Lord Valerian Nox’s voice thundered like the hammer of a god, echoing across the heavens. Even the clouds seemed to rumble faintly, the sound spreading for miles, rolling like a storm. The sheer force of his voice created visible ripples in the air, waves of sound radiating outward, layer upon layer, like an ultrasonic ripple.
It was terrifying.
It was vast.
It was absolute.
The roar of a god, unstoppable and commanding.
Even though the bodyguards had shielded their respective masters with inner strength to protect them from harm, the group still fell to their knees in terror. Their souls and spirits trembled, almost shattering under the immense pressure.
“Oh my god! No wonder he’s an Earthly Sovereign! His voice alone can shake the heavens and earth!”
“That was terrifying! Thank goodness we anticipated this. Otherwise, even from miles away, our masters wouldn’t have survived the impact!”
“Yeah, but Lord Valerian Nox is so bold! How dare he tell the people from Sleeve to get lost?”
The bodyguards, still shaken, whispered among themselves.
Arthur Everett and Milton Gray wore grim expressions.
Who were they representing?
Talon Emberhart.
And yet, Lord Valerian Nox had told them to leave. Who was he insulting?
Such audacity! This was the arrogance of youth-rising to fame too early, drunk on his own success, even daring to disregard Sleeve.
Did this boy think being an Earthly Sovereign made him invincible?
In Sleeve, he was still nothing!
Talon Emberhart saw his potential and wanted to recruit and nurture him-did the boy think he was being fawned over?
Paxton, ever the sly old fox, quickly noticed the discomfort of Everett and Gray. Sensing the tension, he stepped in as a mediator.
“Gentlemen, there’s no need to be upset,” Paxton said with a conciliatory smile. “Ignorance is no crime. Lord Valerian Nox is young; he may not understand Sleeve’s true significance. Perhaps he assumes it’s just like any other department. That’s why he didn’t take you seriously.”
He paused, then added with a confident tone, “Leave it to me. I’ll persuade him to join.”
Paxton’s words successfully shifted the blame onto Lord Valerian Nox, soothing Arthur Everett and Milton Gray.
Milton Gray, seizing the opportunity, said, “Cultivators are known for their boldness. We at Sleeve are not petty people.”
“Sleeve is willing to give Lord Valerian Nox a chance. Persuading him is now your responsibility,” he said, looking at Paxton.
Lord Valerian Nox’s potential was undeniable. With tensions growing between Talon Emberhart and Maxwell Grey, Sleeve needed to recruit more talents to secure its position. This was a rare opportunity, and Milton Gray decided to give Lord Valerian Nox another chance. It also demonstrated that Sleeve was open-minded when it came to recruiting talent.
“Certainly, I’ll make sure to have a good conversation with Lord Valerian Nox!” Paxton promised with a smile.
A perfect excuse to meet Lord Valerian Nox had presented itself.
Arthur Everett and Milton Gray soon left, heading to Eahta to resume their duties.
“Vicente, quickly introduce Sleeve to Lord Valerian Nox!” Paxton ordered, winking at his son.
Vicente Clark immediately understood. He raised his voice, shouting toward the mountaintop, “Godfather, Sleeve is the most terrifying department in Ostrad, without exception, led by Talon Emberhart. It’s…”
He began rambling, weaving truths and fabrications together, boasting about Sleeve’s power and influence as if it were the most formidable force in the world.
At that moment, the setting sun cast its golden glow over the distant mountains. The peaks, shrouded in mist, were bathed in hues of deep gold, creating a dreamlike landscape.
Standing by the railing, Olive gazed at the breathtaking scenery.
Behind her, Flynn was pouring another drink for Scott Chilton, who downed it in one gulp and grinned mischievously, signaling for another. The two men were engrossed in their drinking game, completely ignoring Vicente Clark’s exaggerated speech.
But Olive frowned, glancing down at the foothills. “Flynn, they’re so noisy. With such a beautiful view, there shouldn’t be such clamor.”
Flynn and Scott Chilton froze mid-laugh, their smiles stiffening.
Scott Chilton drained his glass and said to Flynn, “Kid, isn’t it time to give the Clark family a heads-up?”
Flynn nodded, standing tall on the observation deck. Looking down at the mountain base, he declared, “Four days from now, I will personally visit the Clark family!”
His voice reverberated like divine thunder, rolling across the mountains. Even from miles away, his words were heard loud and clear.
Paxton was stunned, his eyes wide with shock. He shouted back, “Wonderful! That’s excellent news! But…” He hesitated, suddenly realizing something. “Four days from now is my wife’s birthday. With so many guests around, I’m afraid it might offend Lord Valerian Nox.”
Flynn’s voice boomed again, shaking the valley. “No matter. I’ll bring her a fitting gift!”
What?!
Lord Valerian Nox was going to give Tessa Watson a gift?
Paxton’s jaw dropped. He quickly bowed toward the mountaintop, shouting, “Thank you for your kindness, brother!”
“The Clark family will spare no effort to prepare! Ten miles of red carpet will line the way to welcome you!”
Lord Valerian Nox was going to visit the Clark family in person-and bring a gift.
This could only mean one thing: He had accepted Vicente Clark as his godson and acknowledged the Clark family’s allegiance.
Why else would he visit? Why else would he bring a gift?
This was confirmation-they were now family. His sister-in-law’s birthday deserved his attention, and he was going to show it.
The Clark family’s future was secure. Absolutely secure.
Paxton’s cunning had paid off. He had seized an impossible situation and turned it in their favor.
The crowd marveled at his skill, silently cursing him for his opportunism. But they couldn’t deny his brilliance. Lord Valerian Nox had been unwilling to meet, but with Sleeve’s involvement, Paxton turned the tide.
Tessa Watson, overcome with gratitude, said, “Thank you, Lord Valerian Nox. Thank you! Your presence will make my birthday unforgettable. The Clark family is honored!”
John Woods staggered.
The Clark family had no real advantage-except for a silver-tongued son. Between a godson and a beautiful wife, anyone would choose the wife.
Yet the Clark family had shamelessly played their hand and won the game.
Layla, watching from the sidelines, was amazed.
But then, a voice from the mountaintop boomed again.
“Layla, is it? You wish to be my wife? Fine! On Tessa Watson’s birthday, follow behind her. After delivering my gift, I will talk to you properly-and to your father.”
What?!
The crowd erupted.
Cora Caldwell and others turned to Layla, their faces full of envy.
Layla’s dream had come true.
Lord Valerian Nox had said “wife,” not just “lover.” He wanted to talk to Layla-and her father!
This could only mean one thing: He was serious about marriage.
Layla’s hands trembled with excitement.
Lord Valerian Nox wanted to talk to her? To ask her questions?
What questions?
If she was pure? If she had ever dated anyone?
None of it mattered.
Apart from Flynn, who made her feel sick, she had never had a boyfriend. She hadn’t even held a man’s hand.
She was pure. Absolutely pure.
Layla smiled, her heart racing with anticipation. She couldn’t wait for Tessa Watson’s birthday.