As Ella Queen listened to the report presented by Mr. Lee, the head of the shoe department, her expression remained stoic, impassive, and utterly inscrutable, a mask of calm, calculating interest that seemed to conceal her true thoughts, and feelings. However, her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment, a subtle flicker of disapproval that seemed to dance in their depths, like a whispered promise of displeasure to come. Mr. Lee, sensing her discontent, shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his mind racing with the implications of failing to meet Ella's expectations, a sense of trepidation, and foreboding seeming to grip his heart, like a vice."I'm afraid I'm not impressed with the sales figures you've presented, Mr. Lee," Ella said, her voice firm, measured, and utterly authoritative, a clear, concise, and compelling declaration of her disappointment, and disapproval. "A total sales revenue of $900,000 for the quarter is, quite frankly, underwhelming, a result that falls short of my
Ella Queen's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression a mask of calm, calculating interest, a subtle blend of intellectual curiosity and business acumen that seemed to bore into the very heart of the report, searching for any hidden nuances, complexities, or potential pitfalls."Congratulations, Mrs. Patel," Ella said, her voice low, measured, and utterly authoritative, a clear, concise, and compelling declaration of her approval, and her appreciation. "Your department's performance is truly impressive, a testament to your leadership, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to excellence." Ella's gaze lingered on Mrs. Patel for a moment, as if searching for any sign of weakness, or vulnerability, before continuing. "I'd like to see a comprehensive plan for the new branches, including projected sales figures, marketing strategies, and operational logistics. Please submit the plan to me within the next two weeks, ensuring that it is meticulous, detailed, and comprehensive, a true
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the sleepy town, Ray and Douglas pulled up to a restaurant that was notorious for its seclusion and mystique. The eatery, aptly named “The Hidden Gem,” was nestled in a remote corner of the town, far from the bustling streets and trendy cafes that catered to the younger crowd. The building itself looked old and worn, its wooden facade weathered to a soft gray that seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Douglas raised an eyebrow as he gazed out at the restaurant, his expression a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. “What are we doing here, Ray?” he asked, his voice low and even. “This place looks like it’s been around since the dawn of time. What are you looking for in a place like this?” Ray smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he turned off the engine and climbed out of the car. “I’m meeting an old friend here,” he explained, his voice filled with a sense of nostalgia. “Someone who helped me ou
On the roof of the bright hall, there was a calm young man standing with his hands behind his back. Under the bright moonlight, he stood in the dark, giving off a majestic feeling. Ray’s eyes were deep as he looked at the girl downstairs in the dark. However, when Heather turned her head to look at the roof of the bright hall, he was already gone. “Are my eyes playing tricks on me?” She smiled bitterly. Ray had already returned to the Gibson’s family manor, but he did not show himself. He did not want to see Heather again, so he went to the door of his mother’s courtyard. “Is it you, Ray?” Laura asked. “Come in!” “Mom, why are you still up?” Ray pushed the door open. However, Laura glared at him. “How long have you been back? Heather waited for you here for hours!” His words exposed Laura’s guess that Ray had already returned home earlier, but he just did not want to show himself. After all, he was her son. How could Laura not understand him? “I just got home!” Ray explaine
Danny Que clenched his fists and followed Ray Neal down the street. This was where Kathleen Que had been bullied! Kathleen was also studying at Preston University. She had been doing her homework until very late that night, and it was not easy to get a taxi, so she rode a bicycle back. However, on this street, she was bullied by a group of hooligans. As for how badly she was bullied, Ray had seen it with his own eyes. Kathleen’s clothes were torn, and her arms were bruised. Steve Xavier came quickly and handed him a phone. “Young Master Neal, this is the video from the street corner!” In the video, Kathleen was riding a bicycle and listening to a lesson with headphones on. When she passed by the street, she was suddenly pushed off the bicycle and fell to the ground. She was in so much pain that tears were rolling down her face. The image showed a blonde-haired gangster with ear studs. He grabbed Kathleen and pulled her into the forest park behind him. Kathleen’s frightened expr
After the blonde-haired man had finished speaking, more than a dozen people in the booth immediately stood up. However, a young man in a suit, Hopper Wells, was very calm. He said indifferently, “Wait. The moment you arrive, you want to beat up people in this bar, isn’t that a little too much?” He was the one who had a say in this situation. “He has offended someone he shouldn’t have,” Steve Xavier said indifferently. “He must die tonight!” “That’s a little too much. How much hatred do you have for my brother? Don’t you know who this bar belongs to?” Hopper raised his eyebrows. However, Ray Gibson and Danny Que were already here. “This is Lord Brinhalm’s territory. You must have eaten a bear’s heart and a leopard’s gall to come here and cause trouble!” The blonde-haired man yelled while covering his face. “I don’t want to know whose territory it is. Do you know her?” Danny took out his phone, showing a picture of Kathleen Que, and pressed it against the blonde’s face. “Isn’t
