Xayne was at a loss as he did not expect Serena to show up yet. He could only smile under Serena’s suspicious scrutiny. After a while, he explained, “No, I used to work for the King of the North.”Then he embraced his daughter and said, “Let’s send Coco to a nearby hospital first.”Only after that did Serena notice the swelling on Coco’s forehead. The little one looked distressed, and her eyes were red from crying."Okay, let's go."Coco, lying in Xayne’s arms, looked at her mother and threw herself into Serena's arms. "Mommy! It hurts!"Serena was heartbroken seeing her daughter like this. The family of three took a cab to a nearby hospital, and Ace later arrived at the shopping mall to handle the rest of the mess.Meanwhile, Donovan’s men surrounded Thomas’s office. Thomas and his executives kneeled on the ground, trembling as they wiped the sweat off their foreheads. Ace’s fierce demeanor sent shivers down their spines.Thomas was now the mall’s former chairman and dared not
Violet ran over and grabbed Serena’s hand as the trio entered. Violet smiled as she said, “Serena, you’re finally home. We’ve been waiting for you forever.”Serena smiled awkwardly, saying, “What’s going on, Mom?”Serena smiled awkwardly, saying, "Mom, what's going on? Should we go in first?”Violet nodded and glanced at Royce while gesturing behind her. Then she followed Serena into the courtyard, and the latter asked, “What’s the matter, Mom? Just tell me, and I’ll do my best to help—”Serena was not naive and knew Violet and Royce had a purpose to visit her house. Violet burst into tears before Serena could finish her sentence. “Serena, you must help your little brother! He’s in trouble.”Serena's eyes narrowed as she listened. Then she asked, "Mom, even though Royce isn't my biological brother, he's still my brother. Tell me what's going on." Despite how Violet and Royce treated her before, Serena was still kind-hearted and wanted to help. Meanwhile, Xayne could only sigh an
Serena looked at Xayne skeptically and frowned. "What are you implying?"Xayne took the contract from Serena and glanced over it. He helplessly sighed, saying, "It seems fine, but Royce is the issue. He's always been a money-minded guy. Do you honestly think someone like him would get conned?"Serena's frown deepened. Then she stood up, saying with a puzzled expression, "I know what you're thinking, but Royce is still my brother. If I don't help him, who will? I can't just watch Grandpa kick him out of the family, right?"Xayne understood Serena's kind nature and reluctance to let go of the Swift family. He shook his head and said, "Let me handle this matter." "You?" Serena frowned at Xayne. She could not figure out how Xayne could consistently solve complex problems, even though he seemingly had nothing. Moreover, she felt a connection to these problems but could not find any evidence.Xayne said smilingly, “I have some connections in Shalholm. I can look into it for you.”Sere
“That's pretty impressive. Adrian is only twenty-seven, right? For him to reach such a position in the military must make him the family’s prodigy." Henry looked proud as he stood in the background and listened to the guests’ praises.‘My son has made me proud.’Adrian was a Major General set to be a Lieutenant next month. It was a unique accomplishment in Shalholm, even throughout the entire province.‘The Waltons from the provincial capital will regret their decision when Adrian becomes a Lieutenant. They might even pay a hefty price to reconcile. When that happens, we’ll have the upper hand in choosing our allies.’Henry had dressed himself in a refined and elegant suit for the occasion. He stepped out from the background and greeted the guests in the hall, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for my tardiness. Please have a seat.”The guests exchanged pleasantries, and someone asked, "Mr. Henry, when will Adrian arrive? We can't wait to meet Drakonia’s future Lieutenan
Everyone fell silent when they heard Adrian’s words. The guests exchanged uncertain glances and even murmured under their breaths."Is he planning to obliterate Xayne Xavier and the Swifts once and for all?""Heh, it seems Xayne and the Swifts are goners. They're doomed since they offended a Lieutenant.""Oh no. We still have collaborations with the Swifts. I must inform our people to terminate all partnerships with them."Those in the hall dealing with the Swifts called their companies and urgently requested to sever all ties with them. These people had dozens of enterprises and came from prominent families. Many panicked as they witnessed this scene.After all, Adrian had vowed to eliminate the Swifts. Such terrifying power and methods meant that the Lennings would become one of Shalholm's foremost families in the future. Adrian stood with his head held high while facing the guests’ discussions.He continued, "When I become Lieutenant next month, I'll make Xayne kneel before my
The others chimed in when Tim spoke up. However, Eric slammed his cane on the brick floor, saying, “That’s enough. We’ll decide when Serena and the others arrive.”Although Eric was old, he was not senile. He weighed the pros and cons, torn between not wanting to offend Lieutenant Haith and not wanting to offend the soon-to-be Lieutenant Adrian.At that moment, Xayne entered with Coco and Serena. Of course, Tony and his family followed them in. When they arrived, those in the room stood up and pointed at Xayne and Serena, scolding them.“How dare you two show your faces here?!”“Xayne, do you realize the mess you’ve gotten us into? The Lennings are out for blood against us.”“Oh, Serena. Our family wouldn’t be in this mess if you didn’t insist on bringing that bastard here. You’re a curse that should’ve never returned to us.”Serena trembled before the angry crowd. The situation was similar to what she had experienced five years ago. The same people disowned her from the family w
