2025-01-20 14:20:17Dahlia’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 to see you here. Your family’s reputation precedes you.”
Others quickly followed suit, their voices overlapping as they offered their praise.
“Such a powerful couple you two make,” a woman gushed, glancing at Dahlia with admiration.
“It’s inspiring to see two people with such status together.”
“Yes, a perfect match,” another chimed in, nodding enthusiastically.
Hearing their praise towards her Dahlia managed a polite smile, but her thoughts were elsewhere.
The compliments felt hollow. She glanced again toward Raymond who was still standing quietly with the mysterious woman.
Though he wasn’t surrounded by fawning guests, there was an air of calm about him that seemed... different. For a moment, she wondered if she had really misunderstood him.
However she immediately deleted the thought off her head.
Caleb, meanwhile, basked in the attention.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance. “We are indeed a great match. I’m lucky to have Dahlia by my side.”
Upon hearing what Caleb just said, the crowd murmured their agreement, and Caleb’s grin widened.
Just then, another guest, an older gentleman with sharp eyes, stepped forward.
“I heard there’s something special at tonight’s auction,” he said, his voice laced with intrigue. “A rare vintage ring—part of Mr. Drake’s private collection. You all know him, of course, the president of the city’s largest business association.”
The mention of the ring drew a ripple of interest from the crowd. Someone gasped softly.
“They say it’s one of a kind,” the man continued, glancing around. “I also heard the starting price alone is enough to make most people hesitate to even considering it, but for someone with Mr. Caleb’s standing…” He paused, smiling knowingly.
“Well, it might as well already be yours.”
Hearing what the man just said and his sweet words Caleb chuckled, his pride swelling even further. “Like you just said, the ring is as good as mine,” he declared, his voice loud enough to draw even more attention.
“No one else here has what it takes to outbid me.”
“Speaking as if you have everything under control,” Malisa scoffed, rolling her eyes with disdain. She’d had enough of his stupid arrogance, “ If Raymond wanted to, he could buy out this entire auction house without even trying.”
Her voice cut through the room like a blade, sharp and unwavering.
Immediately the room fell into a stunned silence, the boldness of her statement hanging heavy in the air. Then, as if on cue, a ripple of laughter spread among the guests, their disbelief quickly morphing into scornful amusement.
“Buy the auction house?” a woman snickered, covering her mouth as though the very idea was too absurd to say aloud.
“Does she know who she’s talking about?”
“He’s just a washed-up ex-husband,” another that knew Raymond as Dahlia ex chimed in, shaking his head.
“What kind of trick did he pull to get someone like her to back him up?”
“Maybe she feels sorry for him,” someone else added with a smirk.
The room buzzed with ridicule, the mocking voices blending into a chorus of false amusement.
Caleb leaned back, clearly enjoying the spectacle, his smirk widening as he met Raymond’s calm gaze.
Raymond, however, didn’t flinch. Their words were meaningless noise, background static he had no interest in acknowledging.
He took a slow step forward, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
“I’m not interested in buying the whole auction house,” he said, his tone steady and unbothered. His gaze flicked toward the stage where the ring was displayed under bright lights. “But that ring?” He paused, letting his words sink in.
