"Sheila! They're lying!" Vivian was concerned about the situation. She continued, "All this talk about saving you and repaying their kindness is nonsense. From the moment Dustin approached you, it was all part of his master plan to win your favor. Don't be fooled by him!"Evan interjected, "She's right, Sheila! He's a sly guy with hidden motives. You have to be careful!"As she listened to them, Sheila's momentary guilt vanished. She realized that Dustin's actions were not out of genuine kindness. Instead, he had ulterior motives. She saw his true nature yesterday. And now, she no longer felt any obligation or kindness toward him.Sheila took a deep breath and glanced at Dustin. "Dustin! I don't want to see you anymore. Please leave.""You—"Just as Cornelius was about to say something, Dustin interrupted him.Dustin looked disappointed. "Miss Murray, it seems you don't like me. Then, I'll leave now. Goodbye." With that, he turned and walked to the door.He noticed her deter
"Is this punk looking for trouble?" Caden narrowed his eyes, his expression hostile.Diego, who was sitting with the other guests, couldn't help but smile mischievously. "Well, this is getting interesting."After what had happened last night, he had expected Dustin to run away and hide. But Dustin's bold appearance at the Murray residence had caught him off guard."The kid's in trouble now! General Murray has his eye on him. He won't get away today!" Evan chuckled maliciously. "He brought it upon himself! He could've left earlier and avoided the whole mess. But no, he chose to stay and become a pain in the ass. He really wants to be in trouble!" Vivian sneered, her face filled with gloating satisfaction.They believed Christopher had learned what had happened to Jayden and wanted revenge."General Murray, please accept my well wishes. I've some other matters to take care of, so I'll take my leave," Dustin said. He bowed courteously and walked away."Stop!"Evan suddenly lunged
"Ouch!"Evan and Vivian winced at the unexpected slap that caught them off guard. They held their burning cheeks, confused by the sudden turn of events. They couldn't understand Christopher's actions, especially since Dustin was the troublemaker. The Murray family and their guests were also baffled. No one had expected Christopher to slap someone out of anger on his special day."General … General Murray." Evan tried to argue. "Did you confuse us with someone else? This punk is causing trouble and should be dealt with."Vivian added, "Yes, General Murray, he even assaulted Mr. Murray last night. He committed a crime and should be punished." She believed that Christopher might not know the truth."Quiet!" Christopher glowered at them. His authoritative voice filled the room. He continued, "Dustin saved my granddaughter's life. He's the savior of the Murray family and my most esteemed guest. Any more of this nonsense, and I'll have you removed!"Anxiety set in as Evan and V
As more and more guests arrived, there was a great commotion in the banquet hall."Hello, I'm the regional chief of Aurumvale. I wish General Murray a year filled with health and happiness!" "I'm Cullen Avery from Advantia. May General Murray's birthday be as wonderful as the memories you've created.""I'm the president of the Haydon Group. I wish General Murray a birthday filled with love and gratitude!" After their arrival was announced, a group of well-dressed guests entered the room. Among them were leading military leaders, mayors, affluent business moguls, and prominent figures. They all had rare and valuable gifts with them. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us. Please, take your seats," Edgar, the next family patriarch, warmly welcomed the guests. Christopher, the man of the hour, acknowledged the well-wishes with a smile."Sir Gage has arrived!" A clear voice cut through the chatter, and all eyes turned to the entrance. A middle-aged man dressed in whi
A shiver ran down Edgar and Caden's spines as they exchanged uneasy glances. In their family, Gage had always been the golden child. Everyone favored him.The brothers couldn't help but wonder why Christopher wasn't happy about Gage's return. What caused him to put on such a stern expression even though it had been five years? Any past misunderstandings between father and son should have been cleared up long ago."Father, it's my fault for being ignorant and a fool in the past. I'm sorry," Gage said. He showed respect to his father. He continued, "I've reflected on myself over the years, and I know it's my fault. I hope you forgive me.""Hmm?" Christopher raised an eyebrow. He knew Gage's stubbornness, so he was surprised to hear him own up to his past mistakes. After years apart, he had never expected his son to apologize. Gage's change and newfound maturity shocked him."Dad, the past is the past. Gage has admitted his mistakes. Please forgive him," Edgar tried to mediate
Christopher eagerly opened the gift box. But his smile instantly vanished when he saw what was inside. The box contained no precious gift or token of affection but plain white silk.Christopher raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is this the gift you prepared?""What's the matter, Father? Don't you like it?" Gage remained calm and humble."Do you like it?" Christopher's expression grew stern. He exclaimed, "Look what you gave me!" He threw the gift box to the floor, where it cracked open, and the white silk spilled out.The guests in the banquet hall were astounded."What's going on? Why would anyone give the birthday person white cloth?""That's not a white cloth. It's a white silk used for hanging.""White silk? That's strange. Why would anyone give that?""No wonder General Murray was upset. I would be, too. What the hell is Gage thinking?"Whispers and puzzled looks spread through the room. The previously friendly atmosphere grew increasingly tense. "Why did you give this,
A gruesome sound of flesh being cut apart filled the air.Out of nowhere, Gage stabbed Edgar's chest with the knife. Blood oozed from the wound and dripped to the floor."Huh..." Edgar stood frozen, staring in disbelief at the knife lodged in his chest. He never thought his beloved brother would attack him with such ruthlessness.Everyone in the banquet hall was shocked. Who would have thought that Gage, who had been calm and smiling, would attack Edgar? This was no longer a simple drunken fight."You … how could you …" Edgar stammered. He wanted to say more, but the blood gushed from his mouth. Then, his body swayed, and he slumped to the floor."Edgar, don't worry. The blade missed your heart by just an inch. It won't take your life for now. Just lie still and don't make any trouble," Gage said calmly. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his fingers. His demeanor was strangely calm, as if his actions didn't matter. Christopher was furious. "Bastard! How co
The Murray family had a thousand armed forces. It kept order through its formidable presence. "Where are my reinforcements? I need backup, now!" Caden shouted, but there was no response from outside."There's no need to shout. My men have infiltrated the Murray residence. Your soldiers have been defeated," Gage said with a faint smile."That's impossible! You're lying!"Caden's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't imagine the defeat of a thousand well-trained soldiers.Gage calmly explained, "It took five years of preparation to get me here today.""So, you were prepared all along," Caden said. His face darkened as he looked at his surroundings. He continued, "Gage, you're brave and resourceful, but there's one thing you overlooked."Gage asked, "What did I overlook?""Me!" Caden replied. He slowly removed his coat, revealing his muscular physique. He went on, "I've been training for years, and now I'm a semi-grandmaster. Your subordinates won't stand a chance against me