Edward's gaze followed Marcus's retreating figure, his expression remaining calm and composed. Edward didn't show any signs of anger or fear, but inside his heart, a fire ignited. In this moment, Edward made a silent vow to himself. He swore to find his father, whether he was alive or dead. Nothing would stand in his way, not even Marcus Frey or even Xavier himself.As Marcus disappeared from sight, Xavier quickly approached his grandson. He placed a gentle hand on Edward's shoulder and asked, "Are you alright?"Edward offered a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Grandpa. Mr. Frey hits like a woman."Xavier let out a hearty laugh, his tension momentarily dissipating. But his amusement was not shared by Gabriel and the other patriarchs in the room. Their expressions remained serious.Gabriel, always the voice of reason, spoke up. "Young man, don't underestimate the Frey family. Marcus may be reckless, but there is a depth of darkness in their history."Edward's smile faded, and he nodded, ab
Gabriel's expression shifted from defeat to intrigue as he listened to Edward's confident words. He was aware that Ivan and Mikhail Petrovich had met their demise at Edward's hands, but he was unaware that Mikhail had actually been killed by Alexei. Knowing the vengeful nature of their father, Andrei, Gabriel believed that retaliation would surely follow. Yet, in Gabriel's eyes, Edward displayed a fearless determination that both impressed and astonished him."You truly have no fear," Gabriel remarked. "To think that you would willingly face the Petrovich family, one of the most powerful and dangerous families in the Blavk Zodiac... It is remarkable. But there's one thing I'm curious about. You've just returned to the Windsor family, and , I assume you don't hold any specific animosity towards the Petrovichs. What exactly do you want to do?"Edward's mind drifted into deep contemplation. As far as he knew, the Cross family, with their Virgo File, had no known enemies, yet Gabriel's in
Edward's gaze shifted from Xavier to Gabriel, and then back to Xavier. He shook his head slightly, his expression grave yet determined. "No, the decision regarding the Zodiac Families rests solely with me. While 'they' have entrusted me with this mission, they have not dictated the specific families to target. It is a choice I must make based on my own judgment and the information I have gathered. For now, I have made a preliminary decision to focus on the Petrovich family, because their power and influence have caused immeasurable suffering and oppression."Gabriel Cross furrowed his brows, still finding it hard to believe that he was now engaged in a conversation of this nature. The reality of Edward's powers was undeniable, but Gabriel remained skeptical of the full extent of his claims, particularly regarding the enigmatic entities.Nevertheless, one thing Gabriel believed without a doubt was Edward's ability to accomplish anything with his surreal powers. He had witnessed firstha
Edward's smile turned wry as Gabriel's proposition struck a chord within him. It was undeniable that, as a man, he harbored desires for multiple women by his side. The notion of companionship and the allure of a second wife briefly danced through his mind. However, he quickly pushed those thoughts aside.Edward knew that the pursuit of personal desires, especially in the realm of relationships, needed careful consideration and timing. His focus was on the imminent battle against the Black Zodiac. The idea of marriage was not something he had contemplated at this moment, nor was it something he felt was appropriate given the circumstances.Gabriel, being astute and perceptive, noticed the hesitation in Edward's eyes. It was a fleeting moment, but Gabriel caught the subtle reluctance in Edward's expression. Sensing the underlying emotions, he decided to signal Xavier, who had been observing the conversation.Xavier, catching Gabriel's signal, nodded imperceptibly. He understood Gabriel'
Two days later, the Windsor family became the headline news everywhere in the nation of Aria. The revelation of Edward's return and his immediate appointment as the future head of the family by Xavier sparked intense debates and discussions among various circles.Media outlets buzzed with speculations, opinions, and analyses. Some praised Edward's return as a long-lost prodigal son, while others questioned the hasty decision to appoint him as the heir. The Windsor family's private affairs were suddenly thrust into the public eye, and everyone had something to say.Social media exploded with hashtags related to Edward and the Windsor family. People from all walks of life expressed their thoughts, ranging from excitement and support to skepticism and criticism. Some admired the young man's charisma and dedication to the family's legacy, while others questioned his readiness and qualifications for the prestigious role.Amidst the public frenzy, political figures and influencers weighed i
Edward's thoughts shifted to Adele and Brenda, the two women who had captured his heart in their own unique ways. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for not being able to meet them before the event. However, he knew that the timing was crucial, and he couldn't afford any distractions at this critical moment.In the following hours, Edward immersed himself in studying the guest list, analyzing each name and their potential affiliations. He knew he couldn't afford any surprises during tomorrow's event, especially from those he knew little about. Victoria, seeing his dedication, offered her assistance in providing any background information she could gather on the guests.Edward gladly accepted her help, and together, they delved into a detailed investigation, cross-referencing names with various databases and family connections. Victoria's sharp mind proved invaluable as they unearthed hidden connections and potential alliances among the guests. Xavier observed his grandson from
Brenda's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Melanie's presence. The thought of meeting the potential future matriarch intensified her anxieties. "I... I don't have a specific plan, Ivy. I just know I need to talk to Edward, honestly and openly. I want to understand his perspective and share my feelings about the whole situation."Actually, Brenda's mind was also preoccupied with thoughts of Edward and Adele. She couldn't help but replay Adele's story about her encounter with Edward at the Cattleya restaurant. The way Adele described their encounter seemed innocent enough, but Brenda couldn't shake her uneasiness.Brenda had always trusted Edward, but Adele's words had stirred a wave of insecurity within her. Did Edward harbor special feelings for Adele? Was there something she was missing? These questions swirled in Brenda's mind, causing her heart to ache with a mixture of sadness and confusion.Back to the present moment, Adele raised an eyebrow curiously. "And what if he decide
Melanie's eyes softened as she listened to Edward's words. She understood the weight of his concerns and respected his honesty. Slowly, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, and clasped her hands together. "I can sense that you're uncertain about this arrangement, and I don't want to pressure you into anything you're not ready for."Edward was taken aback by her straightforwardness, but he admired her ability to see through his facade."You're perceptive," he admitted, nodding slowly. "I don't want to hide my doubts from you. This isn't the future I had envisioned for myself."Melanie smiled slightly."You see, I've known since I was young that one day I'll marry someone from the Zodiac Family. It's our tradition, and I've embraced it. But amongst the Zodiac members, you are the one who stands out to me. There's something about you that feels different, authentic."Edward's curiosity was piqued, and he raised an eyebrow. "Different? In what way?"Melanie's eyes sparkled