"We're fine now. That's all that matters, right?" Sylvia smiled. "It's a shame you couldn't see Rafael's face when Eric called the police."Eric chimed in. "I was thinking, if he didn't let us go, and it turned into a real fight, we could claim self-defense."Sylvia glanced at Eric, surprised by his strategic thinking. She hadn't expected him to plan like that. She was ready to join the fight if the Hernandezes chose to attack. After all, Eric was skilled in combat.Even though there were over ten Hernandezes, they might not match her and Eric. Plus, they could restrain Rafael and stop them from making a move.-Back at the Montgomery residence.Grace slammed the table in anger upon learning about that incident. She was determined to go to the Hernandezes' manor and hold Rafael accountable. No one from the Montgomerys could stop her.-In the well-lit Hernandezes' manor, the butler hurriedly rushed inside and shouted, "Master! This is bad! The CEO of Montgomery Corp. is coming
Grace had made herself very clear, but Javier wouldn't permit Rafael to slap himself twice and apologize to Grace. Both of them stood firm."What's going on? Aren't you willing to do it?" Grace's expression turned icy as she addressed the people around her. "Bring him over! If he won't do it, I'll take matters into my own hands!""Yes, Madam!" the man beside her replied firmly. His calloused hands and pronounced cheekbones betrayed his expertise as a fighter."Wait!" Seeing Grace ready to act, Javier interjected urgently, "Grace, have you gone too far? Do you think you can do as you please here?""Too far?" Grace sneered. "Your son was the one who acted rudely first. He's the one who crossed the line!"Did you all think the Montgomerys were pushovers? That's why I brought our fighters with me! If your son doesn't comply, we'll settle it with a one-on-one duel with your fighters. If yours win, I'll say no more. But if they can't..."Javier's face darkened."You're a lunatic!" He
Orion had become the center of attention in King City ever since he announced his retirement. Many people sought his medical expertise or aspired to become his apprentices, including the Hernandezes.However, Orion allowed only Eric and Sylvia into his residence, leaving others curious about his choice.Frowning, Javier expressed his concern, "Is Hol. Thornfield going to take Grace's son or her daughter-in-law as his apprentice?"The Hernandezes and Montgomerys were evenly matched. If Eric and Sylvia became Orion's apprentices, the Montgomerys would undoubtedly gain strength, which wasn't favorable for the Hernandezes.Rafael pondered for a moment and replied, "It's unlikely. Hol. Thornfield is already 108 years old. If he wanted apprentices, he would have taken them long ago. They're probably his patients."Javier nodded in agreement. Learning holistic medicine relied heavily on talent, and it was improbable that Orion would take Eric or Sylvia as apprentices, even if Grace offer
"Please, Mr. Heinzman, take a seat," Rafael greeted with a smile, pouring a glass of wine. "Join me for a drink."Billy Heinzman, aka Leopard, raised his glass and downed it. "I assume you didn't call me here just for a drink, right? I thought that's what the charming ladies outside are for."Rafael chuckled and refilled Leopard's glass. "You're correct, Mr. Heinzman. I do have a matter to discuss. I've been dealing with some bullying.""Bullying you?" Leopard's interest was piqued. "Who in King City has the guts to bully you? Are you asking me to help you deal with this person?""That's exactly it," Rafael replied.Rafael decided against involving anyone from the Hernandez family, fearing Grace might seek retribution. He considered turning to the underworld of King City, where money took precedence over personal ties.Leopard asked, "Who is this person?"Not many dared to challenge Rafael in King City. If he couldn't handle this individual, it was unlikely Leopard could either.
Even though Sylvester reassured Seraphine that Eric would be okay by himself, she still worried about him. Despite his impressive fighting skills, he was now facing overwhelming odds.She looked at Sylvia and was surprised to see her acting indifferent.Outside the car, the man with the crew-cut lit a cigarette and stared arrogantly at Eric. "Looks like you're the only one with some guts here. Don't blame us. Blame yourself for crossing paths with the wrong person. Just let us give you a good beating, and we'll call it a day, alright?"He waved his hand, and the others clenched their fists, rushing toward Eric.Since they had decided to attack him, Eric saw no need to reason with them. He grabbed one attacker's fist, pulled it toward him, and delivered a knee to the person's abdomen.With a muffled sound, the person clutched his stomach in pain and fell to the ground.After taking down one person, Eric turned and punched the next person's chest.In just a few seconds, he had alr
The phone connected, and Leopard's furious voice erupted before Rafael could say a word."Mr. Hernandez! You've done me dirty this time!"Leopard had been deceived, warned by a powerful figure in King City's underworld about Eric's dangerous nature before Rafael's call. As he realized Rafael might have played him for a fool, anger welled up within him.Rafael furrowed his brow. "Are you suggesting you took no action? Then, return my money!""Return the money to you? Dream on!" Leopard snapped. "Do you think I'm a fool? Do you think I stood idle? Your lies got several of my men injured! They're now facing a formidable fighter!"But that's not the worst part. The Montgomerys have discovered my involvement and issued a warning. I've already done you a favor by not revealing your name to them. Still, you have the nerve to ask for your money back?!"Leopard wasn't one to be trifled with. A powerful figure had warned him, and now Rafael wanted his money back?Rafael tried to respond,
Leopard was in a panic. He swiftly pulled a bank card from his pocket and addressed Eric, "Mr. Johnson, there's a million dollars on this card, courtesy of Rafael, who wanted me to teach you a lesson. I'm giving it to you now. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.""One million dollars?" Eric raised an eyebrow and grinned at Sylvia. "Honestly, I didn't think someone would cough up a million dollars just to have me roughed up. I guess I come at a high price."He turned to Rafael and added, "But keep it coming. I can handle it."Eric accepted the card. He wasn't driven by greed, but since it was originally intended for Leopard and was now being offered, it seemed only sensible to take it. Turning it down wouldn't make sense."Thank you, Mr. Johnson," Leopard said with a smile. Eric accepting the money meant forgiveness."Mr. Johnson, my name carries some weight in King City's underworld. If you ever run into trouble, feel free to reach out to me," Leopard offered."Ok
Everyone called out, "Hol. Silver!"Astrid Silver nodded and headed toward the villa's front gate. But just as he was about to step inside, Orion's guards stopped him. He furrowed his brow and asked, "What's going on? Won't you let me in?"In King City, Astrid boasted a reputation nearly on par with Orion. Many even preferred dealing with him due to his youthful vigor. "Apologies, Hol. Silver," the guard said. "Hol. Thornfield issued orders that no prominent figures from King City or any holistic physicians shall enter before his retirement."Astrid's expression soured. "What a pretender! I've heard he's using Blossom Needling to treat people. Despite his age and the desire to retire, others might be fooled, but I see right through him! I'm here to save his life!"The guard hesitated."Step aside!" Astrid commanded, and the group of guards reluctantly moved.Inside the house, Orion sat on the sofa, sipping tea. Upon spotting Astrid's arrival, he spoke softly. "I knew my peopl