2025-01-20 14:19:41“Then why are you here?” she demanded, believing he was just lying.
“To attend the auction,” Raymond replied simply, his voice steady.
Immediately Dahlia’s jaw tightened, disbelief flashing across her face. “You’re attending the auction?” she repeated, as if the words themselves were ridiculous. “Raymond, do you even hear yourself? You’re making a fool of yourself. Just return the card and stop this before it gets worse.”
Raymond’s gaze remained steady, his voice calm but firm.
“I don’t need your concern, Dahlia. You’ve already made it clear where we stand.”
Seeing Raymond's attitude Caleb smirked with disdain.
“You should leave,” he said, his tone dripping with superiority. “This place isn’t for people like you. You’ll only embarrass yourself further. And Dahlia—stop wasting your time on him. The last thing you need is to be associated with his mess. It’s wise of you to have dumped him. No women would like to be with such trash!”
However, before Raymond could respond, a voice cut through the noise like a blade.
“Darling, sorry for keeping you waiting!” the voice said, warm and intimate.
Immediately the crowd turned in unison as Malisa stepped into view, her presence commanding instant attention.
She was strikingly beautiful, her tailored dress highlighting her graceful figure. Her sharp eyes carried a quiet authority.
Compared to her, even Dahlia’s polished appearance seemed dimmed, her usual poise suddenly overshadowed.
Malisa’s strides were confident, purposeful, and as she reached Raymond, she slipped her arm through his with effortless familiarity, and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her smile teasing but affectionate.
Immediately Raymond’s eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly understood her intent.
She was trying to help him. He said nothing, choosing instead to play along, though the unexpected closeness sent a faint ripple of unease through him.
At that moment Celeb’s smirk froze, his confidence faltering as he processed what was happening. His eyes flickered between Malisa and Raymond, disbelief clouding his expression.
Dahlia’s lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Darling?” she echoed, the word hanging in the air.
Malisa turned to face her, her sharp eyes gleaming with an almost imperceptible smirk. “Yes, darling,” she said, her tone dripping with gentle mockery. “Is there a problem?”
The crowd, initially silent, began whispering in shock and envy.
Malisa’s beauty and elegance were impossible to ignore, and the way she clung to Raymond with such intimacy shattered the image they had of him as “just a nobody.”
“She’s stunning,” another murmured, their eyes fixed on Malisa.
“How did he…?”Caleb, standing stiffly beside Dahlia, clenched his jaw.
Dahlia’s composure faltered, her fists clenching at her sides. “Raymond,” she began, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and something else—jealousy. “So, this is why you’re here? You’ve… moved on so quickly?”
Before Raymond could respond, Malisa tightened her grip on his arm and leaned closer, her head tilting toward his shoulder.
“We were planning to keep things quiet for a little while,” she said smoothly, her eyes twinkling with feigned innocence. “But I suppose there’s no point in hiding it now.”
Dahlia’s face flushed red, her jealousy barely concealed beneath her anger.
Caleb stood rigid, his eyes narrowing as he watched Malisa lean into Raymond with an easy familiarity. The way she rested her hand lightly on his arm, the warmth in her tone when she addressed him—it all struck a nerve.
He couldn't believe that right after being dumped by Dahlia, Raymond was, already appearing close to a woman who was, frankly, breathtaking.
However he couldn't hide his anger anymore.
“ Well I will advise you to stay away from that man.”
Celeb pointed at Raymond.
“He's poor and useless, and I don't understand whatever he must have said to you, he's a liar and don't allow him to trick you.”
At that moment Malisa's jaw tightened.
“ Do I look like someone who can be tricked in your eyes? Malisa Black, senior director of Sky High Bank, I'm smarter than that.”
Upon hearing what Malisa just said, Caleb’s eyes widened in shock.
“Senior director of Sky High Bank?”
He couldn't believe what he just heard. Sky High Bank is just the largest in the country and has businesses spanning all over the world. Though his family was one of the four major families in the city, they were still nothing compared to the Sky High Bank, that’s why he only managed to get their platinum card.
While as the senior director of the bank, Malisa even has the power to decide on major investments and partnerships in this city.
And he couldn't believe such a woman was clinging onto that bastard!
He glanced at Raymond, his eyes narrowing, then whispered to Dahlia who was still in shock.
“It all makes sense now,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “He was able to get away from the card thief, and get his way here all because of her.”
