Faedra's warning was clear and strategic. The weakening Sullivans had to appear unyielding. Any sign of vulnerability could jeopardize the alliance, pushing the Sullivan family's resurgence further into an uncertain future. However, Zion responded with light-hearted dismissal. "We've got it covered."Zion knew he had to caution his daughter about Ashton.Firstly, there was the looming shadow of the old prince. If the old prince's anger, spurred by the Levin Family, turned toward the Lockwoods, Zion's military position would be at risk, and their entire family would face dire consequences.Then there was the Sullivan family. His daughter played a pivotal role in keeping ties with them and establishing connections with Norvanta Port County. If she grew too close to Ashton, it would surely unsettle the Sullivans.Amidst the cheerful banter, a striking figure entered the room. Kendra, dressed in a soft gray woolen coat, walked in gracefully and gave a curt nod to her parents."Kendra,
How, though?Persistent persuasion was the key.Rubie believed she knew her daughter's spirit. She could soften her resolve with persistence.Yet, Rubie might have been too overconfident.Kendra had her way of seeing the world. While she might bend on other things, there was no room for compromise when it came to her happiness or affairs of the heart.At Caring Health Corp, Doctor Taylor had briefly returned to Central South County. In his absence, the reins of the clinic were in Ashton's hands, which was also an ideal setting for Darek's recovery.At midday, as Ashton prepared a prescription, a shadowy figure neared the clinic's entrance, pausing hesitantly as if torn between entering and leaving."Here for a check-up or just medicine?" Ashton asked without looking up. He had sensed someone but wondered why they had not come in.Moments later, a familiar face stood before him.Glancing up in surprise, Ashton recognized her. "Kendra? Shouldn't you be at work? Especially with h
Alora's distraught face prompted Ashton to take her hand gently. "Enough. Both of you, stop. You two sit. I will cook."He shook his head, took Alora's groceries, and entered the small kitchen.Soon, a delicious aroma filled the air.He cooked well when Ashton and Alora were newlyweds.With Ashton out of the room, Alora said, "Miss Lockwood, we're back together now. So, what's your game here? Surely, the distinguished heiress of Royal Sealift Group would not stoop to being a mistress over a mere man?"Kendra paused. Then, she said, "I can give you half of the Royal Sealift Group's shares if you give me Ashton?"Alora's heart dropped.Such determination.The Royal Sealift Group's value was astronomical. Its future was even brighter with projects like the La Verdure Pill and the new Deep Sea Stone Extract. Half the shares would promise untold riches, enough to buy any man's heart.Alora had learned her lessons, and losing Ashton was not an option."I can't agree to that," she s
"You're welcome to try," Ashton said, his voice dripping with amusement.He had met many brash women. The more one appeased them, the worse they would get. However, a firm hand would often set them straight."Sienna, please. Remember your promise to me. No more outbursts." Yvonne's weak voice pleaded as she grasped Sienna's hand.She turned to Ashton with an apologetic grin. "Doctor, my apologies. Sienna's just overly concerned about my health. She's not typically this brash.""If you're unwilling to assist, we'll leave," Yvonne said, bowing slightly to Ashton before attempting to lead Sienna away."If you leave now without reaching the hospital, you'll die," Ashton remarked indifferently.The one named Sienna was a constant thorn in his side.However, Yvonne was different. A courteous young girl referred by Doctor Taylor—Ashton felt inclined to assist her."I can endure this. I'm fine," Yvonne said, forcing a smile and attempting to stand tall. But suddenly, she coughed out a
"Sienna!" Yvonne's voice echoed in the night.Blood streamed from Sienna's wound, but she remained standing. Thankfully, the dart did not hit her heart."I'm okay," she said, eyes darting to the shadowy figures.'This is bad,' she thought, heart pounding. 'How did they find us here in South Edren? Are we just cursed with bad luck, or are they that good?'"Our families have always minded our own business. Why are you suddenly so desperate to capture us?" Sienna said, regaining her composure swiftly.For all her brash words, slow thinking, and sheer arrogance, Sienna sure knew how to keep her cool under pressure."Ah, with Grandmaster Willows gone, Central South County's power play is heating up. Everyone's itching to be the top dog. And you're wondering why? Adorably naive," the leader, draped in a black scarf, said with a sneer.So they hailed from Central South County.Ashton pondered as he reclined in his chair.Before Wade's untimely demise, the Willows family ruled Central
"Jacie, today's lesson involves brewing the Panacea Elixir. Combine red, yellow, and green in a three-to-two-to-one ratio. Simmer until it thickens to a near-black consistency. Then, infuse it with three snake galls and two cups of golden sap. Let it stew for fifteen minutes."Though Ashton had departed, his teachings echoed in Jacie's mind.Jacie looked taken aback, and then her face lit up with ecstatic joy."I get it now. Thank you, Doctor Levin!"Even though the legendary Doctor Levin did not personally step in to help her, he had taught her how to brew the Panacea Elixir. It could cleanse the toxins from Sienna's body!And he handed her that favor on a silver platter—truly a kind soul.Following Ashton's guidance, Jacie brewed a bowl of foul-smelling potion in no time.Jacie was puzzled. "Why the addition of the golden sap? Is this some sort of revenge? It smells terrible; I hope Sienna can stomach it."Desperate to survive, Sienna did not ponder about the golden sap and d
Ashton stood in the doorway, his presence dominating the room.After Alora had abruptly ended their call, he had made his way straight to the top floor, catching the tail end of the chilling conversation.He had not anticipated that those folks would still have the guts to cause a ruckus, and even more so than before."You again?""Where's security? Who let him in?" Lainy snapped."Save your breath. The two guards at the entrance did not let me in, but they're out cold now." Ashton walked into the office. He stood next to Alora, observing the bright red mark on her face. "Who did this?"Alora bit her lip, staying silent. She never was one to snitch."I did that. Got a problem with that? Listen here, Levin, you might want to stop getting so full of yourself—"Slap!Before Miralda could finish her sentence, a slap silenced her.The sheer force behind Ashton's casual slap was something else. With one hit, her teeth shattered, her cheek ballooned, and she felt like she had just t
"It's all because of this wretch—testing my patience over and over! I won't rest until you're all gone! Argh!"Lainy gripped her cane tighter, shaking uncontrollably.Her insane behavior frightened everyone, especially Alora and Florence.In any situation, Lainy's influence within the Latham family was unmatched. Provoking her was dangerous because they could not predict her reaction.Florence tried to calm things. "Fourth Mother, my daughter is in the wrong. I've reprimanded her. I will ensure she learns from this mistake."Florence said urgently, "Alora, show some respect! Bow to Fourth Grandmother and apologize now!" She kicked Alora's knees, nearly toppling her.Lainy, her face contorted with fury, said, "Apologize? I don't need that! I'd rather see you all dead!" She menacingly raised her cane, pointing at Ashton and Alora. "Tom, Tim, deal with these two wretches!"Lainy said, "But first, break their limbs. I want them to suffer before they draw their final breaths. Only th