In this circle, who didn't hold Grace in the highest regard? Grace's reputation even surpassed that of Alexander. But who knew? Perhaps Grace envied Nera too—"You want to live like me, and I want to live like you.""Get some rest," Julius said. "If you feel bored at home, you can go out and explore the world. Enjoy the scenery of different places. You don't have to stay around me all the time."With that, he pulled out his laptop and got busy with something unknown.Nera could only sigh. To outsiders, she was the mistress of the Hernandez family, but who was aware of her helplessness? For all these years, Julius hadn't touched her even once. Her youthful days had been wasted on him. She had married Julius at 18, and now, in the blink of an eye, she was over 40. Although she still retained her charm, what good did it do?While Julius was occupied, Bartholomew arrived outside the Hernandez residence with his men. Gazing at the vast estate, he remarked, "Everyone, it won't be long bef
A fierce dog growled and lunged directly at Bartholomew and his group. They had anticipated various defensive measures from the Hernandez family—expert guards, 360-degree surveillance, infrared sensors, and so on. However, they hadn't expected traps and attack dogs."Take it down!" Bartholomew shouted, drawing a dagger from his waist. As the dog leaped through the air toward him, he positioned his dagger-wielding hand behind his back and raised his other hand. Despite the surprise, he was skilled in martial arts.The dog aimed for his throat, but Bartholomew intercepted it mid-air and delivered a lethal slash.The white blade went in clean, coming out stained with blood. He tossed the dog aside and wiped the bloody knife on his sleeve."Damn, thought I'd be spilling human blood, not a dog's!"The dog whimpered and fell silent, dead. Several more attack dogs were swiftly dispatched, but then the real danger arrived—humans.Just how formidable was the Hernandez family's defense?
This left Julius somewhat disappointed.-At Salt City.Eric received a call from Grace."Okay, Mom, I got it. Vee and I will be careful," Eric said.Grace replied irritably, "Aren't you at all concerned about whether your biological father is in any trouble?"Eric pressed his lips together. "What's there to be concerned about? He seems like he'll survive."This was a wound that could never heal in his lifetime. To this day, he still hadn't forgiven Julius.After hanging up, Sylvia asked, "Is something wrong in King City?"Eric nodded. "Mom called. The Lazzla branch has made a move against Julius. She warned us to be careful. They failed in King City, so I think it won't be long before they act here too."Some members of the Hernandez family had already been released. Eric knew they wouldn't be able to hold back.-Alvarez had already learned of Bartholomew's failure."Damn it!" He was worried. "Uncle Bartholomew failed. This is going to be tricky."Bartholomew and his gr
Eric’s fist shot out like a bullet, its momentum terrifying.Alan charged at Eric with astonishing speed.Without any elaborate moves, Eric simply raised his hand and countered with a punch. No frills, just raw power.Alan’s expression changed dramatically as he staggered back several steps, utterly shocked. According to the information from the Hernandez family, Eric was skilled in martial arts but hadn't reached the Vanderbilts' level.Was this a joke? At his level, the Hernandez family should have no chance against him. Even if Eric fought with one hand tied behind his back, the Hernandez family would still be doomed."Y-You’re a legend too?" Alan regretted his actions. The Hernandez family’s intelligence was clearly flawed. How had they missed that Eric was a legend?! Such carelessness!Had he known, Alan would never have agreed to help. Now, he was stuck in a quagmire, unsure if he could even get out.Eric clenched his fists. "Only you are allowed to be a legend? And if I w
The fist had yet to land, but the punch's force could already be felt."Ah!" Alan shouted, employing every bit of his lifelong training. He had realized the terrifying nature of Eric. There were no fancy moves—Eric charged like a rampaging buffalo.Against immense power, Alan had no choice but to block. He didn't even have the courage to counterattack—his only thought was to survive Eric's punch and then plan his retaliation.Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance.As Eric drew near, the force of his punch distorted Alan's face.With a scream, Alan was sent flying. He landed and rolled five or six meters before stopping. As soon as he halted, he spat out a mouthful of blood."Damn! This young man!" exclaimed Tyson from the gate.Hearing the fight, he had come to see if he could help. But the moment he reached the door, he saw Eric send Alan flying with a single punch. Brook, standing nearby, swallowed hard. He hadn't seen Eric fight in a long time, but Eric was as formidabl
After hanging up, Eric got into the car and noticed Sylvia staring at him."What’s wrong?" he asked, touching his face. "Is there blood on my face?"Sylvia burst into laughter. "No, I was just thinking you’re very powerful. What if you ever decide to be abusive? What would I do then?"Eric's face darkened."Would I ever be abusive?" He spread his hands wide. "Do I look like that kind of person? Against enemies, we strike hard. But with my wife, I’d be nothing but gentle..."After a brief chat, the couple headed to work.Standing at the gate, Tyson scratched his head and looked at Brook. "Did they just leave like that?"He found it hard to believe. Eric had seen them standing there, so at the very least, shouldn’t he have come over to say something? Even if it was just to show off a little. But they just left.Brook chuckled. "Master, they're very busy. Let’s not get involved. Come on, let’s go back to rest and maybe practice some martial arts."He couldn’t help but feel a bit
When Alvarez entered the restroom, Roco looked around at everyone. "Do you think Master Alvarez knows things are getting bad and might... run away?"Hunter and the others frowned. The esteemed Alvarez, the Hernandez family's future decision-maker, would run away? How could that be possible?Seeing no one responding, Roco tiptoed to the restroom door and knocked. "M-Master Alvarez?""I'm taking a leak! What do you want?" Alvarez's voice was filled with anger. He also sensed that things were turning sour. Should he return to the Hernandez family? But if he went back now, his prestige would take a hit.The logic was straightforward: for the Hernandez family, this task was a breeze. As the prospective leader, if Alvarez couldn't manage this, how could the family rely on him in the future? It boiled down to trust.Alvarez understood that the Hernandez family was split into two rival factions, always vying and clashing with each other. If he went back now, wouldn't the opposing faction
Eric glanced at Roco, pointing at him. "You did well. This morning, Jacob told me about your visit to the Innova Group."He scanned the Hernandezes. "What’s the matter? Are you disappointed to see me alive here?"No one spoke. Roco quickly interjected, "Not disappointed at all! I swear I had nothing to do with this. A few days ago, I wanted to leave, but they wouldn’t let me. They said I was the first to handle this matter and that I had to stay until it was done."I didn't do anything during this time. I just went to the Innova Group this morning because I was worried about your safety."He was desperate to clear his name.Eric could see right through it. The Hernandezes were all in this together. Roco was trying hard to distance himself, while the others remained silent, likely indicating his innocence.Later, when Roger and Hunter arrived, Roco didn’t get involved in their actions. Although he had shown up, he had fled faster than anyone else."Roco, you have a bright futur