“What?”Harold’s expression changed drastically upon hearing Mya’s words.‘Adrian did this?’ Harold’s eyes widened in surprise while Leonard and Wilfred were furious.Leonard roared, “Father, how dare Adrian beat up Cedric and Jacob to this extent! He’s insolent!”“I’ll kill him!” Wilfred roared, his eyes bloodshot.The Xanders had not expected Adrian to beat up Cedric and Jacob till their current state. They were furious.Harold inhaled a deep breath and said, “This is unforgivable. How dare Adrian do this. I will never let him off.”He clenched his fist tightly.Cedric and Jacob were his two favorite grandchildren and he was heartbroken to see their broken legs.“What’s your relationship with Adrian? Do you think that you can still walk away from here after hurting my grandsons?” Harold looked toward Mya and said in rage.“B*tch, you work for Adrian and you’ve come to our house. You’re doomed!” Leonard roared angrily as he pointed at Mya.“Leonard, call someone. Quick,” sa
“M-Ms. Mya, may I know how you’re related to Adrian? Why would you want to help him?” Harold nervously asked as he looked at Mya.Mya loosened her hair and replied, “I’ll say it again. If you don’t do as Adrian said within the given time, I’ll personally come to Xander Manor and end every single person here.”Mya turned around and left the manor, leaving Harold to fall limp into his sofa.Leonard, Wilfred, and the rest were confused and panicking.“What’s the matter, Father? Who was that woman? Why do you seem so afraid of her?”“Who is she?“Who else could she be? She’s Jason Dean’s granddaughter. I just can’t figure out how Adrian had gotten her to help him!” Harold said in shock.Everyone was stunned when they heard this. They, of course, know who Jason Dean was.The Deans were a top-tier family in Southrive, so much so that the Xander household could not compare to them.Still stunned, Leonard asked, “Are you sure, Father? How could that deadbeat possibly be acquainted wit
Samantha held the document that contained her plans in her hands and had been sitting at the cafe for an hour.Despite how anxious she felt, she was in a cheery mood because when she called Mandy earlier, Mandy agreed to meet up without a moment’s hesitation.This came as a huge surprise to Samantha.After an hour, a luxurious car pulled up outside the cafe. Through the window, Samantha could see Mandy stepping out of the car and walking toward her.“Mandy, over here,” Samantha called out happily the moment she saw Mandy, who greeted her with equal enthusiasm.“What are you doing here so early?”Samantha smiled. She wanted to show her sincerity and how happy she was that Mandy agreed to meet her, so she decided to be here earlier.She called for the waiter and ordered two cups of coffee.“I’m really sorry for troubling you to take some time off your busy schedule to meet with me.”“No problem. I don’t have much on my plate. By the way, Sam, I heard your grandmother kicked you
To Mandy’s surprise, despite Samantha’s former career in the fashion industry, she was not planning to open up another fashion company.Instead, Samantha wanted to form a pharmaceutical company.“I’m curious, Sam. Bailar has been in the fashion industry for so many years, so why do you wish to form a pharmaceutical company instead?” Mandy looked at Samantha in confusion.“To tell you the truth…”Mandy looked at Samantha with a puzzled expression.“While my grandfather was alive, he opened a company in partnership with Henry Xander, my grandfather-in-law. At the time, my grandfather thought pharmaceutics held great potential, which was why I majored in it for my degree.“On top of that, Paraiso is also a pharmaceutical company, and my husband would like to complete the dream his father failed to achieve.“My friend was the one who chose what industry Bailar was going to be involved in and I didn’t have a say, but I do now.”Samantha had always been rather knowledgeable in pharma
Samantha genuinely had no idea the whole thing would proceed so smoothly, and Mandy’s attitude toward it all excited her.After thanking Mandy one more time, Samantha left the cafe and rushed back home in her Audi.***On the way home, she hurriedly called Adrian, wanting to tell him about the good news.The moment the call connected, she happily asked, “Where are you?”Adrian was on the way home too. He could tell from her voice that Samantha most likely had a successful meeting with Mandy.He smiled and said, “I’m on my way home. How did it go? Did you have a good meeting?”“Yes! Mandy agreed to invest seven million and three hundred thousand dollars to open up the new company. On top of that, she’ll be giving me a few technical people to help me build it up.“I’m on my way home too, I can’t wait to see you!” Samantha’s voice was trembling at that point.She would never have had the courage to do any of this without Adrian. He’s the one who gave her the support she needed to
“Really?!” Rue asked in shock.Samantha nodded vigorously. “Yes, and it’s all thanks to Adrian! I wouldn’t have had the courage to meet Mandy if not for him.”Rue was all smiles at this point. “Your father would always say that there’s always something good to be found in losses, and I’ve always believed that. I’m glad to see you two are in a good place in your relationship now.“By the way, Ada called. She’s doing really well on campus, her classmates are being nice to her, and she’s being well taken care of. In fact, she was awarded a scholarship.”Hearing this, Samantha said, “Ada’s a good girl, plus she’s really strong academically. It’s no surprise the university is giving her special treatment. I’m happy she’s doing well.”Rue nodded and said, “I happened to have bought some fresh ingredients earlier, so I’ll go cook you two something nice to eat right now. You two go ahead and take your time.”***While Rue headed to the kitchen, Samantha returned to her room. She had no
