Chapter 7
Author: Celestial Clouds
It was better if Adrian had kept silent.

After he spoke, Samantha was outraged. She slapped him and anxiously said, “Do you think you’re the war legate? Ask General Summers to settle this. Who do you think you are?”

Rue was crying, and Adaline turned around to hide her tears. If Celine found out that they were fighting at Alyanz Tower, she would surely not let Adrian get away.

“Sam, put your trust in me,” Adrian said to her.

“Why should I?” She looked at him as tears welled up in her eyes. She never thought that Adrian would be so impulsive that he would start a fight here.

There was no time to think. Samantha quickly said to Rue, “Mother, Ada, bring Adrian home. I’ll go in on my own.

“I’m just one woman, I don’t think Celine will do anything to me.”

She thought that was the only way out.

Rue was nervous. “Sam, just let this go. Let’s all go home.”

“Sam, we won’t be able to remain calm if you go in there alone. We should just give the company to them,” Adaline tried to advise.

But the company was everything to Samantha. She shook her head. “No, I have to go. Take Adrian and go, I—”

But before she could finish, Adrian started walking into the building.

Samantha and Rue lost their minds.

Adaline yelled, “Are you trying to get yourself killed? Come back here!”

Adrian ignored them and continued walking. When Samantha saw this, she sighed and gave up. “Fine, let’s go in.”

She had no other ideas. Her only hope was that during the event, Celine would listen to reason.

Samantha, Adaline, and Rue followed Adrian into the building.

***

The event venue was filled with people.

Top executives of corporations in Swallowston were in attendance. It was a busy sight.

This was the first time Rue and Adaline were attending such a grand event. They were overcome by nervousness.

“Ladies, please take a seat. General Summers will be here soon,” Adrian said when he saw the three women trailing behind him.

Samantha ignored him. She looked at the crowd and waited for Celine to join them so she could ask for her company back.

Rue was anxious as she looked at her son. “Adrian, you just got back yesterday so you don’t know what’s been happening around here. Tell me, why are you so sure that General Summers will be here? Do you know the status he holds?” Rue asked.

She knew who he was. He was second to none in Swallowston.

Adrian replied, “Mother, he’s my right-hand man. He’ll be coming here to take care of Celine. Just wait and see.”

His mother sighed again because she had not expected her son to make up such a huge lie. She thought that he changed. He was no longer the honest and down-to-earth Adrian who left for war.

Samantha took a seat next to Rue and Adaline and did not say a word, but from her expression, it was obvious how annoyed she was. She did not believe that General Summers was going to show up or even help her take care of her problems.

Soon after, there was a commotion and a woman in extravagant clothes and fine jewelry walked onto the stage.

It was Celine Blanche.

“The president is here?”

“Ms. Celine, I’m from the Maple Group. You should consider a partnership with us!”

“Ms. Celine, the Kara Group would also like to be one of your partners!”

A buzz went through the venue. Top executives from various corporations came to speak to Celine. She was the president of the Alyanz Chamber of Commerce, and Alyanz managed forty percent of the companies in Swallowston.

Now that she had taken over the House of Bailar, a lot of companies wanted a cut too.

“B*tch…” Adaline mumbled under her breath as she looked at Celine who was all smiles. This was the woman who had stolen Bailar from Samantha.

Rue was just a lowly housewife, so when she saw Celine, she shuddered.

Samantha, on the other hand, just sat there deep in thought.

***

“Hello everyone,” Celine spoke as she raised her arms, “Please quiet down. I have an announcement.

“I received news last night that the war legate will be attending the agreement-signing ceremony, so we are waiting for his arrival.”

Everyone was shocked when they heard this.

“The legate is coming?”

“Ms. Celine is so well-connected!”

“Was the legate the person who showed up at the port with aircraft carriers yesterday?”

Everyone in Swallowston had heard of the legate, and the news of his aircraft carrier escort had spread throughout the city.

When they heard the legate was coming, the three women were evidently shocked.

Rue said, “Sam, the… the legate will be coming, and we’re here to ask Celine about the company. What if we offend him?”

“Sam, we should leave now. I heard that he’s a fierce man.” Adaline tugged at Samantha’s dress.

Samantha shook her head. “It’s my company. Even the legate doesn’t have the right to take it away from me. As long as he doesn’t kill me, I’ll fight him till I get it back!”

Samantha was stubborn and never backed down from a problem, even if someone held a knife to her neck.

But Rue was worried about the family. “Sam, we can’t just do whatever we want. What are we going to use against the legate?”

