Kian took in their faces which had gone completely white from fear. He shrugged nonchalantly, "I don't like it when someone threatens me." No one could refute his words. Not even Master Russell who was grieving his son and was filled with resentment had the courage to speak. Kian swept his gaze around the room until his eyes landed on one young master who was hiding away. "You called me a stray bastard earlier, didn't you?" "No!" The young man trembled and shook his head. He didn't hesitate to point fingers at Preston's corpse. "He was the one who said it, not me." "But you did call me a bastard, didn't you?" As Kian asked, he walked towards the young man. "I... No... I... Didn't..." The man stammered but before he could complete his words, SWISH! Another knife had already cut through the air and pierced his chest, stabbing his heart. He staggered backwards and hit the wall. As he slid slowly to the ground, he left a bloody trail on the wall. "You bastard, I'll kill

Charlotte and Christopher Blackwood were startled. Kian's mocking smile was terrifying. It appeared like he was taunting them. Charlotte's beautiful eyes turned red with anger and she remained silent. Veins popped on the forehead of her brother. He was quite unwilling but he couldn't handle such pressure so he lowered his head and gritted out, "My Blackwood's family announces withdrawal. We won't interfere in the mine's affairs anymore." "Brother!" Charlotte wanted to protest but Christopher held her back and shook his head. Her face shone with resentment but due to her brother's warning gaze, she didn't speak anymore. "Okay... Your actions and words are sincere enough. I'll hold you all to your words," Kian swept his gaze around the room and nodded with a smile. The imperial families heaved a sigh of relief but their relief was short-lived when he suddenly told them, "However, Valoria Prime isn't a city anyone can enter and just leave as they please. You have all made

As soon as Kian walked out of the reserved room, the strong murderous aura over him disappeared without trace. Footsteps reverberated in the hallway as someone approached him. "Keep an eye on those imperial families," He instructed the person in a casual tone, his gaze flicking back to the room he had just exited. "If anyone attempts to escape, kill them!" "Yes sir," Wesley nodded and retreated. Kian walked out of the restaurant lost in thoughts but his steps faltered when he caught sight of someone pacing to and fro in front of the restaurant. Savannah hadn't noticed him and was still mumbling something to herself. Her beautiful face was filled with anxiety. Didn't he tell her to go home? Was this woman so worried the imperial families would deal with him she couldn't leave? She stood all alone outside the restaurant in this cold... He suddenly regretted getting his jacket soiled. He could have draped it over her delicate shoulders. Nevertheless, he walked forward with a

Alexander's eyes darted from his beautiful bride-to-be to his younger half-brother, Anthony who was glaring at him with resentful eyes. Alexander's lips curled up with a mocking smile. Anthony was now mute and although he was glaring resentfully, there was nothing the bastard could do! Now that Anthony was mute and utterly useless, Alexander's position as the future successor of the family was cemented. His competitor was out of the way once and for all! 'And I only have that bastard to thank for this,' Alexander's smile widened. This was all because of Kian. Alexander's eyes darted to his crippled legs. This injury was worth it. "Let the feast begin!" Thomas Sinclair laughed and waved his hands, gesturing to the servants. The courtyard soon echoed with happy cheers and laughter. After a while when the feast and celebrations had started, Jonathan raised his cup and cheered with Thomas. After draining the contents of the cup, he suddenly posed a question that's been trou

There was a big armchair in one corner of the room by a bookshelf. The book shelf was broken and completely ruined. The chair itself was nothing to write home about. After years of neglect, it had been destroyed by moths and was in a miserable state. But Kian could still see a beautiful middle-aged woman sitting on the armchair. A pair of medicated glasses on her face, a teacup in one hand and a book in the other. 'Mom, are you reading one of those romance books again? You already have dad. Why do you still read about fictional men?' Kian would always tease his mother whenever he popped in from work and found her reading. 'I spent the best of my youth dating your father... I didn't have time to read these books. Now he has lost most of the manly charms I fell for. This is my only escape from reality.' Kian's lips twisted with a smile; he could still hear his mother's teasing response. And that was when his father would grumble, 'I heard that.' A bitter laughter escaped from