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Dahlia’s hands tightened around her clutch, but she forced her face to remain calm, trying to ignore the fact that Raymond had moved on with someone who looked far more capable and connected than she had imagined.But so what? He was still trying to rely on women to make a living.Thinking of that, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. She snorted, forcing herself to look away, and entered the hall with Caleb.As they entered the glittering hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, and the murmurs of influential voices filled the space. They knew the kind of connection Caleb, and his family can control.And they would do anything to be in his favor for any kind of collaboration from them.Caleb, standing tall beside Dahlia, soaked it all in. His self-assured smirk widened as several guests approached them, eager to greet him.“Mr. Caleb!” A middle-aged man in a tailored suit extended his hand with a wide smile. “It’s an honor t
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Upon hearing what Raymond just said.Caleb’s face darkened, his jaw tightening as he glared at Raymond. It was clearly a deliberate provocation to him. “Yours? Well, let’s see how you can get it, loser!” He smirked scornfully, already planning to teach him a harsh lesson later.His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair as resentment bubbled beneath his composed exterior. The other guests exchanged amused glances, their laughter muffled but unmistakable. They whispered among themselves, eager to witness the inevitable embarrassment they believed Raymond was walking into.“Such arrogance,” one man muttered, shaking his head. “Let’s see how he plans to follow through.”“I know he’s all talk,” another woman said, leaning in to her companion. “This will be entertaining.”Not long after the auction finally began, the room fell into an anticipatory hush as the first items were introduced. Lavish jewelry, rare antiques, and expensive art pieces were displayed one a
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The number echoed across the hall, silencing the faint murmurs. immediately gasps rippled through the crowd, their admiration palpable.“Such generosity,” someone whispered, their tone full of awe.“No wonder he’s part of the Blake family,” another chimed in.Meanwhile, Caleb basked in the praise, already imagining the ring being placed in his hands.The room had gone silent.No one dared to outbid him, knowing it was just a waste of time. But just as the auctioneer prepared to call out the final sale, a calm, steady voice interrupted.“Fifty million.”Immediately the room froze. All heads turned in unison toward Raymond, their expressions ranging from shock to disbelief.“Did… did he just…?” someone stammered, their voice trailing off.“Is he serious?” another whispered, eyes wide with astonishment. Upon hearing what Raymond just said, Caleb leaned back in his chair, his smirk growing wider.His eyes darted between Raymond and Malisa, convinced that whatever boldness Raymond showe
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Raymond glanced at Caleb, sneered.“You can verify all you want, I'm not stopping you.”Upon hearing what Raymond just said, some of the guests gaze at him disgustingly.“Look at him, acting all high and mighty,” sneered a voice from the crowd.“Who does he think he's fooling?" another chimed in. “We all remember how he lived off Dahlia's money before he got a divorce.”Immediately more whispers rippled through the gathering.“A man who couldn't even keep his own house running, now claims to have such wealth?”“Pathetic,” someone spat.“He'll embarrass himself, just wait and see,” another voice called out.However Through it all, Raymond stood still, his face a mask of serenity. Their words, sharp as they were, couldn't pierce the quiet certainty he carried within.However Dahlia watched from the sidelines, shaking her head at her ex-husband's display. Deep down, she knew Raymond didn't have that kind of money - it was just another one of his elaborate acts that would end in embarra
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Upon hearing what Mr.Drake just said.Caleb stood frozen, his face drained of all color. His mind raced as Mr.Drake’s words echoed in his head. Kicked out of the association? Without being told he knew the importance, the implications were catastrophic. The business connections, the influence, the deals—it was all tied to the association. Losing that membership would cripple his family’s business.“President Drake,” Caleb stammered, stepping forward with desperation in his eyes. “Please, this must be a misunderstanding. I was only trying to maintain order. I didn’t mean to—”Immediately Mr.Drake’s icy glare cut him off. “Enough,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Your actions tonight have embarrassed this institution.” His gaze flicked toward Raymond, making the tension in the room even heavier.At that moment Caleb swallowed hard, his knees threatening to buckle. “I’ll make it right,” he pleaded. “Please, President Drake, reconsider—”But Drake didn't even flinch. Wi
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Raymond leaned back slightly, his brows furrowing as he studied the man standing before him.Drake’s demeanor was unexpected—calm, composed, and, surprisingly, respectful. For someone with his reputation, Raymond had anticipated arrogance or at least a hint of superiority.Then Raymond opened his mouth to speak, but before he could form the words, Drake raised a hand, his expression unchanging but firm. “Master. Raymond,” he began, his voice low and steady, “this isn’t the place for the conversation we need to have. I’d prefer we continue this in private.”Hearing what Drake just said, Raymond’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. “Private? What’s this about?”Drake’s lips curved into a faint, polite smile. “All will be explained, I assure you. But for now, let’s move to a more appropriate setting.”Raymond hesitated before nodding curtly. “Lead the way.”He had a strong feeling that whatever Drake was about to say had something to do with his past.Drake n
