"Do you expect me to let someone like you go without a lesson? Do I seem like a joke to you?"Instantly, the group of thugs made a move.Ashton looked up and wiped an oil smear from the corner of his mouth with a napkin. He put down his utensils and said, "It's quite impolite to interrupt someone during their meal.""Excuse me?" Manager Xenakis was surprised, clearly amused. Why did someone always choose the worst possible moment to intervene?"Was that you who just spoke?" Manager Xenakis looked at Ashton, sizing up the young man before him, his intentions darkening."You little brat! I'll use you as an example today to send a clear message to everyone. If I don't, everyone will assume they can challenge me," Manager Xenakis said, his eyes fixed on Ashton.Ashton gave him an indifferent glance. "I'd advise you to take your men and leave while I'm still in a good mood."A stunned silence filled the room, all eyes turning to Ashton with a blend of shock and disbelief. Reynard and
The statement hung heavy and oppressive. Manager Xenakis instinctively shrank back, swallowing hard to calm his anxiety."Why does it require a knife at your neck for you to act sensibly? It appears that the Xenakis family members are all pathetic, mirroring their superiors," Kendra said.Everyone looked shocked, as if they had witnessed the unthinkable. Whispers spread about the unlicensed doctor's daring act. His reputation was fearsome.Manager Xenakis, ashamed and afraid, crawled to the doorway. He stammered an apology to the room, then yelled three times that the Xenakis family members were spineless cowards in a desperate bid for redemption or self-preservation.Outside, someone filmed the entire incident. The news rapidly made its way to Jaxson. At the time, he was still in the hospital, grappling with a severe injury to his lower body that left him feeling emasculated. His hatred toward Ashton was already at its pinnacle, and watching the video intensified his fury, nearly
"By your logic, one of us must die today, correct?" Ashton set his cup down calmly.Howard said mockingly, "Ashston, do you think this is just another one of your little scuffles? Do you know who these people are? Mister Jaxson Xenakis hired these elite assassins for 2.8 million dollars. They're not your average street thugs.""And how does that concern me?" Ashton remained unfazed, his tone dripping with sarcasm."How many times did I warn you? Going against Jaxson is a direct path to destruction. Yet, you never listened. My sister went to great lengths to save your life. Rescuing a stray would've been a more worthwhile cause," Howard scoffed."She saved me?"Ashton shook his head, too weary for further banter. "Howard, I'll give you two choices. One, take these people and get as far away from me as possible. From now on, never appear before me. Two, I'll send you to your death.""You insolent brat! Still acting so bold? Take him down!" Howard spat out."Howard!" A voice called
As Ashton began to walk away, he hesitated, lips parting as if to speak. However, in the end, he said nothing. The gap between them had grown so vast that no gesture or words could bridge it. Every action was futile, and no amount of regret would soften his heart.Alora stood up, dusted her clothes, and smoothed her hair with resignation. "I will leave now," she whispered. She ran down the stairs, hiding her tears.As she left, she collided with Kendra, who had just arrived at the entertainment city again. "Alora?" Kendra was confused. Why was she there? And had she been crying? "What's going on?""Miss Lockwood," Alora greeted, forcing a smile. "Congratulations on being with Ashton. I wish you both happiness." Without waiting for a response, she swiftly moved past Kendra, leaving behind a trail of bewilderment."What was that about?" Kendra mused aloud, but before she could reflect further, she found herself before Ashton."Darling, what was—""Still calling me darling? Thought
The Merchico Hotel penthouse suite's activity surprised the group."Reynard, Beckett, come on in!" A trendy young man waved them over. "I've saved us some seats." Their eyes lit up as they hurried over."Yale, you seem to be doing well. I heard this Edren Summit is high-profile, and you got seats?" Reynard said with envy.Yale Waggett was their friend from college, though he was from an earlier batch. Back then, Yale's family only had a small business, with assets around tens of millions, but after a few years, it seemed he had climbed the social ladder."I got some seats at the back thanks to my relative who arranged the venue. It is unbelievable how lavish this setup is," Yale said."The hotel's top floor spans 2,000 square meters, and it's so crowded that there's no room for a single extra chair. Some influential figures can't even secure a seat. An event of this magnitude is unmatched in South Edren's history.""Is it really that significant? Just who is this Master Levin? It
"Deal with you?" Mister Churney's laugh was a thin slice of ice. "Master Levin thinks you are worthless. You are nothing."Ashton's smirk deepened. "So, Master Levin is that formidable, huh?""Master Levin dominates South Edren. He can kill from a hundred meters away with great panache. Can you, an insignificant ant, even comprehend his prowess? When the Xenakis family collaborates with him, all of South Edren will fall under the Xenakis family's domain!""I am genuinely looking forward to the day when the Xenakis family joins forces with Master Levin." Ashton nodded in agreement."Mister Churney, why waste words on a man who could not even protect his wife?" Just then, a smiling Jaxson approached, surrounded by a group of people."I'd say that's still a bit better than someone who couldn't guard his own pride, wouldn't you think?" Ashton responded, his eyes casting a fleeting glance downward, his smirk loaded with insinuation."What?" The reference to his castration, the deepest
"A desperate call for help?" Jonathan mocked, his voice dripping with disdain. "Who is it? Better leave them a farewell message because your life is in my hands now. No one can save you today."Ashton ended the call, a peculiar smile playing on his face. "It was your Uncle Eadwig. Care to have a word with him?"Jonathan's anger flared. "You dare mock me? I'll cut you down!"Suddenly, a murmur spread through the inner courtyard.Someone shouted, "The bigwigs are arriving, silence!"All eyes turned."Lluvia, Harley, Dylan Shaffer, Mister Zadroga, Miss Lockwood, Anthony, Mister Canfield—all are top-tier figures. Where's the rumored Master Levin?""Yes, which one is Master Levin? Why haven't we seen him?"Whispers filled the air.Compared to the minor spat between Jaxson and Jonathan, the main attraction at the Edren Summit was the elusive Master Levin. Rumor had it that he had been voted the top figure in South Edren. Every elite wanted to meet him.Even Jaxson and Jonathan were
"Hey! They called for Master Levin, not you! What are you thinking, marching up there? Do you have a death wish?" Ellora exclaimed in shock as she saw Ashton walk onto the red carpet. However, Ashton seemed not to hear her at all. With every step he took, he appeared to bask in the crowd's attention as he made his way to the stage."Does he think they called for him when they said Master Levin? Is he—" Mellie began, but her voice faltered as realization dawned. "Is Ashton Master Levin?"At that moment, numerous elites once again voiced their respect in unison. "Welcome, Master Levin!" With thousands of eyes on him, Ashton moved toward the platform with an undeniable charisma, radiating authority and grace."I thought Master Levin was an older gentleman. Look at him—he's so young and handsome!" someone said."He appears to be around the same age as my grandson. Yet, while he's already reached the pinnacle of South Edren's power hierarchy, it's clear that the younger generation excel