Lord Brinhalm’s body trembled. He could not control his instinctive fear. In the eyes of the people from the small foreign countries, the Wolf of the East, Danny Que, was the spokesperson of the devil, fierce and terrifying. In the northern territory, the ten most ruthless men of the northern army were second only to King Braydon. They jointly controlled one million elite iron cavalries. Lord Brinhalm would never have thought that he would meet Danny, one of the ten most ruthless men, here. His heart was instantly like dead ashes. He knew that he could not escape death. “Hehe!” Danny chuckled, “Little brat of the Black Sword Association, send him on his way!” “Yes, Sir!” Steve Xavier was about to make a move. At the entrance of the bar, a short-haired young man came in and said loudly, “Hold on!” Danny glanced over, his eyes cold. “Zander Zeller!” Steve said with fear. The short-haired young man walked with a calm pace and a relaxed smile on his face. He was Zander Zeller, t
Ray Neal and Danny Que had never believed in coincidences. “You came to Preston to spy on my brother?” Danny asked with a smile, his hand on the hilt of his sword. This sentence made the entire place fall into a dead silence. Steve Xavier’s face was covered in cold sweat. He felt an inexplicable sense of oppression, and it was difficult to breathe. This question seemed like a casual chat. But would he, Zander Zeller, dare to admit it? If he dared to admit it, there was only one outcome. That was death! Therefore, Zander did not dare to admit it. If he angered the lunatics of the northern territory, they would dare to do anything. The fact that the dark division had dared to monitor Braydon was the biggest provocation to the northern army. Danny had dared to overturn the dark division’s stall in the state of Quill and start a massacre. Zander’s pupils contracted, and he said hurriedly, “How would I dare to spy on the Northern King? Absolutely not!” “It’s best if you don’t.
[Final Chapter]Everyone was shocked. Everyone looked at this young man in white. His methods were truly terrifying. Executing five team leaders with just one sentence? The team leader and the four deputies must all die! Zayn Ziegler’s eyes were filled with shock and anger. He cupped his fists and knelt on one knee. “Tony Wally and the others are in the wrong, but their crimes do not warrant death. Please show mercy, Northern King!” Zayn still dared to plead for mercy? For such a scandal to happen in the Quill team, Zayn was not strict enough to discipline them. He could not escape the blame! Tristan Yandell was so angry that he laughed. “You still dare to plead for mercy? The Quill team is right under your nose, hiding evil and doing evil. As the commander, you are useless. You can’t escape punishment!” Tony and the others looked at the young man in white in disbelief.Ray was dressed in a snow-white robe, with a black cloak wrapped around his shoulders. The golden Qilin patt
In actual fact, these two people had known each other for more than ten years and had formed a deep relationship in the northern territory. However, in terms of status, Zayn Ziegler was more than a level lower than Tristan Yandell. Back in the northern territory, Tristan was ranked among the five heavenly kings. His status was only lower than Cripple Carden’s. Later, Tristan was transferred to the capital garrison and remained silent for three years. To outsiders, his strength had not increased at all. This made Zayn feel a little smug. As a ninth-level War God, he had already forgotten the majesty of heavenly king Yandell! “We’re both ninth-level War Gods, but there’s still a huge difference between us!” Tristan said coldly. “Don’t go too far!” Zayn’s gaze was unfriendly. “You country bumpkin!” Tristan’s eyes were filled with disdain. Zayn was so angry that his lungs were about to explode. In the next moment, the two of them attacked each other. Zayn waved his fist, but it
Zayn Ziegler could not help but be shocked and angry. If the king of the northern territory had a plane crash on a rainy night right on this spot, he, Zayn Ziegler, would die a hundred times to atone for his sins! If Ray were to fall, who would be able to control the ten legions of the northern army? A million black-robed elites only respected King Ray! Even King Cole Colbie could only intimidate them for a moment, not suppress them forever. Luther Carden, Yuri Qualls, and many other powerful people, all of whom had their own armies under their command, only respected the Northern King! If Ray died here, the soldiers of the north would definitely sweep through the provincial capital, Quill, and bury the tens of millions of people in the provincial capital with their commander! The northern army did not respect heaven and earth, nor did they fear ghosts and gods. They only believed in the sword in their hands. They pursued the concept of killing as protection! The millions of e