The entire room laughed when they heard Xayne’s words.“What did you say? Do you think the Lennings are simpletons?”“You’re overestimating yourself, you bastard. Can you even handle this issue alone?”“You’re talking about the Lennings and the soon-to-be Lieutenant Adrian. You’re ridiculous if you think you rely on your reclaimed status and Linford to intervene for you. Do you honestly believe Lieutenant Haith would offend Adrian for you?”The Swift family members berated Xayne, their hatred for him boiling over. They thought he was spewing nonsense.Sophia crossed her arms and smirked. “Oh, are you saying Adrian is insignificant? What position do you hold, Xayne? Are you a Lieutenant or a General? What about a Commander? Are you the Commander of East Yoskea or the Northern Plains?”Tim laughed and remarked sarcastically, “Hahaha! You must be kidding, Sophia. How can he be the Commander of the Northern Plains? I’d be the first to bow and apologize if he were.”Meanwhile, Tony a
Afterward, Xayne turned and led the worried Serena out of the room. Meanwhile, everyone in the room continued berating Xayne as he left.“Sir, you have the final say. Xayne is being arrogant.”“Dad, we can’t let him run wild. It’ll be over for us if he offends the Lennings or angers Adrian again.”“Grandpa, this isn’t the time to be lenient. It concerns our family’s development and ability to survive in Venzor.”The more Eric listened to these words, the deeper he frowned. Finally, he instructed, “Tim, Sophia, go to the Lennings and assess the situation.”"Sure, we'll go now." Tim nodded and left with Sophia.Naturally, the rest of the family continued reprimanding Tony and his side of the family."Hmph! Look at the trouble your family has caused us, Tony!"Tony could only apologize. He only turned to Violet and Royce and glared at them when everyone else left. He said, “You two are no longer allowed to visit the yard.”Meanwhile, Serena paced back and forth after returning ho
Deanana glanced at Xayne as she coyly smiled. "Mr. Xayne, no need to be so reserved with me. After all, I used to be one of your admirers. I always thought you were an extraordinary man."Although it seems I misjudged you, still, you were a part of my girlish dreams. Don't let your current misfortunes bother you too much. People say a fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken, and while that's true, I happen to have a kind heart."Her words, though laced with laughter, were razor-sharp. Each one was a jab meant to cut deep.Her meaning was clear: "You might have been a shining star once, but now, you're nothing in my eyes—not even worth a second glance." Helping Xayne get his luggage was just an act, nothing more."Mr. Xayne, do you remember? Just a few years ago, at this very airport, you were returning from... oh yes, the Seven Nations Summit!"You know, I waited at the airport entrance for over four hours that morning just to get your autograph. But sadly, your security team didn'
"Heh, Miss Deanana, you also know that's all in the past. Even if he were still the King of the North, we live in peaceful times now. No one gets special privileges, right?" Dean chimed in smoothly, his tone laced with mockery."Dean! Do you even realize what you're doing?!" Aava could not hold back any longer, her eyes glaring fiercely as she clenched her fists in anger."Of course, I know what I'm doing, and I know neither of you are ordinary people. Thinking about hitting me? Don't forget, there are plenty of reporters over there. If you dare lay a hand on me, I'll make sure Xayne's reputation is ruined," Dean replied smugly.Dean's sneer widened into a wicked grin, the confidence radiating from him undeniable."Manager Dean, how about this? To be honest, I used to admire Mr. Xayne. Why don't you do me a favor and return his belongings? It would be a great gesture," Deanana interjected with a gentle smile.Upon hearing this, Aava bristled with fury. She knew Deanana was up to s
Dean's wild provocations quickly drew a crowd of onlookers.At that moment, a striking young woman stepped forward, removing her sunglasses as she made her way through the throng.The woman was dressed in an elegant black gown, the hemline revealing a pair of flawless, slender legs that caught everyone's attention. Her expression, however, was haughty, as though she looked down on everyone around her.She was Deanana Lovorka, the heiress of the Lovorka family conglomerate. While not exactly a household name, she was considered a minor socialite in the upper circles of Drakonix."Manager Dean, it's been a while!" Deanana greeted casually.As someone who frequently traveled abroad for business, Deanana was a familiar face at the airport and she had crossed paths with Dean on several occasions.But she was not here for a casual chat with Dean. It was far from it.She had come specifically to see Xayne.This was, after all, the legendary King of the North. Just six months ago, he w
