Eleanor sat next to Valeria, who held Eleanor's hand and said: “Do you remember Wilma Leyton, my old friend? She used to visit our home when we were younger.""I vaguely remember. What happened to Aunt Leyton?""She mentioned that there’s a jade auction happening in Stormwatch and invited our family to attend. I thought it’s been a while since we’ve gone out as a family, so I accepted her invitation."As Valeria spoke, she watched Eleanor's expression. Eleanor nodded slightly and said calmly: “That’s fine, we can go.""Good, but bringing along that useless Alexander would be too embarrassing. If she sees him, I won’t know where to hide my face. So, the three of us will go, and we’ll leave Alexander behind."Eleanor froze for a moment before shaking her head: “No.""What do you mean 'no'? You just said it was fine, and now you're changing your mind? Has that useless Alexander brainwashed you or something?" Valeria exclaimed."Regardless, if Alexander doesn’t go, neither will I. You sai

Phineas took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and finally stopped at Riker Pugh’s number.Riker Pugh was a Young Master in Stormwatch. Although his family wasn’t the most powerful there, he had wide connections. It was said that no matter where you went in Stormwatch, people would give Riker some respect.Particularly, Paddy Miller, the big boss of Stormwatch, had frequent dealings with Riker, and they often exchanged young, beautiful women.Not long ago, Riker had approached Phineas to help him secure some investment, and they hit it off immediately. This time, Phineas had come to Stormwatch to attend the jade auction, also at Riker’s invitation.After some hesitation, Phineas decisively pressed the call button, as if he could crush Alexander with just that press.The call quickly connected, and Riker’s slightly roguish voice came through: “Phineas, buddy! Have you arrived in Stormwatch yet?""Yes, I’m here. I need you to do me a favor.""Why are you still being so polit

Alexander and Eleanor left the flower market, strolling around for a while before realizing it was almost time for the auction. They then headed back to the hotel.Rodger and Phineas’ wife sat in the hotel lobby, and upon seeing Alexander and Eleanor return, Valeria raised her hand to wave them over.Seeing Alexander unscathed, looking perfectly fine with no visible injuries, Phineas’ gaze turned suspicious.What was going on?Could it be that Riker Pugh didn’t handle Alexander?Or did Alexander somehow get the better of Riker…?Phineas shook his head. That idea was too far-fetched. If Alexander dared to harm Riker, it would be the height of recklessness. This was Riker's turf, after all, if Alexander had crossed him, he’d likely have been beaten down by Riker's men on the spot.Then, why was Alexander still unscathed?Phineas's mind was filled with question marks.Calling Riker now wouldn’t be the best choice, so Phineas decided he’d ask him at the auction.Valeria's face grew stern,

Phineas didn’t need Riker’s introduction, he had long heard of Paddy Miller’s reputation. Paddy was a top figure in Stormwatch.“So you’re Mr. Paddy? I’ve heard stories of your exploits. I understand you made quite an impression in Golden Harbor back in the day.”“Haha, I used to work under Mr. Pittman in Golden Harbor. Later, he sent me to Stormwatch to expand our territory. He helped me a lot along the way. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”Back then, Paddy had been one of Thorne’s subordinates. For various reasons, Thorne had sent him to Stormwatch to carve out new territory. Paddy proved his capability by uniting all the forces there and becoming the top man in town. Nevertheless, Paddy still held Thorne in high regard, always paying him the utmost respect.“I really appreciate all of you coming to help me. I’ll never forget this favor today and will definitely repay it.” Phineas said, trying to strengthen connections.Seeing that Phineas was still rambling on, Riker grew

Riker wavering, wondered if it might be better to back down for now, then settle things during the stone auction later. Once they competed there, even Thorne and Robert couldn’t object.But if he continued to push, having both powerful figures from Stormwatch and Golden Harbor against Paddy would be too much to handle.Riker nudged Paddy slightly, giving him a subtle nod.Paddy gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger."Mr. Pittman, if you insist, I’ll apologize to him out of respect for our past. But let me be clear—after today, whatever ties we had are over. From now on, we go our separate ways.”Robert snorted, shaking his head in contempt. Paddy’s words were foolish; the situation couldn’t be more obvious, yet he was blind to it."Fine, after this, we’re strangers. Now, apologize to Young Master Reynolds. And you must kneel.”“Kneel? Are you out of your mind? Why should we kneel?” Pete shouted in outrage.Paddy and Riker looked horrified, their faces twisting.Kneel, or not?It wa