At the entrance of the Quill main team’s headquarters. Zayn Ziegler’s steps were like a tiger’s, and an invisible pressure made Tony Wally and the others turn pale. He was the dignified Warblade of the Central Plains, the Commander of the three provinces of the Central Plains, and he had jurisdiction over seventy-two cities. It could be said that within the three provinces, Zayn was the most respected! His sacred majesty was ever-present. The stupid things that Tony and the others had done really annoyed Zayn. The Quill main team could not arrest the people of the Northern King! The Quill team was directly managed by his central Hansworth team. How would King Ray view Zayn? Would others say that Zayn had been the Commander of the Central Plains for so many years and no longer cared about the former commander anymore? If the news got out, Gordon Lowe would kill Zayn! The commander had a high position and great power, but Gordon never took him seriously. If Zayn dared to betra
Younes Cross had clearly already expected this, so he naturally had no objections. The new president of the Chamber of Commerce was Braydon Neal, and he had the final say. However, there were some things that Grandpa Younes could not say. “Ray, Grandfather Younes has a favor to ask of you,” Louis Gibson said. “Dad, Grandpa Younes, just say what you want to say!” Ray wanted the old man to feel at ease. After all, the Gibson family of three had received a great favor from him! A life-saving grace! Without this old man’s help back then, Louis and his wife would have died long ago, and the seven-year-old Ray would have also been wiped out on that rainy night. The Gibson family would remember this kindness! Furthermore, the friendship between Younes Cross and Graham Gibson from the older generation was something that could not be forgotten in Braydon’s generation. “To be honest, I’m too embarrassed to even bring this up!” Old Master Younes smiled bitterly. “The Cross Corporation
Ray really enjoyed the forging process. Tristan Yandell smiled bitterly. “Big Brother, using light and dark forces to refine weapons will hurt you. Take a break before you continue.” “It’s fine, when a grandmaster-level blacksmith reaches king level, he can use his ability to offset the damage.” Ray said calmly. Tristan’s mouth twitched, and he rolled his eyes. Ray was just rubbing it in his face about not being at the king level. Old Man Zito pulled Kendrick Lua away and said in an unfriendly tone, “Refund the money!” “Alright, I’ll give you the money later. Let me watch from the side. This is the first time I’ve seen a grandmaster blacksmith forge a weapon!” Kendrick was on the verge of tears. Was he someone who lacked three hundred thousand dollars? Even if he offered three million, he might not be able to get such a close view of a weapon forged by a grandmaster blacksmith, let alone three hundred thousand. Kendrick also knew that this might be the only time in his life
Old Man Zito was an old hooligan. He rolled up his sleeves and demanded for a refund. “You Neals are being bullies!” Kendrick Lua stood up angrily. “Who’s bullying you? Just give me back my money!” Old Man Zito’s eyes were not kind. He would not leave without getting a refund. Before Kendrick could speak. Tristan Yandell said angrily, “If we wanted to bully you, you’d already be a corpse!” “Hmph!” Kendrick’s expression was ugly. Ray Gibson stood with his hands behind his back and smiled. “Boss Lua, don’t misunderstand us. We didn’t come here to humiliate you. Because in front of me, you are not worthy of my humiliation!” This sentence was even more excessive than Tristan’s. His words were calm and unhurried, but Kendrick felt that this was the greatest humiliation ever! What did he mean when he said that he did not even have the right to be humiliated! Kendrick’s eyes were filled with anger. A level-nine warrior was the top martial artist in Preston city. Tristan smiled. “
After Tristan Yandell said that, Liam Gibson’s eyes went dull, and he was totally stunned. There were eight grandmaster blacksmiths in the northern army, and they were all Ray’s disciples? This was too terrifying! When Ray was in the northern territory, he reorganized the database of the north, including the library, and ordered the collection of forging techniques of various eras. Westley Hader used his authority as the governor to access the capital’s database and shared it with the north. The five commanders behind the five main teams, Gordon Low and the others, did not say anything. They sorted out the various incomplete ancient scrolls and sent them to the north. Ray had spent half a year to sort out all the ancient books and come up with a complete grandmaster’s way of refining artifacts. In just two years, he had trained eight grandmaster blacksmiths for the northern army! More importantly, the northern army had mastered the complete art of weapon refinement. It meant
This left the opportunity to release the light and dark forces throughout every part of Tristan Yandell’s body. It was equivalent to indirectly weakening Tristan’s bottleneck. Logan Hall obediently stood to the side. In a conversation regarding this realm, he, a newly advanced warrior, was completely unable to interject! However, Tristan’s grasp of the king-level technique meant that once he entered the marquis realm, he would be a different existence. This kind of martial artist was invincible in the same realm! In the Gibson family’s manor, there were also people who had not rested all night. That was Liam Gibson! He had experienced the black market incident and knew that he was too weak. He had wasted thirteen years, and now he wanted to catch up. When Ray Gibson arrived, he saw his fourth uncle in the villa, holding a black iron spear and tirelessly practicing the king-level technique, violent spear. “Fourth Uncle, take a break before you continue.” Ray pushed the door o