"Do you have any idea whose luggage this is?" Aava asked coldly with a sharp and commanding tone.She was on the verge of revealing her special credentials—something she rarely used unless absolutely necessary. Xayne had been her hero, someone she deeply admired. The ridicule from Miodrag moments earlier had already pushed her to the edge, and now even a low-level airport staffer dared to humiliate him."Of course, I knew. Xayne, the King of the North six months ago; now he's just a regular civilian," the staffer replied with icy indifference. The staffer smirked. "Miss, do you think Xayne is still the mighty King of the North? There's no war, the capital isn't under siege, and he's utterly useless now. Take my advice—someone young and beautiful like you should stay far away from trash like Xayne. Get closer to someone like Young Master Dongfang instead. It'll do wonders for your future!"Dean swaggered over, cigarette dangling from his mouth, hands clasped behind his back. His ex
Upon hearing those words, both Xayne and Aava paused in surprise, then frowned in unison.The VIP lounge was clearly still operating as usual. Inside, over twenty people were relaxing—some reading newspapers and sipping coffee. There was no sign of any "closure" or "disinfection."It was obvious that this so-called announcement was deliberately targeting Xayne and Aava."Manager Li, isn't this going a bit too far? That's Xayne—formerly the King of the North. He has special privileges to use the VIP lounge. If this gets reported to higher-ups, we could all be in trouble…," whispered one of the airport staff, cautiously approaching Dean."Higher-ups? Haven't you heard? Young Master Lyuben already gave the order—anyone who sides with Xayne will see their entire family wiped out." Dean sneered, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he lit a cigarette."And even if the higher-ups find out, what can they do?" Dean added mockingly. "I'll admit, six months ago, I wouldn't have dared cross Xayne. B
Miodrag's laughter quickly caught the attention of onlookers in the bustling terminal. But their gazes were fixed not on him but on Xayne.The "King of the North" was a name nearly everyone recognized, yet no one dared approach him. Lyuben's warning had spread far and wide: anyone who got close to Xayne would face annihilation."Miodrag! What gives you the right to mock Mr. Xayne? Just hours ago, he was fighting on the front lines for this country. And you? What have you done besides indulge yourself in luxury?" Aava snapped with a sharp and clear voice."Heh, I pay taxes, don't I? Doesn't spending money generate tax revenue? Without people like me keeping the economy alive, what would Xayne have eaten in the north? Dirt?" Miodrag smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. He sneered and continued, "If not for us rich kids throwing around millions in donations every day, Xayne wouldn't even have warm dirt to eat!""Damn it! The nerve of that guy!""What's so special about the East
"Is it true that Xayne captured the so-called 'Lord of Light' alive?" Lyuben remained calm as he was playing a grand piano in the lounge."Indeed! Word is, the Lord of Light's master, Master Emin, was present as well. However, Xander also made an appearance. My analysis suggests it was Xander who forced Master Emin to retreat, while Xayne crippled the Lord of Light." An older man lowered his head respectfully as he spoke, his voice tinged with urgency."Oh? Defeating the Lord of Light… he must have had a trick up his sleeve. Was it some kind of tactic or setup?" Lyuben asked without betraying a hint of emotion."It's said that Xayne specializes in traps and ambushes. Otherwise, Hiram and his crew wouldn't have met their end in that mansion. Master Dongfang, you mustn't underestimate him!""Hmm?!" Lyuben's eyes shot open suddenly, piercing beams of icy resolve radiating toward the older man.The man immediately lowered his head further, not daring to meet the gaze of the young lead
"Lowes, what are you panicking for?" Zoro's cold gaze locked onto Lowes.Even though Lowes was several generations younger than him, as the head of the Bullard family, he had the status to stand on equal footing with Zoro."I'm not panicking, I just don't want to see more white funeral banners hanging at the Bullard family estate. If Xayne comes back and chooses to settle the score, do you think any of us can handle it? You might not know this, but back when King Quidie rebelled, even Klink didn't dare lay a hand on him," Lowes replied, his voice strained but steady.He paused, taking a long, slow breath to calm himself. "Put it another way, if Xayne comes for us, even KB Kings Circle won't step in to save us. If that doesn't scare you, then I don't know what will!"The air in the room grew colder. Lowes glanced around at the faces of the other family heads, hoping to see reason in their eyes. But then came a sneer.Zoro let out a low, disdainful chuckle. "Even if Xayne didn't die
"Xayne!" Zoro clenched his fists so tightly. If anyone had a grudge against Xayne, the Eastin family's hatred was no less than that of the Bullard family. Not to mention, Flamey had been killed by Xayne not long ago. This blood feud had to be settled.The Big Four weren't some weak, defenseless prey that Xayne could toy with as he pleased. For decades, the Big Four had controlled the heart of the Drakonia's economy. Every senator, governor, and political figure had to show them respect. But since Iver's death, the Big Four had lost their glow. People who once bowed their heads were now looking down on them. The root of all this was because of Xayne.That's why, after Flamey's death, the Eastin family had no choice but to call upon their master, a man who had been living in seclusion for decades. Every bit of information regarding Xayne's trip to Egenda, his plans, his contacts, and even his flight schedule had been deliberately fed to Lord of Light.They made it clear that the momen