The criminals quickly got up and ran away, tripping over each other in their hurry to get away. After their departure, Miles gave the husband of the bakery owners a stack of bills."This should cover your debt. No harm will come to you while you're under my protection."The couple's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Miles. We don't know how to repay you."Miles shook his head. "Just keep making these wonderful pastries."Lola observed the exchange with a grin, her heart filling with awe for Miles. Although he was known for being intimidating, she noticed his compassion and desire to keep those he loved safe.Miles' phone buzzed in his pocket as he was leaving his office. He glanced at the caller ID and answered, "Nigel, what can I do for you?""Miles, my boy," Nigel Autumn's voice crackled through the speaker. "I need you to head over to The Crimson Lotus Dojo. My daughter, Rachel, will be waiting for you at the entrance. It's important."Miles frowned, sensing the
Miles nodded, straightening his jacket. "Hello, Rachel. Your father asked me to meet you here."Rachel's expression hardened as she turned to Connie and Kernel. "Did either of you bother to ask his name before causing this scene?"Connie and Kernel exchanged sheepish glances. Rachel sighed in exasperation. "Miles, would you mind introducing yourself properly to my cousin and our butler?"Miles stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. "My name is Miles. I'm here at the request of Nigel Autumn."Connie's face paled as realization struck. "Miles? As in... the honored guest Grandfather Marcus asked us to welcome?"Rachel nodded, her expression stern. "The very same. Connie, Kernel, I believe you both owe Miles an apology."Kernel sputtered, "But Miss Rachel, surely you can't expect—""I most certainly can and do," Rachel interrupted. "Your behavior tonight has been appalling. Both of you will apologize to Miles immediately, or I'll be having a very long conversation with Grandfather
As he reached the door, he heard Maximilian's smug voice behind him. "And don't bother coming back, Mr. Miles. You're no longer welcome here."Miles slammed the door behind him, the cool night air doing little to calm his seething anger.Inside the dojo, in a private room away from the main hall, Marcus Autumn, the family patriarch, addressed a group of attentive disciples. His weathered face bore the marks of a life dedicated to martial arts, and his eyes still sparkled with the fire of a true enthusiast."Remember, my students," Marcus intoned, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience, "after tonight's banquet, we face a great challenge. My old friend Argus has issued a formal duel, and we must be prepared to defend the honor of our school."A murmur of excitement rippled through the gathered disciples. Marcus allowed himself a small smile before continuing."This is not just about individual glory. It's about proving the strength and integrity of our teachings. Each of
Nigel's face was a mask of barely contained fury as he confronted Maximilian in the dojo's hallway. "What were you thinking?" he hissed, his voice low but intense.Maximilian rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "I was thinking about protecting our family's reputation. That Miles guy is nothing but trouble.""You arrogant fool!" Nigel snapped, his hand moving faster than Maximilian could react. The sound of the slap echoed through the hallway.Maximilian stumbled back, his hand flying to his reddening cheek. "What the hell, Dad?""You have no idea what you've done," Nigel growled. "Miles is not someone you can just dismiss like that.""Oh, please," Maximilian scoffed. "He's just some nobody trying to worm his way into our family. What's so special about him?"Nigel's eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't you dare judge people by appearances, Maximilian. The heights Miles has reached are beyond your comprehension.""What's that supposed to mean?" Maximilian demanded.But Nigel was already turning
From the corner of his eye, Miles saw Rachel approach, her face lighting up with a smile. "Miles! You came back!"Before Miles could respond, a commotion from the far side of the room drew everyone's attention. Maximilian stood there, his face contorted with anger and disbelief."You can't be serious," he spat. "After everything that happened, you're just going to welcome him back with open arms?"Marcus turned to his grandson, his voice stern. "Maximilian, that's enough. Your behavior tonight has been disgraceful.""My behavior?" Maximilian's voice rose. "What about him? What makes him so special that we're all bending over backwards to accommodate him?"Nigel stepped forward, placing a hand on Miles' shoulder. "Maximilian, you need to understand. Miles is-""I don't care what he is!" Maximilian shouted. "This is ridiculous. I won't stand for it!"With that, Maximilian turned on his heel and stormed out of the dojo, slamming the door behind him.An uncomfortable silence fell over the
Maximilian's mind raced. "That's impossible. Why would he hide that?"Ethan shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe he's after something your family has that money can't buy. Influence? Connections? Or maybe..." he paused for effect, "...he's after your sister."Maximilian's fist clenched around his glass. "That son of a—""Now you see why I wanted to talk to you," Ethan interjected smoothly. "I thought you should know what kind of snake you're dealing with."Maximilian downed the rest of his whiskey, his mind whirling with this new information. "Why are you telling me this? What's your angle?"Ethan's face darkened. "Let's just say Miles and I have a... complicated history. He's not the saint he pretends to be. I've seen his true colors, and trust me, they're not pretty."Maximilian studied Ethan for a long moment. "Alright, I'm listening. What do you propose we do about this?"A slow, dangerous smile spread across Ethan's face. "I thought you'd never ask. First, we need to—"Suddenly, Maximilia
The heavy oak doors of the Autumn mansion swung open, revealing Miles standing beside Nigel. As they stepped into the grand foyer, the butler Kernel's eyes widened in disbelief."Mr. Nigel," Kernel sputtered, his face contorting with barely concealed disdain, "surely you can't be serious about bringing this... this ruffian back into our home?"Nigel's expression darkened. "Watch your tongue, Kernel. Miles is our honored guest."But Kernel, emboldened by years of loyal service, pressed on. "With all due respect, sir, this boy is nothing but trouble. He's beneath the Autumn family's standing. I've heard rumors about his background, and let me tell you—"The sharp crack of Nigel's hand against Kernel's cheek echoed through the foyer, cutting off the butler's tirade."That's quite enough," Nigel growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You forget your place, Kernel."Kernel stumbled back, his hand flying to his reddening cheek. "Mr. Nigel, I—""Save it," Nigel snapped. He turned to Miles, h
Argus chuckled. "On the contrary, my boy. On the contrary." He turned to Marcus. "You've found quite a gem here, old friend."Marcus nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Indeed we have, Argus. Indeed we have."Genos stepped forward, extending his hand to Miles. "I'm Genos. I look forward to seeing what all the fuss is about."Miles shook his hand, noting the firm grip. "Likewise, Genos. I'm sure it'll be... interesting."Lee Chen observed the exchange with keen interest. "Perhaps we'll have a chance to see these young men in action, eh, Mr. Autumn?"Marcus's eyes twinkled. "All in good time, Mr. Chen. But first, let's head inside. I believe Kernel has prepared some refreshments for us."As the group made their way into the mansion, Nigel fell into step beside Miles. "What do you think?" he asked in a low voice.Miles considered for a moment. "Interesting group. There's more going on here than meets the eye, isn't there?"Nigel smiled cryptically. "You have no idea, Miles. You have n