“I’m pretty sure he’s a reasonable man. I’m glad he’s coming. I can speak to him in person,” Samantha said.

Rue stopped arguing the matter.

Adrian spoke up, “Mother, don’t worry. I’m the legate.”

“Adrian, why do you… Sigh!” Rue was disappointed. “Can you please stop lying?”

Samantha looked at Adrian in disappointment but did not say anything.

Adrian was speechless. He was telling the truth, but no one believed him. It was obvious that they had never met anyone of high status, so they did not believe him.

Adrian did not say another word. He sat down and continued waiting.

***

Celine walked off stage and started shaking hands with the executives present, but Samantha caught her eye.

“Why is she here?” Celine grumbled to herself as she walked toward Samantha.

When she got to Samantha, she said, “Samantha Cowell, you’ve handed the company over to me. What are you doing here? Didn’t you see the sign that says ‘Samantha Cowell and dogs aren’t allowed?’”

The place fell silent as everyone’s eyes turned to Samantha. Then, a chatter started up.

Samantha replied, “Celine, you worked with your cousin, Devin, to frame me and force me to sign the agreement to give my company away. I’m here to reason with you.”

Related Chapters

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 8

    After Samantha spoke, everyone burst out in laughter.“You came to Alyanz to reason? What’s going on in that head of yours?”“The business world is like a battlefield. If you lose, you lose. If you can’t deal with that, don’t run a company.”The crowd jeered.Celine looked at Samantha with a smug look, taunting her. Everyone there wanted to work with her, so they were willing to do anything to get into her good books.Samantha knew that there was no way she could win over them, but she wanted the truth from Celine. She said, “Celine, you forced me to sign the agreement to give away my company. I’m here to tell you that I’ll let it slide if you give Bailar back to me. We won’t have to go to court over it.”“Hahaha!” Celine covered her mouth and laughed so hard that her tears started falling.Everyone looked at Samantha as if she were a joke.Celine smiled and said, “Samantha, you’re going to sue me? With what? Do you think you’ll win? I’m going to tell you the truth. Yes, I play

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 9

    Nobody there knew what to do. Alyanz was going to be disbanded!Daniel got approval from the legate? But where was he? Everyone looked around but could not determine who he was.Celine broke down and got to her knees. “Please forgive me, Legate! I didn’t take away her company on purpose! I-I’ll give it back!”She was afraid. She thought that the legate was there to make her acquaintance. But instead, he was there to help Samantha.“Take her away!” Daniel ignored Celine’s plea and commanded.As a few men walked over, Celine quickly crawled toward Samantha’s feet and grabbed her. “Samantha, Samantha, I’m sorry! Please help me!”Celine’s face was covered in tears as she wept. She was utterly out of her wits and was visibly trembling.Samantha, shocked at Celine’s actions, took a few steps back and fell into someone’s arms. She turned around and realized that it was Adrian.She blushed.“Go away!” Adrian boomed as he kicked Celine in her face, “General Summers, take her away!”“Y

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 10

    Not long after they arrived home, there was a knock at the door.Rue went to get it and when she saw who it was, she frowned. “Clara, Simon, why are you here?”The woman was Clara Cowell, Samantha’s cousin.Clara had always been her grandmother’s favorite, but she could not stand how Samantha was doing better than her so she would always try to one-up Samantha.She came up with all sorts of schemes. Once, she even tried to make Samantha marry a disabled man.The worse Samantha’s life was, the happier Clara would be.The man standing beside Clara was her fiance, Simon Black, the eldest of the Black family children.Rue did not want to see them, so she quickly closed the door to stop them from coming in. However, Clara was able to push her way in and frowned. “Why are you so anxious, Rue? I’m here to see Samantha.”Rue was pushed aside.Clara and Simon walked in and looked around.“What business do you have with Sam?” Adrian, who was sitting on the couch, asked when he saw them

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 11

    A young man drove out of a mansion somewhere in Swllowston after answering Simon’s call.That young man was George Livingston, son of one of the richest men in Swallowston, and had a close relationship with Donald Kushner, the richest man in the city.After Simon got acquainted with George, the Cowells wanted to be associated with George, so they proposed a partnership between their companies. Clara added fuel to the fire and suggested that Samantha would sleep with him.At that moment, George’s luxury car drove into the streets of Swallowston toward Adrian’s place. However, there were sudden bursts of engine noise from all directions.The next moment, military SUVs popped out of nowhere and blocked his car from all sides.“Wh-What’s this?”George’s eyes opened wide when he saw the sudden fleet of cars. Before he could react, his car was surrounded by more than a dozen cars.The cars stopped, and Daniel got out of one of them.George shuddered and said, “General Summers, what b