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Raymond frowned, his skepticism clear. “A key? To what? It’s just a ring.”Immediately Drake shook his head, a faint smile touching his lips as if he had expected this response. “It contains energy, Master Raymond. A power your family has safeguarded for generations. But it’s dormant—waiting for the right moment and the right person to awaken it.”Hearing what Drake just said, Raymond’s confusion deepened, his gaze shifting between the ring and Drake. “And you think I’m the right person?”“I know you are,” Drake replied firmly. “But to access it, we need something only you can provide—your blood.”Raymond stiffened, leaning back slightly. “My blood? What are you planning to do with it?”“Only what’s necessary,” Drake said calmly. “The ring was crafted to respond to your lineage. A single drop of your blood will awaken it. Trust me—this isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace.”However Raymond hesitated, the weight of Drake’s words pressing down on him. He glanced at the
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As quickly as the thought came, it vanished, replaced by an unshakable certainty.“I can do this,” he thought, his jaw tightening with resolve. “This technique was meant for someone with exceptional talent. And I’m one of the rare few who can control it.”A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and in that instant, his entire aura changed. It was as if something deep inside him had awakened—a force so powerful that the air around him seemed to grow heavier. A chilling pressure radiated from him, enough to make an ordinary person instinctively step back.Yet, beneath this newfound power, he could still feel it—that invisible shackle in his mind, something holding him back, suppressing what he had lost. His memories were locked away behind this barrier, and until he broke through, he would never truly know who he was.But he had a lead now. The information he got from the ring had revealed a path: to undo the seal, he needed ten ancient herbs, ones so precious they were almost impossible t
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Chapter 24
Deborah, seated beside her, adjusted her glasses and turned to look. “Mayor Vincent? What’s he doing here?”As they stepped out of the vehicle, they immediately picked up on the hushed conversations from the small crowd near the entrance.“I still can’t believe it,” someone muttered. “The Mayor actually bowed to him!”“I’ve never seen him treat anyone with that level of respect before,” another said, his voice filled with disbelief.“Who is that man?” a woman asked, her curiosity evident.Hearing the whisper Dahlia slowed her pace, her interest piqued. She exchanged a glance with Deborah before casually adjusting the strap of her purse. “Did you hear that?” she asked, her tone calm but watchful.Deborah nodded, lowering her voice. “They’re saying Vincent personally greeted someone. Not just greeted—bowed respectfully.”Dahlia’s eyes widened slightly. Vincent Crane was not a man who bowed to anyone. He was one of the most influential figures in the city’s political sphere, known f
Chapter 23
The morning light streamed through the grand windows of Celestial Manor, casting a soft glow over the polished floors. Raymond sat on the plush leather couch, sipping a cup of black coffee. His mind was sharp, his body energized from the cultivation he had practiced all night.Just then, his phone vibrated on the coffee table. He glanced at the screen—Malisa.He picked up.“Hello, Malisa.”At that moment Raymond’s phone buzzed again, and when he glanced at the screen, Malisa's name flashed across it.He answered, his tone indifferent. “Hello Malisa, What is it?”On the other end, Malisa let out a soft chuckle. “That’s not how you greet someone who’s inviting you to dinner.”Raymond raised an eyebrow slightly. “You’re inviting me to dinner?”“Mhm.” Her voice was casual, but there was something playful beneath the surface. “Don’t look so surprised. I didn’t get the chance to properly thank you for saving my grandfather yesterday.”Raymond leaned back, resting one arm on the couch. “
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Raymond stepped into the car without a word, his presence commanding without effort. Sophia shut the door and quickly took her place behind the wheel, merging smoothly onto the road.As they drove, Sophia’s tone was measured. “Sir, I’ve arranged for you to stay at Celestial Manor.”Hearing the word, Raymond arched his brow slightly. Celestial Manor.He had heard of it.Not just anyone could live there. Money alone wasn’t enough— power is needed, status, and influence. Even some of the city’s wealthiest figures had been denied when they tried to purchase some property in the Estate.At that moment the car smoothly glided through the elite district, past extravagant mansions that paled in comparison to what lay ahead. As they neared Celestial Manor, whispers began to rise among the residents.“Who owns that car?” one man murmured, stepping off his porch to get a better look.“I’ve never seen that vehicle before,” his wife whispered, eyes wide with curiosity.“Wait—are they heading to
Chapter 21
