The Marian Hotel’s royal hall was open for the first time in years. It was the grandest banquet location not only in the hotel but in the entire county.Silas Anderson had built it a decade back with a donation from the royal family of Petra. The large scintillating chandeliers, rare imported fixtures, mosaic stone walls, Tuscany marble floors, and Barcelona glass tables gave the banquet hall a resemblance to something from a Victorian fantasy novel.However, the hall was almost empty even though the entry time had approached. The reason was—even though the Douglas family had announced a grand banquet, they never sent out invitations.However, a large crowd gathered outside the hall, waiting to be allowed inside. It comprised top billionaires of Petra County, top celebrities, senators and congressmen, eminent artist figures, and so on.The banquet herald summoned individuals one by one from a pre-determined list. The elite crowd gathered could only hope against hope that their names o

“Tyler Grant!” the herald called out. Natalie led Tyler into the banquet hall with linked arms. Guests had already occupied seventy percent of the tables. They felt utterly privileged to be part of the chosen ones and were sorry about those who were turned away.The bigwigs gathered in the hall craned their necks to see who the new entrant was. However, the name ‘Tyler Grant’ was entirely unfamiliar to them.“I’ve never heard of the Grant family. Are they new in Sapphire City?”“Even the Cooper family hasn’t been let inside yet. Is he a bigger deal than them?”“Why is the Anderson heiress walking beside the young man with linked arms? Is he her boyfriend?”“Has Silas already chosen a son-in-law?”While Tyler paid no attention to the intrusive comments, Natalie blushed like a tomato. She took all son-in-law jibes to her heart. The beauty wondered if she would really end up with Tyler as her husband. The prospect of it brought warmth to her heart but also caused her immense anxiety.“Ar

The royal banquet resumed with even livelier spirits than before. Delicious foods were served, and the most expensive liquor flowed. The musicians started playing more upbeat tunes.In the beginning, many eminent guests rose and made toasts to the Prince and his beautiful granddaughter. Malcolm stood up and delivered a touching speech about Sapphire City’s bright future. It was one of the most successful social events of the decade for Sapphire City.Subsequently, the guests broke into small groups, taking up tables or corners of the hall for private conversations. Even though they came to dine with the Prince of Petra, their main objective was to tap into new business opportunities.The royal banquet was an excellent platform for launching new deals, signing ambitious projects, and mending broken bridges. The Douglas family’s influence was a protective umbrella under which the builders and traders of the city felt secure and motivated.Michelle excused herself from the central table

Chet looked like he had seen a ghost. He withdrew his fist and jumped back a few yards. The man’s eyes darted from Tyler to his own hand in confusion. Did the young man casually stop his powerful ironheart attack? It didn’t even appear he was hurt or budged from his position.Chet had reinforced his fist and intended to land an attack on Dwayne’s chest, crushing his lungs and heart in the process. It would have led to instant death and a triumphant victory for him. However, Tyler’s interference foiled his plan.Did the technique not work last time? Yes, that was more likely.“Who the fuck are you, kid?” Chet demanded. “Are you suicidal or what? Do you want to die for a bastard like Dwayne?”“I plan to live a long life, actually,” Tyler replied calmly.“You got lucky, kid,” the gangster went on. “I was too distracted, and it resulted in the failure of my technique. I am giving you a last chance to run away. If you come in my way again, your death is inevitable!”Tyler took off his coat

Tyler was taken aback by Derek's abrupt submission to him. "Train you? Take you under my wing? I don't see how the Captain of the mighty Indigo Order could learn anything from an ex-convict?"The Indigo Captain lowered his eyes as he recalled he had tried to humiliate Tyler with similar words. "I have fought in brutal wars and survived hundreds of deathly battles. However, never have I come across someone as gifted in martial arts as you are. I recognize you as truly strong, Mr. Grant. On the other hand, I found myself grossly incompetent to protect the Prince when faced with the lunatic Chet Barker. It brought shame to me and my order. Acknowledging my weaknesses, I submit myself to your tutelage. I want to become stronger to be worthy of being the Prince's royal guard again. Please accept me as a student!""But-"Malcolm smiled warmly and spoke up. "Mr. Grant… If you are worried about my safety, that is unnecessary. I will take up residence with Michelle in the Crest Tier of Sterling