I’ve got your back!Samantha’s heart swelled up when she heard this.Not a single man had supported her over the past seven years—none who supported her unconditionally.But that man had finally walked into her life after seven years.Samantha knew that her life was about to go through some changes, and Adrian’s words were just the thing to make her feel safe.She then put down her documents and threw herself into his arms. Although she was slightly embarrassed, she thought she should take a little more initiative toward her husband.“You’ve shown me a whole different side of yourself time and time again ever since you came back. I hope we’ll be able to carry on like this. Then, we’ll have a child together.“I hope you’ll live your life right to prove to your family and mine that you’re not a deadbeat.”This was Samantha’s greatest wish.Adrian nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Sam. I will.“On the day New Paraiso rises to glory and you become the most beautiful female chairpers
Alas, Samantha’s show of respect was not received in kind.“Who are you to call me ‘grandfather?’ I don’t acknowledge you,” Harold admonished.Leonard had a menacing look on his face as he angrily said, “Drop the act, Samantha. What makes you think you’re worthy of being a Xander?”He then shot an even angrier look at Adrian before he stepped up and said, “I was just about to find you to settle a score for beating up my son, Adrian.”Samantha was initially embarrassed, but instantly became confused when she heard what Leonard said.‘Adrian beat up Cedric? When?’“I’d advise you to mind your tone, Leonard. You’re free to disregard my father as your sibling, which means I’m also free to disregard you as my relative,” Adrian retorted.After that, he took hold of Samantha’s hand. “Let’s go.”Samantha nodded, not wanting to be involved with the Xanders either.Cecilia watched as the couple walked into the club and said, “Father, that was so rude of them. Do they even have any respe
Adrian pondered his situation, his cold gaze reflecting simmering frustration. Yet deep down, he recognized that whoever had designed the staircase was far from ordinary.Creating such a formidable trial required unimaginable power.Even a pinnacle Void Stage expert—or perhaps someone of the Multiply Stage—might bow in reverence before the ladder's creator."He won't last much longer. The divine lightning in this void is utterly destructive. In moments, he'll be reduced to ashes," sneered the Holy Son, his sharp eyes gleaming with malice.To the Holy Son, Adrian's demise was inevitable. Adrian had dared to offend him, and he was certain such audacity could only lead to death.Adrian caught the Holy Son's words and cast him a frosty glare. His intent to kill was unmistakable, though now wasn't the time.The staircase was no place for personal vendettas—eliminating him here would require careful planning.He also knew the Holy Son carried seals of immense power. A reckless move co
Finnian's sharp gaze reflected a hint of admiration. "Kid, you owe me a big favor this time. You'd better treasure this opportunity."Adrian remained silent, unsure how to respond. His cold eyes revealed no emotion, though he fully grasped the challenges ahead.Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford—he'd come too far to back down now.Suddenly, a streak of red light surged from the void, hurtling toward Adrian with terrifying speed. His eyes widened in shock as the crimson beam struck him, slamming him against the staircase.Caught off guard, Adrian collapsed, sprawled helplessly on the steps.The crowd below watched in astonishment. No one had expected his seemingly indestructible body to be overwhelmed so easily.The Holy Son sneered. "Haha! It seems he's triggered some kind of taboo. Let's see how arrogant he is now!"His voice dripped with schadenfreude, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction as he relished Adrian's struggle.Despite the crushing force, Adrian refused
"What exactly is up there pulling me so strongly?" Adrian's expression hardened as he pondered the mysterious force drawing him upward.A surge of violent energy erupted across the sky, crashing down like a raging storm.Adrian advanced cautiously, each step deliberate and precise.Gone were the reckless strides of before—now he moved with steely determination, fully aware of the lurking dangers.He'd learned that the void's formidable forces seemed to target him directly, compelling him to proceed step by step. Any attempt to bypass its unseen barriers would provoke a devastating strike."Ridiculous," Adrian muttered. "If I've chosen to climb, nothing will stop me."The void's relentless power intensified.Bolts of thunder hammered down mercilessly, battering Adrian's body. Yet fear never crossed his mind.What was there to be afraid of?To him, the divine thunder wasn't an obstacle—it was a crucible, a tool to temper his body and strengthen his resolve.Despite the storm, A