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 12

    Night time.When the family was having dinner, Adrian’s phone rang. It was Daniel on the line.“I need to take this.” Adrian got up and went to the garden.Once he picked up, Daniel said, “Sir, the Cowells sent you an invitation for a gathering at their home. I haven’t replied. Will you be attending?”“I don’t have time for that. Reject the invite.” Adrian hung up and went back inside.Samantha said to Adrian, “Go to my family home and meet my grandmother tomorrow. She’s my family.”“All right.” He nodded.“Don’t forget to bring her some gifts. I have some money here.” Rue quickly took out her purse and handed him a hundred dollars.He looked at the money and was touched. It was apparent she had been keeping this money for a while now because it was all crumpled up.Something came to mind and Adrian said, “Mother, how much money do you need for Ada’s tuition? Which university did she get into?”Adaline looked up and started paying attention.Rue said, “Swallowston University

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 13

    Meanwhile, at the Cowells’.The Cowells used to be an affluent family in Swallowston. But after John passed away, Violet took over the family affairs and caused the family to go from an upstanding family to a low-class one.Violet Barker was an arrogant, self-centered woman who loved to look down on people. Clara and Francis were her favorite grandchildren, but she loathed Samantha.There was a family meeting underway at the Cowell’s. Violet was hosting in the living room.Samantha’s eldest uncle, Nathan Cowell, her second uncle, Hugo Cowell, Hugo’s son, Francis Cowell, and many other family members were in attendance.Clara was there with a swollen face. The reason for the meeting was to discuss Swallow Central.Violet said, “I just got word that Swallow Central will start letting companies bid for a spot in a week. The legate will be there to chair the investment conference. They’ve already sent out invitations. Do any of you have any idea how to get an invite for the family?”

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 14

    “Wow, your family’s famous!”“You’re so different from that piece of trash.”“Yes, you’re so much better than him.”Everyone started licking Simon’s boots after he said that and compared him to Adrian.When Simon heard this, he became even smugger and smirked at Adrian.Simon said, “The legate will personally be there, so everyone in the upper-class circle is paying a lot of attention to the conference. I heard that Battle Warrior Lucas will be escorting him. Not everyone has the opportunity to get an invitation.”All the Cowells took a sharp intake of breath. The legate and the Battle Warriors were extremely important figures. Getting an invitation would be the biggest achievement for the Cowells.Nathan said, “Simon, do you think your family can get an invitation for our family too?”Everyone agreed upon hearing this.Hugo said, “Yes, Simon. You’re my brother’s son-in-law, and your family is prominent in Swallowston. If your father asked for it, we could probably get an invi

  • The Return of the War Legate   Chapter 15

    Had Adrian’s call really made the war legate send an invitation to the Cowells?“Thanks to the legate. Thank you, General Summers.”Violet gazed at the invitation. Her tears started falling as she put out her hand to accept it.Daniel nodded and said, “Everyone here is invited. We’ll reserve seats for you. Have a good day.”“Please see General Summers off,” Violet said.Hugo and Nathan escorted Daniel out.Everyone’s eyes were glued to the invitation as if they were in a collective dream.“Grandmother, this is a genuine invitation!” Francis excitedly said.“It is. The legate actually gave us an invitation!”“The gods are smiling on us. We’re on the road to becoming one of the richest families in Swallowston!” Violet looked up and gave her thanks to the Heavens.Samantha looked at Adrian in shock. Had this invitation really come because of his call?However, Simon suddenly said, “Congratulations, Grandmother. Truth be told, before coming over, my father contacted the legate t

Latest Chapter

  • Chapter 4815

    The Daemon Emperor was startled."What is happening? This power..."Formless energy was surging forward, pressuring his nerves and senses.Below, Andy and the others trembled uncontrollably."Who is it?" Finnian stared into the crimson mist.Even Andy was horrified, his gaze locked on the unfolding scene in disbelief, and asked, "What is this? What exactly is happening?" At this moment, Adrian abruptly opened his eyes.Apparently, the Daemon Emperor had once conspired with Adrian's subordinates to ambush him.However, Adrian had managed to annihilate the traitors and sealed this Daemon Emperor. Now, fate had brought them together again."If I killed you once, I can kill you again." Adrian stood tall, his white robes fluttering in the air.The Daemon Emperor was stunned into silence."This is impossible! You're not that mortal boy!""Is that so? In this life, your end has come, and so has the era of the daemons." Adrian's voice was calm yet resolute. He stretched out his han

