"Let me check your pulse first," said the elderly holistic physician calmly.Eric extended his hand, and Gilbert examined it carefully before speaking slowly. "Your heartbeat is strong, and your blood is abundant. While this is usually advantageous for martial artists, it might pose a significant challenge for you."Eric and Roland were impressed.Eric lacked the typical calluses on his hands that martial artists often had, and Roland had never mentioned his martial arts practice. Yet, Gilbert deduced it just from Eric's heartbeat. His skill was truly remarkable.However, everyone remained puzzled. How could something typically beneficial become an obstacle?Gilbert continued. "This appears to be a blade wound. If I'm correct, it's likely self-inflicted."Eric's admiration for Gilbert deepened. "You're right, Hol. Walker," he admitted. "The scars on my face are indeed self-inflicted."This revelation left Roland and Valerie even more perplexed. They had assumed someone else had
Tiger smiled bitterly and said, "Let's not dwell on the past."The brief exchange between Roland and his daughter revealed to both of them that Eric was married, and he might have harmed his face for his wife's sake.Eric had decided to take Sylvia to King City after he got his revenge. He was willing to try, even if success wasn't guaranteed.Roland got straight to the point, saying, "Mr. Johnson, Frederick called me while I was on my way here. He mentioned that his son, Lucas, is convinced someone in a Ghostface mask is trying to kill him."Roland suspected that Eric had visited the hospital the previous night, terrifying Lucas. He continued. "Frederick wants to know when you're available. He's willing to host a dinner as a sincere apology."From Frederick's words, Roland realized that Eric's fake identity was working. Frederick was wary of Eric's fictional friend from King City and sensed that the Pettersons were truly in decline.It surprised Roland that they were frightened
Frederick knew the Pettersons were in a tough spot due to trouble between Montgomery Corp. and Hernandez Corp. in King City. Although they had suffered losses, it wasn't enough to ruin them. He may have received the news late, but there was still a chance to fix things.What puzzled Frederick most was that they became targets after losing in Salt City due to Lucas' actions. He had considered the possibility of retaliation from the Williams and Sonnex families, but he didn't think they posed a significant threat until Eric's menacing gesture at the underground arena.However, Frederick misunderstood Eric's intentions. He was only targeting Lucas, not the entire Pettersons family. Grace would handle the family business. Eric simply wanted to block Lucas' path.When Frederick heard Eric's response, his face turned grim. He knew better than to cross Eric, as their family wouldn't have sent him to negotiate if he wasn't formidable.With a strained smile, Frederick asked, "Sir, what do w
Roland sighed and said, "Boss, my friend in King City told me his fighter is going through a tough time and needs to rebuild confidence. He holds this fighter in high regard. If he succeeds here, I believe he won't harm your son, and he might even assist him."Lies could be deadly!They were deceiving Frederick, yet he trusted them completely.Unfortunately, he had no choice but to trust them. He didn't know how to escape this situation, so when someone offered a solution, he couldn't refuse.Frederick nodded. "Alright! I'll choose the strongest fighters from my family and have a good match with him!"Hearing Frederick's agreement, Roland felt relieved. The plan to disarm the Pettersons could now proceed smoothly.-The Pettersons arranged for a formidable fighter to spar with Eric that night. They battled for dozens of rounds.Seeing that, Frederick felt somewhat reassured. Although Eric had nearly maimed their fighter, Frederick realized the gap between the two sides wasn't a
The couple talked late into the night before reluctantly ending their call.At this moment, Eric simply wanted a quick resolution to the Petterson matter so he could return to Salt City and be with Sylvia. After just two days apart, he missed her greatly.-On the second night, Eric wrapped up the matches. The bouts over the past two nights were thrilling and evenly matched, in contrast to the first night when he dominated completely.This time, Eric took a few punches, and his mask bore the marks of the struggle before ultimately defeating the Pettersons' top fighters.Vince suspected that Eric did it intentionally, though he didn't know the reason yet.-In the locker room.Eric wiped off his sweat, and Roland and Valerie entered.Roland glanced at Eric and remarked, "You defeated one of their top fighters once again, Mr. Johnson. At this pace, you'll have taken down all their high-level fighters in a week."Since Eric arrived in Dortmund City, he had already defeated four
With the Pettersons' top fighters gravely injured and their people around Roland meeting untimely deaths, they would lose control over Dortmund City's underworld. Despite Roland's apparent loyalty to the Pettersons, Frederick understood that Roland would only submit to those stronger than him. With this in mind, Frederick narrowed his eyes and said, "We might be helpless against Ghostface, but that doesn't mean we can't take action against Roland."He quickly dialed a number and ordered, "Bring Roland's daughter to our house!"-Meanwhile, in the arena's lounge.As Eric and his group prepared to leave, Frederick's men arrived. They all stared intently at Eric, though their words maintained a semblance of politeness.The leader spoke. "Mr. Draco, Mr. Petterson has requested your daughter stay at the Petterson manor. Ms. Draco, please accompany us."Despite their courteous tone, Roland sensed Frederick's intention to use his daughter as leverage.Valerie snapped, "Do I have to
The Pettersons' crisis was closing in, and it forced Frederick to pressure Kenneth to handle matters in Salt City.-Meanwhile, Irvin and his family visited the Williams for an afternoon lunch to inquire about Sylvia's condition.During this visit, Irvin learned that Eric had been absent from Salt City for several days.While enjoying their meal, Sylvia indulged in three large bowls of food, bringing joy to the Williams family. It appeared that the old Sylvia was slowly making a comeback.After the meal, Sylvester spoke up. "Kenneth has arrived in Salt City and wishes to address the businesses they purchased here. Mr. Sonnex, what are your thoughts on this?"Irvin nodded and replied, "He contacted me this afternoon. Faced with relentless strikes from the Montgomerys, the Pettersons have no means to counter them. Their losses in Dortmund City are severe. Based on the information I've gathered, they could face bankruptcy within a week."He expressed his astonishment at the Montgom
They didn't take action against Roland and his family because they feared Eric."Thank you, Mr. Johnson," Roland expressed his gratitude.He understood what it meant for his daughter to live in the Pettersons' manor, and Eric had saved her from that fate.Eric replied, "You helped me, so I'll help you in return."Most importantly, he despised the Pettersons.On the surface, the Pettersons appeared to be inviting Valerie to live with them, but in reality, it was no different from kidnapping.Lucas had kidnapped Sylvia and caused her significant, almost irreversible harm. Understanding the importance of appearances to women, he wanted to prevent the same fate for Valerie.Valerie gazed at Eric and suddenly found him handsome despite his Ghostface mask. She believed he would be a fine young man if his facial scars were removed.Unaware of Valerie's thoughts, Eric returned to the hotel with Tiger and Vince.Later, he called Sylvia.When Sylvia asked about Big Sis' funeral arrange