The beast vanished from the sky without a final scream, its demise sudden and gruesome. The sight left everyone stunned and bewildered.The remaining beast roared in fury, its blood-red eyes blazing with rage and emitting a palpable aura of terror.Crimson light pulsed from its massive claws, spreading an ominous glow.The beast's deafening cries filled the air.Alarmed, Adrian muttered, "Damn it! It's going for mutual destruction!"The beast was preparing to self-destruct—unleashing its full power would annihilate the entire small world.Realizing the impending disaster, Adrian turned and fled, reinforcing his protective barrier as he raced away. He had no other choice. The beast's self-destruction was inevitable, beyond anything he could stop.As he sped into the distance, Adrian felt the beast's furious intent pursuing him. Amid its wrath, faint echoes of despair and unwillingness seemed to resonate.A blinding red light erupted from the beast, shooting skyward and staining
As Adrian battled on, a wave of blood-red energy spread across the sky, forming an enormous formation.With a cold smile, Adrian's eyes glinted with icy resolve. The blood-red energy in his hand trembled and expanded.The chaotic power erupted, and everything fell into place. All that remained was the final spark.Adrian sneered as he faced the two approaching beasts. His cold voice echoed. "It's my turn now."At that, the world seemed to fall silent.The two beasts found themselves trapped within the vast blood-red formation, which loomed overhead like a colossal barrier.Adrian remained calm and composed, drifting into the void as he observed the beasts. "I don't know who's behind this, but let me make it clear: don't push your luck."No sooner had the words left his mouth than Adrian waved his hand, releasing an overwhelming pressure. A series of blood-red divine lightning bolts shot toward the two beasts, crashing into their bodies with devastating force.The divine lightni
Adrian appeared almost insane, with each of his reckless attacks sending shockwaves of terrifying power through the air.The Soul Devouring Sword in his hand resembled a blood-red instrument of slaughter, painting the world with its violent energy.Each strike seemed to amplify Adrian's emotions. Though the beasts at the peak of the Void Stage were formidable, they would never force Adrian to submit.Even if he had to die lying down, he would never kneel to survive. The blood-red power he wielded radiated outward, illuminating everything in its path.Violent surges of power rampaged across the area, each one seemingly capable of shattering the very fabric of existence.Adrian exuded a terrifying, unyielding aura. The coldness and killing intent in his gaze revealed that he had no choice but to slay these two beasts. If he didn't, he would never escape this place.Adrian understood that the celestial ladder was testing him, and only by overcoming it could he gain the strength to b
Suspended in the void, Adrian watched as three ferocious beasts charged toward him.It seemed they had received a command, their eyes burning with murderous intent. Determined to kill him on the spot, they closed in.Adrian couldn't help but wonder what he had gotten himself into.Why had he insisted on climbing this celestial ladder? Entering here felt like a death wish.At that moment, helplessness filled him. He hadn't anticipated these demonic beasts would be so formidable. There was no way he could fight them.But regret was futile now. He was already inside.Adrian had no choice but to face the inevitable. His only option was to fight for survival, even if that meant death in this strange space."Hmph! You want me dead? It won't be that easy," Adrian remarked coldly. "If I've stirred up these monstrous creatures, then I'll show some respect. Let's see who's stronger."Without hesitation, Adrian hurled a punch toward the Red Feather Divine Bird, targeting the weakest oppon
What had initially appeared to be a dense swarm of beasts now seemed far less daunting.Adrian smiled slightly, satisfied. This was the result he had hoped for.At that moment, the Soul Devouring Sword glowed even more intensely.Adrian smiled faintly again. The sword was growing stronger, and that worked in his favor.He let out a cold chuckle. "Now, let's see what can stop me."As his words fell, a powerful, terrifying roar reverberated in the distance.A violent sound, full of rage, tore through the air. It seemed an even more fearsome beast was approaching.Adrian's eyes gleamed coldly as he sensed the change.From the distant horizon, a massive creature emerged from the void.It was an ancient beast—a bird, to be precise.Adrian's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected it to be an ancient beast, let alone one as powerful as the Red Feather Divine Bird.The bird's greatest strength lay in its wings, forged from mystic iron. A single blow from those wings could infl
As soon as Adrian spoke, he made his move. The terrifying beast at the peak of the Void Stage posed a serious challenge.Adrian, currently an intermediate Void Stage warrion, faced a formidable opponent in the beast's immense size and power.Without any command from Adrian, the Soul Devouring Sword charged into the swarm of beasts, cutting down everything in its path with ruthless ferocity.Each time Adrian killed a beast, the sword rapidly consumed its blood and soul energy.In the blink of an eye, Adrian and his sword wreaked havoc across the battlefield, showing no signs of slowing down.Despite the bloodthirsty beasts surrounding him, Adrian remained calm.His fierce struggle only intensified their madness, and they relentlessly tried to kill him. It was clear they wouldn't stop until Adrian was destroyed.The battle had become frenzied.Adrian's movements grew faster and fiercer, while the air around him shook violently, as if the world itself quaked under the battle's int