  • Chapter 4814

    Adrian's face hardened at the words. He despised threats above all else. While he understood what the mysterious entity desired, he couldn't yet fully comprehend its implications or find a way to counter it. His only choice was to focus on growing stronger.Within the hot spring, waves of raw, terrifying power surged and crashed violently against Adrian's body.The force, though beneficial, was brutal and overwhelming. Adrian's body struggled to endure, cracking as though it were disintegrating."Arghhh!"A heart-wrenching scream echoed as Adrian's flesh was torn apart and his aura gradually dimmed."Ahhh!"His agonized cries echoed once more. He could no longer withstand the pain.In the distance, a towering figure appeared and sneered. "What's this? Can't take it anymore? Pathetic. Humans are truly the epitome of stupidity."Suddenly, Adrian erupted with an explosive surge of energy, and in that instant, he broke through to the pinnacle of the Void Stage."Hmm? He actually b

  • Chapter 4813

    At that moment, the crowd was speechless.Adrian had ascended as if it were the easiest thing in the world.Faced with such a sight, no one could say much beyond admiration. Even if the Holy Son claimed Adrian had cheated, many secretly wished they could cheat the same way.Lacking Adrian's means, all they could do was envy him.Finnian chuckled. "Haha! You really caught us all by surprise, kid. Still, I'll count this as you repaying me a favor."For Finnian, the outcome couldn't have been better. With a broad smile, he seemed to have achieved his desired result. Adrian's successful climb was all that mattered to him.Once Adrian had vanished, the focus shifted to the rest of the group and their trials.When Adrian opened his eyes again, his entire body ached, but an oddly comforting sensation flowed through him. Surveying his surroundings, he realized he was now in a pond."Where am I?" he asked.Though uncertain about the place, Adrian knew he had cleared the trial and arriv

  • Chapter 4812

    The onlookers stared in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion as they struggled to grasp the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Adrian seethed with barely contained rage. This wasn't his first encounter with such torment. Every few steps he ascended, another trial awaited.To Adrian, the relentless punishments felt suffocating. Yet he pressed on—this was the final stretch of the climb. "Adrian, hang in there!" Andy shouted, urging him to conquer the last step. To Andy, reaching that final step symbolized Adrian's growth. He had witnessed Adrian's remarkable resilience countless times and held unwavering faith in his potential. In Andy's eyes, Adrian was destined for greatness. Adrian's expression turned cold as he locked his gaze on the steps ahead. Determination flickered in his eyes. "If reaching the top guarantees a reward, it doesn't have to be me up there. As long as someone makes it, that's enough." With that, he shifted his focus to the void above and formed

  • Chapter 4811

    Adrian felt as if every nerve in his body was beyond his control. A deep sense of grievance filled his heart as the divine thunder from the void relentlessly crashed down.Rage surged within him, but under the onslaught of endless forces, he felt weak and constrained.Still, he had no choice but to press forward. He knew victory was within reach if he could endure a little longer—giving up now would mean death.If he fell, the shame and humiliation would crush him.Below, the Holy Son and others waited, eager to see him fail and mock him. This left Adrian no option but to push forward, striving toward the void above and his ultimate goal.The violent forces continued to bombard him from the sky.With every step, the thunder's impact intensified tenfold. His soul, already battered from a fierce battle with a horde of beasts, now felt as though it was dragging his exhausted body forward.Anyone else would likely have succumbed to despair. After all, under such immense pressure, ev

  • Chapter 4810

    The oppressive forces descending from the void seemed determined to halt Adrian’s ascent up the staircase.Yet he refused to yield. To him, these overwhelming challenges were merely obstacles to conquer.He pressed forward with relentless determination.Thunderbolts continued to rain down, but the ominous red light from before did not return—a relief, as he never wished to endure its crushing weight again.The memory of that light still haunted him, leaving a lingering sense of helplessness. Its suffocating pressure had drained his strength, reducing him to a gasping, powerless state.Despite the toll on his body and mind, Adrian remained singularly focused on reaching the final step. His burning desire for greater power drove him forward, unwavering and resolute.Step by step, he ascended, reaching the 95th step in what felt like an instant.Only five steps remained. His gaze locked onto the summit, and a wild glint lit his eyes. A daring idea sparked within him, consuming his

  • Chapter 4809

    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

  • Chapter 4808

    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

  • Chapter 4807

    "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

Scan code to read on App