no different from an ordinary mortal.”
“How powerful is he, exactly?” Lila had pressed.
“I couldn’t say,” The Raven King admitted. “I’ve only witnessed him use his sword once…”
At that moment, his expression turned distant and profound, his eyes reflecting endless awe.
“That day, the clouds in the nine heavens descended, and the waters of the four seas stood upright!”
Just that one sentence left Lila completely stunned, unable to fathom the magnitude of what he described.
A faint sense of anticipation stirred within her. She, too, wanted to witness such a grand and awe-inspiring spectacle.
—
At the same time Flynn left Titan Holdings, in Grandma Wilcox’s house, Katie Wilcox lay on her bed, bored, idly scrolling through her phone.
She was oblivious to the events unfolding in the upper circles or the feud between Flynn and the Hussain family.
It had been a while since she’d heard from Jace Watson. She didn’t even know Flynn or the Hussains were involved in any sort of conflict.
To her, Jace Watson was just a rich playboy who had ghosted her after some casual fun. She wasn’t even aware of his true identity.
“Has he been playing me?” Katie muttered, disappointed.
Just as she was about to roll over and take a nap, her phone buzzed with a familiar profile picture lighting up the screen.
“Baby, how’ve you been? I’m feeling down and need some comfort.”
Jace Watson’s mood had indeed been terrible lately. His sister was now in a vegetative state, his mother had been killed by Lord Valerian Nox, and his grandfather had met a gruesome end.
It was a disaster.
For the past few days, he had been running around with Zion Watson. Finally, they had found a chance to settle down. Zion had told him that in three days, the Hussain family’s most esteemed guest would arrive to help them seek revenge.
“Jace!” Katie instantly perked up and replied eagerly, “If you need comfort, just come to me! I’ve missed you so much!”
“I can’t go to Niarak,” Jace replied. “Dad has been super strict lately. I’ll send you some money-come to Pelens instead.”
Katie’s enthusiasm deflated. “Jace, we’re both trapped. I can’t leave either!”
“I was hoping you’d come to get me!”
“What’s going on?” Jace asked, suddenly serious. “Are you being held against your will? It’s just your grandma, right? You can’t handle her?”
Katie sighed, her fingers typing quickly. “If it were just that old hag, it’d be fine. But Flynn, that bastard, sent people to watch me.
“There are seven or eight big, burly men guarding me day and night. Even leaving the house means being followed.”
“Flynn? The same Flynn who helped Rose?” Jace’s tone grew grave.
Flynn… wasn’t that Lord Valerian Nox?
“Yeah, Jace. You wouldn’t believe how disgusting he is. My grandma saved his mother’s life, and yet he won’t even give me a job.
“Do you know, ten years ago, when a hundred Grandmasters came to Niarak to hunt his mother, my grandma’s family helped her escape.
“My grandpa even died because of it.
“With such a great debt of gratitude, is it too much to ask for a job as an executive? His Orco Real Estate is worth billions now. Would it kill him to make me a manager? But that bastard never shows me any respect!”
As Katie’s messages poured in, Jace’s pupils dilated in shock. He drew in a sharp breath, muttering, “Ten years ago… the Adrianna who was hunted by a hundred Grandmasters… she’s Lord Valerian Nox’s mother!”
“Father!” Jace shouted, turning pale. “Something big has happened! Flynn is Adrianna’s son!”