When Xayne returned that evening, he noticed Serena had already prepared dinner and was waiting for him with Coco. The little one opened her arms and ran into Xayne’s embrace, shouting, “Daddy, you’re home!”Xayne lifted and entertained her for a while. Although Serena looked a little exhausted, she radiated happiness. She smiled and said, “Let’s eat, you two.”Xayne nodded while Coco sniffed him. Puzzled, she asked, “Daddy, why do you smell like a lady?”Xayne froze and quickly looked at Serena. He noticed her expression souring instantly. He then stammered awkwardly, “D-Do I? M-Maybe it’s because I was with my boss today…”Serena leaned in and sniffed him.It was the first time the fearsome King of the North had ever shown signs of fear. His troops would endlessly mock him if they saw him like this.“Oh, do I smell that CEO’s perfume?”Xayne anxiously explained, “Nothing happened. You have to believe me, Serena. I just had dinner with her and then escorted her back to the hote
The following morning, Serena took a cab to the most luxurious bridal boutique in Shalholm. It was the largest in the city to feature international designer labels. Even the cheapest wedding gowns there cost thousands.The bustling boutique attracted a constant flow of customers.At that moment, Sophia waited at the entrance with her arms crossed. She wore a trendy mini skirt, showcasing her fair legs. She saw Serena running over and scolded, “Why are you so late? I’ve been waiting for ten minutes. Don’t you know how precious my time is? I have to be with Ethan later to choose a wedding ring.”Serena was apologetic. "I'm sorry, Sophia. There was traffic on the way—"Sophia scoffed, "I didn't want to call you, but you're my only cousin. I had to bring you along since it's for my big wedding. It might just show you how big the gap between us is."Serena felt aggrieved at that remark. She could only lower her head and take her scolding."I just said a few words, and you're already u
“Please come this way, Ms. Sophia.” One of the female attendants led Sophia into the fitting room. The latter tossed her handbag to Serena and eagerly followed the attendant.Serena felt somewhat lonely as she stood there. Soon after, she browsed around herself when another female attendant approached with a smile. “Miss, are you interested in any of our wedding gowns?”Serena wanted to shake her head, but the gowns looked tempting. She thought it would not hurt to take a look.The attendant noticed her hesitance and said, “Miss, it doesn’t cost anything to try them on. Every woman should wear a wedding gown at least once. Ours are of the best quality, with the most unique designs. We guarantee every woman will have a fairytale wedding with them.”Serena’s eyes sparkled, evidently moved by the attendant’s words. The former whispered, “Maybe I’ll try one on.”The attendant asked smilingly, “Do you have a boyfriend?”Serena blushed as she replied, “Oh, I’m already married.”The at
Serena looked mesmerizing as the pure white wedding gown complemented her perfect figure. The gown had found its rightful owner, and the other ones paled in comparison. Even the other women trying on gowns could not help but stare at Serena.‘She’s perfect! Is she an actress?’‘Is it possible for anyone to look that good?!’‘She looks like a princess!’Serena blushed at everyone’s reactions. She hesitantly asked, “I-Is something wrong?”The attendant who helped Serena teared up, exclaiming, “Miss, you’re stunning! The gown seems tailor-made for you. I’ve been in this industry for years, yet I’ve never seen anyone fit any of our gowns so perfectly.”Serena was astounded. “Really?”The attendant earnestly nodded as everyone looked at Serena enviously. One of the other customers in the store shouted, “I want to try on that gown too!”Serena shyly looked at herself in the mirror, wishing Xayne was there. Suddenly, a hurried click-clack of high heels sounded on the marble floor. Bef
Several customers quickly got changed and left the store. It made the salespeople anxious, glaring at Serena resentfully. They blamed her for losing a significant amount of sales.Serena felt aggrieved at the intense reactions she had received. “Sophia, that’s not true! I’m not a slut. I—”Smack!Sophia slapped her again. "Are you still trying to explain yourself? Take it off!"She could not bear to see Serena in a wedding gown. Meanwhile, several attendants approached and reprimanded Serena, “Miss, please remove that gown! We can’t let just anyone try them on.”“Yeah! All our customers left because of you. Take that off and leave!”Serena felt terrible as she lowered her head and cried. Suddenly, the attendants seemed to have gone mad. They surrounded Serena and forcibly removed her gown, leaving her with only undergarments.Everyone woman there was amazed by Serena’s figure.‘Wait, did she even give birth? She looks perfect!’ Serena trembled as she hugged herself and rushed
After crying for a long time, Serena wiped her tears and took a deep breath. Xayne pulled her up and said, “Let’s go.”Serena was puzzled, nervously asking, “Where are we going?”“To get revenge,” Xayne replied, “How can I let you cry because of someone else? You should only cry for me.”Serena’s heart felt warm. Then she forced a smile and grabbed Xayne. She shook her head, saying, “No, it’s okay.”Xayne wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and said, “I don’t think it’s okay. Someone humiliated you, and as your husband, I must intervene.”“B-But—” Serena wanted to say something, but Xayne pulled her straight to Westhampton Bridal.When she left in the morning, she mentioned she would be at Westhampton Bridal with Sophia. Additionally, the store was an international brand and the most expensive bridal store in Shalholm.Xayne drew curious gazes from onlookers as he brought Serena into Westhampton Bridal. A cold aura erupted from the entrance as he opened the door. At that mom
While waiting, Xayne glanced at the shop attendants and asked Serena, “Did they embarrass you just now?”Serena was about to deny it, but an attendant pointed at the couple and scolded, “What are you two doing? You just scared away a big customer!”“You’re shameless, after all. You brought a random man here to defend you. Do you think you can mess with Westhampton Bridal?”“Leave, or we’ll call security!”Xayne understood the situation and smirked. "Were you the ones who humiliated my wife?" The attendants exchanged glances and then burst into laughter. One crossed her arms and looked Xayne up and down. She disdainfully said, “So, you’re her husband? Tsk, tsk, you look pretty ordinary. Your outfit probably cost less than a hundred dollars. Are you standing up for that slut?”Suddenly, a terrifying aura erupted from Xayne.Smack! He slapped the attendant, who called Serena a slut. He said coldly, “Aren’t you disrespecting yourself by speaking so rudely?”The slap left the oth
Jesse was in his thirties. He wore black-framed glasses and had a beer belly. He looked like a creep with perverted thoughts. Jesse pushed up his glasses and asked, “Who’s causing trouble?”Kate complained, “Those two, Mr. Jesse. They drove so many customers away. A lady wanted to buy Leopold Cox’s gown, but she left because that guy slapped her. He even slapped me and demanded an apology!”Jesse was puzzled about the details. However, he became furious after learning that someone had mistreated his staff members. Jesse noticed the handprint on Kate’s cheek and turned to glare at Xayne. “Did you hit her?!”Xayne calmly stated, “Yes, I did.”Jesse hated Xayne’s arrogant tone, scolding, “Don’t you know what store you’re in? The staff here are some of the prettiest in Shalholm. Your slap damaged the face of my most valued staff member.“How will Kate continue to serve customers? You must apologize to her and pay for her loss of wages and causing her mental distress. I demand a hundre
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