“That’s mine.”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 8
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
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 9
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. “Ten 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 with each passing moment. His eyes darted between Raymond and Malisa, convinced th
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 10
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
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 11
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
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 12
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
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 13
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
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 14
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
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 15
Not long after Malisa and Raymond arrived at the hospital.The air in the VIP ward was heavy with the scent of antiseptic, the hushed whispers of doctors and nurses filling the space as Raymond and Malisa stepped inside.Malisa’s grandfather lay motionless on the hospital bed. A group of specialists stood nearby, their faces etched with frustration and uncertainty.“We’ve done everything we can,” one of the doctors muttered, shaking his head. “We still can’t determine the root cause.”At that moment Malisa’s brows furrowed in concern before she turned to Raymond. “Let him take a look,” she said firmly. Upon hearing what Malisa just said.A murmur rippled through the room as skeptical glances were exchanged. Then, a sharp voice cut through the tension.At that moment her cousin Kelly looked Raymond up and down, immediately his jaw tightened. “Malisa, you want this thing to have a look at grandfather?”he said with a bitter mockery before facing Raymond "Are you a doctor?”Raymond
Latest Chapter
Chapter 55
Upon hearing what Caleb just said Raymond's jaw tightened a little, he wasn't expecting Caleb to lie so boldly—so shamelessly, right to Dahlia’s face.Standing just a few steps away, he could hear every word. He had no intention of turning back or getting involved further, but Caleb’s voice was impossible to ignore, especially as it dripped with false pride, claiming credit for something he had absolutely no hand in.Then Raymond paused for a second, his expression hardened.Caleb’s tone was smug as he smiled at Dahlia, acting as though he were the hero of the night. “I thought you needed a little lift—something that would make you feel special on your birthday.”Malisa, still by Raymond’s side, shot Caleb a cold glance, her patience snapping. “Unbelievable,” she muttered. “ I can't believe he really said that with a straight face?”Raymond’s voice was low but calm. “Let it go.”“But he’s lying. And she believes him,” Malisa said, frustrated, she saw and heard everything, and she c
Chapter 54
Seeing that Raymond remained unmoved by her subtle flirtation, Malisa felt a small wave of disappointment rise in her chest. She lowered her eyes for a moment, hiding the faint flicker of embarrassment.Then she quickly composed herself. From the little she has known about Raymond she could tell he's not the type to be easily swayed by charm or a playful glance. She should’ve expected this. Still, she had hoped for… something, maybe a reaction, a sign.But instead, all she got was his quiet calm, his steady voice telling her it was time to go.She didn't push any further.Then she stood up, but the Alcohol was beginning to take effect on her now, her legs weren't that strong on the ground anymore.Immediately Raymond walked closer to her.“let me help you”Malisa didn't say anything but agreed.They stepped out of the warm, romantic glow of the private room and into the softly lit corridor that led back to the restaurant entrance. Just as they turned a corner, heading toward the exit
Chapter 53
After Jefferson and Kelly were carried away, the atmosphere outside the venue finally began to settle. The air, once heavy with pressure, now felt light, now breathable. However Raymond didn’t look back. His steps were steady, calm, and unhurried as he walked beside Malisa and Dr. Damien. The chaos they had just walked through seemed like a closed chapter—one Raymond had never been worried about in the first place.At that moment Malisa walked a little closer to him than usual. She didn’t say much, but her eyes kept stealing glances at Raymond’s face. There was something different about him—something deeper than confidence. It was the kind of presence that didn’t need loud words or anger to prove anything. It was the way he remained calm even when everyone else was panicking. That kind of strength couldn't be taught. It could only be earned.However Dr. Damien, on the other hand, was not as quiet.At that moment he cleared his throat softly, as if preparing to ask something importan
Chapter 52
After a brief pause—He nodded. “Fine. I'll accept.” As soon as Raymond took his seat, a man stepped forward hesitantly. It was Zachary. Now—His expression was filled with deep regret. With a polite bow, he took out a black-and-gold bank card and presented it to Raymond. “Dr.Raymond… I was wrong.” His voice was humble, sincere. “I shouldn't have exchanged words with you or doubted you. Please accept this as my apology—there are ten of millions of dollars in this account. Take it as a token of my sincerity.”His hands trembled slightly as he held out the card, the weight of his misjudgment evident in his downcast eyes.Knowing fully well he needs to build a good relationship with Raymond Now, because someone of his capability must be kept close.At that moment Raymond studied Zachary's face. For a brief second, he considered rejecting the money outright. He had no need for it. But then—A thought crossed his mind. Raymond suddenly remembered something. “Dahlia.” She had been forced to a
Chapter 51
For a long moment, the venue remained silent, as if the entire hall had yet to process what had just happened. Then—The silence shattered. The once-skeptical audience erupted into deafening applause. Doctors, healers, and esteemed medical figures rose to their feet, clapping with newfound respect to Raymond. Even those who had mocked Raymond earlier now watched him with awe, their expressions a mixture of shock, admiration, and fear. “Incredible…! I can't believe it! He defeated Kelly Bushman!” “Such power… such skill…” Their voices blended into a roar of praise.“In all my forty years of medicine, I've never witnessed such mastery,” called out an elderly doctor from the front row, his weathered hands trembling as he applauded.At that moment Dr. Damien, who had been defending Raymond from the start, felt his chest swell with pride, without being told he knew he made the right decision for wanting to learn under Raymond. His eyes shone, his hands trembling slightly as he applauded.