Later that evening, Dahlia sat in her office, the dim glow of the city skyline reflecting off the floor-to-ceiling windows. The office was quiet except for the rhythmic tapping of her pen against the polished wooden desk.She was lost in thought, reviewing financial projections that didn’t look promising when her phone buzzed beside her. She glanced at the screen.Caleb.She hesitated. The last time she had seen Caleb, he had been humiliated; his family was kicked out of the city's largest business association by Mr.Drake. It had been a public affair.Her finger hovered over the screen before she finally swiped to answer.“Caleb.”“Dahlia,” his voice came smooth and confident, as if the recent disaster had never occurred. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”At that moment Dahlia leaned back in her chair, tapping the pen against her fingers. How is he still acting so composed?“That depends,” she said coolly. “Is everything alright? Why are you calling?”Caleb let ou
CHAPTER 20
Immediately the leader stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I-it was Caleb! He wanted revenge for what you did to him! so he paid us to teach you a bitter lesson.” Upon hearing It was Caleb, Raymond's eyes narrowed, a cold fury burning within them. He tightened his grip on the thug's collar, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “Listen carefully. You're going to deliver a message to Caleb for me. If he ever dares to come after me again, it won't be just your legs that get broken. Next time, he'll be the one in pieces. Understood?” Immediately he nodded his head. “Yes...understand” Then Raymond let go of him and walked away.At the same time, Caleb paced back and forth in the meeting point, his heart pounding with anticipation. He eagerly awaited the news of Raymond's demise, a triumphant grin playing on his lips. However, his excitement was short-lived as the door burst open, revealing his battered and bruised thugs, limping and groaning in pain. At tha
Chapter 19
The old man’s face lit up. “Ah, Mr. Raymond, you’re in luck. I am the president of the city’s medical association. In a few days, we’re hosting a grand medical conference. It’s the biggest event of the year—experts from all over the world will be there, presenting groundbreaking research, showcasing rare herbs, and even electing the new state presidents for the medical associations. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”Raymond’s eyes widened, a flicker of excitement breaking through his usual calm demeanor. “Rare herbs? From all over the world?”“Exactly,” the old man said with a smile. “And as a token of my gratitude, I’d like to give you this.” He pulled out a sleek, black VIP card embossed with gold lettering. “This is one of only ten in the entire country. It grants you access to every exhibit, every presentation, and every exclusive event at the conference. If the herbs you’re looking for exist, you’ll find them there.”Raymond took the card, his fingers brushing over the intr
Chapter 18
Kelly pulled Raymond aside, his face flushed with embarrassment. He glanced around nervously, making sure no one else was within earshot, before leaning in closer. “Dr. Raymond, I need your help,” he whispered, his voice shaky. “It’s...uh...a problem. You know, down there.” He awkwardly gestured toward his lower body.Raymond raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but with a hint of amusement. He crossed his arms and leaned casually against the wall. “Let me guess. You can’t get it up, huh? The same problem you laughed at me for when I offered to help others?”Kelly’s shoulders slumped, and he looked like a kicked puppy. “Please, Dr. Raymond. I’m desperate. It’s ruining my life. I’ll do anything.”Raymond studied him for a moment, his gaze sharp but composed. Finally, he sighed. “Alright, I’ll help you. But if you keep overindulging with women after this, don’t come crying to me. Got it?”Kelly nodded so hard it looked like his head might fall off. “Thank you, Dr. Raymond! I swear I’l
Chapter 17
His eyes settled on her, warmth returning to them. “Malisa... I feel—” He paused, flexing his fingers before touching his chest. “I feel... strong again.”“Father?” Malisa's father stepped forward, voice shaking. His hands trembled as he touched his father's wrist, feeling the strong, steady pulse.Immediately Malisa‘s grandfather sat up straight. No wheezing. No tremors. He looked at his hands in wonder.Kelly, who minutes ago had called Raymond a fraud, stood frozen. The blood drained from his face as he watched his uncle move with ease. His mouth opened, but no words came.“How...is this even possible.” Dr Nathaniel. stumbled back. Twenty years of medical experience hadn't prepared him for this. He checked the monitors again, rubbing his eyes. “These readings... they're better than before he got sick.”At that moment Malisa's father looked at Raymond, really looked at him for the first time. Gone was the arrogant businessman who'd dismissed him. Now he just stood there, strugg
Chapter 16
At that moment Malisa stepped forward, her tone firm. “Dr. Nathaniel, he’s the only one who has made any progress. Grandfather’s condition was deteriorating before he started.”Dr. Nathaniel scoffed. “That Nonsense. Traditional medicine like this is unreliable. This so-called treatment is reckless at best. I won’t allow my patient to be subjected to unproven methods.”However Raymond’s expression remained calm, but his voice carried a warning. “Removing those needles now will put him in immediate danger. His body is still adjusting.”Dr. Nathaniel ignored him and turned to Malisa’s father. “Do you trust an amateur, or do you trust the years of expertise I bring? If we let this continue, we may never stabilize him again.”At that moment Malisa's father hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his face. The rest of the family, still skeptical of Raymond, murmured in agreement.“Pull them out,” Malisa’s father finally ordered.Malisa’s eyes widened. “No! Don’t—”Before she could sto
