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
At that moment, Adrian was exuding a dangerously threatening air.His intent to kill was so strong that it could no longer be suppressed.Wilfred was terrified. In fact, all the Xanders were too stunned for words when they felt Adrian’s murderous intent.Samantha was the one person Adrian would not allow anyone to speak ill of. It did not matter if the person was the king himself. He would kill the person who dared humiliate his sweet Sam.“Let go of him, Adrian.” Samantha had no idea he would end up exuding such a strong temperament. She desperately wanted to pull him away when she saw how genuinely mad he was, afraid he might end up doing something unforgivable.Yet, Adrian did not loosen his grip. Once more, he asked Wilfred to repeat what he had said.But Wilfred was too frightened to repeat those words. Instead, he started panicking and said, “Let go of me, Adrian! Let go of me right now!”“I said, repeat yourself. You have three seconds.” Adrian looked at him coldly.“I’m
Harold took in a deep breath, while Leonard and the others stood around in embarrassment.Up till a moment ago, all of them seemed to have seen their life flash before their eyes thanks to Adrian’s murderous intent.***Samantha finally heaved a sigh of relief when they entered the club.For the briefest of moments, she felt that Adrian had turned into a completely different person. So much so that he felt like a complete stranger to her.She turned around to look at him. “Adrian, you have to stay calm next time. Wilfred’s your uncle at the end of the day. Imagine what others will think of you if they hear about what happened?”Samantha was the kind of person who cared very much about reputation. However, Adrian did not care about that in the slightest.“I’m already notorious throughout Swallowston, so I don’t care about any of that. All I care about is that Wilfred pays the price for humiliating you.”Samantha felt helpless for a moment, choosing to not comment on the matter a
Adrian had many candidates in mind, but one particular person should prove to be of great help to Samantha.Adrian turned to look at Samantha and said, “Riley.”“Riley?”Samantha was really surprised when she heard this name, naturally knowing who Riley was since the woman was a Xander.Although she and Riley had not interacted with each other much, she could tell that Riley was the only one of the Xanders with a decent personality.The fact that Adrian brought up Riley’s name was proof that he acknowledged her.But…“Will she join me though?” Samantha asked in a worried tone.‘Adrian’s been at odds with his family for the longest time, so I doubt Riley will agree to help even if I asked.’Adrian simply smiled and said, “We’ll never know what she’ll say until we try.”‘He’s right. Plus, Riley is indeed a capable woman,’ Samantha thought.Riley had graduated from a reputable university and even learned a thing or two from Henry when she had been under his tutelage.“Should w
Adrian and Samantha soon arrived at the diner.There were quite a number of patrons that night. They found a table and sat down before Adrian ordered three meals.They waited for a while. Not long after, a BMW parked outside the diner. Riley walked into the diner wearing a pair of shorts and exuded a matured air of beauty.“Riley!” Samantha called out upon spotting her.Riley cracked a smile and walked toward them. She took the seat opposite Adrian and Samantha. “Sam, Adrian, how are both of you doing?”Samantha nodded. “We’re pretty good.”“Great,” Riley said with a smile.Upon saying that, she looked at Adrian who was slurping up his pasta. She wanted to say something yet she could not think of what to say.Adrian beckoned her and said, “Eat up. Otherwise, it’ll get cold.”Riley smiled, picked up her cutlery, and ate.Samantha ate her pasta as well. The three of them did not speak and the atmosphere was growing awkward.It was fortunate that Adrian was around. Samantha wai
Riley was rather surprised.She had not expected Samantha to have such strong willpower to get back on her feet again after being bullied by the Cowells.On top of that, she had managed to secure investments again.Riley was hesitant as she was faced with Samantha’s sincerity.As she was pondering, Adrian said to her, “You know very well that the Xanders won’t make progress.”Riley knew that her family would not go far. Starting from Harold to the bottom of the family tree, every one of them bore the same stripes.“Riley.” Samantha reached for Riley’s hand with an earnest expression on her face.Riley was struggling deep inside. She realized that this was a chance for her.Soon, Riley nodded heavily. “I accept your offer to join your company, Sam.”Samantha was instantly excited to hear Riley’s remark. She grabbed Riley’s little hand and placed it on her chest.Samantha said, “Riley, let’s work hard together from now on. I believe that it won’t be long until we establish the
Adrian picked up the call. “Yes?”“Sir, we spotted some Luposians in Southrive today. I secretly looked into them and I speculate that they’re assassins sent by Luposia,” said Daniel.“How many?” asked Adrian.Daniel said, “As of this moment, I’m not too sure. I’m still investigating. Lucas won’t be in Swallowston for the next two days so my advice is to keep a close watch over your wife, sir.”Luposia had always been hostile against Navia. They had lost quite many people in the incessant wars over the past two years. It was highly plausible that they would send assassins to Southrive.As for their motive, Daniel was still trying to figure out if they were sent to assassinate Adrian or Lucas.Adrian said, “Noted. Continue your investigation and notify me immediately if there are any updates.”“Yes, sir.” Daniel hung up the call upon saying that.Meanwhile, Samantha walked out of the bathroom wearing a pale blue-colored nightgown and asked in puzzlement, “Who were you talking to
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