Chapter 50
But then—Everything changed.A cold, piercing light filled Raymond's eyes.He had seen enough.“Enough of this madness,” Raymond's voice cut through the chaos, quiet yet somehow heard by all.With a deep breath, he reached into the core of his power—And the ancient energy hidden within his ring responded.At that moment a sudden howl of wind erupted from his body, tearing through the hall like a raging tempest.Lightning snaked through the air, its bright tendrils crackling with divine fury.Immediately The spirits—once unstoppable—Hesitated.Their shrieks faltered as they felt an overwhelming force descend upon them.The entire venue shuddered under the sheer power Raymond had unleashed.“Impossible!” Kelly shouted, his confidence cracking for the first time. “No one can stand against my dark arts!, how come the nobody was defeating them easily.”At that moment Raymond gaze landed on Malisa, In a single blink of motion, Raymond dashed to Malisa, his speed far beyond human limits.Ag
Chapter 49
Upon hearing what Kelly just said Before anyone could react—Kelly bit down hard on his tongue.“CRACK!”The sound of flesh tearing echoed through the hall.A stream of blood gushed from his mouth—But instead of falling to the ground, it hovered in the air, twisting into a sinister red mist.Seeing what just happened the crowd staggered back in horror.“What dark magic is this?” gasped an old doctor, his eyes wide with fear.Then, with trembling hands, Kelly pulled out something even more terrifying.“A black bone vial.”“No!”shouted a woman from the back. “That's forbidden! That's death, nobody is going to survive this, that's –”The moment the vial was uncorked, a foul stench filled the air.It was suffocating, vile—as if death itself had been bottled inside.And when Kelly scattered the ashes into the air—The lights in the hall flickered.Immediately the temperature plummeted.And then—They appeared.From the scattered ashes, dark shadows began forming.Tiny, twisted figures, ba
Chapter 48
The crowd murmured in agreement, their gazes filled with pity or mockery. To challenge Kelly Bushman now— It was suicide, and the worst part of it all, none of them knew Raymond expect for Damien who actually looks so confident.Even Kelly himself let out a soft chuckle, his confidence unshaken. “You?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “You must really enjoy losing.”“ I guess I truly do, if I lose to a great Master like you, it's nothing to be ashamed of, but the reverse wouldn't be the case.”Upon hearing what Raymond just said Kelly's jaw tightened but he managed to remain cool.Then Malisa wanted to say something, she didn't want Raymond to fight Kelly, but before she could open her mouth to speak. Raymond had already reached into his sleeve. And when he pulled his hand out, the audience gasped. A single silver needle lay between his fingers. Ancient inscriptions ran along its slender frame, pulsating faintly with light. Without being told some of them could tell It was no ordinary
Chapter 47
Seeing what had just happened, his face was drained of color, his body trembling as he struggled to summon another Medicine Spirit. But the moment he tried to channel his energy— A horrifying realization struck him. His Power… Was Sealed. His meridians felt blocked, his spiritual energy was completely suppressed. It was as if the very foundation of his strength had been stolen. Immediately his eyes widened. “No… This isn't possible.” Then Desperation set in. He clenched his fists, forcing every last ounce of his will to push past whatever was restraining him— But his body refused to respond. Then his vision started blurring, his head spinning from the sheer exhaustion. Then—His knees buckled. His body collapsed. Unconscious.The moment Hullvilla's Representative fell silent, the entire hall shuddered with a chilling realization. This wasn't just a competition anymore. This was a massacre. No one could stop Kelly Bushman, the west lake representative was strong but Hullvilla''s was
